v3.25.2
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-Q and Article 6 and 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain disclosures accompanying the annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP are omitted. As an investment company, the Company applies the accounting and reporting guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies (“ASC 946”) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).
In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for the fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim period presented have been included. The current period’s results of operations will not necessarily be indicative of results that ultimately may be achieved for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.
All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Certain prior period information has been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements. Such amounts could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material. Assumptions and estimates regarding the valuation of investments involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity and these assumptions and estimates may be significant to the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results may ultimately differ from those estimates.
Consolidation
Consolidation
As provided under ASC 946, the Company will not consolidate its investment in a company other than an investment company subsidiary or a controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to the Company.
The Company consolidated the results of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries which are considered to be investment companies. As of June 30, 2025, the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries were BGSL Jackson Hole Funding LLC (“Jackson Hole Funding”), BGSL Breckenridge Funding LLC (“Breckenridge Funding”), BGSL Big Sky Funding LLC (“Big Sky Funding”), BXSL CLO 2024-1 LLC (the “2024-1 Issuer”), BXSL CLO 2024-1 Depositor LLC, BXSL CLO 2025-1 LLC (“BXSL CLO 2025-1”), BGSL Investments LLC (“BGSL Investments”), BXSL Associates GP (Lux) S.à r.l, BXSL Direct Lending (Lux) SCSp, BXSL C-1 LLC, and BXSL C-2 Funding LLC.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and highly liquid investments, such as money market funds, with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company deposits its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions which, at times, may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limit.
Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Restricted cash and cash equivalents include amounts that are collected and are held by trustees who have been appointed as custodians of the assets securing certain of the Company’s financing transactions.
Investments/Receivables/Payables From Investments Sold/Purchased
Investments
Investment transactions are recorded on a trade date basis.
Realized gains or losses are measured by the difference between the net proceeds received (excluding prepayment fees, if any) and the amortized cost basis of the investment using the specific identification method without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized, and include investments charged off during the period, net of recoveries, and is recorded within Net realized gain (loss) on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The net change in unrealized gains or losses primarily reflects the change in investment values, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized gains or losses with respect to investments realized during the period, and is recorded within Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Valuation of Investments
The Company is required to report its investments, including those for which current market values are not readily available, at fair value.
The Company values its investments in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”), which defines fair value as the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the applicable measurement date, and Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.
Under ASC 820, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters when such quotations are readily available. In accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, fair value means the value of a portfolio investment for which market quotations are not readily available. A market quotation is “readily available” only when it is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical instruments that a fund can access at the measurement date, provided that such a quotation is not considered to be readily available if it is not reliable.
Where prices or inputs are not available or, in the judgment of the Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Board of Trustees”), with assistance of the Advisers, the Audit Committee and independent valuation firm(s), determined to be not reliable, valuation techniques based on the facts and circumstances of the particular investment will be utilized. These valuation approaches involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the investments or market and the investments’ complexity. In the absence of observable, reliable market prices, the Company values its investments using various valuation methodologies applied on a consistent basis.
An enterprise value (“EV”) analysis is generally performed to determine the value of equity investments, control debt investments and non-control debt investments that are credit-impaired, and to determine if debt investments are credit-impaired. The Advisers will generally utilize approaches including the market approach, the income approach or both approaches, as appropriate, when calculating EV. The primary method for determining EV for non-control investments, and control investments without reliable projections, uses a multiple analysis whereby appropriate multiples are applied to the portfolio company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) or another key financial metric (e.g., such as revenues, cash flows or net income) (“Performance Multiple”). Performance Multiples are typically determined based upon a review of publicly-traded comparable companies and market comparable transactions, if any. The second method for determining EV (and primary method for control investments with reliable projections) uses a discounted cash flow analysis whereby future expected cash flows and the anticipated terminal value of the portfolio company are discounted to determine a present value using estimated discount rates. The income approach is generally used when the Advisers have visibility into the long-term projected cash flows of a portfolio company.
