Elizabeth A. Murray
Thanks, Matt. As both Tom and Matt said, BBDC continues to deliver strong, consistent earnings, maintain exceptional credit quality, and provide attractive risk-adjusted returns for our fellow shareholders. Turning to our results for the fourth quarter, NAV per share ended the year at $11.09, which was essentially flat compared to the third quarter at $11.10, representing less than a 0.1% decrease quarter over quarter. The slight quarter-over-quarter movement reflects a combination of modest realized losses of $0.05 per share, offset by $0.02 per share of unrealized appreciation, $0.01 per share from share repurchases, and continued stable earnings generation from the portfolio, over-earning the dividend for the fourth quarter by $0.01 per share. The net realized loss on the portfolio was driven primarily by the loss on the exit of our investments in Ruffalo and Avanti and the restructuring of our investments in Eurofence, partially offset by the sale of our equity investments in Jones Fish and CJS Global. These exits and restructures were predominantly reclassed from net unrealized depreciation. The valuation of the Sierra credit support agreement increased by approximately $7,700,000 from $52,800,000 in the third quarter to $60,500,000 as of December 31. This increase was primarily driven by the sales, repayment, and return of capital within the underlying portfolio of the remaining Sierra investments, as well as updated assumptions around the maturity profile. During the fourth quarter, the Sierra portfolio generated approximately $24,300,000 of sales and repayments, along with a $21,900,000 return of capital distribution from the Sierra JV. At year-end, we had 12 positions remaining in the portfolio with a value $70,000,000 of repayments of approximately $32,000,000, down from 16 positions and $79,000,000 as of September 30. On a year-over-year basis, we reduced the Sierra portfolio by roughly 75%, including sales and return of capital. In addition, during the year, we completed the early termination of the MVC credit support agreement, resulting in a one-time $23,000,000 payment from Barings to BBDC. This strategic action reduced structural complexity within the BDC and further concentrated our portfolio with income-producing assets. We reported net investment income of $0.27 per share for the quarter versus NII of $0.32 per share in the prior quarter and $0.28 per share for 2024. For the year, net investment income was $1.12 per share compared to $1.24 per share for 2024. Net investment income was primarily driven by recurring interest income across our diversified senior secured portfolio, complemented by contributions from our joint ventures and our platform investments in Eclipse and Rocade. The decrease in net investment income year over year was primarily due to sales and repayments on the portfolio and declining base rates. It is important to note that net investment income exceeded our regular dividend of $1.04 per share. Our net leverage ratio, which is defined as regulatory net leverage, net of unrestricted cash and net unsettled transactions, was 1.15x at quarter end, down from 1.26x as of September 30, well within our long-term leverage target of 0.90x to 1.25x. This reflects our intentional positioning to support origination activity and planned asset transfers to our Jocassee joint venture. Our capital structure continued to strengthen in 2025 as we repaid $112,500,000 of private placement unsecured notes, completed the annual extension of our corporate revolver in November, and further diversified our funding sources with the issuance of $300,000,000 senior unsecured notes in September. More broadly, our funding profile remains strong and thoughtfully aligned with our disciplined approach to asset-liability management. Our liabilities are well diversified by duration, seniority, and structure, with an industry-leading share of unsecured debt in our capital structure at roughly 84% of our outstanding debt balances. Liquidity remains robust and well diversified, supported by undrawn capacity on our revolving credit facility and incremental flexibility from our joint venture with Jocassee. Near-term maturities remain limited, and our continued access to a broad set of funding positions us to proactively navigate refinancing needs while maintaining balance sheet strength. Subsequent to quarter end, on February 26, we will fully repay $50,000,000 of private placement notes at par, including accrued and unpaid interest. Now on to capital allocation. Our net investment income for the quarter of $0.27 per share covered our regular dividend of $0.26 per share. As previously mentioned, the Board continued its strong focus on returning capital to shareholders and declared a first quarter dividend of $0.26 per share, representing a 9.4% distribution yield on NAV. Looking ahead to 2026, we expect the declining base rates reflected in the trajectory of the forward SOFR curve will likely put downward pressure on net investment income, and as a result, our regular dividend may decrease from current levels. While our earnings profile remains resilient and benefits from our industry-leading 8.25% hurdle rate, low base rates naturally reduce the income generated on our floating rate portfolio. Even so, our diversified portfolio of senior secured investments, well-laddered capital structure, and disciplined underwriting continue to provide meaningful support to earnings. In addition, we currently hold spillover income of approximately $0.80 per share, representing about three quarters of our regular dividend and offering flexibility as rates normalize. Taken together, although a lower regular dividend in 2026 is possible given the rate backdrop, the durability of our earnings and the strength of our balance sheet positions us well to navigate this transition and continue delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns. Share repurchase activity continued during the year and contributed $0.02 per share to NAV. We repurchased over 450,000 shares in the fourth quarter for a total of over 700,000 shares for 2025. In addition, the Board authorized a new $30,000,000 share repurchase plan for 2026, underscoring our commitment to enhancing shareholder value. Stepping back, 2025 was a year of steady earnings, strong liquidity, and active portfolio rotation. Despite lower base rates, we continue to produce durable NII, maintain solid credit performance, and execute on our balanced approach to capital allocation, including consistent dividends and meaningful share repurchases. As we look ahead to 2026, we remain confident in the resilience of the portfolio and the strength of our platform. We are well positioned to continue delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns for our shareholders. With that, I will turn the call back to the operator for questions.