Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated $0.37 per share of net investment income on a GAAP basis and $0.38 after adjusting for asset acquisition accounting [6][11] - The net asset value as of September 30 was $16.36 per share, a slight decrease from $16.43 per share as of June 30 [6][7] - Total investment income for the third quarter was $67 million, consistent with the prior quarter [10] - Total expenses increased slightly to $40 million, primarily due to higher interest expenses [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CGBD funded $260 million of investments into new and existing borrowers, resulting in net investment activity of $117 million after accounting for repayments [7] - Total investments increased from $2.3 billion to $2.4 billion during the quarter [7] - The average exposure to any single portfolio company was less than 1% of total investments, with 95% of investments in senior secured loans [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-over-year deal flow at the top of the funnel increased nearly 30% over the last two months [7] - The weighted average spread for the third quarter was slightly over 500 basis points, down from previous quarters [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on providing first lien loans to quality companies and maintaining a diversified portfolio [9][30] - The strategy emphasizes defensive positioning in a tight spread environment, with a continued trend towards first lien debt [30] - The company is building out the Carlyle Direct Lending team to enhance origination capabilities [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the credit quality of the portfolio, noting below-average non-accruals compared to the public BDC average [9] - The company anticipates earnings will trough in the next couple of quarters, with a gradual recovery expected in the second half of 2026 into 2027 [53][55] - Management highlighted the potential for increased deal flow and activity supported by declining base rates and resilient economic growth expectations [8][15] Other Important Information - The board declared a fourth-quarter dividend of $0.40 per share, representing an attractive yield of over 12% based on recent share price [11] - The company has $0.86 per share of spillover income generated over the last five years to support the quarterly dividend [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide a bridge on the top line this quarter? - The top line remained at $67 million, with a modest decline primarily due to OID accretion on repaid investments [20] Question: Was the 10 basis points change in borrowing spreads due to the baby bond or other factors? - The change was primarily due to post-quarter end items, including the repayment of the legacy CSL3 facility and the issuance of a new institutional deal [22] Question: Can you elaborate on the $0.40 dividend declaration? - Management is comfortable with the $0.40 dividend in the near term, anticipating earnings to trough in the next couple of quarters [24] Question: Will the concentration of first lien debt continue to increase? - The company does not see compelling opportunities in second liens and expects the portfolio to continue trending towards first lien debt [30] Question: What is the quality of the pipeline in terms of yields and terms? - The pipeline consists of high-quality borrowers, with loan-to-value ratios typically around 38-42%, indicating significant coverage [50] Question: How do the potential second JV and existing JV impact earnings power? - The JVs are expected to take time to scale up and will not have a near-term impact on earnings power [53]

Carlyle Secured Lending, Inc. Quarterly Earnings Presentation September 30, 2025 1 Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statement This presentation (the "Presentation") has been prepared by Carlyle Secured Lending, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, "we," "us," "our," "CGBD" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CGBD) and may only be used for informational purposes only. This Presentation should be viewed in conjunction with the earnings conference call of the Company held on November 5, 2025 and the Company ...

Financial Performance - Total Investment Income (TII) declined to $10.6 million in 3Q 2025 from $14.3 million in 2Q 2025[6, 12] - Net Investment Income (NII) was $2.4 million, or $0.20 per share in 3Q 2025, compared to $5.9 million, or $0.51 per share in 2Q 2025[6, 14] - Net assets were $140.1 million, or $10.01 per share, compared to $140.0 million, or $12.10 per share in 2Q 2025[6, 17] Capital Activity - The company issued approximately 2.4 million shares for net proceeds of approximately $27 million in the third quarter[6] - $13 million of net proceeds year-to-date through the at-the-market (ATM) equity program launched in May 2025[8] - GECC issued $50 million of 7.75% notes due 2030 in September 2025[8] Portfolio Composition - The portfolio's fair value is $325.1 million, with a net asset value of $140.1 million[11] - Debt investments have a weighted average current yield of 11.5%[11] - 66.4% of the portfolio is in debt investments, with a fair value of $215.8 million[25] Shareholder Returns - The Board approved maintaining the distribution for the quarter ending December 31, 2025, at a rate of $0.37 per share[6] - The distribution equates to a 19.8% annualized yield on the Company's closing market price on November 3, 2025, of $7.48[6, 7] - The distribution equates to a 14.8% annualized yield on the Company's September 30, 2025, NAV of $10.01 per share[6, 7]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the potential of high-quality dividend stocks as a reliable investment strategy, particularly in the current market environment where ultra-high-yield dividend stocks are available at attractive valuations [1][3]. Dividend Stock Performance - Historical data shows that dividend-paying stocks have significantly outperformed non-dividend payers, with an average annual return of 9.2% for dividend stocks compared to 4.31% for non-payers from 1973 to 2024 [2]. Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks - The article highlights three ultra-high-yield dividend stocks with an average yield of 8.5%, which are considered strong investment opportunities for November [3]. Sirius XM Holdings - Sirius XM Holdings offers a 5% annual yield and operates as a legal monopoly in satellite radio, providing it with pricing power that competitors lack [4][6]. - The company's revenue mix is favorable, with 76% of net revenue coming from subscriptions, making its cash flow more predictable compared to traditional radio operators reliant on advertising [7][8]. - Sirius XM is currently valued at a forward P/E of 7, which is 45% below its average over the past five years, indicating a historical discount for opportunistic investors [9]. Pfizer - Pfizer has a 7% annual yield and has experienced significant sales growth of over 50% from 2020 to 2024, despite a decline in COVID-19 therapy sales [10][12]. - The acquisition of Seagen for $43 billion is expected to enhance Pfizer's oncology pipeline and generate cost synergies, further improving its operational efficiency [14]. - Pfizer's forward P/E of 7.8 represents a 22% discount to its average over the last five years, making it an attractive investment [15]. PennantPark Floating Rate Capital - PennantPark Floating Rate Capital offers a substantial 13.5% yield and primarily invests in debt securities, benefiting from high lending rates to middle-market companies [16][17]. - Approximately 99% of its loans have variable rates, allowing it to capitalize on rising interest rates, which have increased its weighted average yield on debt investments to 10.4% [20]. - The stock is currently trading at a 17% discount to its book value, presenting a favorable buying opportunity for investors [21].

