10-K 1 tcw_direct_lending_vi_10.htm 10-K 10-K

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021

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.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

 

None

Not applicable

Not applicable

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

Common Limited Liability Company Units

(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☒

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

 

 

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

 

 

 

 

Non-Accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

 

 

 

 

Emerging growth company

 

 

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. Yes ☐ No ☒

As of December 31, 2021, there was no established public market for the Registrant’s common units.

The number of the Registrant’s common units outstanding at March 29, 2022 was 20,134,698.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

TCW Direct Lending LLC will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, not later than 120 days after the close of its fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, a definitive proxy statement containing the information required to be disclosed under Part III of Form 10-K.

 

 


 

TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021

Table of Contents

 

 

INDEX

PAGE
NO.

 

 

 

PART I.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Business

1

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

15

 

 

 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

30

 

 

 

Item 2.

Properties

30

 

 

 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

30

 

 

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosure

30

 

 

 

PART II.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

31

 

 

 

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

31

 

 

 

Item 7.

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

32

 

 

 

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Risk

43

 

 

 

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

44

 

 

 

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

44

 

 

 

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

44

 

 

 

Item 9B.

Other Information

44

 

 

 

PART III.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

45

 

 

 

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

45

 

 

 

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Unitholder Matters

45

 

 

 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

45

 

 

 

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

45

 

 

 

PART IV.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

46

 

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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:

the impact of the novel strain of coronavirus known as “COVID-19” and variants of COVID-19, on the global economy, our industry, our business and our targeted investments;
an economic downturn, including as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, could impair our portfolio companies’ ability to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investments in such portfolio companies;
an economic downturn, such as the downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, could disproportionately impact the companies which we intend to target for investment, potentially causing us to experience a decrease in investment opportunities and diminished demand for capital from these 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;
interest rate volatility, including volatility associated with the decommissioning of LIBOR, could adversely affect our results, particularly since we intend 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 financial and other business objectives and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic thereon;
competition with other entities and our affiliates for investment opportunities;
the impact of changing market conditions and lending standards on our ability to compete with other industry participants, including other business development companies, private and public funds, individual and institutional investors, and financial institutions for investment opportunities;
uncertainty surrounding the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic on the financial stability of the United States and global economies;
the social, geopolitical, financial, trade and legal implications of the trade and cooperation agreement arising from Brexit, as well as future agreements between the United Kingdom and various countries in the European Union;
pandemics or other serious public health events, such as the ongoing global outbreak of COVID-19;
an inability to replicate the historical success of any previously launched fund managed by the private credit team of our investment adviser, TCW Asset Management Company LLC (the “Adviser”);
the speculative and illiquid nature of our investments; re
the use of borrowed money to finance a portion of our investments;
the adequacy of our financing sources and working capital;

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the costs associated with being an entity registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”);
uncertainty surrounding the financial and political stability of the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Russia and China, including the effect of the current COVID-19 pandemic;
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 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 (the “Code”) and as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) and the related tax implications;
the effect of legal, tax and regulatory changes; and
the other risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify under “Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (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.

 

iii


 

PART I

In this annual report on Form 10-K, except as otherwise indicated, the terms:

“TCW Direct Lending LLC” refers to TCW Direct Lending LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

The “Adviser” refers to TCW Asset Management Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

For simplicity, this report uses the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” to include TCW Direct Lending LLC and where appropriate in the context, its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Item 1. Business

Our Company

We are a direct lending investment company that seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns primarily through direct investments in senior secured loans to middle market companies or other issuers. We are managed by the private credit team (the “Private Credit Team” fka the “Direct Lending Team”) of the Adviser, a group of investment professionals that will use the same investment strategy employed by the Private Credit Team over the past 21 years.

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 part of a total return strategy. Our investments are 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 are certain instances where we invested in companies domiciled elsewhere.

The issuers in which we invest are typically highly leveraged, and, in most cases, these investments will not be rated by any rating agency. If these investments were rated, we believe that they would likely receive a rating from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization of below investment grade, which is often referred to as “junk.” Exposure to below investment grade securities involves certain risks, and those securities are viewed as speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

We were formed on April 1, 2014 as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware. Investment operations commenced on September 19, 2014 (the “Initial Closing Date”) when we issued limited liability company units (the “Common Units”) to persons not affiliated with the Adviser. We have elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). We have also elected 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 taxable year ending December 31, 2015 and subsequent years. We are required to continue to meet the minimum distribution and other requirements for RIC qualification.

Because we are a RIC under the Code, our portfolio is subject to diversification and other requirements. As such, we are 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. In addition to those diversification requirements, we will not invest more than 10% of investors’ aggregate capital commitments to us through the Common Units (the “Commitments”) in any single portfolio company.

In 2019, we established two wholly-owned subsidiaries, TCW DL CTH LLC and TCW DL ASH LLC, each a Delaware limited liability company and each designed to hold an equity investment of ours.

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In 2020, we established TCW DL SSP LLC, also a Delaware limited liability company and also designed to hold an equity investment of ours.

We borrow money from time to time, but as a BDC, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total borrowings and other senior securities, which will include all of our borrowings and any preferred units (the “Preferred Units”) that we may issue in the future, of at least 200%. In determining whether to borrow money, we will analyze the maturity, covenant package and rate structure of proposed borrowings as well as the risks of such borrowings compared to our investment outlook. The use of borrowed funds or the proceeds of Preferred Units issued by the Company to make investments would have its own specific set of benefits and risks, and all of the costs of borrowing funds or issuing preferred stock would be borne by the holders of the Common Units (each, a “Common Unitholder” and together with holders of the Preferred Units the “Unitholders” or “Members”). See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Borrowing Money.”

The Adviser

Our investment activities are managed by the Adviser, which is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). Subject to the overall supervision of our board of directors, the Adviser manages our day-to-day operations and provides investment advisory and management services to us pursuant to the investment management and advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) by and between the Adviser and us.

The Adviser is a Delaware limited liability company registered with the SEC under the Advisers Act, and has been since 1970. The Adviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of The TCW Group, Inc. (the “TCW Group”); and together with its affiliated companies (“TCW”) manages or has committed to manage approximately $264 billion of assets as of December 31, 2021. Such assets are managed in various formats, including managed accounts, funds, structured products and other investment vehicles, including Regiment Capital Special Situations Fund V, L.P. (together with us and its four predecessor funds, the “Direct Lending Funds”).

The Adviser is responsible for sourcing investment opportunities, conducting industry research, performing diligence on potential investments, structuring our investments and monitoring our portfolio companies on an ongoing basis.

Our assets are managed by the Adviser’s Private Credit Team. The Private Credit Team joined the TCW Group in December 2012. The Private Credit Team was previously with Regiment Capital Advisors, LP, an independent investment manager based in Boston, Massachusetts. TCW Direct Lending LLC is the Private Credit Team’s sixth fund. The Private Credit Team is led by Richard Miller and currently includes a group of dedicated investment professionals who have substantial investing, corporate finance, and merger and acquisition expertise and also significant experience in leveraged transactions, high yield financings and restructurings.

Investment Strategy and Opportunity

We provide private capital to middle market companies operating in a broad range of industries primarily in the United States. As our investment period has ended, we will not originate new loans, but may increase credit facilities to existing borrowers or affiliates. Our highly negotiated, private investments 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, historically, our investment bias was towards adjustable-rate, senior secured loans. We do not anticipate a secondary market developing for our private investments. We compensate for the inherent lack of liquidity in our private investments by seeking returns that are higher than those of similar, but more liquid, investments. We consider financings for many different purposes, including corporate acquisitions, growth opportunities, liquidity needs, rescue situations, recapitalizations, DIP loans, bridge loans and Chapter 11 exits. As a result, we may invest in companies that are experiencing, or are likely to experience, operational, capital structure, liquidity and/or other financial difficulties. These investments can be subject to greater credit and liquidity risks, and could be more prone to default.

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Investment Strategy

The Private Credit Team applies its investment philosophy, strategy and approach to the management of the portfolio. The conditions of the economy or capital markets will not be used as an absolute indicator of the relative attractiveness of an investment opportunity considered. Rather, the investment must provide for adequate return relative to the risk assumed, regardless of the economic or capital market environment.

We pursue our investment objectives by adhering to a proactive strategy of exerting influence throughout each stage of the investment process from origination to exit. The tactics utilized in this strategy are paramount to our success and include selective origination, rigorous due diligence, customized structuring and active monitoring of the investment portfolio.

Selective Origination

The Private Credit Team has a long-term presence in the private capital markets and, as a result, has developed an extensive network of strategic relationships. These relationships include capital market intermediaries such as broker-dealers, investment bankers, commercial bankers, private equity sponsors, mergers and acquisitions advisers, restructuring professionals, accountants and other financial professionals through whom the Adviser believes we will be able to source investment opportunities. The Private Credit Team’s network also extends to the corporate community and includes senior management teams, independent industry consultants and other business executives who often refer opportunities to the members of the Private Credit Team and who the Adviser believes will continue to refer opportunities to us. We may also have the opportunity to invest in companies and with management teams that worked with previous private investment funds managed by the Adviser or the Private Credit Team or its other investment professionals.

A key to our investment strategy is to invest primarily in directly originated investment opportunities, as opposed to opportunities developed by financial intermediaries and then marketed widely to potential capital providers, which will rarely have economics, terms or conditions that will be acceptable to us. We originated investment opportunities by independently developing such opportunities or by selectively identifying marketed and referred deals that can be significantly modified to meet our investment criteria. Originating transactions on a selective basis generally allowed us to customize terms that are consistent with our investment profile and exert greater influence throughout the life of the investment.

In certain instances, we partnered with other providers of capital, including strategic, financial, managerial or other related parties. Forging successful relationships with other investors may present us with additional opportunities, facilitate the closing of transactions or reduce risks.

Due Diligence

Given the Adviser’s approach to selectively originating transactions, its investment professionals will typically be in a position to be directly involved with each step of the investment process, beginning with due diligence. The Adviser’s investment philosophy is to perform a rigorous due diligence investigation designed to better understand a potential portfolio company’s risks and opportunities. This investigation will typically include comprehensive quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify and address risks.

The elements of the quantitative analysis may include:

Examination of financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets and cash flow reports as well as margin trends, financial ratios and other applicable performance metrics;
Review of financial projections and the impact of certain variables on a portfolio company’s performance and ability to service its obligations;
Analysis of capital required for operations including growth and maintenance capital expenditures, working capital requirements, and any acquisition or divestiture opportunities;
Comparable analysis relative to companies and transactions in similar industries;

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Valuations reflecting a range of enterprise and asset values considering the sale of a healthy, stressed and distressed business enterprise, and the appraisal of working capital, real property, machinery, equipment, intellectual property and trademarks under similar circumstances; and
Identification of exit alternatives including repayment through free cash flow, acquisitions by strategic and financial buyers of all or portions of a business enterprise, asset liquidation, refinancing through the capital markets, and bankruptcy, including its impact on the portfolio company and the fund’s investment.

Qualitative analysis may include a review of:

Quality and depth of the management team, including background checks;
Product and/or service quality;
Industry fundamentals, including raw material costs, pricing trends and demand drivers;
Competitive position, including discussions with suppliers, customers, and competitors;
Performance throughout the economic cycle;
Production cost drivers and sourcing alternatives;
Quality of information systems and financial infrastructure;
Diversity of customers and suppliers; and
Competition, including the impact of alternate technology.

Comprehensive due diligence is an iterative process requiring many areas of expertise. For this reason, the Adviser’s investment professionals may be assisted by independent professionals with specific capabilities. Typically, a third party accounting specialist will be engaged to help perform an in-depth review of a target company’s historical financial performance. This analysis will provide a basis for determining the feasibility of the company’s forecasts. In many instances, outside industry consultants will review the company’s strategy, operations, budgets, competitive position and technological standing. Outside counsel will perform legal diligence and draft the investment documents, including any agreements among capital providers. The information garnered through the due diligence process may result in the modification of a transaction’s terms and conditions or potentially the rejection of an investment opportunity.

Customized Structuring

The Adviser’s investment professionals design a customized financial solution to address our requirements and each portfolio company. Through due diligence, the Adviser strives to better understand a portfolio company being financed in order to develop an appropriate form of investment with an acceptable capital structure. Our investments may be structured as senior secured loans, unsecured senior loans, subordinated and mezzanine loans, convertible securities, equity securities, and equity-linked securities including options. The pricing associated with the investment reflects the risk inherent in such portfolio company, its capital structure and the type of investment. Once an agreement is reached between us and such portfolio company, it will be documented. This documentation will govern the relationship between us, such portfolio company and/or other creditors after the investment is made.

The objective of this structuring process is to provide the portfolio company’s management with the operating flexibility to effectively manage the business while creating accountability to its investors. The investment documentation typically will place limits on many of the portfolio company’s discretionary activities, such as capital expenditures, acquisitions, asset divestitures, dividends, as well as, for example, the reinvestment of tax receipts and insurance proceeds. Our investment documentation also typically requires extensive reporting by each portfolio company. Such reporting usually includes financial information and metrics useful in monitoring a portfolio company’s performance, as well as non-financial developments such as material changes in environmental issues, labor relations, key customers and suppliers. In addition, the investment documentation may include a range of positive and negative financial covenants initially set to establish a minimum allowable performance standard.

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Active Monitoring

The Adviser’s investment professionals actively monitor and manage our investment portfolio by thoroughly and continuously analyzing all outstanding investments. Specifically, the investment professionals monitor each portfolio company’s compliance with the terms and conditions of its financing agreement, including reporting requirements and financial covenants. The reported information is gathered, analyzed and used to measure the portfolio company’s performance and potential impact on the investment. The investment professionals also maintain ongoing contact with each portfolio company’s management in order to understand and anticipate opportunities and issues. Interaction with management may range from regular discussions of financial results, site visits, periodic company and industry reviews to daily liquidity monitoring. If the portfolio company violates any of the terms, conditions or covenants of the financing agreement or other investment documentation, we typically will be in a position to take action to attempt to protect the investment and influence the actions of the portfolio company, if necessary.

Types of Investments

The following descriptions are not intended to be an exhaustive categorization of our investments and are subject to change at any time. They are presented merely to acquaint investors with the available investment instruments as they are anticipated by the Adviser as of the date of this filing. The allocation of our portfolio among the different types of investments will vary over time based upon the Adviser’s evaluation of each specific investment opportunity. Under normal circumstances, the Adviser will utilize some or all of the following investment types, which are described in greater detail below:

secured fixed-rate or adjustable-rate senior loans (“Senior Loans”);
unsecured fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loans;
subordinated or mezzanine debt obligations;
equity securities, including preferred and common stocks and warrants;
convertible securities; and
options or other derivative instruments.

As previously noted, our investment period has ended. Accordingly, while we will not originate new loans, we may increase credit facilities to existing borrower or affiliates. 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. In general, we do not expect the Private Credit Team to originate a significant amount of investments for us with payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest features although we may have investments with PIK interest features in limited circumstances. 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, historically, our investment bias has been 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 also consider an equity investment as the primary security, in combination with a debt obligation, or as part of a 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 indirectly in a company through a joint venture, 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 invested in companies domiciled elsewhere.

We consider financings for many different purposes, including corporate acquisitions, growth opportunities, liquidity needs, rescue situations, recapitalizations, DIP loans, bridge loans and Chapter 11 exits. As a result, we’ve invested in companies that are experiencing, or are likely to experience, operational, capital structure, liquidity and/or other financial difficulties. These investments can be subject to greater credit and liquidity risks, and could be more prone to default.

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The Adviser will consider an investment for our portfolio only if it believes that the portfolio company is likely to repay its obligations. For example, the Adviser may determine that a portfolio company is likely to meet debt service requirements from cash flow or other sources, including the sale of assets, despite such portfolio company’s highly leveraged position, or that a portfolio company that is experiencing financial distress, but appears able to pay its interest and principal, is an attractive investment opportunity. There can be no assurance that such analysis will uncover all factors that may impair the value of our investments.

We may also provide interim or bridge financing to a portfolio company for working capital or other general corporate purposes. Interim or bridge financings are generally structured as loans and may be secured or unsecured. Such a portfolio company usually has a plan for repaying or refinancing at the time of the bridge loan funding, although there is a risk that such portfolio company will be unable to complete such refinancing successfully. In that case, the bridge loan typically converts into a more permanent investment usually at a higher cost to such portfolio company.

Collateral

Our debt investments are generally secured with one or more of (i) working capital assets, such as accounts receivable and inventory, (ii) tangible fixed assets, such as real property, machinery, buildings and equipment, (iii) intangible assets, such as trademarks or patents, or (iv) security interests in shares of stock of the company or its subsidiaries or affiliates.

We may invest in debt or equity instruments that are not secured by specific collateral, but are backed only by the enterprise value of the company. Unsecured investments typically involve a greater risk of loss than secured investments. We will generally not invest unless, at the time of the investment, the Adviser believes the estimated value of the borrower’s business or the underlying assets of the business equals or exceeds the aggregate investment amount of all senior lenders, although there can be no assurance that the assets will be sufficiently liquid in order to satisfy the portfolio company’s obligations.

In the case of investments in a non-public company, such company’s shareholders may provide collateral in the form of secured guarantees and/or security interests in other assets that they own. We typically value the collateral by reference to such company’s financial statements or independent appraisals, and may assign a value to the collateral that is higher or lower than the value assigned by such company.

Covenants

Debt investments generally have operational and performance-based covenants designed to monitor the performance of the borrower and to limit the activities of the borrower in an effort to protect the right of lenders to receive timely payments of interest and repayment of principal. Covenants may create positive or negative restrictions and, if violated, could result in a default on the debt obligations.

Default

We are subject to the risk that a company will default on its agreement with us due to a violation of provisions of the financing agreement or other investment documentation, including a failure to pay scheduled interest or make principal payments. If we accelerate the repayment of an investment because of a company’s violation of a covenant or other terms of a financing agreement or other investment documentation, such company might default on such payment. The risk of default generally will increase in the event of an economic downturn or, in the case of an adjustable-rate obligation, a substantial increase in interest rates. We may own a debt obligation of a borrower that is about to become insolvent. We may also invest in debt obligations that are issued in connection with a restructuring of the borrower under bankruptcy laws (also known as a DIP loan/financing).

Investments

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

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“Agreement”) to become members of TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures (“TCW Strategic Ventures”). TCW Strategic Ventures focuses primarily on making senior secured floating rate loans to middle-market borrowers. The aggregate fair value of this controlled/affiliated investment was $88.3 million and $138.9 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Based on fair values as of December 31, 2021, our portfolio consisted of debt and equity investments in eight and seven portfolio companies, respectively, including TCW Strategic Ventures. Our portfolio was comprised of 69.0% debt investments which were primarily senior secured, first lien term loans and 31.0% equity investments, which were primarily common and preferred stocks; warrants; and our common and preferred membership interests in TCW Strategic Ventures. Debt investments in three portfolio companies were on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2021, representing 16.3% and 19.2% of our portfolio’s fair value and cost, respectively.

Based on fair values as of December 31, 2020, our portfolio consisted of debt and equity investments in eleven and eight portfolio companies, respectively, including TCW Strategic Ventures. Our portfolio was comprised of 73.8% debt investments which were primarily senior secured, first lien term loans and 26.2% equity investments, which were primarily common and preferred stocks; warrants; and our common and preferred membership interests in TCW Strategic Ventures. Debt investments in three portfolio companies were on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2020, representing 12.7% and 20.1% of our portfolio’s fair value and cost, respectively.

For a further discussion of our investment activities and investment attributes as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, see “Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Investment Advisory and Management Agreement

On August 9, 2021 the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) reapproved the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) originally entered into by the Company on September 15, 2014 with the Adviser, our registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Unless earlier terminated, the Advisory Agreement will remain in effect for a period of one year 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 manages the Company’s day-to-day operations and provides investment advisory services to the Company. The Company pays 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 period during which the Company’s limited liability company units (the “Common Units”) are being offered (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 is calculated as if all capital commitments of the Company were made on the initial closing date, regardless of when Common Units were actually issued. The actual payment of the Management Fee with respect to the Closing Period was 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 began on the initial closing date and ended on September 19, 2017, 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 deferred 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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In addition, the Adviser will receive an incentive fee (the “Incentive Fee”) as follows:

(a)
First, no Incentive Fee will be owed until the Common 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 Common 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 Common 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 Common 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 Common 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.

Administration Agreement

On August 9, 2021, the Company’s Board reapproved the Administration Agreement with the Adviser, originally entered into on September 15, 2014, under which the Adviser (or one or more delegated service providers) oversees the maintenance of our financial records and otherwise assists the Company’s compliance with regulations applicable to a BDC under the 1940 Act and a RIC under the Code, to prepare reports to our Members, monitor the payment of our expenses and the performance of other administrative or professional service providers, and generally provides us with administrative and back office support. The Company reimburses 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.

The Company, and indirectly the Members, 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

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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).

Employees

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. Each of our executive officers are employees of our Adviser.

License Agreement

We have entered into a license agreement (the “License Agreement”) with an affiliate of the Adviser, pursuant to which we have been granted a royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use the name “TCW”. Under the License Agreement, we have a right to use the “TCW” name and logo, for a nominal fee, for so long as the Adviser or one of its affiliates remains our investment adviser. Other than with respect to this limited license, we will have no legal right to the “TCW” name or logo.

Competition

We compete for investments with a number of BDCs and other investment funds (including private equity funds and venture capital funds), special purpose acquisition company sponsors, hedge funds that invest in private investments in public equities, traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks, and other sources of financing including alternative source of funding to companies considering an initial public offering. Many of these entities have greater financial and managerial resources than we do. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act and the Code will impose on us as a BDC and a RIC.

Derivatives

Derivatives were not a significant component of our investment strategy. We retain the flexibility, however, to utilize hedging techniques, such as interest rate swaps, to mitigate potential interest rate risk on our indebtedness. Such interest rate swaps would principally be used to protect us against higher costs on our indebtedness resulting from increases in both short-term and long-term interest rates.

We also may use various hedging and other risk management strategies to seek to manage additional risks, including changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Such hedging strategies would be utilized to seek to protect the value of our portfolio investments, for example, against foreign currency fluctuations vis a vis the U.S. Dollar or possible adverse changes in the market value of securities held in our portfolio.

Regulation as a Business Development Company

On December 30, 2014 we elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between BDCs and their affiliates (including any investment advisers or sub-advisers), principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters. In addition, a BDC must be organized for the purpose of investing in or lending primarily to private companies organized in the United States and making significant managerial assistance available to them.

As with other companies regulated by the 1940 Act, a BDC must adhere to certain substantive regulatory requirements. A majority of our board of directors must be persons who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. Additionally, we are required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company to protect us against larceny and embezzlement. Furthermore, as a BDC, we are prohibited from protecting any director or officer against any liability to us or our Members arising from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of any such person’s office. As a

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BDC, we are currently also required to meet a minimum coverage ratio of the value of total assets to total senior securities, which include all of our borrowings and any Preferred Units.

We may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC unless authorized by vote of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, as required by the 1940 Act. A majority of the outstanding voting securities of a company is defined under the 1940 Act as the lesser of: (a) 67% or more of such company’s voting securities present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company.

We do not intend to acquire securities issued by any investment company that exceed the limits imposed by the 1940 Act. Under these limits, we generally cannot acquire more than 3% of the voting securities of any investment company, invest more than 5% of the value of our total assets in the securities of one investment company, or invest more than 10% of the value of our total assets in the securities of investment companies in the aggregate. We may, however, rely on recently adopted Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act and invest in excess of the limits described above. However, to the extent we rely on Rule 12d1-4, we will be subject to certain conditions and requirements under Rule 12d1-4. The portion of our portfolio invested in securities issued by investment companies ordinarily will subject the Members to additional expenses.

We may also be prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of the members of our board of directors who are not interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the SEC through an exemptive order (other than in certain limited situations pursuant to current regulatory guidance). We have received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits us to co-invest with other funds or other pools of capital or persons managed by the Adviser or its affiliates. This order is subject to certain terms and conditions accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will be permitted to co-invest with other funds managed by Adviser, other than in the limited circumstances currently permitted by regulatory guidance.

