SCM Stock Overview

Stellus Capital Investment Corporation faces deteriorating portfolio quality with rising non-accrual rates and weakened dividend coverage, prompting a downgrade to a sell rating. SCM's current dividend yield of 11.7% is barely covered by net investment income, raising concerns about sustainability in a high-interest rate environment. The portfolio's high concentration in service, healthcare, and high-tech industries, combined with limited new investment activity, further weakens SCM's outlook.

Stellus Capital Investment's dividend pay-out ratio reached 100% in Q3, eliminating the margin of safety and increasing dividend risk. The rise in non-accruals to 4.7% and higher realized losses justify downgrading the stock rating from 'Buy' to 'Hold'. Despite new loans boosting future net investment income, the current high pay-out ratio and credit quality concerns outweigh potential benefits.

HOUSTON , Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Stellus Capital Investment Corporation (NYSE:SCM) ("Stellus", "we", or the "Company") today announced financial results for its fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024. Robert T. Ladd, Chief Executive Officer of Stellus, stated, "I am pleased to report solid operating results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, in which we earned U.S. GAAP net investment income of $0.39 per share and core net investment income of $0.40 per share, which covered the regular dividend declared of $0.40 per share.

HOUSTON , Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Stellus Capital Investment Corporation (NYSE: SCM) will release its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 on Thursday, November 7, 2024, after the close of the stock market. Stellus Capital Investment Corporation will host a conference call to discuss these results on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM, Central Time.

HOUSTON , Oct. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Stellus Capital Investment Corporation (the "Company") (NYSE: SCM) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a monthly dividend of $0.1333 for each of October, November, and December, totaling $0.40 per share in the aggregate for the fourth quarter of 2024. The regular dividend of $0.40 per share will be paid to shareholders of record in November and December 2024, and January 2025.

Stellus Capital's price has retracted, making it a potential entry point for income-focused investors, with a high dividend yield of 11.6% and strong distribution coverage. SCM's portfolio of floating rate debt and first lien senior secured investments provides risk mitigation and benefits from elevated interest rates. Despite a slight increase in non-accrual rates, the Company's portfolio remains resilient, with net investment income supporting the high distribution.

Stellus Capital Investment Corporation is struggling to generate market-beating returns because of sluggish share price momentum. Q2 earnings exceeded expectations due to waived incentive fees and portfolio growth strategy. Potential rate cuts, significant share issuance, and increasing non-accruals pose risks to financial growth and returns for shareholders.

Stellus Capital Investment Corporation (NYSE:SCM ) Q2 2024 Results Conference Call August 8, 2024 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Robert Ladd - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Todd Huskinson - Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, Treasurer and Secretary Conference Call Participants Christopher Nolan - Ladenburg Thalmann Sean-Paul Adams - Raymond James Operator Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for standing by. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to Stellus Capital Investment Corporation's conference call to report financial results for its second fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Stellus Capital (SCM) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.50 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.44 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.51 per share a year ago.