CFPB Warns Auto Finance Companies About Inadvertent Repossessions | Troutman Pepper

CFPB Warns Auto Finance Companies About Inadvertent Repossessions | Troutman Pepper

On February 28, the Buyer Financial Defense Bureau (CFPB or Bureau) issued a bulletin and accompanying push launch, highlighting an problem that the company has penned about regularly over the previous a number of decades: inadvertent repossessions. For the most element, the bulletin reminds the field of steerage beforehand issued by the CFPB in several editions of Supervisory Highlights and a 2020 consent order, but it also stands as a very clear reminder that inadvertent repossessions keep on being a single of the Bureau’s highest priorities in vehicle finance.

Inadvertent repossessions are those people that occur in mistake — when a buyer has produced a payment or assure enough to halt the repossession, but it happens no matter. Quite a few mistakes can lead to this to materialize, some of which are highlighted in the bulletin:

  • Applying a payment to the completely wrong account
  • Failure to procedure an extension/deferment
  • Failure to cancel a repossession buy (or all orders, if the account is placed with extra than a person repossession seller)
  • Seller failures (recovering the car, even though the get experienced been place on maintain or canceled)
  • Failing to terminate energetic repossession orders when a purchaser files for personal bankruptcy
  • Implementing payments to the account in an get distinctive from that represented in consumer communications (i.e., having to pay fees very first, which may well avert the account from grow to be sufficiently compensated down to avoid the repossession)

The bulletin also notes occasions in supervisory examinations in which auto finance companies produced representations to people about what actions would be sufficient to stay clear of a repossession, but people statements were being inaccurate, top to repossessions even when consumers carried out the steps.

In retaining with the Bureau’s latest concentrate on charges, the bulletin also asserts that some repossessions ended up caused by automobile finance organizations charging “illegal fees” to buyers, but the “fees” referred to ended up essentially drive-placed insurance coverage rates. The Bureau additional notes that some auto finance firms improperly billed insurance premiums following repossessions, and (returning to an issue that the Bureau very first elevated in a 2016 variation of Supervisory Highlights) improperly authorized repossession agents to demand fees for the retrieval of personalized home from repossessed motor vehicles.

Getting recapped its previous guidance on the concern of inadvertent repossession, the Bureau supplies a checklist of recommended compliance methods with regards to the concern. These methods include things like standard actions like guidelines, techniques, evaluation of customer communications and payment software procedures, monitoring of repossessions and complaints, logging and root trigger evaluation of inadvertent repossessions, and seller checking of repossession brokers. Nonetheless, it also notes a single matter not earlier showcased in Supervisory Highlights: acquiring a course of action to “reimburse people for the immediate and oblique charges incurred as a end result of illegal repossessions when acceptable.” This concept of consumer restitution was current in the CFPB’s 2020 consent purchase on this challenge, but it is the component of the Bureau’s current assistance that is possibly least widespread in the market today, and so it merits particular consideration.

For the most part, the bulletin summarizes current guidance as earlier observed from the Bureau, and it confirms the sort of compliance methods adopted by a lot of vehicle finance corporations over the previous many many years. But the launch of the bulletin, and the now-common strongly worded push launch evaluating inadvertent repossessions to getting a auto “stolen” and asserting that “[a]uto loan servicers require to make certain that each and every repossession is lawful,” should provide as a reminder that the subject of inadvertent repossessions will remain an spot of intensive scrutiny by the CFPB.

CFPB Warns Auto Finance Companies About Inadvertent Repossessions

CFPB Warns Auto Finance Companies About Inadvertent Repossessions

On February 28, the Shopper Money Defense Bureau (CFPB or Bureau) issued a bulletin and accompanying push release, highlighting an issue that the agency has prepared about regularly more than the previous numerous several years: inadvertent repossessions. For the most part, the bulletin reminds the industry of assistance formerly issued by the CFPB in numerous editions of Supervisory Highlights and a 2020 consent get, but it also stands as a obvious reminder that inadvertent repossessions continue being 1 of the Bureau’s maximum priorities in vehicle finance.

Inadvertent repossessions are all those that manifest in mistake — when a shopper has produced a payment or guarantee enough to end the repossession, but it happens no matter. Several faults can cause this to happen, some of which are highlighted in the bulletin:

  • Applying a payment to the erroneous account
  • Failure to process an extension/deferment
  • Failure to terminate a repossession purchase (or all orders, if the account is positioned with far more than 1 repossession vendor)
  • Vendor failures (recovering the auto, even even though the order had been put on keep or canceled)
  • Failing to terminate lively repossession orders when a consumer documents for bankruptcy
  • Making use of payments to the account in an buy different from that represented in customer communications (i.e., spending costs to start with, which may well protect against the account from grow to be adequately paid down to prevent the repossession)

The bulletin also notes situations in supervisory tests in which car finance organizations produced representations to buyers about what actions would be enough to steer clear of a repossession, but all those statements were being inaccurate, leading to repossessions even when consumers performed the actions.

