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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 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): January 10, 2023

 

SARATOGA INVESTMENT CORP.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

Maryland   814-00732   20-8700615
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
  (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

535 Madison Avenue

New York, New York

 

 

10022

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (212) 906-7800

 

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

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))

 

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

 

Title of each class   Trading symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share   SAR   New York Stock Exchange
6.0% Notes due 2027   SAT   New York Stock Exchange
8.0% Notes due 2027   SAJ   New York Stock Exchange
8.125% Notes due 2027   SAY   New York Stock Exchange

 

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 January 10, 2023, Saratoga Investment Corp. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter and nine months ended November 30, 2022. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The information disclosed under this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1 attached 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.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

The following Exhibit 99.1 is being furnished herewith to this Current Report on Form 8-K:

 

Exhibit No.   Description
   
99.1   Press Release dated January 10, 2023 of Saratoga Investment Corp.*
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

*The press release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 is “furnished” and not “filed,” as described in Item 2.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

1

 

 

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.

 

  SARATOGA INVESTMENT CORP.
     
Date: January 10, 2023 By: /s/ Henri J. Steenkamp
  Name:  Henri J. Steenkamp
  Title: Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, Treasurer and Secretary

 

 

2

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

Contact: Henri Steenkamp

Saratoga Investment Corp.

212-906-7800

 

Roland Tomforde
Broadgate Consultants
212-232-2222

 

Saratoga Investment Corp. Announces Fiscal Third

Quarter 2023 Financial Results

 

 

NEW YORK, January 10, 2023 – Saratoga Investment Corp. (NYSE:SAR) (“Saratoga Investment” or “the Company”), a business development company (“BDC”), today announced financial results for its 2023 fiscal third quarter, with Net Investment Income (“NII”) per share notably up 30% over the prior quarter and up 84% over the year ago quarter, and Adjusted NII per share up 33% and 45%, respectively, over those same periods. This increase in earnings reflects the positive effects of rising rates on the Company’s asset and credit structure, comprised of income from its largely floating rate assets in contrast to expenses from its largely fixed rate credit liabilities.

 

Summary Financial Information

 

The Company’s summarized financial information is as follows:

 

   For the three
months ended and
as of November 30,
2022
   For the three
months ended and
as of August 31,
2022
   For the three
months ended and
as of November 30,
2021
 
   ($ in thousands except per share) 
AUM   982,034    954,664    661,793 
NAV   335,764    337,213    324,602 
NAV per share   28.25    28.27    29.17 
Investment Income   26,257    21,853    16,502 
Net Investment Income per share   0.83    0.64    0.45 
Adjusted Net Investment Income per share   0.77    0.58    0.53 
Earnings per share   0.51    0.08    0.73 
Dividends per share (declared)   0.68    0.54    0.53 
Return on Equity – last twelve months   4.0%   4.8%   14.6%
                             – annualized quarter   7.1%   1.1%   10.0%
Originations   87,574    140,612    58,572 
Repayments   56,917    75,079    66,450 

 

 

 

 

“Saratoga Investment’s 33% sequential quarter increase in Adjusted Net Investment Income per share outpaced its recent record 26% dividend increase as rising interest rates positively impact the Company’s earnings from its asset and liability structure. Importantly, overall portfolio quality remains high as demonstrated by NAV per share remaining essentially flat over the prior quarter,” said Christian L. Oberbeck, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Saratoga Investment.

 

“Our Adjusted Net Investment Income yield of 10.8% on our portfolio reflects a robust 32% increase over the prior quarter’s 8.2%, driven by Libor trends. Average 3-Month Libor for the recently completed quarter was 3.59%. At the November 30 current quarter-end, the Libor rate of 4.78% was 33% higher than the average for the quarter, implying that the full impact of the rising rate environment is not yet fully reflected in our quarterly reported earnings.”

 

“In this challenging capital markets environment, access to capital for growth is critical, and Saratoga Investment successfully recently raised more than $100 million in two baby bond offerings and received an important third SBIC license, while continuing to maintain its “BBB+” investment grade rating. During uncertain macro economic times such as these, we continue to focus on balance sheet strength, credit structure, liquidity, and growing our asset base in high quality credits.”