We will be subject to periodic examination by the SEC for compliance with the 1940 Act.

Qualifying Assets

Under the 1940 Act, a BDC may not acquire any assets other than assets of the type listed in section 55(a) of the 1940 Act, which are referred to as qualifying assets, unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the company’s total assets. The principal categories of qualifying assets relevant to our business are the following:

Securities purchased in transactions not involving any public offering from the issuer of such securities, which issuer (subject to certain limited exceptions) is an eligible portfolio company, or from any person who is, or has been during the preceding 13 months, an affiliated person of an eligible portfolio company, or from any other person, subject to such rules as may be prescribed by the SEC. An eligible portfolio company is defined in the 1940 Act as any issuer which:
is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, the United States;
is not an investment company (other than a small business investment company wholly owned by us) or a company that would be an investment company but for certain exclusions under the 1940 Act; and
satisfies either of the following:
has a market capitalization of less than $250 million or does not have any class of securities listed on a national securities exchange; or
is controlled by a BDC or a group of companies including a BDC, the BDC actually exercises a controlling influence over the management or policies of the eligible portfolio company, and, as a result thereof, the BDC has an affiliated person who is a director of the eligible portfolio company.
Securities of any eligible portfolio company that we control.

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Securities purchased in a private transaction from a U.S. issuer that is not an investment company or from an affiliated person of the issuer, or in transactions incident thereto, if the issuer is in bankruptcy and subject to reorganization or if the issuer, immediately prior to the purchase of its securities, was unable to meet its obligations as they came due without material assistance other than conventional lending or financing arrangements.
Securities of an eligible portfolio company purchased from any person in a private transaction if there is no ready market for such securities and we already own 60% of the outstanding equity of the eligible portfolio company.
Securities received in exchange for or distributed in connection with securities described above, or pursuant to the exercise of warrants or rights relating to such securities.
Cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment.

Managerial Assistance to Portfolio Companies

A BDC must be operated for the purpose of making investments in the types of securities described under “Qualifying Assets” above. However, in order to count portfolio securities as qualifying assets for the purpose of the 70% test, the BDC must either control the issuer of the securities or must offer to make available to the issuer of the securities significant managerial assistance; except that, where the BDC purchases such securities in conjunction with one or more other persons acting together, the BDC will satisfy this test if one of the other persons in the group may make available such managerial assistance. Making available managerial assistance means, among other things, any arrangement whereby the BDC, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to provide, and, if accepted, does in fact provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company.

Temporary Investments

Pending investment in other types of “qualifying assets,” as described above, our investments may consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, which is referred to herein, collectively, as temporary investments, such that at least 70% of our assets are qualifying assets.

Senior Securities

We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of Preferred Units senior to the Common Units, if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance. While any Preferred Units or, in certain limited circumstances, debt securities are outstanding, we may be prohibited from making distributions to Common Unitholders or repurchasing Common Units unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for generally up to 60 days without regard to the 200% asset coverage requirement described above. Finally, (i) Preferred Units must have the same voting rights as the Common Units (one unit, one vote), and (ii) holders of the Preferred Units (the “Preferred Unitholders”) must have the right, as a class, to appoint two directors to the board of directors.

Code of Ethics

We and the Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics of the Adviser (the “Code of Ethics”) pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, respectively, which establish procedures for personal investments and restricts certain transactions. The Code of Ethics generally contains restrictions on investments by our personnel in securities that we may purchase or hold. You may obtain copies of the Code of Ethics by written request addressed to the following: Gladys Xiques, Chief Compliance Officer, 865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017.

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Compliance Policies and Procedures

We and the Adviser have adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to detect and prevent violation of the federal securities laws, and will be required to review these compliance policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation and to designate a chief compliance officer to be responsible for administering the policies and procedures.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

Since our principal business is the making of secured loans, we do not expect to be asked to vote by proxy with respect to publicly held securities. However, if and to the extent that we hold, and are asked to submit proxies with respect to publicly or privately held securities, we intend to delegate our proxy voting responsibility to the Adviser. The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of the Adviser are set forth below. The guidelines are reviewed periodically by the Adviser and our Independent Directors, and, accordingly, are subject to change.

An investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act has a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interests of its clients. As part of this duty, the Adviser recognizes that it must vote client securities in a timely manner free of conflicts of interest and in the best interests of its clients. These policies and procedures for voting proxies for the Adviser’s investment advisory clients are intended to comply with Section 206 of, and Rule 206(4)-6 under, the Advisers Act.

If the Adviser has responsibility for voting proxies in connection with its investment advisory duties, or has the responsibility to specify to an agent how to vote the client’s proxies, it exercises such voting responsibilities through the corporate proxy voting process. The Adviser believes that the right to vote proxies is a significant asset of its clients’ holdings. In order to provide a basis for making decisions in the voting of proxies for its clients, the Adviser has established a proxy voting committee (the “Proxy Committee”) and adopted proxy voting guidelines (the “Guidelines”) and procedures. The Proxy Committee generally meets quarterly (or at such other frequency as determined by the Proxy Committee), and its duties include establishing proxy voting guidelines and procedures, overseeing the internal proxy voting process, and reviewing proxy voting issues. The members of the Proxy Committee include the Adviser’s personnel from the investment, compliance, legal and marketing departments. The Adviser also uses outside proxy voting services (each an “Outside Service”) to help manage the proxy voting process. An Outside Service facilitates its voting according to the Guidelines (or according to guidelines submitted by the Adviser’s clients) and helps maintain the Adviser’s proxy voting records. The Adviser’s proxy voting and record keeping is dependent on the timely provision of proxy ballots by custodians, clients and other third parties. Under circumstances described below involving potential conflicts of interest, the Adviser may also request an Outside Service to help decide certain proxy votes. In certain limited circumstances, the Adviser may enter into voting agreements or other contractual obligations that govern the voting of proxies. In the event of a conflict between any contractual requirements and the Guidelines, the Adviser will vote in accordance with its contractual obligations. As a matter of firm policy, the Adviser does not disclose to unaffiliated third parties how it expects to vote on upcoming proxies and does not disclose the way it voted proxies without a legitimate need to know such information.

The Guidelines provide a basis for the Adviser’s decisions in the voting of proxies for clients. When voting proxies, the Adviser’s utmost concern is that all decisions be made solely in the interests of the client and with the goal of maximizing the value of the client’s investments. With this goal in mind, the Guidelines cover various categories of voting decisions and generally specify whether the Adviser will vote for or against a particular type of proposal. The Adviser’s underlying philosophy, however, is that the portfolio managers, who are primarily responsible for evaluating the individual holdings of the Adviser’s clients, are best able to determine how best to further client interests and goals. The portfolio managers may, in their discretion, take into account the recommendations of the Adviser’s management, the Proxy Committee, and any Outside Service.

Individual portfolio managers, in the exercise of their best judgment and discretion, may from time to time override the Guidelines and vote proxies in a manner that they believe will enhance the economic value of clients’ assets, keeping in mind the best interests of the beneficial owners. The Guidelines provide procedures for documenting and, as required, approving such overrides. In the event a potential conflict does arise, the primary means by which the Adviser will avoid a conflict of interest is by casting votes solely in the interests of its clients and in the interests of

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maximizing the value of their portfolio holdings. In this regard, if a potential conflict of interest arises, but the proxy vote to be decided is predetermined under the Guidelines to be cast either in favor or against, then the Adviser will follow the Guidelines and vote accordingly. On the other hand, if a potential conflict of interest arises and there is no predetermined vote, or the Guidelines themselves refer such vote to the portfolio manager for decision, or the portfolio manager would like to override a predetermined vote, then the Guidelines provide procedures for determining whether a material conflict of interest exists and, if so, resolving such conflict.

The Adviser or an Outside Service will keep records of the following items for at least five years: (i) the Guidelines and any other proxy voting procedures; (ii) proxy statements received regarding client securities (unless such statements are available on the SEC’s EDGAR system); (iii) records of votes cast on behalf of clients (if maintained by an Outside Service, that Outside Service will provide copies of those records promptly upon request); (iv) records of written requests for proxy voting information and the Adviser’s response (whether a client’s request was oral or in writing); and (v) any documents the Adviser prepared that were material to making a decision on how to vote, or that memorialized the basis for the decision. Additionally, the Adviser or an Outside Service will maintain any documentation related to an identified material conflict of interest.

 

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

 

The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations related to an investment in the Units. This summary is based upon the provisions of the Code, as amended, the U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and judicial decisions in effect as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The discussion does not purport to describe all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a particular investor in light of that investor’s particular circumstances (including alternative minimum tax consequences) and is not directed to investors subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as banks, dealers in securities, persons holding Units as part of hedging transaction, wash sale, conversion transaction or integrated transaction, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, tax-exempt entities, U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, certain financial institutions and insurance companies. In addition, this summary does not discuss any aspect of state, local or non-U.S. tax law and assumes that investors will hold their Units as capital assets (generally, assets held for investment).

 

For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” is a Unitholder that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes: (a) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; (b) a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (c) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source or (d) a trust if a court within the United States can exercise primary supervision over its administration and certain other conditions are met. A “Non-U.S. Holder” is a Unitholder who is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For tax purposes, our fiscal year is the calendar year.

 

If a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds Units, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A prospective investor that will own Units through a partnership should consult its tax advisors with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of those Units.

 

Tax matters are complex and prospective investors in the Units are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal income tax and state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of an investment in the Units, including the potential application of U.S. withholding taxes.

 

Classification of the Company as Corporation for Tax Purposes

 

As a limited liability company, the Company is an eligible entity that is entitled to elect its classification for U.S. federal tax purposes. The Company has made an election to cause it to be classified as an association that is taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the Company is unable to qualify as a RIC (the requirements of which are discussed below) during the liquidation of its portfolio following the Commitment Period, it may consider filing a new election to cause the Company to be classified as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes (from the effective date of such new election forward). The Company has no current intention of making

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such a new election and would only make such election if it determines it is in the best interests of Unitholders to do so.

 

Regulated Investment Company Classification

 

As a BDC, we elected, and intend to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, we generally will not be required to pay corporate-level federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute to our Unitholders as dividends. To continue to qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements (as described below). In addition, to qualify for RIC tax treatment, we must distribute to our Unitholders, for each taxable year, the sum of at least 90% of our “investment company taxable income” for that year, which is generally our ordinary income plus the excess of our realized net short-term capital gains over our realized net long-term capital losses, and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”).

 

Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company

 

If we:

qualify as a RIC; and
satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement;

 

then we will not be subject to federal income tax on the portion of our investment company taxable income and net capital gain (i.e., realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) that we distribute to Unitholders. We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any income or capital gain not distributed (or deemed distributed) to Unitholders.

 

We will be subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless we distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income realized, but not distributed, and on which we paid no federal income tax, in preceding years.

 

In order to maintain our qualification as a RIC for federal income tax purposes, we must, among other things:

at all times during each taxable year, have in effect an election to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act;
derive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from (a) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities (including loans), gains from the sale of stock or other securities or currencies, or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and (b) net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership”; and
diversify our holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year:
o
at least 50% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of our assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer; and
o
no more than 25% of the value of our assets is invested in (i) the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer, (ii) the securities, other than securities of other RICs, of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable tax rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or (iii) the securities of one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships.”

 

We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with increasing interest rates or debt instruments issued with warrants), we must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash

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representing such income is received by us in the same taxable year. Because any original issue discount accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to Unitholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, even though we will not have received any corresponding cash amount.

 

We may have difficulty satisfying the diversification requirements as we liquidate our portfolio following the Commitment Period, since we will not be making additional investments. While we generally will not lose our status as a RIC as long as we do not acquire any nonqualifying securities or other property, under certain circumstances we may be deemed to have made an acquisition of nonqualifying securities or other property.

 

Because we may use debt financing, we will be subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources or are otherwise limited in our ability to make distributions, we could fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.

 

Certain of our investment practices may be subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things: (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions; (ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital gain into higher taxed short-term capital gain or ordinary income; (iii) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited); (iv) cause us to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash; (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of securities is deemed to occur; (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions; and (vii) produce income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 90% gross income test described above. We will monitor our transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate the potential adverse effect of these provisions.

 

If, in any particular taxable year, we do not qualify as a RIC, all of our taxable income (including our net capital gains) will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to Unitholders, and distributions will be taxable to the Unitholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits.

 

In the event we invest in non-U.S. securities, we may be subject to withholding and other non-U.S. taxes with respect to those securities. We do not expect to satisfy the conditions necessary to pass through to our Unitholders their share of the non-U.S. taxes paid by the Company.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves certain risks relating to our structure and investment objective. The risks set forth below are not the only risks we face, and we face other risks which we have not yet identified, which we do not currently deem material or which are not yet predictable. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, our net asset value could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has materially and adversely affected certain of our portfolio companies, and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

In late 2019 and early 2020, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and related respiratory disease (“COVID-19”) was first reported in China and spread rapidly to across the world, including to the United States. This outbreak has led, and for an unknown period of time will continue to lead, to disruptions in local, regional, national and global markets and economies affected thereby. With respect to the United States credit markets (in particular for middle market loans), this outbreak has resulted in, and until fully resolved is likely to continue to result in, the following (among other things): (i) government imposition of various forms of “stay at home” orders and the closing or reduced operating capacity of “non-essential” businesses, resulting in significant disruption to the businesses of

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many middle-market loan borrowers including supply chains, demand and practical aspects of their operations, as well as in lay-offs of employees, and, while these effects are hoped to be temporary, some effects could be persistent or even permanent; (ii) increased draws by borrowers on revolving lines of credit; (iii) increased requests by borrowers for amendments and waivers of their credit agreements to avoid default, increased defaults by such borrowers and/or increased difficulty in obtaining refinancing at the maturity dates of their loans; (iv) volatility and disruption of these markets including greater volatility in pricing and spreads and difficulty in valuing loans during periods of increased volatility, and liquidity issues; and (v) rapidly evolving proposals and/or actions by state and federal governments to address problems being experienced by the markets and by businesses and the economy in general which may not adequately address the problems facing the loan market and middle market businesses. This outbreak is having, and any future outbreaks could have, an adverse impact on our portfolio companies and on the markets and the economy in general, and that impact could be material.

 

In addition, the United States capital markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruption following the spread of COVID-19 in the United States. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the U.S. economy and most other major global economies may continue to experience challenges, and our business and operations, as well as the business and operations of our portfolio companies, could be materially adversely affected by a prolonged downturn in the U.S. and other major markets. Disruptions in the capital markets have increased the spread between the yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets. These and future market disruptions and/or illiquidity may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Unfavorable economic conditions may also increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events have limited and could continue to limit our investment originations and limit our ability to grow and could have a material negative impact on our operating results and the fair values of our debt and equity investments.

 

Further, from an operational perspective, many of our Adviser’s investment professionals are currently working remotely. An extended period of remote work arrangements could increase operational risks, including but not limited to cybersecurity risks and risks related to business continuity capacity, which may impair our ability to manage our business. In addition, we are highly dependent on third party services providers for certain communication and information systems. As a result, we rely upon the successful implementation and execution of the business continuity planning of such providers in the current environment. If one or more of these third parties to whom we outsource certain critical business activities experience operational failures as a result of the impacts from the spread of COVID-19, or claim that they cannot perform due to a force majeure, it may have a material adverse effect on our business, and its financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

 

Disruption and Instability in Capital Markets. The U.S. and global capital markets experienced extreme volatility and disruption in recent years, leading to recessionary conditions and depressed levels of consumer and commercial spending. For instance, uncertainty related to the global outbreak of COVID-19, the partial U.S. government shutdown in December 2018 and January 2019, U.S. trade policies and the referendum by British voters to exit the European Union (“Brexit”) in June 2016 and the United Kingdom’s subsequent invocation of Article 50 of the Treaty on the European Union in March 2017 and subsequent withdrawal have led to disruption and instability in the global markets. Disruptions in the capital markets increased the spread between the yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets. We cannot assure you that these conditions will not worsen. If conditions worsen, a prolonged period of market illiquidity could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could limit our investment originations, limit our ability to grow and negatively impact our operating results.

 

In addition, to the extent that recessionary conditions return, the financial results of small to mid-sized companies, like those in which we invest, will likely experience deterioration, which could ultimately lead to difficulty in meeting debt service requirements and an increase in defaults. Additionally, the end markets for certain of our portfolio companies’ products and services have experienced, and continue to experience, negative economic trends. The performances of certain of our portfolio companies have been, and may continue to be, negatively impacted by these economic or other conditions, which may ultimately result in:

our receipt of a reduced level of interest income from our portfolio companies;

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decreases in the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments; and
ultimately, losses or change-offs related to our investments.

 

Effective from December 31, 2020, the United Kingdom left the Council of the European Union and also ceased to be subject to international trade agreements to which the European Union is a party. As a result, and subject to the terms of a trade and cooperation agreement entered into on December 24, 2020, which sets out the terms of the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the European Union, the rules of the European Union relating to free movement of persons, goods, services and capital between the United Kingdom and the European Union end, and the European Union and the United Kingdom formed two separate markets and two distinct regulatory and legal spaces. The trade agreement offers United Kingdom and European Union businesses preferential access to each other’s markets ensuring imported goods will be free of tariffs and quotas. However, economic relations between the United Kingdom and European Union will now be on more restricted terms than previously existed, and the trade agreement does not incorporate the full scope of the services sector, and businesses such as banking and finance face a more uncertain future. While the talks on a separate memorandum of understanding regarding financial services concluded in 2021, the memorandum of understanding has not been formally signed or entered into force. As a result, at this time, the impact that the trade agreement and any future agreements, including the memorandum of understanding, will have on business interests in the European Union and the United Kingdom cannot be predicted and, given the lack of comparable precedent, it is unclear what financial, trade and legal implications the withdrawal of the United Kingdom will have on business interests. As a result of the original referendum and other geopolitical developments leading to Brexit, as well as the United Kingdom’s subsequent withdrawal, the financial markets experienced increased levels of volatility and it is likely that, in the near term, Brexit will continue to bring about higher levels of uncertainty and volatility.

 

Historical Performance. The investment philosophy and techniques used by the Adviser to manage a BDC may differ from the investment philosophy and techniques it previously employed in identifying and managing past investments. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Adviser will replicate the historical performance of other investment funds with which it has been affiliated. As a result, our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by such other investment funds.

 

Dependence on Key Personnel and Other Management. Unitholders have no right or power to participate in the management of the Company and may not receive detailed financial information regarding investments that is available to the Adviser. An investor in the Company must rely upon the ability of the Adviser (including the Private Credit Team and other investment professionals of the Adviser) to identify, structure and implement investments consistent with our investment objectives and policies. Accordingly, our success is dependent on the Adviser’s ability to retain and motivate highly qualified professionals. The loss of services of Mr. Miller, Ms. Grosso, Mr. Gertzof and/or Mr. Bold during the Commitment Period could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Our future success also depends on the Adviser’s ability to identify, hire, train and retain other highly qualified and experienced investment and management professionals. Competition for such professionals is significant, and there can be no assurance that the Adviser will be able to attract or retain other highly qualified professionals in the future. The inability of the Adviser to attract and retain such professionals could have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Economic Interest of the Adviser. Because the Adviser will be compensated in part on a basis tied to our performance, the Adviser may have an incentive to make investments that are risky or speculative.

 

No Assurance of Profits. There is no assurance that we will be able to generate returns for our investors or that the returns will be commensurate with the risks of investing in the types of companies and transactions described herein. The marketability and value of any of our investments will depend upon many factors beyond our control. We will incur organizational expenses, Management Fees and other operating expenses which may exceed our income, and a Unitholder could lose the entire amount of its contributed capital.

 

Therefore, a prospective investor should only invest in the Company if such investor can withstand a total loss of his or her investment. The past investment performance of the entities and accounts with which the Adviser

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and its investment professionals have been associated cannot be taken to guarantee future results of any investment in the Company.

 

Effect of Fees and Expenses on Returns. We pay Management Fees and Incentive Fees to the Adviser and generally bear our other Company Expenses. Generally, other than the Incentive Fee, fees and expenses will be paid regardless of whether we produce positive investment returns. The fees and expenses will reduce the actual returns to Unitholders, the distributions we make to Unitholders, and the overall value of the Unitholders’ investment. In addition, because the Management Fees payable by us to the Adviser will be calculated based on average gross assets of the Company on a consolidated basis, including the amortized cost of portfolio investments purchased with borrowed funds and other forms of leverage, the Adviser may be incentivized to use leverage, but will not utilize more than is permitted by applicable law or regulation. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would impair the value of the Units.

 

Regulations Governing our Operation as a BDC. We may issue debt securities or Preferred Units and/or borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, which are collectively referred to herein as “senior securities,” up to the maximum amount permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the provisions of the 1940 Act currently in force, we will be permitted, as a BDC, to issue senior securities in amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% (or 150% as described below under “—New Legislation Permitting Additional Leverage”) of gross assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, after each issuance of senior securities. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our Unitholders. Furthermore, as a result of issuing senior securities, we would also be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss.

 

If we issue Preferred Units, the Preferred Units would rank “senior” to the Units in our capital structure, the Preferred Unitholders would have separate voting rights on certain matters and might have other rights, preferences, or privileges more favorable than those of the Unitholders.

 

In addition, as a regulated BDC under the 1940 Act we may, among other things, be prohibited from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of the members of our board of directors who are not interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the SEC through an exemptive order (other than in certain limited situations pursuant to current regulatory guidance). The Adviser has obtained exemptive relief from the SEC that, subject to certain conditions and limitations, permits us and other funds advised by the Adviser or certain affiliates of the Adviser (referred to herein as “potential co-investment funds”) to engage in certain co-investment transactions. Under the exemptive relief, in the case where the interest in a particular investment opportunity exceeds the size of the opportunity, then the investment opportunity will be allocated among us, Fund VII and any other potential co-investment funds based on available capital, which generally is determined based on the amount of cash on hand, existing commitments and reserves, if any, the targeted leverage level, targeted asset mix and other investment policies and restrictions set from time to time by the board or other governing body of the relevant fund or imposed by applicable laws, rules, regulations or interpretations.

 

Prior to August 2020, the Advisor calculated “available capital” based primarily on uncalled capital commitments and then-available borrowings for each fund or account. However, with a view toward more equitable and stable allocations going forward, the Advisor, as of August 2020, adjusted its policy to calculate “available capital” primarily on anticipated fund or account size (including total investor commitments and reasonably expected leverage).

 

Borrowing Money. The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increases the risks associated with investing in the Company. Subject to the borrowing limitation imposed on us by the 1940 Act, the Company and any wholly owned subsidiary of the Company has and may continue to borrow from or issue senior debt securities to banks, insurance companies and other lenders. Our lenders will have fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of the Unitholders, and we would expect such lenders to seek recovery against our assets in the event of a default. If the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged. Similarly, any decrease in our income would cause net investment income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique. Our ability to service any debt that

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we incur will depend largely on our financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures.

 

As a BDC, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total borrowings and other senior securities, which will include all of our borrowings and any Preferred Units that we may issue in the future, of at least 200% (or 150% as described below under “—New Legislation Permitting Additional Leverage”). If this ratio declines below 200%, we may not be able to incur additional debt, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on the Adviser’s assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain credit at all or on terms acceptable to us.

 

In addition, our existing credit facilities impose, and future debt facilities into which we may enter would likely impose, financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, including limitations that could hinder our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our status as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. In particular, it is anticipated that the credit facility would contain certain financial covenants, which may include requiring us to maintain a minimum amount of equity supporting the credit facility or comply with certain collateral quality and coverage tests.

 

Additional Leverage. As a BDC, under the Investment Company Act we generally are not permitted to incur borrowings, issue debt securities or issue preferred stock unless immediately after the borrowing or issuance the ratio of total assets (less total liabilities other than indebtedness) to total indebtedness plus preferred stock, is at least 200% or, if certain requirements, which are described below, are met, 150%.

