Stellus Capital Investment Corp

NYSE:SCM

Earnings Call Analysis

Stellus Capital Reports Solid Q4 Performance

Stellus Capital demonstrated strong fourth-quarter results, outpacing its dividend payout with a core net investment income, covering dividends of $0.40 per share. The company's portfolio, valued at $874 million, underwent a marginal decrease, with a net decline of $39.5 million during the quarter. Asset quality was reported slightly better than expected, with 24% of the portfolio rated ahead of plan. Stellus also signalled two possible equity realizations in Q2 with a projected gain of $4 million. Dividend coverage is expected to continue at the current rate, amounting to an annual yield of approximately 12.4%. With new funding at $4.7 million since year-end, the portfolio worth stands at $863 million, and while originations have slowed, equivalent repayment levels are anticipated, suggesting balanced investment activity going into the second half of the year.

Continued Strength in Net Investment Income

The company continues to leverage a strong asset-liability mix, with the majority of their loans being floating-rate (98%), providing an advantage in the current environment. Their core net investment income exceeded their dividend payout, coming in at $0.50 per share compared to a dividend of $0.40 per share, indicating a healthy coverage and surplus income. Additionally, the company's net asset value (NAV) saw a slight increase, an encouraging sign of stability and prudent management.

Solid Investment Activity Amid Market Challenges

Even though the investment portfolio saw a marginal decrease in value, the company maintained active investment and repayment activities. They invested in 14 companies (3 new and 11 existing) and saw significant repayments, which balanced the net portfolio decline. This adaptability, combined with the security of most of their loans and modest company leverage, highlights a strategy focused on asset quality and risk management. Their largest overall investment sits at a manageable $18.9 million at fair value, emphasizing disciplined investment scale.

Anticipated Equity Realizations and Dividend Outlook

Looking forward, the company foresees potential equity realizations in the next 6 to 12 months that could enhance profitability. They remain committed to covering their quarterly dividend, which, given the high yield on their stock, should remain attractive to investors. Although the spillover income stands at approximately $37 million, the current dividends have been set to cover this, reflecting financial foresight and the intent to maintain or potentially increase future dividends.

Cautious Expectations for Upcoming Quarters

Management communicated a slower pace for deal activity in the first quarter due to external market conditions, but they expect repayments to ramp up in the latter part of the year. However, the company is positioned well to benefit from higher interest rates due to their floating-rate loan portfolio and fixed-rate liabilities, a strategic mix which should continue to support net investment income despite market volatility.

Earnings Call Transcript 2023-Q4

[Operator]

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for standing by. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to Stellus Capital Investment Corporation's conference call to report financial results for its fourth fiscal quarter and year ended December 31, 2023. [Operator Instructions] This conference is being recorded today, march 5, 2024. It is now my pleasure to turn the call over to Mr. Robert Ladd, Chief Executive Officer of Stellus Capital Investment Corporation. Mr. Ladd, you may begin.

[Robert Ladd, executive]

Okay. Thank you, Holly. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining the call. Welcome to our conference call covering the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.

Joining me, of course, this morning is Todd Huskinson, our Chief Financial Officer, who will cover important information about forward-looking statements as well as an overview of our financial information.

[W. Huskinson, executive]

Thank you, Rob. I'd like to remind everyone that today's call is being recorded. Please note that this call is the property of Stellus Capital Investment Corporation and that any unauthorized broadcast of this call in any form is strictly prohibited. Audio replay of the call will be available by using the telephone number and PIN provided in our press release announcing this call.

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 may also include forward-looking statements and projections, and we ask that you refer to our most recent filing with the SEC for important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these projections. We will not update our forward-looking statements unless required by law. To obtain copies of our latest SEC filings, please visit our website at www.stelluscapital.com under the Public Investors link, or call us at [phone]. At this time, I'd like to turn the call back over to our Chief Executive Officer, Rob Ladd.

