SuRo Capital Corp (SSSS) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strategic AI Investments and ...

In This Article:

  • Net Asset Value (NAV): $157.4 million or $6.73 per share as of September 30, 2024.

  • AI Investments: $55 million invested in AI companies, representing 18% of gross assets at quarter's end, increasing to 23% including post-quarter investments.

  • Cash Available for Investment: Approximately $32.7 million, representing 14% of gross assets.

  • Top Five Positions: CoreWeave, Learneo, OpenAI, Blink Health, and ServiceTitan, accounting for 47% of the investment portfolio at fair value.

  • PublicSquare Shares Sold: 359,845 shares for approximately $1 million, with a realized gain of $732,000.

  • Convertible Notes Issuance: $25 million in 6.5% convertible notes due 2029, with potential for up to $75 million.

  • Share Repurchase Program: Expanded to $64.3 million, with $25 million remaining authorized.

  • Investment Portfolio Allocation: 26% in Software as a Service, 21% in AI infrastructure and applications, 16% in Consumer Goods and Services.

  • Realized Losses: $6.6 million from OneValley, Inc. and $6.8 million from SPBRX.

Release Date: November 07, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • SuRo Capital Corp (NASDAQ:SSSS) has made significant investments in AI, with AI investments now representing 23% of their portfolio.

  • The company has invested approximately $65 million in sought-after private companies, including $55 million in AI companies.

  • SuRo Capital Corp (NASDAQ:SSSS) has a balanced portfolio with late-stage companies like ServiceTitan, Canva, and Whoop, which are well-positioned for potential IPOs.

  • The company has successfully monetized public positions, generating realized gains, such as the sale of PublicSquare shares.

  • SuRo Capital Corp (NASDAQ:SSSS) has a strong liquidity position with $39.5 million in liquid assets, including $32.7 million in cash.

Negative Points

  • The company experienced a decrease in NAV per share from $6.94 to $6.73, driven by net realized losses and investment losses.

  • SuRo Capital Corp (NASDAQ:SSSS) reported a realized loss of approximately $6.6 million from the sale of OneValley, Inc.

  • The company wrote off investments in Churchill Sponsor VII and YouBet Technology due to dissolutions.

  • There is a significant concentration risk, with the top five positions accounting for 47% of the investment portfolio.

  • The company faces risks associated with market volatility and uncertainties that could impact future performance.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide an overview of SuRo Capital's recent investments in AI companies? A: Mark Klein, Chairman and CEO, highlighted that SuRo Capital has invested approximately $65 million in private companies during the second half of 2024, with $55 million allocated to AI companies. Notable investments include OpenAI, CoreWeave, and VAST, which together represent a significant portion of their portfolio. These investments are part of SuRo Capital's strategy to capitalize on the growth of AI and provide shareholders access to leading AI companies.