If debt investments are credit-impaired, which occurs when there is insufficient coverage under the enterprise value analysis through the respective investment’s position in the capital structure, the Advisers generally use the enterprise value “waterfall” approach or a recovery method (if a liquidation or restructuring is deemed likely) to determine fair value. For debt investments that are not determined to be credit-impaired, the Advisers generally use a market interest rate yield analysis to determine fair value. To determine fair value using a yield analysis, the expected cash flows are projected based on the contractual terms of the debt security and discounted back to the measurement date based on a market yield. A market yield is determined based upon an assessment of current and expected market yields for similar investments and risk profiles. The Company considers the current contractual interest rate, the maturity and other terms of the investment relative to risk of the company and the specific investment. A key determinant of risk, among other things, is the leverage through the investment relative to the enterprise value of the portfolio company. As debt investments held by the Company are substantially illiquid with no active transaction market, the Company depends on primary market data, including newly funded transactions, as well as secondary market data with respect to high yield debt instruments and syndicated loans, as inputs in determining the appropriate market yield, as applicable. The fair value of loans with call protection is generally capped at par plus applicable prepayment premium in effect at the measurement date.
ASC 820 prioritizes the use of observable market prices derived from such prices. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The levels used for classifying investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1: Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical instruments as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments included in Level 1 may include unrestricted securities, including equities and derivatives, listed in active markets.
Level 2: Inputs to the valuation methodology are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments in this category may include less liquid and restricted securities listed in active markets, securities traded in other than active markets, government and agency securities and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs.
Level 3: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to overall fair value measurement. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in this category may include debt and equity investments in privately held entities, collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the overall fair value measurement. The Board’s assessment, with the assistance of the Advisers, the Audit Committee and independent valuation firm(s), of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment. Transfers between levels, if any, are recognized at the beginning of the quarter and year in which the transfer occurs.
The Company evaluates the source of the inputs, including any markets in which its investments are trading (or any markets in which securities with similar attributes are trading), in determining fair value. When an investment is valued based on prices provided by reputable dealers or pricing services (that is, broker quotes), the Company subjects those prices to various criteria in making the determination as to whether a particular investment would qualify for treatment as a Level 2 or Level 3 investment.
Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Company’s investments may fluctuate from period to period, and these differences could be material. Additionally, the fair value of the Company’s investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values that the Company may ultimately realize. Further, such investments are generally subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise are less liquid than publicly-traded securities. If the Company was required to liquidate a portfolio investment in a forced or liquidation sale, it could realize significantly less than the value at which the Company has recorded it. In addition, changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be different than the unrealized gains or losses reflected in the valuations currently assigned. See “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates.
Receivables/Payables From Investments Sold/Purchased
Receivables/payables from investments sold/purchased consist of amounts receivable to or payable by the Company for transactions that have not settled at the reporting date.
Derivative Instruments/Forward Purchase Agreement
Derivative Instruments
The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities at fair value in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as Derivative assets at fair value and Derivative liabilities at fair value, respectively.
In the normal course of business, the Company has commitments and risks resulting from its investment transactions, which may include those involving derivative instruments. Derivative instruments are measured in terms of the notional contract amount and derive their value based upon one or more underlying instruments. While the notional amount gives some indication of the Company’s derivative activity, it generally is not exchanged, but is only used as the basis on which interest and other payments are exchanged. Derivative instruments are subject to various risks similar to non-derivative instruments including market, credit, liquidity, and operational risks. The Company manages these risks on an aggregate basis as part of its risk management process.
