Q1 2026 MidCap Financial Investment Corp Earnings Call
Speaker #3: Please stand by. Your meeting is about to begin. Good morning and welcome to the earnings conference call for the period ended March 31st, 2026, for MidCap Financial Investment Corporation.
Operator: Good morning, welcome to the earnings conference call for the period ended 31 March 2026 for MidCap Financial Investment Corporation. At this time, all participants have been placed in a listen-only mode. The call will be open for your question-and-answer session following the speaker's prepared remarks. If you would like to ask a question at that time, simply press star 1 on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, press star 2. I will now turn the call over to Elizabeth Besen, Investor Relations Manager for MidCap Financial Investment Corporation.
Speaker #3: At this time, all participants have been placed in a listen-only mode. The call will be open for your question and answer session following the speakers' prepared remarks.
Speaker #3: If you would like to ask a question at that time, simply press star one on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, press the star two.
Speaker #3: I will now turn the call over to Elizabeth Besen, Investor Relations Manager for MidCap Financial Investment Corporation.
Elizabeth Besen: Thank you, operator, and thank you everyone for joining us today. We appreciate your interest in MidCap Financial Investment Corporation. Speaking on today's call are Tanner Powell, Chief Executive Officer, Ted McNulty, President, and Kenneth Seifert, Chief Financial Officer. Howard T. Widra, our Executive Chairman, is available for the Q&A portion of today's call. I'd like to advise everyone that today's call and webcast are being recorded. Please note that they are the property of MidCap Financial Investment Corporation, and that any unauthorized broadcast in any form is strictly prohibited. Information about the audio replay of this call is available in our press release. I'd also like to call your attention to the customary safe harbor disclosure in our press release regarding forward-looking information. Today's conference call and webcast may include forward-looking statements.
Elizabeth Besen: Thank you, operator, and thank you everyone for joining us today. We appreciate your interest in MidCap Financial Investment Corporation. Speaking on today's call are Tanner Powell, Chief Executive Officer, Ted McNulty, President, and Kenneth Seifert, Chief Financial Officer. Howard Widra, our Executive Chairman, is available for the Q&A portion of today's call. I'd like to advise everyone that today's call and webcast are being recorded. Please note that they are the property of MidCap Financial Investment Corporation, and that any unauthorized broadcast in any form is strictly prohibited. Information about the audio replay of this call is available in our press release. I'd also like to call your attention to the customary safe harbor disclosure in our press release regarding forward-looking information. Today's conference call and webcast may include forward-looking statements.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Operator, and thank you, everyone, for joining us today. We appreciate your interest in MidCap Financial Investment Corporation. Speaking on today's call are Tanner Powell, Chief Executive Officer; Ted McNulty, President; and Kenny Seifert, Chief Financial Officer.
Speaker #2: Howard Woodruff, Executive Chairman, is available for the Q&A portion of today's call. I'd like to advise everyone that today's call and webcast are being recorded.
Speaker #2: Please note that they are the property of MidCap Financial Investment Corporation and that any unauthorized broadcast in any form is strictly prohibited. Information about the audio replay of this call is available in our press release.
Speaker #2: I'd also like to call your attention to the customary Safe Harbor disclosure in our press release regarding forward-looking information. Today's conference call and webcast may include forward-looking statements.
Elizabeth Besen: You should refer to our most recent filings with the SEC for risks that apply to our business and that may adversely affect any forward-looking statements we make. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements or projections unless required by law. To obtain copies of our SEC filings, please visit either the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or our website at www.midcapfinancialic.com. I'd also like to remind everyone that we posted a supplemental financial information package on our website, which contains information about the portfolio as well as the company's financial performance. Throughout today's call, we will refer to MidCap Financial Investment Corporation as either MFIC or the BDC, and we will use MidCap Financial to refer to the lender headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. At this time, I'd like to turn the call over to Tanner Powell, MFIC's Chief Executive Officer.
Elizabeth Besen: You should refer to our most recent filings with the SEC for risks that apply to our business and that may adversely affect any forward-looking statements we make. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements or projections unless required by law. To obtain copies of our SEC filings, please visit either the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or our website at www.midcapfinancialic.com. I'd also like to remind everyone that we posted a supplemental financial information package on our website, which contains information about the portfolio as well as the company's financial performance. Throughout today's call, we will refer to MidCap Financial Investment Corporation as either MFIC or the BDC, and we will use MidCap Financial to refer to the lender headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. At this time, I'd like to turn the call over to Tanner Powell, MFIC's Chief Executive Officer.
Speaker #2: You should refer to our most recent filings with the SEC for risks that apply to our business and that may adversely affect any forward-looking statements we make.
Speaker #2: We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements or projections unless required by law. To obtain copies of our SEC filings, please visit either the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or our website at www.midcapfinancialic.com.
Speaker #2: I'd also like to remind everyone that we've posted a supplemental financial information package on our website, which contains information about the portfolio as well as the company's financial performance.
Speaker #2: Throughout today's call, we will refer to MidCap Financial Investment Corporation as either MFIC or the BDC, and we will use MidCap Financial refer to the lender headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.
Speaker #2: At this time, I'd like to turn the call over to Tanner Powell, MFIC's Chief Executive Officer.
Tanner Powell: Thank you, Elizabeth. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for MidCap Financial Investment Corporation's quarterly earnings conference call. Yesterday, after market close, we issued our earnings press release and filed our quarterly Form 10-Q for the period ending 31 March 2026. I'll begin today's call with an overview of MFIC's Q1 results, followed by a discussion of our share purchase activity and our dividend announcement. Following that, I'll hand the call over to Ted, who will walk through our investment activity for the quarter and provide a portfolio update, including a review of our SOFR exposure. Kenny will then review our financial results in detail. Net investment income or NII per share for the quarter was $0.38, while GAAP net loss per share was $0.30.
Tanner Powell: Thank you, Elizabeth. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for MidCap Financial Investment Corporation's quarterly earnings conference call. Yesterday, after market close, we issued our earnings press release and filed our quarterly Form 10-Q for the period ending 31 March 2026. I'll begin today's call with an overview of MFIC's Q1 results, followed by a discussion of our share purchase activity and our dividend announcement. Following that, I'll hand the call over to Ted, who will walk through our investment activity for the quarter and provide a portfolio update, including a review of our SOFR exposure. Kenny will then review our financial results in detail. Net investment income or NII per share for the quarter was $0.38, while GAAP net loss per share was $0.30.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Elizabeth. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for MidCap Financial Investment Corporation's quarterly earnings conference call. Yesterday, after market close, we issued our earnings press release and filed our quarterly Form 10Q for the period ending March 31st, 2026.
Speaker #3: I'll begin today's call with an overview of MFIC's first quarter results, ts, followed by a discussion of our share purchase activity and our dividend announcement.
Speaker #3: Following that, I'll hand the call over to Ted, who will walk through our investment activity for the quarter and provide a portfolio update, including a review of our software exposure.
Speaker #3: Kenny will then review our financial results in detail. Net investment income, or NII, per share for the quarter was $0.38, while GAAP net loss per share was $0.30.
Tanner Powell: Net asset value per share at the end of March was $13.82, representing a 2.5% decline from the prior quarter. The $0.36 per share decrease in NAV was driven by a net loss of $0.67 on the portfolio, which was partially offset by net investment income exceeding the dividend by $0.07 per share, plus approximately $0.24 per share of accretion from stock repurchases executed below NAV. As a result of the net loss in our stock buyback activity, which I will discuss in more detail shortly, net leverage increased to 1.55x at quarter end. We plan to reduce MFIC's net leverage by continuing to de-emphasize new commitments and through expected prepayments.
Tanner Powell: Net asset value per share at the end of March was $13.82, representing a 2.5% decline from the prior quarter. The $0.36 per share decrease in NAV was driven by a net loss of $0.67 on the portfolio, which was partially offset by net investment income exceeding the dividend by $0.07 per share, plus approximately $0.24 per share of accretion from stock repurchases executed below NAV. As a result of the net loss in our stock buyback activity, which I will discuss in more detail shortly, net leverage increased to 1.55x at quarter end. We plan to reduce MFIC's net leverage by continuing to de-emphasize new commitments and through expected prepayments.
Speaker #3: Net asset value per share at the end of March was $1,382.82, representing a 2.5% decline from the prior quarter. The $0.36 per share decrease in NAV was driven by a net loss of $0.67 on the portfolio, which was partially offset by net investment income exceeding the dividend by $0.07 per share.
Speaker #3: Plus, approximately 24 cents per share of accretion from stock repurchases executed below NAV. As a result of the net loss in our stock buyback activity, which I will discuss in more detail shortly, net leverage increased to 1.55 times at quarter-end.
Speaker #3: We plan to reduce MFIC's net leverage by continuing to de-emphasize new commitments and through expected repayments. Subsequent to quarter-end, we completed the existing share repurchase authorization and have received net repayments in excess of $100 million demonstrating our commitment to enhancing shareholder value and de-leverage.
