Saratoga Investment Corp. Increases Quarterly Dividend by $0.01, or 1.4%, to $0.74 per Share for the Fiscal First Quarter Ended May 31, 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Saratoga Investment Corp. (NYSE:SAR) has announced its 17th consecutive quarterly dividend increase, lifting the dividend by $0.01 to $0.74 per share for the fiscal first quarter ending May 31, 2024. This marks a 1.4% increase from the previous quarter and a 6% rise year-over-year. The dividend is payable on June 27, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 13, 2024. In fiscal year 2024, total dividends were $2.85 per share, a 16.8% increase over the prior year. The improved dividend is supported by portfolio growth and favorable interest rates, resulting in a 12.7% annualized yield based on the recent stock price of $23.22. Saratoga's overearning of its dividend by 29% last quarter also highlights a robust earnings yield of 16.2%, increasing the Net Asset Value and providing a buffer against potential interest rate cuts.

Positive

• Quarterly dividend increased by 1.4% to $0.74 per share.
• Seventeenth consecutive quarterly dividend increase.
• Total dividends for fiscal year 2024 increased by 16.8% to $2.85 per share.
• First quarter dividend reflects an approximately 6% increase year-over-year.
• Annualized dividend yield of 12.7% based on recent stock price.
• Overearning by 29% last quarter, reflecting a robust earnings yield of 16.2%.
• Continued portfolio growth in well-selected industry segments.
• Increased Net Asset Value due to strong earnings performance.

Negative

• Potential risk from future interest rate cuts.

Financial Analyst

Saratoga Investment Corp. has announced a modest yet consistent increase in its quarterly dividend, a move that holds various implications for retail investors. Dividend increases often signal the company's confidence in its financial health and future earnings potential. The $0.01 increase to $0.74 per share represents a 1.4% rise over the previous quarter, marking the seventeenth consecutive quarterly increase. For investors, this consistent uptrend can be seen as an indication of the company's steady growth and effective management.

However, the increase is relatively small, which could suggest a cautious approach to maintaining liquidity and earnings buffers. The company's statement about substantial over-earning—citing an earnings yield of 16.2%—is particularly noteworthy. Over-earning could provide a cushion against potential economic downturns or interest rate cuts, which can be reassuring for more risk-averse investors.

From a financial perspective, the annualized dividend yield based on the current stock price of $23.22 is 12.7%, which is appealing compared to typical dividend yields in the market. However, investors should also be aware of the trade-off between high yields and the inherent risks associated with the company's leveraged investments and mezzanine debt.

In summary, while the dividend increase is a positive signal, it is also a minor one. The broader context of dividend stability and high yield makes it a moderately attractive option for income-focused investors but should be balanced with the understanding of the risks involved.

Market Research Analyst

The consistent growth in dividends declared by Saratoga Investment Corp. reflects a strategic focus on attracting and retaining investors who prioritize regular income. An increase in dividends for seventeen consecutive quarters is a strong statement of the company’s resilience and strategic acumen in volatile markets.

Market analysts often consider such sustained dividend growth as an indicator of a company's robust demand and effective market positioning. Saratoga's focus on middle-market business financing, leveraging senior and mezzanine debt, indicates prudent risk management and diversification in their investment portfolio.

For retail investors, the dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) offers an additional layer of potential growth through compounded returns. However, understanding the specifics of DRIP is crucial. The option to receive dividends in stock can be appealing, particularly when considering long-term growth, but it also introduces dilution risk if not managed carefully.

Overall, Saratoga’s strategy appears to align well with market expectations of steady income and capital appreciation, making it a credible option for risk-tolerant investors looking for high dividend yields.

                                                      Contact: Henri Steenkamp
                                                            Saratoga Investment Corp.
                                                                               212-906-7800
                                                                                                                                                                                       

NEW YORK, May 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saratoga Investment Corp. (NYSE:SAR) (“Saratoga Investment” or “the Company”), a business development company, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.74 per share for the fiscal first quarter ended May 31, 2024, an increase of $0.01 from $0.73 per share in the prior fiscal fourth quarter, and the seventeenth quarterly dividend increase in a row. This is the first dividend for fiscal year 2025, after total dividends for fiscal year 2024 of $2.85 per share was an increase of 16.8% over the prior year. This first quarter dividend is payable on June 27, 2024, to all stockholders of record at the close of business on June 13, 2024.

