2 Deep Value BDCs: One Bargain, One Bust
- Currently, an average BDC trades at an 8% discount to NAV. However, those with high dividend cut probabilities have 20%+ discounts. Many of these heavily punished BDCs are busts.
- 06/22/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: Disappointing Performance And Weak Dividend Coverage (Rating Downgrade)
- Downgrading MSDL to hold, due to declining earnings, weak dividend coverage, and rising PIK interest income, signaling potential portfolio quality concerns. MSDL's discount to NAV has widened, reflecting increased market skepticism and risk, despite a high yield of 10.3% and low non-accrual rates. Q1 earnings were disappointing, with the lowest net investment income in a year and sluggish new investment activity, raising doubts about future growth.
- 06/22/2025
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Dividend Cut Alert: Big Dividends Getting Risky
- High-yield stocks can be powerful income and total return generators. However, many of them are at risk of a dividend cut. We share two big dividends that are at risk of cutting their dividends in the near future.
- 06/19/2025
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The More It Tanks, The More It Stanks
- High-yield stocks that trade at deep discounts to NAV often attract value-oriented income investors. However, most of the time, these investments are value traps. I share two popular stocks like this whose dividends I think are at risk and will likely deliver disappointing total returns to shareholders moving forward.
- 06/09/2025
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Sustainable And Popular 9-10% Yields: One To Buy And One To Sell
- 9%+ yields backed by strong business models, balance sheets, and track records are generally extremely popular with income investors. However, they are not always good buys. I detail one very popular high-yield stock that is not a good buy right now and one that is.
- 06/09/2025
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Retire On Dividends With This 7%-Yielding Low-Stress Portfolio
- Retiring on dividend cash flow offers predictable income and long-term growth, making it ideal for offsetting inflation and market volatility risks. I share the key principles for building a low-stress, high-yield portfolio for retirement. I share a model portfolio with numerous picks that combine for a ~7% yield and the potential to deliver inflation-beating dividend growth.
- 05/25/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: Is This 10% Yield Safe?
- MSDL boasts a highly diversified, low-risk portfolio with over 210 loans, minimal concentration risk, and 96% first-lien investments, ensuring portfolio resilience. The company consistently generates strong investment income, supporting a sustainable 10% dividend yield with potential for supplemental distributions. Risks include MSDL's short public track record and sensitivity to falling interest rates, which could reduce payouts by up to 25%.
- 05/24/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund: I Am Downgrading To Hold
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund's total return has been flat since IPO, despite dividends being paid as expected. MSDL's share price weakness has occurred due to the shift from premium to discount-to-NAV, driven by insider selling and sector repricing. Current P/NAV of 0.96x offers neither strong upside nor downside for share price return movement.
- 05/21/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund Prices Public Offering of $350.0 Million 6.000% Notes Due 2030
- NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE: MSDL) (“MSDL” or the “Company”) today announced that it has priced an offering of $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.000% notes due 2030 (the “Notes”). The Notes will mature on May 19, 2030 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at the Company's option at any time at par plus a “make-whole” premium, provided that the Notes may be redeemed at par one month prior to their maturity. The offering is expected to close.
- 05/12/2025
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10% Yields Every Retiree Should Own
- These 10% yielders combine safety, growth, and big upside potential—perfect for living off dividends in retirement. Both are fully covering their dividends with cash flow and trade at attractive valuations—grab them while they're cheap. We also look at the risks facing each of them.
- 05/10/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE:MSDL ) Q1 2025 Earnings Conference Call May 9, 2025 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Sanna Johnson – Head-Investor Relations Jeff Levin – Chief Executive Officer Michael Occi – President David Pessah – Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Melissa Wedel – J.P. Morgan Heli Sheth – Raymond James Marissa Lobo – UBS Operator Welcome to Morgan Stanley Direct Lending First Quarter 2025 Earnings Call.
- 05/09/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) Q1 Earnings and Revenues Lag Estimates
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.52 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.56 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.63 per share a year ago.
- 05/08/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund Announces March 31, 2025 Financial Results and Declares Second Quarter 2025 Regular Dividend of $0.50 per Share
- NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE: MSDL) (“MSDL” or the “Company”), a business development company externally managed by MS Capital Partners Adviser Inc. (the “Adviser”), today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS Net investment income of $46.2 million, or $0.52 per share, as compared to $50.7 million, or $0.57 per share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024; Net asset value of $20.65 per share, as.
- 05/08/2025
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Earnings Preview: Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) Q1 Earnings Expected to Decline
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) doesn't possess the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely earnings beat in its upcoming report. Get prepared with the key expectations.
- 05/01/2025
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My BDC Portfolio: 2 Months In And A Clear Alpha Performance
- My BDC Portfolio: 2 Months In And A Clear Alpha Performance
- 05/01/2025
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My 3 Biggest BDC Investing Mistakes Worth Avoiding
- I've been tracking major BDCs for over three years, achieving high total returns and dividends, and outperforming the BDC index. My investments in BDCs are motivated by high yield, diversification from traditional dividend picks, and the potential to outperform in an underexplored market. Yet, there have been many bumps in the process, and some of them quite painful.
