NEW YORK, May 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saratoga Investment Corp. (NYSE:SAR) (“Saratoga Investment” or “the Company”), a business development company, today announced financial results for its 2020 fiscal year-end and fourth quarter.

Summary Financial Information

The Company’s summarized financial information is as follows:

		For the year ended and as of February 29, 2020		For the year ended and as of February 28, 2019		For the year ended and as of February 28, 2018
		($ thousands except per share)
AUM		485,632		402,020		342,694
NAV		304,287		180,875		143,691
NAV per share		27.13		23.62		22.96
Investment Income		58,448		47,708		38,615
Net Investment Income per share		1.42		2.60		2.11
Adjusted Net Investment Income per share		2.49		2.63		2.27
Earnings per share		5.98		2.63		2.93
Dividends per share (record date)		2.21		2.06		1.90
Return on Equity – last twelve months		23.6%		10.6%		13.2%
Originations		204,643		187,708		107,698
Repayments*		167,253		135,265		66,320
*Includes $42.9 million net realized gain for the year ended February 29, 2020
		For the three months ended and as of February 29, 2020		For the three months ended and as of November 30, 2019		For the three months ended and as of February 28, 2019
		($ in thousands except per share)
AUM		485,632		487,031		402,020
NAV		304,287		282,180		180,875
NAV per share		27.13		25.30		23.62
Investment Income		17,613		14,196		12,984
Net Investment Income per share		0.01		0.46		0.54
Adjusted Net Investment Income per share		0.61		0.61		0.66
Earnings per share		2.39		1.37		1.04
Dividends per share (record date)		0.56		0.56		0.53
Return on Equity	– last twelve months	23.6%		17.6%		10.6%
	– annualized quarter	36.5%		21.7%		17.7%
Originations		43,971		40,766		29,340
Repayments*		70,100		51,230		77,042
*Includes $30.3 million net realized gain for the quarter ended February 29, 2020

“Coming off a record year of achievements and operating performance, we believe Saratoga is in a strong position heading into this calamitous health and economic environment,” said Christian L. Oberbeck, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Investment. “We believe our performance metrics for fiscal 2020 were remarkably strong with LTM return on equity of 23.6%, adjusted NII per share of $2.49 per share, earnings per share of $5.98, and an additional increase in NAV per share this quarter of $1.83, or 7.2%, resulting in a total increase for the year of $3.51, or 14.9%, to $27.13. This NAV number includes the completion of the Easy Ice sale we previously communicated to you, resulting in a $31.2 million realized gain. As we look ahead to the numerous challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presents to the economy and particularly small businesses, balance sheet strength, liquidity and NAV preservation are paramount. Our current capital structure is the strongest in Saratoga’s history, with $304 million of equity supporting $60 million of long-term covenant-free non-SBIC debt. Our regulatory leverage of 607% substantially exceeds our 150% requirement. Our liquidity and dedicated credit facilities of $260 million at year-end are available to support our portfolio companies, including $175 million of SBIC II facilities dedicated to new opportunities. We had $18 million of committed undrawn lending commitments as of year-end.

In light of the dramatic uncertainties in the economy, and to ensure we retain liquidity to support our portfolio companies and preserve NAV during these challenging times, while remaining positioned to fund attractive new investments for small businesses in need, Saratoga’s Board of Directors believes it is in the best near and long-term interests of our shareholders to maintain a conservative and cautious approach to our dividend policy. The Board of Directors has therefore decided to defer our dividend for the quarter ended February 29, 2020. We will continue to reassess this on at least a quarterly basis as we gain better visibility on the economy and business activities. An important consideration for this decision arises from our historically conservative management of our RIC compliance obligations, such that we have no ordinary income spillover obligations and therefore substantial spillover flexibility and consequent liquidity. This provides us the ability to defer future quarterly dividends and we may choose to do so depending on liquidity, portfolio and overall economic assessment.”

Michael J. Grisius, President and Chief Investment Officer, added, “This fiscal year has again demonstrated how the long-term measured growth of our AUM in strong portfolio companies can result in outsized equity returns, with our $8.0 millionEasy Ice investment resulting in a $31.2 million gain, following directly after our 11x return and $11.3 million realized gain on Censis in Q3, for a total net realized gain of $42.9 million in FY20. We also continued to bring new platform investments into the portfolio, with two investments in new companies added this quarter, in addition to the success we continue to have with follow-ons in existing borrowers. We believe the quality of our asset base remained at an exceptionally high level at year-end, with 99% of credits rated in our highest category, putting our portfolio in a strong position heading into the volatility and uncertainty ahead. With 71.3% of our investments at year-end in first lien debt and generally supported by strong enterprise values and balance sheets in industries that have historically performed well in stressed situations, we remain confident thus far in the durability of our portfolio in these uncertain times. However, we do anticipate that the adverse effects COVID-19 has on market conditions and the overall economy, including, but not limited to, the related declines in market multiples, increases in underlying market credit spreads and company-specific negative impacts on operating performance, will lead to unrealized and potentially realized depreciation being recognized in our portfolio in the coming quarters. We have confidence in our experienced management team, high underwriting standards and time-tested investment strategy and believe we have the resources to weather the economic challenges ahead, and that once these volatile conditions subside and uncertainty is reduced, that our team will be able to continue to steadily grow portfolio size and maintain quality over the long-term.”

