TORONTO, March 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sprott Focus Trust, Inc. (Nasdaq-FUND) (the “Fund” or “FUND”) has declared a quarterly distribution of $0.1335 per share on its Common Stock. The distribution, optionally payable in additional shares of Common Stock or in cash by specific stockholder election, is to be paid on March 27, 2026 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 13, 2026 (ex-dividend on March 13, 2026). The price of shares issued for reinvestment will be determined on March 2 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, GAAP net investment income and core NII increased to $6.6 million or $0.287 per share, compared to $6.1 million or $0.263 per share in Q3 [4][23] - NAV per share rose to $11.68 at the end of Q4 from $11.41 at the end of Q3, marking an increase of approximately 2.4% [5] - The company declared a supplemental distribution of $0.01 per share for Q1 2026, in addition to the base distribution of $0.25 per share [6][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross capital deployments in Q4 totaled $77.1 million, with net deployments of $27.5 million after accounting for repayments and sales of $49.6 million [10] - The weighted average effective yield on income-producing debt investments decreased to 11% at the end of Q4 from 11.6% at the end of Q3 [11] - The weighted average effective yield on the overall portfolio also decreased to 9.1% at the end of Q4 from approximately 9.5% at the end of Q3 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market remains competitive, with capital availability exceeding new deal supply, particularly in the mid-market [18] - Pricing for sponsor-backed deals is generally in the SOFR plus 450-525 range, while lower mid-market deals are priced at SOFR plus 450-550 [18] - The company has modest exposure to internet or software companies, representing 10% of the portfolio at cost and 9% at fair value [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving earnings power and narrowing the gap between share price and NAV through share repurchases and strategic portfolio management [7][9] - The board has approved an increase in the share repurchase program to $22.5 million, with approximately $15 million still available for future repurchases [27] - The company aims to enhance shareholder value through disciplined origination and portfolio repositioning [9][19] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about improved M&A activity in 2026, supported by lower interest rates and abundant capital [57] - The company is aware of the persistent discount to NAV and is actively exploring options to improve earnings and shareholder value [34][50] - Management noted that while the market is competitive, the non-sponsor market offers better risk-return profiles due to less competition [20] Other Important Information - The company reported a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $8.4 million for the quarter [23] - The STRS JV portfolio had an aggregate fair value of $323.6 million at the end of Q4, with an average effective yield of 9.9% [12][25] - The company has approximately $29.7 million in cash resources at the end of Q4, including $22.7 million in restricted cash [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company balancing new deployment opportunities versus stock repurchases? - Management indicated that at current trading levels, the stock represents an attractive purchase, leading to increased buyback authorization [34] Question: What metrics does the board use to compare performance to peers? - The board evaluates return on share price, costs incurred, and trading levels relative to NAV compared to other BDCs [41][42] Question: Is the market discount related to the company's exposure to the JV senior loan funds? - Management stated that they have not received feedback indicating that the JV is a key reason for the share discount, emphasizing the quality of the JV portfolio [44][45] Question: What is the outlook for M&A activity and the pipeline for repayments and originations? - Management noted improved activity in Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2025, with expectations for better M&A activity driven by lower interest rates and abundant capital [55][57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q4 GAAP net investment income and core NII was $6.6 million or $0.287 per share, compared to Q3 GAAP and core NII of $6.1 million or $0.263 per share, reflecting an increase of approximately 8.2% in earnings per share [4][23] - NAV per share at the end of Q4 was $11.68, up from $11.41 at the end of Q3, marking an increase of approximately 2.4% [5] - The company declared a supplemental distribution of $0.01 per share for Q1 2026, in addition to the base distribution of $0.25 per share [6][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross capital deployments in Q4 totaled $77.1 million, offset by repayments and sales of $49.6 million, resulting in net deployments of $27.5 million [10] - The weighted average effective yield on income-producing debt investments decreased to 11% at the end of Q4 from 11.6% at the end of Q3, primarily due to lower spreads and base rates [11] - The weighted average effective yield on the overall portfolio decreased to 9.1% at the end of Q4 from approximately 9.5% at the end of Q3 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The BDC's software exposure across six portfolio names represents 10% of the portfolio at cost and 9% at fair value, indicating a stable market condition [18] - In the mid-market, sponsor-backed deals are pricing in the SOFR plus 450-525 range, while lower mid-market deals are in the SOFR plus 450-550 range [18] - The non-sponsor market remains stable and less competitive than the sponsor market, with average leverage around 4x-4.5x [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving earnings power and narrowing the discount to NAV through share repurchases and strategic portfolio management [7][9] - The board has approved an incremental authorization for share repurchases, bringing the total to $22.5 million, with approximately $15 million still available [9][27] - The company aims to enhance shareholder value through disciplined origination and portfolio repositioning, while also evaluating other potential avenues [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the market remains competitive, with capital availability exceeding new deal supply, but there is optimism for increased M&A activity in 2026 due to lower interest rates and abundant capital [19][57] - The company is actively managing underperforming credits and has seen both negative and positive developments in various portfolio companies [17] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy level of undistributed taxable income for long-term stability [31] Other Important Information - The company recognized $11.3 million in net realized losses and approximately $13.1 million in net unrealized gains during Q4, resulting in a net gain of $1.9 million [13][14] - The STRS JV portfolio had an aggregate fair value of $323.6 million at the end of Q4, with an average effective yield of 9.9% [12][25] - The company continues to utilize the STRS JV effectively, generating attractive returns for shareholders [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company balancing new deployment opportunities versus stock attractiveness? - Management indicated that at current trading levels, the stock represents an attractive purchase, leading to increased buyback authorization [33][34] Question: What measures does the board use to compare performance to peers? - The board evaluates metrics such as return on share price, costs incurred, and trading levels relative to NAV compared to other BDCs [41][42] Question: Is the market discount related to the company's exposure to subordinate positions in the JV? - Management clarified that while there is leverage on the JV, it is against a pool of first lien assets, and they have not received feedback indicating this as a reason for the share discount [44][45] Question: What is the outlook for M&A activity and the pipeline for repayments and originations? - Management noted improved activity in Q1 2026 compared to the previous year, with optimism for M&A activity driven by lower interest rates and abundant capital [55][57]

