Portman Ridge Finance (PTMN) Risk Factors

In accordance with the Code, we include in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as non-cash PIK interest, which represents contractual interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term. The increases in loan balances as a result of contracted non-cash PIK arrangements are included in income for the period in which such non-cash PIK interest was received, which is often in advance of receiving cash payment, and are separately identified on our statements of cash flows. We also may be required to include in income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash. Any warrants that we receive in connection with our debt investments generally are valued as part of the negotiation process with the particular portfolio company. As a result, a portion of the aggregate purchase price for the debt investments and warrants is allocated to the warrants that we receive. This generally results in the associated debt investment having "original issue discount" for tax purposes, which we must recognize as ordinary income as it accrues. This increases the amounts we are required to distribute to maintain our qualification for tax treatment as a RIC. Because such original issue discount income might exceed the amount of cash received in a given year with respect to such investment, we might need to obtain cash from other sources to satisfy such distribution requirements. Other features of the debt instruments that we hold may also cause such instruments to generate original issue discount. Since, in certain cases, we may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the annual distribution requirement necessary to maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code. Accordingly, we may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or forgo new investment opportunities for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax. For additional discussion regarding the tax implications of a RIC, see "Business - Regulation - Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company."

On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") announced that it would phase out the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") as a benchmark by the end of 2021. On November 30, 2020, Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. ("ICE") announced that the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICE and the administrator of LIBOR, announced plans to consult on ceasing publication of the one-week and two-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings immediately following the LIBOR publication on December 31, 2021, and the remaining U.S. dollar LIBOR settings, including one-month LIBOR, immediately following the LIBOR publication on June 30, 2023. The U.S. Federal Reserve concurrently issued a statement advising banks to stop new U.S. dollar LIBOR issuances by the end of 2021. On March 5, 2021, the FCA confirmed its intention to cease publication of (i) one-week and two-month U.S. dollar LIBOR tenors after December 31, 2021 and (ii) remaining U.S. dollar LIBOR tenors after June 30, 2023. As an alternative to LIBOR, the U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of large U.S. financial institutions, is expected to replace U.S.-dollar LIBOR with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), a new index calculated by short-term repurchase agreements, backed by Treasury securities. Other jurisdictions have also proposed their own alternative to LIBOR, including the Sterling Overnight Index Average for Sterling markets, the Euro Short Term Rate for Euros and Tokyo Overnight Average Rate for Japanese Yens. Although SOFR appears to be the preferred replacement rate for U.S. dollar LIBOR, at this time, it is uncertain whether SOFR will attain market traction or the effect of any such changes as the establishment of alternative reference rates or other reforms to LIBOR. Abandonment of or modifications to LIBOR could have adverse impacts on newly issued financial instruments and our existing financial instruments which reference LIBOR. While some instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR is no longer available by providing for an alternative rate setting methodology, not all instruments may have such provisions and there is significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies. Abandonment of or modifications to LIBOR could lead to significant short-term and long-term uncertainty and market instability. If, as currently expected, LIBOR ceases to exist, we and our portfolio companies may need to amend or restructure our existing LIBOR-based debt instruments and any related hedging arrangements that extend beyond June 30, 2023, which may be difficult, costly and time consuming. In addition, from time to time we invest in floating rate loans and investment securities whose interest rates are indexed to LIBOR. Uncertainty as to the nature of alternative reference rates and as to potential changes or other reforms to LIBOR, or any changes announced with respect to such reforms, may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in the reported LIBOR rates and the value of LIBOR-based loans and securities, including those of other issuers we or our funds currently own or may in the future own. It remains uncertain how such changes would be implemented and the effects such changes would have on us, issuers of instruments in which we invest and financial markets generally. The expected discontinuation of LIBOR could have a significant impact on our business. The dollar amount of our outstanding debt investments and borrowings that are linked to LIBOR with maturity dates after the discontinuation date of June 30, 2023 is material. We anticipate significant operational challenges for the transition away from LIBOR including, but not limited to, amending existing loan agreements with borrowers on investments that may have not been modified with fallback language and adding effective fallback language to new agreements in the event that LIBOR is discontinued before maturity. The transition from LIBOR to SOFR or other alternative reference rates may also introduce operational risks in our accounting, financial reporting, loan servicing, liability management and other aspects of our business. We are assessing the impact of a transition from LIBOR; however, we cannot reasonably estimate the impact of the transition at this time.

