The key economic data currently indicate that we have some serious problems on the ground. There is perhaps not one specific variable, which justifies such thinking but rather it is a combination of various smaller, more nuanced economic signals, which collectively form a strongRoberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in the financial management helping top-tier corporates shape their financial strategies and execute large-scale financings. He has also made significant efforts to institutionalize REI ...

Not that long (before Q2, 2025 earnings season), I issued an article on Trinity Capital Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIN ) titled: Trinity Capital: 14% Yield To Buy Now. I labeled TRIN as one of the bestRoberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in the financial management helping top-tier corporates shape their financial strategies and execute large-scale financings. He has also made significant efforts to institutionalize REIT framework in Latvia to boost the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets. Other policy-l ...

Join iREIT on Alpha today to get the most in-depth research that includes REITs, mREITs, Preferreds, BDCs, MLPs, ETFs, and other income alternatives. 438 testimonials and most are 5 stars. Nothing to lose with our FREE 2-week trial .When I was still in college, studying International Business Administration, we were asked an interesting question during what I believe was a Corporate Finance course (I don't remember it exactly).Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in ...

Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in the financial management helping top-tier corporates shape their financial strategies and execute large-scale financings. He has also made significant efforts to institutionalize REIT framework in Latvia to boost the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets. Other policy- level work includes the development of national SOE financing guidelines and framework for channeling private capital into affordable housing stock. Roberts is a CFA Charterholder, ESG inve ...

Group 1 - The article discusses two Business Development Companies (BDCs) and their deviation from prudent investment strategies prior to the Q2 2025 earnings season [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 institutionalizing the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance liquidity in pan-Baltic capital markets [1] Group 2 - The article highlights Berzins' involvement in developing national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks for private capital in affordable housing [1] - Berzins holds a CFA Charter and an ESG investing certificate, and has experience with the Chicago Board of Trade [1] - The article emphasizes Berzins' active participation in thought-leadership activities to support the development of capital markets in the Baltic region [1]

Group 1 - ADS Analytics is a team of analysts with experience in research and trading departments at leading global investment banks [1] - The focus of ADS Analytics is on generating income ideas from various security types, including CEFs, ETFs, mutual funds, BDCs, individual preferred stocks, and baby bonds [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total investment income of $144 million for the second quarter, an increase of $11.8 million or 8.9% year-over-year and $6.9 million or 5.1% from the previous quarter [25] - Annualized return on equity was 17.1%, and distributable net investment income (DNII) per share exceeded dividends paid to shareholders [9][30] - Net asset value (NAV) per share reached a record of $32.3, increasing by $0.27 from the previous quarter and by $2.5 or 8.4% year-over-year [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lower middle market portfolio saw a net increase in investments of $108 million, while private loan investments decreased by $35 million due to lower overall private equity activity [11][24] - The company achieved significant realized gains of $109 million from equity investments in two lower middle market portfolio companies [20][21] - Dividend income increased by $11.2 million year-over-year, driven by the positive performance of lower middle market portfolio companies [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The private loan investment pipeline was characterized as slightly below average, attributed to a slowdown in overall private equity industry activity [16][18] - The company maintained a diversified portfolio with investments in 187 companies across various industries, with no single investment representing more than 3.9% of total investment income [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on a differentiated investment strategy in the lower middle market, providing flexible financing solutions and maintaining a long-term investment horizon [16][19] - Plans to grow the asset management business and continue executing investment strategies in the lower middle market were highlighted [12][14] - The company remains optimistic about future investment opportunities, particularly in the lower middle market, despite current economic uncertainties [16][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability of portfolio companies to navigate economic uncertainties, with a focus on avoiding new investments in companies with significant consumer exposure [38][40] - The company anticipates continued favorable performance in the third quarter, with expectations for additional supplemental dividends if DNII significantly exceeds regular dividends [15][30] Other Important Information - The company declared a supplemental dividend of $0.30 per share, marking the sixteenth consecutive quarterly supplemental dividend [14] - The total investment portfolio at fair value was 17% above the related cost basis at quarter-end [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the reduction in private loan investments - Management indicated that the reduction was due to a combination of lower investment activity and higher-than-expected repayments, with the overall private equity industry still slow [34][35] Question: Themes in underperformance within the portfolio - Management noted that underperformance was primarily in consumer businesses, particularly at the lower end of the market, and indicated a cautious approach to new investments in this sector [39][40] Question: Future exit opportunities and realized gains - Management believes there are potential exit opportunities in the near term, with a mature portfolio that could lead to additional realized gains [44][46] Question: Relationship between spread tightening and deal activity - Management explained that softer deal activity is linked to a decrease in M&A activity in the private equity sector, with expectations for improvement in the future [50][52] Question: Funding options for upcoming debt maturities - Management highlighted strong liquidity and a conservative capital structure, allowing flexibility in addressing upcoming debt maturities [53][55]