- 04/30/2025
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3 High-Yielding BDCs For 2025
- Despite expected volatility and potential recession, Ares Capital, Blackstone Secured Lending, and Morgan Stanley Direct Lending are likely to maintain their current dividends in 2025. Ares Capital's conservative fiscal strategy, solid dividend coverage, and investment-grade credit ratings position it well for the year ahead. Blackstone Secured Lending's defensively-positioned portfolio and robust liquidity make it a strong contender, despite lower interest rates potentially impacting the sector.
- 04/28/2025
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Investing In BDCs For Durable Income Amidst The Looming Recession
- Rising non-accrual base is the BDC Achilles heel. The current economic conditions drive up the probability of that risk. Hence, the BDC income and NAV durability have become extremely important topics.
- 04/24/2025
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The Dark Side Of BDC Investing
- 3 hidden risks that could cause your BDC income to get slashed overnight. Why top names may face sharp declines ahead. The only BDCs we are still buying at High Yield Investor are not the ones you may think.
- 04/22/2025
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High-Yield Investors Rejoice: 2 Growth-Oriented BDCs Attractive On The Price Drop
- Market volatility offers dividend investors a chance to buy high-quality BDCs like Blackstone Secured Lending and Morgan Stanley Direct Lending at attractive prices. Despite recession fears, BXSL and MSDL's strong fundamentals, low non-performing loans, and robust liquidity make them appealing investment opportunities. BXSL's $28 price and MSDL's discount to NAV present attractive entry points, backed by well-known asset managers and growth-focused strategies.
- 04/21/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund: Bet On Defensive Portfolio
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund is a defensive BDC focusing on U.S.-based middle-market businesses with stable cash flows, low CAPEX, and diversified structures, mitigating operating risks. The portfolio's non-cyclical exposure and 96.5% first-lien debt investments ensure stability and priority in repayment, crucial during economic uncertainty. Despite trade war risks, MSDL's attractive valuation at ~0.92x Price-to-Book Value and solid income potential with a 10.5% regular DPS yield make it a compelling buy.
- 04/20/2025
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BDC Weekly Review: Consequences Of The Trade War For BDCs
- We take a look at the action in business development companies through the second week of April and highlight some of the key themes we are watching. BDCs experienced a 3% decline this week, with volatility at its highest since COVID; traded volumes matched COVID levels. The trade war and market meltdown are causing growth slowdowns and inflation, potentially leading to Fed rate cuts.
- 04/19/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: 10% Yield And 114% Dividend Coverage Make It A Buy
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending offers a high yield backed by a conservatively managed portfolio, primarily composed of first-lien secured debt. MSDL benefits from Morgan Stanley's extensive sponsor relationships and charges a below-industry-standard management fee, enhancing its appeal for value and income investors. At a 7% discount to NAV, MSDL presents an attractive investment opportunity, offering a mix of high income and value in a volatile market.
- 04/18/2025
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BDC Weekly Review: BDCs Plunge On Macro Fears
- We take a look at the action in business development companies through the first week of April and highlight some of the key themes we are watching. BDCs faced significant losses, with average returns around -9% on the week with valuations dropping below historical averages. Valuation uncertainty is high due to quarterly NAV declarations and systemic/idiosyncratic factors; estimated NAV drops are 2-3% from Q4 levels.
- 04/13/2025
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A Big BDC Catalyst That Can Change The Game Dramatically
- BDCs have been pushed into the (on average) ~19% discount territory. In my view, steep discounts are justified for the majority of the BDCs. Yet, for some (high-quality ones) the market has gone too far.
- 04/13/2025
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BDCs Are In Trouble, But In These Two I'm Increasing My Stakes
- BDCs have performed worse than the S&P 500. It is logical since private credit is per definition a high-risk asset class. All in all, many BDCs are in trouble.
- 04/11/2025
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Very Bad News For BDCs: How To Play President Trump's Tariff Volatility
- The business development company, or BDC, sector's strong run appears to be coming to an end. The dividend party may be over, and I share one sector favorite whose dividend may surprisingly be in trouble. I also share one BDC, whose dividend remains relatively safe and its stock trades at a compelling valuation.
- 04/10/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund Announces First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call
- NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE: MSDL) ("MSDL”), a business development company externally managed by MS Capital Partners Adviser Inc., today announced it will release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, after the market closes. MSDL will host a conference call at 10:00 am ET on Friday, May 9, 2025, to review its financial results and conduct a question-and-answer session. Conference Call Information All.
- 04/08/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: Why Its Portfolio Is Relatively Insulated Vs. Tariffs
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending's investment yields and net investment income margin pressures continue, and I do not think they are likely to reverse the trend soon. MSDL's existing investments portfolio has limited exposure to tariff-sensitive sectors. But an intensifying trade war is increasing the chances of a global recession that may curb new investment activity. On the plus side, the chances of a rate cut have increased, and this can lower debt costs and help increase deal activity.
- 04/08/2025
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Two 10%+ Dividends To Access Stress-Free Cash Flows
- The emergence of tariffs have brought value/quality into the spotlight. Investors are flocking to value, which makes sense. However, investing in value does not necessarily have to be geared towards the lowest yielding and ultra-defensive plays.
- 04/07/2025
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Billionaire Investor Warns Of 'Significant Correction' And Buys High Yield: Our Picks
- A leading hedge fund billionaire is increasingly bearish on the stock market—find out what he's buying instead. We discuss the overlooked strategy that smart money is betting on to crush stagflation risks. We share some of our top picks.