In trying to keep with the Bureau’s new concentration on costs, the bulletin also asserts that some repossessions were induced by vehicle finance businesses charging “illegal fees” to individuals, but the “fees” referred to were being really pressure-placed insurance plan premiums. The Bureau more notes that some car finance firms improperly charged insurance premiums just after repossessions, and (returning to an problem that the Bureau very first lifted in a 2016 model of Supervisory Highlights) improperly permitted repossession brokers to cost fees for the retrieval of individual assets from repossessed automobiles.

Getting recapped its former guidance on the concern of inadvertent repossession, the Bureau gives a checklist of suggested compliance steps with regards to the difficulty. These methods include things like common measures like procedures, techniques, evaluate of purchaser communications and payment application processes, checking of repossessions and issues, logging and root lead to examination of inadvertent repossessions, and seller checking of repossession agents. However, it also notes a person point not formerly highlighted in Supervisory Highlights: acquiring a course of action to “reimburse customers for the direct and indirect expenses incurred as a final result of illegal repossessions when ideal.” This thought of customer restitution was present in the CFPB’s 2020 consent order on this challenge, but it’s the facet of the Bureau’s new advice that is in all probability least prevalent in the field right now, and so it merits particular focus.

For the most component, the bulletin summarizes present steerage as earlier observed from the Bureau, and it confirms the sort of compliance methods adopted by numerous auto finance businesses over the previous a number of many years. But the release of the bulletin, and the now-normal strongly worded press launch evaluating inadvertent repossessions to owning a auto “stolen” and asserting that “[a]uto mortgage servicers need to make sure that each individual repossession is lawful,” should serve as a reminder that the subject matter of inadvertent repossessions will continue being an region of intensive scrutiny by the CFPB.

Horizon Technology Finance Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results

Horizon Technology Finance Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results

FARMINGTON, Conn., March 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: HRZN) (“HRZN”, “Horizon” or the “Company”), a leading specialty finance company that provides capital in the form of secured loans to venture capital backed companies in the technology, life science, healthcare information and services, and sustainability industries, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021.

Fourth Quarter 2021 Highlights

  • Net investment income (“NII”) of $8.1 million, or $0.39 per share, compared to $3.9 million, or $0.21 per share for the prior-year period
  • Total investment portfolio of $458.1 million as of December 31, 2021
  • Net asset value of $245.3 million, or $11.56 per share, as of December 31, 2021
  • Annualized portfolio yield on debt investments of 16.2{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996} for the quarter
  • HRZN funded 17 loans totaling $79.9 million
  • HRZN’s investment adviser, Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC (“HTFM”), originated $118.2 million through its lending platform (“Horizon Platform”), inclusive of the HRZN loans
  • Raised total net proceeds of approximately $12.8 million with “at-the-market” (“ATM”) offering program
  • Experienced liquidity events from seven portfolio companies
  • Cash of $45.9 million and credit facility capacity of $92.8 million as of December 31, 2021
  • Held portfolio of warrant and equity positions in 76 companies as of December 31, 2021
  • Undistributed spillover income of $0.51 per share as of December 31, 2021
  • Subsequent to quarter end, declared distributions of $0.10 per share payable in April, May and June 2022

Full Year 2021 Highlights

  • Net investment income of $28.2 million, or $1.41 per share for 2021, compared to $20.7 million, or $1.18 per share, for the prior year
  • Achieved portfolio yield on debt investments of 15.7{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996} for 2021
  • HRZN funded 49 loans totaling $297.1 million; experienced liquidity events from 20 portfolio companies

“The fourth quarter capped off a landmark year for Horizon and the Horizon Platform, including a record investment portfolio at year-end of over $450 million, and we are proud of our entire team’s efforts,” said Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Horizon.  “We generated NII of $0.39 per share, above our distribution level, while we continued growing our portfolio.  Once again, we successfully harnessed the increasing power of the ‘Horizon’ brand to drive strong loan originations in the quarter, while maintaining an impressive committed backlog and pipeline of venture debt opportunities.  In addition, HTFM’s predictive pricing strategy continued to prosper, as we completed seven portfolio exits, once again leading to a debt portfolio yield of over 16{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}, among the top of the industry.”

