PhenixFIN Corp 10-K

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. Except as otherwise specified, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company,” refer to PhenixFIN Corporation. Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in this annual report on Form 10-K constitute forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or our performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to: ● the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies; ● changes in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment or conditions affecting the financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in the value of our assets; ● the impact of increased competition; ● the impact of future acquisitions and divestitures; ● our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies; ● the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to us; ● our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties; ● any future financings by us; ● fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; ● the impact of changes to tax legislation and, generally, our tax position; ● our ability to locate suitable investments for us and to monitor and administer our investments; ● our ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals; 37 ● market conditions and our ability to access alternative debt markets and additional debt and equity capital; ● the unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings; ● uncertainties associated with the effect of pandemics and other future market disruptions on our business prospects and the operational and financial performance of our portfolio companies, including our and their ability to achieve their respective objectives; and the effect of disruptions on our ability to continue to effectively manage our business; and ● risks and uncertainties relating to the possibility that the Company may explore strategic alternatives, including, but are not limited to: the timing, benefits and outcome of any exploration of strategic alternatives by the Company; potential disruptions in the Company’s business and stock price as a result of our exploration of any strategic alternatives; the ability to realize anticipated efficiencies, or strategic or financial benefits; potential transaction costs and risks; and the risk that any exploration of strategic alternatives may have an adverse effect on our existing business arrangements or relationships, including our ability to retain or hire key personnel. There is no assurance that any exploration of strategic alternatives will result in a transaction or other strategic change or outcome. Such forward-looking statements may include statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “trend,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “potential,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” or similar expressions. The forward looking statements contained in this annual report involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those implied or expressed in the forward-looking statements for any reason, including the factors set forth as “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. We have based the forward-looking statements included in this report on information available to us on the date of this report, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements, and future results could differ materially from historical performance. Although we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you or through reports that we have filed or in the future may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including annual reports on Form 10-K, registration statements on Form N-2, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Overview We are an internally-managed non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. In addition, we have elected, and intend to qualify annually, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. Through December 31, 2020, we were an externally managed company. Since January 1, 2021, we have operated under such internalized management structure. We commenced operations and completed our initial public offering on January 20, 2011. Under our internalized management structure, our activities are managed by our senior professionals and are supervised by our board of directors, of which a majority of the members are independent of us. The Company’s investment objective is to generate current income and capital appreciation. The management team seeks to achieve this objective primarily through making loans, private equity or other investments in privately-held companies. The Company may also make debt, equity or other investments in publicly-traded companies. These investments may also include investments in other BDCs, closed-end funds or REITs. We may also pursue other strategic opportunities and invest in other assets or operate other businesses to achieve our investment objective, such as operating and managing an asset-based lending business. The portfolio generally consists of senior secured first lien term loans, senior secured second lien term loans, senior secured bonds, preferred equity and common equity. Occasionally, we will receive warrants or other equity participation features which we believe will have the potential to increase total investment returns. Our loan and other debt investments are primarily rated below investment grade or are unrated. Investments in below investment grade securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due. As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. For instance, we generally have to invest at least 70% of our total assets in “qualifying assets,” including securities of private or thinly traded public U.S. companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. In addition, we are only allowed to borrow money such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% (or 150% if, pursuant to the 1940 Act, certain requirements are met) after such borrowing, with certain limited exceptions. To maintain our RIC tax treatment, we must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. In addition, to maintain our RIC tax treatment, we must timely distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, for the taxable year. 38 Revenues We generate revenue in the form of interest income on the debt that we hold and capital gains, if any, on warrants or other equity interests that we may acquire in portfolio companies. We invest our assets primarily in privately held companies with enterprise or asset values between $25 million and $250 million and generally focus on investment sizes of $10 million to $50 million. We believe that pursuing opportunities of this size offers several benefits including reduced competition, a larger investment opportunity set and the ability to minimize the impact of financial intermediaries. We expect our debt investments to bear interest at either a fixed or floating rate. Interest on debt will be payable generally either monthly or quarterly. In some cases our debt investments may provide for a portion of the interest to be PIK. To the extent interest is PIK, it will be payable through the increase of the principal amount of the obligation by the amount of interest due on the then-outstanding aggregate principal amount of such obligation. The principal amount of the debt and any accrued but unpaid interest will generally become due at the maturity date. In addition, we may generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, structuring or diligence fees, fees for providing managerial assistance or investment management services and possibly consulting fees. Any such fees will be recognized as earned. Expenses In periods prior to December 31, 2020, our primary operating expenses included management and incentive fees pursuant to the investment management agreement we had with MCC Advisors and overhead expenses, including our allocable portion of our administrator’s overhead under the administration agreement, which were paid during the quarter ended March 31, 2021. Our management and incentive fees compensated MCC Advisors for its work in identifying, evaluating, negotiating, closing and monitoring our investments. On November 18, 2020, the board of directors adopted an internally managed structure, effective January 1, 2021, under which we bear all costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including those relating to: ● our organization and continued corporate existence; ● calculating our net asset value (“NAV”) (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firms); ● expenses, including travel expense, incurred by our professionals or payable to third parties performing due diligence on prospective portfolio companies, monitoring our investments and, if necessary, enforcing our rights; ● interest payable on debt incurred to finance our investments; ● the costs of all offerings of common shares and other securities; ● operating costs associated with employing investment professionals and other staff; ● distributions on our shares; ● administration fees payable under our administration agreement; ● custodial fees related to our assets ● amounts payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, making investments; ● transfer agent and custodial fees; ● all registration and listing fees; ● U.S. federal, state and local taxes; ● independent directors’ fees and expenses; ● costs of preparing and filing reports or other documents with the SEC or other regulators; ● the costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to our stockholders, including printing costs; ● our fidelity bond; ● the operating lease of our office space; 39 ● directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums; ● indemnification payments; and ● direct costs and expenses of administration, including audit and legal costs. Expense Support Agreement On June 12, 2020, the Company entered into an expense support agreement (the “Expense Support Agreement”) with MCC Advisors and Medley LLC, pursuant to which MCC Advisors and Medley LLC agreed (jointly and severally) to cap the management fee and all of the Company’s other operating expenses (except interest expenses, certain extraordinary strategic transaction expenses, and other expenses approved by the Special Committee of the Board), at $667,000 per month (the “Cap”). Under the Expense Support Agreement, the Cap became effective on June 1, 2020 and was to expire on September 30, 2020. On September 29, 2020, the board of directors, including all of the independent directors, extended the term of the Expense Support Agreement through the end of quarter ending December 31, 2020. The Expense Support Agreement expired by its terms at the close of business on December 31, 2020, in connection with the adoption of the internalized management structure by the board of directors. For the three months ended December 31, 2020, the total management fee and the other operating expenses subject to the Cap (as described above) were $2.5 million, which resulted in $0.3 million of expense support incurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2020 and due from MCC Advisors. The $0.3 million of expense support due was paid during the quarter ended March 31, 2021. See “Note 6” for more information. Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan On May 9, 2022, the board of directors of the Company adopted the PhenixFIN 2022 Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (the “CIP”) pursuant to the recommendation by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors. The CIP provides for performance-based cash awards to key employees of the Company, as approved by the Compensation Committee, based on the achievement of pre-established financial goals for the approved performance period. The performance goals may be expressed as one or a combination of net asset value of the Company, net asset value per share of the Company’s common stock, changes in the market price of shares of the Company’s common stock, individual performance metrics and/or such other goals and objectives the Committee considers relevant in connection with accomplishing the purposes of the CIP. In connection with the approval of the CIP, the Compensation Committee in April 2022 approved awards for the three-year performance period commencing on January 1, 2022 and ending on December 31, 2024 (the “2022 LTIP Plan”). Each participant is eligible to receive an amount of cash equal to 0%-200% of the target award set forth in the table below (“Target Performance Award”), based on the achievement of net asset value (“NAV”) and NAV per share goals (weighted at 30% and 70%, respectively) as of the end of the performance period (the “Performance Goals”). Performance is evaluated separately for each Performance Goal. No payment is made with respect to a Performance Goal if a threshold level of performance is not achieved. Each Performance Goal is subject to (i) a threshold level of performance at which a percentage of the Target Performance Award attributable to that Performance Goal may be paid and below which no payment is made pursuant to an award, (ii) a target level of performance at which 100% of the Target Performance Award attributable to that Performance Goal may be paid and (iii) a maximum level of performance, at which 200% of the Target Performance Award attributable to that Performance Goal may be paid, in each case subject to such other terms and conditions of an award. Between threshold, target and maximum performance levels for each Performance Goal, the portion of that award attributed to the Performance Goals shall be interpolated in a linear progression. In December 2022, pursuant to the CIP, the Compensation Committee approved awards for Mr. Lorber and Ms. McMillan for the three-year performance period commencing on January 1, 2023 and ending on December 31, 2025 (the “2023 LTIP Plan”). Each participant is eligible to receive an amount of cash equal to a percentage of the target award amount set forth above based on the factors described above. The Compensation Committee, in approving the awards, evaluated each Performance Goal separately. The Target Performance Award for each executive officer for both the 2022 LTIP plan and 2023 LTIP plan is set forth in the table below: Name and Title Dollar Value of Target Award David Lorber, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer $ 890,000 Ellida McMillan, Chief Financial Officer 380,000 During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded an accrual of $317,000, for these awards. During the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not record an accrual. 