Core Insights - Zurich Insurance Group AG has chosen Australia as the initial market for its private credit strategy in the Asia-Pacific region, awarding a $170 million mandate to an Australia-based firm [1][2] - The company has significantly increased its investments in private credit, with US life insurers allocating nearly a third of their $5.6 trillion in assets to this sector last year, up from 22% a decade ago [2] - Zurich's $170 million investment represents approximately 3.4% of its over $5 billion investments in general and life insurance in Australia, its largest market in the Asia-Pacific [2] Investment Strategy - The decision to deploy capital in Australia is influenced by favorable risk-based capital treatments, liquidity, credit quality, and mid-market lending opportunities [3] - Globally, Zurich has invested about $10 billion in private debt, primarily in Europe and the US, compared to a total of $180 billion in assets across its general and life insurance businesses as of September [3] Market Conditions - Despite warnings from UBS Group AG Chairman about risks from weak regulations in the US insurance industry, Zurich's APAC chief investment officer does not perceive any systematic risk in the private credit market [4] - The company has existing investments in US dollar-denominated assets through its Hong Kong balance sheet, valued in "double-digit millions" [5] Investment Flexibility - Segregated mandate accounts, like the one in Australia, provide asset owners with greater flexibility and control over their portfolios compared to traditional fund structures [5] - Future private credit investments in Asia will depend on the growth of balance sheets in those markets to a "critical mass" of around $1 billion [6] Regional Focus - The company expresses interest in allocating funds in Malaysia, contingent on factors such as capital charges and legal considerations [7]

Core Insights - A limited number of insurers are acquiring a significant portion of investments that are characterized by low liquidity and lower credit ratings [1] Group 1 - The investments being targeted by insurers are difficult to trade, indicating a potential lack of market interest or demand [1] - These investments also possess relatively low credit ratings, which may imply higher risk associated with them [1]

Core Insights - Private credit is becoming more accessible to retail investors through vehicles like ETFs, with the introduction of the Simplify VettaFi Private Credit Strategy ETF (PCR) [1][6] Group 1: Private Credit Overview - Private credit offers elevated yields and strong lender protections, providing a diversification opportunity beyond core fixed income for retail investors [2] - The main challenge for ETFs accessing private credit is the SEC's 15% limit on illiquid investments, which most private credit falls under [3] Group 2: Investment Vehicles - ETFs can gain indirect exposure to private credit by holding publicly traded alternative asset managers like Blackstone, KKR, and Ares Management, which generate revenue from private credit strategies [3] - The State Street/Apollo structure allows ETFs to include private credit alongside public credit while adhering to liquidity rules [4] Group 3: Simplify VettaFi Private Credit Strategy ETF (PCR) - PCR is an actively managed ETF that seeks income and capital appreciation by providing exposure to publicly traded BDCs and CEFs that hold over 50% of their portfolios in private credit [6] - The ETF employs a proprietary credit hedging strategy using total return swaps to manage credit risk [6][10] Group 4: Advantages of ETFs - PCR offers daily portfolio transparency, in-kind creation/redemption, and better tax efficiency compared to CEFs and BDCs, which can trade at premiums or discounts to NAV [9] - The expense ratio of PCR is 76 basis points, which is lower than many traditional ETFs of CEFs that have fees ranging from 200 to 300 basis points [10] Group 5: Market Trends - The growth in the market is leaning towards ETFs, making it easier for investors to access private credit through a familiar structure [8]