[Robert Ladd, executive]

Okay. Thank you, Todd. We'll begin this session by discussing our operating results, followed by a life-to-date review, a review of the portfolio, including asset quality, and then the outlook.

[W. Huskinson, executive]

Thank you, Rob. First, I'll cover operating results. We continue to benefit from our favorable asset liability mix in which 98% of our loans are floating and only 27% of our liabilities are floating. As a result, we had solid results in the fourth quarter as we more than covered our $0.40 per share dividend through core net investment income of $0.50 per share and GAAP net investment income of $0.49 per share. Net asset value increased $0.07 per share to $13.26 per share.

During the fourth quarter, we recorded a tax refund of $3 million, which was the result of recording a realized loss on previously markdown positions.

Since our IPO in November 2012, we've invested approximately $2.4 billion in over 195 companies and received approximately $1.5 billion of repayments, while maintaining stable asset quality. We have paid over $246 million of dividends to our investors, which represents $15.08 per share to an investor in our IPO in November 2012.

Now turning to portfolio and asset quality, we ended the quarter with an investment portfolio at fair value of $874 million across 93 portfolio companies, slightly down from $886 million across 96 companies at September 30, 2023.

During the fourth quarter, we invested $40.3 million in 3 new and 11 existing portfolio companies and along with additional fundings of $3.9 million and received 5 full repayments and 4 full realizations totaling $39.9 million, and $153 million of other repayments, resulting in a net portfolio decline at cost of $39.5 million.

At December 31, 99% of our loans were secured and 98% were priced at floating rates. We're always focused on diversification. The average loan per company is $9.9 million, and the largest overall investment is $18.9 million, both at fair value. Substantially, all of the portfolio companies are backed by a private equity firm.

The average leverage of the portfolio companies is around 4x, an average EBITDA of approximately $19 million per company. Overall, our asset quality is slightly better than planned. 24% of our portfolio is rated a 1 or ahead of plan, and 14% of the portfolio is marked at an investment category of 3 or below. As of year-end, we had 4 loans on nonaccrual, which comprised 1.3% of fair value of the total loan portfolio. And with that, I'll turn it back over to Rob to discuss dividends and overall outlook.

[Robert Ladd, executive]

Okay. Thank you, Todd. As a reminder, part of our investment strategy has been to invest in the equity of our portfolio companies in a modest way, but in order to generate realized gains sufficient to offset losses over time. While we've had modest equity realizations more recently, we expect this activity to pick up over the next 6 to 12 months. To this end, we are aware of 2 possible equity realizations that occur in -- could occur in the second quarter with aggregate proceeds of approximately $7 million and a potential realized gain of $4 million.

As at the end of the year, we have $60 million of equity investments at cost that were marked at $72 million. Our historical performance would indicate that the ultimate realization for this portfolio will be greater than 2x our portfolio's cost basis. However, of course, the ultimate performance of our current equity positions will depend on a variety of factors, including, among other things, the current economic environment and sponsors' exit strategies.

Now turning to dividends. We continue to cover our dividend of $0.40 per share per quarter as a result of the greater earnings that we are generating in this higher interest rate environment. As Todd mentioned, we are well positioned to benefit from the higher interest rates as our portfolio is over 98% floating, and our liability structure is approximately 73% fixed rate.

Looking forward to Q2 of this year, we expect, subject to our Board of Directors' approval, to continue our monthly dividend of approximately $0.13 per share, resulting in aggregate dividends of $0.40 per share for the second quarter. It's worth noting that based on the average price of our stock over the last 10 days ending yesterday, our current dividend equates to an annual yield of about 12.4%.

Now turning to outlook. Since year-end, we have funded $4.7 million at par in 7 existing portfolio companies and have received 1 full repayment of $16.2 million. This brings our total portfolio to approximately $863 million at fair value with 92 portfolio companies. We are experiencing a somewhat slower environment for originations than in the previous few quarters, and we expect our funding for the remainder of the quarter will be offset by expected repayments of approximately the same amount.