As a BDC, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at the fair value as determined in good faith by our Board pursuant to a valuation methodology approved by our Board. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments will be recorded as unrealized losses. An unrealized loss in our loan portfolio could be an indication of a portfolio company's inability to meet its repayment obligations with respect to the affected loans. This could result in realized losses in the future and ultimately in reductions of our resources available to pay dividends or interest and principal on our securities and could cause you to lose all or part of your investment.

We invest primarily in senior secured term loans, mezzanine debt and selected equity investments issued by middle market companies, CLO Funds, Joint Ventures and derivatives. The investments in our Debt Securities Portfolio are all or predominantly below investment grade, may be highly leveraged, and therefore have speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Defaults by portfolio companies may harm our operating results. Secured Loans. When we extend secured term loans, we generally take a security interest (either as a first lien position or as a second lien position) in the available assets of these portfolio companies, including the equity interests of their subsidiaries, which we expect to assist in mitigating the risk that we will not be repaid. However, there is a risk that the collateral securing our loans may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to sell in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based upon the success of the business and market conditions, including as a result of the inability of the portfolio company to raise additional capital, and, in some circumstances, our lien could be subordinated to claims of other creditors. In addition, deterioration in a portfolio company's financial condition and prospects, including its inability to raise additional capital, may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the collateral for the loan. Consequently, the fact that a loan is secured does not guarantee that we will receive principal and interest payments according to the loan's terms, or at all, or that we will be able to collect on the loan should we be forced to exercise our remedies. Mezzanine Debt. Our mezzanine debt investments generally are subordinated to senior loans and generally are unsecured. This may result in an above average amount of risk and volatility or loss of principal. These investments may entail additional risks that could adversely affect our investment returns. To the extent interest payments associated with such debt are deferred, such debt is subject to greater fluctuations in value based on changes in interest rates and such debt could subject us to phantom income. Since we generally do not receive any cash prior to maturity of the debt, the investment is of greater risk. Equity Investments. We have made and expect to make selected equity investments in middle market companies. In addition, when we invest in senior secured loans or mezzanine debt, we may acquire warrants in the equity of the portfolio company. Our goal is ultimately to dispose of such equity interests and realize gains upon our disposition of such interests. However, the equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience. Middle Market Companies. Investments in middle market companies also involve a number of significant risks, including: - limited financial resources and inability to meet their obligations, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of our realizing the value of any guarantees we may have obtained in connection with our investment;- shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors' actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns;- dependence on management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on our portfolio company and, in turn, on us;- less predictable operating results, being parties to litigation from time to time, engaging in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence and requiring substantial additional capital expenditures to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position;- difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs; and - generally less publicly available information about their businesses, operations and financial condition. CLO Fund Investments. Investments in CLO Funds also involve a number of significant risks, including: - CLOs typically are comprised of a portfolio of senior secured loans; payments on CLO investments are and will be payable solely from the cash-flows from such senior secured loans;- CLO investments are exposed to leveraged credit risk;- CLO Funds are highly leveraged;- there is the potential for interruption and deferral of cash-flow from CLO investments;- interest rates paid by corporate borrowers are subject to volatility;- the inability of a CLO collateral manager to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayment of senior secured loans may adversely affect us;- our CLO investments are subject to prepayments and calls, increasing re-investment risk;- we have limited control of the administration and amendment of any CLO in which we invest;- senior secured loans of CLOs may be sold and replaced resulting in a loss to us;- our financial results may be affected adversely if one or more of our significant equity or junior debt investments in a CLO vehicle defaults on its payment obligations or fails to perform as we expect; and - non-investment grade debt involves a greater risk of default and higher price volatility than investment grade debt.

Our investments consist primarily of securities issued by privately-held companies, the fair value of which is not readily determinable. In addition, we are not permitted to maintain a general reserve for anticipated loan losses. Instead, we are required by the 1940 Act to specifically value each investment and record an unrealized gain or loss for any asset that we believe has increased or decreased in value. We value these securities at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board pursuant to a valuation methodology approved by our Board. These valuations are initially prepared by our management and reviewed by our Valuation Committee, which uses its best judgment in arriving at the fair value of these securities. However, the Board retains ultimate authority to determine the appropriate valuation for each investment. We have engaged independent valuation firms to provide third party valuation consulting services to our Board. Each quarter, the independent valuation firms perform third party valuations on our material investments in illiquid securities, such that they are reviewed at least once during a trailing 12 month period. These third party valuation estimates are one of the relevant data points in the Board's determination of fair value. The Board intends to continue to engage independent valuation firms in the future to provide certain valuation services, including the review of certain portfolio assets, as part of the quarterly and annual year-end valuation process. In addition to such third-party input, the types of factors that may be considered in valuing our investments include the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company's ability to make payments and its earnings, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparison to publicly-traded companies, discounted cash flow and other relevant factors. In addition, our investment in our Joint Venture is carried at fair value, which is determined based on the fair value of the investments held by the Joint Venture. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private investments and private companies, are inherently uncertain and may be based on estimates, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would be assessed if a ready market for these securities existed. Our net asset value could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of our illiquid investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon the disposal of such securities.