“Along with HRZN’s excellent growth, we finished the year with nearly 98{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996} of its portfolio 3-rated or better,” continued Mr. Pomeroy.  “We also recently further strengthened HRZN’s balance sheet and expanded its lending capacity, which should enable us to further grow the portfolio in 2022.  With demand for venture debt remaining at near-peak levels, and with an extensive committed backlog and pipeline, we believe HRZN is well situated in 2022 to continue to grow its portfolio and deliver compelling returns to its shareholders.”

Fourth Quarter 2021 Operating Results

Total investment income for the quarter ended December 31, 2021 grew 68{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996} to $16.9 million, compared to $10.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to growth in interest income on investments resulting from an increase in the average size of the debt investment portfolio, as well as higher fee income.

The Company’s dollar-weighted annualized yield on average debt investments for the quarter ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was 16.2{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996} and 13.0{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}, respectively.  The Company calculates the dollar-weighted annualized yield on average debt investments for any period measured as (1) total investment income (excluding dividend income) during the period divided by (2) the average of the fair value of debt investments outstanding on (a) the last day of the calendar month immediately preceding the first day of the period and (b) the last day of each calendar month during the period. The dollar-weighted annualized yield on average debt investments is higher than what investors will realize because it does not reflect expenses or any sales load paid by investors.

Total expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2021 were $8.7 million, compared to $5.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020.  The increase was primarily due to a $0.9 million increase in interest expense, a $0.4 million increase in the base management fee and a $1.0 million increase in the performance-based incentive fee.

Net investment income for the quarter ended December 31, 2021 was $8.1 million, or $0.39 per share, compared to $3.9 million, or $0.21 per share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2020.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2021, net realized loss on investments was $0.9 million, or $0.04 per share, compared to net realized loss on investments of $18.6 million, or $0.99 per share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2020.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2021, net unrealized depreciation on investments was $4.9 million, or $0.24 per share, compared to net unrealized appreciation on investments of $17.1 million, or $0.91 per share, for the prior-year period.

Full Year 2021 Operating Results

Total investment income for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $60.0 million, an increase of 30{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996} compared to $46.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Horizon’s dollar-weighted annualized yield on average debt investments for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was 15.7{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996} and 14.6{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}, respectively.

For the full year ended December 31, 2021, net investment income was $28.2 million, or $1.41 per share, compared to net investment income of $20.7 million, or $1.18 per share, in the prior year.

For the full year ended December 31, 2021, net realized loss on investments was $3.2 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to net realized loss on investments of $14.7 million, or $0.84 per share, for the full year ended December 31, 2020.

For the full year ended December 31, 2021, net unrealized appreciation on investments was $3.2 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to net unrealized appreciation on investments of $0.3 million, or $0.02 per share, for the full year ended December 31, 2020.

Portfolio Summary and Investment Activity

As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s debt portfolio consisted of 45 secured loans with an aggregate fair value of $437.3 million. In addition, the Company’s total warrant, equity and other investments in 78 portfolio companies had an aggregate fair value of $20.8 million.  Total portfolio investment activity for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was as follows:

($ in thousands)

For the Three Months Ended 
December 31,

For the Full Year Ended
December 31,


2021

2020

2021

2020

Beginning portfolio

$              452,346

$              311,750

$        352,545

$        319,551






New debt investments

88,693

76,913

344,445

198,561






Principal payments received on investments

(2,171)

(4,485)

(13,474)

(24,829)






Early pay-offs

(66,579)

(30,644)

(174,536)

(121,429)






Accretion of debt investment fees

1,370

815

4,556

3,895






New debt investment fees

(930)

(938)

(3,261)

(2,353)






Warrants received in settlement of fee income

978






Proceeds from sale of investments

(9,169)

(134)

(52,954)

(8,335)






Dividend income from controlled affiliate investment

118






Net realized loss on investments

(568)

(17,672)

(2,451)

(13,727)






Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on investments

(4,917)

17,139

3,205

313






Other

(199)

(198)






Ending portfolio

$              458,075

$              352,545

$       458,075

$       352,545

Portfolio Asset Quality

The following table shows the classification of Horizon’s loan portfolio at fair value by internal credit rating as of December 31, 2021, September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

($ in thousands)

December 31, 2021


 

September 30, 2021


 

