e497
Filed pursuant to Rule 497
Registration
No. 333-165570
PROSPECTUS
6,250,000 Shares
Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation
Common Stock
We are a non-diversified closed-end management investment
company that intends to file an election to be regulated as a
business development company under the Investment Company Act of
1940. We were formed to continue and expand the business of
Compass Horizon Funding Company LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company, which commenced operations in March 2008 and
will become our wholly owned subsidiary in connection with this
offering. We are externally managed by Horizon Technology
Finance Management LLC.
Our investment objective is to maximize our investment
portfolios return by generating current income from the
loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we
receive when making such loans. We make secured loans to
development-stage companies in the technology, life science,
healthcare information and services, and cleantech industries.
This is our initial public offering, and there is no prior
public market for our shares. We are offering
4,910,000 shares of common stock, and the selling
stockholder, Compass Horizon Partners, LP, is offering
1,340,000 shares of our common stock. We will not receive
any of the net proceeds from the sale of shares of our common
stock by Compass Horizon Partners, LP. Following the completion
of this offering, Compass Horizon Partners, LP will own
approximately 16.7% of our common stock assuming no exercise of
the underwriters over-allotment option.
Our common stock has been approved for listing on The NASDAQ
Global Market under the symbol HRZN.
This prospectus contains important information you should know
before investing in our common stock and should be retained for
future reference. Upon completion of this offering, we will file
annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and
other information about us with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Upon the closing of this offering, we will maintain
a website at
http://www.horizontechnologyfinancecorp.com
and intend to make all of the foregoing information available,
free of charge, on or through our website. You may also obtain
such information by contacting us at 76 Batterson Park Road,
Farmington, Connecticut 06032 or by calling us at
(860) 676-8654.
The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a website at
http://www.sec.gov
where such information is available without charge. Information
contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into
this prospectus, and you should not consider information
contained on our website to be part of this prospectus.
Investing in our common stock should be considered highly
speculative and involves a high degree of risk. See Risk
Factors beginning on page 16. This is our initial
public offering, and there is no prior public market for our
shares. Shares of closed-end investment companies, including
business development companies, frequently trade at a discount
from their net asset value. If our shares trade at a discount to
our net asset value, the risk of loss for purchasers in this
offering may increase.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales Load
|
|
Proceeds, Before Expenses, to
|
|
|
|
|
Price to
|
|
(Underwriting Discount
|
|
Horizon Technology
|
|
Proceeds to Selling
|
|
|
Public
|
|
and Commissions)
|
|
Finance Corporation(1)
|
|
Stockholder(2)
|
|
Per Share
|
|
$16.00
|
|
$1.12
|
|
$14.88
|
|
$14.88
|
Total
|
|
$100,000,000
|
|
$7,000,000
|
|
$73,060,800
|
|
$19,939,200
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
We estimate that we will incur
expenses of approximately $1.5 million in connection with
this offering. Stockholders will indirectly bear such expenses
as investors in Horizon Technology Finance Corporation.
|
(2)
|
|
We will pay all offering expenses
incident to the offer and sale of shares of our common stock in
this offering by the selling stockholder (excluding underwriting
discounts and commissions). We estimate that we will incur
approximately $27,500 of such expenses.
|
The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional
937,500 shares of common stock from us at the public
offering price, less the sales load, within 30 days of the
date of this prospectus to cover any over-allotments. If the
underwriters exercise this option in full, the total price to
the public, sales load and proceeds to us will be $115,000,000,
$8,050,000, and $87,010,800, respectively.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of common stock to
purchasers on or about November 3, 2010.
|
|
Morgan
Stanley |
UBS Investment Bank |
|
Morgan Keegan &
Company, Inc.
|
|
Lazard Capital
Markets Northland
Capital Markets
The date of this prospectus is October 28, 2010
You should rely only on the information contained in this
prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have not,
authorized any other person to provide you with different
information. If anyone provides you with different or
inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not,
and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not
permitted. You should assume that the information in this
prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus.
Our business, financial condition and prospects may have changed
since that date. We will update this prospectus to reflect
material changes to the information contained herein.
Additionally, there is no minimum offering requirement and, as a
result, there is a risk that we could be undercapitalized after
the completion of this offering.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
|
|
37
|
|
|
|
|
38
|
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
|
|
47
|
|
|
|
|
48
|
|
|
|
|
49
|
|
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
|
64
|
|
|
|
|
78
|
|
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
|
|
92
|
|
|
|
|
93
|
|
|
|
|
95
|
|
|
|
|
102
|
|
|
|
|
104
|
|
|
|
|
106
|
|
|
|
|
108
|
|
|
|
|
112
|
|
|
|
|
114
|
|
|
|
|
121
|
|
|
|
|
122
|
|
|
|
|
130
|
|
|
|
|
135
|
|
|
|
|
135
|
|
|
|
|
135
|
|
|
|
|
135
|
|
|
|
|
F-1
|
|
PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
This summary highlights some of the information in this
prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all of the
information that you may want to consider before investing in
our common stock. You should read the entire prospectus
carefully, including Risk Factors. Horizon
Technology Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation, was
formed on March 16, 2010. The shares of common stock being
offered to investors in this offering are shares of Horizon
Technology Finance Corporation. Compass Horizon Funding Company
LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which we refer to as
Compass Horizon, currently owns all of our portfolio
investments and will become our wholly owned subsidiary in
connection with this offering. Except where the context suggests
otherwise, the terms we, us,
our and Company refer to Compass Horizon
and its consolidated subsidiary prior to the Share Exchange and
to Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and its consolidated
subsidiaries after the Share Exchange. See The Exchange
Transaction in this prospectus for a more detailed
discussion of the Share Exchange. In addition, we refer to
Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company, as HTFM, our Advisor
or our Administrator.
From the date of its organization through the date of this
prospectus, all of the outstanding limited liability company
interests in Compass Horizon have been owned by its members,
Compass Horizon Partners, LP, an exempted limited partnership
registered in Bermuda which we refer to as CHP, and
HTF-CHF Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company which
we refer to as HTF-CHF. Collectively, we refer to
CHP and HTF-CHF as the Compass Horizon Owners. CHP
is the selling stockholder in this offering.
Our
Company
We are an externally-managed, non-diversified closed-end
management investment company that intends to file an election
to be regulated as a business development company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which we refer to as
the 1940 Act. In addition, we intend to elect to be treated, and
intend to qualify, as a regulated investment company, frequently
referred to as a RIC, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the
Code, commencing with our taxable year ending on
December 31, 2010. We were formed to continue and expand
the business of Compass Horizon which was formed in January 2008
and commenced operations in March 2008 and which will become our
wholly owned subsidiary in connection with this offering. Our
Advisor manages our day-to-day operations and also provides all
administrative services necessary for us to operate. We invest
in development-stage companies in the technology, life science,
healthcare information and services, and cleantech industries,
which we refer to as our Target Industries. Our
investment objective is to generate current income from the
loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we
receive when making such loans. We make secured loans, which we
refer to as Technology Loans, to development-stage
companies backed by established venture capital and private
equity firms in our Target Industries, which we refer to as
Technology Lending. To a limited extent, we also
selectively lend to publicly traded companies in our Target
Industries. See Business General on
page 64 for more information about us.
Our existing loan portfolio will continue to generate revenue
for us. We believe our existing investment portfolio has
performed well since its inception notwithstanding the economic
downturn starting in 2008 and continuing through 2009. With the
improvement in the broader economy in 2010, we continue to
experience favorable portfolio quality and outcomes with no
realized losses (charge-offs) in our loan portfolio since we
commenced operations in March 2008. Our existing portfolio of
investments and loan commitments provides the following benefits:
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income from the portfolio will provide immediate income
and cash flow allowing for potential near term dividends to our
stockholders;
|
|
|
|
Capital gains from warrants to purchase either common stock or
preferred stock received from our existing investments are
expected to be realized sooner than if we were beginning our
initial investment operations without an existing portfolio of
earning assets; and
|
|
|
|
Warrants to purchase either common stock or preferred stock
issued to us through the economic downturn have exercise prices
at relatively lower valuations due to the depressed equity and
debt markets in 2008 and 2009.
|
1
Since our inception and through September 30, 2010, we have
funded 51 portfolio companies and have invested
$228.2 million in loans (including 17 loans that have been
repaid). See our Investment Summary below. As of
September 30, 2010, our total investment portfolio
consisted of 34 loans which totaled $135.8 million and our
members capital was $70.1 million. As of
September 30, 2010, our debt portfolio consisted of 33
secured term loans in the aggregate amount of
$133.2 million, and one secured equipment loan in the
aggregate amount of $2.6 million. All of our existing loans
are secured by all or a portion of the tangible and intangible
assets of the applicable portfolio company. The loans in our
loan portfolio will generally not be rated by any rating agency.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, our loan
portfolio had a dollar-weighted average annualized yield of
approximately 14.3% (excluding any yield from warrants). As of
September 30, 2010, our loan portfolio had a
dollar-weighted average term of approximately 41 months
from inception and a dollar-weighted average remaining term of
approximately 30 months. In addition, we held warrants to
purchase either common stock or preferred stock in 45 portfolio
companies.
As of September 30, 2010, our loans had an original
committed principal amount of between $1 million and
$12 million, repayment terms of between 30 and
48 months, and bore current pay interest at annual interest
rates of between 10% and 14%.
Pipeline
As of September 30, 2010, we had unfunded loan commitments
to six companies, representing $12.3 million. While our
portfolio companies have discretion whether to draw down such
commitments, in some cases, the right of a company to draw down
its commitment is subject to the portfolio company achieving
specific milestones (e.g. an additional capital issuance or the
completion of a clinical trial).
As of October 12, 2010, our Advisor had issued non-binding
term sheets to 12 companies representing $53 million in
potential loans. There is no guarantee that we will enter into
any of these transactions. In addition, our Advisor was
evaluating an additional 12 companies representing
$79 million in potential loans. There is no guarantee that
the Advisor will issue term sheets to these companies or that we
will enter into loans with any of the companies being evaluated.
Our
Advisor and Its Personnel
Our investment activities are managed by HTFM, and we expect to
continue to benefit from our Advisors ability to identify
attractive investment opportunities, conduct diligence on and
value prospective investments, negotiate investments and manage
our diversified portfolio of investments. In addition to the
years that they have worked together both at our Advisor and
prior to the formation by our Advisor of the Company, the
members of our investment team have broad lending backgrounds,
with substantial experience at a variety of commercial finance
companies and private debt funds, and have developed a broad
network of contacts within the venture capital and private
equity community. This network of contacts provides a principal
source of investment opportunities.
Our Advisor is led by five senior managers, including its two
co-founders, Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., our Chief Executive
Officer, and Gerald A. Michaud, our President, each of whom has
more than 21 years of experience in Technology Lending.
Christopher M. Mathieu, our SVP and Chief Financial Officer, has
more than 17 years of Technology Lending experience, and
each of John C. Bombara, our SVP and General Counsel, and Daniel
S. Devorsetz, our SVP and Chief Credit Officer, has more than
nine years experience in Technology Lending. Our Advisor has an
additional eight experienced professionals with marketing,
legal, accounting, and portfolio management experience in
Technology Lending. Our Advisors predecessor, Horizon
Technology Finance, LLC, which we refer to as HTF,
was formed in May 2003 by Messrs. Pomeroy and Michaud and
began originating loans and investments in April 2004. All of
the senior managers of our Advisor were employed by HTF prior to
the formation of our Advisor. Our Advisor assumed all of the
management operations of HTF. When we refer to our
Advisors historical performance we include the performance
of HTF.
Prior to the formation of HTF, members of senior management of
our Advisor grew a Technology Lending business for GATX
Ventures, Inc., a unit of GATX Corporation, founded and led
Transamerica Technology Finance, a division of Transamerica
Corporation, and were instrumental in the growth of Financing
for Science International, Inc., a healthcare equipment leasing
and Technology Lending company. We believe the personnel of our
Advisor have achieved strong returns at each of these
institutions throughout multiple business cycles.
2
Our
Strategy
Our investment objective is to maximize our investment
portfolios total return by generating current income from
the loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we
receive when making such loans. We believe our Advisor has
demonstrated that its expertise in debt product development,
transaction sourcing, its knowledge of our Target Industries,
and its disciplined underwriting process create value for our
investors. We believe that this expertise results in returns
that exceed those typically available from more traditional
commercial finance products (such as equipment leasing or middle
market lending) while mitigating the risks typically associated
with investments in development-stage technology companies.
To further implement our business strategy, our Advisor will
continue to employ the following core strategies:
|
|
|
|
|
Structured Investments in the Venture Capital and Private
Equity Markets. We make loans to
development-stage companies within our Target Industries
typically in the form of secured amortizing loans. The secured
amortizing debt structure provides a lower risk strategy, as
compared to equity investments, to participate in the emerging
technology markets, because the debt structures we typically
utilize provide collateral against the downside risk of loss,
provide return of capital in a much shorter timeframe through
current pay interest and amortization of loan principal and have
a senior position in the capital structure to equity in the case
of insolvency, wind down or bankruptcy. Unlike venture capital
and private equity-backed investments, our investment returns
and return of our capital do not require equity investment exits
such as mergers and acquisitions or initial public offerings.
Instead, we receive returns on our loans primarily through
regularly scheduled payments of principal and interest and, if
necessary, liquidation of the collateral supporting the loan.
Only the potential gains from warrants are dependent upon exits.
|
|
|
|
Enterprise Value Lending. We take
an enterprise value approach to the loan structuring and
underwriting process. We secure a senior or subordinated lien
position against the enterprise value of a portfolio company and
generally our exposure is less than 25% of the enterprise value.
|
|
|
|
Creative Products with Attractive Risk-Adjusted
Pricing. Each of our existing and prospective
portfolio companies has its own unique funding needs for the
capital provided from the proceeds of our Technology Loans.
These funding needs include, but are not limited to, funds for
additional development runways, funds to hire or retain sales
staff, or funds to invest in research and development in order
to reach important technical milestones in advance of raising
additional equity. Our loans include current pay interest,
commitment fees, pre-payment fees and non-utilization fees. We
believe we have developed pricing tools, structuring techniques
and valuation metrics that satisfy our portfolio companies
requirements while mitigating risk and maximizing returns on our
investments.
|
|
|
|
Opportunity for Enhanced Returns. To enhance
our loan portfolio returns, in addition to interest and fees, we
obtain warrants to purchase the equity of our portfolio
companies, as additional consideration for making loans. The
warrants we obtain generally include a cashless
exercise provision to allow us to exercise these rights
without requiring us to make any additional cash investment.
Obtaining warrants in our portfolio companies has allowed us to
participate in the equity appreciation of our portfolio
companies which we expect will enable us to generate higher
returns for our investors.
|
|
|
|
Direct Origination. We originate transactions
directly with technology, life science, healthcare information
and services, and cleantech companies. Since it commenced
operations in 2004, our Advisor has directly originated more
than 115 transactions resulting in over $700 million of
Technology Loans. These transactions were referred to our
Advisor from a number of sources, including referrals from, or
direct solicitation of, venture capital and private equity
firms, portfolio company management teams, legal firms,
accounting firms, investment banks and other lenders that
represent companies within our Target Industries. Our Advisor
has been the sole or lead originator in substantially all
transactions in which the funds it managed have invested.
|
|
|
|
Disciplined and Balanced Underwriting and Portfolio
Management. We use a disciplined underwriting
process that includes obtaining information validation from
multiple sources, extensive knowledge of our Target Industries,
comparable industry valuation metrics, and sophisticated
financial analysis related to development-stage companies. Our
Advisors due diligence on investment prospects includes
obtaining and evaluating information on the prospective
portfolio companys technology, market opportunity,
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
management team, fund raising history, investor support,
valuation considerations, financial condition and projections.
We seek to balance our investment portfolio to reduce the risk
of down market cycles associated with any particular industry or
sector, development-stage or geographic area. Our Advisor
employs a hands on approach to portfolio management
requiring private portfolio companies to provide monthly
financial information and to participate in regular updates on
performance and future plans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Use of Leverage; SBA Debenture Program. We
believe our existing credit facility provides us with a
substantial amount of capital for deployment into new investment
opportunities. Since its inception, Compass Horizon has employed
leverage to increase its return on equity through a revolving
credit facility provided by WestLB AG, which we refer to as the
Credit Facility. The Credit Facility, pursuant to
which we will be able to borrow up to $125 million upon
completion of this offering, matures on March 4, 2015. The
Credit Facility will begin to amortize on March 4, 2011. In
addition, on July 14, 2009, our Advisor received a letter,
which we refer to as the Move Forward Letter, from
the Investment Division of the Small Business Administration,
which we refer to as the SBA, that invited our
Advisor to continue moving forward with the licensing of a small
business investment company, or SBIC. To the extent
that our Advisor receives an SBIC license, we expect to form an
SBIC subsidiary which will issue SBA-guaranteed debentures at
long-term fixed rates. Under the regulations applicable to
SBICs, an SBIC generally may have outstanding debentures
guaranteed by the SBA in an aggregate amount of up to twice its
regulatory capital. In connection with the filing of the SBA
license application, we will be applying for exemptive relief
from the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to
as the SEC, to permit us to exclude the debt of the
SBIC subsidiary guaranteed by the SBA from the consolidated
asset coverage ratio, and, if obtained, will enable us to fund
more investments with debt capital. However, there can be no
assurance that we will be granted an SBIC license or that if
granted it will be granted in a timely manner or that we will
receive the exemptive relief from the SEC.
|
See Business Our Strategy on
page 64 for more information about our strategy.
Market
Opportunity
Our Target Industries. We intend to focus our
investments primarily in four key industries of the emerging
technology market: technology, life science, healthcare
information and services, and cleantech. The technology industry
sectors we intend to focus on include communications,
networking, wireless communications, data storage, software,
cloud computing, semiconductor, internet and media, and
consumer-related technologies. Life science sectors we intend to
focus on include biotechnology, drug delivery, bioinformatics,
and medical devices. Healthcare information and services sectors
we intend to focus on include diagnostics, medical record
services and software, and other healthcare related services and
technologies that improve efficiency and quality of administered
healthcare. Cleantech sectors we intend to focus on include
alternative energy, water purification, energy efficiency, green
building materials, and waste recycling.
Technology Lending. We believe that Technology
Lending has the potential to achieve enhanced returns that are
attractive notwithstanding the increased level of risk
associated with lending to development-stage companies.
Potential benefits include:
|
|
|
|
|
interest rates that typically exceed rates that would be
available to portfolio companies if they could borrow in
traditional commercial financing transactions;
|
|
|
|
the loan support provided by cash proceeds from equity capital
invested by venture capital and private equity firms;
|
|
|
|
relatively rapid amortization of loans;
|
|
|
|
senior ranking to equity and collateralization of loans to
minimize potential loss of capital; and
|
|
|
|
potential equity appreciation through warrants.
|
We believe that Technology Lending also provides an attractive
financing source for portfolio companies, their management teams
and their equity capital investors, as it:
|
|
|
|
|
is typically less dilutive to the equity holders than additional
equity financing;
|
4
|
|
|
|
|
extends the time period during which a portfolio company can
operate before seeking additional equity capital or pursuing a
sale transaction or other liquidity event; and
|
|
|
|
allows portfolio companies to better match cash sources with
uses.
|
Market Size. Our Advisor estimates, based upon
our 16 years of experience making Technology Loans to
companies in our Target Industries, that during such period the
ratio of the aggregate principal amount of debt investments made
to the aggregate capital invested by venture capital investors
has been approximately 10% to 20%. According to Dow Jones
VentureSource, $23.3 billion of venture capital equity was
invested in companies in our Target Industries during 2009.
Accordingly, based on our Advisors past experience, we
would estimate that the size of the Technology Loan market for
2009 was in the range of approximately $2.0 billion to
$4.0 billion. We believe that the market for Technology
Loans should grow over the next several years based upon several
factors. We believe the level of venture capital investment for
2009 is at a cyclical low, as shown by the $33.5 billion
and 31.9 billion of venture capital investment for 2007 and
2008, respectively, as reported by Dow Jones VentureSource. We
believe that the comparable period of 2009 in the venture
capital investment cycle is 2003, because 2003 represented the
last period of decline in the amount of venture capital
investment following the burst of the technology bubble in 2000.
Venture capital investment steadily increased from
$23.5 billion in 2004 to $33.5 billion in 2007 as,
reported by Dow Jones VentureSource, representing a compounded
annual growth rate of 9.3% for that period. Our belief that 2009
was a low point in the venture capital investment cycle is
further supported by the fact that the amount of venture capital
investment in the last three quarters of 2009 increased from a
13 year low of $4.3 billion in the first quarter of
2009 to $6.1 billion in the second quarter of 2009,
$5.9 billion in the third quarter of 2009, and
$7.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009. Dow Jones
VentureSource further reported venture capital investments of
$7.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to $6.5
billion in the fourth quarter of 2008, representing a 8%
increase period to period. That positive trend continued into
2010 with venture capital investments of $4.7 billion and
$7.7 billion for the first and second quarters of 2010,
respectively, compared to $4.3 billion and
$6.1 billion, for the first and second quarters of 2009,
respectively, representing comparable period to period increases
of 9% and 26%, respectively. The potential for future growth in
the market for Technology Loans is also supported by the fact
that, according to Dow Jones VentureSource, there was
$17 billion of liquidity events related to M&A and IPO
activity for companies in our Target Industries in 2009, of
which $7.3 billion was generated in the fourth quarter,
representing 44% of the total activity for the year. This not
only returns capital to investors which can be reinvested in
venture capital investments, but also makes venture capital a
more attractive investment class to investors, thus attracting
additional capital. In addition, nearer term exits for venture
capital investors, reinforces Technology Loans as a cheaper
financing alternative than venture capital for companies in our
Target Industries and their investors, thus driving up demand
for Technology Loans.
Portfolio Company Valuations. According to Dow
Jones VentureSource, from 2007 through 2009 valuations of
existing companies in our Target Industries significantly
decreased, as they did for most asset classes. We believe this
decrease was due to general macroeconomic conditions, including
lower demand for products and services, lack of availability of
capital and investors decreased risk tolerance. We believe
the decrease in valuations in our Target Industries caused by
macroeconomic factors may present a cyclical opportunity to
participate in warrant gains in excess of those which are
typically experienced by Technology Lenders. Our future
portfolio companies may not only increase in value due to their
successful technology development
and/or
revenue growth, but as macroeconomic conditions improve,
valuations may also increase due to the general increase in
demand for goods and services, the greater availability of
capital and an increase in investor risk tolerance. An example
of the positive and negative macroeconomic impact on valuations
last occurred in the years between 2001 and 2005. Following the
macroeconomic impact of the technology downturn of 2001 and the
events of 9/11, according to Dow Jones
VentureSource, median valuations for venture capital backed
technology-related financing fell from $25 million at
December 2000 to $10 million at January 2003, but by
December 2005, median valuations for venture capital backed
technology related financings had risen to $15 million.
See Business Market Opportunity on
page 67 for more information about our market opportunity.
Competitive
Strengths
We believe that we, together with our Advisor, possess
significant competitive strengths, including:
5
Consistently execute commitments and close
transactions. Our Advisor and its senior
management and investment professionals have an extensive track
record of originating, underwriting and closing Technology
Loans. Our Advisor has directly originated, underwritten, and
managed more than 115 Technology Loans with an aggregate
original principal amount of $700 million since it
commenced operations in 2004 to the present. In our experience,
prospective portfolio companies prefer lenders that have
demonstrated their ability to deliver on their commitments. Our
Advisors ability to deliver on its commitments has
resulted in satisfied portfolio companies, management teams and
venture capital and private equity investors and created an
extensive base of transaction sources and references for our
Advisor.
Robust direct origination capabilities. Our
Advisors managing directors each have significant
experience originating Technology Loans in our Target
Industries. This experience has given each managing director a
deep knowledge of our Target Industries and, assisted by their
long standing working relationships with our Advisors
senior management and our Advisors brand name recognition
in our market, has resulted in a steady flow of high quality
investment opportunities that are consistent with the strategic
vision and expectations of our Advisors senior management.
The combination of the managing directors experience and
their close working relationship with our Advisors senior
management, together with the extensive base of transaction
sources and references generated by our Advisors active
participation in the Technology Lending market, has created an
efficient marketing and sales organization.
Access to capital. Since it commenced
operations in 2004, our Advisor has always had access to capital
which allowed it to consistently offer Technology Loans to
companies in our Target Industries, including offering loans
through Compass Horizon during the difficult economic markets of
2008 and 2009. Our Advisors demonstrated access to
capital, including through the Credit Facility, has created
awareness among companies in our Target Industries of our
Advisors consistent ability to make Technology Loans
without interruption in all market conditions, thus making our
Advisor a trusted source for Technology Loans to companies,
their management teams and their venture capital and private
equity investors.
Highly experienced and cohesive management
team. Our Advisor has had the same senior
management team of experienced professionals since its
inception, thereby creating awareness among companies in our
Target Industries, their management and their investors that
prospective portfolio companies of Horizon will receive
consistent and predictable service, in terms of available loan
products and economic terms, underwriting requirements, loan
closing process and portfolio management. This consistency
allows companies, their management teams and their investors to
predict likely outcomes when expending resources in seeking and
obtaining Technology Loans from us. Companies may not have the
same level of predictability when dealing with other lenders in
the Technology Lending market.
Relationships with venture capital and private equity
investors. Our Advisors senior management
team and managing directors have developed a comprehensive
knowledge of the venture capital and private equity firms and
their partners that participate in our Target Industries.
Because of our Advisors senior management and managing
directors demonstrated history of delivering loan
commitments and value to many of these firms portfolio
companies, our Advisor has developed strong relationships with
many of these firms and their partners. The strength and breadth
of our Advisors venture capital and private equity
relationships would take considerable time and expense to
develop. We will rely on these relationships to implement our
business plan.
Well-known brand name. Our Advisor has
originated over $700 million in Technology Loans to more
than 115 companies in our Target Industries under the
Horizon Technology Finance brand. Each of these
companies is backed by one or more venture capital or private
equity firms, thus creating a network of Target Industry
companies and equity sponsors who know of, and have worked with,
Horizon Technology Finance. In addition, our Advisor
has attended, participated in, or moderated venture lending or
alternative financing panel sessions at venture capital,
technology, life sciences and other industry related events over
the past six years. This pro-active participation in the lending
market for our Target Industries has created strong and positive
brand name recognition for our Advisor. We believe that the
Horizon Technology Finance brand is a competent,
knowledgeable and active participant in the Technology Lending
marketplace and will continue to result in a significant number
of referrals and prospective investment opportunities in our
Target Industries.
6
Investment
Summary
The following table summarizes our total original funded
investments since inception, including 17 loans that have been
fully repaid. See Business General on
page 64 for a description of the general terms of our loans
and other investments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Company
|
|
Target Industry
Sector
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
ACT Biotech, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
2,000,000
|
|
Advanced Biohealing, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Ambit Biosciences Corporation
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
8,000,000
|
|
Anesiva, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
3,333,333
|
|
Arcot Systems, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
1,250,000
|
|
Authoria, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
1,575,000
|
|
BioScale, Inc.
|
|
Healthcare Information and Services Diagnostics
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
Brix Networks, Inc.
|
|
Technology Communications
|
|
$
|
3,150,000
|
|
Calypso Medical Technologies, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
4,800,001
|
|
Cartera Commerce, Inc.
|
|
Technology Internet and Media
|
|
$
|
2,500,000
|
|
Clarabridge, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
2,250,000
|
|
Concentric Medical, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
10,333,333
|
|
Configuresoft, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
1,750,000
|
|
Courion Corporation
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
2,500,000
|
|
DriveCam, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
4,200,000
|
|
Enphase Energy, Inc.
|
|
Cleantech Energy Efficiency
|
|
$
|
7,000,000
|
|
EnteroMedics, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Everyday Health, Inc.
|
|
Technology Consumer-related Technologies
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Genesis Networks, Inc.
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
Grab Networks, Inc.
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
Hatteras Networks, Inc.
|
|
Technology Communications
|
|
$
|
3,500,000
|
|
Impinj, Inc.
|
|
Technology Semiconductor
|
|
$
|
1,000,000
|
|
IntelePeer, Inc.
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
iSkoot, INC
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
Motion Computing, Inc.
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Netuitive, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
1,000,000
|
|
NewRiver, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
OpenPeak, Inc.
|
|
Technology Communications
|
|
$
|
6,666,667
|
|
OraMetrix, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Pharmasset, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
10,000,000
|
|
PixelOptics, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Plateau Systems, Ltd.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
2,500,000
|
|
Precision Therapeutics, Inc.
|
|
Healthcare Information and Services Diagnostics
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Radisphere National Radiology Group, Inc.
|
|
Healthcare Information and Services Diagnostics
|
|
$
|
10,000,000
|
|
Revance Therapeutics, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
8,250,000
|
|
Satcon Technology Corporation
|
|
Cleantech Energy Efficiency
|
|
$
|
12,000,000
|
|
SnagAJob.com, Inc.
|
|
Technology Consumer-related Technologies
|
|
$
|
3,500,000
|
|
Softrax Corporation
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
2,000,000
|
|
StarCite, Inc.
|
|
Technology Consumer-related Technologies
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
StreamBase Systems, Inc.
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
$
|
4,000,000
|
|
Tagged, Inc.
|
|
Technology Consumer-related Technologies
|
|
$
|
3,000,000
|
|
Talyst, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Other Healthcare
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Tengion, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
5,772,622
|
|
Transave, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
5,199,980
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Company
|
|
Target Industry
Sector
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Tranzyme, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Vette Corp.
|
|
Technology Data Storage
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
ViOptix, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
2,000,000
|
|
Xcovery Holding Company LLC
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
1,500,000
|
|
XIOTech Corporation
|
|
Technology Data Storage
|
|
$
|
5,000,000
|
|
Xoft, Inc.
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
$
|
3,701,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investment
|
|
|
|
$
|
228,231,936
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution
and Share Exchange
We were formed in March 2010 to continue and expand the business
of Compass Horizon. Compass Horizon is the entity that currently
owns all of the portfolio investments that we will own upon the
closing of this offering. Prior to the completion of this
offering, Compass Horizon made a cash distribution to CHP of
$18.0 million from net income and as a return of capital,
which we refer to as the Pre-IPO Distribution. After
the Pre-IPO Distribution and prior to the completion of this
offering, the Compass Horizon Owners exchanged their membership
interests in Compass Horizon for 2,645,124 shares of our
common stock based upon a net asset value of $52.9 million
as of September 30, 2010, which we refer to as the
Share Exchange. Upon completion of the Share
Exchange and this offering, Compass Horizon will become our
wholly owned subsidiary, and we will effectively own all of
Compass Horizons assets, including all of its investments.
See The Exchange Transaction on page 38 for
more information about the Pre-IPO Distribution and the Share
Exchange.
Risk
Factors
The value of our assets, as well as the market price of our
shares, will fluctuate. Our investments may be risky, and you
may lose all or part of your investment in us. Investing in us
involves other risks, including the following:
|
|
|
|
|
We have a limited operating history and may not be able to
achieve our investment objective or generate sufficient revenue
to make or sustain distributions to our stockholders and your
investment in us could decline substantially;
|
|
|
|
We may not replicate the historical results achieved by other
entities managed or sponsored by members of our Advisor or its
affiliates;
|
|
|
|
Neither we nor our Advisor has any experience operating under
the constraints imposed on a business development company or
managing an investment company, which may affect our ability to
manage our business and impair your ability to assess our
prospects;
|
|
|
|
We are dependent upon key personnel of our Advisor and our
Advisors ability to hire and retain qualified personnel;
|
|
|
|
If we are unable to satisfy the requirements under the Code for
qualification as a RIC, we will be subject to corporate-level
federal income tax;
|
|
|
|
We have not yet identified many of the potential investment
opportunities for our portfolio that we will invest in with the
proceeds of this offering;
|
|
|
|
If our investments do not meet our performance expectations, you
may not receive distributions;
|
|
|
|
Most of our portfolio companies will need additional capital,
which may not be readily available;
|
|
|
|
Economic recessions or downturns could adversely affect our
business and that of our portfolio companies which may have an
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition;
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
Our investment strategy will focus on investments in
development-stage companies in our Target Industries, which are
subject to many risks, including volatility, intense
competition, shortened product life cycles and periodic
downturns, and would be typically rated below investment
grade;
|
|
|
|
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our
common stock, and we cannot assure you that the market price of
shares of our common stock will not decline following the
offering;
|
|
|
|
Subsequent sales in the public market of substantial amounts of
our common stock issued to insiders or others may have an
adverse effect on the market price of our common stock;
|
|
|
|
Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease
substantially; and
|
|
|
|
We may allocate the net proceeds from this offering in ways with
which you may not agree.
|
See Risk Factors beginning on page 16 and the
other information included in this prospectus, for a more
detailed discussion of the material risks you should carefully
consider before deciding to invest in our common stock.
Company
Information
Our administrative and executive offices are located at 76
Batterson Park Road, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, and our
telephone number is
(860) 676-8654.
We expect to establish a website at
http://www.horizontechnologyfinancecorp.com
upon completion of this offering. Information contained on
our website is not incorporated by reference into this
prospectus, and you should not consider information contained on
our website to be part of this prospectus.
9
THE
OFFERING
Common stock
offered:
|
|
|
By us |
|
4,910,000 shares |
|
By the selling stockholder |
|
1,340,000 shares
|
|
Total |
|
6,250,000 shares |
|
Over-allotment option |
|
937,500 shares |
|
Common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering |
|
7,555,124 shares, excluding 937,500 shares of common
stock issuable pursuant to the over-allotment option granted to
the underwriters. |
|
NASDAQ Global Market symbol |
|
HRZN |
|
Use of proceeds |
|
We will receive net proceeds from our sale of shares of common
stock in this offering of approximately $71.6 million
(approximately $85.5 million if the underwriters exercise
their over-allotment option to purchase additional shares in
full), at the initial public offering price of $16.00 per share,
after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and
estimated offering expenses payable by us. We plan to use the
net proceeds of this offering for new investments in portfolio
companies in accordance with our investment objective and
strategies as described in this prospectus, for general working
capital purposes, and for temporary repayment of debt under our
credit facility (which amounts are subject to reborrowing). We
will also pay operating expenses, including management and
administrative fees, and may pay other expenses such as due
diligence expenses of potential new investments, from the net
proceeds of this offering. We may also use a portion of the net
proceeds to capitalize an SBIC subsidiary to the extent our
Advisors application to license such entity as an SBIC is
approved. Pending such use, we will invest the remaining net
proceeds of this offering primarily in cash, cash equivalents,
U.S. Government securities and other high-quality debt
investments that mature in one year or less from the date of
investment. See Use of Proceeds. We will not receive
any of the proceeds from the shares sold by the selling
stockholder. |
|
Investment Management Agreement |
|
We have entered into an investment management agreement with our
Advisor, under which our Advisor, subject to the overall
supervision of our board of directors, manages our day-to-day
operations and provides investment advisory services to us. For
providing these services, our Advisor receives a base management
fee from us, paid monthly in arrears, at an annual rate of 2.00%
of our gross assets, including any assets acquired with the
proceeds of leverage. The investment management agreement also
provides that our Advisor or its affiliates may be entitled to
an incentive fee under certain circumstances. The incentive fee
has two parts, which are independent of each other, with the
result that one part may be payable even if the other is not.
Under the first part we will pay our Advisor each quarter 20.00%
of the amount by which our accrued net income for the quarter
after expenses and excluding the effect of any realized capital
gains |
10
|
|
|
|
|
and losses and any unrealized appreciation and depreciation for
the quarter exceeds 1.75% (which is 7.00% annualized) of our
average net assets at the end of the immediately preceding
calendar quarter, subject to a
catch-up
feature. Under the second part of the incentive fee, we will pay
our Advisor at the end of each calendar year 20.00% of our
realized capital gains from inception through the end of that
year, computed net of all realized capital losses and all
unrealized depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the
aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive
fees. The second part of the incentive fee is not subject to any
minimum return to stockholders. The investment management
agreement also provides that we will bear the costs payable to
the Advisor under the separate administration agreement. The
investment management agreement may be terminated by either
party without penalty by delivering written notice to the other
party upon not more than 60 days written notice. See
Investment Management and Administration
Agreements Investment Management Agreement. |
|
|
|
Distributions |
|
In connection with certain RIC requirements described below in
Taxation, to the extent we have income
available, we intend to distribute quarterly dividends to
stockholders. Our quarterly distributions, if any, will be
determined by our board of directors. |
|
|
|
Taxation |
|
We intend to elect to be treated, and intend to qualify, as a
RIC under Subchapter M of the Code commencing with our taxable
year ending on December 31, 2010. As a RIC, we generally
will not pay corporate-level federal income taxes on any
ordinary income or capital gains that we timely distribute to
our stockholders as dividends. To maintain our RIC status, we
must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification
requirements and distribute annually 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. See
Distributions and Material U.S. Federal Income
Tax Considerations. |
|
|
|
Borrowings |
|
As of September 30, 2010, we had $88.9 million of
indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Facility. We will
borrow additional money or issue debt securities within the
levels permitted by the 1940 Act when the terms and conditions
available are favorable to long-term investing and well-aligned
with our investment strategy and portfolio composition in an
effort to increase returns to our common stockholders. Borrowing
involves significant risks. See Risk Factors. |
|
|
|
Trading at a Discount |
|
Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a
discount to their net asset value. The possibility that our
shares may trade at a discount to our net asset value is
separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per
share may decline. Our net asset value immediately following
this offering will reflect reductions resulting from the sales
load and the amount of the organization and offering expenses
paid by us. This risk may have a greater effect on investors
expecting to sell their shares soon after completion of the
public offering, and our shares may be more appropriate for
long-term investors than for investors with shorter investment
horizons. We |
11
|
|
|
|
|
cannot predict whether our shares will trade above, at or below
net asset value. |
|
Dividend Reinvestment Plan |
|
We are adopting a dividend reinvestment plan for our
stockholders. This will be an opt out dividend
reinvestment plan. As a result, if we declare cash
distributions, each stockholders cash distributions will
be automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common
stock unless they specifically opt out of our
dividend reinvestment plan so as to receive cash distributions.
Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of shares of
common stock will be subject to the same federal income tax
consequences as if they received their distributions in cash.
See Dividend Reinvestment Plan. |
|
Anti-Takeover Provisions |
|
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as certain
statutory and regulatory requirements, contain certain
provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a third
party from making an acquisition proposal for us. These
anti-takeover provisions may inhibit a change in control in
circumstances that could give the holders of our common stock
the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price for
our common stock. See Description of Capital Stock. |
|
|
|
In addition, our board of directors will be divided into three
classes with the term of one class expiring at each annual
meeting of stockholders. This structure is intended to provide
us with a greater likelihood of continuity of management. A
staggered board of directors also may serve to deter hostile
takeovers or proxy contests, as may certain other measures we
have adopted. See Description of Capital Stock. |
|
Administration Agreement |
|
Under a separate administration agreement, our Advisor will also
serve as our administrator. We will reimburse our Advisor for
the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by
our Advisor in performing its obligations under the
Administration Agreement, including furnishing us with office
facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record
keeping services at such facilities, as well as providing us
with other administrative services. In addition, we will
reimburse our Advisor for the fees and expenses associated with
performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of
the compensation of our chief financial officer and chief
compliance officer and their respective staffs. See
Investment Management and Administration
Agreement Administration Agreement. |
|
Dilution |
|
Based on the initial public offering price of $16.00 per share,
purchasers in this offering will not experience dilution. |
|
Available Information |
|
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on
Form N-2
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities
Act, which contains additional information about us and the
shares of our common stock being offered by this prospectus.
After completion of this offering, we will be obligated to file
periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with
the SEC. This information will |
12
|
|
|
|
|
be available at the SECs public reference room in
Washington, D.C. and on the SECs website at
http://www.sec.gov. |
|
|
|
Upon closing of this offering, we will maintain a website at
http://www.horizontechnologyfinancecorp.com
and intend to make all of our annual, quarterly and current
reports, proxy statements and other publicly filed information
available, free of charge, on or through our website. You may
also obtain such information by contacting us at 76 Batterson
Park Road, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, or by calling us at
(860) 676-8654.
Information contained on our website is not incorporated by
reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider
information contained on our website to be part of this
prospectus. |
|
|
|
See Where You Can Find More Information. |
Unless the context otherwise requires, the number of shares of
our common stock to be outstanding immediately following the
completion of this offering is based on the number of shares
outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and assumes the sale
of 1,340,000 shares of our common stock by the selling
stockholder and the issuance of 4,910,000 shares of our
common stock in this offering at the price per share set forth
on the cover of this prospectus. Unless otherwise noted, all
information in this prospectus assumes no exercise by the
underwriters of their right to purchase up to
937,500 shares of common stock to cover over-allotments.
13
FEES AND
EXPENSES
The following table is intended to assist you in understanding
the costs and expenses that an investor in this offering will
bear directly or indirectly. However, we caution you that some
of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates
and may vary. The following table and example should not be
considered a representation of our future expenses. Actual
expenses may be greater or less than shown. Except where the
context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus contains a
reference to fees or expenses paid by you or
us or that we will pay fees or expenses,
stockholders will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as
investors in the Company.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholder Transaction Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)
|
|
|
7.00
|
%(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering Expenses (as a percentage of offering price)
|
|
|
1.50
|
%(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees
|
|
|
None
|
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Stockholder Transaction Expenses (as a percentage of
offering price)
|
|
|
8.50
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Expenses (as a Percentage of Net Assets Attributable
to Common Stock)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management Fee
|
|
|
3.44
|
%(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive Fees Payable Under the Investment Management Agreement
|
|
|
0.00
|
%(5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds
|
|
|
2.69
|
%(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Expenses (estimated for the current fiscal year)
|
|
|
1.58
|
%(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Expenses (estimated)
|
|
|
7.71
|
%(4)(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
The underwriting discounts and
commissions with respect to shares sold in this offering, which
are one-time fees to the underwriters in connection with this
offering, is the only sales load being paid in connection with
this offering.
|
(2)
|
|
Amount reflects estimated offering
expenses of approximately $1.5 million.
|
(3)
|
|
The expenses of the dividend
reinvestment plan are included in other expenses.
See Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
|
|
|
|
(4)
|
|
Our base management fee under the
investment management agreement is based on our gross assets,
which includes assets acquired using leverage, and is payable
monthly in arrears. The management fee referenced in the table
above is based on $214.3 million of gross assets,
$124.5 million of net assets, which reflects our gross
assets and net assets on a pro forma basis after giving effect
to this offering and $88.9 million of expected outstanding
indebtedness immediately upon the closing of this offering. See
Investment Management and Administration
Agreements Investment Management Agreement.
|
|
|
|
(5)
|
|
We may have capital gains and
interest income that could result in the payment of an incentive
fee to our Advisor in the first year after completion of this
offering. However, the incentive fee payable to our Advisor is
based on our performance and will not be paid unless we achieve
certain goals. As we cannot predict whether we will meet the
necessary performance targets, we have assumed an incentive fee
of 0% in this chart. Based on our current business plan, we
anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of this
offering will be used within nine months, depending on the
availability of appropriate investment opportunities, consistent
with our investment objective and market conditions. We expect
that during this period we will not have any capital gains and
that the amount of our interest income will not exceed the
quarterly minimum hurdle rate discussed below. As a result, we
do not anticipate paying any incentive fees in the first year
after the completion of this offering. Once fully invested,
however, we expect the incentive fees we pay to increase to the
extent we earn greater interest income through our investments
and, to a lesser extent, realize capital gains upon the sale of
equity investments in our portfolio companies. Additionally, if
we were to use substantially all of the net proceeds of this
offering within a substantially shorter time period and maintain
a comparable yield to our existing loan portfolio, we may have
capital gains and interest income that could result in the
payment of an incentive fee to our Advisor in the first year
after completion of this offering.
|
|
|
|
The incentive fee consists of two
parts:
|
|
|
|
The first part, which is payable
quarterly in arrears, will equal 20.00% of the excess, if any,
of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income over
a 1.75% quarterly (7.00% annualized) hurdle rate and a
catch-up
provision measured as of the end of each calendar quarter. Under
this provision, in any calendar quarter, our Advisor receives no
incentive fee until our net investment income equals the hurdle
rate of 1.75% but then receives, as a
catch-up,
100.00% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income with
respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment
income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than
2.1875%. The effect of this provision is that, if pre-incentive
fee net investment income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar
quarter, our Advisor will receive 20.00% of our pre-incentive
fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply. The
first part of the incentive fee will be computed and paid on
income that may include interest that is accrued but not yet
received in cash.
|
|
|
|
The second part of the incentive
fee will equal 20.00% of our Incentive Fee Capital
Gains, if any, which will equal our realized capital gains
on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each
calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and
unrealized
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
capital depreciation on a
cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously
paid capital gain incentive fees. The second part of the
incentive fee will be payable, in arrears, at the end of each
calendar year (or upon termination of the investment management
agreement, as of the termination date), commencing with the year
ending December 31, 2010. For a more detailed discussion of
the calculation of this fee, see Investment Management and
Administration Agreements Investment Management
Agreement.
|
(6)
|
|
We will borrow funds from time to
time to make investments to the extent we determine that the
economic situation is conducive to doing so. The costs
associated with our borrowings are indirectly borne by our
investors. As of September 30, 2010, we had
$88.9 million outstanding under our Credit Facility. For
purposes of this section, we have computed interest expense
using the balance outstanding at, and the LIBOR rate on,
September 30, 2010 and the interest rate on our Credit
Facility of LIBOR plus 2.50%. The LIBOR rate on
September 30, 2010 was 0.26%. We have also included the
estimated amortization of fees incurred in establishing our
Credit Facility and estimated settlements under existing
interest rate swap agreements. We may also issue preferred
stock, subject to our compliance with applicable requirements
under the 1940 Act, however, we currently have no intention to
do so during the first year following the effective date of this
registration statement.
|
(7)
|
|
Includes our assumed overhead
expenses, including payments under the administration agreement,
based on our projected assumed allocable portion of overhead and
other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its
obligations under the administration agreement during the first
full year of operations. See Investment Management and
Administration Agreements Administration
Agreement.
|
(8)
|
|
Total annual expenses
as a percentage of consolidated net assets attributable to
common stock are higher than the total annual expenses
percentage would be for a company that is not leveraged. We
borrow money to leverage our net assets and increase our total
assets. The SEC requires that the Total annual
expenses percentage be calculated as a percentage of net
assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and after
taking into account any incentive fees payable during the
period), rather than the total assets, including assets that
have been funded with borrowed monies. The reason for presenting
expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to common
stockholders is that our common stockholders bear all of our
fees and expenses.
|
Example
The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount
of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various
periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common
stock. In calculating the following expense amounts, we have
assumed that our annual operating expenses remain at the levels
set forth in the table above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
3 Years
|
|
5 Years
|
|
10 Years
|
|
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming a 5% annual return
|
|
$
|
153
|
|
|
$
|
288
|
|
|
$
|
415
|
|
|
$
|
699
|
|
While the example assumes, as required by the applicable rules
of the SEC, a 5% annual return, our performance will vary and
may result in a return greater or less than 5%. The incentive
fee under our investment management agreement is unlikely to be
significant assuming a 5% annual return and is not included in
the example. If we achieve sufficient returns on our
investments, including through the realization of capital gains,
to trigger an incentive fee of a material amount, our
distributions to our common stockholders and our expenses would
likely be higher. See Investment Management and
Administration Agreements Examples of Incentive Fee
Calculation for additional information regarding the
calculation of incentive fees. In addition, while the example
assumes reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions at
net asset value, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan
will receive a number of shares of our common stock determined
by dividing the total dollar amount of the distribution payable
to a participant by the market price per share of our common
stock at the close of trading on the valuation date for the
distribution. This price may be at, above or below net asset
value. See Dividend Reinvestment Plan for additional
information regarding our dividend reinvestment plan.
15
RISK
FACTORS
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk.
Before you invest in shares of our common stock, you should be
aware of various risks, including those described below. You
should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all
of the other information included in this prospectus, before you
decide whether to make an investment in our common stock. The
risks set forth below are not the only risks we face. If any of
the following events occur, our business, financial condition
and results of operations could be materially adversely
affected. In such case, our net asset value and the trading
price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or
part of your investment.
Risks
Related to our Business and Structure
We
have a limited operating history and may not be able to achieve
our investment objective or generate sufficient revenue to make
or sustain distributions to our stockholders and your investment
in us could decline substantially.
We commenced operations in March 2008. As a result of our
limited operating history, we are subject to certain business
risks and uncertainties associated with any recently formed
business enterprise, including the risk that we will not achieve
our investment objective and that the value of your investment
in us could decline substantially. As a public company, we will
be subject to the regulatory requirements of the SEC, in
addition to the specific regulatory requirements applicable to
business development companies under the 1940 Act and RICs under
the Code. Our management and that of our Advisor has not had any
prior experience operating under this regulatory framework, and
we may incur substantial additional costs, and expend
significant time or other resources, to do so. From time to time
our Advisor may pursue investment opportunities, like equity
investments, in which our Advisor has more limited experience.
We may also be unable to replicate the historical performance of
prior investment funds. In addition, we may be unable to
generate sufficient revenue from our operations to make or
sustain distributions to our stockholders.
We may
not replicate the historical results achieved by other entities
managed or sponsored by members of our Advisor or its
affiliates.
We may be unable to replicate the historical results achieved by
our Advisor or its affiliates, and our investment returns could
be substantially lower than the returns achieved by them in
prior periods. In particular, our Advisors returns from
several of its other investment vehicles may not be comparable
because they were capital call funds and their respective
returns were not negatively impacted by uninvested cash. We also
may not be able to replicate the performance of our warrants and
may not have returns on warrants from our existing portfolio
that we hold. Neither our Advisor nor its affiliates were
subject to the same tax and regulatory conditions that we intend
to operate under following the offering. Furthermore, none of
the prior results were from public reporting companies.
Additionally, all or a portion of these prior results may have
been achieved in particular market conditions which may never be
repeated. We are not a capital call fund and, as a result, may
have more limited access to cash for investment opportunities
than our Advisor historically experienced which could impair our
ability to make future investments. Moreover, current or future
market volatility and regulatory uncertainty may also have an
adverse impact on our future performance.
Neither
we nor our Advisor has any experience operating under the
constraints imposed on a business development company or
managing an investment company, which may affect our ability to
manage our business and impair your ability to assess our
prospects.
Prior to this offering, we did not operate as a business
development company or manage an investment company under the
1940 Act. As a result, we have no operating results under this
regulatory framework that can demonstrate to you either its
effect on our business or our ability to manage our business
within this framework. The 1940 Act imposes numerous constraints
on the operations of business development companies. For
example, business development companies are required to invest
at least 70% of their total assets in specified types of
securities, primarily securities of eligible portfolio
companies (as defined in the 1940 Act), cash, cash
equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high
quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. See
16
Regulation. Our Advisors lack of experience in
managing a portfolio of assets under these constraints may
hinder our ability to take advantage of attractive investment
opportunities and, as a result, could impair our ability to
achieve our investment objective. Furthermore, if we are unable
to comply with the requirements imposed on business development
companies by the 1940 Act, the SEC could bring an enforcement
action against us
and/or we
could be exposed to claims of private litigants. In addition, we
could be regulated as a closed-end management investment company
under the 1940 Act, which could further decrease our operating
flexibility and may prevent us from operating our business as
described in this prospectus, either of which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations
or financial condition.
We are
dependent upon key personnel of our Advisor and our
Advisors ability to hire and retain qualified
personnel.
We depend on the members of our Advisors senior
management, particularly Mr. Pomeroy, our Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Michaud, our President, as
well as other key personnel for the identification, evaluation,
final selection, structuring, closing and monitoring of our
investments. These employees have critical industry experience
and relationships that we will rely on to implement our business
plan to originate Technology Loans in our Target Industries. Our
future success will depend on the continued service of
Messrs. Pomeroy and Michaud as well as the other senior
members of our Advisors management team. If our Advisor
were to lose the services of either Mr. Pomeroy or
Mr. Michaud or any of the other senior members of our
Advisors management team, we may not be able to operate
our business as we expect, and our ability to compete could be
harmed, either of which could cause our business, results of
operations or financial condition to suffer. In addition, if
either of Mr. Pomeroy or Mr. Michaud ceases to be
employed by us, the lender under our Credit Facility could,
absent a waiver or cure, refuse to advance future funds to us
under the facility. Our future success will also depend, in
part, on our Advisors ability to identify, attract and
retain sufficient numbers of highly skilled employees. Absent
exemptive or other relief granted by the SEC and for so long as
we remain externally managed, the 1940 Act will prevent us from
granting options to our employees and adopting a profit sharing
plan, which may make it more difficult for us to attract and
retain highly skilled employees. If we are not successful in
identifying, attracting and retaining these employees, we may
not be able to operate our business as we expect. Moreover, we
cannot assure you that our Advisor will remain our investment
adviser or that we will continue to have access to our
Advisors investment professionals or its relationships.
For example, our Advisor may in the future manage investment
funds with investment objectives similar to ours thereby
diverting the time and attention of its investment professionals
that we rely on to implement our business plan.
We
operate in a highly competitive market for investment
opportunities, and if we are not able to compete effectively,
our business, results of operations and financial condition may
be adversely affected and the value of your investment in us
could decline.
A number of entities compete with us to make the types of
investments that we plan to make in prospective portfolio
companies in our Target Industries. We compete with other
business development companies and a large number of venture
capital and private equity firms, as well as other investment
funds, investment banks and other sources of financing,
including traditional financial services companies such as
commercial banks and finance companies. Some of our competitors
are larger and have greater financial, technical, marketing and
other resources than we have. For example, some competitors may
have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that
are not available to us. This may enable these competitors to
make commercial loans with interest rates that are comparable
to, or lower than, the rates we typically offer. We may lose
prospective portfolio companies if we do not match our
competitors pricing, terms and structure. If we do match
our competitors pricing, terms or structure, we may
experience decreased net interest income and increased risk of
credit losses. In addition, some of our competitors may have
higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which
could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments,
establish more relationships than us and build their market
shares. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to
the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act will impose on us
as a business development company or that the Code will impose
on us as a RIC. If we are not able to compete effectively, we
may not be able to identify and take advantage of attractive
investment opportunities that we identify and may not be able to
fully invest our available capital. If this occurs, our
business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially adversely affected.
17
We
will borrow money, which will magnify the potential for gain or
loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing
in us.
Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment
technique, and we intend to continue to borrow money as part of
our business plan. The use of leverage will magnify the
potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore,
increases the risks associated with investing in us. We expect
to borrow from and issue senior debt securities to banks and
other lenders including under the Credit Facility pursuant to
which we will be able to borrow up to $125 million upon
completion of this offering. As of September 30, 2010, we
had outstanding indebtedness of $88.9 million. We also
intend to issue debt securities guaranteed by the SBA and sold
in the capital markets, to the extent that we or one of our
subsidiaries becomes licensed by the SBA. The SBIC regulations,
subject to certain regulatory capital requirements among other
things, currently permit an SBIC subsidiary to borrow up to
$150 million. Lenders of senior securities, including the
SBA, will have fixed dollar claims on our assets that will be
superior to the claims of our common stockholders. If the value
of our assets increases, then leveraging would cause the net
asset value attributable to our common stock to increase more
sharply than it would have had we not leveraged. However, any
decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more
sharply than it would have had we not leveraged. This decline
could adversely affect our ability to make common stock dividend
payments. In addition, because our investments may be illiquid,
we may be unable to dispose of them or to do so at a favorable
price in the event we need to do so if we are unable to
refinance any indebtedness upon maturity, and, as a result, we
may suffer losses.
Our ability to service any debt that we incur will depend
largely on our financial performance and will be subject to
prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures.
Moreover, as our Advisors management fee will be payable
to our Advisor based on our gross assets, including those assets
acquired through the use of leverage, our Advisor may have a
financial incentive to incur leverage which may not be
consistent with our stockholders interests. In addition,
holders of our common stock will bear the burden of any increase
in our expenses, as a result of leverage, including any increase
in the management fee payable to our Advisor.
Illustration: The following table illustrates
the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our
common stock assuming various annual returns, net of expenses.
The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual
returns may be higher or lower than those appearing in the table
below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumed Return on our Portfolio
|
|
|
(net of expenses)
|
|
|
−10%
|
|
−5%
|
|
0%
|
|
5%
|
|
10%
|
|
Corresponding return to
stockholder(1)
|
|
|
−27%
|
|
|
|
−16%
|
|
|
|
−5%
|
|
|
|
7%
|
|
|
|
18%
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Assumes $160 million in total
assets, $89 million in debt outstanding, $70 million
in stockholders equity, and an average cost of funds of
3.63%. Assumptions are based on our financial condition and our
average costs of funds at September 30, 2010. Actual
interest payments may be different.
|
If we
are unable to comply with the covenants or restrictions in the
Credit Facility, our business could be materially adversely
affected.
