Edgar Filing: NewStar Financial, Inc.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 001-33211

NewStar Financial, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware		54-2157878
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

500 Boylston Street, Suite 1250, Boston, MA		02116
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(617) 848-2500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

As of April 26, 2013, 49,425,389 shares of common stock, par value of $0.01 per share, were outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		Page
	PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)		3

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012		3

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012		4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012		5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012		6

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012		7

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		8

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		33

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		49

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		50

	PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		50

Item 1A.	Risk Factors		50

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		50

Item 6.	Exhibits		51

SIGNATURES			52

Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of NewStar Financial, Inc., contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These are statements that relate to future periods and include statements about:

•

our anticipated financial condition, including estimated loan losses;

•

our expected results of operation;

•

our ability to meet draw requests under commitments to borrowers under certain conditions;

•

our growth and market opportunities;

•

trends and conditions in the financial markets in which we operate;

•

our future funding needs and sources and availability of funding;

•

our involvement in capital-raising transactions;

•

our competitors;

•

our provision for credit losses;

•

our future development of our products and markets;

•

our ability to compete; and

•

our stock price.

Generally, the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “plans” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results, performance, achievements or industry results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other important factors include, among others:

•

acceleration of deterioration in credit quality that could result in levels of delinquent or non-accrual loans that would force us to realize credit losses exceeding our allowance for credit losses and deplete our cash position;

•

risks and uncertainties relating to the financial markets generally, including disruptions in the global financial markets;

•

our ability to obtain external financing;

•

the regulation of the commercial lending industry by federal, state and local governments;

•

risks and uncertainties relating to our limited operating history;

•

our ability to minimize losses, achieve profitability, and realize our deferred tax asset; and

•

the competitive nature of the commercial lending industry and our ability to effectively compete.

For a further description of these and other risks and uncertainties, we encourage you to carefully read section Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

The forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q speak only as of the date of this report. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained in this Quarterly Report to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based, except as may be required by law.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements.

NEWSTAR FINANCIAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(unaudited)
	($ in thousands, except share and par value amounts)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,581		$	27,212
Restricted cash		140,969			208,667
Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale		21,546			21,127
Loans held-for-sale, net		59,517			51,602
Loans, net		1,748,454			1,720,789
Deferred financing costs, net		17,858			19,064
Interest receivable		8,626			9,003
Property and equipment, net		345			433
Deferred income taxes, net		40,895			42,463
Income tax receivable		1,724			4,311
Other assets		28,251			52,399

Total assets	$	2,095,766		$	2,157,070

Liabilities:
Credit facilities	$	213,859		$	229,941
Term debt		1,196,124			1,221,764
Repurchase agreements		30,194			30,583
Accrued interest payable		4,543			3,330
Accounts payable		1,186			404
Other liabilities		47,207			76,231

Total liabilities		1,493,113			1,562,253

Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding)		0			0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share:
Shares authorized: 145,000,000 in 2013 and 2012;
Shares outstanding 49,442,722 in 2013 and 49,311,008 in 2012		494			493
Additional paid-in capital		647,983			646,299
Accumulated deficit		(14,572	)		(20,726	)
Common stock held in treasury, at cost $0.01 par value; 3,663,685 in 2013 and 3,646,290 in 2012		(31,486	)		(31,243	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net		234			(6	)

Total stockholders’ equity		602,653			594,817

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,095,766		$	2,157,070

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

NEWSTAR FINANCIAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Unaudited


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013			2012
	($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net interest income:
Interest income	$	30,140		$	29,522
Interest expense		9,187			8,353

Net interest income		20,953			21,169
Provision for credit losses		718			2,881

Net interest income after provision for credit losses		20,235			18,288

Non-interest income:
Fee income		358			1,255
Asset management income – related party		727			743
Loss on derivatives		(41	)		(15	)
Gain (loss) on sale of loans		27			(450	)
Other income		2,032			1,252

Total non-interest income		3,103			2,785

Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		8,880			7,202
General and administrative expenses		4,031			3,493

Total operating expenses		12,911			10,695

Income before income taxes		10,427			10,378
Income tax expense		4,273			4,296

Net income	$	6,154		$	6,082

Basic income per share	$	0.13		$	0.13
Diluted income per share		0.12			0.12

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

NEWSTAR FINANCIAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Unaudited


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013		2012
	($ in thousands)
Net Income	$	6,154	$	6,082
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax expense of $146 and $473, respectively		216		692
Net unrealized derivative gains, net of tax expense of $21 and $38, respectively		24		37

Other comprehensive income		240		729

Comprehensive income	$	6,394	$	6,811

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

NEWSTAR FINANCIAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Unaudited


	NewStar Financial, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity
	Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital			Accumulated Deficit			Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net			Common Stockholders’ Equity
	($ in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2013	$	493	$	646,299		$	(20,726	)	$	(31,243	)	$	(6	)	$	594,817
Net income		0		0			6,154			0			0			6,154
Other comprehensive income		0		0			0			0			240			240
Issuance of restricted stock		1		(1	)		0			0			0			0
Net shares reacquired from employee transactions		0		0			0			(243	)		0			(243	)
Tax benefit from vesting of restricted common stock awards		0		88			0			0			0			88
Amortization of restricted common stock awards		0		1,530			0			0			0			1,530
Amortization of stock option awards		0		67			0			0			0			67

Balance at March 31, 2013	$	494	$	647,983		$	(14,572	)	$	(31,486	)	$	234		$	602,653


	NewStar Financial, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity
	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Accumulated Deficit			Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net			Common Stockholders’ Equity
Balance at January 1, 2012	$	494		$	635,389		$	(44,703	)	$	(25,420	)	$	(1,998	)	$	563,762
Net income		0			0			6,082			0			0			6,082
Other comprehensive income		0			0			0			0			729			729
Issuance of restricted stock		1			(1	)		0			0			0			0
Net shares reacquired from employee transactions		0			0			0			(37	)		0			(37	)
Tax benefit from vesting of restricted common stock awards		0			(6	)		0			0			0			(6	)
Repurchase of common stock		(2	)		2			0			(1,831	)		0			(1,831	)
Amortization of restricted common stock awards		0			1,473			0			0			0			1,473
Amortization of stock option awards		0			423			0			0			0			423

Balance at March 31, 2012	$	493		$	637,280		$	(38,621	)	$	(27,288	)	$	(1,269	)	$	570,595

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

NEWSTAR FINANCIAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Unaudited


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013			2012
	($ in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	6,154		$	6,082
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operations:
Provision for credit losses		718			2,881
Depreciation and amortization and accretion		(1,819	)		(1,784	)
Amortization of debt issuance costs		1,405			1,024
Equity compensation expense		1,597			1,896
Loss (gain) on sale of loans		(27	)		450
Gain on repurchase of debt		0			(946	)
Losses (gains) from equity method investments		(837	)		203
Net change in deferred income taxes		1,568			(113	)
Loans held-for-sale originated		(26,752	)		(32,721	)
Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale		18,837			33,054
Net change in interest receivable		377			800
Net change in other assets		27,617			(5,568	)
Net change in accrued interest payable		1,213			112
Net change in accounts payable and other liabilities		(28,427	)		(5,635	)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		1,624			(265	)

Cash flows from investing activities:
Net change in restricted cash		67,698			(21,136	)
Net change in loans		(26,480	)		(75,547	)
Acquisition of property and equipment		(8	)		(110	)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		41,210			(96,793	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		0			108
Tax benefit (expense) from vesting of restricted stock		88			(6	)
Borrowings on credit facilities		177,573			163,242
Repayment of borrowings on credit facilities		(193,655	)		(58,301	)
Borrowings on term debt		5,000			74,900
Repayment of borrowings on term debt		(30,640	)		(77,007	)
Repayment of borrowings on repurchase agreements		(389	)		(2,181	)
Payment of deferred financing costs		(199	)		(2,907	)
Purchase of treasury stock		(243	)		(1,868	)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(42,465	)		95,980

Net increase (decrease) in cash during the period		369			(1,078	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		27,212			18,468

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	27,581		$	17,390

Supplemental cash flows information:
Interest paid	$	7,975		$	8,241
Taxes paid		197			3,262
Increase in fair value of investments in debt securities		362			1,165
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned		0			9,400

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

NEWSTAR FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Unaudited

Note 1. Organization

NewStar Financial, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, is a specialized commercial finance company focused on meeting the complex financing needs of companies and private investors in the middle market. The Company focuses primarily on the direct origination of bank loans and equipment leases through teams of credit-trained bankers and marketing officers organized around key industry and market segments. The Company’s marketing and direct origination efforts target private equity sponsors, mid-sized companies, corporate executives, regional banks, real estate investors and a variety of other referral sources and financial intermediaries to source new customer relationships and lending opportunities. The Company’s emphasis on direct origination is an important aspect of its marketing and credit strategy because it provides direct access to customers’ management teams and enhances the Company’s ability to conduct detailed due diligence and credit analysis of prospective borrowers. It also allows the Company to negotiate transaction terms directly with borrowers and, as a result, it has significant input into customers’ financial strategies and capital structures. The Company also participates in loans as a member of a lending group. The mix of the Company’s originations may vary from period to period. The Company employs highly experienced bankers, marketing officers and credit professionals to identify and structure new lending opportunities and manage customer relationships. The Company believes that the quality of its professionals, the breadth of their relationships and referral networks, and their ability to develop creative solutions for customers position it to be a valued partner and preferred lender for mid-sized companies.

The Company operates as a single segment, and it derives revenues from four specialized lending groups that target market segments in which it believes that it has a competitive advantage:

•

Leveraged Finance, provides senior, secured cash flow loans and, to a lesser extent, second lien loans, which are primarily used to finance acquisitions of mid-sized companies with annual cash flow (EBITDA) typically between $5 million and $30 million by private equity investment funds managed by established professional alternative asset managers;

•

Business Credit, provides senior, secured asset-based loans primarily to fund working capital needs of mid-sized companies with sales typically totaling between $25 million and $500 million;

•

Real Estate, manages an existing portfolio of first mortgage debt which was sourced primarily to finance acquisitions of commercial real estate properties typically valued between $10 million and $50 million by professional commercial real estate investors; and

•

Equipment Finance, provides leases, loans and lease lines to finance equipment purchases and other capital expenditures typically for companies with annual sales of at least $25 million.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, “NewStar”) and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These interim condensed financial statements include adjustments of a normal and recurring nature considered necessary by management to fairly present NewStar’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These interim condensed financial statements may not be indicative of financial results for the full year. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The estimates most susceptible to change in the near-term are the Company’s estimates of its (i) allowance for credit losses, (ii) recorded amounts of deferred income taxes, (iii) fair value measurements used to record fair value adjustments to certain financial instruments, (iv) valuation of investments and (v) determination of other than temporary impairments and temporary impairments. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Note 3. Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company operates as a single segment, and derives revenues from four specialized lending groups that target market segments in which it believes it has a competitive advantage:

•

Leveraged Finance, provides senior, secured cash flow loans and, to a lesser extent, second lien loans, which are primarily used to finance acquisitions of mid-sized companies by private equity investment funds managed by established professional alternative asset managers;

•

Business Credit, provides senior, secured asset-based loans primarily to fund working capital needs of mid-sized companies;

•

Real Estate, manages an existing portfolio of first mortgage debt which was sourced primarily to finance acquisitions of commercial real estate properties; and

•

Equipment Finance, provides leases, loans and lease lines to finance equipment purchases and other capital expenditures.

The Company’s loan portfolio consists primarily of loans to small and medium-sized, privately-owned companies, most of which do not publicly report their financial condition. Compared to larger, publicly traded firms, loans to these types of companies may carry higher inherent risk. The companies that the Company lends to generally have more limited access to capital and higher funding costs, may be in a weaker financial position, may need more capital to expand or compete, and may be unable to obtain financing from public capital markets or from traditional sources, such as commercial banks.

The Company’s borrowers may be particularly susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and, as a result, may be unable to make scheduled payments of interest or principal on their borrowings during these periods. Adverse economic conditions also may decrease the estimated value of the collateral, particularly real estate, securing some of the Company’s loans.

Loans classified as held-for-sale may consist of loans originated by the Company and intended to be sold or syndicated to third parties (including NewStar Arlington Fund LLC (“Arlington Fund”), a new credit fund managed by the Company formed in April 2013) or impaired loans for which a sale of the loan is expected as a result of a workout strategy. At March 31, 2013 loans held-for-sale were $59.7 million and consisted of leveraged finance loans to 14 borrowers which are intended to be sold to the Arlington Fund at an agreed upon price or to entities other than the Arlington Fund. Subsequent to March 31, 2013, the Company sold loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $30.5 million to the Arlington Fund as intended.

These loans are carried at the lower of aggregate cost, net of any deferred origination costs or fees, or market value.

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, loans held-for-sale consisted of the following:


	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)
Leveraged Finance	$	60,114		$	52,120

Gross loans		60,114			52,120
Deferred loan fees, net		(597	)		(518	)

Total loans, net	$	59,517		$	51,602

The Company sold one loan with an outstanding balance of $7.5 million for a gain of $0.03 million to entities other than the NewStar Credit Opportunities Fund, Ltd. (“NCOF”) or the Arlington Fund during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The Company sold two loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $9.7 million for a loss of $0.5 million to entities other than the NCOF during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, loans and leases consisted of the following:


	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)
Leveraged Finance	$	1,466,837		$	1,422,415
Business Credit		204,649			196,952
Real Estate		148,883			177,478

Gross loans and leases		1,820,369			1,796,845
Deferred loan fees, net		(26,759	)		(26,420	)
Allowance for loan and lease losses		(45,156	)		(49,636	)

Total loans and leases, net	$	1,748,454		$	1,720,789

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Equipment Finance leases totaled $24.9 million and $17.3 million, respectively, and are included in the Business Credit balances.

The Company grants commercial loans, commercial real estate loans, and leases to customers throughout the United States. Although the Company has a diversified loan and lease portfolio, certain events have occurred, including, but not limited to, adverse economic conditions and adverse events affecting specific clients, industries or markets, that may adversely affect the ability of borrowers to make timely scheduled principal and interest payments on their loans and leases.

The Company internally risk rates loans based on individual credit criteria on at least a quarterly basis. Borrowers provide the Company with financial information on either a quarterly or monthly basis. Loan ratings as well as identification of impaired loans are dynamically updated to reflect changes in borrower condition or profile. A loan is considered to be impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due to it according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans include all non-accrual loans, loans with partial charge-offs and loans which are troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”).

The Company utilizes a number of analytical tools for the purpose of estimating probability of default and loss given default for its four specialized lending groups. The quantitative models employed by the Company in its Leveraged Finance and Equipment Finance businesses utilize Moody’s KMV RiskCalc credit risk model in combination with a proprietary qualitative model, which generates a rating that maps to a probability of default estimate. Real Estate utilizes a proprietary model that has been developed to capture risk characteristics unique to the lending activities in that line of business. The model produces an obligor risk rating which corresponds to a probability of default and also produces a loss given default. In each case, the probability of default and the loss given default are used to calculate an expected loss for those lending groups. Due to the nature of its borrowers and the structure of its loans, Business Credit utilizes a proprietary model that produces a rating that corresponds to an expected loss, without calculating a probability of default and loss given default. In each case, the expected loss is the primary component in a formulaic calculation of general reserves attributable to a given loan.

Loans and leases which are rated at or below a specified threshold are typically classified as “Pass”, and loans and leases rated above that threshold are typically classified as “Criticized”, a characterization that may apply to impaired loans, including TDR. As of March 31, 2013, $245.1 million of the Company’s loans were classified as “Criticized”, including $202.9 million of the Company’s impaired loans, and $1.6 billion were classified as “Pass”. As of December 31, 2012, $267.2 million of the Company’s loans were classified as “Criticized”, including $237.6 million of the Company’s impaired loans, and $1.5 billion were classified as “Pass”.

When the Company rates a loan above a certain risk rating threshold, the Company will establish a specific allowance, and the loan will be analyzed and may be placed on non-accrual. If the asset deteriorates further, the specific allowance may increase, and ultimately may result in a loss and charge-off.

A TDR that performs in accordance with the terms of the restructuring may improve its risk profile over time. While the concessions in terms of pricing or amortization may not have been reversed and further amended to “market” levels, the financial condition of the Borrower may improve over time to the point where the rating improves from the “Criticized” classification that was appropriate immediately prior to, or at, restructuring.

As of March 31, 2013, the Company had impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $306.2 million. Impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $257.2 million have been restructured and classified as TDR. As of March 31, 2013, the aggregate carrying value of equity investments in certain of the Company’s borrowers in connection with troubled debt restructurings totaled $8.7 million. Impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $76.3 million were also on non-accrual status. For impaired loans on non-accrual status, the Company’s policy is to reverse the accrued interest previously recognized as interest income subsequent to the last cash receipt in the current year. The recognition of interest income on the loan only resumes when factors indicating doubtful collection no longer exist and the non-accrual loan has been brought current. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company charged off $5.2 million of outstanding non-accrual loans. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company placed one loan with an outstanding balance of $9.0 million as of March 31, 2013 on non-accrual status. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company recorded $0.4 million of net specific provisions for impaired loans. At March 31, 2013, the Company had a $25.2 million specific allowance for impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $169.7 million. At March 31, 2013, additional funding commitments for impaired loans totaled $28.4 million. The Company’s obligation to fulfill the additional funding commitments on impaired loans is generally contingent on the borrower’s compliance with the terms of the credit agreement and the borrowing base availability for asset-based loans, or if the borrower is not in compliance additional funding commitments may be made at the Company’s discretion. As of March 31, 2013, $37.9 million of loans on non-accrual status were greater than 60 days past due and classified as delinquent by the Company. Included in the $25.2 million specific allowance for impaired loans was $1.6 million related to delinquent loans.