40 Portfolio and Investment Activity As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, our portfolio had a fair market value of approximately $226.5 million and $193.0 million, respectively. During the year ended September 30, 2023, we received proceeds from sale and settlements of investments of $66.6 million, including principal and dividend proceeds, realized net losses on investments of $11.5 million, and invested $76.5 million. During the year ended September 30, 2022, we received proceeds from sale and settlements of investments of $123.8 million, including principal and dividend proceeds, realized net gains on investments of $5.2 million, and invested $173.3 million. The following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of our average portfolio company: September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Average portfolio company $ 6,310 $ 5,392 $ 3,560 $ 2,608 Largest portfolio company 38,871 38,871 47,136 47,136 The following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of investments as of September 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands): Amortized Cost Percentage Fair Value Percentage Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans $ 139,103 52.5 % $ 103,004 45.6 % Senior Secured Notes 9,512 3.6 8,922 3.9 Fund Investment 1,027 0.4 792 0.3 Equity/Warrants 115,369 43.5 113,743 50.2 Total Investments $ 265,011 100.0 % $ 226,461 100.0 % The following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of investments as of September 30, 2022 (dollars in thousands): Amortized Cost Percentage Fair Value Percentage Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans $ 128,482 48.7 % $ 88,248 45.6 % Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans 2,603 1.0 2,607 1.4 Senior Secured Notes 2,252 0.9 1,659 0.9 Unsecured Debt 182 0.1 - - Equity/Warrants 129,929 49.3 100,443 52.1 Total Investments $ 263,448 100.0 % $ 192,957 100.0 % As of September 30, 2023, our income-bearing investment portfolio based upon cost represented 88.2% of our total portfolio of which 59.5% bore interest based on floating rates, such as LIBOR or SOFR, 13.9% bore interest at fixed rates, and 26.6% are income-producing equity investments. As of September 30, 2022, our income-bearing investment portfolio based upon cost represented 62.0% of our total portfolio of which 81.9% bore interest based on floating rates, such as LIBOR or SOFR, while 18.1% bore interest at fixed rates. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had a weighted average yield of 13.3% on debt and other income producing investments. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had a weighted average yield of 10.85% on debt and other income producing investments. The weighted average yield of our total portfolio does not represent the total return to our stockholders. 41 We rate the risk profile of each of our investments based on the following categories: Credit Rating Definition 1 Investments that are performing above expectations. 2 Investments that are performing within expectations, with risks that are neutral or favorable compared to risks at the time of origination. All new loans are rated ’2’. 3 Investments that are performing below expectations and that require closer monitoring, but where no loss of interest, dividend or principal is expected. Companies rated ’3’ may be out of compliance with financial covenants, however, loan payments are generally not past due. 4 Investments that are performing below expectations and for which risk has increased materially since origination. Some loss of interest or dividend is expected but no loss of principal. In addition to the borrower being generally out of compliance with debt covenants, loan payments may be past due (but generally not more than 180 days past due). 5 Investments that are performing substantially below expectations and whose risks have increased substantially since origination. Most or all of the debt covenants are out of compliance and payments are substantially delinquent. Some loss of principal is expected. The following table shows the distribution of our investments on the 1 to 5 investment performance rating scale at fair value as of September 30, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Fair Value Percentage Fair Value Percentage 1 $ - 0.0 % $ - 0.0 % 2 197,951 87.4 % 159,279 82.6 % 3 15,651 6.9 % 22,183 11.5 % 4 6,362 2.8 % 6,250 3.2 % 5 6,497 2.9 % 5,245 2.7 % Total $ 226,461 100.0 % $ 192,957 100.0 % Results of Operations Operating results for the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are as follows (dollars in thousands): For the Years Ended September 30, 2023 2022 2021 Total investment income $ 19,878 $ 15,544 $ 32,307 Less: Net expenses 13,622 12,113 13,784 Net investment income/(loss) 6,256 3,431 18,523 Net realized gains (losses) on investments (11,532 ) 5,221 (42,486 ) Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments 32,194 (14,463 ) 25,363 Loss on extinguishment of debt - (296 ) (122 ) Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $ 26,918 $ (6,107 ) $ 1,278 Investment Income For the year ended September 30, 2023, investment income totaled $20.1 million, of which $12.1 million was attributable to portfolio interest, approximately $6.9 million was attributable to dividend income, $0.7 million was attributable to fee and other income, and $0.4 million was attributable to interest on cash and cash equivalents. Dividend income was received from 11 investments during the year ended September 30, 2023. For the year ended September 30, 2022, investment income totaled $15.5 million, of which $9.3 million was attributable to portfolio interest, approximately $5.5 million was attributable to dividend income, and $0.7 million was attributable to fee and other income. Dividend income was received from 12 investments during the year ended September 30, 2022. For the year ended September 30, 2021, investment income totaled $32.3 million, of which $29.6 million was attributable to portfolio interest and dividend income, $2.6 million was attributable to fee income, and $0.1 million was attributable to other income. 42 Operating Expenses Operating expenses for the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are as follows (dollars in thousands): For the Years Ended September 30, 2023 2022 2021 Base management fees $ - $ - $ 1,146 Interest and financing expenses 5,532 5,113 5,800 Professional fees, net 1,405 1,341 560 Salaries and benefits 4,187 2,952 1,993 General and administrative 983 1,103 1,012 Directors fees 729 712 1,040 Insurance expenses 466 590 1,620 Administrator expenses 320 302 613 Total Expenses $ 13,622 $ 12,113 $ 13,784 For the year ended September 30, 2023, total operating expenses increased by $1.5 million, or 12.5%, compared to the year ended September 30, 2022. For the year ended September 30, 2022, total operating expenses decreased by $1.7 million, or 12.1%, compared to the year ended September 30, 2021. Operating expenses are before management and incentive fee waivers for the first three months of 2021. Effective beginning January 1, 2021, the Company no longer incurred any management or incentive fees, nor was it subject to expense support arrangements due to its transition to an internal management structure. Interest and Financing Expenses Interest and financing expenses for the year ended September 30, 2023 increased by $0.4 million, or 8.2%, compared to the year ended September 30, 2022. The increase in interest and financing expenses was primarily due to interest expense on the Credit Facility which was issued on December 15, 2022, partially offset by a decrease due to the full repayment of the 2023 Notes on January 17, 2023. Interest and financing expenses for the year ended September 30, 2022 decreased by $0.7 million, or 11.8%, compared to the year ended September 30, 2021. The decrease in interest and financing expenses was primarily due to the full repayment of the 2021 Notes on November 20, 2020 and the partial repayment of the 2023 Notes on December 16, 2021, partially offset by an increase due to the issuance of the 2028 Notes which became effective on November 16, 2021. Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees No base management fees were paid for the year ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 as, since January 1, 2021, the Company ceased incurring management fees under its current internalized structure. Base management fees for the year ended September 30, 2021 decreased by $5.2 million, or 82.0%, compared to the year ended September 30, 2020 as, since January 1, 2021, the Company no longer incurs management fees under its current internalized structure. No incentive fees were paid for the year ended September 30, 2023, 2022 or 2021. Since January 1, 2021, the Company no longer incurs incentive fees under its current internalized structure. Professional Fees and General and Administrative Expenses Professional fees and general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2023 decreased by $0.1 million, or 2.3%, compared to the year ended September 30, 2022. This resulted primarily from a decrease in miscellaneous expenses. Professional fees and general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2022 increased by $0.9 million, or 55.5%, compared to the year ended September 30, 2021. This resulted primarily from recording insurance proceeds received in 2021 as an offset to legal fees which are a component of professional fees. During the year ended September 30, 2022, the Company did not receive any insurance proceeds. 43 Net Realized Gains/Losses from Investments We measure realized gains or losses by the difference between the net proceeds from the disposition and the amortized cost basis of an investment, without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized. During the year ended September 30, 2023, we recognized $11.5 million of realized losses on our portfolio investments. The realized losses were primarily due to the restructuring of one investment and the full repayments of two investments. During the year ended September 30, 2022, we recognized $5.2 million of realized gains on our portfolio investments. The realized gains were primarily due to the partial and full repayments of two investments and the restructuring of three investments, offset by realized losses due to the sale of three investments and the repayment of four investments. During the year ended September 30, 2021, we recognized $42.5 million of realized losses on our portfolio investments. The realized losses were primarily due to the sale of the MCC JV in the first fiscal quarter of 2021. Realized loss on extinguishment of debt In the event that we modify or extinguish our debt prior to maturity, we account for it in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, in which we measure the difference between the reacquisition price of the debt and the net carrying amount of the debt, which includes any unamortized debt issuance costs. During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company did not recognize a net loss on extinguishment of debt. During the year ended September 30, 2022, the Company recognized a net loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.3 million, which was due to the Company’s $55.3 million repayment of the 2023 Notes on December 16, 2021. During the year ended September 30, 2021, the Company recognized a net loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.1 million, which was due to the Company’s $74.0 million repayment of the 2021 Notes on November 20, 2020. Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments reflects the net change in the fair value of our investment portfolio. For the year ended September 30, 2023, we had $31.9 million of net change in unrealized appreciation on investments. The net unrealized appreciation was comprised of $1.9 million of net unrealized depreciation on investments and $33.8 million of net unrealized appreciation that resulted from the reversal of previously recorded unrealized depreciation on investments that were realized, partially sold, or written-off during the year. For the year ended September 30, 2022, we had $14.5 million of net change in unrealized depreciation on investments. The net unrealized depreciation was comprised of $21.3 million of net unrealized depreciation on investments and $6.9 million of net unrealized appreciation that resulted from the reversal of previously recorded unrealized depreciation on investments that were realized, partially sold, or written-off during the year. For the year ended September 30, 2021, we had $25.3 million of net change in unrealized appreciation on investments. The net unrealized appreciation was comprised of $54.8 million of net unrealized depreciation on investments and $80.1 million of net unrealized appreciation that resulted from the reversal of previously recorded unrealized depreciation on investments that were realized, partially sold, or written-off during the year. Provision for Deferred Taxes on Unrealized Depreciation on Investments Certain consolidated subsidiaries of ours are subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes. These taxable subsidiaries are not consolidated with the Company for income tax purposes, but are consolidated for GAAP purposes, and may generate income tax liabilities or assets from temporary differences in the recognition of items for financial reporting and income tax purposes at the subsidiaries. For the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not record a change in provision for deferred taxes on the unrealized (appreciation)/depreciation on investments. Changes in Net Assets from Operations For the year ended September 30, 2023, we recorded a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $26.9 million compared to a net decrease in net assets resulting from operations of $6.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2022, and a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $1.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2021 as a result of the factors discussed above. Based on 2,092,326, 2,323,601 and 2,677,891 weighted average common shares outstanding for the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, our per share net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations was $12.87, $(2.63) and $0.48 for the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 44 Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources As a RIC, we distribute substantially all of our net income to our stockholders and have an ongoing need to raise additional capital for investment purposes. To fund growth, we have a number of alternatives available to increase capital, including raising equity, increasing debt, and funding from operational cash flow. Our liquidity and capital resources historically have been generated primarily from the net proceeds of public offerings of common stock, advances from the Credit Facility and net proceeds from the issuance of notes as well as cash flows from operations. In the future, we may generate cash from future offerings of securities, future borrowings and cash flows from operations, including interest earned from the temporary investment of cash in U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. Our primary use of funds is investments in our targeted asset classes, cash distributions to our stockholders, and other general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, we had $6.0 and $22.