UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) March 1, 2018
StoneCastle Financial Corp.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
| Delaware | 333-189307 | 90-0934878 | ||
| (State or other jurisdiction | (Commission | (IRS Employer | ||
| of incorporation) | File Number) | Identification No.) |
| 152 West 57th Street, 35th floor, New York, NY | 10019 | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (212) 354-6500
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
| o | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
| o | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| o | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
| o | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
| Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition. |
On March 1, 2018 the registrant issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017. The text of the press release is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K.
The information disclosed under this item 2.02 is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing made under the Securities Act of 1933, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
| Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits:
| Exhibit Number | Description |
| 99.1 | Press Release, dated March 1, 2018 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| STONECASTLE FINANCIAL CORP. | |
| Date: March 1, 2018 | |
| By: /s/ Patrick J. Farrell | |
| Name: Patrick J. Farrell | |
| Title: Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit Index
| Exhibit Number | Description |
| 99.1 | Press Release, Dated March 1, 2018 |
Section 2: EX-99.1 (EX-99.1)
Exhibit 99.1
StoneCastle Financial Corp. Reports Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
NEW YORK, March 1, 2018 – StoneCastle Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: BANX) (“StoneCastle Financial” or the “Company”), an investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), today announced results for the fourth fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017.
Fourth Quarter 2017 Investment Highlights:
| · | Invested $13.2 million in three investments |
| · | Received full and partial calls of $23.4 million from three investments |
Investment Activity in the Fourth Quarter 2017 Included:
| · | Invested $8.0 million in Fidelity Federal Bancorp, Subordinated Term Loan, 8.25%, 1/1/2028 |
| · | Invested $3.8 million in First Western Financial, Inc., Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, 9.00% |
| · | Invested $1.4 million in Preferred Term Securities, Ltd., Fixed Rate Mezzanine Notes, 9.74%, 9/15/2030, 144A |
Subsequent to quarter end, StoneCastle made five investments totaling $36.1 million. Included in that amount, the Company invested $17.6 million in a preferred equity interest of a new pooled vehicle whereby the Company contributed $43.4 million of securities.
A complete listing of investments as of the end of the quarter can be found on the Company’s website at www.StoneCastle-Financial.com.
The estimated annualized yield generated by the invested portfolio as of December 31, 2017 (excluding cash and cash equivalents) was approximately 9.05%. This quarter is the fifth consecutive quarter of an estimated annualized yield over 9.00%.
Fourth Quarter 2017 Financial Results
Total earnings for the fourth quarter were $3,037,309 or $0.47 per share. Net investment income was $2,662,211 or $0.41 per share, comprised of $4,237,473 in gross income and $1,575,262 of expenses. For the quarter, net realized capital gains were $375,098 or $0.06 per share.
Net Assets at quarter end were $141,049,498, flat from the prior quarter. The Company’s Net Asset Value was $21.56 per share, unchanged from the prior quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Company paid a cash distribution of $0.38 per share. The distribution was paid on January 3, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 22, 2017.
The Company had $25.75 million outstanding on its $62.0 million credit facility at the quarter end, which represents approximately 15.1% of total assets. According to regulated investment company rules, the Company may borrow only up to 33.3% of its total assets.
Portfolio and Investment Summary
As of the close of business on December 31, 2017, the Company had total assets of $170,430,356 consisting of total investments of $166,911,546, cash of $30,142 and other assets of $3,488,668. Other assets include interest and dividends receivable of $2,435,308 and prepaid assets of $1,053,360.
During the quarter, the Company received two full calls and one partial call for a total of $23,421,467.
Quarterly Conference Call
StoneCastle Financial will host a webcast and conference call on March 1, 2018 at 5:00 pm Eastern time.
The conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-877-407-9039 for domestic callers or 1-201-689-8470 for international callers. Participants may also access the call via live webcast by visiting StoneCastle Financial’s investor relations website at www.stonecastle-financial.com. To listen to a live broadcast, go to the website at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to register, download and install any necessary audio software. A replay will be available shortly after the call and be available through midnight (Eastern Time) on March 15, 2018. The replay can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921 for domestic callers or 1-412-317-6671 for international callers. The passcode for the replay is 13674902. The archive of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website for a limited time.
About StoneCastle Financial Corp.
StoneCastle Financial is an SEC registered non-diversified, closed-end management investment company listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BANX.” StoneCastle Financial intends to make long-term, passive, non-control investments in community banks seeking capital for organic growth, acquisitions, share repurchases and other refinancing activities. Its investment objective is to provide current income and, to a lesser extent, capital appreciation. StoneCastle Financial is managed by StoneCastle Asset Management LLC.
Disclaimer and Risk Factors:
There is no assurance that StoneCastle Financial will achieve its investment objective. StoneCastle Financial is subject to numerous risks, including investment and market risks, management risk, income and interest rate risks, banking industry risks, preferred stock risk, convertible securities risk, debt securities risk, liquidity risk, valuation risk, leverage risk, non-diversification risk, credit and counterparty risks, market at a discount from net asset value risk and market disruption risk. Shares of closed-end investment companies may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) their net asset value. Shares of StoneCastle Financial may not be appropriate for all investors. Investors should review and consider carefully StoneCastle Financial’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Learn more at www.stonecastle-financial.com.
The Annual Report, Semi-Annual Report and other regulatory filings of the Company with the SEC are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at www.stonecastle-financial.com, and may discuss these or other factors that affect the Company.
CONTACT: Investor Contact:
Julie Muraco
347-887-0324
STONECASTLE FINANCIAL CORP.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
| December 31, 2017 | September 30, 2017 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Investments in securities, at fair value (cost: | ||||||||
| $169,571,744 and $176,825,546 respectively) | $ | 166,911,546 | $ | 174,745,784 | ||||
| Cash | 30,142 | 248,128 | ||||||
| Interest and dividends receivable | 2,435,308 | 2,600,690 | ||||||
| Prepaid assets | 1,053,360 | 1,109,113 | ||||||
| Total assets | 170,430,356 | 178,703,715 | ||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Loan payable | 25,750,000 | 36,500,000 | ||||||
| Dividend payable | 2,486,070 | - | ||||||
| Investment advisory fee payable | 751,761 | 788,255 | ||||||
| Loan interest payable | 51,901 | 1,149 | ||||||
| Directors fee payable | 13,326 | 12,908 | ||||||
| Accrued expenses payable | 327,800 | 322,707 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 29,380,858 | 37,625,019 | ||||||
| Net Assets | $ | 141,049,498 | $ | 141,078,696 | ||||
| Net Assets consist of: | ||||||||
| Common stock at par ($0.001 per share) | $ | 6,542 | $ | 6,542 | ||||
| Paid-in-capital | 144,858,951 | 144,858,951 | ||||||
| Accumulated net investment loss | (1,078,833 | ) | (1,252,819 | ) | ||||
| Accumulated net realized loss on investments | (76,964 | ) | (454,216 | ) | ||||
| Net unrealized depreciation on investments | (2,660,198 | ) | (2,079,762 | ) | ||||
| Net Assets | $ | 141,049,498 | $ | 141,078,696 | ||||
| Net Asset Value Per Share: | ||||||||
| Common Stock Shares Outstanding | 6,542,289 | 6,542,289 | ||||||
| Net asset value per common share | $ | 21.56 | $ | 21.56 | ||||
| Market price per share | $ | 20.13 | $ | 20.64 | ||||
| Market price discount to net asset value per share | -6.63 | % | -4.27 | % | ||||
STONECASTLE FINANCIAL CORP.
