8-K
Portman Ridge Finance Corp false 0001372807 0001372807 2024-03-13 2024-03-13

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 13, 2024

 

 

Portman Ridge Finance Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   814-00735   20-5951150

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

650 Madison Avenue, 23rd Floor

New York, New York

  10022
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code): (212) 891-2880

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 Instructions 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 Exchange Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share   PTMN   The NASDAQ Global Select Market

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

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 7.01

Regulation FD Disclosure.

On March 13, 2024, the Company issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fiscal quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and the appointment of Mr. Satoren as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer. A copy of the press release is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, on March 13, 2024, the Company made available on its website, http://www.portmanridge.com/home, a supplemental investor presentation with respect to the earnings release. A copy of the investor presentation is being furnished as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information disclosed under this Item 7.01, including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 hereto, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing made under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits:

 

Exhibit Number   

Description

99.1    Press Release, dated March 13, 2024
99.2    Investor Presentation, dated March 14, 2024
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)


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.

 

PORTMAN RIDGE FINANCE CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Jason T. Roos

Name:   Jason T. Roos
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

Date: March 14, 2024

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Portman Ridge Finance Corporation

Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results

Reports Strong Year-Over-Year Performance with Total Investment Income of $76.3 Million, an Increase of 9.6% and Net Investment Income of $34.8 Million

Continued Share Repurchase Program for a Total of $4.4 Million During Full Year 2023

Announces Quarterly Distribution of $0.69 Per Share in the First Quarter of 2024

NEW YORK, March 13, 2024 – Portman Ridge Finance Corporation (Nasdaq: PTMN) (the “Company” or “Portman Ridge”) announced today its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.

Full Year 2023 Milestones

 

 

Total investment income was $76.3 million, an increase of 9.6% as compared to full year 2022.

 

 

Net investment income (“NII”) was $34.8 million ($3.66 per share).

 

 

Core investment income, excluding the impact of purchase price accounting, was $74.5 million, an increase of 16.1% as compared to full year 2022.

 

 

Total shares repurchased in open market transactions under the Renewed Stock Repurchase Program during the year ended December 31, 2023, were 224,933 at an aggregate cost of approximately $4.4 million. This compares to 167,017 shares repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2022 at an aggregate cost of approximately $3.8 million.

 

 

Total stockholder distributions for 2023 amount to $2.75 per share.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Highlights

 

 

Total investment income for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $17.8 million, a decrease of $0.8 million as compared to $18.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2022 and a decrease of $0.8 million as compared to $18.6 million for the third quarter of 2023.


 

Core investment income1, excluding the impact of purchase price accounting, for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $17.7 million, unchanged from the fourth quarter of 2022 and a decrease of $0.6 million as compared to $18.3 million for the third quarter of 2023.

 

 

Net investment income (“NII”) for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $11.2 million ($1.19 per share), an increase of $4.1 million as compared to $7.1 million ($0.74 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2022 and an increase of $4.0 million as compared to $7.2 million ($0.75 per share) for the third quarter of 2023. The increase in NII in the fourth quarter of 2023 was the result of a one-time expense reimbursement from the Company’s investment adviser.

 

 

Net asset value (“NAV”) as of December 31, 2023, was $213.5 million ($22.76 per share). This compares to NAV of $214.8 million ($22.65 per share) for the third quarter of 2023. The increase in NAV per share, despite a decrease in total NAV, was due to the accretive nature of the share repurchase program to NAV per share.

 

 

Total shares repurchased in open market transactions under the Renewed Stock Repurchase Program during the quarter ended December 31, 2023, were 101,680 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $1.8 million.

Subsequent Events

 

 

Declared stockholder distribution of $0.69 per share for the first quarter of 2024, payable on April 2, 2024 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 25, 2023. This represents a $0.01 per share increase from the first quarter of 2023.

 

 

On March 11, 2024, the Company’s board of directors authorized a renewed stock repurchase program of up to $10 million for an approximately one-year period, effective March 11, 2024 and terminating on March 31, 2025. The renewed stock repurchase program has substantially the same terms as the prior program.

Management Commentary

Ted Goldthorpe, Chief Executive Officer of Portman Ridge, stated, “We are pleased to announce another strong year of financial performance for Portman Ridge, as we saw a 9.6% increase in total investment income and a 16.1% increase in core investment income as compared to the previous year. These milestones are a testament to the continued positive momentum we are seeing across our platform, despite operating under difficult market conditions.