From time to time, the Company may enter into forward currency contracts which is an obligation between two parties to purchase or sell a specific currency for an agreed-upon price at a future date. The Company utilizes forward currency contracts to economically hedge the currency exposure associated with certain foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities of the Company. The use of forward currency contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the price of the underlying debt the Company has, but establishes a rate of exchange in advance. Fluctuations in the value of these contracts are measured by the difference in the exchange rates on the contract date and reporting date and are recorded as net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation). The fair value of the foreign currency forwards is included as Derivative assets at fair value or Derivative liabilities at fair value on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Changes in the fair value of the foreign currency forwards are presented in Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation): Derivative instruments and Net realized gains (losses): Derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Additionally, the Company uses interest rate swaps to mitigate interest rate risk associated with the Company’s fixed rate liabilities. The fair value of the interest rate swaps is included as Derivative assets at fair value or Derivative liabilities at fair value on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps entered into by the Company and not designated as hedging instruments are presented in Net realized gains (losses) and Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company designated certain interest rate swaps as the hedging instrument in a qualifying fair value hedge accounting relationship, and therefore the change in fair value of the hedging instrument and hedged item are recorded in Interest expense and recognized as components of Interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The change in fair value of the interest rate swap is offset by a change in the carrying value of the fixed rate debt.
The fair values of derivative instruments are presented on a net basis in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities when they are with the same counterparty, the Company has determined it has a legal right to offset the recognized amounts, and it intends to either settle on a net basis. The Company has elected to offset cash collateral posted to or received from its counterparty against the net fair value of derivative instruments with that counterparty when an enforceable master netting agreement is in place that provides the Company, in the event of counterparty default, the right to liquidate collateral and the right to offset a counterparty’s rights and obligations.
Forward Purchase Agreement
Forward purchase agreements are recognized at fair value through current period gains or losses on the date on which the contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at fair value. All forward purchase agreements are carried as assets when fair value is positive and as liabilities when fair value is negative. A forward purchase agreement is derecognized when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, canceled or expired.
Foreign Currency Transactions
Foreign Currency Transactions
Amounts denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars (“USD”) on the following basis: (i) investments and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into USD based upon currency exchange rates effective on the last business day of the period; and (ii) purchases and sales of investments, borrowings and repayments of such borrowings, income, and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into USD based upon currency exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates.
The Company includes net changes in fair values on investments held resulting from foreign exchange rate fluctuations in Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, if any. Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies and U.S. government securities. These risks include, but are not limited to, currency fluctuations and revaluations and future adverse political, social and economic developments, which could cause investments in foreign markets to be less liquid and prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or U.S. government securities.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
Interest Income
Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis and includes the accretion of discounts and amortizations of premiums. Discounts from and premiums to par value on debt investments purchased are accreted/amortized into interest income over the life of the respective security using the effective interest method. The amortized cost of debt investments represents the original cost, including loan origination fees and upfront fees received that are deemed to be an adjustment to yield, adjusted for the accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, if any. Upon prepayment of a loan or debt security, any prepayment premiums, unamortized upfront loan origination fees and unamortized discounts are recorded as interest income in the current period. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded $1.7 million and $14.6 million, respectively, in non-recurring interest income (e.g., prepayment premiums, accelerated accretion of upfront loan origination fees and unamortized discounts). For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company recorded $0.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively, in non-recurring interest income.
PIK Income
The Company has loans in its portfolio that contain payment-in-kind (“PIK”) provisions. PIK represents interest that is accrued and recorded as interest income at the contractual rates, increases the loan principal on the respective capitalization dates, and is generally due at maturity. Such income is included in Payment-in-kind interest income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. If at any point the Company expects that PIK will not be realized, the investment generating PIK will be placed on non-accrual status. When a PIK investment is placed on non-accrual status, the accrued, uncapitalized interest is generally reversed through Payment-in-kind interest income. To satisfy the Company’s annual RIC distribution requirements, this non-cash source of income must be included in determining the amounts to be paid out to shareholders in the form of dividends, even though the Company has not yet collected cash.
Dividend Income
Dividend income on preferred equity securities is recorded on an accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are payable by the portfolio company and are expected to be collected. Dividend income on common equity securities is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies or on the ex-dividend date for publicly-traded portfolio companies.
Fee Income
The Company may receive various fees in the ordinary course of business such as structuring, consent, waiver, amendment, syndication and other miscellaneous fees, as well as fees for managerial assistance rendered by the Company to the portfolio companies. Such fees are recognized as income when earned or the services are rendered.