Statement of Operations
| For The Three | For The Three | |||||||
| Months Ended | Months Ended | |||||||
| December 31, 2017 | September 30, 2017 | |||||||
| Investment Income | ||||||||
| Interest | $ | 3,359,404 | $ | 3,329,471 | ||||
| Dividends | 673,888 | 960,763 | ||||||
| Origination fee income | 141,681 | 7,094 | ||||||
| Other Income | 62,500 | 62,500 | ||||||
| Total Investment Income | 4,237,473 | 4,359,828 | ||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||
| Investment advisory fees | 751,761 | 788,255 | ||||||
| Interest expense | 323,511 | 428,246 | ||||||
| Professional fees | 175,417 | 141,981 | ||||||
| Bank fees | 55,083 | 69,742 | ||||||
| Directors’ fees | 51,794 | 51,793 | ||||||
| Transfer agent, custodian fees and administrator fees | 50,008 | 68,357 | ||||||
| ABA marketing and licensing fees | 38,157 | 55,096 | ||||||
| Investor relations fees | 27,945 | 32,946 | ||||||
| Delaware franchise tax | 22,685 | 22,684 | ||||||
| Valuation fees | 17,337 | 12,338 | ||||||
| Insurance expense | 4,420 | 22,019 | ||||||
| Printing | 3,195 | 18,195 | ||||||
| Miscellaneous fees | 53,949 | 46,341 | ||||||
| Total expenses | 1,575,262 | 1,757,993 | ||||||
| Net Investment Income | $ | 2,662,211 | $ | 2,601,835 | ||||
| Realized and Unrealized Gain / (Loss) on Investments | ||||||||
| Net realized gain / (loss) on investments | $ | 375,098 | $ | (147,236 | ) | |||
| Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments | (580,436 | ) | 630,018 | |||||
| Net realized and unrealized gain / (loss) on investments | (205,338 | ) | 482,782 | |||||
| Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations | $ | 2,456,873 | $ | 3,084,617 | ||||
STONECASTLE FINANCIAL CORP.
Financial Highlights
| For The Three | ||||
| Months Ended | ||||
| December 31, 2017 | ||||
| Per Share Operating Performance | ||||
| Net Asset Value, beginning of period | $ | 21.56 | ||
| Net investment income(1) | 0.41 | |||
| Net realized and unrealized gain / (loss) on investments (1) | (0.03 | ) | ||
| Total from investment operations | 0.38 | |||
| Less distributions to shareholders | ||||
| From net investment income | (0.38 | ) | ||
| Total distributions | (0.38 | ) | ||
| Net asset value, end of period | $ | 21.56 | ||
| Per share market value, end of period | $ | 20.13 | ||
| Total Investment Return (2) | ||||
| Based on market value | -0.60 | % | ||
| Based on net asset value | 1.92 | % | ||
| Ratios and Supplemental Data | ||||
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $ | 141.0 | ||
| Ratios (as a percentage to average net assets): | ||||
| Expenses before waivers (3)(4)* | 4.43 | % | ||
| Expenses after waivers (5)* | 4.43 | % | ||
| Net investment income(6)* | 7.49 | % | ||
| Portfolio turnover rate ** | 8 | % | ||
| Revolving Credit Agreement | ||||
| Total revolving credit agreement outstanding (000’s) | $ | 25,750 | ||
| Asset coverage per $1,000 for revolving credit agreement(7) | 6,478 | |||
| (1) | Based on the average shares outstanding during quarter. | |
| (2) | Reflects reinvestment of distributions at the price obtained under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Total return does not include sales load and offering expenses and are not annualized. | |
| (3) | Excluding interest expense, the ratio would have been 3.52%. | |
| (4) | Ratio of expenses before waivers to average managed assets equals 3.58%. | |
| (5) | Ratio of expenses after waivers to average managed assets equals 3.58%. | |
| (6) | Ratio of net investment income to average managed assets equals 6.05%. | |
| (7) | Calculated by subtracting the Company’s total liabilities (excluding the loan) from the Company’ total assets and dividing the amount by the loan outstanding in 000’s. | |
| * | Annualized | |
| ** | Not-annualized | |