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Crescent Capital BDC (CCAP)
NASDAQ:CCAP
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Risk Overview Q2, 2022
Risk Distribution
62% Finance & Corporate
18% Legal & Regulatory
10% Macro & Political
4% Tech & Innovation
4% Production
1% Ability to Sell
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Crescent Capital BDC Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q2, 2022
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 44 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 44 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
71
+1
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 31
71
+1
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
1Risks added
0Risks removed
2Risks changed
Since Jun 2022
1Risks added
0Risks removed
2Risks changed
Since Jun 2022
Number of Risk Changed
2
+1
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 3
2
+1
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of Crescent Capital BDC in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 71
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 44/71 (62%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights15 | 21.1%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
The Adviser, the investment committee of the Adviser, Crescent and their affiliates, officers, directors and employees may face certain conflicts of interest.Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Crescent's principals and employees, the Adviser or their affiliates may, from time to time, possess material non-public information, limiting our investment discretion.Crescent's executive officers and directors, principals and other employees, including members of the Adviser's investment committee, may serve as directors of, or in a similar capacity with, portfolio companies in which we invest, the securities of which are purchased or sold on our behalf and may come into possession of material non-public information with respect to issuers in which we may be considering making an investment. In the event that material non-public information is obtained with respect to such companies, or we become subject to trading restrictions under the internal trading policies of those companies, Crescent's policies or as a result of applicable law or regulations, we could be prohibited for a period of time or indefinitely from purchasing or selling the securities of such companies, or we may be precluded from providing such information or other ideas to other funds affiliated with Crescent that might benefit from such information, and this prohibition may have an adverse effect on us.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Our management and incentive fee structure may create incentives for the Adviser that are not fully aligned with our stockholders' interests and may induce the Adviser to make speculative investments.In the course of our investing activities, we will pay management and incentive fees to the Adviser. We have entered into the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser that provides that these fees are based on the value of our gross assets (which includes assets purchased with borrowed amounts or other forms of leverage but excludes cash and cash equivalents), instead of net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any incentive fees payable). As a result, investors in our common stock will invest on a "gross" basis and receive distributions on a "net" basis after expenses, including the costs of leverage, resulting in a lower rate of return than one might achieve if distributions were made on a gross basis. Because our management fees are based on the value of our gross assets, incurrence of debt or the use of leverage will increase the management fees due to the Adviser. As such, the Adviser may have an incentive to use leverage to make additional investments. In addition, as additional leverage would magnify positive returns, if any, on our portfolio, the incentive fee would become payable to the Adviser (i.e., exceed the Hurdle Amount (as defined herein under the heading "Incentive Fee")) at a lower average return on our portfolio. Thus, if we incur additional leverage, the Adviser may receive additional incentive fees without any corresponding increase (and potentially with a decrease) in the performance of our portfolio.
Additionally, under the incentive fee structure, the Adviser may benefit when capital gains are recognized and, because the Adviser will determine when to sell a holding, the Adviser will control the timing of the recognition of such capital gains. As a result of these arrangements, there may be times when the management team of the Adviser has interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a conflict. Furthermore, there is a risk the Adviser will make more speculative investments in an effort to receive this payment. PIK interest and OID would increase our pre-incentive fee net investment income by increasing the size of the loan balance of underlying loans and increasing our assets under management and would make it easier for the Adviser to surpass the Hurdle Amount and increase the amount of incentive fees payable to the Adviser.
The part of the incentive fee payable to the Adviser relating to our net investment income is computed and paid on income that may include interest income that has been accrued but not yet received in cash. This fee structure may give rise to a conflict of interest for the Adviser to the extent that it encourages the Adviser to favor debt financings that provide for deferred interest, rather than current cash payments of interest. The Adviser may have an incentive to invest in deferred interest securities in circumstances where it would not have done so but for the opportunity to continue to earn the incentive fee even when the issuers of the deferred interest securities would not be able to make actual cash payments to us on such securities. This risk could be increased because, under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is not obligated to reimburse us for incentive fees it receives even if we subsequently incur losses or never receives in cash the deferred income that was previously accrued.
Our Board is charged with protecting our interests by monitoring how the Adviser addresses these and other conflicts of interest associated with its services and compensation. While our Board is not expected to review or approve each investment decision or incurrence of leverage, our independent directors will periodically review the Adviser's services and fees as well as its portfolio management decisions and portfolio performance. In connection with these reviews, our independent directors will consider whether the Adviser's fees and expenses (including those related to leverage) remain appropriate.
We may invest, to the extent permitted by law, in the securities and instruments of other investment companies, including private funds, and, to the extent it so invests, bear its ratable share of any such investment company's expenses, including management and performance fees. We also remain obligated to pay management and incentive fees to the Adviser with respect to the assets invested in the securities and instruments of other investment companies. With respect to each of these investments, each of our stockholders bears his or her share of the management and incentive fees of the Adviser as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees and other expenses of any investment companies in which we invest.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
Conflicts of interest may be created by the valuation process for certain portfolio holdings.We make many of our portfolio investments in the form of loans and securities that are not publicly traded and for which no market based price quotation is available. As a result, our Board will determine the fair value of these loans and securities in good faith as described below in "-The majority of our portfolio investments are recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board and, as a result, there may be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments." Each of the interested members of our Board has an indirect pecuniary interest in the Adviser. The participation of the Adviser's investment professionals in our valuation process, and the pecuniary interest in the Adviser by certain members of the our Board, could result in a conflict of interest as the Adviser's management fee is based, in part, on the value of our gross assets, and our incentive fees will be based, in part, on realized gains and realized and unrealized losses.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Stockholders may be required to pay tax in excess of the cash they receive.Under our dividend reinvestment plan, if a stockholder owns shares of our common stock, the stockholder will have all cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock unless such stockholder, or his, her or its nominee on such stockholder's behalf, specifically "opts out" of the dividend reinvestment plan by delivering a written notice to the plan administrator prior to the record date of the next distribution. If a stockholder does not "opt out" of the dividend reinvestment plan, that stockholder will be deemed to have received, and for U.S. federal income tax purposes will be taxed on, the amount reinvested in our common stock to the extent the amount reinvested was not a tax-free return of capital. As a result, a stockholder may have to use funds from other sources to pay U.S. federal income tax liability on the value of the common stock received. Even if a stockholder chooses to "opt out" of the dividend reinvestment plan, we will have the ability to declare a large portion of a dividend in shares of our common stock instead of in cash in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement (as defined herein under the heading "Item 1(c). Description of Business-Regulation as a Business Development Company-Election to Be Taxed as a RIC"). As long as a portion of this dividend is paid in cash and certain requirements are met, the entire distribution will be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a stockholder generally will be subject to tax on 100% of the fair market value of the dividend on the date the dividend is received by the stockholder in the same manner as a cash dividend, even though most of the dividend was paid in shares of common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
Certain investors are limited in their ability to make significant investments in us.Private funds that are excluded from the definition of "investment company" either pursuant to Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act are restricted from acquiring directly or through a controlled entity more than 3% of our total outstanding voting stock (measured at the time of the acquisition). Investment companies registered under the 1940 Act and BDCs, such as us, are also currently subject to this restriction as well as other limitations under the 1940 Act that would restrict the amount that they are able to invest in our securities. As a result, certain investors will be limited in their ability to make significant investments in us at a time that they might desire to do so. The SEC has proposed Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act. Subject to certain conditions, proposed Rule 12d1-4 would provide an exemption to permit acquiring funds to invest in the securities of other registered investment companies and BDCs in excess of the limits currently prescribed by the 1940 Act.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
Our Board may change our investment objectives, operating policies and strategies without prior notice or stockholder approval.Our Board has the authority, except as otherwise provided in the 1940 Act, to modify or waive certain of our investment objectives, operating policies and strategies without prior notice and without stockholder approval. However, absent stockholder approval, we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC. Under Maryland law, we also cannot be dissolved without prior stockholder approval. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies and strategies would have on our business, operating results and the market price of its common stock. Nevertheless, any such changes could adversely affect our business and impair our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
We may hold the debt securities of leveraged companies.Investment in leveraged companies involves a number of significant risks. Leveraged companies in which we invest may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their loans and debt securities that we hold. Such developments may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of our realizing any guarantees that it may have obtained in connection with its investment. Smaller leveraged companies also may have less predictable operating results and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance their expansion or maintain their competitive position.
Leveraged companies may experience bankruptcy or similar financial distress. The bankruptcy process has a number of significant inherent risks. Many events in a bankruptcy proceeding are the product of contested matters and adversary proceedings and are beyond the control of the creditors. A bankruptcy filing by a portfolio company may adversely and permanently affect the portfolio company. If the proceeding is converted to a liquidation, the value of the portfolio company may not equal the liquidation value that was believed to exist at the time of the investment. The duration of a bankruptcy proceeding is also difficult to predict, and a creditor's return on investment can be adversely affected by delays until the plan of reorganization or liquidation ultimately becomes effective.