Core Insights - Great Elm Capital Corp. (GECC) reported a decline in net asset value (NAV) per share from $12.10 to $10.01, primarily due to losses on First Brands investments [2][4] - The company maintained a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share, reflecting a 19.8% annualized yield based on the closing price of $7.48 on November 3, 2025 [4][16] - GECC raised approximately $27 million in equity and refinanced its highest cost debt, resulting in lower borrowing costs and improved balance sheet strength [2][4] Financial Performance - Total investment income (TII) for Q3 2025 was $10.6 million, down from $14.3 million in Q2 2025, impacted by lower cash distributions from CLO investments [4][12] - Net investment income (NII) for Q3 2025 was $2.4 million ($0.20 per share), a decrease from $5.9 million ($0.51 per share) in Q2 2025, affected by elevated interest expenses and lower TII [4][12] - The company experienced net realized and unrealized losses of approximately $24.4 million ($1.98 per share) in Q3 2025 [12][29] Capital and Investment Activity - As of September 30, 2025, GECC held total investments valued at $325.1 million, with a significant portion in corporate credit and CLO investments [8][10] - The company utilized its at-the-market program to issue 1.1 million shares for net proceeds of approximately $13 million and completed a private placement for $14 million [8] - GECC's asset coverage ratio was 168.2% as of September 30, 2025, slightly down from 169.5% in the previous quarter [8] Shareholder Returns and Repurchase Program - The Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash distribution of $0.37 per share for Q4 2025, payable on December 31, 2025 [15] - A new share repurchase program was authorized, allowing the company to repurchase up to $10 million of its outstanding common shares [17]

