Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter results for 2025 were disappointing, with GAAP net investment income and core NII at $6,800,000 or $0.02 per share, down from $8,000,000 or $0.03 per share in Q4 2024 [6][19] - NAV per share decreased by approximately 1.6% to $12.11 from the prior quarter, impacted by net realized losses and markdowns totaling $2,600,000 [6][19] - The weighted average effective yield on income-producing debt investments decreased to 12.1% from 12.5% in the previous quarter [9][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross capital deployments in Q1 totaled $45,500,000, with net deployments of $26,100,000 after repayments and sales of $19,400,000 [6][9] - The portfolio mix at the end of Q1 was approximately 90.3% first lien, senior secured debt, with a mix of 2:3 sponsor to non-sponsor deals [8][9] - Nonaccrual investments increased to 8.8% of the debt portfolio from 7.2% in the prior quarter [13][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The STRS JV portfolio had an aggregate fair value of $310,200,000, with an average effective yield of 10.8%, down from 11.1% in Q4 [9][21] - The lending market has seen increased volatility, with a 25 to 50 basis point increase in direct lending market prices, although most of that premium has dissipated [15][19] - The M&A market has slowed significantly, with many deals being put on hold due to negative sentiment and tariff negotiations [14][45] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on the non-sponsor market, where there are better risk-return profiles and less competition [16][19] - A new coverage region was added in Nashville, Tennessee, to enhance non-sponsor and off-the-run sponsor origination capabilities [16][19] - The company is actively monitoring tariff risks and has expanded its analysis to include other countries with potential tariffs [11][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that challenges in the quarter were more company-specific rather than related to the overall economy, with no signs of a recession yet in the portfolio [10][19] - The company expects a decent amount of refinancing activity in the second half of the year as prepayment penalties on higher-rate deals expire [51][19] - Management is cautious about the environment for deal closures in Q3, anticipating a relative quiet period [46][19] Other Important Information - The company declared a first-quarter distribution of $0.03 per share, consistent with the prior quarter, and will continue to evaluate quarterly distributions based on core earnings power [24][19] - Cash resources at the end of Q1 were approximately $19,600,000, with an asset coverage ratio of 177.2%, above the minimum requirement [22][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Telestream and its return to accrual status - Management indicated progress on restructuring Telestream, hoping to complete it by May, which would allow a portion of the existing debt to return to cash-paying status [28][19] Question: Insights on dividend and spillover income - Spillover income was approximately $28,400,000, with a current dividend run rate equating to about $8,950,000 in distributions, highlighting a shortfall in Q1 [39][19] Question: Market conditions regarding bid-ask spreads - Management noted that good companies without significant risks are trading at high multiples, while those with recession or tariff risks are seeing buyers being cautious [44][19] Question: Expectations on repayment activity - Management observed a slowdown in repayment activity due to recent market volatility, with a light visible repayment pipeline currently [53][19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Runway Growth Finance reported total investment income of $35.4 million and net investment income of $15.6 million for Q1 2025, compared to $33.8 million and $14.6 million in Q4 2024, respectively [5][18] - The net asset value (NAV) per share decreased by 2.2% to $13.48 from $13.79 at the end of Q4 2024 [17] - The total investment portfolio's fair value decreased by 6.7% from $1.08 billion in Q4 2024 to $1 billion in Q1 2025 [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The weighted average portfolio risk rating remained stable at 2.33, indicating consistent credit quality [16] - The loan portfolio is primarily composed of first lien senior secured loans, with 97% of assets being floating rate [17][18] - The dollar weighted loan to value ratio increased from 28% to 29.1% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The venture capital landscape has shifted, with a slowdown in fundraising and a focus on profitability over growth, impacting deal activity [11][12] - The company noted that healthcare lending has been softer, reflecting broader market caution [26][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize its portfolio and expand origination channels following its merger with BC Partners [6][9] - A strategic focus on credit-first underwriting practices is intended to ensure long-term shareholder value [8] - The company is positioned to benefit from a diversified portfolio that mitigates risk [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate ongoing market volatility and emphasized a focus on sustainable growth [12][61] - The sentiment in the venture ecosystem is