December 31, 2020


Number of Investments

Debt Investments at Fair Value

Percentage of Debt Investments


Number of Investments

Debt Investments at Fair Value

Percentage of Debt Investments


Number of Investments

Debt Investments at Fair Value

Percentage of Debt Investments

Credit Rating












4

9

$      104,863

24.0{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}


5

$       56,337

13.1{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}


6

$       77,950

23.4{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}

3

34

322,084

73.6{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}


35

359,658

83.7{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}


24

240,933

72.2{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}

2

1

3,470

0.8{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}


2

11,141

2.6{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}


3

12,875

3.9{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}

1

1

6,900

1.6{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}


1

2,800

0.6{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}


1

1,737

0.5{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}

Total

45

$     437,317

100.0{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}


43

$     429,936

100.0{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}


34

$     333,495

100.0{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}

As of December 31, 2021, Horizon’s loan portfolio had a weighted average credit rating of 3.2, compared to 3.1 as of September 30, 2021 and 3.2 as of December 31, 2020, respectively, with 4 being the highest credit quality rating and 3 being the rating for a standard level of risk.  A rating of 2 represents an increased level of risk and, while no loss is currently anticipated for a 2-rated loan, there is potential for future loss of principal.  A rating of 1 represents deteriorating credit quality and high degree of risk of loss of principal.

As of December 31, 2021, there was one debt investment with an internal credit rating of 1, with a cost of $11.5 million and a fair value of $6.9 million.  As of September 30, 2021, there was one debt investment with an internal credit rating of 1, with a cost of $3.0 million and a fair value of $2.8 million.  As of December 31, 2020, there was one debt investment with an internal credit rating of 1, with a cost of $6.8 million and a fair value of $1.7 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had $71.4 million in available liquidity, consisting of $45.9 million in cash and money market funds, and $25.5 million in funds available under existing credit facility commitments.

As of December 31, 2021, there was $53.5 million in outstanding principal balance under our $125.0 million revolving credit facility (“Key Facility”).  The Key Facility allows for an increase in the total loan commitment up to an aggregate commitment of $150.0 million. There can be no assurance that any additional lenders will make any commitments under the Key Facility.

Additionally, as of December 31, 2021, there was $78.8 million in outstanding principal balance under our $100 million senior secured debt facility with a large U.S.-based insurance company at an interest rate of 4.62{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}.  Subsequent to year-end 2021, the Company amended its senior secured debt facility, increasing the commitment by $100 million to enable its wholly-owned subsidiary to issue up to $200 million of secured notes.  The amendment to the facility extends the investment period to June 2023 and the maturity date to June 2028. In addition, the amendment, among other things, reduces the applicable margin used to calculate the credit facility’s interest rate on the Company’s borrowings above $100 million. Such borrowings will be priced at the three-year USD mid-market swap rate plus 3.00{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}. The facility is collateralized by certain of the Company’s assets.

Horizon Funding Trust 2019-1, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HRZN, previously issued $100.0 million of Asset-Backed Notes (the “Notes”) rated A+(sf) by Morningstar Credit Ratings, LLC.  The Notes bear interest at a fixed interest rate of 4.21{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996} per annum and have a stated maturity date of September 15, 2027.   The reinvestment period of the Notes ended July 15, 2021 and the maturity is September 15, 2027. As of December 31, 2021, the Notes had an outstanding principal balance of $70.5 million.

During the three months ended December 31, 2021, the Company sold 784,718 shares of common stock under its ATM offering program with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and B. Riley FBR, Inc.  For the same period, the Company received total accumulated net proceeds of approximately $12.8 million, including $0.3 million of offering expenses, from these sales.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s debt to equity leverage ratio was 106{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}, within the Company’s 80-120{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996} targeted leverage range.  The asset coverage ratio for borrowed amounts was 194{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}.

Liquidity Events

During the quarter ended December 31, 2021, Horizon experienced liquidity events from seven portfolio companies. Liquidity events for Horizon may consist of the sale of warrants or equity in portfolio companies, loan prepayments, sale of owned assets or receipt of success fees.

In October, Getaround, Inc. prepaid its outstanding principal balance of $25.0 million on its venture loan, plus interest, end-of-term payment and prepayment fee.  HRZN continues to hold warrants in the company.

In October, Topia Mobility, Inc. prepaid its outstanding principal balance of $10.0 million on its venture loan, plus interest, end-of-term payment and prepayment fee.  HRZN continues to hold warrants in the company.

In October, HRZN received warrant proceeds of $0.1 million from its investment in Education Elements, Inc.

In November, CVRx, Inc. prepaid its outstanding principal balance of $20.0 million on its venture loan, plus interest, end-of-term payment and prepayment fee.  HRZN continues to hold warrants in the company.

