Hercules Beats on Higher Revenue - Analyst Blog
02 11월 2012 - 7:20PM
Zacks
Hercules Technology Growth Capital Inc.’s
(HTGC) third-quarter 2012 distributable net operating income (DNOI)
came in at 26 cents per share, modestly beating the Zacks Consensus
Estimate of 23 cents. This also compares favorably with the
prior-year quarter’s DNOI of 22 cents.
Results in the quarter benefited from an impressive growth in total
investment income, partially offset by substantially higher
interest expense and loan fees along with increased operating
expenses. Overall, Hercules ended the quarter on a spirited note
with stronger credit quality and high level of liquidity.
Quarter in Detail
Hercules’ total investment income came in at $23.9 million, up
27.9% from $18.7 million in the prior-year quarter. The surge
resulted from substantially higher interest income. Moreover, total
investment income was slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate
of $24.0 million by 0.4%.
Total operating expenses (excluding interest expense and loan fees)
were $6.5 million, up 11.6% from $5.8 million in the year-ago
quarter. The rise reflects higher general and administrative
expenditure, partly offset by lower employee compensation
costs.
On a year-over-year basis, interest expense and loan fees in the
reported quarter soared 41.7% to $6.1 million.
As of September 30, 2012, the weighted average cost of debt,
comprising interest and fees, was 6.7% compared with 6.5% as of
September 30, 2011.
Net investment income (before investment gains and losses) for the
quarter came in at $11.4 million, up 32.1% from $8.6 million in the
year-ago quarter.
Business Highlights
The fair value of Hercules’ total investment portfolio was nearly
$792.8 million as of September 30, 2012, up 6.6% from $743.7
million as of June 30, 2012. During the quarter, the company
provided approximately $136.4 million in debt and equity funding to
new and existing portfolio companies.
As of September 30, 2012, Hercules’ net asset value was $9.42 per
share compared with $9.54 as of June 30, 2012.
Dividend and Repurchase Update
Concurrent with the earning release, the Board of Directors at
Hercules declared a quarterly cash dividend of 24 cents. The
dividend is to be paid on November 21, 2012 to shareholders of
record as of November 14.
The company did not buyback shares of its common stock during the
reported quarter. However, in July 2012, the Board of Directors
approved the extension of the company’s share repurchase program
through February 2013.
Peer Performance
On October 29, 2012, American Capital, Ltd. (ACAS)
reported third quarter 2012 operating income of 22 cents per share,
lagging the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. However, the
results compared favorably with the prior-year quarter’s earnings
of 19 cents per share.
The favorable outcome was attributable to top-line growth, followed
by decreased operating expenses, reflecting better expense
management. Moreover, new investments and reduction of debt acted
as positives. Yet, increase in non-accrual loans was a negative for
the quarter.
Our Viewpoint
Hercules is well poised to expand its portfolio, given its strong
liquidity position. Additionally, we believe that the company will
continue to gain from the increased market demand for venture
capital investments. Further, its strong capital position will
continue to reinforce investors’ confidence in the stock.
In spite of these positives, the ongoing capital market disruption
and sluggish economic recovery make us apprehensive. We also remain
wary of Hercules’ investment and credit management strategies.
Moreover, the slow economic recovery may increase the cost of
funding.
Currently, Hercules retains a Zacks #4 Rank, which translates into
a short-term Sell rating.
AMER CAP LTD (ACAS): Free Stock Analysis Report
HERCULES TECH (HTGC): Free Stock Analysis Report
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Zacks Investment Research
American Capital Strategies (NASDAQ:ACAS)
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