The administrative costs in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding are frequently high and would be paid out of the debtor's estate prior to any return to creditors. Because the standards for classification of claims under bankruptcy law are vague, our influence with respect to the class of securities or other obligations that we own may be lost by increases in the number and amount of claims in the same class or by different classification and treatment. In the early stages of the bankruptcy process, it is often difficult to estimate the extent of, or even to identify, any contingent claims that might be made. In addition, certain claims that have priority by law (for example, claims for taxes) may be substantial.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9
An investment in our common stock presents an above average degree of risk.The investments we make in accordance with our investment objective may result in a higher amount of risk than associated with alternative investment options, and higher volatility or loss of principal. Our investments in portfolio companies may be speculative and, therefore, an investment in our common stock may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10
Our shares of common stock have traded at a discount from net asset value and may do so again, which could limit our ability to raise additional equity capital.Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a market price that is less than the net asset value that is attributable to those shares. This characteristic of closed-end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. It is not possible to accurately predict whether any shares of our common stock will trade at, above, or below net asset value. In the recent past, the stocks of BDCs as an industry, including at times shares of our common stock, have traded below net asset value. See "Item 1a. Risk Factors-Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure- Global capital markets could enter a period of severe disruption and instability. These conditions have historically affected and could again materially and adversely affect debt and equity capital markets in the United States and around the world and our business." When our common stock is trading below its net asset value per share, we will generally not be able to issue additional shares of our common stock at its market price without first obtaining approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 11
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.The market price and liquidity of the market for our common stock may be significantly affected by numerous factors, some of which may be beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include:
- significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of publicly traded RICs, BDCs or other companies in our sector, which are not necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies;- price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;- the inclusion or exclusion of our common stock from certain indices;- changes in law, regulatory policies or tax guidelines, or interpretations thereof, particularly with respect to RICs or BDCs;- loss of RIC status;- changes in earnings or variations in operating results;- changes in the value of our portfolio of investments;- announcements with respect to significant transactions;- any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;- departure of key personnel of ours or the Adviser;- operating performance of companies comparable to us;- short-selling pressure with respect to shares of our common stock or BDCs generally;- general economic trends and other external factors; and - loss of a major funding source.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company's securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. Because of the potential volatility in the price of our common stock, we may become the target of securities litigation in the future. If we were to become involved in securities litigation, it could result in substantial costs, divert management's attention and resources from the business and adversely affect the business.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 12
Our stockholders will experience dilution in their ownership percentage if they opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan.We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan, pursuant to which we will reinvest all cash distributions authorized by the Board on behalf of stockholders who do not elect to receive their distributions in cash. As a result, if the Board authorizes and we declare a cash distribution, then stockholders who have not opted out of the dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of Common stock, rather than receiving the cash distribution. See "Item 1-Business-Dividend Reinvestment Plan" for a description of the dividend reinvestment plan. Following the listing of our common stock on NASDAQ, the number of shares to be issued to a plan participant will be determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the distribution payable to such stockholder by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of regular trading on NASDAQ on the date of such distribution. The market price per share of our common stock on a particular date will be the closing price for such shares on NASDAQ on such date, or, if no sale is reported for such date, at the average of their reported bid and asked prices. However, if the market price per share exceeds the most recently computed net asset value per share, we will issue shares at the greater of (i) the most recently computed net asset value per share and (ii) 95% of the current market price per share (or such lesser discount to the current market price per share that still exceeds the most recently computed net asset value per share). Accordingly, participants in the dividend reinvestment plan may receive a greater number shares of our common stock than the number of shares associated with the market price of our common stock, resulting in dilution for other stockholders. Stockholders that opt out of the dividend reinvestment plan will experience dilution in their ownership percentage of our common stock over time.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 13
Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and of the Charter and the Bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock.Certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the "MGCL") may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of the Company, including (i) the Maryland Business Combination Act (the "Business Combination Act"), which, subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and certain other limitations, will prohibit certain business combinations between us and an "interested stockholder" (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of our outstanding shares of voting stock or an affiliate or associate of us who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of our then outstanding shares of stock) or an affiliate thereof for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, and thereafter will impose special appraisal rights and supermajority voting requirements on these combinations and (ii) the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act (the "Control Share Acquisition Act"), which, subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, will provide that our "control shares" (defined as shares which, when aggregated with other shares controlled by the stockholder (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), entitle the stockholder to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a "control share acquisition" (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of issued and outstanding "control shares") have no voting rights except to the extent approved by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares. The Board has adopted a resolution exempting from the Business Combination Act any business combination between us and any other person, provided that the business combination is first approved by the Board, including a majority of the independent directors, and the Bylaws exempt from the Control Share Acquisition Act acquisitions of our stock by any person. However, if the resolution exempting business combinations is repealed or the Board or independent directors do not approve a business combination or we amend the Bylaws to repeal the exemption from the Control Share Acquisition Act, subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, the Business Combination Act or Control Share Acquisition Act, as the case may be, may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of us and may increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer.
We are also subject to other measures that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including provisions of the Charter that (i) classify the Board into three classes serving staggered three-year terms and require that any vacancies be filled by a majority of directors remaining in office, (ii) require a two-thirds vote and cause for director removal, (iii) authorize the Board to classify any unissued shares of stock and reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of stock into other classes or series of stock, including preferred stock, and to cause the issuance of additional shares of our common stock and (iv) authorize the Board to amend the Charter, without stockholder approval, 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 the authority to issue. These provisions, as well as other provisions in the Charter and the Bylaws, may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 14
Our Charter designates the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees.Our Charter provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, will be the sole and exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (ii) any Internal Corporate Claim, as such term is defined in Section 1-101(p) of the MGCL, including, without limitation, (a) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any of our directors or officers or other employees to us or to our stockholders or (b) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors or officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or the Charter or the Bylaws; or (iii) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors or officers or other employees that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of our common stock will be deemed to have notice of and to have consented and waived any objection to this exclusive forum provision of the Charter, as the same may be amended from time to time. The Charter includes this provision so that we can respond to litigation more efficiently, reduce the costs associated with our responses to such litigation, particularly litigation that might otherwise be brought in multiple forums, and make it less likely that plaintiffs' attorneys will be able to employ such litigation to coerce us into otherwise unjustified settlements. However, this exclusive forum provision may limit a stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholder believes is favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, if any, and may discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers or other employees, if any. We believe the risk of a court declining to enforce this exclusive forum provision is remote, as the General Assembly of Maryland has specifically amended the MGCL to authorize the adoption of such provision. However, if a court were to find such provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings notwithstanding that the MGCL expressly provides that the charter or bylaws of a Maryland corporation may require that any Internal Corporate Claim be brought only in courts sitting in one or more specified jurisdictions, we may incur additional costs that it does not currently anticipate associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 15
We will incur significant costs as a result of being a publicly traded company.As a publicly-traded company, we incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including certain requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and other rules implemented by the SEC and the listing standards of the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
As long as we remain an emerging growth company, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We will remain an emerging growth company for up to five years following an IPO or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues equal or exceeds $1.07 billion, (ii) December 31 of the fiscal year that we become a "large accelerated filer" as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the 1934 Act which would occur if the market value of our shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter and we have been publicly reporting for at least 12 months and have filed an annual report on Form 10-K, (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the preceding three-year period or (iv) December 31 of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of our first sale of common equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act.
Accounting & Financial Operations6 | 8.5%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
You may receive dividends in the form of common stock instead of cash, which could result in adverse tax consequences to you.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
There is a risk that investors in our common stock may not receive dividends or that our dividends may not grow over time and that investors in our debt securities may not receive all of the interest income to which they are entitled.We intend to make distributions on a quarterly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. If we declare a dividend and if more stockholders opt to receive cash distributions rather than participate in its reinvestment plan, we may be forced to sell some of its investments in order to make cash dividend payments.
In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. Certain of our credit facilities may also limit our ability to declare dividends if we default under certain provisions. Further, if we invest a greater amount of assets in equity securities that do not pay current dividends, it could reduce the amount available for distribution.
The above-referenced restrictions on distributions may also inhibit our ability to make required interest payments to holders of our debt, which may cause a default under the terms of its debt agreements. Such a default could materially increase our cost of raising capital, as well as cause us to incur penalties under the terms of its debt agreements.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
The majority of our portfolio investments are recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board and, as a result, there may be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.Many of our portfolio investments are in the form of loans and securities that are not publicly traded. The fair value of loans, securities and other investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable, and we will value these investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board, including to reflect significant events affecting the value of our investments. Most, if not all, of our investments (other than cash and cash equivalents) will be classified as Level 3 under the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC Topic 820). This means that our portfolio valuations will be based on unobservable inputs and our own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability in question. We expect that inputs into the determination of fair value of our portfolio investments will require significant management judgment or estimation. Even if observable market data are available, such information may be the result of consensus pricing information or broker quotes, which include a disclaimer that the broker would not be held to such a price in an actual transaction. The non-binding nature of consensus pricing and/or quotes accompanied by disclaimers materially reduces the reliability of such information. We retain the services of one or more independent service providers to review the valuation of these loans and securities. However, the ultimate determination of fair value will be made by our Board and not by such third-party valuation firm. The types of factors that our Board may take into account in determining the fair value of our investments generally include, as appropriate, comparison to publicly-traded securities including such factors as yield, maturity and measures of credit quality, the enterprise value of a portfolio company, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company's ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets generally that may affect the price at which similar investments may be made in the future, comparisons to publicly traded companies, relevant credit market indices and other relevant factors.
Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these loans and securities existed. Also, since these valuations are, to a large extent, based on estimates, comparisons and qualitative evaluations of private information, our fair valuation process could make it more difficult for investors to accurately value our investments and could lead to undervaluation or overvaluation of our securities. In addition, the valuation of these types of securities may result in substantial write-downs and earnings volatility. Also, privately held companies frequently have less diverse product lines and smaller market presence than larger public competitors.
Our NAV could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of our investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon the disposal of such loans and securities. Further, our NAV as of a particular date may be materially greater than or less than the value that would be realized if our assets were to be liquidated as of such date. For example, if we were required to sell a certain asset or all or a substantial portion of our assets on a particular date, the actual price that we would realize upon the disposition of such asset or assets could be materially less than the value of such asset or assets as reflected in our NAV. Volatile market conditions could also cause reduced liquidity in the market for certain assets, which could result in liquidation values that are materially less than the values of such assets as reflected in the NAV.
We will adjust quarterly the valuation of our portfolio to reflect our Board's determination of the fair value of each investment in our portfolio. Any changes in fair value are recorded in our statement of operations as net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4
We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results.We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including the interest rate payable on the loans and debt securities we acquire, the default rate on such loans and securities, 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. In light of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5
We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize income before, or without, receiving cash representing such income.For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will include in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as the accretion of OID. This may arise if we receive warrants in connection with the making of a loan and in other circumstances, or through contracted PIK interest, which represents contractual interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term. Such OID, which could be significant relative to our overall investment activities, or increases in loan balances as a result of contracted PIK arrangements, will be included in income before we receive any corresponding cash payments. We also may be required to include in income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash.
Since in certain cases we may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the requirement to distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, to maintain our qualification as a RIC. In such a case, we may have to sell some of our investments at times we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or reduce new investment originations to meet these distribution requirements. If we are not able to obtain such cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify as a RIC and thus be subject to corporate-level income tax.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 6
We may not replicate the historical results achieved by Crescent.Our primary focus in making investments may differ from those of existing investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles that are or have been managed by members of the Adviser's investment committee or by Crescent. Past performance should not be relied upon as an indication of future results. There can be no guarantee that we will replicate our own historical performance, the historical success of Crescent or the historical performance of investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles that are or have been managed by members of the Adviser's investment committee or by Crescent or its employees, and we caution investors that our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by them in prior periods. We cannot assure you that we will be profitable in the future or that the Adviser will be able to continue to implement our investment objectives with the same degree of success that it has had in the past. Additionally, all or a portion of the prior results may have been achieved in particular market conditions which may never be repeated. Moreover, current or future market volatility and regulatory uncertainty may have an adverse impact on our future performance.
Debt & Financing19 | 26.8%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted.Debt & Financing - Risk 2
Our ability to sell or otherwise exit investments also invested in by other Crescent investment vehicles is restricted.We may be considered affiliates with respect to certain of our portfolio companies because our affiliates, which may include certain investment funds, accounts or investment vehicles managed by Crescent, also hold interests in these portfolio companies and as such these interests may be considered a joint enterprise under the 1940 Act. To the extent that our interests in these portfolio companies may need to be restructured in the future or to the extent that we choose to exit certain of these transactions, our ability to do so will be limited. We intend to seek exemptive relief in relation to certain joint transactions; however, there is no assurance that we will obtain relief that would permit us to negotiate future restructurings or other transactions that may be considered a joint enterprise.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
Adverse developments in the credit markets may impair our ability to enter into new debt financing arrangements.During the economic downturn in the United States that began in mid-2007, many commercial banks and other financial institutions stopped lending or significantly curtailed their lending activity. In addition, in an effort to stem losses and reduce their exposure to segments of the economy deemed to be high risk, some financial institutions limited refinancing and loan modification transactions and reviewed the terms of existing facilities to identify bases for accelerating the maturity of existing lending facilities. If these conditions recur, it may be difficult for us to enter into a new credit or other borrowing facility, obtain other financing to finance the growth of its investments, or refinance any outstanding indebtedness on acceptable economic terms, or at all.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
We may need to raise additional capital.We intend to access the capital markets periodically to issue debt or equity securities or borrow from financial institutions in order to obtain additional capital to fund new investments and grow our portfolio of investments. Unfavorable economic conditions 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 reduction in the availability of new capital could limit our ability to grow. In addition, we will be required to distribute in respect of each taxable year at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, for such taxable year to our stockholders to maintain our qualification as a RIC. Amounts so distributed will not be available to fund new investments or repay maturing debt. An inability on our part to access the capital markets successfully could limit our ability to grow our business and execute our business strategy fully and could decrease our earnings, if any, which would have an adverse effect on the value of our securities.
Further, we may pursue growth through acquisitions or strategic investments in new businesses. Completion and timing of any such acquisitions or strategic investments may be subject to a number of contingencies and risks. There can be no assurance that the integration of an acquired business will be successful or that an acquired business will prove to be profitable or sustainable.
Debt & Financing - Risk 5
We are subject to risks associated with the current interest rate environment, and to the extent we use debt to finance our investments, changes in interest rates may affect our cost of capital and net investment income. Further, changes in LIBOR or its discontinuation may adversely affect the value of LIBOR-indexed securities, loans, and other financial obligations or extensions of credit in our portfolio.Changed
A further increase in interest rates during this period of rising interest rates may make it more difficult for our portfolio companies to service their obligations under the debt investments that we hold. Rising interest rates could also cause portfolio companies to shift cash from other productive uses to the payment of interest, which may have a material adverse effect on their business and operations and could, over time, lead to increased defaults.
In July 2017, the head of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority announced the desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. However, in March 2021, the FCA announced that most U.S. dollar LIBOR would continue to be published through June 30, 2023 effectively extending the LIBOR transition period to June 30, 2023. However, the FCA has indicated it will not compel panel banks to continue to contribute to LIBOR after the end of 2021 and the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have encouraged banks to cease entering into new contracts that use U.S. dollar LIBOR as a reference rate no later than December 31, 2021. The U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of large U.S. financial institutions, supports replacing U.S.-dollar LIBOR with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR, a new index calculated by short-term repurchase agreements, backed by Treasury securities. Although there have been a few issuances utilizing SOFR or the Sterling Over Night Index Average, an alternative reference rate that is based on transactions, it is unknown whether these alternative reference rates will attain market acceptance as replacements for LIBOR. Any transition away from LIBOR to alternative reference rates is complex and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including as a result of any changes in the pricing of our investments, changes to the documentation for certain of our investments and the pace of such changes, disputes and other actions regarding the interpretation of current and prospective loan documentation or modifications to processes and systems.
There can be no assurance that all of the LIBOR-indexed securities, loans, and other financial obligations or extensions of credit in which we are invested do or will include, or be amended to include, an alternative rate-setting methodology to be used in the event that LIBOR ceases to exist. In addition, any further changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR, which could have an adverse impact on the market for or value of any LIBOR- linked securities, loans, and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us or on our overall financial condition or results of operations.
To the extent we borrow money to make investments, our net investment income will depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds. As a result, we can offer no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates would not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income in the event we use debt to finance our investments. In this period of rising interest rates, our cost of funds may further increase, which could reduce our net investment income.
In addition, a rise in the general level of interest rates typically leads to higher interest rates applicable to our debt investments. Accordingly, any further increase in interest rates may result in an increase of the amount of our pre-incentive fee net investment income, which could make it easier for us to meet or exceed the Hurdle Amount and, as a result, increase the in incentive fees payable to the Adviser.
In anticipation of the cessation of LIBOR, we may need to renegotiate credit facilities and any credit agreements extending beyond 2022 with our prospective portfolio companies that utilize LIBOR as a factor in determining the interest rate or rely on certain fallback provisions that could cause interest rates to shift to a base rate plus a margin. Any such renegotiations may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including as a result of changes in interest rates payable to us by our portfolio companies or payable by us under our credit facilities.
Debt & Financing - Risk 6
Our business could be adversely affected in the event we default under our existing credit facilities or any future credit or other borrowing facility.We have entered into, and additionally may enter into, one or more credit facilities. The closing of any additional credit facilities is contingent on a number of conditions including, without limitation, the negotiation and execution of definitive documents relating to such credit facility. If we obtain any additional credit facilities, we intend to use borrowings under such credit facilities to make additional investments and for other general corporate purposes. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to close such additional credit facilities or obtain other financing.
