Crescent Capital BDC(CCAP) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, the company reported net investment income of $0.45 per share, a slight decrease from $0.46 in the prior quarter [4][17] - Net asset value (NAV) per share declined to $19.10 as of December 31, 2025, down from $19.28 at the end of Q3 2025, reflecting unrealized losses from certain portfolio companies [4][17] - The company maintained a net debt to equity ratio of 1.20 times, below the upper end of its target range of 1.30 times, preserving flexibility for portfolio growth [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The investment portfolio at fair value totaled approximately $1.6 billion, consistent with the prior quarter, across a diversified portfolio of 184 companies [10][17] - The weighted average yield on income-producing securities at cost decreased by 40 basis points quarter-over-quarter, ending the year at 10% [13] - Non-accruals increased from 3.3% and 1.6% as of September 30 to 4.1% and 2% as of December 31, driven by two new non-accrual investments [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The private credit market remains competitive, with strong capital formation across direct lending strategies leading to tighter spreads and evolving deal structures [9] - The company noted subdued exit activity in private equity over the past three years, with sponsors favoring recapitalizations and dividend transactions [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes capital preservation and is actively managing its portfolio to maintain long-term NAV stability [5] - The focus remains on protecting capital, enhancing sustainable earnings power, and delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns for shareholders [21] - The management is reviewing options to ensure durable earnings and attractive returns across market cycles, with a more detailed update expected in May [7][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged earnings headwinds facing the BDC space due to forward base rate expectations but remains optimistic about the long-term outlook for private credit [7][10] - The company is positioned well for near-term stability, over-earning its dividend and maintaining a diversified portfolio supported by experienced sponsors [28][21] Other Important Information - The board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.42 per share for Q1 2026, payable on April 15, 2026 [4][19] - The company has a buyback program in place, balancing share repurchases with new investment opportunities [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on long-term positioning and dividend structure - Management indicated that the review focuses on long-term earnings durability and alignment with shareholders, including evaluation of fee structure and base dividend level [27][28] Question: Details on non-accrual exit and sale - One non-accrual investment was realized at close to the mark [30] Question: Future earnings and spread expectations - Management noted that spreads have stabilized for high-quality assets, and there is optimism for increased deal activity as financing markets stabilize [33] Question: Main drivers of realized gains and unrealized losses - Realized gains were driven by an investment sold during the quarter, while unrealized losses were primarily from two investments placed on non-accrual [36][37] Question: Rationale for reinvesting proceeds instead of buybacks - The company is focused on durable, long-term income for shareholders and is balancing new investments with share repurchases [41][42] Question: Status of supplemental dividend policy - The supplemental dividend policy remains in place, but no supplemental dividend will be paid for Q4 earnings due to NAV constraints [43][44]