497
Table of Contents

Filed Pursuant to Rule 497
Registration Statement No. 333-202531

 

This preliminary prospectus supplement relates to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, but the information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell and are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer and sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion, dated May 26, 2016

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus dated May 2, 2016)

2,500,000 Shares

 

 

LOGO

Common Stock

 

 

Fidus Investment Corporation is an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act. We are offering 2,500,000 shares of our common stock.

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “FDUS.” On May 25, 2016, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $15.51 per share. We are required to determine the net asset value per share of our common stock on a quarterly basis. As of March 31, 2016, our net asset value per share was $15.25 per share.

Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC serves as our investment advisor and as our administrator.

We generally invest in securities that would be rated below investment grade if they were rated by rating agencies. Below investment grade securities, which are often referred to as “high yield” or “junk,” have speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

Investing in our common stock is speculative and involves numerous risks, including risks associated with leverage and dilution. For more information regarding these risks, please see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 of the accompanying prospectus.

Please read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before investing, and keep it for future reference. It concisely sets forth important information about us that a prospective investor should know before investing in our securities. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information about us with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This information is available free of charge by contacting us at 1603 Orrington Avenue, Suite 1005, Evanston, Illinois 60201, Attention: Investor Relations, by accessing our website at http://www.fdus.com or by calling us collect at (847) 859-3940. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into, and you should not consider that information to be part of, this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains such information.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this preliminary prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

     Per
Share
     Total  

Public offering price

   $                    $                

Underwriting discount payable by us (    )%(1)

   $                    $                

Underwriting discount payable by our investment advisor (    %)(1)

   $                    $                

Proceeds, before expenses, to us(1)

   $                    $                

 

(1) We estimate that we will incur approximately $225,000 in offering expenses in connection with this offering. Fidus Investment Advisers, LLC, our investment advisor, has agreed to bear $         of our offering expenses in connection with this offering. Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC also has agreed to bear $        , or $         per share, of the sales load in connection with this offering, which is reflected in the above table. All payments made by our investment advisor will not be subject to reimbursement by us.

 

 

The underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional 375,000 shares of common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, within 30 days from the date of this preliminary prospectus supplement. If the option is exercised in full, the total public offering price will be $        , the total underwriting discount (4.00%) will be $        , and the total proceeds to us, before deducting estimated expenses payable by us of $225,000, will be $        .

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares on or about May     , 2016.

 

 

Joint Bookrunning Managers

 

RAYMOND JAMES               BAIRD  

KEEFE, BRUYETTE & WOODS

A Stifel Company 

 

 

Co-Lead Managers

 

BB&T CAPITAL MARKETS   OPPENHEIMER & CO.

The date of this prospectus supplement is May     , 2016


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus Supplement

 

     Page  

Prospectus Supplement Summary

     S-1   

The Offering

     S-6   

Fees and Expenses

     S-9   

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     S-11   

Use of Proceeds

     S-13   

Capitalization

     S-13   

Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions

     S-15   

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

     S-17   

Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     S-18   

Underwriting

     S-35   

Legal Matters

     S-38   

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     S-38   

Available Information

     S-38   

Index to Financial Information

     SF-1   
Prospectus   

Prospectus Summary

     1   

Fees and Expenses

     9   

Risk Factors

     12   

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     40   

Use of Proceeds

     42   

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     43   

Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions

     44   

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

     46   

Selected Quarterly Financial Data

     47   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Information and Results of Operations

     48   

Senior Securities

     64   

The Company

     65   

Portfolio Companies

     75   

Management

     80   

Management and Other Agreements

     90   

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

     97   

Control Persons and Principal Stockholders

     100   

Sales of Common Stock Below Net Asset Value

     101   

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     106   

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

     107   

Description of Our Capital Stock

     117   

 

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     Page  

Description of Our Preferred Stock

     124   

Description of Our Subscription Rights

     125   

Description of Our Debt Securities

     127   

Description of Our Warrants

     141   

Regulation

     143   

Plan of Distribution

     149   

Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Paying Agent and Registrar

     150   

Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices

     150   

Legal Matters

     151   

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     151   

Available Information

     151   

Privacy Notice

     152   

Index to Financial Statements

     F-1   

 

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ABOUT THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of the common stock we are offering and certain other matters relating to us. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, gives more general information about the securities that we may offer from time to time, some of which may not apply to the common stock offered by this prospectus supplement. For information about our common stock, see “Description of Our Capital Stock” in the accompanying prospectus.

If information varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should rely only on such information in this prospectus supplement. The information contained in this prospectus supplement supersedes any inconsistent information included in the accompanying prospectus. In various places in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, we refer you to other sections of such documents for additional information by indicating the caption heading of such other sections. The page on which each principal caption included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus can be found is listed in the table of contents above. All such cross references in this prospectus supplement are to captions contained in this prospectus supplement and not in the accompanying prospectus, unless otherwise stated.

YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS. WE HAVE NOT, AND THE UNDERWRITERS HAVE NOT, AUTHORIZED ANY OTHER PERSON TO PROVIDE YOU WITH DIFFERENT OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. IF ANYONE PROVIDES YOU WITH DIFFERENT OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON IT. WE ARE NOT, AND THE UNDERWRITERS ARE NOT, MAKING AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU SHOULD ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION APPEARING IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE ONLY AS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DATES, REGARDLESS OF THE TIME OF DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS OR ANY SALES OF THE SECURITIES. OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND PROSPECTS MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE THOSE DATES.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

This summary highlights some of the information in this prospectus supplement. It is not complete and may not contain all of the information that you may want to consider. You should read the entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus carefully, including “Risk Factors,” “Capitalization,” “Selected Consolidated Financial Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the financial statements contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Together, these documents describe the specific terms of the shares we are offering. Except as otherwise noted, all information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus assumes no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

Fidus Investment Corporation is a Maryland corporation, formed on February 14, 2011, for the purpose of acquiring 100.0% of the equity interests in Fidus Mezzanine Capital, L.P., or Fund I, and its general partner, Fidus Mezzanine Capital GP, LLC, or FMCGP, raising capital in its initial public offering, or IPO, which was completed in June 2011, and thereafter, operating as an externally managed business development company, or BDC, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act. Fund I is licensed as a small business investment company, or SBIC, by the United States Small Business Administration, or SBA. Simultaneously with the consummation of our IPO, we acquired all of the equity interests in Fund I and its former general partner as described elsewhere in this prospectus supplement under “Formation Transactions,” whereby Fund I became our wholly-owned subsidiary. On March 29, 2013, we commenced operations of a new wholly-owned investment fund, Fidus Mezzanine Capital II, L.P., or Fund II, and on May 28, 2013, were granted a second license by the SBA to operate Fund II as an SBIC. Collectively, Fund I and Fund II are referred to as the Funds. Unless otherwise noted in this prospectus supplement the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,” “Fidus” and “FIC” refer to Fidus Investment Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

As used in this prospectus supplement the term “our investment advisor” refers to Fidus Capital, LLC prior to the Formation Transactions and Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC after the Formation Transactions. The investment professionals of Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC were also the investment professionals of Fidus Capital, LLC.

Fidus Investment Corporation

We provide customized debt and equity financing solutions to lower middle-market companies, which we define as U.S. based companies having revenues between $10.0 million and $150.0 million. Our investment objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns by generating both current income from our debt investments and capital appreciation from our equity related investments. Our investment strategy includes partnering with business owners, management teams and financial sponsors by providing customized financing for ownership transactions, recapitalizations, strategic acquisitions, business expansion and other growth initiatives. We seek to maintain a diversified portfolio of investments in order to help mitigate the potential effects of adverse economic events related to particular companies, regions or industries.

We invest in companies that possess some or all of the following attributes: predictable revenues; positive cash flows; defensible and/or leading market positions; diversified customer and supplier bases; and proven management teams with strong operating discipline. We target companies in the lower middle-market with annual earnings, before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, between $3.0 million and $20.0 million; however, we may from time to time opportunistically make investments in larger or smaller companies. Our investments typically range between $5.0 million and $25.0 million per portfolio company.

 



 

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As of March 31, 2016, we had debt and equity investments in 53 portfolio companies with an aggregate fair value of $455.7 million. The weighted average yield on our debt investments as of March 31, 2016 was 13.3%. The weighted average yield was computed using the effective interest rates as of March 31, 2016, including accretion of original issue discount and loan origination fees, but excluding investments on non-accrual status, if any. There can be no assurance that the weighted average yield will remain at its current level.

Market Opportunity

We believe that the limited amount of capital available to lower middle-market companies, coupled with the desire of these companies for flexible and partnership-oriented sources of capital, creates an attractive investment environment for us. From our perspective, lower middle-market companies have faced difficulty raising debt capital in both the capital markets and private markets. As a result of the difficulties in the credit markets and fewer sources of capital for lower middle-market companies, we see opportunities for improved risk-adjusted returns. Furthermore, we believe with a large pool of uninvested private equity capital seeking debt capital to complete transactions and a substantial supply of refinancing opportunities, there is an opportunity to attain appealing risk-adjusted returns on debt and equity investments. See “The Company” in the accompanying prospectus for more information.

Business Strategy

We intend to accomplish our goal of becoming the premier provider of capital to and value-added partner of lower middle-market companies by:

 

   

Leveraging the experience of our investment advisor;

 

   

Capitalizing on our strong transaction sourcing network;

 

   

Serving as a value-added partner with customized financing solutions;

 

   

Employing rigorous due diligence and underwriting processes focused on capital preservation;

 

   

Actively managing our portfolio; and

 

   

Benefiting from lower cost of capital through our SBIC subsidiaries.

Investment Criteria/Guidelines

We use the following criteria and guidelines in evaluating investment opportunities and constructing our portfolio. However, not all of these criteria and guidelines have been, or will be, met in connection with each of our investments.

Value Orientation / Positive Cash Flow. Our investment advisor places a premium on analysis of business fundamentals from an investor’s perspective and has a distinct value orientation. We focus on companies with proven business models in which we can invest at relatively low multiples of operating cash flow. We also typically invest in portfolio companies with a history of profitability and minimum trailing twelve month EBITDA of $3.0 million. We do not invest in start-up companies, “turn-around” situations or companies that we believe have unproven business plans.

 



 

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Experienced Management Teams with Meaningful Equity Ownership. We target portfolio companies that have management teams with significant experience and/or relevant industry experience coupled with meaningful equity ownership. We believe management teams with these attributes are more likely to manage the companies in a manner that protects our debt investment and enhances the value of our equity investment.

Niche Market Leaders with Defensible Market Positions. We seek to invest in portfolio companies that have developed defensible and/or leading positions within their respective markets or market niches and are well positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities. We favor companies that demonstrate significant competitive advantages, which we believe helps to protect their market position and profitability.

Diversified Customer and Supplier Base. We prefer to invest in portfolio companies that have a diversified customer and supplier base. Companies with a diversified customer and supplier base are generally better able to endure economic downturns, industry consolidation and shifting customer preferences.

Significant Equity Value. We believe the existence of significant underlying equity value provides important support to our debt investments. With respect to our debt investments, we look for portfolio companies where management/sponsors have provided significant equity funding and where we believe aggregate enterprise value significantly exceeds aggregate indebtedness, after consideration of our investment.

Viable Exit Strategy. We invest in portfolio companies that we believe will provide steady cash flows to service our debt, ultimately repay our loans and provide working capital for their respective businesses. In addition, we seek to invest in portfolio companies whose business models and expected future cash flows offer attractive exit possibilities for our equity investments. We expect to exit our investments typically through one of three scenarios: (a) the sale of the portfolio company resulting in repayment of all outstanding debt and monetization of equity; (b) the recapitalization of the portfolio company through which our investments are replaced with debt or equity from a third party or parties; or (c) the repayment of the initial or remaining principal amount of our debt investment from cash flow generated by the portfolio company. In some investments, there may be scheduled amortization of some portion of our debt investment that would result in a partial exit of our investment prior to the maturity of the debt investment.

About our Advisor

Our investment activities are managed by Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC, our investment advisor, and supervised by our board of directors, a majority of whom are not “interested persons” of Fidus as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, and who we refer to hereafter as the Independent Directors. Pursuant to the terms of the investment advisory and management agreement, which we refer to as the Investment Advisory Agreement, between us and our investment advisor, our investment advisor is responsible for determining the composition of our portfolio, including sourcing potential investments, conducting research and diligence on potential investments and equity sponsors, analyzing investment opportunities, structuring our investments and monitoring our investments and portfolio companies on an ongoing basis. Our investment advisor’s investment professionals seek to capitalize on their significant deal origination and sourcing, underwriting, due diligence, investment structuring, execution, portfolio management and monitoring experience. These professionals have developed a broad network of contacts within the investment community, have gained extensive experience investing in assets

 



 

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that constitute our primary focus and have expertise in investing across all levels of the capital structure of lower middle-market companies. For information regarding the people who control our investment advisor and their affiliations with us, see “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions—Investment Advisory Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.

Our relationship with our investment advisor is governed by and dependent on the Investment Advisory Agreement and may be subject to conflicts of interest. We pay our investment advisor a fee for its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement consisting of two components—a base management fee and an incentive fee. The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.75% of the average value of our total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed amounts). The incentive fee consists of two parts. The first part is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and equals 20.0% of our “pre-incentive fee net investment income” for the immediately preceding quarter, subject to a 2.0% preferred return, or “hurdle,” and a “catch up” feature. The second part is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each fiscal year in an amount equal to 20.0% of our realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each fiscal year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any capital gain incentive fees paid in prior years. We accrue, but do not pay, a capital gains incentive fee in connection with any unrealized capital appreciation, as appropriate. For more information about how we compensate our investment advisor and the related conflicts of interest, see “Management and Other Agreements—Investment Advisory Agreement” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions—Conflicts of Interest” in the accompanying prospectus.