shifting, with companies needing to demonstrate growth to attract investment [12][13] Other Important Information - The company has a new stock repurchase program approved for $25 million, reflecting management's belief in the stock's undervaluation [22] - A regular distribution of $0.33 per share and a supplemental dividend of $0.02 per share were declared for Q2 2025 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on healthcare lending and its slowdown - Management noted that healthcare remains a core focus, but the current quarter has shown a softer lending environment [26][28] Question: Update on the investment pipeline - The pipeline is currently seeing a high percentage of refinances, with ongoing cautiousness in credit approaches [29][32] Question: Context on NII trends and dividend declaration - The supplemental dividend is lower due to a strategic decision to build NAV rather than payout excess earnings [35][37] Question: Trends in private credit market - There is an improvement in the structure of the pipeline, with better terms and lower leverage asks [42][44] Question: Highlights of realized gains and unrealized depreciation - Realized gains were driven by the sale of Gynasonics, while depreciation was influenced by performance and market multiples [50][52]

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Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net investment income of $0.26 per share for the first quarter, down from $0.30 per share in the prior quarter [4][11] - Net asset value decreased to $11.97 per share from $12.85 per share in the previous quarter, primarily due to company-specific marks and broader credit market declines [4][12] - Total investment income decreased approximately 12% to $10.3 million, driven by lower nonrecurring dividend and fee income and reduced interest income from the loan portfolio [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio remains stable with no new non-accrual loans during the quarter, and 85% of loan holdings are in first lien positions [12][14] - The weighted average performing investment income yield declined to 13.4%, down about 0.4% quarter over quarter, primarily due to last year's interest rate cuts [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall economic outlook is uncertain, with potential impacts from global tariffs and a possible slowdown in economic activity, which could affect portfolio companies' earnings [6][17] - The company noted that M&A activity has been quiet in 2025, more than expected, due to macroeconomic uncertainty [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on rotating non-interest earning equity positions into interest-earning assets to improve long-term net investment income [5][17] - There is a commitment to capital preservation during uncertain economic times, with a focus on investing higher in the capital structure [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed that the current macroeconomic uncertainty may negatively impact the economy, but the portfolio is generally stable and defensively positioned [17][18] - The company plans to maintain its quarterly distribution at $0.34 per share while evaluating the macroeconomic environment [11] Other Important Information - Approximately 73% of outstanding debt is unsecured, providing additional liquidity and flexibility [9][12] - The adviser manages approximately $4.1 billion across loan and structured credit markets, with a strong track record through multiple credit cycles [10][18] Q&A Session Summary - There were no questions during the Q&A session, and the conference concluded without any inquiries [21]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net investment income (NII) of $0.27 per share, consistent with the previous quarter but down from $0.38 per share in the same quarter last year [26] - The net asset value (NAV) decreased to $7.57 per share from $8.43 at the end of the previous quarter and $9.64 a year ago, primarily due to fair value adjustments and distributions [27] - Investment income for the first quarter was $25 million, slightly down from $26 million in the prior year period, attributed to lower interest and fee income [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio at the end of the first quarter stood at $690 million, with new debt investments totaling $100 million and equity investments of $2 million [11] - The debt portfolio yield was 15% for the quarter, compared to 15.6% in the same quarter last year, while onboarding yields were 13%, up from 12.6% in the previous quarter [24][12] - The company funded nine debt investments during the quarter, with a significant portion directed towards life science and technology sectors [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately $92 billion was invested in VC-backed companies in the first quarter, marking a 19% increase from the previous quarter, driven largely by large AI deals [17] - The exit market for VC-backed tech and life science companies remains nearly shut due to tariff-related uncertainties, impacting investor sentiment [18] - The S&P Biotech Select Industry Index is down 14% year over year, reflecting cooling investor sentiment in the life sciences market [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow its portfolio while maintaining a focus on