Tanner Powell: Subsequent to quarter end, we completed the existing share repurchase authorization and have received net repayments in excess of $100 million, demonstrating our commitment to enhancing shareholder value and deleveraging. Our net loss for the quarter was driven by a combination of market-related write-downs, reflecting credit spread widening and multiple compression, particularly within the technology sector, including software as well as credit weakness across certain positions. Our net loss was roughly evenly split between market-related factors and credit-related weakness. The vast majority of our direct lending portfolio is valued using a yield approach. Changes in market spreads are incorporated into quarterly valuation of our investments. As always, our third-party valuation firms ensure our marks reflect current market conditions, including spread widening, the impact of heightened market volatility, increasing uncertainty around software valuations alongside broader macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures.
Tanner Powell: Subsequent to quarter end, we completed the existing share repurchase authorization and have received net repayments in excess of $100 million, demonstrating our commitment to enhancing shareholder value and deleveraging. Our net loss for the quarter was driven by a combination of market-related write-downs, reflecting credit spread widening and multiple compression, particularly within the technology sector, including software as well as credit weakness across certain positions. Our net loss was roughly evenly split between market-related factors and credit-related weakness. The vast majority of our direct lending portfolio is valued using a yield approach. Changes in market spreads are incorporated into quarterly valuation of our investments. As always, our third-party valuation firms ensure our marks reflect current market conditions, including spread widening, the impact of heightened market volatility, increasing uncertainty around software valuations alongside broader macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures.
Speaker #3: Our net loss for the quarter was driven by a combination of market-related write-downs, reflecting credit spread widening in multiple compression. Particularly within the technology sector, including software as well as credit weakness across certain positions.
Speaker #3: Our net loss was roughly evenly split between market-related factors and credit-related weakness. The vast majority of our direct lending portfolio is valued using a yield approach, changes in market spreads are incorporated into quarterly valuation of our investments.
Speaker #3: As always, our third-party valuation firms ensure our marks reflect current market conditions, including spread widening, the impact of heightened market volatility, increasing uncertainty around software valuations, alongside broader macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures.
Tanner Powell: Despite the loss this Q1, we believe our focus on first lien positions, our cautious usage of PIK, and low SOFR exposure keeps us well-positioned. As discussed last Q1, given the size of the stock's discount to NAV, we believe it was prudent to prioritize allocating capital towards stock repurchases rather than deploying capital into new investments. Consistent with that view, new investment activity during the Q1 was relatively modest, with MFIC making $50 million of new commitments across 8 transactions. Given the modest amount of new commitments, we had net repayments of $142 million in the Q1, which included a $22 million repayment from MERX. At the end of March, MFIC's investment in MERX totaled approximately $81 million at fair value, representing 2.7% of the portfolio at fair value. Let me remind you about what remains of MERX.
Tanner Powell: Despite the loss this Q1, we believe our focus on first lien positions, our cautious usage of PIK, and low SOFR exposure keeps us well-positioned. As discussed last Q1, given the size of the stock's discount to NAV, we believe it was prudent to prioritize allocating capital towards stock repurchases rather than deploying capital into new investments. Consistent with that view, new investment activity during the Q1 was relatively modest, with MFIC making $50 million of new commitments across 8 transactions. Given the modest amount of new commitments, we had net repayments of $142 million in the Q1, which included a $22 million repayment from MERX. At the end of March, MFIC's investment in MERX totaled approximately $81 million at fair value, representing 2.7% of the portfolio at fair value. Let me remind you about what remains of MERX.
Speaker #3: Despite the loss this quarter, we believe our focus on first-line positions, our cautious usage of PIC, and low software exposure keeps us well-positioned. As discussed last quarter, given the size of the stock's discount to NAV, we believe it was prudent to prioritize allocating capital towards stock repurchases rather than deploying capital into new investments.
Speaker #3: Consistent with that view, new investment activity during the March quarter was relatively modest, with MFIC making $50 million of new commitments across each transaction.
Speaker #3: Given the modest amount of new commitments, we had net repayments of $142 million in the quarter, which included a $22 million repayment from MERFs.
Speaker #3: At the end of March, MFIC's investment in MERFs totaled approximately $81 million at fair value, representing 2.7% of the portfolio at fair value. Let me remind you about what remains of MERFs.
Tanner Powell: MFIC's remaining investment in MERX consists of 4 aircraft plus the value associated with MERX's servicing platform. MERX earns income through its servicing activities for Navigator, Apollo's dedicated aircraft leasing fund, which currently owns 36 aircraft. Having fully deployed its equity commitments, Navigator is in the harvest period, and as such, the fund is opportunistically monetizing assets to optimize fund-level terms. MERX receives a remarketing fee on each aircraft sale. At the end of March, the servicing business represented approximately 38% of the total value of MERX. The servicing component of MERX will naturally decline as servicing income is received. Turning back to stock repurchases, as mentioned, we have been actively repurchasing shares, including through a 10b5-1 trading plan.
Tanner Powell: MFIC's remaining investment in MERX consists of 4 aircraft plus the value associated with MERX's servicing platform. MERX earns income through its servicing activities for Navigator, Apollo's dedicated aircraft leasing fund, which currently owns 36 aircraft. Having fully deployed its equity commitments, Navigator is in the harvest period, and as such, the fund is opportunistically monetizing assets to optimize fund-level terms. MERX receives a remarketing fee on each aircraft sale. At the end of March, the servicing business represented approximately 38% of the total value of MERX. The servicing component of MERX will naturally decline as servicing income is received. Turning back to stock repurchases, as mentioned, we have been actively repurchasing shares, including through a 10b5-1 trading plan.
Speaker #3: MFIC's remaining investment in MERFs consists of four aircraft, plus the value associated with MERFs' servicing platform. MERFs earns income through its servicing activities for Navigator, Apollo's dedicated aircraft leasing fund, which currently owns 36 aircraft.
Speaker #3: Having fully deployed its equity commitments, Navigator is in the harvest period and, as such, the fund has opportunistically monetizing assets to optimize fund level returns.
Speaker #3: MERFs receives a remarketing fee on each aircraft sale. At the end of March, the servicing business represented approximately 38% of the total value of MERFs.
Speaker #3: The servicing component of MERFs will naturally decline as servicing income is received. Turning back to stock repurchases, as mentioned, we have been actively repurchasing shares, including through a 10(b)(5)(1) trading plan.
Tanner Powell: We have fully utilized our existing $107.9 million authorization, with $76 million repurchased in Q1 and the remaining $31.9 million repurchased post-quarter end in April. The authorization was fully utilized more quickly than anticipated, driven by the increase in our trading volume. Moving to the dividend. On 05 May 2026, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.31 per share for stockholders of record as of 09 June 2026, payable on 25 June 2026. With that, I will now turn the call over to Ted McNulty.
Tanner Powell: We have fully utilized our existing $107.9 million authorization, with $76 million repurchased in Q1 and the remaining $31.9 million repurchased post-quarter end in April. The authorization was fully utilized more quickly than anticipated, driven by the increase in our trading volume. Moving to the dividend. On 05 May 2026, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.31 per share for stockholders of record as of 09 June 2026, payable on 25 June 2026. With that, I will now turn the call over to Ted McNulty.
Speaker #3: We have fully utilized our existing $107.9 million authorization with $76 million repurchased in the first quarter and the remaining $31.9 million repurchased post-quarter-end in April.
Speaker #3: The authorization was fully utilized more quickly than anticipated, driven by the increase in our trading volume. Moving to the dividend on May 5th, 2026, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.31 per share per stock dollars of record as of June 9th, 2026, payable on June 25th, 2026.
Speaker #3: With that, I will now turn the call over to Ted.
Ted McNulty: Thank you, Tanner. Good morning, everyone. I'm going to spend a few minutes reviewing our Q1 investment activity and then provide some details on our investment portfolio. As Tanner mentioned, new investment activity during the Q1 was relatively modest. MFIC's new commitments in the quarter totaled $50 million, with a weighted average spread of 469 basis points across eight different companies. The vast majority of these new commitments were made prior to our decision to allocate more capital to stock buybacks. The weighted average net leverage on new commitments was 3.6x in the quarter. Gross fundings, excluding revolvers, totaled $68 million. Sales and repayments, excluding revolvers and MERX, totaled $181 million. Net revolver fundings were approximately $1 million, and as previously mentioned, we received a $22 million pay down from MERX.
Ted McNulty: Thank you, Tanner. Good morning, everyone. I'm going to spend a few minutes reviewing our Q1 investment activity and then provide some details on our investment portfolio. As Tanner mentioned, new investment activity during the Q1 was relatively modest. MFIC's new commitments in the quarter totaled $50 million, with a weighted average spread of 469 basis points across eight different companies. The vast majority of these new commitments were made prior to our decision to allocate more capital to stock buybacks. The weighted average net leverage on new commitments was 3.6x in the quarter. Gross fundings, excluding revolvers, totaled $68 million. Sales and repayments, excluding revolvers and MERX, totaled $181 million. Net revolver fundings were approximately $1 million, and as previously mentioned, we received a $22 million pay down from MERX.
Speaker #4: Thank you, Tanner. Good morning, everyone. I'm going to spend a few minutes reviewing our first quarter investment activity, and then provide some details on our investment portfolio.