Among other things, our board of directors is charged with protecting our interests by monitoring how our investment advisor addresses conflicts of interest associated with its management services and compensation. Our board of directors is not expected to review or approve each borrowing or incurrence of leverage. However, our board of directors periodically reviews our investment advisor’s portfolio management decisions and portfolio performance. In addition, our board of directors at least annually reviews the services provided by and fees paid to our investment advisor. In connection with these reviews, our board of directors, including a majority of our Independent Directors, considers whether the fees and expenses (including those related to leverage) that we pay to our investment advisor are fair and reasonable in relation to the services provided. Renewal of our Investment Advisory Agreement must be approved each year by our board of directors, including a majority of our Independent Directors.

With respect to the administrative agreement with our investment advisor, our board of directors reviews the methodology employed in determining how the expenses are allocated to us. Our board of directors assesses the reasonableness of such reimbursements for expenses allocated to us based on the breadth, depth and quality of such services as compared to the estimated cost to us of obtaining similar services from third-party service providers known to be available. In addition, our board of directors considers whether any third-party service provider would be capable of providing all such services at comparable cost and quality.

Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company that is registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or the Advisers Act. In addition, Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC serves as our administrator and provides us with office space, equipment and clerical, book-keeping and record-keeping services pursuant to an administration agreement, which we refer to as the Administration Agreement.

 



 

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Operating and Regulatory Structure

Our investment activities are managed by our investment advisor and supervised by our board of directors, a majority of whom are not interested persons of us, our investment advisor or its affiliates.

As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. For example, while we are permitted to finance investments using leverage, which may include the issuance of shares of preferred stock, or notes and other borrowings, our ability to use leverage is limited in significant respects. See “Regulation” in the accompanying prospectus. Any decision on our part to use leverage will depend upon our assessment of the attractiveness of available investment opportunities in relation to the costs and perceived risks of such leverage. The use of leverage to finance investments creates certain risks and potential conflicts of interest. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Regulations governing our operations as a BDC affect our ability to raise, and the way in which we raise, additional capital which may have a negative effect on our growth” and “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Because we borrow money and may in the future issue additional senior securities including preferred stock and debt securities, the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested in us is magnified and may increase the risk of investing in us” in the accompanying prospectus.

We have elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company, or RIC, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. In order to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC, we must satisfy certain source of income, asset diversification and distribution requirements. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus.

Risk Factors

The value of our assets, as well as the market price of our shares, will fluctuate. Our investments may be risky, and you may lose part of or all of your investment in us. Investing in our securities involves other risks, including the following:

 

   

our dependence on key personnel of our investment advisor and our executive officers;

 

   

our ability to maintain or develop referral relationships;

 

   

our use of leverage;

 

   

the availability of additional capital on attractive terms or at all;

 

   

uncertain valuations of our portfolio investments;

 

   

competition for investment opportunities;

 

   

actual and potential conflicts of interests with our investment advisor;

 

   

other potential conflicts of interest;

 

   

SBA regulations affecting our wholly-owned SBIC subsidiaries;

 

   

changes in interest rates;

 



 

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the impact of a protracted decline in liquidity of credit markets on our business and portfolio of investments;

 

   

our ability to maintain our status as a RIC and as a BDC;

 

   

the timing, form and amount of any distributions from our portfolio companies;

 

   

changes in laws or regulations applicable to us;

 

   

dilution risks related to our ability to issue shares below our current net asset value;

 

   

possible resignation of our investment advisor;

 

   

the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;

 

   

risks associated with investing in lower middle-market companies;

 

   

the ability of our investment advisor to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet our investment criteria; and

 

   

our ability to invest in qualifying assets.

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 of the accompanying prospectus, for additional discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our securities.

Recent Developments

In April 2016, we placed our subordinated loan investment in Pinnergy, Ltd., a provider of fluid management and drilling services for oil and gas wells located throughout Texas and Louisiana, on non-accrual status given the increased risk and uncertainty associated with this investment due to difficult industry conditions. Such investment had an aggregate cost and fair value of $19.9 million and $12.1 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2016.

On May 2, 2016, our board of directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share, which is payable on June 24, 2016 to stockholders of record as of June 10, 2016.

THE OFFERING

 

NASDAQ Symbol

“FDUS”

 

Common stock offered by us

2,500,000 shares of our common stock. To the extent that the underwriters sell more than 2,500,000 shares, we have granted the underwriters the option to purchase up to an additional 375,000 shares on the same terms within 30 days of the date of this prospectus.

 

Common stock outstanding prior to this offering

16,312,363 shares

 

Common stock to be outstanding after this offering(1)

18,812,363 shares

 



 

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Use of proceeds

The net proceeds from this offering (without exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option and before deducting estimated expenses payable by us of approximately $225,000) will be $            . Fidus Investment Advisers, LLC, our investment advisor, has agreed to bear $              of our offering expenses and $             of the sales load in connection with this offering, both of which will not be subject to reimbursement by us. If the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full, our investment advisor will bear an aggregate of $             of our offering costs and $             of the sales load in connection with this offering, both of which will not be subject to reimbursement by us.

 

  We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to make investments in lower middle-market companies in accordance with our investment objective and strategies, to repay the outstanding indebtedness under our Credit Facility, to increase our borrowing capacity under the SBIC Debenture Program and for working capital and general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus supplement for more information.

 

Dividends and Distributions

We pay quarterly distributions to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. Our distributions, if any, will be determined by our board of directors. Our ability to declare distributions depends on our earnings, our overall financial condition (including our liquidity position), qualification for or maintenance of our RIC status and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant from time to time.

 

  When we make distributions, we will be required to determine the extent to which such distributions are paid out of current or accumulated earnings, recognized capital gains or capital. To the extent there is a return of capital, investors will be required to reduce their basis in our stock for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the future, our distributions may include a return of capital.

 

Taxation

We have elected to be treated as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, we generally will not pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any net ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders. To maintain our tax treatment as a RIC and the associated tax benefits, we must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and distribute annually at least 90% of our realized net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains, if any, in excess of our net long-term capital losses. See “Distributions” and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus.

 



 

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Effective trading at a discount

Shares of closed-end investment companies, including business development companies, frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. The risk that our shares may trade at a discount to our net asset value is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. We cannot predict whether our shares will trade above, at or below net asset value. See “Risk Factors” and “Sales of Common Stock Below Net Asset Value” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

Risk factors

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 of the accompanying prospectus for a discussion of risks you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.

 

(1) The number of shares of common stock to be outstanding after this offering excludes 375,000 shares of common stock that the underwriters have an option to purchase.

For additional information regarding our common stock, see “Description of Our Capital Stock” in the accompanying prospectus.

 



 

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FEES AND EXPENSES

The following table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that an investor in our common stock will bear, directly or indirectly, based on the assumptions set forth below. We caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus supplement contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by “you,” “us,” “the Company” or “Fidus,” or that “we” will pay fees or expenses, stockholders will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as investors in us.

 

Stockholder transaction expenses:

  

Sales load borne by us (as a percentage of offering price)

          %(1)

Offering expenses borne by us (as a percentage of offering price)

       %(2)

Dividend reinvestment plan expenses

     (3)
  

 

 

 

Total stockholder transaction expenses paid by us (as a percentage of offering price)

       %
  

 

 

 

Annual expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock)(4):

  

Base management fee

     3.2 %(5)

Incentive fees payable under Investment Advisory Agreement

     2.9 %(6)

Interest payments on borrowed funds

     3.9 %(7)

Other expenses

     1.8 %(8)
  

 

 

 

Total annual expenses

     11.8 %(9)
  

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents the sales load to be paid by us with respect to the shares of common stock to be sold by us in this offering for which the calculation is adjusted. Our investment advisor has agreed to bear $         per share, or approximately     % of the sales load in connection with this offering, which is not reflected in the above table and will not be subject to reimbursement by us.
(2) The offering expenses of this offering borne by us are estimated to be approximately $0.2 million. If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, the offering expenses borne by us (as a percentage of the offering price) will be     %. Fidus Investment Advisers, LLC, our investment advisor, has agreed to bear $         of our offering expenses in connection with this offering. All payments made by our investment advisor will not be subject to reimbursement by us.
(3) The expenses of administering our dividend reinvestment plan are included in “other expenses.”
(4) “Annual expenses” is calculated as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock because such expenses are ultimately paid by our common stockholders. Offering expenses, if any, will be borne directly or indirectly by our common stockholders. Net assets attributable to common stock equals average net assets for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
(5) Our base management fee is 1.75% of the average value of our total assets (other than cash and cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed amounts) and are estimated by assuming the base management fee remains consistent with the fees incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2016. We may from time to time decide it is appropriate to change the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement. Under the 1940 Act, any material change to our Investment Advisory Agreement must be submitted to stockholders for approval. The 3.2% reflected in the table is calculated on our net assets (rather than our total assets). See “Management and Other Agreements—Investment Advisory Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.
(6) This item represents an estimate of our investment advisor’s incentive fees assuming the incentive fee related to pre-incentive fee net investment income remains consistent with the fees incurred on pre-incentive fee net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The estimate also assumes that the capital gains incentive fees payable at the end of the 2016 calendar year will be based on the actual cumulative realized capital gains net of cumulative realized losses and unrealized capital depreciation as of December 31, 2016, which we believe is consistent with no capital gains incentive fees payable as of March 31, 2016.

 

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The incentive fee consists of two parts:

The first, payable quarterly in arrears, equals 20.0% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of our net assets, (including interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash), subject to a 2.0% quarterly (8.0% annualized) hurdle rate and a “catch-up” provision measured as of the end of each calendar quarter. Under this provision, in any calendar quarter, our investment advisor receives no incentive fee until our pre-incentive fee net investment income equals the hurdle rate of 2.0% but then receives, as a “catch-up,” 100.0% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 2.5%. The effect of this provision is that, if pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds 2.5% in any calendar quarter, our investment advisor will receive 20.0% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply.

The second part, payable annually in arrears, equals 20.0% of our realized capital gains net of realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of the fiscal year (or upon the termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as of the termination date), less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees. We accrue, but do not pay, a capital gains incentive fee in connection with any net unrealized capital appreciation, as appropriate. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we accrued $0.1 million in capital gains incentive fees in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

See “Management and Other Agreements—Investment Advisory Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

(7) As of March 31, 2016, we had outstanding SBA debentures of $214.0 million, and unfunded commitments from the SBA to purchase up to an additional of $11.0 million SBA debentures, as well as $11.0 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility, which has total commitment of $50.0 million. Interest payments on borrowed funds is based on estimated annual interest and fee expenses on outstanding SBA debentures and borrowings under the Credit Facility as of March 31, 2016 with a weighted average interest rate of 4.1%. We have estimated the annual interest expense on borrowed funds and caution you that our actual interest expense will depend on prevailing interest rates and our rate of borrowing, which may be substantially higher than the estimate provided in this table.
(8) Other expenses represent our estimated annual operating expenses, as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares estimated for the current year, including professional fees, directors’ fees, insurance costs, expenses of our dividend reinvestment plan and payments under the Administration Agreement based on our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by our administrator. See “Management and Other Agreements—Administration Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus. Other expenses exclude interest payments on borrowed funds, and if we issue debt securities or preferred stock, interest payments on debt securities and distributions with respect to preferred stock. We currently do not have any class of securities outstanding other than common stock. “Other expenses” are based on actual other expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
(9) “Total annual expenses” as a percentage of consolidated net assets attributable to common stock are higher than the total annual expenses percentage would be for a company that is not leveraged. We borrow money to leverage our net assets and increase our total assets. The SEC requires that the “total annual expenses” percentage be calculated as a percentage of net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any incentive fees payable during the period), rather than the total assets, including assets that have been purchased with borrowed amounts. If the “total annual expenses” percentage were calculated instead as a percentage of average consolidated total assets for the three months ended March 31, 2016, our “total annual expenses” would be 6.1% of average consolidated total assets.

Example

The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in us. In calculating the following expense amounts, we have assumed we would have no additional leverage, that none of our assets are cash or cash equivalents and that our annual operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above. Transaction expenses are not included in the following example.

 

     1 year      3 years      5 years      10 years  

You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5.0% annual return

   $ 121       $ 338       $ 525       $ 888   

You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5.0% annual return resulting entirely from net realized capital gains (all of which is subject to our incentive fee on capital gains)

   $ 128       $ 355       $ 548       $ 913   

 

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The foregoing table is to assist you in understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in our common stock will bear directly or indirectly. While the example assumes, as required by the SEC, a 5.0% annual return, our performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5.0%. The incentive fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement, which, assuming a 5.0% annual return, would either not be payable or have an insignificant impact on the expense amounts shown above, is not included in the example. If we achieve sufficient returns on our investments, including through the realization of capital gains, to trigger an incentive fee of a material amount, our expenses, and returns to our investors, would be higher. In addition, while the example assumes reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value, if our board of directors authorizes and we declare a cash dividend, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan who have not otherwise elected to receive cash will receive a number of shares of our common stock, determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the distribution payable to a participant by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of trading on the valuation date for the distribution. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan” in the accompanying prospectus for additional information regarding our dividend reinvestment plan.

This example and the expenses in the table above should not be considered a representation of our future expenses, and actual expenses (including the cost of debt, if any, and other expenses) may be greater or less than those shown.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about us, our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “continue,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “should,” “targets,” “projects” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

 

   

our future operating results;

 

   

our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;

 

   

the impact of investments that we expect to make;

 

   

our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

 

   

the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;

 

   

the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

 

   

our expected financing and investments;

 

   

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;

 

   

the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies;

 

   

the impact of increased competition;

 

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the ability of our investment advisor to identify suitable investments for us and to monitor and administer our investments;

 

   

the ability of our investment advisor to attract and retain highly talented professionals;

 

   

our regulatory structure and tax status;

 

   

our ability to operate as a BDC, a SBIC and a RIC;

 

   

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;

 

   

the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies;

 

   

the timing, form and amount of any dividend distributions;

 

   

the impact of fluctuations in interest rates on our business;

 

   

the valuation of any investments in portfolio companies, particularly those having no liquid trading market; and

 

   

our ability to recover unrealized losses.

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:

 

   

an economic downturn could impair our portfolio companies’ ability to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of value in of some or all of our investments in such portfolio companies;

 

   

a contraction of available credit and/or an inability to access the equity markets could impair our lending and investment activities;

 

   

interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly because we use leverage as part of our investment strategy;

 

   

currency fluctuations could adversely affect the results of our investments in portfolio companies with foreign operations; and,

 

   

the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in Item 1A. – Risk Factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and in our other filings with the SEC.

Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new loans and investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this prospectus should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the

 

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accompanying prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this prospectus. The forward-looking statements and projections contained in this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that our net proceeds from the sale of 2,500,000 shares of common stock we are offering will be approximately $         million, and approximately $         million if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Our investment advisor has agreed to bear $        , or approximately     % of the sales load and $        , or approximately     % of the offering expenses in connection with this offering, both of which will not be subject to reimbursement by us. We may change the size of this offering based on demand and market conditions.

We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering to invest in lower middle-market companies in accordance with our investment objective and strategies, to repay the outstanding indebtedness under our Credit Facility, to increase our borrowing capacity under the SBIC Debenture Program and for working capital and general corporate purposes. As of May 25, 2016, there were $10.0 million of outstanding borrowings under our Credit Facility that had an interest rate of 3.9% and a maturity date of June 16, 2018, which may be extended by mutual agreement.

Pending such use, we will invest the net proceeds of this offering primarily in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities and other high-quality debt instruments that mature in one year or less, or “temporary investments,” as appropriate. These securities may have lower yields than our other investments and accordingly result in lower distributions, if any, by us during such period. See “Regulation — Temporary Investments” in the accompanying prospectus. Our ability to achieve our investment objective may be limited to the extent that the net proceeds from the offering, pending full investment, are held in interest bearing deposits or other short-term instruments that produce income at a rate less than our cost of capital.

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of March 31, 2016:

 

   

on an actual basis as of March 31, 2016; and

 

   

on an as-adjusted basis giving effect to the sale of 2,500,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $         per share. Our investment advisor has agreed to bear $        , or approximately     % of the sales load and $        , or approximately     % of the offering expenses in connection with this offering, both of which are not reflected in the below table and will not be subject to reimbursement by us.

 

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This table should be read in conjunction with our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and notes thereto included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

     As of March 31, 2016  
     Actual     As Adjusted(1)  
     (Unaudited)  

ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 13,041      $     

Investments, at fair value

     455,682        455,682   

Other assets

     6,824        6,824   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 475,547      $     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

    

SBA debentures, net of deferred financing costs

   $ 210,067      $ 210,067   

Credit Facility, net of deferred financing costs

     10,321     

Other liabilities

     6,434        6,434   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     226,822     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS

    

Common stock, $0.001 par value (100,000,000 shares authorized, 16,312,363 shares issued and outstanding, actual; 18,812,363(1) shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted)

     16     

Additional paid-in capital(2)

     246,487     

Undistributed net investment income

     14,612        14,612   

Accumulated net realized (loss) on investments, net of taxes and distributions

     (6,684     (6,684

Accumulated net unrealized (depreciation) on investments

     (5,706     (5,706
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net assets

     248,725     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and net assets

   $ 475,547      $     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value per common share

   $ 15.25      $     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Excludes up to 375,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.
(2) Pro forma additional paid-in capital has been reduced by the estimated costs of the offering payable by us and the underwriting discount.

 

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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Our common stock began trading on June 21, 2011 on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “FDUS.” Effective January 3, 2012, our common stock is included on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Prior to June 21, 2011, there was no established public trading market for our common stock. The following table lists the high and low closing sale price for our common stock, and the closing sale price as a percentage of net asset value, or NAV.

 

Period

   NAV
Per Share(1)
     High
Closing
Sales
Price
     Low
Closing
Sales
Price
     Premium /
(Discount) of
High Sales
Price to NAV(2)
    Premium /
(Discount) of
Low Sales
Price to NAV(2)
    Distributions
Per Share(3)
 

Year ended December 31, 2016

               

First quarter

   $ 15.25       $ 15.51       $ 11.91         1.7     (21.9 )%    $ 0.39  

Second quarter (through May 25, 2016)

     *         15.96         15.03        *        *        0.39   

Year ended December 31, 2015

               

First quarter

     15.18         17.02         14.40         12.1        (5.1     0.38  

Second quarter

     15.18         16.90         14.90         11.3        (1.8     0.40  

Third quarter

     15.12         15.51         13.65         2.6        (9.7     0.39   

Fourth quarter

     15.17         14.80         13.11         (2.4     (13.6     0.43  

Year ended December 31, 2014

               

First quarter

     15.22         21.99         17.86         44.5        17.3        0.38  

Second quarter

     15.09         20.54         16.63         36.1        10.2        0.48  

Third quarter

     15.18         20.04         16.51         32.0        8.8        0.38   

Fourth quarter

     15.16         17.10         13.71         12.8        (9.6     0.48  

 

(1) Net asset value per share is determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect the net asset value per share on the date of the high and low sales prices. The net asset values shown are based on outstanding shares at the end of each period.
(2) Calculated as the difference between the respective high or low closing sales price and the quarter end net asset value divided by the quarter end net asset value.
(3) Represents the regular and special, if applicable, distribution declared in the specified quarter. We have adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a distribution, stockholders’ cash distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, unless they specifically “opt out” of the dividend reinvestment plan so as to receive cash distributions. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
* Not determinable at time of filing.

We intend to continue to pay quarterly distributions to our stockholders. Our quarterly distributions, if any, are determined by our board of directors. We have elected to be taxed as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As long as we qualify as a RIC, we will not be taxed on our investment company taxable income or net capital gain, to the extent that such income or gain is distributed, or deemed to be distributed, to stockholders on a timely basis.

In addition, during 2013 we designated approximately $8.3 million, or $0.60 per share, of our net long-term capital gains as a “deemed distribution” to stockholders of record as of December 31,

 

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2013. We incurred approximately $2.9 million, or $0.21 per share, of U.S. federal income taxes on behalf of stockholders related to this deemed distribution. Such taxes were paid in January of 2014. There were no deemed distributions during the years 2011, 2012, 2014 or 2015.

We may not be able to achieve operating results that will allow us to make distributions at a specific level or to increase the amount of these distributions from time to time. If we do not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually, we will suffer adverse tax consequences, including possible loss of our tax treatment as a RIC. We cannot assure stockholders that they will receive any distributions at a particular level.

We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of our distributions on behalf of our stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to receive cash. As a result, if our board of directors authorizes, and we declare, a cash distribution, then our stockholders who have not “opted out” of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash distribution automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash distribution. Under the terms of our dividend reinvestment plan, dividends will primarily be paid in newly issued shares of common stock. However, we reserve the right to purchase shares in the open market in connection with the implementation of the plan. This feature of the plan means that, under certain circumstances, we may issue shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value per share, which could cause our stockholders to experience dilution.

Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated profits and earnings would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the stockholder’s tax basis, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. The determination of the tax attributes of our distributions will be made annually as of the end of our fiscal year based upon our taxable income for the full year and distributions paid for the full year. Therefore, a determination made on a quarterly basis may not be representative of the actual tax attributes of our distributions for a full year. Each year, a statement on Form 1099-DIV identifying the source of the distribution will be sent to our U.S. stockholders of record. Our board of directors presently intends to declare and pay quarterly dividends. Our ability to pay dividends could be affected by future business performance, liquidity, capital needs, alternative investment opportunities and loan covenants.

 

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected consolidated financial data of Fidus Investment Corporation (“FIC”) and its subsidiaries, including the Funds, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, is derived from the consolidated financial statements that have been audited by RSM US LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm. Financial information prior to our IPO in June 2011 is that of Fund I. This financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

    Three
Months
Ended
March 31,
2016
    Year Ended December 31,  
      2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
          (Dollars in Thousands)  

Statement of operations data:

           

Total investment income

  $ 14,691      $ 54,269     $ 46,116     $ 41,792     $ 33,849     $ 23,387  

Interest and financing expenses

    2,600        9,428       7,507       7,076       6,422       5,488  

Management fees, net

    1,983        7,545       5,899       5,261       4,237       3,182  

Incentive fees

    1,880        6,481       4,857       6,792       4,839       1,609  

All other expenses

    1,121        3,932       4,189       3,121       2,660       1,551  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income before income taxes

    7,107        27,386       23,664       19,542       15,691       11,557  

Income tax provision

    25        390       383       246       4       24  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    7,082        26,493       23,281       19,296       15,687       11,533  

Net realized (losses) gains on investments

    (310     9,531       (17,029 )     30,588       1,975       (12,318

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    768        (10,086 )     13,250       (22,188 )     1,749       16,171   

Income tax (provision) on realized gains on investments

           39        (17     (493              
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 7,540      $ 25,977     $ 19,485     $ 27,203     $ 19,411     $ 15,386  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Per share data(1):

           

Net asset value (at end of period)

  $ 15.25      $ 15.17     $ 15.16     $ 15.35     $ 15.32     $ 14.90  

Net investment income

  $ 0.43      $ 1.64     $ 1.62     $ 1.43     $ 1.54     $ 1.22  

Net gain (loss) on investments

  $ 0.03      $ (0.04 )   $ (0.26 )   $ 0.58     $ 0.37     $ 0.40  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 0.46      $ 1.60     $ 1.36     $ 2.01     $ 1.91     $ 1.63  

Dividends (post initial public offering)

  $ 0.39      $ 1.60     $ 1.72     $ 1.94     $ 1.46     $ 0.64  

Other data:

           

Weighted average annual yield on debt investments(2)

    13.3     13.3 %     13.4 %     14.5     15.3     15.3

Number of portfolio companies at period end

    53        53       42       37       30       23  

Expense ratios (as percentage of average net assets):

           

Operating expenses

    2.0     7.3 %     6.7 %     7.2     7.4     4.7

Interest expense

    1.0     3.8 %     3.4 %     3.4     4.1     4.0

 

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(1) Per share data and average net assets are presented as if the Formation Transactions and IPO had occurred on January 1, 2011.
(2) Weighted average yields are computed using the effective interest rates for debt investments at cost as of the period end date, including accretion of original issue discount and loan origination fees, but excluding investments on non-accrual status, if any.

 

     March  31,
2016
(Unaudited)
     As of December 31,  
        2015      2014      2013      2012      2011  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Statement of assets and liabilities data:

                 

Total investments at fair value

   $ 455,682      $ 443,269       $ 396,355       $ 306,981       $ 274,249       $ 204,745   

Total assets(1)

     475,547        480,668         431,020         364,110         330,435         245,956   

Borrowings

     225,000        229,000         183,500         144,500         144,500         104,000   

Total net assets

     248,725        247,362         243,263         211,125         183,091         140,482   

 

(1) Prior to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, on January 1, 2016, we presented deferred financing costs as an asset on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. Upon adoption of ASU 2015-03, we reclassified these deferred costs to a direct offset of the related debt liability on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. The new guidance is applied retrospectively to each prior period presented. Total assets presented here exclude $4,872, $4,567, $3,152, $3,414 and $2,687 of deferred financing costs presented as an asset as of December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

We provide customized debt and equity financing solutions to lower middle-market companies, which we define as U.S. based companies having revenues between $10.0 million and $150.0 million. Our investment objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns by generating both current income from our debt investments and capital appreciation from our equity related investments. Our investment strategy includes partnering with business owners, management teams and financial sponsors by providing customized financing for ownership transactions, recapitalizations, strategic acquisitions, business expansion and other growth initiatives. We seek to maintain a diversified portfolio of investments in order to help mitigate the potential effects of adverse economic events related to particular companies, regions or industries.

FIC was formed as a Maryland corporation on February 14, 2011. We completed our IPO in June 2011, and completed additional underwritten public offerings of our common stock in September 2012, February 2013 and September 2014 providing approximately $174.1 million in net proceeds after deducting underwriting fees and offering costs.

On June 20, 2011, FIC acquired all of the limited partnership interests of Fund I and membership interests of FMCGP through the Formation Transactions, resulting in Fund I becoming our wholly-owned SBIC subsidiary. Immediately following the Formation Transactions, we and Fund I elected to be treated as BDCs under the 1940 Act and our investment activities have been managed by Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC, our investment advisor, and supervised by our board of directors, a majority of whom are independent of us. On March 29, 2013, we commenced operations of a second wholly-owned subsidiary, Fund II.

 

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Fund I received its SBIC license on October 22, 2007 and Fund II received its SBIC license on May 28, 2013. We plan to continue to operate the Funds as SBICs, subject to SBA approval, and to utilize the proceeds of the sale of SBA-guaranteed debentures to enhance returns to our stockholders. We have also made, and continue to make, investments directly through FIC. We believe that utilizing FIC and the Funds as investment vehicles provides us with access to a broader array of investment opportunities. Based on the current capitalization of the Funds, we have approximately $11.0 million of remaining borrowing capacity under the SBIC Debenture Program and intend to fully utilize such capacity over the ensuing 3-6 months.

Revenues: We generate revenue in the form of interest income on debt investments and capital gains and distributions, if any, on equity investments. Our debt investments, whether in the form of mezzanine, senior secured or unitranche loans, typically have terms of five to seven years and bear interest at a fixed rate but may bear interest at a floating rate. In some instances, we receive payments on our debt investments based on scheduled amortization of the outstanding balances. In addition, we receive repayments of some of our debt investments prior to their scheduled maturity dates. The frequency or volume of these repayments fluctuates significantly from period to period. Our portfolio activity may reflect the proceeds of sales of securities. In some cases, our investments provide for deferred interest payments or PIK interest. The principal amount of loans and any accrued but unpaid interest generally become due at the maturity date. In addition, we may generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, amendment, or structuring fees and fees for providing managerial assistance. Loan origination fees, original issue discount and market discount or premium, if any, are capitalized, and we accrete or amortize such amounts into interest income. We record prepayment premiums on loans as fee income. Interest and dividend income is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that we expect to collect such amounts. Loans or preferred equity securities are placed on non-accrual status when principal, interest or dividend payments become materially past due, or when there is reasonable doubt that principal, interest or dividends will be collected. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates—Revenue Recognition.” Interest and dividend income is accrued based upon the outstanding principal amount and contractual terms of debt and preferred equity investments. Interest is accrued on a daily basis. Dividend income is recorded as dividends are declared or at the point an obligation exists for the portfolio company to make a distribution. Distributions of earnings from portfolio companies are evaluated to determine if the distribution is a distribution of earnings or a return of capital.

