Two High-Yield Investments (Reaching 20.9%) That May Be Deceptive (Plus a Reliable 9% Payer)
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 08 2025
0mins
Should l Buy PSEC?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Bankruptcy Impact on BDCs: The bankruptcy of auto-parts supplier First Brands has raised concerns about business development companies (BDCs), which provide loans to small and mid-sized firms, leading to fears of more issues in the private-credit market.
Caution Against High-Yield BDCs: Investors are advised to be cautious of BDCs like Blue Owl Capital and Prospect Capital Corp, which have high fees and poor long-term performance, making them less attractive despite their high yields.
Alternative Investment Recommendation: The Liberty All-Star Growth Fund (ASG) is highlighted as a better investment option, offering a 9% dividend and a significant discount to NAV, outperforming BDCs in total return.
Upcoming Investment Opportunities: The author plans to release a "mini-portfolio for 2026" featuring four high-yield closed-end funds (CEFs) with an average yield of 9.2% and potential for over 20% price upside, encouraging readers to access this information.
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Analyst Views on PSEC
About PSEC
Prospect Capital Corporation is a business development company that focuses on lending to and investing in private businesses. Its investment objective is to generate both current income and long-term capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. It invests primarily in senior and subordinated secured debt and equity of private companies in need of capital for acquisitions, divestitures, growth, development, recapitalizations and other purposes. It invests primarily in first and second lien secured loans and unsecured debt, which in some cases includes an equity component. It invests in debt and equity positions of structured credit, which are a form of securitization in which the cash flows of a portfolio of loans are pooled and passed on to different classes of owners in various tranches. It may also acquire controlling interests in companies in conjunction with making secured debt investments in such companies. Its investment adviser is Prospect Capital Management L.P.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Prospect Credit REIT Achieves 13.14% Annual Return
- Outstanding Investment Returns: Since its first investment on February 6, 2025, Prospect Credit REIT (PCRED) achieved an annualized total return of 13.14% as of December 31, 2025, significantly outperforming the Stanger Composite NAV REIT Index's return of 6.50%, demonstrating its strong performance in the real estate credit sector.
- Sustained Dividend Capability: As of January 2026, PCRED's shareholder distribution rate stands at 9.00% per annum, and it has declared eleven consecutive months of distributions since inception, reflecting the stability and sustainability of its investment income.
- Significant Fee Advantage: The current private offering of PCRED does not impose management or performance fees, reducing the cost burden on investors and thereby attracting more participants, which enhances its market competitiveness.
- Diversified Investment Portfolio: PCRED focuses on higher-priority, less-volatile credit investments, providing a more stable income source compared to equity NAV REITs that primarily seek capital appreciation, thus meeting market demands for both safety and yield.
See More
Prospect Credit REIT Achieves 13.14% Annual Return
- Investment Performance: Since its first investment on February 6, 2025, Prospect Credit REIT (PCRED) achieved an annualized total return of 13.14% by December 31, 2025, significantly outperforming the Stanger Composite NAV REIT Index's return of 6.50%, demonstrating its strong position in the real estate credit investment sector.
- Dividend Stability: As of January 2026, PCRED's shareholder distribution rate stands at 9.00% per annum, with eleven consecutive months of distributions fully covered by net investment income since inception, enhancing investor confidence and appeal.
- Cost Advantage: PCRED's current private offering does not incur management or performance fees, a strategy that not only reduces investor costs but also increases its attractiveness in a competitive market, particularly among investors seeking stable returns.
- Market Positioning Difference: Unlike equity-focused NAV REITs that prioritize capital appreciation, PCRED focuses on higher-priority, less-volatile credit investments, emphasizing income driven by current and contractual coupons, which allows it to maintain relatively stable performance amid market fluctuations.
See More
Prospect Capital Corporation Reports Q2 2026 Earnings Highlights
- Net Investment Income Growth: Prospect Capital reported a net investment income of $91 million or $0.19 per share for Q2, reflecting a 15.5% increase from the previous quarter, demonstrating the company's ongoing profitability and competitive position in its core business.
