Crescent Capital BDC Inc (CCAP) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges with a Diversified Portfolio

Crescent Capital BDC Inc (CCAP) reports stable earnings amidst increased non-accrual loans and market volatility, while maintaining a strong focus on first lien investments.

Author's Avatar
May 16, 2025
Summary
  • Net Investment Income (NII): $16.6 million or $0.45 per share, down from $20.5 million or $0.55 per share in the previous quarter.
  • Non-Accrual Loans: Increased to 3.5% and 1.8% of debt investments at cost and fair value, respectively.
  • Investment Portfolio: Over $1.6 billion at fair value across 191 companies.
  • First Lien Loans: Represent 91% of the portfolio at fair value.
  • Dividend: Declared a regular dividend of $0.42 per share and a special dividend of $0.05 per share.
  • Gross Deployment: $105 million, with 98% in first lien investments.
  • Net Asset Value (NAV) per Share: $19.62.
  • Debt-to-Equity Ratio: 1.25 times, within the target range of 1.1 to 1.3 times.
  • Weighted Average Yield: 10.4% for income-producing securities at cost.
  • Floating Rate Debt Investments: 97% at fair value with a weighted average floor of 79 basis points.
  • Stockholder's Equity: $727 million as of March 31.
Article's Main Image

Release Date: May 15, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Crescent Capital BDC Inc (CCAP, Financial) reported net investment income of $16.6 million or $0.45 per share for the first quarter, reflecting a stable earnings baseline.
  • The company maintains a highly diversified portfolio with over $1.6 billion in investments across 191 companies, which helps mitigate the impact of one-off credit events.
  • Crescent Capital BDC Inc (CCAP) declared a regular dividend of $0.42 per share for the second quarter, marking the 37th consecutive quarter of earning its regular dividend.
  • The company has a strong focus on first lien loans, which represent 91% of the portfolio at fair value, providing a stable and secure investment base.
  • Crescent Capital BDC Inc (CCAP) has a robust credit framework, with 99% of its debt portfolio in sponsor-backed companies, ensuring strong backing and support for its investments.

Negative Points

  • Net investment income declined from $20.5 million or $0.55 per share in the previous quarter, primarily due to lower base rates and non-recurring income runoff.
  • The percentage of loans on non-accrual increased to 3.5% at cost, indicating some challenges in the portfolio's credit quality.
  • The company experienced a significant drop in dividend income from the Logan JV, which is expected to continue declining as the CLO winds down.
  • Market volatility and tariff announcements have tempered expectations for a sustained pickup in M&A activity, impacting deal flow.
  • The company faces challenges in the software sector, with some investments experiencing headwinds and requiring close monitoring.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide more details on the new investment in New Era Technology and its valuation?
A: Henry Chung, President, explained that the valuation reflects the current earnings outlook and restructuring expectations. Jason Breaux, CEO, clarified that New Era has not yet restructured and suggested further discussion offline to reconcile any misunderstandings.

Q: What is Crescent's approach to handling non-accrual situations?
A: Jason Breaux, CEO, stated that Crescent prioritizes capital preservation and may work with private equity sponsors to support companies. If not feasible, they may consider selling the company or restructuring the balance sheet. Henry Chung added that Crescent takes a long-term view and avoids quick exits through secondary sales.

Q: How much of the portfolio consists of Crescent-led or originated deals?
A: Henry Chung, President, noted that 92% of the portfolio consists of loans acquired from First Eagle or Alcentra, with the majority being Crescent-originated assets.

Q: Can you explain the significant drop in Logan JV's dividend income?
A: Henry Chung, President, explained that the drop was due to the end of the reinvestment period and the timing mismatch of cash flow distributions. The equity tranche of the CLO is subject to volatility, and some cash flows were retained due to overcollateralization tests.

Q: Were there any warning signs for the new non-accruals, and are there more to come?
A: Henry Chung, President, stated that the non-accruals were previously on the watch list, and developments at specific borrowers warranted the reclassification. The company will follow up on whether any of these assets were still paying cash interest.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.