UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):

 

March 4, 2019

 

CAPITALA FINANCE CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

  

Maryland   814-01022   90-0945675
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)   (Commission File Number)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

4201 Congress St., Suite 360

Charlotte, NC 28209

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (704) 376-5502

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
   
¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
   
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
   
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

  

On March 4, 2019, Capitala Finance Corp. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2018, the text of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. Additionally, on March 4, 2019, the Company made available on its website, http://investor.CapitalaGroup.com, a supplemental investor presentation with respect to the earnings release.

 

The information disclosed under this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1 hereto, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing made under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

  (a) Not applicable.
     
  (b)  Not applicable.
     
  (c) Not applicable.
     
  (d)  Exhibits.

  

  Exhibit No. Description
     
  99.1 Press release dated March 4, 2019

  

 

 

 

SIGNATURES 

 

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

 

Date:  March 4, 2019 CAPITALA FINANCE CORP.
     
     
  By: /s/ Stephen A. Arnall
    Stephen A. Arnall
    Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

Capitala Finance Corp. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2018 Results

 

CHARLOTTE, NC, March 4, 2019--Capitala Finance Corp. (Nasdaq:CPTA) ("Capitala", the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Fourth Quarter Highlights

 

·Net investment income of $3.5 million, or $0.22 per share
·Net asset value per share of $11.88 at December 31, 2018, compared to $12.71 at September 30, 2018
·Began investing out of Capitala Senior Loan Fund II, LLC (“CSLF II”), a joint venture with Trinity Universal Insurance Company. CSLF II is designed to enhance the Company’s return on equity and reducing our cost of capital, without paying management fees
·Deployed $48.9 million during the quarter, consisting of $34.6 million in first lien debt with a weighted average yield of 10.1%, $13.6 million in CSLF II, and $0.7 million in equity

 

Full Year Highlights

 

·Net investment income of $16.0 million, or $1.00 per share, in line with distributions paid
·Continued re-balancing the investment portfolio, with 69.2% of the debt portfolio being first lien at December 31, 2018, compared to 64.5% at December 31, 2017, on a fair value basis
·Began co-investing with Capitala Specialty Lending Corp. (“CSLC”), a new $1 billion permanent capital vehicle. CSLC provides Capitala Group substantial liquidity to remain active investors in the lower middle market, and allows the Company to co-invest in the same investments
·Invested $107.8 million during 2018, consisting of $92.4 million in first lien debt, $13.6 million in CSLFII, and $1.8 million in equity
·Since our initial public offering, we have not made return of capital distributions

 

Management Commentary

 

In describing the Company’s fourth quarter and full year activities, Joseph B. Alala, III, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “During the fourth quarter, Capitala Group invested approximately $150 million in lower middle market companies, and Capitala Finance Corp. funded $48.9 million of these investments. The Company also launched CSLF II, a joint venture with Kemper Insurance, which allows us to lower our cost of capital in our unitranche strategy. The lack of fees and lower cost of capital associated with CSLF II improves the expected return on equity of the Company as the fund ramps assets. The Company continues to rebalance its portfolio into first lien and unitranche loans and reduce mezzanine loans and equity securities.

We continue to focus on reducing our assets risk rated 3 or worse, and have reduced such assets by over 30% year over year. The Company has maintained the distribution over the last 5 quarters while it rebalances its portfolio. Finally, Capitala Group substantially increased its credit strategy liquidity by raising $1 billion in CSLC, which provides parallel liquidity to the Company to allow us to continue to execute our investment strategy. ”

 

 

 

 

Fourth Quarter 2018 Financial Results

 

During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company originated $48.9 million of new investments, and received $27.3 million of repayments. Debt investments, all first lien structures, totaled $34.6 million, with a weighted average yield of 10.1%. In addition, we invested $13.6 million in CSLF II and $0.7 million in equity securities.

 

Total investment income was $11.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, compared to $11.6 million in in the fourth quarter of 2017, attributable to lower PIK income in 2018 as compared to 2017.