Additionally, we believe that our stock remained undervalued throughout the year, thus, during 2023 we repurchased shares for an aggregate of $4.4 million, which had an accretive effect to the company’s net asset value per share, reinforcing our commitment to shareholder value. On March 11, 2024, our board of directors authorized a renewed stock repurchase program of up to $10 million for an approximately one-year period. As a result of our strong financial performance during the year, the board of directors was able to approve a dividend of $0.69 per share for the first quarter of 2024, an increase of $0.01 per share as compared to the first quarter of 2023. As we step forward into 2024, we believe we have a robust pipeline, and are favorably positioned to take advantage of new investment opportunities that arise, while continuing to be highly selective in our investment and capital deployment process. We remain confident in our strategy and believe it will allow us to continue to deliver strong results and returns for our shareholders.”

 

1 

Core investment income represents reported total investment income as determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, less the impact of purchase price discount accounting in connection with the Garrison Capital Inc. (“GARS”) and Harvest Capital Credit Corporation (“HCAP”) mergers. Portman Ridge believes presenting core investment income and the related per share amount is useful and appropriate supplemental disclosure for analyzing its financial performance due to the unique circumstance giving rise to the purchase accounting adjustment. However, core investment income is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and should not be considered as a replacement for total investment income and other earnings measures presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Instead, core investment income should be reviewed only in connection with such U.S. GAAP measures in analyzing Portman Ridge’s financial performance.


Selected Financial Highlights for Full Year 2023

 

 

Total investment income for the year ended 2023 was $76.3 million, of which $63.5 million was attributable to interest income from the Debt Securities Portfolio. This compares to total investment income of $69.6 million for the year ended 2022, of which $55.8 million was attributable to interest income from the Debt Securities Portfolio.

 

 

Core investment income for the full year 2023, excluding the impact of purchase price accounting, was $74.5 million, an increase of $10.3 million as compared to core investment income of $64.2 million for full year 2022.

 

 

Net investment income (“NII”) for full year 2023 was $34.8 million ($3.66 per share) as compared to $28.9 million ($3.00 per share) for the full year 2022. The year-over-year increase was largely due to the $5.3 million expense reimbursement from the Company’s investment adviser in the fourth quarter.

 

 

Net asset value (“NAV”) as of December 31, 2023, was $213.5 million ($22.76 per share), an increase of $0.11 per share as compared to $214.8 million ($22.65 per share) for the third quarter of 2023. This compares to $232.1 million ($24.23 per share) as of December 31, 2022. The quarter-over-quarter increase in NAV per share, despite total NAV decreasing slightly, was predominantly driven by the repurchase of 101,680 shares during the fourth quarter.

 

 

Non-accruals on debt investments, as of December 31, 2023, were seven debt investments representing 1.3% and 3.2% of the Company’s investment portfolio at fair value and amortized cost, respectively. This compares to eight debt investments representing 1.6% and 3.6% of the Company’s investment portfolio at fair value and amortized cost, respectively, as of September 30, 2023, and four debt investments representing 0.0% and 0.6% of the Company’s investment portfolio at fair value and amortized cost, respectively, as of December 31, 2022.

 

 

Total investments at fair value as of December 31, 2023, was $467.9 million; when excluding CLO funds, Joint Ventures, and short-term investments, these investments are spread across 27 different industries and 100 different entities with an average par balance per entity of approximately $3.1 million. This compares to $576.5 million of total investments at fair value as of December 31, 2022, comprised of investments in 31 different industries and 119 different entities, with an average par balance per entity of approximately $3.3 million.

 

 

Weighted average contractual interest rate on our interest earning Debt Securities Portfolio as of December 31, 2023 was approximately 12.5%.

 

 

Par value of outstanding borrowings, as of December 31, 2023, was $325.7 million with an asset coverage ratio of total assets to total borrowings of 165%. On a net basis, leverage as of December 31, 2023 was 1.19x2 compared to net leverage of 1.49x3 as of December 31, 2022.

Other Updates

The Company is pleased to announce that Brandon Satoren has been appointed by the Company’s board of directors as the new Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of the Company, effective April 1, 2024. Mr. Satoren, 35, currently serves as the Chief Accounting Officer of Logan Ridge Finance Corporation as well as other registered investment companies within the broader BC Partners Credit platform and has over 14 years of experience in the asset management industry. Mr. Satoren joined BC Partners Advisors LP, an affiliate of the Company’s investment adviser, in May 2021 as a member of the Credit Control team. In this role, he is responsible for directing accounting policy, execution and oversight of financial and non-financial reporting process, as well as other various finance, operations, governance and compliance

 

2 

Net leverage is calculated as the ratio between (A) debt, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, less available cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and (B) NAV. Portman Ridge believes presenting a net leverage ratio is useful and appropriate supplemental disclosure because it reflects the Company’s financial condition net of $71.6 million and $33.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash for the quarters ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. However, the net leverage ratio is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and should not be considered as a replacement for the regulatory asset coverage ratio and other similar information presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Instead, the net leverage ratio should be reviewed only in connection with such U.S. GAAP measures in analyzing Portman Ridge’s financial condition.


responsibilities for BC Partners’ credit strategies. Prior to joining BC Partners Advisors LP, Mr. Satoren previously was a Vice President and Controller at PennantPark, a Vice President at AQR Capital Management, LLC and a Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Central Florida in 2010. Mr. Satoren is a Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice in Colorado and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

On March 11, 2024, the board of directors of Portman Ridge received and accepted the resignation of Jason Roos, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of the Company, effective April 1, 2024. Mr. Roos’ decision to resign is not related to any disagreement relating to the Company’s accounting, strategy, management, operations, policies, regulatory matters, or practices (financial or otherwise). Mr. Roos will continue to support the executive team in an advisory capacity for an extended period of time.