Core Insights - The article discusses various high-yield dividend stocks and investment opportunities, emphasizing the importance of reliable income streams for investors [3][6][7] Investment Opportunities - Ares Capital Corp. (NASDAQ: ARCC) is highlighted as a high-yielding business development company (BDC) with a 9.56% dividend yield, specializing in financing middle-market companies through various financial strategies [2][12] - CTO Realty Growth Inc. (NYSE: CTO) is noted for its 9.21% dividend yield and a strong occupancy rate of 96%, making it an attractive option for passive income investors [13][14] - Energy Transfer L.P. (NYSE: ET) is recognized for its substantial 7.68% distribution and extensive portfolio of energy assets, solidifying its position in the midstream energy sector [19][20] - OneMain Holdings Inc. (NYSE: OMF) offers a 7.43% dividend yield and provides personal loan products, indicating significant upside potential from current trading levels [22][25] - Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) is highlighted for its 7.06% dividend and solid performance, trading at 9.13 times its estimated 2026 earnings [26][31] Market Trends - The article notes a potential pullback in the market after significant fluctuations in 2025, suggesting that investors should focus on stocks with solid forward momentum [4][5] - The emphasis on dividend stocks reflects a broader trend among investors seeking reliable income amidst market volatility [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - KBRA assigns a BBB rating to Crescent Capital BDC, Inc.'s senior unsecured notes, indicating a stable outlook for the company [1] Group 1: Rating Details - The company has three senior unsecured notes: $67.5 million at 5.87% due 2029, $50 million at 5.97% due 2029, and $67.5 million at 6.20% due 2031 [1] - The rating outlook for these notes is classified as Stable [1] Group 2: Use of Funds - The funds raised from these notes will be utilized to repay maturing unsecured debt [1] Group 3: Credit Considerations - The ratings are bolstered by the company's affiliation with its credit investment platform, Crescent Capital Group [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pre-tax net investment income was $34 million, or $0.61 per share, for the quarter, with total investment income increasing to $56.9 million from $55.9 million in the prior quarter [15][16] - The company increased its undistributed taxable income (UTI) balance to $1.13 per share from $1 per share at the end of the prior quarter [3] - The company's NAV per share at the end of the quarter was $16.62, up from $16.59 in the prior quarter [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company deployed a total of $166 million in new committed capital, including $162 million in first-lien senior secured debt and $3 million in equity across seven new portfolio companies [7] - The on-balance sheet credit portfolio ended the quarter at $1.7 billion, representing year-over-year growth of 24% from $1.4 billion as of September 2024 [8] - Approximately 93% of the credit portfolio is backed by private equity firms, with 100% of new portfolio company debt originations being first-lien senior secured [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The weighted average spread on new commitments this quarter was approximately 6.5%, which is considered strong in a tight spread deal environment [6] - The credit portfolio had a weighted average yield of 11.5% and a weighted average leverage of 3.5 times EBITDA [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on monetizing its investment platform to enhance its competitive position and potentially bring in additional fees [25] - There is a strong emphasis on building for growth, with plans to add more originators and support staff to manage increased deal volume [26] - The company aims to maintain a conservative balance sheet with adequate liquidity and covenant cushions [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a significant uptick in the size of the pipeline, with expectations for continued strong origination activity [24] - The growth in dividend revenue from existing portfolio companies has been about 10% annually, indicating healthy performance despite some slowing compared to previous periods [28] - Management expressed confidence in the credit quality of the portfolio, with no significant issues observed across industries [30] Other Important Information - The company raised approximately $40 million in gross equity proceeds during the quarter through its equity ATM program [5] - The company has a robust liquidity position with approximately $719 million in cash and undrawn leverage commitments [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What does the pipeline look like heading into year-end? - Management observed a significant uptick in the pipeline size, expecting continued strong origination activity similar to the previous quarter [24] Question: Can you discuss credit quality and outlook for portfolio companies? - Management reported a 10% annual growth in dividend revenue from existing portfolio companies, indicating healthy performance despite some slowing [28] Question: What are the trends affecting underperforming companies on the watch list? - Management noted that while some companies are facing issues, they are not in dire situations due to support from private equity sponsors [33] Question: How does the company view the risk of prepayments in the portfolio? - Management indicated that the portfolio's granularity mitigates the impact of any single credit, and historical prepayment rates have been around 10%-12% [39] Question: Are there any industries the company is more cautious about now? - Management expressed caution regarding healthcare due to uncertainties in reimbursement, but remains open to opportunities with experienced private equity partners [49]

Core Viewpoint - Oxford Square Capital Corp. reported its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, showing a slight decrease in net asset value and net investment income compared to the previous quarter, while total investment income increased. Financial Results - Net asset value (NAV) per share as of September 30, 2025, was $1.95, down from $2.06 on June 30, 2025 [1] - Net investment income (NII) for the quarter was approximately $5.6 million, or $0.07 per share, compared to $5.5 million, or $0.08 per share, for the previous quarter [1] - Total investment income for the quarter was approximately $10.2 million, an increase from approximately $9.5 million in the prior quarter [1] Investment Income Breakdown - Investment income from debt investments was $5.2 million, CLO equity investments contributed $4.3 million, and other income was $0.8 million [1] - Weighted average yield of debt investments was 14.6%, up from 14.5% as of June 30, 2025 [1] - Weighted average effective yield of CLO equity investments increased to 9.7% from 8.8% [1] Expenses and Losses - Total expenses for the quarter were approximately $4.7 million, compared to $4.0 million for the previous quarter [1] - The company recorded a net decrease in net assets resulting from operations of approximately $2.1 million, which included net realized losses of approximately $153,000 and net unrealized depreciation of approximately $7.5 million [1] Shareholder Actions - The Board of Directors declared distributions of $0.035 per share for January, February, and March 2026 [1] - A 12-month share repurchase program was authorized, allowing the company to repurchase up to $25 million of its common stock [2] Share Issuance - Approximately 5.4 million shares of common stock were issued under an "at-the-market" offering, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $11.8 million [1] Additional Information - A conference call to discuss the third-quarter results was scheduled for November 4, 2025 [2] - Further details regarding quarterly results were made available on the company's investor relations website [3]

Core Viewpoint - Ares Capital's recent stock dip is attributed more to fear than rational analysis, presenting an opportunity for investors to benefit from a strong dividend yield that is fully supported by net investment income [1] Group 1: Company Analysis - Ares Capital (ARCC) has experienced a decline in stock price over the last few months, which is seen as an opportunity for prospective investors [1] - The company's dividend yield is highlighted as being robust and fully covered by net investment income, indicating financial stability [1] Group 2: Market Context - The equity market is described as a powerful mechanism that can lead to significant wealth creation or destruction over the long term [1] - Pacifica Yield is focused on long-term wealth creation by targeting undervalued high-growth companies, high-dividend stocks, REITs, and green energy firms [1]