Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. Declares Distribution of $0.14 per Share

Rhea-AI Summary

The Board of Trustees of Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund (ECF) has declared a $0.14 per share cash distribution payable on December 30, 2024. Shareholders of record as of November 22, 2024, can choose to receive the distribution in cash or beneficial shares. The Fund aims to pay either 5% of its trailing 12-month average month-end market price or meet minimum IRS distribution requirements. The distribution is taxable regardless of the payment method chosen, and shareholders must make their election by December 13, 2024. Those who don't make a choice will receive shares, with the amount determined on December 16, 2024, based on the lower of closing market price or net asset value.

Positive

• Consistent dividend distribution maintained at $0.14 per share
• Flexible payment options offered to shareholders (cash or shares)
• Commitment to minimum 5% annual distribution rate based on trailing 12-month average market price

Negative

• Distribution may include return of capital if Fund earnings are insufficient
• 3.8% Medicare surcharge applies to certain shareholders' investment income

Insights

Financial Analyst

This quarterly distribution announcement of $0.14 per share aligns with ECF's established policy of paying either 5% of trailing market price or meeting minimum IRS requirements. The distribution offers flexibility to shareholders through a cash or shares option, with the share price determined by the lower of market price or NAV on December 16. Key aspects:

• Distribution maintains consistency with previous policy
• Tax implications vary based on income classification (capital gains, qualified dividends, or return of capital)
• Additional Medicare surcharge of 3.8% applies to certain investors

The Fund's commitment to maintaining distribution levels while considering NAV and market conditions provides stability, though investors should note this isn't guaranteed future performance.

RYE, N.Y., Nov. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Trustees of Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (NYSE American:ECF) (the “Fund”) declared a $0.14 per share cash distribution payable on December 30, 2024, to common shareholders of record on November 22, 2024.

Shareholders who are not members of the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Investment Plan will be given the option to receive the distribution either in cash or in beneficial shares of the Fund. The distribution is taxable to shareholders whether or not they choose to receive cash.

The expiration date of the option is December 13, 2024. Shareholders who do not make an election will receive the distribution in beneficial shares.

The number of shares that holders will be entitled to receive under the share option will be determined on December 16, 2024, either on the basis of the closing market price of the Fund’s beneficial shares or its net asset value, whichever is lower on that date.

The Fund intends to pay the greater of either an annual distribution of 5% of the Fund’s trailing 12-month average month-end market price or an amount that meets the minimum distribution requirement of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies.

Each quarter, the Board of Trustees reviews the amount of any potential distribution from the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Board of Trustees will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the current financial market environment. If necessary, the Fund pays an adjusting distribution in December, which includes any additional income and net realized capital gains in excess of the quarterly distributions. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification or termination by the Board of Trustees at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.

All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject to the maximum federal income tax rate for long term capital gains, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and with income that exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their "net investment income", which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

If the Fund does not generate sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a share-holder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.

Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website (www.gabelli.com). The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2024 will be made after year end and can vary from the quarterly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2024 distributions in early 2025 via Form 1099-DIV.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For more information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund, call:

Bethany Uhlein
(914) 921-5546

About Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with $184 million in total net assets. ECF invests primarily in convertible securities and common stock with the objectives of providing income and the potential for capital appreciation, objectives the Fund considers to be relatively equal over the long-term due to the nature of the securities in which it invests. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

NYSE American: ECF
CUSIP – 289074106

Investor Relations Contact:
Bethany Uhlein
914.921.5546
buhlein@gabelli.com

FAQ

What is the amount of Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund's (ECF) latest dividend distribution?

Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund (ECF) declared a cash distribution of $0.14 per share.

When is ECF's dividend payment date and record date for the latest distribution?

The dividend is payable on December 30, 2024, to shareholders of record on November 22, 2024.

What options do ECF shareholders have for receiving their distribution?

Shareholders can choose to receive the distribution either in cash or in beneficial shares of the Fund, with the election deadline being December 13, 2024.

What is ECF's distribution policy target?

ECF aims to pay the greater of either 5% of trailing 12-month average month-end market price or an amount meeting minimum IRS distribution requirements.