Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. quarterly report, Q3 FY2019

Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. (GSBD) - Q3 2019 Filing Summary

Business Context and Reporting Period

This Form 10-Q covers the quarterly period ended September 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 U.S. middle-market companies through secured debt (first lien, unitranche, second lien) and select equity investments. The portfolio consists of 102 portfolio companies as of the reporting date.

Key Financial Metrics

Metric Q3 2019 (Three Months) YTD 2019 (Nine Months) YTD 2018 (Nine Months)
Total Investment Income $36.86 million $111.79 million $110.76 million
Net Investment Income (After Tax) $18.97 million $60.34 million $60.46 million
Net Realized & Unrealized Gains (Losses) $(10.07) million $(33.27) million $(4.94) million
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations $8.90 million $27.25 million $54.94 million
Earnings Per Share (Basic & Diluted) $0.22 $0.68 $1.37
Net Asset Value (NAV) per Share $16.98 (End of Period) $16.98 (End of Period) $18.13 (End of Period)
Total Debt (Carrying Value) $727.74 million $727.74 million $659.10 million
Cash and Cash Equivalents $11.10 million $11.10 million $4.65 million
Asset Coverage Ratio 193% 193% 206%

Material Changes vs. Prior Period

  • Portfolio Yield Decline: The weighted average yield on the total portfolio decreased to 8.3% (amortized cost) and 8.9% (fair value) from 9.5% and 10.1% respectively in the prior year. This was primarily driven by lower LIBOR rates on variable-rate debt and the liquidation of the Senior Credit Fund.
  • Realized Losses: The Company recorded significant net realized losses of $41.15 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to a gain of $1.78 million in the prior year. Key drivers included:
    • Exchange of debt for equity in ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC (loss of $24.72 million).
    • Exchange of debt for equity in Country Fresh Holding Company Inc. (loss of $8.41 million).
    • Full exit from NTS Communications, Inc. (loss of $7.21 million).
  • Expense Increases: Interest and other debt expenses increased to $27.85 million (YTD 2019) from $18.33 million (YTD 2018) due to higher average borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the issuance of additional Convertible Notes in 2018.
  • Senior Credit Fund Liquidation: In May 2019, the Company completed the liquidation of the Senior Credit Fund, LLC. The Company received its pro-rata share of senior secured loans ($215.10 million at amortized cost) and cash, which were integrated into the main portfolio.

Guidance, Outlook, and Risks

  • Dividend Policy: The Board declared a quarterly distribution of $0.45 per share on October 30, 2019, payable January 15, 2020. The Company maintains an "opt-out" dividend reinvestment plan.
  • Capital Resources: The Company has a $795 million Revolving Credit Facility with $216.2 million available as of September 30, 2019. It also has $155 million in Convertible Notes due 2022. The Company has a stock repurchase plan authorized for up to $25 million, though no repurchases were made in the period.
  • Interest Rate Risk: Approximately 97.9% of performing debt investments bear floating interest rates. The Company is exposed to the potential phase-out of LIBOR after 2021, which may require renegotiation of credit agreements and could impact yields.
  • Non-Accrual Status: Non-accrual investments decreased significantly to 1.4% of the portfolio (amortized cost) from 8.3% in the prior year, reflecting the exit of distressed assets like NTS Communications.

Investor Verification Checklist

  • Realized Loss Drivers: Verify the specific terms and future outlook for the equity positions received in exchange for debt in ASC Acquisition Holdings and Country Fresh.
  • LIBOR Transition: Assess the Company's strategy for transitioning floating-rate loans away from LIBOR post-2021 and the potential impact on portfolio yields.
  • Debt Maturity Profile: Review the maturity schedule of the Revolving Credit Facility (due 2023) and Convertible Notes (due 2022) to ensure refinancing capacity.
  • Unfunded Commitments: Confirm the Company's liquidity position relative to $93.38 million in unfunded loan commitments as of September 30, 2019.
  • NAV vs. Market Price: Note the trading discount/premium; as of period end, the market price was $20.09 compared to a NAV of $16.98.