During 2012, as part of the resolution of two impaired commercial real estate loans, the Company took control of the underlying commercial real estate properties. The Company recorded a partial charge-off of $2.7 million and classified the commercial real estate properties as other real estate owned. The commercial real estate properties had an aggregate fair value of $13.0 million as of March 31, 2013 and as of December 31, 2012.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $324.4 million. Impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $263.7 million have been restructured and classified as TDR. As of December 31, 2012, the aggregate carrying value of equity investments in certain of the Company’s borrowers in connection with troubled debt restructurings totaled $7.7 million. Impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $72.7 million were also on non-accrual status. For impaired loans on non-accrual status, the Company’s policy is to reverse the accrued interest previously recognized as interest income subsequent to the last cash receipt in the current year. The recognition of interest income on the loan only resumes when factors indicating doubtful collection no longer exist and the non-accrual loan has been brought current. During 2012, the Company charged off $19.1 million of outstanding non-accrual loans and recovered $1.6 million of previously charged-off impaired loan outstanding balances. During 2012, the Company took previously identified non-accrual loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $16.2 million as of December 31, 2011 off non-accrual status and placed loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $22.7 million as of December 31, 2012 on non-accrual status. During 2012, the Company recorded $16.7 million of net specific provisions for impaired loans. At December 31, 2012, the Company had a $30.2 million specific allowance for impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $192.1 million. At December 31, 2012, additional funding commitments for impaired loans totaled $33.6 million. The Company’s obligation to fulfill the additional funding commitments on impaired loans is generally contingent on the borrower’s compliance with the terms of the credit agreement and the borrowing base availability for asset-based loans, or if the borrower is not in compliance additional funding commitments may be made at the Company’s discretion. As of December 31, 2012, $62.7 million of loans on non-accrual status were greater than 60 days past due and classified as delinquent by the Company. Included in the $30.2 million specific allowance for impaired loans was $6.4 million related to delinquent loans.

A summary of impaired loans is as follows:


	Investment		Unpaid Principal		Recorded Investment with a Related Allowance for Credit Losses		Recorded Investment without a Related Allowance for Credit Losses
	($ in thousands)
March 31, 2013
Leveraged Finance	$	219,063	$	288,426	$	118,184	$	100,879
Business Credit		1,821		2,720		0		1,821
Real Estate		85,338		91,266		51,554		33,784

Total	$	306,222	$	382,412	$	169,738	$	136,484

December 31, 2012
Leveraged Finance	$	214,359	$	277,702	$	131,261	$	83,098
Business Credit		1,821		2,652		0		1,821
Real Estate		108,188		117,054		60,871		47,317

Total	$	324,368	$	397,408	$	192,132	$	132,236

During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 the Company recorded net partial charge-offs of $5.2 million and $2.9 million, respectively. The Company’s general policy is to record a specific allowance for an impaired loan when the Company determines that it is doubtful that it will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan. Any partial charge-off of such loan would typically occur in a subsequent period. The Company may record the initial specific allowance related to an impaired loan in the same period as it records a partial charge-off in certain circumstances such as if the terms of a restructured loan are finalized during that period. When a loan is determined to be uncollectible, the specific allowance is charged off, and reduces the gross investment in the loan.

While charge-offs typically have no net impact on the carrying value of net loans, charge-offs lower the level of the allowance for loan losses; and, as a result, reduce the percentage of allowance for loans to total loans, and the percentage of allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans.

Below is a summary of the Company’s evaluation of its portfolio and allowance for loan and lease losses by impairment methodology:


	Leveraged Finance				Business Credit				Real Estate
	Investment		Allowance		Investment		Allowance		Investment		Allowance
	($ in thousands)
March 31, 2013
Collectively evaluated (1)	$	1,247,774	$	17,972	$	202,828	$	724	$	63,545	$	1,220
Individually evaluated (2)		219,063		17,822		1,821		0		85,338		7,418

Total	$	1,466,837	$	35,794	$	204,649	$	724	$	148,883	$	8,638


	Leveraged Finance				Business Credit				Real Estate
	Investment		Allowance		Investment		Allowance		Investment		Allowance
	($ in thousands)
December 31, 2012
Collectively evaluated (1)	$	1,208,056	$	18,063	$	195,131	$	707	$	69,290	$	653
Individually evaluated (2)		214,359		21,578		1,821		0		108,188		8,635

Total	$	1,422,415	$	39,641	$	196,952	$	707	$	177,478	$	9,288

(1)

Represents loans and leases collectively evaluated for impairment in accordance with ASC 450-20, Loss Contingencies, and pursuant to amendments by ASU 2010-20 regarding allowance for unimpaired loans and leases. These loans and leases had a weighted average risk rating of 5.2 and 5.1 based on the Company’s internally developed 12 point scale at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

(2)	Represents loans individually evaluated for impairment in accordance with ASU 310-10, Receivables, and pursuant to amendments by ASU 2010-20 regarding allowance for impaired loans.

Below is a summary of the Company’s investment in nonaccrual loans.


Recorded Investment in Nonaccrual Loans	March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)
Leveraged Finance	$	61,089	$	66,407
Business Credit		1,821		1,821
Real Estate		13,428		4,458

Total	$	76,338	$	72,686

Loans being restructured typically develop adverse performance trends as a result of internal or external factors, the result of which is an inability to comply with the terms of the applicable credit agreement governing their obligations to the Company. In order to mitigate default risk and/or liquidation, assuming that liquidation proceeds are not viewed as a more favorable outcome to the Company and other lenders, the Company will enter into negotiations with the borrower and its shareholders on the terms of a restructuring. When restructuring a loan, the Company undertakes an extensive diligence process which typically includes (i) construction of a financial model that runs through the tenor of the restructuring term, (ii) meetings with management of the borrower, (iii) engagement of third party consultants and (iv) internal analysis. Once a restructuring proposal is developed, it is subject to approval by both the Company’s Underwriting Committee and the Company’s Investment Committee. Loans will only be removed from TDR classification upon the refinancing of outstanding obligations on terms which are determined to be “market” in all material respects, or upon full payoff of the loan. The Company may modify loans that are not determined to be a TDR. Where a loan is modified or restructured but loan terms are considered market and no concessions were given on the loan terms, including price, principal amortization or obligation, or other restrictive covenants, a loan will not be classified as a TDR. As of March 31, 2013, the Company had one troubled debt restructuring presented net of deferred loan fees against its gross outstanding balance.

The Company has made the following types of concessions in the context of a TDR:

Group I:

•

extension of principal repayment term

•

principal holidays

•

interest rate adjustments

Group II:

•

partial charge-offs

•

partial forgiveness

•

conversion of debt to equity

A summary of the types of concessions that the Company made with respect to TDRs at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is provided below:


	Group I		Group II
	($ in thousands)
March 31, 2013	$	257,161	$	151,819
December 31, 2012	$	263,670	$	145,328

Note: A loan may be included in both restructuring groups, but not repeatedly within each group.

For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had partial charge-offs totaling $2.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively related to loans previously classified as TDR. As of March 31, 2013, the Company had not removed the TDR classification from any loan previously identified as such.

The Company measures TDRs similarly to how it measures all loans for impairment. The Company performs a discounted cash flow analysis on cash flow dependent loans and we assess the underlying collateral value less reasonable costs of sale for collateral dependent loans. Management analyzes the projected performance of the borrower to determine if it has the ability to service principal and interest based on the terms of the restructuring. If a charge-off is taken on a restructured loan, interest will typically move to a “cash basis” where it is taken into income only upon receipt or be placed on non-accrual. Loans will typically not be returned to accrual status until at least six months of contractual payments have been made in a timely manner. Additionally, at the time of a restructuring and quarterly thereafter, an impairment analysis is undertaken to determine the level of impairment on the loan.

Below is a summary of the Company’s loans which were classified as TDR.


For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013	Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Investment in TDR Subsequently Defaulted
	($ in thousands)
Leveraged Finance	$	0	$	0	$	0
Business Credit		0		0		0
Real Estate		0		0		8,976

Total	$	0	$	0	$	8,976


For the Year Ended December 31, 2012	Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Investment in TDR Subsequently Defaulted
	($ in thousands)
Leveraged Finance	$	22,190	$	22,190	$	21,668
Business Credit		0		0		0
Real Estate		47,544		47,544		0

Total	$	69,734	$	69,734	$	21,668

The following sets forth a breakdown of troubled debt restructurings at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:


As of March 31, 2013 ($ in thousands) Loan Type	Accrual Status								For the three months
	Accruing		Nonaccrual		Impaired Balance		Specific Allowance		Charged- off
Leveraged Finance	$	145,578	$	54,907	$	200,485	$	17,192	$	2,656
Business Credit		0		0		0		0		0
Real Estate		43,264		13,412		56,676		1,379		0

Total	$	188,842	$	68,319	$	257,161	$	18,571	$	2,656


As of December 31, 2012 ($ in thousands) Loan Type	Accrual Status								For the year
	Accruing		Nonaccrual		Impaired Balance		Specific Allowance		Charged- off
Leveraged Finance	$	135,757	$	57,703	$	193,460	$	18,475	$	12,614
Business Credit		0		0		0		0		0
Real Estate		65,768		4,442		70,210		1,969		5,612

Total	$	201,525	$	62,145	$	263,670	$	20,444	$	18,226

The Company classifies a loan as past due when it is over 60 days delinquent.

An age analysis of the Company’s past due receivables is as follows:


	60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans and Leases		Investment in > 60 Days & Accruing
	($ in thousands)
March 31, 2013
Leveraged Finance	$	0	$	31,605	$	31,605	$	1,435,232	$	1,466,837	$	0
Business Credit		0		1,821		1,821		202,828		204,649		0
Real Estate		0		4,452		4,452		144,431		148,883		0

Total	$	0	$	37,878	$	37,878	$	1,782,491	$	1,820,369	$	0


	60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans and Leases		Investment in > 60 Days & Accruing
	($ in thousands)
December 31, 2012
Leveraged Finance	$	2,997	$	55,277	$	58,274	$	1,364,141	$	1,422,415	$	21,003
Business Credit		0		1,821		1,821		195,131		196,952		0
Real Estate		0		4,458		4,458		173,020		177,478		0

Total	$	2,997	$	61,556	$	64,553	$	1,732,292	$	1,796,845	$	21,003

A general allowance is provided for loans and leases that are not impaired. The Company employs a variety of internally developed and third-party modeling and estimation tools for measuring credit risk, which are used in developing an allowance for loan and lease losses on outstanding loans and leases. The Company’s allowance framework addresses economic conditions, capital market liquidity and industry circumstances from both a top-down and bottom-up perspective. The Company considers and evaluates changes in economic conditions, credit availability, industry and multiple obligor concentrations in assessing both probabilities of default and loss severities as part of the general component of the allowance for loan and lease losses.

On at least a quarterly basis, loans and leases are internally risk-rated based on individual credit criteria, including loan and lease type, loan and lease structures (including balloon and bullet structures common in the Company’s Leveraged Finance and Real Estate cash flow loans), borrower industry, payment capacity, location and quality of collateral if any (including the Company’s Real Estate loans). Borrowers provide the Company with financial information on either a monthly or quarterly basis. Ratings, corresponding assumed default rates and assumed loss severities are dynamically updated to reflect any changes in borrower condition or profile.

For Leveraged Finance loans and equipment finance leases, the data set used to construct probabilities of default in its allowance for loan losses model, Moody’s CRD Private Firm Database, primarily contains middle market loans that share attributes similar to the Company’s loans. The Company also considers the quality of the loan or lease terms in determining a loan loss in the event of default.

For Business Credit loans, the Company utilizes a proprietary model to risk rate the loans on a monthly basis. This model captures the impact of changes in industry and economic conditions as well as changes in the quality of the borrower’s collateral and financial performance to assign a final risk rating. The Company has also evaluated historical loss trends by risk rating from a comprehensive industry database covering more than twenty-five years of experience of the majority of the asset based lenders operating in the United States. Based upon the monthly risk rating from the model, the reserve is adjusted to reflect the historical average for expected loss from the industry database.

For Real Estate loans, the Company employs two mechanisms to capture the impact of industry and economic conditions. First, a loan’s risk rating, and thereby its assumed default likelihood, can be adjusted to account for overall commercial real estate market conditions. Second, to the extent that economic or industry trends adversely affect a substandard rated borrower’s loan-to-value ratio enough to impact its repayment ability, the Company applies a stress multiplier to the loan’s probability of default. The multiplier is designed to account for default characteristics that are difficult to quantify when market conditions cause commercial real estate prices to decline.

If the Company determines that additional changes in its allowance for credit losses methodology are advisable, as a result of changes in the economic environment or otherwise, the revised allowance methodology may result in higher or lower levels of allowance. Moreover, given uncertain market conditions, actual losses under the Company’s current or any revised allowance methodology may differ materially from the Company’s estimate.

Additionally, when determining the amount of the general allowance, the Company supplements the base amount with a judgmental amount which is governed by a score card system comprised of ten individually weighted risk factors. The risk factors are designed based on those outlined in the Comptrollers of the Currency’s Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Handbook. The Company also performs a ratio analysis of comparable money center banks, regional banks and finance companies. While the Company does not rely on this peer group comparison to set the level of allowance for credit losses, it does assist management in identifying market trends and serves as an overall reasonableness check on the allowance for credit losses computation.

A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment of a loan is based upon (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, (ii) the loan’s observable market price, or (iii) the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent, depending on the circumstances and our collection strategy. Impaired loans are identified based on the loan-by-loan risk rating process described above. It is the Company’s policy during the reporting period to record a specific provision for credit losses for all loans for which we have serious doubts as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms.

A summary of the activity in the allowance for credit losses is as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Leveraged Finance			Business Credit		Real Estate			Total
	($ in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	39,971		$	707	$	9,286		$	49,964
Provision for credit losses—general		(75	)		17		359			301
Provision for credit losses—specific		1,399			0		(982	)		417
Loans charged off, net of recoveries		(5,154	)		0		(29	)		(5,183	)

Balance, end of period	$	36,141		$	724	$	8,634		$	45,499

Balance, end of period—specific	$	17,822		$	0	$	7,418		$	25,240

Balance, end of period—general	$	18,319		$	724	$	1,216		$	20,259

Average balance of impaired loans	$	248,691		$	2,698	$	69,851		$	321,240
Interest recognized from impaired loans	$	3,752		$	0	$	750		$	4,502

Loans and leases
Loans individually evaluated with specific allowance	$	118,184		$	0	$	51,554		$	169,738
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance		100,879			0		33,784			134,663
Loans acquired with deteriorating credit quality		0			1,821		0			1,821
Loans and leases collectively evaluated without specific allowance		1,247,774			202,828		63,545			1,514,147

Total loans and leases	$	1,466,837		$	204,649	$	148,883		$	1,820,369


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Leveraged Finance		Business Credit		Real Estate			Total
	($ in thousands)
Balance, beginning of year	$	44,553	$	374	$	19,185		$	64,112
Provision for credit losses—general		2,560		162		(1,409	)		1,313
Provision for credit losses—specific		758		0		810			1,568
Loans charged off, net of recoveries		540		0		(3,404	)		(2,864	)

Balance, end of period	$	48,411	$	536	$	15,182		$	64,129

Balance, end of period—specific	$	29,356	$	0	$	10,026		$	39,382

Balance, end of period—general	$	19,055	$	536	$	5,156		$	24,747

Average balance of impaired loans	$	248,504	$	2,852	$	79,364		$	330,720
Interest recognized from impaired loans	$	3,477	$	0	$	298		$	3,775

Loans
Loans individually evaluated with specific allowance	$	142,930	$	0	$	46,729		$	189,659
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance		81,651		0		16,831			98,482
Loans acquired with deteriorating credit quality		0		2,095		0			2,095
Loans collectively evaluated without specific allowance		1,273,485		148,734		159,124			1,581,343

Total loans and leases	$	1,498,066	$	150,829	$	222,684		$	1,871,579

Included in the allowance for credit losses at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is an allowance for unfunded commitments of $0.3 million at each period end, which is recorded as a component of other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with changes recorded in the provision for credit losses on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The methodology for determining the allowance for unfunded commitments is consistent with the methodology for determining the allowance for loan and lease losses.

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company recorded a total provision for credit losses of $0.7 million. The Company decreased its allowance for credit losses to $45.5 million as of March 31, 2013 from $50.0 million at December 31, 2012. The Company had $5.2 million of net charge-offs of impaired loans with a specific allowance and reduced its allowance for credit losses by 28 basis points during the three months ended March 31, 2013, offset by new specific provisions for credit losses. The general allowance for credit losses covers probable losses in the Company’s loan and lease portfolio with respect to loans and leases for which no specific impairment has been identified. When a loan is classified as impaired, the loan is evaluated for a specific allowance and a specific provision may be recorded, thereby removing it from consideration under the general component of the allowance analysis. Loans that are deemed to be uncollectible are charged off and deducted from the allowance, and recoveries on loans previously charged off are netted against loans charged off. A specific provision for credit losses is recorded with respect to impaired loans for which it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement for which there is impairment recognized. The outstanding balance of impaired loans, which include all of the outstanding balances of the Company’s delinquent loans and its troubled debt restructurings, as a percentage of “Loans and leases, net” was 18% as of March 31, 2013 and 19% as of December 31, 2012.