In the event we default under one of our credit facilities or any other future borrowing facility, our business could be adversely affected as we may be forced to sell a portion of our investments quickly and prematurely at what may be disadvantageous prices to us in order to meet our outstanding payment obligations and/or support working capital requirements under the relevant credit facility or such future borrowing facility, any of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, following any such default, the agent for the lenders under any future borrowing facility could assume control of the disposition of any or all of our assets, including the selection of such assets to be disposed and the timing of such disposition, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, ability to pay dividends, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If we were unable to obtain a waiver of a default from the lenders or holders of that indebtedness, as applicable, those lenders or holders could accelerate repayment under that indebtedness, which might result in cross-acceleration of other indebtedness. An acceleration could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, following any such default, the agent for the lenders under the relevant credit facility or such future credit or other borrowing facility could assume control of the disposition of any or all of our assets, including the selection of such assets to be disposed and the timing of such disposition, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Lastly, as a result of any such default, we may be unable to obtain additional leverage, which could, in turn, affect our return on capital.
Debt & Financing - Risk 7
Our strategy involves a high degree of leverage. We intend to continue to finance our investments with borrowed money, which will magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and increases the risk of investing in us. The risks of investment in a highly leveraged fund include volatility and possible distribution restrictions.The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested. The use of leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique and increases the risks associated with investing in our securities. However, we have borrowed from, and may in the future issue debt securities to, banks, insurance companies and other lenders. Lenders of these funds have fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders, and we would expect such lenders to seek recovery against our assets in the event of a default. We may pledge up to 100% of our assets and may grant a security interest in all of our assets under the terms of any debt instruments we may enter into with lenders. In addition, under the terms of our credit facilities and any borrowing facility or other debt instrument we may enter into, we are likely to be required to use the net proceeds of any investments that we sell to repay a portion of the amount borrowed under such facility or instrument before applying such net proceeds to any other uses. If the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged, thereby magnifying losses or eliminating our stake in a leveraged investment. Similarly, any decrease in our revenue or income will cause our net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline would also negatively affect our ability to make dividend payments on our common stock or preferred stock. Our ability to service any debt will depend largely on our financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. In addition, our common stockholders will bear the burden of any increase in our expenses as a result of our use of leverage, including interest expenses and any increase in the base management fee payable to the Adviser.
There can be no assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us under our credit facilities or otherwise in an amount sufficient to enable us to repay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before it matures. There can be no assurance that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we cannot service our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as selling assets or seeking additional equity. There can be no assurance that any such actions, if necessary, could be effected on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or on terms that would not be disadvantageous to stockholders or on terms that would not require us to breach the terms and conditions of our existing or future debt agreements.
As a BDC, we are generally required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total borrowings and other senior securities, which include all of our borrowings and any preferred stock that we may issue in the future, of at least 150%. If this ratio declines below 150%, we will not be able to incur additional debt and could be required to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt when we are otherwise disadvantageous for us to do so. This could have a material adverse effect on our operations, and we may not be able to make distributions. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on the Adviser's assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. We cannot assure stockholders that we will be able to obtain credit at all or on terms acceptable to it.
Debt & Financing - Risk 8
If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could fail to qualify as a BDC or be precluded from investing according to our current business strategy.To maintain its status as a BDC, we are not permitted to acquire any assets other than "qualifying assets" specified in the 1940 Act unless, at the time the acquisition is made, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets (with certain limited exceptions). Subject to certain exceptions for follow-on investments and distressed companies, an investment in an issuer that has outstanding securities listed on a national securities exchange may be treated as a qualifying asset only if such issuer has a common equity market capitalization that is less than $250 million at the time of such investment. Subject to certain exceptions for follow-on investments and investments in distressed companies, an investment in an issuer that has outstanding securities listed on a national securities exchange may be treated as qualifying assets only if such issuer has a common equity market capitalization that is less than $250 million at the time of such investment.
We may be precluded from investing in what we believe are attractive investments if such investments are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 1940 Act. If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could violate the 1940 Act provisions applicable to BDCs. As a result of such violation, specific rules under the 1940 Act could prevent us, for example, from making follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies (which could result in the dilution of our position) or could require us to dispose of investments at inappropriate times in order to come into compliance with the 1940 Act. If we need to dispose of such investments quickly, it could be difficult to dispose of such investments on favorable terms. We may not be able to find a buyer for such investments and, even if we do find a buyer, we may have to sell the investments at a substantial loss. Any such outcomes would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Debt & Financing - Risk 9
Our investments in the financial services sector are subject to various risks including volatility and extensive government regulation.These risks include the effects of changes in interest rates on the profitability of financial services companies, the rate of corporate and consumer debt defaults, price competition, governmental limitations on a company's loans, other financial commitments, product lines and other operations and recent ongoing changes in the financial services industry (including consolidations, development of new products and changes to the industry's regulatory framework). The deterioration of the credit markets starting in late 2007 generally has caused an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. In particular, events in the financial sector in late 2008 resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign. This situation has created instability in the financial markets and caused certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Insurance companies have additional risks, such as heavy price competition, claims activity and marketing competition, and can be particularly sensitive to specific events such as man-made and natural disasters (including weather catastrophes), climate change, terrorism, mortality risks and morbidity rates.
Debt & Financing - Risk 10
Our portfolio companies may be unable to repay or refinance outstanding principal on their loans at or prior to maturity, and rising interests rates may make it more difficult for portfolio companies to make periodic payments on their loans.Our portfolio companies may be unable to repay or refinance outstanding principal on their loans at or prior to maturity. This risk and the risk of default is increased to the extent that the loan documents do not require the portfolio companies to pay down the outstanding principal of such debt prior to maturity. In addition, if general interest rates rise, there is a risk that our portfolio companies will be unable to pay escalating interest amounts, which could result in a default under their loan documents with us. Any failure of one or more portfolio companies to repay or refinance its debt at or prior to maturity or the inability of one or more portfolio companies to make ongoing payments following an increase in contractual interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Debt & Financing - Risk 11
The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.All of our assets may be invested in illiquid loans and securities, and a substantial portion of our investments in leveraged companies will be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or will otherwise be less liquid than more broadly traded public securities. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need arises. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of its portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which it has previously recorded its investments. Some of our debt investments may contain interest rate reset provisions that may make it more difficult for the borrowers to make periodic interest payments to us. In addition, some of our debt investments may not pay down principal until the end of their lifetimes, which could result in a substantial loss to us if the portfolio companies are unable to refinance or repay their debts at maturity.
Debt & Financing - Risk 12
We may invest in high yield debt, or junk bonds, which has greater credit and liquidity risk than more highly rated debt obligations.We may also invest in debt securities which will not be rated by any rating agency and, if they were rated, would be rated as below investment grade quality. Below investment grade securities, which are often referred to as "junk," have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal. They may also be illiquid and difficult to value.
Debt & Financing - Risk 13
Price declines and illiquidity in the corporate debt markets may adversely affect the fair value of our portfolio investments, reducing NAV through increased net unrealized depreciation.As a BDC, we are required to carry its investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith by the our Board, as described above in " -Risks Relating to our Business and Structure-The majority of our portfolio investments are recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by the our Board and, as a result, there may be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments."
When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we use the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate our valuation. While most of our investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require us to assume as part of its valuation process that its investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if we plan on holding an investment through its maturity). As a result, volatility in the capital markets can also adversely affect our investment valuations. We record decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments as unrealized depreciation. Declines in prices and liquidity in the corporate debt markets may result in significant net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio. The effect of all of these factors on our portfolio may reduce our NAV by increasing net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio. Depending on market conditions, we could incur substantial realized losses and may suffer additional unrealized losses in future periods, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Debt & Financing - Risk 14
Our subordinated investments may be subject to greater risk than investments that are not similarly subordinated.We may make subordinated investments that rank below other obligations of the borrower in right of payment. Subordinated investments are subject to greater risk of default than senior obligations as a result of adverse changes in the financial condition of the borrower or in general economic conditions. If we make a subordinated investment in a portfolio company, the portfolio company may be highly leveraged, and its relatively high debt-to-equity ratio may create increased risks that its operations might not generate sufficient cash flow to service all of its debt obligations.
Debt & Financing - Risk 15
The disposition of our investments may result in contingent liabilities.We currently expect that substantially all of our investments will involve loans and private securities. In connection with the disposition of an investment in loans and private securities, we may be required to make representations about the business and financial affairs of the portfolio company typical of those made in connection with the sale of a business. We may also be required to indemnify the purchasers of such investment to the extent that any such representations turn out to be inaccurate or with respect to potential liabilities. These arrangements may result in contingent liabilities that ultimately result in funding obligations that we must satisfy through its return of distributions previously made to us.
