Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund Announces Distribution and Discloses Sources of Distribution – Section 19(a) Notice
- None.
- None.
Insights
The announcement by Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund (NIE) regarding its quarterly distribution of $0.50 per share is a significant event for current and potential investors. This distribution is indicative of the fund's current financial health and its ability to generate income for its shareholders. The Managed Distribution Plan aims to provide a consistent stream of income, which is an attractive feature for income-focused investors.
It is crucial to understand that the source of the distribution can vary between net investment income and realized capital gains. A consistent distribution may signal stable performance, but if it's supplemented by a return of capital, it may indicate that the fund is not generating enough income or gains. This could potentially erode the fund's capital base over time, affecting future income and long-term growth prospects.
Investors should also consider the tax implications of these distributions. Return of capital is typically not taxed as income but reduces the cost basis of the investment, which may have capital gains tax implications when shares are sold. The fund's performance relative to its peers and benchmarks, as well as the overall market conditions, should also be analyzed to evaluate the sustainability of these distributions.
The distribution announcement by Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund can impact investor sentiment and the fund's market price. Distributions often attract income-seeking shareholders and can lead to increased demand for the fund's shares. However, it's essential to assess the distribution yield in the context of the overall market. A yield significantly higher than average could be enticing, but it may also raise questions about the risk level and sustainability of the fund's investment strategy.
Furthermore, the market will likely scrutinize the fund's payout ratio, which is the percentage of earnings paid to shareholders in the form of dividends. A payout ratio that exceeds 100% or relies heavily on return of capital may not be sustainable in the long run. Analysts and investors will compare this ratio with industry norms and historical performance to gauge the fund's position.
Market reaction to such announcements can vary and it's important to monitor the fund's share price following the ex-date (the date on which shares trade without the right to receive the distribution) to understand the immediate market impact. Over the longer term, the fund's ability to maintain or grow its distribution will be a key factor in its total return performance and attractiveness to investors.
From a taxation perspective, the nature of distributions from funds like Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund is a critical consideration for investors. The composition of the distribution—between net investment income, realized capital gains, or return of capital—has different tax consequences. For instance, net investment income and realized capital gains are typically subject to tax in the year they are received, whereas a return of capital distribution is not immediately taxable but adjusts the cost basis downward, potentially resulting in higher capital gains when the shares are ultimately sold.
Investors should also be aware of the potential for a change in tax rates on investment income and capital gains, as this could affect the after-tax return on their investments. Additionally, the timing of these distributions near the end of the fiscal year may influence investment and tax planning strategies. Investors may seek the advice of tax professionals to understand the implications of these distributions on their individual tax situations and to optimize their investment strategies accordingly.
Ticker |
Amount of Distribution |
Ex-Date |
Record Date |
Payable Date |
NIE |
|
March 8, 2024 |
March 11, 2024 |
March 28, 2024 |
Under the terms of its Managed Distribution Plan, the Fund will seek to maintain a consistent distribution level that may be paid in part or in full, from net investment income and realized capital gains, or a combination thereof. Shareholders should note, however, that if the 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. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s Managed Distribution Plan.
The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with ‘yield’ or ‘income’.
The Fund provides this estimate of the sources of its distributions:
Distribution Estimates |
March 2024 (QTD) |
Fiscal Year-to-Date (YTD) (1) |
||||
(Sources) |
Per Share Amount |
Percentage
|
Per Share Amount |
Percentage
of Current
|
||
Net Investment Income |
$ |
0.027 |
|
$ |
0.027 |
|
Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains |
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains |
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
Return of Capital (or other Capital Source) |
$ |
0.473 |
|
$ |
0.473 |
|
Total Distribution |
$ |
0.500 |
|
$ |
0.500 |
|
(1) |
Fiscal year started February 1, 2024. |
Information regarding the Fund’s performance and distribution rates is set forth below. Please note that all performance figures are based on the Fund’s net asset value (NAV) and not the market price of the Fund’s shares. Performance figures are not meant to represent individual shareholder performance.
January 31, 2024 |
|
Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5-year period (2) |
|
Annualized Current Distribution Rate (3) |
|
Fiscal YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV (4) |
|
Fiscal YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate (5) |
|
(2) |
Average Annual Total Return on NAV is the annual compound return for the five-year period. It reflects the change in the Fund’s NAV and reinvestment of all distributions. |
(3) |
Annualized Current Distribution Rate is the current distribution rate annualized as a percentage of the Fund's NAV at month end. |
(4) |
Fiscal YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV is the percentage change in the Fund's NAV from the first day of the fiscal year to this month end, including distributions paid and assuming reinvestment of those distributions. |
(5) |
Fiscal YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate is the dollar value of distributions expected to be paid from the first day of the fiscal year through the next calendar quarter end as a percentage of the Fund's NAV at month end. |
The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are estimates only and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the distributions for tax purposes will depend on the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund or your broker will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you what distributions to report for federal income tax purposes.
About the Fund
Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund is a diversified closed-end fund that seeks total return comprised of capital appreciation, current income, and gains. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least
For more information on the Fund, contact shareholder services at (866) 270-7788, by email at closedendfunds@virtus.com, or through the Closed-End Funds section of virtus.com.
Fund Risks
An investment in a fund is subject to risk, including the risk of possible loss of principal. A fund’s shares may be worth less upon their sale than what an investor paid for them. Shares of closed-end funds may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV. For more information about the Fund’s investment objective and risks, please see the Fund’s annual report. A copy of the Fund’s most recent annual report may be obtained free of charge by contacting “Shareholder Services” as set forth at the end of this press release.
About Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.
Virtus Investment Partners (NYSE: VRTS) is a distinctive partnership of boutique investment managers singularly committed to the long-term success of individual and institutional investors. We provide investment management products and services from our affiliated managers, each with a distinct investment style and autonomous investment process, as well as select subadvisers. Investment solutions are available across multiple disciplines and product types to meet a wide array of investor needs. Additional information about our firm, investment partners, and strategies is available at virtus.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240301791490/en/
For Further Information:
Shareholder Services
(866) 270-7788
closedendfunds@virtus.com
Source: Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund
FAQ
What is the ticker symbol of Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund?
How much is the quarterly distribution announced by Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund?
When is the payable date for the quarterly distribution announced by Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund?
What does the Fund's Managed Distribution Plan aim to do?
How does Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund cover any shortfall in distribution?