Speaker #4: As Tanner mentioned, new investment activity during the March quarter was relatively modest. MFIC's new commitments in the quarter totaled $50 million, with a weighted average spread of $469 basis points across eight different companies.
Speaker #4: The vast majority of these new commitments were made prior to our decision to allocate more capital to stock buybacks. The weighted average net leverage on new commitments was 3.6 times in the quarter.
Speaker #4: Gross fundings, excluding revolvers, totaled $68 million. Sales and repayments, excluding revolvers and MERFs, totaled $181 million. Net revolver fundings were approximately $1 million. And as previously mentioned, we received a $22 million pay down for MERFs.
Ted McNulty: In aggregate, net repayments for the quarter totaled $142 million. Shifting to our investment portfolio. At the end of March, our portfolio had a fair value of $2.97 billion and was invested in 236 companies across 45 different industries. Direct origination and other represented 96% of the total portfolio. MERX represented less than 3% of the total portfolio, and liquid positions acquired during our mergers with two funds in 2024 totaled approximately 1%. All of these figures are on a fair value basis. Specific to the direct origination portfolio, at the end of March, 99% was first lien and 94% was backed by financial sponsors, both on a fair value basis. The average funded position was $12.6 million. The median EBITDA was approximately $51 million.
Ted McNulty: In aggregate, net repayments for the quarter totaled $142 million. Shifting to our investment portfolio. At the end of March, our portfolio had a fair value of $2.97 billion and was invested in 236 companies across 45 different industries. Direct origination and other represented 96% of the total portfolio. MERX represented less than 3% of the total portfolio, and liquid positions acquired during our mergers with two funds in 2024 totaled approximately 1%. All of these figures are on a fair value basis. Specific to the direct origination portfolio, at the end of March, 99% was first lien and 94% was backed by financial sponsors, both on a fair value basis. The average funded position was $12.6 million. The median EBITDA was approximately $51 million.
Speaker #4: In aggregate, net repayments for the quarter totaled $142 million. Shifting to our investment portfolio, at the end of March, our portfolio had a fair value of $2.97 billion and was invested in 236 companies across 45 different industries.
Speaker #4: Direct origination and other, represented 96% of the total portfolio. MERFs represented less than 3% of the total portfolio. And liquid positions, acquired during our mergers, with two funds in 2024 totaled approximately 1%.
Speaker #4: All of these figures are on a fair value basis. Specific to the direct origination portfolio, at the end of March, 99% was first lien, and 94% was backed by financial sponsors, both on a fair value basis.
Speaker #4: The average funded position was $12.6 million. The median EBITDA was approximately $51 million. Approximately 94% had one or more financial covenants on a cost basis.
Ted McNulty: Approximately 94% had 1 or more financial covenants on a cost basis. Covenant quality is a key point of differentiation for the core middle market, as substantially all of our deals have at least 1 covenant. The weighted average yield at cost on our direct origination portfolio was 9.6% on average for the Q1, down from 10% for the Q4. The sequential decrease in the portfolio yield was driven by lower base rates, as well as a decline in the average spread across the portfolio. At the end of March, the weighted average spread on the directly originated corporate lending portfolio was 538 basis points, down 8 basis points compared to the end of December. Next, let me make a few comments about our software exposure.
Ted McNulty: Approximately 94% had 1 or more financial covenants on a cost basis. Covenant quality is a key point of differentiation for the core middle market, as substantially all of our deals have at least 1 covenant. The weighted average yield at cost on our direct origination portfolio was 9.6% on average for the Q1, down from 10% for the Q4. The sequential decrease in the portfolio yield was driven by lower base rates, as well as a decline in the average spread across the portfolio. At the end of March, the weighted average spread on the directly originated corporate lending portfolio was 538 basis points, down 8 basis points compared to the end of December. Next, let me make a few comments about our software exposure.
Speaker #4: Covenant quality is a key point of differentiation for the core middle market, a substantially all-of-our deals have at least one covenant. The weighted average yield at cost on our direct origination portfolio was 9.6% on average for the March quarter, down from 10% for the December quarter.
Speaker #4: The sequential decrease in the portfolio yield was driven by lower base rates, as well as a decline in the average spread across the portfolio.
Speaker #4: At the end of March, the weighted average spread on the directly originated corporate lending portfolio was $538 basis points, down 8 basis points compared to the end of December.
Speaker #4: Next, let me make a few comments about our software exposure. You can find additional details on our software exposure on page 5 of the earnings supplement.
Ted McNulty: You can find additional details on our software exposure on page 5 of the earnings supplement. As of March 31st, software represented just 11% of MFIC's portfolio at fair value, which is well below the BDC industry average. These positions are primarily cash pay, 100% first lien, and highly diversified across 28 borrowers, with an average position size of $12 million. Our software book is diversified across a wide range of end markets and carries a low average LTV of 35%. The median EBITDA of our software portfolio companies is $50 million. Only one borrower is PIK, and PIK income from our software portfolio is de minimis. The weighted average interest coverage of our software portfolio is 2.3x, in line with the overall portfolio.
Ted McNulty: You can find additional details on our software exposure on page 5 of the earnings supplement. As of March 31st, software represented just 11% of MFIC's portfolio at fair value, which is well below the BDC industry average. These positions are primarily cash pay, 100% first lien, and highly diversified across 28 borrowers, with an average position size of $12 million. Our software book is diversified across a wide range of end markets and carries a low average LTV of 35%. The median EBITDA of our software portfolio companies is $50 million. Only one borrower is PIK, and PIK income from our software portfolio is de minimis. The weighted average interest coverage of our software portfolio is 2.3x, in line with the overall portfolio.
Speaker #4: As of March 31st, software represented just 11% of MFIC's portfolio at fair value, which is well below the BDC industry average. These positions are primarily cash pay, 100% first lien, and highly diversified across 28 borrowers.
Speaker #4: With an average position size of $12 million. Our software book is diversified across a wide range of end markets and carries a low average LTV of 35%.
Speaker #4: The median EBITDA of our software portfolio companies is $50 million. Only one borrower is picking, and picking come from our software portfolio's de minimis.
Speaker #4: The weighted average interest coverage of our software portfolio is 2.3 times, in line with the overall portfolio. The weighted average net leverage is 4.4 times, down from 4.6 times in the prior quarter, and is below the overall portfolio.
Ted McNulty: The weighted average net leverage is 4.4x, down from 4.6x in the prior quarter, and is below the overall portfolio. The weighted average spread of the SOFR portfolio is 533 basis points, roughly in line with the overall portfolio. MidCap's approach to lending to software companies has remained consistent, though has become more selective in the current environment. The strategy is always centered on borrowers with mission-critical products, high switching costs, and strong revenue visibility supported by long-term contracts. Turning now to credit quality. On the overall portfolio, investments on non-accrual status increased to 3.5% of the total portfolio at fair value compared to 2.6% at the end of the prior quarter. The two largest contributors to the increase were Midwest Vision Partners and Tasty Chicken.
Ted McNulty: The weighted average net leverage is 4.4x, down from 4.6x in the prior quarter, and is below the overall portfolio. The weighted average spread of the SOFR portfolio is 533 basis points, roughly in line with the overall portfolio. MidCap's approach to lending to software companies has remained consistent, though has become more selective in the current environment. The strategy is always centered on borrowers with mission-critical products, high switching costs, and strong revenue visibility supported by long-term contracts. Turning now to credit quality. On the overall portfolio, investments on non-accrual status increased to 3.5% of the total portfolio at fair value compared to 2.6% at the end of the prior quarter. The two largest contributors to the increase were Midwest Vision Partners and Tasty Chicken.
Speaker #4: The weighted average spread of the software portfolio is 533 basis points. Roughly in line with the overall portfolio. MidCap's approach to lending to software companies has remained consistent.
Speaker #4: Though it has become more selective in the current environment, the strategy has always centered on borrowers with mission-critical products, high-switching costs, and strong revenue visibility supported by long-term contracts.
Speaker #4: Turning now to credit quality, on the overall portfolio, investments on non-accrual status increased to 3.5% of the total portfolio at fair value, compared to 2.6% at the end of the prior quarter.
Speaker #4: The two largest contributors to the increase were Midwest Vision and Tasty Chicken. Underlying portfolio company CreditMetrix was stable quarter over quarter. Borrower net leverage, or debt to EBITDA, was 5.29 times at the end of March, unchanged from the end of December.
Ted McNulty: Underlying portfolio company credit metrics were stable quarter-over-quarter. Borrower net leverage or debt to EBITDA was 5.29 times at the end of March, unchanged from the end of December, and the weighted average interest coverage ratio is 2.3 times, also unchanged from the end of December. We believe the steady revolver utilization rate we see from our borrowers is an indicator of greater financial stability and provides us with incremental and more frequent financial information. Revolving facilities provide insight into a company's liquidity position through draw behavior. At the end of March, the percentage of our leveraged lending revolver commitments that were drawn was essentially flat compared to the prior quarter. PIK income represented 4.7% of total investment income for the month quarter, down slightly compared to the prior quarter.