 

“This quarter, Net Asset Value per share decreased by $0.02 per share, or 0.1% from last quarter, which primarily reflects the volatility being experienced in the broadly syndicated loan market. This was almost fully offset by the positive financial performance of our core portfolio and the overearning of our current dividend. In December, our Board of Directors decided to increase our quarterly dividend level by a record 26% or $0.14 and declared a $0.68 per share dividend for the quarter ended November 30, 2022.”

 

“We continue to remain prudent and discerning in terms of new commitments in the current environment, something we focused on extensively throughout the quarter. Although our pipeline remains robust with many actionable opportunities, we made no new platform investments this fiscal quarter, with our eighteen follow-on investments made in existing portfolio companies we know well with strong business models and balance sheets. Originations this quarter totaled $88 million invested, with $57 million of repayments, continuing our recent experience of strong net originations. Our credit quality for this quarter remained high at 96% of credits rated in our highest category, with one credit on non-accrual. With 82% of our investments at quarter-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 believe our portfolio is well structured for future economic conditions and uncertainty.”

 

“As we navigate through this challenging environment, we remain confident in our experienced management team, high underwriting standards and ability to steadily grow portfolio size and maintain quality and investment performance over the long-term.”

 

2

 

 

Discussion of Financial Results for the Quarter ended November 30, 2022:

 

As of November 30, 2022, Saratoga Investment’s assets under management (“AUM”) was $982.0 million, an increase of 48.4% from $661.8 million as of November 30, 2021, and an increase of 2.9% from $954.7 million as of August 31, 2022. The quarterly increase consists of $87.6 million in originations, offset by $57.3 million of repayments and amortizations, reflecting both continued strong pace of originations as well as the ongoing lumpy nature of repayments. In addition, during the third quarter the fair value of the portfolio decreased by $3.9 million of net realized losses and unrealized depreciation, driven primarily by the impact of changes to market spreads, EBITDA multiples and/or revised portfolio company performance on the quarter-end valuations of the core portfolio. This decrease included the current pricing, lack of liquidity and volatility in the broadly syndicated loan market that impacted the investments in both the CLO and Joint Venture (“JV”). Saratoga Investment’s portfolio remains strong, with 81.9% of the portfolio in first liens, and a continued high level of investment quality in loan investments, with 96.0% of its loans this quarter at its highest internal rating. Saratoga Investment’s portfolio has a fair value that is only 0.5% below its cost basis. This fiscal quarter’s originations include zero investments in new platforms, and eighteen follow-ons in existing portfolio companies, including drawdowns on committed facilities. Since Saratoga Investment took over the management of the BDC, $879 million of repayments and sales of investments originated by Saratoga Investment have generated a gross unlevered IRR of 16.4%.

 

For the quarter ended November 30, 2022, total investment income of $26.3 million increased by $9.8 million, or 59.1%, when compared to $16.5 million for the quarter ended November 30, 2021. This quarter’s investment income was generated from an investment base that has grown by 48.4% since last year, with the AUM increase further assisted by higher interest rates, with the weighted average current coupon on non-CLO BDC investments increasing from 8.8% to 11.7% year-over-year. Total investment income increased by $4.4 million, or 20.2%, when compared to $21.9 million for the quarter ended August 31, 2022, primarily due to the 2.9% increase in AUM quarter-over-quarter, combined with the increase in the current coupon on non-CLO BDC investments from 9.9% to 11.7%, reflecting the current rising rate environment.

 

As compared to the quarter ended November 30, 2021, adjusted net investment income increased by $3.0 million, or 49.8%, from $6.1 million at November 30, 2021 to $9.1 million at November 30, 2022. The increase in investment income was offset by increased base and incentive management fees from higher AUM and earnings, and increased interest expense resulting from the various new baby bonds and SBA debentures issued during the past year and quarter, with the full benefit of higher rates on AUM not yet fully reflected in interest income. As compared to the quarter ended August 31, 2022, adjusted net investment income increased $2.1 million, or 31.1%, from $7.0 million, reflecting the partial impact of higher AUM and interest rates.