We recognize realized gains or losses on investments based on the difference between the net proceeds from the disposition and the cost basis of the investment, without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized. We record current period changes in fair value of investments that are measured at fair value as a component of the net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments in the consolidated statements of operations.

Expenses: All investment professionals of our investment advisor and/or its affiliates, when and to the extent engaged in providing investment advisory and management services to us, and the compensation and routine overhead expenses allocable to personnel who provide these services to us, are provided and paid for by our investment advisor and not by us. We bear all other out-of-pocket costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including, without limitation, those relating to:

 

   

organization;

 

   

calculating our net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firm);

 

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fees and expenses incurred by our investment advisor under the Investment Advisory Agreement or payable to third parties, including agents, consultants or other advisors, in monitoring financial and legal affairs for us and in monitoring our investments and performing due diligence on our prospective portfolio companies or otherwise relating to, or associated with, evaluating and making investments;

 

   

interest payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance our investments;

 

   

offerings of our common stock and other securities;

 

   

investment advisory fees and management fees;

 

   

administration fees and expenses, if any, payable under the Administration Agreement (including payments under the Administration Agreement between us and our investment advisor based upon our allocable portion of our investment advisor’s overhead in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent and the allocable portion of the cost of our officers, including our chief compliance officer, our chief financial officer, and their respective staffs);

 

   

transfer agent, dividend agent and custodial fees and expenses;

 

   

federal and state registration fees;

 

   

all costs of registration and listing our shares on any securities exchange;

 

   

U.S. federal, state and local taxes;

 

   

Independent Directors’ fees and expenses;

 

   

costs of preparing and filing reports or other documents required by the SEC or other regulators including printing costs;

 

   

costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to stockholders, including printing and mailing costs;

 

   

our allocable portion of any fidelity bond, directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums;

 

   

direct costs and expenses of administration, including printing, mailing, long distance telephone, copying, secretarial and other staff, independent auditors and outside legal costs;

 

   

proxy voting expenses; and

 

   

all other expenses reasonably incurred by us or our investment advisor in connection with administering our business.

Portfolio Composition, Investment Activity and Yield

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we invested $42.3 million in debt and equity investments, including three new portfolio companies. These investments consisted of

 

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subordinated notes ($39.3 million, or 92.9%), senior secured loans ($1.4 million, or 3.2%), and equity securities ($1.6 million, or 3.9%). During the three months ended March 31, 2016 we received proceeds from sales or repayments, including principal, return of capital dividends and net realized gains (losses), of $31.6 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we invested $39.6 million in debt and equity investments, including five new portfolio companies. These investments consisted of subordinated notes ($24.8 million, or 62.7%), senior secured loans ($12.8 million, or 32.3%), equity securities ($1.8 million, or 4.5%), and warrants ($0.2 million, or 0.5%). During the three months ended March 31, 2015 we received proceeds from sales or repayments, including principal, return of capital dividends and net realized gains (losses), of $24.7 million.

As of March 31, 2016, the fair value of our investment portfolio totaled $455.7 million and consisted of 53 portfolio companies. As of March 31, 2016, one debt investment bore interest at a variable rate, which represented $8.5 million of our portfolio on a fair value basis, and the remainder of our debt portfolio was comprised of fixed rate investments. Overall, the portfolio had net unrealized depreciation of $4.3 million as of March 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2016, our average portfolio company investment at amortized cost was $9.2 million (which excludes three investments in portfolio companies that sold their operations and are in the process of winding down).

As of December 31, 2015, the fair value of our investment portfolio totaled $443.3 million and consisted of 53 portfolio companies. As of December 31, 2015, one debt investment bore interest at a variable rate, which represented $8.9 million of our portfolio on a fair value basis, and the remainder of our debt portfolio was comprised of fixed rate investments. Overall, the portfolio had net unrealized depreciation of $5.1 million as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, our average portfolio company investment at amortized cost was $9.0 million (which excludes three investments in portfolio companies that sold their operations and are in the process of winding down).

The weighted average yield on debt investments as of both March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was 13.3%. The weighted average yields were computed using the effective interest rates for debt investments at cost as of both March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, including the accretion of original issue discount and loan origination fees, but excluding investments on non-accrual status, if any.

The following table shows the portfolio composition by investment type at fair value and cost and as a percentage of total investments:

 

     Fair Value     Cost  
     March 31, 2016     December 31, 2015     March 31, 2016     December 31, 2015  
     (dollars in thousands)  

Subordinated notes

   $ 329,715         72.4 %   $ 300,467        67.8 %   $ 342,857        74.5   $ 309,899        69.2

Senior secured loans

     64,712         14.2        88,485        20.0        66,502        14.5        88,505        19.7   

Equity

     51,515         11.3        44,899        10.1        43,617        9.5        42,651        9.5   

Warrants

     9,555         2.1        9,233        2.1        6,822        1.5        7,098        1.6   

Royalty rights

     185                185               185               185          
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 455,682         100.0 %   $ 443,269        100.0 %   $ 459,983        100.0 %   $ 448,338        100.0 %
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The following table shows portfolio composition by geographic region at fair value and cost and as a percentage of total investments. The geographic composition is determined by the location of the corporate headquarters of the portfolio company, which may not be indicative of the primary source of the portfolio company’s business.

 

     Fair Value     Cost  
     March 31, 2016     December 31, 2015     March 31, 2016     December 31, 2015  
     (dollars in thousands)  

Midwest

   $ 129,809        28.5   $ 119,291        26.8 %   $ 123,129        26.8   $ 116,015        25.9

Northeast

     105,611        23.2        93,430        21.1        103,947        22.6        92,492        20.6   

Southeast

     104,926        23.0        107,975        24.4        115,351        25.1        113,430        25.3   

West

     72,201        15.8        84,648        19.1        63,612        13.8        77,028        17.2   

Southwest

     43,135        9.5        37,925        8.6        53,944        11.7        49,373        11.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 455,682        100.0   $ 443,269        100.0   $ 459,983        100.0   $ 448,338        100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The following table shows the detailed industry composition of our portfolio at fair value and cost as a percentage of total investments:

 

     Fair Value     Cost  
     March 31,
2016
    December 31,
2015
    March 31,
2016
    December 31,
2015
 

Healthcare products

     13.6     11.4     12.4     10.4

Aerospace & defense manufacturing

     10.2        10.5        8.5        8.7   

Transportation services

     9.0        8.1        8.4        7.6   

Healthcare services

     8.7        11.1        8.8        11.2   

Specialty distribution

     8.0        8.0        7.5        7.7   

Consumer products

     5.1        5.1        4.8        5.0   

Utility equipment manufacturing

     4.4        4.6        4.4        4.6   

Building products manufacturing

     4.0        4.0        3.5        3.6   

Industrial cleaning & coatings

     3.9        3.9        4.0        4.1   

Business services

     3.7        5.4        4.2        5.7   

Capital equipment manufacturing

     3.0               3.0          

Information technology services

     2.9        3.0        3.1        3.2   

Financial services

     2.9        3.1        2.6        2.8   

Oil & gas services

     2.7        3.7        4.4        4.5   

Promotional products

     2.6               2.6          

Safety products manufacturing

     2.4        2.4        2.3        2.4   

Component manufacturing

     2.2        3.8        2.4        4.0   

Printing services

     2.2        2.2        2.3        2.3   

Restaurants

     2.1        2.0        2.0        2.0   

Specialty chemicals

     1.7        1.7        1.9        1.9   

Laundry services

     1.5        1.5        1.4        1.4   

Apparel distribution

     1.3        1.3        1.3        1.3   

Vending equipment manufacturing

     0.8        0.8        0.9        0.9   

Electronic components supplier

     0.5        0.4        0.3        0.3   

Retail

     0.4        0.3        0.2        0.2   

Commercial cleaning

     0.2        0.2        0.2        0.2   

Retail cleaning

            0.1        2.6        2.7   

Specialty cracker manufacturing

                            

Telecommunication services

            1.4               1.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0     100.0     100.0 %     100.0 %
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Portfolio Asset Quality

In addition to various risk management and monitoring tools, our investment advisor uses an internally developed investment rating system to characterize and monitor the credit profile and our expected level of returns on each investment in our portfolio. We use a five-level numeric rating scale. The following is a description of the conditions associated with each investment rating:

In addition to various risk management and monitoring tools, our investment advisor uses an internally developed investment rating system to characterize and monitor the credit profile and our expected level of returns on each investment in our portfolio. We use a five-level numeric rating scale. The following is a description of the conditions associated with each investment rating:

 

   

Investment Rating 1 is used for investments that involve the least amount of risk in our portfolio. The portfolio company is performing above expectations and the trends and risk factors are favorable, and may include an expected capital gain.

 

   

Investment Rating 2 is used for investments that involve a level of risk similar to the risk at the time of origination. The portfolio company is performing substantially within our expectations and the risk factors are neutral or favorable. Each new portfolio investment enters our portfolio with Investment Rating 2.

 

   

Investment Rating 3 is used for investments performing below expectations and indicates the investment’s risk has increased somewhat since origination. The portfolio company requires closer monitoring, but we expect a full return of principal and collection of all interest and/or dividends.

 

   

Investment Rating 4 is used for investments performing materially below expectations and the risk has increased materially since origination. The portfolio company has the potential for some loss of investment return, but we expect no loss of principal.

 

   

Investment Rating 5 is used for investments performing substantially below our expectations and the risks have increased substantially since origination. We expect some loss of principal.

The following table shows the distribution of our investments on the 1 to 5 investment rating scale at fair value as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

     As of March 31, 2016     As of December 31, 2015  

Investment Rating

   Investments at
Fair Value
     Percent
of Total
Portfolio
    Investments at
Fair Value
     Percent
of Total
Portfolio
 
     (dollars in thousands)  

1

   $ 73,169         16.0 %   $ 77,875         17.6 %

2

     296,124         65.0        268,285         60.4   

3

     73,226         16.1        95,981         21.7   

4

     13,104         2.9        1,128         0.3   

5

     59                          
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

   $ 455,682         100.0 %   $ 443,269         100.0 %
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Based on our investment rating system, the weighted average rating of our portfolio as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was 2.1 and 2.0, respectively, on a fair value basis.

 

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Non-Accrual

As of March 31, 2016, we had debt investments in one portfolio company on non-accrual status, which had an aggregate cost and fair value of $5.2 million and $0 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recognized unrealized depreciation on non-accrual investments of $0.6 million. As of December 31, 2015, we had debt investments in one portfolio company on non-accrual status, which had an aggregate cost and fair value of $5.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized unrealized depreciation on non-accrual investments of $4.4 million.

Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations

Comparison of three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015

Investment Income

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, total investment income was $14.7 million, an increase of $1.9 million, or 14.4%, over the $12.8 million of total investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase was attributable to a $1.5 million increase in interest income resulting largely from higher average levels of debt investments outstanding, a $0.1 million increase in dividend income due to increased levels of distributions received from equity investments and a $0.2 million increase in fee income resulting from a higher level of prepayment activity for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Expenses

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, total expenses, including income tax provision, were $7.6 million, an increase of $1.0 million or 15.1%, over the $6.6 million of total expenses, including income tax provision, for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Interest and financing expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were $2.6 million, an increase of $0.5 million or 22.1%, compared to $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as a result of higher average balances of SBA debentures and borrowings under the Credit Facility outstanding during 2016. The base management fee increased $0.2 million, or 10.7%, to $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 due to higher average total assets less cash and cash equivalents for the three months ended March 31, 2016 than the three months ended March 31, 2015. The incentive fee for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $1.9 million, a $0.3 million, or 17.6%, increase from the $1.6 million incentive fee for the three months ended March 31, 2015 which was primarily the result of a $0.2 million increase in the income incentive fee to $1.8 million. The administrative service fee, professional fees and other general and administrative expenses totaled $1.1 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015.

Net Investment Income

Net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $7.1 million, which was an increase of $0.9 million, or 13.7%, compared to net investment income of $6.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015 as a result of the $1.9 million increase in total investment income and the $1.0 million increase in total expenses, including income tax provision.

 

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Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the total realized loss on investments was $0.3 million. Significant realized (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are summarized below:

 

Portfolio Company

   Realization Event    Realized
Losses

(in  millions)
 

Continental Anesthesia Management, LLC

   Exit of portfolio company    $ (0.3
     

 

 

 
      $ (0.3
     

 

 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we did not record any realized gains or losses on investments.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recorded a net change in unrealized appreciation on investments of $0.8 million attributable to (i) the reversal of net unrealized depreciation on investments of $0.9 million related to the exit or sale of investments, resulting in unrealized appreciation, (ii) net unrealized depreciation of $5.9 million on debt investments and (iii) net unrealized appreciation of $5.8 million on equity investments. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we recorded a net change in unrealized appreciation on investments of $0.2 million attributable to (i) the reversal of net unrealized depreciation on investments of $0.3 million related to the exit or sale of investments, resulting in unrealized appreciation, (ii) net unrealized depreciation of $1.4 million on debt investments and (iii) net unrealized appreciation of $1.3 million on equity investments.

As a result of these events, our net increase in net assets resulting from operations during the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $7.5 million, or an increase of $1.1 million, or 17.6%, compared to a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $6.4 million during the prior year period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2016, we had $13.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and our net assets totaled $248.7 million. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents on hand, our continued access to SBA-guaranteed debentures, our Credit Facility and our anticipated cash flows from operations will provide adequate capital resources with which to operate and finance our investment business and make distributions to our stockholders for at least the next 12 months. We intend to generate additional cash primarily from the future offerings of securities (including the ATM Program) and future borrowings, as well as cash flows from operations, including income earned from investments in our portfolio companies. On both a short-term and long-term basis, our primary use of funds will be investments in portfolio companies and cash distributions to our stockholders.