Ted McNulty: Underlying portfolio company credit metrics were stable quarter-over-quarter. Borrower net leverage or debt to EBITDA was 5.29 times at the end of March, unchanged from the end of December, and the weighted average interest coverage ratio is 2.3 times, also unchanged from the end of December. We believe the steady revolver utilization rate we see from our borrowers is an indicator of greater financial stability and provides us with incremental and more frequent financial information. Revolving facilities provide insight into a company's liquidity position through draw behavior. At the end of March, the percentage of our leveraged lending revolver commitments that were drawn was essentially flat compared to the prior quarter. PIK income represented 4.7% of total investment income for the month quarter, down slightly compared to the prior quarter.
Speaker #4: And the weighted average interest coverage ratio was 2.3 times, also unchanged from the end of December. We believe the steady revolver utilization rate we see from our borrowers is an indicator of greater financial stability and provides us with incremental and more frequent financial information.
Speaker #4: Revolving facilities provide insight into a company's liquidity position through draw behavior. At the end of March, the percentage of our leveraged lending revolver commitments that were drawn was essentially flat compared to the prior quarter.
Speaker #4: Picking come represented 4.7% of total investment income for the month quarter, down slightly compared to the prior quarter. With that, I will now turn the call over to Kenny to discuss our financial results in detail.
Ted McNulty: With that, I'll now turn the call over to Kenny to discuss our financial results in detail.
Ted McNulty: With that, I'll now turn the call over to Kenny to discuss our financial results in detail.
Kenneth Seifert: Thank you, Ted. Good morning, everyone. Total investment income for the Q1 was approximately $71.8 million, a decline of $6.5 million or 8.3% from the prior quarter. The decrease was driven by lower interest income resulting from lower base rates, fewer accrual days in the quarter, a decrease in the size of the portfolio, an increase in non-accruals, as well as lower fee income. As a reminder, the impact of changes in base rates on our interest income occurs with a lag, depending on the reset frequency of our loans. During the Q4, the average daily 3-month SOFR declined 38 basis points compared to the prior quarter. Prepayment income was approximately $2.7 million, up from $2.4 million last quarter. Fee income was approximately $500,000, down from $1 million.
Kenneth Seifert: Thank you, Ted. Good morning, everyone. Total investment income for the Q1 was approximately $71.8 million, a decline of $6.5 million or 8.3% from the prior quarter. The decrease was driven by lower interest income resulting from lower base rates, fewer accrual days in the quarter, a decrease in the size of the portfolio, an increase in non-accruals, as well as lower fee income. As a reminder, the impact of changes in base rates on our interest income occurs with a lag, depending on the reset frequency of our loans. During the Q4, the average daily 3-month SOFR declined 38 basis points compared to the prior quarter. Prepayment income was approximately $2.7 million, up from $2.4 million last quarter. Fee income was approximately $500,000, down from $1 million.
Speaker #5: Thank you, Ted. Good morning, everyone. Total investment income for the March quarter was approximately $71.8 million. This represents a decline of $6.5 million, or 8.3%, from the prior quarter.
Speaker #5: The decrease was driven by lower interest income resulting from lower base rates. Fewer accrual days in the quarter, a decrease in the size of the portfolio, an increase in non-accruals, as well as lower fee income.
Speaker #5: As a reminder, the impact of changes in base rates on our interest income occurs with a lag. Depending on the reset frequency of our loans.
Speaker #5: During the December quarter, the average daily three-month SOFR declined 38 basis points compared to the prior quarter. Prepayment income was approximately 2.7 million dollars.
Speaker #5: Up from 2.4 million dollars last quarter. Fee income was approximately $500,000, down from a million. Dividend income was approximately $300,000. Net expenses for the quarter were 37.6 million dollars, a decline of 4.8 million or 11.3% from the prior quarter.
Kenneth Seifert: Dividend income was approximately $300,000. Net expenses for the quarter were $37.6 million, a decline of $4.8 million or 11.3% from the prior quarter. This decline was driven primarily by lower interest expense resulting from lower base rates, as well as lower administrative service expenses. In addition, the total return feature in our incentive fee calculation eliminated the incentive fee again this quarter. Portfolio had a net loss of $61.1 million or $0.67 per share. For Q1, net investment income per share was $0.38, while GAAP net loss per share was $0.30. Onto the balance sheet. At the end of March, the portfolio had a fair value of $2.97 billion.
Kenneth Seifert: Dividend income was approximately $300,000. Net expenses for the quarter were $37.6 million, a decline of $4.8 million or 11.3% from the prior quarter. This decline was driven primarily by lower interest expense resulting from lower base rates, as well as lower administrative service expenses. In addition, the total return feature in our incentive fee calculation eliminated the incentive fee again this quarter. Portfolio had a net loss of $61.1 million or $0.67 per share. For Q1, net investment income per share was $0.38, while GAAP net loss per share was $0.30. Onto the balance sheet. At the end of March, the portfolio had a fair value of $2.97 billion.
Speaker #5: This decline was driven primarily by lower interest expense, resulting from lower base rates, as well as lower administrative service expenses. In addition, the total return feature in our incentive fee calculation eliminated the incentive fee again this quarter.
Speaker #5: Portfolio had a net loss of 61.1 million dollars or 67 cents per share. For the March quarter, net investment income per share was 38 cents, while gap net loss per share was 30 cents.
Speaker #5: On the balance sheet, at the end of March, the portfolio had a fair value of 2.97 billion dollars. Total principal debt outstanding was 1.87 billion, and total net assets stood at 1.18 billion or 13.82 per share.
Kenneth Seifert: Total principal debt outstanding was $1.87 billion, and total net assets stood at $1.18 billion or $13.82 per share. Company ended the quarter at 1.55 net leverage. As Tanner mentioned, we plan to reduce MFIC's net leverage by continuing to de-emphasize new commitments and through expected repayments. Our cost of debt for the quarter declined to 5.61%, down from 5.95% in the prior quarter, largely driven by lower base rates and somewhat from the refinancing activities that occurred during the December quarter. With respect to the $125 million of 4.5% fixed rate notes maturing in July 2026, we intend to repay those notes using availability under our revolving credit facility.
Kenneth Seifert: Total principal debt outstanding was $1.87 billion, and total net assets stood at $1.18 billion or $13.82 per share. Company ended the quarter at 1.55 net leverage. As Tanner mentioned, we plan to reduce MFIC's net leverage by continuing to de-emphasize new commitments and through expected repayments. Our cost of debt for the quarter declined to 5.61%, down from 5.95% in the prior quarter, largely driven by lower base rates and somewhat from the refinancing activities that occurred during the December quarter. With respect to the $125 million of 4.5% fixed rate notes maturing in July 2026, we intend to repay those notes using availability under our revolving credit facility.
Speaker #5: Company ended the quarter at 1.55 net leverage, as Tanner mentioned, we plan to reduce MFIC's net leverage by continuing to de-emphasize new commitments and through expected repayments.
Speaker #5: Our cost of debt for the quarter declined to 5.61%, down from 5.95% in the prior quarter. Larger dividend by lower base rates, and somewhat from the refinancing activities that occurred during the December quarter.
Speaker #5: With respect to the 125 million dollars of 4.5% fixed rate notes maturing in July 2026, we intend to repay those notes using availability under our revolving credit facility.
Kenneth Seifert: At today's base rates, the revolving credit facility carries a higher cost relative to the notes, which is expected to modestly increase our cost of debt. This concludes our prepared remarks. Operator, please open the call for questions.
Kenneth Seifert: At today's base rates, the revolving credit facility carries a higher cost relative to the notes, which is expected to modestly increase our cost of debt. This concludes our prepared remarks. Operator, please open the call for questions.
Speaker #5: At today's base rates, the revolving credit facility carries a higher cost relative to the notes, which is expected to modestly increase our cost of debt.
Speaker #5: This concludes our prepared remarks. Operator, please open the call to questions.
Operator 3: Thank you. We'll take our first question from Arren P. Cyganovich from Truist Securities. Please go ahead. Your line is open.
Operator: Thank you. We'll take our first question from Arren Cyganovich from Truist Securities. Please go ahead. Your line is open.
Speaker #1: Thank you. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your keypad. To leave the queue at any time, press star two.
Speaker #1: Once again, that is star one to ask a question. And we'll pause for just a moment to allow everyone a chance to join the queue.
Speaker #1: We'll take our first question from Aaron Sigonovich from Truth Securities. Please go ahead. Your line is open.
Arren P. Cyganovich: Hi. Thanks. You utilized your share repurchases rather quickly. Maybe you could talk a little bit about, you know, future repurchases. I know you've used the entire approved repurchases. Is that something that you expect to continue to do, or do you think that you'll start to, you know, grow the portfolio again?
Arren Cyganovich: Hi. Thanks. You utilized your share repurchases rather quickly. Maybe you could talk a little bit about, you know, future repurchases. I know you've used the entire approved repurchases. Is that something that you expect to continue to do, or do you think that you'll start to, you know, grow the portfolio again?
Speaker #6: Hi. Thanks. Utilized your share repurchases rather quickly. Maybe you could talk a little bit about future repurchases. I know you've used the entire approved repurchases.