The Company closely monitors the credit quality of its loans and leases which is partly reflected in its credit metrics such as loan delinquencies, non-accruals and charge-offs. Changes in these credit metrics are largely due to changes in economic conditions and seasoning of the loan and lease portfolio.

The Company continually evaluates the appropriateness of its allowance for credit losses methodology. Based on the Company’s evaluation process to determine the level of the allowance for loan and lease losses, management believes the allowance to be adequate as of March 31, 2013 in light of the estimated known and inherent risks identified through its analysis.

Note 4. Restricted Cash

Restricted cash as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was as follows:


	March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)
Collections on loans pledged to credit facilities	$	47,482	$	47,944
Principal and interest collections on loans held in trust and prefunding amounts		92,536		159,257
Customer escrow accounts		951		1,466

Total	$	140,969	$	208,667

As of March 31, 2013, the Company had the ability to use $30.3 million of restricted cash to fund new or existing loans. At December 31, 2012, $78.6 million of restricted cash was designated to fund loans for the Company’s 2012-2 CLO, which were funded during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Note 5. Investments in Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale

Amortized cost of investments in debt securities as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was as follows:


	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)
Investments in debt securities - gross	$	25,298		$	25,298
Unamortized discount		(4,265	)		(4,322	)

Investments in debt securities - amortized cost	$	21,033		$	20,976

The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and fair value of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:


	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized holding gains		Gross unrealized holding losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
March 31, 2013:
Collateralized loan obligations	$	21,033	$	1,104	$	(591	)	$	21,546

	$	21,033	$	1,104	$	(591	)	$	21,546


	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized holding gains		Gross unrealized holding losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
December 31, 2012:
Collateralized loan obligations	$	20,976	$	1,105	$	(954	)	$	21,127

	$	20,976	$	1,105	$	(954	)	$	21,127

The Company did not sell any debt securities during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

The Company did not record any net Other-Than-Temporary Impairment charges during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

The following is an analysis of the continuous periods during which the Company has held investment positions which were carried at an unrealized loss as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:


	March 31, 2013
	Less than 12 Months		Greater than or Equal to 12 Months		Total
	($ in thousands)
Number of positions		0		3		3
Fair value	$	0	$	10,707	$	10,707
Amortized cost		0		11,298		11,298

Unrealized loss	$	0	$	591	$	591


	December 31, 2012
	Less than 12 Months		Greater than or Equal to 12 Months		Total
	($ in thousands)
Number of positions		0		4		4
Fair value	$	0	$	13,247	$	13,247
Amortized cost		0		14,201		14,201

Unrealized loss	$	0	$	954	$	954

As a result of the Company’s evaluation of the securities, management concluded that the unrealized losses at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were caused by changes in market prices driven by interest rates and credit spreads. The Company’s evaluation of impairment include quotes from third party pricing services, adjustments to prepayment speeds, delinquency, an analysis of expected cash flows, interest rates, market discount rates, other contract terms, and the timing and level of losses on the loans and leases within the underlying trusts. At March 31, 2013, the Company has determined that it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the securities before the Company recovers its amortized cost basis in the security. The Company has also determined that there has not been an adverse change in the cash flows expected to be collected. Based upon the Company’s impairment review process, and the Company’s ability and intent to hold these securities until maturity or a recovery of fair value, the decline in the value of these investments is not considered to be “Other Than Temporary.”

Maturities of debt securities classified as available-for-sale were as follows at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (maturities of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities have been allocated based upon estimated maturities, assuming no change in the current interest rate environment):


	March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Amortized cost		Fair value		Amortized cost		Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Available-for-sale:
Due one year or less	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	0
Due after one year through five years		0		0		0		0
Due after five years through ten years		21,033		21,546		20,976		21,127

Total	$	21,033	$	21,546	$	20,976	$	21,127

Note 6. Borrowings

Credit Facilities

As of March 31, 2013 the Company had five credit facilities: (i) a $175 million credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”) to fund leveraged finance loans, (ii) a $150.0 million revolving credit facility with NATIXIS Financial Products, Inc. (“NATIXIS”) to fund leveraged finance loans, (iii) a $150 million credit facility with DZ Bank to fund asset-based loans, (iv) a $75 million credit facility with Wells Fargo to fund asset-based loans, and (v) a $75 million credit facility with Wells Fargo to fund new equipment lease origination.

The Company has a $175.0 million credit facility with Wells Fargo to fund leverage finance loans with the ability to further increase the commitment amount to $200.0 million, subject to lender approval and other customary conditions. The credit facility had an outstanding balance of $0 and unamortized deferred financing fees of $3.4 million as of March 31, 2013. The facility provides for a revolving reinvestment period which ends on November 5, 2015 with a two-year amortization period. The Company must comply with various covenants, the breach of which could result in a termination event if not cured. These covenants include, but are not limited to, failure to service debt obligations, failure to maintain minimum levels of liquidity, and failure to meet tangible net worth covenants and overcollateralization tests. At March 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. Interest on this facility accrued at a variable rate per annum.

The Company has a $150.0 million credit facility agreement with NATIXIS that had an outstanding balance of $98.6 million and unamortized deferred financing fees of $2.1 million as of March 31, 2013. Interest on this facility accrues at a variable rate per annum, which was 2.36% at March 31, 2013. This credit facility has a reinvestment period ending on August 16, 2013 and matures on February 16, 2019. The Company must comply with various covenants, the breach of which could result in a termination event if not cured. These covenants include, but are not limited to, failure to service debt obligations and failure to meet overcollateralization tests.

The Company has a $150.0 million credit facility with DZ Bank that had an outstanding balance of $80.4 million and unamortized fees of $1.1 million as of March 31, 2013. Interest on this facility accrues at a variable rate per annum. As part of the agreement, there is a minimum interest charge of $1.9 million per annum. If the facility is not utilized to cover this minimum requirement, then a make-whole fee is assessed to satisfy the minimum requirement. The Company is permitted to use the proceeds of borrowings under the credit facility to fund advances under asset based loan commitments. The commitment amount under the credit facility is scheduled to decrease from $150.0 million to $125.0 million on and after April 24, 2013, and matures on June 30, 2015.

The Company has a $75.0 million credit facility with Wells Fargo to fund asset-based loan origination. The credit facility had an outstanding balance of $34.9 million and unamortized deferred financing fees of $0.5 million as of March 31, 2013. Interest on this facility accrues at a variable rate per annum. The credit facility may be increased to an amount up to $150.0 million subject to lender approval and other customary conditions. The credit facility matures on December 7, 2015. The Company must comply with various covenants, the breach of which could result in a termination event if not cured. These covenants include, but are not limited to, failure to service debt obligations, net worth covenants, interest coverage ratios, minimum excess availability and violations of pool default and charged off tests.

The Company has a note purchase agreement with Wells Fargo under the terms of which Wells Fargo agreed to provide a $75.0 million credit facility to fund new equipment lease originations. The credit facility matures on November 16, 2016 subject to early termination or extension. The Company must comply with various covenants, the breach of which could result in a termination event if not cured. These covenants include, but are not limited to, failure to service debt obligations, failure to maintain minimum levels of liquidity, failure to meet tangible net worth covenants and violations of pool default and delinquency tests. As of March 31, 2013, the Company had not drawn any amounts from this credit facility.

Corporate Credit Facility

On January 5, 2010, the Company entered into a note agreement with Fortress Credit Corp., which was subsequently amended on August 31, 2010, January 27, 2012, November 5, 2012, and December 4, 2012. The credit facility, as amended, consists of a $25.0 million revolving note and a $100.0 million term note, which matures on August 31, 2016. The credit facility accrues interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 7.00%.

The Company is permitted to use the proceeds of borrowings under the credit facility for general corporate purposes including, but not limited to, funding loans, working capital, paying down outstanding debt, making certain types of acquisitions and repurchasing capital stock up to $10 million.

The applicable unused fee rate of the revolving note is 4.0% of the undrawn amount of the revolving note when the total outstanding amount is less than 50% of the commitment amount, 3.0% of the undrawn amount of the revolving note when the total outstanding amount is greater than or equal to 50% but less than 75% of the commitment amount, and 2.0% of the undrawn amount of the revolving note when the total outstanding amount is greater than or equal to 75% of the commitment amount. As of March 31, 2013, the Company had not drawn any amounts from the revolving note. As of March 31, 2013, unamortized deferred financing fees were $2.8 million.

The revolving note may be cancelled at any time subject to a commitment termination fee. The commitment termination fee will be equal to the product of the aggregate revolving loan commitments as of the date of termination and 1% for any termination made during the period from July 1, 2012 to August 31, 2015, and 0% for any termination made at any time after August 31, 2015.

The term note may be prepaid subject to a commitment termination fee. For any prepayment of term loans made before or on August 31, 2015, the commitment termination fee will be equal to the product of (x) the amount of the prepayment and (y) 1%. For any prepayment made at any time after August 31, 2015 there will not be any fee. As of March 31, 2013, the term note had an outstanding principal balance of $100.0 million.

Term Debt Securitizations

In August 2005 the Company completed a term debt transaction. In conjunction with this transaction we established a separate single-purpose bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, NewStar Trust 2005-1 (the “2005 CLO Trust”) and contributed $375 million in loans and investments (including unfunded commitments), or portions thereof, to the 2005 CLO Trust. The Company remains the servicer of the loans and investments. Simultaneously with the initial contributions, the 2005 CLO Trust issued $343.4 million of notes to institutional investors and issued $31.6 million of trust certificates of which the Company retained 100%. At March 31, 2013, the $90.9 million of outstanding notes were collateralized by the specific loans and investments, principal collections account cash and principal payment receivables totaling $122.4 million. At March 31, 2013, deferred financing fees were $0. The 2005 CLO Trust permitted reinvestment of collateral principal repayments for a three-year period which ended in October 2008. During 2012, the Company repurchased $9.8 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $0.9 million of the Class E notes. During 2011, the Company repurchased $3.9 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2010, the Company repurchased $4.6 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class D notes. During 2009, the Company repurchased $1.4 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $1.2 million of the Class E notes. During 2008, the Company repurchased $5.8 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2007, the Company repurchased $5.0 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2009, Moody’s downgraded all of the notes of the 2005 CLO Trust. As a result of the downgrades, amortization of the 2005 CLO Trust changed from pro rata to sequential, resulting in scheduled principal payments made in order of the notes seniority until all available funds are exhausted for each payment. During 2010, Standard and Poor’s downgraded all of the notes of the 2005 CLO Trust. During the first quarter of 2012, Moody’s upgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class B notes, the Class C notes, and the Class D notes, and downgraded the Class E notes of the 2005 CLO Trust. During the third quarter of 2012, Fitch affirmed its ratings of all of the notes of the 2005 CLO Trust. During the fourth quarter of 2012, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes and the Class B notes and affirmed the rating of the Class C notes, the Class D notes and the Class E notes of the 2005 CLO Trust.

The Company receives a loan collateral management fee and excess interest spread. The Company may receive a principal distribution when the term debt is retired. The most recent quarterly report of the 2005 CLO Trust dated January 13, 2013 identified $74.6 million in cumulative charged-off loans in the 2005 CLO Trust as delinquent or charged-off under the terms of the trust indenture. As a result, the excess interest spread from the 2005 CLO Trust will be redirected and combined with recoveries and will be used to repay the outstanding notes until note redemptions equal the underlying non-accrual loan balances or until the Company purchases such loans. As of the January 13, 2013 report, the cumulative amount redirected was $19.8 million. The Company may have additional defaults in the 2005 CLO Trust in the future. If the Company does not elect to remove any future defaulted loans, it would not expect to receive excess interest spread payments until the undistributed cash plus any recoveries equal the outstanding balances of defaulted loan collateral.

The following table sets forth selected information with respect to the 2005 CLO Trust:

Notes
originally
issued

Outstanding
balance
March 31,
2013

Interest
rate

Original
maturity

Ratings
(S&P/Moody’s/
Fitch)(1)

($ in thousands)

2005 CLO Trust:

Class A-1

156,000

11,320

Libor + 0.28%

July 25, 2018

AAA/Aaa/AAA

Class A-2

80,477

5,778

Libor + 0.30%

July 25, 2018

AAA/Aaa/AAA

Class B

18,750

18,683

Libor + 0.50%

July 25, 2018

AA+/Aa1/AA

Class C

39,375

39,233

Libor + 0.85%

July 25, 2018

B+/A2/BB

Class D

24,375

8,424

Libor + 1.50%

July 25, 2018

CCC-/Ba2/CCC

Class E

24,375

7,471

Libor + 4.75%

July 25, 2018

CCC-/Caa3/CC

343,352

90,909

(1)

The ratings were initially given in August 2005, are unaudited and are subject to change from time to time. During the first quarter of 2009, Fitch affirmed its ratings and downgraded the Class D notes and Class E notes. The Fitch downgrade did not have a material impact on the 2005 CLO Trust. During the first quarter of 2009, Moody’s downgraded the Class C notes, the Class D notes and the Class E notes. During the third quarter of 2009, Moody’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes and the Class B notes. During the second quarter of 2010, Standard and Poor’s downgraded all of the notes. During the third quarter of 2010, Fitch downgraded the Class C notes, the Class D notes and the Class E notes to the ratings shown above. During the first quarter of 2012, Moody’s upgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class B notes, the Class C notes, and the Class D notes, and downgraded the Class E notes to the ratings shown above. Fitch affirmed its ratings during the third quarter of 2012. During the fourth quarter of 2012, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes to the ratings shown above and the Class B notes and affirmed the rating of the Class C notes, the Class D notes and the Class E notes (source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.).

In June 2006 the Company completed a term debt transaction. In conjunction with this transaction the Company established a separate single-purpose bankruptcy remote subsidiary, NewStar Commercial Loan Trust 2006-1 (the “2006 CLO Trust”) and contributed $500 million in loans and investments (including unfunded commitments), or portions thereof, to the 2006 CLO Trust. The Company remains the servicer of the loans. Simultaneously with the initial contributions, the 2006 CLO Trust issued $456.3 million of notes to institutional investors. The Company retained $43.8 million, comprising 100% of the 2006 CLO Trust’s trust certificates. At March 31, 2013, the $243.4 million of outstanding drawn notes were collateralized by the specific loans and investments, principal collection account cash and principal payment receivables totaling $287.2 million. At March 31, 2013, deferred financing fees were $0.5 million. The 2006 CLO Trust permitted reinvestment of collateral principal repayments for a five-year period which ended in June 2011. During 2011, the Company repurchased $7.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class C notes, $6.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $2.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2010, the Company repurchased $3.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $3.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2009, the Company repurchased $6.5 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $1.8 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2008, the Company repurchased $3.3 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class D and $2.5 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class E notes, respectively. During 2009, Moody’s downgraded all of the notes of the 2006 CLO Trust. As a result of the downgrade, amortization of the 2006 CLO Trust changed from pro rata to sequential, resulting in future scheduled principal payments made in order of the notes seniority until all available funds are exhausted for each payment. During 2010, Standard and Poor’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class C notes, the Class D notes and the Class E notes of the 2006 CLO Trust. The downgrade did not have any material consequence as the amortization of the 2006 CLO Trust changed from pro rata to sequential after the Moody’s downgrade in 2009. During 2011, Moody’s upgraded its ratings of all of the notes of the 2006 CLO Trust. During the third quarter of 2012, Fitch affirmed its ratings of all of the notes of the 2006 CLO Trust. During the fourth quarter of 2012, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Class D notes and the Class E notes and affirmed the rating of the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class B notes and the Class C notes of the 2006 CLO Trust.

The Company receives a loan collateral management fee and excess interest spread. The Company expects to receive a principal distribution when the term debt is retired. The most recent quarterly report of the 2006 CLO Trust dated March 13, 2013 identified $21.6 million in cumulative charged-off loans in the 2006 CLO Trust as delinquent or charged-off under the terms of the trust indenture. As a result, the excess interest spread from the 2006 CLO Trust will be redirected and combined with recoveries and will be used to repay the outstanding notes until note redemptions equal the underlying non-accrual loan balances or until the Company purchases such loans. During 2011, the Company elected to purchase $11.1 million of defaulted collateral from the 2006 CLO Trust to reduce the amount of excess interest spread that otherwise would have been required to be redirected. As of the March 13, 2013 quarterly report, the entire $21.6 million had been redirected or repurchased. The Company may have additional defaults in the 2006 CLO Trust in the future. If the Company does not elect to remove any future defaulted loans, it would not expect to receive excess interest spread payments until the undistributed cash plus any recoveries equal the outstanding balances of defaulted loan collateral.

