MetaCap

FS Specialty Lending Fund (FSSL) vs Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund (HIO)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.

Summary

On valuation, Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund trades at a lower trailing P/E (13.6x vs 19.4x for FS Specialty Lending Fund). Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund pays a dividend yielding 13.07%, while FS Specialty Lending Fund does not currently pay one.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Head-to-head

FSSL versus HIO key metrics
MetricFSSLHIO
Share price$11.45$3.26
Market cap$869.26M—
1-day change-2.05%-0.61%
P/E ratio (TTM)19.4113.58
Forward P/E7.25—
EPS (TTM)$0.59$0.24
Dividend yield0.00%13.07%
Annual dividend$0.00$0.426
52-week high$15.00$3.89
52-week low$10.75$3.24
Distance from 52-week high-23.67%-16.20%
Average volume289.38K443.42K
Shares outstanding75.92M—
SectorFinanceFinance
IndustryFinance/Investors ServicesFinance/Investors Services

Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.

Key differences

  • FS Specialty Lending Fund trades at a higher earnings multiple (19.4x vs 13.6x trailing P/E).
  • Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (13.07% vs 0.00%).

FSSL vs HIO FAQ

Which has the lower P/E ratio, FSSL or HIO?

HIO has the lower trailing P/E at 13.6, versus 19.4 for FSSL. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.

Which pays a higher dividend, FS Specialty Lending Fund or Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund?

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund pays a dividend yielding 13.07%, while FS Specialty Lending Fund does not currently pay a regular dividend.

Are FS Specialty Lending Fund and Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Finance/Investors Services industry within the Finance sector.

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