BlackRock Health Sciences Trust (BME)
NYSE NYSE Primary 
XFRA 
B&M results a mixed bag as it prepares for new CEO's arrival
B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) reported a fall in profits for the past year though underlying earnings were towards the upper end of its previous guidance, as it prepares to begin a new era after a recent boardroom reshuffle. The discount chain, which operates stores across the UK and France under the B&M, Heron Foods and Babou brands, posted preliminary results showing adjusted EBITDA up 0.6% to £620 million for the year to 29 March 2025.
B&M sales rebound likely as warm weather and seasonal boost lift demand
Shares in B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) could be heading into their June results with some momentum, as recent sales data and dry spring weather suggest a stronger-than-expected start to the new financial year. Analysts at Citi point to industry data showing that B&M's sales have picked up in recent weeks.
B&M recruits experienced European discount boss as new CEO
B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) has appointed a new chief executive, Tjeerd Jegen, former boss of Dutch discounter HEMA and German chain Takko Fashion. The FTSE 250-listed group said Jegen will take the reins from interim CEO Mike Schmidt in mid-June.
BME: Hasn't Been Dazzling, But Maybe Worth A Look Now
BlackRock Health Sciences Trust (BME), a perpetual CEF, offers a diversified portfolio of 130 health science stocks, most of which are large-caps. BME's distributions have picked up quite markedly of late, resulting in above-average yields of over 8.5%, and have played a key role in beefing up the total return performance this year. Large-cap healthcare stocks are undervalued, with strong growth prospects and lower correlation to the S&P 500.
B&M narrows guidance after profit warning and continues hunt for new CEO
B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) narrowed its profit guidance for the past year to March and said it will announce a new chief executive "in the coming weeks" Having made a profit warning in February, the discount retailer said the final level of adjusted EBITDA is expected to be "above the midpoint" of the guidance range it gave at the time of £605 million to £625 million. Revenues for the 52-week period to 29 March 2025 came in at £5.6 billion, representing a 3.7% increase on the prior year.
B&M derating overdone, says leading US investment bank
Citi has reiterated its bullish stance on B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME), arguing the recent slide in the discount retailer's share price is overdone and fails to reflect the company's earnings potential. Despite a 7% cut to earnings forecasts so far this year and a cautious mood among investors, Citi said B&M remains a dominant player in UK variety discount retail, with 35% of market revenue and over half of the profit share.
2 Defensive Closed-End Funds Delivering Monthly Distributions
The broader equity market has become more volatile, with mega-cap tech declines affecting the S&P 500 and Nasdaq flirting with correction territory. We are looking at two funds that provide relatively more defensive positioning that can help dampen some of the overall volatility while also paying healthy monthly distributions. However, it is important to remember that these funds aren't completely immune to volatility themselves, and with discounts/premiums in CEFs, that's also another consideration.
4 Closed-End Fund Buys (And A Sell) In The Month Of February 2025
The tech-heavy Nasdaq started to dip toward the end of February, but a strong last trading day of the month rally clawed back some of those losses. The equal-weighted S&P 500, as measured by the Invesco ETF RSP, held up reasonably well thanks to the value sectors putting up some better performance. Every month, I put some cash to work to grow my CEF portfolio income, though I've been allowing my cash pile to also grow over the last year or so.
BME: Questionable Distribution Coverage (Rating Downgrade)
BlackRock Health Sciences Trust has seen a 5% price decline over the past year, with a total return of 1.5% including distributions. BME's high 7.8% dividend yield is attractive but potentially unsustainable due to reliance on net realized gains and weak net investment income. The fund's option writing strategy caps price upside, contributing to underperformance compared to peer healthcare funds and traditional ETFs like XLV.
B&M: Heavyweight cuts valuation after earnings alter; stays underweight
The remnants of bank and broker reaction to B&M European Value Retail SA's (LSE:BME) profit warning earlier this week continue to trickle out. On Thursday it was the turn of JP Morgan, which cut its price target to 299p from 320p.
B&M's lack of UK growth improvement disappointing, but some analysts say 'buy'
B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) festive trading update was much weaker than expected, Deutsche Bank said, but the past quarter could represent the "trough" before a potential rebound. Group sales growth of 2.6% for the third quarter was around a 4% miss versus the consensus forecast, the bank noted.
B&M hands out £150m special dividend after 'disciplined' Christmas
B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) has announced a special dividend worth £151 million as it reported good sales of seasonal products over Christmas. The value chain said like-for-like sales in its UK arm dropped by 2.8% in the 13 weeks to 28 December 2024 but had been positive in the last few weeks, a trend that has continued into this year.