Results of Operations

Operating results for the years ended December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, were as follows:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2023      2022  

Total investment income

   $ 76,315      $ 69,614  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net expenses(1)

     41,542        40,724  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     34,773        28,890  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (26,766      (31,185
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3,322        (17,915
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Tax (provision) benefit on realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

   $ 414      $ (786
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, net of taxes

   $ (23,030    $ (49,886
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) on extinguishments of debt

   $ (362    $ —   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 11,381      $ (20,996
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Resulting from Operations per Common Share:

     

Basic and Diluted:

   $ 1.20      $ (2.18

Net Investment Income Per Common Share:

     

Basic and Diluted:

   $ 3.66      $ 3.00  

Weighted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding—Basic and Diluted

     9,509,396        9,634,468  

 

(1)

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company received a reimbursement from its investment adviser of $5.3 million, inclusive of interest, for expenses relating to certain administrative transition services.


Investment Income

The composition of our investment income for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 was as follows:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
($ in thousands)    2023      2022  

Interest from investments in debt excluding accretion

   $ 54,631      $ 44,771  

Purchase discount accounting

     1,774        5,425  

PIK Investment Income

     7,068        5,608  

CLO Income

     1,998        4,044  

JV Income

     8,948        8,591  

Service Fees

     1,896        1,175  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investment Income

   $ 76,315      $ 69,614  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less : Purchase discount accounting

   $ (1,774    $ (5,425
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Core Investment Income

   $ 74,541      $ 64,189  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair Value of Investments

The composition of our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 at cost and fair value was as follows:

 

($ in thousands)    December 31, 2023     December 31, 2022  
Security Type    Cost/Amortized
Cost
     Fair Value      %(¹)     Cost/Amortized
Cost
     Fair Value      %(¹)  

Senior Secured Loan

   $ 356,358      $ 340,159        73     $ 435,856      $ 418,722        73  

Junior Secured Loan

     53,888        38,875        8       65,776        56,400        10  

Senior Unsecured Bond

     416        43        0       416        43        0  

Equity Securities

     31,280        20,533        4       28,848        21,905        4  

CLO Fund Securities

     9,103        8,968        2       34,649        20,453        3  

Asset Manager Affiliates(2)

     17,791        —         —        17,791        —         —   

Joint Ventures

     71,415        59,287        13       68,850        58,955        10  

Derivatives

     31        —         —        31        —         —   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 540,282      $ 467,865        100   $ 652,217      $ 576,478        100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1

Represents percentage of total portfolio at fair value

2

Represents the equity investment in the Asset Manager Affiliates

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $325.7 million (par value) of borrowings outstanding at a current weighted average interest rate of 7.0%, of which $108.0 million par value had a fixed rate and $217.7 million par value had a floating rate. This balance was comprised of $92.0 million of outstanding borrowings under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, $125.7 million of 2018-2 Secured Notes due 2029, and $108.0 million of 4.875% Notes due 2026.


As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the fair value of investments and cash were as follows:

 

($ in thousands)              
Security Type    December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 26,912      $ 5,148  

Restricted Cash

     44,652        27,983  

Senior Secured Loan

     340,159        418,722  

Junior Secured Loan

     38,875        56,400  

Senior Unsecured Bond

     43        43  

Equity Securities

     20,533        21,905  

CLO Fund Securities

     8,968        20,453  

Asset Manager Affiliates

     —         —   

Joint Ventures

     59,287        58,955  

Derivatives

     —         —   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 539,429      $ 609,609  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had unrestricted cash of $26.9 million and restricted cash of $44.7 million. This compares to unrestricted cash of $14.9 million and restricted cash of $18.8 million as of September 30, 2023, and unrestricted cash of $5.1 million and restricted cash of $28.0 million as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $23 million of available borrowing capacity under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, and no remaining borrowing capacity under the 2018-2 Secured Notes.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s investment income is affected by fluctuations in various interest rates, including SOFR and prime rates.

As of December 31, 2023, approximately 89.7% of our Debt Securities Portfolio at par value were either floating rate with a spread to an interest rate index such as SOFR or the PRIME rate. 77.4% of these floating rate loans contain SOFR floors ranging between 0.50% and 2.50%. We generally expect that future portfolio investments will predominately be floating rate investments.

