Franklin Universal Trust (“FT” or the “Fund”) Announces Notification of Sources of Distributions

Rhea-AI Summary

Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE: FT) announced the estimated sources of its upcoming distributions scheduled for January 31, 2022. For December 2021, the distribution is set at $0.0425 per share, primarily from return of capital (97%). For the fiscal year-to-date ending August 31, 2022, the total distribution per share is estimated at $0.2092, with 73% attributed to net investment income. The fund's objectives focus on providing high current income while preserving capital. Shareholders should understand that distributions may include a return of capital.

Positive

• Distribution per share for January 2022 set at $0.0425, reflecting consistent payout.
• Cumulative estimated distribution per share for FY 2022 year-to-date is $0.2092, showcasing strong income generation.

Negative

• 97% of December 2021 distribution classified as return of capital, indicating potential over-distribution relative to income.
• No net investment income reported for December 2021 distribution, raising concerns about sustainability.

SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Franklin Universal Trust [NYSE: FT]:

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 January 31, 2022 and for the fiscal year 2022 year-to-date are as follows:

Estimated Allocations for Monthly Distribution as of December 31, 2021:

Distribution Per Share		Net Investment Income		Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains		Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains		Return of Capital
$0.0425		$0.0000 (00%)		$0.0013 (3%)		$0.00 (0%)		$0.0412 (97%)

Cumulative Estimated Allocations fiscal year-to-date through December 31, 2021, for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2022:

Distribution Per Share		Net Investment Income		Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains		Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains		Return of Capital
$0.2092		$0.1537 (73%)		$0.0555 (27%)		$0.00 (0%)		$0.0000 (0%)

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 Fund’s Distribution Policy. FT estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of the FT 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 FT’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 12/31/2021)1	Annualized Distribution Rate (as a percentage of NAV for the current fiscal period through 12/31/2021)2	Cumulative Total Return (in relation to the change in NAV for the fiscal period through 12/31/2021)3	Cumulative Fiscal Year-To-Date Distribution Rate (as a percentage of NAV as of 12/31/2021)4
8.11%	5.70%	2.61%	2.34%

Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information:

1. 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 December 31, 2021. Annual NAV Total Return is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV over a year, assuming reinvestment of distributions paid.
2. The Annualized Distribution Rate is the current fiscal period’s distribution rate annualized as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV through December 31, 2021.
3. Cumulative Total Return is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV from August 31, 2021 through December 31, 2021, assuming reinvestment of distributions paid.
4. The Cumulative Fiscal Year-To-Date Distribution Rate is the dollar value of distributions for the fiscal period August 31, 2021 through December 31, 2021, as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV as of December 31, 2021.

The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide high, current income consistent with preservation of capital. Its secondary objective is growth of income through dividend increases and capital appreciation. Distributions may vary based on the Fund’s net investment income. Past distributions are not indicative of future trends.

For further information on Franklin Universal Trust, please visit our web site at: www.franklintempleton.com

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 165 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company brings extensive capabilities in equity, fixed income, multi-asset solutions and alternatives. With offices in more than 30 countries and approximately 1,300 investment professionals, the California-based company has over 70 years of investment experience and over $1.5 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2021. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220128005389/en/

Franklin Templeton at 1-800-342-5236.

Source: Franklin Templeton

FAQ

What is the estimated distribution per share for Franklin Universal Trust in January 2022?

The estimated distribution per share for Franklin Universal Trust in January 2022 is $0.0425.

How much of the December 2021 distribution is a return of capital for FT?

For December 2021, 97% of the distribution is classified as a return of capital.

What was the cumulative estimated distribution per share for FT year-to-date as of December 31, 2021?

The cumulative estimated distribution per share for FT year-to-date as of December 31, 2021, is $0.2092.

What percentage of the FT distribution in 2021 came from net investment income?

73% of the cumulative distribution in 2021 came from net investment income.

What are the investment objectives of Franklin Universal Trust?

Franklin Universal Trust aims to provide high, current income while preserving capital and seeks growth of income through dividend increases.