Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund Announces a First Quarter Distribution: 9.25% Annual Rate for IPO Investors
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Insights
The Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund's declaration of a first-quarter distribution at a rate of 1.4270% of the market price represents a significant payout to investors relative to the Fund's market price. This distribution rate is reflective of the Fund's ability to realize capital gains, which is indicative of successful investment strategies in the technology sector. The Fund's reliance on long-term capital gains for distributions, as opposed to net investment income or short-term capital gains, suggests a focus on growth-oriented investments with a longer holding period.
From a financial analysis standpoint, the Fund's historical performance, with an average annual total NAV return of 19.44% over the past five years, is robust and suggests strong fund management. However, investors should consider the sustainability of such distributions, particularly in volatile market conditions where long-term capital gains may not be consistently realized. The Fund's managed distribution policy, which allows for the distribution of long-term capital gains more frequently than once per year, provides flexibility in rewarding investors but also necessitates close scrutiny of the underlying asset performance to ensure that distributions are not eroding the principal.
The declaration that all 2024 distributions to date are from earnings and profits and not from a return of capital is an important consideration for tax purposes. This implies that the distributions are likely to be taxed at capital gains rates, which can be more favorable than ordinary income rates for investors. However, the Fund cautions that these are estimates and the actual tax characteristics of distributions can only be determined at the end of the fiscal year.
It is crucial for investors to understand that a return of capital reduces an investor's tax basis in the investment, potentially resulting in higher capital gains taxes when the shares are sold. The Fund's notice emphasizes that the source of distributions may change over the year, which could affect the tax implications for investors. As such, investors should monitor the Fund's distribution sources and consult with tax professionals to understand the potential tax consequences of their investment.
The Fund's ability to distribute long-term capital gains more frequently than once a year, thanks to the SEC's exemptive relief, may appeal to income-focused investors seeking more regular cash flows from their investments. This could potentially increase the attractiveness of the Fund in the eyes of investors who prioritize income over capital appreciation. However, the sustainability of such distributions is contingent upon the Fund's ongoing performance and the realization of long-term capital gains.
Moreover, the Fund's past distributions that have included a return of capital indicate that investors should be cautious about equating distributions with fund performance. A return of capital indicates that the Fund may not have earned enough income and realized gains to cover the distributions, which could be a warning sign for the Fund's future performance. Investors should be aware that while the current distribution is fully covered by long-term capital gains, this may not always be the case and could impact the Fund's share price and the investor's principal over time.
The distribution will be paid on February 27, 2024 (the Payment Date) to Stockholders of record on February 20, 2024. The ex-dividend date is February 16, 2024. It is anticipated that the Fund will make a subsequent distribution under its managed distribution policy in the month of May.
Prior to the managed distribution policy, the Fund paid distributions pursuant to a level rate distribution policy. Under its former distribution policy and consistent with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund could not distribute long-term capital gains more often than once in any one taxable year.
In October 2010, the Fund received exemptive relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits the Fund to make periodic distributions of long-term capital gains more often than once in any one taxable year. After consideration by the Fund’s Board, the Fund adopted the current managed distribution policy which allows the Fund to make distributions of long-term capital gains more than once in any taxable year.
The following table sets forth the estimated breakdown of the distribution noted above, on a per share basis, from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital or other capital source.
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Breakdown of Distribution |
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Sources |
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Net Investment Income |
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Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains |
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Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains |
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Return of Capital or other Capital Source |
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Total |
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The following table sets forth the estimated breakdown, on a per share basis, of all distributions made by the Fund during the year-to-date period ended on the Payment Date of the above distributions (includes the distribution payment noted in the table above) from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital or other capital source.
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Breakdown of All Distributions Paid Through
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Sources |
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US Dollar |
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Net Investment Income |
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Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains |
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Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains |
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Return of Capital or other Capital Source |
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Total |
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In certain years since the Fund’s inception, the Fund has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains, which has resulted in Fund distributions substantially consisting of return of capital or other capital source. 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.” As of the payment date of the current distribution, all Fund distributions paid in 2024 (as estimated by the Fund based on current information) are from the earnings and profits of the Fund and not a return of capital. This could change during the remainder of the year, as further described below.
The amounts, sources and percentage breakdown of the distributions reported above are only estimates and are not being provided for, and should not be used for, tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts, sources and percentage breakdown of the distribution for tax reporting purposes, which may include return of capital, 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 following table sets forth (i) the average annual total return of a share of the Fund’s common stock at net asset value (NAV) for the 5-year period ended January 31, 2024 and (ii) the Fund’s annualized distribution rate, for the same period, expressed as a percentage of the NAV price of a share of the Fund’s common stock at January 31, 2024.