Business Update:

Saratoga Investment is focused on ensuring the safety of its employees and the employees of its portfolio companies, while also managing its ongoing business activities.  The Company continues to work collaboratively with its employees and portfolio companies to navigate the significant challenges created by the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic. 

Saratoga Investment believes it has taken the necessary steps to ensure that its personnel can effectively operate remotely.  Its senior management team and staff remain fully engaged and capable of working remotely.  Thus far, the Company has not experienced any significant operational limitations, and has been capable of providing the necessary support or service that its portfolio companies have required.

Saratoga Investment has been actively engaged with its portfolio companies and continues to be pleased with the diligent and proactive actions taken by the portfolio company management teams and their ability to respond effectively to the continuing challenges in the current environment.  The Company stands ready to assist them as they manage their respective businesses.  While virtually every business has had some of level of impact in the near-term, the ultimate impact of COVID-19 on any individual business remains unknown.  Notwithstanding these uncertainties, based on the information we have in hand, the Company believes that its portfolio companies are generally taking the right steps to help mitigate both the near and long-term effect of COVID-19 on their businesses. The Company’s lower middle market portfolio companies have also been actively evaluating the programs and relief under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, stimulus packages that may be available to assist these portfolio companies as they navigate the impact of COVID-19 on their businesses, employees and operations, and many have availed themselves of that relief.

Saratoga Investment believes that its historically conservative approaches to investing, leverage utilization and maintaining solid levels of liquidity, put it in a position of strength going into this uncertain and challenging time.  While no business can anticipate with clarity how long the displacement in the market and global economy will last, the Company believes that Saratoga Investment’s capital structure, liquidity and management experience will enable it to effectively navigate the grave challenges presented by COVID-19.

Subsequent Events Update:

Saratoga Investment evaluated subsequent events from February 29, 2020 through May 6, 2020. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020 the United States declared a national emergency with respect to COVID-19. The outbreak of COVID-19 has severely impacted global economic activity and caused significant volatility and negative pressure in financial markets. The global impact of the outbreak has been rapidly evolving and many countries, including the United States, have reacted by instituting quarantines, mandating business and school closures and restricting travel. Such actions are creating disruption in global supply chains and adversely impacting a number of industries. The outbreak could have a continued adverse impact on economic and market conditions and trigger a period of global economic slowdown. The rapid development and fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact of COVID-19. Nevertheless, COVID-19 presents material uncertainty and risks with respect to the underlying value of the Company’s portfolio companies, the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, such as the potential negative impact to financing arrangements, Company decisions to delay, defer and/or modify the character of dividends in order to preserve liquidity, increased costs of operations, changes in law and/or regulation, and uncertainty regarding government and regulatory policy.

As of February 29, 2020, the Company valued its portfolio investments in conformity with U.S. GAAP based on the facts and circumstances known by the Company at that time, or reasonably expected to be known at that time. Due to the overall volatility that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused during the months that followed its February 29, 2020 valuation, any valuations conducted now or in the future in conformity with U.S. GAAP could result in a lower fair value of its portfolio.

The potential impact to Saratoga Investment’s results will depend to a large extent on future developments and new information that may emerge regarding the duration and severity of COVID-19 and the actions taken by authorities and other entities to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, all of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, the Company cannot accurately predict the extent to which its financial condition and results of operations will be affected at this time.

Discussion of Financial Results for the Year and Quarter ended February 29, 2020:

As of February 29, 2020, Saratoga Investment increased its assets under management (“AUM”) to $485.6 million, an increase of 20.8% from $402.0 million as of February 28, 2019, and relatively unchanged from $487.0 million as of November 30, 2019. The annual increase reflects originations of $204.6 million investments during the year ended February 29, 2020, offset by repayments and amortizations of $167.3 million. This past quarter, $44.0 million in originations was offset by repayments and amortizations of $70.1 million, with repayments including the sale of our Easy Ice preferred equity investment that generated a $31.2 million realized gain on a $10.7 million cost basis. Saratoga Investment’s portfolio remains strong, with 71.3% of the portfolio in first liens, and a continued high level of investment quality in loan investments, with 99.0% of its loans this quarter at its highest internal rating. This quarter’s originations include two investments in new platforms, and five follow-ons in existing portfolio companies. Since Saratoga Investment took over the management of the BDC, $474.4 million of repayments and sales of investments originated by Saratoga Investment have generated a gross unlevered IRR of 16.9%.

