Allspring Utilities and High Income Fund filings document the governance and shareholder-voting framework of a closed-end management investment company. The fund's proxy materials cover annual meeting matters, trustee elections, Board oversight and voting eligibility for shareholders of record. Its regulatory disclosures also relate to the fund's common-share structure, distribution policies, NAV-based fund mechanics and the closed-end fund risks associated with utilities securities and below-investment-grade debt exposure.
Allspring Utilities and High Income Fund (ERH) returned 2.02% based on market value and 2.55% based on net asset value for the year ended August 31, 2026; its ERH Blended Index returned 3.76%. Net investment income was $3,293,072, and operations increased net assets by $2,543,867. The expense ratio was 2.09%, including 1.20% interest expense. Leverage was 21.63% of total assets as of August 31, 2026, and leverage had a negative impact on NAV total return.
Total distributions were $1.02 per share for the year. The monthly managed distribution plan has an annual minimum fixed rate of 8% based on average monthly NAV per share over the prior 12 months; distributions may include return of capital. Under its renewed buyback program, the Fund may repurchase up to 5% of outstanding shares in open-market transactions from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. Under normal market conditions, approximately 70% of total assets are allocated to utility stocks and approximately 30% to U.S. dollar-denominated high-yield debt.
Allspring Utilities and High Income Fund (ERH) is asking shareholders to elect current Trustees Isaiah Harris, Jr., Cindy J. Miller, and Olivia S. Mitchell at its November 30, 2026 annual meeting. The Board unanimously recommends voting FOR all three nominees. Shareholders of record on September 30, 2026 may vote; the Fund had 8,832,156 shares outstanding on that date.
The election requires a plurality of votes cast, and holders of 33 1/3% of shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote constitute a quorum. The Fund engaged Computershare Fund Services to solicit proxies for approximately $4,006, a fee borne by the Fund. Signed proxies without a specified choice will be voted FOR each nominee.
On October 15, 2026, the Board of Trustees of Allspring Utilities & High Income Fund approved changing the fund’s fiscal year-end from August 31 to December 31, beginning with the next fiscal year, which will end on December 31, 2026.
ALLSPRING UTILITIES & HIGH INCOME FUND director buys shares
Director Brian S. Shlissel reported three open-market purchases of the fund’s Common Shares on February 27, 2026, totaling 400 shares. The trades were executed at per-share prices of $12.7699, $12.7982, and $12.7900, and he now directly owns 400 Common Shares.
Allspring Utilities & High Income Fund director reports no share ownership
A Form 3 initial beneficial ownership report was filed for a director of Allspring Utilities & High Income Fund (ERH) with an event date of 01/02/2026. The filing states in the Explanation of Responses that no securities are beneficially owned, and both the non-derivative and derivative ownership tables contain no reported holdings.
Allspring Utilities & High Income Fund director Maureen E. Towle filed an initial insider ownership report. The filing shows she currently has no beneficial ownership of the fund’s securities, and no derivative securities such as options or warrants. The report is filed as a single-person Form 3, confirming her role as a director without any disclosed equity stake at this time.
Allspring Utilities and High Income Fund (ERH) filed Amendment No. 1 to its definitive proxy to correct a typographical error in the stated number of shares outstanding. The proxy covers the Fund’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on December 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET at 101 Seaport Boulevard, 11th Floor, Boston, MA, with a telephonic attendance option.
Shareholders of record as of October 1, 2025 are entitled to vote. As of that date, 8,832,156 Shares were outstanding. The Board nominates Timothy J. Penny, James G. Polisson, and Pamela Wheelock (Class III) for election to terms expiring in 2028; Mr. Penny is expected to retire on or about December 31, 2026. A 33 1/3% quorum is required, and trustees are elected by plurality. The Board unanimously recommends voting FOR each nominee.
The Fund engaged Computershare Fund Services to solicit proxies for a fee of approximately $4,006. KPMG LLP serves as independent auditor (2025 audit fees $64,490; tax fees $2,020).
Allspring Utilities and High Income Fund issued its definitive proxy for the 2025 Annual Meeting, seeking shareholder votes to elect three Class III Trustees: Timothy J. Penny, James G. Polisson, and Pamela Wheelock. The meeting will be held on December 1, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET at 101 Seaport Boulevard, 11th Floor, Boston, with a telephonic attendance option.
Shareholders of record as of October 1, 2025 may vote by mail, telephone, Internet, in person, or telephonically. The Board unanimously recommends voting FOR each nominee. A plurality of votes cast elects the Trustees, and 33 1/3% of outstanding shares constitutes a quorum. If a signed proxy has no selection, votes will be cast FOR the nominees; abstentions, broker non‑votes, and withheld votes count toward quorum and have the effect of a vote against proposals. The Audit Committee recommended KPMG LLP as independent auditor for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2026; 2025 audit fees were $64,490 and tax fees were $2,020.
Lee Christopher M, identified with Allspring Global Investments and listed as a Portfolio Manager, reported a purchase of 5,000 common shares of Allspring Utilities & High Income Fund (ERH) at $9.26 per share. The transaction shows a deemed execution date of 03/26/2024 and an original trade date of 03/22/2024. After the reported activity, the filing records 7,831 common shares beneficially owned at the end of the issuer's fiscal year. No derivative holdings were reported and no other securities classes are disclosed on this form.