It is worth noting, we do expect, for a variety of reasons, that investment activity will pick up in the second half of this year. We have substantial capacity for new investments, which, of course, would increase with likely repayments.

With that, we'll open it up for questions. And, Holly, we can begin the Q&A session, please.

[Operator]

[Operator Instructions] Your first question for today is from Paul Johnson with KBW.

[Paul Johnson, analyst]

So just on some of the remarks you gave on the portfolio, 14% or so at fair value in your sort of internal risk rated 3 or below. Kind of setting aside the nonaccrual, I think that accounts for 1% of that, correct me if I'm wrong. I mean, how do you kind of think about those situations? Do you think that those are situations you feel are stabilized and performing, albeit maybe below sort of projection? Or are they still -- are any of these still work in progress?

[Robert Ladd, executive]

Yes. So, Paul, as a general matter, we certainly think these are all manageable positions. They vary by company. The 1 attribute that would be true for substantially all of them is that they do have private equity ownership and backing and support. And so I think the way to think about our risk grade 3s and below is perhaps performing under plan that, combined though, with private equity support, we think that the results are quite predictable. But again, ups and downs in the portfolio, but I'd say no change -- substantial change over our history.

[Paul Johnson, analyst]

And then kind of looking into next year, fee income this -- or other income this year was relatively light. I mean I'm just thinking about kind of activity as you mentioned that you expect to sort of pick up in the next year. You expect that to drive any sort of potential prepayment income activity in your depending what sort of turnover, I guess you're expecting for the year?

[Robert Ladd, executive]

Yes. And, Paul, just in terms of -- so 1 way to think about it, we had a little bit of more than normal other income in the fourth quarter based on repayments. We think that's slowed in this first quarter of this year, but we see repayments picking up toward the middle and latter part of the year. So on balance, you'll see it more. But just to flag that, in the first quarter, we would expect less of that other income than we had in the fourth quarter.

[Paul Johnson, analyst]

Got it. And then last 1 for me, just on -- in terms of liabilities. I realize I think your unsecured notes are due in 2026, but there's some SBA debentures that are rolling off over the next year or so. Where are you guys in terms of SBIC licenses and current capacity on those licenses?

[Robert Ladd, executive]

Yes. So as a quick recap, and then Todd will add in here. The -- so we have 2 licenses currently. All of the debentures have been drawn, which amount to $325 million. We do have some debentures from the first license that come due next year in 2025, roughly $25 million. So those will be prepared to retire, certainly honoring in advance of their coming due. And then -- so we are looking at working with the SBA for a third license as we've reached the -- some of the debentures from the first license is starting to come due. And our investment period for the second license is coming up toward the end of this year. So we'll be in discussions with the SBA to see if we can obtain a third license.

[Operator]

Your next question is from Erik Zwick with Hovde Group.

[Erik Zwick, analyst]

I wanted to start just on the comments, Rob, you made about expectations for funding to pick up in the second half of the year. I am just curious if that is driven by kind of increase in pipeline activity that you're saying or more based on kind of broad market developments or potentially a combination of both of those?

[Robert Ladd, executive]

Yes. So probably -- Erik, thank you for joining. So a variety of factors. So certainly, when we've -- over time, if things are slower, they tend to pick up, so that would be 1 overall observation. But more importantly, the -- we know there's a tremendous amount of dry powder in all of private equity hands, but especially in the lower middle market where we operate. We also know that there're holdings in private equity firms that are either the fund life is reaching an end or some continuation and there'll be some realizations that private equity firms will start to generate.

So our general impression is that things will pick up towards the second half of the year. We are seeing activity, but it's not as heavy as it has been. So this is a more forward-looking toward the end of Q2 and third and fourth quarters.

[Erik Zwick, analyst]

And then just looking at the 4Q funding activity as well as what's been done quarter-to-date, a greater percentage of add-on new investments versus new, and wondering if that's just kind of based on the opportunities that you're seeing or if you have a preference for those? Certainly companies that you've already made investments for and continue to grow, I'm sure you would love to be able to continue to support them. So curious about that mix, as we look out into '24, what it could look like as well?

