Investcorp Credit Management BDC, Inc. annual report, Q2 FY2021

Business Context and Reporting Period

Company: Investcorp Credit Management BDC, Inc. (ICMB)
Filing Type: Form 10-K (Annual Report)
Reporting Period: Fiscal year ended June 30, 2021
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 (first lien, second lien, unitranche) 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.

Key Financial Metrics

Metric 2021 2020
Total Investment Income $26.69 million $34.46 million
Net Investment Income $9.10 million $14.17 million
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets $(2.31) million $(24.66) million
Portfolio Fair Value $245.86 million $270.62 million
Total Assets $267.68 million $296.79 million
Total Liabilities $171.33 million $188.67 million
Net Assets $96.36 million $108.12 million
Net Asset Value (NAV) per Share $6.92 $7.79
Weighted Average Yield (Debt at Cost) 8.10% 9.58%
Asset Coverage Ratio 158% 150% (approx.)

Debt and Liquidity: As of June 30, 2021, the company had $102.0 million outstanding under its Term Financing facility and $0 outstanding under its Revolving Financing facility. It also issued $65.0 million in 4.875% Notes due 2026. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $5.85 million, with an additional $6.76 million in restricted cash.

Material Changes vs. Prior Period

  • Revenue Decline: Total investment income decreased by approximately 22.5% to $26.69 million, primarily due to a reduction in assets under management and lower yields.
  • Expense Reduction: Total expenses decreased to $17.59 million (net of waivers) from $20.30 million, driven by lower interest expenses (due to reduced borrowings) and lower base management fees.
  • Portfolio Valuation: The portfolio fair value decreased by $24.76 million (9.1%) to $245.86 million. This was driven by a net realized loss of $5.78 million and a net unrealized depreciation of $5.64 million.
  • Debt Restructuring: The company redeemed all $51.38 million of its 6.125% Notes due 2023 in April 2021 and issued $65.0 million of new 4.875% Notes due 2026 in March 2021.
  • Asset Quality: The number of portfolio companies decreased from 38 to 36. Investments rated 3 (performing below expectations) decreased from 23.9% of the portfolio to 13.5%, while investments rated 1 (performing above expectations) increased from 9.3% to 13.9%.

Guidance, Outlook, and Risks

Management Commentary: Management noted that the COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact the global economy and portfolio companies during the fiscal year. However, the economic recovery gained traction in the second half of the year. The company maintained a focus on credit quality and investment discipline.

Recent Developments (Post-Period):

  • On August 23, 2021, the company entered into a new $115 million senior secured revolving credit facility with Capital One, N.A., maturing in August 2026.
  • Investcorp BDC completed its required share purchases under the Stock Purchase Agreement.

Key Risks and Contingencies:

  • LIBOR Transition: The company faces uncertainty regarding the cessation of LIBOR and the transition to alternative reference rates (e.g., SOFR), which could impact interest rates on its floating-rate portfolio and financing facilities.
  • Liquidity and Leverage: As a BDC, the company is subject to asset coverage requirements (minimum 150%). A decline in asset values could restrict its ability to borrow or make distributions.
  • Portfolio Concentration: The portfolio is concentrated in specific industries, with Professional Services (10.56%) and Energy Equipment & Services (8.30%) being the largest sectors.
  • Valuation Uncertainty: Substantially all investments are Level 3 assets valued by the board of directors, involving significant judgment and unobservable inputs.

Investor Verification Checklist

  • Debt Maturity Wall: Verify the repayment schedule for the $102 million Term Financing facility (due Dec 2021) and the new Capital One facility terms.
  • NAV Discount: Confirm the current trading price of ICMB stock relative to the $6.92 NAV per share, as BDCs often trade at a discount.
  • LIBOR Hedging: Review the company's specific strategy for transitioning its floating-rate portfolio and debt facilities away from LIBOR.
  • Non-Accrual Assets: Monitor the status of the four investments on non-accrual status and one on partial non-accrual status (representing 1.7% of the portfolio).
  • Distribution Coverage: Assess whether the $9.10 million net investment income is sufficient to cover the $9.60 million in distributions declared for the year, noting the potential for return of capital.