What is the dividend yield based on the current stock price and how does it compare to other BDCs and sector peers?
Dividend Yield Calculation
Chicago Atlantic BDC (NASDAQ LIEN) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.34 per share. Assuming the market is trading the stock near its latest closing price of ≈ $9.00, the annualized dividend is $0.34 × 4 = $1.36. This translates to a dividend yield of roughly 15.1 % ( $1.36 ÷ $9.00 × 100 ). Even if the price were a touch higher—say $9.50—the yield would still sit above 14 %, well outpacing the broader BDC universe.
Comparison with BDCs and Sector Peers
The BDC sector typically trades in the 8‑10 % yield range. Key peers such as Ares Capital (ARCC) and Main Street Capital (MAIN) are yielding ≈ 8 % and ≈ 9 % respectively, while higher‑yielding names like Prospect Capital (PSEC) and New York Mortgage Trust (NYMT) hover around 10‑11 %. LIEN’s 15 %+ yield is therefore significantly richer than the average. That premium can be justified by a combination of a lower market‑cap, higher leverage, and a more aggressive payout policy, but it also flags greater risk—particularly credit‑quality concerns and limited growth potential.
Trading Implications
Fundamentals: The lofty yield is attractive for income‑focused investors, yet the underlying portfolio quality and leverage metrics should be scrutinized. Recent SEC filings show a net asset value (NAV) of $8.30 per share, implying the stock is trading at roughly a 10 % discount to NAV, which adds a margin of safety but also suggests market skepticism.
Technicals: LIEN is currently testing a short‑term support zone around $8.80 (its 50‑day EMA). The 200‑day EMA sits near $9.30, and the RSI is around 38, indicating modest oversold pressure. A bounce above the $9.00 level could trigger a short‑term rally, while a break below $8.70 may expose the stock to deeper downside as the discount widens.
Actionable Take‑away: For dividend‑seeking traders, the 15 % yield makes LIEN a compelling short‑term income play, especially if you can buy near the $8.80‑$9.00 range and hold through the September payout. However, position sizing should be conservative, and consider pairing the long exposure with a protective stop just below the $8.60 support or a small put spread to hedge the credit‑risk premium embedded in the yield. Relative to peers, LIEN offers a clear income edge, but the trade‑off is higher volatility and potential NAV compression.