Debt & Financing - Risk 16
We will be subject to the risk that the debt investments we make in our portfolio companies may be repaid prior to maturity.We expect that our investments will generally allow for repayment at any time subject to certain penalties. When such prepayment occurs, we intend to generally reinvest these proceeds in temporary investments, pending their future investment in accordance with our investment strategy. These temporary investments will typically have substantially lower yields than the debt being prepaid, and we could experience significant delays in reinvesting these amounts. Any future investment 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 ability to pay, or the amount of, dividends on our common stock, which could result in a decline in the market price of our shares.
Debt & Financing - Risk 17
We may be subject to risks under hedging transactions and may become subject to risk if it invests in non-U.S. securities.The 1940 Act generally requires that 70% of our investments be in issuers each of whom is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands or any other possession of the United States. However, our portfolio may include debt securities of non-U.S. companies, including emerging market issuers, to the limited extent such transactions and investments would not cause us to violate the 1940 Act. We expect that these investments would focus on the same secured debt, unsecured debt and related equity security investments that we make in U.S. middle-market companies and, accordingly, would be complementary to our overall strategy and enhance the diversity of our holdings. Investing in loans and securities of emerging market issuers involves many risks including economic, social, political, financial, tax and security conditions in the emerging market, potential inflationary economic environments, regulation by foreign governments, different accounting standards and political uncertainties. Economic, social, political, financial, tax and security conditions also could negatively affect the value of emerging market companies. These factors could include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets and less available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations or judgments or foreclosing on collateral, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility.
Engaging in either hedging transactions or investing in foreign loans and securities would entail additional risks to our stockholders. We could, for example, use instruments such as interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors and, if we were to invest in foreign loans and securities, we could use instruments such as forward contracts or currency options and borrow under a credit facility in currencies selected to minimize our foreign currency exposure. In each such case, we generally would seek to hedge against fluctuations of the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in market interest rates or currency exchange rates. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions would not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of the positions declined. However, such hedging could establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions could also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions increased. Moreover, it might not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that was so generally anticipated that we would not be able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price.
While we may enter into such transactions to seek to reduce currency exchange rate and interest rate risks, unanticipated changes in currency exchange rates or interest rates could result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged could vary. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we might not seek to establish a perfect correlation between the hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation could prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it might not be possible for us to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those loans and securities would likely fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations.
Debt & Financing - Risk 18
We may not realize anticipated gains on the equity interests in which it invests.When we invest in loans and debt securities, it may acquire warrants or other equity securities of portfolio companies as well. We may also invest in equity securities directly. To the extent we hold equity investments, we will attempt to dispose of them and realize gains upon such disposition. However, the equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, may decline in value. As a result, 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 it experiences.
Debt & Financing - Risk 19
Our investments in OID and PIK interest income may expose us to risks associated with such income being required to be included in accounting income and taxable income prior to receipt of cash.Our investments may include OID and PIK instruments. To the extent OID and PIK interest income constitute a portion of our income, we will be exposed to risks associated with such income being required to be included in an accounting income and taxable income prior to receipt of cash, including the following:
- OID instruments and PIK securities may have unreliable valuations because the accretion of OID as interest income and the continuing accruals of PIK securities require judgments about their collectability and the collectability of deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral;- OID income may also create uncertainty about the source of our cash dividends;- OID instruments may create heightened credit risks because the inducement to the borrower to accept higher interest rates in exchange for the deferral of cash payments typically represents, to some extent, speculation on the part of the borrower;- for accounting purposes, cash distributions to stockholders that include a component of accreted OID income do not come from paid-in capital, although they may be paid from the offering proceeds. Thus, although a distribution of accreted OID income may come from the cash invested by the stockholders, the 1940 Act does not require that shareholders be given notice of this fact;- generally, we must recognize income for income tax purposes no later than when it recognizes such income for accounting purposes;- the higher interest rates on PIK securities reflects the payment deferral and increased credit risk associated with such instruments and PIK securities generally represent a significantly higher credit risk than coupon loans;- the presence of accreted OID income and PIK interest income create the risk of non-refundable cash payments to the Adviser in the form of incentive fees on income based on non-cash accreted OID income and PIK interest income accruals that may never be realized;- even if accounting conditions are met, borrowers on such securities could still default when our actual collection is expected to occur at the maturity of the obligation;- OID and PIK create the risk that incentive fees will be paid to the Adviser based on - non-cash accruals that ultimately may not be realized, which the Adviser will be under no obligation to reimburse us or these fees; and - PIK interest has the effect of generating investment income and increasing the incentive fees payable at a compounding rate. In addition, the deferral of PIK interest also reduces the loan-to-value ratio at a compounding rate.
Corporate Activity and Growth4 | 5.6%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Our failure to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our portfolio.Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
We typically invest in middle-market companies, which involves higher risk than investments in large companies.Investment in private and middle-market companies involves a number of significant risks. Generally, little public information exists about these companies, and we will rely on the ability of Crescent's investment professionals 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 may lose money on its investments. Middle-market companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their loans and debt securities that we hold, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of our realizing any guarantees that it may have obtained in connection with its investment.
In addition, such companies typically have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors' actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns. Additionally, middle-market companies are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons. Therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on one or more of the portfolio companies we invest in and, in turn, on us. Middle-market companies also may be parties to litigation and may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence. In addition, our executive officers, directors and the Adviser may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our investments in portfolio companies.
In addition, investment in middle-market companies involves a number of other significant risks, including:
- they typically have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors' actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns;- they generally have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence, and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position;- changes in laws and regulations, as well as their interpretations, may adversely affect their business, financial structure or prospects; and - they may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs, which may limit their ability to grow or to repay their outstanding indebtedness upon maturity.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
Conflicts may arise related to other arrangements with Crescent and the Adviser and other affiliates.We have entered into a license agreement with Crescent under which Crescent has agreed to grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the name "Crescent Capital." In addition, the Administration Agreement with the Administrator, an affiliate of Crescent, requires we pay to the Administrator our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, such as rent and our allocable portion of the cost of our chief financial officer and chief compliance officer and their respective staffs. In addition, the Adviser has entered into a Resource Sharing Agreement with Crescent pursuant to which Crescent provides the Adviser with the resources necessary to fulfill its obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement. These agreements create conflicts of interest that the independent members of our Board will monitor. For example, under the terms of the license agreement, we will be unable to preclude Crescent from licensing or transferring the ownership of the "Crescent Capital" name to third parties, some of whom may compete against us. Consequently, it will be unable to prevent any damage to goodwill that may occur as a result of the activities of Crescent or others. Furthermore, in the event the license agreement is terminated, we will be required to change our name and cease using "Crescent Capital" as part of our name. Any of these events could disrupt our recognition in the market place, damage any goodwill it may have generated and otherwise harm its business.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4
Our Investment Advisory Agreement was negotiated with the Adviser and the Administration Agreement was negotiated with the Administrator, which are both our related parties.The Investment Advisory Agreement, and the Administration Agreement were negotiated between related parties. Consequently, their terms, including fees payable to the Adviser, may not be as favorable to us as if they had been negotiated exclusively with an unaffiliated third party. In addition, we may desire not to enforce, or to enforce less vigorously, its rights and remedies under these agreements because of our desire to maintain our ongoing relationship with the Adviser, the Administrator and their respective affiliates. Any such decision, however, could breach our fiduciary obligations to its stockholders.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 13/71 (18%)Above Sector Average
Regulation6 | 8.5%
Regulation - Risk 1
We and the Adviser are subject to regulations and SEC oversight. If we or the Adviser fail to comply with applicable requirements, it may adversely impact our results relative to companies that are not subject to such regulations.Regulation - Risk 2
Our business may be adversely affected if it fails to maintain its qualification as a RIC.To maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code, we must meet the Annual Distribution Requirement, 90% Income Test and Diversification Tests described below and defined and further described in "Item 1(c). Description of Business-Regulation as a Business Development Company-Election to Be Taxed as a RIC." The Annual Distribution Requirement will be satisfied if we distribute dividends to our stockholders in respect of each taxable year of an amount generally at least equal to 90% of its investment company taxable income, determined without regard to any deduction for distributions paid. In this regard, a RIC may, in certain cases, satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement by distributing dividends relating to a taxable year after the close of such taxable year under the "spillback dividend" provisions of Subchapter M of the Code. We will be subject to tax, at regular corporate rates, on any retained income and/or gains, including any short-term capital gains or long-term capital gains. We must also satisfy the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement, which is an additional distribution requirement with respect to each calendar year in order to avoid the imposition of a 4% excise tax on the amount of any under-distribution. Because we use debt financing, we are subject to (i) an asset coverage ratio requirement under the 1940 Act and are subject to (ii) certain financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, or chose or be required to retain a portion of our taxable income or gains, it could (i) be required to pay excise tax and (ii) fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment, and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax on its taxable income (including gains).