We are prohibited under the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with certain of our affiliates without the prior approval of the members of our independent directors and, in some cases, the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities is our affiliate for purposes of the 1940 Act and we are generally prohibited from buying or selling any securities (other than our securities) from or to such affiliate, absent the prior approval of our independent directors. The 1940 Act also prohibits certain "joint" transactions with certain of our affiliates, which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times), without prior approval of our independent directors and, in some cases, the SEC. If a person acquires more than 25% of our voting securities, we will be prohibited from buying or selling any security (other than any security of which we are the issuer) from or to such person or certain of that person's affiliates, or entering into prohibited joint transactions with such person, absent the prior approval of the SEC. Similar restrictions limit our ability to transact business with our officers or directors or their affiliates.

Borrowings, also known as leverage, magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increase the risks associated with investing in us. We have issued senior securities, and in the future may borrow from, or issue additional senior securities (such as preferred or convertible securities or debt securities) to, banks and other lenders and investors. Subject to prevailing market conditions, we intend to grow our portfolio of assets by raising additional capital, including through the prudent use of leverage available to us. Lenders and holders of such senior securities would have fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique. Any increase in our income in excess of interest payable on our outstanding indebtedness would cause our net income to increase more than it would have had we not incurred leverage, while any decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not incurred leverage. Such a decline could negatively affect our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and service our debt obligations. In addition, our common stockholders will bear the burden of any increase in our expenses as a result of leverage. There can be no assurance that our leveraging strategy will be successful. Our outstanding indebtedness imposes, and additional debt we may incur in the future will likely impose, financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, including limitations that could hinder our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our status as a RIC. A failure to add new debt facilities or issue additional debt securities or other evidences of indebtedness in lieu of or in addition to existing indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock as of December 31, 2021, assuming various annual returns, net of expenses. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing in the table below. Assumed Return on our Portfolio (Net of Expenses)   -10%   -5%   0%   5%   10% Corresponding return to common stockholder(1)   -27.1%   -15.5%   -4.0%   7.6%   19.2%(1)Assumes $648.3 million in total assets, $280.1 million in net assets, and $352.4 million in par value of outstanding borrowings with a weighted average interest rate of 3.2% as of December 31, 2021.

With certain limited exceptions, we are only allowed to borrow amounts or issue senior securities such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least 150% immediately after such borrowing or issuance. The amount of leverage that we employ in the future will depend on our management's and our Board's assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. There is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. As a result of the level of our leverage: - our exposure to risk of loss is greater if we incur debt or issue senior securities to finance investments because a decrease in the value of our investments has a greater negative impact on our equity returns and, therefore, the value of our business if we did not use leverage;- the decrease in our asset coverage ratio resulting from increased leverage and the covenants contained in documents governing our indebtedness (which may impose asset coverage or investment portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act) limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry, as a result of which we could be required to liquidate investments at an inopportune time;- we are required to dedicate a portion of our cash flow to interest payments, limiting the availability of cash for dividends and other purposes; and - our ability to obtain additional financing in the future may be impaired. We cannot be sure that our leverage will not have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, we cannot be sure that additional financing will be available when required or, if available, will be on terms satisfactory to us. Further, even if we are able to obtain additional financing, we may be required to use some or all of the proceeds thereof to repay our outstanding indebtedness.