Our wholly owned subsidiary, Horizon Credit I LLC, which we
refer to as Credit I, is party to our Credit
Facility with WestLB AG. This Credit Facility includes covenants
that, among other things, restrict the ability of Compass
Horizon and Credit I to make loans to, or investments in, third
parties (other than Technology Loans and warrants or other
equity participation rights), pay dividends and distributions,
incur additional indebtedness and engage in mergers or
consolidations. The Credit Facility also restricts the ability
of Compass Horizon, Credit I, and our Advisor to create liens on
the collateral securing the Credit Facility, permit additional
negative pledges on such collateral and change the business
currently conducted by them. The Credit Facility also includes
provisions that permit our lender to refuse to advance funds
under the facility in the event of a change of control of us or
Compass Horizon. For this purpose a change of control generally
means a merger or other consolidation, a liquidation, a sale of
all or substantially all of our assets, or a transaction in
which any person or group acquires more than 50% of our shares.
In addition, the Credit Facility also requires Compass Horizon,
Credit I and our Advisor to comply with
18
various financial covenants, including, among other covenants,
maintenance by Compass Horizon and our Advisor of a minimum
tangible net worth and limitations on the value of, and
modifications to, the loan collateral that secures the Credit
Facility. See Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Liquidity and Capital Resources. Complying with these
restrictions may prevent us from taking actions that we believe
would help us to grow our business or are otherwise consistent
with our investment objective. These restrictions could also
limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or
meet extraordinary capital needs or otherwise restrict corporate
activities or could result in our failing to qualify as a RIC
and thus becoming subject to corporate-level income tax. See
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Liquidity and
Capital Resources for additional information regarding our
credit arrangements.
The breach of certain of the covenants or restrictions unless
cured within the applicable grace period, would result in a
default under the Credit Facility that would permit the lender
to declare all amounts outstanding to be due and payable. In
such an event, we may not have sufficient assets to repay such
indebtedness and the lender may exercise rights available to it
under the security interest granted in the assets of
Credit I, including, to the extent permitted under
applicable law, the seizure of such assets without adjudication.
As a result, any default could have serious consequences to our
financial condition. An event of default or an acceleration
under the Credit Facility could also cause a cross-default or
cross-acceleration of another debt instrument or contractual
obligation, which would adversely impact our liquidity. We may
not be granted waivers or amendments to the Credit Agreement if
for any reason we are unable to comply with it, and we may not
be able to refinance the Credit Agreement on terms acceptable to
us, or at all.
Because
we will distribute all or substantially all of our income and
any realized net short-term capital gains over realized net
long-term capital losses to our stockholders, we will need
additional capital to finance our growth, if any. If additional
funds are unavailable or not available on favorable terms, our
ability to grow will be impaired.
To satisfy the requirements applicable to a RIC, to avoid
payment of excise taxes and to minimize or avoid payment of
corporate-level federal income taxes, we intend to distribute to
our stockholders all or substantially all of our net ordinary
income and realized net short-term capital gains over realized
net long-term capital losses except that we may retain certain
net long-term capital gains, pay applicable income taxes with
respect thereto, and elect to treat such retained capital gains
as deemed distributions to our stockholders. As a business
development company, we will generally be required to meet a
coverage ratio of total assets to total senior securities, which
includes all of our borrowings and any preferred stock we may
issue in the future, of at least 200%. This requirement limits
the amount that we may borrow. Because we will continue to need
capital to grow our loan and investment portfolio, this
limitation may prevent us from incurring debt and require us to
raise additional equity at a time when it may be disadvantageous
to do so. We cannot assure you that debt and equity financing
will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all, and debt
financings may be restricted by the terms of any of our
outstanding borrowings. In addition, as discussed above, as a
business development company, we will be limited in our ability
to issue equity securities priced below net asset value. If
additional funds are not available to us, we could be forced to
curtail or cease new lending and investment activities, and our
net asset value could decline.
If we
are unable to obtain additional debt financing, our business
could be materially adversely affected.
We may want to obtain additional debt financing, or need to do
so upon maturity of the Credit Facility, in order to obtain
funds which may be made available for investments. The Credit
Facility matures in March 2015. We may request advances under
the Credit Facility, which we refer to as the Revolving
Period, through March 4, 2011, unless the Revolving
Period is extended upon Credit Is request and upon mutual
agreement of WestLB and Credit I. Upon the date of termination
of the Revolving Period, we may not request new advances and we
must repay the outstanding advances under the Credit Facility as
of such date at such times and in such amounts as are necessary
to maintain compliance with the terms and conditions of the
Credit Facility, particularly the condition that the principal
balance of the Credit Facility does not exceed 75% of the
aggregate principal balance of our eligible loans to our
portfolio companies. All outstanding advances under the Credit
Facility are due and payable on March 4, 2015, unless such
date is extended upon Credit Is request and upon mutual
agreement of WestLB and Credit I. If we
19
are unable to increase, renew or replace any such facility and
enter into a new debt financing facility on commercially
reasonable terms, our liquidity may be reduced significantly. In
addition, if we are unable to repay amounts outstanding under
any such facilities and are declared in default or are unable to
renew or refinance these facilities, we may not be able to make
new investments or operate our business in the normal course.
These situations may arise due to circumstances that we may be
unable to control, such as lack of access to the credit markets,
a severe decline in the value of the U.S. dollar, a further
economic down turn or an operational problem that affects third
parties or us, and could materially damage our business.
If we
do not receive qualification from the SBA to form an SBIC or we
are unable to comply with SBA regulations after our SBIC
subsidiary is formed, our business plan and investment objective
could be materially adversely affected.
We are currently seeking qualification as an SBIC for a
to-be-formed wholly owned subsidiary which will be regulated by
the SBA. On July 14, 2009, our Advisor received
notification from the SBA that invited our Advisor to continue
with the application process for licensing this subsidiary as an
SBIC. However, the application to license this subsidiary as an
SBIC is subject to SBA approval. If we do not receive SBA
approval to license an SBIC our business plan and investment
objective could be materially adversely affected. If we or one
of our subsidiaries receives this qualification, we will become
subject to SBA regulations that may constrain our activities or
the activities of one of our subsidiaries. We may need to make
allowances in our investment activity or the investment activity
of our subsidiaries to comply with SBA regulations. In addition,
SBA regulations may impose parameters on our business operations
and investment objectives that are different than what we
otherwise would do if we were not subject to these regulations.
Failure to comply with the SBA regulations could result in the
loss of the SBIC license and the resulting inability to
participate in the SBA-sponsored debenture program. The SBA also
limits the maximum amount that may be borrowed by any single
SBIC. The SBA prohibits, without prior SBA approval, a
change of control of an SBIC or transfers that would
result in any person (or a group of persons acting in concert)
owning 10% or more of a class of capital stock of a licensed
SBIC. A change of control is any event which would
result in the transfer of the power, direct or indirect, to
direct the management and policies of an SBIC, whether through
ownership, contractual arrangements or otherwise. To the extent
that we form an SBIC subsidiary, this would prohibit a change of
control of us without prior SBA approval. If we are unable
to comply with SBA regulations, our business plan and growth
strategy could be materially adversely affected.
Changes
in interest rates may affect our cost of capital and net
investment income.
Because we may incur indebtedness to fund our investments, a
portion of our income will depend upon the difference between
the interest rate at which we borrow funds and the interest rate
at which we invest these funds. Some of our investments will
have fixed interest rates, while other borrowings will likely
have floating interest rates. As a result, a significant change
in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our
net investment income. In periods of rising interest rates, our
cost of funds could increase, which would reduce our net
investment income. We may hedge against interest rate
fluctuations by using hedging instruments such as swaps,
futures, options and forward contracts, subject to applicable
legal requirements, including, without limitation, all necessary
registrations (or exemptions from registration) with the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission. These activities may limit
our ability to benefit from lower interest rates with respect to
the hedged portfolio. We also have limited experience in
entering into hedging transactions, and we will initially have
to rely on the advice of outside parties with respect to the use
of these financial instruments or develop this expertise
internally. Adverse developments resulting from changes in
interest rates or hedging transactions or any adverse
developments from our use of hedging instruments could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations. In addition, we may be unable to enter
into appropriate hedging transactions when desired and any
hedging transactions we enter into may not be effective.
20
Because
many of our investments typically will not be in publicly traded
securities, the value of our investments may not be readily
determinable, which could adversely affect the determination of
our net asset value.
We expect our investments to consist primarily of loans or
securities issued by privately held companies. As a result, the
fair value of these investments that are not publicly traded may
not be readily determinable. In addition, we will not be
permitted to maintain a general reserve for anticipated loan
losses. Instead, we will be required by the 1940 Act to
specifically value each investment and record an unrealized gain
or loss for any asset that we believe has increased or decreased
in value. We will value these investments on a quarterly basis,
or more frequently as circumstances require, in accordance with
our valuation policy consistent with generally accepted
accounting principles. Our board of directors will employ an
independent third-party valuation firm to assist the board in
arriving at the fair value of our investments. The board will
discuss valuations and determine the fair value in good faith
based on the input of our Advisor and the third-party valuation
firm. The factors that may be considered in fair value pricing
our investments include the nature and realizable value of any
collateral, the portfolio companys earnings and its
ability to make payments on its indebtedness, the markets in
which the portfolio company does business, comparisons to
publicly traded companies, discounted cash flow and other
relevant factors. Because such valuations are inherently
uncertain and may be based on estimates, our determinations of
fair value may differ materially from the values that would be
assessed if a ready market for these securities existed. Our net
asset value could be adversely affected if our determinations
regarding the fair value of our investments are materially
higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon the
disposal of these investments. See Determination of Net
Asset Value.
Disruption
in the capital markets and the credit markets could adversely
affect our business.
Without sufficient access to the capital markets or credit
markets, we may be forced to curtail our business operations or
we may not be able to pursue new investment opportunities.
Beginning in 2007, the global capital markets entered into a
period of disruption and extreme volatility and, accordingly,
there has been and will continue to be uncertainty in the
financial markets in general. Ongoing disruptive conditions in
the financial industry could restrict our business operations
and could adversely impact or results of operations and
financial condition. We are unable to predict when economic and
market conditions may become more favorable. Even if these
conditions improve significantly over the long term, adverse
conditions in particular sectors of the financial markets could
adversely impact our business.
We may
not realize gains from our equity investments.
All of our investments that we have made in the past include,
and investments we may make in the future are expected to
include warrants. In addition, we may from time to time make
non-control, equity co-investments in companies in conjunction
with private equity sponsors. Our goal with respect to these
equity investments is to ultimately realize gains upon
disposition. The equity interests we receive may not appreciate
in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may
not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any
gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity
interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we
experience. We also may be unable to realize any value if a
portfolio company does not have a liquidity event, such as a
sale of the business, refinancing or public offering, which
would allow us to sell the underlying equity interests. In
addition, the time and attention of the investment personnel of
our Advisor could be diverted from managing our debt portfolio
in order to manage any equity investments we receive thereby
impacting the value of our remaining portfolio, and our
Advisors significant experience in Technology Lending may
not result in returns on our equity investments.
From time to time we may also acquire equity participation
rights in connection with an investment which will allow us, at
our option, to participate in future rounds of equity financing
through direct capital investments in our portfolio companies.
Our Advisor will determine whether to exercise any of these
rights. Accordingly, you will have no control over whether or to
what extent these rights are exercised, if at all. If we
exercise these rights, we will be making an additional
investment completely in the form of equity which will subject
us to significantly more risk than our Technology Loans and we
may not receive the returns that are anticipated with respect to
these investments.
21
We may
not realize expected returns on warrants received in connection
with our debt investments.
As discussed above, we generally receive warrants in connection
with our debt investments. If we do not receive the returns that
are anticipated on the warrants, our investment returns on our
portfolio companies, and the value of your investment in us, may
be lower than expected.
Regulations
governing our operation as a business development company will
affect our ability to, and the way in which, we raise additional
capital, which may expose us to additional risks.
Our business plans contemplate a substantial amount of capital
in addition to the proceeds of this offering. We may obtain
additional capital through the issuance of debt securities,
other indebtedness or preferred stock, and we may borrow money
from banks or other financial institutions, which we refer to
collectively as senior securities, up to the maximum
amount permitted by the 1940 Act. Moreover, in connection with
the filing of the SBA license application, we expect to seek
exemptive relief from the SEC to permit us to exclude the debt
of the SBIC subsidiary guaranteed by the SBA from the 200%
consolidated asset coverage ratio requirements. If we issue
senior securities, we would be exposed to typical risks
associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss.
In addition, if we issue preferred stock, it would rank
senior to common stock in our capital structure and
preferred stockholders would have separate voting rights and may
have rights, preferences or privileges more favorable than those
of holders of our common stock.
The 1940 Act permits us to issue senior securities in amounts
such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals
at least 200% after each issuance of senior securities. If our
asset coverage ratio is not at least 200%, we will not be
permitted to pay dividends or issue additional senior
securities. If the value of our assets declines, we may be
unable to satisfy this asset coverage test. If that happens, we
may be required to liquidate a portion of our investments and
repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when we may be
unable to do so or to do so on favorable terms.
As a business development company, we will generally not be able
to issue our common stock at a price below net asset value
without first obtaining the approval of our stockholders and our
independent directors. This requirement will not apply to stock
issued upon the exercise of options, warrants or rights that we
may issue from time to time. If we raise additional funds by
issuing more common stock or senior securities convertible into,
or exchangeable for, our common stock, the percentage ownership
of our stockholders at that time would decrease, and you may
experience dilution.
If we
are unable to satisfy the requirements under the Code for
qualification as a RIC, we will be subject to corporate-level
federal income tax.
To qualify as a RIC under the Code, we must meet certain source
of income, diversification and distribution requirements
contained in Subchapter M of the Code and maintain our election
to be regulated as a business development company under the 1940
Act.
The source of income requirement is satisfied if we derive in
each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from
dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest), payments
with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or
other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies,
other income (including but not limited to gain from options,
futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to our
business of investing in stock, securities or currencies, or net
income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly
traded partnership. The status of certain forms of income
we receive could be subject to different interpretations under
the Code and might be characterized as non-qualifying income
that could cause us to fail to qualify as a RIC and, thus, may
cause us to be subject to corporate-level federal income taxes.
The annual distribution requirement for a RIC is satisfied if we
distribute to our stockholders on an annual basis an amount
equal to 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. If we borrow money, we may be subject to
certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and
loan covenants that could, under certain circumstances, restrict
us from making distributions necessary to qualify as a RIC. If
we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to
qualify as a RIC and, thus, may be subject to corporate-level
income tax.
22
To qualify as a RIC, we must also meet certain asset
diversification requirements at the end of each calendar
quarter. Failure to meet these tests may result in our having to
(i) dispose of certain investments quickly or
(ii) raise additional capital to prevent the loss of RIC
status. Because most of our investments will be in
development-stage companies within our Target Industries, any
such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and
may result in substantial losses. If we raise additional capital
to satisfy the asset diversification requirements, it could take
a longer time to invest such capital. During this period, we
will invest in temporary investments, such as cash and cash
equivalents, which we expect will earn yields substantially
lower than the interest income that we anticipate receiving in
respect of our investments in secured and amortizing loans.
If we were to fail to qualify for the federal income tax
benefits allowable to RICs for any reason and become subject to
a corporate-level federal income tax, the resulting taxes could
substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income
available for distribution to our stockholders, and the actual
amount of our distributions. Such a failure would have a
material adverse effect on us, the net asset value of our common
stock and the total return, if any, obtainable from your
investment in our common stock. In addition, we could be
required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes
and interest and make substantial distributions before
requalifying as a RIC. See Regulation and
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.
We may
have difficulty paying our required distributions if we
recognize taxable income before or without receiving
cash.
We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances
in which we do not receive cash. For example if we hold debt
instruments that are treated under applicable tax rules as
having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with
payment-in-kind
interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or
issued with warrants), we must include in taxable income each
year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over
the life of the debt instrument, regardless of whether cash
representing such income is received by us in the same taxable
year. Because in certain cases we may recognize taxable income
before or without receiving cash representing such income, we
may have difficulty meeting the requirement that we distribute
an amount equal to at least 90% of our net ordinary income and
realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized
long-term capital losses, if any (the Annual Distribution
Requirement). For example, the proportion of our income
that resulted from original issue discount for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009 and the
nine month period ended September 30, 2010 was
approximately 4.3%, 8.2% and 8.5%, respectively.
Accordingly, we may need to sell some of our assets at times
that we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt
or equity capital or forego new investment opportunities or
otherwise take actions that are disadvantageous to our business
(or be unable to take actions that we believe are necessary or
advantageous to our business) in order to satisfy the Annual
Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from
other sources to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, we
may fail to qualify for the federal income tax benefits
allowable to RICs and, thus, become subject to a corporate-level
federal income tax on all our income. See Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.
If we
do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying
assets, we could fail to qualify as a business development
company or be precluded from investing according to our current
business strategy.
As a business development company, we will be prohibited from
acquiring any assets other than qualifying assets
unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such
acquisition, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying
assets. We expect that substantially all of our assets that we
may acquire in the future will be qualifying assets,
although we may decide to make other investments that are not
qualifying assets to the extent permitted by the
1940 Act. If we acquire debt or equity securities from an issuer
that has outstanding marginable securities at the time we make
an investment, these acquired assets may not be treated as
qualifying assets. This result is dictated by the definition of
eligible portfolio company under the 1940 Act, which
in part looks to whether a company has outstanding marginable
securities. See Regulation Qualifying
assets. If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our
assets in qualifying assets, we could lose our status as a
business development company, which would have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
23
Changes
in laws or regulations governing our business could adversely
affect our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
Changes in the laws or regulations or the interpretations of the
laws and regulations that govern business development companies,
RICs, SBICs or non-depository commercial lenders could
significantly affect our operations, our cost of doing business
and our investment strategy. We are subject to federal, state
and local laws and regulations and judicial and administrative
decisions that affect our operations, including our loan
originations, maximum interest rates, fees and other charges,
disclosures to portfolio companies, the terms of secured
transactions, collection and foreclosure procedures, portfolio
composition and other trade practices. If these laws,
regulations or decisions change, or if we expand our business
into jurisdictions that have adopted more stringent
requirements, we may incur significant expenses to comply with
these laws, regulations or decisions or we might have to
restrict our operations or alter our investment strategy. For
example, any change to the SBAs current debenture SBIC
program could have a significant impact on our ability to obtain
lower-cost leverage and our ability to compete with other
finance companies. In addition, if we do not comply with
applicable laws, regulations and decisions, we may lose licenses
needed for the conduct of our business and be subject to civil
fines and criminal penalties, any of which could have a material
adverse effect upon our business, results of operations or
financial condition.
Our
Advisor has significant potential conflicts of interest with us
and your interests as stockholders.
As a result of our arrangements with our Advisor, there may be
times when our Advisor has interests that differ from those of
our stockholders, giving rise to a potential conflict of
interest. Our executive officers and directors, as well as the
current and future executives and employees of our Advisor,
serve or may serve as officers, directors or principals of
entities that operate in the same or a related line of business
as we do. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in
those entities, the fulfillment of which might not be in the
best interests of our stockholders. In addition, our Advisor may
manage other funds in the future that may have investment
objectives that are similar, in whole or in part, to ours. Our
Advisor may determine that an investment is appropriate for us
and for one or more of those other funds. In such an event,
depending on the availability of the investment and other
appropriate factors, our Advisor will endeavor to allocate
investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner. It is
also possible that we may not be given the opportunity to
participate in these other investment opportunities.
We pay management and incentive fees to our Advisor and
reimburse our Advisor for certain expenses it incurs. As a
result, investors in our common stock will invest on a
gross basis and receive distributions on a
net basis after expenses, resulting in a lower rate
of return than an investor might achieve through direct
investments. Also, the incentive fee payable by us to our
Advisor may create an incentive for our Advisor to pursue
investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative
than would be the case in the absence of such compensation
arrangements.
We have entered into a license agreement with our Advisor
pursuant to which our Advisor has agreed to grant us a
non-exclusive, royalty-free right and license to use the service
mark Horizon Technology Finance. Under this
agreement, we have a right to use the Horizon Technology
Finance service mark for so long as the investment
management agreement is in effect. In addition, we pay our
Advisor, our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses
incurred by our Advisor in performing its obligations under the
administration agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses
associated with performing compliance functions, and our
allocable portion of the compensation of our chief financial
officer and any administrative support staff. Any potential
conflict of interest arising as a result of our arrangements
with our Advisor could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our
incentive fee may impact our Advisors structuring of our
investments, including by causing our Advisor to pursue
speculative investments.
The incentive fee payable by us to our Advisor may create an
incentive for our Advisor to pursue investments on our behalf
that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in
the absence of such compensation arrangement. The incentive fee
payable to our Advisor is calculated based on a percentage of
our return on invested capital. This may encourage our Advisor
to use leverage to increase the return on our investments. Under
certain
24
circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood
of default, which would impair the value of our common stock. In
addition, our Advisor receives the incentive fee based, in part,
upon net capital gains realized on our investments. Unlike that
portion of the incentive fee based on income, there is no hurdle
rate applicable to the portion of the incentive fee based on net
capital gains. As a result, our Advisor may have a tendency to
invest more capital in investments that are likely to result in
capital gains as compared to income-producing securities. Such a
practice could result in our investing in more speculative
securities than would otherwise be the case, which could result
in higher investment losses, particularly during economic
downturns. In addition, the incentive fee may encourage our
Advisor to pursue different types of investments or structure
investments in ways that are more likely to result in warrant
gains or gains on equity investments, including upon exercise of
equity participation rights, which are inconsistent with our
investment strategy and disciplined underwriting process.
The incentive fee payable by us to our Advisor also may induce
our Advisor to pursue investments on our behalf that have a
deferred interest feature, even if such deferred payments would
not provide cash necessary to enable us to pay current
distributions to our stockholders. Under these investments, we
would accrue interest over the life of the investment but would
not receive the cash income from the investment until the end of
the term. Our net investment income used to calculate the income
portion of our investment fee, however, includes accrued
interest. Thus, a portion of this incentive fee would be based
on income that we have not yet received in cash. In addition,
the
catch-up
portion of the incentive fee may encourage our Advisor to
accelerate or defer interest payable by portfolio companies from
one calendar quarter to another, potentially resulting in
fluctuations in the timing and amounts of dividends. Our
governing documents do not limit the number of loans we may make
with deferred interest features or the proportion of our income
we derive from such loans. For the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009 and the nine
month period ended September 30, 2010, we derived
approximately 1.6%, 3.4% and 4.6%, respectively, of our income
from the deferred interest component of our loans and
approximately 2.7%, 4.8% and 3.9%, respectively, of our income
from discount accretion associated with warrants we have
received in connection with the making of our loans.
If we
are unable to manage our future growth effectively, we may be
unable to achieve our investment objective, which could
adversely affect our business, results of operations and
financial condition and cause the value of your investment in us
to decline.
Our ability to achieve our investment objective will depend on
our ability to achieve and sustain growth, which will depend, in
turn, on our Advisors direct origination capabilities and
disciplined underwriting process in identifying, evaluating,
financing, investing in and monitoring suitable companies that
meet our investment criteria. Accomplishing this result on a
cost-effective basis is largely a function of our Advisors
marketing capabilities, management of the investment process,
ability to provide efficient services and access to financing
sources on acceptable terms. In addition to monitoring the
performance of our existing investments, our Advisor may also be
called upon to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio
companies. These demands on their time may distract them or slow
the rate of investment. If we fail to manage our future growth
effectively, our business, results of operations and financial
condition could be materially adversely affected and the value
of your investment in us could decrease.
Our
board of directors may change our operating policies and
strategies, including our investment objective, without prior
notice or stockholder approval, the effects of which may
adversely affect our business.
Our board of directors may modify or waive our current operating
policies and strategies, including our investment objectives,
without prior notice and without stockholder approval (provided
that no such modification or waiver may change the nature of our
business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election, as a
business development company as provided by the 1940 Act without
stockholder approval at a special meeting called upon written
notice of not less than ten or more than sixty dates before the
date of such meeting). We cannot predict the effect any changes
to our current operating policies and strategies would have on
our business, results of operations or financial condition or on
the value of our stock. However, the effects of any changes
might adversely affect our business, any or all of which could
negatively impact our ability to pay dividends or cause you to
lose all or part of your investment in us.
25
Our
quarterly and annual operating results may fluctuate due to the
nature of our business.
We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly and annual
operating results due to a number of factors, some of which are
beyond our control, including: our ability to make investments
in companies that meet our investment criteria, the interest
rate payable on our loans, the default rate on these
investments, the level of our expenses, variations in, and the
timing of, the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or
losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our
markets and general economic conditions. For example, we have
historically experienced greater investment activity during the
second and fourth quarters relative to other periods. As a
result of these factors, you should not rely on the results for
any prior period as being indicative of our performance in
future periods.
Our
business plan and growth strategy depends to a significant
extent upon our Advisors referral relationships. If our
Advisor is unable to develop new or maintain existing
relationships, or if these relationships fail to generate
investment opportunities, our business could be materially
adversely affected.
We have historically depended on our Advisors referral
relationships to generate investment opportunities. For us to
achieve our future business objectives, members of our Advisor
will need to maintain these relationships with venture capital
and private equity firms and management teams and legal firms,
accounting firms, investment banks and other lenders, and we
will rely to a significant extent upon these relationships to
provide us with investment opportunities. If they fail to
maintain their existing relationships or develop new
relationships with other firms or sources of investment
opportunities, we may not be able to grow our investment
portfolio. In addition, persons with whom our Advisor has
relationships are not obligated to provide us with investment
opportunities, and, therefore, there is no assurance that such
relationships will lead to the origination of debt or other
investments.
Our
Advisor can resign on 60 days notice, and we may not
be able to find a suitable replacement within that time,
resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely
affect our business, results of operations or financial
condition.
Under our investment management agreement, our Advisor has the
right to resign at any time, including during the first two
years following the investment management agreements
effective date, upon not more than 60 days written
notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If our
Advisor resigns, we may not be able to find a new investment
adviser or hire internal management with similar expertise and
ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable
terms within 60 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so,
our operations are likely to be disrupted, our business, results
of operations and financial condition and our ability to pay
distributions may be adversely affected and the market price of
our shares may decline. In addition, the coordination of our
internal management and investment activities is likely to
suffer if we are unable to identify and reach an agreement with
a single institution or group of executives having the expertise
possessed by our Advisor and its affiliates. Even if we are able
to retain comparable management, whether internal or external,
the integration of new management and their lack of familiarity
with our investment objective may result in additional costs and
time delays that may adversely affect our business, results of
operations or financial condition.
Our
ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates will be
restricted.
As a business development company, we will be prohibited under
the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with our
affiliates without the prior approval of our independent
directors and, in some cases, the SEC. Any person that owns,
directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting
securities will be considered our affiliate for purposes of the
1940 Act. We will generally be prohibited from buying or selling
any security from or to an affiliate, absent the prior approval
of our independent directors. The 1940 Act also prohibits
certain joint transactions with an affiliate, which
could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether
at the same or different times), without prior approval of our
independent directors. If a person acquires more than 25% of our
voting securities, we will be prohibited from buying or selling
any security from or to that person or certain of that
persons affiliates, or entering into prohibited joint
transactions with those persons, absent the prior approval of
the SEC. Similar restrictions limit our ability to transact
business with our officers or directors or their affiliates.
26
We
will incur significant costs as a result of being a publicly
traded company.
As a publicly traded company, we will incur legal, accounting
and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic
reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities
are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or the Exchange Act, as well as additional corporate
governance requirements, including requirements under the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and other rules implemented by the
SEC.
Terrorist
attacks and other catastrophic events may disrupt the businesses
in which we invest and harm our operations and our
profitability.
Terrorist attacks and threats, escalation of military activity
or acts of war may significantly harm our results of operations
and your investment. We cannot assure you that there will not be
further terrorist attacks against the United States or United
States businesses. Such attacks or armed conflicts in the United
States or elsewhere may impact the businesses in which we invest
directly or indirectly, by undermining economic conditions in
the United States or elsewhere. In addition, because many of our
portfolio companies operate and rely on network infrastructure
and enterprise applications and internal technology systems for
development, marketing, operational, support and other business
activities, a disruption or failure of any or all of these
systems in the event of a major telecommunications failure,
cyber-attack, fire, earthquake, severe weather conditions or
other catastrophic event could cause system interruptions,
delays in product development and loss of critical data and
could otherwise disrupt their business operations. Losses
resulting from terrorist attacks are generally uninsurable.
Risks
Related to our Investments
We
have not yet identified many of the potential investment
opportunities for our portfolio that we will invest in with the
proceeds of this offering.
We have not yet identified many of the potential investment
opportunities for our portfolio that we will acquire with the
proceeds of this offering. Our investments will be selected by
our Advisor, subject to the approval of its investment
committee. Our stockholders will not have input into our
Advisors investment decisions. As a result, you will be
unable to evaluate any future portfolio company investments
prior to purchasing shares of our common stock in this offering.
These factors will increase the uncertainty, and thus the risk,
of investing in our shares of common stock.
If our
investments do not meet our performance expectations, you may
not receive distributions.
We intend to make distributions of income on a quarterly basis
to our stockholders. We may not be able to achieve operating
results that will allow us to make distributions at a specific
level or increase the amount of these distributions from time to
time. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to
us as a business development company, we may be limited in our
ability to make distributions. See Regulation. Also,
restrictions and provisions in any existing or future credit
facilities may limit our ability to make distributions. If we do
not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually, we
will suffer adverse tax consequences, including failure to
obtain, or possible loss of, the federal income tax benefits
allowable to RICs. See Material U.S. Federal Income
Tax Considerations. We cannot assure you that you will
receive distributions at a particular level or at all.
Most
of our portfolio companies will need additional capital, which
may not be readily available.
Our portfolio companies will typically require substantial
additional financing to satisfy their continuing working capital
and other capital requirements and service the interest and
principal payments on our investments. We cannot predict the
circumstances or market conditions under which our portfolio
companies will seek additional capital. Each round of
institutional equity financing is typically intended to provide
a company with only enough capital to reach the next stage of
development. It is possible that one or more of our portfolio
companies will not be able to raise additional financing or may
be able to do so only at a price or on terms that are
unfavorable to the portfolio company, either of which would
negatively impact our investment returns. Some of these
companies may be unable to obtain sufficient financing from
private investors, public capital markets or lenders thereby
requiring these companies to cease or curtail business
operations. Accordingly, investing in these types of companies
27
generally entails a higher risk of loss than investing in
companies that do not have significant incremental capital
raising requirements.
Economic
recessions or downturns could adversely affect our business and
that of our portfolio companies which may have an adverse effect
on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
General economic conditions may affect our activities and the
operation and value of our portfolio companies. Economic
slowdowns or recessions may result in a decrease of
institutional equity investment, which would limit our lending
opportunities. Furthermore, many of our portfolio companies may
be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be
unable to repay our loans during these periods. Therefore, our
non-performing assets are likely to increase and the value of
our portfolio is likely to decrease during these periods.
Adverse economic conditions also may decrease the value of
collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our
equity investments. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead
to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues,
net income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also
could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the
capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend
credit to us.
A portfolio companys failure to satisfy financial or
operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to
defaults and, potentially, termination of its loans and
foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger
cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize the
portfolio companys ability to meet its obligations under
the loans that we hold. We may incur expenses to the extent
necessary to recover our investment upon default or to negotiate
new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. These events
could harm our financial condition and operating results.
Our
investment strategy will focus on investments in
development-stage companies in our Target Industries, which are
subject to many risks, including volatility, intense
competition, shortened product life cycles and periodic
downturns, and are typically rated below investment
grade.
We intend to invest, under normal circumstances, most of the
value of our total assets (including the amount of any
borrowings for investment purposes) in development-stage
companies, which may have relatively limited operating
histories, in our Target Industries. Many of these companies may
have narrow product lines and small market shares, compared to
larger established publicly-owned firms, which tend to render
them more vulnerable to competitors actions and market
conditions, as well as general economic downturns. The revenues,
income (or losses) and valuations of development-stage companies
in our Target Industries can and often do fluctuate suddenly and
dramatically. For these reasons, investments in our portfolio
companies, if rated by one or more ratings agency, would
typically be rated below investment grade, which
refers to securities rated by ratings agencies below the four
highest rating categories. These companies may also have more
limited access to capital and higher funding costs. In addition,
development-stage technology markets are generally characterized
by abrupt business cycles and intense competition, and the
competitive environment can change abruptly due to rapidly
evolving technology. Therefore, our portfolio companies may face
considerably more risk than companies in other industry sectors.
Accordingly, these factors could impair their cash flow or
result in other events, such as bankruptcy, which could limit
their ability to repay their obligations to us and may
materially adversely affect the return on, or the recovery of,
our investments in these businesses.
Because of rapid technological change, the average selling
prices of products and some services provided by
development-stage companies in our Target Industries have
historically decreased over their productive lives. These
decreases could adversely affect their operating results and
cash flow, their ability to meet obligations under their debt
securities and the value of their equity securities. This could,
in turn, materially adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Any
unrealized depreciation we experience on our loan portfolio may
be an indication of future realized losses, which could reduce
our income available for distribution.
As a business development company, we will be required to carry
our investments at fair value which shall be the market value of
our investments or, if no market value is ascertainable, at the
fair value as determined in good
28
faith pursuant to procedures approved by our board of directors
in accordance with our valuation policy. We are not permitted to
maintain a reserve for loan losses. Decreases in the fair values
of our investments will be recorded as unrealized depreciation.
Any unrealized depreciation in our loan portfolio could be an
indication of a portfolio companys inability to meet its
repayment obligations to us with respect to the affected loans.
This could result in realized losses in the future and
ultimately reduces our income available for distribution in
future periods.
If the
assets securing the loans we make decrease in value, we may not
have sufficient collateral to cover losses and may experience
losses upon foreclosure.
We believe our portfolio companies generally will be able to
repay our loans from their available capital, from future
capital-raising transactions or from cash flow from operations.
However, to mitigate our credit risks, we typically take a
security interest in all or a portion of the assets of our
portfolio companies, including the equity interests of their
subsidiaries. There is a risk that the collateral securing our
loans may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to
appraise or sell in a timely manner and may fluctuate in value
based upon the business and market conditions, including as a
result of the inability of the portfolio company to raise
additional capital, and, in some circumstances, our lien could
be subordinated to claims of other creditors. In addition,
deterioration in a portfolio companys financial condition
and prospects, including its inability to raise additional
capital, may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the
collateral for the loan. Consequently, although such loan is
secured we may not receive principal and interest payments
according to the loans terms and the value of the
collateral may not be sufficient to recover our investment
should we be forced to enforce our remedies.
In addition, because we intend to invest in development-stage
companies in our Target Industries, a substantial portion of the
assets securing our investment may be in the form of
intellectual property, if any, inventory, equipment, cash and
accounts receivables. Intellectual property, if any, which
secures a loan could lose value if the companys rights to
the intellectual property are challenged or if the
companys license to the intellectual property is revoked
or expires. In addition, in lieu of a security interest in the
intellectual property we may sometimes obtain a security
interest in all assets of the portfolio company other than
intellectual property and also obtain a commitment by the
portfolio company not to grant liens to any other creditor on
the companys intellectual property. In these cases, we may
have additional difficulty recovering our principal in the event
of a foreclosure. Similarly, any equipment securing our loan may
not provide us with the anticipated security if there are
changes in technology or advances in new equipment that render
the particular equipment obsolete or of limited value or if the
company fails to adequately maintain or repair the equipment.
Any one or more of the preceding factors could materially impair
our ability to recover principal in a foreclosure.
The
lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our
business, and if we need to sell any of our investments, we may
not be able to do so at a favorable price. As a result, we may
suffer losses.
We plan to generally invest in loans with terms of up to four
years and hold such investments until maturity, unless earlier
prepaid, and we do not expect that our related holdings of
equity securities will provide us with liquidity opportunities
in the near-term. We expect to primarily invest in companies
whose securities are not publicly-traded, and whose securities
will be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or
will otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities.
The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult for
us to sell these investments when desired. We may also face
other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in
a public portfolio company to the extent that we possess
material non-public information regarding the portfolio company.
In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of
our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than
the value at which we had previously recorded these investments.
As a result, we do not expect to dispose of our investments in
the near term. However, we may be required to do so in order to
maintain our qualification as a business development company and
as a RIC if we do not satisfy one or more of the applicable
criteria under the respective regulatory frameworks. Because
most of our investments are illiquid, we may be unable to
dispose of them, in which case we could fail to qualify as a RIC
and/or BDC,
or we may not be able to dispose of them at favorable prices,
and as a result, we may suffer losses.
29
Our
portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or
senior to, our investments in such companies.
We plan to invest primarily in loans issued by our portfolio
companies. Some of our portfolio companies will be permitted to
have other debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, our loans
in the portfolio company. By their terms, these debt instruments
may provide that the holders thereof are entitled to receive
payment of interest or principal on or before the dates on which
we are entitled to receive payments in respect of our loans.
These debt instruments may prohibit the portfolio companies from
paying interest on or repaying our investments in the event of,
and during, the continuance of a default under the debt
instruments. In addition, in the event of insolvency,
liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a
portfolio company, holders of debt instruments ranking senior to
our investment in that portfolio company would typically be
entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any
payment in respect of our investment. After repaying senior
creditors, a portfolio company may not have any remaining assets
to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of debt
ranking equally with our loans, we would have to share on an
equal basis any distributions with other creditors holding such
debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution,
reorganization or bankruptcy.
There
may be circumstances where our loans could be subordinated to
claims of other creditors or we could be subject to lender
liability claims.
Even though we may structure certain of our investments as
senior loans, if one of our portfolio companies were to go
bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including
the extent to which we actually provided managerial assistance
to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might
recharacterize our debt investment and subordinate all or a
portion of our claim to that of other creditors. We may also be
subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by us with
respect to a portfolio companys business, including in
rendering significant managerial assistance, or instances where
we exercise control over the portfolio company.
An
investment strategy focused primarily on privately held
companies presents certain challenges, including the lack of
available information about these companies, a dependence on the
talents and efforts of only a few key portfolio company
personnel and a greater vulnerability to economic
downturns.
We plan to invest primarily in privately held companies.
Generally, very little public information exists about these
companies, and we will be required to rely on the ability of our
Advisor to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential
returns from investing in these companies. If we are unable to
uncover all material information about these companies, we may
not make a fully informed investment decision, and we may lose
money on our investments. Also, privately held companies
frequently have less diverse product lines and a smaller market
presence than larger competitors. They are thus generally more
vulnerable to economic downturns and may experience substantial
variations in operating results. These factors could affect our
investment returns.
In addition, our success depends, in large part, upon the
abilities of the key management personnel of our portfolio
companies, who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of
our portfolio companies. Competition for qualified personnel is
intense at any stage of a companys development. The loss
of one or more key managers can hinder or delay a companys
implementation of its business plan and harm its financial
condition. Our portfolio companies may not be able to attract
and retain qualified managers and personnel. Any inability to do
so may negatively affect our investment returns.
Prepayments
of our debt investments by our portfolio companies could
adversely impact our results of operations and reduce our return
on equity.
We will be subject to the risk that the investments we make in
our portfolio companies may be repaid prior to maturity. For
example, most of our debt investments have, historically, been
repaid prior to maturity by our portfolio companies. At the time
of a liquidity event, such as a sale of the business,
refinancing or public offering, many of our portfolio companies
have availed themselves of the opportunity to repay our loans
prior to maturity. Our investments generally allow for repayment
at any time subject to certain penalties. When this occurs, we
will generally reinvest these proceeds in temporary investments,
pending their future investment in new portfolio companies.
These temporary investments will typically have substantially
lower yields than the debt being prepaid,
30
and we could experience significant delays in reinvesting these
amounts. Any future investment in a new portfolio company may
also be at lower yields than the debt that was repaid. As a
result, our results of operations could be materially adversely
affected if one or more of our portfolio companies elects to
prepay amounts owed to us. Additionally, prepayments could
negatively impact our return on equity, which could result in a
decline in the market price of our common stock.
Our
business and growth strategy could be adversely affected if
government regulations, priorities and resources impacting the
industries in which our portfolio companies operate
change.
Some of our portfolio companies operate in industries that are
highly regulated by federal, state
and/or local
agencies. Changes in existing laws, rules or regulations, or
judicial or administrative interpretations thereof, or new laws,
rules or regulations could have an adverse impact on the
business and industries of our portfolio companies. In addition,
changes in government priorities or limitations on government
resources could also adversely impact our portfolio companies.
We are unable to predict whether any such changes in laws, rules
or regulations will occur and, if they do occur, the impact of
these changes on our portfolio companies and our investment
returns.
Our
portfolio companies operating in the life science industry are
subject to extensive government regulation and certain other
risks particular to that industry.
As part of our investment strategy, we plan to invest in
companies in the life science industry that are subject to
extensive regulation by the Food and Drug Administration, or
FDA, and to a lesser extent, other federal and state agencies.
If any of these portfolio companies fail to comply with
applicable regulations, they could be subject to significant
penalties and claims that could materially and adversely affect
their operations. Portfolio companies that produce medical
devices or drugs are subject to the expense, delay and
uncertainty of the regulatory approval process for their
products and, even if approved, these products may not be
accepted in the marketplace. In addition, new laws, regulations
or judicial interpretations of existing laws and regulations
might adversely affect a portfolio company in this industry.
Portfolio companies in the life science industry may also have a
limited number of suppliers of necessary components or a limited
number of manufacturers for their products, and therefore face a
risk of disruption to their manufacturing process if they are
unable to find alternative suppliers when needed. Any of these
factors could materially and adversely affect the operations of
a portfolio company in this industry and, in turn, impair our
ability to timely collect principal and interest payments owed
to us.
If our
portfolio companies are unable to commercialize their
technologies, products, business concepts or services, the
returns on our investments could be adversely
affected.
The value of our investments in our portfolio companies may
decline if they are not able to commercialize their technology,
products, business concepts or services. Additionally, although
some of our portfolio companies may already have a commercially
successful product or product line at the time of our
investment, technology-related products and services often have
a more limited market or life span than products in other
industries. Thus, the ultimate success of these companies often
depends on their ability to continually innovate in increasingly
competitive markets. If they are unable to do so, our investment
returns could be adversely affected and their ability to service
their debt obligations to us over the life of the loan could be
impaired. Our portfolio companies may be unable to successfully
acquire or develop any new technologies and the intellectual
property they currently hold may not remain viable. Even if our
portfolio companies are able to develop commercially viable
products, the market for new products and services is highly
competitive and rapidly changing. Neither our portfolio
companies nor we will have any control over the pace of
technology development. Commercial success is difficult to
predict, and the marketing efforts of our portfolio companies
may not be successful.
If our
portfolio companies are unable to protect their intellectual
property rights, our business and prospects could be harmed, and
if portfolio companies are required to devote significant
resources to protecting their intellectual property rights, the
value of our investment could be reduced.
Our future success and competitive position will depend in part
upon the ability of our portfolio companies to obtain, maintain
and protect proprietary technology used in their products and
services. The intellectual property held by our portfolio
companies often represents a substantial portion of the
collateral securing our investments
31
and/or
constitutes a significant portion of the portfolio
companies value that may be available in a downside
scenario to repay our loans. Our portfolio companies will rely,
in part, on patent, trade secret and trademark law to protect
that technology, but competitors may misappropriate their
intellectual property, and disputes as to ownership of
intellectual property may arise. Portfolio companies may, from
time to time, be required to institute litigation to enforce
their patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights,
protect their trade secrets, determine the validity and scope of
the proprietary rights of others or defend against claims of
infringement. Such litigation could result in substantial costs
and diversion of resources. Similarly, if a portfolio company is
found to infringe or misappropriate a third partys patent
or other proprietary rights, it could be required to pay damages
to the third party, alter its products or processes, obtain a
license from the third party
and/or cease
activities utilizing the proprietary rights, including making or
selling products utilizing the proprietary rights. Any of the
foregoing events could negatively affect both the portfolio
companys ability to service our debt investment and the
value of any related debt and equity securities that we own, as
well as any collateral securing our investment.
We do
not expect to control any of our portfolio
companies.
We do not expect to control any of our portfolio companies, even
though our debt agreements may contain certain restrictive
covenants that limit the business and operations of our
portfolio companies. We also do not intend to maintain a control
position to the extent we own equity interests in any portfolio
company. As a result, we will be subject to the risk that a
portfolio company in which we invest may make business decisions
with which we disagree and the management of such company, as
representatives of the holders of their common equity, may take
risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our interests
as debt investors. Due to the lack of liquidity of the
investments that we typically hold in our portfolio companies,
we may not be able to dispose of our investments in the event we
disagree with the actions of a portfolio company and we may
therefore, suffer a decrease in the value of our investments.
Risks
Related to this Offering and our Common Stock
Prior
to this offering, there has been no public market for our common
stock, and we cannot assure you that the market price of shares
of our common stock will not decline following the
offering.
Prior to this offering, there was no public trading market for
our common stock, and we cannot assure you that one will develop
or be sustained after this offering. If an active trading market
does not develop, you may have difficulty selling any common
stock that you buy and the value of your shares may be impaired.
We also cannot predict the prices at which our common stock will
trade. The initial public offering price for our common stock
will be determined through our negotiations with the
underwriters and may not bear any relationship to the market
price at which it will trade after this offering or to any other
established criteria of our value. Shares of closed-end
management investment companies offered in an initial public
offering often trade at a discount to the initial offering price
due to sales loads, underwriting discounts and related offering
expenses. In addition, shares of closed-end management
investment companies have in the past frequently traded at
discounts to their net asset values and our stock may also be
discounted in the market. This characteristic of closed-end
management investment companies is separate and distinct from
the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. We
cannot predict whether shares of our common stock will trade
above, at or below our net asset value. The risk of loss
associated with this characteristic of closed-end management
investment companies may be greater for investors expecting to
sell shares of common stock purchased in this offering soon
after the offering. In addition, if our common stock trades
below its net asset value, we will generally not be able to sell
additional shares of our common stock to the public at its
market price without first obtaining the approval of our
stockholders (including our unaffiliated stockholders) and our
independent directors.
Subsequent
sales in the public market of substantial amounts of our common
stock issued to insiders or others may have an adverse effect on
the market price of our common stock.
Upon consummation of this offering, we will have
7,555,124 shares of common stock outstanding (or
8,492,624 shares of common stock if the over-allotment
option is fully exercised). Of these shares, the
6,250,000 shares sold in this offering will be freely
tradeable and 1,305,124 shares of our common stock will be
held by our existing stockholders. Approximately 52% of the
shares of our common stock issued to the selling
32
stockholder in the Share Exchange are included in the offering.
We and our executive officers and directors and our other
stockholders, including the selling stockholder, will be subject
to agreements with the underwriters that restrict our and their
ability to transfer our stock for a period of 180 days from
the date of this prospectus. Approximately one out of every six
publicly issued shares outstanding upon completion of the
offering will be subject to such agreements. In the event that
either (a) during the last 17 days of the
180-day
restricted period, we issue an earnings release or material news
or a material event relating to us occurs or (b) prior to
the expiration of the
180-day
restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings
results during the
16-day
period beginning on the last day of the
180-day
period, the
lock-up
restrictions will continue to apply until the expiration of the
18-day
period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the
occurrence of the material news or material event. See
Underwriters. The shares sold by the selling
stockholder in this offering will not be subject to this lock-up
agreement. After the
lock-up
agreements expire, an aggregate of 1,305,124 additional shares
of our common stock will be eligible for sale in the public
market in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities
Act. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock or the
availability of such shares for sale, including by insiders,
could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our
common stock. If this occurs and continues, our ability to raise
additional capital through the sale of equity securities could
be impaired should we desire to do so.
Our
common stock price may be volatile and may decrease
substantially.
The trading price of our common stock following this offering
may fluctuate substantially. The price of our common stock that
will prevail in the market after this offering may be higher or
lower than the price you pay and the liquidity of our common
stock may be limited, in each case depending on many factors,
some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly
related to our operating performance. These factors include the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market or in
the market for business development companies from time to time;
|
|
|
|
investor demand for our shares of common stock;
|
|
|
|
significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of
securities of registered closed-end management investment
companies, business development companies or other financial
services companies;
|
|
|
|
our inability to raise capital, borrow money or deploy or invest
our capital;
|
|
|
|
fluctuations in interest rates;
|
|
|
|
any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses
from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;
|
|
|
|
operating performance of companies comparable to us;
|
|
|
|
changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines with respect to
RICs, business development companies or SBICs;
|
|
|
|
not electing or losing RIC status;
|
|
|
|
actual or anticipated changes in our earnings or fluctuations in
our operating results;
|
|
|
|
changes in the value of our portfolio of investments;
|
|
|
|
general economic conditions, trends and other external factors;
|
|
|
|
departures of key personnel; or
|
|
|
|
loss of a major source of funding.
|
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price
of a companys securities, securities class action
litigation has often been brought against that company. Due to
the potential volatility of our stock price, we may
33
therefore be the target of securities litigation in the future.
Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and
divert managements attention and resources from our
business.
We may
allocate the net proceeds from this offering in ways with which
you may not agree.
We will have significant flexibility in investing the net
proceeds of this offering and may use the net proceeds from this
offering in ways with which you may not agree or for purposes
other than those contemplated at the time of the offering. We
will also pay operating expenses, and may pay other expenses
such as due diligence expenses related to potential new
investments, from net proceeds. Our ability to achieve our
investment objective may be limited to the extent that net
proceeds of this offering, pending full investment, are used to
pay operating or other expenses.
We
will initially invest a portion of the net proceeds of this
offering in high-quality short-term investments, which will
generate lower rates of return than those expected from
investments made in accordance with our investment
objective.
We will initially invest a portion of the net proceeds of this
offering in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government
securities and other high-quality short-term investments. These
securities may earn yields substantially lower than the income
that we anticipate receiving once these proceeds are fully
invested in accordance with our investment objective.
Investing
in shares of our common stock may involve an above average
degree of risk.
The investments we make in accordance with our investment
objective may result in a higher amount of risk, volatility or
loss of principal than alternative investment options. Our
investments in portfolio companies may be highly speculative and
aggressive, and therefore, an investment in our common stock may
not be suitable for investors with lower risk tolerance.
Anti-takeover
provisions in our charter documents and other agreements and
certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law could
deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price
of our common stock.
The Delaware General Corporation Law, our certificate of
incorporation and our bylaws contain provisions that may have
the effect of discouraging a third party from making an
acquisition proposal for us. Among other things, our certificate
of incorporation and bylaws:
|
|
|
|
|
provide for a classified board of directors, which may delay the
ability of our stockholders to change the membership of a
majority of our board of directors;
|
|
|
|
authorize the issuance of blank check preferred
stock that could be issued by our board of directors to thwart a
takeover attempt;
|
|
|
|
do not provide for cumulative voting;
|
|
|
|
provide that vacancies on the board of directors, including
newly created directorships, may be filled only by a majority
vote of directors then in office;
|
|
|
|
limit the calling of special meetings of stockholders;
|
|
|
|
provide that our directors may be removed only for cause;
|
|
|
|
require supermajority voting to effect certain amendments to our
certificate of incorporation and our bylaws; and
|
|
|
|
require stockholders to provide advance notice of new business
proposals and director nominations under specific procedures.
|
34
These anti-takeover provisions may inhibit a change in control
in circumstances that could give the holders of our common stock
the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price of
our common stock. See Description of Capital Stock.
Our Credit Facility also contains a covenant that prohibits us
from merging or consolidating with any other person or selling
all or substantially all of our assets without the prior written
consent of WestLB. If we were to engage in such a transaction
without such consent, WestLB could accelerate our repayment
obligations under,
and/or
terminate, our Credit Facility. In addition, the SBA prohibits,
without prior SBA approval, a change of control of
an SBIC. A change of control is any event which
would result in the transfer of power, direct or indirect, to
direct the management and policies of an SBIC, including through
ownership. To the extent that we form an SBIC subsidiary, this
would prohibit a change of control of us without prior SBA
approval.
35
CAUTIONARY
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
In addition to factors previously identified elsewhere in this
prospectus, including the Risk Factors section of
this prospectus, the following factors, among others, could
cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking
statements or historical performance:
|
|
|
|
|
our future operating results, including the performance of our
existing loans and warrants;
|
|
|
|
the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business
initiatives and strategies;
|
|
|
|
changes in political, economic or industry conditions, the
interest rate environment or financial and capital markets,
which could result in changes in the value of our assets;
|
|
|
|
the relative and absolute investment performance and operations
of our Advisor;
|
|
|
|
the impact of increased competition;
|
|
|
|
the impact of investments we intend to make and future
acquisitions and divestitures;
|
|
|
|
the unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings;
|
|
|
|
our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio
companies;
|
|
|
|
the projected performance of other funds managed by our Advisor;
|
|
|
|
the impact, extent and timing of technological changes and the
adequacy of intellectual property protection;
|
|
|
|
our regulatory structure and tax status;
|
|
|
|
the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;
|
|
|
|
the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our
portfolio companies;
|
|
|
|
the impact of interest rate volatility on our results,
particularly if we use leverage as part of our investment
strategy;
|
|
|
|
the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their
objective;
|
|
|
|
our ability to cause a subsidiary to become a licensed SBIC;
|
|
|
|
the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms and
regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government
agencies relating to us or our Advisor;
|
|
|
|
our contractual arrangements and relationships with third
parties;
|
|
|
|
our ability to access capital and any future financings by us;
|
|
|
|
the ability of our Advisor to attract and retain highly talented
professionals; and
|
|
|
|
the impact of changes to tax legislation and, generally, our tax
position.
|
This prospectus, and other statements that we may make, may
contain forward-looking statements with respect to future
financial or business performance, strategies or expectations.
Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or
phrases such as trend, opportunity,
pipeline, believe,
comfortable, expect,
anticipate, current,
intention, estimate,
position, assume, plan,
potential, project, 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.
Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions,
risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking
statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we
assume no duty to and do not undertake to update forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements do not meet the
safe harbor for forward-looking statements pursuant to
Section 27A of the Securities Act. Actual results could
differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking
statements and future results could differ materially from
historical performance.
36
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
AND REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY ELECTIONS
In connection with this offering, we will file an election to be
regulated as a business development company under the 1940 Act.
In addition, we intend to elect to be treated, and intend to
qualify, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, commencing
with our taxable year ending on December 31, 2010. Our
election to be regulated as a business development company and
our election to be treated as a RIC will have a significant
impact on our future operations. Some of the most important
effects on our future operations of our election to be regulated
as a business development company and our election to be treated
as a RIC are outlined below.
Investment
Reporting
We will report our investments at fair value with changes in
value reported through our statement of operations. In
accordance with the requirements of Article 6 of
Regulation S-X,
we will report all of our investments, including debt
investments, at fair value. Changes in these values will be
reported through our statement of operations under the caption
entitled total net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) from investments. See Determination
of Net Asset Value.
Income
Tax Expense
We generally will be required to pay income taxes only on the
portion of our taxable income we do not distribute to
stockholders (actually or constructively). As a RIC, so long as
we meet certain minimum distribution, source-of-income and asset
diversification requirements, we generally will be required to
pay income taxes only on the portion of our taxable income and
gains we do not distribute (actually or constructively) and
certain built-in gains, if any.
Use of
Leverage
Our ability to use leverage as a means of financing our
portfolio of investments will be limited. As a business
development company, we will be required to meet a coverage
ratio of total assets to total senior securities of at least
200%. For this purpose, senior securities include all borrowings
and any preferred stock we may issue in the future.
Additionally, our ability to continue to utilize leverage as a
means of financing our portfolio of investments will be limited
by this asset coverage test. In connection with this offering
and our intended election to be regulated as a business
development company, we expect to file a request with the SEC
for exemptive relief to allow us to exclude any indebtedness
guaranteed by the SBA and issued by our SBIC subsidiary from the
200% asset coverage requirements applicable to us. While the SEC
has granted exemptive relief in substantially similar
circumstances in the past, no assurance can be given that an
exemptive order will be granted.
Distribution
Policy
As a RIC, we intend to distribute to our stockholders
substantially all of our income, except possibly for certain net
long-term capital gains. We may make deemed distributions to our
stockholders of some or all of our retained net long-term
capital gains. If this happens, you will be treated as if you
had received an actual distribution of the capital gains and
reinvested the net after-tax proceeds in us. In general, you
also would be eligible to claim a tax credit (or, in certain
circumstances, a tax refund) equal to your allocable share of
the tax we paid on the deemed distribution. See
Distributions and Material U.S. Federal
Income Tax Considerations.