The following table sets forth the selected information with respect to the 2006 CLO Trust:

Notes
originally
issued

Outstanding
balance
March 31,
2013

Interest
rate

Original
maturity

Ratings
(S&P/Moody’s/
Fitch)(1)

($ in thousands)

2006 CLO Trust

Class A-1

320,000

160,678

Libor +0.27%

March 30, 2022

AA+/Aaa/AAA

Class A-2

40,000

21,504

Libor +0.28%

March 30, 2022

AA+/Aaa/AAA

Class B

22,500

Libor +0.38%

March 30, 2022

AA/Aa2/AA

Class C

35,000

28,000

Libor +0.68%

March 30, 2022

BBB+/A3/A

Class D

25,000

6,250

Libor +1.35%

March 30, 2022

B+/Baa3/BBB

Class E

13,750

4,500

Libor +1.75%

March 30, 2022

CCC+/Ba1/BB

456,250

243,432

(1)

These ratings were initially given in June 2006, are unaudited and are subject to change from time to time. During the first quarter of 2009, Fitch affirmed its ratings. During the first quarter of 2009, Moody’s downgraded the Class C notes, the Class D notes and the Class E notes. During the third quarter of 2009, Moody’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes and the Class B note. During the second quarter of 2010, Standard and Poor’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class C notes, the Class D notes and the Class E notes. During the fourth quarter of 2011, Moody’s upgraded all of the notes to the ratings shown above. During the third quarter of 2012, Fitch affirmed its ratings. During the fourth quarter of 2012, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Class D notes and the Class E notes to the ratings shown above and affirmed the rating of the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class B notes and the Class C notes (source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.).

In June 2007 the Company completed a term debt transaction. In conjunction with this transaction the Company established a separate single-purpose bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, NewStar Commercial Loan Trust 2007-1 (the “2007-1 CLO Trust”) and contributed $600 million in loans and investments (including unfunded commitments), or portions thereof, to the 2007-1 CLO Trust. The Company remains the servicer of the loans. Simultaneously with the initial contributions, the 2007-1 CLO Trust issued $546.0 million of notes to institutional investors. The Company retained $54.0 million, comprising 100% of the 2007-1 CLO Trust’s trust certificates. At March 31, 2013, the $498.5 million of outstanding drawn notes were collateralized by the specific loans and investments, principal collection account cash and principal payment receivables totaling $552.5 million. At March 31, 2013, deferred financing fees were $1.9 million. The 2007-1 CLO Trust permits reinvestment of collateral principal repayments for a six-year period ending in May 2013. Should the Company determine that reinvestment of collateral principal repayments are impractical in light of market conditions or if collateral principal repayments are not reinvested within a prescribed timeframe, such funds may be used to repay the outstanding notes. During 2012, the Company repurchased $0.2 million of the 2007-1 CLO Trust’s Class C notes. During 2010, the Company repurchased $5.0 million of the 2007-1 CLO Trust’s Class D notes. During 2009, the Company repurchased $1.0 million of the 2007-1 CLO Trust’s Class D notes. During 2009, Moody’s downgraded all of the notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust. As a result of the downgrade, amortization of the 2007-1 CLO Trust changed from pro rata to sequential, resulting in future scheduled principal payments made in order of the notes seniority until all available funds are exhausted for each payment. During 2010, Standard and Poor’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class C notes and the Class D notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust. The downgrade did not have any material consequence as the amortization of the 2007-1 CLO Trust changed from pro rata to sequential after the Moody’s downgrade in 2009. During the second quarter of, 2011, Moody’s upgraded the Class C notes, the Class D notes, and the Class E notes. During 2011, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Class D notes. During the fourth quarter of 2011, Moody’s upgraded all of the notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust. During the third quarter of 2012, Fitch affirmed its ratings of all of the notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust.

The Company receives a loan collateral management fee and excess interest spread. The Company expects to receive a principal distribution when the term debt is retired. If loan collateral in the 2007-1 CLO Trust is in default under the terms of the indenture, the excess interest spread from the 2007-1 CLO Trust could not be distributed until the undistributed cash plus recoveries equals the outstanding balance of the defaulted loan or if the Company elected to remove the defaulted collateral. The Company may have defaults in the 2007-1 CLO Trust in the future. If the Company does not elect to remove any future defaulted loans, it would not expect to receive excess interest spread payments until the undistributed cash plus any recoveries equal the outstanding balances of any potential defaulted loan collateral.

The following table sets forth selected information with respect to the 2007-1 CLO Trust:

Notes
originally
issued

Outstanding
balance
March 31,
2013

Interest
rate

Original
maturity

Ratings
(S&P/Moody’s/
Fitch)(1)

($ in thousands)

2007-1 CLO Trust

Class A-1

336,500

317,890

Libor +0.24%

September 30, 2022

AA+/Aaa/AAA

Class A-2

100,000

77,300

Libor +0.26%

September 30, 2022

AA+/Aaa/AAA

Class B

24,000

Libor +0.55%

September 30, 2022

AA/Aa3/AA

Class C

58,500

58,293

Libor +1.30%

September 30, 2022

BBB+/Baa1/A

Class D

27,000

21,000

Libor +2.30%

September 30, 2022

BB-/Ba1/BBB+

546,000

498,483

(1)

These ratings were initially given in June 2007, are unaudited and are subject to change from time to time. Fitch affirmed its ratings on February 24, 2009. During the first quarter of 2009, Moody’s downgraded the Class C notes and the Class D notes. During the third quarter of 2009, Moody’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes and the Class B notes. During the second quarter of 2010, Standard and Poor’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class C notes to the ratings shown above, and also downgraded the Class D notes. During the second quarter of 2011, Moody’s upgraded the Class C notes and the Class D notes. During the second quarter of 2011, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Class D notes to the rating shown above. During the fourth quarter of 2011, Moody’s upgraded all of the notes to the ratings shown above. During the third quarter of 2012, Fitch affirmed its ratings (source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.).

On December 18, 2012, the Company completed a term debt transaction. In conjunction with this transaction the Company established a separate single-purpose bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, NewStar Commercial Loan Funding 2012-2 LLC (the “2012-2 CLO Trust”) and contributed $325.9 million in loans and investments (including unfunded commitments), or portions thereof, to the 2012-2 CLO Trust. The Company remains the servicer of the loans. Simultaneously with the initial contributions, the 2012-2 CLO Trust issued $263.3 million of notes to institutional investors. The Company retained $40.4 million, comprising 100% of the 2012-2 CLO Trust’s trust certificates in addition to the entire $22.2 million of subordinated notes. At March 31, 2013, the $263.3 million of

outstanding drawn notes were collateralized by the specific loans and investments, principal collection account cash and principal payment receivables totaling $325.9 million. At March 31, 2013, deferred financing fees were $3.4 million. The 2012-2 CLO Trust permits reinvestment of collateral principal repayments for a three-year period ending in January 2016. Should the Company determine that reinvestment of collateral principal repayments are impractical in light of market conditions or if collateral principal repayments are not reinvested within a prescribed timeframe, such funds may be used to repay the outstanding notes.

The Company receives a loan collateral management fee and excess interest spread. The Company expects to receive a principal distribution when the term debt is retired. If loan collateral in the 2012-2 CLO Trust is in default under the terms of the indenture, the excess interest spread from the 2012-2 CLO Trust may not be distributed if the overcollateralization ratio, or other collateral quality tests, are not satisfied. The Company may have defaults in the 2012-2 CLO Trust in the future. If the Company does not elect to remove any future defaulted loans, it may not receive excess interest spread payments until the overcollateralization ratio, or other collateral quality tests, are cured.

The following table sets forth selected information with respect to the 2012-2 CLO Trust:

Notes
originally
issued

Outstanding
balance
March 31,
2013

Interest
rate

Original
maturity

Ratings
(Moody’s/S&P)(1)

($ in thousands)

2012-2 CLO Trust

Class A

190,700

Libor +1.90%

January 20, 2023

Aaa/AAA

Class B

26,000

Libor +3.25%

January 20, 2023

Aa2/N/A

Class C

35,200

Libor +4.25%

January 20, 2023

A2/N/A

Class D

11,400

Libor +6.25%

January 20, 2023

Baa2/N/A

263,300

(1)	These ratings were initially given in December 2012, are unaudited and are subject to change from time to time.

Note 7. Repurchase Agreement


Loans sold under agreements to repurchase	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)
Outstanding at end of period	$	30,194		$	30,583
Maximum outstanding at any month end		30,416			60,500
Average balance for the period		30,398			48,817
Weighted average rate at end of period		5.20	%		5.21	%

On June 7, 2011, the Company entered into a five-year, $68.0 million financing arrangement with Macquarie Bank Limited backed primarily by a portfolio of commercial mortgage loans previously originated by the Company. The financing was structured as a master repurchase agreement under which the Company sold the portfolio of commercial mortgage loans to Macquarie for an aggregate purchase price of $68.0 million. The Company also agreed to repurchase the commercial mortgage loans from time to time (including a minimum quarterly amount), and agreed to repurchase all of the commercial mortgage loans by June 7, 2016. Upon the repurchase of a commercial mortgage loan, the Company is obligated to repay the principal amount related to such mortgage loan plus accrued interest (at a rate based on LIBOR plus a margin) to the date of repurchase. The Company will continue to service the commercial mortgage loans. The facility accrues interest at a variable rate per annum, which was 5.20% as of March 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2013, unamortized deferred financing fees were $1.1 million and the outstanding balance was $30.2 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company made principal payments totaling $0.4 million. As part of the agreement, there is a minimum aggregate interest margin payment of $8.4 million required to be made over the life of the facility. The Company cannot control the rate at which the underlying commercial mortgage loans are repaid. If the facility is not utilized to cover this minimum requirement, then a make-whole fee is required to be made to satisfy the minimum aggregate interest margin payment.

Note 8. Stockholders’ Equity

Stockholders’ Equity

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s authorized capital consists of preferred and common stock and the following was authorized and outstanding:


	March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Shares authorized		Shares outstanding		Shares authorized		Shares outstanding
	(In thousands)
Preferred stock		5,000		0		5,000		0
Common stock		145,000		49,443		145,000		49,311

Preferred Stock

Since the completion of the Company’s initial public offering on December 13, 2006, the Company’s authorized capital stock has included 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per share, all of which remain undesignated.

Common Stock

In connection with the Company’s initial public offering on December 13, 2006, the Company issued and sold 12,000,000 shares of its common stock. On December 19, 2006, the underwriters of the initial public offering purchased an additional 1,800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.

On November 12, 2007, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with institutional investors to issue 12.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock in a private placement at a price per share of $10.00. The gross proceeds from the offering, which closed in two tranches, were $125 million. The first tranche of 7.25 million shares closed on November 29, 2007. The second tranche of 5.25 million shares was subject to the Company obtaining stockholder approval, and was approved at a special meeting of stockholders held on January 15, 2008. The second tranche closed on January 18, 2008.

In connection with the private placement, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the institutional investors, whereby the Company agreed to register common stock as defined in the agreement. The Company registered the stock on Form S-3 on May 1, 2008, and the SEC deemed the registration effective on May 8, 2008.

On January 25, 2010, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. On December 3, 2010, the Company had repurchased the entire $10 million allotment of its stock. The timing and amount of any shares purchased were determined by management based on its evaluation of market condition and other factors and required use of cash. Upon completion of the stock repurchase program, the Company had repurchased 1,372,300 shares of its common stock under the program at a weighted average price per share of $7.26.

On May 4, 2011, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. On September 16, 2011, the Company had repurchased the entire $10 million allotment of its stock. The timing and amount of any shares purchased were determined by management based on its evaluation of market condition and other factors and required use of cash. Upon completion of the stock repurchase program, the Company had repurchased 1,042,208 shares of its common stock under the program at a weighted average price per share of $9.60.

On September 29, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any shares purchased were determined by management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors and required use of cash. The repurchase program expired on September 29, 2012. Upon completion of the stock repurchase program, the Company had repurchased 252,450 shares of its common stock under the program at a weighted average price per share of $10.26.

On November 19, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any shares purchased will be determined by the company’s management based on its evaluation of market condition and other factors. The repurchase program, which will expire on December 31, 2013 unless extended by the Board of Directors, may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. As of March 31, 2013, the Company had not repurchased any shares of its common stock under the program.

Restricted Stock

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company issued 148,373 shares of restricted stock to certain employees of the Company pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Incentive Plan, as amended. The fair value of the shares of restricted stock is equal to the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of issuance. The shares of restricted stock vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant.

Restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was as follows:


	Shares			Grant-date fair value
				($ in thousands)
Non-vested as of December 31, 2012		2,418,860		$	19,810
Granted		148,373			2,051
Vested		(55,267	)		(563	)
Forfeited		0			0

Non-vested as of March 31, 2013		2,511,966		$	21,298

The Company recognized $1.5 million of compensation expense related to restricted stock during each of the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. The unrecognized compensation cost of $3.6 million at March 31, 2013 is expected to be recognized over the next three years.

Stock Options

Under the Company’s 2006 Incentive Plan, the Company’s compensation committee may grant options to purchase shares of common stock. Stock options may either be incentive stock options (“ISOs”) or non-qualified stock options. ISOs may only be granted to officers and employees. The compensation committee will, with regard to each stock option, determine the number of shares subject to the stock option, the manner and time of exercise, vesting, and the exercise price, which will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. The shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options or other awards or upon grant of any other award may be either previously authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares.

Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was as follows:


	Options
Outstanding as of January 1, 2013		5,618,819
Granted		0
Exercised		(736	)
Forfeited		0

Outstanding as of March 31, 2013		5,618,083

Vested as of March 31, 2013		5,442,953

Exercisable as of March 31, 2013		5,442,953

As of March 31, 2013, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested options granted was $0.03 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of less than one year. During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized compensation expense related to its stock options of $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Note 9. Income Per Share

The computations of basic and diluted income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Numerator:
Net income	$	6,154	$	6,082

Denominator:
Denominator for basic income per common share		47,357		47,374

Denominator:
Denominator for diluted income per common share		47,357		47,374
Potentially dilutive securities - options		3,587		2,835
Potentially dilutive securities - restricted stock		2,000		2,000
Potentially dilutive securities - warrants		312		0

Total weighted average diluted shares		53,256		52,209

Warrants to purchase common stock totaling 1,452,656 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2012 due to the fact that the results would be anti-dilutive.

Note 10. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its borrowers. These financial instruments include unfunded commitments, standby letters of credit and interest rate mitigation products. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement we have in particular classes of financial instruments.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

Unused lines of credit are commitments to lend to a borrower if certain conditions have been met. These commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Because certain commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each borrower’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral required is based on factors that include management’s credit evaluation of the borrower and the borrower’s compliance with financial covenants. Due to their nature, the Company cannot know with certainty the aggregate amounts that will be required to fund its unfunded commitments. The aggregate amount of these unfunded commitments currently exceeds the Company’s available funds and will likely continue to exceed its available funds in the future.

At March 31, 2013, the Company had $260.6 million of unused lines of credit. Of these unused lines of credit, unfunded commitments related to revolving credit facilities were $213.3 million and unfunded commitments related to delayed draw term loans were $38.9 million. $8.5 million of the unused commitments are unavailable to the borrowers, which may be related to the borrowers’ inability to meet covenant obligations or other similar events.

Revolving credit facilities allow the Company’s borrowers to draw up to a specified amount, subject to customary borrowing conditions. The unfunded revolving commitments of $213.3 million are further categorized as either contingent or unrestricted. Contingent commitments limit a borrower’s ability to access the revolver unless it meets an enumerated borrowing base covenant or other restrictions. At March 31, 2013, the Company categorized $155.0 million of the unfunded commitments related to revolving credit facilities as contingent. Unrestricted commitments represent commitments that are currently accessible, assuming the borrower is in compliance with certain customary loan terms and conditions. At March 31, 2013, the Company had $58.3 million of unfunded unrestricted revolving commitments.

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, revolver usage averaged approximately 49%, which is in line with the average of 49% over the previous four quarters. Management’s experience indicates that borrowers typically do not seek to exercise their entire available line of credit at any point in time. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, revolving commitments increased $17.7 million.

Delayed draw credit facilities allow the Company’s borrowers to draw predefined amounts of the approved loan commitment at contractually set times, subject to specific conditions, such as capital expenditures in corporate loans or for tenant improvements in commercial real estate loans. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, delayed draw credit facility commitments increased $0.8 million.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the performance by a borrower to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending credit to our borrowers.

Interest rate risk mitigation products are offered to enable customers to meet their financing and risk management objectives. Derivative financial instruments consist predominantly of interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and floors. The interest rate risks to the Company of these customer derivatives is mitigated by entering into similar derivatives having offsetting terms with other counterparties.

These interest rate risk mitigation products do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. These interest rate swaps and caps contracts are recorded at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet in either “Other assets” or “Other liabilities.” Gains and losses on derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges, including any cash payments made or received are reported as gains or losses on derivatives in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s outstanding interest rate mitigation products had a fair value of $0 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk are summarized as follows:


	March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)
Unused lines of credit	$	260,590	$	245,483
Standby letters of credit		5,438		4,497
Interest rate mitigation products (notional)		0		0

Note 11. Fair Value

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”) establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

•

Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

•

Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

•

Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The following table presents recorded amounts of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2013, by caption in the consolidated balance sheet and by ASC 820 valuation hierarchy (as described above).


	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total Carrying Value in Consolidated Balance Sheet
	($ in thousands)
Recurring Basis:
Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	$	0	$	0	$	21,546	$	21,546

Total assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis	$	0	$	0	$	21,546	$	21,546

Nonrecurring Basis:
Loans, net	$	0	$	0	$	53,324	$	53,324
Other real estate owned		0		0		13,012		13,012

Total assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$	0	$	0	$	66,336	$	66,336

At March 31, 2013, “Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale” consisted of collateralized loan obligations. The fair value measurement is obtained through a third party pricing service or by using internally developed financial models.

