Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (EMD or “the Fund”; CUSIP: 95766A101) Announces Notification of Sources of Distributions
- None.
- None.
Insights
Examining the distribution announcement from Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc., there is a notable concern regarding the high percentage of the distribution classified as Return of Capital (ROC). At 81% of the distribution, this indicates that a significant portion of the payment to shareholders is not derived from the fund's earnings or capital gains but rather from the invested capital itself. This can be a red flag for investors as it may suggest that the fund's investments are not generating sufficient income or gains, potentially impacting the fund's ability to sustain distributions in the long term.
Investors should be aware that a high ROC can reduce the fund's assets over time, potentially leading to a decrease in the value of the fund's shares. While ROC distributions are not necessarily negative, as they can sometimes be strategic for tax purposes, consistent ROC distributions can be an indication of the fund's struggling performance in generating returns from its underlying investments. This is especially pertinent in the context of emerging markets, which can be volatile and present unique risks.
From a market perspective, the distribution details provided by Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. could influence investor sentiment towards the fund. The emerging markets debt sector is subject to fluctuations influenced by geopolitical events, currency risks and economic developments. The apparent lack of Net Realized Short-Term and Long-Term Capital Gains in the distribution suggests that the fund may not be capitalizing on the potential growth or value opportunities within these markets.
Investors often look for funds with a healthy balance of income generation and capital appreciation. The absence of capital gains in the distribution could lead to a reassessment of the fund's strategy and management effectiveness. It's crucial for the fund to communicate its strategy clearly to maintain investor confidence, especially if the high ROC component is a temporary situation based on specific market conditions or strategic fund reallocations.
Notification of Sources of Distributions
Pursuant to Section 19(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940
The Fund’s estimated sources of the distribution to be paid on March 1, 2024, and for the fiscal year 2023 year-to-date are as follows:
Estimated Allocations for the February Monthly Distribution as of January 31, 2024:
Distribution Per Share |
Net Investment Income |
Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains |
Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains |
Return of Capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative Estimated Allocations fiscal year-to-date as of January 31, 2024, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024:
Distribution Per Share |
Net Investment Income |
Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains |
Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains |
Return of Capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution or from the terms of the Plan. EMD estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of the EMD distribution to shareholders may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that a shareholder invested in a Fund is paid back to them. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect EMD’s investment performance and should not be confused with ‘yield’ or ‘income’. 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 a Form 1099-DIV to shareholders for the calendar year that will describe how to report the Fund’s distributions for federal income tax purposes.
Average Annual Total Return (in relation to the change in net asset value (NAV) for the 5-year period ended on 1/31/2024)1 |
Annualized Distribution Rate (as a percentage of NAV as of 1/31/2024)2 |
Cumulative Total Return (in relation to the change in NAV for the fiscal period through 1/31/2024)3 |
Cumulative Fiscal Year-To-Date Distribution Rate (as a percentage of NAV as of 1/31/2024)4 |
|
|
- |
|
Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information:
- 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 through January 31, 2024. Annual NAV Total Return is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV over a year, assuming reinvestment of distributions paid.
- The Annualized Distribution Rate is the current fiscal period’s distribution rate annualized as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV as of January 31, 2024.
- Cumulative Total Return is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV from December 31, 2023 through January 31, 2024, assuming reinvestment of distributions paid.
- The Cumulative Fiscal Year-To-Date Distribution Rate is the dollar value of distributions for the fiscal period December 31, 2023 through January 31, 2024, as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV as January 31, 2024.
This Fund has a managed distribution policy that seeks to deliver the Fund’s long-term total return potential through regular monthly distributions declared at a fixed rate per common share. Distributions may be paid in part or in full from net investment income, realized capital gains and by returning capital, or a combination thereof. Shareholders should note, however, that if a 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. A return of capital is not taxable; rather it reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares of the Fund. The Board of Directors of the Fund may terminate or suspend the managed distribution policy at any time, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of the Fund’s shares.
For further information on Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc., please visit our web site at: www.franklintempleton.com/investments/options/closed-end-funds
Data and commentary provided in this press release are for informational purposes only. Franklin Resources and its affiliates do not engage in selling shares of the Funds.
Category: Distribution Related
Source: Franklin Resources, Inc.
Source: Legg Mason Closed End Funds
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240301622215/en/
Investor Contact: Fund Investor Services 1-888-777-0102
Source: Franklin Resources, Inc. and Legg Mason Closed End Funds
FAQ
What is the distribution per share for Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. [NYSE: EMD] for March 1, 2024?
What are the estimated sources of distributions for the fiscal year 2023 year-to-date for Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. [NYSE: EMD]?
Should shareholders draw any conclusions based on the distribution information provided by Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. [NYSE: EMD]?