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, respectively. In order to maintain our RIC tax treatment under the Code, we intend to distribute to our stockholders substantially all of our taxable income, but we may also elect to periodically spill over certain excess undistributed taxable income from one tax year into the next tax year. In addition, as a BDC, for each taxable year we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total senior securities, which include borrowings and any preferred stock we may issue in the future, of at least 200% (or 150% if, pursuant to the 1940 Act, certain requirements are met). This requirement limits the amount that we may borrow. On January 11, 2021, the Company announced that its board of directors approved a share repurchase program. On February 9, 2022, the Board of Directors approved the expansion of the amount authorized for repurchase under the Company’s share repurchase program from $15 million to $25 million. On February 8, 2023, the Board of Directors approved the further expansion of the amount authorized for repurchase under the Company’s share repurchase program from $25 million to $35 million. Under the share repurchase program, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 649,996 shares of common stock through September 30, 2023, or 23.9% of shares issued as of the program’s inception, with a total cost of $25.7 million. The total remaining amount authorized under the expanded share repurchase program at September 30, 2023 was approximately $9.3 million. Credit Facility On December 15, 2022, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries executed a three-year, $50 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with WoodForest Bank, N.A. (“WoodForest”), Valley National Bank, and Axiom Bank, (collectively, the “Lenders”). WoodForest is the administrative agent, sole bookrunner and sole lead arranger. As of September 30, 2023, there was $28.4 million outstanding borrowings by the Company under the Credit Facility. Outstanding loans under the Credit Facility bear a monthly interest rate at Term SOFR + 2.90%. The Company is also subject to a commitment fee of 0.25%, which shall accrue on the actual daily amount of the undrawn portion of the revolving credit. The Credit Facility contains customary representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants. The Credit Facility contains customary events of default for credit facilities of this type, including (without limitation): nonpayment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts after a stated grace period; inaccuracy of material representations and warranties; change of control; violations of covenants, subject in certain cases to stated cure periods; and certain bankruptcies and liquidations. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Company may be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility. Unsecured Notes 2021 Notes On December 17, 2015, the Company issued $70.8 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% unsecured notes that mature on January 30, 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). On January 14, 2016, the Company closed an additional $3.25 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes, pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional notes. The 2021 Notes bore interest at a rate of 6.50% per year, payable quarterly on January 30, April 30, July 30 and October 30 of each year, beginning January 30, 2016. On October 21, 2020, the Company caused notices to be issued to the holders of the 2021 Notes regarding the Company’s exercise of its option to redeem, in whole, the issued and outstanding 2021 Notes, pursuant to Section 1104 of the Indenture dated as of February 7, 2012, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and Section 101(h) of the Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 17, 2015. The Company redeemed $74,012,825 in aggregate principal amount of the issued and outstanding 2021 Notes on November 20, 2020 (the “Redemption Date”). The 2021 Notes were redeemed at 100% of their principal amount ($25 per 2021 Note), plus the accrued and unpaid interest thereon from October 31, 2020, through, but excluding, the Redemption Date. The Company funded the redemption of the 2021 Notes with cash on hand. 45 2023 Notes On March 18, 2013, the Company issued $60.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2023 Notes. As of March 30, 2016, the 2023 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option. On March 26, 2013, the Company closed an additional $3.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 2023 Notes, pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional notes. The 2023 Notes bore interest at a rate of 6.125% per year, payable quarterly on March 30, June 30, September 30 and December 30 of each year, beginning June 30, 2013. On December 12, 2016, the Company entered into an “At-The-Market” (“ATM”) debt distribution agreement with FBR Capital Markets & Co., through which the Company could offer for sale, from time to time, up to $40.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The Company sold 1,573,872 of the 2023 Notes at an average price of $25.03 per note, and raised $38.6 million in net proceeds, through the ATM debt distribution agreement. On March 10, 2018, the Company redeemed $13.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The redemption was accounted for as a debt extinguishment in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, which resulted in a realized loss of $0.3 million and was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss on extinguishment of debt. On December 31, 2018, the Company redeemed $12.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The redemption was accounted for as a debt extinguishment in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, which resulted in a realized loss of $0.2 million and was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss on extinguishment of debt. On December 21, 2020, the Company announced that it completed the application process for and was authorized to transfer the listing of the 2023 Notes to the NASDAQ Global Market. The listing and trading of the 2023 Notes on the NYSE ceased at the close of trading on December 31, 2020. Effective January 4, 2021, the 2023 Notes trade on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol “PFXNL.” On November 15, 2021, the Company caused notices to be issued to the holders of the 2023 Notes regarding the Company’s exercise of its option to redeem $55,325,000 in aggregate principal amount of the issued and outstanding 2023 Notes on December 16, 2021. The redemption was accounted for as a debt extinguishment in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, which resulted in a realized loss of $0.3 million and was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss on extinguishment of debt. On December 15, 2022, the Company caused notices to be issued to the holders of its 2023 Notes regarding the Company’s exercise of its option to redeem $22,521,800 in aggregate principal amount of issued and outstanding 2023 Notes, comprising all issued and outstanding 2023 Notes, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2023 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon from September 30, 2022, through, but excluding, January 17, 2023 in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the 2023 Notes. The redemption was completed on January 17, 2023. The Company funded the redemption of the 2023 Notes with loans obtained under the Credit Facility. 