HTGC vs SAR: Which BDC is the Better Dividend Buy?
A side-by-side comparison of Hercules Capital, Inc. (HTGC) and Saratoga Investment Corp. (SAR) — dividend yield, NAV premium/discount, market cap, and price-to-NAV valuation.
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HTGC vs SAR: Key Metrics Head-to-Head
| Metric | HTGC | SAR | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 11.63% | 16.57% | SAR |
| Premium / Discount to NAV | -3.75% | -30.21% | HTGC |
| Market Capitalization | $2.6B | $0.4B | HTGC |
| Trailing Stock Price | $16.17 | $19.61 | — |
| Net Asset Value (NAV) | $16.8 | $28.1 | — |
| Price vs NAV (Valuation) | Discount | Discount | HTGC |
| Dividend Frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly | — |
| Leverage Ratio | 1.35x | 1.24x | SAR |
About HTGC — Hercules Capital, Inc.
Hercules Capital is a leading BDC focused exclusively on venture debt financing for technology and life sciences companies. HTGC provides senior secured loans to venture capital-backed companies that are typically pre-profit or pre-revenue but have strong institutional backing. With a specialization in venture debt, Hercules offers a differentiated BDC investment with higher yield potential and unique exposure to innovation-driven growth companies.
About SAR — Saratoga Investment Corp.
Saratoga Investment Corp. is an externally managed BDC that provides senior secured debt, mezzanine debt, and equity co-investments to U.S. middle-market companies. SAR targets disciplined underwriting with a strong emphasis on collateralization and floating-rate loan structures. The portfolio is concentrated in technology, healthcare, and business services sectors, and the BDC is known for maintaining a high dividend payout ratio.
How to Choose Between HTGC and SAR
When comparing two Business Development Companies, the right choice depends on your income objective:
- Dividend yield matters most for immediate income — the higher yielder wins on cash flow, but make sure it's covered by investment income.
- NAV premium/discount matters for valuation — a discount to NAV implies you're buying assets below their accounting value, a premium implies the market expects above-average growth.
- Market cap reflects liquidity and scale — larger BDCs typically have lower borrowing costs and better portfolio diversification.
- Leverage cuts both ways — it amplifies dividend yield but increases sensitivity to credit defaults and interest rate moves.
Both HTGC and SAR are Regulated Investment Company (RIC)-structured BDCs required to distribute at least 90% of taxable income to shareholders, which is what produces their above-average dividend yields. Use the comparison table above as a starting point, then read each full profile before making an investment decision.
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Not Investment Advice: This comparison is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing here constitutes a recommendation, solicitation, or investment advice to buy or sell any security. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult a licensed financial advisor. Read our full Editorial Policy and Terms of Service.