Oaktree Specialty Lending (US:OCSL)2025-08-05 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The adjusted net investment income decreased to $32.5 million or $0.37 per share, down from $38.7 million or $0.45 per share in the prior quarter, primarily due to nonrecurring and noncash items related to refinancing activities [25][27] - The net leverage ratio at quarter end was 0.93 times, flat from last quarter, with total debt outstanding at $1.46 billion [28] - The weighted average interest rate decreased slightly to 6.6% from 6.7% at the end of the prior quarter [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The weighted average yield on new debt investments was 9.1%, compared to 9.5% in the prior quarter, reflecting continued tight spreads in the marketplace [13] - The median EBITDA of portfolio companies was approximately $161 million, a $3 million increase from the prior quarter [17] - The weighted average leverage in the portfolio decreased slightly from 5.2 to 5.1 times, while the weighted average interest coverage increased from 2.1 to 2.2 [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - M&A activity remained muted due to uncertainty surrounding increased tariffs, leading to a pivot towards refinancing existing debt rather than new buyouts [8] - Credit spreads tightened, with pricing for large cap sponsor loans in the SOFR plus 425 to 475 basis points range [9] - The company is observing increased opportunities in Europe, supported by a strengthening economic outlook and favorable valuation metrics [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on high-quality companies with strong credit profiles and is selectively deploying capital into mature market-leading businesses [15][16] - Oaktree's global platform provides a competitive advantage, allowing access to high-quality transactions often unavailable to smaller lenders [16] - The company aims to maintain a diversified portfolio while avoiding industry concentration risk and steering clear of more cyclical businesses [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the long-term outlook for direct lending remains favorable, with compelling yields on a gross unlevered basis [12] - The company is actively engaged with management teams of challenged positions to drive favorable resolutions [21] - There is confidence in the ability to deploy capital effectively, supported by a robust pipeline of investment opportunities [41] Other Important Information - The company successfully amended and extended the maturity of its senior secured revolving facility, reducing the interest rate, which will reduce overall interest expense [6] - The company has ample liquidity of approximately $730 million, including $80 million in cash and $650 million of undrawn capacity on credit facilities [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: How were spreads generated this quarter? - The company achieved first lien spreads in the mid-500s, influenced by a mix of lower spread deals and higher yielding deals, including life science transactions [34][36] Question: What is the plan regarding leverage and discussions with rating agencies? - The plan is to maintain leverage at the midpoint of the range (0.9 to 1.25) and to engage actively with rating agencies regarding potential increases in leverage to support earnings [40][41] Question: Confidence in the base dividend level of $0.40 per share? - The base dividend was set at $0.40 based on visibility into prepayment activity and the progress made in converting non-interest earning assets into interest-earning assets [54] Question: What types of asset-backed opportunities is the company considering? - The company is looking at a diversified pipeline of asset-backed deals, including rental car leases and small loans for HVAC systems, while avoiding consumer unsecured debt [56][59]