At March 31, 2013, “Loans, net” measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis consisted of impaired collateral-dependent commercial real estate loans. The fair values of these loans are based on third party appraisals of the underlying collateral value as well as the Company’s internal analysis. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company released $1.0 million of specific allowance for credit losses related to “Loans, net” measured at fair value.

At March 31, 2013, “Loans held-for-sale, net” consisted of leveraged finance loans intended to be sold to the Arlington Fund and to other third parties where a fair value adjustment was recorded during the period. The fair values of the loans are based on contractual selling prices, quoted market prices, cost, or third party appraisals.

At March 31, 2013, “Other real estate owned” consisted of two commercial real estate properties. The fair value of other real estate owned is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar properties, liquidation value and discounted cash flows.

The following table presents a summary of significant unobservable inputs and valuation techniques of the Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements at March 31, 2013.


	Fair value		Valuation Techniques	Unobservable Input	Range
	($ in thousands)
Financial assets:
Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	$	21,546	Third-party pricing	Pricing assumptions such as prepayment rates, interest rates, loss assumptions, cash flow projections, and comparisons to similar financial instruments

Loans and leases, net		53,324	Market comparables	Cost to sell	3% - 7%
			Valuation model	Marketability discount	5% - 30%

Other real estate owned		13,012	Market comparables	Cost to sell	3% - 7%
			Valuation model	Marketability discount	10% - 20%

Total:	$	87,882

The following table presents recorded amounts of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2012, by caption in the consolidated balance sheet and by ASC 820 valuation hierarchy (as described above).


	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total Carrying Value in Consolidated Balance Sheet
	($ in thousands)
Recurring Basis:
Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	$	0	$	0	$	21,127	$	21,127

Total assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis	$	0	$	0	$	21,127	$	21,127

Nonrecurring Basis:
Loans, net	$	0	$	0	$	99,500	$	99,500
Loans held-for-sale, net		29,782		0		21,820		51,602
Other real estate owned		0		0		13,012		13,102

Total assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$	29,782	$	0	$	134,332	$	164,204

At December 31, 2012, “Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale” consisted of collateralized loan obligations. The fair value measurement is obtained through a third party pricing service or by using internally developed financial models.

At December 31, 2012, “Loans, net” measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis consisted of impaired collateral-dependent commercial real estate loans. The fair values of these loans are based on third party appraisals of the underlying collateral value as well as the Company’s internal analysis. During 2012, the Company recorded a $10.3 million of specific provision for credit losses related to “Loans, net” measured at fair value.

At December 31, 2012, “Loans held-for-sale, net” consisted of leveraged finance loans intended to be sold to the NCOF and to other third parties where the carrying value approximated fair value. The fair values of the loans are based on contractual selling prices, quoted market prices, cost, or third party appraisals.

At December 31, 2012, “Other real estate owned” consisted of two commercial real estate properties. The fair value of other real estate owned is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar properties, liquidation value and discounted cash flows.

The following table presents a summary of significant unobservable inputs and valuation techniques of the Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2012.


	Fair value		Valuation Techniques	Unobservable Input	Range
	($ in thousands)
Financial assets:
Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	$	21,127	Third-party pricing	Pricing assumptions such as prepayment rates, interest rates, loss assumptions, cash flow projections, and comparisons to similar financial instruments

Loans and leases, net		99,500	Market comparables	Cost to sell	3% - 7%
			Valuation model	Marketability discount	5% - 30%

Loans held-for-sale		21,820	Market comparables	Cost to sell	3% - 7%
			Valuation model	Marketability discount	5% - 30%

Other real estate owned		13,012	Market comparables	Cost to sell	3% - 7%
			Valuation model	Marketability discount	10% - 20%

Total:	$	155,459

Changes in level 3 recurring fair value measurements

The table below illustrates the change in balance sheet amounts during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (including the change in fair value), for financial instruments measured on a recurring basis and classified by the Company as level 3 in the valuation hierarchy. When a determination is made to classify a financial instrument as level 3, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable parameters to the overall fair value measurement. However, level 3 financial instruments typically include, in addition to the unobservable or level 3 components, observable components (that is, components that are actively quoted and can be validated to external sources); accordingly, the gains and losses in the table below include changes in fair value due in part to observable factors that are part of the valuation methodology. The Company did not transfer any financial instruments in or out of level 1, 2, or 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2013 or 2012.

For the three months ended March 31, 2013:


	Investments in Debt Securities, Available-for-sale
	($ in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	21,127
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings		57
Included in other comprehensive income		362
Purchases		0
Issuances		0
Settlements		0

Balance as of March 31, 2013	$	21,546

For the three months ended March 31, 2012:


	Investments in Debt Securities, Available-for-sale
	($ in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	17,817
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings		56
Included in other comprehensive income		1,165
Purchases		0
Issuances		0
Settlements		0

Balance as of March 31, 2012	$	19,038

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties.


	March 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Carrying amount		Fair value		Carrying amount		Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,581	$	27,581	$	27,212	$	27,212
Restricted cash		140,969		140,969		208,667		208,667
Loans held-for-sale		59,517		59,529		51,602		51,602
Loans and leases, net		1,748,454		1,786,009		1,720,789		1,751,939
Investments in debt securities available-for-sale		21,546		21,546		21,127		21,127
Other assets		7,771		7,771		7,771		7,771
Financial liabilities:
Credit facilities	$	213,859	$	213,859	$	229,941	$	229,941
Term debt		1,196,124		1,171,870		1,221,764		1,173,635
Repurchase agreements		30,194		29,720		30,583		30,102

The carrying amounts shown in the table are included in the consolidated balance sheets under the indicated captions.

The following table presents the carrying amounts, estimated fair values, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The table excludes financial instruments for which the carrying amount approximates fair value such as cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, investments in debt securities available-for-sale, and credit facilities.


March 31, 2013					Fair Value Measurements
	Carrying amount		Fair value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	($ in thousands)
Financial assets:
Loans and leases, net	$	1,695,130	$	1,732,685	$	0	$	0	$	1,732,685
Loans held-for-sale		59,517		59,529		54,457		0		5,072
Financial liabilities:
Term debt		1,196,124		1,171,870		0		1,171,870		0
Repurchase agreements		30,194		29,720		0		29,720		0

December 31, 2012					Fair Value Measurements
	Carrying amount		Fair value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	($in thousands)
Financial assets:
Loans and leases, net	$	1,621,289	$	1,652,439	$	0	$	0	$	1,652,439
Loans held-for-sale		51,602		51,602		29,782		0		21,820
Financial liabilities:
Term debt		1,221,764		1,173,635		0		1,173,635		0
Repurchase agreements		30,583		30,102		0		30,102		0

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Loans held-for-sale, net: The fair values are based on quoted prices, where available, cost, or are determined by discounting estimated cash flows using model-based valuation techniques. Inputs into the model-based valuations can include changes in market indexes, selling prices of similar loans, management’s assumption related to credit rating of the loan, prepayment assumptions and other factors, such as credit loss assumptions.

Loans and leases, net: The fair value was determined as the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at current market interest rates offered by similar lending institutions for loans with similar terms to companies with comparable credit risk. This method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit price concept of fair value and is based on significant unobservable inputs. The amount included in the above table excludes impaired collateral-dependent commercial real estate loans.

Investments in debt securities: The fair values of debt securities are based on quoted market prices, when available, at the reporting date for those or similar investments. When no market data is available, we estimate fair value using various valuation tools including cash flow models that utilize financial statements and business plans, as well as qualitative factors.

Credit facilities: Due to the adjustable rate nature of the borrowings, the fair values of the credit facilities are estimated to be their carrying values. Rates currently are comparable to those offered to the Company for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities by the Company’s lenders.

Term debt: The fair value was determined by applying prevailing term debt market interest rates to the Company’s current term debt structure.

Repurchase agreements: The fair value was determined by applying prevailing repurchase agreement market interest rates to the Company’s current repurchase agreement structure.

Other assets: Comprised of non-public investments which are initially valued at transaction price and subsequently adjusted when evidence is available to support such adjustments when appropriate. The estimated fair value was determined based on the Company’s valuation techniques, including discounting estimated cash flows and model-based valuations.

Note 12. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company maintains a contributory 401(k) plan covering all full-time employees. The Company matches 100% of an employee’s voluntary contributions up to a limit of 6% of the employee’s base salary, subject to IRS guidelines. Expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $0.2 million for each period.

Note 13. Related-Party Transactions

Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement dated August 3, 2005, the Company serves as investment manager of the NewStar Credit Opportunities Fund, Ltd. (the “Fund”), a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the provisions of The Companies Law of the Cayman Islands. The Fund pays the Company a management fee, payable monthly in arrears, based on the carrying value of the total gross assets attributable to the applicable series of each class of shares at the end of each month. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Fund’s asset management fees were $0.7 million for each period.

During 2006, the Company made a loan based on market terms to a company with a director who is a relative of one of the Company’s officers. At March 31, 2013, the loan balance outstanding and amount of committed funds were $4.4 million and $6.4 million, respectively.

During 2011, the Company made a loan based on market terms to a company that is 40% owned by a major stockholder of the Company and with respect to which one member of the Company’s Board of Directors is affiliated. At March 31, 2013, the loan balance outstanding and amount of committed funds were $12.5 million and $13.5 million, respectively.

Note 14. Subsequent Events

On April 8, 2013, the Company announced that it had formed a new managed credit fund, NewStar Arlington Fund LLC (“Arlington Fund”), in partnership with an institutional investor to co-invest in leveraged finance loans originated by the Company. Arlington Fund subsequently formed and capitalized a new special-purpose investment subsidiary, NewStar Arlington Funding, LLC. Subsequent to March 31, 2013, Arlington Fund purchased a portfolio of senior secured loans with total credit commitments of approximately $30 million that were originated by the Company during each of the three months ended March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 which were classified as Loans held for sale on the Company’s balance sheet in anticipation of the formation of Arlington Fund. As the managing member of Arlington Fund, the Company retains full discretion over Arlington Fund’s investment decisions subject to usual and customary limitations and will earn management fees as compensation for its services. The financial results of Arlington Fund will be included in the Company’s results of operations and statements financial position going forward.

On April 4, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement establishing $147.0 of Class A variable funding notes (the “Class A Notes”) and $28.0 million of Class B variable funding notes (the “Class B Notes”) to partially fund eligible middle market loan origination for Arlington Fund. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association has committed to fund the Class A Notes as the initial Class A lender and the Company has committed to fund the Class B Notes as the initial Class B lender. Advances under the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes may be drawn, repaid, and drawn again subject to availability under the a borrowing base. The Class A Notes and the Class B Notes provide for a reinvestment period of one year ending on April 4, 2014, unless a one year extension is requested, followed by a three year amortization period.

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. Important factors that may cause actual results and circumstances to differ materially from those described in such statements are described in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as well as throughout this Item 2. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this document. These statements speak only as of the date of this document, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements, except as may be required by law.

Overview

We are a specialized commercial finance company focused on meeting the complex financing needs of companies and private investors in the middle market. We focus primarily on the direct origination of bank loans and equipment leases through teams of credit-trained bankers and marketing officers organized around key industry and market segments. Our marketing and direct origination efforts target private equity sponsors, mid-sized companies, corporate executives, regional banks, real estate investors and a variety of other referral sources and financial intermediaries to source new customer relationships and lending opportunities. Our emphasis on direct origination is an important aspect of our marketing and credit strategy because it provides us with direct access to our customers’ management teams and enhances our ability to conduct detailed due diligence and credit analysis of prospective borrowers. It also allows us to negotiate transaction terms directly with borrowers and, as a result, we have significant input into our customers’ financial strategies and capital structures. We also participate in loans as a member of a lending group. The mix of our originations may vary from period to period. We employ highly experienced bankers, marketing officers and credit professionals to identify and structure new lending opportunities and manage customer relationships. We believe that the quality of our professionals, the breadth of their relationships and referral networks, and their ability to develop creative solutions for customers position us to be a valued partner and preferred lender for mid-sized companies.

We operate as a single segment, and we derive revenues from four specialized lending groups that target market segments in which we believe that we have a competitive advantage:

•

Leveraged Finance, provides senior, secured cash flow loans and, to a lesser extent, second lien loans, which are primarily used to finance acquisitions of mid-sized companies with annual cash flow (EBITDA) typically between $5 million and $30 million by private equity investment funds managed by established professional alternative asset managers;

•

Business Credit, provides senior, secured asset-based loans primarily to fund working capital needs of mid-sized companies with sales typically totaling between $25 million and $500 million;

•

Real Estate, manages a portfolio of first mortgage debt which was sourced primarily to finance acquisitions of commercial real estate properties typically valued between $10 million and $50 million by professional commercial real estate investors; and

•

Equipment Finance, provides leases, loans and lease lines to finance equipment purchases and other capital expenditures typically for companies with annual sales of at least $25 million.

Market Conditions

As a specialized commercial finance company, we compete in various segments of the loan market to extend credit to mid-sized companies through our three active national specialized lending platforms. We rely primarily on large banks for warehouse lines of credit to partially fund new loan originations and the capital markets for longer term funding through the issuance of asset-backed notes that are used to refinance bank lines and provide funding with matched duration for our leveraged loan portfolio.

As expected, conditions in targeted segments of the loan market weakened in the first quarter following a surge of refinancing, M&A and dividend recapitalization activity in the fourth quarter of 2012. We believe that the rush to complete transactions in fiscal 2012 ahead of expected changes in U.S. tax law contributed to a slow start to the year as many transaction timelines were accelerated into the fourth quarter of 2012 that may otherwise have been completed in the first quarter. We also believe that the overall decrease in loan volume led to a weaker pricing environment as lenders competed for fewer deals. In this type of environment, our different lending platforms provide us the flexibility to allocate capital and redirect our origination focus to market segments with the most favorable conditions in terms of demand and relative value. The mix of new loan origination in the first quarter reflected this strategy as we originated a higher proportion of larger, more liquid middle market loans during the quarter.

Conditions in our core funding markets showed continued improvement in the first quarter as fixed income investors increasingly targeted structured investment alternatives such as CLOs to meet their return objectives. New CLO issuance exceeded $55 billion in 2012, exceeding most forecasts and 2011’s total of $12 billion by a significant margin. We believe that CLO issuance through April 2013 has already reached $31 billion. CLO credit spreads have also trended sharply lower, reflecting increased demand among a broadening investor base for the asset class. As a result, we believe marginal funding costs should trend lower as market conditions begin to improve following the weakness in the first quarter and remain supportive for us to issue new CLOs similar to the one we closed in December 2012. We also believe the availability and cost of warehouse financing among banks has continued to improve as more banks have begun to provide this type of financing and existing providers have increased their lending activity. As a

result, we believe that the terms and conditions for financings available to established firms like NewStar have improved, as shown by our ability to add new lenders and credit facilities in 2012 while also extending maturities and enhancing financial flexibility under our existing financing vehicles. We also believe that broad-based improvements in conditions across the debt capital markets will provide us with more flexibility to issue other types of debt to finance our business activities.

Loan demand in the middle market is strongly influenced by the level of refinancing, acquisition activity and private investment, which is driven largely by changes in the perceived risk environment, prevailing borrowing rates and private investment activity. Overall activity decreased substantially in the first quarter as dividend recapitalization and leveraged buyout style acquisition activity among private equity firms declined sharply from a heightened level of activity in the fourth quarter.

Total middle market loan issuance in the first quarter was down significantly from the fourth quarter with a combination of dividend recapitalizations and refinancing of existing loans as the dominant uses of proceeds. Loan demand derived from merger and acquisition activity and private equity deal volume fell sharply in the first quarter, but was generally in line with the first quarter of last year.

We originated nearly $150 million of new loans in the first quarter at yields that were generally below both our historical averages for comparably rated loans and yields on loans originated in 2012. Yields reflected a combination of weaker pricing in a low volume environment and a shift in the mix of origination to larger, more liquid loans with stronger credit profiles. As pricing weakened, leverage continued to trend somewhat higher in our target markets in the first quarter, but continued to compare favorably to the broader loan market, in which larger corporations typically borrow from syndicates of banks and loans are issued, priced and traded in a bond-style market that is more highly correlated with the high yield debt market.

We believe that demand for new middle market loans and credit products will improve from these levels in the short-term as the pace of transaction activity normalizes after the disruption caused by changes in the tax code. Over the long-term, we also believe that demand will improve because private equity firms have substantial un-invested capital, which we believe that they will deploy through investment strategies that emphasize investments in mid-sized companies. We also believe that a significant and lasting impact of the credit crisis that began in 2008 has been a reduction in the number and capacity of lenders in the markets in which we compete. As a result of these factors, we anticipate that demand for loans and leases offered by the Company and conditions in our lending markets will recover from a short-term pullback in the first quarter and improve over the remainder of the year.

Recent Developments

Business Initiative

On April 8, 2013, we announced that we had formed a new managed credit fund, NewStar Arlington Fund LLC (“Arlington Fund”), in partnership with an institutional investor to co-invest in leveraged finance loans originated by us. Arlington Fund subsequently formed and capitalized a new special-purpose investment subsidiary, NewStar Arlington Funding, LLC. Subsequent to March 31, 2013, Arlington Fund purchased a portfolio of senior secured loans with total credit commitments of approximately $30 million that were originated by us during each of the three months ended March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 which were classified as loans held for sale on our balance sheet in anticipation of the formation of Arlington Fund. As the managing member of Arlington Fund, NewStar retains full discretion over Arlington Fund’s investment decisions subject to usual and customary limitations and will earn management fees as compensation for its services. The financial results of Arlington Fund will be included in our results of operations and statements of financial position going forward.