37
THE
EXCHANGE TRANSACTION
We were formed in March 2010 to continue and expand the business
of Compass Horizon. Compass Horizon is the entity that currently
owns all of the portfolio investments that we will own upon the
closing of this offering. From commencing operations in March
2008 through the date of this prospectus, all of the outstanding
limited liability company interests in Compass Horizon have been
owned by the Compass Horizon Owners.
Prior to the completion of the offering, based upon our as
adjusted net asset value of $70.9 million as of
September 30, 2010, Compass Horizon made a cash
distribution to CHP of approximately $18.0 million from net
income and as a return of capital, which we call the
Pre-IPO Distribution.
After the Pre-IPO Distribution and immediately prior to the
completion of the offering, the Compass Owners will exchange
their membership interests in Compass Horizon for
2,645,124 shares of our common stock, which we call the
Share Exchange. Upon completion of the Share
Exchange and this offering, Compass Horizon will become our
wholly owned subsidiary and we will effectively own all of
Compass Horizons assets, including all of its investments
and its subsidiary.
Concurrent with this offering, CHP will offer to sell
1,340,000 shares of our common stock, which it received in
the Share Exchange. After the completion of this offering,
assuming the sale of 1,340,000 shares of our common stock
by the selling stockholder and the issuance of
4,910,000 shares of our common stock by us in this
offering, CHP will own 1,258,249 shares of our common
stock, or 16.7% of the total outstanding shares of our common
stock. Upon completion of the Share Exchange and this offering,
HTF-CHF will own 46,875 shares of our common stock, or 0.6%
of the total outstanding shares of our common stock.
38
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
financial information sets forth our unaudited pro forma and
historical consolidated statements of operations for the nine
months ended September 30, 2010 and the year ended
December 31, 2009 and the unaudited pro forma and
historical consolidated balance sheets at September 30,
2010. Such information is based on the audited and unaudited
financial statements of Compass Horizon appearing elsewhere in
this prospectus, as adjusted to illustrate the estimated pro
forma effects of the pro forma adjustments described below.
Compass Horizon is considered to be our predecessor for
accounting purposes and its consolidated financial statements
are our historical consolidated financial statements.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet at
September 30, 2010, and the unaudited pro forma condensed
consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended
September 30, 2010 and the year ended December 31,
2009, give effect to the following:
|
|
|
|
|
our qualification as a BDC and changes in accounting principles
as a result of our election to be treated as a BDC immediately
following the completion of this offering, which requires all of
our investments to be carried at market value, or for
investments with no ascertainable market value, fair value as
determined in good faith by our board of directors;
|
|
|
|
our qualification and election to be treated as a RIC, including
the income tax consequences of our election, following the
completion of this offering;
|
|
|
|
the Pre-IPO Distribution and the Share Exchange;
|
|
|
|
|
|
the sale of 6,250,000 shares of common stock in this
offering by us and the selling stockholder and the use of
proceeds from this offering; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
the consolidation of our wholly owned special purpose financing
subsidiaries, Compass Horizon and Credit I, which will
continue to be consolidated with the Company following the
completion of this offering.
|
The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based on available
information and certain assumptions that we believe are
reasonable. Presentation of the unaudited pro forma financial
information is prepared in conformity with Article 11 of
Regulation S-X.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial
information was prepared on a basis consistent with that used in
preparing our audited consolidated financial statements and
includes all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring
items, that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the
financial position and results of operations for the unaudited
periods.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial
information should be read in conjunction with the sections of
this prospectus entitled The Exchange Transaction,
Use of Proceeds, Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations, and our historical consolidated financial
statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this
prospectus. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
financial information is for informational purposes only and is
not intended to represent or be indicative of the consolidated
results of operations or financial position that we would have
reported had the pro forma adjustments and this offering been
completed on the dates indicated and should not be taken as
representative of our future consolidated results of operations
or financial position.
39
Unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for this
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering and
|
|
|
Horizon
|
|
|
|
Compass
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-IPO
|
|
|
Technology
|
|
|
|
Horizon Funding
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution
|
|
|
Finance
|
|
|
|
Company LLC
|
|
|
for BDC/RIC
|
|
|
As adjusted for
|
|
|
and Share
|
|
|
Corporation
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
Historical
|
|
|
Elections
|
|
|
RIC/BDC Elections
|
|
|
Exchange
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
19,218,658
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
19,218,658
|
|
|
$
|
53,560,800
|
(C)
|
|
$
|
72,779,458
|
|
Loans receivable
|
|
|
133,785,603
|
|
|
|
(347,720
|
)(A)
|
|
|
133,437,883
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
133,437,883
|
|
Allowance for loan losses
|
|
|
(1,185,069
|
)
|
|
|
1,185,069
|
(B)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans receivable, net
|
|
|
132,600,534
|
|
|
|
837,349
|
|
|
|
133,437,883
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
133,437,883
|
|
Warrants
|
|
|
5,217,105
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,217,105
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,217,105
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
2,899,249
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,899,249
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,899,249
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$
|
159,935,546
|
|
|
$
|
837,349
|
|
|
$
|
160,772,895
|
|
|
$
|
53,560,800
|
|
|
$
|
214,333,695
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
|
Borrowings
|
|
$
|
88,944,819
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
88,944,819
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
88,944,819
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
925,594
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
925,594
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
925,594
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES
|
|
|
89,870,413
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
89,870,413
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
89,870,413
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBERS CAPITAL/STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members capital
|
|
|
68,055,580
|
|
|
|
1,185,069
|
(B)
|
|
|
69,240,649
|
|
|
|
(69,240,649
|
)(C)
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps
|
|
|
(358,989
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(358,989
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(358,989
|
)
|
Unrealized gain on investments
|
|
|
2,368,542
|
|
|
|
(347,720
|
)(A)
|
|
|
2,020,822
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,020,822
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,555
|
(C)
|
|
|
7,555
|
|
Paid-in capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
122,793,894
|
(C)
|
|
|
122,793,894
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBERS CAPITAL/STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
70,065,133
|
|
|
|
837,349
|
|
|
|
70,902,482
|
|
|
|
53,560,800
|
|
|
|
124,463,282
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS
CAPITAL/STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
$
|
159,935,546
|
|
|
$
|
837,349
|
|
|
$
|
160,772,895
|
|
|
$
|
53,560,800
|
|
|
$
|
214,333,695
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
financial information
40
Unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for this
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering and
|
|
|
Horizon
|
|
|
|
Compass
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-IPO
|
|
|
Technology
|
|
|
|
Horizon Funding
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution
|
|
|
Finance
|
|
|
|
Company LLC
|
|
|
for BDC/RIC
|
|
|
As adjusted for
|
|
|
and Share
|
|
|
Corporation
|
|
|
|
Historical
|
|
|
Elections
|
|
|
RIC/BDC Elections
|
|
|
Exchange
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income on loans
|
|
$
|
12,852,115
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
12,852,115
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
12,852,115
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
398,322
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
398,322
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
398,322
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income
|
|
|
13,250,437
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,250,437
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,250,437
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit for loan losses
|
|
|
738,965
|
|
|
|
(738,965
|
)(B)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income after credit for loan losses
|
|
|
13,989,402
|
|
|
|
(738,965
|
)
|
|
|
13,250,437
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,250,437
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
3,281,682
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,281,682
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,281,682
|
|
Management fee expense
|
|
|
1,815,878
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,815,878
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,815,878
|
|
Other expenses
|
|
|
275,557
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
275,557
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
275,557
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
5,373,117
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,373,117
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,373,117
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before net realized and unrealized gain on
investments
|
|
|
8,616,285
|
|
|
|
(738,965
|
)
|
|
|
7,877,320
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,877,320
|
|
Net realized loss on investments
|
|
|
(1,762
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,762
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,762
|
)
|
Net unrealized gain on investments
|
|
|
1,549,053
|
|
|
|
418,232
|
(A)
|
|
|
1,967,285
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,967,285
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME
|
|
$
|
10,163,576
|
|
|
$
|
(320,733
|
)
|
|
$
|
9,842,843
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
9,842,843
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
financial information
41
Notes to
2010 Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial
Information
Pro Forma
Adjustments:
(A) Represents adjustment of our loans to fair value as
required for a business development company. For a discussion of
our valuation policy following this offering, please see
Determination of Net Asset Value. For the nine
months ended September 30, 2010, the net unrealized gains
on the loan portfolio was $418,232.
(B) Represents elimination of allowance for loan losses and
provision for loan losses. In future periods, following our
election to be treated as a business development company, we
will no longer record an allowance for loan losses. We will
value each individual loan and investment on a quarterly basis
at fair value which shall be the market value, or, if no market
value is ascertainable, at the fair value as determined in good
faith pursuant to procedures approved by our board of directors
in accordance with our valuation policy. The following is a
summary of the changes in the allowance for loan losses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|
|
|
September 30,
2010
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period
|
|
$
|
1,924,034
|
|
Credit for loan losses
|
|
|
(738,965
|
)
|
Charge offs, net of recoveries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of period
|
|
$
|
1,185,069
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(C) Pre-IPO Distribution, Member Interest Exchange for
Common Stock and Offering-Related Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-IPO distribution to Members:
|
|
$
|
18,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members Interest exchange for Common Stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock
|
|
|
2,645,124
|
|
Member interest
|
|
$
|
52,902,482
|
|
Par value of common stock issued
|
|
$
|
2,645
|
|
Paid-in capital, accumulated other comprehensive loss and
unrealized gain on investments
|
|
$
|
52,899,837
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Represents estimated net proceeds from common stock offering:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock
|
|
|
4,910,000
|
|
Offering price
|
|
$
|
16.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated gross proceeds
|
|
$
|
78,560,000
|
|
Estimated fees and expenses
|
|
$
|
(6,999,200
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds
|
|
$
|
71,560,800
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Par value of common stock issued
|
|
$
|
4,910
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-in capital, accumulated other comprehensive loss and
unrealized gain on investments
|
|
$
|
71,555,890
|
|
42
Unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for this
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering and
|
|
|
Horizon
|
|
|
|
Compass
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-IPO
|
|
|
Technology
|
|
|
|
Horizon Funding
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution
|
|
|
Finance
|
|
|
|
Company LLC
|
|
|
for BDC/RIC
|
|
|
As adjusted for
|
|
|
and Share
|
|
|
Corporation
|
|
|
|
Historical
|
|
|
Elections
|
|
|
RIC/BDC Elections
|
|
|
Exchange
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income on loans
|
|
$
|
14,987,322
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
14,987,322
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
14,987,322
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
338,986
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
338,986
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
338,986
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income
|
|
|
15,326,308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,326,308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,326,308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for loan losses
|
|
|
(274,381
|
)
|
|
|
274,381
|
(B)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income after provision for loan losses
|
|
|
15,051,927
|
|
|
|
274,381
|
|
|
|
15,326,308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,326,308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
4,244,804
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,244,804
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,244,804
|
|
Management fee expense
|
|
|
2,202,268
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,202,268
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,202,268
|
|
Other expenses
|
|
|
321,506
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
321,506
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
321,506
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
6,768,578
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,768,578
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,768,578
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before net realized and unrealized gains (loss) on
investments
|
|
|
8,283,349
|
|
|
|
274,381
|
|
|
|
8,557,730
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,557,730
|
|
Net realized gain on investments
|
|
|
137,696
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
137,696
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
137,696
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments
|
|
|
892,130
|
|
|
|
263,150
|
(A)
|
|
|
1,155,280
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,155,280
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME
|
|
$
|
9,313,175
|
|
|
$
|
537,531
|
|
|
$
|
9,850,706
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
9,850,706
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
financial information
43
Notes to
2009 Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of
Operations
Pro Forma Adjustments:
(A) Represents adjustment of our loans to fair value as
required for a business development company. For a discussion of
our valuation policy following this offering, please see
Determination of Net Asset Value. Since our
inception and through December 31, 2009, our net unrealized
losses totaled $765,952, which is comprised of net unrealized
losses of $1,029,102 in 2008 and unrealized gains of $263,150 in
2009.
(B) Represents elimination of the provision for loan
losses. In future periods, following our election to be treated
as a business development company, we will no longer record an
allowance for loan losses. We will value each individual loan
and investment on a quarterly basis at fair value which shall be
the market value, or, if no market value is ascertainable, at
the fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to
procedures approved by our board of directors in accordance with
our valuation policy. The following is a summary of the changes
in the allowance for loan losses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2009
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period
|
|
$
|
1,649,653
|
|
Provision for loan losses
|
|
|
274,381
|
|
Charge offs, net of recoveries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of period
|
|
$
|
1,924,034
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44
USE OF
PROCEEDS
We are offering 4,910,000 shares of our common stock and
the selling stockholder is offering 1,340,000 shares of our
common stock through the underwriters. The net proceeds of the
offering of shares by us are estimated to be approximately
$71.6 million (approximately $85.5 million if the
underwriters exercise their over-allotment option to purchase
additional shares in full) at an initial public offering price
of $16.00 per share after deducting the underwriting
discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses
payable by us. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the
shares sold by the selling stockholder.
We plan to use the net proceeds of this offering for new
investments in portfolio companies in accordance with our
investment objective and strategies described in this
prospectus, for general working capital purposes, and for
temporary repayment of debt under our credit facility (which
amounts are subject to reborrowing). We will also pay operating
expenses, including management and administrative fees, and may
pay other expenses such as due diligence expenses of potential
new investments, from the net proceeds of this offering. We
anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of this
offering will be used for the above purposes within nine months,
depending on the availability of appropriate investment
opportunities consistent with our investment objective and
market conditions. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds
to capitalize an SBIC subsidiary to the extent our
Advisors application to license such entity as an SBIC is
approved. We cannot assure you we will achieve our targeted
investment pace.
Pending such use, we will invest the remaining net proceeds of
this offering primarily in cash, cash equivalents,
U.S. Government securities and high-quality debt
investments that mature in one year or less from the date of
investment. These temporary investments may have lower yields
than our other investments and, accordingly, may result in lower
distributions, if any, during such period. See
Regulation Temporary Investments for
additional information about temporary investments we may make
while waiting to make longer-term investments in pursuit of our
investment objective.
45
DISTRIBUTIONS
To the extent we have income available, we intend to make
quarterly distributions to our stockholders beginning with our
first full quarter after the completion of this offering. The
timing and amount of our quarterly distributions, if any, will
be determined by our board of directors. Any distributions to
our stockholders will be declared out of assets legally
available for distribution.
Our board of directors intends to declare a dividend of
approximately $0.33 per share, payable at or near the end of the
fourth calendar quarter of 2010, provided that the amount of the
dividend will be proportionately reduced to reflect the number
of days remaining in the quarter after the completion of this
offering. This dividend payment is contingent upon the
completion of our initial public offering during the fourth
calendar quarter of 2010. Purchasers in this offering will be
entitled to receive this dividend payment. We anticipate that
this dividend will be paid from income primarily generated by
interest and dividend income earned on our investment portfolio.
The specific tax characteristics of the dividend will be
reported to stockholders after the end of the calendar year.
We intend to elect to be treated, and intend to qualify, as a
RIC under Subchapter M of the Code commencing with our taxable
year ending on December 31, 2010. To obtain the federal
income tax benefits allowable to RICs, we will be required to
distribute an amount equal to 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. In order to avoid
certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, we currently intend to
distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to
the sum of (1) 98% of our ordinary income (not taking into
account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year,
(2) 98% of the amount by which our capital gains exceed our
capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the
one-year period generally ending on October 31st of
the calendar year and (3) certain undistributed amounts
from previous years on which we paid no U.S. federal income
tax. In addition, although we currently intend to distribute
realized net capital gains (i.e., net long-term capital gains in
excess of short-term capital losses), if any, at least annually,
out of the assets legally available for such distributions, we
may in the future decide to retain such capital gains for
investment. In such event, the consequences of our retention of
net capital gains are as described under Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations. We can offer
no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the
payment of any cash distributions and, if we issue senior
securities, the 1940 Act asset coverage requirements or the
terms of the senior securities, may prevent us from making
distributions to our stockholders.
We intend to maintain an opt out dividend
reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if
we declare a cash distribution, each stockholders cash
distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional
shares of our common stock unless the stockholder specifically
opts out of our dividend reinvestment plan so as to
receive cash distributions. Stockholders who receive
distributions in the form of shares of common stock will be
subject to the same federal income tax consequences as if they
received cash distributions. See Dividend Reinvestment
Plan and Material U.S. Federal Income Tax
Considerations.
46
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of
September 30, 2010:
|
|
|
|
|
for Compass Horizon on an actual basis; and
|
|
|
|
for Horizon Technology Finance Corporation on an as adjusted
basis to reflect:
|
|
|
|
|
|
completion of the Pre-IPO Distribution;
|
|
|
|
completion of the Share Exchange; and
|
|
|
|
the sale of 6,250,000 shares of our common stock in this
offering by us and the selling stockholder at the initial public
offering price of $16.00 per share, after deducting
estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and
organizational and offering expenses of approximately
$7.0 million payable by us, and the use of proceeds from
this offering.
|
You should read this table together with Use of
Proceeds and Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
and the consolidated financial statements and related notes
included in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of September 30, 2010
|
|
|
|
Compass Horizon
|
|
|
Horizon Technology
|
|
|
|
Funding Company LLC
|
|
|
Finance Corporation
|
|
|
|
Actual
|
|
|
As Adjusted
|
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
19,218,658
|
|
|
$
|
72,779,458
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
159,935,546
|
|
|
|
214,333,695
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
|
$
|
88,944,819
|
|
|
$
|
88,944,819
|
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
925,594
|
|
|
|
925,594
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
$
|
89,870,413
|
|
|
$
|
89,870,413
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members capital / Stockholders equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members capital
|
|
$
|
68,055,580
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(358,989
|
)
|
|
|
(358,989
|
)
|
Unrealized gain on investments
|
|
|
2,368,542
|
|
|
|
2,020,822
|
|
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share;
100,000,000 shares authorized, 7,555,124 shares
outstanding, as adjusted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,555
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
122,793,894
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Members capital / Stockholders equity
|
|
$
|
70,065,133
|
|
|
$
|
124,463,282
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47
DILUTION
The potential dilution to investors in this offering would be
represented by the amount of the difference between the initial
public offering price per share of our common stock and the
as-adjusted pro forma net asset value per share of our common
stock immediately after the completion of this offering.
Our pro forma net asset value as of September 30, 2010
would have been approximately $52.9 million, or $20.00 per
share. We determined our pro forma net asset value per share
before this offering by dividing the pro forma net asset value
(total assets less total liabilities) as of September 30,
2010, by the pro forma number of shares of common stock
outstanding as of September 30, 2010, after giving effect
to the Pre-IPO Distribution and the exchange transaction
occurring prior to the completion of this offering. See
The Exchange Transaction.
After giving effect to the sale of 6,250,000 shares of our
common stock in this offering at the initial public offering
price of $16.00 per share and after deducting the sales
load (underwriting discount) and estimated offering expenses
payable by us, our pro forma net asset value as of
September 30, 2010, would have been approximately
$124.5 million, or $16.47 per share, representing an
immediate decrease in pro forma net asset value of $3.53 per
share to our existing stockholders and a purchase discount of
$0.47 per share to new investors who purchase our common stock
in the offering at the initial public offering price. The
following table shows the per share impact:
|
|
|
|
|
Initial public offering price per share
|
|
$
|
16.00
|
|
Pro forma net asset value per share before this offering but
after giving effect to the Pre-IPO Distribution and The Exchange
Transaction
|
|
$
|
20.00
|
|
Pro forma net asset value per share after this offering
|
|
$
|
16.47
|
|
Purchase discount per share to new investors
|
|
$
|
0.47
|
|
48
SELECTED
FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
Compass Horizon is considered to be our predecessor for
accounting purposes and its consolidated financial statements
are our historical consolidated financial statements. We have
derived the selected historical consolidated balance sheet
information as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the
selected historical consolidated statement of operations
information for the year ended December 31, 2009 and for
the period from March 4, 2008 (inception) through
December 31, 2008 from Compass Horizons financial
statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, which were
audited by McGladrey & Pullen LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm. We have derived the selected
historical consolidated financial data as of September 30,
2010 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from
the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Compass
Horizon included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited
interim consolidated financial statements include all
adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring items, that we
consider necessary for a fair presentation of the financial
position and results of operations for the unaudited periods.
The interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative
of operations for a full fiscal year.
The financial and other information below should be read in
conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from March 4, 2008
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
(Inception) Through
|
|
|
|
September 30,
2010
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statement of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest and other loan income
|
|
$
|
13,197,313
|
|
|
$
|
15,259,026
|
|
|
$
|
6,662,232
|
|
Other interest income
|
|
|
53,124
|
|
|
|
67,282
|
|
|
|
358,820
|
|
(Credit) provision for loan losses
|
|
|
(738,965
|
)
|
|
|
274,381
|
|
|
|
1,649,653
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
5,373,117
|
|
|
|
6,768,578
|
|
|
|
4,031,815
|
|
Net realized (loss) gains on warrants
|
|
|
(1,762
|
)
|
|
|
137,696
|
|
|
|
21,571
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on warrants
|
|
|
1,549,053
|
|
|
|
892,130
|
|
|
|
(72,641
|
)
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
10,163,576
|
|
|
$
|
9,313,175
|
|
|
$
|
1,288,514
|
|
Other Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dollar-weighted average annualized yield on investment
portfolio(1)
|
|
|
14.3
|
%
|
|
|
13.9
|
%
|
|
|
12.7
|
%
|
Number of portfolio companies at period end
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of
|
|
|
As of
|
|
|
As of
|
|
|
|
September 30,
2010
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross loans receivable
|
|
$
|
135,847,066
|
|
|
$
|
112,571,708
|
|
|
$
|
94,023,357
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
19,218,658
|
|
|
|
9,892,048
|
|
|
|
20,024,408
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
159,935,546
|
|
|
|
124,868,013
|
|
|
|
115,214,888
|
|
Borrowings
|
|
|
88,944,819
|
|
|
|
64,166,412
|
|
|
|
63,673,016
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
89,870,413
|
|
|
|
65,375,344
|
|
|
|
65,430,080
|
|
Total members capital
|
|
|
70,065,133
|
|
|
|
59,492,669
|
|
|
|
49,784,808
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Throughout this prospectus, the
dollar-weighted average yield on loans is computed as the
(a) total interest and other loan income divided by
(b) the average gross loans receivable. Income for 2008 was
annualized as investing activities commenced in March 2008.
|
49
MANAGEMENTS
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with
our consolidated financial statements and related notes and
other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report.
In addition to historical information, the following discussion
and other parts of this report contain forward-looking
information that involves risks and uncertainties. Our actual
results could differ materially from those anticipated by such
forward-looking information due to the factors discussed under
Risk Factors and Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements appearing elsewhere herein.
Overview
We are an externally-managed finance company. Our investment
objective is to generate current income from the loans we make
and capital appreciation from the warrants we receive when
making such loans. We make secured loans to development-stage
companies in our Target Industries which are backed by
established venture capital and private equity firms. Our
secured loans consist of term loans, revolving loans or
equipment loans. Our loans are secured by all or a portion of
the tangible and intangible assets of the borrower. We are
managed by Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, our
Advisor. Our Advisor also provides the administrative services
necessary for us to operate.
We believe our existing loan portfolio has performed well since
its inception notwithstanding the economic downturn starting in
2008 and continuing through 2009, and we have no realized losses
(charge-offs) in our loan portfolio since we commenced
operations in March 2008. As of September 30, 2010, our
loan portfolio consisted of 34 loans which totaled
$135.8 million, and our members capital was
$70.1 million.
Critical
Accounting Policies
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. In preparing the consolidated
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, management is required to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and
liabilities, as of the date of the balance sheet and income and
expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates. Following the completion of this offering as a
consequence of our adopting investment company accounting
pursuant to Article 6 of
Regulation S-X,
we will be required to change some of the accounting principles
used to prepare our historical consolidated financial statements
discussed in this section. For a more detailed discussion about
these principles and the impact that these principals would have
on our financial results, see Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Consolidated Financial Information and
Business Development Company and Regulated Investment
Company Elections.
We have identified the following items as critical accounting
policies.
Allowance
for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses represents managements
estimate of probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio
as of the balance sheet date. The estimation of the allowance is
based on a variety of factors, including past loan loss
experience, the current credit profile of our borrowers, adverse
situations that have occurred that may affect individual
borrowers ability to repay, the estimated value of
underlying collateral and general economic conditions. The loan
portfolio is comprised of large balance loans that are evaluated
individually for impairment and are risk-rated based upon a
borrowers individual situation, current economic
conditions, collateral and industry-specific information that
management believes is relevant in determining the potential
occurrence of a loss event and in measuring impairment. The
allowance for loan losses is sensitive to the risk rating
assigned to each of the loans and to corresponding qualitative
loss factors that we use to estimate the allowance. The factors
are applied to the outstanding loan balances in estimating the
allowance for loan losses. If necessary, based on performance
factors related to specific loans, a specific allowance for loan
losses is established for individual impaired loans. Increases
or decreases to the allowance for loan losses are charged or
credited to current period earnings through the
50
provision (credit) for loan losses. Amounts determined to be
uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses,
while amounts recovered on previously charged-off accounts
increase the allowance for loan losses.
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information
and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect the
scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according
to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors
considered by management in determining impairment include
payment status, collateral value, and the probability of
collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.
Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment
shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management
determines the significance of payment delays and payment
shortfalls on a
case-by-case
basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances
surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of
the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrowers prior
payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to
the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a
loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected
future cash flows discounted at the loans effective
interest rate, the loans observable market price, or the
fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
Impaired loans also include loans modified in troubled debt
restructurings where concessions have been granted to borrowers
experiencing financial difficulties. These concessions could
include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment
extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other
actions intended to maximize collection. There have been no
troubled debt restructurings since our inception.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the
credit for loan losses was $0.3 million and $0.7 million,
respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30,
2009, the provision for loan losses was $0.3 million and $0.6
million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2009
and the period ended December 31, 2008 the provision for
loan losses was $0.3 million and $1.6 million,
respectively. The allowance for loan losses decreased as of
September 30, 2010 compared to the allowance as of
December 31, 2009 primarily due to improved portfolio asset
quality during 2010 across all Credit Ratings within the loan
portfolio. The loan portfolio had a weighted average credit
rating of 3.1 and 2.9 as of September 30, 2010 and
December 31, 2009, respectively. See Portfolio Asset
Quality. In future periods, following our election to be
treated as a business development company, we will no longer
record an allowance for loan losses. We will value each
individual loan and investment on a quarterly basis at fair
value which shall be the market value or, if no market value is
ascertainable, at the fair value as determined in good faith by
our board of directors in accordance with our valuation policy.
Changes in these values will be recorded through our statement
of operations. See Determination of Net Asset Value
and Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial
Information.
Warrant
Valuation
In connection with substantially all of our lending
arrangements, we receive warrants to purchase shares of stock
from the borrower. Because the warrant agreements contain net
exercise or cashless exercise provisions, the
warrants qualify as derivative instruments. The warrants are
recorded as assets at estimated fair value on the grant date
using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The warrants are
considered loan fees and are also recorded as unearned loan
income on the grant date. The unearned income is recognized as
interest income over the contractual life of the related loan in
accordance with the Companys income recognition policy. As
all the warrants held are deemed to be derivatives, they are
measured on a quarterly basis at fair value using the
Black-Scholes valuation model. Any adjustment to fair value is
recorded through earnings as net unrealized gain or loss. Gains
from the disposition of the warrants or stock acquired from the
exercise of warrants, are recognized as realized gains.
We value the warrant assets incorporating the following material
assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying asset value of the issuer is estimated based on
information available, including any information regarding the
most recent rounds of borrower funding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volatility, or the amount of uncertainty or risk about the size
of the changes in the warrant price, is based on guideline
publicly traded companies within indices similar in nature to
the underlying client companies issuing the warrant. A total of
seven such indices were used. The weighted average volatility
assumptions used for the warrant valuation at September 30,
2010, December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009 were
29%, 29% and 25%, respectively.
|
51
|
|
|
|
|
The risk-free interest rates are derived from the
U.S. Treasury yield curve. The risk-free interest rates are
calculated based on a weighted average of the risk-free interest
rates that correspond closest to the expected remaining life of
the warrant.
|
|
|
|
Other adjustments, including a marketability discount, are
estimated based on managements judgment about the general
industry environment.
|
Income
Recognition
Interest on loans is accrued and included in income based on
contractual rates applied to principal amounts outstanding.
Interest income on loans is determined using a method that
results in a level rate of return on principal amounts
outstanding. When a loan becomes 90 days or more past due,
or if we otherwise do not expect to receive interest and
principal repayments, the loan is placed on non-accrual status
and the recognition of interest income is discontinued. Interest
payments received on loans that are on non-accrual status are
treated as reductions of principal until the principal is
repaid. No loans were on non-accrual status as of
September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
We receive a variety of fees from borrowers in the ordinary
course of conducting our business, including advisory fees,
commitment fees, amendment fees, non-utilization fees and
prepayment fees (collectively, the Fees). In a
limited number of cases, we may also receive a non-refundable
deposit earned upon the termination of a transaction. Loan
origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are
deferred, and along with unearned income, are amortized as a
level yield adjustment over the respective term of the loan.
Fees for counterparty loan commitments with multiple loans are
allocated to each loan based upon each loans relative fair
value. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, the
amortization of the related Fee and unearned income is
discontinued until the loan is returned to accrual status.
Certain loan agreements also require the borrower to make an
end-of-term payment that is accrued into income over the life of
the loan to the extent such amounts are expected to be
collected. We will generally cease accruing the income if there
is insufficient value to support the accrual or if we do not
expect the borrower to be able to pay all principal and interest
due.
Portfolio
Composition and Investment Activity
As of September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and
December 31, 2008, our loan portfolio consisted of 34, 32
and 26 loans, respectively, which had an aggregate book
value of approximately $135.8 million, $112.6 million
and $94.0 million, respectively, and our warrant portfolio
had an aggregate book value of $5.2 million,
$2.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively. During
the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we originated
approximately $64.6 million of new loans in 12 portfolio
companies. We originated approximately $50.0 million of new
loans in 18 portfolio companies and $112.2 million of new
loans in 38 portfolio companies for the year ended
December 31, 2009 and the period from March 4, 2008
(inception) to December 31, 2008, respectively. We reduced
the level of new loan originations in early 2009 in reaction to
the significant disruption in the financial and credit markets.
We had total loan principal repayments of $41.3 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 2010,
$31.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009
including five borrowers that prepaid their loan in an aggregate
amount of $14.6 million and total loan principal repayments
of $18.2 million for the period ended December 31,
2008 including five borrowers that prepaid their loan in an
aggregate amount of $14.1 million. Our borrowers typically
prepay our loans at a faster rate than is contractually required
which is often due to a borrowers completion of an initial
public offering, being acquired or refinancing our loan with
another lender.
As of September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and
December 31, 2008, accrued interest receivable was
$2.0 million, $1.5 million and $0.5 million,
respectively. The increase in 2009 and the first quarter of 2010
was due to a larger loan portfolio relative to 2008 and
represents one month of accrued interest income on each of our
loans. No loans were on non-accrual status in any period.
During the period ended December 31, 2008, we paid total
debt issuance costs of $3.4 million. As of
September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and 2008, the
unamortized balance of debt issuance costs was
$0.5 million, $1.4 million and $2.5 million,
respectively, and the amortization expense relating to debt
issuance costs during
52
the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the year ended
December 31, 2009 and the period ended December 31,
2008 was $0.9 million, $1.1 million and
$1.0 million, respectively. These costs relate to our
Credit Facility which closed in March 2008 and are amortized
into the consolidated statement of operations as interest
expense over the term of our Credit Facility.
The following table shows our portfolio by asset class as of
September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and
December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2010
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of
|
|
|
|
# of
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
# of
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
# of
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Secured term loans
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
$
|
133,222
|
|
|
|
94.5%
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
$
|
105,371
|
|
|
|
91.6%
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
$
|
78,497
|
|
|
|
82.9%
|
|
Secured revolving loans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
3,682
|
|
|
|
3.2%
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
15,526
|
|
|
|
16.4%
|
|
Equipment loans
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
2,625
|
|
|
|
1.8%
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
3,519
|
|
|
|
3.1%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.0%
|
|
Warrants to purchase stock
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
|
5,217
|
|
|
|
3.7%
|
|
|
|
37
|
|
|
|
2,458
|
|
|
|
2.1%
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
694
|
|
|
|
0.7%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
141,064
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
115,030
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
94,717
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The largest loans may vary from year to year as new loans are
recorded and repaid. Our five largest loans represented
approximately 30%, 28% and 29% of total loans outstanding as of
September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and
December 31, 2008, respectively. No single loan represented
more than 10% of our total loans as of September 30, 2010,
December 31, 2009 or December 31, 2008.
The following table shows our loan portfolio by industry sector
as of September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and
December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2010
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
Loans at
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
Loans at
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
Loans at
|
|
|
Percentage of
|
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
of Total
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
of Total
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life Science
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
33,241
|
|
|
|
24.5%
|
|
|
$
|
22,050
|
|
|
|
19.6%
|
|
|
$
|
21,000
|
|
|
|
22.3
|
%
|
Medical Device
|
|
|
21,430
|
|
|
|
15.8%
|
|
|
|
16,195
|
|
|
|
14.4%
|
|
|
|
18,523
|
|
|
|
19.7
|
%
|
Technology
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer-related Technologies
|
|
|
7,667
|
|
|
|
5.6%
|
|
|
|
15,371
|
|
|
|
13.7%
|
|
|
|
5,750
|
|
|
|
6.1
|
%
|
Networking
|
|
|
6,625
|
|
|
|
4.9%
|
|
|
|
14,737
|
|
|
|
13.1%
|
|
|
|
4,856
|
|
|
|
5.2
|
%
|
Software
|
|
|
11,656
|
|
|
|
8.6%
|
|
|
|
13,033
|
|
|
|
11.6%
|
|
|
|
15,801
|
|
|
|
16.8
|
%
|
Data Storage
|
|
|
6,648
|
|
|
|
4.9%
|
|
|
|
9,075
|
|
|
|
8.1%
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
10.7
|
%
|
Internet and Media
|
|
|
1,825
|
|
|
|
1.3%
|
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
|
2.2%
|
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
|
2.7
|
%
|
Communications
|
|
|
8,077
|
|
|
|
5.9%
|
|
|
|
2,451
|
|
|
|
2.1%
|
|
|
|
3,093
|
|
|
|
3.3
|
%
|
Semiconductors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
867
|
|
|
|
0.7%
|
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
|
1.0
|
%
|
Cleantech
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Energy Efficiency
|
|
|
17,000
|
|
|
|
12.5%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
Healthcare Information and Services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diagnostics
|
|
|
16,678
|
|
|
|
12.3%
|
|
|
|
16,293
|
|
|
|
14.5%
|
|
|
|
11,500
|
|
|
|
12.2
|
%
|
Other Healthcare Related Services and Technologies
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
3.7%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
135,847
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
$
|
112,572
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
$
|
94,023
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio
Asset Quality
We use a credit rating system which rates each loan on a scale
of 4 to 1, with 4 being the highest credit quality rating and 3
being the rating for a standard level of risk. A rating of 2 or
1 represents a deteriorating credit quality
53
and increased risk. See Business for more detailed
descriptions. The following table shows the classification of
our loan portfolio by credit rating as of September 30,
2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2010
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
Loans at
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
Loans at
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
Loans at
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
of Loan
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
of Loan
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
of Loan
|
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Portfolio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Rating
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
$
|
30,627
|
|
|
|
22.6%
|
|
|
$
|
19,303
|
|
|
|
17.2%
|
|
|
$
|
12,500
|
|
|
|
13.3%
|
|
3
|
|
|
89,806
|
|
|
|
66.1%
|
|
|
|
64,992
|
|
|
|
57.7%
|
|
|
|
58,087
|
|
|
|
61.8%
|
|
2
|
|
|
15,414
|
|
|
|
11.3%
|
|
|
|
28,277
|
|
|
|
25.1%
|
|
|
|
23,436
|
|
|
|
24.9%
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
135,847
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
$
|
112,572
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
$
|
94,023
|
|
|
|
100.0%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and
December 31, 2008, our loan portfolio had a weighted
average credit rating of 3.1, 2.9 and 2.9, respectively.
Results
of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
and 2009
Interest
and Other Loan Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months
|
|
|
|
Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Interest income on loans
|
|
$
|
4,955
|
|
|
$
|
3,962
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
|
204
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest and other loan income
|
|
$
|
5,164
|
|
|
$
|
4,166
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other interest income
|
|
$
|
25
|
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the three months ended September 30, 2010, interest
income on loans and total interest and other loan income
increased over the three months ended September 30, 2009,
primarily due to the increased average size of the loan
portfolio to $137.9 million from $114.1 million. Other
income was primarily comprised of loan prepayment fees collected
from our portfolio companies. Other interest income was
primarily income from interest earned on cash and cash
equivalents held in interest bearing accounts.
For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, our
dollar-weighted average annualized yield on average loans was
approximately 15.0% and 14.6%, respectively. We compute the
yield on average loans as (a) total interest and other loan
income (as described below) divided by (b) average gross
loans receivable. We used month end loan balances during the
period to compute average loans receivable.
Interest and other loan income, consisting of interest income
and fees on loans, can fluctuate significantly upon repayment of
large loans. Interest income from the five largest loans
accounted for approximately 31% and 28% of total loan interest
and fee income for the three months ended September 30,
2010 and 2009, respectively.
54
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months
|
|
|
|
Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Management fee expense
|
|
$
|
675
|
|
|
$
|
574
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
1,189
|
|
|
|
1,126
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
61
|
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
$
|
1,932
|
|
|
$
|
1,776
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses for each period consisted principally of
management fees and interest expense and, to a lesser degree,
professional fees and general and administrative expenses. For
the three months ended September 30, 2010, interest
expense, which includes the amortization of debt issuance costs,
increased when compared to the three months ended
September 30, 2009, which is primarily from a higher
average outstanding debt balances on the Credit Facility.
Management fees are paid monthly in arrears based on the
outstanding loan investments. The increase in management fees
for the three months ended September 30, 2010 when compared
to the three months ended September 30, 2009, is primarily
due to an increase in the average loan portfolio in 2010 from
2009 to $137.9 million from $114.1 million.
Net
Realized and Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Warrants
The following is a summary of net realized (loss) gain and net
unrealized (loss) gain on warrants for the three months ended
September 30, 2010 and 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months
|
|
|
|
Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Net realized (loss) gain on warrants
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Net unrealized (loss) gain on warrants
|
|
$
|
1,711
|
|
|
$
|
(55
|
)
|
For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009,
net unrealized (loss) gain on warrants is the difference between
the net changes in warrant fair values from the prior
determination date and the reversal of previously recorded
unrealized gain or loss when gains or losses are realized. The
increase in net unrealized gain on warrants in 2010 is primarily
due to an increase in the enterprise value of a number of
private companies for which we hold warrants. In addition, the
increased net unrealized gain on warrants in 2010 is due to the
increase in the share value of the public company warrants held.
55
Results
of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
and 2009
Interest
and Other Loan Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Nine Months
|
|
|
|
Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Interest income on loans
|
|
$
|
12,852
|
|
|
$
|
10,853
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
345
|
|
|
|
271
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest and other loan income
|
|
$
|
13,197
|
|
|
$
|
11,124
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other interest income
|
|
$
|
53
|
|
|
$
|
47
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, interest
income on loans and total interest and other loan income
increased over the nine months ended September 30, 2009,
primarily due to the increased average size of the loan
portfolio to $123.3 million from $108.2 million. Other
income was primarily comprised of loan prepayment fees collected
from our portfolio companies. Other interest income was
primarily income from interest earned on cash and cash
equivalents held in interest bearing accounts.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, our
dollar-weighted average annualized yield on average loans was
approximately 14.3% and 13.7%, respectively. We compute the
yield on average loans as (a) total interest and other loan
income (as described below) divided by (b) average gross
loans receivable. We used month end loan balances during the
period to compute average loans receivable.
Interest and other loan income, consisting of interest income
and fees on loans, can fluctuate significantly upon repayment of
large loans. Interest income from the five largest loans
accounted for approximately 19% and 28% of total loan interest
and fee income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010
and 2009, respectively.
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Nine Months
|
|
|
|
Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Management fee expense
|
|
$
|
1,816
|
|
|
$
|
1,640
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
3,282
|
|
|
|
3,205
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
111
|
|
|
|
127
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
164
|
|
|
|
134
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
$
|
5,373
|
|
|
$
|
5,106
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses for each period consisted principally of
management fees and interest expense and, to a lesser degree,
professional fees and general and administrative expenses. For
the nine months ended September 30, 2010, interest expense,
which includes the amortization of debt issuance costs,
increased when compared to the nine months ended
September 30, 2009, this is primarily from a higher average
outstanding debt balances on the Credit Facility. Management
fees are paid monthly in arrears based on the outstanding loan
investments. The increase in management fees for the nine months
ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the nine months
ended September 30, 2009, is primarily due to an increase
in the average loan portfolio in 2010 from 2009 to
$123.3 million from $108.2 million.
56
Net
Realized and Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Warrants
The following is a summary of net realized (loss) gain and net
unrealized gain on warrants for the nine months ended
September 30, 2010 and 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Nine Months
|
|
|
Ended September 30,
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2009
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Net realized (loss) gain on warrants
|
|
$
|
(2
|
)
|
|
$
|
139
|
|
Net unrealized gain on warrants
|
|
$
|
1,549
|
|
|
$
|
394
|
|
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net realized
gain on warrants resulted from the exercise of warrants in
connection with a portfolio company merger transaction. For the
nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, net
unrealized gain on warrants is the difference between the net
changes in warrant fair values from the prior determination date
and the reversal of previously recorded unrealized gain or loss
when gains or losses are realized. The increase in net
unrealized gain on warrants in 2010 is primarily due to an
increase in the enterprise value of a number of private
companies for which we hold warrants. In addition, the increased
net unrealized gain on warrants in 2010 is due to the increase
in the share value of the public company warrants held.
Results
of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the
period from March 4, 2008 (inception) to December 31,
2008
Compass Horizon, our predecessor for accounting purposes, was
formed as a Delaware limited liability company in January 2008
and had limited operations through March 3, 2008. As a
result, there is no period with which to compare our results of
operations for the period from January 1, 2009 through
March 3, 2009 or for the period from March 4, 2008
through December 31, 2008.
Interest
and Other Loan Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 4
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
(Inception) to
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Interest income on loans
|
|
$
|
14,987
|
|
|
$
|
6,530
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
272
|
|
|
|
132
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total interest and other loan income
|
|
$
|
15,259
|
|
|
$
|
6,662
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other interest income
|
|
$
|
67
|
|
|
$
|
359
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended December 31, 2009, interest income on
loans and total interest and other loan income increased
primarily due to (i) the increased average size of the loan
portfolio from $63 million to $109 million and
(ii) there being a full 12 months of income in 2009
compared to only 10 months in 2008 in light of when we
commenced operations. Other income was primarily comprised of
loan prepayment fees collected from our portfolio companies.
Other interest income was primarily income from interest earned
on cash and cash equivalents held in interest bearing accounts.
During 2009, we held lower average cash balances than 2008, and
the interest bearing accounts had lower interest rates on which
to earn income on such balances.
For the year ended December 31, 2009 and the ten month
period ended December 31, 2008, our dollar-weighted average
annualized yield on average loans was approximately 13.9% and
12.7%, respectively. We compute the yield on average loans as
(i) total interest and other loan income (as described
below) divided by (b) average gross loans receivable. We
used month end loan balances during the period to compute
average loans
57
receivable. Since we commenced operations in March 2008, the
results for the period ended December 31, 2008 were
annualized.
Interest and other loan income, consisting of interest income
and fees on loans, can fluctuate significantly upon repayment of
large loans. Interest income from the five largest loans
accounted for approximately 23% and 21% of total loan interest
and fee income for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the
period from March 4, 2008 (inception) to December 31,
2008, respectively.
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 4
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
(Inception) to
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Management fee expense
|
|
$
|
2,202
|
|
|
$
|
1,073
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
4,245
|
|
|
|
2,748
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
132
|
|
|
|
61
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
190
|
|
|
|
150
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
$
|
6,769
|
|
|
$
|
4,032
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses for each period consisted principally of
management fees and interest expense and, to a lesser degree,
professional fees and general and administrative expenses.
Interest expense, which includes the amortization of debt
issuance costs, increased in 2009 from 2008 primarily from
higher average outstanding debt balances on the Credit Facility,
partially offset by lower rates charged on the Credit Facility
due to lower level of the Credit Facilitys index rate,
one-month LIBOR. Management fees are paid monthly in arrears
based on the outstanding loan investments. The increase in
management fees paid was primarily due to an increase in the
average loan portfolio in 2009 from 2008 of $63 million to
$109 million and a full 12 months of expense in 2009
compared to only 10 months in 2008. Professional fees and
general and administrative expenses include legal, consulting
and accounting fees, insurance premiums, and miscellaneous other
expenses, which increased because of the longer period in 2009.
Net
Realized Gains and Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on
Warrants
The following is a summary of net realized gains and net
unrealized gain (loss) on warrants for the year ended
December 31, 2009 and for the period ended
December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 4
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
(Inception) to
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
Net realized gains on warrants
|
|
$
|
138
|
|
|
$
|
22
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on warrants
|
|
$
|
892
|
|
|
$
|
(73
|
)
|
For the year ended December 31, 2009 and the period ended
December 31, 2008, net realized gains on warrants resulted
from the exercise of warrants in each period in connection with
portfolio company merger transactions. Net unrealized gain
(loss) on warrants is the difference between the net change in
warrant fair values from the prior determination date and the
reversal of previously recorded unrealized gain or loss when
gains or losses are realized.
58
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
To date, our primary sources of capital have been from our
Credit Facility with WestLB AG, New York Branch, as more fully
described in Borrowings below and from the private
placement for $50 million of equity capital we completed on
March 4, 2008.
At September 30, 2010, we had cash and cash equivalents of
approximately $19.2 million. As of September 30, 2010,
we had available borrowing capacity of approximately
$61.0 million ($36.0 million assuming a Credit
Facility size of $125 million, the size of the Credit
Facility upon the completion of this offering), under the Credit
Facility, subject to existing terms and advance rates. We
primarily invest available cash in interest bearing money market
accounts.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, net
cash provided by operating activities totaled approximately
$7.8 million and $5.7 million, respectively. The increase
in 2010 was primarily due to higher income from operations in
2010. For the year ended December 31, 2009 and for the
period ended December 31, 2008, net cash provided by
operating activities totaled approximately $8.0 million and
$4.1 million, respectively. The increase in 2009 was
primarily due to higher income from operations in 2009.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, net
cash used in investing activities totaled approximately
$23.3 million and $13.0 million, respectively. The
increase is primarily due to a higher level of loan funding
compared to 2009. Net cash used in investing activities for the
year ended December 31, 2009 and for the period ended
December 31, 2008, totaled approximately $18.6 million
and $94.0 million, respectively. The reduction in cash used
in investing activities in 2009 was largely due to the reduced
level of new loans funded in 2009 as well as a higher level of
scheduled loan repayments and unscheduled loan prepayments in
2009 as the portfolio continued to grow and mature.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, net
cash provided by financing activities totaled $24.8 million
and $12.8 million, respectively. This increase was due to a
higher level of net new borrowings under the Credit Facility to
fund new loan investments and to maximize the full availability
under the Credit Facility. Net cash provided by financing
activities totaled $.5 million and $109.9 million for
the year ended December 31, 2009 and for the period ended
December 31, 2008, respectively. Higher cash flows in 2008
were primarily due to the initial equity capital contribution to
us as well as net new borrowings under the Credit Facility to
fund new loan investments. Lower cash provided by financing
activities in 2009 reflects the use of loan repayments from
existing loans to fund new loans rather than drawing additional
amounts under the Credit Facility. Because we believe we had
sufficient capital in 2009, we did not raise additional capital
during the year.
We intend to generate additional cash primarily from additional
borrowings under the current Credit Facility as well as from
cash flows from operations. Our primary use of available funds
will be investments in portfolio companies and cash
distributions to holders of our common stock. After we have used
our current capital resources, including the net proceeds from
this offering, we expect to opportunistically raise additional
capital as needed and subject to market conditions to support
our future growth through future equity offerings, issuances of
senior securities
and/or
future borrowings, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. To
the extent we determine to raise additional equity through an
offering of our common stock at a price below net asset value,
existing investors will experience dilution.
In order to satisfy the Code requirements applicable to a RIC,
we intend to distribute to our stockholders all or substantially
all of our income except for certain net capital gains. In
addition, as a business development company, we generally will
be required to meet a coverage ratio of 200%. This requirement
will limit the amount that we may borrow. Upon the receipt of
the net proceeds from this offering, we will be in compliance
with the asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act.
If we receive approval to license an SBIC, we will have the
ability to issue debentures guaranteed by the SBA at favorable
interest rates. Under the Small Business Investment Act and the
SBA rules applicable to SBICs, an SBIC can have outstanding at
any time debentures guaranteed by the SBA generally in an amount
up to twice its regulatory capital, which generally is the
amount raised from private investors. The maximum statutory
limit on the dollar amount of outstanding debentures guaranteed
by the SBA issued by a single SBIC or group of SBICs under
59
common control as of December 31, 2009, was
$150 million (which amount is subject to increase on an
annual basis based on cost of living index increases).
Borrowings
We, through our wholly owned subsidiary, Credit I, entered
into a revolving credit facility (the Credit
Facility) with WestLB AG, New York Branch as Lender
(WestLB) effective March 4, 2008. Per this
agreement, base rate borrowings bear interest at one-month LIBOR
(0.26%, 0.23% and 0.44% as of September 30, 2010,
December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively)
plus 2.50%. On June 25, 2010, we received consent from
WestLB to allow for the change of control that will occur upon
the consummation of the Share Exchange. The facility size will
be $125 million upon the completion of this offering. In
general, all other terms and conditions of the Credit Facility
will remain the same upon the completion of the offering.
We may request advances under the Credit Facility (the
Revolving Period) through March 4, 2011, unless
the Revolving Period is extended upon Credit Is request
and upon mutual agreement of WestLB and Credit I. After the
Revolving Period, we may not request new advances and we must
repay the outstanding advances under the Credit Facility as of
such date at such times and in such amounts as are necessary to
maintain compliance with the terms and conditions of the Credit
Facility, particularly the condition that the principal balance
of the Credit Facility does not exceed seventy-five percent
(75%) of the aggregate principal balance of our eligible loans
to our portfolio companies. All outstanding advances under the
Credit Facility are due and payable on March 4, 2015
(Maturity Date), unless such date is extended upon
Credit Is request and upon mutual agreement of WestLB and
Credit I.
The Credit Facility is collateralized by loans held by Credit I
and permits an advance rate of up to 75% of eligible loans. The
Credit Facility contains certain customary affirmative and
negative covenants, including covenants that restrict certain of
our subsidiaries ability to make loans to, or investments
in, third parties (other than technology loans and warrants or
other equity participation rights), pay dividends and
distributions, incur additional indebtedness and engage in
mergers or consolidations. The Credit Facility also restricts
certain of our subsidiaries and our Advisors ability
to create liens on the collateral securing the Credit Facility,
permit additional negative pledges on such collateral and change
the business currently conducted by them. The Credit Facility
contains events of default, including upon the occurrence of a
change of control, and contains certain financial covenants that
among other things, require Compass Horizon to maintain a
minimum net worth, for fiscal year 2010 and after, equal to the
minimum net worth amount for 2009 plus 50% of Compass
Horizons cumulative positive net income for fiscal year
2010 on and after December 31, 2010, and require our
Advisor to maintain a minimum net worth, for fiscal year 2010
and after, equal to the greater of (i) $1 million or
(ii) the 2009 minimum net worth amount plus 50% of the
cumulative positive net income for each fiscal year. The Credit
Facility also includes borrower concentration limits which
include limitations on the amount of loans to companies in
particular industries sectors and also restrict certain terms of
the loans.
Interest
Rate Swaps and Hedging Activities
In 2008, we entered into two interest rate swap agreements,
which we collectively refer to as the Swaps, with
WestLB, fixing the rate of $10 million at 3.58% and
$15 million at 3.2% on the first advances of a like amount
of variable rate Credit Facility borrowings. The interest rate
swaps expire in October 2011 and October 2010, respectively. The
Swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and are anticipated to
be highly effective. These Swaps are derivatives and were
designated as hedging instruments at the initiation of the
Swaps, and we have applied cash flow hedge accounting.
At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Swaps
have been reflected at fair value as a liability on the
consolidated balance sheet and the corresponding unrealized loss
on the Swaps is reflected in accumulated other
comprehensive loss, in members capital, totaling
$0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively. No
ineffectiveness on the Swaps was recognized during the nine
month period ended September 30, 2010 or the year ended
December 31, 2009. During the nine months ended
September 30, 2010 and year ended December 31, 2009,
$0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, was
reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into
interest expense, and at September 30, 2010,
$0.3 million is expected to be reclassified in the next
twelve months.
60
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of business, we are party to financial
instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These consist primarily
of unfunded commitments to extend credit, in the form of loans,
to our portfolio companies. Unfunded commitments to provide
funds to portfolio companies are not reflected on our balance
sheet. Our unfunded commitments may be significant from time to
time. As of September 30, 2010, we had unfunded commitments
of approximately $12.3 million. These commitments will be
subject to the same underwriting and ongoing portfolio
maintenance as are the on balance sheet financial instruments
that we hold. Since these commitments may expire without being
drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily
represent future cash requirements. We intend to use primarily
cash flows from operations and our Credit Facility to fund these
commitments. However, there can be no assurance that we will
have sufficient capital available to fund these commitments as
they come due.
Contractual
Obligations
In addition to the Credit Facility, we have certain commitments
pursuant to our Investment Management Agreement entered into
with Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, our Advisor. We
have agreed to pay a fee for investment advisory and management
services consisting of two components a base
management fee and an incentive fee. Payments under the
Investment Management Agreement are equal to (1) a base
management fee equal to a percentage of the value of our average
gross assets and (2) a two-part incentive fee. See
Investment Management and Administration Agreements.
We have also entered into a contract with our Advisor to serve
as our administrator. Payments under the Administration
Agreement are equal to an amount based upon our allocable
portion of our Advisors overhead in performing its
obligation under the agreement, including rent, fees, and other
expenses inclusive of our allocable portion of the compensation
of our chief financial officer and any administrative staff. See
Administration Agreement.
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in
interest rates. During the periods covered by our financial
statements, the interest rates on the loans within our portfolio
were all at fixed rates, or floating rates with a floor, and we
expect that our loans in the future will also have primarily
fixed interest rates. The initial commitments to lend to our
portfolio companies are usually based on a floating LIBOR index
and typically have interest rates that are fixed at the time of
the loan funding and remain fixed for the term of the loan.
Our Credit Facility has a floating interest rate provision based
on a LIBOR index which resets daily, and we expect that, other
than any SBIC debenture program debt, any other credit
facilities into which we enter in the future may have floating
interest rate provisions. We have used hedging instruments in
the past to protect us against interest rate fluctuations and we
may use them in the future. Such instruments may include swaps,
futures, options and forward contracts. While hedging activities
may insulate us against adverse changes in interest rates, they
may also limit our ability to participate in the benefits of
lower interest rates with respect to the investments in our
portfolio with fixed interest rates.
Because we currently fund, and will continue to fund, our
investments with borrowings, our net income is dependent upon
the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the
rate at which we invest the funds borrowed. Accordingly, there
can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest
rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net income.
In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would
increase, which could reduce our net investment income if there
is not a corresponding increase in interest income generated by
floating rate assets in our investment portfolio.
Income
Taxes
For the periods presented our predecessor was a limited
liability company and, as a result, all items of income and
expense were passed through to, and were generally reportable
on, the tax returns of the respective members of the limited
liability company. Therefore, no federal or state income tax
provision has been recorded.
61
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
On July 1, 2009, the Accounting Standards Codification
(ASC) became the Financial Accounting Standards
Boards (FASB) single source of authoritative
U.S. accounting and reporting standards applicable to all
public and non-public non-governmental entities, superseding
existing authoritative principles and related literature. The
adoption of the ASC changed the applicable citations and naming
conventions used when referencing generally accepted accounting
principles in our financial statements.
The FASB issued new guidance on accounting for uncertainty in
income taxes. We adopted this new guidance for the year ended
December 31, 2009. Management evaluated all tax positions
and concluded that there are no uncertain tax positions that
require adjustment to the financial statements to comply with
the provisions of this guidance.
In March 2008, the FASB issued guidance related to disclosures
about derivative instruments and hedging activities. This
guidance requires enhanced disclosures of an entitys
derivative instruments and hedging activities and their effects
on the entitys financial position, financial performance
and cash flows. We adopted this guidance in 2009.
