Blackstone Strategic Credit 2027 Term Fund

BGB

Market cap $506M

Blackstone Strategic Credit 2027 Term offers a widened discount exceeding 5.5%, now above our "Buy" threshold, prompting an upgrade. BGB's term structure and anticipated 2027 liquidation create a tactical opportunity, with a recent investment from a large institutional CEF investment group. The fund's floating-rate, senior secured loan portfolio provides diversification but carries leveraged below-investment-grade credit risk.

The Income-Covered Closed-End Fund Report screens for CEFs with distribution coverage exceeding 100%, targeting funds less likely to cut payouts. Discounted, fully-covered CEFs offer dual benefits: potential price appreciation from narrowing discounts and enhanced yields based on full NAV distributions. Composite metrics combining yield, discount, and z-score help identify CEFs offering value on both absolute and relative terms, with high income potential.

Aberdeen infrastructure CEF ASGI proposes removing its 2035 term structure, a move that is detrimental to shareholder interests and alpha opportunities. Loan CEFs have cheapened as anticipated, following distribution cuts following Fed policy rate expectations. CLO Equity CEFs like OCCI, CCIF, EARN, and SPMC reported significant February NAV declines, raising leverage, leading to potential forced asset sales in a fragile sector.

The Triple-Factor CEF Report screens over 400 funds for high yield (>6.5%), strong coverage (>90%), and discount to NAV, balancing yield, sustainability, and value. Top lists include funds with widest discounts, best z-scores, highest yields, and best combined metrics, offering potential for price appreciation and enhanced yields. Explore top lists for further research; these shortlists are not final buy/sell recommendations. Always verify coverage ratios with official fund documents.

Blackstone Strategic Credit 2027 Term Fund offers a term structure with potential liquidation in September 2027, currently trading at a -4.87% discount. BGB's discount has widened recently due to credit events like First Brands' bankruptcy, but overall exposure to such events remains minimal due to strong diversification. Distribution yield is 7.86%, but payouts are likely to decrease as the Fed cuts rates, while reducing borrowing costs, but the reduction is offset by lower underlying yields.

August saw continued gains across major indexes, with RSP and Dow outperforming the tech-heavy benchmarks toward the second half of the month. As the markets continue to hit and trade near all-time highs, now including the Dow Jones hitting all-time highs, I've been continuing to build up my cash position. At the same time, every month I do some buying to keep the income compounding on itself over the long term.

BGB offers an 8.58% yield via a diversified portfolio of senior secured, mostly floating-rate loans, amplified by significant leverage. The fund's floating-rate focus benefits from stable or rising rates, but faces cash flow risk if rates decline, especially with potential 2025 rate cuts. BGB underperforms peers like DSU on long-term returns and charges higher fees, while employing higher leverage, increasing risk during economic stress.

BGB offers a unique opportunity due to its term structure, enabling predictable discount-to-NAV convergence by September 2027 for potential extra capital appreciation. The fund delivers an 8%+ yield from a diversified portfolio of senior secured loans and high-yield bonds, with low duration limiting interest rate risk. Compared to peers, BGB's wider discount and defined maturity make it attractive for investors prioritizing discount capture and income.

The Triple-Factor screen identifies closed-end funds with >8% yield, >90% coverage, and trading at a discount to NAV, balancing yield, sustainability, and value. Key metrics: premium/discount, z-score, leverage, baseline expense, and coverage. Focus on funds with wide discounts, negative z-scores, and high yields. Explore top lists for further research; these shortlists are not final buy/sell recommendations. Always verify coverage ratios with official fund documents.

I focus on CEFs with 100%+ distribution coverage, as this suggests lower risk of distribution cuts and more sustainable income for investors. My top screens highlight funds with the deepest discounts, highest yields, and most attractive z-scores, offering both income and potential price appreciation. Blackstone Strategic Credit 2027 Term Fund (BGB) stands out for its 8.9% yield, 104% coverage, and discount-driven alpha as it nears expiration.