 

Total expenses for the fourth quarter of 2018 were $7.8 million, compared to $7.4 million for the comparable period in 2017. General and administrative expenses increased by $0.4 million, primarily due to professional fees related to internal control services resulting from the expiration of our emerging growth company status at the end of 2018.

 

Net investment income for the fourth quarter of 2018 was $3.5 million, or $0.22 per share, compared to $4.2 million, or $0.26 per share, for the same period in 2017.

 

Net realized losses totaled $14.6 million, or $0.91 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2018, compared to net realized losses of $23.4 million, or $1.47 per share, for the same period in 2017. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company realized a loss related to On-Site Fuel Service, Inc. ($16.7 million), partially offset by a gain related to City Gear, LLC ($1.9 million). Net realized losses during the fourth quarter of 2018 did not negatively impact net asset value per share, as the realized amounts were in line with our previously reported fair values.

 

Net unrealized appreciation totaled $1.2 million, or $0.07 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2018, compared to depreciation of $17.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2017.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $0.7 million, compared to $1.4 million for the comparable period in 2017.

 

The net decrease in net assets resulting from operations was $9.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, or $0.57 per share, compared to a net decrease of $0.6 million, or $0.04 per share, for the same period in 2017.

 

 

 

 

Full Year 2018 Financial Results

 

During 2018, the Company originated $107.8 million of new investments and received $123.5 million of repayments. New investments consisted of $92.4 million in first lien debt, $13.6 million in CSLF II and $1.8 million in equity investments.

 

Total investment income was $47.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $51.1 million for the same period in 2017. Interest and fee income was flat compared to the prior year, while PIK income decreased by $2.8 million, and dividend income decreased by $0.8 million. PIK income, as a percentage of total income, was 9.2% during 2018, compared to 14.0% in 2017, an improvement that was a focus of the Company during 2018.

 

Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $31.3 million, a decrease of $4.3 million from the comparable period in 2017. Significant variances included (1) $0.8 million increase in general and administrative expenses, (2) a $1.5 million decrease in interest and financing expenses, (3) a $0.7 million decrease in investment advisory fees, and (4) a decrease of $2.7 million related to the loss on the extinguishment of debt during the second quarter of 2017. General and administrative expenses increased due to legal expenses associated with a shareholder lawsuit, along with professional fees associated with internal control services as our status as an emerging growth company expired at the end of 2018.

 

Net investment income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $16.0 million, or $1.00 per share, compared to $15.5 million, or $0.98 per share, for the same period in 2017.

 

Net realized losses totaled $34.8 million, or $2.18 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to losses of $24.2 million, or $1.52 per share, for the same period in 2017.

 

Net unrealized appreciation totaled $0.8 million, or $0.05 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to net unrealized appreciation of $3.0 million, or $0.19 per share, for the same period in 2017.

 

During 2018, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $1.9 million, compared to a tax provision of $1.3 million in 2017.

 

The net decrease in net assets resulting from operations was $16.0 million, or $1.00 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to a net decrease in net assets resulting from operations of $7.0 million, or $0.44 per share, for the same period in 2017.

 

Net assets at December 31, 2018 were $190.6 million, or $11.88 per share, compared to $221.9 million, or $13.91 per share, at December 31, 2017.

 

Investment Portfolio

 

As of December 31, 2018, our portfolio consisted of 44 companies with a fair market value of $448.9 million and a cost basis of $420.0 million. First lien debt investments represented 52.9% of the portfolio, second lien and subordinated debt investments collectively represented 23.5% of the portfolio, equity/warrant investments represented 20.5% of the portfolio, and our investment in CSLF II represented 3.1% of the portfolio, based on fair values at December 31, 2018. On a cost basis, equity investments comprised 11.6% of the portfolio at December 31, 2018. The weighted average yield on our debt portfolio was 11.9% at December 31, 2018.