 

Total expenses for the quarter ended November 30, 2022, excluding interest and debt financing expenses, base management fees and incentive fees and income and excise taxes, was $2.1 million, as compared to $1.2 million for the quarter ended November 30, 2021 and $1.6 million for the quarter ended August 31, 2022. This represented 0.8% of average total assets on an annualized basis, up from 0.6% last year and unchanged from 0.8% last quarter.

 

3

 

 

Net investment income on a weighted average per share basis was $0.83 for the quarter ended November 30, 2022. Adjusted for the incentive fee accrual related to net capital gains, the net investment income on a weighted average per share basis was $0.77. This compares to adjusted net investment income per share of $0.53 and $0.58 for the quarters ended November 30, 2021, and August 31, 2022, respectively. The weighted average common shares outstanding this quarter was 11.9 million, as compared to 11.5 million for the quarter ended November 30, 2021, and 12.0 million for the quarter ended August 31, 2022.

 

Net investment income yield as a percentage of average net asset value (“NII Yield”) was 11.7% for the quarter ended November 30, 2022. Adjusted for the incentive fee accrual related to net capital gains, the NII Yield was 10.8%. In comparison, adjusted NII Yield was 7.3% and 8.2% for the quarters ended November 30, 2021 and August 31, 2022, respectively.

 

Net Asset Value (“NAV”) was $335.8 million as of November 30, 2022, a decrease of $6.8 million from $342.6 million as of November 30, 2021, and a decrease of $1.4 million from $337.2 million as of August 31, 2022.

 

·For the three months ended November 30, 2022, $9.9 million of NII and $0.5 million tax benefit on realized gains, were offset by $0.7 million in net realized loss from investments, $3.2 million of net unrealized depreciation on investments, $0.4 million provision for deferred taxes on unrealized appreciation on equity investments held in tax blockers, and $6.4 million of dividends declared. In addition, $1.2 million of stock dividend distributions were made through the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”), offset by $2.2 million of shares repurchased.

 

·During the three months ended November 30, 2022 the Company purchased 94,071 shares of common stock, at the average price of $23.17 for approximately $2.1 million and issued no shares during the quarter.

 

NAV per share was $28.25 as of November 30, 2022, compared to $29.17 as of November 30, 2021, and $28.27 as of August 31, 2022.

 

·For the three months ended November 30, 2022, NAV per share decreased by $0.02 per share, reflecting the $0.83 per share net investment income and $0.02 net accretion from its share repurchase plan and DRIP, offset by the $0.33 per share net realized loss and unrealized depreciation on investments, and the $0.54 per share second quarter dividend paid this quarter.

 

Return on equity (“ROE”) for the last twelve months ended November 30, 2022 was 4.0%, down from 14.6% for the comparable period last year.

 

Earnings per share (“EPS”) for the quarter ended November 30, 2022, was $0.51, compared to EPS of $0.73 for the quarter ended November 30, 2021, and $0.08 per share for the quarter ended August 31, 2022.

 

Investment portfolio activity for the quarter ended November 30, 2022:

 

·Cost of investments made during the period: $87.6 million, including eighteen follow-ons and no investments in new portfolio companies.

 

·Principal repayments during the period: $56.9 million, including five repayments of existing investments, plus amortization.

 

4

 

 

Additional Financial Information

 

For the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2022, Saratoga Investment reported NII of $9.9 million, or $0.83 on a weighted average per share basis, and net realized and unrealized losses on investments of $3.9 million, or $0.32 on a weighted average per share basis, resulting in a net increase in net assets from operations of $6.0 million, or $0.51 on a weighted average per share basis. The $3.9 million net loss on investments was comprised of $0.7 million in net realized loss on investments, $3.2 million in net unrealized depreciation on investments, and $0.4 million of deferred tax expense on unrealized appreciation on investments, offset by $0.5 million income tax benefit from realized gain on investments.

