The BDC segment is my favorite area to invest for high and durable income. In fact, my highest-conviction investment is a BDC. In this article, I discuss several structural reasons why, in my view, BDCs just have to be integrated into income-oriented portfolios. Plus, I provide 12 points to focus on when investing in BDCs for maximized income, protected downside and sustainable growth.
We take a look at the action in business development companies through the last week of January and highlight some of the key themes we are watching. BDCs had a strong January, with a nearly 5% average return, supported by an unwinding of expected rate cuts and positive market tone. The IMF will be scrutinizing PIK loans for potential financial stability risks.
Belden Inc. (NYSE:BDC ) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call February 6, 2025 8:30 AM ET Company Participants Aaron Reddington – Investor Relations Ashish Chand – President and Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Parks – Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Mark Delaney – Goldman Sachs Steven Fox – Fox Advisors William Stein – Truist Securities Rob Jamieson – Vertical Research Partners Operator Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. Welcome to this morning's Belden Report Fourth Quarter 2024 Results.
Belden (BDC) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.92 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.67 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.46 per share a year ago.
BDCs are primarily income-producing assets. When the market conditions become very favorable, as in 2022/2023, BDCs can also deliver income growth and tangible price returns. Yet, the prevailing market environment is not accommodative for BDCs.
We take a look at the action in business development companies through the fourth week of January and highlight some of the key themes we are watching. BDCs had a strong week with a 1.5% total return, led by TCPC and GSBD, while OBDC faced pressure from merger-related gains. Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending issued a $300m bond, likely to reduce interest expenses and increase leverage, signaling management's confidence in the portfolio.
As a BDC bull, I've to admit that most BDCs are not good enough for being included in a durable retirement/passive income portfolio. In the article I share 5 specific criteria that we have to comply with to minimize dividend cut risk. I also share 3 concrete BDC picks, which I could easily see being included in the retirement income mix.
I love investing in REITs, BDCs and MLPs. They enjoy tax benefits and deliver high and sustainable yields. I share my favorites in each sector right now.
Ares Capital is the largest US BDC, with a $15B market cap, offering high yield income through lending and investing in private companies. ARCC's portfolio, valued at $25.9B, is diversified across industries, with a strong focus on 1st Lien Senior Secured Loans and Software & Services. ARCC has a history of low losses and strong dividend coverage, with stable or increasing dividends for over 61 consecutive quarters.
Crescent Capital BDC, Inc. offers a solid dividend yield of around 8.6%, with strong dividend coverage that has led to specials being fairly regular. CCAP's portfolio is around 90% first-lien investments with over 97% floating rates, despite this, it appears to be less interest rate-sensitive to other BDCs due to its forms of borrowing. PIK income had increased dramatically in the latest quarter, though it was largely from one-time events; non-accruals stayed very low.
Bain Capital Specialty Finance has shown strong performance with impressive earnings, solid portfolio quality, and effective management, making it a compelling buy for income-oriented investors. BCSF's portfolio growth and low non-accrual rates, combined with a healthy balance sheet and investment-grade credit ratings, highlight its financial stability and potential for continued growth. Despite trading at a slight discount to NAV, BCSF offers a near double-digit yield and strong dividend coverage, making it an attractive option for income-focused portfolios.
The past couple of months, which include the steepening of the yield curve, have been positive for BDCs. However, higher long-term rates and a steeper yield curve create a net negative effect for BDC fundamentals. In this article, I explain the recent divergence between BDC prices and the worsening interest rate environment.