Speaker #6: Is that something that you expect to continue to do, or do you think that you'll start to grow the portfolio again?
Tanner Powell: Yeah. Thanks, Arren P. Cyganovich. As we called out in the prepared remarks, the dynamic with the increased trading volume enabled us to, under our Rule 10b5-1 plan, repurchase more quickly than we thought. We also separately had some prepays that pushed, and we guided to the fact that we've already seen $100 million in the quarter to date period since 31 March. Obviously the loss leaves us at a leverage level that is elevated. At this juncture, we believe it prudent not to make a decision with respect to a share buyback or commencing of deployment until such time as we get down to the lower end of our range or lower.
Tanner Powell: Yeah. Thanks, Arren P. Cyganovich. As we called out in the prepared remarks, the dynamic with the increased trading volume enabled us to, under our Rule 10b5-1 plan, repurchase more quickly than we thought. We also separately had some prepays that pushed, and we guided to the fact that we've already seen $100 million in the quarter to date period since 31 March. Obviously the loss leaves us at a leverage level that is elevated. At this juncture, we believe it prudent not to make a decision with respect to a share buyback or commencing of deployment until such time as we get down to the lower end of our range or lower.
Speaker #5: Yeah. Thanks, Aaron. As we called out in the prepared remarks, the dynamic with the increased trading volume enabled us to, under our 10(b)(5)(1) plan, repurchase more quickly than we thought.
Speaker #5: We also separately had some prepays that pushed, and we guided to the fact that we've already seen $100 million in the quarter-to-date period since March 31st, and then obviously the loss leaves us at a leverage level that is elevated.
Speaker #5: And so with this juncture, we believe that prudent, not to make a decision with respect to a share buyback or commencing of deployment, until such time as we get down to the lower end of our range or lower, and then at that point, evaluate the capital allocation decision.
Tanner Powell: At that point, you know, evaluate the capital allocation decision. Importantly, I will also call your attention to the statements we made on our last earnings call. You know, we are very focused on shareholder value and, you know, we wanted to make a big statement with the size of the buyback and with the ultimate goal of trying to narrow the discount between our trading price and NAV. That logic and that goal will be, you know, top of mind when we do make that decision as we get down to leverage level again at or below the bottom end of our range.
Tanner Powell: At that point, you know, evaluate the capital allocation decision. Importantly, I will also call your attention to the statements we made on our last earnings call. You know, we are very focused on shareholder value and, you know, we wanted to make a big statement with the size of the buyback and with the ultimate goal of trying to narrow the discount between our trading price and NAV. That logic and that goal will be, you know, top of mind when we do make that decision as we get down to leverage level again at or below the bottom end of our range.
Speaker #5: Importantly, I will also call your attention to the statements we made on our last earnings call. We are very focused on shareholder value, and we wanted to make a big statement with the size of the buyback and with the ultimate goal of trying to narrow the discount.
Speaker #5: Between our trading price and NAV, and that logic and that goal will be top of mind when we do make that decision as we get down to a leverage level again at or below the bottom end of our range.
Arren P. Cyganovich: Okay. That makes sense. The non-accruals increased, I think they're over 5% at cost now, it seems, you know, I don't know, a little bit worse than what I would say for kind of a normal credit environment. You know, how are you viewing credit broadly and, you know, what led to these increases in non-accruals? You mentioned the two companies.
Arren Cyganovich: Okay. That makes sense. The non-accruals increased, I think they're over 5% at cost now, it seems, you know, I don't know, a little bit worse than what I would say for kind of a normal credit environment. You know, how are you viewing credit broadly and, you know, what led to these increases in non-accruals? You mentioned the two companies.
Speaker #6: Okay. That makes sense. The non-accruals increased I think they're over 5% at cost now. So it seems I don't know, a little bit worse than what I would say for kind of a normal credit viewing credit broadly and what led to these increases in non-accruals you mentioned, the two companies?
Ted McNulty: Sure. Thanks, Arren P. Cyganovich. You know, when we look at the overall portfolio, we did see very healthy revenue and EBITDA growth across, you know, the 200 plus borrowers that we have. You know, we do have, you know, some borrowers that are suffering challenges, you know, and some of that, you know, is thematic. You know, we have, you know, exposure, modest, very small exposure to quick service restaurant industries. One of the companies we mentioned, you know, is in that category. We also see, you know, some credit challenges in companies where they're seeing cost pressures, whether that's from, you know, goods inflation, labor inflation, etc., and pressure or revenue reliance on the low end of the consumer.
Ted McNulty: Sure. Thanks, Arren P. Cyganovich. You know, when we look at the overall portfolio, we did see very healthy revenue and EBITDA growth across, you know, the 200 plus borrowers that we have. You know, we do have, you know, some borrowers that are suffering challenges, you know, and some of that, you know, is thematic. You know, we have, you know, exposure, modest, very small exposure to quick service restaurant industries. One of the companies we mentioned, you know, is in that category. We also see, you know, some credit challenges in companies where they're seeing cost pressures, whether that's from, you know, goods inflation, labor inflation, etc., and pressure or revenue reliance on the low end of the consumer.
Speaker #5: Yeah. Sure. Thanks, Aaron. When we look at the overall portfolio, we did see very healthy revenue and EBITDA growth across the 200-plus borrowers that we have.
Speaker #5: We do have some borrowers that are suffering challenges and some of that is thematic. We have exposure modest, very small exposure to quick service restaurant industries.
Speaker #5: One of the companies we mentioned is in that category. And so we also see some credit challenges in companies where the they're seeing cost pressures, whether that's from goods inflation, labor inflation, etc., and pressure or revenue reliance on the low end of the consumer.
Kenneth Seifert: When we see, you know, those factors coming together, you know, that's where we tend to see problems. Usually if you have a credit go on non-accrual, it's, you know, not due to one factor. It's due to a confluence of several factors. You know, as we think about, you know, the outlook, you know, the vast majority of the credits are performing quite well. You know, we are monitoring very closely, you know, the names on our watch list. In conjunction with the portfolio management functions at MidCap Financial.
Kenneth Seifert: When we see, you know, those factors coming together, you know, that's where we tend to see problems. Usually if you have a credit go on non-accrual, it's, you know, not due to one factor. It's due to a confluence of several factors. You know, as we think about, you know, the outlook, you know, the vast majority of the credits are performing quite well. You know, we are monitoring very closely, you know, the names on our watch list. In conjunction with the portfolio management functions at MidCap Financial.
Speaker #5: And so when we see those factors coming together, that's where we tend to see problems. Usually, if you have a credit go on non-accrual, it's not due to one factor.
Speaker #5: It's due to a confluence of several factors. And as we think about the outlook the vast majority of the credits are performing quite well.
Speaker #5: We are monitoring very closely the names on our watch list. And in conjunction with the portfolio management functions that MidCap Financial, we're on top of those names.
Ted McNulty: You know, we're, you know, on top of those names. You know, I think your question kind of started off with for a normal credit cycle, it seems high. I think if we kind of look across the, you know, lending, the lending environment, you know, you do start to see non-accruals ticking up kind of around the sector. I think we should just all ask ourselves, like, where are we in the credit cycle?
Ted McNulty: You know, we're, you know, on top of those names. You know, I think your question kind of started off with for a normal credit cycle, it seems high. I think if we kind of look across the, you know, lending, the lending environment, you know, you do start to see non-accruals ticking up kind of around the sector. I think we should just all ask ourselves, like, where are we in the credit cycle?
Speaker #5: And so I think your question kind of started off with, for a normal credit cycle, it seems high. And I think if we kind of look across the lending environment, you do start to see non-accruals ticking up kind of around the sector.
Speaker #5: And so I think that I think we should just all ask ourselves, where are we in the credit cycle? And then just, Aaron, just to clean up the other non-accrual that we called out is in Midwest Vision.
Tanner Powell: Just Arren, just to clean up the other non-accrual that we called out is in Midwest Vision, and that happens to be an ophthalmology PPM. The good news, broadly speaking, is we're relatively under-indexed to PPMs. The bad news, we do have actually 2, and this is one of them. The challenges there are well understood in terms of cost pressures and also a dynamic wherein those business models were particularly sensitive to cost of capital, the ability to roll up and ultimately the valuation of those franchises to maintain the relationships with doctors and retain those doctors and so on.
Tanner Powell: Just Arren, just to clean up the other non-accrual that we called out is in Midwest Vision, and that happens to be an ophthalmology PPM. The good news, broadly speaking, is we're relatively under-indexed to PPMs. The bad news, we do have actually 2, and this is one of them. The challenges there are well understood in terms of cost pressures and also a dynamic wherein those business models were particularly sensitive to cost of capital, the ability to roll up and ultimately the valuation of those franchises to maintain the relationships with doctors and retain those doctors and so on.
Speaker #5: And that happens to be an ophthalmology PPM. The good news broadly speaking is we're relatively under-indexed to PPMs. The bad news is we do have actually two and this is one of them.
Speaker #5: The challenge is there are well understood in terms of cost pressures and also a dynamic wherein those business models we're particularly sensitive to cost of capital, the ability to roll up and ultimately the valuation of those franchises to maintain the relationships with doctors and retain those doctors.