- 04/02/2025
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Important Warning: 3 Popular Dividend Stocks Due For A Sharp Pullback
- These three investor favorites are quietly flashing red warning signals. Find out which popular income plays could be primed for painful pullbacks. We also discuss better alternatives for each one.
- 04/02/2025
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Retirement Income: I'm Seeking Treasure In These 7-9% Yields
- Income investing can be like treasure hunting in many ways. I detail 2 great income picks that offer high yields that are well-covered by cashflow. Both carry investment grade credit ratings and offer immediate diversification across strong asset classes.
- 03/31/2025
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My BDC Portfolio And The Strategy For Alpha Going Forward
- This is my first BDC portfolio monthly performance review article. The good news is that the portfolio has done its job, outperforming the two BDC benchmarks - PBDC and BIZD. Yet, on an absolute basis, the portfolio is slightly down.
- 03/28/2025
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Risk-Off Mode In The BDC Market: 1 Overrated And 1 Underrated Pick
- BDCs are meant to provide high-dividends, while preserving NAV. However, given the signs both in the stock market and in the real economy on the ground, BDC investors have to be extra careful. Currently, BDCs face several headwinds, which increase the risk of dividend cuts and price declines, especially within the more speculative and high-multiple segments.
- 03/23/2025
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How I'd Invest $100,000 Right Now For Stagflation (Up To 10% Yields)
- Worried about stagflation? These dividend machines could protect your portfolio and pay you up to 10% yields. Stocks you'll want to own before inflation bites again. These picks crush SCHD and VYM in yield—and might just help you sleep better through market chaos.
- 03/21/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: Fundamentally Sound, But Still A Hold For Now
- I continue to rate Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund a hold due to their short track record, economic uncertainty, and lack of catalysts for the sector. MSDL's latest earnings showed a decline in net investment income and lower overall portfolio yield, but credit quality and defensive positioning remain strong. MSDL's dividend safety is slightly pressured by declining earnings, but spillover income and a share repurchase program provide a cushion for the short term.
- 03/18/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund: Attractive Entry Point For This High-Performing BDC
- MSDL retains its impressive portfolio quality with low non-accruals and net realized losses. MSDL trades at a 9.9% dividend yield, with a well-diversified portfolio and stable NAV. Management expects increased LBO volumes and new lending opportunities, which should support fee levels and present new lending opportunities.
- 03/13/2025
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The Moment Of Truth For BDC Dividend Investors Is Close
- As a structural BDC bull I have to admit that the period of BDCs consistently surprising us on the upside has come to an end. Many lower quality BDCs have already cut their dividends to sync their cash flows with less favorable private credit lending environment. I would say that the moment of truth for high quality BDCs is also very close, where we will see how really durable their base dividends are.
- 03/11/2025
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A $5,000 Monthly Income Portfolio For A 'SWAN' Retirement
- In this article, I share a three-category portfolio approach to achieve $5,000 of durable monthly current income streams. With durable monthly distributions, I mean well-mitigated dividend cut risk and inflation-protected income. I also provide concrete investment ideas that tick the necessary boxes for being included in the portfolio.
- 03/07/2025
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Buy These Smart 7-10% Yields For Retirement Income
- Investing $1 million in the S&P 500 yields $12,100 annually. This may necessitate principal withdrawals for higher living expenses, which is risky in volatile markets like the current one. Morgan Stanley Direct Lending offers a 10% dividend yield, focusing on non-cyclical industries with a well-diversified, primarily first-lien loan portfolio and low leverage. Broadstone Net Lease provides a 6.9% yield with a diversified property portfolio, long lease terms, stable AFFO growth, and a strong balance sheet.
- 03/07/2025
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An Important Warning For BDC Investors
- Why BDCs may be entering a dangerous phase. Avoid these risks before it's too late. One BDC stands out as a safe bet, and is my top pick right now.
- 03/07/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: New Investment Activity Can Drive NAV Growth
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund's portfolio has grown to $3.79B, maintaining a low non-accrual rate of 0.2%, indicating strong management and portfolio quality. The BDC offers a high dividend yield of nearly 10%, with distributions fully covered by net investment income, ensuring reliable income for investors. MSDL trades at a slight discount to NAV, presenting a good entry point, with potential for NAV growth and premium valuation as management executes new investments.
- 03/06/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund: Mispriced And Solid Enough For A Buy
- Q4, 2024 earnings came in much lower than what was reported in the prior quarter. Theoretically, this might indicate elevated risk and potentially unsustainable earnings. Yet, the underlying driver for the decline is something that all BDCs have experienced, including MSDL's closest peers such as BXSL and KBDC.
- 03/06/2025
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MSDL: Buy This 10% Yield For Troubled Times
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund offers a 10% dividend yield and a low-risk business model, making it an attractive income investment in volatile markets. MSDL's Q4 2024 report showed a slight decline in net investment income due to lower interest rates and reduced fee waivers, but overall stability. The fund's portfolio quality remains high, with most loans in low-risk categories, and it trades at an attractive valuation of 0.97x net asset value.
- 03/06/2025
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2 Very Overrated And 2 Very Underrated High-Yield Stocks
- I discuss 2 popular high-yield stocks that look overvalued—avoid them before it's too late. I also discuss why 2 underrated stocks are better buys today. Smart investors are shifting from overhyped dividend stocks to these hidden gems—here's why you should too.