“The past year’s consistent overall portfolio growth in well-selected industry segments, combined with the current interest rate environment, provides healthy earnings growth that allows for continued dividend increases,” said Christian L. Oberbeck, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Investment. “Saratoga’s first quarter dividend of $0.74 per share reflects an approximately 6% increase year-over-year and a 40% increase over the past two years. Annualizing this dividend rate implies a 12.7% dividend yield based on Saratoga’s recent stock price of $23.22 per share on May 22, 2024. Our current substantial overearning of the dividend by 29%, or 20c per share as compared to last quarter’s $0.94 per share adjusted NII, reflects an earnings yield of 16.2%, and increases Net Asset Value, supports increased portfolio growth and provides a cushion against adverse events, including potential cuts in interest rates in 2024.”

This is the first dividend declared in fiscal year 2025. Total dividends for fiscal year 2024 are $2.85 per share, an increase of 16.8% over the prior year’s total dividends of $2.44 per share. The Company previously declared a quarterly dividend of $0.73 per share for the quarter ended February 29, 2024, $0.72 per share for the quarter ended November 30, 2023, $0.71 per share for the quarter ended August 31, 2023 and $0.70 per share for the quarter ended May 31, 2023. During fiscal 2023 the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.69 per share for the quarter ended February 28, 2023, $0.68 per share for the quarter ended November 30, 2022, $0.54 per share for the quarter ended August 31, 2022 and $0.53 per share for the quarter ended May 31, 2022.

Shareholders will have the option to receive payment of the dividend in cash or receive shares of common stock pursuant to the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”). Saratoga Investment shareholders who hold their shares with a broker must affirmatively instruct their brokers prior to the record date if they prefer to receive this dividend, and future dividends, in common stock.  The number of shares of common stock to be delivered shall be determined by dividing the total dollar amount by 95% of the average of the market prices per share at the close of trading on the ten (10) trading days immediately preceding (and including) the payment date.

About Saratoga Investment

Saratoga Investment is a specialty finance company that provides customized financing solutions to U.S. middle-market businesses. The Company invests primarily in senior and unitranche leveraged loans and mezzanine debt, and, to a lesser extent, equity to provide financing for change of ownership transactions, strategic acquisitions, recapitalizations and growth initiatives in partnership with business owners, management teams and financial sponsors. Saratoga Investment’s objective is to create attractive risk-adjusted returns by generating current income and long-term capital appreciation from its debt and equity investments. Saratoga Investment has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and is externally managed by Saratoga Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor focusing on credit-driven strategies. Saratoga Investment Corp. owns two active SBIC-licensed subsidiaries, having surrendered its first license after repaying all debentures for that fund following the end of its investment period and subsequent wind-down. Furthermore, it manages a $650 million collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) fund and co-manages a joint venture (“JV”) fund that owns a $400 million collateralized loan obligation (“JV CLO”) fund.  It also owns 52% of the Class F and 100% of the subordinated notes of the CLO, 87.5% of both the unsecured loans and membership interests of the JV and 87.5% of the Class E notes of the JV CLO. The Company’s diverse funding sources, combined with a permanent capital base, enable Saratoga Investment to provide a broad range of financing solutions.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements included herein contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which relate to future events or our future performance or financial condition. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or negative versions of those words, other comparable words or other statements that do not relate to historical or factual matters. The forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of future events and our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. These statements are not guarantees of future events, performance, condition or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including but not limited to: changes in the markets in which the Company invests; changes in the financial, capital, and lending markets; a rising interest rate environment and its impact on the Company’s business and its portfolio companies; regulatory changes; tax treatments; an economic downturn and its impact on the ability of our portfolio companies to operate and the investment opportunities available to the Company; the impact of supply chain constraints and labor shortages on our portfolio companies; and the elevated levels of inflation and its impact on our portfolio companies and the industries in which we invest; and those described from time to time in our filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Saratoga Investment Corp. undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made herein, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

FAQ

What is the dividend yield for Saratoga Investment Corp. (SAR) based on the recent stock price?

The annualized dividend yield for Saratoga Investment Corp. (SAR) is 12.7% based on the recent stock price of $23.22 per share.

When will the dividend for Saratoga Investment Corp. (SAR) be payable?

The dividend for Saratoga Investment Corp. (SAR) will be payable on June 27, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 13, 2024.

How much did Saratoga Investment Corp. (SAR) increase its quarterly dividend by?

Saratoga Investment Corp. (SAR) increased its quarterly dividend by $0.01, or 1.4%, to $0.74 per share.

What was the total dividend payout for Saratoga Investment Corp. (SAR) in fiscal year 2024?

The total dividend payout for Saratoga Investment Corp. (SAR) in fiscal year 2024 was $2.85 per share, an increase of 16.8% over the previous year.