Cash Flows

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we experienced a net decrease in cash and cash equivalents in the amount of $18.6 million. During that period, we used $8.4 million of cash for operating activities, primarily for the funding of $42.3 million of investments, which was partially offset by the proceeds from sales and repayments of investments of $31.6 million. During the same period, we received proceeds from the issuance of SBA debentures of $0.5 million, which were partially offset by net repayment of borrowings under the Credit Facility of $4.5 million, cash dividends paid to stockholders of $6.2 million and the payment of deferred financing costs of less than $0.1 million.

 

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For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we experienced a net decrease in cash and cash equivalents in the amount of $13.0 million. During that period, we used $12.8 million of cash for operating activities, primarily for the funding of $39.6 million of investments, which was partially offset by the proceeds from sales and repayments of investments of $24.7 million. During the same period, we used $0.1 million for financing activities resulting from proceeds received from stock offerings, net of expenses, of $0.9 million, proceeds from the issuance of SBA debentures of $5.0 million and net borrowings under the Credit Facility of $0.8 million, which were partially offset by cash dividends paid to stockholders of $5.9 million and payments of financing costs totaling $0.9 million.

Capital Resources

We anticipate that we will continue to fund our investment activities on a long-term basis through a combination of additional debt and equity capital.

The Funds are licensed SBICs, and have the ability to issue debentures guaranteed by the SBA at favorable interest rates. Under the Small Business Investment Act and the SBA rules applicable to SBICs, an SBIC can have outstanding at any time debentures guaranteed by the SBA in an amount up to twice its regulatory capital. The SBA regulations currently limit the amount that is available to be borrowed by any SBIC and guaranteed by the SBA to 200.0% of an SBIC’s regulatory capital or $150.0 million, whichever is less. For three or more SBICs under common control, the maximum amount of outstanding SBA debentures cannot exceed $350.0 million. SBA debentures have fixed interest rates that approximate prevailing 10-year Treasury Note rates plus a spread and have a maturity of ten years with interest payable semi-annually. The principal amount of the SBA debentures is not required to be paid before maturity but may be pre-paid at any time. As of March 31, 2016, Fund I had $150.0 million of outstanding SBA debentures and cannot issue additional SBA debentures. As of March 31, 2016, Fund II had $64.0 million of outstanding SBA debentures. Based on its $37.5 million of regulatory capital as of March 31, 2016, Fund II has the current capacity to issue up to an additional $11.0 million of SBA debentures. Subject to SBA regulatory requirements and approval of a third SBIC license, we may access up to $125.0 million of additional SBA debentures under the SBIC Debenture Program. For more information on the SBA debentures, please see Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, we entered into the Credit Facility to provide additional funding for our investment and operational activities. The Credit Facility, which matures on June 16, 2018, had an initial commitment of $30.0 million and an accordion feature that allows for an increase in the total commitments up to $75.0 million, subject to certain customary conditions. The Credit Facility is secured primarily by our assets, excluding the assets of the Funds.

On December 19, 2014, we amended the Credit Facility to (i) increase the commitment from $30.0 million to $50.0 million (ii) allow FIC to buy-back up to $10.0 million of our common stock subject to the satisfaction of specified financial covenants and conditions. The Credit Facility continues to have an accordion feature which allows for an increase in the total commitment up to $75.0 million.

Amounts available to borrow under the Credit Facility are subject to a minimum borrowing/collateral base that applies an advance rate to certain portfolio investments. We are subject to limitations with respect to the investments securing the Credit Facility, including, but not limited to, restrictions on sector concentrations, loan size, payment frequency and status and collateral interests, as well as restrictions on portfolio company leverage, which may also affect the borrowing base and therefore amounts available to borrow.

 

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Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest, subject to our election, on a per annum basis equal to (i) the alternate base rate plus 2.5% or (ii) the applicable LIBOR, which varies depending on the period of the borrowing under the Credit Facility, plus 3.5%. The alternate base rate is equal to the greater of (i) prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% or (iii) the three-month LIBOR plus 1.0%. We pay a commitment fee ranging from 0.5% to 1.0% per annum based on the size of the unused portion of the Credit Facility.

We have made customary representations and warranties and are required to comply with various covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. These covenants are subject to important limitations and exceptions that are described in the documents governing the Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2016, we were in compliance with all covenants of the Credit Facility and there was $11.0 million outstanding under the Credit Facility.

As of March 31, 2016, the weighted average interest rate for all SBA debentures and borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility was 4.1%.

As a BDC, we are generally required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total senior securities, which include borrowings and any preferred stock we may issue in the future, of at least 200.0%. This requirement limits the amount that we may borrow. We have received exemptive relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, to allow us to exclude any indebtedness guaranteed by the SBA and issued by the Funds from the 200.0% asset coverage requirements, which, in turn, will enable us to fund more investments with debt capital.

As a BDC, we are generally not permitted to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the then-current net asset value per share of our common stock if our board of directors, including Independent Directors, determines that such sale is in the best interests of us and our stockholders, and if our stockholders approve such sale. On June 3, 2015, our stockholders voted to allow us to sell or otherwise issue common stock at a price below net asset value per share for a period of one year ending on the earlier of June 3, 2016 or the date of our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. We expect to present to our stockholders a similar proposal at our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Our stockholders specified that the cumulative number of shares sold in each offering during the one-year period ending on the earlier of June 3, 2016 or the date of our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders may not exceed 25.0% of our outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such sale.

Stock repurchase plan: We have an open market stock repurchase program (the “Program”) under which we may acquire up to $5.0 million of our outstanding common stock. Under the Program, we may, but are not obligated to, repurchase outstanding common stock in the open market from time to time provided that we comply with the prohibitions under our insider trading policies and the requirements of Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including certain price, market value and timing constraints. The timing, manner, price and amount of any share repurchases will be determined by our management, in its discretion, based upon the evaluation of economic and market conditions, stock price, capital availability, applicable legal and regulatory requirements and other corporate considerations. Unless extended by our board of directors, we expect that the Program will be in effect until January 22, 2017, or until the approved dollar amount has been used to repurchase shares. The Program does not require us to repurchase any specific number of shares and the Company cannot assure that any shares will be repurchased under the Program. The Program may be suspended, extended, modified or discontinued at any time. We did not make any repurchases of common stock during the quarters ended March 31, 2016 or 2015.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions affecting amounts reported in the financial statements. We have identified investment valuation and revenue recognition as our most critical accounting estimates. We continuously evaluate our estimates, including those related to the matters described below. These estimates are based on the information that is currently available to us and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. A discussion of our critical accounting policies follows.

Valuation of Portfolio Investments

As a BDC, we report our assets and liabilities at fair value at all times consistent with GAAP and the 1940 Act. Accordingly, we are required to periodically determine the fair value of all of our portfolio investments.

Our investments generally consist of illiquid securities including debt and equity investments in lower middle-market companies. Investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at such market quotations. Because we expect that there will not be a readily available market for substantially all of the investments in our portfolio, we value substantially all of our portfolio investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of directors using a documented valuation policy and consistently applied valuation process. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of our investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the difference could be material.

With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, our board of directors undertakes a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:

 

   

our quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment being initially evaluated and rated by the investment professionals of our investment advisor responsible for the portfolio investment;

 

   

preliminary valuation conclusions are then documented and discussed with the investment committee of our investment advisor;

 

   

our board of directors engages one or more independent valuation firm(s) to conduct independent appraisals of a selection of our portfolio investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Each portfolio company investment is generally appraised by the valuation firm(s) at least once every calendar year and each new portfolio company investment is appraised at least once in the twelve-month period following the initial investment. In certain instances, we may determine that it is not cost-effective, and as a result it is not in our stockholders’ best interest, to request the independent appraisal of certain portfolio company investments. Such instances include, but are not limited to, situations where we determine that the fair value of the portfolio company investment is relatively insignificant to the fair value of the total portfolio. Our board of directors consulted with the independent valuation firm(s) in arriving at our determination of fair value for 13 and 16 of our portfolio company investments representing 25.9% and 43.0% of the total portfolio investments at fair value (exclusive of new portfolio company investments made during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively) as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively;

 

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the audit committee of our board of directors reviews the preliminary valuations of our investment advisor and of the independent valuation firm(s) and responds and supplements the valuation recommendations to reflect any comments; and

 

   

our board of directors discusses the valuations and determines the fair value of each investment in our portfolio in good faith, based on the input of our investment advisor, the independent valuation firm(s) and the audit committee.

In making the good faith determination of the value of portfolio investments, we start with the cost basis of the security. The transaction price is typically the best estimate of fair value at inception. When evidence supports a subsequent change to the carrying value from the original transaction price, adjustments are made to reflect the expected exit values.

Consistent with the policies and methodologies adopted by our board of directors, we perform detailed valuations of our debt and equity investments, including an analysis on the Company’s unfunded loan commitments, using both the market and income approaches as appropriate. Under the market approach, we typically use the enterprise value methodology to determine the fair value of an investment. There is no one methodology to estimate enterprise value and, in fact, for any one portfolio company, enterprise value is generally best expressed as a range of values, from which we derive a single estimate of enterprise value. Under the income approach, we typically prepare and analyze discounted cash flow models to estimate the present value of future cash flows of either an individual debt investment or of the underlying portfolio company itself.

We evaluate investments in portfolio companies using the most recent portfolio company financial statements and forecasts. We also consult with the portfolio company’s senior management to obtain further updates on the portfolio company’s performance, including information such as industry trends, new product development and other operational issues.

For our debt investments, including senior secured loans and subordinated notes, the primary valuation technique used to estimate the fair value is the discounted cash flow method. However, if there is deterioration in credit quality or a debt investment is in workout status, we may consider other methods in determining the fair value, including the value attributable to the debt investment from the enterprise value of the portfolio company or the proceeds that would be received in a liquidation analysis. Our discounted cash flow models estimate a range of fair values by applying an appropriate discount rate to the future cash flow streams of our debt investments, based on future interest and principal payments as set forth in the associated loan agreements. We prepare a weighted average cost of capital for use in the discounted cash flow model for each investment, based on factors including, but not limited to: current pricing and credit metrics for similar proposed or executed investment transactions of private companies; the portfolio company’s historical financial results and outlook; and the portfolio company’s current leverage and credit quality as compared to leverage and credit quality as of the date the investment was made. We may also consider the following factors when determining the fair value of debt investments: the portfolio company’s ability to make future scheduled payments; prepayment penalties and other fees; estimated remaining life; the nature and realizable value of any collateral securing such debt investment; and changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets that generally may affect the price at which similar investments may be made. We estimate the remaining life of our debt investments to generally be the legal maturity date of the instrument, as we generally intend to hold loans to maturity. However, if we have information available to us that the loan is expected to be repaid in the near term, we would use an estimated remaining life based on the expected repayment date.

For our equity investments, including equity securities and warrants, we generally use a market approach, including valuation methodologies consistent with industry practice, to estimate

 

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the enterprise value of portfolio companies. Typically, the enterprise value of a private company is based on multiples of EBITDA, net income, revenues, or in limited cases, book value. In estimating the enterprise value of a portfolio company, we analyze various factors consistent with industry practice, including but not limited to original transaction multiples, the portfolio company’s historical and projected financial results, applicable market trading and transaction comparables, applicable market yields and leverage levels, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, and comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public. Where applicable, we consider our ability to influence the capital structure of the portfolio company, as well as the timing of a potential exit.

We may also utilize an income approach when estimating the fair value of our equity securities, either as a primary methodology if consistent with industry practice or if the market approach is otherwise not applicable, or as a supporting methodology to corroborate the fair value ranges determined by the market approach. We typically prepare and analyze discounted cash flow models based on projections of the future free cash flows (or earnings) of the portfolio company. We consider various factors, including but not limited to the portfolio company’s projected financial results, applicable market trading and transaction comparables, applicable market yields and leverage levels, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, and comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public.

The fair value of our royalty rights are calculated based on projected future cash flows and the specific provisions contained in the pertinent royalty agreement. The determination of the fair value of such royalty rights is not a significant component of our valuation process.

Determination of fair value involves subjective judgments and estimates. Accordingly, the notes to our consolidated financial statements express the uncertainties with respect to the possible effect of such valuations, and any changes in such valuations, on the consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Investments and related investment income. Realized gains or losses on investments are recorded upon the sale or disposition of a portfolio investment and are calculated as the difference between the net proceeds from the sale or disposition and the cost basis of the investment, without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the consolidated statements of operations includes changes in the fair value of investments from the prior period, as determined by our board of directors through the application of our valuation policy, as well as reclassifications of any prior period unrealized appreciation or depreciation on exited investments to realized gains or losses on investments.

Interest and dividend income. Interest and dividend income are recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that we expect to collect such amounts. Interest and dividend income is accrued daily based on the outstanding principal amount and the contractual terms of the debt or preferred equity investment. Dividend income is recorded at the point an obligation exists for the portfolio company to make a distribution. Distributions from portfolio companies are evaluated to determine if the distribution is a distribution of earnings or a return of capital.

Payment-in-kind interest. Certain of our investments contain a PIK income provision. The PIK income, computed at the contractual rate specified in the applicable investment agreement, is added to the principal balance of the investment, rather than being paid in cash, and recorded as interest or dividend income, as applicable, on the consolidated statements of operations. Generally, PIK can be paid-in-kind or all in cash. We stop accruing PIK income when there is

 

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reasonable doubt that PIK income will be collected. PIK income is included in our taxable income and, therefore, affects the amount we are required to pay to our stockholders in the form of dividends in order to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC and to avoid paying corporate federal income tax, even though we have not yet collected the cash.

Non-accrual. When there is reasonable doubt that principal, interest or dividends will be collected, loans or preferred equity investments are placed on non-accrual status and we will generally cease recognizing interest or dividend income. Interest and dividend payments received on non-accrual investments may be recognized as interest or dividend income or applied to the investment principal balance based on management’s judgment. Non-accrual investments are restored to accrual status when past due principal, interest or dividends are paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current.

Warrants. In connection with our debt investments, we will sometimes receive warrants or other equity-related securities, or Warrants. We determine the cost basis of Warrants based upon their respective fair values on the date of receipt in proportion to the total fair value of the debt and Warrants received. Any resulting difference between the face amount of the debt and its recorded fair value resulting from the assignment of value to the Warrants are treated as original issue discount, or OID, and accreted into interest income using the effective interest method over the term of the debt investment.