In November, MVI (ABC), LLC (assignee of Stereovision Inc.) paid its outstanding principal balance of $3.5 million on its venture loan, plus interest. 

In December, HRZN received $7.0 million from the sale of its debt investment in Betabrand Corporation. 

In December, HRZN received cash proceeds of $0.3 million from the sale of shares in Qualtrics International Inc., which HRZN received in connection with the sale of Clarabridge, Inc.

Net Asset Value

At December 31, 2021, the Company’s net assets were $245.3 million, or $11.56 per share, compared to $212.6 million, or $11.02 per share, as of December 31, 2020. 

For the quarter ended December 31, 2021, net increase in net assets resulting from operations was $2.3 million, or $0.11 per share, compared to a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $2.4 million, or $0.13 per share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2020.

Stock Repurchase Program

During the quarter ended December 31, 2021, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock. From the inception of the stock repurchase program through December 31, 2021, the Company has repurchased 167,465 shares of its common stock at an average price of $11.22 on the open market at a total cost of $1.9 million.

Recent Developments

On January 7, 2022, the Company funded a $1.3 million debt investment to an existing portfolio company, Unagi Inc.

On January 21, 2022, the Company funded a $7.5 million debt investment to a new portfolio company, a developer of prescription digital diagnostic and therapeutic products focused on pediatric behavioral health conditions.

On January 26, 2022, the Company funded a $5.0 million debt investment to an existing portfolio company, Castle Creek Biosciences, Inc.

On January 28, 2022, the Company funded a $1.0 million debt investment to an existing portfolio company, Alula Holdings, Inc.

On February 1, 2022, the Company funded a $2.5 million debt investment to an existing portfolio company, Dropoff, Inc.

On February 7, 2022, the Company funded a $5.0 million debt investment to an existing portfolio company, Canary Medical Inc.

On February 10, 2022, the Company funded a $7.5 million debt investment to a new portfolio company, a software-enabled services provider focused on planning, migration, operation and automation of SAP in the cloud.

On February 11, 2022, Quip NYC Inc. prepaid its outstanding principal balance of $10.0 million on its venture loan, plus interest, end-of-term payment and prepayment fee. The Company continues to hold warrants in Quip NYC Inc.

On February 23, 2022, the Company funded a $2.5 million debt investment to an existing portfolio company, NextCar Holding Company, Inc.

On February 24, 2022, LiquiGlide, Inc. prepaid its outstanding principal balance of $2.0 million on its venture loan, plus interest, end-of-term payment and prepayment fee. The Company continues to hold warrants in LiquiGlide, Inc.

Monthly Distributions Declared in First Quarter 2022

On February 25, 2022, the Company’s board of directors declared monthly distributions of $0.10 per share payable in each of April, May and June 2022.  The following table shows these monthly distributions, which total $0.30 per share:

Monthly Distributions

Ex-Dividend Date

Record Date

Payment Date

Amount per Share

March 17, 2022

March 18, 2022

April 14, 2022

$0.10

April 18, 2022

April 19, 2022

May 16, 2022

$0.10

May 17, 2022

May 18, 2022

June 15, 2022

$0.10



Total:

$0.30

After paying distributions of $1.25 per share deemed paid for tax purposes in 2021, declaring on October 22, 2021 a distribution of $0.10 per share payable January 14, 2022, and generating taxable earnings of $1.48 per share in 2021, the Company’s undistributed spillover income as of December 31, 2021 was $0.51 per share. Spillover income includes any ordinary income and net capital gains from the preceding tax years that were not distributed during such tax years.

When declaring distributions, the Horizon board of directors reviews estimates of taxable income available for distribution, which may differ from consolidated net income under generally accepted accounting principles due to (i) changes in unrealized appreciation and depreciation, (ii) temporary and permanent differences in income and expense recognition, and (iii) the amount of spillover income carried over from a given year for distribution in the following year. The final determination of taxable income for each tax year, as well as the tax attributes for distributions in such tax year, will be made after the close of the tax year.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss its latest corporate developments and financial results. To participate in the call, please dial (877) 407-9716 (domestic) or (201) 493-6779 (international). The access code for all callers is 13726805.  The Company recommends joining the call at least 10 minutes in advance.  In addition, a live webcast will be available on the Company’s website at www.horizontechfinance.com

A webcast replay will be available on the Company’s website for 30 days following the call.