In April 2009, the FASB issued guidance which addressed concerns
that fair value measurements emphasized the use of an observable
market transaction even when that transaction may not have been
orderly or the market for that transaction may not have been
active. This guidance relates to the following:
(a) determining when the volume and level of activity for
the asset or liability has significantly decreased;
(b) identifying circumstances in which a transaction is not
orderly; and (c) understanding the fair value measurement
implications of both (a) and (b). We adopted this new
guidance in 2009, and the adoption had no impact on our
financial statements.
In February 2010, the FASB issued guidance which amends the
existing guidance related to fair value measurements and
disclosures. The amendments will require the following new fair
value disclosures:
|
|
|
|
|
Separate disclosure of the significant transfers in and out of
Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, and a
description of the reasons for the transfers.
|
|
|
|
In the roll forward of activity for Level 3 fair value
measurements (significant unobservable inputs), purchases,
sales, issuances, and settlements should be presented separately
(on a gross basis rather than as one net number).
|
In addition, the amendments clarify existing disclosure
requirements, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value measurements and disclosures should be presented for
each class of assets and liabilities within a line item in the
balance sheet.
|
|
|
|
Reporting entities should provide disclosures about the
valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for
both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements that
fall in either Level 2 or Level 3.
|
The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures
are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning
after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures
included in the roll forward of activity for Level 3 fair
value measurements, for which the effective date is for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim
periods within those fiscal years. We adopted the applicable
provisions of this new guidance for the three months ended
March 31, 2010.
In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance which modifies certain
guidance relating to transfers and servicing of financial
assets. This guidance eliminates the concept of qualifying
special purpose entities, provides guidance as to when a portion
of a transferred financial asset can be evaluated for sale
accounting, provides additional guidance with regard to
accounting for transfers of financial assets and requires
additional disclosures. This guidance is effective for us as of
January 1, 2010, with adoption applied prospectively for
transfers that occur on and after the effective date. The
adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our
financial statements.
62
In July 2010, The FASB issued ASU No. 2010-20,
Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables
and the Allowance for Credit Losses. The amendments in this
ASU apply to all entities, both public and nonpublic, with
financing receivables, excluding short-term trade accounts
receivable or receivables measured at fair value or lower of
cost or fair value. The amendments in this ASU enhance
disclosures about the credit quality of financing receivables
and the allowance for credit losses. This ASU amends existing
disclosure guidance to require entities to provide a greater
level of disaggregated information about the credit quality of
its financing receivables and its allowance for credit losses.
In addition, this ASU requires entities to disclose credit
quality indicators, past due information, and modifications of
its financing receivables. For public entities, the disclosures
as of the end of are reporting period are effective for interim
and annual reporting periods ending on or after
December 15, 2010. The disclosures about activity that
occurs during a reporting period are effective for interim and
annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15,
2010. This ASU encourages, but does not require, comparative
disclosures for earlier reporting periods that ended before
initial adoption. However, entities should provide comparative
disclosures for those reporting periods ending after initial
adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption
of this guidance on our financial statement disclosures.
63
BUSINESS
General
We are an externally-managed, non-diversified closed-end
management investment company that intends to file an election
to be regulated as a business development company under the 1940
Act. In addition, we intend to elect to be treated, and intend
to qualify, as a RIC, under Subchapter M of the Code, commencing
with our taxable year ending December 31, 2010. We were
formed to continue and expand the business of Compass Horizon
which was formed in January 2008 and commenced operations in
March 2008 and which will become our wholly owned subsidiary in
connection with this offering. Our Advisor manages our
day-to-day operations and also provides all administrative
services necessary for us to operate. We invest in
development-stage companies in the technology, life science,
healthcare information and services, and cleantech industries,
which we refer to as our Target Industries. Our
investment objective is to generate current income from the
loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we
receive when making such loans. We make secured loans, which we
refer to as Technology Loans, to development-stage
companies backed by established venture capital and private
equity firms in our Target Industries, which we refer to as
Technology Lending. To a limited extent, we also
selectively lend to publicly traded companies in our Target
Industries.
We lend to private companies following or in connection with
their receipt of a round of venture capital and private equity
financing, primarily providing secured working capital loans,
secured revolving loans and secured equipment loans that are
secured by all or a portion of the tangible and intangible
assets of the applicable portfolio company. We will seek to
invest, under normal circumstances, most of the value of our
total assets (including the amount of any borrowings for
investment purposes) in our Target Industries.
Our existing loan portfolio will continue to generate revenue
for us. We believe our existing investment portfolio has
performed well since its inception notwithstanding the economic
downturn starting in 2008 and continuing through 2009. With the
improvement in the broader economy in 2010, we continue to
experience favorable portfolio quality and outcomes with no
realized losses (charge-offs) in our loan portfolio since we
commenced operations in March 2008. Our existing portfolio of
investments and loan commitments provide the following benefits:
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income from the portfolio will provide immediate income
and cash flow allowing for potential near term dividends to our
stockholders;
|
|
|
|
Capital gains from warrants to purchase either common stock or
preferred stock received from our existing investments are
expected to be realized sooner than if we were beginning our
initial investment operations without an existing portfolio of
earning assets; and
|
|
|
|
Warrants to purchase either common stock or preferred stock
issued to us through the economic downturn have exercise prices
at relatively lower valuations due to the depressed equity and
debt markets in 2008 and 2009.
|
Our
Strategy
Our investment objective is to maximize our investment
portfolios total return by generating current income from
the loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we
receive when making such loans. We believe our Advisor has
demonstrated that its expertise in debt product development,
transaction sourcing, its knowledge of our Target Industries,
and its disciplined underwriting process create value for our
investors. We believe that this expertise results in returns
that exceed those typically available from more traditional
commercial finance products (such as equipment leasing or middle
market lending) while mitigating the risks typically associated
with investments in development-stage technology companies.
To further implement our business strategy, our Advisor will
continue to employ the following core strategies:
|
|
|
|
|
Structured Investments in the Venture Capital and Private
Equity Markets. We make loans to
development-stage companies within our Target Industries
typically in the form of secured amortizing loans. The secured
amortizing debt structure provides a lower risk strategy, as
compared to equity investments, to participate in the emerging
technology markets, because the debt structures we typically
utilize provide collateral against the downside risk of loss,
provide return of capital in a much shorter timeframe through
|
64
|
|
|
|
|
current pay interest and amortization of loan principal and have
a senior position in the capital structure to equity in the case
of insolvency, wind down or bankruptcy. Unlike venture capital
and private equity-backed investments, our investment returns
and return of our capital do not require equity investment exits
such as mergers and acquisitions or initial public offerings.
Instead, we receive returns on our loans primarily through
regularly scheduled payments of principal and interest and, if
necessary, liquidation of the collateral supporting the loan.
Only the potential gains from warrants are dependent upon exits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enterprise Value Lending. We and
our Advisor take an enterprise value approach to the loan
structuring and underwriting process. Enterprise
value is the value that a portfolio companys most
recent investors place on the portfolio company or
enterprise. The value is determined by multiplying
(x) the number of shares of common stock of the portfolio
company outstanding on the date of calculation, on a fully
diluted basis (assuming the conversion of all outstanding
convertible securities and the exercise of all outstanding
options and warrants), by (y) the price per share paid by
the most recent purchasers of equity securities of the portfolio
company. We secure a senior or subordinated lien position
against the enterprise value of a portfolio company and
generally our exposure is less than 25% of the enterprise value
and we obtain pricing enhancements in the form of warrants and
other success-based fees that build long-term asset
appreciation in our portfolio. These methods reduce the downside
risk of Technology Lending. In instances when we do not obtain a
lien on a portfolio companys intellectual property, we
obtain a covenant that such portfolio company will not grant a
lien on such intellectual property to anyone else, thus ensuring
that we have the right to share in the value of the portfolio
companys intellectual property and enterprise value in a
downside scenario. Enterprise value lending requires
an in-depth understanding of the companies and markets served.
We believe that this in-depth understanding of how venture
capital and private equity-backed companies in our Target
Industries grow in value, finance that growth over time, and
various business cycles can be carefully analyzed by Technology
Lenders who have substantial experience, relationships and
knowledge within the markets they serve. We believe the
experience that our Advisor possesses gives us enhanced
capabilities in making these qualitative enterprise
value evaluations, which we believe can produce a high
quality Technology Loan portfolio with enhanced returns for our
stockholders.
|
|
|
|
Creative Products with Attractive Risk-Adjusted
Pricing. Each of our existing and prospective
portfolio companies has its own unique funding needs for the
capital provided from the proceeds of our Technology Loans.
These funding needs include, but are not limited to, funds for
additional development runways, funds to hire or retain sales
staff, or funds to invest in research and development in order
to reach important technical milestones in advance of raising
additional equity. Our loans include current pay interest,
commitment fees, pre-payment fees and non-utilization fees. We
believe we have developed pricing tools, structuring techniques
and valuation metrics that satisfy our portfolio companies
requirements while mitigating risk and maximizing returns on our
investments.
|
|
|
|
Opportunity for Enhanced Returns. To enhance
our loan portfolio returns, in addition to interest and fees, we
obtain warrants to purchase the equity of our portfolio
companies, as additional consideration for making loans. The
warrants we obtain generally include a cashless
exercise provision to allow us to exercise these rights
without requiring us to make any additional cash investment.
Obtaining warrants in our portfolio companies has allowed us to
participate in the equity appreciation of our portfolio
companies which we expect will enable us to generate higher
returns for our investors.
|
|
|
|
Direct Origination. We originate transactions
directly with technology, life science, healthcare information
and services, and cleantech companies. Since it commenced
operations in 2004, our Advisor has directly originated more
than 115 transactions resulting in over $700 million of
Technology Loans. These transactions were referred to our
Advisor from a number of sources, including referrals from, or
direct solicitation of, venture capital and private equity
firms, portfolio company management teams, legal firms,
accounting firms, investment banks and other lenders that
represent companies within our Target Industries. Our Advisor
has been the sole or lead originator in substantially all
transactions in which the funds it managed have invested.
|
|
|
|
Disciplined and Balanced Underwriting and Portfolio
Management. We use a disciplined underwriting
process that includes obtaining information validation from
multiple sources, extensive knowledge of our
|
65
|
|
|
|
|
Target Industries, comparable industry valuation metrics, and
sophisticated financial analysis related to development-stage
companies. Our Advisors due diligence on investment
prospects includes obtaining and evaluating information on the
prospective portfolio companys technology, market
opportunity, management team, fund raising history, investor
support, valuation considerations, financial condition and
projections. We seek to balance our investment portfolio to
reduce the risk of down market cycles associated with any
particular industry or sector, development-stage or geographic
area. Our Advisor employs a hands on approach to
portfolio management requiring private portfolio companies to
provide monthly financial information and to participate in
regular updates on performance and future plans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Use of Leverage; SBA Debenture Program. We
believe our existing credit facility provides us with a
substantial amount of capital for deployment into new investment
opportunities. Since its inception, Compass Horizon has employed
leverage to increase its return on equity through the Credit
Facility. The Credit Facility, pursuant to which we expect to be
able to borrow up to $125 million upon completion of this
offering, matures on March 4, 2015. The Credit Facility
will begin to amortize on March 4, 2011. In addition, on
July 14, 2009, our Advisor received a letter, which we
refer to as the Move Forward Letter, from the
Investment Division of the SBA that invited our Advisor to
continue moving forward with the licensing of a small business
investment company, or SBIC. Although our
application to license this entity as a small business
investment company with the SBA is subject to SBA approval, we
remain cautiously optimistic that our Advisor will complete the
licensing process. To the extent that our Advisor receives an
SBIC license, we expect to form an SBIC subsidiary which will
issue SBA-guaranteed debentures at long-term fixed rates,
subject to the required capitalization of the SBIC subsidiary.
Under the regulations applicable to SBICs, an SBIC generally may
have outstanding debentures guaranteed by the SBA in an
aggregate amount of up to twice its regulatory capital.
Regulatory capital generally equates to the amount of an
SBICs equity capital. The SBIC regulations currently limit
the amount that the SBIC subsidiary would be permitted to borrow
to a maximum of $150 million. This means that the SBIC
subsidiary could access the full $150 million maximum
available if it were to have $75 million in regulatory
capital. However, we would not be required to capitalize our
SBIC subsidiary with $75 million and may determine to
capitalize it with a lesser amount. In addition, if we are able
to obtain financing under the SBIC program, the SBIC subsidiary
will be subject to regulation and oversight by the SBA,
including requirements with respect to maintaining certain
minimum financial ratios and other covenants. In connection with
the filing of the SBA license application, we will be applying
for exemptive relief from the SEC to permit us to exclude the
debt of the SBIC subsidiary guaranteed by the SBA from the
consolidated asset coverage ratio, and, if obtained, will enable
us to fund more investments with debt capital. However, there
can be no assurance that we will be granted an SBIC license or
that if granted it will be granted in a timely manner or that we
will receive the exemptive relief from the SEC. Based upon an
analysis of our Advisors loan originations since
inception, as further evidenced by the Move Forward Letter,
Technology Lending is an appropriate use of the SBA debenture
program.
|
|
|
|
Customized Loan Documentation Process. Our
Advisor employs an internally managed documentation process that
assures that each loan transaction is documented using our
enterprise value loan documents specifically
tailored to each transaction. Our Advisor uses experienced
in-house senior legal counsel to oversee the documentation and
negotiation of each of our transactions.
|
|
|
|
Active Portfolio Management. Because many of
our portfolio companies are privately held, development-stage
companies in our Target Industries, our Advisor employs a
hands on approach to its portfolio management
processes and procedures. Our Advisor requires the private
portfolio companies to provide monthly financial information,
and our Advisor participates in quarterly discussions with the
management and investors of our portfolio companies. Our Advisor
prepares monthly management reporting and internally rates each
portfolio company.
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Composition. Monitoring the
composition of the portfolio is an important component of the
overall growth and portfolio management strategy. Our Advisor
monitors the portfolio regularly to avoid undue focus in any
sub-industry, stage of development or geographic area. By
regularly monitoring the portfolio for these factors we attempt
to reduce the risk of down market cycles associated with any
particular industry, development-stage or geographic area.
|
66
Market
Opportunity
Our Target Industries. We intend to focus our
investments primarily in four key industries of the emerging
technology market: technology, life science, healthcare
information and services, and cleantech. The technology industry
sectors we intend to focus on include communications,
networking, wireless communications, data storage, software,
cloud computing, semiconductor, internet and media, and
consumer-related technologies. Life science sectors we intend to
focus on include biotechnology, drug delivery, bioinformatics,
and medical devices. Healthcare information and services sectors
we intend to focus on include diagnostics, medical record
services and software, and other healthcare related services and
technologies that improve efficiency and quality of administered
healthcare. Cleantech sectors we intend to focus on include
alternative energy, water purification, energy efficiency, green
building materials, and waste recycling.
Technology Lending. We believe that Technology
Lending has the potential to achieve enhanced returns that are
attractive notwithstanding the increased level of risk
associated with lending to development-stage companies.
Potential benefits include:
|
|
|
|
|
Higher Interest Rates. Technology Loans
typically bear interest at rates that exceed the rates that
would be available to portfolio companies if they could borrow
in traditional commercial financing transactions. We believe
these rates provide a risk-adjusted return to lenders compared
with other types of debt investing and provide a significantly
less expensive alternative to equity financing for
development-stage companies.
|
|
|
|
Loan Support Provided by Cash Proceeds from Equity Capital
Provided by Venture Capital and Private Equity
Firms. In many cases, a Technology Lender makes a
Technology Loan to a portfolio company in conjunction with, or
immediately after, a substantial venture capital or private
equity investment in the portfolio company. This equity capital
investment supports the loan by initially providing a source of
cash to fund the portfolio companys debt service
obligations. In addition, because the loan ranks senior in
priority of payment to the equity capital investment, the
portfolio company must repay that debt before the equity capital
investors realize a return on their investment. If the portfolio
company subsequently becomes distressed, its venture capital and
private equity investors will likely have an incentive to assist
it in avoiding a payment default, which could lead to
foreclosure on the secured assets. We believe that the support
of venture capital and private equity investors increases the
likelihood that a Technology Loan will be repaid.
|
|
|
|
Relatively Rapid Amortization of
Loans. Technology Loans typically require that
interest payments begin within one month of closing, and
principal payments begin within twelve months of closing,
thereby returning capital to the lender and reducing the capital
at risk with respect to the investment. Because Technology Loans
are typically made at the time of, or soon after, a portfolio
company completes a significant venture capital or private
equity financing, the portfolio company usually has sufficient
funds to begin making scheduled principal and interest payments
even if it is not then generating revenue
and/or
positive cash flow. If a portfolio company is able to increase
its enterprise value during the term of the loan
(which is typically between 24 and 48 months), the lender
may also benefit from a reduced loan-to-value ratio, which
reduces the risk of the loan.
|
|
|
|
Senior Ranking to Equity and
Collateralization. A Technology Loan is typically
secured by some or all of the portfolio companys assets,
thus making the loan senior in priority to the equity invested
in the portfolio company. In many cases, if a portfolio company
defaults on its loan, the value of this collateral will provide
the lender with an opportunity to recover all or a portion of
its investment. Because holders of equity interests in a
portfolio company will generally lose their investments before
the Technology Lender experiences losses, we believe that the
likelihood of losing all of our invested capital in a Technology
Loan is lower than would be the case with an equity investment.
|
|
|
|
Potential Equity Appreciation Through
Warrants. Technology Lenders are typically
granted warrants in portfolio companies as additional
consideration for making Technology Loans. The warrants permit
the Technology Lender to purchase equity securities of the
portfolio companies at the same price paid by the portfolio
companys investors for such preferred stock in the most
recent or next equity round of the portfolio companys
financing. Historically, warrants granted to Technology Lenders
have generally had a term of ten years and been in dollar
amounts equal to between 5% and 20% of the principal loan
amount. Warrants
|
67
|
|
|
|
|
provide Technology Lenders with an opportunity to participate in
the potential growth in value of the portfolio company, thereby
increasing the potential return on investment.
|
We believe that Technology Lending also provides an attractive
financing source for portfolio companies, their management teams
and their equity capital investors, because of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Technology Loans are Typically Less Dilutive than Venture
Capital and Private Equity Financing. Technology
Loans allow a company to access the cash necessary to implement
its business plan without diluting the existing investors in the
company. Typically, the warrants or other equity securities
issued as part of a Technology Lending transaction result in
only minimal dilution to existing investors as compared to the
potential dilution of a new equity round of financing.
|
|
|
|
Technology Loans Extend the Time Period During Which a
Portfolio Company Can Operate Before Seeking Additional Equity
Financing. By using a Technology Loan,
development-stage companies can postpone the need for their next
round of equity financing, thereby extending their cash
available to fund operations. This delay can provide portfolio
companies with additional time to improve technology, achieve
development milestones and, potentially, increase the
companys valuation before seeking more equity investments.
|
|
|
|
Technology Loans Allow Portfolio Companies to Better Match
Cash Sources with Uses. Debt is often used to
fund infrastructure costs, including office space and laboratory
equipment. The use of debt to fund infrastructure costs allows a
portfolio company to spread these costs over time, thereby
conserving cash at a stage when its revenues may not be
sufficient to cover expenses. Similarly, working capital
financing may be used to fund selling and administrative
expenses ahead of anticipated corresponding revenue. In both
instances, equity capital is preserved for research and
development expenses or future expansion.
|
Market Size. Our Advisor estimates, based upon
our 16 years of experience making Technology Loans to
companies in our Target Industries, that during such period the
ratio of the aggregate principal amount of debt investments made
to the aggregate capital invested by venture capital investors
has been approximately 10% to 20%. According to Dow Jones
VentureSource, $23.3 billion of venture capital equity was
invested in companies in our Target Industries during 2009.
Accordingly, based on our Advisors past experience, we
would estimate that the size of the Technology Loan market for
2009 was in the range of approximately $2.0 billion to
$4.0 billion. We believe that the market for Technology
Loans should grow over the next several years based upon several
factors. We believe the level of venture capital investment for
2009 is at a cyclical low, as shown by the $33.5 billion
and $31.9 billion of venture capital investment for 2007
and 2008, respectively, as reported by DowJones VentureSource.
We believe that the comparable period of 2009 in the venture
capital investment cycle is 2003, because 2003 represented the
last period of decline in the amount of venture capital
investment following the burst of the technology bubble in 2000.
Venture capital investment steadily increased from
$23.5 billion in 2004 to $33.5 billion in 2007 as,
reported by Dow Jones VentureSource, representing a compounded
annual growth rate of 9.3% for that period. Our belief that 2009
was a low point in the venture capital investment cycle is
further supported by the fact that the amount of venture capital
investment in the last three quarters of 2009 increased from a
13 year low of $4.3 billion in the first quarter of
2009 to $6.1 billion in the second quarter of 2009,
$5.9 billion in the third quarter of 2009, and
$7.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009. Dow Jones
VentureSource further reported venture capital investments of
$7.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to $6.5
billion in the fourth quarter of 2008, representing a 8%
increase period to period. That positive trend continued into
2010 with venture capital investments of $4.7 billion and
$7.7 billion for the first and second quarters of 2010,
respectively, compared to $4.3 billion and
$6.1 billion, for the first and second quarters of 2009,
respectively, representing comparable period to period increases
of 9% and 26%, respectively. The potential for future growth in
the market for Technology Loans is also supported by the fact
that, according to Dow Jones VentureSource, there was
$17 billion of liquidity events related to M&A and IPO
activity for companies in our Target Industries in 2009, of
which $7.3 billion was generated in the fourth quarter,
representing 44% of the total activity for the year. This not
only returns capital to investors which can be reinvested in
venture capital investments, but also makes venture capital a
more attractive investment class to investors, thus attracting
additional capital. In addition, nearer term exits for venture
capital investors, reinforces Technology Loans as a cheaper
financing alternative than venture capital for companies in our
Target Industries and their investors, thus driving up demand
for Technology Loans.
68
Portfolio Company Valuations. According to Dow
Jones VentureSource, from 2007 through 2009 valuations of
existing companies in our Target Industries significantly
decreased, as they did for most asset classes. We believe this
decrease was due to general macroeconomic conditions, including
lower demand for products and services, lack of availability of
capital and investors decreased risk tolerance. We believe
the decrease in valuations in our Target Industries caused by
macroeconomic factors may present a cyclical opportunity to
participate in warrant gains in excess of those which are
typically experienced by Technology Lenders. Our future
portfolio companies may not only increase in value due to their
successful technology development
and/or
revenue growth, but as macroeconomic conditions improve,
valuations may also increase due to the general increase in
demand for goods and services, the greater availability of
capital and an increase in investor risk tolerance. An example
of the positive and negative macroeconomic impact on valuations
last occurred in the years between 2001 and 2005. Following the
macroeconomic impact of the technology downturn of 2001 and the
events of 9/11, according to Dow Jones
VentureSource, median valuations for venture capital backed
technology-related financing fell from $25 million at
December 2000 to $10 million at January 2003, but by
December 2005, median valuations for venture capital backed
technology related financings had risen to $15 million.
Competitive
Strengths
We believe that we, together with our Advisor, possess
significant competitive strengths, including:
Consistently execute commitments and close
transactions. Our Advisor and its senior
management and investment professionals have an extensive track
record of originating, underwriting and closing Technology
Loans. Our Advisor has directly originated, underwritten, and
managed more than 115 Technology Loans with an aggregate
original principal amount of $700 million since it
commenced operations in 2004 to the present. In our experience,
prospective portfolio companies prefer lenders that have
demonstrated their ability to deliver on their commitments. Our
Advisors ability to deliver on its commitments has
resulted in satisfied portfolio companies, management teams and
venture capital and private equity investors and created an
extensive base of transaction sources and references for our
Advisor.
Robust direct origination capabilities. Our
Advisors managing directors each have significant
experience originating Technology Loans in our Target
Industries. This experience has given each managing director a
deep knowledge of our Target Industries and, assisted by their
long standing working relationships with our Advisors
senior management and our Advisors brand name recognition
in our market, has resulted in a steady flow of high quality
investment opportunities that are consistent with the strategic
vision and expectations of our Advisors senior management.
The combination of the managing directors experience and
their close working relationship with our Advisors senior
management, together with the extensive base of transaction
sources and references generated by our Advisors active
participation in the Technology Lending market, has created an
efficient marketing and sales organization.
Access to capital. Since it commenced
operations in 2004, our Advisor has always had access to capital
which allowed it to consistently offer Technology Loans to
companies in our Target Industries, including offering loans
through Compass Horizon during the difficult economic markets of
2008 and 2009. Our Advisors demonstrated access to
capital, including through the Credit Facility, has created
awareness among companies in our Target Industries of our
Advisors consistent ability to make Technology Loans
without interruption in all market conditions, thus making our
Advisor a trusted source for Technology Loans to companies,
their management teams and their venture capital and private
equity investors.
Highly experienced and cohesive management
team. Our Advisor has had the same senior
management team of experienced professionals since its
inception, thereby creating awareness among companies in our
Target Industries, their management and their investors that
prospective portfolio companies of Horizon will receive
consistent and predictable service, in terms of available loan
products and economic terms, underwriting requirements, loan
closing process and portfolio management. This consistency
allows companies, their management teams and their investors to
predict likely outcomes when expending resources in seeking and
obtaining Technology Loans from us. Companies may not have the
same level of predictability when dealing with other lenders in
the Technology Lending market. Our Advisor is led by five senior
managers, including its two co-founders, Robert D.
Pomeroy, Jr., our Chief Executive Officer, and Gerald A.
Michaud, our President, each of whom
69
has more than 23 years of experience in Technology Lending.
Christopher M. Mathieu, our SVP and Chief Financial Officer, has
more than 16 years of Technology Lending experience, and
each of John C. Bombara, our SVP and General Counsel, and Daniel
S. Devorsetz, our SVP and Chief Credit Officer, has more than
nine years experience in Technology Lending. Our Advisor has an
additional eight experienced professionals with marketing,
legal, accounting, and portfolio management experience in
Technology Lending. The co-founders and some of the team have
worked together for over 16 years during which they
started, built and managed Technology Lending businesses for
GATX Ventures, Inc., Transamerica Technology Finance and
Financing for Science International. In addition to originating
and managing loans and investments on behalf of Compass Horizon,
our Advisor has originated and managed loans and investments on
behalf of several other externally managed private funds. Since
our Advisor commenced operations in 2004 through
December 31, 2009, our Advisor has originated over
$700 million of investments to more than 115 companies
in our Target Industries. As of the date of this prospectus,
only the Compass Horizon fund is actively making new investments.
Relationships with venture capital and private equity
investors. Our Advisors senior management
team and managing directors have developed a comprehensive
knowledge of the venture capital and private equity firms and
their partners that participate in our Target Industries.
Because of our Advisors senior management and managing
directors demonstrated history of delivering loan
commitments and value to many of these firms portfolio
companies, our Advisor has developed strong relationships with
many of these firms and their partners. The strength and breadth
of our Advisors venture capital and private equity
relationships would take considerable time and expense to
develop. We will rely on these relationships to implement our
business plan.
Well-known brand name. Our Advisor has
originated over $700 million in Technology Loans to more
than 115 companies in our Target Industries under the
Horizon Technology Finance brand. Each of these
companies is backed by one or more venture capital or private
equity firms, thus creating a network of Target Industry
companies and equity sponsors who know of, and have worked with,
Horizon Technology Finance. In addition, our Advisor
has attended, participated in, or moderated venture lending or
alternative financing panel sessions at venture capital,
technology, life sciences and other industry related events over
the past six years. This pro-active participation in the lending
market for our Target Industries has created strong and positive
brand name recognition for our Advisor. We believe that the
Horizon Technology Finance brand is a competent,
knowledgeable and active participant in the Technology Lending
marketplace and will continue to result in a significant number
of referrals and prospective investment opportunities in our
Target Industries.
Demonstrated track record with strong
returns. Our Advisors senior managers
collectively have also originated, underwritten, and managed
more than 440 Technology Loans with an aggregate commitment of
more than $1.0 billion from 1993 to 2003 at other
organizations including, GATX Ventures, Inc., Transamerica
Technology Finance and Financing for Science International. The
success of our Advisors track record in both up and down
business cycles, as described more fully elsewhere in this
prospectus, is a result of our Advisors knowledge base and
its processes developed from its Technology Lending experience.
Our Advisors developed knowledge base and processes
include its unique investment criteria, its creation of an
efficient and successful origination process, its establishment
of back office operations, its knowledge of staffing needs, its
legal, regulatory and institutional compliance knowledge and
processes, its designation of specific roles for its investment
team members, and its processes for the underwriting,
documenting and monitoring of a portfolio of Technology Loans.
Flexibility of capital. With our
Advisors experience in structuring and managing Technology
Loans, our Advisor has provided, and we expect to provide, loan
terms to portfolio companies in our Target Industries that
provide more value to a portfolio company than loan terms that
would otherwise be available from other commercial lenders or
other Technology Loan providers. We may be able to offer
flexible terms on interest rates, warrant coverage, repayment
schedules, advances based upon development milestones, interest
only periods, and deferred principal payments that provide
valuable flexibility during times of our portfolio
companies critical cash needs without significantly
increasing capital risk. To the extent that additional risk is
taken, we may adjust our returns for such risk by obtaining
additional commitment, success and non use fees and additional
warrants. We expect that allowing our portfolio companies more
flexible loan terms will allow our portfolio companies to be
successful, while allowing us to achieve more favorable economic
returns than are available in traditional commercial financing
transactions.
70
Disciplined underwriting and monitoring process with focus on
preservation of capital. Our Advisors
investment process focuses first on capital preservation. The
investment process for each proposed transaction involves
conducting in depth due diligence, including meeting with the
prospective portfolio companys senior management team,
gaining detailed understanding of the prospective portfolio
companys management team experience, its investors and its
investors support for the prospective portfolio company,
business plans, technology, markets, financial projections, fund
raising history and future plans and the potential for warrant
gains. The due diligence typically includes the use of
independent verification with prospective portfolio
companys customers, investors, strategic partners and
market research. The results of our Advisors due diligence
for each proposed transaction are clearly documented in a
comprehensive investment memorandum, which is then submitted to
our Advisors investment committee. As a result of our
focus on capital preservation, the principal amount of our loans
is generally less than 25% of the enterprise value of the
portfolio company.
Diverse investment portfolio. Portfolio
diversity is an important component to achieving successful
returns for Technology Loans. Our Advisor intends to monitor our
loan portfolio regularly to avoid undue focus in any industry,
sector, stage of development or geographic area. By regularly
monitoring the portfolio for these factors we will attempt to
reduce the risk of down market cycles associated with any
particular industry, sector, development-stage or geographic
area.
Stages of
Development of Venture Capital and Private Equity-backed
Companies
Below is a typical development curve for a company in our Target
Industries and the various milestones along the development
curve where we believe a Technology Loan may be a preferred
financing solution:
Investment
Criteria
We have identified several criteria that we believe have proven,
and will prove, important in achieving our investment objective
with respect to prospective portfolio companies. These criteria
provide general guidelines for our investment decisions.
However, we caution you that not all of these criteria are met
by each portfolio company in which we choose to invest.
Portfolio Composition. We invest in venture
capital and private equity-backed development-stage companies in
our Target Industries. We have made, and plan to make,
investments which will result in a portfolio of investments in
companies that are diversified by their stage of development,
their Target Industries and sectors of Target
71
Industries, and their geographical location, as well as by the
venture capital and private equity sponsors that support our
portfolio companies.
Continuing Support from One or More Venture Capital and
Private Equity Investors. We typically invest in
companies in which one or more established venture capital and
private equity investors have previously invested and continue
to make a contribution to the management of the business. We
believe that established venture capital and private equity
investors can serve as a committed partner and will assist their
portfolio companies and their management teams in creating value.
Company Stage of Development. While we invest
in companies at various stages of development, we require that
prospective portfolio companies be beyond the seed stage of
development and have received at least their first round of
venture capital or private equity financing. We expect a
prospective portfolio company to demonstrate its ability to
advance technology and increase its revenue and operating cash
flow over time. The anticipated growth rate of a prospective
portfolio company will be a key factor in determining the value
that we ascribe to any warrants that we may acquire in
connection with making debt investments.
Operating Plan. We generally require that a
prospective portfolio company, in addition to having sufficient
access to capital to support leverage, demonstrate an operating
plan capable of generating cash flows or the ability to raise
the additional capital necessary to cover its operating expenses
and service its debt. We expect that the enterprise value of a
prospective portfolio company should substantially exceed the
principal balance of debt borrowed by the company.
Liquidation Value of Assets. The prospective
liquidation value of the assets collateralizing our loans is an
important factor in our credit analysis. We emphasize both
tangible assets, such as accounts receivable, inventory,
equipment and real estate, and intangible assets, such as
intellectual property, networks and databases and future revenue
streams. In some cases, rather than obtaining a lien on
intellectual property we may receive a negative pledge covering
a companys intellectual property.
Terms. Although terms vary based on the
portfolio company and other conditions, the typical repayment
term is between 24 and 48 months. The amortization schedule
will vary, but there is typically some form of an interest only
period and, in some cases, there is a balloon payment at the end
of the term.
Warrants and Equity Participation Rights. We
generally receive warrants having terms consistent with the most
recent or next round of venture capital and private equity
capital financing. We do not view the upside appreciation
potential of warrants as a means to mitigate risk, but rather to
ensure that the compensation we receive is appropriate for the
level of risk being undertaken. We also may seek to receive
equity participation rights to invest in a future round of a
portfolio companys equity capital financing through direct
capital investments in our portfolio companies. These
opportunities to invest are at our option and we are not
obligated to make such investments. Other than one investment
for $100,000, we have not elected to exercise any equity
participation rights.
Experienced Management of Portfolio
Companies. We generally require that our
portfolio companies have a successful and experienced management
team. We also require the portfolio companies to have in place
proper incentives to induce management to succeed and to act in
concert with our interests as investors.
Exit Strategy. We analyze the potential for
that company to increase the liquidity of its equity through a
future event that would enable us to realize appreciation in the
value of our warrants or other equity interests. Liquidity
events typically include an IPO or a sale of the company.
Investment
Process
We believe that our Advisors team members are leaders in
the Technology Lending industry and that the depth and breadth
of experience of our Advisors investment professionals
exceeds that of many of our competitors. Our Advisor has created
an integrated approach to the loan origination, underwriting,
approval and documentation process that effectively combines all
of the skills of our Advisors professionals. This process
allows our Advisor to achieve an efficient and timely closing of
an investment from the initial contact with a prospective
portfolio company through the close of documentation and funding
of the investment, while ensuring that our Advisors
rigorous underwriting standards are consistently maintained.
During the investment process, several of our
72
Advisors investment professionals are involved in the
analysis, decision-making and documentation of prospective
investments. After closing, our Advisor typically employs a
hands on portfolio management process, regularly
contacting our portfolio companies. Our Advisor also utilizes a
proprietary credit rating system designed to effectively and
efficiently assist our Advisors portfolio managers
and senior managements analysis of the credit quality of
investments on an individual basis and a portfolio basis and our
ability to allocate internal resources accordingly.
We believe that the high level of involvement by our
Advisors staff in the various phases of the investment
process allows us to minimize the credit risk while delivering
superior service to our portfolio companies.
Origination. Our Advisors loan
origination process begins with its industry-focused regional
managing directors who are responsible for identifying,
contacting and screening prospects. The managing directors meet
with key decision makers and deal referral sources such as
venture capital and private equity firms and management teams
and legal firms, accounting firms, investment banks and other
lenders to source prospective portfolio companies. We believe
our brand name and management team are well known within the
Technology Lending community, as well as by many repeat
entrepreneurs and board members of prospective portfolio
companies. These broad relationships, which reach across the
Technology Lending industry, give rise to a significant portion
of our Advisors deal origination.
The responsible managing director of our Advisor obtains review
materials from the prospective portfolio company and from those
materials, as well as other available information, determines
whether it is appropriate for our Advisor to issue a non-binding
term sheet. The managing director bases this decision to proceed
on his or her experience, the competitive environment and the
prospective portfolio companys needs and also seeks the
counsel of our Advisors senior management and investment
team.
Term Sheet. If the managing director
determines, after review and consultation with senior
management, that the potential transaction meets our
Advisors initial credit standards, our Advisor will issue
a non-binding term sheet to the prospective portfolio company.
The terms of the transaction are tailored to a prospective
portfolio companys specific funding needs while taking
into consideration market dynamics, the quality of the
management team, the venture capital and private equity
investors involved and applicable credit criteria, which may
include the prospective portfolio companys existing cash
resources, the development of its technology and the anticipated
timing for the next round of equity financing.
Underwriting. Once the term sheet has been
negotiated and executed and the prospective portfolio company
has remitted a good faith deposit, the managing director will
request additional due diligence materials from the prospective
portfolio company and arrange for a due diligence visit.
Our Advisor typically requests the following information as part
of the underwriting process:
|
|
|
|
|
annual and interim financial information;
|
|
|
|
capitalization tables showing details of equity capital raised
and ownership;
|
|
|
|
recent presentations to investors or board members covering the
portfolio companys current status and market opportunity;
|
|
|
|
detailed business plan, including an executive summary and
discussion of market opportunity;
|
|
|
|
detailed background on all members of management;
|
|
|
|
articles and papers written about the prospective portfolio
company and its market;
|
|
|
|
detailed forecast for the current and subsequent fiscal year
including monthly cash forecast;
|
|
|
|
information on competitors and the prospective portfolio
companys competitive advantage;
|
|
|
|
marketing information on the prospective portfolio
companys products, if any;
|
|
|
|
information on the prospective portfolio companys
intellectual property; and
|
73
|
|
|
|
|
introduction to the prospective portfolio companys
scientific advisory board and industry thought leaders.
|
Due Diligence. The due diligence process
includes a formal visit to the prospective portfolio
companys location and interviews with the prospective
portfolio companys senior management team including its
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief
Scientific or Technology Officer, principal marketing or sales
professional and other key managers. The process includes
contact with key analysts that affect the prospective portfolio
companys business, including analysts that follow the
technology market, thought leaders in our Target Industries and
important customers or partners, if any. Outside sources of
information are reviewed, including industry publications,
scientific and market articles, Internet publications, publicly
available information on competitors or competing technologies
and information known to our Advisors investment team from
their experience in the technology markets.
A key element of the due diligence process is interviewing key
existing investors in the prospective portfolio company, who are
often also members of the prospective portfolio companys
board of directors. While these board members
and/or
investors are not independent sources of information, their
support for management and willingness to support the
prospective portfolio companys further development are
critical elements of our decision making process.
Investment Memorandum. Upon completion of the
due diligence process and review and analysis of all of the
information provided by the prospective portfolio company and
obtained externally, our Advisors assigned credit officer
prepares an investment memorandum for review and approval.
The investment memorandum generally includes:
|
|
|
|
|
an investment thesis;
|
|
|
|
an overview of the prospective portfolio company and transaction;
|
|
|
|
a discussion of how much of the investment is at risk;
|
|
|
|
an analysis of why the investment is worth the risk;
|
|
|
|
a discussion of risks and mitigants;
|
|
|
|
a loan description;
|
|
|
|
an overview of the prospective portfolio companys market,
competition, products, technology, sales pipeline, management,
intellectual property, etc.;
|
|
|
|
a discussion of venture capital and private equity sponsorship;
|
|
|
|
summary financial results;
|
|
|
|
projections and cash forecasts, including company forecasts and
potential downside scenario projections; and
|
|
|
|
an exit valuation.
|
The investment memorandum is reviewed by our Advisors
senior credit officer and submitted to our Advisors
investment committee for approval.
Investment Committee. Our board of directors
delegates authority for all investment decisions to our
Advisors investment committee. Our Advisors
investment committee has made investment decisions for Compass
Horizon as well as other affiliated funds. The investment
committee currently consists of Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr.,
Gerald A. Michaud, Daniel S. Devorsetz and Kevin T. Walsh.
Our Advisors investment committee will be responsible for
overall credit policy, portfolio management, approval of all
investments, portfolio monitoring and reporting and managing of
problem accounts. The committee will interact with the entire
staff of our Advisor to review potential transactions and deal
flow. This interaction of cross-functional members of our
Advisors staff assures efficient transaction sourcing,
negotiating and underwriting throughout the transaction process.
Portfolio performance and current market conditions will be
reviewed and
74
discussed by the investment committee on a regular basis to
assure that transaction structures and terms are consistent and
current.
The portfolio manager responsible for the account will present
any proposed transaction to the investment committee at its
committee meeting. Other deal team members from our Advisor are
encouraged to participate in the committee meeting, bringing
market, transaction and competitive information to the decision
making process. The investment decision must be approved by a
majority of the committee and by both Mr. Pomeroy and
Mr. Michaud.
Loan Closing and Funding. Approved investments
are documented and closed by our Advisors in-house legal
and loan administration staff. Loan documentation is based upon
standard templates created by our Advisor and is customized for
each transaction to reflect the specific deal terms. The
transaction documents typically include a loan and security
agreement, warrant agreement and applicable perfection
documents, including Uniform Commercial Code financing
statements, and, as applicable, may also include a landlord
agreement, patent and trademark security grants, a subordination
agreement and other standard agreements for commercial loans in
the Technology Lending industry. Funding requires final approval
by our Advisors General Counsel, Chief Executive Officer
or President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Credit Officer.
Portfolio Management and Reporting. Our
Advisor maintains a hands on approach to maintain
communication with our portfolio companies. At least quarterly,
our Advisor contacts our portfolio companies for operational and
financial updates by phone and performs onsite reviews on an
annual basis. Our Advisor may contact portfolio companies deemed
to have greater credit risk on a monthly basis. Our Advisor
requires all private companies to provide financial statements
on a monthly basis. For public companies, our Advisor typically
relies on publicly reported quarterly financials. Our Advisor
also typically receives copies of bank and security statements,
as well as any other information required to verify reported
financial information. Among other things, this allows our
Advisor to identify any unexpected developments in the financial
performance or condition of the company.
Our Advisor has developed a proprietary credit rating system to
analyze the quality of our loans. Using this system, our Advisor
analyzes and then rates the credit risk within the portfolio on
a monthly basis. Each portfolio company is rated on a 1 through
4 scale, with 3 representing the rating for a standard level of
risk. A rating of 4 represents an improved and better credit
quality. A rating of 2 or 1 represents a deteriorating credit
quality and increasing risk. Newly funded investments are
typically assigned a rating of 3, unless extraordinary
circumstances require otherwise. These investment ratings are
generated internally by our Advisor, and we cannot guarantee
that others would assign the same ratings to our portfolio
investments or similar portfolio investments.
Our Advisor closely monitors portfolio companies rated a 1 or 2
for adverse developments. In addition, our Advisor has regular
contact with the management, board of directors and major equity
holders of these portfolio companies in order to discuss
strategic initiatives to correct the deterioration of the
portfolio company (e.g., cost reductions, new equity issuance or
strategic sale of the business).
75
The table below describes each rating level:
|
|
|
Rating
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
The portfolio company has performed in excess of our
expectations at underwriting as demonstrated by exceeding
revenue milestones, clinical milestones, or other operating
metrics or as a result of raising capital well in excess of our
underwriting assumptions. Generally the portfolio company
displays one or more of the following: its enterprise value
greatly exceeds our loan balance; it has achieved cash flow
positive operations or has sufficient cash resources to cover
the remaining balance of the loan; there is strong potential for
warrant gains from our warrants; and there is a high likelihood
that the borrower will receive favorable future financing to
support operations. Loans rated 4 are the lowest risk profile in
our portfolio and there is no expected risk of principal loss.
|
3
|
|
The portfolio company has performed to our expectations at
underwriting as demonstrated by hitting revenue milestones,
clinical milestones, or other operating metrics. It has raised,
or is expected to raise, capital consistent with our
underwriting assumptions. Generally the portfolio company
displays one or more of the following: its enterprise value
comfortably exceeds our loan balance; it has sufficient cash
resources to operate per its plan; it is expected to raise
additional capital as needed; and there continues to be
potential for warrant gains from our warrants. All new loans are
rated 3 when approved and thereafter 3 rated loans represent a
standard risk profile, with no loss currently expected.
|
2
|
|
The portfolio company has performed below our expectations at
underwriting as demonstrated by missing revenue milestones,
delayed clinical progress, or otherwise failing to meet
projected operating metrics. It may have raised capital in
support of the poorer performance but generally on less
favorable terms than originally contemplated at the time of
underwriting. Generally the portfolio company displays one or
more of the following: its enterprise value exceeds our loan
balance but at a lower multiple than originally expected; it has
sufficient cash to operate per its plan but liquidity may be
tight; and it is planning to raise additional capital but there
is uncertainty and the potential for warrant gains from our
warrants are possible, but unlikely. Loans rated 2 represent an
increased level of risk. While no loss is currently anticipated
for a 2 rated loan, there is potential for future loss of
principal.
|
1
|
|
The portfolio company has performed well below plan as
demonstrated by materially missing revenue milestones, delayed
or failed clinical progress, or otherwise failing to meet
operating metrics. The portfolio company has not raised
sufficient capital to operate effectively or retire its debt
obligation to us. Generally the portfolio company displays one
or more of the following: its enterprise value may not exceed
our loan balance; it has insufficient cash to operate per its
plan and liquidity may be tight; and there are uncertain plans
to raise additional capital or the portfolio company is being
sold under distressed conditions. There is no potential for
warrant gains from our warrants. Loans rated 1 are generally put
on non-accrual and represent a high degree of risk of loss. The
fair value of 1 rated loans is reduced to the amount that is
expected to be recovered from liquidation of the collateral.
|
For a discussion of the ratings of our existing portfolio, see
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Portfolio
Composition and Investment Activity.
Managerial
Assistance
As a business development company, we will offer, through our
Advisor, and must provide upon request, managerial assistance to
certain of our portfolio companies. This assistance may involve,
among other things, monitoring the operations of the portfolio
companies, participating in board of directors and management
meetings, consulting with and advising officers of portfolio
companies and providing other organizational and financial
guidance.
We may receive fees for these services, though we may reimburse
our Advisor for its expenses related to providing such services
on our behalf.
76
Competition
We compete for investments with other business development
companies and investment funds, as well as traditional financial
services companies such as commercial banks and other financing
sources. Some of our competitors are larger and have greater
financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we
have. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of
funds and access to funding sources that are not available to
us. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the
regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act will impose on us as a
business development company or that the Code will impose on us
as a RIC. We believe we compete effectively with these entities
primarily on the basis of the experience, industry knowledge and
contacts of our Advisors investment professionals, its
responsiveness and efficient investment analysis and
decision-making processes, its creative financing products and
highly customized investment terms. We do not intend to compete
primarily on the interest rates we offer and believe that some
competitors make loans with rates that are comparable or lower
than our rates. For additional information concerning the
competitive risks see Risk Factors Risks
Related to Our Business and Structure We operate in
a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, and if
we are not able to compete effectively, our business, results of
operations and financial condition may be adversely affected and
the value of your investment in us could decline.
Portfolio
Turnover
We do not have a formal portfolio turnover policy and do not
intend to adopt one.
Employees
We do not have any employees. Each of our executive officers
described under Management below is an employee of
our Advisor. The day-to-day investment operations will be
managed by our Advisor. As of September 30, 2010, our
Advisor had 13 employees, including investment and
portfolio management professionals, operations and accounting
professionals, legal counsel and administrative staff. In
addition, we reimburse our Advisor for our allocable portion of
expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations under the
administration agreement, including our allocable portion of the
cost of our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer
and their respective staffs.
Properties
We do not own any real estate or other physical properties
materially important to our operation. Our headquarters and our
Advisors headquarters are currently located at 76
Batterson Park Road, Farmington, Connecticut 06032.
Legal
Proceedings
Neither we nor our Advisor are currently subject to any material
legal proceedings.
77
PORTFOLIO
COMPANIES
All of the investments listed below are currently direct or
indirect assets of Compass Horizon and will become assets of the
Company following the Share Exchange. Additionally, all of the
loans listed below are currently performing and are unimpaired.
Other than these investments, our only formal relationships with
our portfolio companies are the managerial assistance that we
may provide upon request and the board observer or participation
rights we may receive in connection with our investment. We do
not control and are not an affiliate of
any of our portfolio companies, each as defined in the 1940 Act.
In general, under the 1940 Act, we would control a
portfolio company if we owned more than 25% of its voting
securities and would be an affiliate of a portfolio
company if we owned 5% or more of its voting securities.
The following table sets forth certain information for each
portfolio company in which we had an investment as of
September 30, 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity
|
|
|
Cost of
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio
Company(1)
|
|
Target Industry Sector
|
|
Type of
Investment(2)
|
|
Interest(3)
|
|
of Loans
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
ACT Biotech, Inc.
717 Market Street, Suite 650
San Francisco, CA 94103
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.10%
12.01%
|
|
|
6/1/13
6/1/13
|
|
|
$
|
1,000,000
1,000,000
23,437
|
|
|
$
|
1,000,000
1,000,000
23,210
|
|
Advanced BioHealing, Inc.
10933 N. Torrey Pines Rd.,
Suite 200
La Jolla, CA 92037
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,887
|
|
|
|
1,207,863
|
|
Ambit Biosciences, Inc.
4215 Sorrento Valley Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92121
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.25%
|
|
|
10/1/13
|
|
|
|
6,000,000
142,943
|
|
|
|
6,000,000
170,655
|
|
Anesiva,
Inc.(4)
650 Gateway Boulevard
South San Francisco, CA 94080
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Common Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,233
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arcot Systems, Inc.
455 West Maude Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,001
|
|
|
|
132,026
|
|
BioScale, Inc.
75 Sidney Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
|
|
Healthcare Information and
Services Diagnostics
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.00%
|
|
|
8/1/12
|
|
|
|
2,809,660
12,786
|
|
|
|
2,809,660
7,146
|
|
Calypso Medical
Technologies, Inc.
2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,047
|
|
|
|
89,626
|
|
Cartera Commerce, Inc.
One Cranberry Hill, Suite 403
Lexington, MA 02421
|
|
Technology Internet and
Media
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.75%
|
|
|
6/1/12
|
|
|
|
1,825,128
16,155
|
|
|
|
1,825,128
36,708
|
|
Clarabridge, Inc.
11400 Commerce Park Drive,
Suite 500
Reston, VA 20191
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.50%
12.50%
|
|
|
1/1/13
6/1/13
|
|
|
|
1,304,352
750,000
27,700
|
|
|
|
1,304,352
750,000
23,906
|
|
Concentric Medical, Inc.
301 East Evelyn Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94041
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.04%
|
|
|
9/1/13
|
|
|
|
7,000,000
84,497
|
|
|
|
7,000,000
84,703
|
|
Courion Corporation
1881 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01701
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.45%
|
|
|
12/1/11
|
|
|
|
1,338,879
6,715
|
|
|
|
1,338,879
23,242
|
|
DriveCam, Inc.
8911 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92123
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,670
|
|
|
|
7,355
|
|
Enphase Energy, Inc.
201 1st Street, Suite 300
Petaluma, CA 94952
|
|
Technology Energy Efficiency
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.60%
|
|
|
10/1/13
|
|
|
|
7,000,000
122,053
|
|
|
|
7,000,000
115,327
|
|
EnteroMedics,
Inc.(4)
2800 Patton Road
Saint Paul, MN 55113
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Common Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
346,795
|
|
|
|
1,224
|
|
Everyday Health, Inc.
45 Main Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
Technologies
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
68,658
|
|
|
|
82,377
|
|
78
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity
|
|
|
Cost of
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio
Company(1)
|
|
Target Industry Sector
|
|
Type of
Investment(2)
|
|
Interest(3)
|
|
of Loans
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Genesis Networks, Inc.
One Penn Plaza, Suite 2010
New York, NY 10119
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
15.00%
|
|
|
11/1/12
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
81,670
|
|
|
|
3,790,116
1
|
|
Grab Networks, Inc.
21000 Atlantic Boulevard
Dulles, VA 20166
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
73,866
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
Hatteras Networks, Inc.
523 Davis Drive, Suite 500
Durham, NC 27713
|
|
Technology Communications
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.40%
|
|
|
2/1/11
|
|
|
|
1,410,151
660
|
|
|
|
1,410,151
33,861
|
|
Impinj, Inc.
701 N. 34th Street, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98103
|
|
Technology Semiconductor
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,348
|
|
|
|
|
|
IntelePeer, Inc.
2855 Campus Drive, Suite 200
San Mateo, CA 94403
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.43%
12.33%
12.33%
|
|
|
4/1/12
6/1/12
10/1/12
|
|
|
|
610,083
691,729
1,323,040
39,384
|
|
|
|
610,083
691,729
1,323,040
49,426
|
|
iSkoot, Inc.
501 2nd Street, Suite 216
San Francisco, CA 94107
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.75%
|
|
|
5/1/13
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
59,329
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
693
|
|
Motion Computing, Inc.
8601 RR 2222, Building II
Austin, TX 78730
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,046
|
|
|
|
330,910
|
|
Netuitive, Inc.
12700 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20191
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.90%
|
|
|
4/1/11
|
|
|
|
262,797
27,287
|
|
|
|
262,797
16,379
|
|
Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
12555 High Bluff Drive
Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92130
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.00%
|
|
|
6/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,653,363
69,249
|
|
|
|
3,653,363
|
|
OpenPeak, Inc.
1750 Clint Moore Road
Boca Raton, FL 33487
|
|
Technology Communications
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.86%
|
|
|
12/1/13
|
|
|
|
6,666,667
89,399
|
|
|
|
6,666,667
88,539
|
|
OraMetrix, Inc.
2350 Campbell Creek Blvd, Suite 400
Richardson, TX 75082
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.50%
|
|
|
4/1/14
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
77,773
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
77,773
|
|
Pharmasset,
Inc.(4)
303-A
College Road East
Princeton, NJ 08540
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Term Loan
Common Stock Warrants
|
|
12.00%
12.00%
12.50%
|
|
|
8/1/11
1/1/12
10/1/12
|
|
|
|
1,223,317
1,790,816
2,746,891
251,247
|
|
|
|
1,223,317
1,790,816
2,746,891
792,394
|
|
PixelOptics, Inc.
5241 Valleypark Drive
Roanoke, VA 24019
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.00%
|
|
|
1/1/13
|
|
|
|
4,714,580
61,131
|
|
|
|
4,714,580
68,051
|
|
Plateau Systems, Ltd.
4401 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22203
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,348
|
|
|
|
33,202
|
|
Precision Therapeutics, Inc.
2516 Jane Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
|
|
Healthcare Information and
Services Diagnostics
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.00%
|
|
|
3/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,868,485
52,075
|
|
|
|
3,868,485
147,607
|
|
Radisphere National Radiology Group, Inc.
23625 Commerce Park, Suite 204
Beachwood, OH 44122
|
|
Healthcare Information and
Services Diagnostics
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.75%
|
|
|
1/1/14
|
|
|
|
10,000,000
180,331
|
|
|
|
10,000,000
389,374
|
|
Revance Therapeutics, Inc.
2400 Bayshore Parkway,
Suite 100
Mountain View, CA 94043
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
10.50%
10.50%
|
|
|
12/1/11
3/1/13
|
|
|
|
1,806,255
3,878,356
223,789
|
|
|
|
1,806,255
3,878,356
115,544
|
|
Satcon Technology Corporation
27 Drydock Avenue
Boston, MA 02210
|
|
Cleantech Energy Efficiency
|
|
Term Loan
Common Stock Warrants
|
|
12.58%
|
|
|
1/1/14
|
|
|
|
10,000,000
285,415
|
|
|
|
10,000,000
708,290
|
|
79
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity
|
|
|
Cost of
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio
Company(1)
|
|
Target Industry Sector
|
|
Type of
Investment(2)
|
|
Interest(3)
|
|
of Loans
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
SnagAJob.com, Inc.
4880 Cox Road
Suite 200
Glen Allen, VA 23060
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
Technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.50%
|
|
|
6/1/12
|
|
|
|
2,553,001
22,618
|
|
|
|
2,553,001
37,187
|
|
Starcite, Inc.
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
Technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.05%
|
|
|
9/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,036,398
23,579
|
|
|
|
3,036,398
26,562
|
|
StreamBase Systems, Inc.
181 Spring Street
Lexington, MA 02421
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.51%
|
|
|
11/1/13
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
67,050
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
66,405
|
|
Tagged, Inc.
840 Battery Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
Technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.78%
11.46%
|
|
|
5/1/12
8/1/12
|
|
|
|
1,506,697
570,420
16,586
|
|
|
|
1,506,697
570,420
18,151
|
|
Talyst, Inc.
11100 NE
8th
Street, Suite 600
Bellevue, WA 98004
|
|
Life Science Other Healthcare
Services
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.10%
12.05%
|
|
|
12/1/13
12/1/13
|
|
|
|
2,500,000
2,500,000
100,488
|
|
|
|
2,500,000
2,500,000
98,851
|
|
Tengion, Inc.
2900 Potshop Lane, Suite 100
East Norriton, PA 19403
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.26%
|
|
|
9/1/11
|
|
|
|
3,603,330
15,276
|
|
|
|
3,603,330
11
|
|
Transave, Inc.
