The Drivers of Convertible Bonds’ Short and Long-Term Performance

This post was written by Joseph Wysocki, CFA, Senior Vice President, Co-Portfolio Manager.

The convertible bond market finished a solid 1Q18 (up 2.5% vs. a down S&P 500 and bond market). This performance, following a strong 2017, has led to many conversations about what drives the returns of the asset class.

Below we’ll review performance over both the short- and long-term. As you’ll see, it’s the composition of convertible issuers that drives short-term returns. But active management of multiple variables unique to converts is what results in long-term performance—and the value that the asset class can provide to an investment portfolio.

A Short-Term Review

In our 40 years of investing we have often said that it is not a “stock market,” but a market of stocks. The implication: There are many individual companies or sectors that can perform differently at different times.

The same is true for the convertible bond market—in the short term the most dominant factor is the performance of the underlying company. Let’s examine two separate periods: the first quarter of 2018 and the fourth quarter of 2015.

1Q18: Converts Beat S&P

In this period, convertibles’ strong outperformance (as measured by the ICE BofAML All U.S. Convertibles Index [VXA0]) compared to the U.S. equity market ([S&P 500]) can be traced largely to two individual sectors: Information Technology and Consumer Staples.

1q 2018: information technology and consumer staples drive convertibles outperformance

Within the convert market, the issuers in the Technology sector saw an 11% gain in their equity price while the broader S&P tech sector was up only 3.5%. This was driven by convert issuers being more focused in the mid-cap growth area while the larger cap exposure was more heavily skewed toward semiconductor companies rather than the large internet names that comprised the S&P.

converts vs sp500 1q 2018

On the defensive front, the convertible market benefited from having a much smaller allocation to the Consumer Staples and Telecom sectors. This is typical as convertibles tend to be a source of “growth capital” not often used in these more mature sectors. But the sizeable underperformance of these defensive sectors in the broader S&P magnified the impact and drove a significant deviation in returns during the quarter.

4Q2015: S&P Beats Converts

Such outperformance by converts doesn’t always happen. For example, let’s review an alternative scenario—4Q 2015.

4q 2015 energy financials drag convertibles down

In this period, the S&P outperformed convertibles due mostly to differences in some of the cyclical areas. The convertible Energy sector was -22% vs. a flat S&P Energy sector in part due to higher exposure to smaller cap, more highly levered companies. At the same time, the Financials sector in the convert market didn’t participate in a strong bank equity rally, largely due to the lower equity sensitivity of the convertible structures.

converts vs sp500 4q 2015

A Long-term Review

As you can see, the shorter term, quarter-to-quarter returns will vary but when one looks at the longer term performance, the potential benefits that the convertible asset class has historically provided are clear—outperformance of fixed-income in rising rate environments while also delivering equity market returns with lower volatility. Below you’ll see the long-term performance of Calamos Convertible Fund (CICVX) vs. the S&P 500.

cicvx over time

One aspect of the convertible market that helps deliver these types of returns is the fact that convertibles have both equity and straight bond characteristics. This unique feature means that as the underlying equity appreciates, the convertibles delta—or equity sensitivity—increases along with it. But if the underlying equity declines, the convertible performs much more like a standard straight bond providing principal protection. Therefore, it is imperative that investors are fully versed in both equity and fixed income analysis as these characteristics can dramatically impact how a convertible performs.

As an example: financial advisors, would you have wanted your clients to own an all-equity portfolio right before the tech bubble burst? Did your clients belong in a pure bond portfolio at the depths of the recession? If you had bought just the convert market that is exactly what you would have owned at some of the most significant turning points in the market.

convertibles characteristics change over time

Another unique aspect of the convertible market is that the composition changes much more frequently than the broader equity market. The typical convertible bond is issued with a five-year life by a company in the early to mid-stages of their corporate life cycle, seeking capital to grow. Once this time has passed, the issuer often has matured to the point where it does not need convertibles in its capital structure as it can self-fund growth or access other lower cost alternatives.

This has the effect of keeping the convertible market in some of the freshest growth opportunities, but it also means that investors must have the expertise to evaluate the underlying economic exposures and allocate risk across a constantly changing opportunity set. For example, nearly two-thirds of the current convert issuers were not in the convert market 10 years ago while two-thirds of the S&P members remain unchanged.

Calamos Can Help

To achieve the long-term performance advantage of convertible securities—to participate in the majority of equity upside while building resilience against unforeseen downturns—requires active management capable of understanding the risks, evaluating each issuer’s capital structure and positioning an overall convertible portfolio.

As the firm whose founder (Chairman and Global CIO John P. Calamos, Sr.) pioneered the use of convertible securities to manage risk more than 40 years ago, we welcome opportunities to educate advisors about how convertibles perform and the role that active management necessarily plays.

Advisors, for information about convertibles or CICVX, please talk to your Calamos Investment Consultant at 888-571-2567 or email 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.

    Opinions and estimates offered constitute our judgment and are subject to change without notice, as are statements of financial market trends, which are based on current market conditions. We believe the information provided here is 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. Opinions are subject to change due to changes in the market, economic conditions or changes in the legal and/or regulatory environment and may not necessarily come to pass. This information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or investment advice. References to specific securities, asset classes and financial markets are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, recommendations.

    Data as of 3/31/18

    calamos convertible fund average annual returns

    The principal risks of investing in the Calamos Convertible Fund include: convertible securities risk consisting of the potential for a decline in value during periods of rising interest rates and the risk of the borrower to miss payments, synthetic convertible instruments risk consisting of fluctuations inconsistent with a convertible security and the risk of components expiring worthless, foreign securities risk, equity securities risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, high yield risk, portfolio selection risk and liquidity risk. As a result of political or economic instability in foreign countries, there can be special risks associated with investing in foreign securities, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, increased price volatility and difficulty obtaining information. In addition, emerging markets may present additional risk due to potential for greater economic and political instability in less developed countries.

    An investment in the Fund(s) is subject to risks, and you could lose money on your investment in the Fund(s). There can be no assurance that the Fund(s) will achieve its investment objective. Your investment in the Fund(s) is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. The risks associated with an investment in the Fund(s) can increase during times of significant market volatility. The Fund(s) also has specific principal risks, which are described below. More detailed information regarding these risks can be found in the Fund's prospectus.

    Important Risk Information. An investment in the Fund is subject to risks, and you could lose money on your investment in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Your investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. The risks associated with an investment in the Fund can increase during times of significant market volatility. The Fund also has specific principal risks, which are described below. More detailed information regarding these risks can be found in the Fund’s prospectus.

    The ICE BofAML 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 BofAML 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 BofAML 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.

    The ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Master II Index tracks the performance of U.S. dollar denominated below investment grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market.

    The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Government/Credit Index is comprised of long-term government and investment grade corporate debt securities.

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

    Value Line Convertible Index is an equally weighted index of the largest convertibles.

    Morningstar Convertibles Category funds are designed to offer some of the capital appreciation potential of stock portfolios while also supplying some of the safety and yield of bond portfolios. To do so, they focus on convertible bonds and convertible preferred stocks. Convertible bonds allow investors to convert the bonds into shares of stock, usually at a preset price. These securities thus act a bit like stocks and a bit like bonds.

    Delta is a measure of a convertible security’s sensitivity to its underlying equity, with higher deltas indicating greater sensitivity.

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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 performance information, please CLICK HERE. 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. For the most recent month-end fund performance information visit www.calamos.com.

    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 May 11, 2019