For the year ended February 29, 2020, total investment income increased by $10.7 million to $58.4 million, up 22.5% from $47.7 million for the year ended February 28, 2019. For the three months ended February 29, 2020, total investment income of $17.6 million increased by $4.6 million, or 35.7%, from $13.0 million as compared to the three months ended February 28, 2019, and sequentially by $3.4 million, or 24.0%, compared to $14.2 million for the three months ended November 30, 2019. This increased investment income was generated from an investment base that has grown by 20.8% since last year.  In addition, this quarter’s total investment income included $3.0 million of advisory fee income and $1.4 million of prepayment premiums related to the Easy Ice realization. These increases were offset by the weighted average current coupon on non-CLO BDC investments decreasing to 9.8% this quarter from 10.9% last year and 10.1% last quarter. The decrease in the current coupon is primarily due to the reductions in LIBOR over these periods.

As compared to the year ended February 28, 2019, the investment income increase of $10.7 million was offset by: (i) increased debt and financing expenses, as the growth in AUM this year was partially financed from the $20.0 million baby bond follow-on issuance late last year; and (ii) increased base and incentive management fees generated from the management of this larger pool of investments. As compared to the quarters ended February 28, 2019 and November 30, 2019, the investment income increases of $4.6 million and $3.4 million, respectively,  benefitted from the reduction in debt and financing expenses resulting from the full extinguishment of the $74.5 million 2023 notes during the current quarter, while increased base and incentive management fees from the annual growth in AUM partially offset the year-over increases.

Saratoga Investment recognized a $1.6 million loss on extinguishment related to the repayment of the 2023 notes in December 2019 and January 2020.

Net investment income on a weighted average per share basis was $1.42 and $0.01 for the year and quarter ended February 29, 2020, respectively. Net investment income includes the second incentive management fee expense directly related to the Censis and Easy Ice realizations, however this excludes the $42.9 million net realized gain that was generated and presented separately. Adjusted for the incentive fee accrual related to net capital gains and the loss on extinguishment of our 2023 notes, the net investment income on a weighted average per share basis was $2.49 and $0.61, respectively. This compares to adjusted net investment income per share of $2.63 and $0.66 for the year and quarter ended February 28, 2019, reflecting a decrease of $0.14 and $0.05, respectively. This also compares to adjusted net investment income of $0.61 per share for the quarter ended November 30, 2019, where there was no change on a quarter-on-quarter basis.

During these periods, weighted average common shares outstanding increased from 7.0 million shares for the year ended February 28, 2019, to 9.3 million shares for the year ended February 29, 2020. In addition, weighted average common shares outstanding increased from 7.5 million shares for the three months ended February 28, 2019, to 10.0 million shares and 11.2 million shares for the three months ended November 30, 2019, and February 29, 2020, respectively. These share increases primarily reflect the 3.4 million shares issued during last year pursuant to the At-the-Market (“ATM”) equity offering program, which was accretive to net asset value (“NAV”) per share.

Net investment income yield as a percentage of average net asset value (“Net Investment Income Yield”) was 5.6% and 0.1% for the year and quarter ended February 29, 2020, respectively. Adjusted for the incentive fee accrual related to net capital gains and the loss on extinguishment of our 2023 notes, the Net Investment Income Yield was 9.9% and 9.3%, respectively. In comparison, adjusted Net Investment Income Yield was 10.6% for the year ended February 28, 2019, and 9.7% and 11.2% for the quarters ended November 30, 2019, and February 29, 2020, respectively.

NAV was $304.3 million as of February 29, 2020, an increase of $22.1 million from $282.2 million as of November 30, 2019, and an increase of $123.4 million from $180.9 million as of February 28, 2019.

• For the twelve months ended February 29, 2020, there were $13.3 million of net investment income, $42.9 million of net realized gain from investments and $0.4 million deferred tax benefit on net unrealized depreciation earned, partially offset by $0.8 million of net unrealized depreciation and $20.1 million of dividends declared. In addition, $3.1 million of stock dividend distributions were made through the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”), and 3,427,346 shares were sold through the ATM equity offering during the twelve months, for net proceeds of $84.7 million.

NAV per share was $27.13 as of February 29, 2020, compared to $25.30 as of November 30, 2019 and $23.62 as of February 28, 2019.

• The increase in NAV per share includes the $1.6 million, or $0.14 per share loss associated with the extinguishment of our 2023 notes.
• For the twelve months ended February 29, 2020, NAV per share increased by $3.51 per share, primarily reflecting the $35.6 million, or $3.77 per share increase in net assets (net of the $2.21 dividend paid during the year). The $0.26 difference is primarily due to the different share amounts used for the NAV per share and dividend per share calculations throughout the year, with 3.5 million shares were being issued pursuant to the ATM and DRIP programs. The Company made no repurchases of common stock in the open market during this period.

Return on equity for the last twelve months ended February 29, 2020, was 23.6%, compared to 10.6% for the comparable period last year.

Earnings per share for the year and quarter ended February 29, 2020, was $5.98 per share and $2.39 per share, respectively, compared to earnings per share of $2.63 per share and $1.04 per share for the year and quarter ended February 28, 2019, respectively, and $1.37 per share for the quarter ended November 30, 2019.

