Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - BXSL reported a net investment income (NII) of $0.80 per share, representing an 11.8% annualized return on equity, primarily from interest income [7] - The distribution of $0.77 per share was 104% covered by NII, yielding an 11.4% annualized distribution yield on NAV [7] - The net return for the year was 9.6%, outperforming the leveraged loan market by 360 basis points [7] - The net asset value (NAV) per share decreased to $26.92 from $27.15 in the previous quarter, impacted by net unrealized losses [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - BXSL's portfolio increased to 316 companies across 40 industries, with 13 new credits funded and 15 add-ons completed [8] - The average loan-to-value (LTV) at underwriting was 41%, with an average spread near 500 basis points [8] - Non-accruals in the fourth quarter were 0.6% at cost and 0.5% at fair market value, up from 0.3% and 0.2% respectively in the previous year [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. leveraged finance market is approximately $5 trillion, with the institutional non-BDC channel being about $1.5 trillion [30] - BXSL's board approved a discretionary share repurchase plan for up to $250 million, indicating confidence in the market despite trading below NAV [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capitalizing on the AI and digital infrastructure investment cycle, which is expected to support growth across multiple sectors [6] - BXSL aims to maintain a defensive investment strategy by focusing on first lien, larger, private equity-owned businesses [17] - The company is exploring various capital allocation options, including new loans, share buybacks, and deleveraging [35][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the economic backdrop, citing resilient corporate earnings growth and strong consumer demand [5] - The company anticipates continued robust capital inflows into private credit strategies, particularly from institutional channels [6] - Management noted that the credit quality of deals remains stable, with no significant signs of spread widening [41] Other Important Information - BXSL's total portfolio investments at fair value were over $14.2 billion, with outstanding debt of $8.1 billion [20] - The company has a diverse liability profile, with an all-in cost of debt for the fourth quarter at 4.93%, down from 5.24% [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of potential slowdown in non-traded channel - Management acknowledged the importance of institutional capital and expressed confidence in remaining active in the market despite potential headwinds [30][32] Question: Considerations for share repurchase versus new investments - Management indicated that they are evaluating all options, including share buybacks and new loans, based on market conditions and liquidity [35][54] Question: Recovery rates for software companies - Management stated that software businesses in their portfolio are performing well, with strong coverage despite public market markdowns [61] Question: Strategic decisions in a discount environment - Management emphasized a preference for new primary loans over secondary market purchases, focusing on deep underwriting processes [84]

Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (NYSE:BXSL) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 25, 2026 09:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsBrad Marshall - Global Head of Private Credit Strategies, Chairman, and Co-CEOEthan Kay - VP of Equity ResearchKenneth Lee - VPRobert Dodd - Director of Specialty FinanceStacy Wang - Managing Director and Head of Stakeholder RelationsTeddy Desloge - Senior Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsAaren Cyganovich - Senior Analyst of Specialty FinanceDoug Carter - AnalystFinian O'Shea - Dir ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - BXSL reported a net investment income (NII) of $0.80 per share, representing an 11.8% annualized return on equity, primarily from interest income [6][18] - The distribution of $0.77 per share was 104% covered by NII, yielding an 11.4% annualized distribution yield on NAV [6][18] - The net return for the year was 9.6%, outperforming the leveraged loan market by 360 basis points [6] - Net asset value (NAV) per share decreased to $26.92 from $27.15 in the previous quarter, impacted by net unrealized losses [19][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - BXSL's portfolio increased to 316 companies across 40 industries, with 13 new credits funded and 15 add-ons completed [7][10] - The average loan-to-value (LTV) at underwriting was 41%, with an average spread near 500 basis points [7] - Non-accruals rose to 0.6% at cost and 0.5% at fair market value, up from 0.3% and 0.2% respectively in the previous year [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. leveraged finance market is approximately $5 trillion, with private credit in the institutional non-BDC channel around $1.5 trillion [29] - BXSL's credit business totals $520 billion, with investments in about 5,000 companies globally [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital expenditure build-out in AI and digital infrastructure, which is expected to support growth across multiple sectors [5] - BXSL aims to maintain a defensive investment strategy by focusing on first lien, larger, private equity-owned businesses [16] - The company is actively evaluating capital allocation decisions between new opportunities and share repurchases [23][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in a fundamentally healthy economic backdrop, with resilient corporate earnings growth and strong consumer demand [4] - The company anticipates continued robust capital inflows into private credit strategies, particularly from institutional channels [5] - Management noted that the credit quality of deals remains stable, with high single-digit EBITDA growth across the portfolio [20][68] Other Important Information - BXSL's board approved a discretionary share repurchase plan for up to $250 million of outstanding common shares [23] - The company has $2.5 billion in total liquidity, including unrestricted cash and undrawn debt [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of potential slowdown in non-traded channel - Management indicated that the U.S. leveraged finance market remains institutional-driven, and they expect to remain active in corporate lending despite potential headwinds [29][32] Question: Consideration of share repurchase versus special dividends - Management highlighted that they have options to reinvest in new loans, buy back shares, or deleverage, with a focus on maximizing returns for investors [34] Question: Sponsor conversations and market activity - Management noted that sponsors are cautious and observing market conditions before bringing assets to market, but they expect continued M&A activity due to economic growth [48] Question: Recovery rates for software companies - Management expressed confidence in the coverage of their software business, noting that it is performing well despite public market re-ratings [60] Question: Evaluation of share repurchase program - Management stated they will be opportunistic with share repurchases, considering the discount to NAV and the potential for capital allocation decisions [63]

