Jun 05, 2026

Thoughts on some of the public BDCs?

Many are trading at 20-50 cents discount to NAV because of the concerns in the private credit market and redemptions, but BDCs don’t have redemptions (you just sell the stock) and the underlying health of majority of the loans are holding up. What do people think?

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, publicly traded BDCs (Business Development Companies) can indeed offer interesting opportunities, especially when trading at significant discounts to NAV (Net Asset Value). Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Discount to NAV: Many BDCs trading at 20-50 cents on the dollar relative to NAV can present a compelling value proposition. This discount often reflects broader market concerns, such as fears in the private credit market, but it doesn't necessarily indicate fundamental issues with the BDC itself.

  2. No Redemption Pressure: Unlike mutual funds or ETFs, BDCs don't face redemption pressures. Investors sell their shares on the open market, which means the BDC's portfolio isn't directly impacted by investor outflows. This structural advantage can provide stability.

  3. Loan Health: The underlying health of the loans in many BDC portfolios appears to be holding up well, even amidst market concerns. This is a critical factor to monitor, as it directly impacts the BDC's ability to generate income and maintain distributions.

  4. Publicly Traded BDCs to Watch: Some notable names to consider for comps or further analysis include:

    • Ares Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: ARCC)
    • Golub Capital BDC, Inc. (NASDAQ: GBDC)
    • Hercules Capital, Inc. (NYSE: HTGC)
    • Monroe Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: MRCC)
  5. Due Diligence: When evaluating BDCs, it's essential to dive into their credit agreements, portfolio composition, and leverage levels. For example, referencing investment portfolios and recent filings like Ares Capital Corporation's 10-Q can provide valuable insights into their operations and risk profile.

In summary, while the discounts to NAV might seem attractive, it's crucial to assess the quality of the underlying loans, the management team's track record, and the broader market environment. BDCs can be a solid play for income-focused investors, but thorough due diligence is key to identifying the best opportunities.

Sources: Private Credit Resources and Prep, Long term, concentrated, deep fundamental investing, Most active credit shops in the market?, Deal Activity Down 30-40%, Lack of trading and market thoughts/opinions on this site

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