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Trinity Capital (TRIN) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Financing Activities - Trinity Capital completed a private equity offering, issuing 8,333,333 shares for approximately 125.0millioningrossproceeds[17].Thecompanyalsocompletedaprivatedebtofferingof125.0 million in gross proceeds[17]. - The company also completed a private debt offering of 125.0 million in unsecured 7.00% Notes due 2025[18]. - The company has established a joint venture to co-manage investments in secured loans and equipment financings to growth-stage companies[22]. - The company has established relationships with major technology banks to facilitate seamless collaboration in investment opportunities[63]. - A share repurchase program has been authorized for up to 30millionover12months,butthereisnoassurancethatitwillenhancelongtermstockholdervalue[152].InvestmentStrategyTrinityCapitaltargetsinvestmentsingrowthorientedcompanieswithexpectedannualrevenuesofupto30 million over 12 months, but there is no assurance that it will enhance long-term stockholder value[152]. Investment Strategy - Trinity Capital targets investments in growth-oriented companies with expected annual revenues of up to 100 million, which are often underserved by traditional lenders[26]. - The company's loans and equipment financings generally range from 5millionto5 million to 50 million, limiting each to approximately 5% or less of total assets[29]. - Trinity Capital's investment strategy includes obtaining warrants or contingent exit fees from portfolio companies, providing additional potential returns[25]. - The company seeks to invest in a diverse range of industries and geographic regions, not limited to any specific sector[53]. - The company aims to provide portfolio companies with access to growth capital that may only be available through incremental equity investments[49]. Market Conditions and Risks - The annual venture debt market in the U.S. surpassed 30billionforthefourthconsecutiveyearin2024,indicatingsignificantgrowthopportunities[43].Thedemandforloansandequipmentfinancingsforgrowthorientedcompaniesisestimatedtobe2030 billion for the fourth consecutive year in 2024, indicating significant growth opportunities[43]. - The demand for loans and equipment financings for growth-oriented companies is estimated to be 20% to 30% of annual venture equity investment activity[47]. - The financing products offered by traditional lenders often impose restrictive covenants, making them less attractive to growth-oriented companies[46]. - The company faces risks related to changes in interest rates and inflation rates, which could impact its financial condition and results of operations[114]. - Economic conditions, including fluctuations in demand for equipment, interest rates, and inflation rates, pose risks that could threaten the ability to operate profitably[165]. Regulatory Compliance - The company is classified as an emerging growth company and plans to utilize reduced disclosure requirements under the JOBS Act for up to five years following its IPO[78]. - The company has elected to be regulated as a Business Development Company (BDC) under the 1940 Act, which imposes specific restrictions on transactions and requires a majority of independent directors[80]. - To qualify as a BDC, at least 70% of the company's total assets must consist of qualifying assets, with a significant focus on investments in eligible portfolio companies[82]. - The company must maintain an asset coverage ratio of at least 150%, allowing it to borrow 2 for every $1 of investor equity[89]. - The company intends to qualify as a Regulated Investment Company (RIC) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would exempt it from federal income tax on distributed income[95]. Portfolio Management and Valuation - The company has developed a proprietary credit rating system to evaluate and underwrite prospective portfolio companies[40]. - The company's debt investment portfolio had a weighted average risk rating score of 2.9 as of December 31, 2024[75]. - A significant portion of the company's portfolio investments will be recorded at fair values determined by the Board, leading to uncertainty in valuation[148]. - The Board will adjust quarterly the valuation of the portfolio, with changes recorded as net change in unrealized gain or loss on investments[151]. - The company expects most of its investments to be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, indicating reliance on unobservable inputs and significant management judgment[150]. Competitive Landscape - The company operates in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, which could reduce returns and result in losses[122]. - A significant part of the company's competitive advantage lies in the underserved market for investments in small, fast-growing private companies, but increased competition could force less attractive investment terms[124]. - The equipment financing industry is highly competitive, with significant pressure on financing rates and resale prices due to competition from financial institutions and leasing companies[163]. - The company may face conflicts of interest due to managing other investment funds that operate in the same line of business[156]. - The company relies on strong referral relationships with venture capital sponsors for deal flow, and failure to maintain these relationships could adversely affect its business[114]. Financial Performance and Distributions - The company must distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income annually[96]. - The company may have difficulty paying required distributions if it recognizes income before receiving cash representing such income[118]. - If expenses exceed investment company taxable income, the company may experience a net operating loss for the year, which cannot be carried forward[103]. - The company may be subject to U.S. federal income tax at corporate rates if it fails to qualify as a RIC, impacting its ability to make distributions[105]. - The company must meet certain "asset coverage" tests to make distributions while debt obligations are outstanding, or it risks failing to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC[101]. Investment Risks - The company faces competitive pressures that may adversely affect its financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, potentially leading to decreased net interest income and increased credit loss risk[123]. - The company may need to refinance its indebtedness, and market conditions could affect the ability to do so on favorable terms[139]. - Defaults under credit facilities could force the company to sell investments at disadvantageous prices, negatively impacting financial condition and results[143]. - The company may face limitations on how borrowed funds can be used, which could restrict operational flexibility and growth potential[142]. - The company may face significant risks in the Finance and Insurance industry due to complex federal and state laws and potential regulatory restrictions[195].