Non-Accrual Income
Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when there is reasonable doubt whether principal or interest will be collected in full. Accrued interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Additionally, any original issue discount and market discount are no longer accreted to interest income as of the date the loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid current and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current. Management may make exceptions to this treatment and determine to not place a loan on non-accrual status if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection.
For further information regarding the non-accrual status of investments, refer to “Note 4. Investments.
Offering Expenses
Offering Expenses
The Company records expenses related to public equity offerings as a reduction of capital upon completion of an offering of registered securities. The costs associated with any renewals of a shelf registration statement will be expensed as incurred.
Deferred Financing Costs and Debt Issuance Costs
Deferred Financing Costs and Debt Issuance Costs
Deferred financing and debt issuance costs represent fees and other direct incremental costs incurred in connection with the Company’s borrowings and include premiums and discounts to the par value of the respective instruments. These expenses and adjustments are deferred and amortized into interest expense over the life of the related debt instrument. Deferred financing costs related to revolving credit facilities are presented separately as an asset on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Debt issuance costs, including premiums and discounts to par, related to any issuance of installment debt or notes are presented net against the outstanding debt balance of the related security.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
The Company has elected to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The Company also has elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code. So long as the Company maintains its status as a RIC, it generally will not pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that it distributes at least annually to its shareholders as dividends. Rather, any tax liability related to income earned and distributed by the Company would represent obligations of the Company’s investors and would not be reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company.
The Company evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing its condensed consolidated financial statements to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold are reserved and recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. All penalties and interest associated with income taxes are included in income tax expense. Conclusions regarding tax positions are subject to review and may be adjusted at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, on-going analyses of tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof. Management has analyzed the Company’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that there are no material uncertain tax positions through June 30, 2025. As applicable, the Company’s federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three fiscal years after they are filed.
To qualify for and maintain qualification as a RIC, the Company must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. In addition, to qualify for RIC tax treatment, the Company must distribute to its shareholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of the sum of (i) its “investment company taxable income” for that year (without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), which is generally its ordinary income plus the excess, if any, of its realized net short-term capital gains over its realized net long-term capital losses and (ii) its net tax-exempt income.
In addition, based on the excise tax distribution requirements, the Company is subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless the Company distributes in a timely manner in each taxable year an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year, (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain net income (both long-term and short-term) for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (iii) any income realized, but not distributed, in prior years. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by the Company that is subject to corporate income tax is considered to have been distributed.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company incurred $3.8 million and $8.0 million, respectively, of U.S. federal excise tax. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company incurred $3.4 million and $6.8 million, respectively, of U.S. federal excise tax.
Certain of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries are subject to certain U.S. federal and state income taxes. Income tax expense, if any, is included under the income category for which it applies in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Distributions
Distributions
To the extent that the Company has taxable income available, the Company intends to make quarterly distributions to its shareholders. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the record date. All distributions will be paid at the discretion of the Board and will depend on the Company’s earnings, financial condition, maintenance of the Company’s tax treatment as a RIC, compliance with applicable BDC regulations and such other factors as the Board may deem relevant from time to time.
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting
The Company operates as a single reportable segment and as a result, the Company’s segment accounting policies are consistent with those described herein and the Company does not have any intra-segment sales and transfers of assets. See “Note 12. Segment Reporting” for further information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,” (“ASU 2023-09”). ASU 2023-09 requires additional disaggregated disclosures on the entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation and additional details on income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective on a prospective basis, with the option for retrospective application, for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2023-09 to have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value Measurements
The significant unobservable input used in the yield analysis is the discount rate based on comparable market yields. Significant increases in discount rates would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. The significant unobservable input used for market quotations are broker quoted prices provided by independent pricing services. The significant unobservable input used under the market approach is the Performance Multiple. The significant unobservable inputs used under the asset recoverability approach are the market multiple and discount rate. Significant decreases in quoted prices, Performance Multiples, or market multiples would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. The significant input used in the option pricing model is expected volatility. Significant increases or decreases in expected volatility could result in a significantly higher or significantly lower fair market value measurement, respectively.