 

Pursuant to Section 61(a) of the 1940 Act, BDCs may reduce the minimum asset coverage ratio from 200% to 150%, subject to certain approval requirements (including either stockholder approval or approval of the “required majority,” as such term is defined in Section 57(o) of the Investment Company Act), certain disclosure requirements and, in the case of a BDC that is not an issuer of common equity securities that are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the Company, the requirement that the BDC must extend to each person that is a stockholder as of the date of an approval described above the opportunity (which may include a tender offer) to sell the securities held by that stockholder as of that applicable approval date, with 25% of those securities to be repurchased in each of the four calendar quarters following the calendar quarter in which that applicable approval date takes place. As a result, BDCs may be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future, and the risks associated with an investment in BDCs may increase.

 

Failure to Qualify as a RIC. We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, we must meet certain source-of-income, asset diversification and distribution requirements. The distribution requirement for a RIC is satisfied if we distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, to the Unitholders on an annual basis. Because we have incurred debt, we are subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to qualify as a RIC. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify as a RIC and, thus, may be subject to corporate-level income tax. To qualify as a RIC, we must also meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each calendar quarter. Failure to meet these tests may result in the Company having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to qualify as a RIC, or to prevent the loss of such qualification after becoming a RIC. Because most of our investments will be in private or thinly traded public companies, any such dispositions may be made at disadvantageous prices and may result in substantial losses. In addition, we may have difficulty satisfying the diversification requirements after the Commitment Period as we liquidate our portfolio since we will not be making additional investments. While we generally will not lose our status as a RIC as long as we do not acquire any non-qualifying securities or other property, under certain circumstances we may be deemed to have made an acquisition of non-qualifying securities or other property. If we fail to qualify as a RIC for any reason and become subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate income taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distributions to the Unitholders and the amount of funds available for new investments. Such a failure would have a material adverse effect on us and the Unitholders.

 

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Wind Down. Since the Commitment Period ended in September 2017, we generally may not make new investments (other than certain follow-on investments and investments that were significantly in process prior to the termination of the Commitment Period). As a result, during the remainder of our term, fewer investments will be available to generate cash flow, decreasing the amount of distributions. In addition, we will continue to incur expenses and other liabilities for the remainder of our term, which will reduce the amount ultimately available for distribution to Members. Amounts distributed to Members in connection with any dissolution and liquidation may be subject to clawback pursuant to the terms of the LLC Agreement.

 

Further, some of our remaining investments (including certain equity investments) may require additional time beyond the Company’s current term before we can dispose of them at a favorable price or otherwise recoup our investment. On April 30, 2021, the Board elected to extend the Company’s term until September 2022. Any further extensions will require Member approval. If we are unable to extend the Company’s term beyond September 2022, we may be required to dispose of our remaining investments at unfavorable prices.

 

Recourse to Our Assets. Our assets, including any investments made by us and any capital held by us, are available to satisfy all our liabilities and other obligations. If we become subject to a liability, parties seeking to have the liability satisfied may have recourse to our assets generally and not be limited to any particular asset, even in the circumstance where a specific investment gave rise to the liability.

 

Litigation Risks. We will be subject to a variety of litigation risks, particularly if one or more of our portfolio companies face financial or other difficulties. Legal disputes, involving any or all of the Company, the Adviser, or their affiliates, may arise from our activities and investments and could have a significant adverse effect on us.

 

Limited Liability of the Adviser. To the extent permissible by law, the Adviser will not be liable, responsible or accountable in damages or otherwise to us or to any Unitholder for any breach of duty to us or the Unitholders or for any act or failure to act pursuant to the Advisory Agreement or otherwise, except in certain limited circumstances provided by the 1940 Act and as set forth in the Advisory Agreement. In general, we will be required to indemnify the Adviser (and other related and/or affiliated parties) for certain losses arising out of its activities on behalf of us. Such obligations could reduce significantly the returns to the Unitholders.

 

Conflicts of Interest. Conflicts of interest may exist from time to time between the Adviser and certain of its affiliates involved with us.

 

Reliance upon Consultants. The Adviser may rely upon independent consultants in connection with its evaluation of proposed investments; however, no assurance can be given that these consultants will accurately evaluate such investments and we may incur liability as a result of such consultants’ actions.

 

RISKS RELATED TO OUR INVESTMENTS

 

Economic Recessions or Downturns. Many of the portfolio companies in which we make investments may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay the loans we made to them during these periods. Therefore, our non-performing assets may increase and the value of our portfolio may decrease during these periods as we are required to record our investments at their current fair value. Adverse economic conditions also may decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues, net investment income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our and our portfolio companies’ funding costs, limit our and our portfolio companies’ access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us or our portfolio companies. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and harm our operating results.

 

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Some economists and major investment banks have expressed concern that the continued spread of the virus globally could lead to a world-wide economic downturn, which could have an adverse economic effect on the portfolio companies in which we make investments.

 

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A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, acceleration of the time when the loans are due and foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize the portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt that we hold. We may incur additional expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. In addition, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including the extent to which we will actually provide significant managerial assistance to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors.

 

Reliance on Portfolio Company Management. The day-to-day operations of each portfolio company in which we invest will be the responsibility of such entity’s management team. In addition, we may make investments in portfolio companies where we have limited influence and the other investors in such portfolio company have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests and goals. Although the Adviser will be responsible for monitoring the performance of each of our investments and we are required, pursuant to a specific 1940 Act provision applicable to BDCs, to offer to provide each of our portfolio companies managerial assistance, there can be no assurance that the existing management team of a portfolio company or any successor will be able to operate any such entity in accordance with our expectations. In this situation, we may not be in a position to limit or otherwise protect the value of our investment.

 

Changes to or Discontinuation of LIBOR. Our debt investments may be based on floating rates, such as LIBOR or the Prime Rate. General interest rate fluctuations may have a substantial negative impact on our investments, the value of our securities and our rate of return on invested capital. Currently, most of our investments are linked to LIBOR and it is unclear how increased regulatory oversight and the future of LIBOR may affect market liquidity and the value of the financial obligations to be held by or issued to us that are linked to LIBOR or how such changes could affect our investments and transactions and financial condition or results of operations. Central banks and regulators in a number of major jurisdictions (for example, the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Switzerland and Japan) have convened working groups to find, and implement the transition to, suitable replacements for interbank offered rates. The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, and administrator, ICE Benchmark Administration, Limited, announced that the publication of the one-week and two-month U.S. dollar LIBOR maturities and non-U.S. dollar LIBOR maturities will cease immediately after December 31, 2021, with the remaining U.S. dollar LIBOR maturities ceasing immediately after June 30, 2023. As of January 1, 2022, consistent with FCA’s prior announcement, British pound, euro, Swiss franc and Japanese yen settings and the one-week and two-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings are no longer available. Until the end of 2022, one-month, three-month, and six-month British pound and Japanese yen LIBOR settings will continue publication on a changed methodology (i.e., “synthetic”) basis, but these synthetic rates may only be used in legacy LIBOR contracts, other than cleared derivatives, that have not been changed at or ahead of the end of 2021. The remaining U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will permanently cease immediately after June 30, 2023, providing additional time to address the legacy contracts that reference such U.S. dollar LIBOR settings.

 

In the United States, the Alternative Rates Reference Committee, a group of market participants convened in 2014 to help ensure a successful transition away from U.S. dollar LIBOR, has identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (the “Secured Overnight Financing Rate,” or “SOFR”) as its preferred alternative rate. SOFR is a measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight, collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and is based on directly observable U.S. Treasury-backed repurchase transactions. In addition, for contracts that are governed by New York state law, recent New York state legislation effectively codified the use of SOFR as the alternative in the absence of another chosen replacement rate.

 

The elimination of LIBOR or when LIBOR degrades to the degree that it is no longer representative of the underlying market, or uncertainty related to such changes, may adversely affect the market for LIBOR based securities, including our portfolio of LIBOR indexed, floating rate debt securities, or the cost of our borrowings. Additionally, because no replacement rate is a perfect match for LIBOR, even when the transaction documents contain robust fallback language, the value of LIBOR-linked securities, and consequently their potential returns, may experience material changes upon LIBOR’s discontinuation. Given the inherent differences between LIBOR and SOFR, or any other alternative reference rates that may be established, the transition from LIBOR may disrupt the overall financial markets and adversely affect the market for LIBOR‑based securities, including LIBOR‑indexed, floating‑rate debt securities, or the cost of borrowings. In addition, changes or reforms to the determination or

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supervision of LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR, which could have an adverse impact on the market for LIBOR‑based securities, including the value and/or transferability of the LIBOR‑indexed, floating‑rate debt securities, or the cost of borrowings. The transition from LIBOR to SOFR or other alternative reference rates may also introduce operational risks in accounting, financial reporting, loan servicing, and liability management. We are assessing the impact of a transition from LIBOR; however, we cannot reasonably estimate the impact of the transition at this time.

 

Competition for Investment Opportunities. There can be no assurance that there will be a sufficient number of suitable investment opportunities to enable us to invest all of the Commitments of the Unitholders in opportunities that satisfy our investment strategy or that such investment opportunities will lead to completed investments by us. The activity of identifying, structuring, completing, implementing and realizing attractive investment opportunities is highly competitive. We will compete for investment opportunities with many other industry participants, including other BDCs, public and private funds, individual and institutional investors, and financial institutions. Many such entities have substantially greater economic and personnel resources than the Company and/or better relationships with borrowers and others and/or the ability to accept more risk than we believe can be prudently managed. Accordingly, competition for investments may have the effect of reducing the number of suitable prospective investments available to us and increasing the bargaining power of borrowers, thereby reducing our investment returns. Furthermore, the availability of investment opportunities generally will be subject to market conditions. It is possible that our capital will not be fully utilized if sufficient attractive investments are not identified and consummated by the Adviser.

 

No Secondary Market for Securities. Our investments are generally heavily negotiated and, accordingly, do not have the liquidity of conventional securities and will not have readily available market prices. We value such investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of directors in accordance with our valuation policy. Because there is no single standard for determining fair value, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each investment. In addition, due to their illiquid nature, we may not be able to dispose of our investments in a timely manner, at a fair price and/or in the manner that was thought to be viable when the investment was initiated (due to economic, legal, political or other factors). There is no assurance that we will be able to dispose of an investment in a particular security. The inability to dispose of a security could result in losses incurred by us, including the loss of our entire investment in such security. The debt of highly leveraged companies or companies in default also may be less liquid than other debt. If we voluntarily or involuntarily sell those types of debt securities, we might not receive the full value we expect.

 

Illiquidity of Collateral. Collateral may consist of assets that may not be readily liquidated, and there is no assurance that the liquidation of those assets will satisfy a company’s obligations. If a company defaults on a secured investment, the Company may receive assets other than cash or securities in full or partial satisfaction of such company’s obligations. The Company might not be able to realize the benefit of the assets for legal, practical or other reasons. The Company might hold those assets until it is determined to be appropriate to dispose of them.

 

Portfolio Concentration. Although the regulatory restrictions applicable to RICs limit the amount that we may generally invest in any single portfolio company, our investments may not be diversified. SeeItem 1. Business—Regulation as a Business Development Company—Qualifying Assets” and “Item 1. Business—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company.” Aside from the diversification requirements that we have to comply with as a RIC and other contractual investment limitations to which we are subject pursuant to the LLC Agreement, we do not have any specific portfolio diversification or concentration limits. As a result, our portfolio may include a relatively limited number of large positions. If our investments are concentrated in a few issuers or industries, any adverse change in one or more of such issuers or industries could have a material adverse effect on our investments. To the extent the aggregate Commitments of the Unitholders turn out to be substantially less than the amounts targeted, our portfolio may be even more concentrated than it would otherwise be. In addition, since the Commitment Period ended in May 2021, we may not make new investments (other than certain follow-on investments). As a result, our portfolio may become more concentrated as it begins to wind down under the terms of the LLC Agreement.

 

Credit Risks. Debt investments are subject to credit risk. Credit risk relates to the ability of the borrower to make interest and principal payments on the loan or security as they become due. If the borrower fails to pay interest, our income might be reduced. If the borrower fails to repay principal, the value of that security and the

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value of the Company might be reduced. Our investments in debt securities are subject to risks of default. We may invest in debt securities made in connection with leveraged buy-out transactions, recapitalizations and other highly leveraged transactions. While our investments in senior loans typically will be secured by collateral, we may have difficulty liquidating the collateral or enforcing our rights under the terms of the senior loans in the event of the borrower’s default. There is no guarantee that the collateral securing a senior loan will be sufficient to protect us against losses or a decline in income in the event of a borrower’s non-payment of interest or principal. In the event that a borrower declares bankruptcy, a court could invalidate our security interest in the loan collateral or subordinate our rights under the senior loan to other creditors of the borrower. Also, we may invest part of our assets in loans and other debt obligations that are not fully secured.

 

Interest Rate Risk. In general, the value of a debt security changes as prevailing interest rates change. For fixed-rate debt securities, when prevailing interest rates fall, the values of outstanding debt securities generally rise. When interest rates rise, the values of outstanding fixed-rate debt securities generally fall, and they may sell at a discount from their face amount. We expect that our debt investments will generally have adjustable interest rates. For that reason, the Adviser expects that when interest rates change, the amount of interest we receive in respect of such debt investments will change in a corresponding manner. However, the interest rates of some debt investments adjust only periodically. Between the times that interest rates on debt investments adjust, the interest rates on those investments may not correlate to prevailing interest rates.

 

Reliance Upon Unaffiliated Co-Lender. In certain circumstances we may co-invest with an unaffiliated lender, who will sometimes be responsible for performing some of the legal due diligence on the borrower and for negotiating some of the terms of the loan agreement that establishes the terms and conditions of the debt investment and the rights of the borrower and the lenders. In such circumstances, although we will perform our own due diligence, we may rely in part on the quality of the due diligence performed by the co-lender and will be bound by the negotiated terms of the loan documentation. There can be no assurance that the unaffiliated co-lender will perform the same level of due diligence as we would perform or that the co-lender will negotiate terms that are consistent with the terms generally negotiated and obtained by us. If the unaffiliated co-lender is acting as collateral agent under the loan documentation and becomes insolvent, the assets securing the debt investment may be determined by a court or regulatory authority to be subject to the claims of the co-lender’s creditors. If that were to occur, we might incur delays and costs in realizing payment on the loan, or we might suffer a loss of principal and/or interest.

 

Use of Investment Vehicles. In general, the risks associated with indirect investments in portfolio companies through a joint venture, partnership or other special purpose vehicle (each, an “Investment Vehicle”) are similar to those associated with a direct investment in a portfolio company. While we will analyze the credit and business of a potential portfolio company in determining whether or not to make an investment in an Investment Vehicle, we will nonetheless be exposed to the creditworthiness of the Investment Vehicle. In the event of a bankruptcy proceeding against the Investment Vehicle, the risks outlined below under “—Insolvency Considerations with Respect to Portfolio Companies” will be applicable with equal effect. Additionally, in the case of a bankruptcy proceeding against the portfolio company, the assets of the portfolio company may be used to satisfy its obligations prior to the satisfaction of our investment in the Investment Vehicle (i.e., our investment in the Investment Vehicle would be structurally subordinated to the other obligations of the portfolio company).

 

Insolvency Considerations with Respect to Portfolio Companies. Various laws enacted for the protection of creditors may apply to our debt investments. A bankruptcy proceeding against a borrower could delay or limit our ability to collect the principal and interest payments on that borrower’s debt obligations. In a lawsuit brought by creditors of a borrower, a court or a trustee in bankruptcy could take certain actions that would be adverse to us. For example:

Other creditors might convince the court to set aside or subordinate a loan or the security interest in a loan as a “fraudulent conveyance,” a “preferential transfer” or for other equitable considerations. In that event, the court could recover from us the interest and principal payments that the borrower made before becoming insolvent. There can be no assurance that we would be able to prevent such recapture.
A bankruptcy court may restructure the payment obligations under debt securities so as to reduce the amount to which we would be entitled.

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The court might discharge the amount of a loan we make that exceeds the value of the collateral securing the loan. The court could subordinate our rights to the rights of other creditors of the borrower under applicable law.
Although a senior secured position under a senior loan provides some assurance that we would be able to recover some of our investment in the event of a borrower’s default, the collateral might be insufficient to cover the borrower’s debts. A bankruptcy court might find that the collateral securing the senior loan is invalid or require the borrower to use the collateral to pay other outstanding obligations. If the collateral consists of stock of the borrower or its subsidiaries, the stock may lose all of its value in the event of a bankruptcy, which would leave us exposed to greater potential loss.
If a borrower defaults on a scheduled interest or principal payment on a debt obligation, we may experience a reduction of our income. In addition, the value of the debt investment would decline, which may, in turn, cause our value to decline.

 

Lender Liability. In recent years, a number of judicial decisions in the United States have upheld the right of borrowers to sue lending institutions on the basis of various evolving legal theories (collectively termed “Lender Liability”). Generally, Lender Liability is founded upon the premise that an institutional lender has violated a duty (whether implied or contractual) of good faith and fair dealing owed to the borrower or has assumed a degree of control over the borrower resulting in the creation of a fiduciary duty owed to the borrower or its other creditors or shareholders. Lender Liability claims generally arise in bankruptcy, but can also arise under state law claims. Lender Liability often involves claims of misconduct where a lender (a) intentionally takes an action that exacerbates the insolvency of a borrower or issuer or that results in the undercapitalization of a borrower or issuer to the detriment of other creditors of such borrower or issuer, (b) engages in other inequitable conduct to the detriment of such other creditors, (c) engages in fraud with respect to, or makes misrepresentations to, such other creditors or (d) uses its influence as a shareholder to dominate or control a borrower or issuer to the detriment of other creditors of such borrower or issuer. We could be subject to allegations of Lender Liability because of the nature of certain of our investments. There is also a risk that where Lender Liability is alleged, a court may elect to subordinate the claim of the offending lender or bondholder to the claims of the disadvantaged creditor or creditors (a remedy called “Equitable Subordination”). We do not intend to engage in conduct that would give rise to a claim of Lender Liability or Equitable Subordination. However, as a BDC, we are obligated to offer managerial assistance to each of our portfolio companies. To the extent any of our portfolio companies elect to accept such offer to provide managerial assistance, that level of involvement with a portfolio company could strengthen a Lender Liability claim against us. Therefore, claims for Lender Liability or Equitable Subordination affecting our investments could arise as a result of any managerial assistance that we provide in order to fulfill our obligations as a BDC. Moreover, because of the nature of our investments, we may not always be the lead creditor, and security or other agents may act on behalf of the investors in a security owned by us. Therefore, claims for Lender Liability or Equitable Subordination affecting our investments could also arise without our direct managerial or other involvement.

 

Special Risks of Highly Leveraged or other Risky Portfolio Companies. We can invest up to 100% of our total assets in debt and equity securities of portfolio companies that are highly leveraged and whose debt securities would be considered well below investment grade. We may also invest in obligations of portfolio companies in connection with a restructuring under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (i.e., a debtor in possession financing) if the obligations meet the credit standards of the Adviser. Debtor in possession financings are arranged when an entity seeks the protections of the bankruptcy court under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. These financings allow an entity to continue its business operations while reorganizing under Chapter 11. Such financings are senior liens on unencumbered security (i.e., security not subject to other creditor claims). These debt obligations tend to offer higher yields than investment grade securities to compensate investors for the higher risk, and are commonly referred to as “high risk securities” or, in the case of bonds, “junk bonds.” Similarly, we may also invest in obligations of portfolio companies in connection with rescue situation and Chapter 11 exit financings. Rescue situation financings may avoid a company’s need to resort to bankruptcy and provide the company with working capital it needs to continue uninterrupted operations. Chapter 11 exit financings allow a company to deleverage its balance sheet and to emerge from a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Lending to highly leveraged or other risky borrowers is highly speculative. These investments may expose us to financial market risks, interest rate risks and credit risks that are significantly greater than the risks associated with other securities in which we may invest. An economic downturn or a period of rising interest rates, for example, could cause a decline in the prices of such securities. The prices of securities structured as zero-coupon or pay-in-kind securities may be more volatile than securities that pay

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interest periodically and in cash. In the event of a default by a portfolio company, we would experience a reduction of our income and could expect a decline in the fair value of the defaulted securities and may incur significant additional expenses to seek recovery.

 

Risk of Bridge Financing. If we make or invest in a bridge loan or interim financing for a portfolio company that intends to refinance all or a portion of that loan, there is a risk that the borrower will be unable to complete such refinancing successfully. Such failure could lead to the portfolio company having to pay interest at increasing rates along with additional fees and expenses, the result of which may reduce the value of the portfolio company.

 

Risk of Subordinated or Mezzanine Financing. Our investments in subordinated or mezzanine financing will generally be unsecured or, if secured, will be subordinated to the interests of the senior lender in the borrower’s capital structure. In the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency involving the borrower where there are insufficient assets to satisfy the obligations of the borrower to its senior lender, there may be no assets available to meet its obligations to the holders of its subordinated or mezzanine debt, including the Company.

 

Risks of Investing in Unitranche Loans. Unitranche loans provide leverage levels comparable to a combination of first lien and second lien or subordinated loans, and may rank junior to other debt instruments issued by the portfolio company. Unitranche loans generally allow the borrower to make a large lump sum payment of principal at the end of the loan term, and there is a heightened risk of loss if the borrower is unable to pay the lump sum or refinance the amount owed at maturity. From the perspective of a lender, in addition to making a single loan, a unitranche loan may allow the lender to choose to participate in the “first out” tranche, which will generally receive priority with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due, or to choose to participate only in the “last out” tranche, which is generally paid only after the first out tranche is paid. We may participate in “first out” and “last out” tranches of unitranche loans and make single unitranche loans, and we may suffer losses on such loans if the borrower is unable to make required payments when due .

 

Non-U.S. Investment Risk. We may invest up to 30% of our gross assets in portfolio companies domiciled outside of the United States (assuming that the remaining 70% of our gross assets constitute “qualifying assets” (as defined in the 1940 Act and as described under “Item 1. Business—Regulation as a Business Development Company—Qualifying Assets”)). Non-U.S. obligations have risks not typically involved in domestic investments. For example, non-U.S. obligations not denominated in U.S. dollars will cause our investment performance to vary based on changes in the applicable currency exchange rate. Moreover, even if we attempt to hedge the currency exchange risk, these hedges may be expensive and may not completely protect us in all circumstances. Non-U.S. investing can also result in higher transaction and operating costs for the Company. Non-U.S. issuers may not be subject to the same accounting and disclosure requirements that U.S. issuers are subject to. The value of non-U.S. investments may be affected by exchange control regulations, expropriation or nationalization of a company’s assets, non-U.S. taxes, delays in settlement of transactions, changes in governmental economic or monetary policies in the United States or abroad, or other political and economic factors. We may have greater difficulty taking appropriate legal actions in non-U.S. courts. Non-U.S. countries may impose withholding taxes on income paid on the debt securities of issuers in those countries.

 

Risks of Using Derivative Instruments. We may use derivative financial instruments for hedging or managing the risks associated with the assets we hold. The risks posed by such instruments can be extremely complex and difficult to evaluate, including (i) risks relating to our counterparties in such a transaction; (ii) imperfect correlation between movements in the currency, interest rate or other reference on which the derivative is based and movements in the assets of the underlying portfolio; and (iii) reduced ability to meet short-term obligations because of the percentage of our assets segregated to cover derivative obligations. In addition, by hedging a particular position, any potential gain from an increase in value of such position may be limited.

 

In October 2020, the SEC adopted a rulemaking regarding the ability of a BDC (or a registered investment company) to use derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations. Under the newly adopted rule, BDCs that use derivatives will be subject to a value-at-risk (“VaR”) leverage limit, a derivatives risk management program and testing requirements and requirements related to board reporting. These new requirements will apply, unless a BDC qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined under the adopted rule. Under the new rule, a BDC may enter into an unfunded commitment agreement that is not a derivatives transaction,

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such as an agreement to provide financing to a portfolio company, if the BDC has, among other things, a reasonable belief, at the time it enters into such an agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements, in each case as it becomes due. Collectively, these requirements may limit our ability to use derivatives and/or enter into certain other financial contracts.

