ARCC Stock Recent News

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 posted strong returns in May. TSLX's claims of low sector ROEs are overstated; sector averages mask significant outperformance by select BDCs and better portfolio yields.

Ares Capital (ARCC) closed at $21.93 in the latest trading session, marking a -0.14% move from the prior day.

High-yield stocks are often riddled with flaws. However, there are some high-yield stocks available today that check all of my boxes. I share some of my top high-yield picks of the moment.

Weaker US M&A activity and declining net investment commitments signal subdued investment portfolio growth ahead. Investment yield spreads have been shrinking but latest management commentary and a lower-than-expected exposure to tariff-sensitive sectors are tailwinds going forward. ARCC trades at a 21% premium to BDC peers, far above its historical 5% average. So I think ARCC is relatively overvaluation and at risk of a mean reversion correction.

Recent Fed actions and economic data suggest a material risk of further interest rate cuts in the near to medium term. Lower rates threaten BDC dividend sustainability, even for solid names like ARCC and BXSL, as shown by recent NII declines. In this article, I discuss two high-quality BDCs (not ARCC and BXSL), which investors should consider divesting if they also assume an interest rate cut scenario as a base case.

My top 10 high-yield picks for June 2025 balance attractive dividend yields, strong financials, and competitive advantages to reduce risk and enhance returns. I use a rigorous four-step selection process: screening for size, yield, and valuation; assessing competitive advantages; deep valuation analysis; and ensuring industry and geographic diversification. Each company's allocation limit is determined by its risk-reward profile, dividend sustainability, financial health, and growth outlook to help investors manage portfolio risk.

High-yield, blue-chip stocks are the holy grail of retiring on dividends. I share some of my favorite 7-10% yielding blue chips that look like attractive picks for retirees. I also share some of the risks to keep in mind.

I am increasingly cautious on BDCs due to rising non-accruals, weaker earnings, and looser underwriting amid intense competition for private credit deals. Elevated interest rates are suppressing BDC valuations and making it harder for borrowers to service debt, leading to fewer quality investment opportunities. Dividend coverage is weakening across many BDCs, with higher non-accruals and PIK income threatening the sustainability of distributions investors rely on.

High-yield stocks can provide substantial income and inflation protection, but unsustainable payouts risk dividend cuts and capital losses.

We take a look at the action in business development companies through the fourth week of May and highlight some of the key themes we are watching. BDC sector pulled back 2% this week, but remains up 2.5% month-to-date; valuations are about 5% below historic averages. Despite headlines of credit stress, BDC portfolios' interest income continues to offset markdowns and non-accruals, supporting solid total NAV returns.