2028 Notes On November 9, 2021, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement, by and between the Company and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., as representative of the several underwriters named in Exhibit A thereto, in connection with the issuance and sale (the “Offering”) of $57,500,000 (including the underwriters’ option to purchase up to $7,500,000 aggregate principal amount) in aggregate principal amount of its 5.25% Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes” or the “Notes”). The Offering occurred on November 15, 2021, pursuant to the Company’s effective shelf registration statement on Form N-2 previously filed with the SEC, as supplemented by a preliminary prospectus supplement dated November 8, 2021, the pricing term sheet dated November 9, 2021 and a final prospectus supplement dated November 9, 2021. Effective November 16, 2021, the 2028 Notes began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol “PFXNZ.” On November 15, 2021, the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee entered into a Fourth Supplemental Indenture to its base Indenture, dated February 7, 2012, between the Company and the Trustee. The Fourth Supplemental Indenture relates to the Offering of the 2028 Notes. 46 Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements As of September 30, 2023 and 2022, we had commitments under loan and financing agreements to fund up to $3.4 million to four portfolio companies and $6.0 million to six portfolio companies, respectively. These commitments are primarily composed of senior secured delayed draw term loans and revolvers, and the determination of their fair value is included in the Consolidated Schedules of Investments. The commitments are generally subject to the borrowers meeting certain criteria such as compliance with covenants and certain operational metrics. The terms of the borrowings and financings subject to commitment are comparable to the terms of other loan and equity securities in our portfolio. A summary of the composition of the unfunded commitments as of September 30, 2023 and 2022 is shown in the table below (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 SS Acquisition, LLC (dba Soccer Shots Franchising) - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan $ - $ 4,000 Kemmerer Operations, LLC - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan - 908 Secure Acquisition Inc. (dba Paragon Films) - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan 517 517 NVTN LLC - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan 220 220 Black Angus Steakhouses, LLC Senior Secured First Lien Super Priority Delayed Draw Term Loan - 167 1888 Industrial Services, LLC - Revolving Credit Facility - 216 Deer Management Systems LLC - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan 600 - Tamarix Capital Partners II, L.P. - Fund Investment 2,038 - Total unfunded commitments $ 3,375 $ 6,028 We entered into an investment management agreement with MCC Advisors on January 11, 2011 (the “Investment Management Agreement”) in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Investment Management Agreement became effective upon the pricing of our initial public offering. Under the Investment Management Agreement, MCC Advisors agreed to provide us with investment advisory and management services. For these services, we agreed to pay a base management fee equal to a percentage of our gross assets and an incentive fee based on our performance. We also entered into an administration agreement with MCC Advisors as our administrator. The administration agreement became effective upon the pricing of our initial public offering. Under the administration agreement, MCC Advisors agreed to furnish us with office facilities and equipment, provide us clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities and provide us with other administrative services necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations. MCC Advisors also provided on our behalf significant managerial assistance to those portfolio companies to which we are required to provide such assistance while the Investment Management Agreement and administration agreement were in effect. The Investment Management Agreement and administration agreement expired at the close of business on December 31, 2020, in connection with the Company’s adoption of an internalized management structure. The following table shows our payment obligations for repayment of debt and other contractual obligations at September 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands): Payments Due by Period 2024 2025 2026 2027 Thereafter Total Revolving Credit Facility $ - $ (28,441,941 ) $ - $ - $ - $ (28,441,941 ) 2028 Notes - - - - (57,500,000 ) (57,500,000 ) Operating Lease Obligation (1) (156,359 ) (156,971 ) (161,680 ) (27,417 ) - (502,427 ) Total contractual obligations $ (156,359 ) $ (28,598,912 ) $ (161,680 ) $ (27,417 ) $ (57,500,000 ) $ (86,444,368 ) (1) Operating Lease Obligation means a rent payment obligation under a lease classified as an operating lease and disclosed pursuant to ASC 842, as may be modified or supplemented. Distributions We have elected, and intend to qualify annually, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, in any taxable year with respect to which we timely distribute at least 90 percent of the sum of our (i) investment company taxable income (which is generally our net ordinary income plus the excess of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) net tax exempt interest income (which is the excess of our gross tax exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions), we (but not our stockholders) generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on investment company taxable income and net capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders. We intend to distribute annually all or substantially all of such income, but we may also elect to periodically spill over certain excess undistributed taxable income from one tax year to the next tax year. To the extent that we retain our net capital gains or any investment company taxable income, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax. We may choose to retain our net capital gains or any investment company taxable income, and pay the associated federal corporate income tax or excise tax, described below. 47 Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% U.S. federal excise tax payable by us. To avoid this tax, we must distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) during each calendar year an amount equal to the sum of: 1) at least 98.0% of our ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year; 2) at least 98.2% of the amount by which our capital gains exceed our capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period ending on October 31st of the calendar year; and 3) income realized, but not distributed, in preceding years and on which we did not pay federal income tax. While we intend to distribute any income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% U.S. federal excise tax, sufficient amounts of our taxable income and capital gains may not be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of the tax. In that event, we will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which we do not meet the foregoing distribution requirement. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to pay a specified level of dividends or year-to-year increases in dividends. In addition, the inability to satisfy the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC could limit our ability to pay dividends. All dividends will be paid at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our RIC tax treatment, compliance with applicable BDC regulations and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant from time to time. We cannot assure you that we will pay dividends to our stockholders in the future. To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for a taxable year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed a return of capital to our stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Stockholders should read any written disclosure accompanying a distribution carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our ordinary income or gains. We have adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a cash dividend or other distribution, each stockholder that has not “opted out” of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their dividends automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock rather than receiving cash dividends. Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of shares of common stock will be subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as if they received cash distributions. The Company did not declare any regular distribution payments during the years ended September 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021. During the year ended September 30, 2022, a special dividend was declared in the amount of $265,798 on June 24, 2022 payable on July 13, 2022 to Stockholders of record on July 5, 2022. Related Party Transactions We have adopted a formal business code of conduct and ethics that governs the conduct of our CEO, CFO, chief accounting officer (which role is currently fulfilled by our CFO) and controller (Covered Officers). Our officers and directors also remain subject to the duties imposed by both the 1940 Act and the Delaware General Corporation Law. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics requires that all Covered Officers promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between an individual’s personal and professional relationships. Pursuant to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, each Covered Officer must disclose to the Company’s CCO any conflicts of interest, or actions or relationships that might give rise to a conflict. Any approvals or waivers under our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics must be considered by the disinterested directors. Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee Prior to January 1, 2021, we operated pursuant to an investment management agreement with MCC Advisors which expired on December 31, 2020. Since January 1, 2021, we have operated pursuant to an internalized management structure. Through December 31, 2020, the investment management agreement with MCC Advisors provided for a base management fee and an incentive fee. The base management fee was calculated at an annual rate of 1.75% (0.4375% per quarter) of up to $1.0 billion of the Company’s gross assets and 1.50% (0.375% per quarter) of any amounts over $1.0 billion of the Company’s gross assets and was payable quarterly in arrears. The base management fee was to be calculated based on the average value of the Company’s gross assets at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters and was to be appropriately pro-rated for any partial quarter. For the year ended September 30, 2021, the Company incurred base management fees to MCC Advisors of $1.1 million. No incentive fee was payable for the year ended September 30, 2021. Since January 1, 2021, the Company no longer incurs management fees under its current internalized structure. Pledge and Security Agreement In connection with the Credit Facility discussed in Note 5, the Company has entered into a Pledge and Security Agreement with the Lenders pursuant to which the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries have pledged all their assets, including the cash and securities held in the Company’s custodial account with Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as collateral for any borrowings made by the Company pursuant to the Credit Agreement. The Lenders have the typical rights and remedies of a secured lender under the Uniform Commercial Code, including the right to foreclose on the collateral pledged by the Company. 48 Critical Accounting Policies The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. We have identified the following items as critical accounting policies. Valuation of Portfolio Investments The Company follows ASC 820 for measuring the fair value of portfolio investments. Fair value is the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters, or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation models involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity. The Company’s fair value analysis includes an analysis of the value of any unfunded loan commitments. Financial investments recorded at fair value in the consolidated financial statements are categorized for disclosure purposes based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. The valuation hierarchical levels are based upon the transparency of the inputs to the valuation of the investment as of the measurement date. Investments which are valued using NAV as a practical expedient are excluded from this hierarchy, and certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The three levels are defined below: ● Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. ● Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. ● Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. We value investments for which market quotations are readily available at their market quotations, which are generally obtained from an independent pricing service or multiple broker-dealers or market makers. We weight the use of third-party broker quotes, if any, in determining fair value based on our understanding of the level of actual transactions used by the broker to develop the quote and whether the quote was an indicative price or binding offer. However, a readily available market value is not expected to exist for many of the investments in our portfolio, and we value these portfolio investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of directors under our valuation policy and process. We may seek pricing information with respect to certain of our investments from pricing services or brokers or dealers in order to value such investments. Valuation methods may include comparisons of financial ratios of the portfolio companies that issued such private equity securities to peer companies that are public, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flows, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we will consider the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate the private equity valuation. