BlackRock Health Sciences Trust (BME)

The half-year update from B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) produced mainly disappointment from analysts and investors, though there was a sliver of hope about a turnaround plan announced by new CEO Tjeerd Jegen. Second-quarter UK like-for-like sales fell 1.1%, a sharp slowdown from the 1.3% growth in the first quarter that was, noted Jefferies' Andrew Wade, boosted by Easter and weather effects.

B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) warned that first-half profits are likely to fall compared to last year after sales contracted in the second quarter.  Total revenue for the 26 weeks to 27 September is expected to come to £2.75 billion, up 4.0% on the prior year.

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust shares have declined 12.4% in the past year, underperforming the broader market rally. BME currently trades at an 8.3% discount to NAV, significantly wider than its five-year average discount of 2.48%. Despite an attractive 8.6% dividend yield, BME's low net investment income raises concerns about the sustainability of its distributions.

Call writing closed-end funds can offer attractive monthly distributions, along with the opportunity to trade at discounts to their historical net asset values. That discount can create an opportunity for investors to enter at attractive prices while getting the underlying portfolio on 'sale.' Today, we are looking at two CEFs that provide monthly distributions and are presenting relatively attractive discounts.

Shore Capital has kicked off coverage of B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) with a “hold” at 241p, warning that Britain's biggest variety discounter may need to cut prices, and therefore margins, to get growth back on track. The broker sees only 4% upside to its 250p fair value estimate.

Market timing is futile; a disciplined, diversified, and rules-based approach is essential for long-term investing success. A Near-Perfect Strategy portfolio aims for consistent income, growth, and lower volatility through diversification and strategic planning. The portfolio targets 6% income and S&P 500-beating returns, with lower volatility and drawdowns, making it suitable for investors seeking financial freedom or retirement income.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $BBN--Today, BlackRock Resources & Commodities Strategy Trust (NYSE: BCX), BlackRock Enhanced Equity Dividend Trust (NYSE: BDJ), BlackRock Energy and Resources Trust (NYSE: BGR), BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust (NYSE: BGY), BlackRock Health Sciences Trust (NYSE: BME), BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust (NYSE: BMEZ), BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust (NYSE: BOE), BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust (NYSE: BUI), Bla.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, BlackRock Resources & Commodities Strategy Trust (NYSE: BCX), BlackRock Enhanced Equity Dividend Trust (NYSE: BDJ), BlackRock Energy and Resources Trust (NYSE: BGR), BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust (NYSE: BGY), BlackRock Health Sciences Trust (NYSE: BME), BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust (NYSE: BMEZ), BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust (NYSE: BOE), BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust (NYSE: BUI), BlackRock Enhanced Large Cap Core Fund, Inc. (NYSE: CII), BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (NYSE: BST), BlackRock Science and Technology Term Trust (NYSE: BSTZ), BlackRock Technology and Private Equity Term Trust (NYSE: BTX), BlackRock Capital Allocation Term Trust (NYSE: BCAT), and BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust (NYSE: ECAT) (collectively, the “Funds”) paid the following distributions per share

The healthcare sector is attractive due to essential nature, AI, genomics, and chronic disease management, supporting long-term growth despite regulatory and cost headwinds. BlackRock Health Sciences Trust offers a resilient 8.63% dividend yield, low expense ratio, and conservative, low-risk positioning ideal for income-focused investors. BME's option strategy caps upside but provides steady income and volatility protection; the fund trades at a 7.84% NAV discount, offering potential capital appreciation.

B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) shares slipped 9% on Tuesday as analysts said first-quarter results showed the discounter continued to see modest sales of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) that investors were hoping for.  UK like-for-like (LFL) sales rose 1.3% in the 13 weeks to 28 June 2025, helped by strong Easter-boosted April trading in general merchandise, though sales slowed in May and June.

B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) shares fell 11.4% to 228.3p, around all time lows, after a trading update for its first quarter showed .  A 4.4% rise in revenue was reported for the 13 weeks to 28 June, though average selling price deflation impacted trading margins.

Healthcare CEFs are under pressure from regulatory shifts, but sector defensiveness and discounted valuations can create long-term opportunities. Within the CEF structure, we also have the added benefit that comes with the discount/premium dynamic inherent in the structure. We are looking at two names today that present investors with attractive distributions and that are looking like decently discounted opportunities.

B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) shares climbed 4% on Tuesday after RBC highlighted the discount retailer as one of its top picks in the sector, citing an expected turnaround in sales and potential shareholder returns. In a note following its European retail conference, RBC said B&M's like-for-like sales should start to recover from the first quarter, supported by improved weather, easier comparables, and better merchandising.

B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) is showing signs of a sales rebound, with early first-quarter figures pointing to a return to positive like-for-like growth, according to Citi. The latest till roll data suggest that UK total sales, including new space, are up around 9% year on year for the first 11 weeks of the current quarter, which ends on 28 June.

Shares in B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) were one of the top risers on Tuesday morning after the discounter's new chief executive Tjeerd Jegen snapped up £0.5 million worth of shares.  In a statement, the FTSE 250-listed retailer said its newly appointed boss bought five chunks at prices between £2.60 and £2.70.

B&M European Value Retail SA's (LSE:BME) shares took another hit last week, falling 15% after its latest full-year update disappointed already wary investors. The drop comes despite the company having issued a trading update just weeks earlier, prompting some to question whether the value retailer can regain its momentum without a convincing rebound in sales at existing stores.