TIDMMPLF

RNS Number : 2386M

Marble Point Loan Financing Limited

20 January 2021

20 January 2021

MPLF NAV per share +9.13% in December - growth and outperformance for ninth consecutive month; 14.2% dividend yield

The net asset value ("NAV") of Marble Point Loan Financing Limited ("MPLF") as at the close of business on 31 December 2020 is as follows:

 
 Share class     December 2020      November 2020     Monthly Change 
                NAV per Ordinary   NAV per Ordinary     in NAV per 
                   Share (1)          Share (1)          Share (1) 
  Ordinary        USD 0.7143         USD 0.6545         USD 0.0598 
    Shares 
              ------------------  -----------------  --------------- 
 

Performance

-- December marks the ninth consecutive month in which MPLF grew its NAV and outperformed the Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index (CSLLI).

-- NAV total return was 9.13% for the month, compared to the total return of the Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index (CSLLI) of 1.30%. MPLF also outperformed the ICE BAML High Yield Index and S&P 500 which posted returns of 1.91% and 3.84%, respectively.

-- U.S. leveraged loan prices continued to rise in December, supported by sustained optimism regarding COVID-19 vaccine developments augmented by technical support from excess loan demand driven by a net loan supply shortage. The resulting increase in underlying loan prices, especially for loans with lower ratings and those previously considered "distressed", led to higher valuations for CLO equity investments including the CLO equity securities held by MPLF. Improving loan collateral metrics have caused discount rates for CLO equity to compress towards historical levels resulting in yields tightening and prices increasing commensurate with other risk assets.

-- MPLF has continued to outperform relevant benchmarks in recent months, delivering a cumulative NAV return of 95.92% since March compared to 18.39%, 22.20% and 47.26%, respectively, for the CSLLI, ICE BAML High Yield Index and S&P 500 for the same period. In fact, the strong NAV return since the end of March has resulted in a positive NAV return for the full year 2020 of 0.91%.

-- The rising loan market has further reduced the tail risk in loan portfolios as defined by loans with a quoted bid price less than 80%. At 31 December 2020, the percentage of loans in the MPLF loan portfolios marked at a bid price of 80% or lower was 1.1% as compared to 2.2% for the S&P/LSTA Index. The index level is the lowest tally since February 2019, indicating that the percentage of loans below this traditional distressed benchmark has receded to pre-COVID levels.

-- No constituents of the S&P/LSTA Index defaulted in December. Due to defaults rolling off the calculation, the Index's lagging 12-month default rate by notional amount decreased to 3.83% at the end of the 2020. Marble Point believes this is lower than the 2020 default rate many loan market participants had projected at the outset of the pandemic.

Market

-- The loan market posted its ninth consecutive monthly gain with the CSLLI delivering a 1.30% return in December and a total annual return for 2020 of 2.78%. The average indicative bid price of CSLLI moved up to 95.73% at 31 December from 94.76% at 30 November. The weighted average indicative bid price of MPLF's loans increased to 97.80% at 31 December from 96.28% at 30 November.

-- Headline CLO issuance in December remained robust as 27 CLOs totaling $11.3 billion priced during the month, including one priced by Marble Point. This compares to an average monthly issuance total of $7.7 billion for the prior eleven months of 2020. December volume was marked by tightening CLO liability markets as well as a re-emergence of longer duration five year reinvestment period transactions.

-- Institutional loan volume increased in December with $28.1 billion of headline issuance compared to $19.8 billion in November 2020. However, total 2020 issuance was the lowest annual total since 2015, and the percentage of issuance that supported LBOs and M&A related activity fell to an eight year low. Further to this point, nearly half of the total December 2020 issuance volume related to refinancing activity. Total repayment volume for the fourth quarter of 2020 was the highest amount since the third quarter of 2019. As a result, the total size of leveraged loan index as reported by S&P/LCD was nearly unchanged year over year at 31 December 2020.

-- Retail funds experienced an inflow of approximately $0.5 billion in December as reported by J.P. Morgan. This represents the first monthly inflow since September 2018.

-- Since the end of December, the average indicative bid price of the CSLLI has increased by 1.24% to 96.97% (as at 15 January 2021). New issue loan issuance has remained muted to start the year, putting further upward pressure on secondary loan prices as recently priced CLOs and existing warehouse facilities look to continue ramping assets.