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2018, non-accrual balances totaled $20.7 million and $9.4 million, on a cost basis and fair value basis, respectively. Non-accrual loans, on a cost basis and fair value basis, represented 4.9% and 2.1%, respectively, of the portfolio at December 31, 2018, compared to 10.8% and 5.0%, respectively, at December 31, 2017.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

At December 31, 2018, the Company had $39.3 million in cash and cash equivalents. In addition, the Company had SBA debentures outstanding totaling $165.7 million with an annual weighted average interest rate of 3.25%, $75.0 million of fixed rate notes bearing an interest rate of 6.00%, and $52.1 million of convertible notes bearing an interest rate of 5.75%. At December 31, 2018, the Company had $10 million outstanding and $104.5 million available under its senior secured revolving credit facility, which is priced at LIBOR plus 3.0%.

 

Subsequent Events

 

On January 4, 2019, the Company invested $9.2 million in the first lien debt and $0.9 million in membership units of Reliant Asset Management, LLC.

 

On February 1, 2019, the Company invested $3.8 million in the second lien debt of AAE Acquisition, LLC.

 

On February 22, 2019, the Company completed an amendment to its Credit Facility that reduced its minimum net asset value requirement to $150 million and reduced the minimum asset coverage ratio to 2:1 debt-to-equity.

 

On February 27, the Company received $5.9 million for its membership warrants in B&W Quality Growers, LLC, generating a realized gain for the same amount.

 

On March 1, 2019, the Company repaid $15.7 million in outstanding SBA debentures for CapitalSouth Partners Fund II, L.P. and relinquished the related SBIC license.

 

Fourth Quarter 2018 Financial Results Conference Call

 

Management will host a conference call to discuss the operating and financial results at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2019. To participate in the conference call, please dial 1-877-312-5507 approximately 10 minutes prior to the call. A live webcast of the conference will be available at http://investor.CapitalaGroup.com.

 

 

 

 

About Capitala Finance Corp.

 

Capitala Finance Corp. is a business development company that invests primarily in first and second lien loans, subordinated debt and, to a lesser extent, equity securities issued by lower middle market companies. The Company is managed by Capitala Investment Advisors, LLC. For more information on Capitala, or to automatically receive email notifications of Company financial information, press releases, stock alerts, or other corporate filings, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website.

  

About Capitala Group

 

Capitala Group is a $2.7 billion asset management firm that has been providing capital to lower middle market companies throughout North America for twenty years. Since our inception in 1998, Capitala has invested in over 150 companies and seeks to partner with strong management teams to create value and generate superior risk-adjusted returns for our individual and institutional investors.  For more information, visit our website at www.CapitalaGroup.com. 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Words such as “believes,” “intends,” “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” and “future” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, condition or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

 

SOURCE: Capitala Finance Corp.

 

Capitala Finance Corp.

Stephen Arnall, Chief Financial Officer

704-376-5502

sarnall@capitalagroup.com

 

 

 

  

Capitala Finance Corp.

 

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   As of 
   December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
         
ASSETS          
           
Investments at fair value          
Non-control/non-affiliate investments (amortized cost of $280,114 and $298,132, respectively)  $286,843   $288,374 
Affiliate investments (amortized cost of $72,300 and $77,336, respectively)   92,939    103,957 
Control investments (amortized cost of $67,556 and $89,559, respectively)   69,145    107,608 
Total investments at fair value (amortized cost of $419,970 and $465,027, respectively)   448,927    499,939 
Cash and cash equivalents   39,295    31,221 
Interest and dividend receivable   3,778    2,976 
Due from related parties   -    95 
Prepaid expenses   454    309 
Deferred tax asset, net   628    - 
Other assets   83    55 
Total assets  $493,165   $534,595 
           