 

The $0.7 million net realized loss on investments represents a $1.1 million realized loss on the sale of the Company’s Targus Holdings investment, which is a legacy investment that was originated prior to Saratoga taking on the management of the Company, offset by a $0.4 million realized gain on the sale of the Company’s Ohio Medical equity investment. The $3.2 million net unrealized depreciation primarily reflects (i) the $5.8 million unrealized depreciation on the Company’s CLO and JV equity investments, reflecting the volatility in the broadly syndicated loan market as of quarter-end, and (ii) the $2.6 million unrealized depreciation on the Company’s Pepper Palace investments, primarily reflecting company performance, offset by (i) the $1.5 million unrealized appreciation on the Company’s Vector Controls investment, (ii) the $0.9 million unrealized appreciation on the Company’s Hematerra Technologies investments, (iii) the $1.0 million unrealized appreciation on the Company’s Modern Campus investment, (iv) the $0.5 million unrealized appreciation on the Company’s Chronus investment, and (v) approximately $1.3 million net unrealized appreciation across the remainder of the portfolio, all of the above appreciations primarily reflecting company performance.

 

This is compared to the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2021, with NII of $5.2 million, or $0.45 on a weighted average per share basis, net realized and unrealized gains on investments of $3.9 million, or $0.34 on a weighted average per share basis, and realized loss on extinguishments of $0.8 million, or $0.07 on a weighted average per share basis, resulting in a net increase in net assets from operations of $8.3 million, or $0.73 on a weighted average per share basis.

 

Portfolio and Investment Activity

 

As of November 30, 2022, the fair value of Saratoga Investment’s portfolio was $982.0 million (excluding $47.0 million in cash and cash equivalents), principally invested in 50 portfolio companies and one collateralized loan obligation fund (the “CLO”) and one joint venture fund (the “JV”). The overall portfolio composition consisted of 81.9% of first lien term loans, 2.4% of second lien term loans, 2.1% of unsecured term loans, 4.0% of subordinated notes in CLOs and 9.6% of common equity.

 

For the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2022, Saratoga Investment invested $87.6 million in eighteen follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies and had $56.9 million in aggregate amount of five repayments plus amortizations, resulting in net originations of $30.7 million for the quarter.

 

As of November 30, 2022, the weighted average current yield on Saratoga Investment’s portfolio based on current fair values was 10.4%, which was comprised of a weighted average current yield of 11.9% on first lien term loans, 7.2% on second lien term loans, 9.8% on unsecured term loans, 7.4% on CLO subordinated notes and 0.0% on equity interests.

 

5

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

On September 29, 2022, the Company announced that it received notification from the Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) that the Company’s application for a third Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”) license has been approved. The new SBIC license will provide up to $175 million in additional long-term capital in the form of SBA-guaranteed debentures, subject to the issuance of a leverage commitment by the SBA. Under current SBIC regulations, for two or more SBICs under common control, the maximum amount of outstanding SBA debentures cannot exceed $350.0 million with at least $175.0 million in combined regulatory capital.  

 

On September 8, 2022, the Company entered into the Second Supplemental Notes Purchase Agreement (the “Second Supplemental Agreement”) governing the issuance of its 7.00% Notes due 2025 (the “7.00% 2025 Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of $12.0 million to an institutional investor (the “Purchaser”) in a private placement. The 7.00% 2025 Notes were delivered and paid for on September 8, 2022. Upon the issuance of the 7.00% 2025 Notes, the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Company’s unsecured notes held by the Purchaser in various private placements collectively, is $27.0 million.

 

On October 27, 2022, the Company issued $40.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 8.00% fixed-rate notes due 2027 (the “8.00% 2027 Notes”) for net proceeds of $38.7 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $1.3 million. Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.1 million. On November 10, 2022, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional $6.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 8.00% unsecured notes due 2027. Net proceeds to the Company on this were $5.8 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $0.2 million. Interest on the 8.00% 2027 Notes is paid quarterly in arrears on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30, at a rate of 8.00% per year, beginning February 28, 2023. The 8.00% 2027 Notes mature on October 31, 2027 and commencing October 27, 2024, may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option. Financing costs of $1.3 million related to the 8.00% 2027 Notes have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the 8.00% 2027 Notes. The 8.00% 2027 Notes are listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol “SAJ” with a par value of $25.00 per share.