Fee income. All transaction fees earned in connection with our investments are recognized as fee income. Such fees typically include fees for services, including structuring and advisory services, provided to portfolio companies. We recognize income from fees for providing such structuring and advisory services when the services are rendered or the transactions are completed. Upon the prepayment of a loan or debt security, any prepayment penalties are recorded as fee income when earned. Prior to the Formation Transactions, and in accordance with the prior limited partnership agreement, we historically recorded transaction fees provided in connection with our investments as a direct offset to management fee expense.

We also typically receive loan origination or closing fees in connection with investments. Such loan origination and closing fees are capitalized as unearned income and offset against investment cost basis on our consolidated statements of assets and liabilities and accreted into income over the life of the investment.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which amends the criteria for determining which entities are considered variable interest entities (“VIEs”), amends the criteria for determining if a service provider possesses a variable interest in a VIE and ends the deferral granted to investment companies for application of the VIE consolidation model. The Company adopted ASU 2015-02 as of January 1, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 had no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. The Company adopted ASU 2015-03 as of January 1, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 had no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements other than corresponding reductions to total assets and total liabilities on the

 

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consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. Prior to adoption, the Company recorded deferred financing costs as an asset on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. Upon adoption of ASU 2015-03, the Company reclassified these deferred costs to a direct offset of the related debt liability on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. The new guidance will be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented. The Company reclassified the $4,872 of deferred financing costs presented as an asset as of December 31, 2015 to a direct offset of the related debt liabilities as of such date.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Revenue Recognition (Topic 605). Under the new guidance, an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early application is permitted only for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. We are currently evaluating the impact this ASU will have on our consolidated financial position or disclosures.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We may be a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of our portfolio companies. We had off-balance sheet arrangements consisting of outstanding commitments to fund various undrawn revolving loans and other credit facilities totaling $7.5 million and $10.2 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Such outstanding commitments are summarized in the following table:

 

     March 31, 2016      December 31, 2015  

Portfolio Company—Investment

   Total
Commitment
     Unfunded
Commitment
     Total
Commitment
     Unfunded
Commitment
 
     (dollars in thousands)  

FAR Research Inc.—Revolving Loan

   $ 1,750       $ 1,614       $ 1,750       $ 1,614   

Inflexxion, Inc.—Revolving Loan

     1,000         850         1,000         850   

inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc.—Subordinated Note

     5,000         1,000         5,000         1,000   

Lightning Diversion Systems, LLC—Revolving Loan

     1,000         1,000         1,000         1,000   

Microbiology Research Associates, Inc.—Revolving Loan

     500         500         500         500   

Oaktree Medical Centre, P.C.—Revolving Loan

     1,250                 500         250   

Restaurant Finance Co, LLC—Senior Secured Loan

                     10,500         1,936   

Vanguard Dealer Services, L.L.C.—Subordinated Note

     9,850         2,500         9,850         2,500   

X5 Opco LLC—Revolving Loan

                     500         500   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 20,350       $ 7,464       $ 30,600       $ 10,150   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Additional detail for each of the commitments above is provided in the Company’s consolidated schedules of investments.

 

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Related Party Transactions

We have entered into a number of business relationships with affiliated or related parties, including the following:

 

   

In connection with the Formation Transactions, Fund I terminated its management services agreement with Fidus Capital, LLC and we entered into the Investment Advisory Agreement with Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC, as our investment advisor. The investment professionals of Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC were also the investment professionals of Fidus Capital, LLC. We entered into the Investment Advisory Agreement with Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC to manage our day-to-day operating and investing activities. We pay our investment advisor a fee for its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement consisting of two components—a base management fee and an incentive fee. See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.

Edward H. Ross, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Thomas C. Lauer, one of our directors, are managers of Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC. In May 2015, Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC entered into a combination with Fidus Partners, LLC (the “Combination”), by which members of Fidus Investment Advisors LLC and Fidus Partners, LLC (“Partners”) contributed all of their respective membership interest in Fidus Investment Advisors LLC and Partners to a newly formed limited liability company, Fidus Group Holdings, LLC (“Holdings”). As a result, Fidus Investment Advisors LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings, which is a newly formed limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware.

 

   

We entered into the Administration Agreement with Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC to provide us with the office facilities and administrative services necessary to conduct day-to-day operations. See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

   

We entered into a license agreement with Fidus Partners, LLC, pursuant to which Fidus Partners, LLC has granted us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the name “Fidus.”

In connection with the IPO and our election to be regulated as a BDC, we applied for and received exemptive relief from the SEC on March 27, 2012 to allow us to take certain actions that would otherwise be prohibited by the 1940 Act, as applicable to BDCs. The relief permits FIC and Fund I, each of which has elected to be treated as a BDC, to operate effectively as one company, specifically allowing them to: (1) engage in certain transactions with each other; (2) invest in securities in which the other is or proposes to be an investor; (3) file consolidated reports with the Commission; and (4) be subject to modified consolidated asset coverage requirements for senior securities issued by a BDC and its SBIC subsidiary. Fund II has not elected to be treated as a BDC and is not party to this exemptive relief. The fourth exemption described above allows us to exclude any indebtedness guaranteed by the SBA and issued by Fund I from the 200.0% asset coverage requirements applicable to us. Effective September 30, 2014, any SBA debentures issued by Fund II are not considered senior securities for purposes of the 200.0% asset coverage requirements.

In addition, we, Fund I and our investment advisor have each adopted a joint code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that governs the conduct of our and our investment advisor’s officers, directors and employees. Additionally, our investment advisor has adopted a code of ethics pursuant to rule 240A-1 under the 1940 Act and in accordance with Rule 17j-1(c). We, and Fund I, have also adopted a code of business conduct that is applicable to all officers, directors and employees of Fidus and our investment advisor. Our officers and directors also remain subject to the duties imposed by both the 1940 Act and the Maryland General Corporation Law.

 

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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. Changes in interest rates affect both our cost of funding and the valuation of our investment portfolio. Our risk management systems and procedures are designed to identify and analyze our risk, to set appropriate policies and limits and to continually monitor these risks and limits by means of reliable administrative and information systems and other policies and programs. In the future, our investment income may also be affected by changes in various interest rates, including LIBOR and prime rates, to the extent of any debt investments that include floating interest rates. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, one debt investment bore interest at a variable rate, which represented $8.5 million and $8.9 million of our portfolio on a fair value basis, respectively, and the remainder of our debt portfolio was comprised entirely of fixed rate investments. Assuming that the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were to remain constant, a hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates would not have a material effect on our level of interest income from debt investments. Our pooled SBA debentures bear interest at fixed rates. Our Credit Facility bears interest, subject to our election, on a per annum basis equal to (i) the alternate base rate plus 2.5% or (ii) the applicable LIBOR, which varies depending on the period of the borrowing under the Credit Facility, plus 3.5%. The alternate base rate is equal to the greater of (i) prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% or (iii) the three-month LIBOR plus 1.0%.

Because we currently borrow, and plan to borrow in the future, money to make investments, our net investment income is dependent upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest the funds borrowed. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment income if there is not a corresponding increase in interest income generated by our investment portfolio.

UNDERWRITING

We and the underwriters named below have entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the shares being offered. Subject to certain conditions, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the number of shares indicated in the following table. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. is the representative of the underwriters.

 

Underwriter

   Number of
Shares
 

Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

  

Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated

  

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

  

BB&T Capital Markets, a division of BB&T Securities, LLC

  

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

  
  

 

 

 

Total

     2,500,000   
  

 

 

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of common stock offered hereby are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are severally obligated to take and pay for all shares of common stock offered hereby (other than those covered by the underwriters’ over-allotment option described below) if any such shares are taken. We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

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Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “FDUS.”

Over-Allotment Option

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, to purchase up to an aggregate of 375,000 additional shares of common stock at the public offering price set forth on the cover page hereof, less the underwriting discount. The underwriters may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the offering of the shares of common stock offered hereby. To the extent such option is exercised, each underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage of such additional shares of common stock as the number set forth next to such underwriter’s name in the preceding table bears to the total number of shares set forth next to the names of all underwriters in the preceding table.

Lock-Up Agreements

We, and certain of our executive officers and directors, have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to issue, sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, transfer, grant any option to purchase, establish an open put equivalent position or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock, or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any shares of our common stock or any right to acquire shares of our common stock, for 90 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, subject to extension upon material announcements or earnings releases. The representative, at any time and without notice, may release all or any portion of the common stock subject to the foregoing lock-up agreements.

Underwriting Discounts

The underwriters initially propose to offer the shares directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $          per share below the public offering price. After the initial public offering of the shares, the offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the underwriters.

The following table provides information regarding the per share and total underwriting discount that we are to pay to the underwriters. In addition, our investment advisor has agreed to bear $         or $         per share, of the underwriting discounts and commissions (sales load) in this offering, which is also reflected in the following table and will not be subject to reimbursement by us. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase up to 375,000 additional shares from us.

 

     Per Share      Total
Without
Exercise of
Over-
allotment
     Total with
Full Exercise
of Over-
Allotment
 

Underwriting discount payable by us on shares sold to the public

   $                    $                    $                

Underwriting discount payable by our investment advisor on the shares sold to the public

   $         $         $     

We estimate that the total expenses of the offering payable by us, excluding the underwriting discount, will be approximately $225,000. Our investment advisor has agreed to bear $         of our offering expenses in connection with this offering, which will not be subject to reimbursement by us.

 

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A prospectus supplement in electronic format may be made available on the web sites maintained by one or more of the underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in this offering. The representative may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters and selling group members for the sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriters and selling group members that will make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. The representative may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders.

Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of our common stock in the open market. These transactions may include over-allotment, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. An over-allotment involves syndicate sales of shares in excess of the number of shares to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate short position. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of shares in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions.

Stabilizing transactions consist of some bids or purchases of shares of our common stock made for the purpose of preventing or slowing a decline in the market price of the shares while the offering is in progress.

In addition, the underwriters may impose penalty bids, under which they may reclaim the selling concession from a syndicate member when the shares of our common stock originally sold by that syndicate member are purchased in a stabilizing transaction or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions.

Similar to other purchase transactions, these activities may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the common stock or preventing or slowing a decline in the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. Except for the sale of shares of our common stock in this offering, the underwriters may carry out these transactions on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

Neither the underwriters nor we make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the shares. In addition, neither the underwriters nor we make any representation that the underwriters will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Passive Market Making

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may engage in passive market making transactions in the common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act during the period before the commencement of offers or sales of common stock and extending through the completion of distribution. A passive market maker must display its bids at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid of the security. However, if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid that bid must be lowered when specified purchase limits are exceeded.

Conflicts of Interest

The underwriters and/or their affiliates from time to time provide and may in the future provide investment banking, commercial banking and financial advisory services to us, for which they have received and may receive customary compensation.

 

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In addition, the underwriters and/or their affiliates may from time to time refer investment banking clients to us as potential portfolio investments. If we invest in those clients, we may utilize net proceeds from this offering to fund such investments, and the referring underwriter or its affiliate may receive placement fees from its client in connection with such financing, which placement fees may be paid out of the amount funded by us.

The addresses of the underwriters are: Raymond James & Associates, Inc., 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716; Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., 787 Seventh Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, New York 10019; BB&T Capital Markets, 901 East Byrd Street, Suite 410, Richmond, Virginia 23219; Oppenheimer Co. Inc., 85 Broad Street, New York, New York, 10004.

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP. Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP also represents our investment advisor. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Morrison & Foerster LLP, New York, New York.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The consolidated financial statements, the related senior securities table and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting appearing in the accompanying prospectus and registration statement have been audited by RSM US LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm located at One South Wacker Drive, Suite 800, Chicago, Illinois 60606, as stated in their reports appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such reports and upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-2, together with all amendments and related exhibits, under the Securities Act, with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. The registration statement contains additional information about us and the securities being offered by this prospectus.

We file with or submit to the SEC annual, quarterly and current periodic reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the registration statement and related exhibits and schedules, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. We maintain a website at http://www.fdus.com and intend to make all of our annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other publicly filed information available, free of charge, on or through our website. Information contained on our website is not incorporated into this prospectus supplement, and you should not consider information on our website to be part of this prospectus supplement. You may also obtain such information by contacting us in writing at 1603 Orrington Avenue, Suite 1005, Evanston, Illinois 60201, Attention: Investor Relations. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information we file with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of these reports, proxy and information statements and other information may also be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.

 

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PRIVACY NOTICE

We are committed to maintaining the privacy of our stockholders and to safeguarding their nonpublic personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information we collect, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select other parties.

From time to time, we may receive nonpublic personal information relating to our stockholders. We do not disclose nonpublic personal information about our stockholders or former stockholders to anyone, except as required by law or as is necessary in order to service stockholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third-party administrator).

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about our stockholders to employees of our investment advisor, its affiliates or authorized service providers that have a legitimate business need for the information. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to protect the nonpublic personal information of our stockholders.