Investment portfolio activity for the year ended February 29, 2020:

• Cost of investments made during the period: $204.6 million
• Principal repayments and amortizations during the period: $167.3 million

Investment portfolio activity for the three months ended February 29, 2020:

• Cost of investments made during the period: $44.0 million
• Principal repayments during the period: $70.1 million

Additional Financial Information

For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, Saratoga Investment reported net investment income of $13.3 million, or $1.42 on a weighted average per share basis, and a net gain on investments of $42.5 million, or $4.56 on a weighted average per share basis, resulting in a net increase in net assets from operations of $55.7 million, or $5.98 on a weighted average per share basis. The $42.5 million net gain on investments was comprised of $42.9 million in net realized gain on investments and $0.4 million of net deferred tax benefit on unrealized depreciation on investments in Saratoga Investment’s blocker subsidiaries, offset by $0.8 million in net unrealized depreciation. The net realized gain primarily relates to the $31.2 million gain on the Company’s Easy Ice preferred equity investment realized in this quarter, and the $11.3 million gain on the Company’s Censis Technologies investment realized in the third ended November 30, 2019. The $0.8 million unrealized depreciation primarily reflects a reversal of the previously recognized $3.8 million appreciation following the realization of the Company’s Easy Ice preferred equity investment, offset by (i) $1.3 million unrealized appreciation on the Company’s GreyHeller investment, and (ii) $1.7 million unrealized appreciation on the Company’s Netreo Holdings investment. This compared to the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019, with net investment income of $18.3 million, or $2.60 on a weighted average per share basis, and a net gain on investments of $0.2 million, or $0.03 on a weighted average per share basis, resulting in a net increase in net assets from operations of $18.5 million, or $2.63 on a weighted average per share basis. The $0.2 million net gain on investments consisted of $4.9 million in net realized gains on investments offset by $2.9 million unrealized depreciation and $1.8 million of net deferred tax expense on unrealized gains in Saratoga’s blocker subsidiaries.

Adjusted for the incentive fee accrual related to net capital gains and the loss on extinguishment of our 2023 notes, the net investment income was $23.2 million and $18.6 million for the years ended February 29, 2020, and February 28, 2019, respectively – this is an increase of $4.6 million year-over-year, or 25.2%.

For the fiscal quarter ended February 29, 2020, Saratoga Investment reported net investment income of $0.07 million, or $0.01 on a weighted average per share basis, and net realized and unrealized gain on investments of $26.7 million, or $2.39 on a weighted average per share basis, resulting in a net increase in net assets from operations of $26.8 million, or $2.39 on a weighted average per share basis. The $26.7 million net gain on investments was comprised of $30.3 million in net realized gain on investments and $2.1 million of net deferred tax benefit on unrealized depreciation in Saratoga Investment’s blocker subsidiaries, offset by $5.7 million in net unrealized depreciation on investments.

The $30.3 million net realized gain reflects the $31.2 million gain from the realization of the Company’s Easy Ice preferred equity investment, offset by the $0.9 million realized loss on the Company’s legacy M/C Communications investment. The $5.7 million net unrealized depreciation primarily reflects (i) the $9.5 million reversal of previously recognized appreciation following the realization of the Company’s Easy Ice investment and (ii) $1.4m unrealized depreciation on the Company’s CLO equity and related investments, partially offset by (i) the $1.4 million reversal of previously recognized depreciation following the realization of the Company’s M/C Communications investment, (ii) seven other investments with appreciation of between $0.25 million and $0.4 million, and (iii) numerous other investments with smaller appreciations.

This is compared to the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2019, with net investment income of $4.1 million, or $0.54 on a weighted average per share basis, and net realized and unrealized gain on investments of $3.8 million, or $0.50 on a weighted average per share basis, resulting in a net increase in net assets from operations of $7.9 million, or $1.04 on a weighted average per share basis. The $3.8 million net gain on investments consisted of $4.7 million in net realized gain, offset by $0.4 million in net unrealized depreciation on investments, and $0.6 million in net deferred tax expense on unrealized gains in Saratoga Investment’s blocker subsidiaries.

Adjusted for the incentive fee accrual related to net capital gains and the loss on extinguishment of our 2023 notes, net investment income was $6.8 million and $4.9 million for the three months ended February 29, 2020, and February 28, 2019, respectively – an increase of $1.9 million year-over-year, or 37.8%.

Total expenses, excluding interest and debt financing expenses, base management fees, incentive fees and income tax benefit, increased from $5.5 million for the year ended February 28, 2019 to $5.7 million for the year ended February 29, 2020, remaining at 1.1% of average assets over both periods. For the quarters ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019, these expenses increased from $1.4 million to $1.5 million.

Portfolio and Investment Activity

As of February 29, 2020, the fair value of Saratoga Investment’s portfolio was $485.6 million (excluding $39.5 million in cash and cash equivalents), principally invested in 35 portfolio companies and one collateralized loan obligation fund (“CLO”). The overall portfolio composition consisted of 71.3% of first lien term loans, 15.1% of second lien term loans, 0.9% of unsecured term loans, 6.7% of subordinated notes in the CLO and 6.0% of common equity.

