Investcorp Credit Management BDC, Inc. annual report, Q2 FY2020

Business Context and Reporting Period

Company: Investcorp Credit Management BDC, Inc. (ICMB)
Filing Type: Form 10-K (Annual Report)
Period Ended: June 30, 2020
Business Overview: ICMB is an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company regulated as a Business Development Company (BDC). It invests primarily in the debt (unitranche, first and second lien loans) and related equity of privately held U.S. middle-market companies. The company is advised by CM Investment Partners LLC, which is majority-owned by Investcorp Credit Management US LLC.

Key Financial Metrics

Metric Year Ended June 30, 2020 Year Ended June 30, 2019
Total Investment Income $34.46 million $34.40 million
Net Investment Income $14.17 million $13.50 million
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations $(24.66) million $(14.54) million
Net Asset Value (NAV) per Share $7.79 $10.51
Portfolio Fair Value $270.62 million $306.39 million
Weighted Average Yield on Debt (at cost) 9.58% 10.50%
Total Senior Securities Outstanding $183.38 million $165.53 million
Asset Coverage Ratio 159.3% 165.5%
Cash and Cash Equivalents $14.88 million $19.71 million

Material Changes vs. Prior Period

  • Portfolio Valuation: The portfolio fair value decreased by approximately $35.77 million (11.7%) from $306.39 million in 2019 to $270.62 million in 2020. This decline was primarily driven by a net change in unrealized depreciation of $31.19 million, attributed to widening credit spreads and market volatility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Realized Losses: The company recorded a net realized loss of $7.63 million in 2020, compared to $21.98 million in 2019. The 2020 losses were largely due to the restructuring of Fusion Connect Inc. and 4L Technologies Inc.
  • Debt Structure: Total senior securities increased to $183.38 million in 2020 from $165.53 million in 2019. This included the issuance of $16.88 million in 2023 Notes and increased utilization of the Revolving Financing, partially offset by a $20.0 million repayment of the Term Financing.
  • Expense Reduction: Total expenses decreased to $20.30 million in 2020 from $20.90 million in 2019, primarily due to a reduction in the income-based incentive fee, despite higher interest expenses.

Guidance, Outlook, and Risks

Management Commentary: Management noted that operating results were negatively impacted by the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused severe disruptions in the global economy. The company closely monitored portfolio companies' operational and liquidity exposure. The decline in NAV was largely due to unrealized depreciation reflecting market conditions rather than realized defaults.

Risks and Contingencies:

  • COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic has led to increased volatility, potential borrower defaults, and difficulty in refinancing. Management anticipates continued economic uncertainty.
  • Liquidity: As of June 30, 2020, the company had $14.88 million in cash and $5.42 million in restricted cash. The Revolving Financing was fully drawn ($30.0 million), leaving no undrawn capacity.
  • Asset Coverage: The company maintained an asset coverage ratio of 159.3%, which is above the 150% minimum required under the 1940 Act for BDCs, allowing for distributions and additional borrowing within limits.
  • LIBOR Transition: The company faces risks related to the potential cessation of LIBOR after 2021, which could require renegotiation of credit agreements and affect interest income.

Key Facts for Investor Verification

  • NAV Decline: Verify the magnitude of the unrealized depreciation ($31.19 million) and its specific attribution to portfolio companies like 1888 Industrials, Bioplan, and Exela Technologies.
  • Debt Maturities: Confirm the maturity dates of the Term Financing (December 2021) and Revolving Financing (December 2020) and the company's refinancing strategy given the fully drawn revolver.
  • Portfolio Concentration: Review the industry concentration, noting that Professional Services (11.48%), Construction & Engineering (11.18%), and Energy Equipment & Services (10.92%) represent the top three sectors.
  • Asset Quality Ratings: Assess the shift in investment ratings; while 60% of the portfolio remained at Rating 2 (performing within expectations), 23.9% were at Rating 3 (below expectations, requiring closer monitoring).
  • Dividend Sustainability: Evaluate the ability to maintain distributions given the net loss from operations and the reliance on cash flow from investments versus the decline in NAV.