Owl Rock(US:OBDC)2025-05-08 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total portfolio investments of nearly $18 billion and total net assets of nearly $8 billion, with total outstanding debt of approximately $10 billion [16] - The first quarter NAV per share was $15.14, down $0.12 from the last quarter, primarily due to changes in credit spreads and write-downs on a small number of high-focus investments [16] - Adjusted net investment income was $0.39 per share, down $0.08 from the prior quarter, reflecting a reduction in one-time income [16][17] - The company declared a supplemental dividend of $0.01 and a base dividend of $0.37 for the second quarter, indicating a 106% dividend coverage [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New investment commitments totaled $1.2 billion, with fundings of $800 million, excluding joint venture and strategic equity activity [7] - Over 90% of first-quarter direct loan originations were first lien investments, increasing from 73% to 77% of the portfolio over the last year [8][9] - The median EBITDA of portfolio borrowers grew slightly to $120 million, while weighted average EBITDA increased to $215 million [9] - The non-accrual rate was 0.8% at fair value and 1.4% at cost, compared to 0.41% and 0.9% in the prior quarter [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a slowdown in M&A activity due to recent policy shifts and uncertainty around tariffs, impacting deal flow [7][32] - The public loan market experienced volatility, but private credit spreads remained stable, with some market participants noting a 25 to 50 basis points widening [34][81] - The company highlighted that the majority of deal flow in the first quarter came from existing borrowers, with more than half being add-ons and refinancings [93] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on market volatility by providing support to borrowers and sponsors facing challenges in accessing financing [23] - The strategy remains focused on credit quality, with an emphasis on upper middle market companies and diversified portfolios [84] - The company is exploring opportunities to rationalize liabilities inherited from the merger to lower costs [50][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the portfolio's resilience and the ability to maintain dividend levels despite macroeconomic uncertainties [25] - The company is closely monitoring investments for potential tariff impacts but remains confident in its defensive positioning [13] - Management indicated that while macroeconomic uncertainty persists, the market anticipates a significant reduction in interest rates, which will impact earnings [24] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with over $3 billion in total cash and capacity on its facilities, providing ample liquidity to meet near-term funding needs [21] - The company has visibility into several large repayments expected in the near term, which will help optimize its capital structure [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Perspective on macro developments and M&A activity - Management noted that the M&A environment remains muted due to uncertainty around tariffs, impacting deal flow and spreads [32][34] Question: Timeline for public listing of OTF - Management stated there is nothing specific to disclose regarding the public listing of OTF at this time [38][39] Question: Share repurchase strategy - Management confirmed that share repurchase programs are regularly evaluated, but recent volatility did not coincide with open windows for repurchases [44][46] Question: Opportunities in inherited liabilities - Management indicated that there are opportunities to rationalize inherited liabilities at lower costs, with steps already taken to reprice certain facilities [50][72] Question: Probability of near-term recession - Management acknowledged the need for caution in underwriting due to potential economic changes but noted that the portfolio companies are currently not showing signs of economic weakness [56][58] Question: Incremental thoughts on non-traditional lending strategies - Management expressed interest in increasing exposure to diversified lending strategies, aiming to grow this segment over time [62][66] Question: Spillover income and dividend sustainability - Management clarified that spillover income is intended to sustain dividends during periods of volatility but will not be used to cover long-term income shortfalls [88][89] Question: Pipeline mix of new versus incumbent borrowers - Management reported that more than half of the deal flow in the first quarter came from existing borrowers, with a consistent pipeline expected for the second quarter [93][95]