In the event we default under our revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"), the 4.875% Notes due 2026 or any future indebtedness, or are unable to amend, repay or refinance such indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, our business could be adversely affected as we may be forced to sell a portion of our investments quickly and prematurely at prices that may be disadvantageous to us in order to meet our outstanding payment obligations and/or support working capital requirements under the Revolving Credit Facility, the 4.875% Notes due 2026 or any future indebtedness, any of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Events of default under the Revolving Credit Facility include, among other things, (i) a payment default; (ii) bankruptcy; (iii) a covenant default; (iv) a change of control; (v) if we are required to register as an "investment company" as defined in the 1940 Act; and (vi) certain declines in our net asset value. Following any such default, the agent for the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility could assume control of the disposition of any or all of our assets, including the selection of such assets to be disposed and the timing of such disposition, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Events of default under the indenture governing the 4.875% Notes due 2026 include, among other things, (i) a payment default; (ii) a covenant default; (ii) a cross-default provision with respect to any instrument by which we have indebtedness for money borrowed in excess of $50 million in the aggregate; (iii) bankruptcy; and (iv) certain declines in the net asset value of the 4.875% Notes due 2026. If any such event of default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the 4.875% Notes due 2026 may declare the entire principal amount of all such notes to be due and immediately payable. Our continued compliance with the covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility and the indenture governing the 4.875% Notes due 2026 Notes depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control, and there can be no assurance that we will continue to comply with such covenants. Our failure to satisfy the respective covenants could result in foreclosure by the lenders under the applicable credit facility or governing instrument or acceleration by the applicable lenders or noteholders, which would accelerate our repayment obligations under the relevant agreement and thereby have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

The Revolving Credit Facility is, and any future borrowing facility may be, backed by all or a portion of our loans and securities on which the lenders will or, in the case of a future facility, may have a security interest. We may pledge up to 100% of our assets and may grant a security interest in all of our assets under the terms of any debt instrument we enter into with lenders. We expect that any security interests we grant will be set forth in a pledge and security agreement and evidenced by the filing of financing statements by the agent for the lenders. In addition, we expect that the custodian for our securities serving as collateral for such loan would include in its electronic systems notices indicating the existence of such security interests and, following notice of occurrence of an event of default, if any, and during its continuance, will only accept transfer instructions with respect to any such securities from the lender or its designee. If we were to default under the terms of any debt instrument, the agent for the applicable lenders would be able to assume control of the timing of disposition of any or all of our assets securing such debt, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, any security interests as well as negative covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility or any other borrowing facility may limit our ability to create liens on assets to secure additional debt and may make it difficult for us to restructure or refinance indebtedness at or prior to maturity or obtain additional debt or equity financing. In addition, if our borrowing base under the Revolving Credit Facility or any other borrowing facility were to decrease, we would be required to secure additional assets in an amount equal to any borrowing base deficiency. In the event that all of our assets are secured at the time of such a borrowing base deficiency, we could be required to repay advances under the Revolving Credit Facility or any other borrowing facility or make deposits to a collection account, either of which could have a material adverse impact on our ability to fund future investments and to make stockholder distributions. In addition, under the Revolving Credit Facility or any future borrowing facility we will be subject to limitations as to how borrowed funds may be used, which may include restrictions on geographic and industry concentrations, loan size, payment frequency and status, average life, collateral interests and investment ratings, as well as regulatory restrictions on leverage, which may affect the amount of funding that may be obtained. There may also be certain requirements relating to portfolio performance, including required minimum portfolio yield and limitations on delinquencies and charge-offs, a violation of which could limit further advances and, in some cases, result in an event of default. An event of default under the Revolving Credit Facility or any other borrowing facility could result in an accelerated maturity date for all amounts outstanding thereunder, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. This could reduce our revenues and, by delaying any cash payment allowed to us under the Revolving Credit Facility or any other borrowing facility until the lenders have been paid in full, reduce our liquidity and cash flow and impair our ability to grow our business and maintain our qualification as a RIC.

Following the consummation of the GARS Acquisition, we own all of the subordinated notes issued as part of the 2018-2 CLO (as defined below) (the "2018-2 Subordinated Notes"), and we consolidate the financial statements of the 2018-2 CLO in our financial statements and treat the senior secured notes issued as part of the 2018-2 CLO (the "2018-2 Secured Notes") as leverage, except any 2018-2 Secured Notes owned by us, which are eliminated in consolidation. "2018-2 CLO" refers to the $420.0 million collateralized loan obligation ("CLO") completed on October 18, 2018 by Portman Ridge Funding 2018-2 Ltd. ("PRF CLO 2018-2") (formerly known as Garrison Funding 2018-2 Ltd.), an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands and Portman Ridge Funding 2018-2 LLC (formerly known as Garrison Funding 2018-2 LLC), a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of PRF CLO 2018-2. Investments in CLOs, including an investment in the 2018-2 CLO, involve a number of significant risks, including: - CLOs typically are comprised of a portfolio of senior secured loans; payments on CLO investments are and will be payable solely from the cash-flows from such senior secured loans;- CLO investments are exposed to leveraged credit risk;- CLO Funds are highly leveraged;- there is the potential for interruption and deferral of cash-flow from CLO investments;- interest rates paid by corporate borrowers are subject to volatility;- the inability of a CLO collateral manager to reinvest the proceeds of the prepayment of senior secured loans may adversely affect us;- our CLO investments are subject to prepayments and calls, increasing re-investment risk;- we have limited control of the administration and amendment of senior secured loans owned by the CLOs in which we invest;- we have limited control of the administration and amendment of any CLO in which we invest;- senior secured loans of CLOs may be sold and replaced resulting in a loss to us;- our financial results may be affected adversely if one or more of our significant equity or junior debt investments in a CLO vehicle defaults on its payment obligations or fails to perform as we expect; and - non-investment grade debt involves a greater risk of default and higher price volatility than investment grade debt.