Core Insights - Lincoln Financial has launched a new private market fund called the Lincoln Bain Capital Total Credit Fund in partnership with Bain Capital [1] - The fund is designed to provide a globally diversified portfolio of private credit investments, targeting loans to mid-sized private companies and asset-based financing [1] Company Overview - Lincoln Financial is a prominent provider of insurance, annuities, group benefits, and retirement solutions [1] - The collaboration with Bain Capital highlights Lincoln Financial's strategy to expand its investment offerings in the private credit market [1] Fund Details - The Lincoln Bain Capital Total Credit Fund is characterized as an evergreen fund, indicating it will have a continuous investment strategy [1] - The fund aims to cater to a diverse range of private credit investments, enhancing Lincoln Financial's portfolio [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - FSK generated net investment income of $0.62 per share and adjusted net investment income of $0.60 per share, compared to public guidance of approximately $0.64 and $0.62 per share respectively [8] - Net asset value per share declined 6.2% from $23.37 to $21.93 during the quarter [8] - Total investment income was $398 million for the second quarter, a decrease of $2 million compared to the first quarter [25] - Total expenses were $225 million during the second quarter, an increase of $12 million compared to the first quarter [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New investment activity remained strong with $3.4 billion of investments originated in 2025, of which $1.4 billion were originated during the second quarter [9] - Approximately 72% of new investments were focused on add-on financings to existing portfolio companies and long-term KKR relationships [21] - Non-accruals represented 5.3% of the portfolio on a cost basis and 3% on a fair value basis as of the end of the second quarter [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global M&A volume is down close to 10% year over year, but the team evaluated more opportunities in Q2 than in any of the previous eight quarters [12] - Direct tariff exposure has declined and now falls within the low to mid single-digit range [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on senior secured investments, with approximately 59% of the portfolio in first lien loans and 64% in senior secured debt as of June 30 [24] - The 2025 distribution strategy aims to provide shareholders with additional distributions from accumulated spillover income, with a total expected distribution of $2.80 per share [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for an increase in M&A activity later this year and into next year, despite current market volatility [12] - The company is focused on stabilizing operations and realizing meaningful cost efficiencies in response to headwinds from tariffs and softer consumer demand [19] Other Important Information - The weighted average yield on accruing debt investments was 10.6% as of June 30, a decrease of 20 basis points compared to the previous quarter [25] - The company plans to provide additional details regarding its 2026 dividend strategy on the third quarter earnings call [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are you seeing in terms of originations in the second half? - Management noted increased activity and deal count, with more deals evaluated in Q2 than in the previous eight quarters, indicating a busier environment [36] Question: Do you have any other companies on a watch list beyond the four mentioned? - Management indicated that approximately 7% of the portfolio is in risk ratings QAR bucket three and four, with some names showing positive momentum [39] Question: Can you explain the anticipated dividend from the joint venture for Q3? - The anticipated dividend for Q3 is lower due to the timing of certain ABF dividends, which tend to be lumpy [45] Question: What is the company's view on buybacks given the current portfolio conditions? - Management stated that they have historically been active in buybacks but will balance that with market opportunities and target leverage ratios [50] Question: Are there any themes leading to re-defaults in the portfolio? - Management clarified that each situation is unique, and while some companies are facing challenges, proactive restructuring efforts are ongoing [60] Question: How does the company plan to manage inflow and outflow of investments? - Management emphasized the correlation between new deal flow and repayments, indicating that they have levers to manage growth within their target leverage band [78] Question: What is the current status of spillover income? - Spillover income has been reduced to the mid-400 million range, with a target of aligning it to approximately two quarters' worth of dividends [100]

Group 1: Investment Announcement - Trinity Capital Inc. has committed $62.7 million in growth capital to Atmosphere TV, a streaming platform focused on businesses [1] - The investment aims to support Atmosphere's significant growth and innovation in the media landscape [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Atmosphere TV is a premier streaming platform tailored for high-traffic environments such as restaurants, bars, gyms, and airports, offering over 30 original and partner TV channels [2][5] - The platform utilizes proprietary content delivery technology to provide dynamic, audio-optional streaming content, enhancing customer experiences [2] Group 3: Leadership Insights - Ryan Thompson from Trinity Capital expressed excitement about partnering with Atmosphere during its growth phase [3] - Blake Sabatinelli, CEO of Atmosphere, highlighted Trinity Capital's expertise in scaling high-growth technology businesses as a key factor in their partnership [3] Group 4: Market Position and Recognition - Atmosphere has been recognized in Deloitte's 2023 Technology Fast 500, Fast Company's 2022 Most Innovative Companies, and Forbes' Next Billion Dollar Startups lists, indicating its strong market position [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record annualized return on equity of 25.4% for the fourth quarter and a return on equity of 19.4% for the full year [10] - Total investment income for the fourth quarter was $140.4 million, an increase of $11.1 million or 8.6% year-over-year [28] - Net asset value (NAV) per share increased by $1.08 over the third quarter and by $2.45 or 8.4% year-over-year, reaching a record NAV per share of $31.65 [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lower middle market portfolio included investments in 84 companies with a fair value of $2.5 billion, representing a 29% increase over the related cost basis [26] - The private loan portfolio had investments in 91 companies with a fair value of $1.9 billion, with the total investment portfolio at fair value being 16% above the related cost basis [27] - The company made total investments of $168 million in the lower middle market portfolio and $108 million in private loans during the fourth quarter [26][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a net fair value appreciation of $80.8 million in the fourth quarter, driven by the lower middle market portfolio [33] - The private loan portfolio represented 46% of total investments at cost at year-end, while the middle market portfolio declined to less than 5% [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on making both debt and equity investments in the underserved lower middle market, which is expected to continue providing attractive new investment opportunities [20] - The company plans to grow its asset management business, highlighted by the successful listing of the Embassy Income Fund on the New York Stock Exchange [16] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability of portfolio companies to navigate economic uncertainties, including potential tariff impacts [41][44] - The company anticipates continued favorable performance in the first quarter of 2025, with expected distributable net investment income (DNII) of at least $1.05 per share [37] Other Important Information - The company declared a supplemental dividend of $0.30 per share payable in March, marking the fourteenth consecutive quarterly supplemental dividend [16] - The company expects to recommend future supplemental dividends if DNII significantly exceeds regular monthly dividends [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Exposure to potential tariff issues - Management acknowledged that certain portfolio companies may be impacted by tariffs but emphasized the diversity of the portfolio as a mitigating factor [41][42] Question: Impact of potential capital gains tax changes on acquisition activity - Management noted that while M&A activity has been slower than expected, it is not primarily related to potential changes in capital gains tax rates [51][52] Question: Leverage and origination activity - Management indicated that the current under-levered position is due to less than expected investment activity and plans to increase leverage through net investment activity [56][58] Question: Competition from other BDCs moving down market - Management expressed confidence in the uniqueness of their lower middle market strategy and the strong performance of their portfolio, suggesting that competition may not significantly impact their position [82]