About Horizon Technology Finance

Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: HRZN) is a leading specialty finance company that provides capital in the form of secured loans to venture capital backed companies in the technology, life science, healthcare information and services, and sustainability industries. The investment objective of HRZN is to maximize its investment portfolio’s return by generating current income from the debt investments it makes and capital appreciation from the warrants it receives when making such debt investments. Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC is headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut, with a regional office in Pleasanton, California, and investment professionals located in Portland, Maine, Austin, Texas, and Reston, Virginia. To learn more, please visit www.horizontechfinance.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements included herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance, condition or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in HRZN’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. HRZN undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.

Contacts:

Investor Relations:
ICR
Garrett Edson
[email protected] 
(860) 284-6450

Media Relations:
ICR
Chris Gillick
[email protected] 
(646) 677-1819

Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)



December 31,

December 31,



2021


2020







Assets





Non-affiliate investments at fair value (cost of $452,387 and $343,158, respectively)

$       458,075


$     343,498


Non-controlled affiliate investments at fair value (cost of $0 and $6,854, respectively)


7,547


Controlled affiliate investments at fair value (cost of $1,450 and $1,500, respectively)


1,500


Total investments at fair value (cost of $453,837 and $351,512, respectively)

458,075


352,545


Cash

38,054


19,502


Investments in money market funds

7,868


27,199


Restricted investments in money market funds

1,359


1,057


Interest receivable

6,154


4,946


Other assets

2,450


1,908


Total assets

$       513,960


$     407,157







Liabilities





Borrowings

$       257,613


$     185,819


Distributions payable

6,365


5,786


Base management fee payable

706


563


Incentive fee payable

2,015


975


Other accrued expenses

1,926


1,417


Total liabilities

268,625


194,560







Commitments and contingencies










Net assets





Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized, zero shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020



Common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 21,384,925 and 19,453,821 shares issued and 21,217,460 and 19,286,356 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively

22


19


Paid-in capital in excess of par

301,359


271,287


Distributable earnings

(56,046)


(58,709)


Total net assets

245,335


212,597


Total liabilities and net assets

$       513,960


$    407,157


Net asset value per common share

$           11.56


$        11.02








Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)



For the Three Months Ended


For the Year Ended



December 31,


December 31,



2021


2020


2021


2020


Investment income









Interest income on investments









Interest income on non-affiliate investments

$        15,194


$          9,217


$         54,159


$        41,503


Interest income on affiliate investments

39


157


252


689


Total interest income on investments

15,233


9,374


54,411


42,192


Fee income









Prepayment fee income on non-affiliate investments

1,651


434


4,111


2,345


Fee income on non-affiliate investments

61


223


1,481


1,335


Fee income on affiliate investments


35


12


45


Total fee income

1,712


692


5,604


3,725


Dividend income









Dividend income on controlled affiliate investments




118


Total dividend income




118


Total investment income

16,945


10,066


60,015


46,035


Expenses









Interest expense

3,253


2,342


12,034


9,673


Base management fee

2,022


1,593


7,617


6,458


Performance based incentive fee

2,015


975


7,055


5,187


Administrative fee

456


276


1,285


1,016


Professional fees

544


445


1,892


1,540


General and administrative

369


312


1,511


1,190


Total expenses

8,659


5,943


31,394


25,064


Net investment income before excise tax

8,286


4,123


28,621


20,971


Provision for excise tax

227


222


401


222


Net investment income

8,059


3,901


28,220


20,749











Net realized and unrealized loss on investments









Net realized loss on non-affiliate investments

(486)


(18,644)


(2,858)


(14,686)


Net realized loss on non-controlled affiliate investments

(390)



(390)



Net realized loss on controlled affiliate investments




(12)


Net realized loss on investments

(876)


(18,644)


(3,248)


(14,698)


Net realized loss on extinguishment of debt



(395)



Net realized loss

(876)


(18,644)


(3,643)


(14,698)


Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on non-affiliate investments

(4,811)


17,020


5,503


1,585


Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on non-controlled affiliate investments

1,019


120


(848)


(1,014)











Net unrealized depreciation on controlled affiliate investments

(1,125)



(1,450)


(258)


Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on investments

(4,917)


17,140


3,205


313


Net realized and unrealized loss

(5,793)


(1,504)


(438)


(14,385)











Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

$            2,266


$            2,397


$         27,782


$          6,364


Net investment income per common share

$              0.39


$              0.21


$             1.41


$            1.18


Net increase in net assets per common share

$              0.11


$              0.13


$             1.39


$            0.36


Distributions declared per share

$              0.35


$              0.30


$             1.25


$            1.25


Weighted average shares outstanding

20,622,770


18,794,836


20,027,420


17,534,528


SOURCE Horizon Technology Finance Corporation

Thetanuts Finance Get $18M in Seed Funding to Flest Out DeFi Platform

Thetanuts Finance Get $18M in Seed Funding to Flest Out DeFi Platform
  • Thetanuts Finance its hoping to redefine the crypto options marketplace by offering users the capacity to receive a large base produce on their electronic property
  • The fairly new DeFi protocol is organizing to introduce two new proprietary additions to the platforms suite of present goods

Crypto derivatives platform Thetanuts Finance announced Tuesday the closure of an $18 million seed spherical slated for the build-out of what it’s labeling as “innovative DeFi structured products and solutions.”

