Is this the golden age of private credit in your mind. Uh right now you work with a lot of middle market companies. What are you seeing when it comes to this the landscape and what's your outlook for the the back half of the year.Yeah, I think it's a great question because what we're really seeing actually is an evolving private credit market. And so in the comments that you made and even the kind of firms that you're referring to, they tend to focus on what we would know as the upper end of the private cre ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has $275 billion in assets under management, with 90% deployed in the U.S. [9] - Spreads have widened back up from their lows by approximately 25 to 50 basis points, indicating a stable pricing environment despite market volatility [20][21] - The company reported strong net inflows even during periods of market panic, demonstrating resilience in retail flows [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has three established flagship products: Diversified Core Income Product, Technology Income, and O Rent, with a newly launched Alternative Credit Interval Fund [42][44] - O Rent is noted as the fastest-growing product, significantly contributing to net capital raising [49] - The company is focused on expanding its distribution footprint, particularly in underpenetrated markets like Japan [46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The direct lending market is gaining share as the syndicated loan market experiences volatility, with many borrowers preferring the predictability and partnership offered by direct lending [12][19] - The company is seeing a shift in investor behavior, with retail investors viewing alternative products as a safe haven during market volatility [36][38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on income-oriented products and has a strategic approach to acquisitions, targeting firms that align with its culture and operational model [91][92] - The company is expanding into digital infrastructure and alternative credit markets, recognizing the growing demand for these sectors [66][80] - The company emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong partnership with borrowers, offering predictability and privacy in lending [13][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the current economic uncertainty and stickier inflation but views it as a favorable environment for their business model focused on downside protection and stability [4][5] - The company does not anticipate material stress in its portfolio, as it primarily lends to large, durable companies in sectors like software and healthcare [10][11] - Management believes that the private equity market is more resilient due to the availability of capital in the private credit market, which supports ongoing M&A activity [30][31] Other Important Information - The company has integrated its capabilities with Coveris Asset Management to enhance its distribution channels and asset management capabilities [83][85] - The company is exploring opportunities in the retirement market, recognizing its potential for growth in the long term [58][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the balance between the syndicated loan market and direct lending tracking? - The company notes that when the syndicated market is active, borrowers may prefer it, but when it closes, they have no choice but to return to private markets, which benefits direct lending [12][19] Question: What is the view on retail flows and redemption trends? - Management reports strong net inflows and a shift in retail investor behavior towards viewing alternative products as a safe haven [36][38] Question: How does the company view the current M&A environment? - While a less active M&A market is a negative, it can also lead to increased market share for direct lending as liquid markets become less favorable [26][29]

Financial services stocks aren't enjoying the kind of year many thought they would so far in 2025. The prospects of lower interest rates and relaxation of regulations by the Trump administration seemed promising. However, those predicting a positive environment for financial services stocks weren't counting on the president's steep tariffs throwing the stock market for a loop. Nor were some of them anticipating how the fears of resurging inflation would cause the Fed to pump the brakes on further rate cuts. ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 net investment income per share was $0.50, representing an annualized yield on book value of 11.3% [6] - Q1 earnings per share were $0.44, reflecting an annualized return on book value of 10% [6] - Net asset value per share was $17.64, down $0.01 from the prior quarter [7] - Total investment income for Q1 was $66.8 million, down from $73.3 million in the previous quarter [19] - Net investment income for the quarter was $32.1 million, or $0.50 per share, compared to $33.6 million, or $0.52 per share, for the prior quarter [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross originations for Q1 were $277 million, down 31% year over year [8] - 51% of total fundings were made to new portfolio companies, while 49% were to existing companies [13] - 90% of investments were made into first lien senior secured loans, with 9% in subordinated debt and 1% in equity [14] - The weighted average yield of the investment portfolio at amortized cost and fair value was 11.5% [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Middle market direct lending volumes saw compression amid high competition, particularly in the upper and larger ends of the market [8] - Investments on non-accrual represented 1.4% of the total investment portfolio at amortized cost and fair value as of March 31 [10][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on being disciplined capital providers, favoring middle market companies and maintaining strong lender controls [8] - The investment strategy emphasizes high free cash flow businesses, domestic manufacturing, and industries such as software, healthcare, and business services [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating potential liquidity and volatility challenges ahead, leveraging their experience across multiple market cycles [24] - The company is focused on managing the portfolio prudently while delivering attractive returns for shareholders [24] Other Important Information - The Board declared a second quarter dividend of $0.42 per share, with an additional dividend of $0.03 per share [7] - The company has approximately $823 million in total available liquidity, including $699 million of undrawn capacity on its revolving credit facility [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the later fundings and lower interest income - Management acknowledged that some fundings were backdated in the quarter but emphasized stable earnings yield at around 11.5% [27][29] Question: Regarding realized losses and specific investments - Management discussed two non-accrual investments that were exited, with successful recoveries achieved through restructuring efforts [35][37] Question: On the ATM and stock buybacks - Management indicated that the ATM program is opportunistic and dependent on market conditions, with stock buybacks evaluated against investment opportunities [44][45] Question: Dividend coverage and SOFR curve - Management projected no immediate need to revisit the current dividend policy, citing strong spillover income [46] Question: Incentive fee stabilization - Management expects stabilization of the incentive fee from the second quarter onwards, accounting for nuances in the look-back mechanism [50]

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