- 03/01/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Transcript
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE:MSDL ) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call February 28, 2025 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Sanna Johnson - Investor Relations Jeff Levin - Chief Executive Officer Michael Occi - President David Pessah - Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Shaoul - Head, Portfolio Management Conference Call Participants Sean-Paul Adams - Raymond James Paul Johnson - KBW Doug Harter - UBS Operator Welcome to the Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Q4 2024 Earnings Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode.
- 02/28/2025
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5 Overlooked 12% Yields To Supercharge Your Early Retirement
- Want to retire early? These 5 investments yield 12%+ and could accelerate your timeline. Diversify your income and secure financial freedom. Here's how to boost your retirement income without taking on excessive risk.
- 02/28/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) Lags Q4 Earnings and Revenue Estimates
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.57 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.63 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.67 per share a year ago.
- 02/27/2025
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BDC Investors Beware: 3 Major Risks You Can't Ignore Right Now
- BDCs have been soaring, but cracks are starting to show—here's what investors need to watch out for. We discuss why most BDCs are not worth buying now. One BDC stands out as a strong buy—find out which name offers value, safety, and sustainable dividends.
- 02/25/2025
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1 BDC And 1 MLP That Just Have To Be Put In Your Income Portfolio
- BDCs and MLPs offer high yields for passive income strategies, but recent price increases have made many fairly priced or even overvalued. Yet, there are exceptions to be found. In this article I share two picks: 1 BDC and MLP that offer enticing yields in combination with solid price to value ratios.
- 02/25/2025
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My BDC Portfolio To Beat The Index And Generate Durable Income
- In this article I have elaborated on my actual BDC portfolio. The objective of this portfolio is to beat the BDC-specific indices/ETFs and capture durable base dividends. The portfolio is optimized across leverage, dividend coverage, yield, and valuation levers.
- 02/24/2025
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BDC Weekly Review: Few Worries About MSDL Share Cap Raise
- We take a look at the action in business development companies through the second week of February and highlight some of the key themes we are watching. BDCs saw a strong 2% gain, driven by solid earnings and hot inflation numbers, with CGBD underperforming due to a BOA rating cut. Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund seeks shareholder approval to increase shares significantly, a common practice among BDCs with minimal dilution concerns.
- 02/22/2025
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BXSL Vs. MSDL: MSDL Is A Better Buy Right Now
- BXSL and MSDL are both defensive BDCs with a focus on first-lien debt, sharing several similarities. MSDL's valuation is more attractive compared to BXSL, trading closer to its NAV, making it a better value investment with a slightly higher regular dividend yield. I own both BDCs, but despite BXSL's solid performance, I see a greater risk-to-reward ratio in MSDL and will continue reinvesting in it.
- 02/20/2025
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Worried About Higher-For-Longer? Consider These 2 Dividends For The Win
- All macro signs indicate a higher for longer scenario. There are some asset classes that can benefit from such conditions. In this article, I discuss two securities (one BDC and one REIT) that could deliver strong returns going forward, while at the same time offering tangible current income streams.
- 02/13/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: Floating Rate Exposure Set To Lower Yield
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending has benefited from high interest rates but faces risks as rates are expected to decrease, potentially lowering yields from 9-10% to 6-8%. The fund's strategy focuses on senior secured loans to stable mid-sized businesses, avoiding cyclical industries, and employs leverage to enhance dividends. A significant portion of MSDL's yield is tied to floating rates, which could shrink if the Fed lowers rates, impacting net interest margins.
- 02/03/2025
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If I Could Only Buy 1 REIT, 1 BDC And 1 MLP
- I love investing in REITs, BDCs and MLPs. They enjoy tax benefits and deliver high and sustainable yields. I share my favorites in each sector right now.
- 01/28/2025
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Steeper Yield Curve And BDCs: This Is What You Have To Know
- The past couple of months, which include the steepening of the yield curve, have been positive for BDCs. However, higher long-term rates and a steeper yield curve create a net negative effect for BDC fundamentals. In this article, I explain the recent divergence between BDC prices and the worsening interest rate environment.
- 01/26/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call
- NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE: MSDL) ("MSDL”), a business development company externally managed by MS Capital Partners Adviser Inc., today announced it will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, after the market closes. MSDL will host a conference call at 10:00 am ET on Friday, February 28, 2025, to review its financial results and conduct a question-and-answer session.
- 01/21/2025
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Two 10%+ Yields For Durable Passive Income (One Is My Favorite Pick)
- Two 10%+ Yields For Durable Passive Income (One Is My Favorite Pick)
- 01/19/2025
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Why BDCs Will Likely Outperform In 2025
- The BDC sector had a lackluster H2 of 2024 after being on a strong run from 2022 to mid 2024. However, recently there has been some great news for BDCs to start 2025. We share our approach to BDCs right now.
- 01/17/2025
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12-15% Dividend Yields And Big Buybacks
- Double-digit yielding stocks that also repurchase shares have plenty of inherent advantages. I share some dividend stocks that meet these criteria. I take a look at them to see if they are worth buying right now.
