Palmer Square Capital BDC(US:PSBD)2025-02-28 22:25Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total investment income for Q4 2024 was $34.9 million, up 16.9% from $29.8 million in the prior year period [34] - Net investment income for Q4 2024 was $14.8 million or $0.45 per share, compared to $15.4 million or $0.58 per share for the same period last year [35] - NAV per share at the end of Q4 was $16.50, down from $16.61 at the end of Q3 2024 [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total investment portfolio as of December 31, 2024, had a fair value of approximately $1.41 billion, reflecting a small increase of approximately 1.2% from $1.39 billion at the end of Q3 2024 [25] - New private credit loans comprised 17% of overall new investments, funded at a weighted average spread of 489 basis points over the reference rate [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an 11.6% yield as of December 31, 2024, which remains highly attractive by historical measures [23] - The weighted average total yield to maturity of debt and income-producing securities at fair value was 10.65% [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a competitive dividend yield while being disciplined in capital deployment for better opportunities in the future [40] - The investment philosophy focuses on delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns through a diversified portfolio that spans both liquid bank loans and private credit loans [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate the evolving macroeconomic backdrop, emphasizing the importance of floating rate senior secured credit in the current environment [16][17] - The company is positioned to act quickly and efficiently when attractive opportunities arise, despite ongoing uncertainty around interest rates [12][20] Other Important Information - The Board and management team recalibrated the base dividend to $0.36 beginning in Q1 2025 to support NAV stability [28] - The company has a stock repurchase plan approved by the Board, allowing for the acquisition of up to $20 million of PSBD stock [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for dividends and sustainability - Management indicated that the new dividend level was set conservatively based on various scenarios and the current deal environment [44][46] Question: Potential investment sales or prepayments outlook - Management noted elevated repayment and refinancing activity in Q4, with expectations for continued refinancing rather than new M&A activity in the near term [48][50] Question: Impact of cautious deal opportunities on leverage - Management confirmed that while they would not actively reduce leverage, they would be patient in waiting for more attractive investment opportunities [54] Question: Optimal mix between liquid investments and private credit loans - Management stated that they do not have a prescribed mix but will seek the best opportunities available at any given time [56] Question: Exposure to tariffs and potential impacts - Management assessed that tariff exposure in the portfolio is minimal, with a low single-digit percentage across the portfolio [65][66]