Data center REITs have problems. Valuations are high, maintenance capex is often understated, and overbuilding and potential obsolescence are significant risks. For these reasons, our Top Pick in this sector is not a traditional landlord, but rather an alternative asset manager enjoying rapid growth.
Blue Owl Capital Inc. (OWL) Presents at Goldman Sachs 2025 U.S. Financial Services Conference Transcript
Blue Owl Capital recently missed NII expectations and saw a rise in its non-accrual percentage. OBDC's non-accruals rose to 1.3%, and dividend coverage fell to 1.0X, eliminating excess coverage. Blue Owl Capital announced a $200M stock buyback, allowing management to buy back shares below NAV, adding to NAVPS.
Blue Owl Capital Corporation offers a compelling deep value opportunity with a forward 12%+ dividend yield amid moderating AI excitement. OBDC is significantly undervalued, with fair value estimates 44% to 77% above the current share price, even under conservative dividend growth assumptions. While OBDC's high payout ratio may limit future dividend growth, the current yield remains highly attractive for income-focused investors.
I initiate my coverage on Blue Owl Capital Inc. (OWL), with a strong buy rating, supported by record fundraising of $57B TTM, and significant exposure to AI digital infrastructure growth. Recently, Blue Owl led landmark hyperscaler financings, including $30B Meta Hyperion, $20B Oracle Stargate (NM), and $15B Oracle Abilene, within a >$100B pipeline. At ~15x forward earnings and a 6.4% dividend yield (cheaper than Blackstone, KKR, Ares, and Brookfield), I believe sentiment, not fundamentals, explains the 12-month underperformance.
Blue Owl Capital (OBDC) terminated its merger with Blue Owl Capital Corporation II, leading to a 20% discount to net asset value. OBDC's non-accruals rose modestly but remain manageable, with portfolio quality supported by a focus on senior secured loans. A $200 million share buyback at a deep discount and a well-covered dividend present a compelling high-yield income opportunity.
Blue Owl Capital has been heavily sold off due to market overreactions to private credit concerns, despite strong fundamentals. OWL reported a solid Q3'25 with minimal non-accruals and no exposure to troubled credits like Tricolor or First Brands. Management emphasized that recent negative headlines do not reflect the true strength of OWL's credit portfolio or the broader private credit market.
Blue Owl Capital Corporation faces persistent headwinds from private credit default concerns, earnings normalization, and potential dividend cuts, but remains fundamentally resilient. The merger with OBDC II has been terminated, helping to allay weak sentiments that have affected the stock's momentum in recent weeks. Despite a modest uptick in non-accruals and a likely dividend reduction, OBDC's 12.4% forward yield and 21% discount to NAV offer compelling value for income investors.
Blue Owl has decided to call off the merging of two of its private-credit funds after the deal caused some angst among investors, according to sources.
Blue Owl Capital Inc. ( OWL ) Citizens Financial Services Conference 2025 November 18, 2025 12:00 PM EST Company Participants Marc S. Lipschultz - Co-Founder, Co-CEO & Director Conference Call Participants Brian Mckenna - Citizens JMP Securities, LLC, Research Division Kipp deVeer Presentation Brian Mckenna Citizens JMP Securities, LLC, Research Division All right.
OBDC has dropped into a 20% discount territory. For bulls, it has created a very fruitful ground to initiate a chatter around a 'once-in-a-decade buying opportunity.' As a BDC sector bull, I have a different view.
Blue Owl Capital (NYSE: OWL) offers a highly scalable, asset-light business model, earning steady fees by managing capital for institutional investors without bearing credit risk directly. OWL's revenue is anchored by permanent or long-dated vehicles, providing annuity-like stability and predictable income streams with little impact from short-term market events. The firm's $251 billion AUM spans private credit, GP strategic capital, and real assets, with management fees driving over $1 billion in recurring annual revenue.