Liquidity

On April 4, 2013, we entered into an agreement establishing $147.0 of Class A variable funding notes (the “Class A Notes”) and $28.0 million of Class B variable funding notes (the “Class B Notes”) to partially fund eligible middle market loan origination for Arlington Fund. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”) has committed to fund the Class A Notes as the initial Class A lender and the Company has committed to fund the Class B Notes as the initial Class B lender. Advances under the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes may be drawn, repaid, and drawn again subject to availability under the a borrowing base. The Class A Notes and the Class B Notes provide for a reinvestment period of one year ending on April 4, 2014, unless a one year extension is requested, followed by a three year amortization period.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2013 AND 2012

NewStar’s basic and diluted income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $0.13 and $0.12, respectively, on net income of $6.2 million compared to basic and diluted income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2012 of $0.13 and $0.12, respectively, on net income of $6.1 million. Our managed loan portfolio was $2.4 billion at March 31, 2013 compared to $2.4 billion at December 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2013, loans owned by the NCOF were $531.5 million.

Loan portfolio yield

Loan portfolio yield, which is interest income on our loans and leases divided by the average balances outstanding of our loans and leases, was 6.50% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 6.39% for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The increase in loan portfolio yield was primarily driven by an increase in our average yield on interest earning assets from new loan and lease origination and re-pricings subsequent to March 31, 2012, and the average yield on loans which were repaid subsequent to March 31, 2012 was lower than the average yield on loans in our total loan portfolio. Additionally, subsequent to March 31, 2012, the outstanding balance of lower yielding commercial real estate loans decreased $73.8 million. The portfolio yield for accruing loans was 6.80% for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Net interest margin

Net interest margin, which is net interest income divided by average interest earning assets, was 4.11% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 4.30% for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The primary factors impacting net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were amortization of deferred fee income, the composition of interest earning assets, non-accrual loans, changes in three-month LIBOR, credit spreads and cost of borrowings. The primary factors impacting net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were non-accrual loans, changes in three-month LIBOR, credit spreads and cost of borrowings.

Efficiency ratio

Our efficiency ratio, which is total operating expenses divided by net interest income before provision for credit losses plus total non-interest income, was 53.67% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 44.77% for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The increase in our efficiency ratio was primarily due to an increase in operating expenses during 2013, partially offset by an increase in non-interest income and net interest income.

Allowance for credit losses ratio

Allowance for credit losses ratio, which is allowance for credit losses divided by outstanding gross loans and leases excluding loans held-for-sale, was 2.50% at March 31, 2013 and 2.78% as of December 31, 2012. The decrease in the allowance for credit losses ratio is primarily due to a decrease in the balance of the specific allowance for credit losses, positive credit migration, improving economic conditions, and charge offs of impaired loans. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we recorded $0.4 million of net specific provision for credit losses on previously identified impaired loans and had net charge offs totaling $5.2 million. At March 31, 2013, the specific allowance for credit losses was $25.2 million, and the general allowance for credit losses was $20.3 million. At December 31, 2012, the specific allowance for credit losses was $30.2 million, and the general allowance for credit losses was $19.8 million. We continually evaluate our allowance for credit losses methodology. If we determine that a change in our allowance for credit losses methodology is advisable, as a result of the rapidly changing economic environment or otherwise, the revised allowance methodology may result in higher or lower levels of allowance. Moreover, actual losses under our current or any revised methodology may differ materially from our estimate.

Delinquent loan rate

Delinquent loan rate, which is total delinquent loans that are 60 days or more past due, divided by outstanding gross loans and leases, was 2.08% as of March 31, 2013 as compared to 3.59% as of December 31, 2012. We expect the delinquent loan rate to correlate to current economic conditions. During times of economic expansion we expect the rate to decline, and during times of economic contraction, we expect the rate to increase.

Delinquent loan rate for accruing loans 60 days or more past due

Delinquent loan rate for accruing loans 60 days or more past due, which is total delinquent accruing loans net of charge offs that are 60 days or more past due and less than 90 days past due, divided by outstanding gross loans and leases, was 0% as of March 31, 2013 as compared to 1.17% as of December 31, 2012. We expect the delinquent accruing loan rate to correlate to current economic conditions. During times of economic expansion we expect the rate to decline, and during times of economic contraction, we expect the rate to increase.

Non-accrual loan rate

Non-accrual loan rate is defined as total balances outstanding of loans on non-accrual status divided by the total outstanding balance of our loans and leases held for investment. Loans are put on non-accrual status if they are 90 days or more past due or if management believes it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect contractual principal and interest in the normal course of business. The non-accrual loan rate was 4.19% as of March 31, 2013 and 4.05% as of December 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the aggregate outstanding balance of non-accrual loans was $76.3 million and $72.7 million, respectively and total outstanding loans and leases held for investment was $1.8 billion at the end of each period. We expect the non-accrual loan rate to correlate to economic conditions. During times of economic expansion we expect the rate to decline, and during times of economic contraction, we expect the rate to increase.

Non-performing asset rate

Non-performing asset rate is defined as the sum of total balances outstanding of loans on non-accrual status and other real estate owned, divided by the sum of the total outstanding balance of our loans and leases held for investment and other real estate owned. The non-performing asset rate was 4.87% as of March 31, 2013 and 4.77% as of December 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the sum of the aggregate outstanding balance of non-performing assets was $89.3 million and $86.3 million, respectively. We expect the non-performing asset rate to correlate to economic conditions. During times of economic expansion we expect the rate to decline, and during times of economic contraction, we expect the rate to increase.

Net charge off rate (end of period loans and leases)

Net charge off rate as a percentage of end of period loan and lease portfolio is defined as annualized charge offs net of recoveries divided by the total outstanding balance of our loans and leases held for investment. A charge off occurs when management believes that all or part of the principal of a particular loan is no longer recoverable and will not be repaid. Typically a charge off occurs in a period after a loan has been identified as impaired and a specific allowance has been established. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the net charge off rate was 1.15% and 0.62%, respectively. We expect the net charge-off rate (end of period loans and leases) to correlate to economic conditions. During times of economic expansion we expect the rate to decline, and during times of economic contraction, we expect the rate to increase.

Net charge off rate (average period loans and leases)

Net charge-off rate as a percentage of average period loan and lease portfolio is defined as annualized charge-offs net of recoveries divided by the average total outstanding balance of our loans and leases held for investment for the period. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the net charge off rate was 1.13% and 0.63%, respectively. We expect the net charge-off rate (average period loans and leases) to correlate to economic conditions. During times of economic expansion we expect the rate to decline, and during times of economic contraction, we expect the rate to increase.

Return on average assets

Return on average assets, which is net income divided by average total assets, was 1.18% and 1.24% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Return on average equity

Return on average equity, which is net income divided by average equity, was 4.17% and 4.30% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Review of Consolidated Results

A summary of NewStar Financial’s consolidated financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013			2012
	($ in thousands)
Net interest income:
Interest income	$	30,140		$	29,522
Interest expense		9,187			8,353

Net interest income		20,953			21,169
Provision for credit losses		718			2,881

Net interest income after provision for credit losses		20,235			18,288
Non-interest income:
Fee income		358			1,255
Asset management income		727			743
Loss on derivatives		(41	)		(15	)
Gain (loss) on sale of loans		27			(450	)
Other income		2,032			1,252

Total non-interest income		3,103			2,785
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		8,880			7,202
General and administrative expenses		4,031			3,493

Total operating expenses		12,911			10,695

Income before income taxes		10,427			10,378
Income tax expense		4,273			4,296

Net income	$	6,154		$	6,082

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012

Interest income. Interest income increased $0.6 million, to $30.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $29.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average balance of our interest earning assets to $2.1 billion from $2.0 billion, and an increase in contractual interest rates from new loan origination and re-pricings subsequent to March 31, 2012, partially offset by a decrease in the yield on average interest earning assets to 5.91% from 5.99%, primarily driven by cash comprising a larger portion of the outstanding balance of average interest earning assets during the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Interest expense. Interest expense increased $0.8 million, to $9.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $8.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The increase is primarily due to an increase in average interest bearing liabilities.

Net interest margin. Net interest margin decreased to 4.11% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from 4.30% for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The decrease in net interest margin was primarily due to an increase in our average cost of interest bearing liabilities, an increase in average cost of funds, and a decrease in our average yield on interest earning assets as cash comprised a larger portion of the outstanding balance of average interest earning assets during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The net interest spread, the difference between gross yield on our interest earning assets and the total cost of our interest bearing liabilities, decreased to 3.34% from 3.53%. At March 31, 2013, 78% of our adjustable rate loans included interest rate floors.

The following table summarizes the yield and cost of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013							Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)
	Average Balance		Interest Income/ Expense		Average Yield/ Cost			Average Balance		Interest Income/ Expense		Average Yield/ Cost
Total interest earning assets	$	2,069,667	$	30,140		5.91	%	$	1,981,785	$	29,522		5.99	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		1,451,092		9,187		2.57			1,363,318		8,353		2.46

Net interest spread			$	20,953		3.34	%			$	21,169		3.53	%

Net interest margin						4.11	%						4.30	%

Provision for credit losses. The provision for credit losses decreased to $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The decrease in the provision was primarily due to a decrease of $1.2 million of net specific provisions recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to three months ended March 31, 2012. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we recorded net specific provisions for impaired loans of $0.4 million compared to $1.6 million recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2012. The decrease in the net specific component of the provision for credit losses was primarily due to lower outstanding loan balances since March 31, 2012 of impaired loans with a specific allowance, charge offs of impaired loans, positive credit migration, and improving economic conditions. Our general allowance for credit losses covers probable losses in our loan and lease portfolio with respect to loans and leases for which no specific impairment has been identified. A specific provision for credit losses is recorded with respect to loans for which it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement for which there is impairment recognized. A general allowance is provided for loans and leases that are not impaired. The Company employs a variety of internally developed and third-party modeling and estimation tools for measuring credit risk, which are used in developing an allowance for loan and lease losses on outstanding loans and leases. The Company’s allowance framework addresses economic conditions, capital market liquidity and industry circumstances from both a top-down and bottom-up perspective. The Company considers and evaluates changes in economic conditions, credit availability, industry and multiple obligor concentrations in assessing both probabilities of default and loss severities as part of the general component of the allowance for loan and lease losses.

For Leveraged Finance loans and equipment finance leases, the data set used to construct probabilities of default in its allowance for loan losses model, Moody’s CRD Private Firm Database, primarily contains middle market loans that share attributes similar to the Company’s loans. The Company also considers the quality of the loan terms in determining a loan loss in the event of default.

The Company periodically reviews its allowance for credit loss methodology to assess any necessary adjustments based upon changing economic and capital market conditions. If the Company determines that changes in its allowance for credit losses methodology are advisable, as a result of changes in the economic environment or otherwise, the revised allowance methodology may result in higher or lower levels of allowance. No material modifications have been made to the allowance for credit losses since 2010. Given uncertain market conditions, actual losses under the Company’s current or any revised allowance methodology may differ materially from the Company’s estimate.

A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment of a loan is based upon (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, (ii) the loan’s observable market price, or (iii) the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent, depending on the circumstances and our collection strategy. Impaired loans are identified based on the loan-by-loan risk rating process described above. Impaired loans include all non-accrual loans, loans with partial charge-offs and loans which are Troubled Debt Restructurings. It is the Company’s policy during the reporting period to record a specific provision for credit losses for all loans for which we have serious doubts as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms.

Impaired loans at March 31, 2013 were in Real Estate, Leveraged Finance, and Business Credit over a range of industries impacted by the then current economic environment including the following: Buildings and Commercial Real Estate, Broadcast and Entertainment, Nondurable Consumer Products, Energy and Chemical Services, Financial Services, Healthcare, Printing and Publishing, Restaurants, and Industrial and Other Business Services. For impaired Leveraged Finance loans, the Company measured impairment based on expected cash flows utilizing relevant information provided by the borrower and consideration of other market conditions or specific factors impacting recoverability. Such amounts are discounted based on original loan terms. For impaired Real Estate loans, the Company determined that the loans were collateral dependent and measured impairment based on the fair value of the related collateral utilizing recent appraisals from third-party appraisers, as well as internal estimates of market value. As of March 31, 2013, we had impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $306.2 million. Impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $257.2 million have been restructured and classified as troubled debt restructurings. At March 31, 2013, the Company had a $25.2 million specific allowance for impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $169.7 million. As of March 31, 2013, we had three restructured impaired loans which had an outstanding balance greater than $20 million. In each of these cases, we added to our position in prior periods to maximize our potential recovery of the outstanding principal.

Non-interest income. Non-interest income increased $0.3 million, to $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The increase is primarily due to a $0.9 million gain on the value of equity interests in certain impaired borrowers, $0.7 million of net income from our other real estate owned properties, and the $0.5 million loss on sale of a loan during the three months ended March 31, 2012, partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease in fee income, the $0.9 million gain on the repurchase of debt during the three months ended March 31, 2012. Beginning with the three months ended March 31, 2013, the income and expenses from our other real estate owned properties are presented gross in our consolidated statement of operations.

As a result of certain of our troubled debt restructurings, we have received an equity interest in several of our impaired borrowers. The equity interest in certain impaired borrowers is initially recorded at fair value when the debt is restructured and is subsequently analyzed at the end of each quarter. In situations where we are deemed to be under the equity method of accounting, we record our ownership share of the borrowers’ results of operations in non-interest income. Additionally, our corresponding share of our borrowers’ results of operations may directly impact the remaining net book value of these respective loans. These equity interests may give rise to potential capital gains or losses, for tax purposes. This could impact future period tax rates depending on our ability to recognize capital losses to the extent of any capital gains.

Operating expenses. Operating expenses increased $2.2 million, to $12.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 from $10.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. General and administrative expenses increased $0.5 million due primarily to a $1.3 million of operating expenses from our other real estate owned properties, partially offset by a decrease of $0.8million in loan workout costs. Beginning with the three months ended March 31, 2013, the income and expenses from our other real estate owned properties are presented gross in our consolidated statement of operations. Employee compensation and benefits increased $1.7 million primarily due to an increase in headcount and higher incentive compensation accruals, which were partially offset by lower equity compensation expense.

Income taxes. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, we provided for income taxes based on an effective tax rate of 41% for each period.

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had net deferred tax assets of $40.9 million and $42.5 million, respectively. In assessing if we will be able to realize our deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We considered all available evidence, both positive and negative, in determining the realizability of deferred tax assets at March 31, 2013. We considered carryback availability, the scheduled reversals of

deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income during the reversal periods, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. We also considered our recent history of taxable income, trends in our earnings and tax rate, positive financial ratios, and the impact of the downturn in the current economic environment (including the impact of credit on allowance and provision for loan losses; and the impact on funding levels) on the Company. Based upon our assessment, we believe that a valuation allowance was not necessary as of March 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2013, our deferred tax asset was primarily comprised of $23.0 million related to our allowance for credit losses and $14.6 million related to equity compensation.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary sources of liquidity consist of cash flow from operations, credit facilities, term debt securitizations and proceeds from equity and debt offerings. In April 2013, we established a new managed leveraged credit investment fund to partially fund middle market loan origination and is expected to add approximately $300 million to assets under management.

We believe that these sources will be sufficient to fund our current operations, lending activities and other short-term liquidity needs. Subject to market conditions, we continue to explore opportunities for the Company to increase its leverage, including through the issuance of high yield debt securities, convertible debt securities, share repurchases, secured or unsecured senior debt or a revolving credit facility, to support portfolio growth and strategic acquisitions, which may be material to us. In addition to opportunistic funding related to potential growth initiatives, our future liquidity needs will be determined primarily based on economic conditions, the credit performance of our loan portfolio and origination volume. We may need to raise additional capital in the future based on various factors that include: faster than expected increases in the level of non-accrual loans; lower than anticipated recoveries or cash flow from operations; and unexpected limitations on our ability to fund certain loans with credit facilities. We may not be able to raise debt or equity capital on acceptable terms or at all. The incurrence of additional debt will increase our leverage and interest expense, and the issuance of any equity or securities exercisable, convertible or exchangeable into Company common stock may be dilutive for existing shareholders.

During the first quarter of 2013, the U.S. economy grew modestly despite concerns surrounding budget cuts related to the sequestration and relative instability in European financial markets. This expansion was reflected in the improving performance of U.S. debt and equity capital markets. We expect the broader favorable trends in the U.S. to continue as Treasury and investment grade bond rates remain near all-time lows and investors focus on allocating capital to riskier higher yielding, fixed and floating rate asset classes in order to achieve yield targets. The larger, more liquid segments of the securitization markets also displayed improved issuance volume and pricing. With the strengthening of the high yield loan markets as well as the broader securitization market, conditions in the securitization market for bank loans (the CLO market) have improved year-to-date. We believe that the CLO market, which the company partially relies upon for funding, has recovered to a point that it will provide a reliable source of capital for companies like NewStar. In addition to these signs of improving market conditions, we believe the Company has substantially greater financial flexibility and increased financing options due to the improvement in our financial performance.

