HTGC Stock Recent News

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.

Do you need to generate more passive income from your stock holdings? Schedule a meeting with a financial advisor near you for a complete portfolio review.

I use YCharts' Value Score and Ben Graham Formula to identify large-cap stocks offering strong value relative to profits, assets, and dividends. Eighteen of twenty-four 'safer' lowest-priced Dividend Dogs of the GVAS are fair-priced and ready to buy for income-focused investors. Top ten GVAS stocks are projected to deliver 17.99% to 68.74% net gains by May 2026, with average risk 29% below the market.

Can tech-focused Hercules Capital outperform diversified Ares Capital in today's uncertain market? Let's find out.

Hercules Capital delivered decent Q1 results, with robust net investment income supporting its attractive dividend yield. The investment firm maintained excellent balance sheet quality, reinforcing confidence in its dividend sustainability. Despite trading at a 56% premium to NAV, I believe the premium is justified by Hercules Capital's consistent dividend coverage and growth in portfolio investments.

Hercules Capital is a top BDC choice for passive income investors, offering solid dividends supplemented by non-base distributions and strong credit quality. The BDC focuses on the technology sector, with a portfolio value of $3.9 billion and a low non-accrual ratio of 0.5%. Despite a premium valuation, Hercules Capital's consistent performance, high net investment income, and supplemental dividends justify its 'Strong Buy' rating.

GAITHERSBURG, Md., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altimmune, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALT), a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel peptide-based therapeutics for liver and cardiometabolic diseases, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Hercules Capital, Inc. (NYSE: HTGC), a leader in debt financing for life science companies, for up to $100 million in a credit facility, with a $15 million tranche funded at closing.

We take a look at the action in business development companies through the first week of May and highlight some of the key themes we are watching. BDCs fell around 1.5% this week due to a couple of weak Q1 reports, with the sector still below pre-Liberation Day levels. Despite recent dips, historically resilient BDCs are showing strong ROE figures, suggesting selective opportunities for patient investors.

Despite my usual inclination to invest in dividend-paying stocks, current market valuations and economic risks lead me to prefer raising cash over investing. The 10-year Treasury yield reflects a tug-of-war between inflation and economic weakness, influenced by tariffs and trade uncertainties. The recent U.S.-U.K. trade deal is a positive development, but it doesn't fully offset the higher tariffs still in place post-"Liberation Day."

BDCs, previously top performers due to high yields and rising rates, now face selling pressure amid economic uncertainty and potential interest rate cuts. Hercules Capital and Trinity Capital, despite solid fundamentals, may see tighter dividend coverage and selling pressure if rates decline as expected. Both BDCs have strong balance sheets and spillover income, ensuring near-term dividend safety despite potential economic headwinds.