Franklin Universal Trust — Cyborg Score 6/10

Solid
Asset Management

Strategic Profile

The fund's strategy focuses on generating ongoing distributions for shareholders through regular monthly distributions sourced from net investment income, and at times from net realized short-term capital gains and return of capital. As a closed-end fund trading on the NYSE, FT shares may trade at a discount or premium to net asset value, which can increase an investor's risk of loss.

Cyborg Score Rationale

The fund has demonstrated a 5-year average annual return of 7.68% with an annualized distribution rate of 5.91%. As an income-focused closed-end fund, it delivers consistent distributions but faces typical closed-end fund risks including NAV discount trading.

Top Insights

  • Monthly distributions of $0.0425 per share, with 86% coming from net investment income and 14% from return of capital, providing consistent yield to shareholders
  • Employs fundamental analysis to invest in diversified corporate bonds and dividend-paying utility stocks, benchmarking against S&P 500 Electric Utilities Index and Credit Suisse High Yield
  • As of April 17, 2026, the stock price was $8.33 with a market cap of approximately $208.2 million
  • Established in 1988 with over 35+ years of experience managing income-focused portfolios

Named Competitors

  • Pioneer Muni High Inc Adv — Municipal bond-focused closed-end fund
  • Western Asset Global High Inc — Global high-yield income fund
  • RiverNorth/DoubleLine Strategic Opp Fund — Strategic opportunities income fund
  • BNY Mellon High Yield Strategies — High-yield bond strategies fund
  • Lazard Global Total Return & Income — Global equity income fund

Recent Developments

  • (December 2025) Announced monthly distribution of $0.0425 per share payable December 31, 2025
  • (November 2025) Confirmed consistent monthly distribution pattern with 63% from net investment income and 35% from return of capital
  • (April 2026) Stock trading at $8.33 per share with market cap of $208.2 million

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