For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, Saratoga Investment invested $204.6 million in new or existing portfolio companies and had $167.3 million in aggregate amount of exits and repayments, resulting in net investments of $37.0 million for the year.  For the quarter ended February 29, 2020, Saratoga Investment invested $44.0 million in new or existing portfolio companies, and had $70.1 million in aggregate amount of exits and repayments, resulting in $26.1 million of net exits and repayments for the quarter. Both these repayment numbers include the net realized gains recognized during the periods, primarily related to the sales of our Easy Ice and Censis investments.

As of February 29, 2020, the weighted average current yield on Saratoga Investment’s total portfolio as of year-end is 9.3%, which was comprised of a weighted average current yield of 9.6% on first lien term loans, 10.7% on second lien term loans, 9.3% on unsecured term loans, 11.4% on CLO subordinated notes and 0.0% on equity interests.

Portfolio Update:

Due to the unique developments since Saratoga Investment’s fiscal year-end, the Company is taking the unusual step of providing a post quarter-end update. Subsequent to quarter-end, Saratoga Investment has executed approximately $34.9 million of new originations in one new portfolio company and nine existing portfolio companies, and also had one repayment of approximately $8.5 million, for net investments originated of $26.4 million as of May 6, 2020. This included numerous drawdowns of committed delayed draw facilities totaling $8.5 million that has reduced the Company’s outstanding exposure to committed delayed draw facilities to $9.1 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of February 29, 2020, Saratoga Investment had no outstanding borrowings under its $45 million senior secured revolving credit facility with Madison Capital Funding LLC. At the same time, Saratoga Investment had $150.0 million SBA debentures outstanding, $60.0 million of baby bonds (fair value of $60.6 million) issued and an aggregate of $39.5 million in cash and cash equivalents.

With $45.0 million available under the credit facility, the $39.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and $175.0 million in undrawn SBA debentures from the newly approved second SBIC license, Saratoga Investment has a total of $259.5 million of undrawn borrowing capacity and cash and cash equivalents available as of February 29, 2020. It should be noted that, depending on portfolio company performance, availability under the Madison credit facility might be reduced. In addition, certain follow-on investments in SBIC I and the BDC will not qualify for SBIC II funding. Saratoga Investment also has the ability to issue additional equity or baby bonds through the existing shelf registration statement pursuant to existing market conditions, which are disrupted at this time.

On November 15, 2019, the Company caused notices to be issued to the holders of its 6.75% 2023 baby bonds regarding the Company’s exercise of its option to redeem, in part, the issued and outstanding 2023 baby bonds.  The Company redeemed $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the $74.5 million in aggregate principal amount of issued and outstanding 2023 baby bonds on December 21, 2019 (the “Redemption Date”). The baby bonds were redeemed at 100% of their principal amount ($25 per baby bond), plus the accrued and unpaid interest thereon from September 30, 2019, through, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

On January 8, 2020, the Company caused notices to be issued to the remaining holders of its 6.75% 2023 baby bonds regarding the Company’s exercise of its option to redeem the remaining $24.45 million in aggregate principal amount of issued and outstanding 2023 baby bonds.  The Company redeemed the remaining amount of issued and outstanding 2023 baby bonds on February 7, 2020 (the “Second Redemption Date”). These baby bonds were also redeemed at 100% of their principal amount ($25 per baby bond), plus the accrued and unpaid interest thereon from December 31, 2019, through, but excluding, the Second Redemption Date.

On March 16, 2017, Saratoga Investment entered into an equity distribution agreement with Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., through which Saratoga Investment may offer for sale, from time-to-time, up to $30.0 million of its common stock through an ATM offering. Subsequent to this, BB&T Capital Markets and B. Riley FBR, Inc were also added to the agreement. On July 11, 2019, the amount of common stock to be offered through this offering was increased to $70.0 million, and on October 8, 2019, the amount of common stock to be offered through this offering was further increased to $130.0 million. As of February 29, 2020, the Company sold 3,922,018 shares for gross proceeds of $97.1 million at an average price of $24.77 for aggregate net proceeds of $95.9 million (net of transaction costs). For the year ended February 29, 2020, the Company sold 3,427,346 shares for gross proceeds of $85.9 million at an average price of $25.06 for aggregate net proceeds of $84.7 million (net of transaction costs).

On April 24, 2020, we entered into a fourth amendment to the Credit Facility with Madison Capital Funding LLC to, among other things:

• permit certain amendments related to the Paycheck Protection Program (“Permitted PPP Amendment”) to Loan Asset Documents;
  
• exclude certain debt and interest amounts allowed by the Permitted PPP Amendments from certain calculations related to Net Leverage Ratio, Interest Coverage Ratio and EBITDA; and
• exclude such Permitted PPP Amendments from constituting a Material Modification.

Dividend

Saratoga Investment has raised its dividend for the past five years. In light of the dramatic uncertainties currently present in the economy, and to ensure we retain liquidity to not only support our current portfolio companies during these challenged times, but to also create new, important relationships through the provision of critically crucial liquidity in new situations, Saratoga Investment’s Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors”) believes it is in the best near- and long-term interests of our shareholders to maintain a conservative and cautious approach to our dividend policy.

