How To Lock In Yields Up To 17.1% In Historically Cheap Small Caps

Core Viewpoint - Small-cap stocks are currently undervalued, presenting potential investment opportunities, especially those offering high dividend yields ranging from 8.3% to 17.1% [2] Group 1: Small-Cap Stocks Overview - The valuation gap between the S&P 500 and S&P 600 is at its widest since the late 1990s, suggesting small-cap stocks are significantly cheaper [2] - The article discusses five small-cap stocks with attractive dividend yields, indicating a potential for high returns despite their current low valuations [2] Group 2: Playtika Holding (PLTK) - Playtika, a mobile game developer, has a dividend yield exceeding 8% but has not raised its payout recently, indicating a decline in earnings and sales [4][5] - Analysts project a 32% increase in profits for 2024, despite the company's struggles in the competitive mobile gaming market [6] - Playtika's valuation is low at 6 times forward earnings, but there are concerns about its growth prospects [7] Group 3: Carlyle Secured Lending (CGBD) - CGBD is a business development company focused on U.S. middle-market companies, primarily investing in first-lien debt [8][9] - Recent earnings reports have shown disappointing results, with an increase in non-accrual loans and a stagnant base dividend of 40 cents per share [10][11] - CGBD shares are trading at a 16% discount to net asset value, but operational challenges raise concerns about future dividend sustainability [12] Group 4: Bain Capital Specialty Finance (BCSF) - BCSF provides financing solutions to a diverse range of companies, with a significant portion of its investments in first-lien debt [13][14] - The company has maintained its regular dividend but has introduced special dividends, raising concerns about future dividend coverage due to declining net investment income projections [16][17] - Analysts expect BCSF's dividend ratios to be high, leaving little room for error in case of operational difficulties [17] Group 5: Two Harbors Investment Corp. (TWO) - TWO operates in the mortgage REIT sector, focusing on mortgage servicing rights and agency residential mortgage-backed securities [19][22] - The company has faced significant share price declines, resulting in a high yield of over 17%, but recent litigation charges could impact its book value and dividend sustainability [24][25] - TWO's current dividend rate of 45 cents per share is at risk due to the potential impact of litigation on earnings available for distribution [25] Group 6: Franklin BSP Realty Trust (FBRT) - FBRT is a mortgage REIT focused on commercial mortgage-backed securities, with a significant portion of its portfolio in multifamily properties [26][27] - The company is trading at a 28% discount to book value, with a low P/E ratio based on 2026 earnings estimates, indicating potential value [28] - Concerns exist regarding the stability of its dividend, as the payout has not changed since 2021, and market conditions could necessitate a review of the dividend policy [29][30]