Ares Capital (ARCC) Q4 2025 Earnings Transcript

Core View - Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) reported strong financial results for 2025, with core earnings per share (EPS) of $2.01 for the full year, fully covering dividends and achieving a return on equity (ROE) exceeding 10% [5][20]. - The company ended 2025 with a net asset value (NAV) per share of $19.94, reflecting a modest increase from the previous year [21]. - ARCC's portfolio remains well-diversified, with over 600 borrowers and a record $29.5 billion in total portfolio at fair value, marking a 10% increase year-over-year [29][30]. Financial Performance - Core EPS for Q4 2025 was $0.50, consistent with the previous quarter but down from $0.55 a year ago, primarily due to declining base rates [19]. - GAAP net income per share for 2025 was $1.86, down from $2.44 in 2024 [19]. - The company generated over $470 million in gross gains from its equity co-investment portfolio during 2025, with an average internal rate of return (IRR) exceeding 25% [12][13]. Investment Activity - ARCC achieved a record $15.8 billion in new investment commitments for 2025, with over $5.8 billion originated in Q4 alone, representing a 50% increase from 2024 [28]. - The majority of new lending activity in 2025 came from incumbent borrowers, with a significant increase in transaction activity in the second half of the year [6][8]. - The company added over 100 new borrowers to its portfolio in 2025, a new record, reflecting its broad market reach and specialized industry verticals [8][9]. Portfolio Quality - The average portfolio leverage decreased by approximately a quarter turn of EBITDA from the prior year, with an average interest coverage ratio improving to 2.2 times [11][31]. - Non-accruals at cost remained stable at 1.8%, well below historical averages, indicating strong credit quality [35]. - The weighted average organic EBITDA growth rate of ARCC's borrowers was over three times that of GDP, demonstrating robust performance relative to the broader market [11]. Market Outlook - The company remains confident in its competitive advantages, including its experienced team and strong market relationships, which are expected to support future performance [6][7]. - ARCC anticipates continued growth opportunities from strategic investments and a healthy credit performance outlook, despite potential headwinds from lower short-term interest rates [17][20]. - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on market opportunities, supported by a diversified capital base and a strong liquidity position of over $6 billion [25][26]. Dividend Outlook - ARCC plans to maintain its dividend level, supported by a strong earnings power and over two quarters of spillover income available for distribution [26][15]. - The first quarter 2026 dividend is set at $0.48 per share, continuing a track record of stable or increasing dividends for 66 consecutive quarters [26]. - The company believes its current dividend level is achievable in the prevailing interest rate environment [15].