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

Rhea-AI Summary

Franklin Universal Trust (FT) announced the sources of distributions for the upcoming period and fiscal year, highlighting estimated allocations and distribution breakdown. Shareholders are cautioned not to infer investment performance solely from distributions. The company has distributed more than its income and capital gains, potentially returning capital to shareholders. The PR also includes information on distribution sources, tax implications, and performance metrics.

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 April 30, 2024 and for the fiscal year 2024 year-to-date are as follows:

Estimated Allocations for April Monthly Distribution as of March 31, 2024:

Distribution Per Share	Net Investment Income	Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains	Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains	Return of Capital
$0.0425	$0.0274 (64%)	$0.0151 (36%)	$0.00 (0%)	$0.00 (0%)

Cumulative Estimated Allocations fiscal year-to-date as of March 31, 2024, for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024:

Distribution Per Share	Net Investment Income	Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains	Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains	Return of Capital
$0.2975	$0.1668 (56%)	$0.0453 (15%)	$0.00 (0%)	$0.0854 (29%)

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 3/31/2024)1	Annualized Distribution Rate (as a percentage of NAV for the current fiscal period through 3/31/2024)2	Cumulative Total Return (in relation to the change in NAV for the fiscal period through 3/31/2024)3	Cumulative Fiscal Year-To-Date Distribution Rate (as a percentage of NAV as of 3/31/2024)4
4.03%	6.66%	8.38%	3.88%

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 March 31, 2024. 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 March 31, 2024.
3. Cumulative Total Return is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV from August 31, 2023 through March 31, 2024, 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, 2023 through March 31, 2024, as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV as of March 31, 2024.

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. is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 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 offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2024. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240429061431/en/

Franklin Templeton, 1-800-342-5236

Source: Franklin Templeton

FAQ

What is the ticker symbol for Franklin Universal Trust?

The ticker symbol for Franklin Universal Trust is FT.

What are the estimated sources of distributions for the upcoming period?

The estimated sources of distributions for the upcoming period include Net Investment Income, Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains, Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains, and Return of Capital.

What should shareholders not infer from the amount of the current distribution?

Shareholders should not draw conclusions about the Fund's investment performance solely from the amount of the current distribution or the terms of the Distribution Policy.

What is a return of capital distribution?

A return of capital distribution occurs when some or all of the money that a shareholder invested in a Fund is paid back to them, independent of the Fund's investment performance.

What is the Fund's primary investment objective?

The Fund's primary investment objective is to provide high, current income consistent with preservation of capital, with a secondary objective of growth of income through dividend increases and capital appreciation.