In periods of rising or lowering interest rates, the cost of the portion of debt associated with the 4.875% Notes Due 2026 would remain the same, given that this debt is at a fixed rate, while the interest rate on borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility would fluctuate with changes in interest rates.

Generally, the Company would expect that an increase in the base rate index for floating rate investment assets would increase gross investment income and a decrease in the base rate index for such assets would decrease gross investment income (in either case, such increase/decrease may be limited by interest rate floors/minimums for certain investment assets).

 

     Impact on net investment income from
a change in interest rates at:
 
($ in thousands)    1%      2%      3%  

Increase in interest rate

   $ 1,508      $ 3,017      $ 4,525  

Decrease in interest rate

   $ (1,508    $ (3,017    $ (4,525

Conference Call and Webcast

We will hold a conference call on March 14, 2024, at 9:00 am Eastern Time to discuss our fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial results. To access the call, stockholders, prospective stockholders and analysts should dial (646) 307-1963 approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the conference call and use the conference ID 4194885.


A live audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed via the Internet, on a listen-only basis on the Company’s website www.portmanridge.com in the Investor Relations section under Events and Presentations. The webcast can also be accessed by clicking the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/z9pgs7ne. The online archive of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website shortly after the call.

About Portman Ridge Finance Corporation

Portman Ridge Finance Corporation (Nasdaq: PTMN) is a publicly traded, externally managed investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Portman Ridge’s middle market investment business originates, structures, finances and manages a portfolio of term loans, mezzanine investments and selected equity securities in middle market companies. Portman Ridge’s investment activities are managed by its investment adviser, Sierra Crest Investment Management LLC, an affiliate of BC Partners Advisors, LP.

Portman Ridge’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), earnings releases, press releases and other financial, operational and governance information are available on the Company’s website at www.portmanridge.com.

About BC Partners Advisors L.P. and BC Partners Credit

BC Partners is a leading international investment firm with over €40 billion of assets under management in private equity, private credit and real estate strategies. Established in 1986, BC Partners has played an active role in developing the European buyout market for three decades. Today, BC Partners executives operate across markets as an integrated team through the firm’s offices in North America and Europe. For more information, please visit https://www.bcpartners.com/.

BC Partners Credit was launched in February 2017 and has pursued a strategy focused on identifying attractive credit opportunities in any market environment and across sectors, leveraging the deal sourcing and infrastructure made available from BC Partners.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The matters discussed in this press release, as well as in future oral and written statements by management of Portman Ridge Finance Corporation, that are forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations that involve substantial risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and include, but are not limited to, projected financial performance, expected development of the business, plans and expectations about future investments and the future liquidity of the Company. We generally identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “outlook”,


“contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar words. Forward-looking statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations that are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements.

Important assumptions include our ability to originate new investments, and achieve certain margins and levels of profitability, the availability of additional capital, and the ability to maintain certain debt to asset ratios. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this press release should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates, expectations or objectives will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include, among others, (1) uncertainty of the expected financial performance of the Company; (2) expected synergies and savings associated with merger transactions effectuated by the Company; (3) the ability of the Company and/or its adviser to implement its business strategy; (4) evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes; (5) changes in general economic and/or industry specific conditions, including but not limited to the impact of inflation; (6) the impact of increased competition; (7) business prospects and the prospects of the Company’s portfolio companies; (8) contractual arrangements with third parties; (9) any future financings by the Company; (10) the ability of Sierra Crest Investment Management LLC to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (11) the Company’s ability to fund any unfunded commitments; (12) any future distributions by the Company; (13) changes in regional or national economic conditions, including but not limited to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their impact on the industries in which we invest; and (14) other changes in the conditions of the industries in which we invest and other factors enumerated in our filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with the risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including the Company’s most recent Form 10-K and other SEC filings. We do not undertake to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required to be reported under the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Contacts:

Portman Ridge Finance Corporation

650 Madison Avenue, 23rd floor

New York, NY 10022

info@portmanridge.com

Jason Roos

Jason.Roos@bcpartners.com

(212) 891-2880

The Equity Group Inc.