- 01/11/2025
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How To Invest $1 Million For Sustainable Retirement Passive Income
- Retiring on $1 million is increasingly challenging. Doing it with dividends can make it more feasible. I share two approaches to retiring on dividends with $1 million.
- 01/10/2025
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1 Underrated And 1 Overrated BDC Yielding 9%+
- The BDC universe is small and a large chunk of it is uninvestable for institutional money managers. This renders the sector susceptible to emotional and unsubstantiated flows that ultimately create dislocations. I share two BDCs that offer yields of around 9.5%.
- 01/06/2025
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My Top 10 BDCs For 2025
- Despite expected interest rate declines, BDCs are poised for strong performance in 2025 due to potential rate hikes and inflation uncertainties. BDCs provide capital to small businesses, have high yields, and are sensitive to interest rate changes, making them attractive for dividend-focused investors. Top BDCs like Ares Capital, Main Street Capital, and Blackstone Secured Lending show strong fundamentals, conservative management, and solid balance sheets.
- 01/02/2025
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Up To 11% Yields With Big Buybacks
- I love stocks that pay big dividends and buy back a lot of stock. I share three dividend stocks that meet these criteria. I detail why they are compelling buys right now.
- 01/01/2025
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: Growing And Diversifying Its Portfolio
- MSDL's portfolio is growing and diversifying with an increase in investee companies. The outlook is also bright, with a more vibrant deal environment expected in 2025. MSDL stands to benefit asymmetrically from falling rates, as yields are expected to remain more resilient, whereas interest costs are likely to fall in tandem with 2025's rate cuts. MSDL's valuations are at a premium relative to its historical 1-yr fwd P/Es, the broader BDC sector and on a P/NAV basis, reducing the margin of safety for buys.
- 12/31/2024
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Baby Boomers Should Buy These 10% and More Ultra-High-Yield Stocks Hand-Over-Fist
- With the youngest baby boomers (Americans born between 1946 and 1964) approaching retirement age, it is becoming increasingly important to focus on magnificent dividend stocks that will supply significant passive income either in or out of designated retirement accounts like IRAs.
- 12/26/2024
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Worried About Higher For Longer? Sleep Well With This 7%-Yielding Portfolio
- The threat of higher inflation and interest rates for longer has sent the market into turmoil. However, high yield investors have nothing to fear from this development. We share a 7%-yielding portfolio that is well-positioned to weather the current macro environment.
- 12/22/2024
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I Am Loading Up On These 2 High-Flying High-Yield Sectors For 2025
- AI stocks have dominated the markets over the past few years. However, there are a few other sectors that have also shined over the past few years. I share two high-flying big dividend sectors that, I think, will continue to outperform in 2025.
- 12/17/2024
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5 BDCs With High Dividend Resistance To Falling Interest Rates
- The financial outlook for many BDCs is not promising. Already lower base rates will continue to depress results in Q4 reports. The trajectory for SOFR is not great either.
- 12/17/2024
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KBRA Assigns Ratings to Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund
- NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #KBRA--KBRA assigns issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings of BBB to Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE: MSDL or "the company"). The rating Outlook is Stable. Key Credit Considerations The ratings and Outlook are supported by Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund's strong ties to the ~$1.5 trillion assets under management and/or supervision from Morgan Stanley Asset Management. The company benefits from investment banking, global capital markets, investment management,.
- 12/16/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: High Quality At 9.4% Yield, Does Not Get Better Than This
- My first bullish piece on MSDL was issued back in April 2024. It was also the second article covering MSDL on Seeking Alpha. Since the publication of my thesis, MSDL has gradually become a 'household name' among BDC investors. The good news is that looking at the current financials, the case for durable, close to double digit yield, remains intact.
- 12/15/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Is Too Good To Miss Out On; Highly Defensive
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund is a highly defensive BDC focusing on first-lien debt in non-cyclical sectors, ensuring stable cash flows and low technological risks. The current regular DPS coverage is attractive at ~119%, but further Fed rate cuts could impact dividend coverage due to MSDL's floating-rate debt investments. MSDL's valuation is appealing, with the potential to reestablish the premium, ensuring capital gathering effectiveness.
- 12/14/2024
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Invest In $95,000 BDC Portfolio For $10,000 Annual Income And Durable Compounding
- Private credit/BDC investments offer exposure to structural growth and a significant portfolio yield enhancement. Yet, we have to be extra careful of not falling into value traps and investing in unsustainable yields, which are abundant in the inherently risky sector. In this article, I share a BDC portfolio that has ~10.5% yield, healthier fundamentals than the average in the space, and, importantly, meaningful price appreciation potential.
- 12/11/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: A Low-Risk 10% Yield
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund offers a 10% dividend yield, strong brand backing, and growth potential, making it an appealing choice for income investors. The fund's low-risk portfolio, with 96% in senior secured debt, and diversified borrower base reduce overall investment risk. Despite interest rate declines, MSDL's portfolio growth and low leverage levels have maintained stable net investment income per share.
- 12/11/2024
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Who Said ~ 9% Yields Cannot Grow Further? Consider These 2 Picks
- Usually, high yields come with high chances of falling into a value trap. It is very difficult to find truly protected yields. It is even more difficult to combine yield protection with income growth.