We believe that our ability to access new credit facilities and renew and amend our existing credit facilities continues to demonstrate an overall improvement in the market conditions for funding and indicates progress in our ability to obtain financings on improved terms in the future. Despite these signs of improving market conditions, we cannot assure you that this will continue, and it is possible that market conditions could become uncertain or deteriorate. If they do, we could face materially higher financing costs and reductions in leverage, which would affect our operating strategy and could materially and adversely affect our financial condition.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had $27.6 million and $27.2 million, respectively, in cash and cash equivalents. We may invest a portion of cash on hand in short-term liquid investments. From time to time, we may use a portion of our unrestricted cash to pay down our credit facilities creating undrawn capacity which may be redrawn to meet liquidity needs in the future.

Restricted Cash

Separately, we had $141.0 million and $208.7 million of restricted cash as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The restricted cash represents the balance of the principal and interest collections accounts and pre-funding amounts in our credit facilities, our term debt securitizations and customer holdbacks and escrows. The use of the principal collection accounts’ cash is limited to funding the growth of our loan and portfolio within the facilities or paying down related credit facilities or term debt securitizations. As of March 31, 2013, we could use $30.3 million of restricted cash to fund new or existing loans. The interest collection account cash is limited to the payment of interest, servicing fees and other expenses of our credit facilities and term debt securitizations and, if either a ratings downgrade or failure to receive ratings confirmation occurs on the rated notes in a term debt securitization at the end of the funding period or if coverage ratios are not met, paying down principal with respect thereto. Cash to fund the growth of our loan portfolio and to pay interest on our term debt securitizations represented a large portion of our restricted cash balance at March 31, 2013.

Asset Quality and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

If a loan is 90 days or more past due, or if management believes it is probable we will unable to collect contractual principal and interest in the normal course of business, it is our policy to place the loan on non-accrual status. If a loan financed by a term debt securitization is placed on non-accrual status, the loan may remain in the term debt securitization and excess interest spread cash distributions to us will cease until cash accumulated in the term debt securitization equals the outstanding balance of the non-accrual loan. When a loan is on non-accrual status, accrued interest previously recognized as interest income subsequent to the last cash receipt in the current year will be reversed, and the recognition of interest income on that loan will stop until factors indicating doubtful collection no longer exist and the loan has been brought current. We may make exceptions to this policy if the loan is well secured and is in the process of collection. As of March 31, 2013, we had impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $306.2 million. Impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $257.2 million have been restructured and classified as troubled debt restructurings. Impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $76.3 million were on non-accrual status. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, $5.2 million of loans were charged-off. Impaired loans of $37.9 million were greater than 60 days past due and classified as delinquent. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we recorded $0.4 million of net specific provisions for impaired loans. Included in our specific allowance for impaired loans was $1.6 million related to delinquent loans.

We closely monitor the credit quality of our loans and leases which are partly reflected in our credit metrics such as loan delinquencies, non-accruals, and charge-offs. Changes to these credit metrics are largely due to changes in economic conditions and seasoning of the loan and lease portfolio.

We have provided an allowance for loan and lease losses to provide for probable losses inherent in our loan and lease portfolio. Our allowance for loan and lease losses as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $45.2 million and $49.6 million, respectively, or 2.48% and 2.76% of loans and leases, gross, respectively. As of March 31, 2013, we also had a $0.3 million allowance for unfunded commitments, resulting in an allowance for credit losses of 2.50%.

The allowance for credit losses is based on a review of the appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses and its two components on a quarterly basis. The estimate of each component is based on observable information and on market and third-party data believed to be reflective of the underlying credit losses being estimated.

It is the Company’s policy that during the reporting period to record a specific provision for credit losses for all loans which we have identified impairments. Subsequently, we may charge-off the portion of the loan for which a specific provision was recorded. All of these loans are classified as impaired (if they have not been so classified already as a result of a troubled debt restructuring) and are disclosed in the Allowance for Credit Losses footnote to the financial statements.

Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)
Balance as of beginning of period	$	49,636		$	63,700
General provision for loan and lease losses		286			(3,918	)
Specific provision for loan losses		417			16,653
Net charge offs		(5,183	)		(26,799	)

Balance as of end of period		45,156			49,636
Allowance for losses on unfunded loan commitments		343			328

Allowance for credit losses	$	45,499		$	49,964

During the three months ended March 31, 2013 we recorded a total provision for credit losses of $0.7 million. The Company decreased its allowance for credit losses to 2.50% of gross loans at March 31, 2013 compared to 2.78% at December 31, 2012.

Borrowings and Liquidity

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had outstanding borrowings totaling $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. Borrowings under our various credit facilities and term debt securitizations are used to partially fund our positions in our loan portfolio.

As of March 31, 2013, our funding sources, maximum debt amounts, amounts outstanding and unused debt capacity, subject to certain covenants and conditions, are summarized below:


Funding Source	Maximum Debt Amount		Amounts Outstanding		Unused Debt Capacity		Maturity
	($ in thousands)
Credit facilities	$	625,000	$	213,859	$	411,141		2015 – 2019
Term debt (1)		1,243,824		1,196,124		47,700		2016 – 2023
Repurchase agreement		30,194		30,194		—		2016

Total	$	1,899,018	$	1,440,177	$	458,841

(1)	Maturities for term debt are based on contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities may occur earlier.

We must comply with various covenants. The breach of certain of these covenants could result in a termination event if not cured. At March 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all such covenants. These covenants vary depending on the type of facility and are customary for facilities of this type. These covenants include, but are not limited to, failure to service debt obligations, failure to meet liquidity covenants and tangible net worth covenants, and failure to remain within prescribed facility portfolio delinquency and charge-off levels. In addition, we are required to make termination or make-whole payments in the event that certain of our existing credit facilities are prepaid. These termination or make-whole payments, if triggered, could be material to us individually or in the aggregate, and in the case of certain facilities, could be caused by factors outside of our control, including as a result of loan prepayment by the borrowers under the loan facilities that collateralize these credit facilities.

Credit Facilities

As of March 31, 2013 we had five credit facilities: (i) a $175 million credit facility with Wells Fargo to fund leveraged finance loans, (ii) a $150.0 million revolving credit facility with NATIXIS to fund leveraged finance loans, (iii) a $150 million credit facility with DZ Bank to fund asset-based loans, (iv) a $75 million credit facility with Wells Fargo to fund asset-based loans, and (v) a $75 million credit facility with Wells Fargo to fund new equipment lease origination.

Our $175.0 million credit facility with Wells Fargo to fund leverage finance loans with the ability to further increase the commitment amount to $200.0 million, subject to lender approval and other customary conditions had an outstanding balance of $0 and unamortized deferred financing fees of $3.4 million as of March 31, 2013. The facility provides for a revolving reinvestment period which ends on November 5, 2015 with a two-year amortization period. We must comply with various covenants, the breach of which could result in a termination event if not cured. These covenants include, but are not limited to, failure to service debt obligations, failure to maintain minimum levels of liquidity, and failure to meet tangible net worth covenants and overcollateralization tests. At March 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all such covenants. Interest on this facility accrued at a variable rate per annum.

Our $150.0 million credit facility agreement with NATIXIS had an outstanding balance of $98.6 million and unamortized deferred financing fees of $2.1 million as of March 31, 2013. Interest on this facility accrues at a variable rate per annum, which was 2.36% at March 31, 2013. This credit facility has a reinvestment period ending on August 16, 2013 and matures on February 16, 2019. We must comply with various covenants, the breach of which could result in a termination event if not cured. These covenants include, but are not limited to, failure to service debt obligations and failure to meet overcollateralization tests.

Our $150.0 million credit facility with DZ Bank had an outstanding balance of $80.4 million and unamortized fees of $1.1 million as of March 31, 2013. Interest on this facility accrues at a variable rate per annum. As part of the agreement, there is a minimum interest charge of $1.9 million per annum. If the facility is not utilized to cover this minimum requirement, then a make-whole fee is assessed to satisfy the minimum requirement. We are permitted to use the proceeds of borrowings under the credit facility to fund advances under asset based loan commitments. The commitment amount under the credit facility is scheduled to decrease from $150.0 million to $125.0 million on and after April 24, 2013, and matures on June 30, 2015.

Our $75.0 million credit facility with Wells Fargo to fund asset-based loan origination had an outstanding balance of $34.9 million and unamortized deferred financing fees of $0.5 million as of March 31, 2013. Interest on this facility accrues at a variable rate per annum. The credit facility may be increased to an amount up to $150.0 million subject to lender approval and other customary conditions. The credit facility matures on December 7, 2015. We must comply with various covenants, the breach of which could result in a termination event if not cured. These covenants include, but are not limited to, failure to service debt obligations, net worth covenants, interest coverage ratios, minimum excess availability and violations of pool default and charged off tests.

We have a note purchase agreement with Wells Fargo under the terms of which Wells Fargo agreed to provide a $75.0 million credit facility to fund new equipment lease originations. The credit facility matures on November 16, 2016 subject to early termination or extension. We must comply with various covenants, the breach of which could result in a termination event if not cured. These covenants include, but are not limited to, failure to service debt obligations, failure to maintain minimum levels of liquidity, failure to meet tangible net worth covenants and violations of pool default and delinquency tests. As of March 31, 2013, we had not drawn any amounts from this credit facility.

Corporate Credit Facility

On January 5, 2010, we entered into a note agreement with Fortress Credit Corp., which was subsequently amended on August 31, 2010, January 27, 2012, November 5, 2012, and December 4, 2012. The credit facility, as amended, consists of a $25.0 million revolving note and a $100.0 million term note, which matures on August 31, 2016. The credit facility accrues interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 7.00%.

We are permitted to use the proceeds of borrowings under the credit facility for general corporate purposes including, but not limited to, funding loans, working capital, paying down outstanding debt, making certain types of acquisitions and repurchasing capital stock up to $10 million.

The applicable unused fee rate of the revolving note is 4.0% of the undrawn amount of the revolving note when the total outstanding amount is less than 50% of the commitment amount, 3.0% of the undrawn amount of the revolving note when the total outstanding amount is greater than or equal to 50% but less than 75% of the commitment amount, and 2.0% of the undrawn amount of the revolving note when the total outstanding amount is greater than or equal to 75% of the commitment amount. As of March 31, 2013, we had not drawn any amounts from the revolving note. As of March 31, 2013, unamortized deferred financing fees were $2.8 million.

Term Debt Securitizations

In August 2005 we completed a term debt transaction. In conjunction with this transaction we established a separate single-purpose bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, NewStar Trust 2005-1 (the “2005 CLO Trust”) and contributed $375 million in loans and investments (including unfunded commitments), or portions thereof, to the 2005 CLO Trust. We remain the servicer of the loans and investments. Simultaneously with the initial contributions, the 2005 CLO Trust issued $343.4 million of notes to institutional investors and issued $31.6 million of trust certificates of which we retained 100%. At March 31, 2013, the $90.9 million of outstanding notes were collateralized by the specific loans and investments, principal collections account cash and principal payment receivables totaling $122.4 million. At March 31, 2013, deferred financing fees were $0. The 2005 CLO Trust permitted reinvestment of collateral principal repayments for a three-year period which ended in October 2008. During 2012, we repurchased $9.8 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $0.9 million of the Class E notes. During 2011, we repurchased $3.9 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2010, we repurchased $4.6 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class D notes. During 2009, we repurchased $1.4 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $1.2 million of the Class E notes. During 2008, we repurchased $5.8 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2007, we repurchased $5.0 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2009, Moody’s downgraded all of the notes of the 2005 CLO Trust. As a result of the downgrades, amortization of the 2005 CLO Trust changed from pro rata to sequential, resulting in scheduled principal payments made in order of the notes seniority until all available funds are exhausted for each payment. During 2010, Standard and Poor’s downgraded all of the notes of the 2005 CLO Trust. During the first quarter of 2012, Moody’s upgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class B notes, the Class C notes, and the Class D notes, and downgraded the Class E notes of the 2005 CLO Trust. During the third quarter of 2012, Fitch affirmed its ratings of all of the notes of the 2005 CLO Trust. During the fourth quarter of 2012, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes and the Class B notes and affirmed the rating of the Class C notes, the Class D notes and the Class E notes of the 2005 CLO Trust.

We receive a loan collateral management fee and excess interest spread. We may receive a principal distribution when the term debt is retired. The most recent quarterly report of the 2005 CLO Trust dated January 13, 2013 identified $74.6 million in cumulative

charged-off loans in the 2005 CLO Trust as delinquent or charged-off under the terms of the trust indenture. As a result, the excess interest spread from the 2005 CLO Trust will be redirected and combined with recoveries and will be used to repay the outstanding notes until note redemptions equal the underlying non-accrual loan balances or until we purchase such loans. As of the January 13, 2013 report, the cumulative amount redirected was $19.8 million. We may have additional defaults in the 2005 CLO Trust in the future. If we do not elect to remove any future defaulted loans, we would not expect to receive excess interest spread payments until the undistributed cash plus any recoveries equal the outstanding balances of defaulted loan collateral.

The following table sets forth selected information with respect to the 2005 CLO Trust:


	Notes and certificates originally issued		Outstanding balance March 31, 2013		Borrowing spread to LIBOR			Ratings (S&P/Moody’s/ Fitch)(1)
	($ in thousands)				%
2005 CLO Trust:
Class A-1	$	156,000	$	11,320		0.28	%	AAA/Aaa/AAA
Class A-2		80,477		5,778		0.30		AAA/Aaa/AAA
Class B		18,750		18,683		0.50		AA+/Aa1/AA
Class C		39,375		39,233		0.85		B+/A2/BB
Class D		24,375		8,424		1.50		CCC-/Ba2/CCC
Class E		24,375		7,471		4.75		CCC-/Caa3/CC

Total notes		343,352		90,909
Class F (trust certificates)		31,648		31,538		N/A		N/A

Total for 2005 CLO Trust	$	375,000	$	122,447

(1)

The ratings were initially given in August 2005, are unaudited and are subject to change from time to time. During the first quarter of 2009, Fitch affirmed its ratings and downgraded the Class D notes and Class E notes. The Fitch downgrade did not have a material impact on the 2005 CLO Trust. During the first quarter of 2009, Moody’s downgraded the Class C notes, the Class D notes and the Class E notes. During the third quarter of 2009, Moody’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes and the Class B notes. During the second quarter of 2010, Standard and Poor’s downgraded all of the notes. During the third quarter of 2010, Fitch downgraded the Class C notes, the Class D notes and the Class E notes to the ratings shown above. During the first quarter of 2012, Moody’s upgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class B notes, the Class C notes, and the Class D notes, and downgraded the Class E notes to the ratings shown above. Fitch affirmed its ratings during the third quarter of 2012. During the fourth quarter of 2012, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes and the Class B notes to the ratings shown above and affirmed the rating of the Class C notes, the Class D notes and the Class E notes (source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.).

In June 2006 we completed a term debt transaction. In conjunction with this transaction we established a separate single-purpose bankruptcy remote subsidiary, NewStar Commercial Loan Trust 2006-1 (the “2006 CLO Trust”) and contributed $500 million in loans and investments (including unfunded commitments), or portions thereof, to the 2006 CLO Trust. We remain the servicer of the loans. Simultaneously with the initial contributions, the 2006 CLO Trust issued $456.3 million of notes to institutional investors. We retained $43.8 million, comprising 100% of the 2006 CLO Trust’s trust certificates. At March 31, 2013, the $243.4 million of outstanding drawn notes were collateralized by the specific loans and investments, principal collection account cash and principal payment receivables totaling $287.2 million. At March 31, 2013, deferred financing fees were $0.5 million. The 2006 CLO Trust permitted reinvestment of collateral principal repayments for a five-year period which ended in June 2011. During 2011, we repurchased $7.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class C notes, $6.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $2.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2010, we repurchased $3.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $3.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2009, we repurchased $6.5 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $1.8 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2008, we repurchased $3.3 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class D and $2.5 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class E notes, respectively. During 2009, Moody’s downgraded all of the notes of the 2006 CLO Trust. As a result of the downgrade, amortization of the 2006 CLO Trust changed from pro rata to sequential, resulting in future scheduled principal payments made in order of the notes seniority until all available funds are exhausted for each payment. During 2010, Standard and Poor’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class C notes, the Class D notes and the Class E notes of the 2006 CLO Trust. The downgrade did not have any material consequence as the amortization of the 2006 CLO Trust changed from pro rata to sequential after the Moody’s downgrade in 2009. During 2011, Moody’s upgraded its ratings of all of the notes of the 2006 CLO Trust. During the third quarter of 2012, Fitch affirmed its ratings of all of the notes of the 2006 CLO Trust. During the fourth quarter of 2012, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Class D notes and the Class E notes and affirmed the rating of the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class B notes and the Class C notes of the 2006 CLO Trust.

We receive a loan collateral management fee and excess interest spread. We expect to receive a principal distribution when the term debt is retired. The most recent quarterly report of the 2006 CLO Trust dated March 13, 2013 identified $21.6 million in cumulative charged-off loans in the 2006 CLO Trust as delinquent or charged-off under the terms of the trust indenture. As a result, the excess interest spread from the 2006 CLO Trust will be redirected and combined with recoveries and will be used to repay the outstanding notes until note redemptions equal the underlying non-accrual loan balances or until we purchase such loans. During 2011, we elected to purchase $11.1 million of defaulted collateral from the 2006 CLO Trust to reduce the amount of excess interest spread that otherwise would have been required to be redirected. As of the March 13, 2013 quarterly report, the entire $21.6 million had been redirected or repurchased. We may have additional defaults in the 2006 CLO Trust in the future. If we do not elect to remove any future defaulted loans, we would not expect to receive excess interest spread payments until the undistributed cash plus any recoveries equal the outstanding balances of defaulted loan collateral.