11 Deer Park Drive, Suite 117
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Convertible Note
Convertible Note
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.75%
11.75%
10.00%
10.00%
|
|
|
2/29/12
7/1/12
6/30/10
6/30/10
|
|
|
|
1,904,033
1,522,455
109,407
105,989
11,974
|
|
|
|
1,904,033
1,522,455
109,407
105,989
32,579
|
|
Tranzyme, Inc.
4819 Emperor Blvd., Suite 400
Durham, NC 27703
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
10.75%
|
|
|
1/1/14
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
1,196
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
1,196
|
|
Vette Corp.
14 Manchester Square, Suite 210
Portsmouth, NH 03801
|
|
Technology Data Storage
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.85%
|
|
|
3/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,174,838
26,638
|
|
|
|
3,174,838
119
|
|
ViOptix, Inc.
47224 Mission Falls Ct.
Fremont, CA 94539
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.55%
|
|
|
11/1/11
|
|
|
|
1,112,439
12,924
|
|
|
|
974,603
|
|
XIOtech, Inc.
6455 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
|
|
Technology Data Storage
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.50%
|
|
|
8/1/11
|
|
|
|
3,473,510
22,045
|
|
|
|
3,473,510
78,610
|
|
Xcovery Holding Company LLC
505 S. Flagler Drive, Suite 1330
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
|
|
12.00%
|
|
|
10/1/13
|
|
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
Xoft, Inc.
345 Potrero Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,265
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
138,695,629
|
|
|
$
|
140,716,451
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Debt and warrant investments have
been pledged as collateral under the Credit Facility.
|
(2)
|
|
All investments are less than 5%
ownership of the class and ownership of the portfolio company.
|
(3)
|
|
All interest is payable in cash due
monthly in arrears, unless otherwise indicated and applies only
to our debt investments. Amount is the annual interest rate on
the debt investment and does not include any additional fees
related to the investment such as commitment fees or prepayment
fees. The majority of the debt investments are at fixed rates
for the term of the loan. For each debt investment we have
provided the current interest rate in effect as of
September 30, 2010. For variable rate debt investments we
have also provided the reference index plus the applicable
spread which resets monthly.
|
(4)
|
|
Portfolio company is a public
company.
|
80
The following table sets forth certain information for each
portfolio company in which we had an investment as of
December 31, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity
|
|
|
Cost of
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio
Company(1)
|
|
Target Industry Sector
|
|
Type of
Investment(2)
|
|
Interest(3)
|
|
of Loans
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Advanced BioHealing, Inc.
10933 N. Torrey Pines Rd.,
Suite 200
La Jolla, CA 92037
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
8,887
|
|
|
$
|
41,836
|
|
Ambit Biosciences, Inc.
4215 Sorrento Valley Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92121
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.15%
|
|
|
6/1/11
|
|
|
|
1,271,672
17,403
|
|
|
|
1,271,672
54,612
|
|
Anesiva,
Inc.(4)
650 Gateway Boulevard
South San Francisco, CA 94080
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Common Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,233
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arcot Systems, Inc.
455 West Maude Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,001
|
|
|
|
57,074
|
|
BioScale, Inc.
75 Sidney Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
|
|
Healthcare Information and
Services Diagnostics
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.00%
|
|
|
8/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,793,151
12,786
|
|
|
|
3,527,630
32,956
|
|
Calypso Medical
Technologies, Inc.
2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,047
|
|
|
|
74,699
|
|
Cartera Commerce, Inc.
One Cranberry Hill, Suite 403
Lexington, MA 02421
|
|
Technology Internet and
media
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.75%
|
|
|
6/1/12
|
|
|
|
2,500,000
16,155
|
|
|
|
2,500,000
34,932
|
|
Clarabridge, Inc.
11400 Commerce Park Drive,
Suite 500
Reston, VA 20191
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.50%
12.50%
|
|
|
1/1/13
6/1/13
|
|
|
|
1,500,000
750,000
27,700
|
|
|
|
1,500,000
750,000
31,439
|
|
Concentric Medical, Inc.
301 East Evelyn Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94041
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Revolving Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
10.00%
(Prime + 3.25)%
|
|
|
7/1/10
|
|
|
|
3,333,334
9,402
|
|
|
|
3,333,334
10,856
|
|
Courion Corporation
1881 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01701
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.45%
|
|
|
12/1/11
|
|
|
|
2,055,297
6,715
|
|
|
|
2,055,297
16,395
|
|
DriveCam, Inc.
8911 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92123
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,670
|
|
|
|
15,208
|
|
EnteroMedics,
Inc.(4)
2800 Patton Road
Saint Paul, MN 55113
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Common Stock Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
346,795
|
|
|
|
10,370
|
|
F & S Health Care Services, Inc.
23625 Commerce Park, Suite 204
Beachwood, OH 44122
|
|
Healthcare Information and
Services Diagnostics
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.80%
|
|
|
12/1/12
|
|
|
|
7,500,000
32,148
|
|
|
|
7,500,000
104,848
|
|
Genesis Networks, Inc.
One Penn Plaza, Suite 2010
New York, NY 10119
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.80%
|
|
|
8/1/12
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
53,563
|
|
|
|
3,600,000
20
|
|
Grab Networks, Inc.
21000 Atlantic Boulevard
Dulles, VA 20166
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.00%
|
|
|
4/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,655,638
73,866
|
|
|
|
3,655,638
83,838
|
|
Hatteras Networks, Inc.
523 Davis Drive, Suite 500
Durham, NC 27713
|
|
Technology Communications
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.40%
|
|
|
2/1/11
|
|
|
|
2,451,010
660
|
|
|
|
2,451,010
35,009
|
|
Impinj, Inc.
701 N. 34th Street, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98103
|
|
Technology Semiconductor
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.50%
(Prime + 4.25)%
|
|
|
1/1/11
|
|
|
|
866,667
7,348
|
|
|
|
866,667
34,329
|
|
81
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity
|
|
|
Cost of
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio
Company(1)
|
|
Target Industry Sector
|
|
Type of
Investment(2)
|
|
Interest(3)
|
|
of Loans
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
IntelePeer, Inc.
2855 Campus Drive, Suite 200
San Mateo, CA 94403
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.43%
12.33%
12.33%
|
|
|
4/1/12
6/1/12
10/1/12
|
|
|
|
857,704
943,224
1,718,073
39,384
|
|
|
|
857,704
943,224
1,718,073
52,399
|
|
iSkoot, Inc.
501 2nd Street, Suite 216
San Francisco, CA 94107
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.75%
|
|
|
5/1/13
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
59,329
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
59,329
|
|
Motion Computing, Inc.
8601 RR 2222, Building II
Austin, TX 78730
|
|
Technology Networking
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.25%
12.25%
|
|
|
4/1/11
1/1/12
|
|
|
|
1,427,626
2,134,388
8,808
|
|
|
|
1,427,626
2,134,388
464,748
|
|
Netuitive, Inc.
12700 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20191
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.90%
|
|
|
4/1/11
|
|
|
|
573,026
27,287
|
|
|
|
573,026
42,675
|
|
NewRiver, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square, 5th Floor
Andover, MA 01810
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
|
|
11.60%
|
|
|
1/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,410,859
|
|
|
|
3,410,859
|
|
Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
12555 High Bluff Drive
Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92130
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.00%
|
|
|
6/1/12
|
|
|
|
4,856,259
69,249
|
|
|
|
4,856,259
78,598
|
|
Pharmasset,
Inc.(4)
303-A
College Road East
Princeton, NJ 08540
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Term Loan
Common Stock Warrants
|
|
12.00%
12.00%
12.50%
|
|
|
8/1/11
1/1/12
10/1/12
|
|
|
|
2,224,917
2,743,804
3,333,333
251,247
|
|
|
|
2,224,917
2,743,804
3,333,333
437,046
|
|
PixelOptics, Inc.
5241 Valleypark Drive
Roanoke, VA 24019
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.00%
|
|
|
1/1/13
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
61,131
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
61,131
|
|
Plateau Systems, Ltd.
4401 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22203
|
|
Technology Software
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.40%
|
|
|
9/1/10
|
|
|
|
743,743
7,348
|
|
|
|
743,743
34,328
|
|
Precision Therapeutics, Inc.
2516 Jane Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
|
|
Healthcare Information and
Services Diagnostics
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.00%
|
|
|
3/1/12
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
52,075
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
61,132
|
|
Revance Therapeutics, Inc.
2400 Bayshore Parkway,
Suite 100
Mountain View, CA 94043
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
10.50%
|
|
|
12/1/11
|
|
|
|
2,780,564
155,399
|
|
|
|
2,780,564
49,433
|
|
SnagAJob.com, Inc.
4880 Cox Road
Suite 200
Glen Allen, VA 23060
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.50%
|
|
|
6/1/12
|
|
|
|
3,500,000
22,618
|
|
|
|
3,500,000
38,448
|
|
Starcite, Inc.
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.05%
|
|
|
9/1/12
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
23,579
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
27,463
|
|
Tagged, Inc.
840 Battery Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.78%
11.46%
|
|
|
5/1/12
8/1/12
|
|
|
|
2,121,216
750,000
16,586
|
|
|
|
2,121,216
750,000
26,776
|
|
Tengion, Inc.
2900 Potshop Lane, Suite 100
East Norriton, PA 19403
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.26%
|
|
|
9/1/11
|
|
|
|
5,772,622
15,276
|
|
|
|
5,772,622
50,413
|
|
Transave, Inc.
11 Deer Park Drive, Suite 117
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
|
|
Life Science Biotechnology
|
|
Term Loan
Term Loan
Convertible Note
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.75%
11.75%
10.00%
|
|
|
2/29/12
7/1/12
6/30/10
|
|
|
|
2,737,903
2,000,000
101,907
11,964
|
|
|
|
2,737,903
2,000,000
101,907
44,604
|
|
Vette Corp.
14 Manchester Square, Suite 210
Portsmouth, NH 03801
|
|
Technology Data Storage
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.85%
|
|
|
3/1/12
|
|
|
|
4,563,684
26,638
|
|
|
|
4,563,684
68,658
|
|
82
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturity
|
|
|
Cost of
|
|
|
|
|
Portfolio
Company(1)
|
|
Target Industry Sector
|
|
Type of
Investment(2)
|
|
Interest(3)
|
|
of Loans
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
ViOptix, Inc.
47224 Mission Falls Ct.
Fremont, CA 94539
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.55%
|
|
|
11/1/11
|
|
|
|
1,740,569
12,924
|
|
|
|
1,640,137
21,970
|
|
Everyday Health, Inc.
45 Main Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
|
|
Technology Consumer-related
technologies
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
13.00%
|
|
|
5/1/13
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
68,658
|
|
|
|
5,000,000
68,658
|
|
XIOtech, Inc.
6455 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
|
|
Technology Data Storage
|
|
Term Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
12.50%
|
|
|
8/1/11
|
|
|
|
4,510,984
22,045
|
|
|
|
4,510,984
80,544
|
|
Xoft, Inc.
345 Potrero Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
|
|
Life Science Medical Device
|
|
Revolving Loan
Preferred Stock Warrants
|
|
11.25%
(Prime + 4.25)%
|
|
|
11/15/10
|
|
|
|
348,535
13,265
|
|
|
|
348,535
50,906
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
114,209,898
|
|
|
$
|
114,263,436
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Debt and warrant investments have
been pledged as collateral under the Credit Facility.
|
(2)
|
|
All investments are less than 5%
ownership of the class and ownership of the portfolio company.
|
(3)
|
|
All interest is payable in cash due
monthly in arrears, unless otherwise indicated and applies only
to our debt investments. Amount is the annual interest rate on
the debt investment and does not include any additional fees
related to the investment such as commitment fees or prepayment
fees. The majority of the debt investments are at fixed rates
for the term of the loan. For each debt investment we have
provided the current interest rate in effect as of
December 31, 2009. For variable rate debt investments we
have also provided the reference index plus the applicable
spread which resets monthly.
|
(4)
|
|
Portfolio company is a public
company.
|
83
SENIOR
SECURITIES
Information about our senior securities is shown in the
following table as of September 30, 2010, December 31,
2009 and December 31, 2008. The information contained in
the table for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
has been derived from our financial statements which have been
audited by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP and the information
contained in the table in respect of September 30, 2010 has
been derived from unaudited financial data. See
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Borrowings
for more detailed information regarding the senior securities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Amount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
Exclusive of
|
|
|
Asset
|
|
|
Market
|
|
|
|
Treasury
|
|
|
Coverage
|
|
|
Value
|
|
Class and Year
|
|
Securities(1)
|
|
|
per
Unit(2)
|
|
|
per
Unit(3)
|
|
|
|
(dollar amounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving Credit Facility with WestLB AG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 (as of September 30, 2010)
|
|
$
|
88.9
|
|
|
$
|
1,788
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
2009
|
|
$
|
64.2
|
|
|
$
|
1,927
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
2008
|
|
$
|
63.7
|
|
|
$
|
1,781
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Total amount of senior securities
outstanding at the end of the period presented.
|
(2)
|
|
Asset coverage per unit is the
ratio of our total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness
not represented by senior securities, to the aggregate amount of
senior securities representing indebtedness. Asset coverage per
unit is expressed in terms of dollar amounts per $1,000 of
indebtedness.
|
(3)
|
|
Not applicable because senior
securities are not registered for public trading.
|
84
MANAGEMENT
Our business and affairs will be managed under the direction of
our board of directors. Our board of directors currently
consists of three members. Prior to the completion of this
offering, and as of the date we elect to be regulated as a
business development company, we intend to elect additional
directors, and following this offering our board of directors
will consist of seven members, four of whom are not
interested persons of our Company or of our Advisor
as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act and are
independent as determined by our board of directors,
consistent with the rules of the NASDAQ Global Market. We refer
to these individuals as our independent directors.
Our board of directors elects our officers, who serve at the
discretion of the board of directors.
Board of
Directors and Executive Officers
Under our certificate of incorporation, to be effective prior to
the completion of this offering, our directors will be divided
into three classes. Each class of directors will hold office for
a three-year term. However, the initial members of the three
classes will have initial terms of one, two and three years,
respectively. At each annual meeting of our stockholders, the
successors to the class of directors whose terms expire at such
meeting will be elected to hold office for a term expiring at
the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third year
following the year of their election. This classification of our
board of directors may have the effect of delaying or preventing
a change in control of our management. Each director will hold
office for the term to which he or she is elected and until his
or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. Our certificate
of incorporation, to be effective prior to the completion of
this offering, will permit the board of directors to elect
directors to fill vacancies that are created either through an
increase in the number of directors or due to the resignation,
removal or death of any director.
Directors
Information regarding our board of directors is set forth below.
We have divided the directors into two groups
independent directors and interested directors. Interested
directors are interested persons of the company as
defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
Expiration
|
|
Interested Directors
|
|
Age
|
|
|
Position
|
|
Since
|
|
|
of Term
|
|
|
Robert D. Pomeroy,
Jr.(1)
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
of the Board of Directors
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
Gerald A.
Michaud(1)
|
|
|
58
|
|
|
President and Director
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2012
|
|
David P.
Swanson(2)
|
|
|
37
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Interested person of the Company
due to his position as an officer of the Company.
|
(2)
|
|
Mr. Swanson is an interested
person of the Company due to his position as Partner of Compass
Group Management LLC, which we refer to as The Compass
Group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
Expiration
|
|
Independent Directors
|
|
Age
|
|
|
Position
|
|
Since
|
|
|
of Term
|
|
|
James J. Bottiglieri
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
Edmund V. Mahoney
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2012
|
|
Brett N. Silvers
|
|
|
55
|
|
|
Director
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2012
|
|
Christopher B. Woodward
|
|
|
61
|
|
|
Lead Independent Director
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
The address for each of Mr. Pomeroy and Mr. Michaud
and each of the independent directors is Horizon Technology
Finance Management LLC, 76 Batterson Park Road, Farmington,
Connecticut 06032. The address for Mr. Swanson is Compass
Group Management LLC, 61 Wilton Road, 2nd Floor, Westport,
Connecticut 06880.
85
Executive
Officers Who Are Not Directors
Information regarding our executive officers who are not
directors is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
|
Positions
|
|
Christopher M. Mathieu
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
|
John C. Bombara
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance
Officer and Secretary
|
Daniel S. Devorsetz
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer
|
The address for each executive officer is Horizon Technology
Finance Management LLC, 76 Batterson Park Road, Farmington,
Connecticut 06032.
Biographical
Information
Interested
Directors
Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of
Directors. Mr. Pomeroy co-founded our
Advisor in May 2003 and has been a managing member of our
Advisor and its Chief Executive Officer since its inception.
Mr. Pomeroy was President of GATX Ventures, Inc. (a
subsidiary of GATX Corporation engaged in the venture lending
business) from July 2000 to April 2003, with full profit and
loss responsibility including managing a staff of 39 and
chairing the investment committee with credit authority. GATX
Ventures, Inc. had total assets of over $270 million.
Before joining GATX Ventures in July 2000, Mr. Pomeroy was
Executive Vice President of Transamerica Business Credit (a
subsidiary of Transamerica Corporation engaged in the venture
lending business) and a co-founder of its Transamerica
Technology Finance division. Mr. Pomeroy was the general
manager of Transamerica Technology Finance from September 1996
to July 2000, with full profit and loss responsibility, credit
authority and responsibility for a staff of 50 and over
$480 million in assets. Prior to co-founding Transamerica
Technology Finance in September 1996, Mr. Pomeroy served
from January 1989 to August 1996 as Senior Vice President and
chaired the investment committee of Financing for Science
International, Inc., a publicly traded venture financing and
healthcare leasing company that was acquired by Finova Capital
Corporation in August 1996. Mr. Pomeroy started his career
with Crocker Bank in 1974 and has over 35 years of
diversified lending and leasing experience. Mr. Pomeroy
earned both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor
of Science degree from the University of California at Berkeley.
Gerald A. Michaud, President and
Director. Mr. Michaud co-founded our Advisor
in May 2003 and has been a managing member of our Advisor and
its President since its inception. From July 2000 to May 2003,
Mr. Michaud was Senior Vice President of GATX Ventures,
Inc. and its senior business development executive. From
September 1996 to July 2000, Mr. Michaud was Senior Vice
President of Transamerica Business Credit and a co-founder of
its Transamerica Technology Finance division. Mr. Michaud
was the senior business development executive for Transamerica
Technology Finance with oversight of more than $700 million
in loans funded. From May 1993 to September 1996,
Mr. Michaud served as a Vice President of Financing for
Science International, Inc. Prior to 1993, Mr. Michaud
founded and served as President of Venture Leasing and Capital.
Mr. Michaud attended Northeastern University, Rutgers
University and the University of Phoenix, completed a commercial
credit training program with Shawmut Bank and has taken
executive courses at Harvard Business School.
David P. Swanson, Director. Mr. Swanson
has been a partner in The Compass Group since December 2005 and
has been with The Compass Group and its affiliates since August
2001, serving as a Vice President from August 2001 to December
2003 and a Principal from December 2003 to December 2005. He is
a member of the board of directors of AFM Holding Corporation
and Liberty Safe Holding Corporation. From August 1996 to July
1998, Mr. Swanson was with Goldman Sachs in the Financial
Institutions and Distressed Debt practices. Mr. Swanson is
a graduate of the Harvard Business School MBA program and also
holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Chicago, where
he was elected Phi Beta Kappa.
Independent
Directors
James J. Bottiglieri,
Director. Mr. Bottiglieri has served as a
director of Compass Diversified Holdings, Inc.
(CODI) since December 2005, as well as its chief
financial officer since its inception in November 2005.
86
Mr. Bottiglieri has also been an executive vice president
of CODIs external manager since 2005. Previously,
Mr. Bottiglieri was the senior vice president/controller of
WebMD Corporation. Prior to that, Mr. Bottiglieri was with
Star Gas Corporation and a predecessor firm to KPMG LLP.
Mr. Bottiglieri is a graduate of Pace University.
Mr. Bottiglieri serves as a director for a majority of
CODIs subsidiary companies.
Edmund V. Mahoney, Director. Mr. Mahoney
is Vice President, Investments (Chief Investment Officer) of
Vantis Life Insurance Company and is responsible for all of its
investment and portfolio management activities. Prior to joining
Vantis Life in 2009, Mr. Mahoney was Senior Vice President,
Compliance of Hartford Investment Management Company, an
investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission with nearly $150 billion of assets
under management from 1994 through 2009. From 1986 through 1994,
Mr. Mahoney was Assistant Vice President and Assistant
Treasurer of Aetna Life and Casualty Company, responsible for
international finance, foreign exchange risk management and
leasing activities. From 1984 through 1986, Mr. Mahoney was
the Director, Cash Management Consulting for AETNA Life and
Casualty Company, and from 1979 through 1984, Mr. Mahoney
was assistant treasurer of a subsidiary of AETNA Life and
Casualty Company, Urban Investment and Development Company, a
real estate development and management company located in
Chicago, Illinois, responsible for the companys risk
management, commercial paper and construction loan programs.
Mr. Mahoney earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colby
College, a Master of Business Administration (with distinction)
from Babson College and took real estate finance related post
graduate courses at The Wharton School of the University of
Pennsylvania.
Brett N. Silvers, Director. Mr. Silvers
has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of
WorldBusiness Capital, Inc. since he founded it in 2003. He was
previously the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First
International Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FNCE) for 13 years,
during which time he led the banks expansion, successful
IPO, and sale to a Fortune 100 Company. Mr. Silvers
currently serves on the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on
Small and Minority Business of the U.S. Department of
Commerce/Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. He has
also served on the Board of Regents of University of Hartford,
the Board of Directors of the Private Export Funding
Corporation, the New England Advisory Council of the Federal
Reserve Bank of Boston, and the Advisory Committee of the
Export-Import Bank of the United States. Mr. Silvers
received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Yale
University and Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from The
Fletcher School, Tufts University.
Christopher B. Woodward, Lead Independent
Director. Mr. Woodward is a private investor
and corporate finance-business advisor. He has previously held
several domestic and global management positions as a Director,
Deputy Chief Executive Officer and acting Chief Financial
Officer with Canterbury of New Zealand from 2000 through 2009,
as Vice President-Corporate Finance with Montgomery Securities
and its predecessors from 1983 through 1987 and as a senior
finance and management executive with various other large and
small public and private enterprises. Mr. Woodward began
his career with Coopers & Lybrand (a predecessor firm
to PricewaterhouseCoopers) where he was a Certified Public
Accountant engaged in providing audit, tax and financial
advisory services to various sized public and private companies
across a number of industries from 1973 through 1980. During
such time he was involved in that firms early Silicon
Valley practice as it assisted emerging, venture-backed growth
companies. Mr. Woodward earned both Bachelor of Science and
Master in Business Administration degrees from the Haas School
at the University of California, Berkeley.
Executive
Officers who are not Directors
Christopher M. Mathieu, Senior Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer. Mr. Mathieu
is an original member of the team that founded our Advisor in
May 2003 and its Chief Financial Officer since inception.
Mr. Mathieu has been involved in the accounting, finance
and venture debt industries for more than 22 years. From
July 2000 to May 2003, Mr. Mathieu was Vice
President Life Sciences of GATX Ventures, Inc. and
the primary business development officer for the life science
sector. From September 1996 to July 2000, Mr. Mathieu was
Vice President Life Sciences of Transamerica
Business Credits Technology Finance division where, in
addition to co-developing and implementing the business plan
used to form the division, he was the primary business
development officer responsible for the life science sector and
was directly responsible for more than $200 million in loan
originations. From March 1993 to September 1996,
Mr. Mathieu was a Vice President, Finance at Financing for
Science International, Inc. Mr. Mathieu was most recently a
manager with the financial services group of KPMG
87
working with both public and private banks and commercial
finance companies. Mr. Mathieu graduated with honors from
Western New England College with a Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration degree in accounting and is a Certified
Public Accountant, chartered in the State of Connecticut.
John C. Bombara, Senior Vice President, General Counsel,
Chief Compliance Officer and
Secretary. Mr. Bombara is an original member
of the team that founded our Advisor in May 2003 and has been
its Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance
Officer since our Advisors inception. Mr. Bombara
handles all legal functions for our Advisor, including
negotiating and documenting most of its investments.
Mr. Bombara has more than 19 years of experience
providing legal services to financial institutions and other
entities and individuals. Prior to joining our company,
Mr. Bombara served as in-house counsel for GATX Ventures,
Inc. from December 2000 to May 2003 where he directed the legal
operations of the GATX Ventures east coast office in
closing and managing its portfolio of debt and equity
investments in technology and life science companies throughout
the United States. Mr. Bombara also represented GATX
Corporations other venture lending units in Canada and
Europe. In addition, Mr. Bombara was responsible for
assisting and advising senior management, credit analysts and
marketing directors with respect to appropriate deal structures,
market trends, risk management, and compliance with corporate
policies and worked with co-participants business
personnel and counsel in facilitating and coordinating joint
investments. Prior to joining GATX, Mr. Bombara was a
partner at the business law firm of Pepe & Hazard,
LLP. Mr. Bombara received his Bachelor of Arts degree from
Colgate University and his Juris Doctor degree from Cornell Law
School.
Daniel S. Devorsetz, Senior Vice President and Chief Credit
Officer. Mr. Devorsetz joined our Advisor in
October 2004 and has been its Senior Vice President and the
Chief Credit Officer since such time. He is responsible for
underwriting and portfolio management. Mr. Devorsetz has
more than 10 years of financial services and lending
experience, including spending the past nine years in the
venture lending industry. Prior to joining the team, from May
2003 to October 2004, Mr. Devorsetz was a Vice President in
General Electric Capital Corporations Life Science Finance
Group, where he was primarily responsible for the underwriting
and portfolio management of debt and equity investments to
venture capital-backed life science companies. Prior to that,
from December 2000 to May 2003, Mr. Devorsetz was a Credit
Manager at GATX Ventures, Inc. concentrating on the high tech
and software industries. He was also a member of GATXs
international credit committee. From July 1999 to December 2000,
Mr. Devorsetz was a Vice President and Director of Analysis
for Student Loans with Citigroup. Mr. Devorsetzs
previous experience includes tenures in private placement
investment banking and securitizations at Advest, Inc. and
Ironwood Capital. Mr. Devorsetz received his Bachelor of
Science degree from Cornell University.
Committees
of the Board of Directors
Prior to the completion of this offering, our board of directors
will have the following board committees:
Audit Committee. The initial members of the
audit committee will be James J. Bottiglieri, Brett N. Silvers
and Christopher B. Woodward, each of whom will be independent
for purposes of the 1940 Act and The NASDAQ Global Market
corporate governance listing standards. James J. Bottiglieri
will serve as the chairman of the audit committee and will be an
audit committee financial expert as defined under
the SEC rules. The audit committee will operate pursuant to a
written charter approved by our board of directors that sets
forth the responsibilities of the audit committee. The audit
committee will be responsible for selecting our independent
accountants, reviewing the plans, scope and results of the audit
engagement with our independent accountants, approving
professional services provided by our independent accountants,
reviewing the independence of our independent accountants and
reviewing the adequacy of our internal accounting controls.
Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee. The initial members of the nominating
and corporate governance committee will be James J. Bottiglieri,
Brett N. Silvers and Edmund V. Mahoney, each of whom will be
independent for purposes of the 1940 Act and The NASDAQ Global
Market corporate governance listing standards. Edmund V. Mahoney
will serve as the chairman of the nominating and corporate
governance committee. The nominating and corporate governance
committee will operate pursuant to a written charter approved by
our board of directors. The nominating and corporate governance
committee will be responsible for identifying, researching and
nominating directors for election by our stockholders, selecting
nominees to fill vacancies on our board of directors or a
committee of the board, developing and recommending to the board
of directors a set of corporate governance
88
principles and overseeing the evaluation of the board of
directors and our management. Our procedures for stockholder
nominees for director are described under Description of
Capital Stock Anti-takeover Effects of Provisions of
Our Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, Delaware Law and Other
Arrangements.
Compensation Committee. We do not have a
compensation committee because our executive officers do not
receive any direct compensation from us. Decisions regarding
executive compensation, to the extent they arise, will be made
by the independent directors on our board.
Compensation
of Directors
As compensation for serving on our board of directors, each of
our independent directors will receive an annual fee of $35,000.
Each member of the audit committee will be paid an annual fee of
$7,500 and each member of each other committee will be paid an
annual fee of $5,000. In addition, the chairman of the audit
committee receives an additional annual fee of $10,000 and each
chairman of any other committee receives an additional annual
fee of $7,500 for their additional services, if any, in these
capacities. Our lead independent director will also be paid an
annual fee of $10,000. We will reimburse all our directors for
their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending
board and committee meetings. No compensation is expected to be
paid to directors, who are interested persons of the
Company, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act.
Leadership
Structure of the Board of Directors and its Role in Risk
Oversight
Our Chief Executive Officer, Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., is
chairman of our board of directors and an interested
person under Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
Christopher B. Woodward is our lead independent director. Under
our bylaws, our board will not be required to have an
independent chairman. Many significant corporate governance
duties of our board of directors will be executed by committees
of independent directors, each of which has an independent
chairman. We believe that it is in the best interests of our
stockholders for Mr. Pomeroy to lead the board because of
his broad experience. See Biographical
Information Interested Directors for a
description of Mr. Pomeroys experience. As a
co-founder of our Advisor, Mr. Pomeroy has demonstrated a
track record of achievement on strategic and operating aspects
of our business. While we expect that our board of directors
will regularly evaluate alternative structures, we believe that,
as a business development company, it is appropriate for one of
our co-founders, Chief Executive Officer and a member of our
Advisors investment committee to perform the functions of
chairman of the board, including leading discussions of
strategic issues we expect to face. We believe the current
structure of our board of directors will provide appropriate
guidance and oversight while also enabling ample opportunity for
direct communication and interaction between management and the
board of directors.
There are a number of significant risks facing us which are
described under the heading Risk Factors included in
this prospectus. We expect that our board of directors will use
its judgment to create and maintain policies and practices
designed to limit or manage the risks we face, including:
(1) the establishment of board-approved policies and
procedures designed to serve our interests, (2) the
application of these policies uniformly to directors, management
and third-party service providers, (3) the establishment of
independent board committees with clearly defined risk oversight
functions and (4) review and analysis by the board of
reports by management and certain third-party service providers.
Accordingly, our board of directors has approved a Code of
Ethics to promote ethical conduct and prohibit certain
transactions that could pose significant risks to us. Our board
of directors has established a related party transaction review
policy, under which it monitors the risks related to certain
transactions that present a conflict of interest on a quarterly
basis. Our board of directors has also established and approved
an investment valuation process to manage risks relating to the
valuations of our investments and to ensure that our financial
statements appropriately reflect the performance of our
portfolio of assets. Additionally, through the delegated
authority of our board of directors, the audit committee has
primary oversight over risks relating to our internal controls
over financial reporting and audit-related risks, while the
nominating and corporate governance committee has primary
oversight over risks relating to corporate governance and
oversees the evaluation of our board of directors and our
management. Under this oversight structure, our management team
manages the risks facing us in our day-to-day operations. We
caution you, however, that although our board of directors
believes it has established an effective system of oversight, no
risk management system can eliminate risks or ensure that
particular events do not adversely affect our business.
89
Directors
Qualifications and Review of Director Nominees
Our nominating and corporate governance committee of our board
of directors will make recommendations to our board of directors
regarding the size and composition of our board of directors.
The nominating and corporate governance committee will annually
review with our board of directors the composition of our board
of directors, as a whole, and recommend, if necessary, measures
to be taken so that our board of directors reflects the
appropriate balance of knowledge, experience, skills, expertise
and diversity required for our board of directors, as a whole,
and contains at least the minimum number of independent
directors required by applicable laws and regulations. The
nominating and corporate governance committee will be
responsible for ensuring that the composition of the members of
our board of directors accurately reflects the needs of our
business and, in furtherance of this goal, proposing the
addition of members and the necessary resignation of members for
purposes of obtaining the appropriate members and skills. Our
directors should possess such attributes and experience as are
necessary to provide a broad range of personal characteristics
including diversity, management skills, financial skills and
technological and business experience. Our directors should also
be able to commit the requisite time for preparation and
attendance at regularly scheduled board of directors and
committee meetings, as well as be able to participate in other
matters necessary to ensure good corporate governance is
practiced.
In evaluating a director candidate, the nominating and corporate
governance committee will consider factors that are in our best
interests and our stockholders best interests, including
the knowledge, experience, integrity and judgment of each
candidate; the potential contribution of each candidate to the
diversity of backgrounds, experience and competencies which our
board of directors desires to have represented; each
candidates ability to devote sufficient time and effort to
his or her duties as a director; independence and willingness to
consider all strategic proposals; any other criteria established
by our board of directors and any core competencies or technical
expertise necessary to staff our board of directors
committees. In addition, the nominating and corporate governance
committee will assess whether a candidate possesses the
integrity, judgment, knowledge, experience, skills and expertise
that are likely to enhance our board of directors ability
to manage and direct our affairs and business, including, when
applicable, to enhance the ability of committees of our board of
directors to fulfill their duties.
In connection with director nominations, the nominating and
corporate governance committee may also consider the
nominees roles in (i) overseeing our efforts in
complying with its SEC disclosure requirements,
(ii) assisting in improving our internal controls and
disclosure controls, (iii) assisting with our strategic
plan, (iv) overseeing efforts to ensure our financial
products meet all applicable laws and regulations,
(v) overseeing the development of new products to meet the
needs of a changing business environment, and
(vi) implementing our strategic plan. In addition, the
nominating and corporate governance committee may consider
self-and peer-evaluations provided by each current director, to
determine, among other things, that the directors work well
together and operate together effectively.
In addition to fulfilling the above criteria, four of the seven
directors named above are considered independent under NASDAQ
rules (Mr. Pomeroy, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Swanson
being the exception as Mr. Pomeroy and Mr. Michaud are
employees of the Company and Mr. Swanson is a partner of an
affiliate of the selling shareholder in this offering and such
affiliate will remain a significant shareholder after the
completion of the Exchange Transaction), and the nominating and
corporate governance committee believes that all seven nominees
are independent of the influence of any particular stockholder
or group of stockholders whose interests may diverge from the
interests of our stockholders as a whole.
Each director brings a strong and unique background and set of
skills to our board of directors, giving our board of directors,
as a whole, competence and experience in a wide variety of
areas, including corporate governance and board service,
executive management, finance, private equity, workout and
turnaround situations, manufacturing and marketing. Set forth
below are our conclusions with regard to our directors.
Mr. Pomeroy has more than 35 years of experience in
diversified lending and leasing, including positions in sales,
marketing, and senior management. He has held the positions as
chief executive officer or general manager of each organization
which he has led since 1996. His responsibilities have included:
accountability for the overall profit and loss of the
organization, credit authority and credit committee oversight,
strategic planning, human resource oversight including hiring,
termination and compensation, reporting compliance for his
business unit, investor relations, fund raising and all aspect
of corporate governance. Mr. Pomeroy founded and has
operated our
90
Advisor, a Technology Lending management company. Prior to
founding our Advisor, Mr. Pomeroy was the Senior Vice
President of Financing for Science International, Inc.,
Executive Vice President of Transamerica Business Credit and the
General Manager of its Technology Finance Division and President
of GATX Ventures, Inc.. This experience has provided him with
the extensive judgment, experience, skills and knowledge to make
a significant contribution as our Chairman of our board of
directors and supporting its ability to govern our affairs
and business.
Mr. Michaud has been President of our Advisor since its
formation. He has extensive knowledge and expertise in venture
lending and has developed, implemented and executed on marketing
strategies and products targeted at the venture backed
technology and life science markets for a period of over
20 years. In addition he has extensive knowledge in the
formation of compensation plans for key employees involved in
the marketing of venture loans. He is a member of our
Advisors Credit Committee responsible for approving all
investments made by the company and oversight of our portfolio.
He has held senior management positions with several Technology
Lending organizations within public companies, including
Transamerica Business Credit and GATX Ventures, Inc. As senior
vice president and senior business development officer at
Transamerica, he was responsible for more than $700 million
in loan transactions. This experience, particularly with respect
to marketing and business development, has provided
Mr. Michaud with the judgment, knowledge, experience,
skills and expertise that are likely to enhance our board of
directors ability to manage and direct our affairs.
Mr. Swanson is a partner in The Compass Group and currently
serves on the board of directors of two privately held
companies. With additional experience and knowledge gained from
other board positions on various committees on private portfolio
companies, he has a broad base of experience and skills to bring
to our board. Mr. Swanson has gained extensive experience
as a partner with The Compass Group in evaluating and
structuring transactions, completing due diligence, executing
and closing on acquisitions and financings of operating
companies as well as taking privately held companies public.
Prior to The Compass Group, he gained experience in investment
banking, including capital raising and business strategy and
execution. Mr. Swanson will provide our board of directors
with expertise in business and corporate governance matters and
will assist the board in its ability to manage and direct our
affairs.
Mr. Bottiglieri brings to our board of directors
substantial experience in identifying, managing and resolving
accounting, tax and other financial issues often encountered by
public companies through his positions as the chief financial
officer and a director of CODI, as well as a director for
several of CODIs subsidiary companies, and as the senior
vice president/controller of WebMD. In addition, as the chief
financial officer and director of a public company, CODI,
Mr. Bottiglieri has developed an extensive understanding of
the various periodic reporting requirements and corporate
governance compliance matters that will assist the board in
managing and directing our affairs. This experience,
particularly with respect to the areas of accounting and
corporate governance, will provide our board of directors with
expertise that will assist the board in its ability to manage
and direct our affairs.
Mr. Mahoney brings to our board of directors pertinent
experience in portfolio management, as well as in-depth
knowledge of investment advisor compliance, funds management,
and performance measurement and pricing of investments. In
addition, through his past experiences he has unique knowledge
of international finance, as well as risk management strategies
for foreign exchange and property and casualty operations. This
vast experience, particularly in the areas of business, risk
management and compliance matters that affect investment
companies, will enhance our boards ability to manage and
direct our affairs.
Mr. Silvers is a former chief executive officer and
director of a public company and FDIC-insured bank. He brings to
our board of directors extensive knowledge of domestic lending
to small and midsize businesses. From his experience as the
current chief executive officer of a commercial finance company,
Mr. Silvers will provide the Board with specialized
expertise in U.S. government guaranteed lending. His
government and regulatory experience, garnered through his roles
as a member of important advisory committees, councils and
boards of directors relevant to our business, complements the
boards oversight of our company and will enhance its
ability to manage and direct our affairs.
Mr. Woodward brings to our board of directors a deep
understanding of corporate finance, including experience with
private placements, public offerings, venture capital investing,
international management and financial advising, and
restructuring. Additionally, as a practicing CPA with a leading
firm, Mr. Woodward gained extensive accounting and audit
experience. Mr. Woodward has the financial and accounting
expertise necessary to enhance the Boards oversight of our
company and its ability to manage and direct our affairs.
91
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Our Advisor may in the future manage investment funds with
investment objectives similar to ours. Accordingly, we may not
be given the opportunity to participate in certain investments
made by such investment funds. However, our Advisor in these
situations intends to allocate investment opportunities in a
fair and equitable manner consistent with our investment
objectives and strategies so that we are not disadvantaged in
relation to any other investment fund.
HTFM, our Advisor and Administrator, is privately owned by
Horizon Technology Finance, LLC, which we refer to as
HTF, and Horizon Anchor Holdings, LLC, which we
refer to as HAH. HTF owns 60% of the outstanding
equity interests of our Advisor and HAH owns 40%. HTF was formed
in 2003 and is owned equally by Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., CEO
of our Advisor, and Gerald A. Michaud, President of our Advisor.
HTF is the predecessor to our Advisor. In addition to
originating and managing loans for Compass Horizon, our Advisor
has originated and managed loans for three other funds, Horizon
Technology Funding Company II LLC, Horizon Technology
Funding Company III LLC and Horizon Technology Funding
Company V LLC, originating loans in an aggregate original
principal amount of $258 million, $177 million and
$65 million, respectively, and achieving fund returns since
inception after fees and expenses and before taxes as of
September 30, 2010 of 12.6%, 11.9%, and 12.5%,
respectively. In March 2008, in connection with the formation
and capitalization of Compass Horizon, HTF and HAH formed our
Advisor. HTFs contracts, service agreements, employees and
other assets were transferred to our Advisor to continue to
externally manage all prior fund investments and to externally
manage the new Compass Horizon organization.
David P. Swanson, a partner in The Compass Group, and one of the
interested directors on our board of directors, is an owner in
HAH. The remaining ownership of HAH is held by individuals who
are affiliated with and employees of The Compass Group.
In connection with the formation of Compass Horizon, HAH became
a minority equity owner of our Advisor. As owners, the
principals of HAH, who are primarily employees of The Compass
Group, play a beneficial supporting role to our Advisor. We
expect to continue to benefit from our Advisors
relationship with The Compass Group. Since its establishment,
The Compass Group, together with its affiliates, has deployed
approximately $1 billion in debt and equity investments,
completing acquisitions of more than 20 businesses and numerous
add-on transactions. In addition to its other activities, The
Compass Group currently manages Compass Diversified Holdings
(NASDAQ: CODI), which was formed to acquire and manage a
diversified group of small and middle-market businesses
headquartered in North America.
Prior to the completion of the offering, Compass Horizon intends
to make the Pre-IPO Distribution to CHP and after the pre-IPO
Distribution and immediately prior to the completion of this
offering, the Compass Owners will effect the Share Exchange.
Concurrent with this offering, CHP will offer a portion of the
shares of our common stock that it receives in the Share
Exchange. See The Exchange Transaction for a more
detailed description of the Pre-IPO Distribution, the Share
Exchange and CHPs concurrent offering of shares of our
common stock.
92
OUR
ADVISOR
HTFM will serve as our investment advisor pursuant to an
Investment Advisory and Management Agreement. Our Advisor is
registered as an investment adviser under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940. Subject to the overall supervision of our
board of directors, our Advisor will manage the day-to-day
operations of, and provide investment advisory and management
services to us.
Portfolio
Management
The management of our investment portfolio will be the
responsibility of our Advisors executive officers and its
investment committee. The Investment Committee currently
consists of Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., CEO of our Advisor,
Gerald A. Michaud, President of our Advisor, Daniel S.
Devorsetz, SVP and Chief Credit Officer of our Advisor, and
Kevin T. Walsh, Vice President and Senior Credit Officer of our
Advisor. For more information regarding the business experiences
of Messrs. Pomeroy, Michaud and Devorsetz, see
Management Biographical
Information Interested Directors and
Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors.
Below is the biography for the portfolio manager whose biography
has not been included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Kevin T. Walsh, Vice President, Senior Credit Officer of Our
Advisor. Mr. Walsh has been the Senior
Credit Officer of our Advisor since joining our Advisor in March
2006. Mr. Walsh is responsible for the underwriting of
initial investments and the ongoing review of the portfolio
accounts. Mr. Walsh has over 15 years of experience
working with early stage, venture backed technology and life
science companies. Prior to joining our Advisor in March 2006,
Mr. Walsh was a Senior Vice President and Market Manager
for Bridge Banks Technology Banking and Capital Finance
Divisions from September 2004 to March 2006 where he was
responsible for new business generation as well as risk
management activities within the Banks asset-based lending
sector. Prior to Bridge Bank, Mr. Walsh was a Vice
President and Relationship Manager for Silicon Valley Bank in
the Communication & Electronics Practice from
September 1994 to June 2004. Mr. Walsh is a graduate of the
California State University at Hayward, where he earned a
Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
The compensation of the members of the senior management
committee of our Advisor are paid by our Advisor and includes an
annual base salary, in certain cases an annual bonus based on an
assessment of short-term and long-term performance and a portion
of the incentive fee, if any, paid to our Advisor. In addition,
Mr. Pomeroy and Mr. Michaud have equity interests in
our Advisor and may receive distributions of profits in respect
of those interests.
Historical
Performance of Our Advisor
In addition to originating and managing loan and warrant
investments on behalf of Compass Horizon, our Advisor has
originated and managed similar investments on behalf of other
externally managed private funds for affiliates of two New
York-based alternative asset managers. In particular, in March
2004, HTF and an affiliate of one such manager formed and
invested in Horizon Technology Funding Company II LLC,
which we refer to as HTF II, and HTF and affiliates
of the other manager formed and invested in Horizon Technology
Funding Company III LLC, which we refer to as HTF
III. HTF II and HTF III co-invested in investments
originated by our Advisor in March 2004 until December 2006,
after which HTF II was the sole investor until July 2007. In
July 2007, Horizon Technology Funding Company V LLC, which we
refer to as HTF V, was formed by the investor
in HTF II and was managed by our Advisor. As of the date of this
prospectus, only the Compass Horizon fund is actively making new
investments.
Including HTF II, HTF III, HTF V and Compass Horizon, our
Advisor has made more than 115 loans totaling approximately
$700 million in the aggregate since it commenced operations
in 2004 while only incurring losses on eight transactions
totaling approximately $11 million in the aggregate or a
cumulative loss of approximately 1.6% on the original amount
loaned. Compass Horizon has not realized any losses
(charge-offs) in its loan portfolio on any individual
investments since its inception in 2008.
The following table is a condensed summary of our Advisors
historical performance since its inception for all of the funds
it has managed other than Compass Horizon. HTF II, HTF III and
HTF V were capital call funds that did
93
not use leverage and each fund is closed to new investments.
Each of these funds had an investment mandate similar to ours as
there are no material differences in the objectives, policies
and investment strategies between each of these funds and ours.
This information is not a guarantee of future performance and is
subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors some of which
are beyond our Advisors control, including market
conditions.
Average
Annual Total Returns
Fund Return (after deduction of all fees and
expenses(1))
Before
Taxes(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annualized
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Since
|
|
|
|
Inception
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
1-Year
|
|
|
5-Year
|
|
|
Inception
|
|
Fund
Name(3)
|
|
Date
|
|
|
investments(4)
|
|
|
Invested
|
|
|
(9/30/09 - 9/30/10)
|
|
|
(9/30/05 - 9/30/10)
|
|
|
(through 9/30/10)
|
|
|
HTF II
|
|
|
4/21/2004
|
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
$
|
258 million
|
|
|
|
NM
|
(5)
|
|
|
12.5
|
%
|
|
|
12.6
|
%
|
HTF III
|
|
|
4/21/2004
|
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
$
|
177 million
|
|
|
|
NM
|
(5)
|
|
|
11.6
|
%
|
|
|
11.9
|
%
|
HTF V
|
|
|
7/12/2007
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
$
|
65 million
|
|
|
|
13.9
|
%
|
|
|
NA
|
(6)
|
|
|
12.5
|
%
|
Footnotes:
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
The fees and expenses incurred by
HTF II and HTF III in connection with a 2006 public offering
(that was not completed) have been excluded. The fees and
expenses for these funds differ from the fees and expenses to be
paid by us to our Advisor. See Fees and Expenses.
|
|
|
|
(2)
|
|
Fund Return includes returns
from each Funds loan and warrant portfolio and excludes
exercised equity participation rights. HTF II and HTF III
purchased equity in the aggregate amount of $8.5 million
(which amount constituted less than 2% of the total capital
invested by HTF II and HTF III). HTF V has not exercised any
equity participation rights. As of September 30, 2010, the
cost and fair value of the remaining equity was
$5.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively. If the
equity positions had been included in the Fund Return the
Annualized Since Inception returns would have been 11.3% for
both HTF II and HTF III.
|
|
|
|
(3)
|
|
Horizon Technology Funding Company
I and Horizon Technology Funding Company IV were names
reserved for investment funds that were never funded and no
investments were made by these entities.
|
|
|
|
(4)
|
|
HTF II and HTF III co-invested in
transactions during the period March 2004 to December 2006. HTF
V and Compass Horizon co-invested in transactions from March
2008 to December 2008.
|
|
|
|
(5)
|
|
HTF II and HTF III are deemed
inactive funds as the remaining portfolios have a
fair value of less than 10% of each Funds Capital
Invested. HTF IIs and HTF IIIs
1-year
returns of 25.5% and 71.8% respectively are not meaningful due
to each Funds status as an inactive fund.
|
|
|
|
(6)
|
|
5-Year
return data is not available for HTF V as it has not been in
existence for five years.
|
94
INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS
Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC serves as our
investment advisor and is registered as such under the Advisers
Act. Our Advisor manages our day-to-day operations and also
provides all administrative services necessary for us to operate.
Investment
Management Agreement
Under the terms of our Investment Management Agreement, which we
refer to as the investment management agreement, our Advisor
will:
|
|
|
|
|
determine the composition of our portfolio, the nature and
timing of the changes to our portfolio and the manner of
implementing such changes;
|
|
|
|
identify, evaluate and negotiate the structure of the
investments we make (including performing due diligence on our
prospective portfolio companies); and
|
|
|
|
close, monitor and administer the investments we make, including
the exercise of any voting or consent rights.
|
Our Advisors services under the investment management
agreement are not exclusive, and it is free to furnish similar
services to other entities so long as its services to us are not
impaired.
Management
Fee
Pursuant to our investment management agreement, we will pay our
Advisor a fee for investment advisory and management services
consisting of a base management fee and an incentive fee.
Base Management Fee. The base management fee
will be calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% of our gross
assets, payable monthly in arrears. For purposes of calculating
the base management fee, the term gross assets
includes any assets acquired with the proceeds of leverage.
Incentive Fee. The incentive fee will have two
parts, as follows:
The first part will be calculated and payable quarterly in
arrears based on our pre-incentive fee net investment income for
the immediately preceding calendar quarter. For this purpose,
pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income,
dividend income and any other income (including any other fees
(other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as
commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting
fees and fees for providing significant managerial assistance or
other fees that we receive from portfolio companies) accrued
during the calendar quarter, minus our operating expenses for
the quarter (including the base management fee, expenses payable
under the administration agreement (as defined below), and any
interest expense and any dividends paid on any issued and
outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee).
Pre-incentive fee net investment income includes, in the case of
investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original
issue discount, debt instruments with
payment-in-kind
interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income that we
have not yet received in cash. The incentive fee with respect to
our pre-incentive fee net income will be 20.00% of the amount,
if any, by which our pre-incentive fee net investment income for
the immediately preceding calendar quarter exceeds a 1.75%
(which is 7.00% annualized) hurdle rate and a
catch-up
provision measured as of the end of each calendar quarter. Under
this provision, in any calendar quarter, our Advisor receives no
incentive fee until our net investment income equals the hurdle
rate of 1.75%, but then receives, as a
catch-up,
100.00% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income with
respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment
income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than
2.1875%. The effect of this provision is that, if pre-incentive
fee net investment income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar
quarter, our Advisor will receive 20.00% of our pre-incentive
fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply
Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any
realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized
capital appreciation or depreciation. Because of the structure
of the incentive fee, it is possible that we may pay an
incentive fee in a quarter where we incur a loss. For example,
if we receive pre-incentive fee net investment income in excess
of the quarterly minimum hurdle rate, we will pay the applicable
incentive fee even if
95
we have incurred a loss in that quarter due to realized and
unrealized capital losses. Our net investment income used to
calculate this part of the incentive fee is also included in the
amount of our gross assets used to calculate the 2.00% base
management fee. These calculations will be appropriately pro
rated for any period of less than three months and adjusted for
any share issuances or repurchases during the current quarter.
The following is a graphical representation of the calculation
of the income-related portion of the incentive fee:
Quarterly
Incentive Fee Based on Net Investment Income
Pre-incentive fee net investment income
(expressed as a percentage of the value of net assets)
Percentage
of pre-incentive fee net investment income allocated to first
part of incentive fee
The second part of the incentive fee will be determined and
payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon
termination of the investment management agreement, as of the
terminate date), commencing on December 31, 2010, and will
equal 20% of our realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative
basis from the date of our election to be a business development
company through the end of each calendar year, computed net of
all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation
on a cumulative basis, less all previous amounts paid in respect
of the capital gain incentive fee provided that the incentive
fee determined as of December 31, 2010 will be calculated
for a period of shorter than twelve calendar months to take into
account any realized capital gains computed net of all realized
capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation for the
period beginning on the date of our election to be a business
development company and ending December 31, 2010.
Examples
of Incentive Fee Calculation
Example
1: Income Related Portion of Incentive Fee for Each Fiscal
Quarter
Alternative
1
Assumptions:
Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) =
1.25%
Hurdle
rate(1) =
1.75%
Management
fee(2) =
0.50%
Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent,
etc.)(3)
= 0.20%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
(investment income − (management fee + other expenses) =
0.55%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed hurdle
rate; therefore, there is no income-related incentive fee.
96
Alternative
2
Assumptions:
Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) =
2.80%
Hurdle
rate(1) =
1.75%
Management
fee(2) =
0.50%
Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent,
etc.)(3)
= 0.20%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
(investment income − (management fee + other expenses) =
2.10%
Incentive fee = 100.00% × Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment
Income (subject to
catch-up)(4)
= 100.00% × (2.10% − 1.75%)
= 0.35%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds the hurdle rate,
but does not fully satisfy the
catch-up
provision; therefore, the income related portion of the
incentive fee is 0.35%.
Alternative
3
Assumptions:
Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) =
3.00%
Hurdle
rate(1) =
1.75%
Management
fee(2) =
0.50%
Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent,
etc.)(3)
= 0.20%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
(investment income − (management fee + other expenses) =
2.30%
Incentive fee = 100.00% × Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment
Income (subject to
catch-up)(4)
Incentive fee = 100.00% ×
catch-up
+ (20.00% × (Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income
− 2.1875%))
Catch up = 2.1875% − 1.75%
= 0.4375%
Incentive fee = (100.00% × 0.4375%) + (20.00% × (2.30%
− 2.1875%))
= 0.4375% + (20.00% × 0.1125%)
= 0.4375% + 0.0225%
= 0.46%
Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds the hurdle rate,
and fully satisfies the
catch-up
provision; therefore, the income related portion of the
incentive fee is 0.46%.
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Represents 7.00% annualized hurdle
rate.
|
(2)
|
|
Represents 2.00% annualized base
management fee.
|
(3)
|
|
Excludes organizational and
offering expenses.
|
(4)
|
|
The
catch-up
provision is intended to provide our Advisor with an incentive
fee of 20.00% on all Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income as
if a hurdle rate did not apply when our net investment income
exceeds 2.1875% in any fiscal quarter.
|
97
Example
2: Capital Gains Portion of Incentive Fee
Alternative
1
Assumptions:
Year 1: $20 million investment made in Company A
(Investment A), and $30 million investment made
in Company B (Investment B)
Year 2: Investment A sold for $50 million and fair market
value (FMV) of Investment B determined to be
$32 million
Year 3: FMV of Investment B determined to be $25 million
Year 4: Investment B sold for $31 million
The capital gains portion of the incentive fee, if any, would be:
Year 1: None (No sales transaction)
Year 2: Capital gains incentive fee of $6 million
($30 million realized capital gains on sale of
Investment A multiplied by 20%)
Year 3: None; $5 million (20% multiplied by
($30 million cumulative capital gains less $5 million
cumulative capital depreciation)) less $6 million (previous
capital gains fee paid in Year 2)
Year 4: Capital gains incentive fee of $200,000;
$6.2 million ($31 million cumulative realized capital
gains multiplied by 20%) less $6 million (capital gains
incentive fee taken in Year 2)
Alternative
2
Assumptions:
Year 1: $20 million investment made in Company A
(Investment A), $30 million investment made in
Company B (Investment B) and $25 million
investment made in Company C (Investment C)
Year 2: Investment A sold for $50 million, FMV of
Investment B determined to be $25 million and FMV of
Investment C determined to be $25 million
Year 3: FMV of Investment B determined to be $27 million
and Investment C sold for $30 million
Year 4: FMV of Investment B determined to be $35 million
Year 5: Investment B sold for $20 million
98
The capital gains incentive fee, if any, would be:
Year 1: None (no sales transaction)
Year 2: $5 million capital gains incentive fee (20%
multiplied by $25 million ($30 million realized
capital gains on Investment A less unrealized capital
depreciation on Investment B))
Year 3: $1.4 million capital gains incentive
fee(1)
($6.4 million (20% multiplied by $32 million
($35 million cumulative realized capital gains less
$3 million unrealized capital depreciation)) less
$5 million capital gains incentive fee received in Year 2
Year 4: None (no sales transaction)
Year 5: None ($5 million (20% multiplied by
$25 million (cumulative realized capital gains of
$35 million less realized capital losses of
$10 million)) less $6.4 million cumulative capital
gains incentive fee paid in Year 2 and Year
3(2)
The hypothetical amounts of returns shown are based on a
percentage of our total net assets and assume no leverage. There
is no guarantee that positive returns will be realized and
actual returns may vary from those shown in this example.