Lena Cati

lcati@equityny.com

(212) 836-9611

Val Ferraro

vferraro@equityny.com

(212) 836-9633


PORTMAN RIDGE FINANCE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     December 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 

ASSETS

    

Investments at fair value:

    

Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments (amortized cost: 2023 - $426,630; 2022 - $518,699)

   $ 398,325     $ 483,698  

Non-controlled affiliated investments (amortized cost: 2023 - $55,611; 2022 - $75,196)

     55,222       73,827  

Controlled affiliated investments (cost: 2023 - $58,041; 2022 - $58,322)

     14,318       18,953  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments at Fair Value (cost: 2023 - $540,282; 2022 - $652,217)

   $ 467,865     $ 576,478  

Cash and cash equivalents

     26,912       5,148  

Restricted cash

     44,652       27,983  

Interest receivable

     5,162       4,828  

Receivable for unsettled trades

     573       1,395  

Due from affiliates

     1,534       930  

Other assets

     2,541       2,724  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 549,239     $ 619,486  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

    

2018-2 Secured Notes (net of discount of: 2023 - $712; 2022 - $1,226)

   $ 124,971     $ 176,937  

4.875% Notes Due 2026 (net of discount of: 2023 - $1,225; 2022 - $1,704; net of deferred financing costs of: 2023 - $561; 2022 - $818)

     106,214       105,478  

Great Lakes Portman Ridge Funding LLC Revolving Credit Facility (net of deferred financing costs of: 2023 - $775; 2022 - $1,107)

     91,225       90,893  

Payable for unsettled trades

     520       1,276  

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     4,252       4,614  

Accrued interest payable

     3,928       3,722  

Due to affiliates

     458       900  

Management and incentive fees payable

     4,153       3,543  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ 335,721     $ 387,363  

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 8)

    

NET ASSETS

    

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 20,000,000 common shares authorized; 9,943,385 issued, and 9,383,132 outstanding at December 31, 2023, and 9,916,856 issued, and 9,581,536 outstanding at December 31, 2022

   $ 94     $ 96  

Capital in excess of par value

     717,835       736,784  

Total distributable (loss) earnings

     (504,411     (504,757
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Net Assets

   $ 213,518     $ 232,123  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Net Assets

   $ 549,239     $ 619,486  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Common Share

   $ 22.76     $ 24.23  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


PORTMAN RIDGE FINANCE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2023     2022     2021  

INVESTMENT INCOME

      

Interest income:

      

Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

   $ 55,675     $ 51,090     $ 60,236  

Non-controlled affiliated investments

     2,728       3,150       4,775  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest income

   $ 58,403     $ 54,240     $ 65,011  

Payment-in-kind income:

      

Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments (2)

   $ 6,662     $ 4,950     $ 3,355  

Non-controlled affiliated investments

     406       477       166  

Controlled affiliated investments

     —        181       —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total payment-in-kind income

   $ 7,068     $ 5,608     $ 3,521  

Dividend income:

      

Non-controlled affiliated investments

   $ 6,764     $ 4,450     $ 4,006  

Controlled affiliated investments

     2,184       4,141       5,170  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividend income

   $ 8,948     $ 8,591     $ 9,176  

Fees and other income:

      

Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

   $ 1,882     $ 1,135     $ 2,378  

Non-controlled affiliated investments

     14       40       —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fees and other income

   $ 1,896     $ 1,175     $ 2,378  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

   $ 76,315     $ 69,614     $ 80,086  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

      

Management fees

   $ 7,452     $ 8,349     $ 7,916  

Performance-based incentive fees

     7,374       6,126       7,075  

Interest and amortization of debt issuance costs

     25,306       17,701       13,644  

Professional fees

     2,629       3,400       3,660  

Administrative services expense

     2,377       3,364       3,219  

Other general and administrative expenses

     1,713       1,784       2,568  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

   $ 46,851     $ 40,724     $ 38,082  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expense reimbursement

   $ (5,309   $ —      $ —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

   $ 41,542     $ 40,724     $ 38,082  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INVESTMENT INCOME

   $ 34,773     $ 28,890     $ 42,004  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS:

      

Net realized gains (losses) from investment transactions

      

Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

   $ (26,334   $ (28,893   $ (4,397

Non-controlled affiliated investments

     (399     (197     139  

Controlled affiliated investments

     (33     —        —   

Derivatives

     —        (2,095     —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

   $ (26,766   $ (31,185   $ (4,258

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

      

Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

   $ 6,696     $ (8,298   $ (8,047

Non-controlled affiliated investments

     980       (1,428     282  

Controlled affiliated investments

     (4,354     (10,601     625  

Derivatives

     —        2,412       (1,303
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments

   $ 3,322     $ (17,915   $ (8,443
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Tax (provision) benefit on realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments

   $ 414     $ (786   $ (1,442
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, net of taxes

   $ (23,030   $ (49,886   $ (14,143
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized gains (losses) on extinguishments of debt

   $ (362   $ —      $ (1,835
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 11,381     $ (20,996   $ 26,026  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Resulting from Operations per Common Share (1):

      

Basic and Diluted:

   $ 1.20     $ (2.18   $ 3.05  

Net Investment Income Per Common Share (1):

      

Basic and Diluted:

   $ 3.66     $ 3.00     $ 4.92  

Weighted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding—Basic and Diluted (1)

     9,509,396       9,634,468       8,536,079  

 

(1)

The Company completed a Reverse Stock Split of 10 to 1 effective August 26, 2021, the weighted average shares outstanding and per share values have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the split for all periods presented.

