Stellus Capital Investment (US:SCM)2025-11-12 17:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company generated GAAP net investment income of $0.32 per share, realized income of $0.42 per share, and core net investment income of $0.34 per share, excluding estimated excise taxes [4][11] - Net asset value per share decreased by $0.16 during the quarter, attributed to $0.08 per share in dividend payments and $0.08 per share in net unrealized losses primarily related to two debt investments [5][11] - The investment portfolio at fair value increased to $1.01 billion across 115 portfolio companies, up from $985.9 million across 112 companies as of June 30, 2025 [5][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company invested $51.3 million in five new portfolio companies during the quarter and received repayments totaling $29.8 million [6][12] - 98% of loans were secured, and 90% were priced at floating rates, with an average loan per company of $9.2 million [6][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has loans to five portfolio companies on non-accrual, comprising 6.7% of total cost and 3.7% of fair value of the total loan portfolio, showing a slight decrease from the prior quarter [7][13] - 99% of portfolio companies are backed by private equity firms, indicating strong support and stability within the investment portfolio [6][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company amended and extended its revolving credit facility, reducing the spread over the 30-day SOFR rate from 2.6% to 2.25% and extending the maturity date to September 2030 [8][14] - The company expects to maintain a portfolio in excess of $1 billion at year-end and projects $5 million in equity realizations for Q4 and Q1 of 2026 [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that any credit issues are company-specific and do not indicate a broader trend of weakness across the portfolio [25][26] - The competitive market has led to a reduction in spreads, with current rates around five over SOFR, and management anticipates that spreads may eventually rise again [23][49] Other Important Information - The company has paid $318 million in dividends since its IPO, representing $17.75 per share to investors who participated in the IPO priced at $15 per share [4] - The company issued approximately 531,000 shares for $7.4 million under its ATM program during the quarter, all above net asset value [5][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for equity realizations in Q4 and Q1 - Management projects $5 million of realizations in Q4 and a similar amount for Q1 of 2026, with expected gains of $3.8 million for Q4 and $3.3 million for Q1 [20][21] Question: Mix between new and add-on opportunities in the pipeline - Management indicated that the mix remains active, with a majority of fundings expected to be on new investments, and noted a competitive environment with some tightness in spreads [22][23] Question: Signs of concern in any segments or industries of the portfolio - Management reported no increasing weakness or concerns, stating that most companies are performing well [25][26] Question: Status on the third SBA license - Management confirmed they are awaiting the issuance of the third license, which is expected soon and would add approximately $50 million in capacity [35][38] Question: Drivers of significant repayments in Q4 - Management indicated that significant repayments are primarily driven by sales of businesses, with some refinancing occurring [47]