- 12/07/2024
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2 BDCs That Could Be The Next Stars In The Sector
- The BDC segment offers significant opportunities for retail investors due to low competition from institutional investors and potential valuation inefficiencies. The best thing that could happen is if we identify these inefficiencies within BDCs that carry robust fundamentals and safe dividend coverage levels. In this article, I share two picks, which, in my opinion, are set to become the next stars in the BDC space (similar to BXSL).
- 12/03/2024
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12% Yield And Big Buyback: Dividend Stocks I Am Buying Hand-Over-Fist
- I love stocks that pay big dividends and buy back a lot of stock. I share some dividend stocks that meet these criteria. I detail why they are compelling buys right now.
- 11/23/2024
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Investing In BDCs For 10%+ Yields? This Is What Matters Now
- When investing for 10%+ BDC yields, investors have to pay extra attention to leverage, dividend coverage, and portfolio quality. Going into Q3, 2024 earnings season, my expectation was that we would see elevated volatility levels and falling NII results. While the actual results have been mostly positive for high-quality BDCs (and even for some speculative picks), many risks remain open.
- 11/20/2024
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Baby Boomers Should Buy These 10% and More Ultra-High-Yield Stocks Hand-Over-Fist
- With the youngest Baby Boomers (Americans born between 1946 and 1964) approaching retirement age, it's becoming increasingly important to focus on magnificent dividend stocks that will supply significant passive income either in or out of designated retirement accounts like IRAs.
- 11/12/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: Rapidly Expanding Portfolio Supports High Yield
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending (MSDL) offers a strong dividend yield of 7.4%, fully covered by net investment income, ensuring reliable income generation for investors. The portfolio is diversified across 200 companies with a focus on floating rate, senior secured first lien investments, minimizing risk. MSDL's non-accrual rate is impressively low at 0.2%, indicating strong borrower resilience and effective management.
- 11/10/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Transcript
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE:MSDL ) Q3 2024 Earnings Conference Call November 8, 2024 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Michael Occi - Head, Investor Relations and CAO Jeff Levin - President and CEO David Pessah - Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Shaoul - Head, Portfolio Management Conference Call Participants Sean-Paul Adams - Raymond James Melissa Wedel - JP Morgan Paul Johnson - KBW Kenneth Lee - RBC Capital Markets Operator Please stand by. Welcome to the Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund's Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Call.
- 11/08/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund Announces September 30, 2024 Financial Results and Declares Fourth Quarter 2024 Regular Dividend of $0.50 per Share
- NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE: MSDL) (“MSDL” or the “Company”), a business development company externally managed by MS Capital Partners Adviser Inc. (the “Adviser”), today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024. QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS Net investment income of $58.7 million, or $0.66 per share, as compared to $56.1 million, or $0.63 per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024; Net asset value of $20.83 per share, fla.
- 11/07/2024
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8-10% Dividend Yields: If I Could Only Buy 3 In November 2024
- Chasing yields above 10% is risky. 8-10% yields offer a sweet spot when combined with stable cash flows and strong balance sheets. I share three of these stocks that I really like right now.
- 11/07/2024
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BDC Weekly Review: PSEC Doubles Down On Its Strategy
- We take a look at the action in business development companies through the fourth week of October and highlight some of the key themes we are watching. BDCs underperformed this week but still outpaced the broader income market, with larger BDCs leading month-to-date performance. PSEC increased its preferred issuance cap to $2.5bn.
- 11/02/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: 10% Yield, 126% Dividend Coverage And Discount To Book
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending offers a 10% dividend yield, supported by a diversified portfolio of first lien senior secured loans in non-cyclical industries. MSDL's favorable cost structure, conservative leverage, and strong balance sheet position it to benefit from growing private credit demand. Trading at a 5% discount to NAV, MSDL provides strong dividend coverage and increasing NAV per share, making it appealing for income-focused investors.
- 10/28/2024
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2 Very Overrated And 2 Very Underrated Big Dividend Stocks
- Big dividend stocks are some of my favorite stocks to buy. However, just because a stock pays a big dividend does not mean it is undervalued. I discuss two popular big dividend stocks that, I think, are very overrated right now.
- 10/28/2024
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Path To $10,000 Of Annual Income In 5 Years Through SWAN Dividend Investing
- In this article, I explore the potential path on how one could achieve $10,000 of annual portfolio income in just a 5-year period by accumulating a capital base from zero. I provide a sample portfolio with specific investment picks, which warrant a portfolio weighted average yield of ~ 9.5%. I remain agnostic to price volatility, but focused on avoiding income cut. I hope that this article will provide a source of inspiration or ideas on how to enhance your income-driven portfolios.
- 10/27/2024
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BDC Weekly Review: PIK Is At Record High
- We take a look at the action in business development companies through the third week of October and highlight some of the key themes we are watching. BDCs had a strong week, rising over 1%, supported by reduced expectations of rate cuts. The rise in Payment-in-Kind (PIK) income, now at 7.5%, raises concerns about potential credit issues, though not all PIK is distress-related.
- 10/26/2024
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2 New Publicly Traded BDCs With Top-Class Defense
- Private credit market is experiencing a significant boom, which is driven by increased regulations in the banking sector and higher base rates. As a result of this, the BDC IPO market has been active in 2024. In this article, I elaborate on two newly publicly traded BDCs, which offer one of the best defensive characteristics in the entire sector.
