Topic: How To Invest

Hi Pat: What is your opinion of Goldman Sachs BDC? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

A: Goldman Sachs BDC, $21.80, symbol GSBD on New York (Shares outstanding: 36.3; Market cap: $792.9 million; www.goldmansachsbdc.com), invests primarily in mid-sized U.S companies that it believes need tailored financing for their businesses. As of June 30, 2016, the company’s investment portfolio had a value of $1.1 billion; it’s comprised of investments in 40 portfolio companies, operating across 28 different industries. Goldman Sachs BDC has a very high 8.4% dividend yield. That’s because the company takes on considerably more risk with its loans than typical lenders. This includes offering borrowers “mezzanine debt.” That’s where a creditor’s claim on the borrower’s assets are junior to all other creditors except common shareholders. That kind of high-risk lending can pay off during economic booms. But the economy and many industries are cyclical, and booms can unexpectedly slip into downturns. We don’t recommend Goldman Sachs BDC. …