Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net investment income per share for Q3 2025 was $0.40, with a net asset value (NAV) per share of $12.75, reflecting a decrease of 2.1% from the previous quarter's NAV, partially due to a $0.16 per share special dividend and markdowns on underperforming assets [7][8] - The adjusted NAV per share for Q3 2025, accounting for the supplemental dividend, was $12.71, a non-GAAP measure introduced due to changes in the dividend policy [7] - The company declared a fourth quarter base dividend of $0.32 per share, with a net debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17 as of September 30, 2025, compared to 1.12 as of June 30, 2025 [8][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New investment commitments during the quarter totaled approximately $470.6 million across 27 portfolio companies, marking the highest level of new commitments since Q4 2021 [9] - 100% of originations in the quarter were in first-lien loans, indicating a continued focus on maintaining exposure to the top of the capital structure [9] - Total investments at fair value were $3.2 billion, with 98.2% in senior secured loans and a weighted average yield of 10.3% at amortized cost, down from 10.7% in the previous quarter [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The M&A market showed resilience, with total dollar volumes in Q3 2025 being 40.9% higher year-over-year compared to Q3 2024, driven by renewed risk-on sentiment among investors and lower borrowing costs [3][4] - The company noted that broader credit dynamics remain a concern, but it is comfortable with risk dynamics in the private credit space due to the overall health of portfolio fundamentals [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has adjusted its dividend policy to position itself well in a lower yield environment, emphasizing credit selection as a key focus [4] - The integration of the platform in 2022 has allowed the company to evaluate and invest in high-quality opportunities across various market segments [11] - The company aims to leverage its proximity to the investment banking franchise as a competitive advantage in evaluating opportunities [4] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the M&A activity being the start of a longer-term trend, driven by the need for private equity firms to exit existing portfolios and invest in new ones [22][23] - The company remains focused on maintaining its dividend and believes that fund managers will be rewarded for their credit selection in a lower-yielding environment [18] Other Important Information - The company repurchased over 2.1 million shares for $25.1 million during the quarter, which was NAV accretive [13] - The company issued $400 million of a five-year investment grade unsecured note with a coupon of 5.65%, which was oversubscribed [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on sustaining M&A activity into next year - Management believes the current M&A activity is the start of a longer-term trend, driven by the need for private equity firms to exit existing portfolios and invest in new ones [22][23] Question: Impact of increased activity on spreads - Management does not anticipate spreads to widen significantly in the near term, despite the increase in M&A activity [24] Question: Performance of non-accrual investment at Dental Brands - Management indicated that the non-accrual status was due to continued underperformance, but it represents a small exposure in the overall portfolio [25][26]

Core Insights - PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) is recognized as one of the 14 best food dividend stocks to buy according to analysts [1] - The company has a diverse portfolio that includes popular beverage and snack brands, contributing to multiple revenue streams [2] - Approximately 40% of PepsiCo's sales and profits are generated from international markets, demonstrating resilience even during economic downturns [3] Financial Performance - PepsiCo's cash flow has remained stable due to its various revenue options, allowing the company to increase its dividend payouts for 53 consecutive years [4] - The current dividend is $1.4225 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.01% as of October 5 [4]

The Southern Company (NYSE:SO) is included among the 13 Best High Dividend Stocks to Buy Under $100. How The Southern Company’s (SO) Dividend Resilience Makes it One of the Best Dividend Stocks to Buy Under $100 Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash The Southern Company (NYSE:SO) is a Georgia-based gas and electric utility holding company. In its latest earnings release, the company revealed that it had raised its five-year base capital plan by $13 billion, bringing the total to $76 billion. As of the second ...