We had previously compared ASGI to UTF and suggested the ASGI would do better. While both have delivered exceptional returns since our buy point, they have been for different reasons. We go over the setup today and tell you why it is quite different from 14 months back.
As a retired income investor, I focus on high-yield closed-end funds, or CEFs, for consistent monthly distributions and reinvestment discounts to grow my retirement portfolio. Significant 2024 events include distribution cuts, fund liquidations, rights offerings, and new fund launches, impacting various CEFs I own or follow. Notable CEFs like ACP, ASGI, AOD/AGD, and BlackRock funds have seen distribution increases, reorganizations, and efforts to close discounts due to activist pressure.
PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / November 29, 2024 / The abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds (NYSE:ASGI)(NYSE:THQ), (the "Funds" or individually the "Fund"), today announced that the Funds paid the distributions noted in the table below on November 29, 2024, on a per share basis to all shareholders of record as of November 21, 2024 (ex-dividend date November 21, 2024). Ticker Exchange Fund Amount ASGI NYSE abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund $0.2100 THQ NYSE abrdn Healthcare Opportunities Fund $0.1800 Each Fund has adopted a distribution policy to provide investors with a stable distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital.
PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / November 1, 2024 / The abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds (NYSE:ASGI)(NYSE:THQ), (the "Funds" or individually the "Fund"), today announced that the Funds paid the distributions noted in the table below on October 31, 2024, on a per share basis to all shareholders of record as of October 24, 2024 (ex-dividend date October 24, 2024). Ticker Exchange Fund Amount ASGI NYSE abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund $0.2100 THQ NYSE abrdn Healthcare Opportunities Fund $0.1800 Each Fund has adopted a distribution policy to provide investors with a stable distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital.
ASGI offers a compelling 12.5% distribution yield, which is one of the highest in the infrastructure fund space. Looking at the underlying fundamentals, we will also notice that the risk profile is very acceptable as there is no external leverage involved, and the positions are greatly diversified. In this article, I explain in more detail why, in my view, ASGI should be considered by income seeking investors to enhance their portfolio yield levels in a financially sound manner.
ASGI offers global exposure to infrastructure sectors, providing a high dividend yield of 12.5%, making it attractive for income-focused investors. The fund's diverse portfolio mains a majority exposure to Industrials and Utilities. I believe ASGI has a positive outlook due to continued interest rate cuts. Despite a high management fee, ASGI's consistent price range and monthly distributions make it appealing for both capital preservation and income generation.
abrdn Standard Global Infrastructure Income Fund offers high yield with ~47% non-North American holdings, aiming for total return with an emphasis on current income. ASGI's forward dividend yield is 12.43%, with a recent increase in monthly dividends, and plans to maintain this rate until at least May 2025. The upcoming acquisition of Macquarie/First Trust Global Infrastructure/Utilities Dividend & Income is expected to create economies of scale and liquidity benefits.
I am initiating coverage of the Aberdeen Global Infrastructure Income Fund with a buy rating due to its strong construction, diversification, and performance in inflationary environments. ASGI has delivered 18.80% total returns since inception, with a forward yield of 12.59% and minimal exposure to high-risk growth companies. The fund's significant positions in industrials and utilities, particularly in the railroad and midstream energy sectors, make it well-suited for a slow-growth, high-price environment.
Please note the previous press release incorrectly referenced the First Trust/abrdn Global Opportunity Income Fund in the title instead of the Macquarie/First Trust Global Infrastructure/Utilities Dividend & Income Fund (NYSE: MFD). PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / August 23, 2024 / The Board of Trustees of abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund (NYSE:ASGI), announces today that shareholders of Macquarie/First Trust Global Infrastructure/Utilities Dividend & Income Fund (NYSE:MFD) ("MFD" or the "Acquired Fund"), advised by First Trust Advisors L.P.
PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / August 22, 2024 / The Board of Trustees of abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund (NYSE:ASGI), announces today that shareholders of Macquarie/First Trust Global Infrastructure/Utilities Dividend & Income Fund (NYSE:MFD) ("MFD" or the "Acquired Fund"), advised by First Trust Advisors L.P., have approved the proposed reorganization into ASGI ("Reorganization") which is expected to close at the close of business on September 20, 2024, or as soon as practicable thereafter, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund has performed well, driven by discount narrowing, but also seeing some positive underlying portfolio performance as well. Despite the discount narrowing, the ASGI fund still appears to trade at a reasonably attractive discount due to the increased managed distribution policy. The fund's managed distribution policy increase to a rolling 12% of NAV may be difficult to sustain long-term, in my opinion, but that doesn't mean performance can't still be attractive.
ASGI is a new closed end fund with a high distribution yield of 12.5%, offering monthly distributions to income-focused investors. The fund focuses on essential infrastructure sectors, with a diverse geographic exposure and a strategy centered around income generation. ASGI's financials show a fully covered distribution, potential for distribution growth, and a current discount to NAV, making it a buy.