The spherical, led by Three Arrows Cash, Deribit, QCP Cash, and Leap Crypto, will be utilized to “supercharge” the growth of Thetanut’s crypto derivatives ecosystem, according to a press launch.

Thetanuts gives structured merchandise that acknowledge tokens from 11 chains as collateral although in switch delivering consumers access to risk-modified produce alternatives in new options marketplaces across several blockchains, the system claimed.

The system is a rather new protocol aiming to give consumers access to crypto-structured merchandise on various decentralized networks in order to create a favorable return. Thetanuts argues its goods will assist with the development of “new selection markets” in DeFi (decentralized finance) while offering sustainable returns to customers via selection providing.

Structured merchandise becoming created by Thetanuts will leverage the team’s hedge fund managerial know-how as nicely as money analysts and wise contract developers. The idea will be to introduce two proprietary additions to the platform’s suite of existing items.

These two additions consist of Theta-Index, a basket of select choices and Theta-Wheel, physically settled vaults that alternate between calls and places. Theta-Wheel allows buyers to “buy low and offer high” while earning rates, in accordance to the release.

“Thetanuts offers a nimble option to allow for teams to participate quickly and scale for their communities,” stated John Jansen CEO of crypto trade Deribit.

“The automated character of Theta-Index vaults considerably cuts down the complexity of generate technology, is user-friendly, and qualified prospects to greater desire stream into OTC trading and CeFi.”

Thetanuts now runs 6-10 delta tactics on lined calls for ETH and BTC with a strike at 25{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996} over place based mostly on prevailing industry fees on the crypto exchange Deribit, according to its whitepaper. Conversely, a strike cost for the exact same approaches and belongings on coated places is set at 20{21df340e03e388cc75c411746d1a214f72c176b221768b7ada42b4d751988996}.


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  • Sebastian Sinclair

    Blockworks

    Senior Reporter, Asia News Desk

    Sebastian Sinclair is a senior news reporter for Blockworks working in South East Asia. He has knowledge masking the crypto market as effectively as sure developments influencing the market such as regulation, enterprise and M&As. He presently retains no cryptocurrencies.&#13
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Start planning early to help with managing wealth | Finance

Start planning early to help with managing wealth | Finance

Wealth management is a broad matter, but an essential just one for persons to have some grasp on in their lives. Just one piece of suggestions appears to be to be universal with prosperity administration: the before you begin, the much better.

Grant Davis, running director at Raymond James and Associates’ Beachwood office, and Jasmina Tadic, senior economic adviser at NCA Economical Planners in Mayfield Heights, shared their views on what folks need to look at when they’re starting off to prepare out their funds.

Tadic stated whilst it is never ever definitely “too late” to get begun on wealth management, ready right until afterwards in lifestyle can make issues difficult.

“It’s finding that balance involving, ‘Hey, how significantly must I be putting towards personal savings,’ and ‘Hey, how considerably should I allow for myself to shell out and getting a superior time in the course of my a long time and retirement,’” she said. “The declaring: it is never far too late to pick up some things, but a large amount of instances it is as well late. If you have not produced aims for cost savings and retirement, you may well obtain you never ever in a posture to retire and possessing to get the job done without end. It can be too late and I would do it as before long as feasible.”

Tadic reported she encourages her clientele to have their youngsters also speak with her or a planner just after they get their initially serious occupation to enable them prepare for their funds in existence and instill very good economic behaviors early.

Davis reported early on in people’s life, they are not taught matters like price savings, tax command, or about fantastic personal debt vs. undesirable personal debt and frequently it is vital to have some steerage with finances.

“There’s only a person possibility you get to retire and are living on your revenue correctly for the rest of your lifestyle, and you have to get it ideal, you have to get it correct,” he explained. “You just can’t hold out right up until the final moment. There is an aged adage, the five several years just before retirement and the very first 5 years of have a massive impact on your achievements, but the setting up must be finished prior to that.”

Davis mentioned he ordinarily recommends persons get started finding major about their funds by age 40, however he nevertheless encourages youngsters and persons young than 40 to start out planning previously.

