Blackstone Secured Lending Fund(BXSL) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - BXSL reported a net investment income (NII) of $0.80 per share, representing an 11.8% annualized return on equity, primarily from interest income [6][18] - The distribution of $0.77 per share was 104% covered by NII, yielding an 11.4% annualized distribution yield on NAV [6][18] - The net return for the year was 9.6%, outperforming the leveraged loan market by 360 basis points [6] - Net asset value (NAV) per share decreased to $26.92 from $27.15 in the previous quarter, impacted by net unrealized losses [19][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - BXSL's portfolio increased to 316 companies across 40 industries, with 13 new credits funded and 15 add-ons completed [7][10] - The average loan-to-value (LTV) at underwriting was 41%, with an average spread near 500 basis points [7] - Non-accruals rose to 0.6% at cost and 0.5% at fair market value, up from 0.3% and 0.2% respectively in the previous year [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. leveraged finance market is approximately $5 trillion, with private credit in the institutional non-BDC channel around $1.5 trillion [29] - BXSL's credit business totals $520 billion, with investments in about 5,000 companies globally [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital expenditure build-out in AI and digital infrastructure, which is expected to support growth across multiple sectors [5] - BXSL aims to maintain a defensive investment strategy by focusing on first lien, larger, private equity-owned businesses [16] - The company is actively evaluating capital allocation decisions between new opportunities and share repurchases [23][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in a fundamentally healthy economic backdrop, with resilient corporate earnings growth and strong consumer demand [4] - The company anticipates continued robust capital inflows into private credit strategies, particularly from institutional channels [5] - Management noted that the credit quality of deals remains stable, with high single-digit EBITDA growth across the portfolio [20][68] Other Important Information - BXSL's board approved a discretionary share repurchase plan for up to $250 million of outstanding common shares [23] - The company has $2.5 billion in total liquidity, including unrestricted cash and undrawn debt [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of potential slowdown in non-traded channel - Management indicated that the U.S. leveraged finance market remains institutional-driven, and they expect to remain active in corporate lending despite potential headwinds [29][32] Question: Consideration of share repurchase versus special dividends - Management highlighted that they have options to reinvest in new loans, buy back shares, or deleverage, with a focus on maximizing returns for investors [34] Question: Sponsor conversations and market activity - Management noted that sponsors are cautious and observing market conditions before bringing assets to market, but they expect continued M&A activity due to economic growth [48] Question: Recovery rates for software companies - Management expressed confidence in the coverage of their software business, noting that it is performing well despite public market re-ratings [60] Question: Evaluation of share repurchase program - Management stated they will be opportunistic with share repurchases, considering the discount to NAV and the potential for capital allocation decisions [63]