Hercules Capital Receives BBB- Reaffirmed Investment Grade Credit and Corporate Rating from Fitch Ratings, Inc.

Rhea-AI Summary

Hercules Capital, Inc. (NYSE: HTGC) announced that Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed its investment grade credit rating at BBB- with a stable outlook. This rating indicates Hercules' strong position in providing senior secured loans to venture-backed companies. Key factors for this rating include a solid credit track record, substantial asset coverage, and robust funding flexibility. The stable outlook reflects expected continued focus on quality first lien debt investments and consistent core earnings. Since its inception in December 2003, Hercules has committed over $16 billion to more than 600 companies.

Positive

• Fitch reaffirmed investment grade credit rating at BBB- with a stable outlook.
• Strong asset coverage ratio maintained above 25%.
• Demonstrated access to public debt and equity markets.

Negative

• None.

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hercules Capital, Inc. (NYSE: HTGC) (“Hercules” or the “Company”), the largest and leading specialty financing provider to innovative venture, growth and established stage companies backed by some of the leading and top-tier venture capital and select private equity firms, today announced that Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”) has reaffirmed Hercules’ investment grade credit and corporate rating of BBB- with a stable outlook, as well as its underlying analysis.

“We are very pleased that Fitch has reaffirmed our BBB- investment grade credit and corporate rating,” stated Seth Meyer, chief financial officer of Hercules. “This rating reflects our differentiated and diversified venture and growth stage lending business model, the depth and capabilities of our management team and our commitment to disciplined underwriting and proven track record of operational excellence.”

The BBB- rating reflects the Company’s senior focus of the investment portfolio, solid track record in credit, broad industry relationships, above rated peer average asset coverage cushion, consistent operating performance, experienced management team, and strong funding flexibility with demonstrated access to the public debt and equity markets.

The Stable Rating Outlook reflects Fitch’s expectation for a continued focus on first lien debt investments, consistent core earnings generation, solid asset quality, and the maintenance of the asset coverage ratio cushion at-or-above 25% and the unsecured funding mix at-or-above 35%.

About Hercules Capital, Inc.

Hercules Capital, Inc. (NYSE: HTGC) is the leading and largest specialty finance company focused on providing senior secured venture growth loans to high-growth, innovative venture capital-backed companies in a broad variety of technology, life sciences and sustainable and renewable technology industries. Since inception (December 2003), Hercules has committed more than $16 billion to over 600 companies and is the lender of choice for entrepreneurs and venture capital firms seeking growth capital financing. Companies interested in learning more about financing opportunities should contact info@htgc.com, or call 650.289.3060.

Hercules, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Hercules Adviser LLC (“Hercules Adviser”), also maintains an asset management business through which it manages investments for external parties (“Adviser Funds”). Hercules Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

Hercules’ common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “HTGC.” In addition, Hercules has one retail bond issuance of 6.25% Notes due 2033 (NYSE: HCXY).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We may use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “should,” “may” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and should not be relied upon in making any investment decision. Such statements are based on currently available operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations. While we cannot identify all such risks and uncertainties, we urge you to read the risks discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other materials that we publicly file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements made in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. Hercules assumes no obligation to update any such statements in the future.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230404005480/en/

Michael Hara

Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

Hercules Capital, Inc.

(650) 433-5578

mhara@htgc.com

Source: Hercules Capital, Inc.

FAQ

What does the reaffirmation of Hercules Capital's BBB- rating by Fitch Ratings mean for investors?

The reaffirmation indicates a stable outlook and strong creditworthiness, suggesting that Hercules Capital is a reliable investment.

How much funding has Hercules Capital provided since its inception?

Hercules Capital has committed over $16 billion to more than 600 companies since December 2003.

What is the significance of the stable outlook from Fitch Ratings for NYSE: HTGC?

A stable outlook suggests that Hercules is expected to maintain its credit quality and operational stability, which is favorable for investors.

What are the key factors that led to the BBB- rating for Hercules Capital?

Key factors include a solid credit track record, strong asset coverage, and robust funding flexibility.

What industries does Hercules Capital focus on for its financing?

Hercules Capital primarily focuses on technology, life sciences, and sustainable technology industries.