Eagle Point Credit CEO Tom Majewski on funds and income
Jan 14, 2025
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Tom Majewski, Founder and CEO of Eagle Point Credit Company, dives into the world of CLOs and income generation. He shares insights on their two funds, emphasizing their different risk profiles and income strategies. The podcast discusses the recent influx of ETFs for CLOs and historical cash flow patterns that shape investment decisions. Majewski also explains his firm's innovative management fee structure, designed to prioritize shareholder benefits, alongside an intriguing approach towards venture loans that highlight attractive return potential.
Tom Majewski highlights that investing in Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs) offers substantial cash flow despite market unpredictability.
Eagle Point's strategic focus on shareholder-friendly management fees and innovative financing, such as baby bonds, enhances long-term investment success.
Deep dives
Robust Outlook for Corporate Credit
The current economic climate is perceived positively, characterized by discussions around soft and hard landings, with a conclusion that the economy has experienced a 'no landing' scenario. This environment is fostering optimism regarding corporate credit, indicating that investment strategies for 2025 and beyond are looking promising. Despite the unpredictability inherent in credit investments, the overall outlook remains strong. There is a focus on reducing costs strategically in strong markets, further enhancing the potential for investment success.
Understanding CLOs and Their Role
Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs) are a significant focus for investment, with the Eagle Point Credit Company specializing in CLO equity, known for generating substantial cash flow. These asset classes are often misunderstood, yet they have proven their value over various credit cycles. CLOs involve corporate loans that are predominantly senior and secured, thus providing a safety net during financial downturns. The loans backing CLOs have historically yielded positive returns, reinforcing their importance in generating monthly distributions for investors.
Comparing Investment Vehicles: CLOs, BDCs, and ETFs
Various investment vehicles offer exposure to credit, including Business Development Companies (BDCs) and ETFs, each with distinct structures and risks. BDCs focus on lending to smaller companies and generally provide higher distribution yields, while ETFs often invest in the senior tranches of CLO transactions, usually carrying lower risks. The management structures of these vehicles differ, with BDCs charging management fees on gross assets, while Eagle Point's fees are more shareholder-friendly, only applying to common equity. These varying characteristics present opportunities for investors seeking different balances of risk and return in their portfolios.
Innovative Financing and Joint Ventures
Eagle Point has explored innovative financing avenues, including the recent issuance of baby bonds, which provide attractive long-term financing at competitive rates. The management team emphasizes a cautious approach to leverage while ensuring compliance with regulatory asset coverage ratios, allowing for sound financial management. Additionally, a joint venture with Trinity Capital exemplifies a strategic collaboration aimed at tapping into the thriving venture lending market, leveraging the strengths of both companies. This partnership is expected to generate stronger returns and diversify the investment portfolio further, showcasing the commitment to delivering substantial value to shareholders.
Founder and CEO Tom Majewski from Eagle Point explains their two funds, Eagle Point Credit Company and Eagle Point Income Company (1:15). CLOs, CEFs, and what income investors should know (4:30). Lots of inflows into ETFs for CLOs. That will change (10:30). Historical distributions and cash flow (12:45). Eagle Point's 'quite interesting' portfolio (25:00). Contextualizing management fee structure (30:20).