Tanner Powell: Unfortunately, in that particular case, those stresses resulted in a deterioration in that credit and hence, that name also got put on non-accrual.
Tanner Powell: Unfortunately, in that particular case, those stresses resulted in a deterioration in that credit and hence, that name also got put on non-accrual.
Speaker #5: And so unfortunately, in that particular case, that those stresses resulted in a deterioration in that credit and hence that name also got put on non-accrual.
Arren P. Cyganovich: Okay. Thank you. Appreciate it.
Arren Cyganovich: Okay. Thank you. Appreciate it.
Speaker #6: Okay. Thank you. Appreciate it.
Operator 3: Thank you. We'll take our next question from Richard Shane with J.P. Morgan. Please go ahead. Your line is open.
Operator: Thank you. We'll take our next question from Richard Shane with J.P. Morgan. Please go ahead. Your line is open.
Speaker #1: Thank you. We'll take our next question from Rick Shane with JPMorgan. Please go ahead. Your line is open.
Richard Shane: Hey, guys. Thanks for taking my question. Look, you guys have set out on a pretty different path from a lot of your peer companies in terms of how you're approaching returning capital and growth. You know, if you kind of look at the questions we've asked of many of your peers, over the last quarter and similar companies, in theory, it's a view that we share. There is an interesting analog here, which is ARI, another Apollo vehicle, where they, facing the same dynamics, chose to sell off the vast majority of their assets at close to carrying value and are now sort of considering strategic alternatives.
Richard Shane: Hey, guys. Thanks for taking my question. Look, you guys have set out on a pretty different path from a lot of your peer companies in terms of how you're approaching returning capital and growth. You know, if you kind of look at the questions we've asked of many of your peers, over the last quarter and similar companies, in theory, it's a view that we share. There is an interesting analog here, which is ARI, another Apollo vehicle, where they, facing the same dynamics, chose to sell off the vast majority of their assets at close to carrying value and are now sort of considering strategic alternatives.
Speaker #7: Hey, guys. Thanks for taking my question. Look, you guys have set out on a pretty different path from a lot of your peer companies in terms of how you're approaching returning capital and growth.
Speaker #7: And if you kind of look at the questions we've asked of many of your peers, over the last quarter and similar companies, in theory, it's a view that we share.
Speaker #7: There is an interesting analog here, which is ARI, another Apollo vehicle, where they facing the same dynamics chose to sell off the vast majority of their assets at close to carrying value and are now sort of considering strategic alternatives.
Richard Shane: I am curious, you know, given that the analog, how you guys are thinking about growth long term and what are, you know, what is the path forward if BDCs continue to trade at discounts to NAV, if publicly traded BDCs continue to trade at discounts to NAV?
Richard Shane: I am curious, you know, given that the analog, how you guys are thinking about growth long term and what are, you know, what is the path forward if BDCs continue to trade at discounts to NAV, if publicly traded BDCs continue to trade at discounts to NAV?
Speaker #7: I am curious given that the analog, how you guys are thinking about growth long-term and what are what is the path forward if BDCs continue to trade at discounts to NAV, at publicly traded BDCs continue to trade at discounts to NAV?
Tanner Powell: Yeah. Thanks for the question, Richard Shane. A very good one. You know, as we've stated, as you rightly pointed out, you know, manifest in the firm's approach to ARI, you know, we're very focused, as a firm, you know, where we manage public vehicles, you know, making sure, you know, we are operating them with the objective of maximizing value to shareholders. What I would point you to is, structurally, a BDC and a ARI structure are different. You know, the arrows in the quiver, so to speak, for a BDC are limited relative to ARI.
Tanner Powell: Yeah. Thanks for the question, Richard Shane. A very good one. You know, as we've stated, as you rightly pointed out, you know, manifest in the firm's approach to ARI, you know, we're very focused, as a firm, you know, where we manage public vehicles, you know, making sure, you know, we are operating them with the objective of maximizing value to shareholders. What I would point you to is, structurally, a BDC and a ARI structure are different. You know, the arrows in the quiver, so to speak, for a BDC are limited relative to ARI.
Speaker #5: Yeah. Thanks. Thanks for the question, Rick. And a very good one. So as we've stated and then as you rightly pointed out, Manifest in the firm's approach to ARI, we're very focused as a firm where we manage public vehicles making sure we are operating them with the objective of maximizing value to shareholders.
Speaker #5: What I would point you to is, structurally, a BDC and the ARI structure are different. And so, the arrows in the quiver, so to speak, for a BDC are limited relative to ARI.
Tanner Powell: Thus the path that was afforded in the case of ARI does not avail itself to us in quite the same way. That said, I would, and at the risk of being redundant, you know, call your attention to, irrespective of all the options that are available, you know, our focus remains on, you know, delivering value to shareholders and doing our best to narrow the discount. So as a result, as we look at the situation right now, we're mainly focused on, you know, in the current moment, obviously, as I alluded to, getting leverage down.
Tanner Powell: Thus the path that was afforded in the case of ARI does not avail itself to us in quite the same way. That said, I would, and at the risk of being redundant, you know, call your attention to, irrespective of all the options that are available, you know, our focus remains on, you know, delivering value to shareholders and doing our best to narrow the discount. So as a result, as we look at the situation right now, we're mainly focused on, you know, in the current moment, obviously, as I alluded to, getting leverage down.
Speaker #5: And thus, the path that was afforded in the case of ARI does not avail itself to us in quite the same way.
Speaker #5: That said, I would and at the risk of being redundant, call your attention to irrespective of all the options that are available are focused remains on delivering value to shareholders.
Speaker #5: And doing our best to narrow the discount. And so, as a result, as we look at the situation right now, we are extremely focused on, in the current moment, obviously, as I alluded to, getting leverage down.
Tanner Powell: you know, also, you know, upon getting down to that leverage, making that capital allocation decision based on, you know, obviously, where market is and where we are, where we're trading at the top.
Tanner Powell: you know, also, you know, upon getting down to that leverage, making that capital allocation decision based on, you know, obviously, where market is and where we are, where we're trading at the top.
Speaker #5: But also upon getting down to that leverage, making that capital allocation decision based on obviously where market is and then where we are where we're trading at the time.
Richard Shane: Got it. Look, I think you guys realize I'm newly revisiting the name but have a lot of history with the company. You know, my experience is that over time, you guys have been very thoughtful about premiums and discounts and thinking about what that means for shareholders. It is interesting to see you take what I think is a pretty different path from some of your peers right now. At what point do you worry that if this continues, that not only is there a financial leverage issue, but you lose operating leverage on the platform?
Richard Shane: Got it. Look, I think you guys realize I'm newly revisiting the name but have a lot of history with the company. You know, my experience is that over time, you guys have been very thoughtful about premiums and discounts and thinking about what that means for shareholders. It is interesting to see you take what I think is a pretty different path from some of your peers right now. At what point do you worry that if this continues, that not only is there a financial leverage issue, but you lose operating leverage on the platform?
Speaker #7: Got it. And look, I think you guys realize I'm newly revisiting the name but have a lot of history with the company. And my experience is that over time, you guys have been very thoughtful about premiums and discounts and thinking about what that means for shareholders and it is interesting to see you take what I think is a pretty different path from some of your peers right now.
Speaker #7: What point do you worry that if you continue if this continues, that not only is there a financial leverage issue, but you lose operating leverage on the platform?
Tanner Powell: Another very good question, Rick. Appreciate it. There's a couple things there. I think it's very important and what we've kind of stressed as a team as we've evaluated these options is we have a, you know, kind of think of it as a macro framework of what we're operating to. Each individual decision as it presents itself has to be looked at, you know, kind of in the current market framework. I don't need to tell you that things are changing quite a bit. Thus, it's informed by, you know, what the, you know, what's on the field at the particular time. You know, in terms of operating leverage, you know, we obviously have SG&A at the BDC.
Tanner Powell: Another very good question, Rick. Appreciate it. There's a couple things there. I think it's very important and what we've kind of stressed as a team as we've evaluated these options is we have a, you know, kind of think of it as a macro framework of what we're operating to. Each individual decision as it presents itself has to be looked at, you know, kind of in the current market framework. I don't need to tell you that things are changing quite a bit. Thus, it's informed by, you know, what the, you know, what's on the field at the particular time. You know, in terms of operating leverage, you know, we obviously have SG&A at the BDC.
Speaker #5: So another very good question, Rick. So appreciate it. So there's a couple of things there. I think it's very important and what we've kind of stressed as a team as we've evaluated these options is we have a kind of think of it as a macro framework of what we're operating to, but each individual decision as it presents itself has to be looked at kind of in the current market framework.
Speaker #5: I don't need to tell you that things are changing quite a bit. And thus, it's informed by what the what's on the field at the particular time.
Speaker #5: In terms of operating leverage, we obviously have SG&A at the BDC. As we shrink, that there is a deleterious effect there, but that's relatively modest.
