Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. quarterly report, Q2 FY2019

Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. (GSBD) - Q2 2019 Filing Summary

Business Context and Reporting Period

This Form 10-Q covers the quarterly period ended June 30, 2019. Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. is a closed-end management investment company regulated as a Business Development Company (BDC) and a Regulated Investment Company (RIC). The Company focuses on lending to middle-market companies, primarily through secured debt (first lien, unitranche, second lien) and select equity investments. A significant event during the period was the liquidation and dissolution of the Senior Credit Fund, LLC, effective May 8, 2019, resulting in the Company receiving its pro-rata share of senior secured loans and cash.

Key Financial Metrics

Metric Q2 2019 (Three Months) YTD 2019 (Six Months) YTD 2018 (Six Months)
Total Investment Income $38.40 million $74.94 million $72.78 million
Net Investment Income (After Tax) $19.09 million $41.37 million $38.90 million
Net Realized Gain/(Loss) $(9.24) million $(33.97) million $1.78 million
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations $16.13 million $18.34 million $35.92 million
Earnings Per Share (Basic & Diluted) $0.40 $0.46 $0.89
Net Asset Value (NAV) per Share $17.21 (End of Period) $17.21 (End of Period) $18.08 (End of Period)
Total Debt (Carrying Value) $842.82 million $842.82 million $659.10 million
Cash and Cash Equivalents $10.12 million $10.12 million $9.21 million
Asset Coverage Ratio 182% 182% 206%

Material Changes vs. Prior Period

  • Realized Losses: The Company reported a net realized loss of $33.97 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to a gain of $1.78 million in the prior year. This was primarily driven by a $24.72 million realized loss from exchanging debt for equity in ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC, and an $8.41 million loss from a similar exchange in Country Fresh Holding Company Inc.
  • Debt Levels: Total debt increased significantly from $659.10 million at December 31, 2018, to $842.82 million at June 30, 2019. This increase was driven by higher borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility to fund new investments and the Senior Credit Fund liquidation.
  • Portfolio Yield: The weighted average yield on the total portfolio decreased to 8.7% (amortized cost) and 9.4% (fair value) from 9.5% and 10.1% respectively at year-end 2018. This decline was primarily due to the lower-yielding senior secured loans received from the Senior Credit Fund liquidation.
  • Non-Accrual Assets: Investments on non-accrual status decreased to 3.9% of total investments at amortized cost (from 8.3% at year-end 2018), indicating an improvement in portfolio credit quality.

Guidance, Outlook, and Risks

  • Outlook: Management continues to focus on generating current income through direct originations of secured debt. The Company maintains a repurchase plan authorized to buy up to $25 million of common stock if trading below NAV, though no repurchases were made in the period.
  • Distributions: The Board declared a quarterly distribution of $0.45 per share on July 30, 2019, payable October 15, 2019. The Company intends to distribute substantially all taxable income to maintain RIC status.
  • Risks:
    • Interest Rate Risk: Approximately 96.8% of performing debt bears floating rates. Rising rates increase interest income but also increase borrowing costs on the Revolving Credit Facility.
    • LIBOR Transition: The potential cessation of LIBOR after 2021 poses uncertainty regarding the valuation and renegotiation of credit agreements linked to this benchmark.
    • Concentration Risk: The portfolio is concentrated in middle-market companies, which may be more susceptible to economic downturns than larger public companies.

Key Facts for Investor Verification

  • Realized Loss Drivers: Verify the specific terms and valuation methodologies used for the debt-to-equity exchanges in ASC Acquisition Holdings and Country Fresh Holding Company that resulted in significant realized losses.
  • Senior Credit Fund Integration: Confirm the impact of the $210 million in senior secured loans received from the Senior Credit Fund liquidation on the overall portfolio yield and credit metrics.
  • Debt Covenants: Review the Company's compliance with the Revolving Credit Facility covenants, specifically the asset coverage ratio (currently 182%) and liquidity tests, given the increased leverage.
  • Non-Accrual Status: Monitor the three portfolio companies currently on non-accrual status (representing 3.5% of fair value) for potential further credit deterioration or resolution.