Core Insights - The article focuses on high-yield stocks, particularly Business Development Companies (BDCs), and highlights several included in the VanEck BDC Income ETF (BIZD) [1][3] BDC Holdings - The top three holdings in the BIZD ETF include Ares Capital Corp. (ARCC), Blue Owl Capital Corp. (OBDC), and Main Street Capital Corp. (MAIN), with respective holdings of 16.58%, 10.27%, and 8.81% [2] - Other notable BDCs mentioned include Hercules Capital Inc. (Hercules), Golub Capital BDC Inc. (GBDC), and Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (EXST) [2] Market Trends - BDCs have experienced a significant decline in share prices recently, with an average drop of 7% to 9% in under a month, which is unusual for this sector [20][22] - The overall sector values have decreased by approximately 4% to 7% for the year [22] Dividend Outlook - Most BDCs have not yet cut dividends, but reductions are anticipated due to a sharp decrease in short-term interest rates, which will likely lower net interest income [5][7] - The BIZD ETF and recent picks yield around 12% based on trailing dividend rates [7] Investment Strategy - A recent position was initiated in Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (BXSL), which has seen a significant price drop, making it more attractive for investment [8][9] - BXSL has historically protected its Net Asset Value (NAV), which has increased by approximately 5% since early 2022, indicating strong management performance [16] Valuation Metrics - BXSL is currently trading at a price-to-NAV ratio of 0.95, below its historical average of 1.06 to 1.07, suggesting potential upside if it recovers to previous valuation levels [14][15] - The article emphasizes the importance of comparing price-to-trailing NAV and book value (BV) to assess valuations across BDCs [27][26]

Core Viewpoint - Dynex Capital (DX) reported a Q2 2025 performance that was largely in line with expectations, with a minor book value (BV) outperformance of 1.6% and core earnings meeting projections. Strong capital raises and timely mortgage-backed securities (MBS) purchases helped mitigate early-quarter volatility [1][2][9]. Financial Performance - The quarterly BV for DX showed a modest decrease, consistent with expectations, amidst a volatile environment for agency mREIT stocks. The BV fluctuations were influenced by market conditions, including a spike in mortgage interest rates and U.S. Treasury yields in early April 2025 [2][3]. - DX's management aggressively raised capital during Q2 2025, increasing on-balance sheet MBS by 25% and off-balance sheet MBS by 33%, exceeding initial projections of 15% and 20% respectively [4][10]. - Core earnings/EAD for DX improved, driven by net interest income that matched expectations, although NDR income slightly underperformed. Operational expenses were largely in line with projections [6][9]. Market Conditions - The early part of Q2 2025 saw market volatility due to proposed tariff policies, which led to increased mortgage interest rates and margin calls for some agency mREIT peers. However, DX was insulated from significant margin calls due to its cash reserves and equity issuance [3][4]. - As market conditions stabilized in May 2025, driven by trade negotiations and reduced economic risks, both stock market and MBS pricing rebounded, contributing to DX's performance [3][4]. Risk and Valuation - DX's risk/performance rating remains at 3, reflecting the need to navigate various risks including spread/basis, leverage, and interest rate fluctuations. The company is projected to experience 1-2 basis point cuts in the Federal Funds Rate in the latter half of 2025 [8][16]. - The current valuation of DX is deemed appropriate, with a HOLD recommendation in place. The company is expected to maintain its dividend payout, although future sustainability will be closely monitored [22][21].