The following table sets forth the selected information with respect to the 2006 CLO Trust:


	Notes and certificates originally issued		Outstanding balance March 31, 2013		Borrowing spread to LIBOR			Ratings (S&P/Moody’s/ Fitch)(1)
	($ in thousands)				%
2006 CLO Trust:
Class A-1	$	320,000	$	160,678		0.27	%	AA+/Aaa/AAA
Class A-2		40,000		21,504		0.28		AA+/Aaa/AAA
Class B		22,500		22,500		0.38		AA/Aa2/AA
Class C		35,000		28,000		0.68		BBB+/A3/A
Class D		25,000		6,250		1.35		B+/Baa3/BBB
Class E		13,750		4,500		1.75		CCC+/Ba1/BB

Total notes		456,250		243,432
Class F (trust certificates)		43,750		43,750		N/A		N/A

Total for 2006 CLO Trust	$	500,000	$	287,182

(1)

In June 2007 we completed a term debt transaction. In conjunction with this transaction we established a separate single-purpose bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, NewStar Commercial Loan Trust 2007-1 (the “2007-1 CLO Trust”) and contributed $600 million in loans and investments (including unfunded commitments), or portions thereof, to the 2007-1 CLO Trust. We remain the servicer of the loans. Simultaneously with the initial contributions, the 2007-1 CLO Trust issued $546.0 million of notes to institutional investors. We retained $54.0 million, comprising 100% of the 2007-1 CLO Trust’s trust certificates. At March 31, 2013, the $498.5 million of outstanding drawn notes were collateralized by the specific loans and investments, principal collection account cash and principal payment receivables totaling $552.5 million. At March 31, 2013, deferred financing fees were $1.9 million. The 2007-1 CLO Trust permits reinvestment of collateral principal repayments for a six-year period ending in May 2013. Should we determine that reinvestment of collateral principal repayments are impractical in light of market conditions or if collateral principal repayments are not reinvested within a prescribed timeframe, such funds may be used to repay the outstanding notes. During 2012, we repurchased $0.2 million of the 2007-1 CLO Trust’s Class C notes. During 2010, we repurchased $5.0 million of the 2007-1 CLO Trust’s Class D notes. During 2009, we repurchased $1.0 million of the 2007-1 CLO Trust’s Class D notes. During 2009, Moody’s downgraded all of the notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust. As a result of the downgrade, amortization of the 2007-1 CLO Trust changed from pro rata to sequential, resulting in future scheduled principal payments made in order of the notes seniority until all available funds are exhausted for each payment. During 2010, Standard and Poor’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class C notes and the Class D notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust. The downgrade did not have any material consequence as the amortization of the 2007-1 CLO Trust changed from pro rata to sequential after the Moody’s downgrade in 2009. During the second quarter of, 2011, Moody’s upgraded the Class C notes, the Class D notes, and the Class E notes. During 2011, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Class D notes. During the fourth quarter of 2011, Moody’s upgraded all of the notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust. During the third quarter of 2012, Fitch affirmed its ratings of all of the notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust.

We receive a loan collateral management fee and excess interest spread. We expect to receive a principal distribution when the term debt is retired. If loan collateral in the 2007-1 CLO Trust is in default under the terms of the indenture, the excess interest spread from the 2007-1 CLO Trust could not be distributed until the undistributed cash plus recoveries equals the outstanding balance of the defaulted loan or if we elected to remove the defaulted collateral. We may have defaults in the 2007-1 CLO Trust in the future. If we do not elect to remove any future defaulted loans, we would not expect to receive excess interest spread payments until the undistributed cash plus any recoveries equal the outstanding balances of any potential defaulted loan collateral.

The following table sets forth selected information with respect to the 2007-1 CLO Trust:


	Notes originally issued		Outstanding balance March 31, 2013		Borrowing spread to LIBOR			Ratings (S&P/Moody’s/ Fitch)(1)
	($ in thousands)
2007-1 CLO Trust
Class A-1	$	336,500	$	317,890		0.24	%	AA+/Aaa/AAA
Class A-2		100,000		77,300		0.26		AA+/Aaa/AAA
Class B		24,000		24,000		0.55		AA/Aa3/AA
Class C		58,500		58,293		1.30		BBB+/Baa1/A
Class D		27,000		21,000		2.30		BB-/Ba1/BBB+

Total notes		546,000		498,483
Class E (trust certificates)		29,100		29,100		N/A		N/A
Class F (trust certificates)		24,900		24,900		N/A		N/A

Total for 2007-1 CLO Trust	$	600,000	$	552,483

(1)

On December 18, 2012, we completed a term debt transaction. In conjunction with this transaction we established a separate single-purpose bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, NewStar Commercial Loan Funding 2012-2 LLC (the “2012-2 CLO Trust”) and contributed $325.9 million in loans and investments (including unfunded commitments), or portions thereof, to the 2012-2 CLO Trust. We remain the servicer of the loans. Simultaneously with the initial contributions, the 2012-2 CLO Trust issued $263.3 million of notes to institutional investors. We retained $40.4 million, comprising 100% of the 2012-2 CLO Trust’s trust certificates in addition to the entire $22.2 million of subordinated notes. At March 31, 2013, the $263.3 million of outstanding drawn notes were collateralized by the specific loans and investments, principal collection account cash and principal payment receivables totaling $325.9 million. At March 31, 2013, deferred financing fees were $3.4 million. The 2012-2 CLO Trust permits reinvestment of collateral principal repayments for a three-year period ending in January 2016. Should we determine that reinvestment of collateral principal repayments are impractical in light of market conditions or if collateral principal repayments are not reinvested within a prescribed timeframe, such funds may be used to repay the outstanding notes.

We receive a loan collateral management fee and excess interest spread. We expect to receive a principal distribution when the term debt is retired. If loan collateral in the 2012-2 CLO Trust is in default under the terms of the indenture, the excess interest spread from the 2012-2 CLO Trust may not be distributed if the overcollateralization ratio, or other collateral quality tests, are not satisfied. We may have defaults in the 2012-2 CLO Trust in the future. If we do not elect to remove any future defaulted loans, we may not receive excess interest spread payments until the overcollateralization ratio, or other collateral quality tests, are cured.

The following table sets forth selected information with respect to the 2012-2 CLO Trust:


	Notes originally issued		Outstanding balance March 31, 2013		Borrowing spread to LIBOR			Ratings (Moody’s/S&P)(1)
	($ in thousands)
2012-2 CLO Trust
Class A	$	190,700	$	190,700		Libor +1.90	%	Aaa/AAA
Class B		26,000		26,000		Libor +3.25	%	Aa2/N/A
Class C		35,200		35,200		Libor +4.25	%	A2/N/A
Class D		11,400		11,400		Libor +6.25	%	Baa2/N/A

Total notes		263,300		263,300
Class E (trust certificates)		16,300		16,300		N/A		Ba1/N/A
Class F (trust certificates)		24,100		24,100		N/A		B2/N/A
Subordinated notes		22,183		22,183		N/A		N/A

Total for 2012-2 CLO Trust	$	325,883	$	325,883

(1)	These ratings were initially given in December 2012, are unaudited and are subject to change from time to time.

Repurchase Agreement

On June 7, 2011, we entered into a five-year, $68.0 million financing arrangement with Macquarie Bank Limited backed primarily by a portfolio of commercial mortgage loans previously originated by us. The financing was structured as a master repurchase agreement under which we sold the portfolio of commercial mortgage loans to Macquarie for an aggregate purchase price of $68.0 million. We also agreed to repurchase the commercial mortgage loans from time to time (including a minimum quarterly amount), and agreed to repurchase all of the commercial mortgage loans by June 7, 2016. Upon the repurchase of a commercial mortgage loan, we are obligated to repay the principal amount related to such mortgage loan plus accrued interest (at a rate based on LIBOR plus a margin) to the date of repurchase. We will continue to service the commercial mortgage loans. The facility accrues interest at a variable rate per annum, which was 5.20% as of March 31, 2013. As of March 31, 2013, unamortized deferred financing fees were $1.1 million and the outstanding balance was $30.2 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we made principal payments totaling $0.4 million. As part of the agreement, there is a minimum aggregate interest margin payment of $8.4 million required to be made over the life of the facility. We cannot control the rate at which the underlying commercial mortgage loans are repaid. If the facility is not utilized to cover this minimum requirement, then a make-whole fee is required to be made to satisfy the minimum aggregate interest margin payment.

Stock Repurchase Program

On November 19, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any shares purchased will be determined by the company’s management based on its evaluation of market condition and other factors. The repurchase program, which will expire on December 31, 2013 unless extended by the Board of Directors, may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. As of March 31, 2013, we had not repurchased any shares of our common stock under the program.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We are party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of our borrowers. These financial instruments include unfunded commitments, standby letters of credit and interest rate mitigation products. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement we have in particular classes of financial instruments.

Our exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. We use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as we do for on-balance sheet instruments.

credit evaluation of the borrower and the borrower’s compliance with financial covenants. Due to their nature, we cannot know with certainty the aggregate amounts that will be required to fund our unfunded commitments. The aggregate amount of these unfunded commitments currently exceeds our available funds and will likely continue to exceed our available funds in the future.

At March 31, 2013, we had $260.6 million of unused lines of credit. Of these unused lines of credit, unfunded commitments related to revolving credit facilities were $213.3 million and unfunded commitments related to delayed draw term loans were $38.9 million. $8.5 million of the unused commitments are unavailable to the borrowers, which may be related to the borrowers’ inability to meet covenant obligations or other similar events.

Revolving credit facilities allow our borrowers to draw up to a specified amount, subject to customary borrowing conditions. The unfunded revolving commitments of $213.3 million are further categorized as either contingent or unrestricted. Contingent commitments limit a borrower’s ability to access the revolver unless it meets an enumerated borrowing base covenant or other restrictions. At March 31, 2013, we categorized $155.0 million of the unfunded commitments related to revolving credit facilities as contingent. Unrestricted commitments represent commitments that are currently accessible, assuming the borrower is in compliance with certain customary loan terms and conditions. At March 31, 2013, we had $58.3 million of unfunded unrestricted revolving commitments.

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, revolver usage averaged approximately 49%, which is line with the average of 49% over the previous four quarters. Management’s experience indicates that borrowers typically do not seek to exercise their entire available line of credit at any point in time. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, revolving commitments increased $17.7 million.

Delayed draw credit facilities allow our borrowers to draw predefined amounts of the approved loan commitment at contractually set times, subject to specific conditions, such as capital expenditures in corporate loans or for tenant improvements in commercial real estate loans. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, delayed draw credit facility commitments increased $0.8 million.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared based on the application of accounting policies, the most significant of which are described in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report, as updated in Note 2 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report. These policies require numerous estimates and assumptions, which may prove inaccurate or subject to variations. Changes in underlying factors, assumptions or estimates could have a material impact on the Company’s future financial condition and results of operations. The most critical of these significant accounting policies are the policies for revenue recognition, allowance for credit losses, income taxes, stock compensation and valuation methodologies. As of the date of this report, the Company does not believe that there has been a material change in the nature or categories of its critical accounting policies or its estimates and assumptions from those discussed in its 2012 Annual Report.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are exposed to changes in market values of our loans held-for-sale, which are carried at lower of cost or market, and our investment in debt securities, available-for-sale and derivatives, which are carried at fair value. Fair value is defined as the market price for those securities for which a market quotation is readily available and for all other investments and derivatives, fair value is determined pursuant to a valuation policy and a consistent valuation process. Where a market quotation is not readily available, we estimate fair value using various valuation methodologies, including cash flow analysis, as well as qualitative factors.

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, investments in debt securities available-for-sale totaled $21.5 million and $21.1 million, respectively. At March 31, 2013, our net unrealized gain on those debt securities totaled $0.5 million and at December 31, 2012, our net unrealized gain totaled $0.2 million. Any unrealized gain or loss on these investments is included in Other Comprehensive Income in the equity section of the balance sheet, until realized.

Interest rate risk represents a market risk exposure to us. Interest rate risk is measured as the potential volatility to our net interest income caused by changes in market interest rates.

As of March 31, 2013, approximately 99% of the loans in our portfolio were at fixed rates and approximately 1% were at variable rates. Additionally, for the loans at variable rates, approximately 78% contain an interest rate floor. Our credit facilities and term debt securitizations all bear interest at variable rates without interest rate floors, however, our corporate credit facility contains an interest rate floor set at a rate of 1.50%.

The presence of interest rate floors in our loan agreements results in assets with hybrid fixed and floating rate loan characteristics. Provided that the contractual interest rate remains at or below the interest rate floor, a performing loan will typically behave as a fixed rate instrument. If contractual interest rates are in excess of the interest rate floor, a performing loan will typically behave as a floating rate instrument. In a low interest rate environment, floors provide a benefit as we are able to earn additional income equal to the difference between the stated rate of the interest rate floor and the corresponding contractual rate. If interest rates rise, the potential benefit provided by interest rate floors would decrease resulting in lower net interest income. The cost of our variable rate debt would increase, while interest income from loans with interest rate floors would not change until interest rates exceed the stated rate of the interest rate floors or upon the re-pricing or principal repayment of the loans.

The following table shows the hypothetical estimated change in net interest income over a 12-month period based on a static, instantaneous parallel shift in interest rates applied to our portfolio and cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2013. Our modeling is based on contractual terms and does not consider prepayment or changes in our current capital structure. It further generalizes that both variable rate assets and liabilities are indexed to a flat 3 month LIBOR yield curve. Although we believe these measurements are representative of our interest rate sensitivity, we can give no assurance that actual results would not differ materially from our modeled outcomes.


	Rate Change (Basis Points)		Estimated Change in Net Interest Income Over 12 Months
			($ in thousands)
Decrease of		100	$	9,040
Increase of		100		(8,300	)
Increase of		200		(6,200	)
Increase of		300		(1,790	)

The estimated changes in net interest income reflect the potential effect of interest rate floors on loans totaling approximately $1.8 billion. Due to the presence of these interest rate floors, as interest rates begin to rise from current levels, the cost of our variable rate debt increases. The interest rate on performing loans will remain fixed until the contractual rate exceeds the stated rate on the interest rate floors. Consequently, the result is a negative net interest income impact as interest rates initially increase until they reach an inflection point. Beyond this inflection point, which is typically close to the portfolios weighted average stated floor rate, the benefit of rising rates begins to accrue to us as the interest rate on performing loans starts to adjust upward. The inflection point as of March 31, 2013 was estimated to be 1.50%.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, these disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) identified in connection with the evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the first quarter of 2013 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

From time to time we expect to be party to legal proceedings. We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings.

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors since our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table sets forth the repurchases we made for the three-month period ending on March 31, 2013:


Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)(2)		Average Price Paid Per Share (1)(2)		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (3)		Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (3)
January 1-31, 2013		—	$	—		—	$	10,000,000
February 1-28, 2013		17,395		13.97		—		10,000,000
March 1-31, 2013		—		—		—		10,000,000

Total: Three months ended March 31, 2013		17,395		13.97		—		10,000,000

(1)	The Company did not repurchase any shares during the period in connection with our share repurchase program that we announced on November 19, 2012.

(2)	These columns include the acquisition of an aggregate of 17,395 shares of Common Stock from individuals in order to satisfy tax withholding requirements in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards under equity compensation plans during the fourth quarter.

(3)

The repurchase program referenced in footnote (1) provides for the repurchase of up to $10 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase program, which will expire on December 31, 2013 unless extended by the Board of Directors, may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice.

Item 6.

Exhibits.


Exhibit Number	Description	Method of Filing

3(a)	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.	Previously filed as Exhibit 3(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on April 2, 2007 (File No. 001-33211) and incorporated herein by reference.

3(b)	Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.	Previously filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on April 2, 2007 (File No. 001-33211) and incorporated herein by reference.

31(a)	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	Filed herewith.

31(b)	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	Filed herewith.

32	Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.	Filed herewith.

101*	The following materials from the Quarterly Report of NewStar Financial, Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, (iv)Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, and (vi) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.	Filed herewith.

101.INS 101.SCH 101.CAL 101.DEF	XBRL Instance Documents XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB 101.PRE	XBRL Label Linkbase Document XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files in Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

SIGNATURES

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 thereunto duly authorized.


	NEWSTAR FINANCIAL, INC.

Date: May 1, 2013	By:	/S/ JOHN KIRBY BRAY
		John Kirby Bray
		Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit Number	Description	Method of Filing

3(a)	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.	Previously filed as Exhibit 3(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on April 2, 2007 (File No. 001-33211) and incorporated herein by reference.

3(b)	Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.	Previously filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on April 2, 2007 (File No. 001-33211) and incorporated herein by reference.

31(a)	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	Filed herewith.

31(b)	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	Filed herewith.

32	Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.	Filed herewith.

101*	The following materials from the Quarterly Report of NewStar Financial, Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013and December 31, 2012, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013and 2012, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2013and 2012, (iv)Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, and (vi) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.	Filed herewith.

101.INS 101.SCH 101.CAL 101.DEF	XBRL Instance Documents XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB 101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document XBRL Label Linkbase Document