Blackstone Secured Lending Fund(US:BXSL)2026-02-25 15:32Financial 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 [7] - The distribution of $0.77 per share was 104% covered by NII, yielding an 11.4% annualized distribution yield on NAV [7] - The net return for the year was 9.6%, outperforming the leveraged loan market by 360 basis points [7] - The net asset value (NAV) per share decreased to $26.92 from $27.15 in the previous quarter, impacted by net unrealized losses [20][21] 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 [8] - The average loan-to-value (LTV) at underwriting was 41%, with an average spread near 500 basis points [8] - Non-accruals in the fourth quarter were 0.6% at cost and 0.5% at fair market value, up from 0.3% and 0.2% respectively in the previous year [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. leveraged finance market is approximately $5 trillion, with the institutional non-BDC channel being about $1.5 trillion [30] - BXSL's board approved a discretionary share repurchase plan for up to $250 million, indicating confidence in the market despite trading below NAV [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capitalizing on the AI and digital infrastructure investment cycle, which is expected to support growth across multiple sectors [6] - BXSL aims to maintain a defensive investment strategy by focusing on first lien, larger, private equity-owned businesses [17] - The company is exploring various capital allocation options, including new loans, share buybacks, and deleveraging [35][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the economic backdrop, citing resilient corporate earnings growth and strong consumer demand [5] - The company anticipates continued robust capital inflows into private credit strategies, particularly from institutional channels [6] - Management noted that the credit quality of deals remains stable, with no significant signs of spread widening [41] Other Important Information - BXSL's total portfolio investments at fair value were over $14.2 billion, with outstanding debt of $8.1 billion [20] - The company has a diverse liability profile, with an all-in cost of debt for the fourth quarter at 4.93%, down from 5.24% [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of potential slowdown in non-traded channel - Management acknowledged the importance of institutional capital and expressed confidence in remaining active in the market despite potential headwinds [30][32] Question: Considerations for share repurchase versus new investments - Management indicated that they are evaluating all options, including share buybacks and new loans, based on market conditions and liquidity [35][54] Question: Recovery rates for software companies - Management stated that software businesses in their portfolio are performing well, with strong coverage despite public market markdowns [61] Question: Strategic decisions in a discount environment - Management emphasized a preference for new primary loans over secondary market purchases, focusing on deep underwriting processes [84]