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities — March  31, 2016 (unaudited) and December 31, 2015

     SF-2   

Consolidated Statements of Operations — Three Months Ended March  31, 2016 (unaudited) and 2015 (unaudited)

     SF-3   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets — Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 (unaudited) and 2015 (unaudited)

     SF-4   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Three Months Ended March  31, 2016 (unaudited) and 2015 (unaudited)

     SF-5   

Consolidated Schedules of Investments — March  31, 2016 (unaudited) and December 31, 2015

     SF-6   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

     SF-19   

 

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Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

 

     March 31, 2016
(unaudited)
    December 31,
2015
 

ASSETS

    

Investments, at fair value

    

Control investments (cost: $12,042 and $12,042, respectively)

   $ —        $ 618   

Affiliate investments (cost: $105,693 and $105,930, respectively)

     113,292        111,846   

Non-control/non-affiliate investments (cost: $342,248 and $330,366, respectively)

     342,390        330,805   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments, at fair value (cost: $459,983 and $448,338, respectively)

     455,682        443,269   

Cash and cash equivalents

     13,041        31,657   

Interest receivable

     5,725        4,520   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     1,099        1,222   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 475,547      $ 480,668   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

    

SBA debentures, net of deferred financing costs (Note 6)

   $ 210,067      $ 209,394   

Borrowings under credit facility, net of deferred financing costs (Note 6)

     10,321        14,734   

Accrued interest and fees payable

     722        2,840   

Due to affiliates

     5,565        5,762   

Taxes payable

     —          400   

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     147        176   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     226,822        233,306   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

    

NET ASSETS

    

Common stock, $0.001 par value (100,000,000 shares authorized, 16,312,363 and 16,300,732 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)

     16        16   

Additional paid-in capital

     246,487        246,307   

Undistributed net investment income

     14,612        13,887   

Accumulated net realized (loss) gain on investments, net of taxes and distributions

     (6,684     (6,145

Accumulated net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on investments

     (5,706     (6,703
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net assets

     248,725        247,362   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and net assets

   $ 475,547      $ 480,668   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value per common share

   $ 15.25      $ 15.17   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

 

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FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2016     2015  

Investment Income:

    

Interest income

    

Control investments

   $ —        $ 128   

Affiliate investments

     2,844        2,345   

Non-control/non-affiliate investments

     10,603        9,450   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest income

     13,447        11,923   

Dividend income

    

Affiliate investments

     162        30   

Non-control/non-affiliate investments

     81        107   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividend income

     243        137   

Fee income

    

Affiliate investments

     7        —     

Non-control/non-affiliate investments

     968        764   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fee income

     975        764   

Interest on idle funds and other income

     26        14   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     14,691        12,838   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

    

Interest and financing expenses

     2,600        2,130   

Base management fee

     1,983        1,791   

Incentive fee

     1,880        1,599   

Administrative service expenses

     321        368   

Professional fees

     482        439   

Other general and administrative expenses

     318        293   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     7,584        6,620   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income before income taxes

     7,107        6,218   

Income tax provision (benefit)

     25        (11
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

     7,082        6,229   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments:

    

Realized (losses) on non-control/non-affiliate investments

     (310     —     

Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments

     768        180   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net gain on investments

     458        180   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 7,540      $ 6,409   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Per common share data:

    

Net investment income per share-basic and diluted

   $ 0.43      $ 0.39   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operation per share — basic and diluted

   $ 0.46      $ 0.40   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.39      $ 0.38   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding — basic and diluted

     16,301,499        16,060,057   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

 

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FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares)

 

   

 

Common Stock

    Undistributed
net investment
income
    Accumulated
net realized
(loss) on
investments,
net of taxes and
distributions
    Accumulated
net unrealized
(depreciation)
appreciation on
investments
    Total net
assets
 
    Number of
shares
    Par
value
    Additional
paid in
capital
         

Balances at December 31, 2014

    16,051,037      $ 16      $ 243,008      $ 12,433      $ (15,999   $ 3,805      $ 243,263   

Public offerings of common stock, net of expenses

    49,193        —          882        —          —          —          882   

Shares issued under dividend reinvestment plan

    12,922        —          213        —          —          —          213   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    —          —          —          6,229        —          180        6,409   

Dividends declared

    —          —          —          (6,099     —          —          (6,099
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances at March 31, 2015

    16,113,152      $ 16      $ 244,103      $ 12,563      $ (15,999   $ 3,985      $ 244,668   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2015

    16,300,732      $ 16      $ 246,307      $ 13,887      $ (6,145   $ (6,703   $ 247,362   

Public offerings of common stock, net of expenses

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Shares issued under dividend reinvestment plan

    11,631        —          180        —          —          —          180   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    —          —          —          7,082        (539     997        7,540   

Dividends declared

    —          —          —          (6,357     —          —          (6,357
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balances at March 31, 2016

    16,312,363      $ 16      $ 246,487      $ 14,612      $ (6,684   $ (5,706   $ 248,725   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

 

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FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2016     2015  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

    

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 7,540      $ 6,409   

Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash (used for) operating activities:

    

Net change in unrealized (appreciation) on investments

     (768     (180

Realized losses on investments

     310        —     

Interest and dividend income paid-in-kind

     (1,087     (1,074

Accretion of original issue discount

     (60     (151

Accretion of loan origination fees

     (316     (212

Purchase of investments

     (42,348     (39,561

Proceeds from sales and repayments of investments

     31,581        24,679   

Proceeds from loan origination fees

     275        250   

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     273        234   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Interest receivable

     (1,205     (975

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     123        69   

Accrued interest and fees payable

     (2,118     (1,753

Due to affiliates

     (197     (161

Taxes payable

     (400     (328

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     (29     (72
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used for) operating activities

     (8,426     (12,826
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

    

Proceeds from stock offerings, net of expenses

     —          882   

Proceeds received from SBA debentures

     500        5,000   

Net (repayments of) proceeds received from borrowings under credit facility

     (4,500     800   

Payment of deferred financing costs

     (13     (921

Dividends paid to stockholders, including expenses

     (6,177     (5,886
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used for) financing activities

     (10,190     (125
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (18,616     (12,951

Cash and cash equivalents:

    

Beginning of period

     31,657        29,318   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 13,041      $ 16,367   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash payments for interest

   $ 4,445      $ 3,649   

Cash payments for taxes, net of tax refunds received

   $ 425      $ 317   

Non-cash financing activities:

    

Shares issued under dividend reinvestment plan

   $ 180      $ 213   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

 

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FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

March 31, 2016

(In thousands, except shares)

 

Industry

Portfolio Company (a)(b)

Investment Type (c)

   Rate (d)
Cash/PIK
   Maturity    Principal
Amount
     Cost     Fair Value     Percent
of Net
Assets
 

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

               

FDS Avionics Corp.

               

(dba Flight Display Systems)

               

Subordinated Note

   12.3%/0.0%    4/1/2020    $ 5,200       $ 5,181      $ 5,098     

Common Equity (200 units) (i)

              2,000        1,200     
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              7,181        6,298        3

Lightning Diversion Systems, LLC

               

Senior Secured Loan

   9.5%/0.0%    12/20/2018      9,198         9,168        9,198     

Revolving Loan ($1,000 commitment) (h)

   9.5%/0.0%    12/20/2018      —           (1     (1  

Common Equity (600,000 units)

              —          2,414     
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              9,167        11,611        5

Malabar International (k)

               

Subordinated Note (j)

   12.5%/2.5%    5/21/2017      7,497         7,486        7,497     

Preferred Equity (1,494 shares) (f)

   6.0%/0.0%    11/21/2017         1,995        5,018     
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              9,481        12,515        5

Simplex Manufacturing Co.

               

Subordinated Note

   14.0%/0.0%    5/1/2016      4,550         4,550        4,550     

Warrant (24 shares)

              710        3,589     
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              5,260        8,139        3

Steward Holding LLC (k)

               

(dba Steward Advanced Materials)

               

Subordinated Note

   12.0%/2.3%    5/12/2021      7,061         7,028        7,028     

Common Equity (1,000,000 units)

              1,000        1,000     
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              8,028        8,028        3

Apparel Distribution

               

Jacob Ash Holdings, Inc.

               

Subordinated Note (j)

   13.0%/4.0%    6/30/2018      4,000         3,994        4,000     

Subordinated Note

   13.0%/0.0%    6/30/2018      963         956        963     

Preferred Equity (66,138 shares) (f)

   0.0%/15.0%    6/30/2018         959        955     

Warrant (63,492 shares)

              67        —       
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              5,976        5,918        2

Building Products Manufacturing

               

The Wolf Organization, LLC

               

Common Equity (175 shares)

              1,750        3,260        1

US GreenFiber, LLC

               

Subordinated Note (j)

   12.5%/0.0%    1/2/2019      14,000         13,956        14,000     

Common Equity (1,667 units) (g)(i)

              500        1,119     
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              14,456        15,119        6

 

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FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

March 31, 2016

(In thousands, except shares)

 

Industry

Portfolio Company (a)(b)

Investment Type (c)

   Rate (d)
Cash/PIK
   Maturity    Principal
Amount
     Cost      Fair Value      Percent
of Net
Assets
 

Business Services

                 

Inflexxion, Inc. (k)

                 

Senior Secured Loan

   13.0%/0.0%    12/16/2019    $ 3,950       $ 3,932       $ 2,524      

Revolving Loan ($1,000 commitment) (i)

   13.0%/0.0%    12/16/2019      150         146         96      

Preferred Equity (1,400 units)

              1,400         —        
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              5,478         2,620         1

Plymouth Rock Energy, LLC

                 

Senior Secured Loan

   11.8%/0.0%    5/14/2017      6,000         5,987         6,000         2

Vanguard Dealer Services, L.L.C.

                 

Subordinated Note ($9,850 commitment) (j)

   12.3%/0.0%    1/30/2021      7,350         7,313         7,350      

Common Equity (6,000 shares)

              600         798      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              7,913         8,148         3

Capital Equipment Manufacturing

                 

Thermoforming Technology Group LLC

                 

Subordinated Note

   12.5%/0.0%    9/14/2021      13,500         13,433         13,433      

Common Equity (3,500 units) (g)(i)

              350         350      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              13,783         13,783         6

Commercial Cleaning

                 

Premium Franchise Brands, LLC

                 

Preferred Equity (1,054,619 shares)

              832         775         0

Component Manufacturing

                 

Channel Technologies Group, LLC

                 

Preferred Equity (612 units) (g)(i)

              939         59      

Common Equity (612,432 units) (g)(i)

              —           —        
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              939         59         0

Toledo Molding & Die, Inc.

                 

Subordinated Note (i)

   10.5%/0.0%    12/18/2018      10,000         9,898         10,000         4

Consumer Products

                 

Grindmaster Corporation

                 

Subordinated Note

   11.5%/0.0%    10/31/2019      10,500         10,467         10,500         4

World Wide Packaging, LLC (k)

                 

Subordinated Note (i)

   12.0%/1.0%    10/26/2018      10,290         10,267         10,290      

Common Equity (1,517,573 units) (g)(i)

              1,518         2,322      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              11,785         12,612         5

Electronic Components Supplier

                 

Apex Microtechnology, Inc. (k)

                 

Warrant (2,293 shares)

              220         368      

Common Equity (11,690 shares)

              1,169         1,842      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              1,389         2,210         1

 

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Table of Contents

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

March 31, 2016

(In thousands, except shares)

 

Industry

Portfolio Company (a)(b)

Investment Type (c)

   Rate (d)
Cash/PIK
  Maturity    Principal
Amount
     Cost      Fair Value      Percent
of Net
Assets
 

Financial Services

                

National Truck Protection Co., Inc.

                

Senior Secured Loan

   13.5%/2.0%   9/13/2018    $ 11,089       $ 11,046       $ 11,089      

Common Equity (1,109 shares)

             758         1,924      
          

 

 

    

 

 

    
             11,804         13,013         5

Healthcare Products

                

Allied 100 Group, Inc.

                

Subordinated Note (j)

   11.5%/0.0%   5/26/2020      13,000         12,951         13,000      

Common Equity (1,250,000 units) (i)

             1,250         1,362      
          

 

 

    

 

 

    
             14,201         14,362         6

Anatrace Products, LLC

                

Subordinated Note

   13.0%/1.3%   6/23/2021      6,500         6,481         6,481      

Common Equity (360,000 shares) (i)    

             —           214      
          

 

 

    

 

 

    
             6,481         6,695         3

MedPlast, LLC

                

Subordinated Note (i)

   11.0%/1.5%   3/31/2019      10,377         10,336         10,377      

Preferred Equity (188 shares) (f)(i)

   0.0%/8.0%   3/31/2019         227         228      

Common Equity (3,728 shares) (i)

             62         210      
          

 

 

    

 

 

    
             10,625         10,815         4

OMC Investors, LLC

                

(dba Ohio Medical Corporation)

                

Subordinated Note

   12.0%/0.0%   7/15/2021      10,000         9,904         9,904      

Common Equity (5,000 shares) (f)

   0.0%/8.0%           508         508      
          

 

 

    

 

 

    
             10,412         10,412         4

Pfanstiehl, Inc. (k)

                

Subordinated Note

   12.0%/1.5%   9/29/2018      6,208         6,181         6,208      

Common Equity (8,500 units) (i)

             850         5,722      
          

 

 

    

 

 

    
             7,031         11,930         5

Six Month Smiles Holdings, Inc.

                

Subordinated Note (i)

   12.0%/1.8%   7/31/2020      8,142         8,114         7,909         3

Healthcare Services

                

Medsurant Holdings, LLC (k)

                

Subordinated Note

   12.3%/0.0%   6/18/2021      6,267         6,214         6,214      

Preferred Equity (126,662 units) (g)

             1,346         1,522      

Warrant (505,176 units) (g)

             4,516         5,262      
          

 

 

    

 

 

    
             12,076         12,998         5

 

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FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

March 31, 2016

(In thousands, except shares)

 

Industry

Portfolio Company (a)(b)

Investment Type (c)

   Rate (d)
Cash/PIK
  Maturity    Principal
Amount
     Cost     Fair Value      Percent
of Net
Assets
 

Microbiology Research Associates, Inc. (k)

               

Senior Secured Loan

   6.0%/0.0%   5/13/2020    $ 3,750       $ 3,735      $ 3,750      

Revolving Loan ($500 commitment) (h)(i)

   6.0%/0.0%   5/13/2020      —           (2     —        

Subordinated Note

   12.5%/0.0%   11/13/2020      6,250         6,224        6,250      

Common Equity (1,000,000 units) (i)

             1,000        1,447      
          

 

 

   

 

 

    
             10,957        11,447         5

Oaktree Medical Centre, P.C.

               

(dba Pain Management Associates)

               

Senior Secured Loan (i)

   11.5%/0.0%   1/1/2018      571         590        566      

Senior Secured Loan (i)

   7.0%/12.0%   1/1/2018      5,556         5,697        5,235      

Revolving Loan ($1,250 commitment) (i)

   11.5%/0.0%   1/1/2018      1,255         1,265        1,255      
          

 

 

   

 

 

    
             7,552        7,056         3

United Biologics, LLC

               

Subordinated Note

   12.0%/2.0%   3/5/2017      8,566         8,436        8,267      

Preferred Equity (98,377 units) (g)(i)

             1,069        33      

Warrant (57,469 units)

             566        17      
          

 

 

   

 

 

    
             10,071        8,317         3

Industrial Cleaning & Coatings

               

K2 Industrial Services, Inc.