Tanner Powell: As we shrink that there is a, you know, deleterious effect there, but that's relatively modest. I think one of the other dynamics that's important to consider and one of the, that enabled us to make this decision is, Rick, if you think about our MidCap business, it's, you know, overall it's a $50 billion business, between the balance sheet of MidCap and the various sidecars and the assets that are managed there. Thus, you know, when we thought about undertaking this decision, we were fortunate, given that setup, given those dynamics, that MFIC's non-participation in a particular deal, and hence, you know, or, you know, indicative of where we are right now, where we're not deploying, does not impair our ability to deliver the solution for the client.
Tanner Powell: As we shrink that there is a, you know, deleterious effect there, but that's relatively modest. I think one of the other dynamics that's important to consider and one of the, that enabled us to make this decision is, Rick, if you think about our MidCap business, it's, you know, overall it's a $50 billion business, between the balance sheet of MidCap and the various sidecars and the assets that are managed there. Thus, you know, when we thought about undertaking this decision, we were fortunate, given that setup, given those dynamics, that MFIC's non-participation in a particular deal, and hence, you know, or, you know, indicative of where we are right now, where we're not deploying, does not impair our ability to deliver the solution for the client.
Speaker #5: I think one of the other dynamics that's important to consider and one of the that enabled us to make this decision is, Rick, if you think about our mid-cap business, it's overall, it's a $50 billion business between the balance sheet of mid-cap and the various sidecars and the assets that are managed there.
Speaker #5: And thus, when we thought about undertaking this decision, we were fortunate given that setup, given those dynamics that MFIC's non-participation in a particular deal and hence or indicative of where we are right now, where we're not deploying does not impair our ability to deliver the solution for the client.
Tanner Powell: You know, the capital, you know, on the MidCap balance sheet and in all those other sidecars enables us to continue to, you know, operate and make commitments at scale to our sponsor clients and our corporate clients. As a result, you know, the operating leverage, if you will, is not impaired there. From a business standpoint, I should say, you know, we still have the ability to prosecute our business. You know, again, we're fortunate to be in this position that enabled us to undertake that decision.
Tanner Powell: You know, the capital, you know, on the MidCap balance sheet and in all those other sidecars enables us to continue to, you know, operate and make commitments at scale to our sponsor clients and our corporate clients. As a result, you know, the operating leverage, if you will, is not impaired there. From a business standpoint, I should say, you know, we still have the ability to prosecute our business. You know, again, we're fortunate to be in this position that enabled us to undertake that decision.
Speaker #5: The capital on the mid-cap balance sheet and in all those other sidecars enables us to continue to operate and make commitments at scale to our sponsor clients and our corporate clients.
Speaker #5: And as a result, the operating leverage, if you will, is not impaired there or from a business standpoint, I should say. We still have the ability to prosecute our business.
Speaker #5: And so, again, we're fortunate to be in this position that enabled us to undertake that decision. And then, getting back to the other part of the question, there is a modest effect on SG&A—not as efficiently leveraged, but again, in summation, we still feel that this is the prudent, right approach for our company at this time.
Tanner Powell: Getting back to the other part of the question, there is a modest effect on SG&A, not as efficiently levered, but, you know, again, in summation, we still feel that this is the prudent right approach for our company in this time.
Tanner Powell: Getting back to the other part of the question, there is a modest effect on SG&A, not as efficiently levered, but, you know, again, in summation, we still feel that this is the prudent right approach for our company in this time.
Richard Shane: Got it. Thank you. Look, you know, whether people are agree or disagree with the, with the strategy, I think that investors value an alternative way of looking at the space and their ability to express their views as well. Thank you, guys.
Richard Shane: Got it. Thank you. Look, you know, whether people are agree or disagree with the, with the strategy, I think that investors value an alternative way of looking at the space and their ability to express their views as well. Thank you, guys.
Speaker #7: Got it. Thank you. Look, whether people are agree or disagree, with the strategy, I think investors value an alternative way of looking at the space and their ability to express their views as well.
Speaker #7: So thank you, guys.
Tanner Powell: Thanks, Rick.
Tanner Powell: Thanks, Rick.
Speaker #6: Thanks, Rick.
Operator 3: Thank you. We will take our next question from Kenneth Lee with RBC Capital Markets.
Operator: Thank you. We will take our next question from Kenneth Lee with RBC Capital Markets.
Speaker #8: Thank you. And once again, if you would like to ask a question, please press star and one on your keypad now. We'll take our next question from Kenneth Lee with RBC Capital Markets.
Speaker #8: Please go ahead. Your line is open.
Kenneth Lee: Hey, good morning, and thanks for taking my question. Apologize if this has been covered before. I've just been hopping on different calls. I think I heard in the prepared remarks that there's a potential de-emphasis on new investments go forward. Just curious, does that mean go forward, originations are mainly gonna be driven by incumbent kind of financings? Then obviously, letting the prepayment activity slowly get leverage back down to the more lower end of the leverage range there. Thanks.
Kenneth Lee: Hey, good morning, and thanks for taking my question. Apologize if this has been covered before. I've just been hopping on different calls. I think I heard in the prepared remarks that there's a potential de-emphasis on new investments go forward. Just curious, does that mean go forward, originations are mainly gonna be driven by incumbent kind of financings? Then obviously, letting the prepayment activity slowly get leverage back down to the more lower end of the leverage range there. Thanks.
Speaker #9: Hey, good morning and thanks for taking my question. I apologize if this has been covered before. I've just been hopping on different calls. I think I heard in the prepared remarks that there's a potential de-emphasis on new investments go forward.
Speaker #9: Just curious, does that mean go forward originations are mainly going to be driven by incumbents kind of financings? And then obviously, letting the prepayment activities slowly get leveraged back down to the more lower end of the leverage range there.
Speaker #9: Thanks.
Tanner Powell: Hi, Ken. Thanks for the question. Yeah, I think to summarize kind of what we have said around, you know, deleveraging and origination and stock buybacks, you know, step one, which is what we're in right now, is to, you know, deleverage back to the lower end or slightly below of, the targeted range that we have, you know, presented to the market, you know, over the last several years. Once as we approach that level, you know, we, along with our board, will be evaluating the capital allocation decision for new originations versus stock buybacks. Kind of the inputs there, you know, are what are the market conditions at the time and where is our stock trading at the time. We're not saying that we're not originating.
Tanner Powell: Hi, Ken. Thanks for the question. Yeah, I think to summarize kind of what we have said around, you know, deleveraging and origination and stock buybacks, you know, step one, which is what we're in right now, is to, you know, deleverage back to the lower end or slightly below of, the targeted range that we have, you know, presented to the market, you know, over the last several years. Once as we approach that level, you know, we, along with our board, will be evaluating the capital allocation decision for new originations versus stock buybacks. Kind of the inputs there, you know, are what are the market conditions at the time and where is our stock trading at the time. We're not saying that we're not originating.
Speaker #6: I can. Thanks for the question. I think the to summarize kind of what we have said around deleveraging and origination and stock buybacks, step one, which is what we're in right now, is to deleverage back to the lower end or slightly below of the targeted range that we have presented to the market over the last several years.
Speaker #6: And then once that as we approach that level, we along with our board will be evaluating the capital allocation decision for new originations versus stock buybacks.
Speaker #6: And kind of the inputs there are what are the market conditions at the time and where is our stock trading at the time? So we're not saying that we're not originating.
Tanner Powell: I would just add to that just for clarity, Ken, you know, a lot of the transactions that are done in the middle market or in the direct lending space, you know, come with delay draws and revolvers, and we've already committed to many of those across our borrowers. We will obviously be honoring those commitments. From time to time, you know, it might make sense even before we get down to the target leverage. We will still be, you know, standing up to those commitments. As Ted alluded to, the decision as to capital allocation will be made upon achieving our target leverage.
Tanner Powell: I would just add to that just for clarity, Ken, you know, a lot of the transactions that are done in the middle market or in the direct lending space, you know, come with delay draws and revolvers, and we've already committed to many of those across our borrowers. We will obviously be honoring those commitments. From time to time, you know, it might make sense even before we get down to the target leverage. We will still be, you know, standing up to those commitments. As Ted alluded to, the decision as to capital allocation will be made upon achieving our target leverage.
Speaker #5: I would just add to that just for the just for clarity, Ken, a lot of the transactions that are done in the middle market or in the direct lending space come with delay draws.
Speaker #5: And revolvers and we've already committed to many of those across our borrowers. We will obviously be honoring those commitments. And then from time to time, it might make sense that even before we get down to the target leverage, so we will still be standing up to those commitments.
Speaker #5: And then as Ted alluded to, the decision as to capital allocation will be made upon achieving our target leverage.
David Brown: Gotcha. Very, very helpful there. One follow-up, if I may. Just in terms of the non-accruals, the pickup quarter to quarter. Just to clarify the earlier comments, were some of the non-accruals, the relative newer ones related to any of the 2022 vintages or were they just throughout the portfolio there? Thanks.
Kenneth Lee: Gotcha. Very, very helpful there. One follow-up, if I may. Just in terms of the non-accruals, the pickup quarter to quarter. Just to clarify the earlier comments, were some of the non-accruals, the relative newer ones related to any of the 2022 vintages or were they just throughout the portfolio there? Thanks.
