About the Fund:
Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund’s (NYSE: CBH) (the “Fund”) investment objectives are to provide a high level of income and to return at least $9.835 per common share (the original net asset value per common share before deducting offering costs of $0.02 per share) to holders of common shares on or about September 1, 2024. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
As announced on June 6, 2024, in anticipation of its termination date on August 30, 2024, CBH shifted its portfolio to shorter duration securities and paid off its borrowings. As a result, CBH’s yield decreased during the period.
Manager Comments - Voya Investment Management Co. LLC (“Voya IM”)
Voya IM manages the Fund. As the asset management business of Voya Financial (NYSE: VOYA), Voya IM seeks to understand and anticipate client needs, delivering differentiated solutions across public and private fixed income, equity, and multi-asset platforms, including private markets and alternatives. The following commentary is provided by the portfolio team at Voya IM.
How did the markets perform during the Fund’s fiscal six-month period ended July 31, 2024?
Risk assets advanced during the reporting period, with the convertible securities, high yield (“HY”) bond, and bank loan markets finishing higher for the six months ended July 31, 2024. The ICE BofA U.S. Convertibles Index returned 5.32%, the ICE BofA U.S. High Yield Index returned 4.61%, and the Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index returned 4.39%.
Convertible securities were positively impacted by underlying stock price strength and credit spread tightening. Spread refers to the additional yield over the yield of a risk-free government bond. Sector gains were broad-based, and the primary market was active.
Regarding HY bonds, industry gains were also widespread. Lower quality bonds outperformed higher quality bonds, new issuance was strong, and the trailing 12-month default rate remained low.
With respect to bank loans, the market’s upgrade-to-downgrade ratio edged higher toward the end of the reporting period. Year-to-date new issue activity was robust.
Against this backdrop, corporate earnings results were generally better than expected, with many companies beating forecasts. The U.S. economy expanded, inflation eased, and the unemployment rate remained low, although the manufacturing sector contracted. The Fed left interest rates unchanged and the market’s expectation for the timing of the first interest rate cut since 2021 was pushed out.
What factors affected the Fund’s performance during its fiscal six-month period?
For the fiscal six-month period ended July 31, 2024, the Fund’s NAV returned 3.05%, while its market price returned 5.67%. For the same period, the Fund’s composite benchmark, which consists of 40% ICE BofA U.S. Convertibles Index (representing convertible securities), 45% ICE BofA BB-B U.S. High Yield Constrained Index (representing high yield bonds), and 15% Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index (representing leveraged loans), returned 4.68%. The underlying indexes returned 5.32% for convertible securities, 4.16% for high yield bonds, and 4.39% for leveraged loans.
The Fund delivered consistent income and a positive total return for the six-month period. The portfolio benefited from strength across risk assets including convertible securities, HY bonds, and bank loans.
Within convertible securities, the leading sectors were consumer discretionary, transportation, and technology. An e-commerce holding gained in consumer discretionary, transportation was aided by strength in trucking and delivery, and software exposure helped in technology. Conversely, only two sectors — financials and health care — detracted from performance due to weakness in financial technology and pharmaceutical holdings.
Regarding the HY allocation, nearly all industries finished higher for the period. Recreation & travel, gaming, and technology had the greatest impact on performance. Recreation & travel benefited from positions in cruise lines and theme park operations. A casino operator outperformed within gaming. Technology was led by a data storage holding. Only one industry — financial services — detracted from performance, as a consumer lending position underperformed for the period.
Bank loan holdings also had a positive effect on Fund performance, led by issues in restaurants, technology, and theaters & entertainment. A business services holding finished higher in restaurants. Contributions in technology were widespread across many subindustries. Movie theater and theme park operations exposures were sources of strength in theaters & entertainment. Only one industry — media — hindered performance, as a television broadcasting position underperformed during the period.
Level Distribution Practice
The Fund has a practice of seeking to maintain a specified level of monthly distributions to shareholders, which may be changed at any time. As a result of this practice, the Fund may pay distributions in excess of the Fund’s taxable net investment income and net realized gains. During the most recent fiscal period, the practice did not have a material impact on the Fund’s investment strategy.
The preceding information is the opinion of portfolio management only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market conditions and should not be relied upon as investment advice.
The Fund’s portfolio holdings are subject to change and may not be representative of the portfolio managers’ current or future investment decisions. The mention of individual securities held by the Fund is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell any securities. Investors seeking financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities or investment strategies discussed should consult their financial professional.