Franklin Universal Trust reported a 7.37% NAV total return and a 3.57% market-price total return for the year ended August 31, 2026, compared with 4.78% for the ICE BofA High Yield Constrained Index and 2.97% for the S&P 500 Utilities Index. Net assets were $215.3 million as of August 31, 2026, and net investment income was $8.94 million for the year ended that date. Its primary objective is high current income consistent with preservation of capital, with growth of income and capital appreciation as secondary objectives; it invests primarily in high-yield bonds and utility stocks.
Distributions totaled $0.5100 per share for the year: $0.3464 from net investment income and $0.1636 classified as tax return of capital. The policy calls for monthly distributions and seeks to maintain a relatively stable level; distributions may reduce NAV, and the Board may amend or terminate the policy without prior notice.
The credit facility balance was $60.0 million as of August 31, 2026, and interest expense for the year was $3.62 million. The manager identified utility security selection and mining-company exposure as performance contributors, while holdings in Constellation Energy and Talen Energy detracted.
Insider data for FRANKLIN UNIVERSAL TRUST identify Ann Torre Bates as a trustee and reporting person for the trust. She is not listed as a director, officer, or ten percent owner. The record shows no share transactions, derivative positions, or other reportable holdings associated with her role.
Franklin Universal Trust is holding its 2026 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on March 9, 2026, to vote on electing three Class II Trustees: Harris J. Ashton, Edith E. Holiday and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., for terms running to the 2029 meeting. The Board unanimously recommends voting FOR all three nominees, and shareholders of record as of December 29, 2025, are entitled to vote.
Investors can vote by mail, telephone or Internet, or in person with proper proof of ownership. The proxy statement describes the Board’s structure, trustee backgrounds, investment requirements for trustees, and detailed compensation, including Audit Committee service. It also discloses that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP audits the Fund, with audit fees of $96,837 and tax fees of $11,000 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025. As of December 29, 2025, the Fund had 25,131,894 shares outstanding, listed on the NYSE under the symbol FT.