 

As of November 30, 2022, Saratoga Investment had $25.0 million in outstanding borrowings under its $50 million senior secured revolving credit facility with Encina. At the same time, Saratoga Investment had $67.7 million SBA debentures in its SBIC I license outstanding, $175.0 million in SBA debentures in its SBIC II license outstanding, $0.0 million in SBA debentures in its SBIC III license outstanding, $151.5 million of listed baby bonds issued, $250.0 million of unsecured unlisted institutional bond issuances, four unlisted issuances of $32.0 million in total, and an aggregate of $47.0 million in cash and cash equivalents.

 

On December 13, 2022, Saratoga Investment closed on an underwritten public offering of $52.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.125% unsecured notes due 2027 (the “Notes”). The Notes will mature on December 31, 2027 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option on or after December 13, 2024. The Notes will bear interest at a rate of 8.125% per year payable quarterly on February 28, May 31, August 31, and November 30 of each year, beginning February 28, 2023. On December 21, 2022, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional $7.9 million in aggregate principal amount of its 8.125% unsecured notes due 2027. Net proceeds to the Company on this were $7.6 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $0.3 million. The Notes are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “SAY” with a par value of $25.00 per share.

 

6

 

 

With $25.0 million available under the credit facility and $47.0 million of cash and cash equivalents as of November 30, 2022, Saratoga Investment has a total of $72.0 million of undrawn borrowing capacity and cash and cash equivalents for new investments or to support its existing portfolio companies in the BDC. In addition, Saratoga Investment has $107.3 million in undrawn SBA debentures from its recently approved SBIC III license. Availability under the Encina credit facility can change depending on portfolio company performance and valuation. In addition, certain follow-on investments in SBIC I and the BDC will not qualify for SBIC II or III funding. Overall outstanding SBIC debentures is limited to $350.0 million across all three SBIC licenses. As of quarter-end, Saratoga Investment had $19.0 million of committed undrawn lending commitments and $58.4 million of discretionary funding commitments.

 

On July 30, 2021, Saratoga Investment entered into an equity distribution agreement with Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. and Compass Point Research and Trading, LLC, through which Saratoga Investment may offer for sale, from time to time, up to $150.0 million of common stock through an ATM offering. As of November 30, 2022, the Company sold 4,840,361 shares for gross proceeds of $124.0 million at an average price of $25.61 for aggregate net proceeds of $122.4 million (net of transaction costs). During the three and nine months ended November 30, 2022, there were no shares sold pursuant to the equity distribution agreement with the Agents.

 

Dividend

 

On November 15, 2022, Saratoga Investment announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.68 per share for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2022, paid on January 4, 2023, to all stockholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2022.

 

The Company previously declared in fiscal 2023 a quarterly dividend of $0.54 per share for the quarter ended August, 31, 2022 and $0.53 per share for the quarter ended May 31, 2022. During fiscal 2022, the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.53 per share for the quarters ended February 28, 2022 and November 30, 2021, $0.52 per share for the quarter ended August 31, 2021, $0.44 per share for the quarter ended May 31, 2021 and $0.43 per share for the quarter ended February 28, 2021. During fiscal year 2021, the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.42 per share for the quarter ended November 30, 2020, $0.41 per share for the quarter ended August 31, 2020 and $0.40 per share for the quarter ended May 31, 2020.

 

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 through 2022, this share repurchase plan was extended for another year at the same level of approval. On May 4, 2020, the Board of Directors increased the share repurchase plan to 1.3 million shares of common stock, and on January 9, 2023, the Board of Directors increased the share repurchase plan to 1.7 million shares of common stock, extending the plan through January 15, 2024.

