Franklin Universal Trust (“FT” or the “Fund”) Announces Notification of Sources of Distributions

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Franklin Universal Trust (FT) announces estimated sources of distribution for November 2023 and fiscal year 2024. The estimated allocation for the November monthly distribution as of October 31, 2023, is $0.0425 per share, with 41% from net investment income and 59% from return of capital. The cumulative estimated allocations for the fiscal year-to-date show $0.0850 per share, with 48% from net investment income and 52% from return of capital.

SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Franklin Universal Trust [NYSE: FT]:

Notification of Sources of Distributions Pursuant to Section 19(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940

The Fund’s estimated sources of the distribution to be paid on November 30, 2023 and for the fiscal year 2024 year-to-date are as follows:

Estimated Allocations for November Monthly Distribution as of October 31, 2023:

Distribution Per Share	Net Investment Income	Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains	Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains	Return of Capital
$0.0425	$0.0173 (41%)	$0.00 (0%)	$0.00 (0%)	$0.0252 (59%)

Cumulative Estimated Allocations fiscal year-to-date as of October 31, 2023, for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024:

Distribution Per Share	Net Investment Income	Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains	Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains	Return of Capital
$0.0850	$0.0409 (48%)	$0.00 (0%)	$0.00 (0%)	$0.0441 (52%)

Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s Distribution Policy. FT estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of the FT distribution to shareholders may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that a shareholder invested in a Fund is paid back to them. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect FT’s investment performance and should not be confused with ‘yield’ or ‘income’. The amounts and sources of distributions reported herein are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send a Form 1099-DIV to shareholders for the calendar year that will describe how to report the Fund’s distributions for federal income tax purposes.

Average Annual Total Return (in relation to the change in net asset value (NAV) for the 5-year period ended on 10/31/2023)1	Annualized Distribution Rate (as a percentage of NAV for the current fiscal period through 10/31/2023)2	Cumulative Total Return (in relation to the change in NAV for the fiscal period through 10/31/2023)3	Cumulative Fiscal Year-To-Date Distribution Rate (as a percentage of NAV as of 10/31/2023)4
3.39%	7.35%	-4.56%	1.22%

Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information:

1. Average Annual Total Return in relation to NAV represents the compound average of the Annual NAV Total Returns of the Fund for the five-year period ended through October 31, 2023. Annual NAV Total Return is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV over a year, assuming reinvestment of distributions paid.
2. The Annualized Distribution Rate is the current fiscal period’s distribution rate annualized as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV through October 31, 2023.
3. Cumulative Total Return is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV from August 31, 2023 through October 31, 2023, assuming reinvestment of distributions paid.
4. The Cumulative Fiscal Year-To-Date Distribution Rate is the dollar value of distributions for the fiscal period August 31, 2023 through October 31, 2023, as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV as of October 31, 2023.

The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide high, current income consistent with preservation of capital. Its secondary objective is growth of income through dividend increases and capital appreciation. Distributions may vary based on the Fund’s net investment income. Past distributions are not indicative of future trends.

For further information on Franklin Universal Trust, please visit our web site at: www.franklintempleton.com

Franklin Resources, Inc. is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,300 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.3 trillion in assets under management as of October 31, 2023. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com.

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Franklin Templeton

1-800-342-5236

Source: Franklin Templeton

FAQ

What are the estimated sources of distribution announced by Franklin Universal Trust (FT)?

The estimated sources of distribution are for November 2023 and fiscal year 2024. The estimated allocation for the November monthly distribution as of October 31, 2023, is $0.0425 per share, with 41% from net investment income and 59% from return of capital. The cumulative estimated allocations for the fiscal year-to-date show $0.0850 per share, with 48% from net investment income and 52% from return of capital.

When will the distribution be paid by Franklin Universal Trust (FT)?

The distribution will be paid on November 30, 2023.

What is the ticker symbol for Franklin Universal Trust?

The ticker symbol for Franklin Universal Trust is FT.

What is the Investment Company Act of 1940?

The Investment Company Act of 1940 is a U.S. federal statute that defines the responsibilities of investment companies and regulates the offering of their securities.

How are the estimated sources of distribution calculated?

The estimated sources of distribution are calculated based on the fund's net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains, and return of capital.

What should shareholders not do based on the announcement by Franklin Universal Trust (FT)?

Shareholders should not draw any conclusions based on the announcement.