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the differences could be material. In December 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, which permits a BDC’s board of directors to designate its executive officer(s) as a valuation designee to determine the fair value of its investment portfolio, subject to the oversight of the board. The Board approved policies and procedures pursuant to Rule 2a-5 and has designated Ellida McMillan, the Company’s CFO, to serve as the Board’s valuation designee (“Valuation Designee”), subject to the Board’s oversight, effective September 8, 2022. With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, our board oversees and our Valuation Designee undertakes a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below: ● Our quarterly valuation process generally begins with each investment being initially valued by a Valuation Firm. ● Available third-party market data will be reviewed by Company personnel designated by the Valuation Designee (“Fair Value Personnel”) and the Valuation Firm. ● Available portfolio company data and general industry data is then reviewed by the Fair Value Personnel. ● Preliminary valuation conclusions are then documented by the Valuation Firm and discussed with the Fair Value Personnel. ● The Valuation Designee then determines the fair value of each investment in the Company’s portfolio in good faith based on such discussions, the Company’s Valuation Policy and the Valuation Firms’ final estimated valuations. 49 In following these approaches, the types of factors that are taken into account in fair value pricing investments include available current market data, including relevant and applicable market trading and transaction comparables; applicable market yields and multiples; security covenants; call protection provisions; information rights; the nature and realizable value of any collateral; the portfolio company’s ability to make payments; the portfolio company’s earnings and discounted cash flows; the markets in which the portfolio company does business; comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public; comparable merger and acquisition transactions; and the principal market and enterprise values. Determination of fair values involves subjective judgments and estimates made by management. The notes to our consolidated financial statements refer to the uncertainty with respect to the possible effect of such valuations, and any change in such valuations, on our consolidated financial statements. Revenue Recognition Our revenue recognition policies are as follows: Investments and Related Investment Income: We account for investment transactions on a trade-date basis and interest income, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is recorded on an accrual basis. For investments with contractual PIK interest, which represents contractual interest accrued and added to the principal balance that generally becomes due at maturity, we will not accrue PIK interest if the portfolio company valuation indicates that the PIK interest is not collectible. Origination, closing and/or commitment fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are recognized as income when the investment transaction closes. Other fees are capitalized as deferred revenue and recorded into income over the respective period. Prepayment penalties received by the Company for debt instruments paid back to the Company prior to the maturity date are recorded as income upon receipt. Realized gains or losses on investments are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the disposition and the amortized cost basis of investment, without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized. We report changes in the fair value of investments that are measured at fair value as a component of the net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Non-accrual: We place loans on non-accrual status when principal and interest payments are past due by 90 days or more, or when there is reasonable doubt that we will collect principal or interest. Accrued interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in our management’s judgment, are likely to remain current. At September 30, 2023, certain investments in four portfolio companies held by the Company were on non-accrual status with a combined fair value of approximately $6.5 million, or 2.9% of the fair value of our portfolio. At September 30, 2022, certain investments in five portfolio companies held by the Company were on non-accrual status with a combined fair value of approximately $5.2 million, or 2.7% of the fair value of our portfolio. Federal Income Taxes The Company has elected, and intends to qualify annually, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code and it intends to operate in a manner so as to maintain its RIC tax treatment. To do so, among other things, the Company is required to meet certain source of income and asset diversification requirements and must timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of the sum of investment company taxable income (“ICTI”) including PIK, as defined by the Code, and net tax exempt interest income (which is the excess of our gross tax exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions) for each taxable year. The Company will be subject to a nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax of 4% on undistributed income if it does not distribute at least 98% of its net ordinary income for any calendar year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for each one-year period ending on October 31 of such calendar year and any income realized, but not distributed, in preceding years and on which it did not pay federal income tax. Depending on the level of ICTI earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward ICTI in excess of current year dividend distributions into the next tax year and pay a 4% excise tax on such income, as required. To the extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year dividend distributions for excise tax purposes, the Company accrues excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned. Any such carryover ICTI must be distributed before the end of that next tax year through a dividend declared prior to filing the final tax return related to the year which generated such ICTI. Because federal income tax requirements differ from GAAP, distributions in accordance with tax requirements may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts in the consolidated financial statements to reflect their tax character. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense, gain or loss are recognized at some time in the future. Differences in classification may also result from the treatment of short-term gains as ordinary income for tax purposes. Recent Developments In December 2023, the Company established a subsidiary to serve as a regulated insurance company. This subsidiary also entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which it agreed to acquire a controlling interest in VR Insurance SPV, LLC, a company primarily engaged in the insurance business through its subsidiaries (“VR”), and to provide additional capital to such company. Our subsidiary’s controlling interest in VR is being acquired pursuant to a plan of reorganization duly adopted by VR which calls for the merger and recapitalization of VR. The Company’s total investment in the insurance subsidiary and VR is expected to approximate $49 million. The merger transaction is presently expected to close in the first half of 2024 and is subject to various closing conditions, including insurance regulatory approvals. 50