 

Need for Follow-On Investments. We may be called upon to provide follow-on funding or additional loans for, or have the opportunity to increase our investment in, our portfolio companies. There can be no assurance that we will be able to make or arrange for follow-on investments or loans or that we will have sufficient funds to do so. Any decision not to make follow-on investments or loans or the inability to make them may have a substantial negative impact on a portfolio company in need of funds or may diminish our proportionate ownership in such entity and thus our ability to influence the entity’s future conduct. The inability to make follow-on investments or loans may also impede, diminish or reduce the number of attractive investments made available to us.

 

Inability to Take Advantage of Investment Opportunities with Affiliated Funds or Investors. The 1940 Act limits our ability to engage in transactions with affiliated funds and investors. For example, we are prohibited under the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our Independent Directors and, in some cases, of the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of our outstanding voting securities will be our affiliate for purposes of the 1940 Act, and we are generally prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to such affiliate, absent the prior approval of the Independent Directors. The 1940 Act also prohibits certain “joint” transactions with certain of our affiliates, which could include co-investments in the same portfolio company, without prior approval of the Independent Directors and, in some cases, of the SEC. Although the Company benefits from exemptive relief obtained from the SEC by the Adviser and other funds advised by the Adviser to engage in certain “joint” transactions, the relief is limited and subject to certain conditions. We are prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to any person who owns more than 25% of our voting securities or controls us (such as the Adviser) or certain of that person’s affiliates (such as other investment funds managed by the Adviser), or entering into prohibited joint transactions with such persons, absent the prior approval of the SEC. As a result of these restrictions, we may be prohibited from buying or selling any security (other than any security of which we are the issuer) from or to any portfolio company of a private equity fund managed by the Adviser or its affiliates without the prior approval of the SEC, which may limit the scope of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to us. In situations where we cannot co-invest with other investment funds managed by the Adviser due to the restrictions contained in the 1940 Act, the investment policies and procedures of the Adviser generally require that such opportunities be offered to us and such other investment funds on an alternating basis. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will be able to participate in all investment opportunities identified by the Adviser that are suitable for us.

 

Effect of BDC and RIC Rules on Investment Strategy. Our having to comply with the various rules necessary to remain qualified as a BDC and a RIC could adversely impact the implementation of our investment strategy and thus reduce returns to investors. For example, the diversification requirements imposed by the RIC rules could, in certain situations, preclude us from making certain investments.


RISKS RELATED TO UNITHOLDERS

 

Effect of Varying Terms of Classes of Units. Although we have no current intention to do so, pursuant to the LLC Agreement, we may issue Preferred Units. If we issue Preferred Units, there can be no assurance that such issuance would result in a higher yield or return to the holders of the Units. The issuance of Preferred Units would likely cause the net asset value of the Units to become more volatile. If the dividend rate on the Preferred Units were to approach the net rate of return on our investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the holders of the Units would be reduced. If the dividend rate on the Preferred Units were to exceed the net rate of return on our portfolio, the leverage would result in a lower rate of return to the holders of the Units than if we had not issued Preferred Units. Any decline in the net asset value of our investments would be borne entirely by the holders of the Units. Therefore, if the fair value of our portfolio were to decline, the leverage would result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of the Units than if we were not leveraged through the issuance of Preferred Units.

 

Rights of Preferred Unitholders. Holders of any Preferred Units that we might issue would have the right, voting separately as a single class, to elect two members of the board at all times. In addition, if dividends for Preferred Units become two full years in arrears, the holders of those Preferred Units would have the right to elect a

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majority of the board until such arrearage is completely eliminated. Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of the Units and Preferred Units, both by the 1940 Act and by the terms of our debt financings (if any), might impair our ability to qualify as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. While we would intend to redeem the Preferred Units to the extent necessary to enable us to distribute our income as required to qualify as a RIC, there can be no assurance that such actions could be effected in time to meet the tax requirements.

 

Retention of Proceeds. The Company may retain, in whole or in part, any proceeds attributable to portfolio investments during the Commitment Period and may use the amounts so retained to make new investments (up to the cost of portfolio investments attributable to such proceeds), pay Company fees and expenses, repay Company borrowings, or fund reasonable reserves for future Company expenses or other obligations (including obligations to make indemnification advances and payments), provided, that, after the expiration of the Commitment Period, no part of such retained amounts will be used to make any investment for which the Adviser would not be permitted to draw down Commitments. To the extent such retained amounts are reinvested in investments, a Unitholder will remain subject to investment and other risks associated with such investments.

 

Obligations of Unitholders Relating to Credit Facilities. Under the Natixis Credit Agreement (as defined herein) we have granted security over and may transfer our right to drawdowns of capital from investors to our lenders or other creditors. Unitholders are required to fund drawdowns up to the amount of their respective Undrawn Commitments if an event of default under a credit facility or any other borrowing agreement occurs in order to repay any indebtedness of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and the payment by a Unitholder of any such amounts that have become due and payable by the Company out of such Unitholder’s Undrawn Commitment may be a condition to the effectiveness of (i) any transfer, withdrawal, termination or reduction of Commitments of such Unitholder or (ii) such Unitholder’s ability to cease funding its Commitment.

 

Consequences of Failure to Pay Commitment in Full. If a Unitholder fails to pay any installment of its Commitment, other Unitholders who have an outstanding Commitment may be required to fund their respective Commitments sooner than they otherwise would have absent such a default. In addition, if funding of Commitments by other Unitholders and our borrowings are inadequate to cover defaulted Commitments, we may be unable to pay our obligations when due or be subjected to penalties or may otherwise suffer adverse consequences that could materially adversely affect the returns to the Unitholders (including non-defaulting Unitholders). If a Unitholder defaults, there is no guarantee that we will recover the full amount of the defaulted Commitment, and such defaulting Unitholder may lose all or a portion of its economic interest in us.

 

No Registration; Limited Transferability of Units. The Units were offered without registration under the Securities Act or any other laws of applicable jurisdictions. All dispositions and transfers of the Units shall be made pursuant to an effective registration statement or in accordance with an exemption from registration contained in the Securities Act. Unitholders will not be permitted to transfer their Units unless (i) we and, if required by our lending arrangements, our lenders give consent and (ii) the Transfer is made in accordance with applicable securities laws. Furthermore, the transferability of the Units may be subject to certain restrictions contained in the Subscription Agreement and the LLC Agreement and may be affected by restrictions on resale imposed under U.S. federal, U.S. state or another jurisdiction’s securities laws. A public market does not currently exist for the Units and one is not expected to develop. Withdrawal from an investment in the Units will not generally be permitted. In light of the restrictions imposed on any such transfer and in light of the limitations imposed on a Unitholder’s ability to withdraw all or part of its investment in Units, an investment in the Units should be viewed as illiquid and subject to high risk.

 

Withholding Risk for Foreign Investors. U.S. withholding tax rules require 30% withholding on distributions to Non-U.S. Holders unless there is certainty that such distributions are not subject to such withholding. The Company may make distributions at times of the year when there is uncertainty as to whether the amounts distributed are subject to such withholding. Accordingly, such distributions to Non-U.S. Holders may be subject to overwithholding by the Company (or its withholding agent) and Non-U.S. Holders may be required to file a return with the Internal Revenue Service in order to receive a refund of such overwithheld amounts. Non-U.S. Holders should see the discussion under the heading “Item 1. Business—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

 

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Tax Risks. Tax consequences to Unitholders from an investment in the Units are complex. Potential Unitholders are strongly urged to review the discussion in “Item 1. Business—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”


 

GENERAL RISK FACTORS

 

Political, Social and Economic Uncertainty Risk. Social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as natural disasters, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts and social unrest) will occur that create uncertainty and have significant impacts on issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets, to which companies and their investments are exposed. As global systems, economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, events that once had only local impact are now more likely to have regional or even global effects. Events that occur in one country, region or financial market will, more frequently, adversely impact issuers in other countries, regions or markets, including in established markets such as the U.S. These impacts can be exacerbated by failures of governments and societies to adequately respond to an emerging event or threat.

 

Uncertainty can result in or coincide with, among other things: increased volatility in the financial markets for securities, derivatives, loans, credit and currency; a decrease in the reliability of market prices and difficulty in valuing assets (including portfolio company assets); greater fluctuations in spreads on debt investments and currency exchange rates; increased risk of default (by both government and private obligors and issuers); further social, economic, and political instability; nationalization of private enterprise; greater governmental involvement in the economy or in social factors that impact the economy; changes to governmental regulation and supervision of the loan, securities, derivatives and currency markets and market participants and decreased or revised monitoring of such markets by governments or self-regulatory organizations and reduced enforcement of regulations; limitations on the activities of investors in such markets; controls or restrictions on foreign investment, capital controls and limitations on repatriation of invested capital; the significant loss of liquidity and the inability to purchase, sell and otherwise fund investments or settle transactions (including, but not limited to, a market freeze); unavailability of currency hedging techniques; substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation, which can last many years and have substantial negative effects on credit and securities markets as well as the economy as a whole; recessions; and difficulties in obtaining and/or enforcing legal judgments.

 

For example, there is an outbreak of a highly contagious form of a novel coronavirus known as “COVID-19,” which the World Health Organization has declared a global pandemic. In December 2019, COVID-19 emerged in China and has since spread rapidly to other countries, including the United States. The United States declared a national emergency, and for the first time in its history, every state in the United States was under a federal disaster declaration. Many states issued orders requiring the closure of non-essential businesses and/or requiring residents to stay at home. While countries have relaxed their public health restrictions relative to those imposed during the spring and summer of 2020, they have been forced to re-introduce such restrictions and business shutdowns at various points in time due to surges in the reported number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Health advisors warn that recurring COVID-19 outbreaks will continue if reopening is pursued too soon or in the wrong manner, which may lead to the re-introduction or continuation of certain public health restrictions (such as instituting quarantines, prohibitions on travel and the closure of offices, businesses, schools, retail stores and other public venues). Additionally, as of March 2021, travelers from certain countries were not allowed to visit Canada, Australia or the majority of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. These continued travel restrictions may prolong the global economic downturn. In addition, although the Federal Food and Drug Administration authorized vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson for emergency use starting in December 2020, it is anticipated that a majority of adults will be vaccinated by the summer of 2021 nationwide, though it remains unclear how quickly the vaccines will be distributed globally or when “herd immunity” will be achieved and the restrictions that were imposed to slow the spread of the virus will be lifted entirely. The delay in distributing the vaccines could lead people to continue to self-isolate and not participate in the economy at pre-pandemic levels for a prolonged period of time. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the U.S. economy and most other major global economies may continue to experience a recession.

 

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We will also be negatively affected if the operations and effectiveness of us or a portfolio company (or any of the key personnel or service providers of the foregoing) is compromised or if necessary or beneficial systems and processes are disrupted.

 

Changes to U.S. Tariff and Import/Export Regulations. There has been ongoing discussion and commentary regarding potential, significant changes to U.S. trade policies, treaties and tariffs, resulting in significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and other countries with respect to trade policies, treaties and tariffs. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly reduce global trade and, in particular, trade between the impacted nations and the United States. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and restrict our portfolio companies’ access to suppliers or customers and have a material adverse effect on their business, financial condition and results of operations, which in turn would negatively impact us.

 

Changes in Applicable Law. We must comply with various legal requirements, including requirements imposed by United States and non-U.S. anti-money laundering laws, securities laws, commodities laws, tax laws and pension laws. Should any of those laws change over the life of the Company, the legal requirements to which we and the Adviser may be subject could differ materially from current requirements. In addition, if a Unitholder fails to comply with applicable anti-money laundering laws and similar laws, the Company may mandatorily repurchase such Unitholder’s Units.

 

Terrorist Action. There is a risk of terrorist attacks on the United States and elsewhere causing significant loss of life and property damage and disruptions in global market. Economic and diplomatic sanctions may be in place or imposed on certain states and military action may be commenced. The impact of such events is unclear, but could have a material effect on general economic conditions and market liquidity.

 

Dependence on Information Systems and Systems Failures. Our business is highly dependent on the communications and information systems of the Adviser, its affiliates and third parties. Further, in the ordinary course of our business we or the Adviser may engage certain third party service providers to provide us with services necessary for our business. Any failure or interruption of those systems or services, including as a result of the termination or suspension of an agreement with any third party service providers, could cause delays or other problems in our activities. Our financial, accounting, data processing, backup or other operating systems and facilities may fail to operate properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control and adversely affect our business. There could be:

 

sudden electrical or telecommunications outages;
natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes;
disease pandemics or other serious public health events, such as the recent global outbreak of COVID-19;
events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts; and
cyber-attacks.

 

These events, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

 

Cybersecurity Risks and Cyber Incidents. We are highly dependent on information systems, and systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, negatively affect the value of our Units and our ability to pay distributions. Our business depends on the communications and information systems of our Adviser and its affiliates. These systems are subject to potential attacks, including through adverse events that threaten the confidentiality, integrity or availability of our information resources (i.e., cyber incidents). Cyber hacking could also cause significant disruption and harm to the companies in which we invest. The U.S. government has issued warnings that certain essential assets, specifically those related to energy and infrastructure, including exploration and production facilities, pipelines and transmission and distribution facilities, might be specific targets of terrorist activity. Additionally, digital and network technologies (collectively, “cyber networks”) might be at risk of

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cyberattacks that could potentially seek unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes such as misappropriating sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks might potentially be carried out by persons using techniques that could range from efforts to electronically circumvent network security or overwhelm websites to intelligence gathering and social engineering functions aimed at obtaining information necessary to gain access. These attacks could involve gaining unauthorized access to our information systems for purposes of misappropriating assets, stealing confidential information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption and result in disrupted operations, misstated or unreliable financial data, liability for stolen assets or information, increased cybersecurity protection and insurance costs, litigation and damage to our business relationships, any of which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our operating results and negatively affect the value of our securities and our ability to pay distributions to our unitholders. As our reliance on technology has increased, so have the risks posed to our information systems, both internal and those provided by the Adviser and third-party service providers.

 

We and many of our third-party service providers are currently impacted by quarantines and similar measures being enacted by governments in response to COVID-19, which are obstructing the regular functioning of business workforces (including requiring employees to work from external locations and their homes). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our Adviser has instituted a work from home policy until it is deemed safe to return to the office. Such a policy of an extended period of remote working could strain our technology resources and introduce operational risks, including heightened cybersecurity risks and other risks described above. Remote working environments may be less secure and more susceptible to hacking attacks, including phishing and social engineering attempts that seek to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

We maintain our principal executive office at 200 Clarendon Street, 51st Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. We do not own any real estate. We believe that our present facilities are adequate to meet our current needs. If new or additional space is required, we believe that adequate facilities are available at competitive prices in the same area.

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 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

 

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

On September 19, 2014, the Company began accepting subscription agreements from investors for the private sale of its Common Units. The Company 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 Members. 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.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The selected financial data previously required by Item 301 of Regulation S-K has been omitted in reliance on SEC Release No. 33-10890, Management’s Discussion and Analysis, Selected Financial Data, and Supplementary Financial Information.

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ITEM 7. 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 iii of this annual report.

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 have also elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under the Code for the taxable year ending December 31, 2015 and subsequent years. We are required to continue to meet the minimum distribution and other requirements for RIC qualification. As such, we are 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 Common 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 billion of committed capital.

We have several wholly-owned subsidiaries, each of which is a Delaware limited liability company designed to hold an equity investment of ours. Most recently in 2020, we established TCW DL SSP LLC, also a Delaware limited liability company, also designed to hold an equity investment ours.

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. As our investment period has ended, we will not originate new loans, but may increase credit facilities to existing borrowers or affiliates. 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 has been towards adjustable-rate, senior secured loans. We do not anticipate a secondary market developing for our private investments. The investment philosophy, strategy and approach of the private credit team of the Adviser (the “Private Credit Team” fka the “Private Credit Team”) has generally not involved the use of payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest, which represents contractual interest accrued and added to the loan balance that generally becomes due at maturity, or similar arrangements. Although the Private Credit Team generally did not originate a significant amount of investments for us with PIK interest features, from time to time we made, and currently have, investments that contain such features, usually due to certain circumstances involving debt restructurings or work-outs of current investments.

We are primarily focused on investing in senior secured debt obligations, although there may be occasions where the investment may be unsecured. We 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 are certain instances where we invested 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.

32


 

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.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Investments which we hold for which market quotes are not readily available or are not considered reliable are valued at fair value and approved 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 by us into three levels based on valuation inputs used to determine fair value.

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:

Equity, (Level 1), includes common stock valued at the closing price on the primary exchange in which the security trades.

Level 3 Assets (Investments): The following valuation techniques and significant inputs are used to determine the fair value of investments in private debt 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 incorporating a weighted average cost of capital is generally used to determine fair value or, in some cases, an enterprise value waterfall method. 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.

33


 

Equity, (Level 3), includes common stock, preferred stock and warrants. Such securities are valued based on specific pricing models, internal assumptions and the weighting of the best available pricing inputs. A market approach is generally used to determine fair value. Pricing inputs include, but are not limited to, financial health and relevant business developments of the issuer; EBITDA; market multiples of comparable companies; comparable market transactions and recent trades or transactions; issuer, industry and market events; and contractual or legal restrictions on the sale of the security. A liquidity discount based on current market expectations, future events, minority ownership position and the period management reasonably expects to hold the investment may be applied.

Net Asset Value (“NAV”) (Investment Funds and Vehicles): Equity investments in affiliated investment fund (TCW Strategic Ventures) are 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 withdraw from the fund is subject to restrictions. The term of the fund will continue until June 5, 2021 unless dissolved earlier or extended for two additional one-year periods by the Company, in its full discretion. The Company can further extend the term of the fund for additional one-year periods, upon notice to and consent from the funds management committee. On February 25, 2021, Company extended the fund’s term one additional year, until June 5, 2022. The Company is entitled to income and principal distributed by the fund. The Company is entitled to income and principal distributed by the fund.

Investment Activity

As of December 31, 2021, our portfolio consisted of debt and equity investments in eight and seven portfolio companies, respectively, including TCW Strategic Ventures. Based on fair values as of December 31, 2021, our portfolio was comprised of 69.0% debt investments which were primarily senior secured, first lien term loans and 31.0% equity investments, which were primarily common and preferred stocks; warrants; and our common and preferred membership interests in TCW Strategic Ventures. Debt investments in three portfolio companies were on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2021, representing 16.3% and 19.2% of our portfolio’s fair value and cost, respectively.

Based on fair values as of December 31, 2020, our portfolio consisted of debt and equity investments in eleven and eight portfolio companies, respectively, including TCW Strategic Ventures. Our portfolio was comprised of 73.8% debt investments which were primarily senior secured, first lien term loans and 26.2% equity investments, which were primarily common and preferred stocks; warrants; and our common and preferred membership interests in TCW Strategic Ventures. Debt investments in three portfolio companies were on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2020, representing 12.7% and 20.1% of our portfolio’s fair value and cost, respectively.

The table below describes our debt and equity investments by industry classification and enumerates the percentage, by fair value, of the total portfolio assets by industry as of December 31, 2021:

 

Industry

 

Percent of
Total
Investments

 

Metals & Mining

 

 

26

%

Investment Funds & Vehicles

 

 

18

%

Industrial Conglomerates

 

 

14

%

Pharmaceuticals

 

 

10

%

Diversified Consumer Services

 

 

10

%

Household Durables

 

 

7

%

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

 

 

7

%

Distributors

 

 

5

%

Technologies Hardware, Storage and Peripherals

 

 

2

%

Diversified Financial Services

 

 

1

%

Total

 

 

100

%

 

 

 

34


 

Unconsolidated Significant Subsidiaries

 

In accordance with Rules 3-09 and 4-08(g) of Regulation S-X (“Rule 3-09” and “Rule 4-08(g),” respectively), the Company must determine which of its unconsolidated controlled portfolio companies are considered “significant subsidiaries,” if any. In evaluating these investments, Rule 1-02(w)(2) of Regulation S-X stipulates two tests to be utilized by a business development corporation to determine if any of our controlled investments are considered significant subsidiaries for financial reporting purposes: the investment test and the income test. Rule 3-09 requires separate audited financial statements of an unconsolidated majority owned subsidiary in an annual report if any of the tests exceed the thresholds noted in Rule 1-02(w)(2) whereas Rule 4-08(g) only requires summarized financial information in an annual/quarterly report if the thresholds are exceeded.

 

Our investment in TCW Strategic Ventures as of December 31, 2021 exceeded the threshold in at least one of the Rule 3-09 tests. Accordingly, we are attaching the audited financial statements of TCW Strategic Ventures to this Form 10-K. Further, our investment in Pace Industries, Inc., exceed the threshold in at least one of the Rule 4-08(g) tests. Included below are the summarized financial information for Pace Industries, Inc., (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Selected Balance Sheet Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

417,977

 

 

$

404,092

 

Total liabilities

 

 

459,818

 

 

 

419,417

 

Equity

 

 

(41,841

)

 

 

(15,325

)

 

 

 

For the Twelve Months Ended December 31,

 

 

For the Seven Months Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Selected Income Statement Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

 

$

579,995

 

 

$

286,440

 

Net loss

 

 

(25,788

)

 

 

(39,332

)

 

Results of Operations

Our operating results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Total investment income

 

$

47,832

 

 

$

102,407

 

 

$

177,158

 

Total expenses

 

 

12,129

 

 

 

21,946

 

 

 

29,350

 

Net investment income

 

 

35,703

 

 

 

80,461

 

 

 

147,808

 

Net realized loss on investments

 

 

(51,828

)

 

 

(3,492

)

 

 

(13,164

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

 

 

120,141

 

 

 

(71,289

)

 

 

(49,792

)

Net realized gain on short-term investments

 

 

13

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

 

Net realized gain distributions from controlled affiliated investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,833

 

Net increase in Members’ Capital from operations

 

$

104,029

 

 

$

5,697

 

 

$

89,685

 

 

35


 

 

Total investment income

Total investment income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $47.8 million, $102.4 million and $177.2 million, respectively, and was comprised of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Interest income

 

$

25,045

 

 

$

47,102

 

 

$

91,138

 

Interest income paid-in-kind

 

 

15,362

 

 

 

32,912

 

 

 

17,075

 

Dividend income

 

 

7,200

 

 

 

22,217

 

 

 

68,305

 

Other fee income

 

 

225

 

 

 

176

 

 

 

640

 

Total investment income

 

$

47,832

 

 

$

102,407

 

 

$

177,158

 

 

The decrease in total investment income during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 compared to the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, was primarily due to lower total interest income and interest income paid-in-kind from our debt investments driven by the decrease in the size of our debt portfolio, as well as lower dividend income from TCW Strategic Ventures.

Net investment income

Our net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $35.7 million, $80.5 million and $147.8 million, respectively.

The decrease in net investment income during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 compared to the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, was primarily due to lower total investment income partially offset by lower total expenses. The decrease in total expenses was primarily attributable to lower interest and credit facility expenses, and lower management fees. The decrease in interest and credit facility expenses is commensurate with our lower average debt outstanding balance during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 compared to the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease in management fees during the current year is commensurate with the overall decrease in the size of our portfolio during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 compared to the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Total expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management fees

 

$

5,293

 

 

$

7,511

 

 

$

8,605

 

Interest and credit facility expenses

 

 

4,777

 

 

 

11,863

 

 

 

18,146

 

Administrative fees

 

 

766

 

 

 

942

 

 

 

1,047

 

Professional fees

 

 

610

 

 

 

931

 

 

 

1,019

 

Directors’ fees

 

 

320

 

 

 

320

 

 

 

336

 

Other expenses

 

 

363

 

 

 

379

 

 

 

197

 

Total expenses

 

$

12,129

 

 

$

21,946

 

 

$

29,350

 

 

Our total expenses were $12.1 million, $21.9 million and $29.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our operating expenses included management fees attributed to the Adviser of $5.3 million, $7.5 million and $8.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

As previously described, the decrease in total expenses during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 compared to the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, was primarily attributable to lower interest

36


 

and credit facility expenses, and lower management fees. The decrease in interest and credit facility expenses is commensurate with our lower average debt outstanding balance during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 compared to the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease in management fees during the current year is commensurate with the overall decrease in the size of our portfolio during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 compared to the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Net realized loss on investments

Our net realized loss on investments for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was ($51.8) million, ($3.5) million and ($13.2) million, respectively.

