Opportunity in the Convertible Market: Convertible Trifecta

adding convertible to your playbook webcast replay

First published: March 31, 2020

Convertible securities’ hybrid characteristics make them a compelling choice for strategic allocations that pursue lower-volatility equity exposure over full and multiple market cycles. We believe the current environment offers investors a particularly attractive backdrop for establishing an allocation in actively managed convertibles or adding to an established allocation.

With a track record in the convertible market that dates to the 1970s, our team has considerable experience sourcing opportunities through all phases of the market cycle. But at certain points of time, market conditions create an additionally attractive backdrop for our active long-term approach. As of the end of the first quarter (March 31, 2020) and despite recent retrenchment, equities are cheaper, credit spreads are wider, and convertible valuations are lower since the market decline related to the COVID-19 crisis began.

And, an important point to remember: these are the aggregates for the broad market. Active management can help navigate the varying risk/reward of individual securities.

convertible valuations

A reversal in any one of these factors could provide a tailwind to convertibles—but if all three reverse, convertibles may be poised for what Calamos has dubbed a “trifecta.”

Here’s a look at how a similar opportunity materialized into a trifecta in 2016.

how the convertible trifecta worked in 2016

The underlying equities of convertibles made a comeback in 2016, making the embedded option of convertibles more valuable—benefitting investment portfolios.

Now let’s look at today’s market dynamics.

how the convertible trifecta is setting up today

Convertibles represent a promising investment opportunity even if the trifecta doesn’t hit. If the markets vacillate back and forth, converts provide an effective way to stairstep through the volatility. If there’s a V-shaped recovery, converts stand to gain a significant amount of the upside.

after steep declines convertibles have posted solid returns

And, if the market experiences further decline, convertibles are poised to do what advisors need them to do—hold up relative to their underlying equities.

Advisors, for more information about opportunities we’re seeing in the convertible market, contact your Calamos Investment Consultant at 888-571-2567 or caminfo@calamos.com.

Before investing carefully consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. Please see the prospectus and summary prospectus containing this and other information which can be obtained by calling 1-866-363-9219. Read it carefully before investing.

The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to change due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.

Convertible Securities Risk: The value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also, may have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value.

The S&P 500 Index is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market..

The ICE BofA All U.S. Convertibles Index (VXA0) comprises approximately 700 issues of only convertible bonds and preferreds of all qualities. Source ICE Data Indices, LLC, used with permission. ICE permits use of the ICE BofA indices and related data on an ‘as is’ basis, makes no warranties regarding same, does not guarantee the suitability, quality, accuracy, timeliness, and/or completeness of the ICE BofA Indices or data included in, related to, or derived therefrom, assumes no liability in connection with the use of the foregoing and does not sponsor, endorse or recommend Calamos Advisors LLC or any of its products or services.

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Archived material may contain dated performance, risk and other information. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted in the archived material. For the most recent month-end fund performance information visit www.calamos.com. Archived material may contain dated opinions and estimates based on our judgment and are subject to change without notice, as are statements of financial market trends, which are based on current market conditions at the time of publishing. We believed the information provided here was reliable, but do not warrant its accuracy or completeness. This material is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. The views and strategies described may not be suitable for all investors. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice. References to future returns are not promises or even estimates of actual returns a client portfolio may achieve. Any forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be relied upon as advice or interpreted as a recommendation.

Performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The principal value and return of an investment will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance reflected at NAV does not include the Fund’s maximum front-end sales load. Had it been included, the Fund’s return would have been lower.

Archived material may contain dated performance, risk and other information. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted in the archived material. For the most recent month-end fund performance information visit www.calamos.com. Archived material may contain dated opinions and estimates based on our judgment and are subject to change without notice, as are statements of financial market trends, which are based on current market conditions at the time of publishing. We believed the information provided here was reliable, but do not warrant its accuracy or completeness. This material is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. The views and strategies described may not be suitable for all investors. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice. References to future returns are not promises or even estimates of actual returns a client portfolio may achieve. Any forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be relied upon as advice or interpreted as a recommendation.

Performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The principal value and return of an investment will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance reflected at NAV does not include the Fund’s maximum front-end sales load. Had it been included, the Fund’s return would have been lower.

Archived on March 31, 2021