In order to continue to qualify as a RIC, to avoid payment of excise taxes and to minimize or avoid payment of U.S. federal income taxes, we intend to continue to distribute to our stockholders substantially all of our net ordinary income and realized net capital gains (although we may retain certain net long-term capital gains, pay applicable U.S. federal income taxes with respect thereto and elect to treat the retained amount as deemed distributions to our stockholders). As a BDC, in order to incur new debt, we are generally required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total senior securities, which includes all of our borrowings and any preferred stock we may issue in the future, of at least 150%, as measured immediately after issuance of such security. This requirement limits the amount that we may borrow. Because we will continue to need capital to grow our loan and investment portfolio, this limitation may prevent us from incurring debt and require us to issue additional equity at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. We cannot assure you that debt and equity financing will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all, and debt financings may be restricted by the terms of such borrowings. Also, as a business development company, we generally are not permitted to issue equity securities priced below net asset value without stockholder approval. If additional funds are not available to us, we could be forced to curtail or cease new lending and investment activities.

The 4.875% Notes due 2026 are not secured by any of our assets or any of the assets of our subsidiaries. As a result, the 4.875% Notes due 2026 are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we or our subsidiaries have currently incurred or that we or our subsidiaries may incur in the future (or any indebtedness that is initially unsecured in respect of which we subsequently grant security) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. In any liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or other similar proceeding, the holders of any of our existing or future secured indebtedness and the secured indebtedness of our subsidiaries may assert rights against the assets pledged to secure that indebtedness in order to receive full payment of their indebtedness before the assets may be used to pay other creditors, including the holders of the 4.875% Notes due 2026.

The 4.875% Notes due 2026 are obligations exclusively of Portman Ridge Finance Corporation and not of any of our subsidiaries. None of our subsidiaries is a guarantor of the 4.875% Notes due 2026, and the 4.875% Notes due 2026 are not required to be guaranteed by any subsidiaries we may acquire or create in the future. Except to the extent we are a creditor with recognized claims against our subsidiaries, all claims of creditors, including trade creditors, and holders of our preferred stock, if any, of our subsidiaries will have priority over our claims (and therefore the claims of our creditors, including holders of the 4.875% Notes due 2026) with respect to the assets of such subsidiaries. Even if we were recognized as a creditor of one or more of our subsidiaries, our claims would still be effectively subordinated to any security interests in the assets of any such subsidiary and to any indebtedness or other liabilities of any such subsidiary senior to our claims. Consequently, the 4.875% Notes due 2026 are subordinated structurally to all indebtedness and other liabilities of any of our subsidiaries and any subsidiaries that we may in the future acquire or establish as financing vehicles or otherwise. All of the existing indebtedness of our subsidiaries is structurally senior to the 4.875% Notes due 2026. In addition, our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, all of which would be structurally senior to the 4.875% Notes due 2026.

The 4.875% Notes due 2026 are a new issue of debt securities for which there currently is no trading market. We do not currently intend to apply for listing of the 4.875% Notes due 2026 on any securities exchange or for quotation of the 4.875% Notes due 2026 on any automated dealer quotation system. If no active trading market develops, you may not be able to resell your 4.875% Notes due 2026 at their fair market value or at all. If the 4.875% Notes due 2026 are traded after their initial issuance, they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price depending on prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities, our credit ratings, general economic conditions, our financial condition, performance and prospects and other factors. Certain of the initial purchasers in the private offerings of the outstanding 4.875% Notes due 2026 have advised us that they intend to make a market in the 4.875% Notes due 2026 as permitted by applicable laws and regulations; however, the initial purchasers are not obligated to make a market in any of the 4.875% Notes due 2026, and they may discontinue their market-making activities at any time without notice. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that an active and liquid trading market will develop or continue for the 4.875% Notes due 2026, that you will be able to sell your 4.875% Notes due 2026 at a particular time or that the price you receive when you sell will be favorable. To the extent an active trading market does not develop, the liquidity and trading price for the 4.875% Notes due 2026 may be harmed. Accordingly, you may be required to bear the financial risk of an investment in the 4.875% Notes due 2026 for an indefinite period of time.