As considerably as what to glance for in locating an individual to assistance with wealth management, Tadic mentioned it is crucial to perform with certified monetary planners, mainly because the certification makes certain that person is aware all belongings of economical administration.

“What goes hand-in-hand with being a CFP (licensed money planner) is remaining a fiduciary,” she mentioned. “That indicates the advisor will set the client’s most effective desire prior to their possess. You would believe that is a offered, but which is not generally the scenario.”

Davis mentioned persons really don’t require to overcomplicate issues when they’re on the lookout for a money planner.

“It’s a challenging proposition, everybody desires an individual with knowledge and a lot of areas do have minimums, so you may perhaps not meet up with the bare minimum at some bigger organization, but it is not complex to start out,” he explained. “You could get started everywhere, irrespective of whether it is a immediate account or with a vendor like ours, or even a lender or insurance business. As lengthy you are disciplined and saving and investing year in and yr out, it isn’t challenging, but at some stage, you do will need someone to assistance coordinate everything.”

Ed Carroll is a freelance writer.

What Is SWIFT, Global Finance Arm That West Can Twist To Hurt Russia

What Is SWIFT, Global Finance Arm That West Can Twist To Hurt Russia

What Is SWIFT, Global Finance Arm That West Can Twist To Hurt Russia

Russian financial institutions would be slash off from the SWIFT international payments process

London/New York:

Exclusion from SWIFT, a very discreet but crucial cog in the machinery of global finance, is one of the most disruptive sanctions the West has deployed from Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

The transfer experienced been threatened in recent months by the United States, the European Union and other Western allies as a usually means of escalating punishment of Russia for its aggressions versus its ex-Soviet neighbour.

On Saturday, as the Russian armed service stepped up its assault on Ukrainian cities, Western allies sought to cripple the country’s banking sector and forex by cutting selected banking companies from the worldwide method made use of to transfer funds, seriously hamstringing Russia’s capacity to trade with most of the planet.

The measures have been backed by the United States, Canada, the European Fee, Britain, France, Germany and Italy. The team of globe powers mentioned in a assertion it was “resolved to continue on imposing prices on Russia that will even further isolate Russia from the intercontinental economical program and our economies.”

What is SWIFT?

Founded in 1973, the Society for Globally Interbank Economic Telecommunication, or SWIFT, essentially won’t tackle any transfers of money by itself.

But its messaging process, produced in the 1970s to switch relying upon Telex equipment, gives banking institutions the usually means to communicate promptly, securely and inexpensively.

The non-detailed, Belgium-primarily based organization is actually a cooperative of banking companies and proclaims to keep on being neutral.

What does SWIFT do?

Financial institutions use the SWIFT method to send out standardised messages about transfers of sums between them selves, transfers of sums for customers, and buy and market orders for assets.

Far more than 11,000 economical establishments in more than 200 countries use SWIFT, creating it the spine of the intercontinental financial transfer technique.

But its preeminent job in finance has also intended that the agency has had to cooperate with authorities to prevent the funding of terrorism.

Who signifies SWIFT in Russia?

According to the nationwide association Rosswift, Russia is the second-largest region following the United States in phrases of the number of people, with some 300 Russian money institutions belonging to the program.

Extra than 50 percent of Russia’s fiscal establishments are users of SWIFT, it included.

Russia does have its have domestic fiscal infrastructure, which include the SPFS system for financial institution transfers and the Mir method for card payments, similar to the Visa and Mastercard programs.

Are there precedents for excluding nations around the world?

In November 2019, SWIFT “suspended” accessibility to its community by certain Iranian banking institutions.

The move adopted the imposition of sanctions on Iran by the United States and threats by then-Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that SWIFT would be specific by US sanctions if it didn’t comply.

Iran had currently been disconnected from the SWIFT network from 2012 to 2016.

Is it a credible danger?

Tactically, “the positive aspects and disadvantages are debatable,” Guntram Wolff, director of the Brussels-based mostly Bruegel consider tank, explained to AFP.

In functional phrases, being removed from SWIFT implies Russian banks are unable to use it to make or acquire payments with foreign money institutions for trade transactions.

“Operationally it would be a authentic headache,” said Wolff, primarily for European nations that have substantial trade with Russia, which is their one most important provider of natural gas.

Western nations threatened to exclude Russia from SWIFT in 2014 next its annexation of Crimea.

But excluding these types of a important nation — Russia is also a key oil exporter — could spur Moscow to speed up the advancement of an option transfer process, with China for example.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is revealed from a syndicated feed.)