high-quality investments, particularly in the tech and life science sectors [10] - The management remains selective in originating loans due to the current macroeconomic environment, with a commitment to optimizing returns from stressed investments [15] - The partnership with Monroe Capital is expected to enhance capital access and operational support, aiding in portfolio growth [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed guarded optimism for 2025, despite macroeconomic headwinds impacting recovery from stressed assets [6] - The company anticipates that the venture debt market will remain active, providing opportunities for investment despite current challenges [10] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining strong liquidity and a robust balance sheet to navigate the current environment [23] Other Important Information - The company declared regular monthly distributions of $0.11 per share through September 2025, supported by undistributed spillover income of $1 per share [7][26] - The company has a committed backlog of $236 million, providing a solid base for future portfolio growth [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company managing spillover earnings in the current uncertain environment? - The company plans to continue growing distributions through 2025 and will manage spillover earnings quarterly, with confidence in covering distributions over time [32][34] Question: What is the quality of deals currently being pursued? - The company is seeing a higher bar for transaction selection, focusing on companies with strong operational performance and quality VC backing [36][37] Question: Will the company raise leverage ratios to grow the portfolio? - The target leverage ratio is around 1.2x to 1.3x, with the current ratio at 1.29x, indicating a cautious approach to leverage [41] Question: Is there any discussion about cutting the base management fee? - The company’s base management fee is competitive with industry standards, and it is reviewed regularly [43] Question: How does the company plan to address the frozen market conditions? - The company is focusing on generating yield through higher returns from existing portfolio companies rather than relying on warrant expectations [55][52] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on the portfolio? - The primary impact of tariffs is the uncertainty they create, affecting market transactions rather than direct exposure to specific tariffs [63] Question: Has the partnership with Monroe Capital provided additional resources? - The partnership is expected to enhance operational support and focus on stabilizing and growing the business [66]

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Group 1 - Fidus Investment Corporation (FDUS) is identified as one of the six Business Development Companies (BDCs) held by the investor, with plans to reinvest all received dividends [1] Group 2 - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, assisting top-tier corporates in shaping financial strategies and executing large-scale financings [2] - He has contributed to institutionalizing the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance liquidity in pan-Baltic capital markets [2] - His policy-level work includes developing national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks for channeling private capital into affordable housing [2] - Roberts is a CFA Charterholder and holds an ESG investing certificate, with experience from an internship at the Chicago Board of Trade [2] - He is actively involved in thought-leadership activities to support the development of pan-Baltic capital markets [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of dividend investing in quality blue-chip stocks, BDCs, and REITs for building a sustainable retirement income strategy [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 strong emphasis on conducting due diligence and providing a new perspective for investors [1].

Group 1 - The current market situation favors a value/income-based investing approach, which aligns with the company's core strategy of focusing on high-quality and durable income streams [1] Group 2 - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, assisting top-tier corporates in shaping financial strategies and executing large-scale financings [2] - Berzins has contributed to institutionalizing the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets [2] - His policy-level work includes developing national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks for channeling private capital into affordable housing [2] - Berzins holds a CFA Charter and an ESG investing certificate, and has participated in thought-leadership activities to support the development of pan-Baltic capital markets [2]

SLR Investment Corp. (NASDAQ:SLRC) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call February 26, 2025 10:00 AM ET Corporate Participants Michael Gross - Chairman & Co-Chief Executive Officer Shiraz Kajee - Chief Financial Officer Bruce Spohler - Co-Chief Executive Officer Conference Call Participants Erik Zwick - Lucid Capital Markets Casey Alexander - Compass Point Melissa Wedel - JPMorgan Paul Johnson - KBW Operator Good day, everyone, and welcome to the Q4 2024 SLR Investment Corp. Earnings call. At this time, all parti ...