The 90% Income Test will be satisfied if we earn at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from distributions, interest, gains from the sale of stock or securities, or other income derived from the business of investing in stock or securities. The Diversification Tests will be satisfied if we meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of our taxable year. To satisfy the Diversification Tests, at least 50% of the value of our assets at the close of each quarter of each taxable year must consist of cash, cash equivalents (including receivables), U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other acceptable securities, and no more than 25% of the value of its assets can be invested in the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer, of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable Code rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or of certain "qualified publicly traded partnerships." Failure to meet these requirements may result in us having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of RIC status. Because most of our investments will be in private companies, and therefore will be relatively illiquid, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial losses.
We may invest in certain debt and equity investments through taxable subsidiaries and the net taxable income of these taxable subsidiaries will be subject to federal and state corporate income taxes. We also may invest in certain foreign debt and equity investments that could be subject to foreign taxes (such as income tax, withholding, and value added taxes). If we fail to maintain RIC tax treatment for any reason and are subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution, and the amount of our distributions.
Regulation - Risk 3
Changes in healthcare laws and other regulations applicable to some of our portfolio companies businesses may constrain their ability to offer their products and services.Changes in healthcare or other laws and regulations applicable to the businesses of some of our portfolio companies may occur that could increase their compliance and other costs of doing business, require significant systems enhancements, or render their products or services less profitable or obsolete, any of which could have a material adverse effect on their results of operations. There has also been an increased political and regulatory focus on healthcare laws in recent years, and new legislation could have a material effect on the business and operations of some of our portfolio companies.
Regulation - Risk 4
Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we may, raise additional capital.We may issue debt securities or preferred stock and/or 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. Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we will be permitted as a BDC to issue senior securities in amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the 1940 Act, as amended, equals at least 150% of our gross assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, after each issuance of senior securities. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous to us in order to repay a portion of its indebtedness. If we issue senior securities, we will be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss.
Furthermore, equity capital may be difficult to raise because, subject to some limited exceptions we are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below NAV per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire shares of our common stock, at a price below the then-current NAV per share of our common stock if our Board determines that such sale is in our best interests, and if our stockholders, including a majority of those stockholders that are not affiliated with us, approve such sale. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our Board, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any distributing commission or discount). We do not currently have authorization from our stockholders to issue our common stock at a price below the then-current NAV per share.
Regulation - Risk 5
New or modified laws or regulations governing our operations may adversely affect our business.We and our portfolio companies are subject to regulation by laws at the U.S. federal, state and local levels. These laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation, may change from time to time, including as the result of interpretive guidance or other directives from the U.S. President and others in the executive branch, and new laws, regulations and interpretations may also come into effect. Any such new or changed laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, if we do not comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could lose any licenses that we then hold for the conduct of its business and may be subject to civil fines and criminal penalties.
Additionally, changes to the laws and regulations governing our operations, including those associated with RICs, may cause us to alter our investment strategy in order to avail our self of new or different opportunities or result in the imposition of corporate-level taxes on us. Such changes could result in material differences to the strategies and plans set forth therein and may shift our investment focus from the areas of Crescent's expertise to other types of investments in which Crescent may have little or no expertise or experience. Any such changes, if they occur, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of an investor's investment. If we invest in commodity interests in the future, the Adviser may determine not to use investment strategies that trigger additional regulation by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") or may determine to operate subject to CFTC regulation, if applicable. If we or the Adviser were to operate subject to CFTC regulation, we may incur additional expenses and would be subject to additional regulation.
On January 20, 2021, Mr. Joseph R. Biden was inaugurated as President of the United States. As a candidate, President Biden called for significant policy changes and the reversal of several of the prior presidential administration's policies, including significant changes to U.S. fiscal, tax, trade, healthcare, immigration, foreign, and government regulatory policy. To the extent the U.S. Congress or the current presidential administration implements changes to U.S. policy, those changes may impact, among other things, the U.S. and global economy, international trade and relations, unemployment, immigration, corporate taxes, healthcare, the U.S. regulatory environment, inflation, interest rates, fiscal or monetary policy and other areas in ways that adversely impact us or our portfolio companies.
Further, there has been increasing commentary amongst regulators and intergovernmental institutions, including the Financial Stability Board and International Monetary Fund, on the topic of so called "shadow banking" (a term generally taken to refer to credit intermediation involving entities and activities outside the regulated banking system). We are an entity outside the regulated banking system and certain of our activities may be argued to fall within this definition and, in consequence, may be subject to regulatory developments. As a result, we and the Adviser could be subject to increased levels of oversight and regulation. This could increase costs and limit operations. In an extreme eventuality, it is possible that such regulations could render our continued operation unviable and lead to our premature termination or restructuring.
Regulation - Risk 6
We are and may be subject to restrictions under our credit facilities and any future credit or other borrowing facility that could adversely impact our business.Our credit facilities, and any future borrowing facility, may be backed by all or a portion of our loans and securities on which the lenders may have a security interest. We currently pledge and may pledge up to 100% of our assets and may grant a security interest in all of our assets under the terms of any debt instrument we enter into with lenders. Like with its current credit facilities, we expect that any future security interests we grant will be set forth in a pledge and security agreement and evidenced by the filing of financing statements by the agent for the lenders, and we expect that the custodian for our securities serving as collateral for such loan would include in the custodian's electronic systems notices indicating the existence of such security interests and, following notice of occurrence of an event of default, if any, and during its continuance, will only accept transfer instructions with respect to any such securities from the lender or its designee. Under our current credit facilities, we are subject to customary events of default. If we were to default under the terms of our current credit facilities and any future borrowing facility, the agent for the applicable lenders would be able to assume control of the timing of disposition of the assets pledged under the facility, which could include any or all of our assets securing such debt. Such remedial action would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, the security interests as well as negative covenants under its credit facilities, or any other future borrowing facility, may limit our ability to create liens on assets to secure additional debt and may make it difficult for us to restructure or refinance indebtedness at or prior to maturity or obtain additional debt or equity financing. In addition, if our borrowing base under our credit facilities or any other borrowing facility were to decrease, we would be required to secure additional assets in an amount equal to any borrowing base deficiency. In the event that all of our assets are secured at the time of such a borrowing base deficiency, we could be required to repay advances under the relevant credit facility or any other borrowing facility or make deposits to a collection account, either of which could have a material adverse impact on our ability to fund future investments and to pay dividends.
In addition, under our credit facilities, or any other future borrowing facility, we may be limited as to how borrowed funds may be used, which may include restrictions on geographic and industry concentrations, loan size, payment frequency and status, average life, collateral interests and investment ratings, as well as regulatory restrictions on leverage which may affect the amount of funding that may be obtained.
There may also be certain requirements relating to portfolio performance, including required minimum portfolio yield and limitations on delinquencies and charge-offs, a violation of which could limit further advances and, in some cases, result in an event of default. An event of default under our credit facilities or any other borrowing facility could result in an accelerated maturity date for all amounts outstanding thereunder, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. This could reduce our revenues and, by delaying any cash payment allowed to us under the relevant credit facility or any other borrowing facility until the lenders have been paid in full, reduce our liquidity and cash flow and impair its ability to grow its business and maintain its qualification as a RIC.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities4 | 5.6%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
We may be the target of litigation.Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
The Adviser has limited liability and is entitled to indemnification under the Investment Advisory Agreement.Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has not assumed any responsibility to us other than to render the services called for under that agreement. The Adviser will not be responsible for any action of our Board in following or declining to follow the Adviser's advice or recommendations. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement the Adviser, its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with the Adviser, including, without limitation, its general partner and the Administrator, and any person controlling or controlled by the Adviser will not be liable to us, any of our subsidiaries, our directors, our stockholders or any subsidiary's stockholders or partners for acts or omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, except those resulting from acts constituting gross negligence, willful misfeasance, bad faith or reckless disregard of the duties that the Adviser owes to us under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In addition, as part of the Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to indemnify the Adviser and each of its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with the Adviser, including, without limitation, its general partner and the Administrator, and hold them harmless from and against all damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) incurred by such party in or by reason of any pending, threatened or completed action, suit, investigation or other proceeding (including an action or suit by or in the right of us or our security holders) arising out of or otherwise based upon the performance of any of the Adviser's duties or obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser of us, except in respect of any liability to us or our security holders to which such party would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of the Adviser's duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of the Adviser's duties and obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement. These protections may lead the Adviser to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than the Adviser would when acting for its own account.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 3
The due diligence process that the Adviser undertakes in connection with our investments may not reveal all the facts that may be relevant in connection with an investment.The Adviser's due diligence may not reveal all of a company's liabilities and may not reveal other weaknesses in its business. There can be no assurance that our due diligence process will uncover all relevant facts that would be material to an investment decision. Before making an investment in, or a loan to, a company, the Adviser will assess the strength and skills of the company's management team and other factors that it believes are material to the performance of the investment. In making the assessment and otherwise conducting customary due diligence, the Adviser will rely on the resources available to it and, in some cases, an investigation by third parties. This process is particularly important and highly subjective with respect to newly organized entities because there may be little or no information publicly available about the entities. We may make investments in, or loans to, companies, including middle market companies, which are not subject to public company reporting requirements, including requirements regarding preparation of financial statements, and will, therefore, depend upon the compliance by investment companies with their contractual reporting obligations and the ability of the Adviser' investment professionals to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns from investing in these companies. If we and the Adviser are unable to uncover all material information about these companies, we may not make a fully informed investment decision and may lose money on its investments. As a result, the evaluation of potential investments and the ability to perform due diligence on and effective monitoring of investments may be impeded, and we may not realize the returns that it expects on any particular investment. In the event of fraud by any company in which we invest or with respect to which we make a loan, we may suffer a partial or total loss of the amounts invested in that company.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 4
We are subject to risks related to corporate social responsibility.Our business (including that of our portfolio companies) faces increasing public scrutiny related to environmental, social and governance ("ESG") activities. We risk damage to our brand and reputation if we fail to act responsibly in a number of areas, such as diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental stewardship, support for local communities, corporate governance and transparency and considering ESG factors in our investment processes. Adverse incidents with respect to ESG activities could impact the value of our brand, our relationship with existing and future portfolio companies, the cost of our operations and relationships with investors, all of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Additionally, new regulatory initiatives related to ESG that are applicable to us and our portfolio companies could adversely affect our business. In May 2018, the European Commission adopted an "action plan on financing sustainable growth." The action plan is, among other things, designed to define and reorient investment toward sustainability. The action plan contemplates: establishing EU labels for green financial products; increasing disclosure requirements in the financial services sector around ESG and strengthening the transparency of companies on their ESG policies and introducing a ‘green supporting factor' in the EU prudential rules for banks and insurance companies to incorporate climate risks into banks' and insurance companies' risk management policies. There is a risk that a significant reorientation in the market following the implementation of these and further measures could be adverse to our portfolio companies if they are perceived to be less valuable as a consequence of, e.g., their carbon footprint or "greenwashing" (i.e., the holding out of a product as having green or sustainable characteristics where this is not, in fact, the case). We and our portfolio companies are subject to the risk that similar measures might be introduced in other jurisdictions in the future.