Our net realized loss on investments during the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily attributable to the following investments (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

Issuer

 

Investment

 

Realized Gain (Loss)

 

 

Carrier & Technology Holdings, LLC

 

Term Loan

 

$

(41,407

)

*

Guardia LLC

 

Term Loan

 

 

(10,057

)

*

Guardia LLC

 

Revolver

 

 

(7,362

)

*

RT Holdings Parent, LLC (fka RTI Holding Company, LLC)

 

Warrants

 

 

(1,380

)

 

Frontier Spinning Mills, Inc.

 

Term Loan

 

 

3,450

 

*

Quantum Corporation

 

Common Stock

 

 

4,414

 

 

All others

 

Various

 

 

514

 

 

Net Realized Loss

 

 

 

$

(51,828

)

 

* Includes reversals of previously recognized unrealized appreciation.

Our net realized loss on investments during the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily due to the dispositions of our term loan to School Specialty Inc.; our common stock in Verus Financial, LLC; and our Class A equity interest in Animal Supply Holdings, LLC. These resulted in an aggregate realized loss of $5.5 million and were partially offset by $2.1 million of realized gains from the disposition of our term loan to Bumble Bee Holdings, Inc.

Our net realized loss on investments during the year-ended December 31, 2019 was primarily due to our term loan to Frontier Spinning Mills, Inc., which realized $16.7 million in losses during the year, partially offset by our warrants for Quantum Corporation, which realized $3.3 million in gains during the year.

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

Our net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $120.1 million, ($71.3) million and ($49.8) million, respectively.

Our net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily attributable to the following investments (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

37


 

Issuer

 

Investment

 

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation

 

 

Carrier & Technology Holdings, LLC

 

Term Loan

 

$

42,546

 

*

RT Holdings Parent, LLC (fka RTI Holding Company, LLC)

 

Class A Units

 

 

15,726

 

 

TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC

 

Preferred membership Interests

 

 

13,125

 

 

OTG Management, LLC

 

Term Loans

 

 

15,193

 

 

Guardia LLC

 

Term Loan

 

 

9,388

 

*

School Specialty, Inc.

 

Preferred Stock

 

 

7,708

 

 

Pace Industries, Inc.

 

Term Loan

 

 

7,285

 

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent, LLC

 

Class A Preferred Units

 

 

6,658

 

 

Guardia LLC

 

Revolver

 

 

4,825

 

*

RT Holdings Parent, LLC

 

Warrants

 

 

3,477

 

 

Noramco, LLC

 

Term Loan

 

 

2,858

 

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent, LLC

 

Class D Preferred Units

 

 

2,262

 

 

Quantum Corporation

 

Common Stock

 

 

(3,275

)

*

Retail & Animal Intermediate, LLC (fka ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC)

 

Subordinated Loan

 

 

(5,095

)

 

H-D Advanced Manufacturing Company

 

Term Loan

 

 

(6,580

)

 

All others

 

Various

 

 

4,040

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

 

 

 

$

120,141

 

 

 

* Includes reversals of previously recognized unrealized appreciation/depreciation.

Our net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily attributable to the following investments (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

Issuer

 

Investment

 

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation

 

H-D Advanced Manufacturing Company

 

Term Loan

 

$

(30,539

)

OTG Management, LLC

 

Term Loan

 

 

(17,824

)

TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC

 

Preferred Membership Interests

 

 

(10,836

)

ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC

 

Term Loans

 

 

(8,102

)

Pace Industries, Inc.

 

Term Loans

 

 

(7,802

)

Guardia LLC (fka Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC)

 

Term Loan

 

 

(5,473

)

Guardia LLC (fka Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC)

 

Revolver

 

 

(4,598

)

School Specialty, Inc.

 

Preferred Stock

 

 

(4,033

)

Quantum Corporation

 

Common Stock

 

 

(3,472

)

Pace Industries, Inc.

 

Common Stock

 

 

(2,111

)

RTI Holding Company, LLC

 

Warrants

 

 

(1,007

)

ENA Holding Corporation

 

Term Loan

 

 

1,281

 

Intren, LLC

 

Term Loan

 

 

1,562

 

School Specialty, Inc.,

 

Term Loan

 

 

1,637

 

KPI Holding LLC

 

Warrant

 

 

1,692

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent LLC

 

Preferred Membership Interests

 

 

7,916

 

Noramco, LLC

 

Term Loan

 

 

12,538

 

All others

 

Various

 

 

(2,118

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

 

 

 

$

(71,289

)

 

38


 

Our net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation during the year ended December 31, 2020 was affected by significant business disruptions and various other consequences experienced by our portfolio companies due to the uncertainty and economic volatility caused by COVID-19; in addition to other business conditions unique to our respective issuers.

Our net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily due to our terms loans to Carrier & Technology Holdings, LLC; and Noramco, LLC, which collectively recorded $20.2 million in unrealized depreciation, partially offset by our Quantum Corporation common stock, which recorded $10.0 million in unrealized appreciation. In addition, we also recognized a $40.5 million net unrealized depreciation on our investment in Strategic Ventures. The net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of our investment in Strategic Ventures during the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily resulted from changes in the portfolio market value of, and undistributed profits from, TCW Strategic Ventures.

Net realized gain on short-term investments

During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 we earned $13 thousand and $17 thousand, respectively, in realized gains from our short-term investments in government treasuries. We did not invest in short-term investments during the year ended December 31, 2019.

Net realized gain distributions from controlled affiliated investments

Our net realized gain distributions from controlled affiliated investments for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $0, $0 and $4.8 million, respectively. The net realized gains during the year ended December 31, 2019 reflect distributions from TCW Strategic Ventures during the respective periods from its net short- and long-term gains.

Net increase in members’ capital from operations

Our net increase in members’ capital from operations during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $104.0 million, $5.7 million and $89.7 million, respectively.

The relative increase during the year ended December 31, 2021 is primarily due to the higher net unrealized appreciation on investments, partially offset by lower net investment income and higher net realized loss on investments.

The relative decrease during the year ended December 31, 2020 is primarily due to the higher net realized and unrealized loss on investments coupled with lower net investment income.

The relative decrease during the year ended December 31, 2019 is primarily due to the higher net realized and unrealized loss on investments, partially offset by higher net investment income.

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 Strategic Ventures. TCW Strategic Ventures focuses primarily on making senior secured floating rate loans to middle-market borrowers. The Agreement was effective June 5, 2015. The Company’s capital commitment is $481.6 million, 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 revolving credit facility to finance a portion of certain eligible investments on June 5, 2015. The revolving credit facility is for up to $600 million. 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

39


 

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 1940 Act). The Company’s ability to withdraw from the fund is subject to restrictions.

On April 30, 2021, TCW Strategic Ventures’ revolving credit facility was terminated.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

On March 19, 2015 we completed the final private placement of Common Units. We generate cash from (1) drawing down capital in respect of Common 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, management fees, incentive fees, and any indemnification obligations), (3) debt service of any borrowings and (4) cash distributions to the Common Unitholders.

As of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, aggregate Commitments, Undrawn Commitments and subscribed for Units of the Company are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Commitments

 

$

2,013,470

 

 

$

2,013,470

 

 

$

2,013,470

 

Undrawn commitments

 

$

409,125

 

 

$

409,125

 

 

$

409,125

 

Percentage of commitments funded

 

 

79.7

%

 

 

79.7

%

 

 

79.7

%

Units

 

 

20,134,698

 

 

 

20,134,698

 

 

 

20,134,698

 

Natixis Credit Agreement

We have a secured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Natixis, New York Branch (“Natixis”) as administrative agent and committed lender. The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit line of up to $750 million (the “Maximum Commitment”) (the “Credit Facility”), subject to the lesser of the “Borrowing Base” assets or the Maximum Commitment (the “Available Commitment”). The Borrowing Base assets generally equal the sum of (a) a percentage of certain eligible investments in a controlled account, (b) a percentage of unfunded commitments from certain eligible investors in the Company and (c) cash in a controlled account. The Credit Agreement is generally secured by the Borrowing Base assets.

On April 10, 2017, we entered into a Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement. Under the April 10, 2017 Credit Agreement borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to either the (a) adjusted eurodollar rate calculated in a customary manner plus 2.35%, (b) commercial paper rate plus 2.35%, or (c) a base rate calculated in a customary manner (using the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, the Prime Rate and the Floating LIBOR Rate plus 1.00%) plus 1.35%. Moreover, the Credit Agreement’s stated maturity date was extended from November 10, 2017 to April 10, 2020. The Credit Facility may be terminated, and any outstanding amounts thereunder may become due and payable, should the Company fail to satisfy certain covenants. As of December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with such covenants.

On April 6, 2020, we entered into a First Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), with Natixis, New York Branch, as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit line of up to $375.0 million (with an option for us to increase this amount to $450.0 million subject to consent of the lenders and satisfaction of certain other conditions), subject to the available borrowing base, which is generally the sum of (a) a percentage of certain eligible investments, (b) a percentage of remaining unfunded commitments from certain eligible investors in the Company and (c) cash in a controlled account. The Amended Credit Agreement is generally secured by the unfunded commitments (together with the recallable amounts) of our investors, portfolio investments and substantially all other assets of the Company. The stated maturity date of the Amended Credit Agreement was April

40


 

9, 2021, which date (subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions) could have been extended by the Company for up to an additional 364 days. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement bore interest at a rate equal to either (a) adjusted eurodollar rate calculated in a customary manner plus 2.50%, (b) commercial paper rate plus 2.50%, or (c) a base rate calculated in a customary manner (which will never be less than the adjusted eurodollar rate plus 1.00%) plus 1.50%, provided however in each case the commercial paper rate and the eurocurrency rate shall have a floor of 1.00%.

On May 27, 2020, we entered into a Lender Group Joinder Agreement pursuant to which Zions Bancorporation, N.A. d/b/a California Bank & Trust was added as a committed lender (with a commitment of $25.0 million) under the Amended Credit Agreement. Concurrently therewith, we elected to increase the size of our revolving credit line under the Credit Agreement to $400.0 million. On December 29, 2020, we elected to permanently decrease the size of our revolving credit line under the Credit Agreement to $177.0 million.

On April 6, 2021, we entered into a Third Amendment to the Amended Credit Agreement (the “Third Amended Credit Agreement”). The Third Amended Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit line of up to $177,000, subject to the available borrowing base, which is generally a percentage of remaining unfunded commitments from certain eligible investors in the Company. The Third Amended Credit Agreement is generally secured by the unfunded commitments (together with the recallable amounts) of the Company’s investors. The stated maturity date of the Third Amended Credit Agreement is April 8, 2022, which (subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions) may be extended by us for up to an additional 364 days. Borrowings under the Third Amended Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to either (a) adjusted eurodollar rate calculated in a customary manner plus 1.95%, (b) commercial paper rate plus 1.95%, or (c) a base rate calculated in a customary manner (which will never be less than the adjusted eurodollar rate plus 1.00%) plus 0.95%, provided however in each case the CP Rate and the Eurocurrency Rate shall have a floor of 0.00%.

A summary of our contractual payment obligations as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

Revolving Credit Agreement

 

Total Facility
Commitment

 

 

Borrowings
Outstanding

 

 

Available
Amount(1)

 

Total Debt Obligations – December 31, 2021

 

$

177,000

 

 

$

115,250

 

 

$

61,750

 

Total Debt Obligations – December 31, 2020

 

$

177,000

 

 

$

115,250

 

 

$

61,750

 

 

1.
The amount available considers any limitations related to the debt facility borrowing.

The carrying amount of the Credit Facility, which is categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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 conditions of the Credit Facility. We incurred financing costs of $10.1 million in connection with the April 10, 2017 Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement. We also incurred additional financing costs totaling $1.8 million in connection with the Amended Credit Agreement on April 6, 2020 and May 27, 2020 as well as an additional $0.9 million in connection with the April 6, 2021 Third Amended Credit Agreement. We recorded these costs as deferred financing costs on its Consolidated Statements of Asset and Liabilities and the costs are being amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, $0.5 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of such prepaid deferred financing costs had yet to be amortized.

41


 

The summary information regarding the Credit Facility for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Credit facility interest expense

 

$

2,842

 

 

$

9,162

 

 

$

15,036

 

Undrawn commitment fees

 

 

250

 

 

 

1,162

 

 

 

438

 

Administrative fees

 

 

65

 

 

 

65

 

 

 

65

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

 

1,620

 

 

 

1,474

 

 

 

2,607

 

Total

 

$

4,777

 

 

$

11,863

 

 

$

18,146

 

Weighted average interest rate

 

 

2.43

%

 

 

3.57

%

 

 

4.61

%

Average outstanding balance

 

$

115,250

 

 

$

252,629

 

 

$

321,518

 

 

On December 31, 2019, our ratio of aggregate fair value of all eligible portfolio assets (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to the principal amount outstanding (“Ratio of Eligible Portfolio Assets”) fell below 150%, which triggered a mandatory prepayment provision in the Credit Agreement requiring us to utilize all cash receipts attributable to the eligible portfolio assets as a prepayment to the outstanding principal obligation, within five days of collecting such cash receipts, until such a time when the Ratio of Eligible Portfolio Assets exceeds 150%. Our Ratio of Eligible Portfolio Assets exceeded 150% on January 10, 2020 through March 26, 2020. On March 27, 2020, our Ratio of Eligible Portfolio Assets fell below 150%. However, in connection with the First Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement executed on April 6, 2020, the mandatory repayment was waived by Natixis. Our Ratio of Eligible Portfolio Assets has exceeded 150% since April 6, 2020.

We had the following unfunded commitments and unrealized losses by investment as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2021

 

 

December 31, 2020

 

Unfunded Commitments

 

Maturity/
Expiration

 

Amount

 

 

Unrealized
Depreciation

 

 

Amount

 

 

Unrealized
Depreciation

 

Guardia LLC (fka Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC)

 

July 2023

 

$

190

 

 

$

138

 

 

$

1,769

 

 

$

713

 

Ruby Tuesday Operations LLC (fka Ruby Tuesday, Inc.)

 

February 2025

 

 

6,824

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruby Tuesday Operations LLC (fka Ruby Tuesday, Inc.)

 

March 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,941

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

$

7,014

 

 

$

138

 

 

$

6,710

 

 

$

713

 

 

The Company’s total capital commitment to its underlying investment in Strategic Ventures is $481,600. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s unfunded commitment to Strategic Ventures was $219,646.

In accordance with our Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, we may make follow-on investments up to an aggregate maximum of 10% of Capital Commitments (as defined in our Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement), provided that any such follow-on investment to be made after September 19, 2020, the third anniversary of the expiration of our commitment period, shall require the prior consent of a majority in interest of our Common Unitholders.

In October 2020, our Members approved a proposal to allow us to make pre-identified follow-on investments in specific portfolio companies as well as their holding companies, subsidiaries, successors or other affiliates, up to an aggregate maximum of 10% of Capital Commitments.

42


 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. At December 31, 2021, 97.7% 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 nine months. At December 31, 2021, the percentage of our floating rate debt investments that bore interest based on an interest rate floor was 97.7%. Floating rate investments subject to a floor generally reset by reference to the current market index after one to nine months only if the index exceeds the floor. 1

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 December 31, 2021 consolidated balance sheet, the following table shows the annual impact on net investment 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 (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

Interest Income

 

 

Interest Expense

 

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

 

Up 300 basis points

 

$

8,996

 

 

$

3,506

 

 

$

5,490

 

Up 200 basis points

 

 

4,295

 

 

 

2,337

 

 

 

1,958

 

Up 100 basis points

 

 

427

 

 

 

1,169

 

 

 

(742

)

Down 100 basis points

 

 

 

 

 

(118

)

 

 

118

 

 

43


 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

See the audited financial statements set forth herein commencing on page F-1 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure 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, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, our President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective, at a reasonable assurance level, in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act and are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and disposition of assets; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with the authorization of our management and directors; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projection of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based upon the Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, we maintained in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting. Pursuant to rules established by the SEC, this annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

44


 

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this Item has been omitted and will be incorporated herein by reference, when filed, to our Proxy Statement, which is expected to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item has been omitted and will be incorporated herein by reference, when filed, to our Proxy Statement, which is expected to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this Item has been omitted and will be incorporated herein by reference, when filed, to our Proxy Statement, which is expected to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item has been omitted and will be incorporated herein by reference, when filed, to our Proxy Statement, which is expected to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item has been omitted and will be incorporated herein by reference, when filed, to our Proxy Statement, which is expected to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

45


 

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

a) List separately all financial statements filed

The financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed on page F-1 and commence on page F-3.

(b) The following exhibits are filed as part of this report or incorporated herein by reference to exhibits previously filed with the SEC.

 

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

Investment Advisory and Management Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2014).

 

 

10.2

Administration Agreement dated September 15, 2014, by and between TCW Direct Lending LLC and TCW Asset Management Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2014).

 

 

10.6

Final form of the TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated June 5, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 10, 2015).

 

 

10.8

Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated April 10, 2017, by and among TCW Direct Lending LLC, as borrower, Natixis, New York Branch, as administrative agent, sole lead arranger and sole book manager, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 14, 2017).

 

 

10.10

First Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated April 6, 2020, by and among TCW Direct Lending LLC, as borrower, Natixis, New York Branch, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 13, 2020).

 

 

10.11

Lender Group Joinder Agreement, dated May 27, 2020 by and among Zions Bancorporation, N.A. d/b/a California Bank & Trust, Natixis, New York Branch (as Administrative Agent) and TCW Direct Lending LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2020).

 

 

10.12

Third Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated April 6, 2021, by and among TCW Direct Lending LLC, as borrower, Natixis, New York Branch, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2021).

 

 

21.1*

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 

 

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 for the fiscal year ended

December 31, 2021

 

46


 

 

* Filed herewith

ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary

None.

47


 

 

 

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: March 29, 2022

 

By:

/s/ Richard T. Miller

 

 

 

Richard T. Miller

 

 

 

Chairman of the Board, President and Director

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Date: March 29, 2022

 

By:

/s/ Richard T. Miller

 

 

 

Richard T. Miller

 

 

 

Chairman of the Board, President and Director

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

Date: March 29, 2022

 

By:

/s/ Laird R. Landmann

 

 

 

Laird. R Landmann

 

 

 

Director

 

 

 

 

Date: March 29, 2022

 

By:

/s/ David R. Adler

 

 

 

David R. Adler

 

 

 

Director

 

 

 

 

Date: March 29, 2022

 

By:

/s/ William Cobb

 

 

 

William Cobb

 

 

 

Director

 

 

 

 

Date: March 29, 2022

 

By:

/s/ Donald M. Mykrantz

 

 

 

Donald M. Mykrantz

 

 

 

Director

 

 

 

 

Date: March 29, 2022

 

By:

/s/ James G. Krause

 

 

 

James G. Krause

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

48


 

 

TCW Direct Lending LLC

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-2

 

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2021 and 2020

F-4

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020

F-15

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019

F-16

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members’ Capital for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019

F-17

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019

F-18

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-19

 

 

F-1


 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Unitholders and the Board of Directors of TCW Direct Lending LLC

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities of TCW Direct Lending LLC (the “Company”), including the consolidated schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in members’ capital, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, and the related notes. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations, changes in members’ capital and cash flows for each of the three years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of investments owned as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, by correspondence with the custodian, loan agents, and borrowers; when replies were not received, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Critical Audit Matter

 

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

 

Investments, at fair value - Level 3 Investment Valuations and Fair Value Measurements – Refer to Note 3

 

Critical Audit Matter Description

 

F-2


 

 

The Company held certain investments with fair values based on significant unobservable inputs that reflect management’s determination of assumptions that market participants might reasonably use in valuing the investments. These investments are classified as Level 3 investments under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These investments included debt and equity securities, each of which lack observable market prices. Such investments are valued based on specific pricing models, internal assumptions and the weighting of the best available pricing inputs. A market approach is generally used to determine fair value of equity instruments and a discounted cash flow approach or enterprise value waterfall is generally used for debt instruments. Valuation may also include a shadow rating method. The fair value of the Company’s Level 3 investments was $397,379,938 as of December 31, 2021.

 

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

 

We identified the valuation of Level 3 investments as a critical audit matter because of the judgments necessary for management to select appropriate valuation techniques and to use significant unobservable inputs to estimate the fair value of the investment. Such securities are valued based on specific pricing models, internal assumptions and the weighting of the best available pricing inputs as determined by management. This required a high degree of auditor judgement and increased effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists who possess significant quantitative and modeling expertise, to audit and evaluate the appropriateness of these models and internal assumptions and the weighting of the best available pricing inputs in determining the fair value of these investments.

 

Our audit procedures related to the valuation techniques and unobservable inputs used by management to estimate the fair value of Level 3 investments included the following, among others:

 

We obtained an understanding of the methods, valuation models, and assumptions for the unobservable inputs used to derive the pricing information as part of the procedures to test the fair value estimates.
We inspected all investment transactions within 60 days prior and subsequent to year end, if any, and compared the transaction price to the valuation at year end to assess the reasonableness of the valuation at year end.
We utilized fair value specialists to assist in validating the appropriateness of the valuation techniques and valuation assumptions and to test the valuation by developing an independent expectation. We also assessed the reasonableness of the business assumptions used in the valuation. We developed independent estimates of the fair values and compared our estimates to management’s estimates.
We evaluated the reasonableness of any significant changes in valuation techniques or significant unobservable inputs for those investments from the prior year-end.

 

img10141344_0.jpg 

Los Angeles, California

March 29, 2022

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.