[Robert Ladd, executive]

Sure. So I'd say that -- I'd say we like both. We really like the new financing where it's an acquisition of a fresh company, fresh diligence, new equity capital. So that's an ideal structure for us. But then I'd say, equally as good would be an add-on where we already know the company it's performing well, and they're expanding. This would be a lot of the strategy of the companies that we back as the private equity firm takes the platform, initial acquisition and then their plan is to grow it from here with add-ons or acquisitions, if you will. So again, both are attractive to us. The add-ons come more naturally and -- as when we're already in the credit.

In terms of looking forward this year, we would expect many of our portfolio companies and their owners to be acquisitive. So you should see more activity there. But I think that, that comes naturally with the existing. And then, of course, we're always searching for new opportunities in new companies.

[Erik Zwick, analyst]

And then last 1 for me, and I'll step aside. Just looking at the kind of the exits in some of the restructurings that took place towards the back half of the year, any expectations for what PIK income may look like in '24?

[Robert Ladd, executive]

It would be -- we've had a little bit of an increase in '23, where we've had some restructuring we worked on. So I don't think we expect it to materially change in '24. We have noted in the past that when we're the only lender or just a small group of lenders and you have a company that might be struggling making their interest coverage, which most of our -- substantial of ours can, but if you have that case, we have the flexibility as a lender to provide some PIK interest. Ultimately, it will collect it, but this can help the cash flow. So -- but don't expect that to materially change in '24.

[Operator]

Your next question for today is from Christopher Nolan with Ladenburg Thalmann.

[Christopher Nolan, analyst]

Rob, on your comments in terms of slowing deal activity, I presume that's simply because the private equity partners you work with are just seeing slower investment activity as well. Is there a correlation?

[Robert Ladd, executive]

That's correct. It's highly correlated. I'd say it's -- M&A activity is down, and I think you may have heard that from others as well. So that's the most impact for sure.

[Christopher Nolan, analyst]

And then, I guess, in terms of the reinvestments, do the private equity firms have a drag along clause for you guys where if they reinvest into a portfolio company, you need to invest as well? Or how does that work?

[Robert Ladd, executive]

Yes. And Chris, do you mean when they're making a new acquisition or...

[Christopher Nolan, analyst]

A follow-on acquisition to an existing portfolio company.

[Robert Ladd, executive]

Sure. So in many cases, we'll have already established a delayed draw term loan that they would automatically draw upon if the acquisition follow-on qualified. So this would be normal. Absent that, where there's not a preexisting commitment, any new acquisition they'd make, we'd have to re-underwrite.

[Christopher Nolan, analyst]

Got you. And then I guess final question is, last year, you had some pretty good dividend supplements. What's the spillover income? And what are your thoughts about supplements these days?

[Robert Ladd, executive]

Sure. Let me turn it over to Todd for that.

[W. Huskinson, executive]

Sure, Chris. So our spillover is going to be about $37 million, and our current dividends are at [ $38.5 million ]. So at our current dividend level with the additional shares that we raised or issued, we've got enough regular dividend to cover the spillover going forward. But things could change in terms of gains and losses and taxable income in future years.

[Operator]

Your next question is from Robert Dodd with Raymond James.

[Robert Dodd, analyst]

On the -- you mentioned there's going to be potentially realizations in the second quarter and maybe -- equity realizations and realized gains, and maybe more activity in the second half of the year. I mean everything we're hearing is private equity or LPs in private equity funds want realizations before they'll fund new funds. If there are more realizations from your private equity partners and private equity environment as a whole, would you expect -- are there going to be more equity realizations in the back half of the year? Could we accelerate that as a source of capital to be reinvested as we get later into this year?