Investment

-- In December, MPLF invested $2.0 million in an LAF in support of the continuing ramp of assets related to the issuance of Marble Point CLO XIX.

-- Marble Point CLO XIX priced on 23 December at which time MPLF committed to invest an incremental $10.7 million for a 36.7% interest in the equity tranche of Marble Point CLO XIX. The closing date for Marble Point CLO XIX is scheduled for 3 February 2021.

   --      Marble Point CLO XIX is expected to have the following features: 

o A reinvestment period of approximately five years

o A two year non-call period

o A 13 year final maturity

o A weighted average cost of debt of LIBOR+197 basis points

o An estimated effective yield of 13.0-15.0% as at the pricing date of the transaction

-- Subsequent to month end Marble Point priced a refinancing of several classes of debt of Marble Point CLO XIV, in which MPLF holds $22.6 million notional value of the equity tranche. The refinancing, which is expected to reduce the CLO's weighted average cost of debt by 37 basis points from L+226 to L+189, is expected to close on 20 January.

   MPLF's December 2020 Monthly Report is available on its website:   www.mplflimited.com 

Enquiries:

Marble Point Loan Financing Limited

Investor Relations

T: +44 (0) 20 7259 1500

   E:   ir@mplflimited.com 

Website: www.mplflimited.com

Corporate Broker :

Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited

T: +44 (0) 20 7710 7600

Financial Public Relations :

Charlie Barker / Catherine Chapman

MHP Communications

T: +44 (0) 20 3128 8100

MarblePoint@mhpc.com

(1) NAV figures are provided for informational purposes only and are unaudited, estimated by Marble Point Credit Management LLC ("Marble Point"), the investment manager of MPLF, and subject to adjustment. Marble Point estimates MPLF's NAV on a monthly basis as at the end of each month. Estimates with respect to a date falling on a calendar quarter end are subject to revision when the quarterly NAV is determined. NAV is calculated as the sum of the value of MPLF's investment portfolio, any cash or cash equivalents and other assets less liabilities. NAV is reduced by the amount of a dividend to the extent the ex-dividend date occurs during the period presented. NAV total return figures shown are estimated, unaudited and subject to adjustment and reflect the net total NAV return, inclusive of dividends, for the periods shown and as from MPLF's admission to the Specialist Fund Segment of the main market of the London Stock Exchange on 13 February 2018, after taking into account applicable listing and offering costs and pre-admission profits and loss. Monthly and cumulative performance figures are non-annualised and such results reflect the deductions of applicable management fees and expenses at the underlying investment levels.

(2) The indices shown have not been selected to represent a benchmark for MPLF's performance, but rather to allow for comparison of MPLF's returns to those of known, recognized and/or similar indices. The Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index (CSLLI) tracks the investable universe of the U.S. leveraged loan market. The ICE BofAML US High Yield Index (ICE BAML HYI) tracks the performance of USD-denominated below investment grade corporate bonds publically issued in the U.S. domestic market. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500) tracks the performance of U.S. public equity markets and is based on the market capitalization of 500 large companies having common stock listed on NYSE or NASDAQ. The performance of any index is not an exact representation of any particular investment as you cannot invest directly in an index.

Past performance is not indicative or a guarantee of future performance.

This release contains inside information.

About Marble Point Loan Financing

Marble Point Loan Financing Ltd. (LSE Ticker: MPLF LN (USD); MPLS LN (GBX)) is a Guernsey-domiciled closed-ended investment company. MPLF's investment objective is to generate stable current income and grow net asset value by earning a return on equity in excess of the amount distributed as dividends.

MPLF is invested in a diversified portfolio of US dollar denominated, broadly syndicated floating rate senior secured corporate loans owned via collateralised loan obligations ("CLOs") and related vehicles managed by Marble Point Credit Management LLC.