(2)

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company received $610.2 thousand of non-recurring fee income that was paid in-kind and included in this financial statement line item.

EX-99.2

Slide 1

Q4 and Full Year 2023 Earnings Presentation March 14, 2024 Exhibit 99.2


Slide 2

Important Information Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains forward-looking statements. The matters discussed in this presentation, as well as in future oral and written statements by management of Portman Ridge Finance Corporation (“PTMN”, “Portman Ridge” or the “Company”), that are forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations that involve substantial risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and include, but are not limited to, projected financial performance, expected development of the business, plans and expectations about future investments, our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties, the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives, the ability of the Company’s investment adviser to attract and retain highly talented professionals, our ability to maintain our qualification as a regulated investment company and as a business development company, our compliance with covenants under our borrowing arrangements, and the future liquidity of the Company. We generally identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," “outlook”, "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar words. Forward-looking statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market or other conditions, including with respect to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the Company and its portfolio companies’ results of operations and financial condition. More information on these risks and other potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results, including important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from plans, estimates or expectations included herein, is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including in the “Risk Factors” and “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s most recently filed quarterly report on Form 10-Q and annual report on Form 10-K, as well as in subsequent filings. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this presentation should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. We do not undertake to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required to be reported under the rules and regulations of the SEC.


Slide 3

Core investment income represents reported total investment income as determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, less the impact of purchase price discount accounting in connection with the Garrison Capital Inc. (“GARS”) and Harvest Capital Credit Corporation (“HCAP”) mergers. Portman Ridge believes presenting core investment income and the related per share amount is useful and appropriate supplemental disclosure for analyzing its financial performance due to the unique circumstance giving rise to the purchase accounting adjustment. However, core investment income is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and should not be considered as a replacement for total investment income and other earnings measures presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Instead, core investment income should be reviewed only in connection with such U.S. GAAP measures in analyzing Portman Ridge’s financial performance. Net leverage is calculated as the ratio between (A) debt, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, less available cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and (B) NAV. Portman Ridge believes presenting a net leverage ratio is useful and appropriate supplemental disclosure because it reflects the Company’s financial condition net of $71.2 million and $33.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash for the years ended December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022 respectively. However, the net leverage ratio is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and should not be considered as a replacement for the regulatory asset coverage ratio and other similar information presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Instead, the net leverage ratio should be reviewed only in connection with such U.S. GAAP measures in analyzing Portman Ridge’s financial condition. Full year Highlights Full year 2023 Highlights Total investment income for the year ended 2023 was $76.3 million, of which $63.5 million was attributable to interest income from the Debt Securities Portfolio. This compares to total investment income of $69.6 million for the year ended 2022, of which $55.8 million was attributable to interest income from the Debt Securities Portfolio. Core investment income(1) for full year 2023, excluding the impact of purchase price accounting, was $74.5 million, an increase of $10.3 million as compared to core investment income of $64.2 million for full year 2022. Net investment income ("NII") for full year 2023 was $34.8 million ($3.66 per share) as compared to $28.9 million ($3.00 per share) for full year 2022. Total shares repurchased in open market transactions under the Renewed Stock Repurchase Program during the year ended December 31, 2023 were 224,933 at an aggregate cost of approximately $4.4 million. This compares to 167,017 shares repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2022 at an aggregate cost of approximately $3.8 million. Total investments at fair value as of December 31, 2023 was $467.9 million; when excluding CLO funds, Joint Ventures, and short-term investments, these investments are spread across 27 different industries and 100 different entities with an average par balance per entity of approximately $3.1 million. This compares to $576.5 million of total investments at fair value (excluding derivatives) as of December 31, 2022, comprised of investments in 119 different entities (excluding CLO funds, Joint Ventures, and short-term investments). Weighted average contractual interest rate on our interest earning Debt Securities Portfolio for the year ended 2023 was approximately 12.5%. Non-accruals on debt investments, as of December 31, 2023 were seven debt investments as compared to four debt investments on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, debt investments on non-accrual status represented 1.3% and 3.2% of the Company’s investment portfolio at fair value and amortized cost, respectively. This compares to debt investments on non-accrual status representing 0.0% and 0.6% of the Company’s investment portfolio at fair value and amortized cost, respectively, as of December 31, 2022. Net asset value (“NAV”) full year 2023 was $213.5 million ($22.76 per share) as compared to $232.1 million ($24.23 per share) for full year 2022; The increase in NAV per share, despite a decrease in total NAV, was due to the accretive nature of the share repurchase program to NAV per share. Par value of outstanding borrowings, as of December 31, 2023, was $325.7million with an asset coverage ratio of total assets to total borrowings of 165%. On a net basis, leverage as of December 31, 2023 was 1.19x(2) compared to net leverage of 1.49x(2) as of December 31, 2022. Increased Stockholder distribution from $0.67 in the fourth quarter of 2022 to $0.69 in the fourth quarter of 2023. Including the distribution subsequent to the announcement of full year 2023 earnings results, total stockholder distributions for 2023 amount to $2.75 per share.