[Robert Ladd, executive]

Yes, Robert. And that's a good point that you brought out that I alluded to, which is LPs and longer-dated funds looking for realization. So we think this will drive new activity for us as these companies are sold, and we have the chance to finance them for the next owner, but as you're pointing out, would also result in realizations for us. So yes, and as I said in my remarks that we do think that the equity realizations activity will pick up, and there are a few more that we know of that I didn't mention, but not as clear as the 2 that we're hearing about. So I think that's right.

And again, we have substantial capital to invest. As a reminder, our entire platform is roughly $2.8 billion of AUM across the Stellus platform. So -- and then within the public company, of course, quite a bit of capacity to invest given that our credit facility, we're only borrowed at about $150 million currently. So again, that, coupled with repayments, so we'll be ready for the new deals that come in the second half of the year.

[Robert Dodd, analyst]

Got it. On -- any particular industries that you're thinking are increasingly attractive in this -- if we've got higher rates right now, but if they are going to decline, are there any particular areas you think are appealing in that kind of environment?

[Robert Ladd, executive]

It's interesting. We haven't thought of it in those terms. We're looking for a handful of basic kind of requirements in the companies we look at, which start with substantial free cash flow generation as well as growth that's built into the company. We avoid commodity price risk. We avoid high maintenance CapEx. So we really look more at those factors versus any 1 industry sector per se, if that's helpful. And as you've heard me say before, we also look at companies and industry sectors that there's some history of how they perform in a recession, and this is helpful in terms of resiliency if you have such a downturn. So again, I think we've approached it more that way versus specific industry sectors.

[Operator]

Your next question is from Bryce Rowe with B. Riley.

[Bryce Rowe, analyst]

Wanted to start with the NAV movement quarter-over-quarter. Obviously, you covered the dividend and saw the NAV go up here over the quarter. Can you speak to maybe the marks within the quarter? What -- maybe what kind of effect did broader market, broader credit markets have on the fair value marks in the quarter? And then were there any kind of specific call outs beyond the nonaccruals that we've already talked about?

[Robert Ladd, executive]

Yes, please, I'll turn it over to Todd.

[W. Huskinson, executive]

Sure. Yes, Bryce. So we did have -- we had the realized loss that was reversed. We had, I'd say, in general, there was a general decline from an unrealized loss perspective, but we also had a few specific write-downs on specific companies, and you can tell from the SOI. One of them was J.R. Watkins where we had written that down some as well. So that was the primary difference between offsetting the taxes and the dividend.

[Robert Ladd, executive]

And maybe just to add to what Todd said. So no general market decline was -- these were just be as in previous quarters, except during COVID. This is company specific.

[W. Huskinson, executive]

Yes.

[Bryce Rowe, analyst]

Yes. Okay. Okay. And I mean, on a J.R. Watkins in particular, Todd, I know it's just 1 investment, but it looks like it's marked below 50% of cost. I mean what's the comfort level there? How do you think about that staying on accrual versus putting it on nonaccrual? Or maybe asked a different way. Is there a certain threshold where even if it's still accruing interest, paying interest, even if it's marked at a certain level, you'll consider putting it on nonaccrual versus keeping it on accrual?

[Robert Ladd, executive]

I might just jump in here. So I think that's definitely right. And as an example, this 1 will be looked at in this quarter.

[Bryce Rowe, analyst]

Okay. That's helpful, Rob. And then last 1 for me. In terms of kind of balance sheet leverage and managing the balance sheet, no ATM activity in the quarter after a few quarters of some activity. Any reason for that? Is that more driven by repayment activity outpacing originations? Or is there something -- some other way to think about it?

[Robert Ladd, executive]

Yes. So no, I think that's right. We had very fortunate and successful year for the ATM coming into the fourth quarter, and as I said earlier, substantial capital invest. So we're focused on investing what we've raised at this point.

[Operator]

We have reached the end of the question-and-answer session, and I will now turn the call over to Robert Ladd for closing remarks.

[Robert Ladd, executive]

All right. Very good. Thank you, everyone, for being on. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to updating you again for the first quarter, which will -- our call will be in early May. Thanks again.

[Operator]

This concludes today's conference, and you may disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation.