Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net investment income (NII) per share was $0.39 for the quarter, corresponding to an annualized return on equity (ROE) of 10.5% [11] - GAAP net income per share was $0.19, corresponding to an annualized ROE of 5.2% [11] - Net asset value (NAV) per share was $14.75, down 1.2% compared to the prior quarter [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - MFIC made $262 million of new commitments across 29 transactions during the quarter [12] - The weighted average spread on new commitments was 538 basis points, with a slight increase compared to the prior quarter [12][23] - The weighted average net leverage on new commitments was 4.0 times, down from 4.2 times in the prior quarter [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The quarter began with heightened volatility due to U.S. tariffs, but market sentiment improved as tariffs were paused and trade deals were struck [20] - The labor market showed resilience with steady unemployment, and the Federal Reserve kept its policy rate unchanged [20] - The weighted average yield at cost of the direct origination portfolio was 10.5%, down from 10.7% in the prior quarter [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on lending to the core middle market on a first lien senior secured basis, which offers attractive risk-adjusted returns [22] - The reduction in exposure to Merx is expected to provide capital for deployment into first lien middle market loans, which are believed to deliver higher returns [17] - The company intends to redeploy capital repaid from Merx to enhance earnings power and strengthen dividend coverage [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the M&A pipeline is building, with sponsors remaining active despite previous uncertainties [55] - The company expects a busy second half of the year with plenty of opportunities to deploy capital [55] - Management expressed confidence in covering the declared dividend of $0.38 per share through net investment income, despite potential base rate pressures [90] Other Important Information - The company reported total investment income of approximately $81.3 million, up 3.2% compared to the prior quarter [33] - Total principal debt outstanding was $2.05 billion, with total net assets standing at $1.3 billion [38] - The company received an $8.5 million pay down from Merx during the quarter [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you clarify the structure of the remaining investment in Merx? - The remaining investment consists of four aircraft and a servicing platform, with 40% of the remaining exposure related to servicing contracts [43][44] Question: What are the expectations for investment activity in the second half of the year? - The company anticipates a busy second half with a growing M&A pipeline and active sponsors, which should provide ample opportunities for deployment [55] Question: How does the company view the current leverage levels? - The company is comfortable with the current leverage levels and expects them to remain within target ranges, especially with anticipated M&A activity [56][58] Question: What is the expected impact of the Merx transactions on NAV? - The Merx transactions are expected to result in a positive impact to NAV in the high single-digit per share range, specifically between $0.06 to $0.09 [94]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The investment portfolio grew by approximately $300 million or 21% from $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion [4] - Weighted average leverage in the investment portfolio decreased to 3.5 times, with non-accruals at fair value reduced from 2.3% to 1.7% [4][27] - Pre-tax net investment income was $28.5 million or $0.56 per share, with adjusted pre-tax net investment income at $31.3 million or $0.61 per share [26] - Total investment income increased to $52.4 million from $52 million in the prior quarter [26] - The company's NAV per share increased from $16.59 to $16.70 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The credit portfolio ended the quarter at $1.6 billion, representing year-over-year growth of 19% from $1.3 billion [17] - 100% of new portfolio company debt originations were first lien senior secured [17] - The equity co-investment portfolio consisted of 79 investments with a total fair value of $179 million, representing 10% of the total portfolio [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lower middle market remains competitive, with a significant number of private equity firms represented across the investment portfolio [20] - Approximately 93% of the credit portfolio is backed by private equity firms, which provide guidance and potential junior capital support [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain dividend sustainability, strong credit performance, and continued access to capital from multiple sources [8] - The recent approval for a second FDIC license allows for an additional $175 million in debt capital to support the lower middle market platform [6] - The company plans to methodically and opportunistically raise secured and unsecured debt capital, as well as equity capital through its ATM program [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The geopolitical landscape has created uncertainty, impacting the lower middle market and potentially leading to slower M&A activity [11][12] - The company has identified 7% of the debt portfolio as moderate risk due to tariff exposure, but only 1% has significant exposure with a loan-to-value above 50% [13] - Management remains optimistic about the quality of deals being underwritten, focusing on service industries less affected by macroeconomic uncertainties [36] Other Important Information - The company raised over $300 million in new debt capital commitments during the year [5] - The regular dividend increased from $2.24 per share to $2.31 per share, with an additional $0.23 per share in supplemental dividends [7][8] - The company has a robust liquidity position with approximately $384 million in cash and undrawn leverage commitments [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: How attractive is the current vintage of investments in the lower middle market? - Management believes the current deals are of high quality, particularly in service industries, while cyclical deals are being delayed or pulled from the market [36] Question: What were the main drivers of the net realized loss and markdown in the credit portfolio? - The realized and unrealized losses were primarily driven by restructurings of two portfolio companies [39] Question: When will the company start injecting capital into the new SBIC subsidiary? - Capital injection is expected to begin in the next three months, with the first draws anticipated shortly thereafter [41] Question: What is the outlook for the PIK income trend? - PIK income has increased due to a few companies electing it, but it is expected to decrease as companies return to cash payments [52] Question: What does the current pipeline look like? - The pipeline includes 3 to 5 new platform companies with expected capital commitments of $75 to $100 million, along with around $50 million in add-on activity [56]