LIABILITIES          
SBA debentures (net of deferred financing costs of $1,688 and $2,300, respectively)  $164,012   $168,400 
2022 Notes (net of deferred financing costs of $1,987 and $2,496, respectively)   73,013    72,504 
2022 Convertible Notes (net of deferred financing costs of $1,259 and $1,582, respectively)   50,829    50,505 
Credit Facility (net of deferred financing costs of $983 and $1,293, respectively)   9,017    7,707 
Management and incentive fee payable   2,487    2,172 
Interest and financing fees payable   3,063    3,141 
Trade Settlement Payable   -    175 
Deferred tax liability, net   -    1,289 
Written call option at fair value (proceeds of $0 and $20, respectively)   -    6,815 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   100    - 
Total liabilities  $302,521   $312,708 
           
Commitments and contingencies          
           
NET ASSETS          
Common stock, par value $.01, 100,000,000 common shares authorized, 16,051,547 and 15,951,231 common shares issued and outstanding, respectively  $161   $160 
Additional paid in capital   241,757    241,027 
Total distributable loss   (51,274)   (19,300)
Total net assets  $190,644   $221,887 
           
Total liabilities and net assets  $493,165   $534,595 
           
Net asset value per share  $11.88   $13.91 

  

 

 

 

Capitala Finance Corp.

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

  

   For the Three Months Ended December 31   For the Year Ended December 31 
   2018   2017   2018   2017 
   (unaudited)   (unaudited)         
INVESTMENT INCOME                    
Interest and fee income:                    
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments  $6,839   $7,106   $27,754   $31,084 
Affiliate investments   2,074    1,165    7,945    4,509 
Control investments   1,117    1,687    6,702    6,896 
Total interest and fee income   10,030    9,958    42,401    42,489 
Payment-in-kind interest and dividend income:                    
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments   766    693    2,248    4,503 
Affiliate investments   133    644    1,251    1,898 
Control investments   134    168    849    742 
Total payment-in-kind interest and dividend income   1,033    1,505    4,348    7,143 
Dividend income:                    
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments   -    57    59    225 
Affiliate investments   151    29    238    641 
Control investments   25    25    100    355 
Total dividend income   176    111    397    1,221 
Other Income   -    -    -    125 
Interest income from cash and cash equivalents   69    25    147    111 
Total investment income   11,308    11,599    47,293    51,089 
                     
EXPENSES                    
Interest and financing expenses   4,269    4,100    17,283    18,825 
Loss on extinguishment of debt   -    -    -    2,732 
Base management fee   2,178    2,344    9,049    9,780 
Incentive fees   -    -    244    1,308 
General and administrative expenses   1,360    937    4,695    3,878 
Expenses before incentive fee waiver   7,807    7,381    31,271    36,523 
Incentive fee waiver   -    -    -    (958)
Total expenses, net of incentive fee waiver   7,807    7,381    31,271    35,565 
                     
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   3,501    4,218    16,022    15,524 
                     
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND WRITTEN CALL OPTION:                    
Net realized gain (loss) on investments:                    
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments   106    (1,346)   (15,714)   (6,682)
Affiliate investments   1,964    339    2,920    4,926 
Control investments   (16,696)   (22,432)   (22,010)   (22,433)
Net realized loss on investments   (14,626)   (23,439)   (34,804)   (24,189)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments:                    
Non-control/non-affiliate investments   (2,360)   (8,332)   16,487    (11,577)
Affiliate investments   (11,709)   4,934    (5,982)   4,436 
Control investments   15,262    21,919    (16,460)   14,190 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   1,193    18,521    (5,955)   7,049 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on written call option   -    (1,260)   6,795    (4,079)
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments and written call option   (13,433)   (6,178)   (33,964)   (21,219)
Tax benefit (provision)   731    1,371    1,916    (1,289)
Total net realized and unrealized loss on investments and written call option, net of taxes   (12,702)   (4,807)   (32,048)   (22,508)
                     
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $(9,201)  $(589)  $(16,026)  $(6,984)
                     
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS PER SHARE RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS – BASIC AND DILUTED  $(0.57)  $(0.04)  $(1.00)  $(0.44)
                     
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING - BASIC AND DILUTED   16,029,884    15,937,382    15,993,436    15,903,167 
                     
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID PER SHARE  $0.25   $0.25   $1.00   $1.42