 

 

F-3


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

As of December 31, 2021

 

 

Industry

 

Issuer

 

Acquisition
Date

Investment

 

% of Net
Assets

 

 

Par
Amount

 

 

Maturity
Date

 

Amortized
Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

DEBT(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC(3)

 

08/14/20

 Term Loan - 9.50% inc PIK
(LIBOR + 8.50%, 1.00% Floor, all PIK)

 

 

5.7

%

 

$

22,248,202

 

 

08/14/25

 

$

22,248,202

 

 

$

22,248,202

 

 

 

Retail & Animal Intermediate, LLC(2)(3)

 

08/14/20

 Subordinated Loan - 7.00% inc PIK
(7.00% Fixed Coupon, all PIK)

 

 

1.1

%

 

 

26,883,346

 

 

11/14/25

 

 

23,151,200

 

 

 

4,247,569

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.8

%

 

 

49,131,548

 

 

 

 

 

45,399,402

 

 

 

26,495,771

 

Diversified Consumer Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Specialty, Inc.(4)

 

09/15/20

Term Loan - 9.25%
(LIBOR + 8.00%, 1.25% Floor)

 

 

9.1

%

 

 

35,532,774

 

 

09/15/25

 

 

35,358,570

 

 

 

35,532,774

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1

%

 

 

35,532,774

 

 

 

 

 

35,358,570

 

 

 

35,532,774

 

Diversified Financial Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guardia LLC (2) (3)

 

07/02/18

Revolver - 8.75% inc PIK
(LIBOR + 7.25%, 1.50% Floor, all PIK)

 

 

0.7

%

 

 

10,321,164

 

 

07/02/23

 

 

2,441,944

 

 

 

2,807,357

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.7

%

 

 

10,321,164

 

 

 

 

 

2,441,944

 

 

 

2,807,357

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruby Tuesday Operations LLC(4)

 

02/24/21

Term Loan - 13.25% inc PIK
(LIBOR + 12.00%, 1.25% Floor, 6.00% PIK)

 

 

2.2

%

 

 

8,635,037

 

 

02/24/25

 

 

8,635,037

 

 

 

8,635,037

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2

%

 

 

8,635,037

 

 

 

 

 

8,635,037

 

 

 

8,635,037

 

Household Durables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Cedar Electronics Holdings, Corp.(4)

 

05/19/15

Term Loan - 9.50%
(LIBOR + 8.00%, 1.50% Floor)

 

 

3.9

%

 

 

15,126,452

 

 

12/18/23

 

 

15,125,064

 

 

 

15,126,452

 

 

 


Cedar Electronics Holdings, Corp. (4)

 

01/30/19

Incremental Term Loan - 15.00% inc PIK
(15.00% Fixed Coupon, all PIK)

 

 

1.0

%

 

 

3,710,871

 

 

12/18/23

 

 

3,710,871

 

 

 

3,710,871

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.9

%

 

 

18,837,323

 

 

 

 

 

18,835,935

 

 

 

18,837,323

 

Industrial Conglomerates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


H-D Advanced Manufacturing Company

 

06/30/15

Term Loan - 10.00% inc PIK
(LIBOR + 8.50%, 1.50% Floor, all PIK)

 

 

18.3

%

 

 

113,536,293

 

 

01/01/23

 

 

113,435,148

 

 

 

71,300,792

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.3

%

 

 

113,536,293

 

 

 

 

 

113,435,148

 

 

 

71,300,792

 

Metals & Mining

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pace Industries, Inc.(2) 4)

 

06/01/20

HoldCo Term Loan - 3.50% inc PIK
(LIBOR + 2.00%, 1.50% Floor, all PIK)

 

 

18.9

%

 

 

85,601,791

 

 

06/01/40

 

 

78,137,870

 

 

 

73,617,540

 

 

 

Pace Industries, Inc.(4)

 

06/01/20

Term Loan - 9.75% inc PIK
(LIBOR + 8.25%, 1.50% Floor, 2.25% PIK)

 

 

13.9

%

 

 

53,963,182

 

 

06/01/25

 

 

53,933,292

 

 

 

53,963,182

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32.8

%

 

 

139,564,973

 

 

 

 

 

132,071,162

 

 

 

127,580,722

 

Pharmaceuticals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noramco, LLC

 

07/01/16

Term Loan - 9.38% inc PIK
(LIBOR + 8.38%, 1.00% Floor, 0.38% PIK)

 

 

13.0

%

 

 

50,401,023

 

 

12/31/23

 

 

50,280,078

 

 

 

50,552,226

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.0

%

 

 

50,401,023

 

 

 

 

 

50,280,078

 

 

 

50,552,226

 

 

 

Total Debt Investments

 

 

 

 

 

87.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

406,457,276

 

 

 

341,742,002

 

 

 


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)

As of December 31, 2021

 

 

Industry

 

Issuer

 

Investment

 

% of Net
Assets

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Animal Supply Holdings LLC(2)(3)(5)(8)

 

 Class A Common

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

224,156

 

 

$

1,572,727

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

224,156

 

 

 

1,572,727

 

 

 

 

Diversified Consumer Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Specialty, Inc.(2)(4)(6)(8)

 

Class A Preferred Stock

 

 

3.1

%

 

 

806,264

 

 

 

8,062,637

 

 

 

12,093,956

 

 

 

School Specialty, Inc.(2)(4)(6)(8)

 

Class B Preferred Stock

 

 

0.2

%

 

 

359,474

 

 

 

356,635

 

 

 

690,190

 

 

 

School Specialty, Inc.(2)(4)(6)(8)

 

Common Stock

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

80,700

 

 

 

53,889

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.3

%

 

 

1,246,438

 

 

 

8,473,161

 

 

 

12,784,146

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RT Holdings Parent, LLC(2)(4)(8)

 

Class A Units

 

 

5.4

%

 

 

5,475,885

 

 

 

5,133,708

 

 

 

20,859,289

 

 

 

RT Holdings Parent, LLC(2)(4)(8)

 

Warrant, expires 12/21/27

 

 

0.9

%

 

 

912,647

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,476,546

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.3

%

 

 

6,388,532

 

 

 

5,133,708

 

 

 

24,335,835

 

Household Durables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent, LLC(2)(4)(8)

 

Class A Preferred Units

 

 

4.2

%

 

 

9,297,990

 

 

 

9,187,902

 

 

 

16,255,955

 

 

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent, LLC(2)(4)(8)

 

Class E Common Units

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

300,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent, LLC(2)(4)(8)

 

Class D Preferred Units

 

 

0.6

%

 

 

2,900,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,262,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.8

%

 

 

12,497,990

 

 

 

9,187,902

 

 

 

18,517,955

 

Investment Funds & Vehicles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures(2)(4)(7)

 

Common membership Interests

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures(4)(7)

 

Preferred membership Interests

 

 

22.6

%

 

 

101,520

 

 

 

101,520,000

 

 

 

88,334,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22.6

%

 

 

102,320

 

 

 

101,520,000

 

 

 

88,334,811

 

Metals & Mining

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pace Industries, Inc.(2)(4)(8)

 

Common Stock

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

917,418

 

 

 

2,110,522

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

917,418

 

 

 

2,110,522

 

 

 

 

Technologies Hardware, Storage and Peripherals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quantum Corporation(2)

 

Common Stock

 

 

2.5

%

 

 

1,766,327

 

 

 

6,481,787

 

 

 

9,750,125

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.5

%

 

 

1,766,327

 

 

 

6,481,787

 

 

 

9,750,125

 

 

 

Total Equity Investments

 

 

 

 

39.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

134,479,807

 

 

 

153,722,872

 

 

 

Total Debt & Equity Investments(9)

 

 

127.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

540,937,083

 

 

 

495,464,874

 

 

 

Short-term Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury Bill, Yield 0.09%

 

 

 

 

141.3

%

 

 

550,000,000

 

 

 

549,929,721

 

 

 

549,929,721

 

 

 

Total Short-term Investments

 

 

 

 

141.3

%

 

 

550,000,000

 

 

 

549,929,721

 

 

 

549,929,721

 

 

 

Total Investments (268.5%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,090,866,804

 

 

$

1,045,394,595

 

 

 

Net unrealized depreciation on unfunded commitments (0.0%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(138,337

)

 

 

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (-168.5%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(655,951,784

)

 

 

Net Assets (100.0%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

389,304,474

 

 

 

F-5


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)

As of December 31, 2021

 

(1)
Certain debt investments are subject to contractual restrictions on resale, such as approval of the agent or borrower.
(2)
Non-income producing.
(3)
As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, the investment is deemed to be an “affiliated person” of the Company because the Company owns, either directly or indirectly, between 5% and 25% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or has the power to exercise control over management or policies of such portfolio company. Fair value as of December 31, 2021 and 2021 along with transactions during the year ended December 31, 2021 in these affiliated investments are as follows:

 

Name of Investment

 

Fair Value at
December 31,
2020

 

 

Gross Addition
(a)

 

 

Gross Reduction
(b)

 

 

Realized Gains
(Losses)

 

 

Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation

 

 

Fair Value at
December 31,
2021

 

 

Interest/Dividend/
Other income

 

Animal Supply Holdings LLC Class A Common

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

ASC Acquisition Holdings LLC Term Loan - 9.50%

 

 

20,398,360

 

 

 

2,046,507

 

 

 

(196,665

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,248,202

 

 

 

2,265,018

 

Carrier & Technology, LLC Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrier & Technology Holdings, LLC Term Loan—11.75%

 

 

 

 

 

231,174

 

 

 

(1,369,948

)

 

 

(41,407,285

)

 

 

42,546,059

 

 

 

 

 

 

231,174

 

Guardia LLC (fka Carrier & Technology, LLC) Revolver - 8.75%

 

 

5,782,424

 

 

 

133,991

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7,361,653

)

 

 

4,252,595

 

 

 

2,807,357

 

 

 

68,403

 

Guardia LLC (fka Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC) Term loan—8.75%

 

 

 

 

 

669,510

 

 

 

 

 

 

(10,057,378

)

 

 

9,387,868

 

 

 

 

 

 

421,861

 

Retail and Animal Intermediate Subordinated Loan - 7.00%

 

 

9,617,957

 

 

 

 

 

 

(275,366

)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,095,022

)

 

 

4,247,569

 

 

 

(267,358

)

Total Non-Controlled Affiliated Investments

 

$

35,798,741

 

 

$

3,081,182

 

 

$

(1,841,979

)

 

$

(58,826,316

)

 

$

51,091,500

 

 

$

29,303,128

 

 

$

2,719,098

 

 

(a)
Gross additions include new purchases, PIK income and amortization of original issue and market discounts.
(b)
Gross reductions include decreases in the cost basis from sales, paydown and the amortization of premium.

F-6


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)

As of December 31, 2021

 

(4)
As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, the investment is deemed to be a “controlled 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. Fair value as of December 31, 2020 and 2021 along with transactions during the year ended December 31, 2021 in these controlled investments are as follows:

 

Name of Investment

 

Fair Value at
December 31,
2020

 

 

Gross Addition
(a)

 

 

Gross Reduction
(b)

 

 

Realized Gains
(Losses)

 

 

Net Change
in Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation

 

 

Fair Value at
December 31,
2021

 

 

Interest/Dividend/
Other income

 

Cedar Electronics Holdings, Corp Incremental Term Loan - 15.00%

 

$

3,177,284

 

 

$

533,587

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

3,710,871

 

 

$

550,844

 

Cedar Electronics Holdings, Corp Term Loan - 9.50%

 

 

20,795,847

 

 

 

1,560

 

 

 

(5,669,395

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,560

)

 

 

15,126,452

 

 

 

2,008,188

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent, LLC Class A Preferred Unit

 

 

9,598,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,657,919

 

 

 

16,255,955

 

 

 

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent, LLC Class D Preferred Unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,262,000

 

 

 

2,262,000

 

 

 

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent, LLC Class E Preferred Unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pace Industries, Inc. Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pace Industries, Inc. Term Loan - 3.50%

 

 

66,352,141

 

 

 

 

 

 

(19,165

)

 

 

 

 

 

7,284,564

 

 

 

73,617,540

 

 

 

39,519

 

Pace Industries, Inc. Term Loan - 9.75%

 

 

52,749,501

 

 

 

1,222,430

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8,749

)

 

 

53,963,182

 

 

 

5,515,898

 

RT Holdings Parent, LLC Class A Unit

 

 

 

 

 

5,133,708

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,725,581

 

 

 

20,859,289

 

 

 

 

RT Holdings Parent, LLC Warrant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,476,546

 

 

 

3,476,546

 

 

 

 

Ruby Tuesday Operations, LLC Term Loan - 13.25%

 

 

 

 

 

15,211,786

 

 

 

(6,576,749

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,635,037

 

 

 

1,519,814

 

School Specialty, Inc. Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Specialty, Inc. Preferred Stock A

 

 

4,386,075

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,707,881

 

 

 

12,093,956

 

 

 

 

School Specialty, Inc. Preferred Stock B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

690,190

 

 

 

690,190

 

 

 

 

School Specialty, Inc. Term Loan - 9.25%

 

 

34,562,488

 

 

 

1,054,673

 

 

 

(37,116

)

 

 

 

 

 

(47,271

)

 

 

35,532,774

 

 

 

3,459,729

 

TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC Common Membership Interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC Preferred Membership Interests

 

 

138,889,888

 

 

 

 

 

 

(63,680,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

13,124,923

 

 

 

88,334,811

 

 

 

7,200,000

 

Total Controlled Affiliated Investments

 

$

330,511,260

 

 

$

23,157,744

 

 

$

(75,982,425

)

 

$

 

 

$

56,872,023

 

 

$

334,558,602

 

 

$

20,293,992

 

 

(a)
Gross additions include new purchases, PIK income and amortization of original issue and market discounts.
(b)
Gross reductions include decreases in the cost basis from sales, paydown and the amortization of premium.
(5)
Holding of Animal Supply Holdings, LLC Class A units are held through TCW DL ASH LLC, a special purpose vehicle.
(6)
Holdings of School Specialty, Inc. Class A & B preferred stock and common stock are held through TCW DL SSP LLC, a special purpose vehicle.
(7)
The investment is not a qualifying asset as defined in Section 55(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. A business development company may not acquire an 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. As of December 31, 2021, $88,334,811 or 8.4% of the Company’s total assets were represented by “non-qualifying assets.”
(8)
All or a portion of such security was acquired in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, and may be deemed “restricted securities” under the Securities Act. As of December 31, 2021, the aggregate fair value of these securities was $55,637,936, or 5.3% of the Company’s total assets.
(9)
The fair value of the Quantum Corporation Common Stock held by the Company is based on the quoted market price of the issuer’s stock as of December 31, 2021. Such common stock is considered to be a Level 1 security within the Fair Value Hierarchy. Otherwise, the fair value of each debt and equity investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs and such investments are considered to be Level 3 within the Fair Value Hierarchy. See Note 3 “Investment Valuations and Fair Value Measurements.”

 

F-7


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)

As of December 31, 2021

 

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

PRIME - Prime Rate

 

Aggregate acquisitions and aggregate dispositions of investments, other than government securities, totaled $23,027,564 and $241,550,432, respectively, for the period ended December 31, 2021. Aggregate acquisitions includes investment assets received as payment in kind. Aggregate dispositions includes principal paydowns on and maturities of debt investments.

 

Geographic Breakdown of Portfolio

 

 

United States

 

100

%

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-8


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

As of December 31, 2020

 

Industry

 

Issuer

 

Acquisition
Date

 

Investment

 

% of Net
Assets

 

 

Par
Amount

 

 

Maturity
Date

 

Amortized
Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

Debt (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC(2)(3)

 

08/14/20

 

Term Loan—7.00%
inc. PIK (7.00% Fixed Coupon, all PIK)

 

 

1.7

%

 

$

25,046,760

 

 

08/03/25

 

$

23,426,565

 

 

$

9,617,957

 

 

 

ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC(3)

 

08/14/20

 

Term Loan—9.50%
inc. PIK (LIBOR + 8.50%, 1.00% Floor, 9.5% PIK)

 

 

3.6

%

 

 

20,398,360

 

 

08/03/25

 

 

20,398,360

 

 

 

20,398,360

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.3

%

 

 

45,445,120

 

 

 

 

 

43,824,925

 

 

 

30,016,317

 

Diversified Consumer
Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Specialty, Inc.(4)

 

09/15/20

 

Term Loan—9.25%
inc. PIK (LIBOR + 8.00%, 1.25% Floor, 4.00% PIK)

 

 

6.1

%

 

 

34,562,488

 

 

09/15/25

 

 

34,341,012

 

 

 

34,562,488

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.1

%

 

 

34,562,488

 

 

 

 

 

34,341,012

 

 

 

34,562,488

 

Diversified Financial Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrier & Technology Holdings, LLC(2)(3)

 

07/02/18

 

Term Loan—11.75% inc.
PIK (11.75%, Fixed Coupon, all PIK)

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

46,908,147

 

 

07/02/23

 

 

42,546,059

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guardia LLC (fka Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC)(2)(3)

 

07/02/18

 

Revolver—8.75% inc.
PIK (LIBOR + 7.25%, 1.50% Floor, all PIK)

 

 

1.0

%

 

 

9,669,605

 

 

07/02/23

 

 

9,669,605

 

 

 

5,782,424

 

 

 

Guardia LLC (fka Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC)(2)(3)

 

07/02/18

 

Term Loan—8.75%
inc. PIK (LIBOR + 7.25%, 1.50% Floor, all PIK)

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

11,087,550

 

 

07/02/23

 

 

9,387,868

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.0

%

 

 

20,757,155

 

 

 

 

 

19,057,473

 

 

 

5,782,424

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.0

%

 

 

67,665,302

 

 

 

 

 

61,603,532

 

 

 

5,782,424

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTG Management, LLC

 

10/07/20

 

Incremental Delayed Draw Term Loan—10.00% inc. PIK
(LIBOR + 9.00%, 1.00% Floor, 2.00% PIK)

 

 

1.3

%

 

 

9,102,189

 

 

08/26/21

 

 

9,102,189

 

 

 

7,299,956

 

 

 

OTG Management, LLC

 

06/30/16

 

Term Loan—10.00% inc.
PIK (LIBOR + 9.00%, 1.00% Floor, 2.00% PIK)

 

 

10.9

%

 

 

77,605,399

 

 

08/26/21

 

 

77,432,408

 

 

 

62,239,530

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.2

%

 

 

86,707,588

 

 

 

 

 

86,534,597

 

 

 

69,539,486

 

 

 

Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

 

10/09/20

 

DIP Term Loan -11.00% (LIBOR + 10.00%, 1.00% Floor)

 

 

0.3

%

 

 

1,836,034

 

 

03/08/21

 

 

1,836,034

 

 

 

1,836,034

 

 

 

Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

 

12/21/17

 

Term Loan—11.00% inc.
PIK (LIBOR + 10.00%, 1.00% Floor, 2.00% PIK)

 

 

1.7

%

 

 

9,647,259

 

 

12/21/22

 

 

9,466,906

 

 

 

9,647,259

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.0

%

 

 

11,483,293

 

 

 

 

 

11,302,940

 

 

 

11,483,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.2

%

 

 

98,190,881

 

 

 

 

 

97,837,537

 

 

 

81,022,779

 

Household Durables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cedar Electronics Holdings, Corp.(4)

 

01/30/19

 

Incremental Term Loan—15.00%
inc. PIK (15.00%, Fixed Coupon, all PIK)

 

 

0.5

%

 

 

3,177,284

 

 

12/18/23

 

 

3,177,284

 

 

 

3,177,284

 

 

 

Cedar Electronics Holdings, Corp.(4)

 

05/19/15

 

Term Loan 9.50%
(LIBOR + 8.00%, 1.50% Floor)

 

 

3.7

%

 

 

20,795,847

 

 

12/18/23

 

 

20,792,899

 

 

 

20,795,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.2

%

 

 

23,973,131

 

 

 

 

 

23,970,183

 

 

 

23,973,131

 

 

 

Industry

 

Issuer

 

Acquisition
Date

 

Investment

 

% of Net
Assets

 

 

Par
Amount

 

 

Maturity
Date

 

Amortized
Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

Industrial Conglomerates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H-D Advanced Manufacturing Company

 

06/30/15

 

First Lien Last Out Term Loan—8.50% inc. PIK
(LIBOR + 7.00%, 1.50% Floor, All PIK)

 

 

12.8

%

 

$

108,376,477

 

 

01/01/23

 

$

108,166,430

 

 

$

72,612,240

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.8

%

 

 

108,376,477

 

 

 

 

 

108,166,430

 

 

 

72,612,240

 

Information Technology Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENA Holding Corporation

 

05/06/16

 

First Lien Term Loan -10.00% inc. PIK
(LIBOR + 9.25%, 0.75% Floor, 4.75% PIK)

 

 

7.3

%

 

 

41,682,875

 

 

05/06/21

 

 

41,613,205

 

 

 

41,307,729

 

 

 


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)

As of December 31, 2020

 

 

ENA Holding Corporation

 

05/06/16

 

Revolver—10.00% inc. PIK
(LIBOR + 9.25%, 0.75% Floor, 4.75% PIK)

 

 

1.4

%

 

 

8,150,861

 

 

05/06/21

 

 

8,150,861

 

 

 

8,077,503

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.7

%

 

 

49,833,736

 

 

 

 

 

49,764,066

 

 

 

49,385,232

 

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lulu’s Fashion Lounge, LLC

 

08/28/17

 

First Lien Term Loan—10.50% inc. PIK
(LIBOR + 9.50%, 1.00% Floor, 2.50% PIK)

 

 

2.1

%

 

 

12,194,025

 

 

08/28/22

 

 

12,074,279

 

 

 

12,047,697

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1

%

 

 

12,194,025

 

 

 

 

 

12,074,279

 

 

 

12,047,697

 

Metals & Mining

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pace Industries, Inc.(2)(4)

 

06/01/20

 

HoldCo Term Loan—3.50% inc. PIK
(LIBOR + 2.00%, 1.50% Floor, all PIK)

 

 

11.6

%

 

 

82,630,313

 

 

06/01/40

 

 

78,157,034

 

 

 

66,352,141

 

 

 

Pace Industries, Inc.(4)

 

06/01/20

 

Opco Term Loan—9.75% inc. PIK
(LIBOR + 8.25%, 1.50% Floor, 2.25% PIK)

 

 

9.3

%

 

 

52,749,501

 

 

06/01/25

 

 

52,710,862

 

 

 

52,749,501

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20.9

%

 

 

135,379,814

 

 

 

 

 

130,867,896

 

 

 

119,101,642

 

Pharmaceuticals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noramco, LLC

 

07/01/16

 

Senior Term Loan—9.38% inc. PIK
(LIBOR + 8.38%, 1.00% Floor, 0.38% PIK)

 

 

8.4

%

 

 

50,315,714

 

 

12/31/23

 

 

50,133,886

 

 

 

47,548,349

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.4

%

 

 

50,315,714

 

 

 

 

 

50,133,886

 

 

 

47,548,349

 

 

 

Total Debt Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

83.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

612,583,746

 

 

 

476,052,299

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Animal Supply Holdings, LLC(2)(3)(5)(8)

 

 

 

Class A Common

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

224,156

 

 

 

 

 

1,572,726

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

224,156

 

 

 

 

 

1,572,726

 

 

 

 

Diversified Consumer Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Specialty, Inc.(2)(4)(8)

 

 

 

Class A Preferred Stock

 

 

0.8

%

 

 

806,264

 

 

 

 

 

8,062,637

 

 

 

4,386,075

 

 

 

School Specialty, Inc.(2)(4)(8)

 

 

 

Class B Preferred Stock

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

359,474

 

 

 

 

 

356,635

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Specialty, Inc.(2)(4)(8)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

80,700

 

 

 

 

 

53,889

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.8

%

 

 

1,246,438

 

 

 

 

 

8,473,161

 

 

 

4,386,075

 

Diversified Financial Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrier & Technology Holdings, LLC(2)(3)(6)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

2,143

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

2,143

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-10


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)

As of December 31, 2020

 

Industry

 

Issuer

 

Investment

 

% of Net
Assets

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amortized
Cost

 

 

Fair Value

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RTI Holding Company, LLC
(an affiliate of Ruby Tuesday, Inc.)(2)(8)

 

Warrant, expires 12/21/27

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

1,470,632

 

 

$

1,379,747

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

1,470,632

 

 

 

1,379,747

 

 

 

 

Household Durables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent LLC(2)(4)(8)

 

Class A Preferred Units

 

 

1.7

%

 

 

9,297,990

 

 

 

9,187,900

 

 

 

9,598,036

 

 

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent LLC(2)(4)(8)

 

Class D Preferred Units

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

2,900,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent LLC(2)(4)(8)

 

Class E Common Units

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

300,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.7

%

 

 

12,497,990

 

 

 

9,187,900

 

 

 

9,598,036

 

Investment Funds & Vehicles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC(2)(4)(7)

 

Common membership interests

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC(4)(7)

 

Preferred membership interests

 

 

24.4

%

 

 

165,200

 

 

 

165,200,000

 

 

 

138,889,888

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24.4

%

 

 

166,000

 

 

 

165,200,000

 

 

 

138,889,888

 

Metals & Mining

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pace Industries, Inc.(2)(4)(8)

 

Common Stock

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

917,418

 

 

 

2,110,522

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

917,418

 

 

 

2,110,522

 

 

 

 

Technologies Hardware, Storage and Peripherals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quantum Corporation(2)(3)

 

Common Stock

 

 

2.9

%

 

 

2,670,416

 

 

 

9,799,470

 

 

 

16,342,946

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.9

%

 

 

2,670,416

 

 

 

9,799,470

 

 

 

16,342,946

 

 

 

Total Equity Investments

 

 

 

 

29.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

197,723,526

 

 

 

169,216,945

 

 

 

Total Debt & Equity Investments(9)

 

 

 

 

113.5

%

 

 

 

 

$

810,307,272

 

 

$

645,269,244

 

 

 

Cash Equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blackrock Liquidity Funds, Yield 0.01%

 

 

 

 

4.8

%

 

 

27,031,770

 

 

 

27,031,770

 

 

 

27,031,770

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury Bill, Yield 0.08%

 

 

 

 

105.5

%

 

 

600,000,000

 

 

 

599,747,833

 

 

 

599,747,832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

110.3

%

 

 

627,031,770

 

 

 

626,779,603

 

 

 

626,779,602

 

 

 

Total Cash Equivalents

 

 

 

 

110.3

%

 

 

 

 

$

626,779,603

 

 

$

626,779,602

 

 

 

Total Investments 223.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,437,086,875

 

 

$

1,272,048,846

 

 

 

Net unrealized depreciation on unfunded commitments (0.1%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(713,058

)

 

 

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (123.7%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

(703,060,436

)

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

568,275,352

 

 

Aggregate acquisitions and aggregate dispositions of investments, other than government securities, totaled $153,637,845 and $416,887,805, respectively, for the period ended December 31, 2020. Aggregate acquisitions includes investment assets received as payment in kind. Aggregate dispositions includes principal paydowns on and maturities of debt investments.

