We present low-duration BDC bonds, highlighting NMFCZ with an 8.16% yield to maturity, 3.66 years to maturity, and a Baa3 credit rating. NMFCZ offers higher yields compared to top-tier BDCs, despite lower credit quality, making it a safer investment option among exchange-traded baby bonds. NMFC's Baa3 rating reflects its 14-year history, credit expertise, low duration, lower first-lien investments and higher non-accrual investments.
The last few weeks of cascading share prices may be troublesome to most investors, but Cathie Wood doesn't mind buying during the deluge. The co-founder, CEO, and investment manager at Ark Invest has been more active lately in buying shares for her high-octane growth exchange-traded funds.
GAINZ is a low-duration pick with a yield to maturity of 7.64%, trading below par, and a stripped price of $22.98. GAIN's credit score is a Baa2 equivalent, factoring in profitability, ACR cushion, asset quality, and debt structure. Despite high expense ratios and problem loans, GAIN's low leverage and secured debt offer safety to bondholders, making it a credible investment.
Cathie Wood was a busy shopper on Monday. The co-founder, CEO, and ace stock picker at Ark Invest added to 13 different existing positions across her aggressive growth exchange-traded funds, her busiest day of purchases in weeks.
Cathie Wood had a quiet first day of trading for the final week of February. The co-founder, CEO, and ace stock picker for Ark Invest executed only four transactions across her family of growth-focused exchange-traded funds.
Our focus shifts to smaller BDC companies, specifically PhenixFIN Corporation, emphasizing its internally managed structure and diversified portfolio of senior secured loans and equity. PFXNZ bond offers a current yield of 5.68% and a yield to maturity of 7.96%, trading below par value, presenting an attractive investment opportunity. PFX boasts a decent credit rating with a final score of 8.5 (Baa2 equivalent), reflecting strong asset quality, profitability, and financial flexibility.
WhiteHorse Finance, Inc. offers attractive risk-adjusted returns through senior secured loans to lower middle market companies, with a focus on disciplined underwriting and portfolio growth. WHFCL, WhiteHorse Finance's baby bond, is trading above par with a yield to call of 7.08% and a yield to maturity of 7.92%. WHF has a Baa2 credit score, reflecting solid asset quality, debt structure, and profitability, positioning it well within the BDC sector.
MFICL offers a high yield of 8% with decent credit quality, making it an attractive low-duration investment option for yield-hunting investors. MFIC's financial strength is Baa3 equivalent, with strong asset coverage and senior secured loans, but its debt structure is less favorable. The bond is trading above par with a yield to call of 7.5% and a maturity yield of 8.06%.
Focus on low-duration fixed-income products to capitalize on small price deviations, with a preference for 5-year terms callable after 2 years. GAINI, a 7.875% baby bond from Gladstone Investment Corporation, is undervalued compared to other BDC bonds, offering high yield and low expected volatility. GAIN's credit score is adjusted to 8.21, equivalent to Baa1, due to its smaller market cap, low diversification, and high problem loans, yet it remains among higher-quality BDCs.
For the last couple of years, the stock market has rallied on an unwaveringly positive narrative surrounding the prospects of artificial intelligence (AI). The momentum that's fueled technology stocks in particular carried into 2025 -- until about two weeks ago, when the party music suddenly stopped out of nowhere.
Cathie Wood had one of her busiest days on the trading floor in months on Tuesday. The co-founder, CEO, and ace stock picker at Ark Invest added to 17 different existing positions across her aggressive growth exchange-traded funds in a single day.
Crescent Capital BDC focuses on originating and investing in the debt of private middle-market U.S. companies, aiming for income and capital appreciation. The 5% baby bond FCRX trades at $24.54 with a yield to maturity of 7.16%, offering a 2% higher yield compared to sector benchmarks. CCAP's adjusted credit score equivalent for financial strength is Baa2. It has strong profitability, asset quality, and leverage, though it relies on refinancing unsecured notes.