Great Southern Bancorp vs Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund

This page compares Great Southern Bancorp Inc and Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc, analysing their business models, financial performance, and market context in a balanced, neutral way. It presents key considerations and context to help readers understand similarities and differences, without making recommendations. Educational content, not financial advice.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

GSBC

Metric

EMD

$704.70M

Market Cap

$629.55M

-8.91%

Potential Profit

N/A

Hold

Analyst Rating

N/A

Investment Analysis

Great Southern Bancorp

GSBC

Pros

Reported Q3 2025 earnings per share of $1.56 exceeded analyst estimates, indicating strong profitability.
Net interest margin improved to 3.72%, showing effective interest income management.
Announced a new stock repurchase authorization of 1 million shares, reflecting confidence in the company’s valuation.

Considerations

Post-Q3 earnings stock price dropped over 10% due to market concerns about future earnings guidance and broader market sentiment.
Total assets declined from $5.98 billion to $5.74 billion year-over-year, indicating potential balance sheet contraction.
Despite good profitability, growth prospects may be constrained by slower loan growth and loss of swap income.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund

EMD

Pros

Focuses on high current income with a secondary goal of capital appreciation by investing primarily in emerging market debt.
Offers an actively managed, leveraged fixed income portfolio diversified across sovereign and corporate issuers in emerging markets.
Provides a relatively high yield around 10.6% projected for 2024, attractive within high yield fixed income segment.

Considerations

Exposure to emerging markets creates sensitivity to geopolitical risks and currency volatility.
Use of leverage in the portfolio can amplify losses during market downturns.
Historical distributions have included return of capital components, which may affect total return sustainability.

About The Companies

Great Southern Bancorp (GSBC)

Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Great Southern Bank, a financial institution with a significant presence across several US states including Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa. Operating through its 89 banking centres, the company provides a comprehensive range of financial services to individuals and businesses. Its core business involves originating various types of loans—such as residential, commercial real estate, and construction loans—and funding these activities primarily by attracting public deposits. This traditional banking model positions it as a key community and regional financial player. For investors, Great Southern Bancorp represents an opportunity to engage with the US regional banking sector. As with any financial stock, its performance can be influenced by economic conditions, interest rate changes, and the health of the lending market. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and capital is at risk.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund (EMD)

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (EMD) is a closed-end investment fund that aims to provide investors with high current income, with capital appreciation as a secondary goal. It primarily invests in debt securities from issuers in emerging market countries, including government and corporate bonds. At least 80% of its assets are committed to this strategy, offering a way to gain exposure to the economic potential of developing nations. The fund has the flexibility to invest in securities denominated in US dollars and other currencies, which can add a layer of diversification. Managed by an affiliate of Franklin Templeton, the fund seeks to navigate the complexities of global debt markets. As with any investment, particularly in emerging markets, the value can go down as well as up, and returns are not guaranteed. This type of fund may be of interest to investors seeking income and global diversification, who are comfortable with the associated risks.

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Comparison Snapshot