Fidus Investment reports Q1 EPS 43c, consensus 40c

Reports Q1 Total investment income of $20.5M. "In the first quarter, we began to grow our portfolio of debt investments after five consecutive quarters of elevated levels of repayments. Originations were $114.4 million, nearly all of which was invested in debt securities in seven new portfolio companies, for net originations in the quarter of $91.3 million," said Edward Ross, Chairman and CEO of Fidus Investment Corporation. "We continue to expect another active year in the lower middle market providing us with opportunities to further increase our debt portfolio and monetize some of our equity investments. In evaluating opportunities, we intend to adhere to our proven underwriting principles and strategy of investing in high-quality companies that possess resilient business models, generate excess levels of cash flow to service debt and have positive long-term outlooks. We believe this consistent focus keeps us well positioned to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns and deliver value for our stockholders over the long term."