Focus of Article: The focus of this two-part article is a very detailed analysis comparing Blackstone Secured Lending (BXSL) to some of the company’s business development company (“BDC”) peers (all sector peers I currently fully cover). I am writing this two-part article due to the continued requests that such an analysis be specifically performed on BXSL and some of the company’s BDC peers at periodic intervals. For readers who just want the summarized conclusions/results, I would suggest to scroll down to ...

While Goldman Sachs BDC ( GSBD ) has not participated in the recovery seen across the BDC space since the First Brands Group and Tricolor collapses dented private credit sentiment, the BDC is paying out aThe equity market is a powerful mechanism as daily fluctuations in price get aggregated to incredible wealth creation or destruction over the long term. Pacifica Yield aims to pursue long-term wealth creation with a focus on undervalued yet high-growth companies, high-dividend tickers, REITs, and green ener ...

Core Insights - The BDC market is currently facing challenges, with a sector median P/NAV of 0.79x indicating a high discount rate assigned to BDC valuations [1] Group 1: Market Conditions - The BDC market is experiencing difficult times, reflected in the relatively high discount rate impacting valuations [1] Group 2: Analyst Background - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, focusing on corporate financial strategies and large-scale financings [1] - He has contributed to institutionalizing the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance liquidity in pan-Baltic capital markets [1] - His policy-level work includes developing national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks for channeling private capital into affordable housing [1]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of dividend investing in quality blue-chip stocks, Business Development Companies (BDCs), and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) as a strategy for retirement income [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The company focuses on a buy-and-hold investment strategy, prioritizing quality over quantity in its portfolio [1]. - The goal is to help lower and middle-class workers build investment portfolios that consist of high-quality, dividend-paying companies [1]. Group 2: Personal Investment Philosophy - The company aims to achieve financial independence through dividend income within the next 5-7 years [1]. - There is a commitment to providing a new perspective for investors to reach their financial goals [1].

Core Insights - The article discusses the allure of higher yields for income-focused investors, highlighting that while these yields can present great investment opportunities, they may also carry hidden risks [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The focus is on dividend investing in quality blue-chip stocks, Business Development Companies (BDCs), and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) [1]. - The investment philosophy emphasizes a buy-and-hold strategy, prioritizing quality over quantity to build a sustainable retirement income through dividends within the next 5-7 years [1]. Group 2: Target Audience - The article aims to assist hard-working lower and middle-class workers in building investment portfolios that consist of high-quality, dividend-paying companies [1]. - It seeks to provide a new perspective for investors to achieve financial independence [1].

Core Insights - Fidus Investment (NASDAQ: FDUS) has been consistently ranked among the top three Business Development Companies (BDCs) since March 2024, indicating strong performance and investor confidence [1] Company Overview - Fidus Investment is recognized for its improving financial metrics and overall performance, which has attracted attention from analysts and investors alike [1] Analyst Background - The analyst, Roberts Berzins, has over a decade of experience in financial management, focusing on corporate financial strategies and large-scale financings [1] - Berzins has contributed to the institutionalization of the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) framework in Latvia, aimed at enhancing liquidity in the pan-Baltic capital markets [1] - His work includes developing national State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) financing guidelines and frameworks to channel private capital into affordable housing [1] - Berzins holds a CFA Charter and an ESG investing certificate, and has experience with the Chicago Board of Trade [1]

Core Insights - Trinity Capital (TRIN) has experienced an expansion in its dividend yield recently, indicating a favorable investment opportunity for investors [1] - The third-quarter earnings report shows healthy net investment income (NII) coverage, reinforcing the positive outlook for TRIN [1] - The equity market's daily price fluctuations contribute to significant long-term wealth creation or destruction, highlighting the importance of strategic investment [1] Company Summary - Trinity Capital is positioned as a Business Development Company (BDC) that is attracting interest from investors, particularly in light of its recent performance and dividend yield expansion [1] - The company is seen as a potential beneficiary of the "Liberation Day" tariff, which may further enhance its investment appeal [1] Industry Context - The investment strategy of Pacifica Yield focuses on long-term wealth creation through investments in undervalued high-growth companies, high-dividend stocks, REITs, and green energy firms, indicating a broader trend in the market towards sustainable and high-yield investments [1]

Core Insights - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, focusing on helping top-tier corporates shape financial strategies and execute large-scale financings [1] - Significant efforts have been made to institutionalize the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets [1] - Development of national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks for channeling private capital into affordable housing stock has been a key policy-level initiative [1] - Roberts is a CFA Charterholder and holds an ESG investing certificate, indicating a strong background in investment analysis and sustainable finance [1] - Active involvement in thought-leadership activities supports the development of pan-Baltic capital markets [1]

Core Insights - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, focusing on helping top-tier corporates shape financial strategies and execute large-scale financings [1] - Significant efforts have been made to institutionalize the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets [1] - Development of national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks for channeling private capital into affordable housing stock has been a key policy-level initiative [1] - Roberts holds a CFA Charter and an ESG investing certificate, and has experience from an internship at the Chicago Board of Trade [1] - Active involvement in thought-leadership activities supports the development of pan-Baltic capital markets [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net investment income (NII) of $0.32 per share, compared to $0.28 per share in the previous quarter and $0.32 per share in the same quarter last year [21] - The net asset value (NAV) per share increased by 5% to $7.12, up from $6.75 at the end of the previous quarter [7][23] - The company achieved a debt investment portfolio yield of 18.6% for the quarter, compared to 15.9% for the same quarter last year [20][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The current portfolio stood at $603 million, with new originations totaling $15 million during the quarter [10][22] - The company funded three debt investments totaling $15 million in the third quarter [10] - The onboarding debt investment yield was 12.2%, consistent with historical levels [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The venture capital market saw approximately $81 billion invested in VC-backed companies in the third quarter, with significant investments in AI [15] - The exit markets opened further with approximately $75 billion of exit value driven primarily by tech IPOs [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a merger with Monroe Capital Corporation, expected to close in early 2026, which will significantly increase assets under management [5] - The merger aims to create a more coordinated effort and leverage economies of scale in venture lending [5][6] - The company plans to focus on originating larger venture loans to top early-stage and late-stage companies [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing a strong pipeline of larger venture debt transactions and high demand for venture debt capital [9][16] - The company expects to return to a growth trajectory historically experienced, supported by the merger with Monroe Capital [6][9] Other Important Information - The company raised $40 million through the issuance of 5.5% unsecured convertible notes due 2030, which will strengthen the balance sheet [8][18] - The company has a committed backlog of $119 million, down from $149 million at the end of the previous quarter [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: What do you expect the trend of early payoffs to be going forward? - Management expects early payoffs to revert to historical standards despite a higher rate in the recent quarter [26] Question: What is the credit quality of the new deals coming in? - Management indicated that they expect originations to exceed prepayments and are optimistic about the credit quality of new deals [28] Question: How sustainable is the current portfolio yield? - Management noted that the historical average portfolio yield is around 14.5% to 15%, which is more normalized compared to the current yield [32] Question: What is the plan for using the at-the-market program given the stock price is below book? - The company will evaluate its liquidity and capacity before utilizing the at-the-market program [39] Question: What is the target return on equity for new assets from the Monroe deal? - Management stated that they do not have a specific targeted return on equity but will stick to their high-yielding venture debt model [42]