 

7

 

 

During the three months ended November 30, 2022 the Company purchased 94,071 shares of common stock, at the average price of $23.17 for approximately $2.1 million pursuant to the Share Repurchase Plan. During the nine months ended November 30, 2022 the Company purchased 389,598 shares of common stock, at the average price of $24.64 for approximately $9.6 million pursuant to the Share Repurchase Plan.

 

2023 Fiscal Third Quarter Conference Call/Webcast Information

 

When:Wednesday, January 11, 2023
10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET)

 

How:Webcast: Interested parties may access a live webcast of the call and find the Q3 2023 presentation by going to the “Events & Presentations” section of Saratoga Investment Corp.’s investor relations website, Saratoga events and presentations. A replay of the webcast will also be available for a limited time at Saratoga events and presentations.

 

 Call: To access the call by phone, please go to this link (registration link), and you will be provided with dial in details. To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time.

 

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 Corp. owns three SBIC-licensed subsidiaries, manages a $650 million collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) fund and co-manages a joint venture (“JV”) fund that owns a $400 million collateralized loan obligation (“JV CLO”) fund.  It also owns 52% of the Class F and 100% of the subordinated notes of the CLO, 87.5% of both the unsecured loans and membership interests of the JV and 87.5% of the Class E notes of the JV 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.

 

8

 

 

Financials

 

Saratoga Investment Corp.

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

   November 30,
2022
   February 28,
2022
 
   (unaudited)     
ASSETS        
Investments at fair value        
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments (amortized cost of $776,943,715 and $654,965,044, respectively)  $777,907,062   $668,358,516 
Affiliate investments (amortized cost of $90,180,944 and $46,224,927, respectively)    96,051,664    48,234,124 
Control investments (amortized cost of $119,358,478 and $95,058,356, respectively)    108,075,326    100,974,715 
Total investments at fair value (amortized cost of $986,483,137 and $796,248,327, respectively)    982,034,052    817,567,355 
Cash and cash equivalents    5,672,012    47,257,801 
Cash and cash equivalents, reserve accounts    41,375,630    5,612,541 
Interest receivable (net of reserve of $1,626,140 and $0, respectively)    8,815,596    5,093,561 
Due from affiliate (See Note 7)    -    90,968 
Management fee receivable    363,815    362,549 
Other assets    236,861    254,980 
Current tax receivable    467,632    - 
     Total assets  $1,038,965,598   $876,239,755 
           
LIABILITIES           
Revolving credit facility   $25,000,000   $12,500,000 
Deferred debt financing costs, revolving credit facility    (846,319)   (1,191,115)
SBA debentures payable    242,660,000    185,000,000 
Deferred debt financing costs, SBA debentures payable    (5,560,015)   (4,344,983)
7.00% Notes Payable 2025    12,000,000    - 
Discount on 7.00% notes payable 2025    (334,890)   - 
Deferred debt financing costs, 7.00% notes payable 2025    (44,030)   - 
7.25% Notes Payable 2025    -    43,125,000 
Deferred debt financing costs, 7.25% notes payable 2025    -    (1,078,201)
7.75% Notes Payable 2025    5,000,000    5,000,000 
Deferred debt financing costs, 7.75% notes payable 2025    (143,052)   (184,375)
4.375% Notes Payable 2026    175,000,000    175,000,000 
Premium on 4.375% notes payable 2026    904,529    1,086,013 
Deferred debt financing costs, 4.375% notes payable 2026    (2,760,666)   (3,395,435)
4.35% Notes Payable 2027    75,000,000    75,000,000 
Discount on 4.35% notes payable 2027    (425,218)   (499,263)
Deferred debt financing costs, 4.35% notes payable 2027    (1,463,434)   (1,722,908)
6.25% Notes Payable 2027    15,000,000    15,000,000 
Deferred debt financing costs, 6.25% notes payable 2027    (362,531)   (416,253)
6.00% Notes Payable 2027    105,500,000    - 
Discount on 6.00% notes payable 2027    (167,325)   - 
Deferred debt financing costs, 6.00% notes payable 2027    (3,099,317)   - 
8.00% Notes Payable 2027    46,000,000    - 
Deferred debt financing costs, 8.00% notes payable 2027    (1,693,973)   - 
Base management and incentive fees payable    9,556,891    12,947,025 
Deferred tax liability    2,139,661    1,249,015 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses    1,266,008    799,058 
Current income tax payable    26,836    2,820,036 
Interest and debt fees payable    4,946,725    2,801,621 
Directors fees payable    95,932    70,000 
Due to manager    6,186    263,814 
Excise tax payable    -    630,183 
Total liabilities   703,201,998    520,459,232 
           