- 10/24/2024
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Invest In All Weather BDC Dividend Portfolio
- The All Weather Portfolio concept introduced by Ray Dalio aims for stable returns through largely uncorrelated investment exposures. In this article, I have tried to apply the essence of such a construct for BDC dividend-seeking investments. The sample portfolio, which is presented in the article, consists of three structural layers that are not that correlated and offer different risk and reward profiles.
- 10/16/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund Announces Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call
- NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE: MSDL) ("MSDL”), a business development company externally managed by MS Capital Partners Adviser Inc., today announced it will release its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, on Thursday, November 7, 2024, after the market closes. MSDL will host a conference call at 10:00 am ET on Friday, November 8, 2024, to review its financial results and conduct a question-and-answer session. Conference Call I.
- 10/08/2024
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Top 3 Business Development Companies for Double-Digit Dividends
- Publicly traded business development companies (BDCs) are growing in popularity for their astounding dividend income. Like real estate investment trusts (REITs), BDCs must distribute 90% of their taxable income to shareholders as dividends.
- 10/08/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: Likely To Become A Major Player Amongst Its Peers
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund shows strong fundamentals and growth, with solid dividend coverage and a healthy portfolio, despite its short track record. MSDL's investment-grade credit ratings and manageable debt positions them well for future growth, but high exposure to floating rate loans poses risks. Trading at a slight discount to NAV, MSDL offers a compelling buy opportunity for income-oriented investors, though upside is limited due to potential rate declines.
- 10/08/2024
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Buy The Dip: 10% Yields Getting Way Too Cheap
- The high-yield space has undergone a sharp bifurcation recently. We discuss what this bifurcation is and what is driving it. We discuss two quality and growing 10%-yields that are way too cheap right now.
- 09/28/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund: Solid Yield Enhancer At Limited Risk
- April this year, I wrote a bullish piece on MSDL. Since then the total return performance has landed at negative 5%. This is mostly explained by the end of the post-IPO lock-up period, not underlying fundamentals. Looking at Q2, 2024 earnings, we will see a continued stability with many data points being clearly better than for most of other BDCs.
- 09/26/2024
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The Best BDC To Buy For Fed Rate Cuts
- The Federal Reserve's 50 basis point rate cut impacts BDCs, which are sensitive to short-term rate changes, affecting their net investment income. BDCs thrive during rate hikes but face challenges with rate cuts, potentially leading to declining net investment income and increased non-accruals. I take a look at 10 leading BDCs and share my pick for the best one to own in the current environment.
- 09/26/2024
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8%-Yielding Portfolio For Retirement Passive Income
- Investing in high-yield dividend stocks can provide a stable passive income in retirement, reducing sequence-of-return risk compared to index funds. We share a model portfolio for how you can do this. The model portfolio yields a weighted average 8% while also growing its payouts at a rate that should meet or even beat inflation over the long term.
- 09/21/2024
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Dividend Cut Alert: Bad News For BDCs
- BDCs have outperformed REITs since early 2022 due to rising short-term interest rates and a strong economy, but dynamics shifted in July. With long-term rates declining and recession fears rising, BDCs face dividend cut risk. One BDC recently slashed its dividend aggressively and more are likely to follow.
- 09/05/2024
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MSDL: Attractive Entry Point On Lock-Up Expiry In This 11.6% Yielding BDC
- MSDL delivered a strong Q2 with a 3.2% total NAV return and a rise in both NAV and NII. The stock trades at an 11.6% yield and a slight discount to book. The valuation rose post-IPO but dipped after the first lock-up expiry; another potential entry point may arise in October.
- 09/04/2024
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Why We Are Adding BDCs To Our Income Portfolios Right Now
- Over the last couple of weeks we added a number of new BDC positions to our Income Portfolios despite a fairly expensive credit market backdrop. We discuss the reasons behind this and where we see value in the BDC space. Recent market hiccup has opened up attractive opportunities in the BDC sector, particularly in newly IPO'd companies with lower liquidity and awareness.
- 08/23/2024
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Buy Alert: 3 Undervalued 10% Yields For August 2024
- While long-term interest rates are falling in anticipation of Fed rate cuts, there are still some very attractive high-yield opportunities in the market. We discuss 3 that yield 10%+ right now. We compare them and share our take on which is the most attractive right now.
- 08/22/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Transcript
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE:MSDL ) Q2 2024 Earnings Conference Call August 9, 2024 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Michael Occi - Head, Investor Relations and Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Levin - President and Chief Executive Officer David Pessah - Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Shaoul - Head of Portfolio Management Conference Call Participants Sean-Paul Adams - Raymond James Melissa Wedel - JP Morgan Kenneth Lee - RBC Paul Johnson - KBW Operator Welcome to the Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund's Second Quarter 2024 Earnings Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode.
- 08/09/2024
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After Plunging -15.21% in 4 Weeks, Here's Why the Trend Might Reverse for Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL)
- The heavy selling pressure might have exhausted for Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) as it is technically in oversold territory now. In addition to this technical measure, strong agreement among Wall Street analysts in revising earnings estimates higher indicates that the stock is ripe for a trend reversal.
- 08/06/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: Brand Name BDC Yields 10% With Defensive Portfolio
- BDCs are attractive to income investors due to high distribution requirements. Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund recently did an IPO and offers a 9.9% market yield. MSDL has a defensive portfolio, strong financial position, and potential for growth, but faces risks from economic slowdown and market competition.