Core Insights - The current market sentiment regarding software, particularly in the context of AI, is seen as overly negative, presenting a potential buying opportunity for quality software companies [1][3][7] - Companies that effectively integrate AI into their operations are expected to perform well, with a focus on high renewal rates and customer satisfaction as key indicators of success [2][21][22] Group 1: Market Sentiment and Opportunities - The public markets are reacting quickly to sentiment shifts, with opportunities arising from companies that have been unfairly categorized as similar [2][8] - The investment thesis emphasizes the quality of revenue, which includes high renewal rates and customer loyalty, as a critical factor for identifying attractive investment opportunities [3][21] - The narrative surrounding AI and software is viewed as intertwined, with AI being an integral part of software development rather than a separate entity [24][25] Group 2: Characteristics of Successful Companies - Companies that excel in AI typically possess deep domain knowledge, complex integrations, and high stakes in decision-making processes, making them resilient in the face of market changes [4][12][31] - The focus on mission-critical systems, such as payroll and aviation software, highlights the importance of accuracy and regulatory compliance, which are essential for maintaining customer trust [5][6][18] - The ability to innovate and adapt to new technologies is crucial, with companies expected to develop new applications and services to meet evolving market demands [17][32][37] Group 3: Performance and Growth - The median bookings growth rate for portfolio companies was reported at 22%, indicating strong performance and an acceleration in AI-related sales [26][39] - Companies are pivoting towards value-based pricing models, which may enhance profitability despite concerns about traditional pricing structures [27][28] - The sentiment among CEOs of portfolio companies remains positive, with a focus on leveraging current market conditions to pursue growth and acquisitions [38][39]

Core Insights - Boeing plans to sell parts of its digital aviation solutions business to Thoma Bravo for $10.55 billion, retaining core digital capabilities for fleet maintenance and repair services [3][4] - The divestiture is part of Boeing's strategy to enhance its financial position following a series of losses, focusing on core businesses and improving its balance sheet [4] - Approximately 3,900 employees are involved in the digital aviation solutions segment, and Boeing is working with Thoma Bravo to ensure a smooth transition for these employees [4][5] Financial Implications - The transaction is valued at $10.55 billion, indicating a significant move to bolster Boeing's financial health [3] - Thoma Bravo, with $179 billion in assets under management, is recognized as one of the largest software-focused investors globally, which may enhance the value of the acquired assets [5] Market Reaction - Following the announcement of the sale, Boeing's shares increased by 1.2% early on the day of the announcement, reflecting positive market sentiment [5]