Grupo Hima San Pablo: BDC Writes Investment Off

5/3/2022: On May 3, 2022, we heard the following from WhiteHorse Finance (WHF) in a press release which previewed IQ 2022 results:

During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the realization from Grupo HIMA San Pablo, Inc. generated an approximate $6.9 million net loss, or approximately a net loss of 29.8 cents per share.WhiteHorse Finance Press Release May 3, 2022

No further details were provided, but this does provide a useful heads up regarding the Puerto Rican hospital chain, whose debt has been non performing in one way or another since IVQ 2017 (!). As of the IVQ 2021, 4 BDCs – including WHF – have exposure to Grupo Hima, in the form of first lien and second lien debt, with a cost of $44.4mn. At fair market value the positions already aggregated only $10.9mn.

WHF – according to its latest 10-K – had invested $19.5mn in the hospital chain, but had written exposure to $7.5mn. Assuming we understand what WHF is doing, this suggests the BDC will be recognizing a final loss but recovering $12.6mn of capital advanced and a small fair market value gain from the settlement of this long troubled credit.

The other BDCs involved – none of which have reported results yet are Portman Ridge (PTMN); Main Street Capital (MAIN) and Stellus Capital (SCM). The news out of WHF suggests the “realization” of the Grupo Hima situation means a final resolution has been made. Unfortunately, we don’t know the details and could not find anything from a quick search of the public record. We hope to circle back with more details when one or more of the BDC lenders provides more of an explanation of what has happened.