- 08/04/2024
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8%-Yielding Tax-Free Portfolio For Retirement Passive Income
- Generating tax-efficient high yields is a major priority for many retirees. This article draws on three defensive sectors to build a tax-friendly portfolio. I share some of my favorite retirement income picks to build an 8%-yielding portfolio that should grow its payout at or faster than the rate of inflation.
- 07/05/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: Compelling 10% Defensive Yield
- I am pretty cautious on the BDC sector right now. However, there are a few attractive opportunities still available in the sector. I take a look at one of the more overlooked BDCs that looks surprisingly compelling.
- 07/04/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) Soars 5.4%: Is Further Upside Left in the Stock?
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) was a big mover last session on higher-than-average trading volume. The latest trend in earnings estimate revisions might not help the stock continue moving higher in the near term.
- 06/24/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) Upgraded to Strong Buy: Here's What You Should Know
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) might move higher on growing optimism about its earnings prospects, which is reflected by its upgrade to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
- 06/03/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund Announces March 31, 2024 Financial Results and Declares Second Quarter 2024 Dividend of $0.50 per Share
- NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE: MSDL) (“MSDL” or the “Company”), a business development company externally managed by MS Capital Partners Adviser Inc. (the “Adviser”), today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. “MSDL generated strong first quarter operating results, supported by continued stable credit performance,” said Jeffrey Levin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund. “We have.
- 05/09/2024
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2 BDCs Yielding Above 11% That Have Below Average Risk Profile
- 2 BDCs Yielding Above 11% That Have Below Average Risk Profile
- 05/08/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending: My Oh My, Another Strong Buy
- Wall Street has been involved in the private credit space for 15 years, focusing on raising capital for private BDCs. Blackstone, Apollo, KKR & Co., and Bain Capital are among the Wall Street firms involved in the private BDC club. Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund is a newly listed BDC that is worth keeping an eye on due to its strong financial performance and attractive dividend yield.
- 05/05/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund Announces First Quarter 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call
- NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE: MSDL) ("MSDL”), a business development company externally managed by MS Capital Partners Adviser Inc., today announced it will release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 on Thursday, May 9, 2024, after the market closes. MSDL will host a conference call at 10:00 am ET on Friday, May 10, 2024, to review its financial results and conduct a question-and-answer session. Conference Call Information All.
- 04/08/2024
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BDC Weekly Wrap: Dig Deeper For Underwriting Quality
- We take a look at the action in business development companies through the last week of March and highlight some of the key themes we are watching. BDCs had a strong week with a 2.5% total return with a similar return over March. Sometimes investors need to dig deeper than the numbers on the presentation to get a better gauge of BDC underwriting quality.
- 04/05/2024
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MSDL: This Strong-Performing BDC Makes Its Public Debut
- MSDL: This Strong-Performing BDC Makes Its Public Debut
- 04/05/2024
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MSDL: A New Player In The BDC Town That Is Worth Buying
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund, which entered the public market space in January this year, has registered strong total returns above the index. Currently, MSDL trades a slight premium over its NAV, which theoretically leads to an unfavorable entry point. Yet, looking at the underlying fundamentals, it is clear that the premium is fully justified, and that MSDL embodies all of the necessary characteristics to keep delivering strong results.
- 04/01/2024
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MSDL: Morgan Stanley Brings Its Expertise To BDC World
- Morgan Stanley launches a Business Development Company to attract retail investor funds and expand into smaller firms. The Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund primarily invests in riskier bonds issued by middle-market companies or private equity firms. The fund focuses on companies with strong management teams, primary financial backers, and industry diversification to mitigate risk.
- 03/19/2024
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BDC Weekly Review: Portfolio Performance Is Diverging
- We take a look at the BDC sector through the second week of March. BDC returns were marginally positive, with some companies significantly dragging down the average weekly return. Q4 saw a significant rise in performance divergence across the sector - an indication of a heightened level of stress by borrowers.
- 03/15/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript
- Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript
- 03/01/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund Announces December 31, 2023 Financial Results and Declares First Quarter 2024 Dividend of $0.50 per Share
- NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE: MSDL) (“MSDL” or the “Company”), a business development company externally managed by MS Capital Partners Adviser Inc. (the “Adviser”), today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. “MSDL generated record performance to complete 2023, positioning the Company well for its debut to the public markets,” said Jeffrey Levin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stan.
- 03/01/2024
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BDC Weekly Review: New BDCs Coming To Market
- We take a look at the action in business development companies through the second week of February and highlight some of the key themes we are watching. BDCs were down around 1% with PSEC leading the downside on disappointing earnings. There has been a flood of BDC IPOs, with several new entrants offering compelling returns and shareholder-friendly fee structures.
- 02/16/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Earnings Release and Conference Call
- NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE: MSDL) ("MSDL”), a business development company externally managed by MS Capital Partners Adviser Inc., today announced it will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 on Friday, March 1, 2024, before the market opens. MSDL will host a conference call at 10:00 am ET that day to review its financial results and conduct a question-and-answer session. Conference Call Information.
- 02/14/2024
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Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund's shares tick down in market debut
- Shares of Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) dipped 1% in their market debut on Wednesday, as investor appetite for new issues continues to remain muted.
- 01/24/2024
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