Eaton Vance Enhance Equity Income Fund II

EOS

Market cap $1.22B

This month's top 10 closed-end funds (CEFs) offer an average yield of 9.5% and strong long-term performance across diverse asset classes. For income investors, closed-end funds remain an attractive investment class that covers various asset classes and promises high distributions and reasonable total returns. Closed-end funds, or CEFs, are generally characterized by higher volatility and deeper drawdowns than the broader market. For these reasons, they are not suited for everyone.

Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income II has seen its discount open to a relatively rare 8%+ discount, creating an attractive entry point for long-term investors. However, consider that EOS is heavily concentrated in tech, especially the Magnificent 7, making it sensitive to ongoing market volatility and sector pullbacks. The fund's distribution yield is 8.41%, with a modest NAV rate that would suggest no cut necessary, unless we see a deeper and more prolonged sell-off.

Eaton Vance's top taxable closed-end funds offer attractive yields, discounts to NAV, and strong long-term returns, making them appealing for income-focused investors. Current market volatility has widened discounts to NAV, creating buying opportunities which I highlight in the article. I prioritize funds trading at an 8%+ yield and significant NAV discounts, with a preference for those using tax-advantaged strategies and diversified asset mixes.

Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund II offers high monthly income and long-term NAV growth, focusing on large-cap technology stocks. For 20-plus years of its existence, the EOS closed-end fund has managed a sensible distribution policy, has provided over 10% of annualized total returns, and is currently paying nearly 8% in distribution income, paid monthly. We believe EOS is an attractive fund for income investors. With the broader market near all-time highs, the fund is a bit expensive, and the yield is at the lower end of its range. We would rate the EOS fund as a Hold for existing owners. However, for new buyers, it may be better to dollar-cost-average the buys instead of a lump sum.

This month's top 10 closed-end funds offer an average yield of 9.25% and strong long-term performance across diverse asset classes. For income investors, closed-end funds remain an attractive investment class that covers various asset classes and promises high distributions and reasonable total returns. Closed-end funds, or CEFs, are generally characterized by higher volatility and deeper drawdowns than the broader market. For these reasons, they are not suited for everyone.

Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund II offers retirees a high, tax-efficient 7.6% yield with monthly distributions and exposure to quality equities. EOS trades at a 2.1% discount to NAV, making it attractively valued for long-term, income-focused investors seeking a buy-and-hold strategy. The fund's option-writing strategy supports strong payouts but caps upside, leading to underperformance versus index ETFs like SPY during bull markets.

For those who adopt a dividend strategy, having a “thermometer” with which to measure the real performance of our stocks is an immense advantage. This thermometer is NAV, a simple line on a graph that anyone can observe and understand without the need for calculations or interpretations. If it grows over the years, it means that the security earned its distributions: if it goes down, it means that it paid them at the expense of NAV.

Market timing is futile; a disciplined, diversified, and rules-based approach is essential for long-term investing success. A Near-Perfect Strategy portfolio aims for consistent income, growth, and lower volatility through diversification and strategic planning. The portfolio targets 6% income and S&P 500-beating returns, with lower volatility and drawdowns, making it suitable for investors seeking financial freedom or retirement income.

Caring about dividends can increase our returns, but caring about NAV can save our portfolio. Return and NAV protection must go hand in hand, because there can be no sustainable return without protecting the value of the underlying assets. As far as I am concerned, the way to protect my portfolio is to favor only securities with a positive NAV over time.

I rate Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund II a Buy for income-focused investors seeking long-term, buy-and-hold opportunities with reliable monthly distributions and capital appreciation. EOS offers a 7.63% yield, monthly payouts, a 9.58% five-year dividend growth rate, and the highest 10-year total return among Eaton Vance CEFs. The fund invests in top U.S. growth stocks, writes covered calls for added income, and trades near NAV with no leverage, enhancing risk management.