Group 1 - The article highlights Hercules as a notable investment opportunity within a portfolio that has an aggregate yield of 9.9% [1] - It raises concerns about opportunity cost for income-focused investors, who may be overly concentrated in lower-growth sectors or distressed companies for higher yields [1] - The author manages long-term growth and dynamic high-income strategies through an independent investment management company [2] Group 2 - The article expresses a beneficial long position in HTGC shares, indicating a personal investment interest [3] - It clarifies that the opinions expressed are personal and not influenced by compensation or business relationships with mentioned companies [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The merger is expected to provide Horizon with an estimated $165 million of incremental equity capital based on preliminary NAV estimates as of June 30, 2025, enhancing the combined company's estimated NAV to approximately $446 million [6][13]. - The transaction is structured to be accretive to net investment income, with expected G&A savings of approximately $2.5 million, translating to a 30% reduction in operating expenses compared to standalone entities [17]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The merger will allow Horizon to leverage the additional capital to provide more investment capital, potentially increasing core net investment income growth [13][14]. - Horizon plans to continue providing venture debt to private companies while also expanding its lending to public small-cap companies, indicating a diversification of its business lines [15][16]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The merger is anticipated to unlock shareholder value, with MRCC shareholders expected to realize a 33% premium to the market trading price as of August 5, 2025 [8][12]. - The combined platform is expected to enhance trading liquidity and provide a larger capital base for larger deals, improving the overall market position of Horizon [14][32]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger is seen as a strategic move to optimize direct lending capabilities and enhance scale, operating efficiencies, and growth potential [5][10]. - Horizon aims to rapidly deploy the proceeds from the merger into attractive portfolio assets while maintaining a focus on operational efficiency and prudent capital deployment [16][17]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence that the merger will create a better business development company with more capital, scale, and earnings power, ultimately benefiting all shareholders [21][22]. - The management team is aligned with shareholders through fee waivers in the first year, emphasizing a commitment to shareholder success [17]. Other Important Information - The merger is expected to close in December 2025, contingent on regulatory approvals and shareholder votes [10][21]. - The combined board structure post-merger will include independent directors from both companies, ensuring balanced governance [11]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Summary of the transaction steps - The MRCC portfolio will be sold to Monroe's non-traded BDC, with cash proceeds going to Horizon [24]. Question: Nature of the transaction from Horizon's perspective - The transaction is viewed as a cost-efficient equity raise for Horizon [26]. Question: Targets for net investment income yield - No hard targets are set, but the focus will be on running the company efficiently [28]. Question: Timing for capital deployment - Capital is expected to be deployed rapidly, aiming for neutral EPS impact in the first year [29][31]. Question: Impact on deal sizes post-merger - The merger allows for larger deals due to an increased capital base [32]. Question: Lockup for Monroe shareholders - No lockup is contemplated for Monroe shareholders after receiving Horizon shares [40]. Question: G&A expense synergies details - Combined G&A expenses prior to synergies were approximately $8.4 million, expected to reduce to $5.8 million post-merger [41].

E x p e r i e n c e | S e c u r i t y | C o n s i s t e n c y Overview of Merger Between Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (HRZN) and Monroe Capital Corporation (MRCC) August 7, 2025 1 Forward-Looking Statements and Disclaimers Unless otherwise stated, all financial information and other data presented in this presentation is as of June 30, 2025. Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in this presentation constitute forward-looking statements because they relate to future events, future perf ...