First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund Declares its Monthly Common Share Distribution of $0.10 Per Share for April

Rhea-AI Summary

First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (FIF) declares a monthly common share distribution of $0.10 per share, with a distribution rate of 6.62% based on NAV and 6.78% based on the market price. The Fund's managed distribution policy aims to pay recurring monthly distributions reflecting its cash flow.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The declaration of a monthly common share distribution by First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund is a noteworthy event for current and prospective investors. A distribution rate of 6.62% based on the NAV and 6.78% based on the closing market price is significant when compared to the average dividend yield of the S&P 500, which historically hovers around 2%. This higher distribution rate could be indicative of the fund's strategy to attract income-focused investors, particularly in the context of an energy infrastructure fund where dividends are often a key component of total returns.

Investors should be aware that the distribution is part of a managed distribution policy, which may include long-term capital gains. This approach can provide a more consistent income stream, but it's important to recognize that distributions are not solely from income or dividends but can also include return of capital or realized capital gains. The impact on the fund's net asset value (NAV) should be monitored, as frequent distributions can potentially erode NAV if not offset by fund performance.

Tax Advisor

From a taxation standpoint, the aspect of the Fund's distribution policy that includes long-term capital gains on a monthly basis is quite unusual and could influence investor's tax planning. Typically, capital gains are distributed annually and their classification as long-term can benefit from lower tax rates compared to short-term gains. By distributing these gains monthly, the Fund provides investors with a more predictable tax liability throughout the year, which can be particularly advantageous for those in higher tax brackets or for those conducting complex tax planning.

However, it's essential for shareholders to understand that the tax implications of these distributions can affect their after-tax return. Investors should consult with tax professionals to understand the impact on their individual tax situation, especially since the tax treatment of these distributions can vary based on the investor's holding period and tax bracket.

Market Research Analyst

Assessing the Fund's managed distribution policy, it's important to consider the broader market implications. A stable and potentially attractive distribution yield may signal confidence in the Fund's ability to generate cash flow from its underlying energy infrastructure investments. Given the volatile nature of energy markets, this can be reassuring to investors looking for regular income.

However, it's also critical to evaluate the sustainability of such distributions. If the distributions are supported by actual income and profits from investments, this bodes well for the long-term stability of the Fund. On the other hand, if distributions are significantly funded by return of capital or are not fully covered by income, this could be a red flag indicating that the Fund's yield may not be sustainable in the long run.

Investors should also consider how the Fund's distribution policy fits within the current interest rate environment and the overall energy sector performance. In a rising interest rate environment, high distribution rates might become less attractive if safer assets start offering competitive yields.

WHEATON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (the "Fund") (NYSE: FIF) has declared the Fund’s regularly scheduled monthly common share distribution in the amount of $0.10 per share payable on April 15, 2024, to shareholders of record as of April 2, 2024. The ex-dividend date is expected to be April 1, 2024. The monthly distribution information for the Fund appears below.

First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (FIF):

Distribution per share:	$0.10
Distribution Rate based on the March 19, 2024 NAV of $18.14:	6.62%
Distribution Rate based on the March 19, 2024 closing market price of $17.69:	6.78%

The Fund's Board of Trustees has approved a managed distribution policy for the Fund (the "Plan") in reliance on exemptive relief received from the Securities and Exchange Commission which permits the Fund to make periodic distributions of long-term capital gains as frequently as monthly each tax year. Under the Plan, the Fund intends to continue to pay a recurring monthly distribution that reflects the distributable cash flow of the Fund. A portion of this monthly distribution may include long-term capital gains. This may result in a reduction of the long-term capital gain distribution necessary at year end by distributing long-term capital gains throughout the year. The annual distribution rate is independent of the Fund's performance during any particular period. Accordingly, you should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of any distribution or from the terms of the Plan.

This distribution will consist of net investment income earned by the Fund and return of capital and may also consist of net short-term realized capital gains. The final determination of the source and tax status of all distributions paid in 2024 will be made after the end of 2024 and will be provided on Form 1099-DIV.

The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on current distributions paid to shareholders. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing primarily in securities of companies engaged in the energy infrastructure sector. These companies principally include publicly-traded MLPs and limited liability companies taxed as partnerships, MLP affiliates, YieldCos, pipeline companies, utilities, and other companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from operating or providing services in support of infrastructure assets such as pipelines, power transmission and petroleum and natural gas storage in the petroleum, natural gas and power generation industries (collectively, "Energy Infrastructure Companies"). To generate additional income, the Fund expects to write (or sell) covered call options on up to 35% of the managed assets held in the Fund's portfolio.

First Trust Advisors L.P. ("FTA") is a federally registered investment advisor and serves as the Fund's investment advisor. FTA and its affiliate First Trust Portfolios L.P. ("FTP"), a FINRA registered broker-dealer, are privately-held companies that provide a variety of investment services. FTA has collective assets under management or supervision of approximately $218 billion as of February 29, 2024 through unit investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, mutual funds and separate managed accounts. FTA is the supervisor of the First Trust unit investment trusts, while FTP is the sponsor. FTP is also a distributor of mutual fund shares and exchange-traded fund creation units. FTA and FTP are based in Wheaton, Illinois.

Energy Income Partners, LLC ("EIP") serves as the Fund's investment sub-advisor and provides advisory services to a number of investment companies and partnerships for the purpose of investing in MLPs and other energy infrastructure securities. EIP is one of the early investment advisors specializing in this area. As of February 29, 2024, EIP managed or supervised approximately $5.1 billion in client assets.