Our credit ratings are an assessment by rating agencies of our ability to pay our debts when due. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect the market value of the 4.875% Notes due 2026. These credit ratings may not reflect the potential impact of risks relating to the structure or marketing of the 4.875% Notes due 2026. Credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security, and may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the issuing organization in its sole discretion. Neither we nor any initial purchaser of the 4.875% Notes due 2026 undertakes any obligation to maintain our credit ratings or to advise holders of the 4.875% Notes due 2026 of any changes in our credit ratings. The 4.875% Notes due 2026 are are subject to periodic review by independent credit rating agencies. Such ratings are limited in scope and do not address all material risks relating to an investment in the 4.875% Notes due 2026, but rather reflect only the view of each rating agency at the time the rating is issued. An explanation of the significance of such rating may be obtained from such rating agency. There can be no assurance that their respective credit ratings will remain for any given period of time or that such credit ratings will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by the applicable ratings agency if in its judgment future circumstances relating to the basis of the credit rating, such as adverse changes in our business, financial condition and results of operations, so warrant.

The condition of the financial markets and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future, which could have an adverse effect on the market prices of the 4.875% Notes due 2026. In general, as market interest rates rise, debt securities bearing interest at fixed rates of interest decline in value. Consequently, if you purchase 4.875% Notes due 2026 bearing interest at fixed rates and market interest rates increase, the market values of those 4.875% Notes due 2026 may decline. We cannot predict the future level of market interest rates.

The indenture governing the 4.875% Notes due 2026 offers limited protection to holders of the 4.875% Notes due 2026. The terms of the indenture and the 4.875% Notes due 2026 do not restrict our or any of our subsidiaries' ability to engage in, or otherwise be a party to, a variety of corporate transactions, circumstances or events that could have an adverse impact on your investment in the 4.875% Notes due 2026. In particular, the terms of the indenture and the 4.875% Notes due 2026 do not place any restrictions on our or our subsidiaries' ability to: - issue securities or otherwise incur additional indebtedness or other obligations, including (1) any indebtedness or other obligations that would be equal in right of payment to the 4.875% Notes due 2026, (2) any indebtedness or other obligations that would be secured and therefore rank effectively senior in right of payment to the 4.875% Notes due 2026 to the extent of the values of the assets securing such debt, (3) indebtedness of ours that is guaranteed by one or more of our subsidiaries and which therefore is structurally senior to the 4.875% Notes due 2026 and (4) securities, indebtedness or obligations issued or incurred by our subsidiaries that would be senior to our equity interests in our subsidiaries and therefore rank structurally senior to the 4.875% Notes due 2026 with respect to the assets of our subsidiaries, in each case other than an incurrence of indebtedness that would cause a violation of Section 18(a)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act as modified by Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act;- pay dividends on, or purchase or redeem or make any payments in respect of, capital stock or other securities ranking junior in right of payment to the 4.875% Notes due 2026, including preferred stock or subordinated indebtedness, in each case other than dividends, purchases, redemptions or payments that would cause a violation of Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions, giving effect to any no-action relief granted by the SEC to another BDC and upon which we may reasonably rely (or to us if we determine to seek such similar SEC no-action or other relief) permitting the BDC to declare any cash dividend or distribution notwithstanding the prohibition contained in Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act in order to maintain the BDC's status as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code;- sell assets (other than certain limited restrictions on our ability to consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets);- enter into transactions with affiliates;- create liens (including liens on the shares of our subsidiaries) or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;- make investments; or - create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to us from our subsidiaries. In addition, the terms of the indenture and the 4.875% Notes due 2026 do not protect holders of the 4.875% Notes due 2026 in the event that we experience changes (including significant adverse changes) in our financial condition, results of operations or credit ratings, as they will not require that we or our subsidiaries adhere to any financial tests or ratios or specified levels of net worth, revenues, income, cash flow or liquidity other than as described above. Our ability to recapitalize, incur additional debt and take a number of other actions are not limited by the terms of the 4.875% Notes due 2026 and may have important consequences for you as a holder of the 4.875% Notes due 2026, including making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the 4.875% Notes due 2026 or negatively affecting the trading value of the 4.875% Notes due 2026. Other debt we issue or incur in the future could contain more protections for its holders than the indenture and the 4.875% Notes due 2026, including additional covenants and events of default. The issuance or incurrence of any such debt with incremental protections could affect the market for and trading levels and prices of the 4.875% Notes due 2026.

