Hercules Beats, Hikes Dividend - Analyst Blog
01 3월 2013 - 6:52PM
Zacks
Hercules Technology Growth Capital Inc.’s
(HTGC) fourth quarter 2012 distributable net operating income
(DNOI) came in at 27 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus
Estimate of 23 cents. This also comes in line with the prior-year
quarter’s DNOI of 27 cents.
For full-year 2012, DNOI came in at $1.07 per share, up 7% compared
with $1.00 per share in 2011. Moreover, it surpassed the Zacks
Consensus Estimate of 96 cents.
Better-than-expected quarterly results were mainly driven by
improvement in total investment income. Yet, higher interest
expense and loan fees along with increased operating expenses
marginally subdued the results. Overall, Hercules ended the quarter
with a robust performance comprising stronger credit quality and a
high level of liquidity.
Performance in Detail
Hercules’ total investment income reached $27.4 million, up 29.2%
from $21.2 million in the prior-year quarter. The surge resulted
from higher interest income and rise in total fees. Moreover, total
investment income surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $26.0
million.
For full year 2012, total investment income reached $97.5 million,
up 22.1% year over year. Further, it surpassed the Zacks Consensus
Estimate of $95.0 million.
Total operating expenses (excluding interest expense and loan fees)
for the reported quarter was $6.9 million, surging 19.0% from $5.8
million in the year-ago period. The rise reflects higher general
and administrative expenditures and higher compensation costs.
On a year-over-year basis, interest expense and loan fees in the
reported quarter soared 62.7% to $7.5 million.
As of Dec 31, 2012, the weighted average cost of debt, comprising
interest and fees, was 6.29% compared with 6.23% as of Dec 31,
2011.
Net investment income (before investment gains and losses) for the
quarter came in at $13.1 million, up 20.7% from $10.8 million in
the year-ago quarter.
Business Highlights
The fair value of Hercules’ total investment portfolio was $914.3
million as of Dec 31, 2012, rising 15.3% from $792.8 million as of
Sep 30, 2012. During the quarter, the company provided
approximately $200.7 million in debt and equity funding to new and
existing portfolio companies.
As of Dec 31, 2012, Hercules’ net asset value was $9.75 per share
compared with $9.42 as of Sep 30, 2012.
Dividend and Repurchase Update
Concurrent with the earning release, the board of directors at
Hercules declared a quarterly cash dividend of 25 cents. The
dividend will be paid on Mar 19 to shareholders of record as of Mar
11. This represents about 4.2% hike in the dividend from the prior
quarter.
The company did not buyback shares of its common stock during the
reported quarter. Further, its share repurchase program expired in
Feb 2013.
Performance of Other Company in the Same
Industry
American Capital, Ltd. (ACAS) reported fourth
quarter 2012 operating income of 26 cents per share, beating the
Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. The favorable outcome was
attributable to top-line growth, followed by decreased operating
expenses reflecting prudent expense management.
Moreover, new investments and reduction of debt acted as
positives. Yet, the low-interest environment during the quarter was
a negative.
Our Viewpoint
Hercules is well positioned to expand its portfolio considering its
strong liquidity position. The company’s solid capital position is
expected to reinforce investors’ confidence in the stock.
However, the ongoing capital market disruption and sluggish
economic recovery can affect its growth. Also, the bleak economic
environment might elevate the cost of funding.
Currently, Hercules retains a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Other stocks in
the same sector that are performing well and can be considered for
investment include - NewStar Financial, Inc.
(NEWS) and Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (SFE). Both
these companies carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
AMER CAP LTD (ACAS): Free Stock Analysis Report
HERCULES TECH (HTGC): Free Stock Analysis Report
NEWSTAR FIN INC (NEWS): Free Stock Analysis Report
SAFEGUARD SCTFC (SFE): Free Stock Analysis Report
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