Principal Risk Factors: Risks are inherent in all investing. Certain risks applicable to the Fund are identified below, which includes the risk that you could lose some or all of your investment in the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund are spelled out in the Fund's annual shareholder reports. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor. The Fund also files reports, proxy statements and other information that is available for review.

Past performance is no assurance of future results. Investment return and market value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objectives will be achieved. The Fund may not be appropriate for all investors.

Market risk is the risk that a particular investment, or shares of a fund in general may fall in value. Investments held by the Fund are subject to market fluctuations caused by real or perceived adverse economic conditions, political events, regulatory factors or market developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in securities prices. Shares of a fund could decline in value or underperform other investments as a result. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, market manipulation, government defaults, government shutdowns, regulatory actions, political changes, diplomatic developments, the imposition of sanctions and other similar measures, spread of infectious disease or other public health issues, recessions, natural disasters or other events could have significant negative impact on a fund and its investments.

Current market conditions risk is the risk that a particular investment, or shares of the fund in general, may fall in value due to current market conditions. As a means to fight inflation, the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have raised interest rates and expect to continue to do so, and the Federal Reserve has announced that it intends to reverse previously implemented quantitative easing. Recent and potential future bank failures could result in disruption to the broader banking industry or markets generally and reduce confidence in financial institutions and the economy as a whole, which may also heighten market volatility and reduce liquidity. Ongoing armed conflicts between Russia and Ukraine in Europe and among Israel, Hamas and other militant groups in the Middle East, have caused and could continue to cause significant market disruptions and volatility within the markets in Russia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States. The hostilities and sanctions resulting from those hostilities have and could continue to have a significant impact on certain fund investments as well as fund performance and liquidity. The COVID-19 global pandemic, or any future public health crisis, and the ensuing policies enacted by governments and central banks have caused and may continue to cause significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets, negatively impacting global growth prospects.

The Fund is subject to risks, including the fact that it is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company.

Because the Fund is concentrated in securities issued by energy infrastructure companies, it will be more susceptible to adverse economic or regulatory occurrences affecting that industry, including high interest costs, high leverage costs, the effects of economic slowdown, surplus capacity, increased competition, uncertainties concerning the availability of fuel at reasonable prices, the effects of energy conservation policies and other factors. Investments in securities of MLPs involve certain risks different from or in addition to the risks of investing in common stocks. The number of energy-related MLPs has declined since 2014. The industry is witnessing the consolidation or simplification of corporate structures where the MLP sleeve of capital is being eliminated. As a result of the foregoing, the Fund's MLP investments could become less diverse and the Fund may increase its non-MLP investments consistent with its investment objective and policies. Changes in tax laws or regulations, or interpretations thereof in the future, could adversely affect the Fund or the MLPs, MLP-related entities and other energy sector and energy utility companies in which the Fund invests.

The Fund invests in securities of non-U.S. issuers which are subject to higher volatility than securities of U.S. issuers. Because the Fund invests in non-U.S. securities, you may lose money if the local currency of a non-U.S. market depreciates against the U.S. dollar.

There can be no assurance as to what portion of the distributions paid to the Fund's Common Shareholders will consist of tax-advantaged qualified dividend income.

To the extent a fund invests in floating or variable rate obligations that use the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") as a reference interest rate, it is subject to LIBOR Risk. LIBOR has ceased to be made available as a reference rate and there is no assurance that any alternative reference rate, including the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), will be similar to or produce the same value or economic equivalence as LIBOR. The unavailability or replacement of LIBOR may affect the value, liquidity or return on certain fund investments and may result in costs incurred in connection with closing out positions and entering into new trades. Any potential effects of the transition away from LIBOR on a fund or on certain instruments in which a fund invests is difficult to predict and could result in losses to the fund.

As the writer (seller) of a call option, the Fund forgoes, during the life of the option, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the portfolio security covering the option above the sum of the premium and the strike price of the call option but retains the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. The value of call options written by the Fund may be adversely affected if the market for the option is reduced or becomes illiquid. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out an option position.

If short-term interest rates are lower than the Fund's fixed rate of payment on an interest rate swap, the swap will reduce common share net earnings. In addition, a default by the counterparty to a swap transaction could also negatively impact the performance of the common shares.

Use of leverage can result in additional risk and cost, and can magnify the effect of any losses.

The risks of investing in the Fund are spelled out in the shareholder reports and other regulatory filings.

The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any other regulatory framework. Financial professionals are responsible for evaluating investment risks independently and for exercising independent judgment in determining whether investments are appropriate for their clients.

The Fund's daily closing New York Stock Exchange price and net asset value per share as well as other information can be found at https://www.ftportfolios.com or by calling 1-800-988-5891.

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Source: First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund

FAQ

What is the amount of the monthly common share distribution declared by First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (FIF)?

The monthly common share distribution declared by First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (FIF) is $0.10 per share.

When is the payable date for the monthly common share distribution declared by First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (FIF)?

The payable date for the monthly common share distribution declared by First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (FIF) is April 15, 2024.

What is the distribution rate based on the NAV for First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (FIF)?

The distribution rate based on the NAV for First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (FIF) is 6.62%.

What is the distribution rate based on the market price for First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (FIF)?

The distribution rate based on the market price for First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (FIF) is 6.78%.

What is the managed distribution policy approved for First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (FIF)?

First Trust Energy Infrastructure Fund (FIF) has approved a managed distribution policy that aims to make periodic distributions of long-term capital gains as frequently as monthly each tax year.