Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (WIA or “the Fund”; CUSIP: 95766Q106) Announces Notification of Sources of Distributions
- None.
- None.
Insights
The distribution announcement from Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund is indicative of the fund's current income-generating ability. The 100% allocation of the distribution to net investment income suggests that the fund is currently able to cover its payouts solely from the income it earns from its investments, which could be from interest payments, dividends, or other income sources. This is a positive signal for investors who prioritize steady income, as it implies that the fund is not dipping into capital gains or returning capital to meet its distribution commitments.
However, the lack of capital gains, both short-term and long-term, may raise questions about the fund's growth strategy and portfolio performance. While the preservation of capital is important, especially in an inflationary environment where the fund's objective is to provide inflation-linked income, investors may also expect capital appreciation. This could be a point of consideration for stakeholders when evaluating the fund's overall investment strategy and performance against its stated objectives and peer funds.
The focus on inflation-linked income is particularly relevant in the context of the current economic environment, where inflation rates have been a significant concern for investors and policymakers alike. The fund's strategy to provide income that keeps pace with inflation could be appealing to investors who are looking to protect their purchasing power. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of such a strategy depends on the accuracy of inflation predictions and the fund's ability to adjust its holdings accordingly.
From an economic perspective, the distribution's composition being entirely from net investment income could reflect a conservative investment approach during uncertain economic times. This may be seen as a prudent move, but it also suggests that the fund may be avoiding riskier investments that could offer higher yields or capital gains, potentially limiting overall returns.
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 February 29, 2024, and for the fiscal year 2024 year-to-date are as follows:
Estimated Allocations for the February Monthly Distribution as of January 31, 2024:
Distribution Per Share |
Net Investment Income |
Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains |
Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains |
Return of Capital |
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Cumulative Estimated Allocations fiscal year-to-date as of January 31, 2024, for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2024:
Distribution Per Share |
Net Investment Income |
Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains |
Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains |
Return of Capital |
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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 Plan. WIA estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of the WIA 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 WIA’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 1/31/2024)1 |
Annualized Distribution Rate (as a percentage of NAV as of 1/31/2024)2 |
Cumulative Total Return (in relation to the change in NAV for the fiscal period through 1/31/2024)3 |
Cumulative Fiscal Year-To-Date Distribution Rate (as a percentage of NAV as of 1/31/2024)4 |
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Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information:
- 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 January 31, 2024. Annual NAV Total Return is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV over a year, assuming reinvestment of distributions paid.
- The Annualized Distribution Rate is the current fiscal period’s distribution rate annualized as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV as of January 31, 2024.
- Cumulative Total Return is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV from November 30, 2023 through January 31, 2024, assuming reinvestment of distributions paid.
- The Cumulative Fiscal Year-To-Date Distribution Rate is the dollar value of distributions for the fiscal period November 30, 2023 through January 31, 2024, as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV as of January 31, 2024.
This Fund has a managed distribution policy that seeks to deliver the Fund’s long-term total return potential through regular monthly distributions declared at a fixed rate per common share. Distributions may be paid in part or in full from net investment income, realized capital gains and by returning capital, or a combination thereof. Shareholders should note, however, that if a 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. A return of capital is not taxable; rather it reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares of the Fund. The Board of Directors of the Fund may terminate or suspend the managed distribution policy at any time, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of the Fund’s shares.
For further information on Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund, please visit our web site at:
www.franklintempleton.com/investments/options/closed-end-funds
Data and commentary provided in this press release are for informational purposes only. Franklin Resources and its affiliates do not engage in selling shares of the Funds.
Category: Distribution Related
Source: Franklin Resources, Inc.
Source: Legg Mason Closed End Funds
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240229037778/en/
Investor: Fund Investor Services 1-888-777-0102
Source: Franklin Resources, Inc. and Legg Mason Closed End Funds
FAQ
What is the distribution per share for the February 2024 monthly distribution?
What are the estimated allocations for the February 2024 distribution?
What are the cumulative estimated allocations fiscal year-to-date as of January 31, 2024?
