New Mountain Finance (NMFC) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted net investment income for Q4 was $0.32 per share, covering the regular dividend of$0.32 per share paid on December 31 [8] - Net asset value per share declined by $0.07 or 0.6$12.55, indicating stable credit performance across the portfolio [8][26] - Total investment income for Q4 was $91 million, a 2$57 million [49] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio had over $3 billion of investments at fair value, with total assets of$3.2 billion and total liabilities of $2 billion [47] - Approximately 75$184 million, reflecting the realization of larger companies during the quarter [43] - The current portfolio has an average loan to value of 41%, with weighted average interest coverage increasing to 1.8 times [44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain or increase its heavily senior-oriented asset mix, focusing on first lien and unitranche loans [20] - NMFC seeks to optimize the cost, duration, and quality of its liabilities, targeting a floating rate liability mix of approximately 75% over the next twelve months [23][56] - The company continues to focus on defensive growth sectors, avoiding cyclical and volatile industries [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes that direct lending remains an attractive asset class despite a slower start to 2025 [32] - There is an expectation of increased M&A activity in 2025, driven by private equity dry powder and attractive financing markets [34] - Credit selection remains critical in a backdrop of volatility and uncertainty, with minimal pricing and structural flexibility [35] Other Important Information - The company has never experienced a bankruptcy or missed an interest payment in its private equity funds, managing over $55 billion in assets [12] - The internal risk rating of the portfolio remains consistent at approximately 97$38 million or 1.2% of the portfolio on non-accrual [24][28] - The company has a diversified portfolio across 121 companies, with the top ten single name issuers accounting for 27% of total fair value [45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about UniTek's exit valuation - Management indicated that the enterprise value for UniTek is modestly higher than the Q4 mark [62] Question: Concerns about market uncertainties affecting activity - Management feels that while the start of 2025 has been slower than expected, they remain optimistic about reducing PIK positions [65][66] Question: Allocation strategy among senior loans, loan funds, and net lease - Management stated that the mix within the senior category will remain the same [68] Question: Thoughts on market spreads and potential for repricing - Management noted that spreads have stabilized and do not expect further downward pressure, especially if M&A activity picks up [71][72] Question: Repricing activity within the portfolio - Management believes that most deals that could reprice have already gone through that exercise, indicating confidence in the current portfolio [73]