Sixth Street Specialty LendingNYSE: TSLX

Despite solid 2024 NII growth, Sixth Street Specialty Lending, Inc.'s realized and unrealized gains fell, but dividends and NII coverage remain strong. TSLX's portfolio is 94% secured loans, with 98.8% at floating rates, and has diversified industry exposure and internal ratings. TSLX trades at a premium to NAV; advised to add to your watch list and watch for market pullbacks for better entry points.

I am downgrading Sixth Street Specialty Lending stock to a hold due to its continued underperformance against peers and unjustified premium valuation. Despite a high 10.3% dividend yield and consistent dividend history, TSLX's total return is lackluster, only achieving a 1% YTD return. The non-accrual rate has increased to 1.9%, indicating rising vulnerability in the current high-interest rate environment.

While the top- and bottom-line numbers for Sixth St (TSLX) give a sense of how the business performed in the quarter ended September 2024, it could be worth looking at how some of its key metrics compare to Wall Street estimates and year-ago values.

Sixth Street (TSLX) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.57 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.58 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.60 per share a year ago.

Sixth Street Specialty Lending is a defensive BDC with strong base dividend coverage, even amid potential interest rate cuts. TSLX's portfolio is well-diversified, focusing on first-lien debt, with low non-accruals and reasonable industry exposure. Despite interest rate cuts, TSLX's dividend coverage remains robust, with room for special dividends.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sixth Street Specialty Lending, Inc. (NYSE: TSLX) (“TSLX” or “the Company") announced today that it will release its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, after the market closes. TSLX invites all interested persons to its webcast / conference call on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its third quarter ended September 30, 2024 financial results. Conference Call Information: The con.

Sixth Street (TSLX) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.58 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.57 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.58 per share a year ago.

TSLX is a BDC focusing on lending to middle market US companies. The portfolio is well-constructed, diverse, and focused on risk mitigation through first lien debt investments and a majority of investments on a floating rate basis. TSLX's high distribution rate of 8.8% is well-supported by net investment income, with a history of solid dividend growth and coverage, making it an attractive option for income-focused investors.

Sixth Street Lending Inc. is a well-managed BDC with a First Lien-centric, floating-rate investment portfolio and a 9% dividend yield. The central bank's guidance for a higher-for-longer rate environment may aid short-term growth, but long-term net investment income growth is uncertain. TSLX's 24% premium to NAV may not offer compelling risk/reward, especially in an environment of falling interest rates.