Furthermore, while many BDCs have spillover obligations from prior years, representing taxable income from past obligations yet to be distributed, Saratoga Investment has historically managed its distributions conservatively so it is current with all spillover obligations, other than those related to our Easy Ice and Censis long-term capital gains. This therefore means that Saratoga Investment is not obligated to pay current dividends related to historical earnings and enabling preservation of precious liquidity in this challenging market environment.

The Board of Directors has therefore decided to defer our dividend for the quarter ended February 29, 2020. We will continue to reassess this decision on at least a quarterly basis as we gain more visibility on the economy and business activities.

In fiscal year 2020, the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.56 per share for the quarter ended November 30, 2019, $0.56 per share for the quarter ended August 31, 2019, $0.55 per share for the quarter ended May 31, 2019 and $0.54 per share for the quarter ended February 28, 2019. Total dividends declared for the fiscal years ended February 28, 2019, and 2018, were $2.06 per share and $1.90 per share, respectively.

Shareholders have the option to receive payment of dividends in cash or receive shares of common stock, pursuant to the Company’s DRIP.

Share Repurchase Plan

In fiscal year 2015, the Company announced the approval of an open market share repurchase plan that allows it to repurchase up to 200,000 shares of its common stock at prices below its NAV as reported in its then most recently published financial statements. During fiscal year 2017, the share repurchase plan was increased to 600,000 shares of common stock, and during fiscal years 2018, 2019 and 2020, this share repurchase plan was extended for another year at the same level of approval, currently through January 15, 2021. On May 4, 2020, the Board of Directors increased the share repurchase plan to 1.3 million shares of common stock. As of February 29, 2020, the Company purchased 218,491 shares of common stock, at the average price of $16.87 for approximately $3.7 million pursuant to this repurchase plan.

Saratoga Investment made no purchases of common stock in the open market during the three months ended February 29, 2020.

2020 Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Year End Conference Call/Webcast Information

When:	Thursday, May 7, 2020, 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET)
Call:	Interested parties may participate by dialing (877) 312-9208 (U.S. and Canada) or (678) 224-7872 (outside U.S. and Canada).
	A replay of the call will be available from 1:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 7, 2020, through 1:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 14, 2020, by dialing (855) 859-2056 (U.S. and Canada) or (404) 537-3406 (outside U.S. and Canada), passcode for both replay numbers: 2166937
Webcast:	Interested parties may access a simultaneous webcast of the call and find the Q4 and FY 2020 presentation by going to the “Events & Presentations” section of Saratoga Investment Corp.’s investor relations website, http://ir.saratogainvestmentcorp.com/events-presentations

About Saratoga Investment Corp.

Saratoga Investment is a specialty finance company that provides customized financing solutions to U.S. middle-market businesses. The Company invests primarily in senior and unitranche leveraged loans and mezzanine debt, and, to a lesser extent, equity to provide financing for change of ownership transactions, strategic acquisitions, recapitalizations and growth initiatives in partnership with business owners, management teams and financial sponsors.  Saratoga Investment’s objective is to create attractive risk-adjusted returns by generating current income and long-term capital appreciation from its debt and equity investments.  Saratoga Investment has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and is externally-managed by Saratoga Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor focusing on credit-driven strategies.  Saratoga Investment owns two SBIC-licensed subsidiaries and manages a $500 million collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) fund.  It also owns 100% of the Class F-R-2, G-R-2 and subordinated notes of the CLO.  The Company’s diverse funding sources, combined with a permanent capital base, enable Saratoga Investment to provide a broad range of financing solutions.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements included herein contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which relate to future events or our future performance or financial condition. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or negative versions of those words, other comparable words or other statements that do not relate to historical or factual matters. The forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. These 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 but not limited to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the pandemic's impact on the U.S. and global economy, as well as those described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Saratoga Investment Corp. undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made herein or on the webcast/conference call, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