Slide 4

Financial Highlights Core investment income represents reported total investment income as determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, less the impact of purchase price discount accounting in connection with the GARS and HCAP mergers. Portman Ridge believes presenting core investment income and the related per share amount is useful and appropriate supplemental disclosure for analyzing its financial performance due to the unique circumstance giving rise to the purchase accounting adjustment. However, core investment income is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and should not be considered as a replacement for total investment income and other earnings measures presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Instead, core investment income should be reviewed only in connection with such U.S. GAAP measures in analyzing Portman Ridge’s financial performance. Core net investment income represents reported total net investment income as determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, less the impact of purchase price discount accounting in connection with the GARS and HCAP mergers, while also considering the impact of accretion from these mergers on expenses, such as incentive fees. For the year ended December 31, 2023, core net investment income excludes a one-time expense reimbursement Portman Ridge received from its investment adviser, while also excluding the secondary impact that the reimbursement had on other expenses, such as incentive fees. Portman Ridge believes presenting core net investment income and the related per share amount is useful and appropriate supplemental disclosure for analyzing its financial performance due to the unique circumstance giving rise to the purchase accounting adjustment and the reimbursement. However, core net investment income is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and should not be considered as a replacement for total net investment income and other earnings measures presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Instead, core net investment income should be reviewed only in connection with such U.S. GAAP measures in analyzing Portman Ridge’s financial performance. See slide 8 for a presentation of Reported net investment income in comparison to Core net investment income and a reconciliation thereof.


Slide 5

3 month SOFR per Bloomberg as of February 14, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, all of our floating rate assets were on SOFR contract. If all floating rate assets as of 12/31 were reset to current 3 month benchmark rates (5.32%), we would expect to generate an incremental ~$86k of quarterly income. Rising Rates (1)


Slide 6

Over the last three years, Portman has experienced an average of $1.3 million in income related to repayment / prepayment activity as compared to the current quarter of $0.5 million. Limited Repayment Activity


Slide 7

All per share information assumes the ending 12/31/2023 share count, including Q4 2023. Reflects the Company's net investment income of $1.19 per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, excluding a one-time expense reimbursement Portman Ridge received from its investment adviser, while also excluding the secondary impact that the reimbursement had on other expenses, such as incentive fees. Portman Ridge believes presenting net investment income (excluding the impacts of the expense reimbursement) and the related per share amount is useful and appropriate supplemental disclosure for analyzing its financial performance due to the unique circumstance giving rise to the purchase accounting adjustment and the reimbursement. However, net investment income (excluding the impacts of the expense reimbursement) is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and should not be considered as a replacement for total net investment income and other earnings measures presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Instead, net investment income (excluding the impacts of the expense reimbursement) should be reviewed only in connection with such U.S. GAAP measures in analyzing Portman Ridge’s financial performance. See slide 4 for a reconciliation of net investment income (excluding the impacts of the expense reimbursement) to net investment income. The below analysis begins with Q4 2023 net investment income and assumes no other changes to the portfolio (including accrual status of each portfolio company), investment income, professional expenses or administrative expenses other than the following: Current benchmarks assumes that all assets and liabilities that have SOFR based contracts are reset at 5.32% plus applicable spreads beginning on January 1, 2024. NII Per Share Bridge (2)


Slide 8

Core Earning Analysis Core net investment income represents reported total net investment income as determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, less the impact of purchase price discount accounting in connection with the GARS and HCAP mergers, while also considering the impact of accretion from these mergers on expenses. Portman Ridge believes presenting core net investment income and the related per share amount is useful and appropriate supplemental disclosure for analyzing its financial performance due to the unique circumstance giving rise to the purchase accounting adjustment. However, core net investment income is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and should not be considered as a replacement for total net investment income and other earnings measures presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Instead, core net investment income should be reviewed only in connection with such U.S. GAAP measures in analyzing Portman Ridge’s financial performance.


Slide 9

Net Asset Value Rollforward Excluding gains from merger activity. Impact includes merger transaction costs Includes the transaction purchase of portfolio assets from JMP GROUP LLC on October 26, 2021 Net leverage is calculated as the ratio between (A) debt, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, less available cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and (B) NAV. Portman Ridge believes presenting a net leverage ratio is useful and appropriate supplemental disclosure because it reflects the Company’s financial condition net of $71.2 million $33.7 million, $35.4 million, $46.1 million and $33.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash for the quarters ended December 31, 2023, September 30, 2023, June 30, 2023, March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022 respectively. However, the net leverage ratio is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and should not be considered as a replacement for the regulatory asset coverage ratio and other similar information presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Instead, the net leverage ratio should be reviewed only in connection with such U.S. GAAP measures in analyzing Portman Ridge’s financial condition.