               

Subordinated Note

   11.8%/2.8%   5/23/2017      17,248         17,222        17,248      

Preferred Equity — Series A (1,200 shares)

             1,200        597      

Preferred Equity — Series B (74 shares)

             68        101      
          

 

 

   

 

 

    
             18,490        17,946         7

Information Technology Services

               

FTH Acquisition Corp. VII

               

Subordinated Note

   13.0%/0.0%   3/9/2017      8,308         8,308        8,137      

Preferred Equity (887,122 shares)

             887        128      
          

 

 

   

 

 

    
             9,195        8,265         3

inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc.

               

Subordinated Note ($5,000 commitment)

   12.5%/0.0%   4/24/2020      4,000         3,980        3,980      

Subordinated Note

   0.0%/12.5%   4/24/2020      1,072         904        904      

Royalty Rights

     4/24/2020         185        185      
          

 

 

   

 

 

    
             5,069        5,069         2

Laundry Services

               

Caldwell & Gregory, LLC

               

Subordinated Note

   11.5%/1.0%   11/30/2018      1,543         1,528        1,543      

Subordinated Note

   0.0%/12.0%   5/31/2019      4,194         4,032        4,194      

Common Equity (500,000 units) (g)

             500        597      

Warrant (242,121 units) (g)

             242        289      
          

 

 

   

 

 

    
             6,302        6,623         3

Oil & Gas Services

               

IOS Acquisitions, Inc. (n)

               

Common Equity (2,152 units) (i)

             109        21         0

 

SF-9


Table of Contents

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

March 31, 2016

(In thousands, except shares)

 

Industry

Portfolio Company (a)(b)

Investment Type (c)

   Rate (d)
Cash/PIK
   Maturity    Principal
Amount
     Cost      Fair Value      Percent
of Net
Assets
 

Pinnergy, Ltd.

                 

Subordinated Note (j)

   10.5%/1.8%    1/24/2020    $ 20,000       $ 19,948       $ 12,103         5

Printing Services

                 

Brook & Whittle Limited

                 

Subordinated Note

   12.0%/4.8%    12/31/2016      7,748         7,748         7,584      

Subordinated Note

   12.0%/2.0%    12/31/2016      2,307         2,307         2,214      

Warrant (1,161 shares)

              285         —        

Common Equity — Series A (148 shares)

              110         —        

Common Equity — Series D (527 shares)

              53         93      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              10,503         9,891         4

Promotional Products

                 

Hub Acquisition Sub, LLC

                 

(dba Hub Pen)

                 

Subordinated Note (j)

   12.3%/0.0%    9/23/2021      11,350         11,294         11,294      

Common Equity (7,500 units)

              750         750      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              12,044         12,044         5

Restaurants

                 

ACFP Management, Inc. (n)

                 

Common Equity (1,000,000 units) (i)

              —           —           0

Cardboard Box LLC

                 

(dba Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza)

                 

Common Equity (521,021 units) (i)

              521         521         0

Restaurant Finance Co, LLC

                 

Senior Secured Loan (j)

   12.0%/4.0%    7/31/2020      8,880         8,846         8,880         4

Retail

                 

EBL, LLC (EbLens)

                 

Common Equity (750,000 units) (g)(i)

              750         1,699         1

Retail Cleaning

                 

Paramount Building Solutions, LLC (l)

                 

Subordinated Note (m)

   0.0%/18.0%    12/31/2017      625         625         —        

Subordinated Note (m)

   0.0%/15.0%    12/31/2017      275         275         —        

Subordinated Note (m)

   0.0%/10.0%    12/31/2017      1,376         1,376         —        

Subordinated Note (m)

   0.0%/14.0%    12/31/2017      2,927         2,927         —        

Warrant (1,086,035 units) (g)

              —           —        

Preferred Equity (5,000,000 units) (g)

              5,339         —        

Common Equity (107,143 units) (g)

              1,500         —        
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              12,042         —           0

Safety Products Manufacturing

                 

Safety Products Group, LLC (k)

                 

Subordinated Note

   12.0%/1.5%    12/30/2018      10,000         9,976         10,000      

Preferred Equity (749 units) (g)(i)

              749         845      

Common Equity (676 units) (g)(i)

              1         —        
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              10,726         10,845         4

 

SF-10


Table of Contents

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

March 31, 2016

(In thousands, except shares)

 

Industry

Portfolio Company (a)(b)

Investment Type (c)

   Rate (d)
Cash/PIK
   Maturity    Principal
Amount
     Cost      Fair Value      Percent
of Net
Assets
 

Specialty Chemicals

                 

FAR Research Inc. (k)

                 

Senior Secured Loan (j)

   11.8%/1.0%    3/31/2019    $ 7,466       $ 7,443       $ 7,466      

Revolving Loan ($1,750 commitment) (i)

   11.8%/1.0%    3/31/2019      137         132         136      

Common Equity (10 units)

              1,000         125      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              8,575         7,727         3

Specialty Cracker Manufacturing

                 

Westminster Cracker Company, Inc. (k)(n)

                 

Common Equity (1,307,262 units)

              —           191         0

Specialty Distribution

                 

Carlson Systems Holdings, Inc.

                 

Subordinated Note (j)

   12.0%/0.0%    5/20/2020      21,000         20,917         21,000      

Common Equity (15,000 units) (i)

              1,500         2,725      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              22,417         23,725         10

Virginia Tile Company, LLC

                 

Subordinated Note (j)

   12.3%/0.0%    5/19/2020      12,000         11,954         12,000      

Common Equity (20 shares)

              250         744      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              12,204         12,744         5

Transportation Services

                 

Cavallo Bus Lines Holdings, LLC

                 

Subordinated Note

   12.0%/3.0%    4/26/2021      8,250         8,212         8,212         3

US Pack Logistics LLC

                 

Subordinated Note

   12.0%/1.8%    9/27/2020      10,345         10,303         10,345      

Common Equity (5,357 units) (g)(i)

              583         514      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              10,886         10,859         4

Worldwide Express Operations, LLC

                 

Subordinated Note

   11.5%/1.0%    8/1/2020      17,338         17,216         17,338      

Common Equity (2,500,000 units) (g)(i)

              2,500         4,425      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              19,716         21,763         9

Utility Equipment Manufacturing

                 

Mirage Trailers LLC (k)

                 

Senior Secured Loan (j)(e)

   12.5%/0.0%    11/25/2020      8,601         8,518         8,518      

Common Equity (2,500,000 shares)

              2,477         2,477      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              10,995         10,995         4

Trantech Radiator Products, Inc. (k)

                 

Subordinated Note (i)

   12.0%/1.8%    5/4/2017      8,494         8,484         8,494      

Common Equity (6,875 shares) (i)

              688         680      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              9,172         9,174         4

 

SF-11


Table of Contents

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

March 31, 2016

(In thousands, except shares)

 

Industry

Portfolio Company (a)(b)

Investment Type (c)

   Rate (d)
Cash/PIK
   Maturity    Principal
Amount
     Cost      Fair Value      Percent
of Net
Assets
 

Vending Equipment Manufacturing

                 

Ice House America, LLC

                 

Subordinated Note (i)

   12.0%/3.5%    1/1/2020    $ 4,135       $ 3,951       $ 3,806      

Warrant (1,957,895 units) (g)(i)

              216         30      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              4,167         3,836         2
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total Investments

            $ 459,983       $ 455,682         183
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

(a) See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for portfolio composition by geographic location.
(b) Equity ownership may be held in shares or units of companies related to the portfolio companies.
(c) All debt investments are income producing, unless otherwise indicated. Equity investments are non-income producing unless otherwise noted.
(d) Rate includes the cash interest or dividend rate and paid-in-kind interest or dividend rate, if any, as of March 31, 2016. Generally, payment-in-kind interest can be paid-in-kind or all in cash.
(e) The investment bears interest at a variable rate that is determined by reference to one-month LIBOR, which is reset monthly. The interest rate is set as one-month LIBOR + 11.5% and is subject to a 12.5% interest rate floor. The Company has provided the interest rate in effect as of March 31, 2016.
(f) Income producing. Maturity date, if any, represents mandatory redemption date.
(g) Investment is held by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
(h) The entire commitment was unfunded at March 31, 2016. As such, no interest is being earned on this investment.
(i) Investment pledged as collateral for the Credit Facility and, as a result, is not directly available to the creditors of the Company to satisfy any obligations of the Company other than the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements).
(j) The portion of the investment not held by the Funds is pledged as collateral for the Credit Facility and, as a result, is not directly available to the creditors of the Company to satisfy any obligations of the Company other than the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements).
(k) As defined in the 1940 Act, the Company is deemed to be an “Affiliated Person” of this portfolio company because it owns 5% or more of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or it has the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company. Transactions in which the issuer was an Affiliated Person are detailed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
(l) As defined in the 1940 Act, the Company is deemed to be both an “Affiliated Person” of and “Control” this portfolio company because it owns 25% or more of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or it has the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company. Transactions in which the issuer was both an Affiliated Person and a portfolio company that the Company is deemed to Control are detailed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
(m) Investment was on non-accrual status as of March 31, 2016, meaning the Company has ceased recognizing interest income on the investment.
(n) Investment in portfolio company that has sold its operations and is in the process of winding down.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

 

SF-12


Table of Contents

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2015

(In thousands, except shares)

 

Industry

Portfolio Company (a)(b)

Investment Type (c)

  

Rate (d)

Cash/PIK

   Maturity    Principal
Amount
     Cost     Fair
Value
    Percent
of Net
Assets
 

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

               

FDS Avionics Corp.

               

(dba Flight Display Systems)

               

Subordinated Note

   12.3%/0.0%    4/1/2020    $ 5,200       $ 5,180      $ 5,200     

Common Equity (200 units) (i)

              2,000        1,468     
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              7,180        6,668        3

Lightning Diversion Systems, LLC

               

Senior Secured Loan

   9.5%/0.0%    12/20/2018      9,198         9,165        9,198     

Revolving Loan ($1,000 commitment) (h)

   9.5%/0.0%    12/20/2018      —           (1     (1  

Common Equity (600,000 units)

              —          2,429     
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              9,164        11,626        5

Malabar International (k)

               

Subordinated Note (j)

   12.5%/2.5%    5/21/2017      7,450         7,436        7,450     

Preferred Equity (1,494 shares) (f)

   6.0%/0.0%    11/21/2017         1,994        4,808     
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              9,430        12,258        5

Simplex Manufacturing Co.

               

Subordinated Note

   14.0%/0.0%    5/1/2016      4,550         4,550        4,550     

Warrant (24 shares)

              710        3,359     
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              5,260        7,909        3

Steward Holding LLC (k)

               

(dba Steward Advanced Materials)

               

Subordinated Note

   12.0%/2.3%    5/12/2021      7,022         6,987        6,987     

Common Equity (1,000,000 units)

              1,000        1,000     
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              7,987        7,987        3

Apparel Distribution

               

Jacob Ash Holdings, Inc.

               

Subordinated Note (j)

   13.0%/4.0%    6/30/2018      4,000         3,994        4,000     

Subordinated Note

   13.0%/0.0%    6/30/2018      963         956        963     

Preferred Equity (66,138 shares) (f)

   0.0%/15.0%    6/30/2018         924        926     

Warrant (63,492 shares)

              67        —       
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              5,941        5,889        2

Building Products Manufacturing

               

The Wolf Organization, LLC

               

Common Equity (175 shares)

              1,750        2,514        1

US GreenFiber, LLC

               

Subordinated Note (j)

   12.5%/0.0%    1/2/2019      14,000         13,952        14,000     

Common Equity (1,667 units) (g)(i)

              500        1,170     
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              14,452        15,170        6

Business Services

               

Inflexxion, Inc. (k)

               

Senior Secured Loan

   12.5%/0.0%    12/16/2019      3,950         3,931        3,470     

Revolving Loan ($1,000 commitment) (i)

   12.5%/0.0%    12/16/2019      150         146        132     

Preferred Equity (1,400 units)

              1,400        —       
           

 

 

   

 

 

   
              5,477        3,602        1

Plymouth Rock Energy, LLC

               

Senior Secured Loan

   11.8%/0.0%    5/14/2017      6,000         5,984        6,000        2

 

SF-13


Table of Contents

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (continued)

December 31, 2015

(In thousands, except shares)

Industry

Portfolio Company (a)(b)

Investment Type (c)

  

Rate (d)

Cash/PIK

   Maturity    Principal
Amount
     Cost      Fair
Value
     Percent
of Net
Assets
 

Stagnito Partners, LLC

                 

(dba Stagnito Business Information)

                 

Senior Secured Loan (i)

   12.0%/0.0%    6/30/2018    $ 6,361       $ 6,290       $ 6,361         3

Vanguard Dealer Services, L.L.C.

                 

Subordinated Note ($9,850 commitment) (j)

   12.3%/0.0%    1/30/2021      7,350         7,310         7,310      

Common Equity (6,000 shares)

              600         600      
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              7,910         7,910         3

Commercial Cleaning

                 

Premium Franchise Brands, LLC

                 

Preferred Equity (1,054,619 shares)

              832         717         0

Component Manufacturing

                 

Channel Technologies Group, LLC

                 

Subordinated Note

   11.0%/1.8%    4/10/2019      7,000         6,963         6,253      

Preferred Equity (612 units) (g)(i)

              1,139         548      

Common Equity (612,432 units) (g)(i)

              —           —        
           

 

 

    

 

 

    
              8,102         6,801         3

Toledo Molding & Die, Inc.

                 

Subordinated Note (i)

   10.5%/0.0%    12/18/2018      10,000         9,889         10,000         4

Consumer Products

                 

Grindmaster Corporation

                 

Subordinated Note

   11.5%/0.0%    10/31/2019      10,500         10,465         10,500         4

World Wide Packaging, LLC (k)

                 

Subordinated Note (i)

   12.0%/1.0%    10/26/2018      10,265         10,239