Shareholders Received Total Return of 27.32% in 2025 Reaffirms 10% Distribution Policy of $0.60 Per Share Annually Announces Rights Offering for Common Shares RYE, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of The Gabelli Equity Trust (NYSE: GAB) (the “Fund”) reaffirmed the Fund’s distribution policy of paying $0.60 per share annually, and has approved a transferable rights offering which will allow the Fund’s record date common shareholders to acquire additional shares of common stock ( ...

Core Viewpoint - The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. has declared a cash distribution of $0.15 per share, reaffirming its commitment to a 10% distribution policy based on the average net asset value of the Fund [1][2]. Distribution Policy - The Fund aims to pay a minimum annual distribution of 10% of its average net asset value, calculated from the last day of the four preceding calendar quarters [2]. - The average net asset value per share as of the last four quarters was $5.24, $5.15, $5.41, and $5.61, leading to a calculated 10% distribution amount of $0.54 [3]. Distribution Details - The declared distribution of $0.15 per share exceeds the minimum required by the distribution policy by $0.06 [3]. - The Board of Directors will continue to monitor the distribution level, which is subject to modification [4]. Tax Implications - Portions of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gains or qualified dividend income, subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 20% [5]. - If the Fund's earnings do not cover the total distributions, the excess will be considered a return of capital, generally not taxable [6]. Distribution Composition - For 2025, distributions to common shareholders are estimated to include approximately 6% from net investment income, 51% from net capital gains, and 43% as a return of capital [7]. - Shareholders will receive notifications regarding the components and tax treatment of distributions in early 2026 [7]. Company Overview - The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with total net assets of $2.1 billion, focusing on long-term capital growth [8].

Core Viewpoint - The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. has declared a cash distribution of $0.15 per share, reaffirming its commitment to a 10% distribution policy, payable on September 23, 2025 [1]. Distribution Policy - The Fund aims to pay a minimum annual distribution of 10% of its average net asset value, calculated based on the last day of the four preceding calendar quarters [2]. - The Board of Directors reviews potential distributions quarterly, considering the Fund's net asset value and market conditions, with the policy subject to modification [3]. Tax Implications - Distributions may be treated as long-term capital gains or qualified dividend income, subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 20% for individuals [4]. - Shareholders with income exceeding certain thresholds may incur a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on net investment income, which includes dividends and capital gains from the Fund [4]. Earnings and Return of Capital - If the Fund's earnings do not meet the total distributions, the excess amount will be considered a return of capital, generally not taxable and reducing the shareholder's cost basis [5]. - In 2025, distributions to common shareholders are estimated to consist of approximately 4% from net investment income, 26% from net capital gains, and 70% as a return of capital [6]. Company Overview - The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with total net assets of $2.1 billion, focusing on long-term capital growth [7].

Distribution Policy - The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. has declared a cash distribution of $0.15 per share, reaffirming its 10% distribution policy, payable on June 23, 2025, to shareholders of record on June 13, 2025 [1] - The Fund aims to pay a minimum annual distribution of 10% of its average net asset value, calculated based on the last day of the four preceding calendar quarters [2] Financial Monitoring - The Board of Directors reviews potential distributions quarterly, considering the Fund's net asset value and the financial market environment [3] - The distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board, and there is no guarantee that it will continue [3] Tax Implications - Distributions may be treated as long-term capital gains or qualified dividend income, subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 20% for long-term capital gains [4] - Certain U.S. shareholders may incur a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their net investment income, which includes dividends and capital gains from the Fund [4] Earnings and Returns - If the Fund's earnings do not meet the aggregate distributions, the excess amount will be deemed a return of capital, generally not taxable and reducing the shareholder's cost basis [5] - In 2025, distributions to common shareholders are estimated to include approximately 2% from net investment income, 21% from net capital gains, and 77% as a return of capital [6] Company Overview - The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with total net assets of $2.0 billion, focusing on long-term capital growth [7]