Slide 10

As of December 31, 2023. Figures shown do not include short term investments, CLO holdings, F3C JV or Series A-Great Lakes Funding II LLC, and derivatives. Shown as % of debt and equity investments at fair market value. Current Portfolio Profile(1) Diversified Portfolio of Assets Diversification by Borrower(2) Asset Mix(2) Industry Diversification(2) 100 Debt + Equity Portfolio Investee Companies $3.1mm / 1% Average Debt Position Size U.S Centric Investments: Nearly 100% US-Based Companies Focus on Non-Cyclical Industries with High FCF Generation Credit quality has been stable to improving during the rotation period Top 5 Borrowers, 18.6%


Slide 11

For comparability purposes, portfolio trends metrics exclude short-term investments and derivatives. Excludes select investments where the metric is not applicable, appropriate, data is unavailable for the underlying statistic analyzed Includes assets purchased from affiliate of HCAP’s former manager in a separate transaction. CLO holdings and Joint Ventures are excluded from investment count. Excluding non-accrual and partial non-accrual investments and excluding CLO holdings and Joint Ventures. Portfolio Trends(1)(2) ($ in ‘000s) Q4 2022 Q1 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2023 Q4 2023 Portfolio Sourcing (at Fair Value): BC Partners $367,771 $360,061 $357,971 $366,509 $357,645 Legacy KCAP $52,847 $44,061 $30,718 $24,719 $26,274 Legacy OHAI $9,179 $6,943 $6,715 $6,289 $1,188 Legacy GARS $106,494 $95,343 $91,842 $82,738 $69,488 Legacy HCAP (3) $40,187 $32,714 $22,854 $20,166 $13,271 Portfolio Summary: Total portfolio, at fair value $576,478 $539,122 $510,100 $500,419 $467,865 Total number of debt portfolio companies / Total number of Investments (4) 96 / 198 87 / 184 85 / 183 83 / 175 80 / 174 Weighted Avg EBITDA of debt portfolio companies $98,260 $98,349 $99,545 $107,118 $108,229 Average size of debt portfolio company investment, at fair value $3,046 $3,033 $2,879 $3,294 $3,165 Weighted avg first lien / total leverage ratio (net) of debt portfolio 4.9x / 5.4x 5.0x / 5.5x 4.9x / 5.5x 5.0x / 5.8x 5.0x/5.8x Portfolio Yields and Spreads: Weighted average yield on debt investments at par value (5) 11.1% 11.9% 11.3% 12.2% 12.3% Average Spread to LIBOR 708 bps 759 bps 675 bps 744 bps 750 bps Portfolio Activity: Beginning balance $571,648 $576,478 $539,122 $510,100 $500,419 Purchases / draws 43,094 14,878 15,257 18,301 18,061 Exits / repayments / amortization (21,052) (46,158) (36,296) (29,912) (48,148) Gains / (losses) / accretion (17,212) (6,076) (7,983) 1,930 (2,467) Ending Balance $576,478 $539,122 $510,100 $500,419 $467,865


Slide 12

Based on FMV. As of December 31, 2023, seven of the Company’s debt investments were on non-accrual status and represented 1.3% and 3.2% of the Company’s investment portfolio at fair value and amortized cost, respectively Credit Quality


Slide 13

At Fair Value. Does not include activity in short-term investments and derivatives. Portfolio Composition (1)


Slide 14

M&A Value Realization Our track record demonstrates BC Partners’ ability to efficiently realize the value of legacy portfolios acquired while rotating into BC Partners’ sourced assets OHAI GARS HCAP


Slide 15

Appendix


Slide 16

Balance Sheet


Slide 17

The Company completed a Reverse Stock Split of 10 to 1 effective August 26, 2021, the weighted average shares outstanding and per share values have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the split for all periods presented. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company received $610.2 thousand of non-recurring fee income that was paid in-kind and included in the financial statement line item. Income Statement


Slide 18

Cash and Cash Equivalents Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents totaled $26.9 million as of December 31, 2023 Restricted cash of $44.7 million as of December 31, 2023 Debt Summary As of December 31, 2023, par value of outstanding borrowings was $325.7 million; there was $23 million of available borrowing capacity under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility and no available borrowing capacity under the 2018-2 Secured Notes. Corporate Leverage & Liquidity


Slide 19

The Company completed a Reverse Stock Split of 10 to 1 effective August 26, 2021, the distribution per share amounts have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the split for all periods presented. Regular Distribution Information (1)