Sprott Focus Trust has a unique tilt towards the materials sector, with significant holdings in energy and financial services as well. The fund's discount has widened, making it relatively attractive on a shorter-term relative basis, but on a longer-term basis, it looks to be relatively fairly valued. FUND pays out a quarterly distribution based on 6% of its NAV, with net investment income coverage moving materially higher in the latest report.
The Sprott Focus Trust is an actively managed closed-end fund that invests in stocks through a fundamentals-based approach. The current portfolio is concentrated in sectors like basic materials and energy that have underperformed this year. A widening discount to the fund's net asset value may add to risks for FUND into 2024.
Charlie Munger has famously said: “there is only three ways a smart person can go broke: liquor, ladies and leverage.” Widely known for his witty humor, the Berkshire Hathaway legend has shared many investing gems over the years, and there's no argument here that liquor and leverage, especially if combined, can lead to investor pain.
We review CEF market valuation and performance through the second week of June and highlight recent market action. CEFs continued their rally over June, in reversal of the weakness over May. We take a look at whether CEF net income will move back to its previous level once the Fed starts to cut rates.
Sprott Focus Trust is a unique closed-end fund with a value-oriented portfolio and a focus on the materials sector. The fund has outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 3000 Index, in the short and long term, but its current discount is not very appealing. Investors should consider FUND for diversification but wait for a better entry point with a wider discount.