Gabelli Utility Trust Continues Monthly Distributions, Declares Distributions of $0.05 Per Share

Rhea-AI Summary

Gabelli Utility Trust (NYSE: GUT) declared monthly cash distributions of $0.05 per share for April, May and June 2026, with record and payable dates listed for each month.

The Board reaffirmed its monthly distribution policy, noted shares trade at a premium to NAV, and said preliminary 2026 distributions are 100% from paid-in capital on a book basis.

Positive

• Declared fixed monthly distributions of $0.05 per share for Apr–Jun 2026
• Maintains long-running monthly payout history since October 1999

Negative

• Preliminary 2026 distributions are reported as 100% from paid-in capital on a book basis
• Fund shares currently trade at a premium to net asset value, which Board believes may be unsustainable
• Dividend reinvestment at current market price occurs at a premium to NAV

RYE, N.Y., Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Trustees of The Gabelli Utility Trust (NYSE:GUT) (the “Fund”) approved the continuation of its policy of paying fixed monthly cash distributions. The Board of Trustees declared cash distributions of $0.05 per share for each of April, May, and June 2026.

Distribution Month	Record Date	Payable Date	Distribution Per Share
April	April 16, 2026	April 23, 2026	$0.05
May	May 14, 2026	May 21, 2026	$0.05
June	June 15, 2026	June 23, 2026	$0.05

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 financial market environment. If necessary, the Fund will pay an adjusting distribution in December which includes any additional income and net realized capital gains in excess of the monthly distributions for that year to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification 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. The Gabelli Utility Trust has paid a distribution to shareholders every month since October 1999.

The Fund’s shares are currently trading at a premium to net asset value. The Board of Trustees believes that the premium at which the Fund shares trade relative to net asset value is not likely to be sustainable. Shareholders participating in the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan should note that at the current market price, the reinvestment of distributions occurs at a premium to net asset value.

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 whose income 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 shareholder’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. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, each of the distributions paid to common shareholders in 2026 would be deemed 100% from paid-in capital on a book basis. This does not represent information for tax reporting purposes. 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 2026 will be made after year end and can vary from the monthly 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 2026 distributions in early 2027 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:

David Schachter
(914) 921-5057

About The Gabelli Utility Trust
The Gabelli Utility Trust is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with $339 million in total net assets whose primary investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital and income by investing primarily in utility companies involved in the generation and distribution of electricity, gas, and water. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

NYSE – GUT
CUSIP – 36240A101

THE GABELLI UTILITY TRUST
  Investor Relations Contact:
  David Schachter
  (914) 921-5057
  dschachter@gabelli.com

FAQ

What distributions did Gabelli Utility Trust (GUT) declare for April–June 2026?

The Fund declared $0.05 per share for April, May and June 2026. According to the company, each month has specific record and payable dates in April, May and June as listed for shareholders.

When are the record and payable dates for GUT distributions in April 2026?

The April distribution record date is April 16, 2026 and the payable date is April 23, 2026. According to the company, shareholders of record on April 16 will receive the April payment on April 23.

Are Gabelli Utility Trust distributions for 2026 taxable as income or return of capital?

Preliminary accounting shows the 2026 distributions are 100% from paid-in capital on a book basis. According to the company, final tax components will be determined after year-end and reported on Form 1099-DIV in early 2027.

How does GUT's premium to NAV affect reinvestment of distributions?

Reinvestment of distributions occurs at the current market price, which is at a premium to NAV. According to the company, this means dividend reinvestment purchases shares above net asset value for participating shareholders.

Will the Gabelli Utility Trust change its monthly distribution policy in 2026?

The Board may modify the distribution policy at any time and will monitor NAV and market conditions. According to the company, an adjusting December distribution may be paid if needed to meet RIC requirements.