Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund Announces Increase to Quarterly Distribution and Discloses Sources of Distribution – Section 19(a) Notice
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The announcement by Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund (NFJ) to increase its quarterly distribution by 14% represents a significant shift in its dividend policy. This adjustment in distribution from $0.245 to $0.280 per share indicates the fund's confidence in its investment strategy and its ability to generate sufficient income and realized capital gains to support a higher payout. The increase could be interpreted as a positive signal to investors, suggesting a robust fund performance and potentially leading to a narrower discount to net asset value (NAV). However, investors should be cautious and analyze the sustainability of this increased distribution, particularly if it might result in a return of capital rather than a return on capital, which could erode the fund's asset base over time.
From a market perspective, the increase in distribution rate to a per annum rate of approximately 9.1% based on the market price is an attractive proposition for yield-focused investors. This could lead to increased demand for NFJ shares, thereby potentially reducing the discount to NAV at which the shares trade. However, it is essential for investors to consider the broader market conditions, including interest rate trends and economic outlook, as these factors can significantly impact the performance of dividend-focused funds. Furthermore, the fund's ability to sustain its distribution amidst these market conditions will be a critical factor for long-term shareholder value.
It is important to note the legal implications of the Managed Distribution Plan mentioned in the announcement. A consistent distribution level, which may include a return of capital, has tax implications that shareholders must understand. The return of capital is not taxable when received; instead, it reduces the cost basis of the investment, which could result in higher capital gains taxes when shares are sold. Shareholders should consult with tax professionals to fully understand the consequences of the distributions on their personal tax situations.
Ticker |
New Distribution Amount |
Ex-Date |
Record Date |
Payable Date |
NFJ |
|
March 8, 2024 |
March 11, 2024 |
March 28, 2024 |
The Fund’s quarterly distribution rate will increase from
This new distribution represents a per annum rate of approximately
Under the terms of its Managed Distribution Plan, the Fund will seek to maintain a consistent distribution level that may be paid in part or in full, from net investment income and realized capital gains, or a combination thereof. Shareholders should note, however, that if the Fund's aggregate net investment income and net realized capital gains are less than the amount of the distribution level, the difference will be distributed from the Fund's assets and will constitute a return of the shareholder's capital. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s Managed Distribution Plan.
The Fund provides this estimate of the sources of its distributions:
Distribution Estimates |
March 2024 (QTD) |
Fiscal Year-to-Date (YTD) (1) |
||||||
(Sources) |
Per Share Amount |
Percentage of Current Distribution |
Per Share Amount |
Percentage of Current Distribution |
||||
Net Investment Income |
$ |
0.046 |
16.4 |
% |
$ |
0.046 |
16.4 |
% |
Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains |
$ |
- |
0.0 |
% |
$ |
- |
0.0 |
% |
Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains |
$ |
0.234 |
83.6 |
% |
$ |
0.234 |
83.6 |
% |
Return of Capital (or other Capital Source) |
$ |
- |
0.0 |
% |
$ |
- |
0.0 |
% |
Total Distribution |
$ |
0.280 |
100.0 |
% |
$ |
0.280 |
100.0 |
% |
(1) |
Fiscal year started February 1, 2024. |
Information regarding the Fund’s performance and distribution rates is set forth below. Please note that all performance figures are based on the Fund’s net asset value (NAV) and not the market price of the Fund’s shares. Performance figures are not meant to represent individual shareholder performance.
January 31, 2024 |
|
|
Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5-year period (2) |
7.89 |
% |
Annualized Current Distribution Rate (3) |
7.88 |
% |
Fiscal YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV (4) |
7.60 |
% |
Fiscal YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate (5) |
1.97 |
% |
(2) |
Average Annual Total Return on NAV is the annual compound return for the five-year period. It reflects the change in the Fund’s NAV and reinvestment of all distributions. |
|
(3) |
Annualized Current Distribution Rate is the current distribution rate annualized as a percentage of the Fund's NAV at month end. |
|
(4) |
Fiscal YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV is the percentage change in the Fund's NAV from the first day of the fiscal year to this month end, including distributions paid and assuming reinvestment of those distributions. |
|
(5) |
Fiscal YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate is the dollar value of distributions expected to be paid from the first day of the fiscal year through the next calendar quarter end as a percentage of the Fund's NAV at month end. |
The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are estimates only and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the distributions for tax purposes will depend on the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund or your broker will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you what distributions to report for federal income tax purposes.
About the Fund
Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund is a diversified closed-end fund that seeks current income and gains, with long-term capital appreciation as a secondary objective. The Fund will generally invest approximately
For more information on the Fund, contact shareholder services at (866) 270-7788, by email at closedendfunds@virtus.com, or through the Closed-End Funds section of virtus.com.
Fund Risks
An investment in a fund is subject to risk, including the risk of possible loss of principal. A fund’s shares may be worth less upon their sale than what an investor paid for them. Shares of closed-end funds may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value. For more information about the Fund’s investment objective and risks, please see the Fund’s annual report. A copy of the Fund’s most recent annual report may be obtained free of charge by contacting “Shareholder Services” as set forth at the end of this press release.
About Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.
Virtus Investment Partners (NYSE: VRTS) is a distinctive partnership of boutique investment managers singularly committed to the long-term success of individual and institutional investors. We provide investment management products and services from our affiliated managers, each with a distinct investment style and autonomous investment process, as well as select subadvisers. Investment solutions are available across multiple disciplines and product types to meet a wide array of investor needs. Additional information about our firm, investment partners, and strategies is available at virtus.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240301561936/en/
For Further Information:
Shareholder Services
(866) 270-7788
closedendfunds@virtus.com
Source: Virtus Dividend, Interest and Premium Strategy Fund
FAQ
What is the ticker symbol for Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund?
What is the new quarterly distribution amount per share announced by NFJ?
When does the new distribution amount become effective for NFJ?
What percentage increase does the new distribution amount represent for NFJ?
How does NFJ aim to enhance shareholder value?
What is the per annum rate of the new distribution amount for NFJ based on the market price?
What is the per annum rate of the new distribution amount for NFJ based on NAV?
How does NFJ plan to maintain a consistent distribution level?
What happens if NFJ's aggregate net investment income and net realized capital gains are less than the distribution level?
