Runway Growth Finance (RWAY) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, total investment income was $33.8 million and net investment income was $14.6 million, compared to $36.7 million and $15.9 million in Q3 2024 [10][34] - The weighted average portfolio risk rating decreased to 2.33% in Q4 2024 from 2.48% in Q3 2024 [27] - The dollar-weighted loan-to-value ratio decreased from 29.3% to 26.6% [31] - Net assets increased to $514.9 million from $507.4 million in Q3 2024, with NAV per share rising to $13.79, up 3% from $13.39 [32] - Total operating expenses decreased to $19.2 million from $20.8 million in Q3 2024 [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company executed two investments in new companies and five in existing companies, totaling $154 million in funded loans [16][27] - The loan portfolio is comprised of 97% floating rate assets, with all loans earning interest at or above agreed-upon interest rate floors [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Venture debt deal value increased to over $53 billion in 2024, up from approximately $27 billion in 2023, driven by multibillion-dollar deals in the AI sector [23] - The company noted that the venture debt space is experiencing growth, which is expected to continue [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow originations in loan sizes of $30 million to $150 million, with an ideal allocation to the BDC remaining at $20 million to $45 million [13] - The acquisition of Runway Growth Capital by BC Partners Credit is expected to enhance deal flow and diversify the portfolio [11][12] - The company maintains a credit-first investment philosophy and focuses on high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, and consumer products [15][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the portfolio's performance and the ability of borrowers to operate effectively against the macro backdrop [17] - The company anticipates that the focus on high-growth sectors and senior secured loans will provide additional security for the portfolio [22] Other Important Information - The company declared aggregate distributions of $0.36 per share for Q1 2025, including a base dividend of $0.33 and a supplemental dividend of $0.03 [40] - The company extended its credit facility with KeyBank by three years, enhancing availability and lending verticals [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for new originations in the first quarter - Management acknowledged that originations are typically back-ended and indicated potential for additional originations before the quarter ends [44] Question: Percentage of loan book trading at interest rate floors - Management stated that the majority of loans are at or above their interest rate floors [46] Question: Impact of Fed cuts on yield - Management noted that a significant portion of the yield decline was due to lower interest rates and fewer prepayment accelerations [50] Question: Discussion on dividend and capital allocation - Management emphasized the importance of a stable dividend and indicated a preference for building NAV while maintaining consistent dividends [56][57] Question: Broader origination opportunities post-BC Partners acquisition - Management expressed excitement about the expanded funnel of opportunities and the ability to underwrite different structures [62][66] Question: Share repurchase plans - Management confirmed discussions on share repurchases but emphasized the need to assess which option creates better returns [78] Question: Current state of the venture market - Management noted slower exit activity and M&A, but anticipated an uptick in new fundings and M&A in the coming quarters [81]