Commitments and contingencies           
           
NET ASSETS           
Common stock, par value $0.001, 100,000,000 common shares authorized, 11,885,479 and 12,131,350 common shares issued and outstanding, respectively    11,885    12,131 
Capital in excess of par value    321,802,386    328,062,246 
Total distributable earnings    13,949,329    27,706,146 
Total net assets   335,763,600    355,780,523 
Total liabilities and net assets   $1,038,965,598   $876,239,755 
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE   $28.25   $29.33 

 

9

 

 

Saratoga Investment Corp.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

 

   For the three months ended 
   November 30,
2022
   November 30,
2021
 
INVESTMENT INCOME        
Interest from investments        
Interest income:        
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments  $19,549,044   $11,152,851 
Affiliate investments   1,914,800    1,055,947 
Control investments   1,671,354    1,702,096 
Payment-in-kind interest income:          
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments   87,130    115,724 
Affiliate investments   191,860    - 
Control investments   102,720    110,737 
Total interest from investments   23,516,908    14,137,355 
Interest from cash and cash equivalents   200,258    968 
Management fee income   818,254    815,739 
Dividend Income   436,941    537,621 
Structuring and advisory fee income   553,497    582,500 
Other income   731,166    427,921 
Total investment income   26,257,024    16,502,104 
           
OPERATING EXPENSES          
Interest and debt financing expenses   8,449,900    4,842,900 
Base management fees   4,258,821    2,923,676 
Incentive management fees expense   1,531,060    2,417,628 
Professional fees   558,531    (104,438)
Administrator expenses   818,750    750,000 
Insurance   89,187    85,399 
Directors fees and expenses   80,000    73,096 
General and administrative   525,202    357,727 
Income tax expense (benefit)   68,136    (40,519)
Total operating expenses   16,379,587    11,305,469 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME   9,877,437    5,196,635 
           
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS          
Net realized gain (loss) from investments:          
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments   (740,434)   2,588,468 
Affiliate investments   -    7,328,457 
Net realized gain (loss) from investments   (740,434)   9,916,925 
Income tax (provision) benefit from realized gain on investments   479,318    (2,447,173)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments:          
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments   2,082,634    3,887,216 
Affiliate investments   693,483    (7,412,673)
Control investments   (5,952,325)   (2,517,159)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   (3,176,208)   (6,042,616)
Net change in provision for deferred taxes on unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments   (425,848)   2,480,465 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (3,863,172)   3,907,601 
Realized losses on extinguishment of debt   -    (764,123)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS  $6,014,265   $8,340,113 
           
WEIGHTED AVERAGE - BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE  $0.51   $0.73 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC AND DILUTED   11,893,173    11,450,861 

 

10

 

 

Saratoga Investment Corp.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

 

   For the nine months ended 
   November 30,
2022
   November 30,
2021
 
INVESTMENT INCOME        
Interest from investments        
Interest income:        
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments   $49,597,660   $33,687,612 
Affiliate investments    4,287,449    2,332,967 
Control investments    4,731,150    5,616,182 
Payment-in-kind interest income:           
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments    258,557    1,002,819 
Affiliate investments    221,027    - 
Control investments    260,161    298,383 
Total interest from investments    59,356,004    42,937,963 
Interest from cash and cash equivalents    235,410    2,561 
Management fee income    2,451,242    2,448,593 
Dividend Income    949,758    1,595,119 
Structuring and advisory fee income    2,813,311    2,922,625 
Other income    983,277    1,852,916 
Total investment income    66,789,002    51,759,777 
           
