Goldman Sachs BDC(US:GSBD)2026-02-27 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net investment income per share for Q4 2025 was $0.37, with a net asset value (NAV) per share of $12.64, reflecting a decrease of approximately 1% from the previous quarter due to net realized and unrealized losses [20][21] - The adjusted NAV per share for Q4 2025 is $12.61 after accounting for a supplemental dividend of $0.03 per share [20] - The net debt-to-equity ratio increased to 1.27x as of December 31, 2025, compared to 1.17x as of September 30, 2025 [21][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio's median EBITDA increased by 84% from year-end 2021 to $71.8 million at year-end 2025 [6] - The percentage of first lien investments in the portfolio rose to 97% from 89% during the same period [6] - PIK (Payment-in-Kind) as a percentage of total investment income decreased to 9% in Q4 2025 from 15.3% in Q4 2024 [7] - Investments on non-accrual status decreased slightly to 1.9% of fair value from 2% during the year [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas, the company committed approximately $14.6 billion in total for the year, up from $13 billion in 2024 and more than double the activity in 2023 [9] - Total M&A volume globally increased by 44% from 2024, with U.S. private equity deals reaching nearly $1.2 trillion [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has enhanced its sourcing, underwriting, and portfolio management since its integration into the broader Direct Lending platform in 2022, with 57% of the portfolio benefiting from this integration [4] - The focus remains on high-quality, EBITDA-based investments while actively managing legacy portfolio risks, particularly concerning annualized recurring revenue (ARR) loans [8] - The company aims to leverage its position as part of the number one global investment bank to identify attractive investment opportunities [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the M&A momentum continuing in a potentially falling rate environment, which is expected to stimulate greater demand for credit financing [9] - The company remains vigilant regarding AI's impact on software business models and is prepared to adapt its investment strategies accordingly [12][19] Other Important Information - The company repurchased over 1.5 million shares for $15 million, which is expected to be accretive to NAV by $0.04 per share [27] - The total portfolio investments at fair value were $3.3 billion, with outstanding debt of $1.9 billion and net assets of $1.4 billion as of the end of Q4 2025 [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Clearwater and market competitiveness - Management highlighted the advantage of being connected to the number one M&A investment bank, which allows for unique opportunities in take-private transactions [37][39] Question: Strategy regarding spillover and deployment - Management indicated that while there are no current plans for special distributions, they could issue some if necessary, depending on future earnings [52] Question: Changes in deal flow composition - Management noted that the composition of deal flow remains stable, with signs of increased M&A activity in various industries, although software remains cautious due to market volatility [53] Question: AI risk framework application to current portfolio - Management confirmed that while most of the portfolio aligns well with the new AI framework, some legacy assets are being actively managed and exited if they do not meet the criteria [58]