FS KKR Capital (FSK) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company generated net investment income of $0.67 per share and adjusted net investment income of $0.65 per share, slightly above public guidance of $0.66 and $0.64 per share respectively [11] - The total investment income decreased by $7 million quarter over quarter to $400 million, primarily due to two fewer days in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter and the paydown of higher yielding investments [29] - The net asset value per share decreased from $23.64 at the end of Q4 2024 to $23.37 at the end of Q1 2025 [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company originated approximately $2 billion in new investments during Q1 2025, with 45% focused on add-on financings to existing portfolio companies [19] - New investments included approximately 63% in first lien loans, 1% in other senior secured debt, 19% in asset-based finance, 15% in capital calls to the joint venture, and 2% in equity and other investments [20] - Non-accruals represented 3.5% of the portfolio on a cost basis and 2.1% on a fair value basis, showing slight improvement from 3.7% and 2.2% respectively at the end of Q4 2024 [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 8% of the portfolio could have direct exposure to tariff policies, with low to mid single-digit exposure to DOGE [14] - The weighted average yield on accruing debt investments decreased to 10.8% as of March 31, down from 11% at the end of Q4 2024 [29] - The portfolio companies reported a weighted average year-over-year EBITDA growth rate of approximately 10% [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a stable income for investors by keeping a healthy balance of spillover income during periods of higher interest rates [8] - The focus remains on investing in high-quality companies with strong defensive positions, particularly in the upper middle market [21] - The company is actively managing exposure to tariffs and has exited two portfolio companies deemed to have higher risks related to tariffs [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the economic outlook has worsened, with increased volatility in debt and equity markets and major geopolitical risks [7] - The expectation is that the macroeconomic environment will stabilize by early next year, providing clearer insights into interest rates and other economic drivers [9] - The company anticipates that the second quarter of 2025 GAAP net investment income will approximate $0.64 per share, with adjusted net investment income expected to be around $0.62 per share [32] Other Important Information - The company closed on its second middle market CLO, raising $380 million of low-cost secured debt [33] - As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $3.2 billion in available liquidity [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing of deployments and rate changes impact - Management indicated that the origination number was satisfactory and that the declining rates have mostly flowed through as of the end of Q1 [38][39] Question: Pipeline activity and market share - Management noted that while the M&A market has slowed, they continue to benefit from a large existing book and diversified origination sources [41][42] Question: Macro group insights on recession odds - Management acknowledged that the chances of a recession are more likely than not, but it could be muted [46][48] Question: Yield compression expectations - Management confirmed that additional yield compression is expected as the portfolio churns, with new money yields lower than previous repayments [49][51] Question: Preferred leverage ranges - Management stated that the target leverage range remains unchanged, with a focus on diversified funding sources [60] Question: Asset-based financing risks - Management highlighted that consumer risk in the asset-based finance portfolio is small, with a focus on secured, higher FICO score risks [62] Question: Continued strength in ABF group - Management indicated that while ABF dividends may vary, there is continued strength in the joint venture's dividends [70] Question: Trends in portfolio leverage and interest coverage - Management explained that the divergence in trends is likely due to a lag effect in interest coverage calculations [82][84] Question: Deal activity in different market segments - Management suggested that larger company activity may be more muted due to reliance on a more active M&A market [87]