The 4.875% Notes due 2026 are redeemable in whole or in part upon certain conditions at any time or from time to time at our option. We may choose to redeem the 4.875% Notes due 2026 at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on the 4.875% Notes due 2026. In this circumstance, you may not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as the 4.875% Notes due 2026 being redeemed.

We may not be able to repurchase the 4.875% Notes due 2026 upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event (as defined in the indenture governing the 4.875% Notes due 2026) because we may not have sufficient funds. Upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event, holders of the 4.875% Notes due 2026 may require us to repurchase for cash some or all of the 4.875% Notes due 2026 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4.875% Notes due 2026 being repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the repurchase date. Our failure to purchase such tendered 4.875% Notes due 2026 upon the occurrence of such Change of Control Repurchase Event would cause an event of default under the indenture governing the 4.875% Notes due 2026 and may cause a cross-default under the agreements governing certain of our other indebtedness, which may result in the acceleration of such indebtedness requiring us to repay that indebtedness immediately. If a Change of Control Repurchase Event were to occur, we may not have sufficient funds to repay any such accelerated indebtedness and/or to make the required repurchase of the 4.875% Notes due 2026.

We are subject to the risk that the investments we make in our portfolio companies may be repaid prior to maturity. When this occurs, we generally reinvest these proceeds in temporary investments, pending their future investment in new portfolio companies. These temporary investments typically have substantially lower yields than the debt being prepaid and we could experience significant delays in reinvesting these amounts. Any future investment in a new portfolio company may also be at lower yields than the debt that was repaid. Consequently, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected if one or more of our portfolio companies elects to prepay amounts owed to us. Additionally, prepayments could negatively impact our return on equity, which could result in a decline in the market price of our common stock.

We invest primarily in debt securities issued by our portfolio companies. In some cases portfolio companies are permitted to have other debt that ranks equal with, or senior to, the debt securities in which we invest. By their terms, such debt instruments may provide that the holders thereof are entitled to receive payment of interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments in respect of the debt securities in which we invest. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of debt instruments ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company would typically be entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution in respect of our investment. After repaying such senior creditors, such portfolio company may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of debt ranking equal with debt securities in which we invest, we would have to share on an equal basis any distributions with other creditors holding such debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company.

Certain loans that we make are secured by a second priority security interest in the same collateral pledged by a portfolio company to secure senior debt owed by the portfolio company to other traditional lenders. Often the senior lender has procured covenants from the portfolio company prohibiting the incurrence of additional secured debt, without the senior lender's consent. Prior to, and as a condition of, permitting the portfolio company to borrow money from us secured by the same collateral pledged to the senior lender, the senior lender will require assurances that it will control the disposition of any collateral in the event of bankruptcy or other default. In many such cases, the senior lender will require us to enter into an "intercreditor agreement" prior to permitting the portfolio company to borrow from us. Typically, the intercreditor agreements we are requested to execute expressly subordinate our debt instruments to those held by the senior lender and further provide that the senior lender shall control: (1) the commencement of foreclosure or other proceedings to liquidate and collect on the collateral; (2) the nature, timing and conduct of foreclosure or other collection proceedings; (3) the amendment of any collateral document; (4) the release of the security interests in respect of any collateral; and (5) the waiver of defaults under any security agreement. Because of the control we may cede to senior lenders under intercreditor agreements we may enter, we may be unable to realize the proceeds of any collateral securing some of our loans.

Even though we may have structured certain of our investments as senior loans, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including the size of our investment and the extent to which we actually provided managerial assistance to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might recharacterize our debt investment and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors. In addition, lenders can be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by them where they become too involved in the borrower's business or exercise control over the borrower. It is possible that we could become subject to a lender's liability claim, including as a result of actions taken in rendering significant managerial assistance.

We purchase common stock and other equity securities, including warrants. Although equity securities have historically generated higher average total returns than fixed-income securities over the long term, equity securities have also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. The equity securities we acquire may fail to appreciate and may decline in value or become worthless, and our ability to recover our investment depends on our portfolio company's success. Investments in equity securities involve a number of significant risks, including the risk of further dilution as a result of additional issuances, inability to access additional capital and failure to pay current distributions. Investments in preferred securities involve special risks, such as the risk of deferred distributions, credit risk, illiquidity and limited voting rights.

We may invest in securities issued by private companies. These securities may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise be less liquid than publicly-traded securities. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult for us to sell these investments when desired. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we had previously recorded these investments. Our investments are usually subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale or are otherwise illiquid because there is usually no established trading market for such investments. The illiquidity of most of our investments may make it difficult for us to dispose of them at a favorable price, and, as a result, we may suffer losses.

