Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the author's bullish stance on Business Development Companies (BDCs) and highlights the focus on income generation through dividend investing [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The author identifies as an income-focused investor, particularly interested in BDCs, blue-chip stocks, and REITs [1][2]. - The investment approach is characterized by a buy-and-hold strategy, prioritizing quality investments over quantity [2]. Group 2: Target Audience - The author aims to assist lower and middle-class workers in building investment portfolios that consist of high-quality, dividend-paying companies [2]. - There is a focus on helping individuals achieve financial independence through strategic dividend investing [2].

Core Insights - Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (BXSL) is recognized for its defensive portfolio and strong industry metrics, making it a preferred choice among Business Development Companies (BDCs) [1] Company Overview - BXSL has been subject to varying ratings of "buy" and "hold" based on its stock price fluctuations [1] - The fund is part of a broader strategy focused on dividend investing, which is viewed as a pathway to financial freedom [1] Analyst Background - The analyst has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and business valuation, having evaluated numerous businesses and participated in both sell-side and buy-side transactions [1] - The analyst's expertise spans multiple sectors, including technology, real estate, software, finance, and consumer staples, which are also reflected in their personal investment portfolio [1] Investment Philosophy - The article emphasizes the importance of dividend investing as a straightforward method for building long-term wealth and achieving financial independence [1]

Group 1 - Many income investors are surprised by the pressure on distributions from BDCs and CLO-focused vehicles, which is attributed to the majority of their investments being in floating rate assets [1] - The Investment Doctor emphasizes a portfolio should include a mix of dividend and growth stocks, focusing on high-quality small-cap ideas in Europe [1] - The investment group European Small Cap Ideas provides exclusive access to actionable research on appealing Europe-focused investment opportunities, highlighting capital gains and dividend income for continuous cash flow [1] Group 2 - The European Small Cap Ideas portfolio and the European REIT Portfolio are featured as model portfolios, along with weekly updates and educational content on European investing opportunities [1] - An active chat room is available for discussions on the latest developments of the portfolio holdings [1]

Group 1 - The sentiment towards Business Development Companies (BDCs) has shifted to a more bullish outlook compared to earlier in the year when the sector experienced a significant decline [1] Group 2 - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, focusing on shaping financial strategies for top-tier corporates and executing large-scale financings [2] - Efforts have been made to institutionalize the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets [2] - Development of national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks for channeling private capital into affordable housing has been a key policy-level initiative [2]

Group 1 - The Q3 earnings season is nearing its end, with most major BDCs having reported their financial results [1] - 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 REIT framework in Latvia to enhance liquidity in pan-Baltic capital markets [1] Group 2 - Berzins has been involved in developing national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks to channel private capital into affordable housing [1] - He holds a CFA Charter and an ESG investing certificate, and has experience with the Chicago Board of Trade [1] - Berzins actively participates in thought-leadership activities to support the development of pan-Baltic capital markets [1]

Company Overview - Chicago Atlantic BDC has closed over $3.2 billion in loans since its platform inception[10] - The company's total portfolio investment value is $311 million[10] - The gross weighted-average yield of the company's debt investments is 15.8%[10] - 100% of the company's current debt investments are senior secured[10] Financial Performance - Gross investment income for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, was $15.1 million[24] - Net investment income for the same quarter was $9.5 million, or $0.42 per share[24] - Net asset value at the end of the period was $302.9 million, or $13.27 per share[24] Portfolio Composition and Strategy - 76% of the investment portfolio is allocated to cannabis-related businesses, while 24% is in non-cannabis sectors[29] - 71% of the debt portfolio is protected from further interest rate declines due to fixed rates or rate floors[15, 42] - Internally agented deals account for 83.8% of the portfolio companies[27]

