3 Reasons to own preferred securities today

3 Reasons to own preferred securities today

5 minute read

April 2024

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We believe an exceptional buying opportunity for preferred securities may exist today.

1. Discounts to par represent uncommon value

Preferreds are trading at discounts to par value not seen since the global financial crisis, representing attractive total return opportunities. Current discounts represent a substantial capital appreciation opportunity for investors, in our view.

Historical average prices by preferreds market

March 2003 – February 2024

Historical average prices by preferreds market

2. High-quality preferreds offer some of the highest yields in fixed income

Issued primarily by investment grade companies, preferreds offer 6-8% yields, considerably greater than investment-grade corporate bonds. Their dividend reset structures can also provide advantages in sustained high-rate environments, a benefit not found in typical fixed income investments.

Yield to maturity (%)

January 2014 – February 2024

Yield to maturity (%)

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3. Performance has been strong following last rate hike per cycle

Since 1990, preferreds have returned 14.2% on average in the twelve months following the end of the rate-hiking cycle (vs. 6.3% for all 12-month periods).

Significant positive performance following last rate hike per cycle
Significant positive performance following last rate hike per cycle

FURTHER READING

Preferred securities call alert – $13 billion reinvestment opportunity

April 2024 | 2 mins

Investors are facing new challenges as many of their single-issued preferred securities may be subject to call—including some that are trading above par and could lose value. Now may be the time to look beyond single issues to the added value of an actively managed portfolio.

Tax-smart income alternatives

Tax-smart income alternatives

March 2024 | 17 mins

Strategies with inherent tax efficiencies may help investors diversify sources of income and potentially keep more of what they earn.

Understanding quality, ratings and long-term compensation of preferred securities

Understanding quality, ratings and long-term compensation of preferred securities

March 2024 | 38 mins

Preferreds provide attractive income and total returns from high-quality securities; despite added risks, default rates can be lower than credit ratings suggest.

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