High-yield stocks that trade at deep discounts to NAV often attract value-oriented income investors. However, most of the time, these investments are value traps. I share two popular stocks like this whose dividends I think are at risk and will likely deliver disappointing total returns to shareholders moving forward.
Zacks.com users have recently been watching Ares Capital (ARCC) quite a bit. Thus, it is worth knowing the facts that could determine the stock's prospects.
Buying right and holding tight can be a winning investment strategy over in-vogue short-term strategies. EPD has strong fee-based earnings, strong balance sheet, and growth projects coming online, offering a 6.8% yield and potential for double-digit total returns. CSWC excels in the lower middle market with an internally managed structure, low expenses, and an 11% yield, supporting regular and special dividends.
Ares Capital (ARCC) closed at $21.93 in the latest trading session, marking a -0.14% move from the prior day.
Weaker US M&A activity and declining net investment commitments signal subdued investment portfolio growth ahead. Investment yield spreads have been shrinking but latest management commentary and a lower-than-expected exposure to tariff-sensitive sectors are tailwinds going forward. ARCC trades at a 21% premium to BDC peers, far above its historical 5% average. So I think ARCC is relatively overvaluation and at risk of a mean reversion correction.
Recent Fed actions and economic data suggest a material risk of further interest rate cuts in the near to medium term. Lower rates threaten BDC dividend sustainability, even for solid names like ARCC and BXSL, as shown by recent NII declines. In this article, I discuss two high-quality BDCs (not ARCC and BXSL), which investors should consider divesting if they also assume an interest rate cut scenario as a base case.
High-yield stocks can provide substantial income and inflation protection, but unsustainable payouts risk dividend cuts and capital losses.
Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?
I focus on building lasting wealth through a dividend pyramid strategy that balances income and growth across three portfolio layers for clarity and structure. High-yield stocks form the base for steady income and inflation protection, while the middle layer blends income with growth, and the top layer targets aggressive growth opportunities. In this article, I highlight two reliable, income-focused stocks I'd consider for a diversified retirement portfolio, emphasizing safety and consistent dividend performance.
Ares Capital (ARCC) has been one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com users lately. So, it is worth exploring what lies ahead for the stock.
I favor high-yield income stocks like ARCC and CTO for their disciplined capital deployment and strong risk management, empowering investors to build lasting wealth without having to lift a finger. Ares Capital stands out with robust portfolio growth, low leverage, high-quality loans, and a well-covered 9% dividend yield, making it an attractive BDC pick. CTO Realty Growth offers value through strategic acquisitions, strong lease-up potential, ongoing deleveraging, and an 8.6% yield, positioning it for FFO growth.
Can tech-focused Hercules Capital outperform diversified Ares Capital in today's uncertain market? Let's find out.