Our investment strategy contemplates that a portion of our investments may be in securities of foreign companies. Investing in foreign companies may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets and less available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility. Although it is anticipated that most of our investments will be denominated in U.S. dollars, our investments that are denominated in a foreign currency will be subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency may change in relation to the U.S. dollar. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation and political developments.

We currently expect that a significant portion of our investments will involve lending directly to private companies. In connection with the disposition of an investment in private securities, we may be required to make representations about the business and financial affairs of the portfolio company typical of those made in connection with the sale of a business. We may also be required to indemnify the purchasers of such investment to the extent that any such representations turn out to be inaccurate or with respect to certain potential liabilities. These arrangements may result in contingent liabilities that ultimately yield funding obligations that must be satisfied through our return of certain distributions previously made to us.

As of December 31, 2021, we had $31.6 million at fair value invested in the subordinated securities, preferred shares, or other securities issued by the CLO Funds. Subordinated securities are the most junior class of securities issued by the CLO Funds and are subordinated in priority of payment to every other class of securities issued by these CLO Funds. Therefore, they only receive cash distributions if the CLO Funds have made all cash interest payments to all other debt securities issued by the CLO Fund. The subordinated securities are also unsecured and rank behind all of the secured creditors, known or unknown, of the CLO Fund, including the holders of the senior securities issued by the CLO Fund. Consequently, to the extent that the value of a CLO Fund's loan investments has been reduced as a result of conditions in the credit markets, or as a result of defaulted loans or individual fund assets, the value of the subordinated securities at their redemption could be reduced.

Investments that we acquired as a result of our prior strategic acquisitions, including the GARS Acquisition and the HCAP Acquisition, are booked at a discount under ASC 805-50, Business Combinations–Related Issues. To the extent we sell one of these acquired investments at a price that is higher than its then-amortized cost, such sale would result in realized capital gain that would be factored into the amount of the incentive fee on capital gains, if any, that is paid by us to the Adviser. If we sell a significant portion of the investments acquired as a result of our prior strategic acquisitions, including the GARS Acquisition and the HCAP Acquisition, it may materially increase the incentive fee on capital gains paid to the Adviser. The effect on the incentive fee on capital gains would be greater for acquired investments sold closer to the closing date of the applicable acquisition.

The realization of certain benefits anticipated as a result of our prior strategic acquisitions, including the GARS Acquisition and the HCAP Acquisition, will depend in part on the integration of such companies' investment portfolio with ours and the integration of their business. There can be no assurance that the investment portfolio or business of any such companies can be operated profitably or integrated successfully into our operations in a timely fashion or at all. The dedication of management resources to such integration may divert attention from the day-to-day business of the combined company and there can be no assurance that there will not be substantial costs associated with the transition process or there will not be other material adverse effects as a result of these integration efforts. Such effects, including incurring unexpected costs or delays in connection with such integration and failure of such companies' investment portfolio to perform as expected, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We also expect to achieve certain cost savings from our prior strategic acquisitions, including the GARS Acquisition and the HCAP Acquisition, when the two companies have fully integrated their portfolios. It is possible that the estimates of the potential cost savings could ultimately be incorrect. The cost savings estimates also assume we will be able to combine the operations of us and such companies in a manner that permits those cost savings to be fully realized. If the estimates turn out to be incorrect or if we are not able to successfully combine the investment portfolio or business of any such companies with our operations, the anticipated cost savings may not be fully realized, or realized at all, or may take longer to realize than expected.

We may pursue potential acquisitions of, and investments in, businesses complementary to our business and from time to time engage in discussions regarding such possible acquisitions. Such acquisition and any other acquisitions we may undertake involve a number of risks, including: - failure of the acquired businesses to achieve the results we expect;- substantial cash expenditures;- diversion of capital and management attention from operational matters;- our inability to retain key personnel of the acquired businesses - incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities and risks associated with unanticipated events or liabilities; and - the potential disruption and strain on our existing business and resources that could result from our planned growth and continuing integration of our acquisitions. If we fail to properly evaluate acquisitions or investments, we may not achieve the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions, we may incur costs in excess of what we anticipate, and management resources and attention may be diverted from other necessary or valuable activities. Any acquisition may not result in short-term or long-term benefits to us. If we are unable to integrate or successfully manage any business that we acquire, we may not realize anticipated cost savings, improved efficiencies or revenue growth, which may result in reduced profitability or operating losses.