Virtus Convertible & Income Fund offers a high 10.6% yield and trades at a 10.7% discount to NAV but faces significant risks. NCV's dividend payouts have declined consistently over the past decade, with recent distributions increasingly funded by return of capital, raising sustainability concerns. The fund's high leverage (34.4%) and large exposure to below-investment-grade and unrated securities amplify risk, especially in a high interest rate environment.
NCV.PR.A offers a stable 6.5% yield with cumulative dividends, ideal for investors seeking reliable passive income with moderate risk. Backed by Virtus Convertible & Income Fund, NCV.PR.A benefits from a diversified, quality portfolio and a strong 'A' Fitch credit rating. The preferred stock trades at $21.61, with its call date passed, providing attractive value and potential price stability for income-focused investors.
NCV trades at a historically wide discount, making the current valuation more attractive, but its long-term performance lags convertible CEF peers. The fund's high distribution yield appears unsustainable, with frequent past cuts and significant return of capital, signaling caution for income-focused investors. NAV erosion and a recent reverse split highlight challenges this fund has faced, and leverage remains high, increasing risk during market downturns.
The Virtus Convertible & Income Fund offers a high yield of 12.37%, but has struggled with negative real returns and distribution cuts over the past decade. The NCV closed-end fund invests primarily in convertible bonds, which have better inflation protection than traditional bonds, but its management has underperformed relative to indices. Recent performance has been volatile, with a slight gain of 1.46% over ten months, but distributions have helped offset share price declines.
The Virtus Convertible & Income Fund offers capital appreciation and high current income through a diversified portfolio of convertible securities and high-yield bonds. NCV has a high expense ratio of 3.41%, uses 35% leverage, and has seen a significant dividend decrease, with 2024 distributions being 100% Return of Capital. The fund's performance has lagged, especially in 2022, with a -34% price return, and it currently trades at a 9.45% discount to NAV.