 

F-11


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)

As of December 31, 2020

(1)
Certain debt investments are subject to contractual restrictions on resale, such as approval of the agent or borrower.
(2)
Non-income producing.
(3)
As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, the investment is deemed to be an “affiliated person” of the Company because the Company owns, either directly or indirectly, between 5% and 25% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or has the power to exercise control over management or policies of such portfolio company. Fair value as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 along with transactions during the year ended December 31, 2020 in these affiliated investments are as follows:

 

Name of Investment

 

Fair Value at
December 31,
2019

 

 

Gross
Additions(a)

 

 

Gross
Reductions(b)

 

 

Realized
Gains
(Losses)

 

 

Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation

 

 

Fair Value at
December 31,
2020

 

 

Interest/
Dividend/
Other income

 

Animal Supply Holdings, LLC Class A Common

 

$

 

 

$

1,572,727

 

 

$

 

 

$

(708,537

)

 

$

(864,190

)

 

$

 

 

$

15,767

 

ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC Term Loan—7.00%

 

 

 

 

 

23,426,565

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(13,808,608

)

 

 

9,617,957

 

 

 

873,444

 

ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC Term Loan—9.50%

 

 

 

 

 

20,398,360

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,398,360

 

 

 

1,503,104

 

ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC Term Loan—11.80%

 

 

16,973,303

 

 

 

12,091,695

 

 

 

(34,771,688

)

 

 

 

 

 

5,706,690

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,053,968

 

Carrier & Technology Holdings, LLC Term Loan—11.75%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(417,901

)

Carrier & Technology Holdings, LLC Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guardia LLC (fka Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC) Revolver—8.75%

 

 

8,494,311

 

 

 

(469,870

)

 

 

1,645,164

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,887,181

)

 

 

5,782,424

 

 

 

1,649,576

 

Guardia LLC (fka Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC) Term loan—8.75%

 

 

7,740,609

 

 

 

552,378

 

 

 

(2,819,690

)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,473,297

)

 

 

 

 

 

999,895

 

Quantum Corporation Common Stock

 

 

19,814,479

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,471,533

)

 

 

16,342,946

 

 

 

 

Total Non-Controlled Affiliated Investments

 

$

53,022,702

 

 

$

57,571,855

 

 

$

(35,946,214

)

 

$

(708,537

)

 

$

(21,798,119

)

 

$

52,141,687

 

 

$

7,677,853

 

 

(a)
Gross additions include new purchases, PIK income and amortization of original issue and market discounts.
(b)
Gross reductions include decreases in the cost basis from sales, paydown and the amortization of premium.
(c)

F-12


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)

As of December 31, 2020

 

(4)
As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, the investment is deemed to be a “controlled 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. Fair value as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 along with transactions during the year ended December 31, 2020 in these controlled investments are as follows:

Name of Investment

 

Fair Value at
December 31,
2019

 

 

Gross
Additions(a)

 

 

Gross
Reductions(b)

 

 

Realized
Gains
(Losses)

 

 

Net
Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation

 

 

Fair Value at
December 31,
2020

 

 

Interest/
Dividend/
Other income

 

Cedar Electronics Holdings, Corp. Incremental Term Loan—15.00%

 

$

2,738,388

 

 

$

438,897

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

(1

)

 

$

3,177,284

 

 

$

885,745

 

Cedar Electronics Holdings, Corp. Term Loan—9.50%

 

 

19,817,479

 

 

 

1,019,695

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(41,327

)

 

 

20,795,847

 

 

 

2,898,179

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent LLC Class A Preferred Units

 

 

1,640,937

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,957,099

 

 

 

9,598,036

 

 

 

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent LLC Class D Preferred Units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cedar Ultimate Parent LLC Class E Common Units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pace Industries, Inc. Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

2,110,522

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,110,522

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pace Industries, Inc. First Lien Term Loan—12.70%

 

 

87,910,865

 

 

 

18,431,418

 

 

 

(110,306,182

)

 

 

 

 

 

3,963,899

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,786,785

 

Pace Industries, Inc. HoldCo Term Loan—3.50%

 

 

 

 

 

110,746,735

 

 

 

(32,589,701

)

 

 

 

 

 

(11,804,893

)

 

 

66,352,141

 

 

 

19,164

 

Pace Industries, Inc. Opco Term Loan—9.75%

 

 

 

 

 

52,710,862

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

38,639

 

 

 

52,749,501

 

 

 

3,344,140

 

School Specialty, Inc. Class A Preferred Stock

 

 

 

 

 

8,062,637

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,676,562

)

 

 

4,386,075

 

 

 

 

School Specialty, Inc. Class B Preferred Stock

 

 

 

 

 

356,635

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(356,635

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Specialty, Inc. Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

59,124

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,235

)

 

 

(53,889

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Specialty, Inc. Delayed Draw Term Loan—16.75%

 

 

3,768,338

 

 

 

4,400,424

 

 

 

(8,396,541

)

 

 

 

 

 

227,779

 

 

 

 

 

 

718,873

 

School Specialty, Inc. Term Loan—9.25%

 

 

 

 

 

34,341,012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

221,476

 

 

 

34,562,488

 

 

 

961,647

 

School Specialty, Inc. Term Loan A—16.75%

 

 

28,294,179

 

 

 

11,202,554

 

 

 

(38,039,495

)

 

 

(2,866,190

)

 

 

1,408,952

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,843,440

 

School Specialty, Inc. Warrant

 

 

124,508

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(124,655

)

 

 

147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC Common Membership Interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC Preferred Membership Interests

 

 

195,726,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

(46,000,000

)

 

 

(3

)

 

 

(10,836,304

)

 

 

138,889,888

 

 

 

22,000,000

 

Total Controlled Affiliated Investments

 

$

340,020,889

 

 

$

243,880,515

 

 

$

(235,331,919

)

 

$

(2,996,083

)

 

$

(15,062,142

)

 

$

330,511,260

 

 

$

45,457,973

 

 

(a)
Gross additions include new purchases, PIK income and amortization of original issue and market discounts.
(b)
Gross reductions include decreases in the cost basis from sales, paydown and the amortization of premium.
(5)
Holding of Animal Supply Holdings, LLC Class A units are held through TCW DL ASH LLC, a special purpose vehicle.
(6)
Holdings of Carrier & Technology Holdings, LLC common stock are held through TCW DL CTH LLC, a special purpose vehicle.
(7)
The investment is not a qualifying asset as defined in Section 55(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. A business development company may not acquire an 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. As of December 31, 2020, $138,889,888 or 10.8% of the Company’s total assets were represented by “non-qualifying assets.”
(8)
All or a portion of such security was acquired in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be deemed “restricted securities” under the Securities Act. As of December 31, 2020, the aggregate fair value of these securities was $13,984,111, or 1.1% of the Company’s total assets.
(9)
The fair value of the Quantum Corporation Common Stock held by the Company is based on the quoted market price of the issuer’s stock as of December 31, 2020. Such common stock is considered to be a Level 1 security within the Fair Value Hierarchy. Otherwise, the fair value of each debt and equity investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs and such investments are considered to be Level 3 within the Fair Value Hierarchy. See Note 3 “Investment Valuations and Fair Value Measurements.”

F-13


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)

As of December 31, 2020

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

 

Country Breakdown Portfolio

 

 

United States

 

100.0

%

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-14


 

TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments, at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments (amortized cost of $170,197 and $319,356, respectively)

 

$

131,603

 

 

$

262,616

 

Non-controlled affiliated investments (amortized cost of $49,414 and $116,801, respectively)

 

 

29,303

 

 

 

52,142

 

Controlled affiliated investments (amortized cost of $321,326 and $374,150, respectively)

 

 

334,559

 

 

 

330,511

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

8,532

 

 

 

34,802

 

Short-term investments

 

 

549,930

 

 

 

599,748

 

Interest receivable

 

 

1,608

 

 

 

5,360

 

Deferred financing costs

 

 

498

 

 

 

1,235

 

Prepaid and other assets

 

 

73

 

 

 

82

 

Total Assets

 

$

1,056,106

 

 

$

1,286,496

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payable for short-term investments purchased

 

$

549,930

 

 

$

599,748

 

Credit facility payable

 

 

115,250

 

 

 

115,250

 

Management fees payable

 

 

1,055

 

 

 

1,698

 

Interest and credit facility expense payable

 

 

267

 

 

 

457

 

Unrealized depreciation on unfunded commitments

 

 

138

 

 

 

713

 

Other accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

 

162

 

 

 

355

 

Total Liabilities

 

$

666,802

 

 

$

718,221

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members’ Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Unitholders’ commitment: (20,134,698 units issued and outstanding)

 

$

2,013,470

 

 

$

2,013,470

 

Common Unitholders’ undrawn commitment: (20,134,698 units issued and outstanding)

 

 

(409,125

)

 

 

(409,125

)

Common Unitholders’ return of capital

 

 

(1,099,503

)

 

 

(854,503

)

Common Unitholders’ offering costs

 

 

(853

)

 

 

(853

)

Accumulated Common Unitholders’ tax reclassification

 

 

(13,901

)

 

 

(13,733

)

Common Unitholders’ capital

 

 

490,088

 

 

 

735,256

 

Accumulated loss

 

 

(100,784

)

 

 

(166,981

)

Total Members’ Capital

 

$

389,304

 

 

$

568,275

 

Total Liabilities and Members’ Capital

 

$

1,056,106

 

 

$

1,286,496

 

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

 

$

39.65

 

 

$

48.54

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-15


 

TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Investment Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

$

14,802

 

 

$

31,641

 

 

$

89,223

 

Interest income paid-in-kind

 

 

9,919

 

 

 

17,323

 

 

 

9,448

 

Dividend income

 

 

 

 

 

217

 

 

 

178

 

Other fee income

 

 

98

 

 

 

90

 

 

 

640

 

Non-controlled affiliated investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

579

 

 

 

3,946

 

 

 

83

 

Interest income paid-in-kind

 

 

2,117

 

 

 

3,716

 

 

 

6,671

 

Other fee income

 

 

23

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

 

Controlled affiliated investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

9,664

 

 

 

11,515

 

 

 

1,832

 

Interest income paid-in-kind

 

 

3,326

 

 

 

11,873

 

 

 

956

 

Dividend income

 

 

7,200

 

 

 

22,000

 

 

 

68,127

 

Other fee income

 

 

104

 

 

 

70

 

 

 

 

Total investment income

 

 

47,832

 

 

 

102,407

 

 

 

177,158

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management fees

 

 

5,293

 

 

 

7,511

 

 

 

8,605

 

Interest and credit facility expenses

 

 

4,777

 

 

 

11,863

 

 

 

18,146

 

Administrative fees

 

 

766

 

 

 

942

 

 

 

1,047

 

Professional fees

 

 

610

 

 

 

931

 

 

 

1,019

 

Directors’ fees

 

 

320

 

 

 

320

 

 

 

336

 

Other expenses

 

 

363

 

 

 

379

 

 

 

197

 

Total expenses

 

 

12,129

 

 

 

21,946

 

 

 

29,350

 

Net investment income

 

$

35,703

 

 

$

80,461

 

 

$

147,808

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized (loss) gain:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

 

$

6,998

 

 

$

213

 

 

$

(17,109

)

Non-controlled affiliated investments

 

 

(58,826

)

 

 

(709

)

 

 

3,945

 

Controlled affiliated investments

 

 

 

 

 

(2,996

)

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

 

 

12,177

 

 

 

(34,429

)

 

 

1,127

 

Non-controlled affiliated investments

 

 

51,092

 

 

 

(21,798

)

 

 

(13,413

)

Controlled affiliated investments

 

 

56,872

 

 

 

(15,062

)

 

 

(37,506

)

Net realized gain on short-term investments

 

 

13

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

 

Net realized gain distributions from controlled affiliated investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,833

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

 

$

68,326

 

 

$

(74,764

)

 

$

(58,123

)

Net increase (decrease) in Members’ Capital from operations

 

$

104,029

 

 

$

5,697

 

 

$

89,685

 

Basic and diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income per unit

 

$

5.17

 

 

$

0.28

 

 

$

4.45

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-16


 

TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members’ Capital

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

 

 

 

Common
Unitholders’
Capital

 

 

Accumulated
Earnings (Loss)

 

 

Total

 

Members’ Capital at December 31, 2018

 

$

979,882

 

 

$

(66,339

)

 

$

913,543

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

 

 

147,808

 

 

 

147,808

 

Net realized loss on investments

 

 

 

 

 

(8,331

)

 

 

(8,331

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

 

 

 

 

 

(49,792

)

 

 

(49,792

)

Distributions to Members from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributable earnings

 

 

 

 

 

(124,880

)

 

 

(124,880

)

Return of capital

 

 

(4,120

)

 

 

 

 

 

(4,120

)

Total Decrease in Members’ Capital for the year ended December 31, 2019

 

 

(4,120

)

 

 

(35,195

)

 

 

(39,315

)

Tax reclassification of Members' Capital

 

 

(4,115

)

 

 

4,115

 

 

 

-

 

Members’ Capital at December 31, 2019

 

$

971,647

 

 

$

(97,419

)

 

$

874,228

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

 

 

80,461

 

 

 

80,461

 

Net realized loss on investments

 

 

 

 

 

(3,475

)

 

 

(3,475

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

 

 

 

 

 

(71,289

)

 

 

(71,289

)

Distributions to Members from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributable earnings

 

 

 

 

 

(75,397

)

 

 

(75,397

)

Return of capital

 

 

(236,253

)

 

 

 

 

 

(236,253

)

Total Decrease in Members’ Capital for the year ended December 31, 2020

 

 

(236,253

)

 

 

(69,700

)

 

 

(305,953

)

Tax reclassification of Members' Capital

 

 

(138

)

 

 

138

 

 

 

-

 

Members’ Capital at December 31, 2020

 

$

735,256

 

 

$

(166,981

)

 

$

568,275

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

 

 

35,703

 

 

 

35,703

 

Net realized loss on investments

 

 

 

 

 

(51,815

)

 

 

(51,815

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

 

 

 

 

 

120,141

 

 

 

120,141

 

Distributions to Members from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributable earnings

 

 

 

 

 

(38,000

)

 

 

(38,000

)

Return of capital

 

 

(245,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

(245,000

)

Total (Decrease) Increase in Members’ Capital for the year ended December 31, 2021

 

 

(245,000

)

 

 

66,029

 

 

 

(178,971

)

Tax reclassification of Members' Capital

 

 

(168

)

 

 

168

 

 

 

 

Members’ Capital at December 31, 2021

 

$

490,088

 

 

$

(100,784

)

 

$

389,304

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-17


 

TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

$

104,029

 

 

$

5,697

 

 

$

89,685

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of investments

 

 

(7,665

)

 

 

(120,726

)

 

 

(54,791

)

Purchases of short-term investments

 

 

(549,930

)

 

 

(599,748

)

 

 

 

Interest income paid in-kind

 

 

(15,362

)

 

 

(32,912

)

 

 

(17,074

)

Proceeds from sales and paydowns of investments

 

 

241,550

 

 

 

416,888

 

 

 

162,496

 

Proceeds from sales of short-term investments

 

 

599,748

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized loss on investments

 

 

51,828

 

 

 

3,492

 

 

 

13,164

 

Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

 

 

(120,141

)

 

 

71,289

 

 

 

49,792

 

Amortization of premium and accretion of discount, net

 

 

(981

)

 

 

(4,009

)

 

 

(6,125

)

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

 

1,620

 

 

 

1,474

 

 

 

2,607

 

Increase (decrease) in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in interest receivable

 

 

3,752

 

 

 

2,067

 

 

 

(1,208

)

(Increase) decrease in receivable from Adviser

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

263

 

(Increase) decrease in prepaid and other assets

 

 

9

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

4

 

Increase (decrease) in payable for short-term investments purchased

 

 

(49,818

)

 

 

599,748

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in interest and credit facility expense payable

 

 

(190

)

 

 

346

 

 

 

(40

)

Increase (decrease) in management fees payable

 

 

(643

)

 

 

(396

)

 

 

(410

)

Increase (decrease) in other accrued expenses and liabilities

 

 

(193

)

 

 

(417

)

 

 

191

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

257,613

 

 

$

342,792

 

 

$

238,554

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

$

(245,000

)

 

$

(236,253

)

 

$

(4,120

)

Distributions to Members

 

 

(38,000

)

 

 

(75,397

)

 

 

(124,880

)

Deferred financing costs paid

 

 

(883

)

 

 

(1,999

)

 

 

(57

)

Proceeds from credit facility

 

 

 

 

 

353,000

 

 

 

215,000

 

Repayments of credit facility

 

 

 

 

 

(601,815

)

 

 

(215,935

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

$

(283,883

)

 

$

(562,464

)

 

$

(129,992

)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(26,270

)

 

$

(219,672

)

 

$

108,562

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

$

34,802

 

 

$

254,474

 

 

$

145,912

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

8,532

 

 

$

34,802

 

 

$

254,474

 

Supplemental and non-cash financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense paid

 

$

2,985

 

 

$

8,857

 

 

$

15,403

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-18


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization: TCW Direct Lending LLC (“Company”) was formed as a Delaware corporation on March 20, 2014 and converted to a Delaware limited liability company on April 1, 2014. The Company conducted a private offering of its 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”). In addition, the Company may issue preferred units, though it currently has no intention to do so. The Company has engaged TCW Asset Management Company LLC (“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”). The Company has also elected 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 taxable year ending December 31, 2015 and subsequent years. The Company is required to meet the minimum distribution and other requirements for RIC qualification and as a BDC and a RIC, the Company is required to comply with certain regulatory requirements.

The Company has wholly-owned subsidiaries, each of which is a Delaware limited liability company designed to hold an equity investment of the Company. Most recently in 2020, the Company established TCW DL SSP LLC, also a Delaware limited liability company, also designed to hold an equity investment of the Company.

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Term: The initial term of the Company continued until the sixth anniversary of the Initial Closing Date (as defined below), September 14, 2020. The Company may extend the term for two additional one-year periods upon written notice to the holders of the Common Units and holders of preferred units, if any, (collectively the “Unitholders” or “Members”) at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the term or the end of the first one-year period. Thereafter, the term may be extended for successive one-year periods, with the vote or consent of a supermajority in interest of the holders of the Common Units. On April 30, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the second one year extension of the Company’s term from September 14, 2021 to September 14, 2022.

Commitment Period: The Commitment Period commenced on September 19, 2014 (the “Initial Closing Date”) and ended on September 19, 2017, the third anniversary of the Initial Closing Date. In accordance with the Company’s Limited Liability Company Agreement, the Company may complete investment transactions that were significantly in process as of the end of the Commitment Period and which the Company reasonably expects to be consummated prior to 90 days subsequent to the expiration date of the Commitment Period. The Company may also effect follow-on investments up to an aggregate maximum of 10% of Capital Commitments (as defined below), provided that any such follow-on investment to be made after the third anniversary of the expiration of the Commitment Period shall require the prior consent of a majority in interest of the Common Unitholders.

In October 2020, the Company’s Members approved a proposal to allow the Company to make pre-identified follow-on investments in specific portfolio companies as well as their holding companies, subsidiaries, successors or other affiliates, up to an aggregate maximum of 10% of Capital Commitments.

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. Subscription agreements with commitments (“Commitments”) from investors (each a “Common Unitholder”) 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”.

 

F-19


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation (Continued)

The commitment amount funded does not include amounts contributed in anticipation of a potential investment that the Company did not consummate and therefore returned to the Members’ as unused capital. As of December 31, 2021, aggregate Commitments, Undrawn Commitments, the percentage of Commitments funded and the number of subscribed for Units of the Company were as follows:

 

 

 

Commitments

 

 

Undrawn
Commitments

 

 

% of
Commitments
Funded

 

 

Units

 

Common Unitholder

 

$

2,013,470

 

 

$

409,125

 

 

 

79.7

%

 

 

20,134,698

 

 

Recallable Amount: A Common Unitholder may be required to re-contribute amounts distributed equal to 75% of the principal amount or the cost portion of any Portfolio Investment that is fully repaid to or otherwise fully recouped by the Company within one year of the Company’s investment. The Recallable Amount is excluded from the calculation of the accrual based net asset value.

The Recallable Amount as of December 31, 2021 was $100,875.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements of the Company were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). 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 946”). The Company has consolidated the results of its wholly owned subsidiary in its consolidated financial statements in accordance with ASC 946.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, (ii) the reported amounts of income and expenses during the years presented and (iii) disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences could be material.

Investments: The Company measures the value of its investments in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure (“ASC 820”). 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 820, the Company considers its principal market to be the market that has the greatest volume and level of activity.

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, using the effective-interest method assuming there are no questions as to collectability, and reflected in the amortized cost basis of the investment. Ongoing facility, commitment or other additional fees including prepayment fees, consent fees and forbearance fees are recognized as interest income in the period in which it was earned. Income received in exchange for the provision of services such as administration and managerial services are recognized as other fee income in the period in which it was earned.

The Company has entered into certain intercreditor agreements that entitle the Company to the “last out” tranche of first lien secured loans, whereby the “first out” tranche will receive priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest, and any other amounts due thereunder. In certain cases, the Company may receive a higher interest rate than the contractual stated interest rate as disclosed on the Company’s Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

F-20


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Certain investments have an unfunded loan commitment for a delayed draw term loan or revolving credit. The Company earns an unused commitment fee on the unfunded commitment during the commitment period. The expiration date of the commitment period may be earlier than the maturity date of the investment stated above. See Note 5—Commitments and Contingencies.

Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected in full. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current. The Company may make exceptions to this policy if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection.

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 amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the revolving credit facility.

Organization and Offering Costs: Costs incurred to organize the Company totaling $665 were expensed as incurred. Offering costs totaling $853 were accumulated and charged directly to Members’ Capital on March 19, 2015, the end of the period during which Common Units were offered (the “Closing Period”). The Company did not bear more than an amount equal to 10 basis points of the aggregate capital commitments of the Company for organization and offering expenses.

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. As of December 31, 2021, cash and cash equivalents is comprised of demand deposits and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents are carried at amortized costs which approximates fair value and are classified as Level 1 in the GAAP valuation hierarchy.

Short-term investments: The Company considers all investments with original maturities beyond three months at the date of purchase and one year or less from the balance sheet date to be short-term investments. As of December 31, 2021, short-term investments is comprised of U.S. Treasury bills, all of which are carried at fair value and are classified as Level 1 in the GAAP valuation hierarchy.

Income Taxes: 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 Members as dividends. Rather, any tax liability related to income earned and distributed by the Company represents obligations of the Company’s Members and will not be reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In January 2021, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) ("ASU 2021-01"). ASU 2021-01 is an update of ASU 2020-04 (as defined below), which is in response to concerns about structural risks of interbank offered rates, and particularly the risk of cessation of LIBOR; regulators have undertaken reference rate reform initiatives to identify alternative reference rates that are more observable or transaction based and less susceptible to manipulation. ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. ASU 2020-04 is elective and applies to all entities, subject to meeting certain criteria, that have contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The ASU 2021-01 update clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. The amendments in this update are effective immediately through December 31, 2022, for all entities. Management is currently evaluating the implications, if any, of the additional requirements and its impact on the Portfolio’s financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) — Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU 2020-04"). The amendments in ASU 2020-04 provides optional temporary financial reporting relief from the effect of certain types of contract modifications due to the planned discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other interbank offered reference rates as of the end of 2021. The ASU is effective for certain reference rate-related contract modifications that occur during the period March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

F-21


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

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, generally based on the midpoint of the valuation range 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 are not considered reliable are valued at fair value and approved by the Board based on similar instruments, internal assumptions and the weighting of the best available pricing inputs.