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
As illustrated in Year 3 of
Alternative 1 above, if we were to be wound up on a date other
than its fiscal year end of any year, we may have paid aggregate
capital gains incentive fees that are more than the amount of
such fees that would be payable if we had been wound up on its
fiscal year end of such year.
|
(2)
|
|
As noted above, it is possible that
the cumulative aggregate capital gains fee received by the
Investment Manager ($6.4 million) is effectively greater
than $5 million (20.00% of cumulative aggregate realized
capital gains less net realized capital losses or net unrealized
depreciation ($25 million)).
|
Payment
of our expenses
All investment professionals and staff of our Advisor, when and
to the extent engaged in providing investment advisory and
management services, and the compensation and routine overhead
expenses of its personnel allocable to such services, will be
provided and paid for by our Advisor. We will bear all other
costs and expenses of our operations and transactions,
including, without limitation, those relating to:
|
|
|
|
|
our organization;
|
|
|
|
calculating our net asset value (including the cost and expenses
of any independent valuation firms);
|
|
|
|
expenses, including travel expense, incurred by our Advisor 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, if any, incurred to finance our
investments;
|
|
|
|
the costs of this and all future offerings of our common stock
and other securities, if any;
|
|
|
|
the base management fee and any incentive management fee;
|
|
|
|
distributions on our shares;
|
|
|
|
administration fees payable under our administration agreement;
|
|
|
|
the allocated costs incurred by Advisor as our Administrator in
providing managerial assistance to those portfolio companies
that request it;
|
|
|
|
amounts payable to third parties relating to, or associated
with, making investments;
|
|
|
|
transfer agent and custodial fees;
|
|
|
|
registration fees;
|
|
|
|
listing fees;
|
99
|
|
|
|
|
fees and expenses associated with marketing efforts;
|
|
|
|
taxes;
|
|
|
|
independent director fees and expenses;
|
|
|
|
brokerage commissions;
|
|
|
|
costs of preparing and filing reports or other documents with
the SEC;
|
|
|
|
the costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to
our stockholders, including printing costs;
|
|
|
|
our allocable portion of the fidelity bond;
|
|
|
|
directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance,
and any other insurance premiums;
|
|
|
|
indemnification payments;
|
|
|
|
direct costs and expenses of administration, including audit and
legal costs; and
|
|
|
|
all other expenses incurred by us or the Administrator in
connection with administering our business, such as the
allocable portion of overhead under our administration
agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with
performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of
the costs of compensation and related expenses of our chief
compliance officer and our chief financial officer and their
respective staffs.
|
We will reimburse our Advisor for costs and expenses incurred by
our Advisor for office space rental, office equipment and
utilities allocable to the performance by our Advisor of its
duties under the investment management agreement, as well as any
costs and expenses incurred by our Advisor relating to any
non-investment advisory, administrative or operating services
provided by our Advisor to us or in the form of managerial
assistance to portfolio companies that request it.
From time to time, our Advisor may pay amounts owed by us to
third party providers of goods or services. We will subsequently
reimburse our Advisor for such amounts paid on our behalf.
Generally, our expenses will be expensed as incurred in
accordance with GAAP. To the extent we incur costs that should
be capitalized and amortized into expense we will also do so in
accordance with GAAP, which may include amortizing such amount
on a straight line basis over the life of the asset or the life
of the services or product being performed or provided.
Limitation
of liability and indemnification
The investment management agreement provides that our Advisor
and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees,
controlling persons and any other person or entity affiliated
with our Advisor will not be liable to us for any act or
omission by it in the supervision or management of our
investment activities or for any loss sustained by us except for
acts or omissions constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations under
the investment management agreement. The investment management
agreement also provides for indemnification by us of our Advisor
and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees,
controlling persons and any other person or entity affiliated
with our Advisor for liabilities incurred by them in connection
with their services to us (including any liabilities associated
with an action or suit by or in the right of us or our
stockholders), but excluding liabilities for acts or omissions
constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence
or reckless disregard of their duties under the investment
management agreement to certain conditions.
Board
approval of the investment management agreement
Our board of directors held an in-person meeting on
October 25, 2010, in order to consider and approve our
investment management agreement. In its consideration of the
investment management agreement, the board of directors focused
on information it had received relating to, among other things:
(a) the nature, quality and extent of the advisory and
other services to be provided to us by our Advisor;
(b) comparative data with respect to advisory fees or
similar expenses paid by other business development companies
with similar investment objectives; (c) our
100
projected operating expenses and expense ratio compared to
business development companies with similar investment
objectives; (d) any existing and potential sources of
indirect income to our Advisor or the Administrator from their
relationships with us and the profitability of those
relationships; (e) information about the services to be
performed and the personnel performing such services under the
investment management agreement; (f) the organizational
capability and financial condition of our Advisor and its
affiliates; (g) our Advisors practices regarding the
selection and compensation of brokers that may execute our
portfolio transactions and the brokers provision of
brokerage and research services to our Advisor; and (h) the
possibility of obtaining similar services from other third party
service providers or through an internally managed structure.
Based on the information reviewed and the discussions, the board
of directors, including a majority of the non-interested
directors, concluded that the investment management fee rates
are reasonable in relation to the services to be provided.
Duration
and termination
The investment management agreement was approved by our board of
directors on October 25, 2010. Unless terminated earlier as
described below, it will continue in effect for a period of
2 years from its effective date. It will remain in effect
from year to year thereafter if approved annually by our board
of directors or by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of our outstanding voting securities, including, in
either case, approval by a majority of our directors who are not
interested persons. The investment management agreement will
automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The
investment management agreement may be terminated by either
party without penalty by delivering upon not more than
60 days written notice to the other. See Risk
Factors Risks Related to our Business and
Structure Our Advisor can resign on
60 days notice, and we may not be able to find a
suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption
in our operations that could adversely affect our business,
results or operations or financial condition. We are
dependent upon senior management personnel of our Advisor for
our future success, and if our Advisor is unable to hire and
retain qualified personnel or if our Advisor loses any member of
its senior management team, our ability to achieve our
investment objective could be significantly harmed.
Administration
Agreement
We have entered into an administration agreement with HTFM, our
Administrator, to provide administrative services to us. For
providing these services, facilities and personnel, we will
reimburse our Administrator for our allocable portion of
overhead and other expenses incurred by our Administrator in
performing its obligations under the administration agreement,
including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing
compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the costs of
compensation and related expenses of our chief compliance
officer and our chief financial officer and their respective
staffs.
From time to time, our Administrator may pay amounts owed by us
to third-party providers of goods or services. We will
subsequently reimburse our Administrator for such amounts paid
on our behalf.
License
Agreement
We have entered into a license agreement with our Advisor
pursuant to which our Advisor has agreed to grant us a
non-exclusive, royalty-free right and license to use the service
mark Horizon Technology Finance. Under this
agreement, we have a right to use the Horizon Technology
Finance service mark for so long as the investment
management agreement with our Advisor is in effect. Other than
with respect to this limited license, we will have no legal
right to the Horizon Technology Finance service mark.
101
CONTROL
PERSONS, PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND THE SELLING
STOCKHOLDER
Following the Share Exchange and immediately prior to the
completion of this offering, we will have 2,645,124 shares
of common stock outstanding, all of which will be owned
beneficially and of record by the stockholders listed in the
table below. The following table sets forth certain information
with respect to the beneficial and record ownership of our
common stock immediately prior to the completion of this
offering (after giving effect to the Share Exchange) and as
adjusted to reflect the sale of shares of common stock offered
by this prospectus by:
|
|
|
|
|
each person known to us to own beneficially and of record more
than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock;
|
|
|
|
each of our directors and each of our executive officers;
|
|
|
|
all of our directors and executive officers as a group; and
|
|
|
|
the selling stockholder.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Owned
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Owned
|
|
|
|
Beneficially
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficially
|
|
|
|
and of Record
|
|
|
|
|
|
and of Record
|
|
|
|
Immediately Prior
|
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Immediately After
|
|
|
|
to This Offering
|
|
|
of Shares
|
|
|
This Offering
|
|
Name of Beneficial
Owner
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
Being Offered
|
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Percent(1)
|
|
|
Principal Stockholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compass Horizon Partners,
LP(2)
|
|
|
2,598,249
|
|
|
|
98.2
|
%
|
|
|
1,340,000
|
|
|
|
1,258,249
|
|
|
|
16.7
|
%
|
HTF-CHF Holdings
LLC(3)
|
|
|
46,875
|
|
|
|
1.8
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,875
|
|
|
|
0.6
|
%
|
Directors and Executive Officers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert D. Pomeroy,
Jr.(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
Gerald A.
Michaud(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
David P. Swanson
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
James J. Bottiglieri
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
Edmund V. Mahoney
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
Brett N. Silvers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
Christopher B. Woodward
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
Christopher M.
Mathieu(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
John C.
Bombara(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
Daniel S.
Devorsetz(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
|
All officers and directors as a group (10 persons)
|
|
|
46,875
|
|
|
|
1.8
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,875
|
|
|
|
0.6
|
%
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Assumes the sale of
1,340,000 shares of our common stock by the selling
stockholder and the issuance of 4,910,000 shares of our
common stock in this offering.
|
(2)
|
|
Concorde Horizon Holdings LP. is
the limited partner of Compass Horizon Partners, LP and Navco
Management, Ltd. is the general partner. Concorde Horizon
Holdings LP. and Navco Management, Ltd. are controlled by The
Kattegat Trust, a Bermudian charitable trust, the trustee of
which is Kattegat Private Trustees (Bermuda) Limited, a
Bermudian trust company with its principal offices at 2 Reid
Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda.
|
(3)
|
|
Messrs. Pomeroy, Michaud,
Mathieu, Bombara and Devorsetz each own 33%, 33%, 15.5%, 9.3%
and 6.2% of HTF-CHF Holdings LLC, respectively. The address for
HTF-CHF Holdings LLC is 76 Batterson Park Road, Farmington,
Connecticut 06032.
|
102
The following table sets forth the dollar range of our
securities owned by our directors and employees primarily
responsible for the day-to-day management of our investment
portfolio.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Securities in all
|
|
|
|
|
Registered Investment
|
|
|
|
|
Companies Overseen by
|
|
|
Dollar Range of Equity
|
|
Director in Family of
|
Name
|
|
Securities in the
Company(1)
|
|
Investment Companies
|
|
Independent Directors
|
|
|
|
|
James J. Bottiglieri
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Edmund V. Mahoney
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Brett N. Silvers
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Christopher B. Woodward
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Interested Directors
|
|
|
|
|
Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr.
|
|
$100,001-$500,000
|
|
$100,001-$500,000
|
Gerald A. Michaud
|
|
$100,001-$500,000
|
|
$100,001-$500,000
|
David P. Swanson
|
|
None
|
|
None
|
Portfolio Management Employees
|
|
|
|
|
Christopher M. Mathieu
|
|
$100,001-$500,000
|
|
$100,001-$500,000
|
John C. Bombara
|
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
Daniel S. Devorsetz
|
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
|
$50,001-$100,000
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
The dollar range of equity
securities beneficially owned in us is based on the initial
offering price of our common stock of $16.00 per share.
|
103
DETERMINATION
OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of our outstanding shares of
common stock will be determined quarterly by dividing the value
of total assets minus liabilities by the total number of shares
of common stock outstanding at the date as of which the
determination is made. We will conduct the valuation of our
assets, pursuant to which our net asset value will be
determined, at all times consistent with GAAP and the 1940 Act.
In calculating the fair value of our total assets, investments
for which market quotations are readily available will be valued
at such market quotations, which will generally be obtained from
an independent pricing service or one or more broker-dealers or
market makers. However, debt investments with remaining
maturities within 60 days that are not credit impaired will
be valued at cost plus accreted discount, or minus amortized
premium, which approximates fair value.
We value our investments at fair value which shall be the market
value of our investments. We expect that there will not be a
readily available market value for many of our portfolio
investments, and we will value those debt and equity securities
that are not publicly traded or whose market value is not
ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith by the
board of directors in accordance with our valuation policy. Our
board of directors will employ an independent third party
valuation firms to assist in determining fair value.
The types of factors that the board of directors may take into
account in determining fair value 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
companys ability to make payments and its earnings and
discounted cash flow, 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, the company will consider the
pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate the
private equity valuation.
With respect to investments for which market quotations are not
readily available or for which no indicative prices from pricing
services or brokers or dealers have been received, our board of
directors will undertake a multi-step valuation process each
quarter, as described below:
|
|
|
|
|
the quarterly valuation process will begin with each portfolio
company or investment being initially valued by our
Advisors investment professionals responsible for
monitoring the investment;
|
|
|
|
preliminary valuation conclusions will then be documented and
discussed with our Advisors senior management;
|
|
|
|
a third-party valuation firm will be engaged by, or on behalf
of, our board of directors to conduct independent appraisals of
all investments at least once annually after reviewing our
Advisors preliminary valuations; and
|
|
|
|
our board of directors will then discuss the valuations and
determine in good faith the fair value of each investment in the
portfolio based on the analysis and recommendations of our
Advisor and, when determined by our board of directors, an
independent valuation firm.
|
Due to the inherent uncertainty in determining the fair value of
investments that do not have a readily observable fair value,
and the subjective judgments and estimates involved in those
determinations, the fair value determinations by our board of
directors, even though determined in good faith, 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.
Determinations
in connection with offerings
In connection with certain offerings of shares of our common
stock, our board of directors or one of its committees will be
required to make the determination that we are not selling
shares of our common stock at a price below the then current net
asset value of our common stock at the time at which the sale is
made. Our board of
104
directors or an applicable committee of our board of directors
will consider the following factors, among others, in making
such determination:
|
|
|
|
|
the net asset value of our common stock most recently disclosed
by us in the most recent periodic report that we filed with the
SEC;
|
|
|
|
our managements assessment of whether any material change
in the net asset value of our common stock has occurred
(including through the realization of gains on the sale of our
portfolio securities) during the period beginning on the date of
the most recently disclosed net asset value of our common stock
and ending two days prior to the date of the sale of our common
stock; and
|
|
|
|
the magnitude of the difference between (i) the net asset
value of our common stock most recently disclosed by us and our
managements assessment of any material change in the net
asset value of our common stock since that determination, and
(ii) the offering price of the shares of our common stock
in the proposed offering.
|
This determination will not require that we calculate the net
asset value of our common stock in connection with each offering
of shares of our common stock, but instead it will involve the
determination by our board of directors or a committee thereof
that we are not selling shares of our common stock at a price
below the then current net asset value of our common stock at
the time at which the sale is made or otherwise in violation of
the 1940 Act.
Moreover, to the extent that there is even a remote possibility
that we may (i) issue shares of our common stock at a price
below the then current net asset value of our common stock at
the time at which the sale is made or (ii) trigger the
undertaking (which we provide in certain registration statements
we file with the SEC) to suspend the offering of shares of our
common stock pursuant to this prospectus if the net asset value
of our common stock fluctuates by certain amounts in certain
circumstances until the prospectus is amended, our board of
directors will elect, in the case of clause (i) above,
either to postpone the offering until such time that there is no
longer the possibility of the occurrence of such event or to
undertake to determine the net asset value of our common stock
within two days prior to any such sale to ensure that such sale
will not be below our then current net asset value, and, in the
case of clause (ii) above, to comply with such undertaking
or to undertake to determine the net asset value of our common
stock to ensure that such undertaking has not been triggered.
105
DIVIDEND
REINVESTMENT PLAN
We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan that provides for
reinvestment of our cash distributions and other distributions
on behalf of our stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to
receive cash as provided below. As a result, if our board of
directors authorizes, and we declare, a cash distribution, then
our stockholders who have not opted out of our
dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash distribution
automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common
stock, rather than receiving the cash distribution.
No action is required on the part of a registered stockholder to
have their cash distribution reinvested in shares of our common
stock. A registered stockholder may elect to receive an entire
distribution in cash by notifying The Bank of New York Mellon,
the plan administrator and our transfer agent and registrar, in
writing so that such notice is received by the plan
administrator no later than 10 days prior to the record
date for distributions to stockholders. The plan administrator
will set up an account for shares acquired through the plan for
each stockholder who has not elected to receive dividends or
other distributions in cash and hold such shares in
non-certificated form. Upon request by a stockholder
participating in the plan, received in writing not less than
10 days prior to the record date, the plan administrator
will, instead of crediting shares to the participants
account, issue a certificate registered in the
participants name for the number of whole shares of our
common stock and a check for any fractional share.
Those stockholders whose shares are held by a broker or other
financial intermediary may receive distributions in cash by
notifying their broker or other financial intermediary of their
election.
We intend to use primarily newly issued shares to implement the
plan, whether our shares are trading at a premium or at a
discount to net asset value. However, we reserve the right to
purchase shares in the open market in connection with our
implementation of the plan. The number of shares to be issued to
a stockholder is determined by dividing the total dollar amount
of the dividend payable to such stockholder by the market price
per share of our common stock at the close of regular trading on
The NASDAQ Global Market on the valuation date, which date shall
be as close as practicable to the dividend payment date for such
dividend. Market price per share on that date will be the
closing price for such shares on The NASDAQ Global Market or, if
no sale is reported for such day, at the average of their
reported bid and asked prices. The number of shares of our
common stock to be outstanding after giving effect to payment of
the dividend cannot be established until the value per share at
which additional shares will be issued has been determined and
elections of our stockholders have been tabulated. Stockholders
who do not elect to receive distributions in shares of common
stock may experience accretion to the net asset value of their
shares if our shares are trading at a premium at the time we
issue new shares under the plan and dilution if our shares are
trading at a discount. The level of accretion or discount would
depend on various factors, including the proportion of our
stockholders who participate in the plan, the level of premium
or discount at which our shares are trading and the amount of
the dividend payable to a stockholder.
There will be no brokerage charges or other charges to
stockholders who participate in the plan. The plan
administrators fees under the plan will be paid by us. If
a participant elects by written notice to the plan administrator
to have the plan administrator sell part or all of the shares
held by the plan administrator in the participants account
and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan
administrator is authorized to deduct a $15.00 transaction fee
plus a 10¢ per share trading fee from the proceeds.
Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of stock are
subject to the same federal income tax consequences as are
stockholders who elect to receive their dividends in cash. A
stockholders basis for determining gain or loss upon the
sale of stock received in a dividend from us will be equal to
the total dollar amount of the dividend payable to the
stockholder. Any stock received in a dividend will have a new
holding period for tax purposes commencing on the day following
the day on which the shares are credited to the
U.S. stockholders account. See Material
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.
Participants may terminate their accounts under the plan by
notifying the plan agent via its website at
www.bnymellon.com/shareowner/isd, by filling out the transaction
request form located at bottom of their statement and sending it
to the plan agent at c/o BNY Mellon Shareowner Services, P.O.
Box 358035, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15252-8035 or by calling
the plan administrator at
877-296-3711.
106
The plan may be terminated by us upon notice in writing mailed
to each participant. All correspondence concerning the plan
should be directed to the plan administrator by mail at Plan
Administrator c/o BNY Mellon Shareowner Services, P.O. Box
358035, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15252-8035.
If you withdraw or the plan is terminated, the plan
administrator will continue to hold your shares in book-entry
form unless you request that such shares be sold or issued. Upon
receipt of your instructions, a certificate for each whole share
in your account under the plan will be issued and you will
receive a cash payment for any fraction of a share in your
account.
If you hold your common stock with a brokerage firm that does
not participate in the plan, you will not be able to participate
in the plan and any dividend reinvestment may be effected on
different terms than those described above. Consult your
financial advisor for more information.
107
DESCRIPTION
OF CAPITAL STOCK
General
The following description does not purport to be complete and
is subject to the provisions of our certificate of incorporation
and bylaws, forms of which will be filed as exhibits to this
registration statement. The descriptions are qualified in their
entirety by reference to our certificate of incorporation and
bylaws and to applicable law.
Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation, our
authorized capital stock will consist solely of
100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value
$0.001 per share, of which no shares were outstanding as of
September 30, 2010 (after giving effect to the Share
Exchange), and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par
value $0.001 per share, of which no shares were outstanding
as of September 30, 2010. There are no outstanding options
or warrants to purchase our stock. No stock has been authorized
for issuance under any equity compensation plans. Our board of
directors is authorized to classify and reclassify any unissued
shares of stock into other classes or series of stock without
obtaining stockholder approval. As permitted by Delaware law,
the board of directors may, without any action by our
stockholders, amend our certificate of incorporation from time
to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares
of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series
that we have authority to issue. Under Delaware law, our
stockholders generally are not personally liable for our debts
or obligations.
Common
stock
Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation, all shares
of our common stock have equal rights as to earnings, assets,
dividends and voting. When they are issued, shares of our common
stock will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable. Distributions may be paid to the holders of our
common stock if, as and when declared by our board of directors
out of assets legally available therefor, subject to any
preferential dividend rights of outstanding preferred stock.
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share
held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders,
including the election of directors, and do not have cumulative
voting rights. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the shares
of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors
may elect all of the directors standing for election. Upon our
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common
stock are entitled to receive ratably our net assets available
after the payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject
to the prior rights of any outstanding preferred stock. Holders
of common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or
conversion rights. The rights, preferences and privileges of
holders of common stock are subject to the rights of the holders
of any series of preferred stock which we may designate and
issue in the future. In addition, holders of our common stock
may participate in our dividend reinvestment plan.
Our common stock has been approved for listing on The NASDAQ
Global Market under the ticker symbol HRZN.
Preferred
stock
Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation, our board
of directors is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock in
one or more series without stockholder approval. The board has
discretion to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and
restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights,
conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation
preferences of each series of preferred stock. Every issuance of
preferred stock will be required to comply with the requirements
of the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act limits our flexibility as to
certain rights and preferences of the preferred stock that our
certificate of incorporation may provide and requires, among
other things, that (1) immediately after issuance and
before any distribution is made with respect to our common
stock, and before any purchase of common stock is made, such
preferred stock together with all other senior securities must
not exceed an amount equal to 50% of our total assets after
deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase
price, as the case may be, and (2) the holders of shares of
preferred stock, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class
to elect two directors at all times and to elect a majority of
the directors if and for so long as dividends on the preferred
stock are in arrears by two years or more. Certain matters under
the 1940 Act require the separate vote of the holders of any
issued and outstanding preferred stock. For example, holders of
preferred stock would vote separately from the holders of common
stock on a proposal to cease operations as a business
108
development company. The features of the preferred stock will be
further limited by the requirements applicable to regulated
investment companies under the Code. The purpose of authorizing
our board to issue preferred stock and determine its rights and
preferences is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder
vote on specific issuances. The issuance of preferred stock,
while providing desirable flexibility in connection with
providing leverage for our investment program, possible
acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could make it more
difficult for a third party to acquire, or could discourage a
third party from acquiring, a majority of our outstanding voting
stock.
Anti-takeover
Effects of Provisions of Our Certificate of Incorporation,
Bylaws, Delaware Law and Other Arrangements
Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and
bylaws, as summarized below, and applicable provisions of the
Delaware General Corporation Law and certain other agreements to
which we are a party may make it more difficult for or prevent
an unsolicited third party from acquiring control of us or
changing our board of directors and management. These provisions
may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying
changes in our control or in our management. These provisions
are intended to enhance the likelihood of continued stability in
the composition of our board of directors and in the policies
furnished by them and to discourage certain types of
transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change in
our control. The provisions also are intended to discourage
certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. These
provisions, however, could have the effect of discouraging
others from making tender offers for our shares and, as a
consequence, they also may inhibit fluctuations in the market
price of our shares that could result from actual or rumored
takeover attempts.
Classified Board; Vacancies; Removal. The
classification of our board of directors and the limitations on
removal of directors and filling of vacancies could have the
effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire
us, or of discouraging a third party from acquiring us. Our
board of directors will be divided into three classes, with the
term of one class expiring at each annual meeting of
stockholders. At each annual meeting, one class of directors is
elected to a three-year term. This provision could delay for up
to two years the replacement of a majority of the board of
directors.
Our certificate of incorporation provides that, subject to the
rights of any holders of preferred stock, any vacancy on the
board of directors, however the vacancy occurs, including a
vacancy due to an enlargement of the board, may only be filled
by vote a majority of the directors then in office.
A director may be removed at any time at a meeting called for
that purpose, but only for cause and only by the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least 75% of the shares then entitled
to vote for the election of the respective director.
Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and
Director Nominations. Our bylaws provide that
with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations
of person for election to the board of directors and the
proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be
made only (1) by or at the direction of the board of
directors, (2) pursuant to our notice of meeting or
(3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting
and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of the
bylaws. Nominations of persons for election to the board of
directors at a special meeting may be made only (1) by or
at the director of the board of directors, or (2) provided
that the board of directors has determined that directors will
be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to
vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice
provisions of the bylaws. The purpose of requiring stockholders
to give us advance notice of nominations and other business is
to afford our board of directors a meaningful opportunity to
consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees and the
advisability of any other proposed business and, to the extent
deemed necessary or desirable by our board of directors, to
inform our stockholders and make recommendations about such
qualifications or business, as well as to prove a more orderly
procedure for conducting meetings of stockholders. Although our
bylaws do not give our board of directors any power to
disapprove stockholder nominations for the election of directors
or proposals recommending certain action, they may have the
effect of precluding a contest for the election of directors or
the consideration of stockholder proposals if proper procedures
are not followed and of discouraging or deterring a third party
from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate
of directors or to approve its own proposal without regard to
whether consideration of such nominees or proposals might be
harmful or beneficial to us and our stockholders.
109
Amendments to Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws. Delawares corporation law provides
generally that the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares
entitled to vote on any matter is required to amend a
corporations certificate of incorporation or bylaws,
unless a corporations certificate of incorporation or
bylaws requires a greater percentage. Our certificate of
incorporation permits our board of directors to amend or repeal
our bylaws. Our bylaws generally can be amended by approval of
at least
662/3%
of the total number of authorized directors subject to certain
exceptions, including provisions relating to the size of our
board, and certain actions requiring board approval, which
provisions will require the vote of 75% of our board of
directors to be amended. The affirmative vote of the holders of
at least
662/3%
of the shares of our capital stock entitled to vote is required
to amend or repeal any of the provisions of our bylaws.
Calling of Special Meetings by
Stockholders. Our certificate of incorporation
and bylaws also provide that special meetings of the
stockholders may only be called by our board of directors,
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or President.
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law. We will be subject to the provisions of
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law once we
are a public company. In general, the statute prohibits a
publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a
business combination with interested
stockholders for a period of three years after the date of
the transaction in which the person became an interested
stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a
prescribed manner. A business combination includes
certain mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in
a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to
certain exceptions, an interested stockholder is a
person who, together with his affiliates and associates, owns,
or within three years did own, 15% or more of the
corporations voting stock.
Approval of Certain Transactions.
To convert us to an open-end investment company, to merge or
consolidate us with any entity or sell all or substantially all
of our assets to any entity in a transaction as a result of
which the governing documents of the surviving entity do not
contain substantially the same anti-takeover provisions as are
provided in our certificate of incorporation, to liquidate and
dissolve us other than in connection with a qualifying merger,
consolidation or sale of assets or to amend any of the
provisions discussed herein, our certificate of incorporation
requires the favorable vote of a majority of our continuing
directors followed by the favorable vote of the holders of at
least 75% of our outstanding shares of each affected class or
series of our shares, voting separately as a class or series,
unless such amendment has been approved by at the holders of
least 80% of the then outstanding shares of our capital stock,
voting together as a single class. If approved in the foregoing
manner, our conversion to an open-end investment company could
not occur until 90 days after the stockholders meeting at
which such conversion was approved and would also require at
least 30 days prior notice to all stockholders. As part of
any such conversion to an open-end investment company,
substantially all of our investment policies and strategies and
portfolio would have to be modified to assure the degree of
portfolio liquidity required for open-end investment companies.
In the event of conversion, the common shares would cease to be
listed on any national securities exchange or market system.
Stockholders of an open-end investment company may require the
company to redeem their shares at any time, except in certain
circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act, at their
net asset value, less such redemption charge, if any, as might
be in effect at the time of a redemption. You should assume that
it is not likely that our board of directors would vote to
convert us to an open-end fund.
The 1940 Act defines a majority of the outstanding voting
securities as the lesser of a majority of the outstanding
shares and 67% of a quorum of a majority of the outstanding
shares. For the purposes of calculating a majority of the
outstanding voting securities under our certificate of
incorporation, each class and series of our shares will vote
together as a single class, except to the extent required by the
1940 Act or our certificate of incorporation, with respect to
any class or series of shares. If a separate class vote is
required, the applicable proportion of shares of the class or
series, voting as a separate class or series, also will be
required.
Our board of directors has determined that provisions with
respect to the board of directors and the stockholder voting
requirements described above, which voting requirements are
greater than the minimum requirements under Delaware law or the
1940 Act, are in the best interest of stockholders generally.
110
Our Credit Facility also contains a covenant that prohibits us
from merging or consolidating with any other person or selling
all or substantially all of our assets without the prior written
consent of WestLB. If we were to engage in such a transaction
without such consent, WestLB could accelerate our repayment
obligations under,
and/or
terminate, our Credit Facility. See Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Borrowings.
In addition, the SBA prohibits, without prior SBA approval, a
change of control of an SBIC. A change of
control is any event which would result in the transfer of
power, direct or indirect, to direct the management and policies
of an SBIC, including through ownership. To the extent that we
form an SBIC subsidiary, this would prohibit a change of control
of us without prior SBA approval.
Limitations
of liability and indemnification
The Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes corporations to
limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to
corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for
breaches of directors fiduciary duties. Our certificate of
incorporation will include a provision that eliminates the
personal liability of for monetary damages for actions taken as
a director, except for liability:
|
|
|
|
|
for breach of duty of loyalty;
|
|
|
|
for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional
misconduct or knowing violation of law;
|
|
|
|
under Section 174 of the DGCL (unlawful dividends); or
|
|
|
|
for transactions from which the director derived improper
personal benefit.
|
Under our certificate of incorporation, we will fully indemnify
any person who was or is involved in any actual or threatened
action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that such
person is or was one of our directors or officers. So long as we
are regulated under the 1940 Act, the above indemnification and
limitation of liability is limited by the 1940 Act or by any
valid rule, regulation or order of the SEC thereunder. The 1940
Act provides, among other things, that a company may not
indemnify any director or officer against liability to it or its
security holders to which he or she might otherwise be subject
by reason of his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his or her office unless a determination is made by
final decision of a court, by vote of a majority of a quorum of
directors who are disinterested, non-party directors or by
independent legal counsel that the liability for which
indemnification is sought did not arise out of the foregoing
conduct.
Delaware law also provides that indemnification permitted under
the law shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to
which the directors and officers may be entitled under the
corporations bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders
or otherwise.
We have obtained liability insurance for our officers and
directors.
111
SHARES
ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Immediately prior to this offering, there has been no public
market for our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our
unregistered common stock in the public market or the perception
that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the
prevailing market price of our common stock and our future
ability to raise capital through the sale of our equity
securities.
Upon completion of this offering (after giving effect to the
share exchange, 7,555,124 shares of our common stock will
be outstanding (or 8,492,624 shares of our common stock if
the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full).
Of these shares, the 6,250,000 shares sold in this offering
will be freely tradable without restrictions or further
registration under the Securities Act, unless those shares are
purchased by affiliates as that term is defined in
Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Restricted securities
may be sold in the public market only if registered or if they
qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144
under the Securities Act.
In conjunction with the Share Exchange, we will enter into a
registration rights agreement with respect to
1,305,124 shares issued to the selling stockholder and
HTF-CHF. As a result and subject to the terms and conditions of
the agreements, at any time following 365 days after the
completion of this offering the holders of a
majority-in-interest
of the shares subject to the registration rights agreement
(including permitted transferees) can require up to a maximum of
three times that we file a registration statement under the
Securities Act relating to the resale of all or a part of the
shares. In addition, the registration rights agreement also
provides for piggyback registration rights with respect to any
future registrations of our equity securities and the right to
require us to register the resale of their shares on a
shelf
Form N-2
at any time following 365 days after the completion of this
offering. We (and, therefore, indirectly our stockholders) will
bear customary costs and expenses incurred in connection with
the registration of such shares, although the selling
stockholder and HTF-CHF will be responsible for the underwriting
discounts and selling commissions in a demand registration and
their pro rata share of the underwriting discounts and selling
commissions in a piggyback registration.
Rule 144
In general, a person who has beneficially owned restricted
shares of our common stock for at least six months would be
entitled to sell their securities provided that (i) such
person is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at the
time of, or at any time during the 90 days preceding, a
sale and (ii) we are subject to the Exchange Act periodic
reporting requirements for at least 90 days before the
sale. Persons who have beneficially owned restricted shares of
our common stock for at least six months but who are our
affiliates at the time of, or any time during the 90 days
preceding, a sale, would be subject to additional restrictions,
by which such person would be entitled to sell within any
three-month period only a number of securities that does not
exceed the greater of either of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
1% of the number of shares of our common stock then outstanding,
which will equal approximately 75,551 shares immediately
after this offering; or
|
|
|
|
the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on the
NASDAQ Global Market for the four calendar weeks prior to the
sale,
|
provided, in each case, that we are subject to the Exchange Act
periodic reporting requirements for at least 90 days before
the sale. Such sales must also comply with the manner of sale,
current public information and notice provisions of
Rule 144.
Lock-up
Agreements
We and our officers and directors and our existing stockholders
have agreed with the underwriters, subject to certain
exceptions, not to (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to
sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any
option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant
to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly
or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or any securities
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common
stock, (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic
consequences of ownership of the common stock, (iii) make
any demand for or exercise any right with respect to, the
registration of any shares of our common stock or any security
convertible into
112
or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock for a period of
180 days after the date of this prospectus without the
prior written consent of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated and UBS Securities LLC.
The 180-day
restricted period described above is subject to extension such
that, in the event that either (a) during the last
17 days of the
180-day
restricted period, we issue an earnings release or material news
or a material event relating to us occurs or (b) prior to
the expiration of the
180-day
restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings
results during the
16-day
period beginning on the last day of the
180-day
period, the
lock-up
restrictions described above will continue to apply until the
expiration of the
18-day
period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the
occurrence of the material news or material event. See
Underwriters.
113
REGULATION
We intend to elect to be regulated as a business development
company under the 1940 Act and intend to elect to be treated as
a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As with other companies
regulated by the 1940 Act, a business development company must
adhere to certain substantive regulatory requirements. The 1940
Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to
transactions between business development companies and their
affiliates (including any investment advisers or sub-advisers),
principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or
underwriters and requires that a majority of the directors be
persons other than interested persons, as that term
is defined in the 1940 Act. In addition, the 1940 Act provides
that we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease
to be, or to withdraw our election as, a business development
company unless approved by a majority of our outstanding
voting securities as defined in the 1940 Act. A majority
of the outstanding voting securities of a company is defined
under the 1940 Act as the lesser of: (i) 67% or more of
such companys shares present at a meeting if more than 50%
of the outstanding shares of such company are present and
represented by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of such company. Our bylaws provide for the
calling of a special meeting of stockholders at which such
action could be considered upon written notice of not less than
ten or more than sixty days before the date of such meeting.
We may invest up to 100% of our assets in securities acquired
directly from issuers in privately negotiated transactions. With
respect to such securities, we may, for the purpose of public
resale, be deemed an underwriter as that term is
defined in the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Act. We
also do not intend to acquire securities issued by any
investment company that exceed the limits imposed by the 1940
Act. Under these limits, except for registered money market
funds, we generally cannot acquire more than 3% of the voting
stock of any investment company, invest more than 5% of the
value of our total assets in the securities of one investment
company or invest more than 10% of the value of our total assets
in the securities of more than one investment company. With
regard to that portion of our portfolio invested in securities
issued by investment companies, it should be noted that such
investments might subject our stockholders to additional
expenses. None of our investment policies are fundamental and
any may be changed without stockholder approval.
We may also be prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly
participating in certain transactions with our affiliates
without the prior approval of our board of directors who are not
interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the
SEC. For example, under the 1940 Act, absent receipt of
exemptive relief from the SEC, we and our affiliates may be
precluded from co-investing in private placements of securities.
As a result of one or more of these situations, we may not be
able to invest as much as we otherwise would in certain
investments or may not be able to liquidate a position as
quickly.
We expect to be periodically examined by the SEC for compliance
with the 1940 Act.
We are required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a
reputable fidelity insurance company to protect us against
larceny and embezzlement. Furthermore, as a business development
company, we are prohibited from protecting any director or
officer against any liability to us or our stockholders arising
from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such
persons office.
We and our Advisor are adopting and implementing written
policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation
of the federal securities laws and will review these policies
and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness
of their implementation. We and our Advisor have designated an
interim chief compliance officer to be responsible for
administering the policies and procedures.
Qualifying
assets
Under the 1940 Act, a business development company may not
acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in
section 55(a) of the 1940 Act, which are referred to as
qualifying assets, unless, at the time the acquisition is made,
qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the companys
total assets. The principal categories of qualifying assets
relevant to our proposed business are the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Securities purchased in transactions not involving any public
offering from the issuer of such securities, which issuer
(subject to certain limited exceptions) is an eligible portfolio
company, or from any person who is, or has been during the
preceding 13 months, an affiliated person of an eligible
portfolio company, or from
|
114
|
|
|
|
|
any other person, subject to such rules as may be prescribed by
the SEC. An eligible portfolio company is defined in the 1940
Act as any issuer which:
|
|
|
|
|
|
is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of
business in, the United States;
|
|
|
|
is not an investment company (other than a small business
investment company wholly owned by the business development
company) or a company that would be an investment company but
for certain exclusions under the 1940 Act; and
|
|
|
|
satisfies any of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
has a market capitalization of less than $250 million or
does not have any class of securities listed on a national
securities exchange;
|
|
|
|
is controlled by a business development company or a group of
companies including a business development company, the business
development company actually exercises a controlling influence
over the management or policies of the eligible portfolio
company, and, as a result thereof, the business development
company has an affiliated person who is a director of the
eligible portfolio company; or
|
|
|
|
is a small and solvent company having total assets of not more
than $4 million and capital and surplus of not less than
$2 million.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities of any eligible portfolio company which we control.
|
|
|
|
Securities purchased in a private transaction from a
U.S. issuer that is not an investment company or from an
affiliated person of the issuer, or in transactions incident
thereto, if the issuer is in bankruptcy and subject to
reorganization or if the issuer, immediately prior to the
purchase of its securities was unable to meet its obligations as
they came due without material assistance other than
conventional lending or financing arrangements.
|
|
|
|
Securities of an eligible portfolio company purchased from any
person in a private transaction if there is no ready market for
such securities and we already own 60% of the outstanding equity
of the eligible portfolio company.
|
|
|
|
Securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with
respect to securities described above, or pursuant to the
exercise of warrants or rights relating to such securities.
|
|
|
|
Cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities or
high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from
the time of investment.
|
The regulations defining qualifying assets may change over time.
We may adjust our investment focus as needed to comply with
and/or take
advantage of any regulatory, legislative, administrative or
judicial actions in this area.
Managerial
assistance to portfolio companies
A business development company must have been organized and have
its principal place of business in the United States and must be
operated for the purpose of making investments in the types of
securities described in Qualifying
assets above. However, in order to count portfolio
securities as qualifying assets for the purpose of the 70% test,
the business development company must either control the issuer
of the securities or must offer to make available to the issuer
of the securities (other than small and solvent companies
described above) significant managerial assistance. Where the
business development company purchases such securities in
conjunction with one or more other persons acting together, the
business development company will satisfy this test if one of
the other persons in the group makes available such managerial
assistance. Making available managerial assistance means, among
other things, any arrangement whereby the business development
company, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to
provide, and, if accepted, does so provide, significant guidance
and counsel concerning the management, operations or business
objectives and policies of a portfolio company.
115
Issuance
of Additional Shares
We are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at
a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, issue
and sell our common stock, at a price below the current net
asset value of the common stock, or issue and sell warrants,
options or rights to acquire such common stock, at a price below
the current net asset value of the common stock if our board of
directors determines that such sale is in our best interest and
in the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders
have approved our policy and practice of making such sales
within the preceding 12 months. In any such case, the price
at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be
less than a price which, in the determination of our board of
directors, closely approximates the market value of such
securities.
Temporary
investments
Pending investment in other types of qualifying
assets, as described above, our investments may consist of
cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities or
high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from
the time of investment, which we refer to, collectively, as
temporary investments, so that 70% of our assets are qualifying
assets. Typically, we will invest in highly rated commercial
paper, U.S. Government agency notes, U.S. Treasury
bills or in repurchase agreements relating to such securities
that are fully collateralized by cash or securities issued by
the U.S. Government or its agencies. A repurchase agreement
involves the purchase by an investor, such as us, of a specified
security and the simultaneous agreement by the seller to
repurchase it at an
agreed-upon
future date and at a price which is greater than the purchase
price by an amount that reflects an
agreed-upon
interest rate. There is no percentage restriction on the
proportion of our assets that may be invested in such repurchase
agreements. However, if more than 25% of our total assets
constitute repurchase agreements from a single counterparty, we
would not meet the diversification tests in order to qualify as
a RIC for federal income tax purposes. Thus, we do not intend to
enter into repurchase agreements with a single counterparty in
excess of this limit. Our Advisor will monitor the
creditworthiness of the counterparties with which we enter into
repurchase agreement transactions.
Senior
securities; Derivative securities
We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple
classes of indebtedness and one class of stock senior to our
common stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act,
is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance.
In addition, while any senior securities are outstanding, we
must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to our
stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares
unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time
of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up
to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary or
emergency purposes without regard to asset coverage. For a
discussion of the risks associated with leverage, see Risk
Factors Risks Related to our Business and
Structure We will borrow money, which will magnify
the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may
increase the risk of investing in us.
The 1940 Act also limits the amount of warrants, options and
rights to common stock that we may issue and the terms of such
securities. We do not have, and do not anticipate having,
outstanding derivative securities relating to our common shares.
Code of
ethics
We and our Advisor have each adopted a code of ethics pursuant
to
Rule 17j-1
under the 1940 Act and
Rule 204A-1
under the Advisers Act, respectively, that establishes
procedures for personal investments and restricts certain
personal securities transactions. Personnel subject to each code
may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts,
including securities that may be purchased or held by us, so
long as such investments are made in accordance with the
codes requirements. You may read and copy the code of
ethics at the SECs Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C. You may obtain information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at
(202) 942-8090.
In addition, each code of ethics is attached as an exhibit to
the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part,
and is available on the SECs Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov.
You may also obtain copies of the code of ethics, after paying a
duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following
116
e-mail
address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SECs
Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C.
20549-0102.
Proxy
voting policies and procedures
We have delegated our proxy voting responsibility to our
Advisor. The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of our Advisor
are set forth below. The guidelines are reviewed periodically by
our Advisor and our independent directors, and, accordingly, are
subject to change.
Introduction
Our Advisor is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser
under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, which we refer to as
the Advisers Act. As an investment adviser registered under the
Advisers Act, our Advisor has fiduciary duties to us. As part of
this duty, our Advisor recognizes that it must vote client
securities in a timely manner free of conflicts of interest and
in our best interests and the best interests of our
stockholders. Our Advisors Proxy Voting Policies and
Procedures have been formulated to ensure decision-making
consistent with these fiduciary duties.
These policies and procedures for voting proxies are intended to
comply with Section 206 of, and
Rule 206(4)-6
under, the Advisers Act.
Proxy
policies
Our Advisor votes proxies relating to our portfolio securities
in what our Advisor perceives to be the best interest of our
stockholders. Our Advisor reviews on a
case-by-case
basis each proposal submitted to a stockholder vote to determine
its effect on the portfolio securities held by us. Although our
Advisor will generally vote against proposals that may have a
negative effect on our portfolio securities, our Advisor may
vote for such a proposal if there exist compelling long-term
reasons to do so.
Our Advisors proxy voting decisions are made by those
senior officers who are responsible for monitoring each of our
investments. To ensure that a vote is not the product of a
conflict of interest, our Advisor requires that (1) anyone
involved in the decision-making process disclose to our Chief
Compliance Officer any potential conflict that he or she is
aware of and any contact that he or she has had with any
interested party regarding a proxy vote and (2) employees
involved in the decision-making process or vote administration
are prohibited from revealing how we intend to vote on a
proposal in order to reduce any attempted influence from
interested parties.
Our Advisor has engaged a third-party service provider to assist
it in the voting of proxies. This third-party service provider
makes recommendations to our Advisor, based on its guidelines,
as to how our votes should be cast. These recommendations are
then reviewed by our Advisors employees, one of whom must
approve the proxy vote in writing and return such written
approval to the Administrators operations group. If a vote
may involve a material conflict of interest, prior to approving
such vote, our Advisor must consult with its chief compliance
officer to determine whether the potential conflict is material
and if so, the appropriate method to resolve such conflict. If
the conflict is determined not to be material, our
Advisors employees shall vote the proxy in accordance with
our Advisors proxy voting policy.
Proxy
voting records
You may obtain information about how we voted proxies by making
a written request for proxy voting information to:
Chief Compliance Officer
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation
76 Batterson Park Road
Farmington, Connecticut 06032
117
Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 imposes a wide variety of
regulatory requirements on publicly held companies and their
insiders. Many of these requirements affect us. For example:
|
|
|
|
|
pursuant to
Rule 13a-14
under the Exchange Act, our principal executive officer and
principal financial officer must certify the accuracy of the
financial statements contained in our periodic reports;
|
|
|
|
pursuant to Item 307 under
Regulation S-K,
our periodic reports must disclose our conclusions about the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures;
|
|
|
|
pursuant to
Rule 13a-15
under the Exchange Act, our management must prepare an annual
report regarding its assessment of our internal control over
financial reporting, which must be audited by our independent
registered public accounting firm; and
|
|
|
|
pursuant to Item 308 of
Regulation S-K
and
Rule 13a-15
under the Exchange Act, our periodic reports must disclose
whether there were significant changes in our internal controls
over financial reporting or in other factors that could
significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of
their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard
to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
|
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to review our current
policies and procedures to determine whether we comply with the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the regulations promulgated under the
act. We will continue to monitor our compliance with all
regulations that are adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and
will take actions necessary to ensure that we are in compliance
therewith.
Small
Business Investment Company Regulations
On July 14, 2009, our Advisor received a Move Forward
Letter from the Investment Division of the SBA. We expect to
file an application to have a to-be-formed wholly owned
subsidiary be licensed by the SBA as an SBIC under
Section 301(c) of the Small Business Investment Act of
1958. Although we cannot assure you that we will receive SBA
approval, we remain cautiously optimistic that our Advisor will
successfully complete the licensing process. To the extent our
Advisor receives an SBIC license, we will form an SBIC
subsidiary which will be allowed to issue SBA-guaranteed
debentures, subject to the required capitalization of the SBIC
subsidiary.
SBICs are designed to stimulate the flow of private equity
capital to eligible small businesses. Under SBA regulations,
SBICs may make loans to eligible small businesses, invest in the
equity securities of such businesses and provide them with
consulting and advisory services. Under present SBA regulations,
eligible small businesses generally include businesses that
(together with their affiliates) have a tangible net worth not
exceeding $18 million and have average annual net income
after U.S. federal income taxes not exceeding
$6 million (average net income to be computed without
benefit of any carryover loss) for the two most recent fiscal
years. In addition, an SBIC must devote 20% of its investment
activity to smaller concerns as defined by the SBA.
A smaller concern generally includes businesses that have a
tangible net worth not exceeding $6 million and have
average annual net income after U.S. federal income taxes
not exceeding $2 million (average net income to be computed
without benefit of any net carryover loss) for the two most
recent fiscal years. SBA regulations also provide alternative
size standard criteria to determine eligibility for designation
as an eligible small business or smaller concern, which criteria
depend on the primary industry in which the business is engaged
and are based on such factors as the number of employees and
gross revenue. However, once an SBIC has invested in a company,
it may continue to make follow on investments in the company,
regardless of the size of the company at the time of the follow
on investment, up to the time of the companys initial
public offering, if any.
The SBA prohibits an SBIC from providing funds to small
businesses for certain purposes, such as relending or investing
outside the United States, to businesses engaged in a few
prohibited industries and to certain passive (i.e.,
non-operating) companies. In addition, without prior SBA
approval, an SBIC may not invest an amount equal to more than
approximately 30% of the SBICs regulatory capital in any
one company and its affiliates.
The SBA places certain limitations on the financing terms of
investments by SBICs in portfolio companies (such as limiting
the permissible interest rate on debt securities held by an SBIC
in a portfolio company). Although prior regulations prohibited
an SBIC from controlling a small business concern except in
limited circumstances,
118
regulations adopted by the SBA in 2002 now allow an SBIC to
exercise control over a small business for a period of up to
seven years from the date on which the SBIC initially acquires
its control position. This control period may be extended for an
additional period of time with the SBAs prior written
approval.
The SBA restricts the ability of an SBIC to lend money to any of
its officers, directors and employees or to invest in affiliates
thereof. The SBA also prohibits, without prior SBA approval, a
change of control of an SBIC or transfers that would
result in any person (or a group of persons acting in concert)
owning 10% or more of a class of capital stock of a licensed
SBIC. A change of control is any event which would
result in the transfer of the power, direct or indirect, to
direct the management and policies of an SBIC, whether through
ownership, contractual arrangements or otherwise. To the extent
that we form an SBIC subsidiary, this would prohibit a change of
control of us without prior SBA approval.
An SBIC (or group of SBICs under common control) may generally
have outstanding debentures guaranteed by the SBA in amounts up
to twice the amount of the privately raised funds of the
SBIC(s). The SBIC regulations currently limit the amount that
the SBIC subsidiary would be permitted to borrow up to a maximum
of $150 million. This means that the SBIC subsidiary could
access the full $150 million maximum available if it were
to have $75 million in regulatory capital. However, we
would not be required to capitalize our SBIC subsidiary with
$75 million and may determine to capitalize it with a
lesser amount. In addition, if we are able to obtain financing
under the SBIC program, the SBIC subsidiary will be subject to
regulation and oversight by the SBA, including requirements with
respect to maintaining certain minimum financial ratios and
other covenants. Debentures guaranteed by the SBA have a
maturity of ten years, require semi-annual payments of interest
and do not require any principal payments prior to maturity.
The recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009, or the 2009 Stimulus Bill, contains several provisions
applicable to SBIC funds. One of the key SBIC-related provisions
included in the 2009 Stimulus Bill increased the maximum amount
of combined SBIC leverage, or the SBIC leverage cap, to
$225 million for affiliated SBIC funds. The prior maximum
amount of SBIC leverage available to affiliated SBIC funds was
approximately $137 million, as adjusted annually based upon
changes in the Consumer Price Index. Due to the increase in the
maximum amount of SBIC leverage available to affiliated SBIC
funds, we, through our SBIC subsidiary, would have access to
incremental SBIC leverage to support our future investment
activities.
SBICs must invest idle funds that are not being used to make
loans in investments permitted under SBIC regulations in the
following limited types of securities: (1) direct
obligations of, or obligations guaranteed as to principal and
interest by, the U.S. government, which mature within
15 months from the date of the investment;
(2) repurchase agreements with federally insured
institutions with a maturity of seven days or less (and the
securities underlying the repurchase obligations must be direct
obligations of or guaranteed by the federal government);
(3) certificates of deposit with a maturity of one year or
less, issued by a federally insured institution; (4) a
deposit account in a federally insured institution that is
subject to a withdrawal restriction of one year or less;
(5) a checking account in a federally insured institution;
or (6) a reasonable petty cash fund.
SBICs are periodically examined and audited by the SBAs
staff to determine their compliance with SBIC regulations and
are periodically required to file certain forms with the SBA.
Neither the SBA nor the U.S. government or any of its
agencies or officers has approved any ownership interest to be
issued by us or any obligation that we or any of our
subsidiaries may incur.
In connection with the filing of the SBA license application, we
will be applying for exemptive relief from the SEC to permit us
to exclude the debt of the SBIC subsidiary guaranteed by the SBA
from the 200% consolidated asset coverage ratio requirements,
which will enable us to fund more investments with debt capital.
However, there can be no assurance that we will receive the
exemptive relief requested from the SEC.
NASDAQ
Global Market Corporate Governance Regulations
The NASDAQ Global Market has adopted corporate governance
regulations that listed companies must comply with. Upon the
completion of this offering, we intend to be in compliance with
these corporate governance listing standards. We intend to
monitor our compliance with all future listing standards and to
take all necessary actions to ensure that we are in compliance
therewith.
119
Privacy
Principles
We are committed to maintaining the privacy of stockholders and
to safeguarding our non-public personal information. The
following information is provided to help you understand what
personal information we collect, how we protect that information
and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select
other parties.
Generally, we do not receive any nonpublic personal information
relating to our stockholders, although certain nonpublic
personal information of our stockholders may become available to
us. We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about
our stockholders or former stockholders to anyone, except as
permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service
stockholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third
party administrator).
We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about our
stockholders to our Advisors employees with a legitimate
business need for the information. We maintain physical,
electronic and procedural safeguards designed to protect the
nonpublic personal information of our stockholders.
120
BROKERAGE
ALLOCATIONS AND OTHER PRACTICES
Since we will generally acquire and dispose of our investments
in privately negotiated transactions, we will infrequently use
brokers in the normal course of our business. Subject to
policies established by our board of directors, our Advisor will
be primarily responsible for the execution of the publicly
traded securities portion of our portfolio transactions and the
allocation of brokerage commissions. Our Advisor does not expect
to execute transactions through any particular broker or dealer,
but will seek to obtain the best net results for us, taking into
account such factors as price (including the applicable
brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order,
difficulty of execution, and operational facilities of the firm
and the firms risk and skill in positioning blocks of
securities. While our Advisor generally will seek reasonably
competitive trade execution costs, we will not necessarily pay
the lowest spread or commission available. Subject to applicable
legal requirements, our Advisor may select a broker based partly
upon brokerage or research services provided to it and us and
any other clients. In return for such services, we may pay a
higher commission than other brokers would charge if our Advisor
determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in
relation to the services provided.
121
MATERIAL
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion is a general summary of the material
U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us and
to an investment in shares of our common stock. This discussion
is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, which we refer to as the Code, and the
regulations of the U.S. Department of Treasury promulgated
thereunder, which we refer to as the Treasury
regulations, each as in effect as of the date of this
prospectus. These provisions are subject to differing
interpretations and change by legislative or administrative
action, and any change may be retroactive. This discussion does
not constitute a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal
income tax aspects affecting us and our stockholders and does
not purport to deal with the U.S. federal income tax
consequences that may be important to particular stockholders in
light of their individual investment circumstances or to some
types of stockholders subject to special tax rules, such as
financial institutions, broker-dealers, insurance companies,
tax-exempt organizations, partnerships or other pass-through
entities, persons holding our common stock in connection with a
hedging, straddle, conversion or other integrated transaction,
non-U.S. stockholders
(as defined below) engaged in a trade or business in the United
States or persons who have ceased to be U.S. citizens or to
be taxed as resident aliens. This discussion also does not
address any aspects of U.S. estate or gift tax or foreign,
state or local tax. This discussion assumes that our
stockholders hold their shares of our common stock as capital
assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally,
assets held for investment). No ruling has been or will be
sought from the Internal Revenue Service, which we refer to as
the IRS, regarding any matter discussed herein.
For purposes of this discussion:
|
|
|
|
|
a U.S. stockholder means a beneficial owner of
shares of our common stock that is, for U.S. federal income
tax purposes: (1) a person who is a citizen or individual
resident of the United States; (2) a domestic corporation
(or other domestic entity taxable as a corporation for
U.S. federal income tax purposes); (3) an estate whose
income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of
its source; or (4) a trust if (a) a U.S. court is
able to exercise primary supervision over the trusts
administration and one or more U.S. persons are authorized
to control all substantial decisions of the trust or
(b) the trust has in effect a valid election to be treated
as a domestic trust for U.S. federal income tax
purposes; and
|
|
|
|
a
non-U.S. stockholder
means a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock that is
not a U.S. stockholder or a partnership (or an entity or
arrangement treated as a partnership) for U.S. federal
income tax purposes.
|
If a partnership or other entity classified as a partnership for
U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our shares, the
U.S. tax treatment of the partnership and each partner
generally will depend on the status of the partner, the
activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at
the partner level. A stockholder that is a partnership holding
shares of our common stock, and each partner in such a
partnership, should consult their own tax advisers with respect
to the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our
common stock.
Tax matters are very complicated and the tax consequences to
each stockholder of an investment in our shares will depend on
the facts of its particular situation. Stockholders are urged to
consult their own tax advisers to determine the
U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences to
them of an investment in our shares, including applicable tax
reporting requirements, the applicability of U.S. federal,
state, local and foreign tax laws, eligibility for the benefits
of any applicable tax treaty, and the effect of any possible
changes in the tax laws.
Taxation
of the company
As a business development company, we intend to elect to be
treated, and intend to qualify, as a RIC under Subchapter M of
the Code commencing with our taxable year ending on
December 31, 2010. As a RIC, we generally will not pay
corporate-level federal income taxes on any ordinary income or
capital gains that we timely distribute to our stockholders as
dividends.
