Despite macroeconomic concerns, the stock market has continued to post strong gains this year thereby leaving some investors wondering if it’s time to take some chips off the table. One popular approach is owning attractive big-yield investments (6% to over 10% yields) that will continue to pay high income regardless of what happens in the broader market. In this report, we provide an overview of “frothy” market conditions (e.g. valuation metrics) and then countdown our top 10 big-yields (including BDCs, stock and bond CEFs, REITs and more). We conclude with a critical takeaway that is sadly overlooked by many.
Big-Yield BDC Comps: ARCC, MAIN, OBDC, OCSL
A lot of income-focused investors are attracted to BDCs for their large dividend yields. However, not all BDCs are created equally. In the following table you will see comparative data for top BDCs, including the percent of investments that have fixed-versus-floating rates, the percent of debt they have that is fixed-versus-floating rate, price-to-book value, current dividend yields and the percent of first lien loans they have made as investments.
100 Big-Yield CEFs, Compared
BDCs (Big Yields): Prices Weak as Credit Spreads Widen, Rate Cuts Loom
Sharing Updated Data: Big-yield BDCs have been particularly weak over the past few weeks (following earnings), especially in light of widening credit spreads (i.e. lending risk) and a looming rate cut by the fed (which will negatively impact some floating rate recipients more than others). Sharing updated comparison data on 35+ big-yield BDCs, plus a brief opinion on whether now is the time to buy or head for the hills.
50+ Big-Yield CEFs: These 2 Worth Considering
In this quick note, we’re sharing updated data on 50+ big-yield closed-end funds (“CEFs”) from across categories. You likely recognize many of these top names. We’re also highlighting two in particular that are attractive because of management’s new active initiatives to shrink the discount to NAV (a good thing).
Distribution Quality Scores: 10 Top Big-Yields, Ranked
One of the greatest concepts ever is retiring and simply living off the dividends. No work, no tasks, just big steady distributions rolling in like clockwork (for you to spend and live life however you please). The problem with this, of course, is that many investors end up chasing after the biggest yield opportunities without properly considering the quality of those yields. In this report, we introduce our “Big-Yield Quality Scores,” ranking 10 very popular big yields, including PDI, JEPI, SCHD, USA, ARCC, AGNC and more.
Top 10 Big Yields: CEFs, BDCs, REITS (May 2024)
It’s a great time to be a big-yield investor (6% to 13% yields). For starters, the aggressive interest rate hike cycle (that pressured the prices of interest rate sensitive securities lower over the last two years) has now ended (as per fed chair Jerome Powell, it’s unlikely the next interest rate move will be higher). And with interest rates now settling in at their highest levels in over two decades, certain out-of-favor contrarian opportunities are particularly compelling. In this report, we countdown our top 10 big-yield opportunities, including closed-end funds (“CEFs”), business development companies (“BDCs”), real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), dividend stocks and more.
100 Big-Dividend REITs, Compared
Arbor Realty: 13.3% “Sucker Yield,” 3 Better Big Divided Strategies
If you are an income-focused investor, Arbor Realty Trust (ABR) may be extremely tempting because of its massive dividend yield (currently 13.3%) and long-term track record of success. However, this mortgage REIT checks all the boxes for a “sucker yield,” and there are far better investment opportunities if you like to generate high income. In this report, we share 10 reasons why Arbor Realty Trust may be a sucker yield (i.e. a dividend that is “too good to be true”), and then conclude with three superior big-dividend strategies for you to consider.
PDI (13.8% Yield): Up Big, More Gains Likely Ahead (100 Big-Yield CEFs Compared)
If you like high income investments, two things are likely true: (1) you are aware of the big double-digit yields offered by PIMCO closed-end funds (“CEFs”) and (2) you’re likely disgusted by the returns of said bond funds over the last few years. However, the tide has shifted as interest rate hikes have ceased (and may reverse). And as we correctly predicted, the brief price discount on PIMCO’s PDI (versus NAV) has evaporated and the shares now trade at a premium. What’s special is BOTH the premium and share price will likely increase dramatically in the months, quarters and years ahead. We explain in this short report and also share data on 100 other big-yield CEFs (many also paid monthly) for comparison purposes.
