Saba Capital Management, L.P. Reduces Stake in Lazard Global Total Return & Inc Fd Inc

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Nov 26, 2024
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On November 22, 2024, Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio) executed a significant transaction involving Lazard Global Total Return & Inc Fd Inc (LGI, Financial). The firm reduced its holdings by 144,784 shares, impacting its portfolio by -0.05%. This adjustment leaves Saba Capital Management with a total of 865,708 shares in LGI, which now constitutes 0.31% of the firm's overall portfolio and represents a 6.65% stake in the company. The transaction was completed at a trade price of $16.85 per share, slightly above the current market price of $16.76.

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

Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio) is a prominent investment firm headquartered at 405 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY. The firm is known for its strategic focus on the financial services and technology sectors, managing an equity portfolio valued at approximately $4.78 billion. Saba Capital Management's top holdings include PIMCO Dynamic Income Strategy Fund (PDX, Financial), BlackRock Capital Allocation Trust (BCAT, Financial), and BlackRock Health Sciences Trust II (BMEZ, Financial), among others. The firm's investment philosophy emphasizes identifying undervalued opportunities within its preferred sectors.

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Details of the Stock Transaction

The recent reduction in LGI shares by Saba Capital Management reflects a strategic portfolio adjustment. The firm's decision to decrease its position in LGI by 144,784 shares suggests a reevaluation of its investment in the diversified, closed-end management investment company. Despite this reduction, LGI remains a part of the firm's portfolio, holding a 0.31% position. The transaction's impact on the portfolio is relatively minor, at -0.05%, indicating a cautious approach to rebalancing.

Overview of Lazard Global Total Return & Inc Fd Inc (LGI, Financial)

Lazard Global Total Return & Inc Fd Inc is a United States-based diversified, closed-end management investment company. The fund's primary investment objective is to achieve total return through capital appreciation and income. LGI's portfolio is diversified across various sectors, including consumer staples, financials, healthcare, and sovereign debt. The company has been publicly traded since its IPO on April 28, 2004, and currently holds a market capitalization of $218.097 million.

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Financial Metrics and Performance of LGI

LGI's financial metrics reveal a company with a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 8.69, a return on equity (ROE) of 10.76%, and a return on assets (ROA) of 9.63%. These figures suggest a moderate level of profitability. However, the company's [Profitability Rank](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/rank-profitability/LGI) is 3/10, and its [Financial Strength](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/rank-balancesheet/LGI) rank is 4/10, indicating room for improvement in these areas. LGI's [Piotroski F-Score](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/fscore/LGI) is 6, reflecting a moderate financial health status.

Analysis of LGI's Growth and Profitability

LGI's growth metrics show a 3-year revenue growth rate of 2.90% and earnings growth of 3.00%. Despite these positive growth indicators, the company's [Growth Rank](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/rank-growth/LGI) is 0/10, suggesting limited growth potential. The [Operating Margin](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/operating-margin/LGI) and gross margin growth are both stagnant, further highlighting challenges in enhancing profitability. LGI's [Momentum Rank](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/rank-momentum/LGI) is relatively strong at 8/10, indicating some positive momentum in the stock's performance.

Market and Valuation Insights

Currently, there is no available data for LGI's [GF Value Rank](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/rank-gf-value/LGI), making it challenging to assess the stock's intrinsic value. The absence of this data implies uncertainty in determining whether LGI is undervalued or overvalued. The company's [GF-Score](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/gf-score/LGI) is 42/100, suggesting poor future performance potential. This score reflects the company's current market position and potential challenges in achieving significant growth or profitability improvements.

Conclusion

Saba Capital Management's decision to reduce its stake in LGI highlights a strategic shift in its investment approach. While LGI remains a part of the firm's portfolio, the reduction indicates a cautious stance towards the company's future prospects. LGI's current market position, combined with its financial metrics and growth potential, suggests a need for careful consideration by investors. The lack of [GF Valuation](https://www.gurufocus.com/term/rank-gf-value/LGI) data further complicates the assessment of LGI's intrinsic value, making it essential for investors to closely monitor the company's performance and market conditions.

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.