Financials

Saratoga Investment Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities
	February 29, 2020				February 28, 2019
ASSETS
Investments at fair value
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments (amortized cost of $418,006,725 and $307,136,188, respectively)	$	420,442,928			$	306,511,427
Affiliate investments (amortized cost of $23,998,917 and $18,514,716, respectively)	18,485,854				11,463,081
Control investments (amortized cost of $44,293,619 and $76,265,189, respectively)	46,703,192				84,045,212
Total investments at fair value (amortized cost of $486,299,261 and $401,916,093, respectively)	485,631,974				402,019,720
Cash and cash equivalents	24,598,905				30,799,068
Cash and cash equivalents, reserve accounts	14,851,447				31,295,326
Interest receivable (net of reserve of $1,238,049 and $647,210, respectively)	4,810,456				3,746,604
Due from affiliate	-				1,673,747
Management fee receivable	272,207				542,094
Other assets	701,007				595,543
Total assets	$	530,865,996			$	470,672,102
LIABILITIES
Revolving credit facility	$	-			$	-
Deferred debt financing costs, revolving credit facility	(512,628		)		(605,189		)
SBA debentures payable	150,000,000				150,000,000
Deferred debt financing costs, SBA debentures payable	(2,561,495		)		(2,396,931		)
2023 Notes payable	-				74,450,500
Deferred debt financing costs, 2023 notes payable	-				(1,919,620		)
2025 Notes payable	60,000,000				60,000,000
Deferred debt financing costs, 2025 notes payable	(2,046,735		)		(2,377,551		)
Base management and incentive fees payable	15,800,097				6,684,785
Deferred tax liability	1,347,363				739,716
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,713,157				1,615,443
Interest and debt fees payable	2,234,042				3,224,671
Directors fees payable	61,500				62,000
Due to manager	543,842				319,091
Total liabilities	$	226,579,143			$	289,796,915
NET ASSETS
Common stock, par value $.001, 100,000,000 common shares
authorized, 11,217,545 and 7,657,156 common shares issued and outstanding, respectively	$	11,218			$	7,657
Capital in excess of par value	289,476,991				203,552,800
Total distributable earnings (loss)	14,798,644				(22,685,270		)
Total net assets	304,286,853				180,875,187
Total liabilities and net assets	$	530,865,996			$	470,672,102
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE	$	27.13			$	23.62
Asset Coverage Ratio	607.1		%		234.5		%

Saratoga Investment Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
	For the three months ended
	February 29, 2020				February 28, 2019
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest from investments
Interest income:
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments	$	9,389,470			$	8,628,236
Affiliate investments	356,762				242,551
Control investments	1,547,725				1,444,864
Payment-in-kind interest income:
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments	285,313				158,650
Affiliate investments	44,024				39,386
Control investments	179,247				1,017,543
Total interest from investments	11,802,541				11,531,230
Interest from cash and cash equivalents	219,362				22,619
Management fee income	614,872				592,259
Incentive fee income	-				139,386
Structuring and advisory fee income*	3,411,250				203,512
Other income*	1,565,014				495,152
Total investment income	17,613,039				12,984,158
OPERATING EXPENSES
Interest and debt financing expenses	3,054,345				3,922,981
Base management fees	2,143,372				1,851,983
Incentive management fees	6,862,982				2,087,220
Professional fees	503,079				430,952
Administrator expenses	556,250				500,000
Insurance	66,807				63,225
Directors fees and expenses	60,000				60,000
General & administrative	289,959				316,288
Income tax benefit	2,426,873				(342,598		)
Excise tax expense (credit)	-				270
Other expense	-				2,445
Total operating expenses	15,963,667				8,892,766
Loss on extinguishment of debt	1,583,266				-
NET INVESTMENT INCOME	66,106				4,091,392
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain (loss) from investments:
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments	(957,777		)		4,729,298
Affiliate investments	-				-
Control investments	31,225,165				-
Net realized gain (loss) from investments	30,267,388				4,729,298
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments:
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments	4,624,537				(2,724,083		)
Affiliate investments	678,619				271,652
Control investments	(10,984,921		)		2,094,551
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments	(5,681,765		)		(357,880		)
Net change in provision for deferred taxes on unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments	2,141,150				(607,254		)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments	26,726,773				3,764,164
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS	$	26,792,879			$	7,855,556
WEIGHTED AVERAGE - BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	$	2.39			$	1.04
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC AND DILUTED	11,190,152				7,534,235
* Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Saratoga Investment Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
	For the year ended
	February 29, 2020				February 28, 2019				February 28, 2018
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest from investments
Interest income:
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments	$	36,252,113			$	33,329,539			$	26,648,380
Affiliate investments	1,230,578				963,289				886,948
Control investments	6,175,120				4,785,044				4,768,534
Payment-in-kind interest income:
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments	816,041				780,112				984,305
Affiliate investments	167,836				150,284				80,460
Control investments	3,405,307				3,288,902				1,741,334
Total interest from investments	48,046,995				43,297,170				35,109,961
Interest from cash and cash equivalents	536,053				64,024				27,495
Management fee income	2,503,804				1,722,180				1,509,317
Incentive fee income*	-				633,232				591,368
Structuring and advisory fee income*	5,286,475				1,355,393				824,795
Other income	2,074,864				635,964				552,042
Total investment income	58,448,191				47,707,963				38,614,978
OPERATING EXPENSES
Interest and debt financing expenses	14,682,611				13,125,718				10,938,654
Base management fees	8,098,995				6,879,324				5,846,400
Incentive management fees	14,163,776				4,891,004				4,333,983
Professional fees	1,684,089				1,849,424				1,590,798
Administrator expenses	2,131,250				1,895,833				1,645,833
Insurance	259,981				253,141				259,571
Directors fees and expenses	277,500				290,500				197,500
General & administrative	1,326,457				1,224,462				1,058,009
Income tax expense (benefit)	961,995				(1,027,118		)		-
Excise tax credit	-				-				(14,738		)
Other expense	-				23,466				27,310
Total operating expenses	43,586,654				29,405,754				25,883,320
Loss on extinguishment of debt	1,583,266				-				-
NET INVESTMENT INCOME	13,278,271				18,302,209				12,731,658
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain (loss) from investments:
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments	11,651,990				4,874,305				(5,877,734		)
Control investments	31,225,165				-				166
Net realized gain (loss) from investments	42,877,155				4,874,305				(5,877,568		)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments:
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments	3,060,964				(5,152,206		)		6,178,457
Affiliate investments	1,538,572				(853,588		)		818,323
Control investments	(5,370,450		)		3,105,485				3,828,275
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments	(770,914		)		(2,900,309		)		10,825,055
Net change in provision for deferred taxes on unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments	354,349				(1,766,835		)		-
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments	42,460,590				207,161				4,947,487
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS	$	55,738,861			$	18,509,370			$	17,679,145
WEIGHTED AVERAGE - BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	$	5.98			$	2.63			$	2.93
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC AND DILUTED	9,319,192				7,046,686				6,024,040
* Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Supplemental Information Regarding Adjusted Net Investment Income, Adjusted Net Investment Income Yield and Adjusted Net Investment Income per share