To continue to qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things,
(a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross
income from dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest),
payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from
the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign
currencies, other income (including but
122
not limited to gain from options, futures or forward contracts)
derived with respect to our business of investing in stock,
securities or currencies, or net income derived from an interest
in a qualified publicly traded partnership (a
QPTP) (the 90% Gross Income Test); and
(b) diversify our holdings so that, at the end of each
quarter of each taxable year (i) at least 50% of the market
value of our total assets is represented by cash and cash items,
U.S. Government securities, the securities of other
regulated investment companies and other securities, with other
securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount
not greater than 5% of the value of our total assets and not
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such
issuer (subject to the exception described below), and
(ii) not more than 25% of the market value of our total
assets is invested in the securities of any issuer (other than
U.S. Government securities and the securities of other
regulated investment companies), the securities of any two or
more issuers that we control and that are determined to be
engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or
businesses, or the securities of one or more QPTPs (the
Diversification Tests). In the case of a RIC that
furnishes capital to development corporations, there is an
exception relating to the Diversification Tests described above.
This exception is available only to registered investment
companies which the SEC determines to be principally engaged in
the furnishing of capital to other corporations which are
principally engaged in the development or exploitation of
inventions, technological improvements, new processes, or
products not previously generally available, which we refer to
as SEC Certification. We have not sought SEC
Certification, but it is possible that we will seek SEC
Certification in future years. If we receive SEC Certification,
we generally will be entitled to include, in the computation of
the 50% value of our assets (described in (b)(i) above), the
value of any securities of an issuer, whether or not we own more
than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer, if
the basis of the securities, when added to our basis of any
other securities of the issuer that we own, does not exceed 5%
of the value of our total assets.
As a RIC, in any fiscal year with respect to which we distribute
an amount equal to at least 90% of the sum of our
(i) investment company taxable income (which includes,
among other items, dividends, interest and the excess of any net
realized short-term capital gains over net realized long-term
capital losses and other taxable income (other than any net
capital gain), reduced by deductible expenses) determined
without regard to the deduction for dividends and distributions
paid and (ii) net tax-exempt interest income (which is the
excess of our gross tax-exempt interest income over certain
disallowed deductions) (the Annual Distribution
Requirement), 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. To the extent that we retain
our net capital gains for investment 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 for
investment or any investment company taxable income, and pay the
associated federal corporate income tax, including the 4%
U.S. federal excise tax described below.
We will be subject to a nondeductible 4% U.S. federal
excise tax on certain of our undistributed income, unless we
timely distribute (or are deemed to have timely distributed) an
amount equal to the sum of:
|
|
|
|
|
at least 98% of our ordinary income (not taking into account any
capital gains or losses) for the calendar year;
|
|
|
|
at least 98% of the amount by which our capital gains exceed our
capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a
one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar
year (unless an election is made by us to use our taxable
year); and
|
|
|
|
certain undistributed amounts from previous years on which we
paid no U.S. federal income tax.
|
While we intend to distribute any income and capital gains in
order to avoid imposition of this 4% U.S. federal excise
tax, we may not be successful in avoiding entirely the
imposition of this tax. In that case, we will be liable for the
tax only on the amount by which we do not meet the foregoing
distribution requirement.
If we borrow money, we may be prevented by loan covenants from
declaring and paying dividends in certain circumstances. Limits
on our payment of dividends may prevent us from satisfying
distribution requirements, and may, therefore, jeopardize our
qualification for taxation as a RIC, or subject us to the 4%
U.S. federal excise tax.
Although we do not presently expect to do so, we are authorized
to borrow funds and to sell assets in order to satisfy
distribution requirements. However, under the 1940 Act, we are
not permitted to make distributions to our
123
stockholders while any senior securities are outstanding unless
we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios. See
Regulation Senior Securities; Derivative
Securities. Moreover, our ability to dispose of assets to
meet our distribution requirements may be limited by
(1) the illiquid nature of our portfolio
and/or
(2) other requirements relating to our status as a RIC,
including the Diversification Tests. If we dispose of assets in
order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or to avoid
the 4% U.S. federal excise tax, we may make such
dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are
not advantageous.
A RIC is limited in its ability to deduct expenses in excess of
its investment company taxable income (which is,
generally, ordinary income plus the excess of net short-term
capital gains over net long-term capital losses). If our
expenses in a given year exceed investment company taxable
income, we would experience a net operating loss for that year.
However, a RIC is not permitted to carry forward net operating
losses to subsequent years. In addition, expenses can be used
only to offset investment company taxable income, not net
capital gain. Due to these limits on the deductibility of
expenses, we may for tax purposes have aggregate taxable income
for several years that we are required to distribute and that is
taxable to our stockholders even if such income is greater than
the aggregate net income we actually earned during those years.
Such required distributions may be made from our cash assets or
by liquidation of investments, if necessary. We may realize
gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event we realize
net capital gains from such transactions, you may receive a
larger capital gain distribution than you would have received in
the absence of such transactions.
The Share Exchange, described above in The Exchange
Transaction, will be treated for U.S. federal income
tax purposes as if the Compass Owners exchanged the assets of
Compass Horizon (the CH Assets) for our common
stock. After the Share Exchange, Compass Horizon will be
disregarded as an entity separate from us, with the result that
we will be treated as owning all of the CH Assets. As of
September 30, 2010, the aggregate fair market value of the
CH Assets is approximately $2.9 million greater than the
aggregate tax basis of the CH Assets. We are expected to take a
carryover tax basis in each CH Asset equal to the tax basis of
such asset in the hands of the Compass Owners on the date of the
Share Exchange, in which case we will recognize more gain or
less loss upon the disposition of our assets (including the
redemption or retirement of debt instruments we hold) than if we
had taken a tax basis in the CH Assets equal to their fair
market value on the date of the Share Exchange. A carryover tax
basis in the CH Assets would result in different
U.S. federal income tax consequences for our stockholders
from an investment in shares of our common stock than if we had
taken a tax basis in the CH Assets equal to their fair market
value on the date of the Share Exchange. In particular,
(i) the amount of our income that we must distribute to our
stockholders could be greater and (ii) you could become
subject to tax on a distribution even though the distribution
represents a return of your investment.
Failure
to qualify as a RIC
If, in any particular taxable year, we do not satisfy the Annual
Distribution Requirement or otherwise were to fail to qualify as
a RIC (for example, because we fail the 90% Gross Income Test),
all of our taxable income (including our net capital gains) will
be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any
deduction for distributions to stockholders, and distributions
generally will be taxable to the stockholders as ordinary
dividends to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings
and profits. To requalify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year,
we would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification
requirements for that year and dispose of any earnings and
profits from any year in which we failed to qualify as a RIC.
Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified
as such under Subchapter M of the Code for at least one year
prior to disqualification and that requalify as a RIC no later
than the second year following the non-qualifying year, we could
be subject to tax on any unrealized net built-in gains in the
assets held by us during the period in which we failed to
qualify as a RIC that are recognized within the subsequent
10 years, unless we made a special election to pay
corporate-level federal income tax on such built-in gain at the
time of our requalification as a RIC.
We may decide to be taxed as a regular corporation even if we
would otherwise qualify as a RIC if we determine that treatment
as a corporation for a particular year would be in our best
interests.
124
Company
investments
Certain of our investment practices are subject to special and
complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among
other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the
allowance of certain losses or deductions, including the
dividends received deduction, (ii) convert lower taxed
long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income into
higher taxed short-term capital gains or ordinary income,
(iii) convert ordinary loss or a deduction into capital
loss (the deductibility of which is more limited),
(iv) cause us to recognize income or gain without a
corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the
time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is
deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization
of certain complex financial transactions and (vii) produce
income that will not qualify as good income for purposes of the
90% Gross Income Test. We will monitor our transactions and may
make certain tax elections and may be required to borrow money
or dispose of securities to mitigate the effect of these rules
and to prevent disqualification of us as a RIC but there can be
no assurance that we will be successful in this regard.
We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances
in which we do not receive cash. For example if we hold debt
instruments that are treated under applicable tax rules as
having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with
payment-in-kind
interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or
issued with warrants), we must include in taxable income each
year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over
the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash
representing such income is received by us in the same taxable
year. Since in certain cases we may recognize taxable income
before or without receiving cash representing such income, we
may have difficulty meeting the Annual Distribution Requirement.
Accordingly, we may need to sell some of our assets at times
that we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt
or equity capital or forego new investment opportunities or
otherwise take actions that are disadvantageous to our business
(or be unable to take action that are advantageous) in order to
satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to
obtain cash from other sources to satisfy the Annual
Distribution Requirement, we may fail to qualify for the federal
income tax benefits allowable to RICs and, thus, become subject
to a corporate-level federal income tax on all our income.
Warrants. Gain or loss realized by us from the
sale or exchange of warrants acquired by us as well as any loss
attributable to the lapse of such warrants generally will be
treated as capital gain or loss. The treatment of such gain or
loss as long-term or short-term will depend on how long we held
a particular warrant. Upon the exercise of a warrant acquired by
us, our tax basis in the stock purchased under the warrant will
equal the sum of the amount paid for the warrant plus the strike
price paid on the exercise of the warrant.
Foreign Investments. In the event we invest in
foreign securities, we may be subject to withholding and other
foreign taxes with respect to those securities. We do not expect
to satisfy the requirement to pass through to our stockholders
their share of the foreign taxes paid by us.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies. We may
invest in the stock of a foreign corporation which is classified
as a passive foreign investment company (within the
meaning of Section 1297 of the Code) (PFIC). In
general, if a special tax election has not been made, we will be
required to pay tax at ordinary income rates on any gains and
excess distributions with respect to PFIC stock as
if such items had been realized ratably over the period during
which we held the PFIC stock, plus an interest charge. Any
adverse tax consequences of a PFIC investment may be limited if
we are eligible to elect alternative tax treatment with respect
to such investment. No assurances can be given that any such
election will be available or that, if available, we will make
such an election.
Foreign Currency Transactions. Under the Code,
gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates
which occur between the time we accrue income or other
receivables or accrue expenses or other liabilities denominated
in a foreign currency and the time we actually collect such
receivables or pay such liabilities generally are treated as
ordinary income or loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt
instruments and certain other instruments denominated in a
foreign currency, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations
in the value of the foreign currency between the date of
acquisition of the instrument and the date of disposition also
are treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains and losses,
referred to under the Code as section 988 gains
or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of our investment
company taxable income to be distributed to our shareholders as
ordinary income.
The remainder of this discussion assumes that we will qualify as
a RIC for each taxable year.
125
Taxation
of U.S. stockholders
The following discussion only applies to U.S. stockholders.
Prospective investors that are not U.S. stockholders
should refer to Taxation of
non-U.S. stockholders
below and are urged to consult their own tax advisers with
respect to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an
investment in our shares, including the potential application of
U.S. federal withholding taxes.
Actual and Deemed Distributions. Distributions
we pay to you from our ordinary income or from an excess of net
realized short-term capital gains over net realized long-term
capital losses (together referred to hereinafter as
ordinary income dividends) are generally taxable to
you as ordinary income to the extent of our earnings and
profits. Due to our expected investments, in general,
distributions will not be eligible for the dividends received
deduction allowed to corporate U.S. stockholders and will
not qualify for the reduced rates of tax for qualified dividend
income allowed to individuals. Distributions made to you from an
excess of net realized long-term capital gains over net realized
short-term capital losses, which we refer to as capital
gain dividends, including capital gain dividends credited
to you but retained by us, are taxable to you as long-term
capital gains if they have been properly designated by us,
regardless of the length of time you have owned our shares.
Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will first
reduce the adjusted tax basis of your shares and, after the
adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital
gains to you (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset).
The maximum U.S. federal tax rate on long-term capital
gains of individuals is generally 15% (5% for individuals in
lower brackets) for such gains realized in taxable years
beginning on or before December 31, 2010. For non-corporate
taxpayers, ordinary income dividends will currently be taxed at
a maximum rate of 35%, while capital gain dividends generally
will be taxed at a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of
15% for such dividends received in taxable years beginning on or
before December 31, 2010. Without legislation, for
non-corporate taxpayers, the maximum U.S. federal income
tax rate will increase to 20% in 2011. For corporate taxpayers,
both ordinary income dividends and capital gain dividends are
currently taxed at a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate
of 35%.
Generally, you will be provided with a written notice
designating the amount of any (i) ordinary income dividends
no later than 30 days after the close of the taxable year,
and (ii) capital gain dividends or other distributions no
later than 60 days after the close of the taxable year.
In the event that we retain any net capital gains, we may
designate the retained amounts as undistributed capital gains in
a written notice to our stockholders provided no later than
60 days after the close of the taxable year. If a
designation is made, U.S. stockholders would include in
income, as long-term capital gains, their proportionate share of
the undistributed amounts, but would be allowed a credit or
refund, as the case may be, for their proportionate share of the
corporate tax paid by us. In addition, the tax basis of shares
owned by a U.S. stockholder would be increased by an amount
equal to the difference between (i) the amount included in
the U.S. stockholders income as long-term capital
gains and (ii) the U.S. stockholders
proportionate share of the corporate tax paid by us.
For purposes of determining (1) whether the Annual
Distribution Requirement is satisfied for any year and
(2) the amount of capital gain dividends paid for that
year, we may, under certain circumstances, elect to treat a
dividend that is paid during the following taxable year as if it
had been paid during the taxable year in question. If we make
such an election, the U.S. stockholder will still be
treated as receiving the dividend in the taxable year in which
the distribution is made. However, if we pay you a dividend in
January which was declared in the previous October, November or
December to stockholders of record on a specified date in one of
these months, then the dividend will be treated for tax purposes
as being paid by us and received by you on December 31 of the
year in which the dividend was declared.
If an investor purchases shares of our stock shortly before the
record date of a distribution, the price of the shares will
include the value of the distribution and the investor will be
subject to tax on the distribution even though it represents a
return of its investment.
Alternative Minimum Tax. As a RIC, we will be
subject to alternative minimum tax, also referred to as
AMT, but any items that are treated differently for
AMT purposes must be apportioned between us and our
U.S. stockholders and this may affect the
U.S. stockholders AMT liabilities. Although
regulations explaining the precise method of apportionment have
not yet been issued, such items will generally be apportioned in
the same
126
proportion that dividends paid to each U.S. stockholder
bear to our taxable income (determined without regard to the
dividends paid deduction), unless a different method for
particular item is warranted under the circumstances.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Under the dividend
reinvestment plan, if a U.S. stockholder owns shares of
common stock registered in its own name, the
U.S. stockholder will have all cash distributions
automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock
unless the U.S. stockholder opts out of our dividend
reinvestment plan by delivering a written notice to our dividend
paying agent prior to the record date of the next dividend or
distribution. See Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Any
distributions reinvested under the plan will nevertheless remain
taxable to the U.S. stockholder. The U.S. stockholder
will have an adjusted basis in the additional common shares
purchased through the plan equal to the amount of the reinvested
distribution. The additional shares will have a new holding
period commencing on the day following the day on which the
shares are credited to the U.S. stockholders account.
Dispositions. A U.S. stockholder will
recognize gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other taxable
disposition of shares of our common stock in an amount equal to
the difference between the U.S. stockholders adjusted
basis in the shares disposed of and the amount realized on their
disposition. Generally, gain recognized by a
U.S. stockholder on the disposition of shares of our common
stock will result in capital gain or loss to a
U.S. stockholder, and will be a long-term capital gain or
loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at the
time of sale. Any loss recognized by a U.S. stockholder
upon the disposition of shares of our common stock held for six
months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to
the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including
amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) by
the U.S. stockholder. A loss recognized by a
U.S. stockholder on a disposition of shares of our common
stock will be disallowed as a deduction if the
U.S. stockholder acquires additional shares of our common
stock (whether through the automatic reinvestment of dividends
or otherwise) within a
61-day
period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days
after the date that the shares are disposed of. In this case,
the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the
disallowed loss. Present U.S. law taxes both long-term and
short-term capital gains of corporations at the rates applicable
to ordinary income. Non-corporate U.S. stockholders with
net capital losses for a year (i.e., capital losses in excess of
capital gains) generally may deduct up to $3,000 of such losses
against their ordinary income each year; any net capital losses
of a non-corporate U.S. stockholder in excess of $3,000
generally may be carried forward and used in subsequent years as
provided in the Code. Corporate U.S. stockholders generally
may not deduct any net capital losses for a year, but may carry
back such losses for three years or carry forward such losses
for five years.
Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations. Under
applicable Treasury regulations, if a U.S. stockholder
recognizes a loss with respect to shares of $2 million or
more for a non-corporate U.S. stockholder or
$10 million or more for a corporate U.S. stockholder
in any single taxable year (or a greater loss over a combination
of years), the U.S. stockholder must file with the IRS a
disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct
U.S. stockholders of portfolio securities are in many cases
excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current
guidance, U.S. stockholders of a RIC are not excepted.
Future guidance may extend the current exception from this
reporting requirement to U.S. stockholders of most or all
RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations
does not affect the legal determination of whether the
taxpayers treatment of the loss is proper.
U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers to
determine the applicability of these regulations in light of
their individual circumstances.
Backup Withholding. We are required in certain
circumstances to backup withhold on taxable dividends or
distributions paid to non-corporate U.S. stockholders who
do not furnish us with their correct taxpayer identification
number (in the case of individuals, their social security
number) and certain certifications, or who are otherwise subject
to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional
tax. Any amounts withheld from payments made to you may be
refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax
liability, if any, provided that the required information is
timely furnished to the IRS.
U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers
with respect to the U.S. federal income tax and withholding
tax, and state, local and foreign tax consequences of an
investment in shares of our common stock. Additionally, U.S.
stockholders should be aware of recently enacted legislation
that generally imposes, effective for payments made after
December 31, 2012, a 30% federal withholding tax on
dividends and proceeds from the sale of our common stock held by
or through foreign entities, as described below in
127
Recently Enacted Legislation Affecting Taxation of Our
Common Stock Held By or Through Foreign Entities.
Taxation
of non-U.S.
stockholders
The following discussion only applies to
non-U.S. stockholders.
Whether an investment in shares of our common stock is
appropriate for a
non-U.S. stockholder
will depend upon that persons particular circumstances. An
investment in shares of our common stock by a
non-U.S. stockholder
may have adverse tax consequences.
Non-U.S. stockholders
should consult their own tax advisers before investing in shares
of our common stock.
Actual and Deemed Distributions;
Dispositions. Distributions of ordinary income
dividends to
non-U.S. stockholders,
subject to the discussion below, will generally be subject to
withholding of U.S. federal tax at a 30% rate (or lower
rate provided by an applicable treaty) to the extent of our
current or accumulated earnings and profits even if they are
funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest,
short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and
interest income) that, if paid to a
non-U.S. stockholder
directly, would not be subject to withholding. Different tax
consequences may result if the
non-U.S. stockholder
is engaged in a trade or business in the United States or, in
the case of an individual, is present in the United States for
183 days or more during a taxable year and certain other
conditions are satisfied. Special certification requirements
apply to a
non-U.S. stockholder
that is a foreign partnership or a foreign trust, and such
entities are urged to consult their own tax advisers.
However, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2010
(and for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 if
the pending legislation discussed below in
Proposed Legislation is enacted),
certain interest-related dividends and
short-term capital gain dividends paid by us to
certain
non-U.S. stockholders
are eligible for an exemption from the 30% federal withholding
tax provided that certain requirements are satisfied and that we
elect to follow certain procedures. It is uncertain whether we
will follow those procedures. Interest-related dividends
generally are dividends derived from certain interest income
earned by us that would not be subject to such tax if earned by
non-U.S. stockholders
directly. Short-term capital gain dividends generally are
dividends derived from the excess of our net short-term capital
gains over net long-term capital losses. No assurance can be
given as to whether this exemption will be extended for tax
years beginning on or after January 1, 2010 or whether any
of our distributions will be designated as eligible for this
exemption from withholding tax.
Actual or deemed distributions of our net capital gains to a
non-U.S. stockholder,
and gains recognized by a
non-U.S. stockholder
upon the sale of our common stock, generally will not be subject
to federal withholding tax and will not be subject to federal
income tax unless (i) the distributions or gains, as the
case may be, are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
business of the
non-U.S. stockholder
and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are
attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the
non-U.S. stockholder
in the United States or (ii) in the case of an individual,
the
non-U.S. stockholder
is present in the United States for 183 days or more during
a taxable year and certain other conditions are satisfied.
If we distribute our net capital gains in the form of deemed
rather than actual distributions (which we may do in the
future), a
non-U.S. stockholder
will be entitled to a federal income tax credit or tax refund
equal to the stockholders allocable share of the tax we
pay on the capital gains deemed to have been distributed. In
order to obtain the refund, the
non-U.S. stockholder
must obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and file
a federal income tax return even if the
non-U.S. stockholder
is not otherwise required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer
identification number or file a federal income tax return.
For a corporate
non-U.S. stockholder,
distributions (both actual and deemed), and gains realized upon
the sale of our common stock that are effectively connected with
a U.S. trade or business may, under certain circumstances,
be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a
30% rate (or at a lower rate if provided for by an applicable
tax treaty). Accordingly, investment in shares of our common
stock may not be appropriate for certain
non-U.S. stockholders.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Under our dividend
reinvestment plan, if a
non-U.S. stockholder
owns shares of common stock registered in its own name, the
non-U.S. stockholder
will have all cash distributions automatically reinvested in
additional shares of common stock unless it opts out of our
dividend reinvestment plan by delivering a written notice to our
dividend paying agent prior to the record date of the next
dividend or distribution. See
128
Dividend Reinvestment Plan. If the distribution is a
distribution of our investment company taxable income, is not
designated by us as a short-term capital gains dividend or
interest-related dividend and it is not effectively connected
with a U.S. trade or business of the
non-U.S. stockholder
(or, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is not
attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the
non-U.S. stockholder),
the amount distributed (to the extent of our current or
accumulated earnings and profits) will be subject to withholding
of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate
provided by an applicable treaty) and only the net after-tax
amount will be reinvested in common shares. If the distribution
is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of
the
non-U.S. stockholder,
generally the full amount of the distribution will be reinvested
in the plan and will nevertheless be subject to
U.S. federal income tax at the ordinary income rates
applicable to U.S. persons. The
non-U.S. stockholder
will have an adjusted basis in the additional common shares
purchased through the plan equal to the amount reinvested. The
additional shares will have a new holding period commencing on
the day following the day on which the shares are credited to
the
non-U.S. stockholders
account.
Backup Withholding. A
non-U.S. stockholder
who is a non-resident alien individual, and who is otherwise
subject to withholding of federal income tax, may be subject to
information reporting and backup withholding of federal income
tax on taxable dividends or distributions unless the
non-U.S. stockholder
provides us or the dividend paying agent with an IRS
Form W-8BEN
(or an acceptable substitute form) or otherwise meets
documentary evidence requirements for establishing that it is a
non-U.S. stockholder
or otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts
withheld from payments made to you may be refunded or credited
against your U.S. federal income tax liability, if any,
provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Non-U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers
with respect to the U.S. federal income tax and withholding tax,
and state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment
in our shares. Additionally,
non-U.S.
stockholders should be aware of recently enacted legislation
that generally imposes, effective for payments made after
December 31, 2012, a 30% federal withholding tax on
dividends and proceeds from the sale of our common stock held by
or through foreign entities, as described below in
Recently Enacted Legislation Affecting Taxation of Our
Common Stock Held By or Through Foreign Entities.
Recently
Enacted Legislation Affecting Taxation of Our Common Stock Held
By or Through Foreign Entities
President Obama recently signed into law H.R. 2847 (the
Recently Enacted Legislation), which will generally
impose a federal withholding tax of 30% on dividends and the
gross proceeds of a disposition of our common stock paid after
December 31, 2012 to a foreign financial institution unless
such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S.
government to withhold on certain payments and to collect and
provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information
regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which
includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as
well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with
U.S. owners). The Recently Enacted Legislation will also
generally impose a federal withholding tax of 30% on dividends
and the gross proceeds of a disposition of our common stock paid
after December 31, 2012 to a
non-financial
foreign entity unless such entity provides the withholding agent
with a certification identifying the direct and indirect U.S.
owners of the entity. Under certain circumstances, a
non-U.S.
stockholder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such
taxes. Stockholders are encouraged to consult with their own tax
advisors regarding the possible implications of the Recently
Enacted Legislation on their investment in our common stock.
Proposed
Legislation
Legislation proposed in Congress would levy an excise tax on
certain securities transactions, including transactions in
stocks, futures, swaps, credit default swaps and options. If
enacted, transactions by us could be subject to this excise tax.
This tax is not proposed to apply to the purchase or sale of an
interest in a RIC. Other legislation proposed in Congress would
permit a temporary exemption from the 30% federal withholding
tax for interest-related dividends and
short-term capital gain dividends paid by us to
non-U.S. stockholders.
Proposed legislation may not become law and, if it does, may not
become law in its current form. Even if the proposed legislation
is enacted, it is unclear what the actual effective date of any
such legislation would be.
129
UNDERWRITERS
Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the
underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus, the
underwriters named below, for whom Morgan Stanley &
Co. Incorporated and UBS Securities LLC are acting as
representatives, have severally agreed to purchase, and we and
the selling stockholder have agreed to sell to them, severally,
the number of shares of common stock indicated below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number
|
|
Name
|
|
of Shares
|
|
|
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
|
|
|
2,968,780
|
|
UBS Securities LLC
|
|
|
1,468,750
|
|
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.
|
|
|
375,000
|
|
RBC Capital Markets Corporation
|
|
|
375,000
|
|
BMO Capital Markets Corp.
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
Lazard Capital Markets LLC
|
|
|
187,500
|
|
Northland Capital Markets
|
|
|
125,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
6,250,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The underwriters and the representatives are collectively
referred to as the underwriters and the
representatives, respectively. The underwriters are
offering the shares of common stock subject to their acceptance
of the shares from us and the selling stockholder and subject to
prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the
obligations of the several underwriters to pay for and accept
delivery of the shares of our common stock offered by this
prospectus are subject to the approval of legal matters by their
counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are
obligated to take and pay for all of the shares of common stock
offered by this prospectus if any such shares are taken.
However, the underwriters are not required to take or pay for
the shares covered by the underwriters over-allotment
option described below.
The underwriters initially propose to offer part of the shares
of common stock directly to the public at the public offering
price listed on the cover page of this prospectus and part to
certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in
excess of $0.672 a share under the public offering price. After
the initial offering of the shares of common stock, the offering
price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by
the representatives.
The underwriters have been granted an option, exercisable for
30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to
an aggregate of 937,500 additional shares of our common
stock at the public offering price listed on the cover page of
this prospectus, less underwriting discounts and commissions.
The underwriters may exercise this option solely for the purpose
of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the
offering of the shares of our common stock offered by this
prospectus. To the extent the option is exercised, each
underwriter will become obligated, subject to limited
conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage of the
additional shares of our common stock as the number listed next
to the underwriters name in the preceding table bears to
the total number of shares of our common stock listed next to
the names of all underwriters in the preceding table.
The following table shows the public offering price,
underwriting discount and proceeds before expenses to us and the
selling stockholder. The information assumes either no exercise
or full exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment
option.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per Share
|
|
|
Without Option
|
|
|
With Option
|
|
|
Public offering price
|
|
$
|
16.00
|
|
|
$
|
100,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
115,000,000
|
|
Sales load (underwriting discount and commissions)
|
|
|
1.12
|
|
|
|
7,000,000
|
|
|
|
8,050,000
|
|
Proceeds, before expenses, to Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation
|
|
|
14.88
|
|
|
|
73,060,800
|
|
|
|
87,010,800
|
|
Proceeds, before expenses, to selling stockholder
|
|
|
14.88
|
|
|
|
19,939,200
|
|
|
|
19,939,200
|
|
130
We estimate that the total expenses of this offering, excluding
sales load (underwriting discounts and commissions), will be
approximately $1.5 million.
The underwriters have informed us that they do not intend sales
to discretionary accounts to exceed five percent of the total
number of shares of our common stock offered by them.
Our common stock has been approved for listing on The NASDAQ
Global Market under the symbol HRZN.
Each of us, our directors, executive officers and our other
stockholders, including the selling stockholder, has agreed
that, without the prior written consent of Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated and UBS Securities LLC on
behalf of the underwriters, each of us will not, during the
period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus:
|
|
|
|
|
offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or
contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell,
grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or
otherwise transfer or dispose of directly or indirectly, any
shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock; or
|
|
|
|
enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to
another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences
of ownership of the common stock,
|
whether any transaction described above is to be settled by
delivery of common stock or such other securities, in cash or
otherwise.
The restrictions described in the preceding paragraph do not
apply to:
|
|
|
|
|
the sale of shares to the underwriters;
|
|
|
|
the issuance by us of shares of common stock upon the exercise
of an option or a warrant or the conversion of a security
outstanding on the date of this prospectus of which the
underwriters have been advised in writing; or
|
|
|
|
transactions by any person other than us relating to shares of
common stock or other securities acquired in open market
transactions after the completion of the offering of the shares.
|
The 180-day
restricted period described above is subject to extension such
that, in the event that either (a) during the last
17 days of the
180-day
restricted period, we issue an earnings release or material news
or a material event relating to us occurs or (b) prior to
the expiration of the
180-day
restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings
results during the
16-day
period beginning on the last day of the
180-day
period, the
lock-up
restrictions described above will continue to apply until the
expiration of the
18-day
period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the
occurrence of the material news or material event. The release
of any securities subject to these
lock-up
agreements is considered on a
case-by-case
basis. Factors that would be considered by Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated and UBS Securities LLC in
determining whether to release securities subject to these
lock-up
agreements may include the length of time before the
lock-up
agreement expires, the number of shares or other securities
involved, the reason for a requested release, market conditions
at the time of the requested release, the trading price of our
common shares, historical trading volumes of our common shares
and whether the person seeking the release is an officer,
director or affiliate of ours.
In order to facilitate the offering of our common stock, the
underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain
or otherwise affect the price of our common stock. Specifically,
the underwriters may sell more shares than they are obligated to
purchase under the underwriting agreement, creating a short
position in. our common stock for their own account. A short
sale is covered if the short position is no greater than the
number of shares available for purchase by the underwriters
under the over-allotment option. The underwriters can close out
a covered short sale by exercising the over-allotment option or
purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source
of shares to close out a covered short sale, the underwriters
will consider, among other things, the open market price of
shares compared to the price available under the over-allotment
option. The underwriters may also sell shares in excess of the
over-allotment option, creating a naked short position. The
underwriters must close out any naked short position by
purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is
more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that
there may be downward pressure on the price of our common stock
in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect
investors who purchase in the offering. In addition, in order to
cover any over-allotments or to stabilize the price of our
common stock, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, shares
of our common stock in the
131
open market. Finally, the underwriting syndicate may also
reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a
dealer for distributing our common stock in the offering, if the
syndicate repurchases previously distributed shares of our
common stock to cover syndicate short positions or to stabilize
the price of the common stock. Any of these activities may
stabilize or maintain the market price of our common stock above
independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to
engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities
at any time.
We and our Advisor and the selling stockholder have agreed to
indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute
to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect
of those liabilities.
The underwriters and their affiliates have provided in the past
to Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and may provide from
time to time in the future in the ordinary course of their
business certain commercial banking, financial advisory,
investment banking and other services to Horizon Technology
Finance Corporation and its affiliates and managed funds and
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation or our portfolio
companies for which they have received or will be entitled to
receive separate fees. In particular, the underwriters or their
affiliates may execute transactions with Horizon Technology
Finance Corporation or on behalf of Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation, or any of our portfolio companies, affiliates
and/or
managed funds. In addition, the underwriters or their affiliates
may act as arrangers, underwriters or placement agents for
companies whose securities are sold to or whose loans are
syndicated to Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and its
affiliates and managed funds.
Lazard Frères & Co. LLC referred this transaction to
Lazard Capital Markets LLC and will receive a referral fee from
Lazard Capital Markets LLC in connection therewith. Northland
Capital Markets is the trade name for certain capital markets
and investment banking services of Northland Securities, Inc.,
member FINRA/SIPC.
The principal business address of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated is 1585 Broadway, New York, NY 10036. The
principal business address of UBS Securities LLC is
299 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10171. The principal business
address of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is One
Financial Plaza, 501 North Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102. The
principal business address of Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.
is 50 N. Front Street, 19th Floor, Memphis, TN 38103. The
principal business address of RBC Capital Markets Corporation is
3 World Financial Center, 200 Vesey Street,
8th
Floor, New York, New York 10281. The principal business address
of BMO Capital Markets Corp. is 3 Times Square, New York, NY
10036. The principal business address of Lazard Capital Markets
LLC is 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020. The principal
business address of Northland Capital Markets is 45 South
Seventh Street, Suite 2000, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
European
Economic Area
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area
which has implemented the Prospectus Directive, each underwriter
has represented and agreed that with effect from and including
the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in
that Member State it has not made and will not make an offer of
our shares to the public in that Member State, except that it
may, with effect from and including such date, make an offer of
our shares to the public in that Member State:
a. at any time to legal entities which are authorized or
regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so
authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to
invest in securities;
b. at any time to any legal entity which has two or more of
(1) an average of at least 250 employees during the
last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than
43,000,000 and (3) an annual net turnover of more
than 50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or
consolidated accounts; or
c. at any time in any other circumstances which do not
require the publication by us of a prospectus pursuant to
Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.
For the purposes of the above, the expression an offer of
our shares to the public in relation to any shares in any
Member State means the communication in any form and by any
means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and
the shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide
to purchase or subscribe the shares, as the same may be varied
in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus
Directive in that Member State and the expression Prospectus
Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC and includes any relevant
implementing measure in that Member State.
132
United
Kingdom
Each underwriter has represented and agreed that it has only
communicated or caused to be communicated and will only
communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or
inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning
of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act
2000) in connection with the issue or sale of the shares in
circumstances in which Section 21(1) of such Act does not
apply to us and it has complied and will comply with all
applicable provisions of such Act with respect to anything done
by it in relation to any shares in, from or otherwise involving
the United Kingdom.
Switzerland
The Prospectus does not constitute an issue prospectus pursuant
to Article 652a or Article 1156 of the Swiss Code of
Obligations (CO) and the shares will not be listed
on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Therefore, the Prospectus may not
comply with the disclosure standards of the CO
and/or the
listing rules (including any prospectus schemes) of the SIX
Swiss Exchange. Accordingly, the shares may not be offered to
the public in or from Switzerland, but only to a selected and
limited circle of investors, which do not subscribe to the
shares with a view to distribution.
Australia
This prospectus is not a formal disclosure document and has not
been, nor will be, lodged with the Australian Securities and
Investments Commission. It does not purport to contain all
information that an investor or their professional advisers
would expect to find in a prospectus or other disclosure
document (as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Australia))
for the purposes of Part 6D.2 of the Corporations Act 2001
(Australia) or in a product disclosure statement for the
purposes of Part 7.9 of the Corporations Act 2001
(Australia), in either case, in relation to the securities.
The securities are not being offered in Australia to
retail clients as defined in sections 761G and
761GA of the Corporations Act 2001 (Australia). This offering is
being made in Australia solely to wholesale clients
for the purposes of section 761G of the Corporations Act
2001 (Australia) and, as such, no prospectus, product disclosure
statement or other disclosure document in relation to the
securities has been, or will be, prepared.
This prospectus does not constitute an offer in Australia other
than to wholesale clients. By submitting an application for our
securities, you represent and warrant to us that you are a
wholesale client for the purposes of section 761G of the
Corporations Act 2001 (Australia). If any recipient of this
prospectus is not a wholesale client, no offer of, or invitation
to apply for, our securities shall be deemed to be made to such
recipient and no applications for our securities will be
accepted from such recipient. Any offer to a recipient in
Australia, and any agreement arising from acceptance of such
offer, is personal and may only be accepted by the recipient. In
addition, by applying for our securities you undertake to us
that, for a period of 12 months from the date of issue of
the securities, you will not transfer any interest in the
securities to any person in Australia other than to a wholesale
client.
Hong
Kong
Our securities may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means
of this prospectus or any document other than (i) to
professional investors within the meaning of the
Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong)
and any rules made thereunder, or (ii) in circumstances
which do not constitute an offer to the public within the
meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong),
or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the
document being a prospectus within the meaning of
the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong). No
advertisement, invitation or document relating to our securities
may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the
purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or
elsewhere) which is directed at, or the contents of which are
likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong
(except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong
Kong) other than with respect to the securities which are or are
intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or
only to professional investors within the meaning of
the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong
Kong) and any rules made thereunder.
Japan
Our securities have not been and will not be registered under
the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (the
Financial Instruments and Exchange Law) and our securities will
not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or to,
or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used
herein means any person
133
resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity
organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering
or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or to a resident of
Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration
requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial
Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws,
regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.
Singapore
This document has not been registered as a prospectus with the
Monetary Authority of Singapore and in Singapore, the offer and
sale of our securities is made pursuant to exemptions provided
in sections 274 and 275 of the Securities and Futures Act,
Chapter 289 of Singapore (SFA). Accordingly,
this prospectus and any other document or material in connection
with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or
purchase, of our securities may not be circulated or
distributed, nor may our securities be offered or sold, or be
made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase,
whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other
than (i) to an institutional investor as defined in
Section 4A of the SFA pursuant to Section 274 of the
SFA, (ii) to a relevant person as defined in
section 275(2) of the SFA pursuant to Section 275(1)
of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of
the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in
Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to,
and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable
provision of the SFA, in each case subject to compliance with
the conditions (if any) set forth in the SFA. Moreover, this
document is not a prospectus as defined in the SFA. Accordingly,
statutory liability under the SFA in relation to the content of
prospectuses would not apply. Prospective investors in Singapore
should consider carefully whether an investment in our
securities is suitable for them.
Where our securities are subscribed or purchased under
Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
(a) by a corporation (which is not an accredited investor
as defined in Section 4A of the SFA) the sole business of
which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of
which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an
accredited investor; or
(b) for a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited
investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each
beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited
investor,
shares of that corporation or the beneficiaries rights and
interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be
transferable for six months after that corporation or that trust
has acquired the shares under Section 275 of the SFA,
except:
(1) to an institutional investor (for corporations under
Section 274 of the SFA) or to a relevant person defined in
Section 275(2) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to an
offer that is made on terms that such shares of that corporation
or such rights and interest in that trust are acquired at a
consideration of not less than $200,000 (or its equivalent in a
foreign currency) for each transaction, whether such amount is
to be paid for in cash or by exchange of securities or other
assets, and further for corporations, in accordance with the
conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA;
(2) where no consideration is given for the
transfer; or
(3) where the transfer is by operation of law.
In addition, investors in Singapore should note that the
securities acquired by them are subject to resale and transfer
restrictions specified under Section 276 of the SFA, and
they, therefore, should seek their own legal advice before
effecting any resale or transfer of their securities.
Pricing
of the Offering
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the
shares of our common stock. The initial public offering price
will be determined by negotiations between us and the
representatives of the underwriters. Among the factors to be
considered in determining the initial public offering price will
be our future prospects and our industry in general, sales,
earnings and certain other financial and operating information
in recent periods, and the price-earnings ratios, market prices
of securities and financial and operating information of
companies engaged in activities similar to ours.
134
CUSTODIAN,
TRANSFER AGENT, DIVIDEND PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Our securities are held by Bank of America, N.A., which we refer
to as our Custodian, pursuant to a custodian services agreement.
The principal business address of Bank of America, N.A. is 135
South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. Securities held
through Credit I are held under a custodial agreement with U.S.
Bank National Association, which acts as custodian for West LB
pursuant to the Credit Facility. The principal address for U.S.
Bank National Association is 1133 Rankin Street, St. Paul,
Minnesota 55116. BNY Mellon Shareowner Services will act as our
transfer agent, dividend paying agent and registrar pursuant to
a transfer agency agreement. The principal business address of
BNY Mellon Shareowner Services is 480 Washington Blvd., Jersey
City, New Jersey 07310.
LEGAL
MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the common shares will
be passed upon for us by Squire, Sanders & Dempsey
L.L.P., and for the underwriters by Fried, Frank, Harris,
Shriver & Jacobson LLP, New York, New York.
INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The consolidated financial statements of Compass Horizon Funding
Company LLC appearing in this prospectus and registration
statement have been audited by McGladrey & Pullen,
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm located at
One Church St., New Haven, CT 06510, as stated in their report
appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon
such report and upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement with the SEC on
Form N-2,
together with all amendments and related exhibits, under the
Securities Act relating to the shares of common stock we are
offering pursuant to this prospectus. This prospectus does not
contain all of the information set forth in the registration
statement, including any exhibits and schedules it may contain.
For further information concerning us or the shares we are
offering, please refer to the registration statement. Statements
contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract
or other document referred to are not necessarily complete and
in each instance reference is made to the copy of any contract
or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement. Each statement is qualified in all respects by this
reference.
Upon the completion of this offering, we will file with or
submit to the SEC annual, quarterly and current periodic
reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements
and other information, as well as the registration statement of
which this prospectus forms a part and the related exhibits and
schedules, at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at
100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You
may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference
Room by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330.
Copies of these reports, proxy and information statements and
other information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating
fee, by electronic request at the following
e-mail
address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SECs
Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C.
20549-0102.
This information will also be available free of charge by
contacting us at 76 Batterson Park Road, Farmington,
Connecticut 06032, by telephone at
(800) 676-8654,
or on our website that we expect to establish upon completion of
this offering. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet
website that contains reports, proxy and information statements
and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC at
http://www.sec.gov.
135
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
19,218,658
|
|
|
$
|
9,892,048
|
|
Loans receivable (Note 3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Venture loans (net of unearned income of:
2010 $2,061,463 and 2009 $1,134,146)
|
|
|
133,785,603
|
|
|
|
107,755,693
|
|
Revolving loans (net of unearned income of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 $17,323)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,664,546
|
|
Allowance for loan losses
|
|
|
(1,185,069
|
)
|
|
|
(1,924,034
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans receivable, net
|
|
|
132,600,534
|
|
|
|
109,496,205
|
|
Warrants
|
|
|
5,217,105
|
|
|
|
2,457,680
|
|
Accrued interest receivable
|
|
|
1,949,924
|
|
|
|
1,451,963
|
|
Debt issuance costs (net of accumulated amortization of:
2010 $3,001,210 and 2009 $2,129,891)
|
|
|
484,067
|
|
|
|
1,355,386
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
465,258
|
|
|
|
214,731
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$
|
159,935,546
|
|
|
$
|
124,868,013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
Borrowings (Note 4)
|
|
$
|
88,944,819
|
|
|
$
|
64,166,412
|
|
Interest rate swap liability (Note 7)
|
|
|
358,989
|
|
|
|
767,877
|
|
Accrued management fees (Note 10)
|
|
|
216,357
|
|
|
|
181,561
|
|
Other accrued expenses
|
|
|
350,248
|
|
|
|
259,494
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES
|
|
|
89,870,413
|
|
|
|
65,375,344
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 5 and 6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members capital (Note 8)
|
|
|
70,424,122
|
|
|
|
60,260,546
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Unrealized loss on
interest rate swaps
|
|
|
(358,989
|
)
|
|
|
(767,877
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
|
70,065,133
|
|
|
|
59,492,669
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
$
|
159,935,546
|
|
|
$
|
124,868,013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
F-2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
Nine Months
|
|
|
|
Ended September 30,
|
|
|
Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income on loans
|
|
$
|
4,954,849
|
|
|
$
|
3,961,816
|
|
|
$
|
12,852,115
|
|
|
$
|
10,853,132
|
|
Other interest income
|
|
|
24,633
|
|
|
|
3,323
|
|
|
|
53,124
|
|
|
|
47,125
|
|
Net realized (loss) gain on warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,762
|
)
|
|
|
138,506
|
|
Net unrealized (loss) gain on warrants
|
|
|
1,711,328
|
|
|
|
(54,777
|
)
|
|
|
1,549,053
|
|
|
|
393,528
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
208,620
|
|
|
|
203,714
|
|
|
|
345,198
|
|
|
|
270,951
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income
|
|
|
6,899,430
|
|
|
|
4,114,076
|
|
|
|
14,797,728
|
|
|
|
11,703,242
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit (provision) for loan losses (Note 3)
|
|
|
319,741
|
|
|
|
(334,233
|
)
|
|
|
738,965
|
|
|
|
(627,301
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income after credit (provision) for loan losses
|
|
|
7,219,171
|
|
|
|
3,779,843
|
|
|
|
15,536,693
|
|
|
|
11,075,941
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management fee expense (Note 10)
|
|
|
675,259
|
|
|
|
573,849
|
|
|
|
1,815,878
|
|
|
|
1,639,860
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
1,188,698
|
|
|
|
1,126,071
|
|
|
|
3,281,682
|
|
|
|
3,204,662
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
6,558
|
|
|
|
20,426
|
|
|
|
111,571
|
|
|
|
126,910
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
61,463
|
|
|
|
55,914
|
|
|
|
163,986
|
|
|
|
134,532
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
1,931,978
|
|
|
|
1,776,260
|
|
|
|
5,373,117
|
|
|
|
5,105,964
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME
|
|
$
|
5,287,193
|
|
|
$
|
2,003,583
|
|
|
$
|
10,163,576
|
|
|
$
|
5,969,977
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
F-3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
Nine Months
|
|
|
|
Ended September 30,
|
|
|
Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
5,287,193
|
|
|
$
|
2,003,583
|
|
|
$
|
10,163,576
|
|
|
$
|
5,969,977
|
|
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps
|
|
|
151,705
|
|
|
|
71,580
|
|
|
|
408,888
|
|
|
|
255,452
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
$
|
5,438,898
|
|
|
$
|
2,075,163
|
|
|
$
|
10,572,464
|
|
|
$
|
6,225,429
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
F-4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members
|
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Loss
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2008
|
|
$
|
50,947,371
|
|
|
$
|
(1,162,563
|
)
|
|
$
|
49,784,808
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
5,969,977
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,969,977
|
|
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps (Note 7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
255,452
|
|
|
|
255,452
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,225,429
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at September 30, 2009
|
|
$
|
56,917,348
|
|
|
$
|
(907,111
|
)
|
|
$
|
56,010,237
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2009
|
|
$
|
60,260,546
|
|
|
$
|
(767,877
|
)
|
|
$
|
59,492,669
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
10,163,576
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,163,576
|
|
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps (Note 7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
408,888
|
|
|
|
408,888
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,572,464
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at September 30, 2010
|
|
$
|
70,424,122
|
|
|
$
|
(358,989
|
)
|
|
$
|
70,065,133
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
F-5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months
|
|
|
Nine Months
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
10,163,576
|
|
|
$
|
5,969,977
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Credit) provision for loan losses
|
|
|
(738,965
|
)
|
|
|
627,301
|
|
Amortization of debt issuance costs
|
|
|
871,319
|
|
|
|
886,119
|
|
Net realized loss (gain) on warrants
|
|
|
1,762
|
|
|
|
(138,506
|
)
|
Net unrealized loss (gain) on warrants
|
|
|
(1,549,053
|
)
|
|
|
(393,528
|
)
|
Changes in assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in accrued interest receivable
|
|
|
(497,961
|
)
|
|
|
(773,244
|
)
|
Decrease in unearned loan income
|
|
|
(302,140
|
)
|
|
|
(305,759
|
)
|
Increase in other assets
|
|
|
(250,527
|
)
|
|
|
(48,520
|
)
|
Increase (decrease) in other accrued expenses
|
|
|
90,754
|
|
|
|
(131,261
|
)
|
Increase in accrued management fees
|
|
|
34,796
|
|
|
|
27,144
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
7,823,561
|
|
|
|
5,719,723
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans funded
|
|
|
(64,607,921
|
)
|
|
|
(33,263,951
|
)
|
Principal repayments on loans
|
|
|
41,332,563
|
|
|
|
20,138,810
|
|
Proceeds from settlement of warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
141,485
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(23,275,358
|
)
|
|
|
(12,983,656
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in revolving borrowings
|
|
|
24,778,407
|
|
|
|
12,841,005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
24,778,407
|
|
|
|
12,841,005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
9,326,610
|
|
|
|
5,577,072
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period
|
|
|
9,892,048
|
|
|
|
20,024,408
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
End of period
|
|
$
|
19,218,658
|
|
|
$
|
25,601,480
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest
|
|
$
|
2,365,859
|
|
|
$
|
2,334,292
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants received & recorded as unearned loan income
|
|
$
|
1,212,134
|
|
|
$
|
675,485
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease in interest rate swap liability
|
|
$
|
(408,888
|
)
|
|
$
|
(255,452
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
F-6
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Compass Horizon Funding Company LLC (CHF) was formed
as a Delaware limited liability company on January 23, 2008
by and between Compass Horizon Partners, LP, an exempted limited
partnership registered in Bermuda (Compass) and
HTF-CHF Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
(Horizon). Compass is the only Class A Member,
Horizon is the only Class B Member and there are no other
members of any type. CHF was formed to acquire and manage loans
to, and warrants from, venture capital backed technology
companies in the life sciences and information technology
industries. The Company makes loans to companies in these
industries which are at a range of life cycle stages including
early stage, expansion stage and later stage.
Horizon Credit I LLC (Credit I) was formed as a
Delaware limited liability company on January 23, 2008,
with CHF as the sole equity member. Credit I is a special
purpose bankruptcy remote entity and is reported herein as a
wholly owned subsidiary of CHF.
CHF and Credit I are collectively referred to herein as the
Company which commenced operations on March 4,
2008. CHF sells certain portfolio transactions to Credit I
(Purchased Assets). Credit I is a separate legal
entity from CHF and the Purchased Assets have been conveyed to
Credit I and are not available for creditors of CHF or any other
entity other than its lenders.
|
|
Note 2.
|
Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies
|
Basis
of Financial Statement Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America for interim financial information and
in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. The
interim information reflects all adjustments (consisting only of
normal recurring accruals and adjustments), which are, in the
opinion of management, necessary to fairly state the operating
results for the respective periods. However, these operating
results are not necessarily indicative of the results expected
for the full fiscal year. The notes to the unaudited financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the
Companys December 31, 2009 and 2008 audited financial
statements contained within this registration statement.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, management is
required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of
contingent assets and liabilities, as of the date of the balance
sheet and income and expenses for the period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are
particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term
relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses,
and the valuation of warrants and interest rate swaps.
Principles
of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of CHF and Credit I. All inter-company accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as presented in the consolidated
balance sheets and the consolidated statements of cash flows
include bank checking accounts and money market funds with an
original maturity of less than 90 days.
Loans
Loans receivable are stated at current unpaid principal balances
adjusted for the allowance for loan losses, unearned income and
any unamortized deferred fees or costs. The Company has the
ability and intent to hold its loans for the foreseeable future
or until maturity or payoff.
F-7
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Interest on loans is accrued and included in income based on
contractual rates applied to principal amounts outstanding.
Interest income on loans is determined using a method that
results in a level rate of return on principal amounts
outstanding. When a loan becomes 90 days or more past due,
or if the Company otherwise does not expect to receive interest
and principal repayments, the loan is placed on non-accrual
status and the recognition of interest income is discontinued.
Interest payments received on loans that are on non-accrual
status are treated as reductions of principal until the
principal is repaid. No loans were on non-accrual status as of
September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
The Company receives a variety of fees from borrowers in the
ordinary course of conducting its business, including advisory
fees, commitment fees, amendment fees, non-utilization fees and
prepayment fees (collectively, the Fees). In a
limited number of cases, the Company may also receive a
non-refundable deposit earned upon the termination of a
transaction. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct
origination costs, are deferred, and along with unearned income,
are amortized as a level yield adjustment over the respective
term of the loan. Fees for counterparty loan commitments with
multiple loans are allocated to each loan based upon each
loans relative fair value. When a loan is placed on
non-accrual, the amortization of the related Fee and unearned
income is discontinued until the loan is returned to accrual
status.
Certain loan agreements also require the borrower to make an
end-of-term
payment that is accrued into income over the life of the loan to
the extent such amounts are expected to be collected. The
Company will generally cease accruing the income if there is
insufficient value to support the accrual or the Company does
not expect the borrower to be able to pay all principal and
interest due.
Allowance
for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses represents managements
estimate of probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio
as of the balance sheet date. The estimation of the allowance is
based on a variety of factors, including past loan loss
experience, the current credit profile of the Companys
borrowers, adverse situations that have occurred that may affect
individual borrowers ability to repay, the estimated value
of underlying collateral and general economic conditions. The
loan portfolio is comprised of large balance loans that are
evaluated individually for impairment and are risk-rated based
upon a borrowers individual situation, current economic
conditions, collateral and industry-specific information that
management believes is relevant in determining the potential
occurrence of a loss event and in measuring impairment. The
allowance for loan losses is sensitive to the risk rating
assigned to each of the loans and to corresponding qualitative
loss factors that the Company uses to estimate the allowance.
These factors are applied to the outstanding loan balances in
estimating the allowance for loan losses. If necessary, based on
performance factors related to specific loans, specific
allowance for loan losses are established for individual
impaired loans. Increases or decreases to the allowance for loan
losses are charged or credited to current period earnings
through the provision (credit) for loan losses. Amounts
determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance
for loan losses, while amounts recovered on previously
charged-off loans increase the allowance for loan losses.
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information
and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to
collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due
according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.
Factors considered by management in determining impairment
include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of
collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.
Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment
shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management
determines the significance of payment delays and payment
shortfalls on a
case-by-case
basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances
surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of
the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrowers prior
payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to
the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a
loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected
future cash flows discounted at the loans effective
interest rate, the loans observable market price, or the
fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral
dependent.
F-8
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Impaired loans also include loans modified in troubled debt
restructurings where concessions have been granted to borrowers
experiencing financial difficulties. These concessions could
include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment
extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other
actions intended to maximize collection. There have been no
troubled debt restructurings since the Companys inception.
Warrants
In connection with substantially all lending arrangements, the
Company receives warrants to purchase shares of stock from the
borrower. Because the warrant agreements contain net exercise or
cashless exercise provisions, the warrants qualify
as derivative instruments. The warrants are recorded as assets
at estimated fair value on the grant date using the
Black-Scholes valuation model. The warrants are considered loan
fees and are also recorded as unearned loan income on the grant
date. The unearned income is recognized as interest income over
the contractual life of the related loan in accordance with the
Companys income recognition policy. As all the warrants
held are deemed to be derivatives, they are periodically
measured at fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model.
Any adjustment to fair value is recorded through earnings as net
unrealized gain or loss on warrants. Gains from the disposition
of the warrants or stock acquired from the exercise of warrants,
are recognized as realized gains on warrants.
The Company values the warrant assets incorporating the
following material assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying asset value of the issuer is estimated based on
information available, including any information regarding the
most recent rounds of borrower funding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volatility, or the amount of uncertainty or risk about the size
of the changes in the warrant price, is based on guideline
publicly traded companies within indices similar in nature to
the underlying company issuing the warrant. A total of seven
such indices were used. The weighted average volatility
assumptions used for the warrant valuation at September 30,
2010, December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009 were
29%, 29% and 25%, respectively.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The risk-free interest rates are derived from the
U.S. Treasury yield curve. The risk-free interest rates are
calculated based on a weighted average of the risk-free interest
rates that correspond closest to the expected remaining life of
the warrant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other adjustments, including a marketability discount, are
estimated based on managements judgment about the general
industry environment.
|
Debt
Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs are fees and other direct incremental costs
incurred by the Company in obtaining debt financing from its
lender and are recognized as assets and are amortized as
interest expense over the term of the related Credit Facility.
The unamortized balance of debt issuance costs as of
September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was $484,067
and $1,355,386, respectively. The amortization expense relating
to debt issuance costs during the three months ended
September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009 was $290,440
and $314,118, respectively. The amortization expense relating to
debt issuance costs during the nine months ended
September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009 was $871,319
and $886,119, respectively.
Income
Taxes
The Company is a limited liability company treated as a
partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as a
result, all items of income and expense are passed through to,
and are generally reportable on, the tax returns of the
respective members of each limited liability company. Therefore,
no federal or state income tax provision has been recorded.
F-9
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Interest
Rate Swaps and Hedging Activities
The Company recognizes its interest rate swap derivatives on the
balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair
value. Changes in the derivatives fair value are
recognized currently in income unless specific hedge accounting
criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges
allows a derivatives gains and losses to offset related
results on the hedged item in the statement of operations and
requires the Company to formally document, designate and assess
effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.
Derivatives that are not hedges are adjusted to fair value
through earnings. If the derivative qualifies as a hedge,
depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value
of derivatives are either offset against the change in fair
value of hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through
earnings, or recognized in other comprehensive income until the
hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion
of a derivatives change in fair value, if any, is
immediately recognized as interest expense.
