Franklin Universal Trust — Cyborg Score 6/10

Solid
Asset Management / Closed-End Funds

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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