Group 1 - Truist has lowered the price target on Blue Owl Capital (OBDC) to $16 from $17 while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares [1] - The adjustment in the price target is part of a broader research note on Business Development Companies (BDCs) [1] - The firm's model update reflects the company's Q3 results and revised guidance, leading to a reduction in FY25 net interest income per share view by $0.06 to $1.52 [1] Group 2 - The decrease in net interest income per share is attributed to lower assumed interest and fee income, although this is somewhat mitigated by lower incentive fee expenses [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - BXSL reported net investment income (NII) of $0.82 per share, representing a 12% annualized return on equity, primarily from interest income [11][27] - NAV per share decreased by $0.18 quarter over quarter to $27.15 due to markdowns [12][28] - The distribution of $0.77 per share was 106% covered by NII, yielding an annualized distribution yield of 11.3% [12][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - BXSL ended the quarter with $13.8 billion of investments at fair value, a 15% increase year-over-year [15] - The weighted average yield on performing debt investments at fair value was 10%, down from 10.2% in the previous quarter [15][30] - Nearly 98% of investments are in first-lien, senior secured loans, with an average loan-to-value (LTV) of 49.7% [16][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - M&A activity increased by 63% year-over-year, contributing to BXSL's growth [8] - Defaults in the leveraged loan and high-yield market declined by 37% year-to-date [10] - BXSL's portfolio companies experienced an average EBITDA growth of nearly 9% year-over-year [17][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on first-lien senior secured loans with large sponsor-backed companies, particularly in sectors with long-term tailwinds [10][12] - BXSL is integrating AI considerations into its investment process, targeting larger businesses and mission-critical products [13][21] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to investing while capitalizing on heightened deal activity [14][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing deal activity and stable credit quality, despite external narratives of market bubbles [6][10] - The company anticipates continued growth in M&A activity and asset turnover, with spreads remaining attractive compared to traditional fixed incomes [11][14] - Management noted that the economic backdrop is generally positive, with strong corporate balance sheets and earnings growth [88] Other Important Information - BXSL's total liquidity was reported at $2.5 billion, with ending leverage at 1.22 times, within the target range [33] - The company has maintained a strong focus on document protections and control in its credit agreements [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why retain exposure to Squarespace? - Management indicated that retaining exposure to high-quality companies can be beneficial, and spreads on new deals have remained stable [36][41] Question: Update on Medallia's performance? - Management stated there was no significant update on Medallia, and the acquisition by Qualtrics would not change the competitive dynamics significantly [46][47] Question: Outlook for dividends with falling base rates? - Management plans to maintain a competitive and sustainable dividend while monitoring the impact of base rates on earnings [53] Question: Quality of deals in the current market? - Management noted that the quality of deals has been good, with higher quality assets leading the M&A activity [62] Question: How much of the funding activity was from incumbent versus new borrowers? - Over 80% of funding activity was to incumbent borrowers, with a consistent trend observed in previous quarters [66] Question: Concerns about loan-to-value ratios? - Management clarified that the increase in LTV is marginal and reflects adjustments in enterprise values rather than a significant risk [72][73] Question: Will the premium of private credit over syndicated loans be maintained? - Management expressed confidence that the premium will be maintained due to the value private credit brings to the market [76]

Core Viewpoint - High-yielding dividend stocks such as Enterprise Products Partners, Realty Income, and Main Street Capital are highlighted for their durable and steadily rising dividends, making them attractive options for passive income generation in 2026 [1][15]. Company Summaries Realty Income - Realty Income currently pays a monthly dividend yielding 5.8% and has a flawless record of increasing its payment at least once a year since its public listing in 1994, totaling 132 increases [3][6]. - The REIT generates stable cash flow from a diversified portfolio of commercial properties secured by long-term net leases, which provide steadily rising rental income [4][6]. - Realty Income maintains a conservative dividend payout ratio and a strong balance sheet, allowing for investments in new income-producing properties to support ongoing dividend increases [6]. Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners offers a distribution yield of 7.2% and has increased its distribution for 27 consecutive years since its IPO [7][9]. - The company operates under long-term fee-based contracts, ensuring stable cash flow, and retains a portion of its earnings for expansion projects [9][10]. - A major multi-year expansion phase is concluding, which is expected to enhance earnings and free cash flow, allowing for increased cash returns to investors in 2026 [10]. Main Street Capital - Main Street Capital has a unique dividend policy, paying a monthly dividend that has never been suspended or reduced, with a current yield of 7.6% [11][13]. - The company has increased its monthly dividend by over 130% since its IPO in 2007 and also pays supplemental quarterly dividends to meet IRS requirements [11][14]. - Main Street Capital provides debt and equity capital to smaller private companies, with strong income streams supporting its dividend payments and growth [14].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net investment income (NII) per share was $0.38 for Q3 2025, corresponding to an annualized return on equity (ROE) of 10.3% [6] - GAAP net income per share was $0.29 for the quarter, corresponding to an annualized ROE of 8% [7] - Net asset value (NAV) per share was $14.66 at the end of September, down 0.6% compared to the prior quarter [7] - Total investment income for the September quarter was approximately $82.6 million, up $1.3 million, or 1.6% compared to the prior quarter [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - MFIC made $138 million of new commitments across 21 transactions during the September quarter [7] - The weighted average spread on the directly originated corporate lending portfolio was 559 basis points, down 9 basis points compared to the end of June [21] - The weighted average yield at cost of the directly originated lending portfolio was 10.3% for the September quarter, down from 10.5% for the June quarter [25][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. economy has remained resilient, easing recession concerns, although inflation remains elevated [16] - The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points in both September and October [16] - There is an increase in sponsor M&A activity due to reduced volatility from tariffs and a more stable financing environment [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - MFIC's strong position is a competitive advantage, with over half of new commitments made to existing portfolio companies [8] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined underwriting approach despite competitive pressures [17] - MFIC is focused on building a portfolio of predominantly first lien loans to sponsor-backed companies [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the increase in M&A activity is expected to continue into 2026, driven by private equity firms needing to deploy capital [42] - The company is actively working on initiatives to offset the impact of declining base rates on net investment income [14] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate the current market environment and maintain portfolio quality [10][22] Other Important Information - The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.38 per share, payable on December 23, 2025 [13] - The company has no exposure to certain troubled companies, indicating a focus on portfolio health [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the increase in non-accruals? - Management indicated that there is no common theme among the companies that went on non-accrual, with issues being idiosyncratic [35] Question: Is the increase in M&A activity sustainable through 2026? - Management believes ongoing demand for M&A will continue due to private equity firms needing to deploy capital and a more stable financing environment [42] Question: How is the company addressing the impact of lower base rates on dividends? - Management is evaluating the timing of initiatives to offset lower base rates and is committed to maintaining the current dividend level while monitoring the situation [62]