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

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:

Equity, (Level 1), includes common stock valued at the closing price on the primary exchange in which the security trades.

Level 3 Assets (Investments): The following valuation techniques and significant inputs are used to determine the 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 incorporating a weighted average cost of capital is generally used to determine fair value or, in some cases, an enterprise value waterfall method. 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.

Equity, (Level 3), includes common stock, preferred stock and warrants. Such securities are valued based on specific pricing models, internal assumptions and the weighting of the best available pricing inputs. A market approach is generally used to determine fair value. Pricing inputs include, but are not limited to, financial health and relevant business developments of the issuer; EBITDA; market multiples of comparable companies; comparable market transactions and recent trades or transactions; issuer, industry and market events; and contractual or legal restrictions on the sale of the security. When a Black-Scholes pricing model is used it follows the income approach. The pricing model takes into account the contract terms as well as multiple inputs, including: time value, implied volatility, equity prices and interest rates. A liquidity discount based on current market expectations, future events, minority ownership position and the period management reasonably expects to hold the investment may be applied.

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

 

F-22


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

3. Investment Valuations and Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

Net Asset Value (“NAV”) (Investment Funds and Vehicles): Equity investments in affiliated investment fund (Strategic Ventures) are valued based on the NAV 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 withdraw from the fund is subject to restrictions. The term of the fund will continue until June 5, 2021 unless dissolved earlier or extended for two additional one-year periods by the Company, in its full discretion. The Company can further extend the term of the fund for additional one-year periods. upon notice to and consent from the fund’s management committee. On February 25, 2021, Company extended the fund’s term one additional year, until June 5, 2022. The Company is entitled to income and principal distributed by the fund.

The following is a summary by major security type of the fair valuations according to inputs used in valuing investments listed in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2021:

 

Investments

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

NAV

 

 

Total

 

Debt

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

341,742

 

 

$

 

 

$

341,742

 

Equity

 

 

9,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

55,638

 

 

 

 

 

 

65,388

 

Investment Funds & Vehicles (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

88,335

 

 

 

88,335

 

Short- term investments

 

 

549,930

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

549,930

 

Total

 

$

559,680

 

 

$

 

 

$

397,380

 

 

$

88,335

 

 

$

1,045,395

 

 

(1)
Includes equity investments in Strategic Ventures. In accordance with ASC Topic 820-10, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

The following is a summary by major security type of the fair valuations according to inputs used in valuing investments listed in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2020:

 

Investments

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

NAV

 

 

Total

 

Debt

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

476,052

 

 

$

 

 

$

476,052

 

Equity

 

 

16,343

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,984

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,327

 

Investment Funds & Vehicles (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

138,890

 

 

 

138,890

 

Short- term investments

 

 

599,748

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

599,748

 

Cash equivalents

 

 

27,032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27,032

 

Total

 

$

643,123

 

 

$

 

 

$

490,036

 

 

$

138,890

 

 

$

1,272,049

 

 

(1)
Includes equity investments in Strategic Ventures. In accordance with ASC Topic 820-10, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for total investments that use Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:

 

 

 

Debt

 

 

Equity

 

 

Total

 

Balance, January 1, 2021

 

$

476,052

 

 

$

13,984

 

 

$

490,036

 

Purchases, including payments received in-kind

 

 

30,403

 

 

 

5,117

 

 

 

35,520

 

Sales and paydowns of investments

 

 

(182,632

)

 

 

 

 

 

(182,632

)

Amortization of premium and accretion of discount, net

 

 

981

 

 

 

 

 

 

981

 

Net realized losses

 

 

(54,878

)

 

 

(1,363

)

 

 

(56,241

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

 

 

71,816

 

 

 

37,900

 

 

 

109,716

 

Balance, December 31, 2021

 

$

341,742

 

 

$

55,638

 

 

$

397,380

 

Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation in investments
   held as of December 31, 2021

 

$

2,662

 

 

$

36,520

 

 

$

39,182

 

 

F-23


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

3. Investment Valuations and Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

 

 

 

Debt

 

 

Equity

 

 

Total

 

Balance, January 1, 2020

 

$

752,242

 

 

$

10,822

 

 

$

763,064

 

Purchases, including payments received in-kind

 

 

363,754

 

 

 

12,162

 

 

 

375,916

 

Sales and paydowns of investments

 

 

(585,744

)

 

 

(7,422

)

 

 

(593,166

)

Amortization of premium and accretion of discount, net

 

 

4,009

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,009

 

Net realized losses

 

 

(742

)

 

 

(2,750

)

 

 

(3,492

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

 

 

(57,467

)

 

 

1,172

 

 

 

(56,295

)

Balance, December 31, 2020

 

$

476,052

 

 

$

13,984

 

 

$

490,036

 

Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation in investments
   held as of December 31, 2020

 

$

(63,674

)

 

$

4,281

 

 

$

(59,393

)

 

The Company did not have any transfers between levels during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

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, 2021.

 

Investment Type

 

Fair Value

 

 

Valuation
Technique

 

Unobservable Input

 

Range

 

Weighted
Average*

 

Impact to
Valuation if
Input Increases

Debt

 

$

50,552

 

 

Income Method

 

Discount Rate

 

8.9% to 10.7%

 

9.8%

 

Decrease

Debt

 

$

181,951

 

 

Market Method

 

EBITDA Multiple

 

5.9x to 8.1x

 

N/A

 

Increase

Debt

 

$

71,301

 

 

Market Method

 

Revenue Multiple

 

1.1x to 1.3x

 

N/A

 

Increase

Debt

 

$

2,807

 

 

Market Method

 

Indicative Bid

 

25.8% to 28.7%

 

N/A

 

Increase

Debt

 

$

35,131

 

 

Market Method

 

EBITDA Multiple

 

3.0x to 9.8x

 

N/A

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue Multiple

 

0.2x to 0.2x

 

N/A

 

Increase

Equity

 

$

31,302

 

 

Market Method

 

EBITDA Multiple

 

5.9x to 8.1x

 

N/A

 

Increase

Equity

 

$

24,336

 

 

Market Method

 

EBITDA Multiple

 

3.0x to 9.8x

 

N/A

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue Multiple

 

0.2x to 0.2x

 

N/A

 

Increase

 

* Weighted based on fair value

 

F-24


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

3. Investment Valuations and Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

 

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, 2020.

 

Investment Type

 

Fair Value

 

 

Valuation
Technique

 

Unobservable Input

 

Range

 

Weighted
Average*

 

Impact to
Valuation if
Input Increases

Debt

 

$

108,981

 

 

Income Method

 

Discount Rate

 

10.6% to 14.0%

 

12.2%

 

Decrease

Debt

 

$

143,075

 

 

Market Method

 

EBITDA Multiple

 

5.8x to 8.0x

 

N/A

 

Increase

Debt

 

$

72,612

 

 

Market Method

 

Revenue Multiple

 

1.2x to 1.4x

 

N/A

 

Increase

Debt

 

$

17,266

 

 

Market Method

 

Indicative Bid

 

0.0% to 100.0%

 

86.6%

 

Increase

Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA Multiple

 

5.3x to 9.5x

 

N/A

 

Increase

 

 

$

99,556

 

 

Market Method

 

Revenue Multiple

 

0.2x to 1.6x

 

N/A

 

Increase

Debt

 

$

34,562

 

 

Income Method

 

Discount Rate

 

22.0% to 24.0%

 

N/A

 

Decrease

Equity

 

$

 

 

Market Method

 

EBITDA Multiple

 

3.5x to 4.5x

 

N/A

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

 

Market Method

 

Revenue Multiple

 

0.2x to 0.4x

 

N/A

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indicative Bid

 

0.0% to 0.0%

 

N/A

 

Increase

Equity

 

$

9,598

 

 

Market Method

 

EBITDA Multiple

 

5.8x to 8.0x

 

N/A

 

Increase

Equity

 

$

 

 

Market Method

 

EBITDA Multiple

 

5.3x to 6.3x

 

N/A

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue Multiple

 

0.2x to 0.2x

 

N/A

 

Increase

Equity

 

$

4,386

 

 

Income Method

 

Discount Rate

 

22.0% to 24.0%

 

N/A

 

Decrease

 

 

 

 

 

Market Method

 

EBITDA Multiple

 

3.5x to 4.5x

 

N/A

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue Multiple

 

0.2x to 0.4x

 

N/A

 

Increase

 

* Weighted based on fair value

Unless noted, the Company generally utilizes the midpoint of a valuation range provided by an external, independent valuation firm.

4. Agreements and Related Party Transactions

Advisory Agreement: 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 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. On August 10, 2020, the Company’s Board reapproved the Advisory Agreement.

Management Fee: 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

F-25


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

4. Agreements and Related Party Transactions (Continued)

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 the Company’s investments.

For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, Management Fees incurred amounted to $5,293, $7,511 and $8,605, respectively, of which $1,055, $1,698 and $2,094 remained payable at December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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

(a) First, no Incentive Fee will be owed until the Common 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 Common 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 Common 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 Common 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.

No Incentive Fees were incurred during years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

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 BDC under the 1940 Act, and a RIC under the Code, to prepare reports to our Members, 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.

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

F-26


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

4. Agreements and Related Party Transactions (Continued)

(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).

TCW 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 (“Strategic Ventures”). Strategic Ventures focuses primarily on making senior secured floating rate loans to middle-market borrowers. The Agreement was effective June 5, 2015. The Company’s investment in Strategic Ventures is restricted from redemption until the termination of Strategic Ventures.

The Company’s capital commitment is $481,600, representing approximately 80% of the preferred and common equity ownership of 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 Strategic Ventures. Strategic Ventures also entered into a revolving credit facility to finance a portion of certain eligible investments on June 5, 2015. On April 30, 2021, Strategic Ventures’ revolving credit facility was terminated.

5. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company had the following unfunded commitments and unrealized depreciation by investment as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2021

 

 

December 31, 2020

 

Unfunded Commitments

 

Maturity/
Expiration

 

Amount

 

 

Unrealized
Depreciation

 

 

Amount

 

 

Unrealized
Depreciation

 

Guardia LLC (fka Carrier & Technology Solutions, LLC)

 

July 2023

 

$

190

 

 

$

138

 

 

$

1,769

 

 

$

713

 

Ruby Tuesday Operations LLC (fka Ruby Tuesday, Inc.)

 

February 2025

 

 

6,824

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruby Tuesday Operations LLC (fka Ruby Tuesday, Inc.)

 

March 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,941

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

$

7,014

 

 

$

138

 

 

$

6,710

 

 

$

713

 

 

The Company’s total capital commitment to its underlying investment in Strategic Ventures is $481,600. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s unfunded commitment to Strategic Ventures is $219,646.

From time to time, the Company may become a party to certain legal proceedings incidental to the normal course of its business. As of December 31, 2021, 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.

F-27


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

6. Members’ Capital

During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not sell or issue any Common Units. The activity for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was as follows:

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Units at beginning of year

 

 

20,134,698

 

 

 

20,134,698

 

 

 

20,134,698

 

Units issued and committed at end of year

 

 

20,134,698

 

 

 

20,134,698

 

 

 

20,134,698

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company processed $0 deemed distributions and re-contributions.

7. Credit Facility

The Company has a secured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Natixis, New York Branch (“Natixis”) as administrative agent and committed lender. The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit line of up to $750,000 (the “Maximum Commitment”) (the “Credit Facility”), subject to the lesser of the “Borrowing Base” assets or the Maximum Commitment (the “Available Commitment”). The Borrowing Base assets generally equal the sum of (a) a percentage of certain eligible investments in a controlled account, (b) a percentage of unfunded commitments from certain eligible investors in the Company and (c) cash in a controlled account. The Credit Agreement is generally secured by the Borrowing Base assets.

On April 10, 2017, the Company and Natixis entered into a Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement. Under the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to either the (a) adjusted eurodollar rate calculated in a customary manner plus 2.35%, (b) commercial paper rate plus 2.35%, or (c) a base rate calculated in a customary manner (using the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, the Prime Rate and the Floating LIBOR Rate plus 1.00%) plus 1.35%.

Moreover, the Credit Agreement’s stated maturity date was extended from November 10, 2017 to April 10, 2020. The Credit Facility may be terminated, and any outstanding amounts thereunder may become due and payable, should the Company fail to satisfy certain covenants. As of December 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with such covenants.

On April 6, 2020, the Company entered into a First Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), by and among the Company, as borrower, and Natixis, New York Branch, as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit line of up to $375,000 (with an option for the Company to increase this amount to $450,000 subject to consent of the lenders and satisfaction of certain other conditions), subject to the available borrowing base, which is generally the sum of (a) a percentage of certain eligible investments, (b) a percentage of remaining unfunded commitments from certain eligible investors in the Company and (c) cash in a controlled account. The Amended Credit Agreement is generally secured by the unfunded commitments (together with the recallable amounts) of the Company’s investors, portfolio investments and substantially all other assets of the Company. The stated maturity date of the Amended Credit Agreement was April 9, 2021, which date (subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions) could have been extended by the Company for up to an additional 364 days. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement bore interest at a rate equal to either (a) adjusted eurodollar rate calculated in a customary manner plus 2.50%, (b) commercial paper rate plus 2.50%, or (c) a base rate calculated in a customary manner (which will never be less than the adjusted eurodollar rate plus 1.00%) plus 1.50%, provided however in each case the commercial paper rate and the eurocurrency rate shall have a floor of 1.00%.

On May 27, 2020, the Company entered into a Lender Group Joinder Agreement pursuant to which Zions Bancorporation, N.A. d/b/a California Bank & Trust was added as a committed lender (with a commitment of $25,000) under the Amended Credit Agreement. Concurrently therewith, the Company elected to increase the size of its revolving credit line under the Amended Credit Agreement to $400,000. On December 29, 2020, the Company elected to permanently decrease the size of its revolving credit line under the Amended Credit Agreement to $177,000.

 

F-28


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

7. Credit Facility (Continued)

On April 6, 2021, the Company entered into a Third Amendment to the Amended Credit Agreement (the “Third Amended Credit Agreement”). The Third Amended Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit line of up to $177,000, subject to the available borrowing base, which is generally a percentage of remaining unfunded commitments from certain eligible investors in the Company. The Third Amended Credit Agreement is generally secured by the unfunded commitments (together with the recallable amounts) of the Company’s investors. The stated maturity date of the Third Amended Credit Agreement is April 8, 2022, which (subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions) may be extended by the Company for up to an additional 364 days. Borrowings under the Third Amended Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to either (a) adjusted eurodollar rate calculated in a customary manner plus 1.95%, (b) commercial paper rate plus 1.95%, or (c) a base rate calculated in a customary manner (which will never be less than the adjusted eurodollar rate plus 1.00%) plus 0.95%, provided however in each case the CP Rate and the Eurocurrency Rate shall have a floor of 0.00%.

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Available Commitment under the Amended Credit Agreement was $61,750.

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility were $115,250. The carrying amount of the Credit Facility, which is categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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 conditions of the Credit Facility. The Company incurred financing costs of $10,123 in connection with the April 10, 2017 Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement. The Company also incurred additional financing costs of $1,848 in connection with the Amended Credit Agreement on April 6, 2020 and May 27, 2020 as well as an additional $883 in connection with the April 6, 2021 Third Amended Credit Agreement. The Company recorded these costs as deferred financing costs on its Consolidated Statements of Asset and Liabilities and the costs are being amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, $498 and $1,235, respectively, of such prepaid deferred financing costs had yet to be amortized.

The summary information regarding the Credit Facility for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was as follows:

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Credit facility interest expense

 

$

2,842

 

 

$

9,162

 

 

$

15,036

 

Undrawn commitment fees

 

 

250

 

 

 

1,162

 

 

 

438

 

Administrative fees

 

 

65

 

 

 

65

 

 

 

65

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

 

1,620

 

 

 

1,474

 

 

 

2,607

 

Total

 

$

4,777

 

 

$

11,863

 

 

$

18,146

 

Weighted average interest rate

 

 

2.43

%

 

 

3.57

%

 

 

4.61

%

Average outstanding balance

 

$

115,250

 

 

$

252,629

 

 

$

321,518

 

 

On December 31, 2019, the Company’s ratio of aggregate fair value of all eligible portfolio assets (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to the principal amount outstanding (“Ratio of Eligible Portfolio Assets”) fell below 150%, which triggered a mandatory prepayment provision in the Credit Agreement requiring the Company to utilize all cash receipts attributable to the eligible portfolio assets as a prepayment to the outstanding principal obligation, within five days of collecting such cash receipts, until such a time when the Ratio of Eligible Portfolio Assets exceeds 150%. The Company’s Ratio of Eligible Portfolio Assets exceeded 150% on January 10, 2020 through March 26, 2020. On March 27, 2020, the Company’s Ratio of Eligible Portfolio Assets fell below 150%. However, in connection with the Amended Credit Agreement executed on April 6, 2020, the mandatory repayment was waived by Natixis. The Company’s Ratio of Eligible Portfolio Assets has exceeded 150% since April 6, 2020.

8. Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act and has elected to be treated as a RIC under the 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. The Company elected to be taxed as a RIC in 2015. 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

F-29


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

8. Income Taxes (Continued)

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.

Federal Income Taxes: It is the policy of the Company to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and distribute all of its net taxable income and any net realized gains on investments to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

As of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s aggregate investment unrealized appreciation and depreciation for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Cost of investments for federal income tax purposes

 

$

1,088,923

 

 

$

1,410,101

 

 

$

1,136,131

 

Unrealized appreciation

 

$

37,008

 

 

$

7,397

 

 

$

78

 

Unrealized depreciation

 

$

(80,537

)

 

$

(145,449

)

 

$

(87,789

)

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

 

$

(43,529

)

 

$

(138,052

)

 

$

(87,711

)

 

The following reclassifications have been made for the permanent difference between book and tax accounting as of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. These differences result primarily from net operating losses, differences in accounting for partnership interests, and amendment fees reclassified as capital gains.

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Common Unitholders tax reclassification

 

$

(168

)

 

$

(137

)

 

$

(4,115

)

Undistributed net investment (loss) income

 

$

2,341

 

 

$

(4,484

)

 

$

(23,085

)

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

 

$

(2,173

)

 

$

4,621

 

 

$

27,200

 

 

The tax character of shareholder distributions attributable to the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was as follows:

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Ordinary income

 

$

38,000

 

 

$

75,397

 

 

$

124,880

 

Return of capital

 

$

245,000

 

 

$

236,253

 

 

$

4,120

 

 

The tax components of distributable earnings on a tax basis for years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Net tax appreciation (depreciation)

 

$

(43,667

)

 

$

(138,765

)

 

$

(87,711

)

Capital loss carryover

 

$

(56,792

)

 

$

(27,846

)

 

$

(9,294

)

 

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had a short-term capital loss carryforward of $2,365 and a long-term capital loss carryforward of $54,427 for federal income tax purposes, which may be carried forward indefinitely. These capital loss carryforwards are available to offset net realized gains in future years, thereby reducing future taxable gains distributions.

The Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2021 or 2020, nor were there any increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits for the period then ended; and therefore no interest or penalties were accrued. The Company is subject to examination by U.S. federal and state tax authorities regarding returns filed for the prior three and four years, respectively.

9. Financial Highlights

Selected data for a unit outstanding throughout the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017 is presented 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.

F-30


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

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

 

$

48.54

 

 

$

63.74

 

 

$

65.69

 

 

$

78.70

 

 

$

93.55

 

Income from Investment Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income(1)

 

 

1.78

 

 

 

4.00

 

 

 

7.34

 

 

 

6.74

 

 

 

5.17

 

Net realized and unrealized (loss) gain

 

 

3.39

 

 

 

(3.72

)

 

 

(2.89

)

 

 

(2.03

)

 

 

0.01

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

5.17

 

 

 

0.28

 

 

 

4.45

 

 

 

4.71

 

 

 

5.18

 

Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(1.89

)

 

 

(3.74

)

 

 

(6.20

)

 

 

(6.79

)

 

 

(5.43

)

From net realized gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.14

)

Return of capital

 

 

(12.17

)

 

 

(11.74

)

 

 

(0.20

)

 

 

(10.93

)

 

 

(14.46

)

Total distributions(2)

 

 

(14.06

)

 

 

(15.48

)

 

 

(6.40

)

 

 

(17.72

)

 

 

(20.03

)

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

 

$

39.65

 

 

$

48.54

 

 

$

63.74

 

 

$

65.69

 

 

$

78.70

 

Common Unitholder Total Return(3)

 

 

20.66

%

 

 

0.78

%

 

 

10.83

%

 

 

9.07

%

 

 

9.52

%

Common Unitholder IRR(4)

 

 

8.30

%

 

 

7.24

%

 

 

8.18

%

 

 

7.58

%

 

 

6.87

%

Ratios and Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members’ Capital, end of year

 

$

389,304

 

 

$

568,275

 

 

$

874,228

 

 

$

913,543

 

 

$

1,275,420

 

Units outstanding, end of year

 

 

20,134,698

 

 

 

20,134,698

 

 

 

20,134,698

 

 

 

20,134,698

 

 

 

20,134,698

 

Ratios based on average net assets of Members’ Capital:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of total expenses to average net assets

 

 

2.38

%

 

 

3.10

%

 

 

3.42

%

 

 

3.57

%

 

 

4.21

%

Expenses recaptured (reimbursed) by Investment Adviser

 

— %

 

 

— %

 

 

— %

 

 

 

(0.02

)%

 

 

(0.11

)%

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

 

 

2.38

%

 

 

3.10

%

 

 

3.42

%

 

 

3.55

%

 

 

4.10

%

Ratio of financing cost to average net assets

 

 

0.94

%

 

 

1.68

%

 

 

2.11

%

 

 

2.35

%

 

 

1.70

%

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

 

 

7.02

%

 

 

11.38

%

 

 

17.23

%

 

 

12.56

%

 

 

8.91

%

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

 

 

7.02

%

 

 

11.38

%

 

 

17.23

%

 

 

12.59

%

 

 

9.02

%

Credit facility payable

 

$

115,250

 

 

$

115,250

 

 

$

364,065

 

 

$

365,000

 

 

$

378,000

 

Asset coverage ratio

 

 

4.38

 

 

 

5.93

 

 

 

3.40

 

 

 

3.50

 

 

 

4.37

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

1.29

%

 

 

14.68

%

 

 

5.12

%

 

 

7.60

%

 

 

30.35

%

 

 

F-31


TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

December 31, 2021

9. Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

(1)
Per unit data was calculated using the number of Common Units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
(2)
Includes distributions which have an offsetting capital re-contribution (“deemed distributions”). Excludes return of unused capital.
(3)
The Total Return for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 was calculated by taking total income from investment operations for the period divided by the weighted average capital contributions from the Members during the period. The return does not reflect sales load and is net of management fees and expenses.
(4)
The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) since inception for the Common Unitholders, after management fees, financing costs and operating expenses is 8.30% through December 31, 2021. The IRR is computed based on cash flow due dates contained in notices to Members (contributions from and distributions to the Common Unitholders) and the net assets (residual value) of the Members’ Capital account at period end. The IRR is calculated based on the fair value of investments using principles and methods in accordance with GAAP and does not necessarily represent the amounts that may be realized from sales or other dispositions. Accordingly, the return may vary significantly upon realization.

10. Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements. There have been no subsequent events that require recognition or disclosure in these consolidated financial statements other than those described below.

On March 23, 2022 the Company extended the term of its Credit Facility from April 8, 2022 to April 7, 2023.

 

 

F-32