If you are looking for stocks that are well positioned to maintain their recent uptrend, Belden (BDC) could be a great choice. It is one of the several stocks that passed through our "Recent Price Strength" screen.
Trinity Capital is a well-managed BDC with a dividend yield of over 13%. There has been a slight increase in the portion of the portfolio on the watch list, indicating potential default risks. However, the overall portfolio quality remains good, and the BDC has continued to grow its NII and dividend.
Here is how Belden (BDC) and Intellicheck Mobilisa, Inc. (IDN) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.
We take a look at the action in preferreds and baby bonds through the last week of May and highlight some of the key themes we are watching. Preferreds had a good week and month, with most sectors finishing in the green. BDC Main Street is issuing a short-maturity bond with a make-whole provision. We highlight the broader BDC baby bond sector.
Gladstone Capital is a quality monthly-paying BDC with a respectable track record and performed strongly with its share price up roughly 20% in the past year. The BDC reported a slight decline in net investment income but saw growth in total investment income and overall portfolio fair value. The company's dividend coverage is tight, and its share price may be overvalued, warranting a hold rating for now.
Blue Owl Capital lll is a newly-listed sister BDC to Blue Owl Capital with similarities and some differences that I highlight within this article. OBDE reported a decline in net investment income but saw significant growth in total investment income and new investment commitments. OBDE has a higher exposure to first-lien loans and a larger weighted-average EBITDA for their portfolio companies compared to OBDC.
We take a look at the action in business development companies through the last week of May and highlight some of the key themes we are watching. BDCs had a good week, outperforming the broader income space. The sector gained 3% in May. Barings BDC experienced resignations due to friction between MassMutual and the private credit lending team.
Goldman Sachs BDC has reported strong earnings, with double-digit growth in net investment income and increased originations year-over-year. The company's first-lien exposure is higher than its peers like Capital Southwest, positioning them well for future economic downturns should they arise. Their balance sheet is also solid with ample liquidity, and a well-covered dividend, making it an attractive investment option.
Monroe Capital (MRCC) has outperformed the BDC market despite my previous concerns about its risk profile. Yet, Q1 2024 earnings show a decrease in underlying NAV and a decline in adjusted net investment income, raising questions about dividend sustainability. The leverage has increased, making it the fourth most leveraged BDC, and a significant portion of the borrowings are based on cheap fixed rate financing which will inevitably increase the borrowing costs.
Gladstone Investment is a reliable monthly paying BDC that offers a steady stream of income for retirees. The company has shown strong performance over the past year, outperforming peers and increasing its total portfolio value. GAIN is positioned for growth, with a growing NAV and the ability to capitalize on future investment opportunities with increased liquidity.
Goldman Sachs BDC's share price appears to have stabilized after a sell-off in May, making it an attractive investment for dividend investors. The company's first lien strategy, variable rate exposure and high distribution coverage ratios make it a solid choice in the BDC sector. The lower price-to-NAV ratio and potential revaluation add to the attractiveness of an investment in Goldman Sachs BDC.
For investors seeking momentum, Putnam BDC Income ETF PBDC is probably on the radar. The fund just hit a 52-week high and is up 21.3% from its 52-week low price of $28.77/share.