Top 100 Big-Yield Closed-End Funds (Ranked)
In this report, we share updated data on 100 big-yield CEFs from across a variety of categories. The data is ranked by market cap, per category, but you can also compare these big yield opportunities on discounts-premiums, leverage, recent performance metrics and more. We conclude with our opinion on where we’re seeing the best (and some of the worst) big-yield opportunities in the current market environment.
Quick Note: Updated BDC Data
Quick Note: Sharing some updated BDC data as of today’s close. Yields remain attractively high, yet valuations are not particularly low, as much of the group is benefiting from increased investment income from floating rate loans while their own debts are fixed rate with some time before much of it resets higher.
Top 10 Big Yields: CEFs, BDCs, REITs, MLPs (Update)
After two full weeks of 2024, the tectonic big-yield landscape continues to shift, and select highly-attractive opportunities continue to emerge. It’s a fantastic time to be a big-yield investor, and we share top ideas in this report. Specifically, we countdown our top 10 big-yield opportunities, including closed-end funds (“CEFs”), business development companies (“BDCs”), real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), dividend stocks and master limited partnerships (“MLPs”). We also share updated data on hundreds of big-yield opportunities from across each of these categories (so you can compare and contrast for yourself).
Dividend Growth Stock Opportunities
In this “snapshot & update” report, we share data on 75 top dividend growth stocks, and a few of them stand out in particular as attractive opportunities. If you are worried about “growth stocks” being too aggressive and “double-digit yield” securities being too risky, then you might appreciate a few of the ideas in this report which offer well-covered growing dividends and long-term capital appreciation potential.
12 Big-Yield Oil & Gas Midstream Companies, Compared
If you like big-yield income, you’ve likely come across the oil & gas midstream industry. The group can offer impressive high income, plus total returns that are less correlated with the overall stock market (because of the steady fee-based income these companies generate). But there are a few things you need to consider before investing. In this brief report, we share comparative data on the 12 biggest companies in the group, plus a few important caveats on investing in them.
Ares Capital: 40 Big-Yield BDCs, Compared
In this report, we compare 40+ big-yield BDCs, including a special focus on industry stalwart, Ares Capital (ARCC). Specifically, we rank the BDCs based on various metrics, including price-to-book value, dividend yield and a variety of other factors. We then dive into the specifics on Ares, including a discussion of how it is fortifying its financials for a potential macroeconomic storm. We conclude with our strong opinion about investing in BDCs at this point in the market cycle, and our specific views on investing in Ares Capital, in particular.
Quick Note: 100 Big-Yield REITs, Down Big
Quick Note: Sharing data on over 100 big-yield REITs, sorted by industry group. As you can see, performance has been horrendous over the last two years, for some groups more than others. The unusual 1-2-3 punch or rising interest rates, an uncertain economy and the winds of secular change (for example, work-from-home and online shopping) have all played a big part.
Quick Note: Big-Yield CEFs, Watchlist Data
Quick Note: Briefly sharing some updated data on big-yield CEFs on our watchlist. You’ll note a few standout for bigger than normal discounts and smaller than normal premiums (as per z-scores). Returns have been healthy for equity CEFs, but weak for bond CEFs (as interest rates have been rising). However, the interest rate environment is changing, and so are the opportunities going forward for bonds.
Top 10 Big-Yield CEFs: Attractive Contrarian Opportunities
When market conditions get ugly, contrarian investors salivate. Not because they’re buying everything in buckets, but because they’re selectively adding compelling contrarian opportunities to their income-focused investment portfolios. And that is exactly what we focus on in this report. Specifically, we review current market conditions, share data on 50+ big-yield closed-end funds (“CEFs”) and then countdown our top 10 big-yield CEF opportunities.
100+ Big-Yield REITs: Terrible Performance, Few Attractive Opportunities
The following table includes data on over 100 big-yield REITs, sorted by REIT industries (and then market cap). And as you can see, recent performance has been mostly terrible with 2-year total returns very negative, and lots of REITs sitting near 52-week lows. The carnage has clearly been worse for some industries more than others, and short-interest remains high in certain areas (indicating lots of investors believe there is still more pain to come). In this quick note, we briefly review the REIT market by sub-industries and then highlight a very select few big-dividend REITs that appear attractive and worth considering for investment.