- Portfolio Optimization: CEO John Barry emphasized the strategic priority of rotating assets into first lien senior secured middle market loans, with the first lien mix increasing by 728 basis points to 71.4% since June 2024, which will enhance the company's risk management and income stability.
- Financial Robustness: CFO Kristin Van Dask reported combined cash and undrawn credit facility commitments of $1.6 billion, showcasing strong liquidity and capital capacity to seize market opportunities and support future growth.
- Ongoing Dividend Commitment: The company announced continued monthly distributions of $0.045 per share to common shareholders, reflecting management's confidence in future cash flows while enhancing investor trust and market appeal.
See More
Prospect Capital Declares Monthly Dividend of $0.045
- Stable Monthly Dividend: Prospect Capital has declared a monthly dividend of $0.045 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stability and commitment to shareholder returns in the current market environment.
- Attractive Yield: The declared dividend corresponds to a forward yield of 20.69%, appealing to income-seeking investors and enhancing the company's attractiveness in the competitive BDC market.
- Dividend Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on March 19 for shareholders of record on February 25, with subsequent payments scheduled for April 21 and May 19, which further boosts investor confidence in the company's financial management.
- Investor Caution: Despite improvements in total investment income in Q2 compared to Q1, there remains a risk of NAV deterioration, which is critical for long-term investors to consider when evaluating their investment strategies.
See More
Prospect Capital: The Last Remaining BDC Bond Opportunity with Over 8% Yield
- Attractive Yield: Prospect Capital offers an attractive yield exceeding 8%, yet market sentiment remains cautious regarding its future performance, prompting investors to weigh the high yield against potential risks.
- NAV Deterioration Risk: Despite portfolio adjustments, Prospect Capital still faces risks of net asset value (NAV) deterioration, which could impact its long-term financial stability and investor confidence.
- Investment Red Flags: Analysts have flagged Prospect Capital as a 'red flag' investment, indicating uncertainties in the current market environment, necessitating careful evaluation by investors in their decision-making processes.
- Future Outlook: As the BDC market evolves towards 2026, Prospect Capital's performance will be influenced by broader economic factors, requiring investors to monitor its adaptability and strategic adjustments in response to market changes.
See More
Prospect Capital Reports FQ2 NII of $0.19 per Share
- Earnings Stability: Prospect Capital's FQ2 net investment income per share stands at $0.19, remaining unchanged from the previous year, indicating ongoing challenges in maintaining profitability amidst market fluctuations.
- Declining Investment Income: The total investment income reported is $176 million, down from $185.47 million a year ago, reflecting the company's struggles in adapting to changing market conditions, which may impact future dividend distributions.
- Yield Attraction: Despite the risks, Prospect Capital is recognized as the last remaining BDC bond investment opportunity offering an attractive yield of over 8%, drawing interest from yield-seeking investors.
- NAV Deterioration Risk: Even with portfolio shifts, Prospect Capital continues to face risks of net asset value (NAV) deterioration, prompting investors to carefully assess its long-term investment viability.
See More
Prospect Credit REIT Achieves 13.14% Annual Return
- Outstanding Investment Returns: Since its first investment on February 6, 2025, Prospect Credit REIT (PCRED) achieved an annualized total return of 13.14% as of December 31, 2025, significantly outperforming the Stanger Composite NAV REIT Index's return of 6.50%, demonstrating its strong performance in the real estate credit sector.
- Sustained Dividend Capability: As of January 2026, PCRED's shareholder distribution rate stands at 9.00% per annum, and it has declared eleven consecutive months of distributions since inception, reflecting the stability and sustainability of its investment income.
- Significant Fee Advantage: The current private offering of PCRED does not impose management or performance fees, reducing the cost burden on investors and thereby attracting more participants, which enhances its market competitiveness.
- Diversified Investment Portfolio: PCRED focuses on higher-priority, less-volatile credit investments, providing a more stable income source compared to equity NAV REITs that primarily seek capital appreciation, thus meeting market demands for both safety and yield.
See More
Prospect Credit REIT Achieves 13.14% Annual Return
- Investment Performance: Since its first investment on February 6, 2025, Prospect Credit REIT (PCRED) achieved an annualized total return of 13.14% by December 31, 2025, significantly outperforming the Stanger Composite NAV REIT Index's return of 6.50%, demonstrating its strong position in the real estate credit investment sector.
