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Fidus Investment (FDUS) - 2024 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted net investment income for Q2 2024 grew 17.7% to 18.4millioncomparedto18.4 million compared to 15.6 million in the same period last year, primarily due to higher interest income [5][10] - Net asset value increased to 646.8million,a9.7646.8 million, a 9.7% rise from 589.5 million as of December 31, 2023, with a per share value of 19.50comparedto19.50 compared to 19.37 [6][12] - Total investment income was 35.7millionforQ22024,a35.7 million for Q2 2024, a 1 million increase from Q1 2024, driven by a 3.2millionriseininterestincome[10]BusinessLineDataandKeyMetricsChangesOriginationstotaled3.2 million rise in interest income [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Originations totaled 62.4 million in Q2, including 17.8millioninonenewportfoliocompany,withfollowoninvestmentactivityamountingto17.8 million in one new portfolio company, with follow-on investment activity amounting to 44.6 million [6] - Equity investments totaled 4.3million,continuingcoinvestmentinportfoliocompanies[6]MarketDataandKeyMetricsChangesTheportfoliogrewto4.3 million, continuing co-investment in portfolio companies [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio grew to 1.1 billion on a fair value basis, consisting of a debt portfolio of 945.7millionandanequityportfolioof945.7 million and an equity portfolio of 132.7 million [7][12] - The weighted average yield on debt investments remained at 14% as of June 30, 2024 [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on the lower middle market, seeking opportunities that meet strict underwriting standards and investing in businesses with strong cash flow [8] - The strategy includes maintaining a high degree of equity cushion in debt investments to ensure both current income and potential enhanced returns [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects deal flow and M&A activity to remain reasonable for the remainder of the year, with a potential increase in repayments as portfolio companies evaluate strategic alternatives [8][19] - The overall portfolio remains healthy, with 65% of companies growing their cash flow or EBITDA [24] Other Important Information - The company declared dividends totaling 0.57pershareforQ32024,consistingofabasedividendof0.57 per share for Q3 2024, consisting of a base dividend of 0.43 and a supplemental dividend of 0.14[5]LiquidityasofJune30includedcashof0.14 [5] - Liquidity as of June 30 included cash of 48.3 million and 67millionavailableonthelineofcredit,totalingapproximately67 million available on the line of credit, totaling approximately 115.8 million [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on capital structure and liquidity profile - Management expressed confidence in the SBIC license process and noted the benefits of the expanded revolving credit facility and investment grade rating [16][17] Question: Outlook for the second half of the year - Management indicated expectations for a pickup in M&A activity and new platform investments, despite a slower Q2 [18][19] Question: Dynamics of repayments and refinancing activity - Management highlighted that several portfolio companies are evaluating strategic alternatives, with some seeking refinancing opportunities [21][22] Question: Credit quality concerns amid economic pressures - Management reported strong portfolio performance, with a focus on high free cash flow companies, and noted that 65% of companies grew cash flow or EBITDA [24][25] Question: Activity in non-sponsored deals - Management confirmed ongoing interest in non-sponsored deals but emphasized that the majority of current opportunities are still in sponsored deals [28][29]