Speaker #9: Gotcha. Very helpful there. And one follow-up if I may, just in terms of the non-accruals, the pickup quarter to quarter, just to clarify the earlier comments, were some of the non-accruals, the relative newer ones related to any of the 2022 vintages or were they just throughout the portfolio there?
Speaker #9: Thanks.
Tanner Powell: Yes. Yes, Ken. I think what your question was were the non-accruals, you know, from older vintages? If that's the case, then if that's what your question was, then the answer is yes.
Tanner Powell: Yes. Yes, Ken. I think what your question was were the non-accruals, you know, from older vintages? If that's the case, then if that's what your question was, then the answer is yes.
Speaker #6: Yes. Yes, Ken. I think what your question was was the non-accruals from older vintages. And if that's the case, then that's what your question was and the answer is yes.
David Brown: Yes. Gotcha. Very helpful there. Thanks again.
Kenneth Lee: Yes. Gotcha. Very helpful there. Thanks again.
Speaker #5: Yes.
Speaker #9: Gotcha. Very helpful there. Thanks again.
Operator 3: Thank you. We'll take our next question from Heli Sheth with Raymond James. Please go ahead. Your line is open.
Operator: Thank you. We'll take our next question from Heli Sheth with Raymond James. Please go ahead. Your line is open.
Speaker #8: Thank you. We'll take our next question from Healy Sheth with Raymond James. Please go ahead. Your line is open.
Heli Sheth: Good morning. Thanks for the question. Looking back to last year when we had Liberation Day, we kind of saw a muted M&A market following for the remainder of the year. With the current macro factors, what are you expecting for the pipeline and activity for the remainder of the year?
Heli Sheth: Good morning. Thanks for the question. Looking back to last year when we had Liberation Day, we kind of saw a muted M&A market following for the remainder of the year. With the current macro factors, what are you expecting for the pipeline and activity for the remainder of the year?
Speaker #10: Good morning. Thanks for the question. So looking back to last year when we had liberation day, we kind of saw a muted M&A market following for the remainder of the year.
Speaker #10: So with the current macro factors, what are you expecting for the pipeline and activity for the remainder of the year?
Tanner Powell: Yeah, sure. We obviously still see what comes off the MidCap pipeline notwithstanding we are at the current juncture not participating. It's really become a fool's game trying to predict M&A because recent history has been littered with events that have conspired to take things offline. I think we're cautious. It's hard not to point to some of the geopolitical stress and the duration there as really influencing M&A.
Tanner Powell: Yeah, sure. We obviously still see what comes off the MidCap pipeline notwithstanding we are at the current juncture not participating. It's really become a fool's game trying to predict M&A because recent history has been littered with events that have conspired to take things offline. I think we're cautious. It's hard not to point to some of the geopolitical stress and the duration there as really influencing M&A.
Speaker #5: Yeah, sure. So we obviously still see what comes off the mid-cap pipeline, notwithstanding we are at the current juncture not participating and it's really become a fool's game trying to predict M&A because recent history has been littered with events that have conspired to take things offline.
Speaker #5: And so I think we're cautious it's hard not to point to some of the geopolitical stress and the duration there as really influencing M&A the backdrop and perhaps the reason that ourselves and many others in the market have been sanguine going into each successive year about the pickup and M&A is that you look at the private equity space and you look at the quantum of dry powder and the limited DPI to date in returning capital to shareholders makes them very motivated sellers in many cases.
Tanner Powell: The backdrop and perhaps the reason that ourselves and many others in the market have been sanguine going into each successive year about the pickup in M&A is that, you know, you look at the private equity space and you look at the quantum of dry powder and the limited DPI to date in returning capital to shareholders makes them very motivated sellers in many cases. You know, unfortunately, they've gotten nicked up or the market's gotten nicked up by these stresses, as you alluded to. Tariffs was a big one amongst others. You know, I think we're cautious.
Tanner Powell: The backdrop and perhaps the reason that ourselves and many others in the market have been sanguine going into each successive year about the pickup in M&A is that, you know, you look at the private equity space and you look at the quantum of dry powder and the limited DPI to date in returning capital to shareholders makes them very motivated sellers in many cases. You know, unfortunately, they've gotten nicked up or the market's gotten nicked up by these stresses, as you alluded to. Tariffs was a big one amongst others. You know, I think we're cautious.
Speaker #5: And unfortunately, they've gotten nicked up or the market's gotten nicked up by these stresses as you alluded to tariffs was a big one. Amongst others.
Speaker #5: And so I think we're cautious. We're we exercise a little bit of humility in making such a prediction because of the spade of drivers that have impaired M&A volumes.
Tanner Powell: We exercise a little bit of humility in making such a prediction because of the, you know, the spate of drivers that have, you know, impaired M&A volumes. The broader term macro or the broader term dynamic around the sponsor capital and the duration of those investments suggests to us that it's not a question of if, it's more of a question of when.
Tanner Powell: We exercise a little bit of humility in making such a prediction because of the, you know, the spate of drivers that have, you know, impaired M&A volumes. The broader term macro or the broader term dynamic around the sponsor capital and the duration of those investments suggests to us that it's not a question of if, it's more of a question of when.
Speaker #5: But the broader term macro or the broader term dynamic around the sponsor capital and the duration of those investments suggests that it's not a question of if it's more of a question of when.
Heli Sheth: Got it. Thanks for the color. A quick follow-up, on leverage. Where do you see the pacing of reducing leverage going? Any incremental detail there?
Heli Sheth: Got it. Thanks for the color. A quick follow-up, on leverage. Where do you see the pacing of reducing leverage going? Any incremental detail there?
Speaker #10: Got it. Thanks for the caller. And a quick follow-up on leverage. Where do you see the pacing of reducing leverage going? Any incremental detail there?
Tanner Powell: Yeah, sure. You know, we pulled out. We've got about $100 million, and this actually is not a terrible segue from your previous question there. We've gotten $100 million in the quarter to date period. We have line of sight on a number of other prepayments. To the question you asked previously, we are in an environment that can be, should be characterized and is characterized by some volatility. It's unclear when that happens. You know, our business is one where we don't necessarily control the exit. We're susceptible to what happens.
Tanner Powell: Yeah, sure. You know, we pulled out. We've got about $100 million, and this actually is not a terrible segue from your previous question there. We've gotten $100 million in the quarter to date period. We have line of sight on a number of other prepayments. To the question you asked previously, we are in an environment that can be, should be characterized and is characterized by some volatility. It's unclear when that happens. You know, our business is one where we don't necessarily control the exit. We're susceptible to what happens.
Speaker #5: Yeah, sure. We pulled out we've got about 100 million. And this actually is not a terrible segue from your previous question there. Is we've gotten 100 million in the quarter-to-date period.
Speaker #5: We have line of sight on a number of other prepayments, but to the question you asked previously, we are in a environment that can be that should be characterized and is characterized by some volatility.
Speaker #5: And so it's unclear when that happens. Our business is one where we don't necessarily control the exit. And so we're susceptible to what happens.
Tanner Powell: You know, we do benefit from a very diverse portfolio with, you know, 236 names and are confident that over time, you know, we will be able to get back to that leverage level. Conceding that, even though we have a line of sight into some specific paydowns, you know, the dynamics are ultimately to some extent out of our control and more a function of whether the market bears that out.
Tanner Powell: You know, we do benefit from a very diverse portfolio with, you know, 236 names and are confident that over time, you know, we will be able to get back to that leverage level. Conceding that, even though we have a line of sight into some specific paydowns, you know, the dynamics are ultimately to some extent out of our control and more a function of whether the market bears that out.
Speaker #5: We do benefit from a very diverse portfolio with 236 names in our confident that over time, we will be able to get back to that leverage level.
Speaker #5: But conceding that even though we have line of sight into some specific paydowns, the dynamics are ultimately to some extent out of our control.
Speaker #5: And more a function of whether the market bears that out.
Heli Sheth: Got it. Thanks.
Heli Sheth: Got it. Thanks.
Speaker #10: Got it. Thanks.
Tanner Powell: Thank you.
Tanner Powell: Thank you.
Speaker #5: Thank you.
Operator 3: Thank you. It appears we have no further questions at this time. I will turn it back to our presenters for any closing comments.
Operator: Thank you. It appears we have no further questions at this time. I will turn it back to our presenters for any closing comments.
Speaker #8: Thank you. And it appears we have no further questions at this time. I'll turn it back to our presenters for any closing comments.
Tanner Powell: Thank you, operator. Thank you everyone for listening to today's call. On behalf of the entire team, we thank you for your time today. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other questions. Have a good day.
Tanner Powell: Thank you, operator. Thank you everyone for listening to today's call. On behalf of the entire team, we thank you for your time today. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other questions. Have a good day.
Speaker #5: Thank you, operators. Thank you, everyone, for listening to today's call. On behalf of the entire team, we thank you for your time today. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other questions.
Speaker #5: Have a good day.
Operator 3: This concludes today's meeting. We appreciate your time and participation. You may now disconnect. Thank you.
Operator: This concludes today's meeting. We appreciate your time and participation. You may now disconnect. Thank you.