On a supplemental basis, Saratoga Investment provides information relating to adjusted net investment income, adjusted net investment income yield and adjusted net investment income per share, which are non-GAAP measures. These measures are provided in addition to, but not as a substitute for, net investment income, net investment income yield and net investment income per share. Adjusted net investment income represents net investment income excluding any capital gains incentive fee expense or reversal attributable to realized and unrealized gains. The management agreement with the Company’s advisor provides that a capital gains incentive fee is determined and paid annually with respect to cumulative realized capital gains (but not unrealized capital gains) to the extent such realized capital gains exceed realized and unrealized losses for such year. In addition, Saratoga Investment accrues, but does not pay, a capital gains incentive fee in connection with any unrealized capital appreciation, as appropriate. All capital gains incentive fees are presented within net investment income within the Consolidated Statements of Operations, but the associated realized and unrealized gains and losses that these incentive fees relate to, are excluded. As such, Saratoga Investment believes that adjusted net investment income, adjusted net investment income yield and adjusted net investment income per share is a useful indicator of operations exclusive of any capital gains incentive fee expense or reversal attributable to gains. In addition, adjusted net investment income, adjusted net investment income yield and adjusted net investment income per share also excludes the loss on extinguishment of Saratoga Investment’s 2023 Notes. This expense is directly attributable to the repayment of the 2020 Notes, is deemed to be non-recurring in nature and not representative of the operations of Saratoga Investment. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table provides a reconciliation of net investment income to adjusted net investment income, net investment income yield to adjusted net investment income yield and net investment income per share to adjusted net investment income per share for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2019, and February 28, 2018, and the quarters ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019.

	For the Years Ended
	February 29, 2020	February 28, 2019	February 28, 2018
Net Investment Income	$13,278,271	$18,302,209	$12,731,658
Changes in accrued capital gains incentive fee expense/ reversal	8,359,207	251,090	919,806
Loss on extinguishment of borrowings	1,583,266	-	-
Adjusted net investment income	23,220,744	18,553,299	13,651,464
Net investment income yield	5.6%	10.5%	9.5%
Changes in accrued capital gains incentive fee expense/ reversal	3.6%	0.1%	0.7%
Loss on extinguishment of borrowings	0.7%	-	-
Adjusted net investment income yield (1)	9.9%	10.6%	10.2%
Net investment income per share	$1.42	$2.60	$2.11
Changes in accrued capital gains incentive fee expense/ reversal	0.90	0.03	0.16
Loss on extinguishment of borrowings	0.17	-	-
Adjusted net investment income per share (2)	$2.49	$2.63	$2.27

(1) Adjusted net investment income is calculated as adjusted net investment income divided by average net asset value.
(2) Adjusted net investment income per share is calculated as adjusted net investment income divided by weighted average common shares outstanding.

	For the Quarters Ended
	February 29, 2020	February 28, 2019
Net Investment Income	$ 66,106	$4,091,392
Changes in accrued capital gains incentive fee expense/ reversal	5,162,197	851,151
Loss on extinguishment of borrowings	1,583,266
Adjusted net investment income	6,811,569	4,942,543
Net investment income yield	0.1%	9.2%
Changes in accrued capital gains incentive fee expense/ reversal	7.0%	2.0%
Loss on extinguishment of borrowings	2.2%	-
Adjusted net investment income yield (1)	9.3%	11.2%
Net investment income per share	$0.01	$0.54
Changes in accrued capital gains incentive fee expense/ reversal	0.46	0.12
Loss on extinguishment of borrowings	0.14	-
Adjusted net investment income per share (2)	$0.61	$0.66

(1) Adjusted net investment income yield is calculated as adjusted net investment income divided by average net asset value.
(2) Adjusted net investment income per share is calculated as adjusted net investment income divided by weighted average common shares outstanding.

Contact: Henri Steenkamp
Saratoga Investment Corp.
212-906-7800

Roland Tomforde
Broadgate Consultants
212-232-2222

Source: Saratoga Investment Corp