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Sprott Focus Trust, Inc. (Nasdaq-FUND) Declares First Quarter Common Stock Distribution of $0.1286 Per Share

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Sprott Focus Trust, Inc. (Nasdaq: FUND) declares a quarterly distribution of $0.1286 per share on its Common Stock. The distribution can be paid in additional shares or cash, with a payment date of March 28, 2024. The Fund follows a Distribution Policy of 6% of the rolling average of prior four quarter-end net asset values, subject to change by the Board of Directors. The estimated sources of the distribution for 2024 include net investment income, realized gains, and return of capital.
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The announcement by Sprott Focus Trust, Inc. regarding its quarterly distribution is a significant piece of information for investors and market analysts. The distribution rate, pegged at 6% of the rolling average of the prior four quarter-end net asset values (NAVs), is a key indicator of the Fund's performance and its ability to generate value for shareholders. The decision to allow shareholders to receive the distribution in additional shares or cash is also noteworthy, as it provides flexibility and could influence the stock's liquidity and volatility around the ex-dividend date.

It is important to assess the Fund's distribution components, which include net investment income, net realized short-term gains, net realized long-term gains and return of capital. A high percentage of the distribution coming from realized gains suggests a potentially successful investment strategy, whereas a significant return of capital might indicate that the Fund is returning part of the investors' original investment, which could be perceived as a less positive signal regarding the Fund's ability to generate earnings through its operations.

From a taxation perspective, the composition of Sprott Focus Trust's distribution has implications for investors. The breakdown between net investment income, short-term gains, long-term gains and return of capital affects how the distribution is taxed. Long-term gains are generally taxed at a lower rate than short-term gains, which aligns with the incentive for long-term investment. The portion classified as return of capital is not taxed immediately but reduces the cost basis of the investment, potentially increasing capital gains when the shares are sold. Investors should consider their individual tax situations when deciding whether to take the distribution in cash or reinvest in additional shares.

The Fund's Distribution Policy and its quarterly distributions are likely to be closely monitored by market research analysts, as they can impact investor sentiment and the Fund's attractiveness in the market. The policy's flexibility, with the Board of Directors having the discretion to change the annual rate, introduces a level of uncertainty that needs to be factored into any investment decision. Furthermore, the determination of share price for reinvestment on a specified future date can also play a role in short-term trading strategies, as investors may try to anticipate the impact of this pricing on the Fund's market value.

TORONTO, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sprott Focus Trust, Inc. (Nasdaq-FUND) (the “Fund” or “FUND”) has declared a quarterly distribution of $0.1286 per share on its Common Stock. The distribution, optionally payable in additional shares of Common Stock or in cash by specific stockholder election, is to be paid on March 28, 2024 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 14, 2024 (ex-dividend on March 13, 2024). The price of shares issued for reinvestment will be determined on March 21, 2024.

The Fund currently has adopted a Distribution Policy of paying quarterly distributions on its Common Stock. Distributions are being made at the annual rate of 6% of the rolling average of the prior four calendar quarter-end net asset values (“NAVs”), with the fourth quarter distribution being the greater of 1.50% of the rolling average or the minimum distribution required by IRS regulations. The policy, including the annual rate, is subject to change at the discretion of the Fund’s Board of Directors.

The Fund’s estimated sources of the distribution to be paid on March 28, 2024 and for 2024 year-to-date are as follows:

Estimated Allocations as of February 29, 2024

 Distribution
Per Share
Net Investment
Income
Net Realized
Short-Term Gains
Net Realized
Long-Term Gains
Return of Capital
FUND$0.1286$ 0.0357 (27.75%)$ 0.0264 (20.53%)$ 0.0328 (25.51%)$ 0.0337 (26.21%)

Estimated Allocations for 2024 through February 29, 2024

 Distribution
Per Share
Net Investment
Income
Net Realized
Short-Term Gains
Net Realized
Long-Term Gains
Return of Capital
FUND$0.1286$ 0.0357 (27.75%)$ 0.0264 (20.53%)$ 0.0328 (25.51%)$ 0.0337 (26.21%)

You 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. 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 you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information

 Average Annual Total
Return (in relation to
NAV for the 5-year
period ending on
02/29/2024)1
Annualized Current
Distribution Rate
(expressed as a
percentage of NAV
as of 02/29/2024)2
Cumulative total return
(in relation to NAV for
the fiscal year through
02/29/2024)3
Cumulative fiscal year
Distribution Rate (as a
percentage of NAV
as of 02/29/2024)4
FUND10.59%1.49%-3.37%1.49%

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 February 29, 2024. Annual NAV Total Return is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV over a year, assuming reinvestment of distributions paid.

2  The Annualized Current Distribution Rate is the current fiscal period’s distribution rate annualized as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV as of February 29, 2024.

3  Cumulative Total Return is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV from December 31, 2023 to February 29, 2024, assuming reinvestment of distributions paid.

4  The Cumulative Fiscal Year Distribution Rate is the dollar value of distributions for the fiscal year period (January 1, 2024 to February 29, 2024), as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV as of February 29, 2024.

About Sprott Focus Trust, Inc.

Sprott Focus Trust, Inc. is a closed-end diversified management investment company whose shares of Common Stock are listed and traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. The Fund’s investment goal is long-term capital growth, which it seeks by normally investing at least 65% of its assets in equity securities.

For further information on the Fund, please visit our web site at: www.sprottfocustrust.com. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The Fund is a closed-end fund and closed-end funds do not continuously issue shares for sale as open-end mutual funds do. The Fund trades in the secondary market. Investors wishing to buy or sell shares need to place orders through an intermediary or broker.

Suite 230 | 320 Post Road | Darien, Connecticut | USA 06820 | (203) 636-0977 | www.sprott.com

Contact:Glen Williams
(416) 943-4394


FAQ

What is the quarterly distribution declared by Sprott Focus Trust, Inc.?

Sprott Focus Trust, Inc. (Nasdaq: FUND) has declared a quarterly distribution of $0.1286 per share on its Common Stock.

When will the distribution be paid to stockholders?

The distribution will be paid on March 28, 2024, to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 14, 2024.

What is the Distribution Policy followed by the Fund?

The Fund follows a Distribution Policy of 6% of the rolling average of the prior four calendar quarter-end net asset values.

What are the estimated sources of the distribution for 2024?

The estimated sources of the distribution for 2024 include net investment income, net realized short-term gains, net realized long-term gains, and return of capital.

Sprott Focus Trust, Inc.

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