Average Annual Total NAV Return for the 5-year Period Ended January 31, 2024
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Annualized Distribution Rate as a Percentage of January 31, 2024 NAV Price
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The following table sets forth (i) the average annual total return of a share of the Fund’s common stock at net asset value (NAV) for the period since inception of Fund investment operations through the period noted and (ii) the Fund’s annualized distribution rate, for the same period, expressed as a percentage of the NAV price of a share of the Fund’s common stock at January 31, 2024. Average annual total return of a share of the Fund’s common stock at NAV for the period since inception of Fund investment operations through the period noted includes the
Average Annual Total NAV Return for the Period Since Inception of Investment Operations (November 30, 2009) Through January 31, 2024 |
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Annualized Distribution Rate as a Percentage of January 31, 2024 NAV Price
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The following table sets forth (i) the cumulative total return (at NAV) of a share of the Fund’s common stock for the year-to-date period ended January 31, 2024 and (ii) the Fund’s distribution rate, for the same period, expressed as a percentage of the NAV price of a share of the Fund’s common stock at January 31, 2024
Cumulative Total NAV Return for the Year-to-Date Period Ended January 31, 2024 |
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Distribution Rate as a Percentage of January 31, 2024 NAV Price
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You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the distributions noted in the tables above or from the terms of the Fund’s distribution policy.
The Fund or your financial professional will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions on your US federal income tax return. For tax purposes, the Fund is required to report unrealized gains or losses on certain non-US investments as ordinary income or loss, respectively. Accordingly, the amount of the Fund’s total distributions that will be taxable as ordinary income may be different than the amount of the distributions from net investment income reported above.
The Board may change the Fund’s distribution policy and the amount or timing of the distributions, based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the amount of the Fund’s undistributed net investment income and net short- and long-term capital gains and historical and projected net investment income and net short- and long-term capital gains.
The Fund is a closed-end investment company that trades on the New York Stock Exchange.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Important Disclosures:
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. You can obtain the Fund’s most recent periodic reports and other regulatory filings by contacting your financial advisor or visiting www.columbiathreadneedleus.com. These reports and other filings can also be found on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s EDGAR Database. You should read these reports and other filings carefully before investing.
The Fund expects to receive all or some of its current income and gains from the following sources: (i) dividends received by the Fund that are paid on the equity and equity-related securities in its portfolio; and (ii) capital gains (short-term and long-term) from option premiums and the sale of portfolio securities. It is possible that the Fund’s distributions will at times exceed the earnings and profits of the Fund and therefore all or a portion of such distributions may constitute a return of capital as described below. A return of capital is a return of your original investment. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.” You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the Fund’s distribution policy.
Distributions that qualify as a return of capital are a return of some or all of your original investment in the Fund. A return of capital reduces a stockholder’s tax basis in his or her shares. Once the tax basis in your shares has been reduced to zero, any further return of capital may be taxable as capital gain. Shareholders should consult their tax advisor or tax attorney for proper treatment.
Distributions may be variable, and the Fund’s distribution rate will depend on a number of factors, including the net earnings on the Fund’s portfolio investments and the rate at which such net earnings change as a result of changes in the timing of, and rates at which, the Fund receives income from the sources noted above. As portfolio and market conditions change, the rate of distributions on the shares and the Fund’s distribution policy could change.
The market prices of technology and technology-related stocks tend to exhibit a greater degree of market risk and price volatility than other types of investments. These stocks may fall in and out of favor with investors rapidly, which may cause sudden selling and dramatically lower market prices. These stocks also may be affected adversely by changes in technology, consumer and business purchasing patterns, government regulation and/or obsolete products or services. Technology and technology-related companies are often smaller and less experienced companies and may be subject to greater risks than larger companies, such as limited product lines, markets and financial and managerial resources. These risks may be heightened for technology companies in foreign markets.
The Fund's use of derivatives introduces risks possibly greater than the risks associated with investing directly in the investments underlying the derivatives. A relatively small price movement in an underlying investment may result in a substantial gain or loss.
The Fund should only be considered as one element of a complete investment program. An investment in the Fund should be considered speculative. The Fund's investment policy of investing in technology and technology-related companies and writing call options involves a high degree of risk.
There is no assurance that the Fund will meet its investment objectives or that distributions will be made. You could lose some or all of your investment. In addition, closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to their net asset values, which may increase your risk of loss.
The Fund is not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, is not a deposit or obligation of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involves investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.
Columbia Threadneedle Investments (Columbia Threadneedle) is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies.
Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund is managed by Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC.
© 2024 Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Stockholder contact:
Kevin Howley
617-385-9517
kevin.howley@columbiathreadneedle.com
Media contact:
Meghan Shields
617-451-0739
meghan.shields@columbiathreadneedle.com
Source: Columbia Threadneedle Investments
FAQ
What is the first-quarter distribution amount declared by Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund, Inc. (STK)?
What is the annualized distribution rate of the Fund's first-quarter distribution?
When will the first-quarter distribution be paid to Stockholders?
What is the Fund's managed distribution policy regarding long-term capital gains distributions?
What is the Fund's annualized distribution rate for the 5-year period?
