THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC. DECLARES SPECIAL DISTRIBUTION OF $3.00 PER SHARE

Rhea-AI Summary

The Swiss Helvetia Fund (NYSE: SWZ) has announced significant changes following stockholder approval on February 21, 2025. The Fund will implement a new investment advisory agreement with Bulldog Investors, LLP effective March 31, 2025, alongside a shift from its Swiss-focused investment strategy to a broader long-term total return objective.

The Fund declared a special cash distribution of $3.00 per share, representing approximately 30% of its net assets, payable on April 7, 2025, to stockholders of record as of April 3, 2025. Due to the distribution exceeding 25% of the current share price, NYSE will implement 'due bill' procedures for trades settling between April 4-7, 2025.

Additionally, the Fund will suspend its managed distribution plan and rebrand as 'Total Return Securities Fund' effective March 31, 2025. The Board has also authorized the sale of substantially all portfolio securities to align with these strategic changes.

Positive

• Special cash distribution of $3.00 per share announced
• Distribution represents substantial 30% return of net assets to shareholders
• Strategic repositioning to broader investment mandate provides more flexibility

Negative

• Suspension of managed distribution plan
• Substantial portfolio liquidation may result in significant trading costs
• Complete shift away from Swiss focus represents major strategy change risk

Insights

Financial Analyst

The Swiss Helvetia Fund's announcement represents a transformative shift in its investment strategy with significant immediate rewards for shareholders. The $3.00 per share special distribution amounts to approximately 33.5% of the current share price ($8.949), representing around 30% of the fund's net assets.

This substantial distribution is part of a comprehensive restructuring that includes: (1) transitioning to Bulldog Investors as the new investment advisor; (2) changing from a Swiss equity focus to a broader "long-term total return" objective; and (3) selling substantially all existing portfolio holdings to enable this strategic pivot.

The fund is essentially reinventing itself, as evidenced by the upcoming name change to "Total Return Securities Fund." The suspension of the managed distribution plan further signals this fundamental repositioning.

For current shareholders, this represents both an immediate windfall and a complete transformation of their investment vehicle. The distribution consists primarily of long-term capital gains, which carries tax implications. The "due bill" procedures ensure proper allocation of the distribution during the transitional trading period.

This action follows stockholder approval of these changes on February 21, indicating shareholder support for this strategic shift away from the fund's historical Swiss investment focus toward a more flexible mandate.

NEW YORK, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As previously announced, on February 21, 2025, stockholders of The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") (NYSE: SWZ) met and voted to approve the following: (1) an investment advisory agreement between the Fund and Bulldog Investors, LLP (which will become effective on March 31, 2025); (2) replacement of the Fund's fundamental investment objective of capital appreciation by investing in equity and equity-linked securities of Swiss companies with a non-fundamental investment objective of providing long-term total return; and (3) changes to the Fund's fundamental investment restrictions in order to expand the types of investments the Fund can make to meet its new investment objective. Also, as previously announced, the Fund's Board of Directors subsequently authorized (1) the sale of substantially all of the Fund's portfolio securities and (2) an intent to declare a special cash distribution (consisting substantially or entirely of long-term capital gains) equal to approximately 30% of the Fund's net assets.  Consistent with these developments, the Fund today announced a special cash distribution of $3.00 per share of the Fund's common stock to be paid on April 7, 2025 to record holders as of April 3, 2025.

Since the cash distribution exceeds 25% of the Fund's current share price, the NYSE will apply "due bill" procedures, whereby the Fund's shares will trade with a $3.00 per share due bill (equal to the amount of the cash distribution) if such trades settle on any date from April 4, 2025 until April 7, 2025 (the "due bill period").  This means that a purchaser of shares of the Fund during the due bill period will be entitled to receive a due bill payment of $3.00 per share from the seller and a seller of the Fund's shares during the due bill period will be obligated to pay $3.00 per share to the buyer.  The ex-dividend date for trades made during the due bill period will be April 8, 2025, the first business day following the payment date of April 7, 2025.

Due bills obligate a seller of securities to deliver a cash payment equal to the cash distribution  payable on such securities to the buyer. Due bill obligations are customarily settled between the brokers representing buyers and sellers of the securities. The Fund has no obligation regarding the processing or taxable consequences related to the due bills. Buyers and sellers of the Fund's shares during the due bill period should consult their brokers before trading to ensure they understand the effect of the NYSE's due bill procedures.

The precise composition of the special distribution for accounting and tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during its full fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations.  The Fund will send each stockholder a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that explains how to report all distributions for federal income tax purposes.

In view of the aforementioned developments, the Board has determined to (1) suspend the Fund's managed distribution plan until further notice, and (2) change the name of the Fund to "Total Return Securities Fund," which is expected to take effect on March 31, 2025.

About The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.

The Fund (www.swzfund.com) is a non-diversified, closed-end investment company. Its shares are currently listed on the NYSE under the symbol "SWZ." 

Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. Typically, shares of closed-end funds are sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds may trade at a discount or at a premium to net asset value. The price of the Fund's shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the Fund. Therefore, the Fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below, or above net asset value.

Contact: Thomas Antonucci, 201-881-7102, tantonucci@bulldoginvestors.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-swiss-helvetia-fund-inc-declares-special-distribution-of-3-00-per-share-302409855.html

SOURCE The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.

FAQ

What is the amount and timing of SWZ's special cash distribution?

SWZ announced a $3.00 per share special cash distribution, payable on April 7, 2025, to stockholders of record as of April 3, 2025.

How will the due bill process work for SWZ's special distribution?

During April 4-7, 2025, trades will include a $3.00 per share due bill, where buyers receive the distribution from sellers, with ex-dividend date set for April 8, 2025.

What major changes are happening to SWZ's investment strategy?

SWZ is shifting from Swiss equity investments to a broader long-term total return objective, with Bulldog Investors, LLP becoming the new advisor on March 31, 2025.

When will SWZ change its name and what is the new name?

SWZ will change its name to 'Total Return Securities Fund' effective March 31, 2025.

What percentage of SWZ's net assets does the special distribution represent?

The special cash distribution represents approximately 30% of the Fund's net assets.