Saba Capital Management, L.P. Increases Stake in Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund

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On November 27, 2024, Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio) executed a strategic transaction by acquiring an additional 29,206 shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund (EVM, Financial). This acquisition brings the firm's total holdings in EVM to 3,538,505 shares. The transaction was completed at a price of $9.45 per share, reflecting a minor impact of 0.01% on the firm's extensive portfolio. This move underscores Saba Capital Management's ongoing interest in EVM, which now constitutes 0.7% of the firm's total holdings.

About Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio)

Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio), headquartered at 405 Lexington Avenue, New York, is a prominent investment firm with a focus on the financial services and technology sectors. The firm is known for its strategic investment philosophy, which emphasizes value and growth potential. With significant equity holdings valued at $4.78 billion, Saba Capital Management maintains a diversified portfolio. Some of its top holdings include PIMCO Dynamic Income Strategy Fund (PDX, Financial), BlackRock Capital Allocation Trust (BCAT, Financial), and BlackRock Health Sciences Trust II (BMEZ, Financial).

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Overview of Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund (EVM, Financial)

Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund is an investment company that aims to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax, including alternative minimum tax, and state-specific taxes. With a market capitalization of $233.406 million, EVM is a significant player in the asset management industry. The stock is currently priced at $9.46, with a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 28.49. Despite the lack of GF Valuation data, EVM's [GF-Score](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/gf-score/EVM) stands at 41/100, indicating potential challenges in future performance.

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Impact of the Transaction

The recent acquisition of EVM shares by Saba Capital Management represents a strategic addition to the firm's portfolio. Although the trade impact is minimal at 0.01%, EVM's position in the portfolio is noteworthy, accounting for 0.7% of total holdings. This move reflects the firm's confidence in EVM's potential to deliver tax-exempt income, aligning with its investment strategy focused on financial services and technology sectors.

Financial Performance and Metrics of EVM

EVM's financial metrics reveal a mixed performance. The fund has experienced a year-to-date price change of 3.39% and a remarkable 3-year revenue growth of 60.40%. However, its [Profitability Rank](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/rank-profitability/EVM) is relatively low at 3/10, and the [Growth Rank](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/rank-growth/EVM) is 0/10, indicating potential areas of concern. The [Piotroski F-Score](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/fscore/EVM) of 6 suggests moderate financial health, while the [Momentum Rank](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/rank-momentum/EVM) of 7/10 points to positive stock momentum.

Market and Valuation Insights

The absence of [GF Value Rank](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/rank-gf-value/EVM) data for EVM poses challenges in assessing its intrinsic value. However, the stock's momentum and profitability ranks provide insights into its potential future performance. The [Altman Z score](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/zscore/EVM) and [Operating Margin](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/operating-margin/EVM) growth are areas that investors may want to monitor closely.

Conclusion

Saba Capital Management's decision to increase its stake in Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund highlights the firm's strategic approach to enhancing its portfolio with tax-exempt income opportunities. For value investors, EVM's current financial standing and market position offer a mixed bag of potential and caution. As the firm continues to navigate the financial landscape, this transaction underscores its commitment to identifying and capitalizing on promising investment opportunities.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

Disclosures

I/We may personally own shares in some of the companies mentioned above. However, those positions are not material to either the company or to my/our portfolios.