New Mountain Finance (US:NMFC)2025-08-05 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted net investment income for the quarter was $0.32 per share, covering the $0.32 per share dividend paid on June 30 [5] - Net asset value per share declined by $0.24 to $12.21 compared to Q1 [5][16] - Total investment income for the quarter was $83 million, a 12% decrease over the prior year [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio loan-to-value ratio stands at 45%, with nearly 80% exposure to senior-oriented assets [6][25] - The average yield of NMFC's portfolio decreased slightly to 10.6% for Q2 [25] - In Q2, the company originated $122 million of assets, offset by $155 million of repayments and sales [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a stabilization in direct lending spreads, with most unitranche loans pricing at SOFR plus $4.75 to $5.25 [21] - Approximately 78% of investments are senior in nature, up from 75% in the prior year [24] - The weighted average EBITDA of portfolio companies increased slightly to $176 million [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on improving the quality and diversity of its asset base and optimizing liabilities with low-cost floating rate debt [13] - NMFC is committed to its dividend protection program through 2026, which aims to stabilize dividends during tighter market conditions [7][48] - The company is actively working on refinancing its 7.5% convertible notes and 8.25% unsecured notes maturing in Q4 [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for deal flow to normalize as market conditions improve [8][20] - The company is focused on optimizing leverage and enhancing income quality, with expectations for increased portfolio activity in Q3 and Q4 [49] - Management acknowledged challenges in certain sectors, particularly in dental and consumer products, but remains positive about overall portfolio performance [15][60] Other Important Information - NMFC has repurchased approximately $16 million of shares year-to-date, with an additional $31 million of Board authorization remaining [9] - The company has maintained a strong credit performance with only $38 million or 1.2% of the portfolio on non-accrual [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about healthcare names and industry headwinds - Management noted that while the dental downgrade was idiosyncratic, the sector has good secular tailwinds, but operational execution is critical [42][44] Question: Dividend protection program and future outlook - The dividend protection program is designed to provide visibility and support to shareholders, with management committed to maintaining it through 2026 [48][51] Question: Risks related to tariff exposure in consumer products - Management confirmed that the consumer products business had been flagged for tariff exposure, and while it was already underperforming, tariffs exacerbated the situation [56][60] Question: Trends in the education space and Edmentum's performance - Management indicated that Edmentum remains well-positioned to address learning loss post-COVID, despite some capital structure challenges [70][72]