Comprehensive
Income
Accounting principles generally require that recognized income,
expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Certain
changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized
appreciation or depreciation on interest rate swaps, are
reported as a separate component of members capital in the
consolidated balance sheet, and such items, along with net
income, are components of comprehensive income.
Fair
Value
The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value
adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine
fair value disclosures. Fair value is the price that would be
received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an
orderly transaction between market participants at the
measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon
quoted market prices. However, in certain instances, there are
no quoted market prices for certain assets or liabilities. In
cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values
are based on estimates using present value or other valuation
techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the
assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of
future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not
be realized in an immediate settlement of the asset or liability.
Fair value measurements focus on exit prices in an orderly
transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed
sale) between market participants at the measurement date under
current market conditions. If there has been a significant
decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or
liability, a change in valuation technique or the use of
multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such
instances, determining the price at which willing market
participants would transact at the measurement date under
current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances
and requires the use of significant judgment.
The Companys fair value measurements are classified into a
fair value hierarchy based on the markets in which the assets
and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the
assumptions used to determine fair value. The three categories
within the hierarchy are as follows:
|
|
|
Level 1 |
|
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and
liabilities. |
|
|
|
Level 2 |
|
Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted
prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets,
quoted prices in markets that are not active, and model-based
valuation techniques for which all significant inputs are
observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for
substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. |
|
|
|
Level 3 |
|
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market
activity and that are significant to the fair value of the
assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities
include financial instruments whose value is determined using
pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar
techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination
of fair value requires significant management judgment or
estimation. |
F-10
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
In February 2010, the FASB issued guidance which amends the
existing guidance related to fair value measurements and
disclosures. The amendments require the following new fair value
disclosures:
|
|
|
|
|
Separate disclosure of the significant transfers in and out of
Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, and a
description of the reasons for the transfers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
In the roll forward of activity for Level 3 fair value
measurements (significant unobservable inputs), purchases,
sales, issuances, and settlements should be presented separately
(on a gross basis rather than as one net number).
|
In addition, the amendments clarify existing disclosure
requirements, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value measurements and disclosures should be presented for
each class of assets and liabilities within a line item in the
balance sheet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reporting entities should provide disclosures about the
valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for
both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements that
fall in either Level 2 or Level 3.
|
The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures
are effective for the Companys interim and annual
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except
for the disclosures included in the roll forward of activity for
Level 3 fair value measurements, for which the effective
date is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010,
and for interim periods within those fiscal years.
See Note 10 for additional information regarding fair value.
Transfers
of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when
control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over
transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the
assets have been isolated from the Company put
presumptively beyond the reach of the transferor and its
creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership,
(2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions
that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge
or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the transferor
does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets
through either (a) an agreement that both entitles and
obligates the transferor to repurchase or redeem the assets
before maturity or (b) the ability to unilaterally cause
the holder to return specific assets, other than through a
cleanup call.
In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance which modified certain
guidance relating to transfers and servicing of financial
assets. This guidance eliminates the concept of qualifying
special purpose entities, provides guidance as to when a portion
of a transferred financial asset can be evaluated for sale
accounting, provides additional guidance with regard to
accounting for transfers of financial assets and requires
additional disclosures. This guidance is effective for the
Company as of January 1, 2010, with adoption applied
prospectively for transfers that occur on and after the
effective date. The adoption of this guidance did not have an
impact on the Companys financial statements.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2010, The FASB issued ASU No.
2010-20,
Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables
and the Allowance for Credit Losses. The amendments in this
ASU apply to all entities, both public and nonpublic, with
financing receivables, excluding short-term trade accounts
receivable or receivables measured at fair value or lower of
cost or fair value. The amendments in this ASU enhance
disclosures about the credit quality of financing receivables
and the allowance for credit losses. This ASU amends existing
disclosure guidance to require entities to provide a greater
level of disaggregated information about the credit quality of
its financing receivables and its allowance for credit losses.
In addition, this ASU requires entities to disclose credit
quality indicators, past due information, and modifications of
its financing receivables. For public entities, the disclosures
as of the end of a reporting period are effective for interim
and annual reporting periods ending on or after
December 15, 2010. The disclosures about activity that
occurs during a reporting period are effective for interim and
annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15,
2010. This ASU encourages, but does not require, comparative
disclosures for
F-11
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
earlier reporting periods that ended before initial adoption.
However, entities should provide comparative disclosures for
those reporting periods ending after initial adoption. We are
currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance
on our financial statement disclosures.
Subsequent
Events
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through
October 18, 2010, the date on which the financial
statements were issued.
Loans receivable consist of term loans and revolving loans. The
loans are payable in installments with final maturities ranging
from 24 to 48 months and are generally collateralized by
all assets of the borrower. As of September 30, 2010 and
December 31, 2009, 100.0% and 96.7%, respectively, of the
Companys loans are at fixed rates for their term. The
weighted average interest rate of the loan portfolio was 12.40%
and 12.64% as of September 30, 2010 and December 31,
2009, respectively. All loans were made to companies based in
the United States of America.
The following is a summary of the changes in the allowance for
loan losses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
|
|
|
Three
|
|
|
Nine
|
|
|
Nine
|
|
|
|
Months Ended
|
|
|
Months Ended
|
|
|
Months Ended
|
|
|
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period
|
|
$
|
1,504,810
|
|
|
$
|
1,942,721
|
|
|
$
|
1,924,034
|
|
|
$
|
1,649,653
|
|
(Credit) provision for loan losses
|
|
|
(319,741
|
)
|
|
|
334,233
|
|
|
|
(738,965
|
)
|
|
|
627,301
|
|
Charge offs, net of recoveries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of period
|
|
$
|
1,185,069
|
|
|
$
|
2,276,954
|
|
|
$
|
1,185,069
|
|
|
$
|
2,276,954
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit I entered into a $150,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility
(the Credit Facility) with WestLB AG
(WestLB) effective March 4, 2008. The Credit
Facility has a three year initial revolving term and is
renewable on March 3, 2011, subject to agreement between
the Company and WestLB. If the revolving term is not renewed,
the balance will be allowed to amortize over an additional four
year term. The interest rate is based upon the one-month LIBOR
(0.26% and 0.23% as of September 30, 2010 and
December 31, 2009, respectively) plus a spread of 2.50%.
The Credit Facility is collateralized by loans held by Credit I
and permits an advance rate of up to 75% of eligible loans held
by Credit I. The Credit Facility contains covenants that, among
other things, require the Company to maintain a minimum net
worth and to restrict the loans securing the Credit Facility to
certain criteria for qualified loans and includes portfolio
company concentration limits as defined in the related loan
agreement. At September 30, 2010 the Company had available
borrowing capacity of approximately $61,000,000 and had actual
borrowings outstanding of $88,944,819 on the Credit Facility.
On June 25, 2010, the Company amended and restated the
Credit Facility with WestLB to allow for the change of control
that will occur upon the consummation of the planned Share
Exchange and IPO described in Note 11. The facility limit
will be $125 million upon the completion of the planned
IPO. In general, all other terms and conditions of the Credit
Facility will remain the same upon the completion of the IPO.
|
|
Note 5.
|
Financial
Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk
|
In the normal course of business, the Company is party to
financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk to meet the
financing needs of its borrowers. These financial instruments
include commitments to extend credit and
F-12
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess
of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. The
Company attempts to limit its credit risk by conducting
extensive due diligence and obtaining collateral where
appropriate.
The balance of unfunded commitments to extend credit was
approximately $12,250,000 and $5,400,000 as of
September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009,
respectively. Commitments to extend credit consist principally
of the unused portions of commitments that obligate CHF to
extend credit, such as revolving credit arrangements or similar
transactions. Commitments may also include a financial or
nonfinancial milestone that has to be achieved before the
commitment can be drawn. Commitments generally have fixed
expiration dates or other termination clauses. Since commitments
may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment
amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
|
|
Note 6.
|
Concentrations
of Credit Risk
|
The Companys loan portfolio consists primarily of loans to
development-stage companies at various stages of development in
the information technology and life science industries. Many of
these companies may have relatively limited operating histories
and also may experience variation in operating results. Many of
these companies do business in regulated industries and could be
affected by changes in government regulations. Most of the
Companys borrowers will need additional capital to satisfy
their continuing working capital needs and other requirements,
and in many instances to service the interest and principal
payments on the loans.
The largest loans may vary from year to year as new loans are
recorded and repaid. The Companys five largest loans
represented approximately 30% and 28% of total loans outstanding
as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009,
respectively. No single loan represents more than 10% of the
total loans as of September 30, 2010 and December 31,
2009. Loan income, consisting of interest and fees, can
fluctuate significantly upon repayment of large loans. Interest
income from the five largest loans accounted for approximately
31% and 28% of total loan interest and fee income for the three
months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30,
2009, respectively. Interest income from the five largest loans
accounted for approximately 19% and 28% of total loan interest
and fee income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010
and September 30, 2009, respectively.
|
|
Note 7:
|
Interest
Rate Swaps and Hedging Activities
|
On October 14, 2008, the Company entered into two interest
rate swap agreements (collectively, the Swap) with
WestLB, fixing the rate of $10 million at 3.58% and
$15 million at 3.20% on the first advances of a like amount
of variable rate Credit Facility borrowings. The interest rate
swaps expire in October 2011 and October 2010, respectively. The
Swap is designated as a cash flow hedge and is anticipated to be
highly effective.
The Company utilizes the Swap to manage risks related to
interest rates on the first $25 million of borrowings on
the Companys Credit Facility. Accounting for derivatives
as hedges requires that, at inception and over the term of the
arrangement, the hedged item and related derivative meet the
requirements for hedge accounting.
The objective of the Swap is to hedge the risk of changes in
cash flows associated with the future interest payments on the
first $25 million of the variable rate Credit Facility debt
with a combined notional amount of $25 million. This is a
hedge of future specified cash flows. As a result, these
interest rate swaps are derivatives and were designated as
hedging instruments at the inception of the Swap, and the
Company has applied cash flow hedge accounting. The Swap is
recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, and
any related increases or decreases in the fair value are
recognized on the Companys consolidated balance sheet
within accumulated other comprehensive income.
At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Swap
has been recorded as a liability on the consolidated balance
sheet and the corresponding unrealized loss on the Swap is
recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, totaling
$358,989 and $767,877, respectively. The Swap does not contain
any credit risk related contingent features.
F-13
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
The Company assesses the effectiveness of its Swap on a
quarterly basis. The Company has considered the impact of the
current credit crisis in the United States in assessing the risk
of counterparty default. The Company believes that it is still
likely that the counterparty for the Swap will continue to
perform throughout the contract period, and as a result
continues to deem the Swap an effective hedging instrument. As
most of the critical terms of the hedging instruments and hedged
items match, the hedging relationship is considered to be highly
effective. Prospective and retrospective assessments of the
ineffectiveness of the hedge have been and will be made at the
end of each fiscal quarter. No ineffectiveness on the Swap was
recognized during the three or nine months ended
September 30, 2010 and 2009. During the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2010, $167,248 and $554,373 was
reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into
interest expense, respectively, and at September 30, 2010,
$324,138 is expected to be reclassified in the next twelve
months.
On March 4, 2008, $50,000,000 of capital was contributed to
CHF. Since inception, there have been no distributions to
members.
As described in Note 1, the Company uses fair value
measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets
and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. A
description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and
liabilities recorded at fair value, and for estimating fair
value for financial and non-financial instruments not recorded
at fair value, is set forth below.
Cash and cash equivalents and accrued interest
receivable: The carrying amount is a reasonable
estimate of fair value. These financial instruments are not
recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Loans: For variable rate loans which re-price
frequently and have no significant change in credit risk,
carrying values are a reasonable estimate of fair values,
adjusted for credit losses inherent in the portfolio. The fair
value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future
cash flows using the year end rates at which similar loans would
be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the
same remaining maturities, adjusted for credit losses inherent
in the portfolio. The Company does not record loans at fair
value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time,
nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral-dependent
impaired loans may be recorded to reflect partial write-downs
based on the observable market price or current appraised value
of collateral.
Warrants: The Company values its warrants
using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of the
Companys warrants held in publicly traded companies are
determined based on inputs that are readily available in public
markets or can be derived from information available in public
markets. Therefore, the Company has categorized these warrants
as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy described in
Note 2. The fair value of the Companys warrants held
in private companies are determined using both observable and
unobservable inputs and represents managements best
estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the
warrants at the measurement date. Therefore, the Company has
categorized these warrants as Level 3 within the fair value
hierarchy described in Note 2. These financial instruments
are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Borrowings: The carrying amount of borrowings
under the revolving credit facility approximates its fair value
due to the short duration and variable interest rate of this
debt. These financial instruments are not recorded at fair value
on a recurring basis. Additionally, the Company considers its
creditworthiness in determining the fair value of such
borrowings.
Interest rate swap derivatives: The fair value
of the Companys interest rate swap derivative instruments
is the estimated as the amount the Company would pay to
terminate its swaps at the balance sheet date, taking into
account current interest rates and the creditworthiness of the
counterparty for assets and the creditworthiness of the Company
for liabilities. The Company has categorized these derivative
instruments as
F-14
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy described in
Note 2. These financial instruments are recorded at fair
value on a recurring basis.
Off-balance-sheet instruments: Fair values for
off-balance-sheet lending commitments are based on fees
currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into
account the remaining terms of the agreements and the
counterparties credit standings. Off-balance-sheet
instruments are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
The following table details the financial instruments that are
carried at fair value and measured at fair value on a recurring
basis as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009,
respectively, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the
valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine the
fair value:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
|
Balance as of
|
|
|
Active Markets for
|
|
|
Observable
|
|
|
Unobservable
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
Identical Assets
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
(Level 1)
|
|
|
(Level 2)
|
|
|
(Level 3)
|
|
|
Warrant Assets
|
|
$
|
5,217,105
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,501,908
|
|
|
$
|
3,715,197
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Rate Swap Liability
|
|
$
|
358,989
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
358,989
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
|
Balance as of
|
|
|
Active Markets for
|
|
|
Observable
|
|
|
Unobservable
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
Identical Assets
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
(Level 1)
|
|
|
(Level 2)
|
|
|
(Level 3)
|
|
|
Warrant Assets
|
|
$
|
2,457,680
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
447,417
|
|
|
$
|
2,010,263
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Rate Swap Liability
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and
ending balances for Level 3 assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
|
|
|
Three
|
|
|
Nine
|
|
|
Nine
|
|
|
|
Months
|
|
|
Months
|
|
|
Months
|
|
|
Months
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Level 3 assets, beginning of period
|
|
$
|
2,343,384
|
|
|
$
|
1,365,058
|
|
|
$
|
2,010,263
|
|
|
$
|
556,753
|
|
Warrants received and classified as Level 3
|
|
|
103,682
|
|
|
|
4,253
|
|
|
|
926,720
|
|
|
|
334,435
|
|
Unrealized (loss) gains included in earnings
|
|
|
1,268,131
|
|
|
|
(39,257
|
)
|
|
|
779,976
|
|
|
|
441,845
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,762
|
)
|
|
|
(2,979
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 3 assets, end of period
|
|
$
|
3,715,197
|
|
|
$
|
1,330,054
|
|
|
$
|
3,715,197
|
|
|
$
|
1,330,054
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company discloses fair value information about financial
instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for
which it is practicable to estimate that value. Certain
financial instruments are excluded from the disclosure
requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts
presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
F-15
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
The estimated fair value amounts for 2010 and 2009 have been
measured as of the year-end date, and have not been reevaluated
or updated for purposes of these financial statements subsequent
to that date. As such, the estimated fair values of these
financial instruments subsequent to the reporting date may be
different than amounts reported at year-end.
The information presented should not be interpreted as an
estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair
value calculation is only required for a limited portion of the
Companys assets and liabilities. Due to the wide range of
valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in
making the estimates, comparisons between the Companys
disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.
As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the
recorded book balances and estimated fair values of the
Companys financial instruments were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2010
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
Recorded
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recorded
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
|
Balance
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Balance
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Financial Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash & cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
19,218,658
|
|
|
$
|
19,218,658
|
|
|
$
|
9,892,048
|
|
|
$
|
9,892,048
|
|
Loans receivable, net
|
|
$
|
132,600,534
|
|
|
$
|
133,437,883
|
|
|
$
|
109,496,205
|
|
|
$
|
110,654,287
|
|
Warrants
|
|
$
|
5,217,105
|
|
|
$
|
5,217,105
|
|
|
$
|
2,457,680
|
|
|
$
|
2,457,680
|
|
Accrued interest receivable
|
|
$
|
1,949,924
|
|
|
$
|
1,949,924
|
|
|
$
|
1,451,963
|
|
|
$
|
1,451,963
|
|
Financial Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
|
$
|
88,944,819
|
|
|
$
|
88,944,819
|
|
|
$
|
64,166,412
|
|
|
$
|
64,166,412
|
|
Interest rate swap liability
|
|
$
|
358,989
|
|
|
$
|
358,989
|
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
Off-balance-sheet
instruments
The Company assumes interest rate risk (the risk that general
interest rate levels will change) as a result of its normal
operations. As a result, the fair values of the Companys
financial instruments will change when interest rate levels
change and that change may be either favorable or unfavorable to
the Company. Management attempts to match maturities of assets
and liabilities to the extent believed necessary to minimize
interest rate risk. Management monitors rates and maturities of
assets and liabilities and attempts to minimize interest rate
risk by adjusting terms of new loans and by investing in
securities with terms that mitigate the Companys overall
interest rate risk.
|
|
Note 10:
|
Related
Party Transactions
|
Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC serves as Advisor for
the Company under a Management and Services Agreement which
provides for management fees payable monthly to the Advisor at a
rate of 2.0% per annum of the gross assets of the Company. The
Advisor also generates substantially all investment
opportunities for the Company. Total management fee expense was
$675,259 and $573,849 for the three months ended
September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009,
respectively. Total management fee expense was $1,815,878 and
$1,639,860 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and
September 30, 2009, respectively. Accrued management fees
were $216,357 and $181,561 as of September 30, 2010 and
December 31, 2009, respectively. In addition, the Advisor
shall be entitled to an incentive fee based on the net asset
value of the Company at the time of a distribution to the
Companys investors. As of September 30, 2010 no
incentive fee has been earned.
On March 3, 2010, the Company entered into a certain
Indemnity Agreement with Compass whereby the Company agreed to
indemnify Compass, solely in the event that the planned initial
public offering of securities of Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation (the IPO) is not completed prior to
June 30, 2011, for certain costs and expenses incurred by
Compass in connection with the preparations for the IPO, up to a
maximum amount of
F-16
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Unaudited Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
$1.2 million plus 8% annual interest accruing from the date
Compass paid any indemnified amounts. Pursuant to an agreement
among the members of the Company, each member agreed to make its
proportional capital contributions to the Company, to the extent
necessary, to fund payments required under the Indemnity
Agreement.
|
|
Note 11:
|
Recent
Developments
|
In 2010, the members of the Company intend to exchange their
membership interests in the Company for shares of common stock
of an entity formed by the Company named Horizon Technology
Finance Corporation (the Share Exchange). In
conjunction with the Share Exchange, Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation plans on completing an initial public offering
(IPO). Immediately prior to the completion of an
IPO, the Company, to the extent there is available cash on hand
at the Company, expects to make a cash distribution
(Pre-IPO Distribution) to its Class A Member
from net income and as a return of capital. After the Pre-IPO
Distribution and immediately prior to the completion of the IPO,
all owners of the Company would exchange their membership
interests in the Company for shares of common stock of Horizon
Technology Finance Corporation. Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation is expected to become the public corporation upon
the completion of the IPO. Upon the completion of the Share
Exchange and the IPO, the Company would become a wholly owned
subsidiary of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation.
|
|
Note 12:
|
Financial
Highlights
|
Following is a schedule of financial highlights for the three
and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
|
|
|
Three
|
|
|
Nine
|
|
|
Nine
|
|
|
|
Months
|
|
|
Months
|
|
|
Months
|
|
|
Months
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Members capital at beginning of period
|
|
$
|
64,626,235
|
|
|
$
|
53,935,074
|
|
|
$
|
59,492,669
|
|
|
$
|
49,784,808
|
|
Net investment
income(1)
|
|
|
3,256,124
|
|
|
|
2,392,593
|
|
|
|
7,877,320
|
|
|
|
6,065,244
|
|
Credit (provision) for loan losses
|
|
|
319,741
|
|
|
|
(334,233
|
)
|
|
|
738,965
|
|
|
|
(627,301
|
)
|
Net realized gain (loss) on warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,762
|
)
|
|
|
138,506
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on warrants
|
|
|
1,711,328
|
|
|
|
(54,777
|
)
|
|
|
1,549,053
|
|
|
|
393,528
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
|
|
|
151,705
|
|
|
|
71,580
|
|
|
|
408,888
|
|
|
|
255,452
|
|
Members capital at end of period
|
|
$
|
70,065,133
|
|
|
$
|
56,010,237
|
|
|
$
|
70,065,133
|
|
|
$
|
56,010,237
|
|
Ratios and Supplemental data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Members capital
|
|
$
|
66,748,055
|
|
|
$
|
54,969,416
|
|
|
$
|
63,688,158
|
|
|
$
|
52,819,643
|
|
Ratio of expenses to average Members capital (annualized)
|
|
|
11.6
|
%
|
|
|
12.9
|
%
|
|
|
11.2
|
%
|
|
|
12.9
|
%
|
Ratio of net investment income to average Members capital
(annualized)
|
|
|
19.5
|
%
|
|
|
17.4
|
%
|
|
|
16.5
|
%
|
|
|
15.3
|
%
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Net investment income is computed
as net income adjusted for (a) credit (provision) for loan
losses, (b) the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
warrants.
|
F-17
REPORT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Members
Compass Horizon Funding Company LLC and Subsidiary
Farmington, Connecticut
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Compass Horizon Funding Company LLC and Subsidiary (the
Company) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, members
equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2009
and the period from March 4, 2008 (inception) to
December 31, 2008. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Compass Horizon Funding Company LLC and Subsidiary
as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year ended
December 31, 2009 and the period from March 4, 2008
(inception) to December 31, 2008, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
/s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
New Haven, Connecticut
March 19, 2010
F-18
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
9,892,048
|
|
|
$
|
20,024,408
|
|
Loans receivable (Note 3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Venture loans (net of unearned income of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 $1,134,146 and 2008 $773,125)
|
|
|
107,755,693
|
|
|
|
77,724,006
|
|
Revolving loans (net of unearned income of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 $17,323 and 2008 $120,541)
|
|
|
3,664,546
|
|
|
|
15,405,685
|
|
Allowance for loan losses
|
|
|
(1,924,034
|
)
|
|
|
(1,649,653
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans receivable, net
|
|
|
109,496,205
|
|
|
|
91,480,038
|
|
Warrants (Note 7)
|
|
|
2,457,680
|
|
|
|
693,644
|
|
Accrued interest receivable
|
|
|
1,451,963
|
|
|
|
502,915
|
|
Debt issuance costs (net of accumulated amortization of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 $2,129,889 and 2008 $953,331)
|
|
|
1,355,386
|
|
|
|
2,478,667
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
214,731
|
|
|
|
35,216
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$
|
124,868,013
|
|
|
$
|
115,214,888
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings (Note 4)
|
|
$
|
64,166,412
|
|
|
$
|
63,673,016
|
|
Interest rate swap liability (Note 8)
|
|
|
767,877
|
|
|
|
1,162,563
|
|
Accrued management fees
|
|
|
181,561
|
|
|
|
159,594
|
|
Other accrued expenses
|
|
|
259,494
|
|
|
|
434,907
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES
|
|
|
65,375,344
|
|
|
|
65,430,080
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 5 and 6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members capital (Note 9)
|
|
|
60,260,546
|
|
|
|
50,947,371
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss Unrealized loss on
interest rate swaps
|
|
|
(767,877
|
)
|
|
|
(1,162,563
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
|
59,492,669
|
|
|
|
49,784,808
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS CAPITAL
|
|
$
|
124,868,013
|
|
|
$
|
115,214,888
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-19
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Consolidated
Statements of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 4, 2008
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
(Inception) through
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income on loans
|
|
$
|
14,987,322
|
|
|
$
|
6,530,464
|
|
Other interest income
|
|
|
67,282
|
|
|
|
358,820
|
|
Net realized gains on warrants (Note 7)
|
|
|
137,696
|
|
|
|
21,571
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on warrants (Note 7)
|
|
|
892,130
|
|
|
|
(72,641
|
)
|
Other income
|
|
|
271,704
|
|
|
|
131,768
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income
|
|
|
16,356,134
|
|
|
|
6,969,982
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for loan losses (Note 3)
|
|
|
(274,381
|
)
|
|
|
(1,649,653
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income after provision for loan losses
|
|
|
16,081,753
|
|
|
|
5,320,329
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management fee expense
|
|
|
2,202,268
|
|
|
|
1,073,083
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
4,244,804
|
|
|
|
2,747,540
|
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
131,234
|
|
|
|
61,008
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
190,272
|
|
|
|
150,184
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
6,768,578
|
|
|
|
4,031,815
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME
|
|
$
|
9,313,175
|
|
|
$
|
1,288,514
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-20
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Consolidated
Statements of Members Capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members
|
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Loss
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Balance at March 4, 2008
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
1,288,514
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,288,514
|
|
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps (Note 8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,162,563
|
)
|
|
|
(1,162,563
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,951
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital contribution (net of direct costs of $341,143)
|
|
|
49,658,857
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,658,857
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2008
|
|
$
|
50,947,371
|
|
|
$
|
(1,162,563
|
)
|
|
$
|
49,784,808
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
9,313,175
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,313,175
|
|
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps (Note 8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
394,686
|
|
|
|
394,686
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,707,861
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2009
|
|
$
|
60,260,546
|
|
|
$
|
(767,877
|
)
|
|
$
|
59,492,669
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-21
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 4, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Inception)
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
9,313,175
|
|
|
$
|
1,288,514
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for loan losses
|
|
|
274,381
|
|
|
|
1,649,653
|
|
Amortization of debt issuance costs
|
|
|
1,123,281
|
|
|
|
953,331
|
|
Net realized gain on settlement of warrants during the period
|
|
|
(137,696
|
)
|
|
|
(21,571
|
)
|
Net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation of warrants during
the period
|
|
|
(892,130
|
)
|
|
|
72,641
|
|
Changes in assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in accrued interest receivable
|
|
|
(949,048
|
)
|
|
|
(502,915
|
)
|
(Decrease) increase in unearned loan income
|
|
|
(617,893
|
)
|
|
|
117,455
|
|
Decrease (increase) in other assets
|
|
|
18,754
|
|
|
|
(35,216
|
)
|
(Decrease) increase in other accrued expenses
|
|
|
(175,413
|
)
|
|
|
434,907
|
|
Increase in accrued management fees
|
|
|
21,967
|
|
|
|
159,594
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
7,979,378
|
|
|
|
4,116,393
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans funded
|
|
|
(49,936,243
|
)
|
|
|
(112,177,596
|
)
|
Principal repayments on loans
|
|
|
31,189,623
|
|
|
|
18,154,236
|
|
Proceeds from settlement of warrants
|
|
|
141,486
|
|
|
|
31,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(18,605,134
|
)
|
|
|
(93,991,860
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital contributions, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,658,857
|
|
Net increase in revolving borrowings
|
|
|
493,396
|
|
|
|
63,673,016
|
|
Debt issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,431,998
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
493,396
|
|
|
|
109,899,875
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(10,132,360
|
)
|
|
|
20,024,408
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period
|
|
|
20,024,408
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
End of period
|
|
$
|
9,892,048
|
|
|
$
|
20,024,408
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest
|
|
$
|
4,244,804
|
|
|
$
|
2,747,540
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants received & recorded as unearned loan income
|
|
$
|
875,696
|
|
|
$
|
776,215
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock received in settlement of loan
|
|
$
|
198,269
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Decrease) increase in interest rate swap liability
|
|
$
|
(394,686
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,162,563
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-22
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
Compass Horizon Funding Company LLC (CHF) was formed
as a Delaware limited liability company on January 23, 2008
by and between Compass Horizon Partners, LP, an exempted limited
partnership registered in Bermuda (Compass) and
HTF-CHF Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
(Horizon). Compass is the only Class A Member,
Horizon is the only Class B Member and there are no other
members of any type. CHF was formed to acquire and manage loans
to, and warrants from, venture capital backed technology
companies in the life sciences and information technology
industries. The Company makes loans to companies in these
industries which are at a range of life cycle stages including
early stage, expansion stage and later stage.
Horizon Credit I LLC (Credit I) was formed as a
Delaware limited liability company on January 23, 2008,
with CHF as the sole equity member. Credit I is a special
purpose bankruptcy remote entity and is reported herein as a
wholly owned subsidiary of CHF.
CHF and Credit I are collectively referred to herein as the
Company which commenced operations on March 4,
2008. CHF sells certain portfolio transactions to Credit I
(Purchased Assets). Credit I is a separate legal
entity from CHF and the Purchased Assets have been conveyed to
Credit I and are not available for creditors of CHF or any other
entity other than its lenders.
|
|
Note 2.
|
Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies
|
Basis
of Financial Statement Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. In preparing the consolidated
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, management is required to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and
liabilities, as of the date of the balance sheet and income and
expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible
to significant change in the near term relate to the
determination of the allowance for loan losses, and the
valuation of warrants and interest rate swaps.
On July 1, 2009, the Accounting Standards Codification
(ASC) became the Financial Accounting Standards
Boards (FASB) single source of authoritative
U.S. accounting and reporting standards applicable to all
public and non-public non-governmental entities, superseding
existing authoritative principles and related literature. The
adoption of the ASC changed the applicable citations and naming
conventions used when referencing generally accepted accounting
principles in the Companys financial statements.
Principles
of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of CHF and Credit I. All inter-company accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as presented in the consolidated
balance sheets and the consolidated statements of cash flows
includes bank checking accounts and money market funds with an
original maturity of less than 90 days.
Loans
Loans receivable are stated at current unpaid principal balances
adjusted for the allowance for loan losses, unearned income and
any unamortized deferred fees or costs. The Company has the
ability and intent to hold its loans for the foreseeable future
or until maturity or payoff.
F-23
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Interest on loans is accrued and included in income based on
contractual rates applied to principal amounts outstanding.
Interest income on loans is determined using a method that
results in a level rate of return on principal amounts
outstanding. When a loan becomes 90 days or more past due,
or if the Company otherwise does not expect to receive interest
and principal repayments, the loan is placed on non-accrual
status and the recognition of interest income is discontinued.
Interest payments received on loans that are on non-accrual
status are treated as reductions of principal until the
principal is repaid. No loans were on non-accrual status as of
December 31, 2009 and 2008.
The Company receives a variety of fees from borrowers in the
ordinary course of conducting its business, including advisory
fees, commitment fees, amendment fees, non-utilization fees and
prepayment fees (collectively, the Fees). In a
limited number of cases, the Company may also receive a
non-refundable deposit earned upon the termination of a
transaction. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct
origination costs, are deferred, and along with unearned income,
are amortized as a level yield adjustment over the respective
term of the loan. Fees for counterparty loan commitments with
multiple loans are allocated to each loan based upon each
loans relative fair value. When a loan is placed on
non-accrual, the amortization of the related Fee and unearned
income is discontinued until the loan is returned to accrual
status.
Certain loan agreements also require the borrower to make an
end-of-term payment that is accrued into income over the life of
the loan to the extent such amounts are expected to be
collected. The Company will generally cease accruing the income
if there is insufficient value to support the accrual or the
Company does not expect the borrower to be able to pay all
principal and interest due.
Allowance
for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses represents managements
estimate of probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio
as of the balance sheet date. The estimation of the allowance is
based on a variety of factors, including past loan loss
experience, the current credit profile of the Companys
borrowers, adverse situations that have occurred that may affect
individual borrowers ability to repay, the estimated value
of underlying collateral and general economic conditions. The
loan portfolio is comprised of large balance loans that are
evaluated individually for impairment and are risk-rated based
upon a borrowers individual situation, current economic
conditions, collateral and industry-specific information that
management believes is relevant in determining the potential
occurrence of a loss event and in measuring impairment. The
allowance for loan losses is sensitive to the risk rating
assigned to each of the loans and to corresponding qualitative
loss factors that the Company uses to estimate the allowance.
These factors are applied to the outstanding loan balances in
estimating the allowance for loan losses. If necessary, based on
performance factors related to specific loans, a specific
allowance for loan losses is established for individual impaired
loans. Increases or decreases to the allowance for loan losses
are charged or credited to current period earnings through the
provision (credit) for loan losses. Amounts determined to be
uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses,
while amounts recovered on previously charged-off loans increase
the allowance for loan losses.
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information
and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to
collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due
according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.
Factors considered by management in determining impairment
include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of
collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.
Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment
shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management
determines the significance of payment delays and payment
shortfalls on a
case-by-case
basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances
surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of
the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrowers prior
payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to
the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a
loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected
future cash flows discounted at the loans effective
interest rate, the loans observable market price, or the
fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral
dependent.
F-24
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Impaired loans also include loans modified in troubled debt
restructurings where concessions have been granted to borrowers
experiencing financial difficulties. These concessions could
include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment
extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other
actions intended to maximize collection. There have been no
troubled debt restructurings during 2009 and 2008.
Warrants
In connection with substantially all lending arrangements, the
Company receives warrants to purchase shares of stock from the
borrower. Because the warrant agreements contain net exercise or
cashless exercise provisions, the warrants qualify
as derivative instruments. The warrants are recorded as assets
at estimated fair value on the grant date using the
Black-Scholes valuation model. The warrants are considered loan
fees and are also recorded as unearned loan income on the grant
date. The unearned income is recognized as interest income over
the contractual life of the related loan in accordance with the
Companys income recognition policy. As all the warrants
held are deemed to be derivatives, they are periodically
measured at fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model.
Any adjustment to fair value is recorded through earnings as net
unrealized gain or loss on warrants. Gains from the disposition
of the warrants or stock acquired from the exercise of warrants,
are recognized as realized gains on warrants.
The Company values the warrant assets incorporating the
following material assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying asset value of the issuer is estimated based on
information available, including any information regarding the
most recent rounds of borrower funding.
|
|
|
|
Volatility, or the amount of uncertainty or risk about the size
of the changes in the warrant price, is based on guideline
publicly traded companies within indices similar in nature to
the underlying company issuing the warrant. A total of seven
such indices were used. The weighted average volatility
assumptions used for the warrant valuation at December 31,
2009 and 2008 were 29% and 25%, respectively.
|
|
|
|
The risk-free interest rates are derived from the
U.S. Treasury yield curve. The risk-free interest rates are
calculated based on a weighted average of the risk-free interest
rates that correspond closest to the expected remaining life of
the warrant.
|
|
|
|
Other adjustments, including a marketability discount, are
estimated based on managements judgment about the general
industry environment.
|
Debt
Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs are fees and other direct incremental costs
incurred by the Company in obtaining debt financing from its
lender and are recognized as assets and are amortized as
interest expense over the term of the related Credit Facility.
The Company paid total debt issuance costs of $3,431,998 during
the period ended December 31, 2008. The unamortized balance
of debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 was
$1,355,386 and $2,478,667, respectively, and the amortization
expense relating to debt issuance costs during the year ended
December 31, 2009 and period ended December 31, 2008
was $1,123,281 and $953,331, respectively.
Income
Taxes
The Company is a limited liability company treated as a
partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as a
result, all items of income and expense are passed through to,
and are generally reportable on, the tax returns of the
respective members of each limited liability company. Therefore,
no federal or state income tax provision has been recorded.
The FASB issued new guidance on accounting for uncertainty in
income taxes. The Company adopted this new guidance for the year
ended December 31, 2009. Management evaluated the
Companys tax positions and
F-25
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
concluded that the Company had taken no uncertain tax positions
that require adjustment to the financial statements to comply
with the provisions of this guidance.
Interest
Rate Swaps and Hedging Activities
The Company recognizes its interest rate swap derivatives on the
balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair
value. Changes in the derivatives fair value are
recognized currently in income unless specific hedge accounting
criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges
allows a derivatives gains and losses to offset related
results on the hedged item in the statement of operations and
requires the Company to formally document, designate and assess
effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.
Derivatives that are not hedges are adjusted to fair value
through earnings. If the derivative qualifies as a hedge,
depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value
of derivatives are either offset against the change in fair
value of hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through
earnings, or recognized in other comprehensive income until the
hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion
of a derivatives change in fair value, if any, is
immediately recognized as interest expense.
In March 2008, the FASB issued guidance related to disclosures
about derivative instruments and hedging activities. This
guidance requires enhanced disclosures of an entitys
derivative instruments and hedging activities and their effects
on the entitys financial position, financial performance
and cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance in 2009. See
Note 8 for the enhanced disclosures required by this
statement.
Comprehensive
Income
Accounting principles generally require that recognized income,
expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Certain
changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized
appreciation or depreciation on interest rate swaps, are
reported as a separate component of members capital in the
consolidated balance sheet, and such items, along with net
income, are components of comprehensive income.
Fair
Value
The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value
adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine
fair value disclosures. Fair value is the price that would be
received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an
orderly transaction between market participants at the
measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon
quoted market prices. However, in certain instances, there are
no quoted market prices for certain assets or liabilities. In
cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values
are based on estimates using present value or other valuation
techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the
assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of
future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not
be realized in an immediate settlement of the asset or liability.
Fair value measurements focus on exit prices in an orderly
transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed
sale) between market participants at the measurement date under
current market conditions. If there has been a significant
decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or
liability, a change in valuation technique or the use of
multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such
instances, determining the price at which willing market
participants would transact at the measurement date under
current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances
and requires the use of significant judgment.
The Companys fair value measurements are classified into a
fair value hierarchy based on the markets in which the assets
and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the
assumptions used to determine fair value. The three categories
within the hierarchy are as follows:
|
|
|
Level 1 |
|
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and
liabilities. |
F-26
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
|
Level 2 |
|
Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted
prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets,
quoted prices in markets that are not active, and model-based
valuation techniques for which all significant inputs are
observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for
substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. |
|
Level 3 |
|
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market
activity and that are significant to the fair value of the
assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities
include financial instruments whose value is determined using
pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar
techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination
of fair value requires significant management judgment or
estimation. |
Prior to 2009, the fair value guidance only pertained to
financial assets and liabilities. On January 1, 2009, the
provisions of the fair value accounting guidance became
effective for non-financial assets and liabilities. The Company
adopted these provisions in 2009, and there was no impact on the
financial statements as there were no non-financial assets or
liabilities measured at fair value.
In April 2009, the FASB issued guidance which addressed concerns
that fair value measurements emphasized the use of an observable
market transaction even when that transaction may not have been
orderly or the market for that transaction may not have been
active. This guidance relates to the following:
(a) determining when the volume and level of activity for
the asset or liability has significantly decreased;
(b) identifying circumstances in which a transaction is not
orderly; and (c) understanding the fair value measurement
implications of both (a) and (b). The Company adopted this
new guidance in 2009, and the adoption had no impact on the
Companys financial statements.
In February 2010, the FASB issued guidance which amends the
existing guidance related to fair value measurements and
disclosures. The amendments will require the following new fair
value disclosures:
|
|
|
|
|
Separate disclosure of the significant transfers in and out of
Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, and a
description of the reasons for the transfers.
|
|
|
|
In the roll forward of activity for Level 3 fair value
measurements (significant unobservable inputs), purchases,
sales, issuances, and settlements should be presented separately
(on a gross basis rather than as one net number).
|
In addition, the amendments clarify existing disclosure
requirements, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value measurements and disclosures should be presented for
each class of assets and liabilities within a line item in the
balance sheet.
|
|
|
|
Reporting entities should provide disclosures about the
valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for
both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements that
fall in either Level 2 or Level 3.
|
The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures
are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning
after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures
included in the roll forward of activity for Level 3 fair
value measurements, for which the effective date is for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim
periods within those fiscal years.
See Note 10 for additional information regarding fair value.
Transfers
of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when
control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over
transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the
assets have been isolated from the Company put
presumptively beyond the reach of the transferor and its
creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership,
(2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions
that constrain it from taking advantage of that
F-27
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and
(3) the transferor does not maintain effective control over
the transferred assets through either (a) an agreement that
both entitles and obligates the transferor to repurchase or
redeem the assets before maturity or (b) the ability to
unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets, other
than through a cleanup call.
In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance which modifies certain
guidance relating to transfers and servicing of financial
assets. This guidance eliminates the concept of qualifying
special purpose entities, provides guidance as to when a portion
of a transferred financial asset can be evaluated for sale
accounting, provides additional guidance with regard to
accounting for transfers of financial assets and requires
additional disclosures. This guidance is effective for the
Company as of January 1, 2010, with adoption applied
prospectively for transfers that occur on and after the
effective date. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to
have a material impact on the Companys financial
statements.
Subsequent
Events
In May 2009, the FASB issued guidance relating to accounting
for, and disclosure of, events that occur after the balance
sheet date but before financial statements are issued or
available to be issued. This guidance defines (i) the
period after the balance sheet date during which a reporting
entitys management should evaluate events or transactions
that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the
financial statements, (ii) the circumstances under which an
entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after
the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and
(iii) the disclosures an entity should make about events or
transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. The
guidance became effective for the Company during the year ended
December 31, 2009.
The Company has evaluated the subsequent events through
March 19, 2010, the date on which the financial statements
were issued.
Loans receivable consist of term loans and revolving loans. The
loans are payable in installments with final maturities ranging
from 24 to 48 months and are generally collateralized by
all assets of the borrower. As of December 31, 2009 and
2008, 96.7% and 83.4%, respectively, of the Companys loans
are at fixed rates for their term. The weighted average interest
rate of the loan portfolio was 12.64% and 12.04% as of
December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. All loans were
made to companies based in the United States of America.
The following is a summary of the changes in the allowance for
loan losses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 4, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(inception)
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period
|
|
$
|
1,649,653
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Provision for loan losses
|
|
|
274,381
|
|
|
|
1,649,653
|
|
Charge offs, net of recoveries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of period
|
|
$
|
1,924,034
|
|
|
$
|
1,649,653
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit I entered into a $150,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility
(the Credit Facility) with WestLB AG
(WestLB) effective March 4, 2008. The Credit
Facility has a three year initial revolving term and is
renewable on March 3, 2011, subject to agreement between
the Company and WestLB. If the revolving term is not renewed,
the
F-28
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
balance will be allowed to amortize over an additional four year
term. The interest rate is based upon the one-month LIBOR (0.23%
and 0.44% as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively)
plus a spread of 2.50%.
The Credit Facility is collateralized by loans held by Credit I
and permits an advance rate of up to 75% of eligible loans held
by Credit I. The Credit Facility contains covenants that, among
other things, require the Company to maintain a minimum net
worth and to restrict the loans securing the Credit Facility to
certain criteria for qualified loans and includes portfolio
company concentration limits as defined in the related loan
agreement. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, based on assets
of Credit I, the Company had borrowing capacity of
approximately $72,160,000 and $65,800,000, respectively, and had
actual borrowings outstanding of $64,166,412 and $63,673,016,
respectively, on the Credit Facility.
|
|
Note 5.
|
Financial
Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk
|
In the normal course of business, the Company is party to
financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk to meet the
financing needs of its borrowers. These financial instruments
include commitments to extend credit and involve, to varying
degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount
recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company
attempts to limit its credit risk by conducting extensive due
diligence and obtaining collateral where appropriate.
The balance of unfunded commitments to extend credit was
$5,400,000 and $18,200,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008,
respectively. Commitments to extend credit consist principally
of the unused portions of commitments that obligate CHF to
extend credit, such as revolving credit arrangements or similar
transactions. Commitments may also include a financial or
nonfinancial milestone that has to be achieved before the
commitment can be drawn. Commitments generally have fixed
expiration dates or other termination clauses. Since commitments
may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment
amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
|
|
Note 6.
|
Concentrations
of Credit Risk
|
The Companys loan portfolio consists primarily of loans to
development-stage companies at various stages of development in
the information technology and life science industries. Many of
these companies may have relatively limited operating histories
and also may experience variation in operating results. Many of
these companies do business in regulated industries and could be
affected by changes in government regulations. Most of the
Companys borrowers will need additional capital to satisfy
their continuing working capital needs and other requirements,
and in many instances to service the interest and principal
payments on the loans.
The largest loans may vary from year to year as new loans are
recorded and repaid. The Companys five largest loans
represented approximately 28% and 29% of total loans outstanding
as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. No single
loan represents more than 10% of the total loans as of
December 31, 2009 and 2008. Loan income, consisting of
interest and fees, can fluctuate significantly upon repayment of
large loans. Interest income from the five largest loans
accounted for approximately 23% and 21% of total loan interest
and fee income for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the
period from March 4, 2008 (inception) to December 31,
2008, respectively.
The Company receives warrants from borrowers in connection with
the loans receivable. These warrants generally do not produce a
current cash return, but are held for potential investment
appreciation and capital gains. For the year ended
December 31, 2009 and the period ended December 31,
2008, the Company reported realized gains of $137,696 and
$21,571, respectively, and net unrealized appreciation and
depreciation of $892,130 and $72,641, respectively, on the
warrants.
F-29
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
Note 8:
|
Interest
Rate Swaps and Hedging Activities
|
On October 14, 2008, the Company entered into two interest
rate swap agreements (collectively, the Swap) with
WestLB, fixing the rate of $10 million at 3.58% and
$15 million at 3.2% on the first advances of a like amount
of variable rate Credit Facility borrowings. The interest rate
swaps expire in October 2011 and October 2010, respectively. The
Swap is designated as a cash flow hedge and is anticipated to be
highly effective.
The Company utilizes the Swap to manage risks related to
interest rates on the first $25 million of borrowings on
the Companys Credit Facility. Accounting for derivatives
as hedges requires that, at inception and over the term of the
arrangement, the hedged item and related derivative meet the
requirements for hedge accounting.
The objective of the Swap is to hedge the risk of changes in
cash flows associated with the future interest payments on the
first $25 million of the variable rate Credit Facility debt
with a combined notional amount of $25 million. This is a
hedge of future specified cash flows. As a result, these
interest rate swaps are derivatives and were designated as
hedging instruments at the inception of the Swap, and the
Company has applied cash flow hedge accounting. The Swap is
recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, and
any related increases or decreases in the fair value are
recognized on the Companys consolidated balance sheet
within accumulated other comprehensive income.
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Swap has been recorded
as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet and the
corresponding unrealized loss on the Swap is recorded in
accumulated other comprehensive loss, totaling $767,877 and
$1,162,563, respectively. The Swap does not contain any credit
risk related contingent features.
The Company assesses the effectiveness of its Swap on a
quarterly basis. The Company has considered the impact of the
current credit crisis in the United States in assessing the risk
of counterparty default. The Company believes that it is still
likely that the counterparty for the Swap will continue to
perform throughout the contract period, and as a result
continues to deem the Swap an effective hedging instrument. As
most of the critical terms of the hedging instruments and hedged
items match, the hedging relationship is considered to be highly
effective. Prospective and retrospective assessments of the
ineffectiveness of the hedge have been and will be made at the
end of each fiscal quarter.
No ineffectiveness on the Swap was recognized during the year
ended December 31, 2009 and period ended December 31,
2008. During the year ended December 31, 2009, $756,038 was
reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into
interest expense, and $571,293 is expected to be reclassified in
the next twelve months.
On March 4, 2008, $50,000,000 of capital was contributed to
CHF. Since inception, there have been no distributions to
members.
As described in Note 1, the Company uses fair value
measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets
and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. A
description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and
liabilities recorded at fair value, and for estimating fair
value for financial and non-financial instruments not recorded
at fair value, is set forth below.
Cash and cash equivalents and accrued interest
receivable: The carrying amount is a reasonable
estimate of fair value. These financial instruments are not
recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Loans: For variable rate loans which re-price
frequently and have no significant change in credit risk,
carrying values are a reasonable estimate of fair values,
adjusted for credit losses inherent in the portfolio. The fair
value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future
cash flows using the year end rates at which similar loans would
be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the
same remaining maturities,
F-30
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
adjusted for credit losses inherent in the portfolio. The
Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring
basis. However, from time to time, nonrecurring fair value
adjustments to collateral-dependent impaired loans may be
recorded to reflect partial write-downs based on the observable
market price or current appraised value of collateral.
Warrants: The Company values its warrants
using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of the
Companys warrants held in publicly traded companies are
determined based on inputs that are readily available in public
markets or can be derived from information available in public
markets. Therefore, the Company has categorized these warrants
as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy described in
Note 2. The fair value of the Companys warrants held
in private companies are determined using both observable and
unobservable inputs and represents managements best
estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the
warrants at the measurement date. Therefore, the Company has
categorized these warrants as Level 3 within the fair value
hierarchy described in Note 2. These financial instruments
are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Borrowings: The carrying amount of borrowings
under the revolving credit facility approximates its fair value
due to the short duration and variable interest rate of this
debt. These financial instruments are not recorded at fair value
on a recurring basis. Additionally, the Company considers its
creditworthiness in determining the fair value of such
borrowings.
Interest rate swap derivatives: The fair value
of the Companys interest rate swap derivative instruments
is the estimated as the amount the Company would pay to
terminate its swaps at the balance sheet date, taking into
account current interest rates and the creditworthiness of the
counterparty for assets and the credit worthiness of the Company
for liabilities. The Company has categorized these derivative
instruments as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy
described in Note 2. These financial instruments are
recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
Off-balance-sheet instruments: Fair values for
off-balance-sheet lending commitments are based on fees
currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into
account the remaining terms of the agreements and the
counterparties credit standings. Off-balance-sheet
instruments are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
The following table details the financial instruments that are
carried at fair value and measured at fair value on a recurring
basis as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and
indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques
utilized by the Company to determine the fair value:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
|
Balance as of
|
|
|
Active Markets for
|
|
|
Observable
|
|
|
Unobservable
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
Identical Assets
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
(Level 1)
|
|
|
(Level 2)
|
|
|
(Level 3)
|
|
|
Warrant Assets
|
|
$
|
2,457,680
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
447,417
|
|
|
$
|
2,010,263
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Rate Swap Liability
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-31
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
|
Balance as of
|
|
|
Active Markets for
|
|
|
Observable
|
|
|
Unobservable
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
Identical Assets
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
Inputs
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
(Level 1)
|
|
|
(Level 2)
|
|
|
(Level 3)
|
|
|
Warrant Assets
|
|
$
|
693,644
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
136,891
|
|
|
$
|
556,753
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Rate Swap Liability
|
|
$
|
1,162,563
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,162,563
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and
ending balances for Level 3 assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 4, 2008
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
Level 3 assets, beginning of period
|
|
$
|
556,753
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Warrants received and classified as Level 3
|
|
|
535,034
|
|
|
|
515,037
|
|
Unrealized gains included in earnings
|
|
|
918,476
|
|
|
|
41,716
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 3 assets, end of period
|
|
$
|
2,010,263
|
|
|
$
|
556,753
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company discloses fair value information about financial
instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for
which it is practicable to estimate that value. Certain
financial instruments are excluded from the disclosure
requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts
presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
The estimated fair value amounts for 2009 and 2008 have been
measured as of the year-end date, and have not been reevaluated
or updated for purposes of these financial statements subsequent
to that date. As such, the estimated fair values of these
financial instruments subsequent to the reporting date may be
different than amounts reported at year-end.
The information presented should not be interpreted as an
estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair
value calculation is only required for a limited portion of the
Companys assets and liabilities. Due to the wide range of
valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in
making the estimates, comparisons between the Companys
disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.
F-32
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the recorded book
balances and estimated fair values of the Companys
financial instruments were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
Recorded
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recorded
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
Book
|
|
|
Estimated
|
|
|
|
Balance
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Balance
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Financial Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash & cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
9,892,048
|
|
|
$
|
9,892,048
|
|
|
$
|
20,024,408
|
|
|
$
|
20,024,408
|
|
Loans receivable, net
|
|
$
|
109,496,205
|
|
|
$
|
110,654,287
|
|
|
$
|
91,480,038
|
|
|
$
|
92,100,589
|
|
Warrants
|
|
$
|
2,457,680
|
|
|
$
|
2,457,680
|
|
|
$
|
693,644
|
|
|
$
|
693,644
|
|
Accrued interest receivable
|
|
$
|
1,451,963
|
|
|
$
|
1,451,963
|
|
|
$
|
502,915
|
|
|
$
|
502,915
|
|
Financial Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
|
$
|
64,166,412
|
|
|
$
|
64,166,412
|
|
|
$
|
63,673,016
|
|
|
$
|
63,673,016
|
|
Interest rate swap liability
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
|
$
|
767,877
|
|
|
$
|
1,162,563
|
|
|
$
|
1,162,563
|
|
Off-balance-sheet
instruments
The Company assumes interest rate risk (the risk that general
interest rate levels will change) as a result of its normal
operations. As a result, the fair values of the Companys
financial instruments will change when interest rate levels
change and that change may be either favorable or unfavorable to
the Company. Management attempts to match maturities of assets
and liabilities to the extent believed necessary to minimize
interest rate risk. Management monitors rates and maturities of
assets and liabilities and attempts to minimize interest rate
risk by adjusting terms of new loans and by investing in
securities with terms that mitigate the Companys overall
interest rate risk.
|
|
Note 11:
|
Related
Party Transactions
|
Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC serves as Advisor for
the Company under a Management and Services Agreement which
provides for management fees payable monthly to the Advisor at a
rate of 2.0% per annum of the gross assets of the Company. The
Advisor also generates substantially all investment
opportunities for the Company. Total management fee expense was
$2,202,268 and $1,073,083 for the year ended December 31,
2009 and the period from March 4, 2008 to December 31,
2008, respectively. Accrued management fees were $181,561 and
$159,594 as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In
addition, the Advisor shall be entitled to an incentive fee
based on the net asset value of the Company at the time of a
distribution to the Companys investors. As of
December 31, 2009 and 2008, no incentive fee has been
earned.
|
|
Note 12:
|
Subsequent
Events
|
In 2010, the members of the Company intend to exchange their
membership interests in the Company for shares of common stock
of an entity formed by the Company and expected to be named
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (the Share
Exchange). In conjunction with the Share Exchange, Horizon
Technology Finance Corporation plans on completing an initial
public offering (IPO). Immediately prior to the
completion of an IPO, the Company, to the extent there is
available cash on hand at the Company, expects to make a cash
distribution (Pre-IPO Distribution) to its
Class A Member from net income and as a return of capital.
After the Pre-IPO Distribution and immediately prior to the
completion of the IPO, all owners of the Company would exchange
their membership interests in the Company for shares of common
stock of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation. Horizon
Technology Finance Corporation is expected to become the public
corporation upon the completion of the IPO. Upon the completion
of the Share Exchange and the IPO, the Company would become a
wholly owned subsidiary of Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation.
F-33
Compass
Horizon Funding Company LLC
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
Note 13:
|
Financial
Highlights
|
Following is a schedule of financial highlights for the year
ended December 31, 2009 and the period ended
December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Period Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2009
|
|
|
December 31,
2008
|
|
|
Members capital at beginning of period
|
|
$
|
49,784,808
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Net investment
income(1)
|
|
|
8,557,730
|
|
|
|
2,989,237
|
|
Provision for loan losses
|
|
|
(274,381
|
)
|
|
|
(1,649,653
|
)
|
Net realized gain on warrants
|
|
|
137,696
|
|
|
|
21,571
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on warrants
|
|
|
892,130
|
|
|
|
(72,641
|
)
|
Capital contribution
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,658,857
|
|
Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps
|
|
|
394,686
|
|
|
|
(1,162,563
|
)
|
Members capital at end of period
|
|
$
|
59,492,669
|
|
|
$
|
49,784,808
|
|
Ratios and Supplemental data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Members capital
|
|
$
|
53,937,746
|
|
|
$
|
50,184,871
|
|
Ratio of expenses to average Members capital
|
|
|
12.5
|
%
|
|
|
9.6
|
%
|
Ratio of net investment income to average Members capital
|
|
|
15.9
|
%
|
|
|
7.1
|
%
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Net investment income is computed
as net income adjusted for (a) provision for loan losses
and (b) the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
warrants.
|
F-34
Through and including November 22, 2010 (the 25th day
after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting
transactions in these securities, whether or not participating
in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This
is in addition to the dealers obligation to deliver a
prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their
unsold allotments or subscription.
6,250,000 Shares
Horizon Technology Finance
Corporation
Common Stock
PROSPECTUS
October 28, 2010
Morgan Stanley
UBS Investment Bank
Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel
Morgan Keegan & Company,
Inc.
RBC Capital Markets
BMO Capital Markets
Lazard Capital
Markets
Northland Capital
Markets