| Valuation method | Value, $ | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 20.63 | 359 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 27.56 | 514 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | n/a | |
| Graham Formula | 32.17 | 617 |
XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Term Trust (NYSE: XFLT) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company specializing in floating-rate credit instruments and structured credit investments within private markets. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, XFLT was founded in 2017 and operates in the Financial Services sector, specifically within the Asset Management - Income industry. The trust dynamically manages its portfolio to generate income through investments in floating-rate loans, collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), and other alternative credit assets. With a market capitalization of approximately $437 million, XFLT provides investors exposure to private credit markets while mitigating interest rate risk through its floating-rate focus. The trust's strategy targets institutional and retail investors seeking yield in a rising-rate environment, differentiating itself through Octagon Credit Investors' expertise in leveraged finance and structured credit. XFLT's diversified approach and active management aim to deliver consistent income while managing downside risk in volatile credit markets.
XFLT presents an attractive option for income-focused investors seeking floating-rate exposure amid rising interest rates, with a trailing dividend yield of approximately 9.3%. The trust's net income of $48.9 million and diluted EPS of $1.04 demonstrate its ability to generate returns from its credit portfolio. However, the negative operating cash flow of -$182 million raises liquidity concerns, though this may reflect portfolio turnover rather than operational weakness. The absence of debt strengthens the balance sheet, while the 0.48 beta suggests lower volatility than broader markets. Key risks include credit quality deterioration in its loan portfolio, CLO market volatility, and potential dividend sustainability questions given the cash flow position. The trust's small size may limit liquidity for large investors, but its niche focus on floating-rate private credit provides diversification benefits for fixed income portfolios.
XFLT competes in the specialized niche of floating-rate credit investment trusts, differentiating itself through Octagon Credit Investors' 25+ years of leveraged finance experience. The trust's competitive advantage lies in its access to private credit markets and structured products that are typically unavailable to individual investors. XFLT's dynamic portfolio management allows active response to credit market conditions, while its floating-rate focus provides natural protection against rising interest rates—a key differentiator from fixed-rate credit funds. The trust's small size enables agility in portfolio adjustments but may limit economies of scale compared to larger competitors. XFLT's performance depends heavily on Octagon's credit selection capabilities in the leveraged loan and CLO markets, where intensive credit analysis creates barriers to entry for less specialized managers. The trust's closed-end structure provides stable capital for pursuing illiquid opportunities, contrasting with open-end funds that face redemption risks. However, XFLT trades at a market-determined price that may diverge from NAV, creating additional volatility. Its competitive position is strengthened by the growing demand for alternative income solutions but challenged by the increasing number of entrants into private credit markets.