About Marble Point Credit Management LLC

Marble Point Credit Management LLC ("Marble Point") is a specialist asset manager focused exclusively on leveraged loans. Marble Point was founded by Thomas Shandell in partnership with Eagle Point Credit Management, a leading investor in CLO securities.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Marble Point Loan Financing Limited (the "Company") is a closed-ended investment company incorporated in Guernsey with its ordinary shares ("Shares") admitted to trading on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (ticker: MPLF.LN). The Company is invested in a diversified portfolio of US dollar denominated, broadly syndicated floating rate senior secured corporate loans via CLOs, loan accumulation facilities and other vehicles managed by Marble Point Credit Management LLC ("Marble Point") or its affiliates. Marble Point is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

This document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell any Shares, notes or other securities (collectively, "Securities") issued by the Company or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any such Securities in the United States, Australia, Canada, the Republic of South Africa, Japan or any other jurisdiction. This document may not be relied upon, and should not be used, for the purpose of making any investment decision. This document and the information and views included herein do not constitute investment advice or a recommendation or an offer to enter into any transaction with the Company or any of its affiliates. Any recipient of this document should make such investigations as it deems necessary to arrive at an independent evaluation of any investment and should consult its own legal counsel and financial, actuarial, accounting, regulatory and tax advisers to evaluate any such investment. This document has been issued by the Company and is the sole responsibility of the Company.

The Securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and may not be offered or sold in the United States to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons unless they are registered under applicable law or exempt from registration. The Company has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, and investors will not be entitled to the benefits of such Act.

The information shown herein is estimated, unaudited, for background purposes only, representative as of the dates specified herein, subject to adjustment and not purported to be full or complete. Nothing herein shall be relied upon as a representation as to the current or future performance or portfolio holdings of the Company or any strategy or investment vehicle. Certain information presented herein has been obtained from third party sources and is believed to be reliable. However, neither the Company nor Marble Point represents that the information contained in this document (including third party information) has been independently verified or is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied upon as such. Index information, if any, has been provided for illustration purposes only. Any such information does not reflect the effect of transaction costs, management fees or other costs which would reduce returns. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.

There is no guarantee that any of the goals, targets or objectives described in this document will be achieved. The investment strategies of the Company may not be suitable for all investors and are not intended to constitute a complete investment program. Neither Marble Point nor the Company makes any representation or warranty (express or implied) with respect to the information contained herein (including, without limitation, information obtained from third parties) and each of them expressly disclaims any and all liability based on or relating to the information contained in, or errors or omissions from, these materials; or based on or relating to the use of these materials; or any other written or oral communications transmitted to the recipient or any of its affiliates or representatives in the course of its evaluation of the information herein.

Any of the views or opinions expressed herein are current views and opinions only and may be subject to change. Statements made herein are as of the date of this document and should not be relied upon as of any subsequent date. All information is current as of the date of this document and is subject to change without notice.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of current of future results. The value of investments may go down as well as up and investors may not get back any of the amount invested. The value of investments designated in another currency may rise and fall due to exchange rate fluctuations in respect of the relevant currencies. Adverse movements in currency exchange rates can result in a decrease in return and a loss of capital.

A Note on Forward Looking Statements. This document includes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. Actual results may differ materially from any results projected in the forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such statements are based on current expectations, involve known and unknown risks, a reliance on third parties for information, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company and Marble Point caution readers not to place undue reliance on such statements. Neither the Company nor Marble Point undertakes, and each specifically disclaims, any obligation or responsibility, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences, developments, unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statement. Actual results may differ materially from the Company's and/or Marble Point's expectations and estimates.

None of the Company, Marble Point or any of their respective parent or subsidiary undertakings, or the subsidiary undertaking of any such parent undertakings, or any of such person's respective partners, shareholders, directors, members, officers, affiliates, agents, advisors or representatives shall have any liability whatsoever (in negligence or otherwise) for any loss howsoever arising from any information or opinions presented or contained in this document nor shall they accept any responsibility whatsoever for, or make any warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, fullness, accuracy or completeness of the information in this document (or whether any information has been omitted from the document) or any other information relating to the Company, Marble Point or their respective subsidiaries or associated companies, in any form whatsoever, howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this document or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. This shall not affect any liability any such person may have which may not be excluded under applicable law or regulation.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.

END

NAVPPUAPGUPGUUU

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 20, 2021 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

Marble Point Loan Financ... (LSE:MPLS)
Gráfico Histórico do Ativo
De Dez 2024 até Jan 2025 Click aqui para mais gráficos Marble Point Loan Financ....
Marble Point Loan Financ... (LSE:MPLS)
Gráfico Histórico do Ativo
De Jan 2024 até Jan 2025 Click aqui para mais gráficos Marble Point Loan Financ....