Q: Hello 5i team,
I'm thinking of increasing my position in ZWU in my TFSA. It pays a big distribution of 8.39% at the moment, and is trading near its 5 and 10 year lows. As utilities have been beat down by rising rates over the past year, would you expect a recovery in the unit price as central banks reach their "terminal rates" and look towards reducing rates in 2024? My understanding is that calls are not written on all of the fund's holdings, leading me to think there is some upside in the unit price if/when utilities recover, in addition to collecting an outsized yield. Is my thesis correct?
Thank you!
I'm thinking of increasing my position in ZWU in my TFSA. It pays a big distribution of 8.39% at the moment, and is trading near its 5 and 10 year lows. As utilities have been beat down by rising rates over the past year, would you expect a recovery in the unit price as central banks reach their "terminal rates" and look towards reducing rates in 2024? My understanding is that calls are not written on all of the fund's holdings, leading me to think there is some upside in the unit price if/when utilities recover, in addition to collecting an outsized yield. Is my thesis correct?
Thank you!
5i Research Answer:
For income investors we think ZWU looks good. It should do much better in a different rate environment. According to BMO documents, options are written on 50% of the portfolio. There should be some upside over the next two years, depending on rates and volatility (which impacts options premiums).
Authors of this answer, directors, partners and/or officers of 5i Research and/or affiliated companies have a financial or other interest in ZWU.