Crescent Capital BDC(US:CCAP)2026-02-26 18:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fourth quarter, the company reported net investment income of $0.45 per share, a slight decrease from $0.46 in the prior quarter, while net asset value (NAV) per share declined to $19.10 from $19.28 due to unrealized losses from certain portfolio companies [3][16] - 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 prudent portfolio growth [5][18] - The weighted average interest rate on total borrowings decreased to 5.83% from 5.99% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting lower base rates [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The investment portfolio at fair value totaled approximately $1.6 billion, consistent with the prior quarter, and consisted primarily of first lien loans, representing 91% of the portfolio [9][16] - Gross deployment in the fourth quarter totaled $71 million, with five new platform investments totaling $29 million, while net realizations were approximately $7 million due to exits and repayments [12][16] - The weighted average yield on income-producing securities at cost decreased by 40 basis points quarter-over-quarter, ending the year at 10% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The private credit market remains competitive, with strong capital formation and a growing number of lenders competing for high-quality transactions, leading to tighter spreads [7][8] - The company noted subdued exit activity in private equity over the past three years, with sponsors favoring recapitalizations and dividend transactions [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes capital preservation and maintaining a stable NAV profile through disciplined underwriting and diversified positioning [4][20] - Management is actively reviewing options to enhance earnings durability and align with shareholder interests, including evaluating the fee structure and base dividend level [7][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term outlook for private credit, emphasizing the importance of disciplined underwriting and active portfolio management [9][20] - The company is navigating a dynamic environment with expectations of lower base rates impacting yields, but remains well-positioned for stability [7][20] Other Important Information - The company has a spillover income of approximately $1.16 per share, providing support during the current rate transition [7] - The supplemental dividend policy remains in place, but no supplemental dividend will be paid related to Q4 earnings due to NAV declines [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 the fee structure and base dividend level [26][27] Question: Details on non-accrual investments - One non-accrual investment was realized at close to the mark, contributing to a decrease in non-accruals [29] Question: Future earnings and spread expectations - Management noted that spreads have stabilized for high-quality assets, and there is optimism for increased deal activity in the near term [31][32] Question: Drivers of realized gains and unrealized losses - Realized gains were driven by an investment sold during the quarter, while unrealized losses were primarily due to two investments placed on non-accrual [35][36] Question: Rationale for reinvesting proceeds instead of buybacks - The company is balancing investments in private credit with share repurchases, focusing on durable income for shareholders [39][40] Question: Status of the supplemental dividend policy - The supplemental dividend policy remains in place, but no supplemental dividend will be paid this quarter due to NAV constraints [41][42]