OPERATING EXPENSES           
Interest and debt financing expenses    23,243,438    14,367,996 
Base management fees    12,164,989    8,684,681 
Incentive management fees expense    216,915    9,698,327 
Professional fees    1,344,021    863,376 
Administrator expenses    2,341,667    2,156,250 
Insurance    266,723    258,035 
Directors fees and expenses    300,000    265,596 
General and administrative    1,492,063    1,301,603 
Income tax expense (benefit)    (132,487)   18,082 
Total operating expenses    41,237,329    37,613,946 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME    25,551,673    14,145,831 
           
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS           
Net realized gain (loss) from investments:           
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments    7,365,913    6,140,073 
Affiliate investments    -    7,328,457 
Control investments    -    (139,867)
Net realized gain from investments    7,365,913    13,328,663 
Income tax (provision) benefit from realized gain on investments    548,568    (2,896,056)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments:           
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments    (12,430,125)   11,593,037 
Affiliate investments    3,861,523    (1,668,686)
Control investments    (17,199,511)   4,222,150 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments    (25,768,113)   14,146,501 
Net change in provision for deferred taxes on unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments    (1,017,953)   921,610 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments    (18,871,585)   25,500,718 
Realized losses on extinguishment of debt    (1,204,809)   (2,316,263)
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS   $5,475,279   $37,330,286 
           
WEIGHTED AVERAGE - BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE   $0.46   $3.30 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC AND DILUTED    11,989,811    11,312,991 

 

11

 

 

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, (i) adjusted net investment income in fiscal 2023 also excludes the interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs related to the 2025 SAK Notes during the period while the 2027 SAT Notes were already issued and outstanding, and (ii) adjusted net investment income in fiscal 2022 also excludes the interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs related to the 2025 SAF Notes during the call notice period while the 2026 Notes were already issued and outstanding. Both these expenses are directly attributable to the issuance of the 2027 SAT Notes and the subsequent repayment of the 2025 SAK Notes, and the issuance of the 2026 Notes and the subsequent repayment of the 2025 SAF Notes, and are 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 three and nine months ended November 30, 2022 and November 30, 2021.

 

12

 

 

   For the Three Months Ended 
   November 30,
2022
   November 30,
2021
 
         
Net Investment Income  $9,877,437   $5,196,635 
Changes in accrued capital gains incentive fee expense/(reversal)   (751,307)   894,134 
Adjusted net investment income  $9,126,130   $6,090,769 
           
Net investment income yield   11.7%   6.2%
Changes in accrued capital gains incentive fee expense/(reversal)   (0.9)%   1.1%
Adjusted net investment income yield (1)   10.8%   7.3%
           
Net investment income per share  $0.83   $0.45 
Changes in accrued capital gains incentive fee expense/(reversal)   (0.06)   0.08 
Adjusted net investment income per share (2)  $0.77   $0.53 


(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.

 

13

 

 

   For the Nine Months Ended 
   November 30,
2022
   November 30,
2021
 
         
Net Investment Income  $25,551,673   $14,145,831 
Changes in accrued capital gains incentive fee expense/(reversal)   (3,723,699)   4,927,592 
Interest expense on 2025 SAF Notes during call period   -    274,439 
Interest expense on 2025 SAK Notes during the period   655,305    - 
Adjusted net investment income  $22,483,279   $19,347,862 
           
Net investment income yield   9.9%   5.8%
Changes in accrued capital gains incentive fee expense/(reversal)   (1.4)%   2.1%
Interest expense on 2025 SAF Notes during call period   -    0.1%
Interest expense on 2025 SAK Notes during the period   0.2%   - 
Adjusted net investment income yield (1)   8.7%   8.0%
           
Net investment income per share  $2.13   $1.25 
Changes in accrued capital gains incentive fee expense/(reversal)   (0.30)   0.44 
Interest expense on 2025 SAF Notes during call period   -    0.02 
Interest expense on 2025 SAK Notes during the period   0.05    - 
Adjusted net investment income per share (2)  $1.88   $1.71 

 

(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.

 

 

14