RYE, N.Y., Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Trustees of Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (NYSE American: ECF) (the “Fund”) declared a $0.19 per share cash distribution payable on March 24, 2026 to common shareholders of record on March 17, 2026. This is a 20% increase from $0.16 per share, bringing the annualized distribution rate to $0.76 from $0.64 per share. The Fund intends to pay the greater of either an annual distribution of 5% of the Fund’s trailing 12-month average month-end mark ...

Core Viewpoint - Ringkjøbing Landbobank has updated its distribution policy, aiming for a stable annual base distribution of 40% of the year's profit, which may include dividends and share buybacks [2][3]. Distribution Policy - The bank's board of directors has adopted a distribution policy effective from the financial year 2026, focusing on a base distribution of 40% of the annual profit [2][3]. - The distribution may consist of a combination of dividends and share buybacks, with an emphasis on maintaining a stable dividend over time [3]. - Extraordinary distributions in the form of share buybacks may occur based on the bank's capital position, capital objectives, and management's growth expectations [3].

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aberdeen Investments U.S. Closed-End Funds (NYSE: ASGI, THQ), (the "Funds" or individually the "Fund"), today announced that the Funds paid the distributions noted in the table below on January 30, 2026, on a per share basis to all shareholders of record as of January 23, 2026 (ex-dividend date January 23, 2026). | Ticker | Exchange | Fund | Amount | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ASGI | NYSE | abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund | $ 0.2100 | | THQ | NYSE | a ...

Core Viewpoint - Sprott Focus Trust, Inc. has declared a quarterly distribution of $0.1911 per share, payable on December 29, 2025, to stockholders of record as of December 12, 2025, with the option for stockholders to receive the distribution in cash or additional shares [1]. Distribution Policy - The Fund has a Distribution Policy of paying quarterly distributions at an annual rate of 6% based on the rolling average of the prior four calendar quarter-end net asset values (NAVs) [2]. - The fourth quarter distribution will be the greater of 1.50% of the rolling average or the minimum distribution required by IRS regulations, with the policy subject to change at the discretion of the Fund's Board of Directors [2]. Distribution Sources - The estimated sources of the distribution to be paid on December 29, 2025, include: - $0.1911 per share, with 100% derived from long-term gains [3]. - For the year-to-date 2025, the estimated allocations are: - Total distribution of $0.5770 per share, with $0.2249 from net investment income, $0.0061 (1.06%) from short-term gains, and $0.3460 from long-term gains [3]. Fund Performance - The average annual total return in relation to NAV for the five-year period ending November 30, 2025, is 12.49% [4]. - The annualized current distribution rate as of November 30, 2025, is 7.97% [5]. - The cumulative total return from December 31, 2024, to November 30, 2025, is 20.63%, with a cumulative fiscal year distribution rate of 6.02% [6]. Company Overview - Sprott Focus Trust, Inc. is a closed-end diversified investment management company, listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, with an investment goal of long-term capital growth by investing at least 65% of its assets in equity securities [7].

Core Viewpoint - Royce Small-Cap Trust, Inc. has declared a fourth quarter distribution of $0.54 per share, payable on December 24, 2025, to stockholders of record as of December 11, 2025, with an annual distribution rate of 7% based on the rolling average of the prior four calendar quarter-end net asset values [1]. Distribution Details - The fourth quarter distribution of $0.54 per share consists of: - $0.0289 (5%) from net investment income - $0.1267 (24%) from realized short-term gains - $0.3844 (71%) from realized long-term gains - No return of capital [2]. - For the year 2025 through November 30, the total distribution per share is $1.42, with allocations as follows: - $0.0759 (5%) from net investment income - $0.3332 (24%) from realized short-term gains - $1.0109 (71%) from realized long-term gains [2]. Fund Performance - The average annual total return of the Fund in relation to NAV for the five-year period ending November 30, 2025, is 9.66% [3]. - The annualized current distribution rate as of November 30, 2025, is 11.85% [3]. - The cumulative total return from December 31, 2024, to November 30, 2025, is 13.69% [4]. - The cumulative fiscal year distribution rate for the period from January 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025, is 7.79% [4]. Fund Overview - Royce Small-Cap Trust, Inc. is a closed-end diversified management investment company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, primarily focused on long-term capital growth by investing at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of small-cap companies [5].

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 - Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc. has declared a distribution of $0.0312 per share, payable on October 31, 2025, with a record and ex-date of October 15, 2025 [1]. Distribution Details - The Fund plans to maintain a level distribution policy, anticipating regular monthly distributions of $0.0312 per share, subject to market conditions [2]. - Future distributions may include net investment income, net realized capital gains, and return of capital, with compliance to Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 [3]. Company Overview - Neuberger Berman is an independent investment manager founded in 1939, managing $538 billion across various asset classes for global institutions and individuals [4]. - The firm has been recognized as one of the best places to work in money management for eleven consecutive years [4].