- Dividend Stability: As of January 2026, PCRED's shareholder distribution rate stands at 9.00% per annum, with eleven consecutive months of distributions fully covered by net investment income since inception, enhancing investor confidence and appeal.
- Cost Advantage: PCRED's current private offering does not incur management or performance fees, a strategy that not only reduces investor costs but also increases its attractiveness in a competitive market, particularly among investors seeking stable returns.
- Market Positioning Difference: Unlike equity-focused NAV REITs that prioritize capital appreciation, PCRED focuses on higher-priority, less-volatile credit investments, emphasizing income driven by current and contractual coupons, which allows it to maintain relatively stable performance amid market fluctuations.
See More
Prospect Capital Corporation Reports Q2 2026 Earnings Highlights
- Net Investment Income Growth: Prospect Capital reported a net investment income of $91 million or $0.19 per share for Q2, reflecting a 15.5% increase from the previous quarter, demonstrating the company's ongoing profitability and competitive position in its core business.
- Portfolio Optimization: CEO John Barry emphasized the strategic priority of rotating assets into first lien senior secured middle market loans, with the first lien mix increasing by 728 basis points to 71.4% since June 2024, which will enhance the company's risk management and income stability.
- Financial Robustness: CFO Kristin Van Dask reported combined cash and undrawn credit facility commitments of $1.6 billion, showcasing strong liquidity and capital capacity to seize market opportunities and support future growth.
- Ongoing Dividend Commitment: The company announced continued monthly distributions of $0.045 per share to common shareholders, reflecting management's confidence in future cash flows while enhancing investor trust and market appeal.
See More
Prospect Capital Declares Monthly Dividend of $0.045
- Stable Monthly Dividend: Prospect Capital has declared a monthly dividend of $0.045 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stability and commitment to shareholder returns in the current market environment.
- Attractive Yield: The declared dividend corresponds to a forward yield of 20.69%, appealing to income-seeking investors and enhancing the company's attractiveness in the competitive BDC market.
- Dividend Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on March 19 for shareholders of record on February 25, with subsequent payments scheduled for April 21 and May 19, which further boosts investor confidence in the company's financial management.
- Investor Caution: Despite improvements in total investment income in Q2 compared to Q1, there remains a risk of NAV deterioration, which is critical for long-term investors to consider when evaluating their investment strategies.
See More
Prospect Capital: The Last Remaining BDC Bond Opportunity with Over 8% Yield
- Attractive Yield: Prospect Capital offers an attractive yield exceeding 8%, yet market sentiment remains cautious regarding its future performance, prompting investors to weigh the high yield against potential risks.
- NAV Deterioration Risk: Despite portfolio adjustments, Prospect Capital still faces risks of net asset value (NAV) deterioration, which could impact its long-term financial stability and investor confidence.
- Investment Red Flags: Analysts have flagged Prospect Capital as a 'red flag' investment, indicating uncertainties in the current market environment, necessitating careful evaluation by investors in their decision-making processes.
- Future Outlook: As the BDC market evolves towards 2026, Prospect Capital's performance will be influenced by broader economic factors, requiring investors to monitor its adaptability and strategic adjustments in response to market changes.
See More
Prospect Capital Reports FQ2 NII of $0.19 per Share
- Earnings Stability: Prospect Capital's FQ2 net investment income per share stands at $0.19, remaining unchanged from the previous year, indicating ongoing challenges in maintaining profitability amidst market fluctuations.
- Declining Investment Income: The total investment income reported is $176 million, down from $185.47 million a year ago, reflecting the company's struggles in adapting to changing market conditions, which may impact future dividend distributions.
- Yield Attraction: Despite the risks, Prospect Capital is recognized as the last remaining BDC bond investment opportunity offering an attractive yield of over 8%, drawing interest from yield-seeking investors.
- NAV Deterioration Risk: Even with portfolio shifts, Prospect Capital continues to face risks of net asset value (NAV) deterioration, prompting investors to carefully assess its long-term investment viability.
See More