Additionally, compliance with any new laws or regulations increases our regulatory burden and could make compliance more difficult and expensive, affect the manner in which we or our portfolio companies conduct our businesses and adversely affect our profitability.
Taxation & Government Incentives3 | 4.2%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
We will be subject to corporate level income tax if we are unable to qualify as a RIC.Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2
We may be subject to withholding of U. S. Federal income tax on distributions for non-U.S. stockholders.Distributions by a RIC generally are treated as dividends for U.S. tax purposes, and will be subject to U.S. income or withholding tax unless the stockholder receiving the dividend qualifies for an exemption from U.S. tax, or the distribution is subject to one of the special look-through rules described below. Distributions paid out of net capital gains can qualify for a reduced rate of taxation in the hands of an individual U.S. stockholder, and an exemption from U.S. tax in the hands of a non-U.S. stockholder.
Properly reported dividend distributions by RICs paid out of certain interest income (such distributions, "interest-related dividends") are generally exempt from U.S. withholding tax for non-U.S. stockholders. Under such exemption, a non-U.S. stockholder generally may receive interest-related dividends free of U.S. withholding tax if the stockholder would not have been subject to U.S. withholding tax if it had received the underlying interest income directly. No assurance can be given as to whether any of our distributions will be eligible for this exemption from U.S. withholding tax or, if eligible, will be designated as such by us. In particular, the exemption does apply to distributions paid in respect of a RIC's non-U.S. source interest income, its dividend income or its foreign currency gains. In the case shares of our common stock held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold U.S. federal income tax even if we designate the payment as a dividend eligible for the exemption. Also, because our common stock will be subject to significant transfer restrictions, and an investment in our common stock will generally be illiquid, non-U.S. stockholders whose distributions on our common stock are subject to U.S. withholding tax may not be able to transfer their shares of our common stock easily or quickly or at all.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 3
We may retain income and capital gains in excess of what is permissible for excise tax purposes and such amounts will be subject to 4% U.S. federal excise tax, reducing the amount available for distribution to stockholders.We may retain some income and capital gains in the future, including for purposes of providing additional liquidity, which amounts would be subject to the 4% U.S. federal excise tax. In that event, we will be liable for the tax on the amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirement. See Item 1(c). Description of Business-Regulation as a Business Development Company-Taxation as a RIC."
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 7/71 (10%)Above Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment6 | 8.5%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Global economic, political and market conditions, including uncertainty about the financial stability of the United States, could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.Changed
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2
We are subject to risks related to inflation.Added
Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. Recently, inflation has increased to its highest level in decades. As inflation increases, the real value of our shares and distributions therefore may decline. In addition, during any periods of rising inflation, interest rates of any debt securities issued by the Company would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to shareholders. Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in economic policies, and our investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to our shareholders. This risk is greater for fixed-income instruments with longer maturities.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 3
Global economic, political and market conditions caused by the current public health crisis have (and in the future, could further) adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition and those of our portfolio companies.A novel strain of coronavirus initially appeared in China in late 2019 and rapidly spread to other countries, including the United States. In an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus, governments around the world, including the United States, placed restrictions on travel, issued stay at home" orders and ordered the temporary closure of certain businesses, such as factories and retail stores. Such restrictions and closures impacted supply chains, consumer demand and/or the operations of many businesses. As jurisdictions around the United States and the world continue to experience surges in cases of COVID-19 and governments consider pausing the lifting of or re-imposing restrictions, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding the full economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the long-term effects on the U.S. and global financial markets.
Any disruptions in the capital markets, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, may increase the spread between the yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities and can result in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets, significant write-offs in the financial sector and re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated market. These and any other unfavorable economic conditions 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. During the spring of 2020, the occurrence of these events negatively impacted the fair value of the investments that we held and, if they were to occur again in the future, could limit our investment originations (including as a result of the investment professionals of our Adviser diverting their time to the restructuring of certain investments), negatively impact our operating results and limit our ability to grow. In addition, our success depends in substantial part on the management, skill and acumen of our Adviser, whose operations may be adversely impacted, including through quarantine measures and travel restrictions imposed on its investment professionals or service providers, or any related health issues of such investment professionals or service providers.
In addition, the restrictions and closures and related market conditions resulted in, and if re-imposed in the future, could further result in certain of our portfolio companies halting or significantly curtailing operations and negative impacts to the supply chains of certain of our portfolio companies. The financial results of middle-market companies, like those in which we invest, experienced deterioration, which could ultimately lead to difficulty in meeting debt service requirements and an increase in defaults, and further deterioration will further depress the outlook for those companies. Further, adverse economic conditions decreased and may in the future decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments. Such conditions have required and may in the future require us to modify the payment terms of our investments, including changes in PIK interest provisions and/or cash interest rates. The performance of certain of our portfolio companies has been, and in the future may be, negatively impacted by these economic or other conditions, which can result in our receipt of reduced interest income from our portfolio companies and/or realized and unrealized losses related to our investments, and, in turn, may adversely affect distributable income and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, as governments ease COVID-19 related restrictions, certain of our portfolio companies may experience increased health and safety expenses, payroll costs and other operating expenses.
As the potential long-term impact of the coronavirus pandemic remains difficult to predict, the extent to which the pandemic could negatively affect our and our portfolio companies' operating results or the duration or reoccurrence of any potential business or supply-chain disruption is uncertain. Any potential impact to our results of operations will depend to a large extent on future developments regarding the duration and severity of the pandemic and the actions taken by governments (including stimulus measures or the lack thereof) and their citizens to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, all of which are beyond our control.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 4
The United Kingdom referendum decision to leave the European Union may create significant risks and uncertainty for global markets and our investments.On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom ("UK") officially withdrew from the European Union ("EU"), commonly referred to as "Brexit". Following a transition period, the UK and the EU signed a Trade and Cooperation Agreement ("UK/EU Trade Agreement"), which came into full force on May 1, 2021 and set out the foundation of the economic and legal framework for trade between the UK and the EU. As the UK/EU Trade Agreement is a new legal framework, the implementation of the UK/EU Trade Agreement may result in uncertainty in its application and periods of volatility in both the UK and wider European markets. The UK's exit from the EU is expected to result in additional trade costs and disruptions in this trading relationship. Furthermore, there is the possibility that either party may impose tariffs on trade in the future in the event that regulatory standards between the EU and the UK diverge. The terms of the future relationship may cause continued uncertainty in the global financial markets, and adversely affect our ability, and the ability of our portfolio companies, to execute our respective strategies and to receive attractive returns.
In particular, currency volatility may mean that our returns and the returns of our portfolio companies will be adversely affected by market movements and may make it more difficult, or more expensive, for us to implement appropriate currency hedging. Potential declines in the value of the British Pound and/or the euro against other currencies, along with the potential downgrading of the UK's sovereign credit rating, may also have an impact on the performance of any of our portfolio companies located in the UK or Europe.
In addition to the effects on our investments in European issuers, the unavoidable uncertainties and events related to Brexit could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the our other investments, increase taxes and costs of business and cause volatility in currency exchange rates and interest rates. European, UK or worldwide political, regulatory, economic or market conditions and could contribute to instability in political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets. Brexit could also lead to legal uncertainty and politically divergent national laws and regulations as the new relationship between the UK and EU is further defined and as the UK determines which EU laws to replace or replicate. In addition, Brexit could lead to further disintegration of the EU and related political stresses (including those related to sentiment against cross border capital movements and activities of investors like us), prejudice to financial services businesses that are conducting business in the EU and which are based in the UK, legal uncertainty regarding achievement of compliance with applicable financial and commercial laws and regulations in view of the expected steps to be taken pursuant to or in contemplation of Brexit. Any of these effects of Brexit, and others that cannot be anticipated, could adversely affect the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 5
Economic recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies, and defaults by our portfolio companies will harm our operating results.Many of the portfolio companies in which we expect to make investments are likely to be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay their loans during such periods. Therefore, the number of our non-performing assets is likely to increase and the value of our portfolio is likely to decrease during such periods. Macroeconomic factors such as real GDP growth, consumer confidence, the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, inflation, employment levels, oil prices, interest rates, tax rates, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and other macroeconomic trends can adversely affect customer demand for the products and services that our portfolio companies offer and may adversely impact their businesses or financial results. In addition, although we invest primarily in companies located in the United States, our portfolio companies may rely on parts or supplies manufactured outside the United States. As a result, any event causing a disruption of imports, including natural disasters, public health crises, or the imposition of import or trade restrictions in the form of tariffs or quotas could increase the cost and reduce the supply of products available to our portfolio companies, which may negatively impact their businesses or financial results.
Adverse economic conditions may also decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and debt securities and the value of our equity investments. If the value of collateral underlying our loan declines during the term of the loan, a portfolio company may not be able to obtain the necessary funds to repay the loan at maturity through refinancing. Decreasing collateral value may hinder a portfolio company's ability to refinance our loan because the underlying collateral cannot satisfy the debt service coverage requirements necessary to obtain new financing. Thus, 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 its access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. We consider a number of factors in making our investment decisions, including, but not limited to, the financial condition and prospects of a portfolio company and its ability to repay our loan. Unfavorable economic conditions could negatively affect the valuations of our portfolio companies and, as a result, make it more difficult for such portfolio companies to repay or refinance our loan. Therefore, these events could prevent us from increasing our investments and harm our operating results. A portfolio company's failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, acceleration of the time when the loans are due, termination of the portfolio company's loans and foreclosure on its assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize its ability to meet its obligations under the loans and debt securities that we hold. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company, which may include the waiver of certain financial covenants. Furthermore, if one of our portfolio companies were to file for bankruptcy protection, depending on the facts and circumstances, including the extent to which we actually provide significant managerial assistance to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might re-characterize our debt holding and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to claims of other creditors, even though we may have structured our investment as senior secured debt.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 6
Our investments in the consumer products and services sector are subject to various risks including cyclical risks associated with the overall economy.General risks of companies in the consumer products and services sector include cyclicality of revenues and earnings, economic recession, currency fluctuations, changing consumer tastes, extensive competition, product liability litigation and increased government regulation. Generally, spending on consumer products and services is affected by the health of consumers. Companies in the consumer products and services sectors are subject to government regulation affecting the permissibility of using various food additives and production methods, which regulations could affect company profitability. A weak economy and its effect on consumer spending would adversely affect companies in the consumer products and services sector.
Capital Markets1 | 1.4%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
Global capital markets could enter a period of severe disruption and instability. These conditions have historically affected and could again materially and adversely affect debt and equity capital markets in the United States and around the world and our business.Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 3/71 (4%)Below Sector Average
Innovation / R&D1 | 1.4%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
Our investments in technology companies are subject to many risks, including volatility, intense competition, shortened product life cycles, litigation risk and periodic downturn.Cyber Security2 | 2.8%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
We are highly dependent on information systems, and systems failures or cyber-attacks could significantly disrupt its business, which may, in turn, negatively affect the value of shares of our common stock and our ability to pay distributions.Cyber Security - Risk 2
Cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents may adversely affect our business by causing a disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of its confidential information and/or damage to its business relationships.A cyber incident is considered to be any adverse event that threatens the confidentiality, integrity or availability of our information resources. These incidents may be an intentional attack or an unintentional event and could involve gaining unauthorized access to our information systems for purposes of misappropriating assets, stealing confidential information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. The result of these incidents may include disrupted operations, misstated or unreliable financial data, liability for stolen information, misappropriation of assets, increased cybersecurity protection and insurance costs, litigation and damage to our business relationships. This could result in significant losses, reputational damage, litigation, regulatory fines or penalties, or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify its protective measures and to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures arising from operational and security risks. We face risks posed to our information systems, both internal and those provided to it by third-party service providers. We, the Adviser and its affiliates have implemented processes, procedures and internal controls to help mitigate cybersecurity risks and cyber intrusions, but these measures, as well as our increased awareness of the nature and extent of a risk of a cyber-incident, may be ineffective and do not guarantee that a cyber-incident will not occur or that our financial results, operations or confidential information will not be negatively impacted by such an incident.
Third parties with which we do business (including those that provide services to us) may also be sources or targets of cybersecurity or other technological risks. We outsource certain functions and these relationships allow for the storage and processing of our information and assets, as well as certain investor, counterparty, employee and borrower information.
While we engage in actions to reduce our exposure resulting from outsourcing, ongoing threats may result in unauthorized access, loss, exposure or destruction of data, or other cybersecurity incidents, with increased costs and other consequences, including those described above. Privacy and information security laws and regulation changes, and compliance with those changes, may also result in cost increases due to system changes and the development of new administrative processes.
Production
Total Risks: 3/71 (4%)Below Sector Average
Employment / Personnel2 | 2.8%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
The Adviser and the Administrator each have the ability to resign on 60 days' notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
We are dependent upon key personnel of Crescent and the Adviser.We do not have any internal management capacity or employees. Our ability to achieve our investment objective will depend on our ability to manage our business and to grow our investments and earnings. This will depend, in turn, on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of Crescent's senior professionals. We expect that these senior professionals will evaluate, negotiate, structure, close and monitor our investments in accordance with the terms of our Investment Advisory Agreement. We can offer no assurance, however, that Crescent's senior professionals will continue to provide investment advice to us. If these individuals do not maintain their employment or other relationships with Crescent and do not develop new relationships with other sources of investment opportunities available to us, we may not be able to grow our investment portfolio. In addition, individuals with whom Crescent's senior professionals have relationships are not obligated to provide us with investment opportunities. Therefore, we can offer no assurance that such relationships will generate investment opportunities for us.
The Adviser is an affiliate of Crescent and will depend upon access to the investment professionals and Crescent's other resources to fulfill its obligations to us under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Adviser will also depend upon such investment professionals to obtain access to deal flow generated by Crescent. Under a Resource Sharing Agreement, Crescent has agreed to provide the Adviser with the experienced investment professionals necessary to fulfill its obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Resource Sharing Agreement provides that Crescent will make available to the Adviser experienced investment professionals and access to Crescent's resources for purposes of evaluating, negotiating, structuring, closing and monitoring our investments. Although we are a third-party beneficiary of the Resource Sharing Agreement, it may be terminated by either party on 60 days' notice. We cannot assure investors that Crescent will fulfill its obligations under the agreement. We cannot assure investors that the Adviser will enforce the Resource Sharing Agreement if Crescent fails to perform, that such agreement will not be terminated by either party or that we will continue to have access to Crescent's investment professionals and its affiliates or their information and deal flow.
Crescent's and the Adviser's investment professionals, which are currently composed of the same personnel, have substantial responsibilities in connection with the management of other Crescent clients. Crescent's personnel may be called upon to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies. These demands on their time, which may increase as the number of investments grow, may distract them or slow our rate of investment.
The Adviser's investment committee, which provides oversight over our investment activities, is provided to us by the Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The loss of any member of the Adviser's investment committee or of Crescent's other senior professionals would limit our ability to achieve our investment objective and operate as we anticipate. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Further, we depend upon Crescent to maintain its relationships with private equity sponsors, placement agents, investment banks, management groups and other financial institutions, and we expect to rely to a significant extent upon these relationships to provide us with potential investment opportunities. If Crescent fails to maintain such relationships, or to develop new relationships with other sources of investment opportunities, we will not be able to grow our investment portfolio. In addition, individuals with whom Crescent's senior professionals have relationships are not obligated to provide us with investment opportunities, and we can offer no assurance that these relationships will generate investment opportunities in the future.
Supply Chain1 | 1.4%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
We depend on Crescent to manage our business effectively.Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 1/71 (1%)Below Sector Average
Competition1 | 1.4%
Competition - Risk 1
We operate in an increasingly competitive market for investment opportunities, which could make it difficult for us to identify and make investments that are consistent with our investment objectives.See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
- Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
- Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
- Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
- Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
- Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
- Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
- Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
- Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
- Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
- Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
- Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
- Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
- Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
- Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
- Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
- Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
- Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
- Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
- Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
- Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
- Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
- International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
- Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.