- The Fund advanced 11.9% during the quarter, surpassing the 9.3% return of the S&P 500
- Technology was the best performing sector, increasing 22.3%
- Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples also generated strong returns
BALTIMORE, July 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Inc. (ADX) today declared a distribution of $.05 per share from net investment income payable September 1, 2017, to shareholders of record August 11, 2017. This distribution represents the third payment this year toward the Fund's annual 6% minimum distribution rate commitment. In 2016, the Fund paid out distributions at an annual distribution rate of 7.8%. Details regarding the Fund's annual 6% minimum distribution rate commitment can be found at www.adamsfunds.com.
FIRST HALF PERFORMANCE
For the six months ended June 30th, the total return on Adams Diversified Equity's net asset value, with dividends and capital gains reinvested, was 11.9%. Comparable figures for the S&P 500 and the Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Average were 9.3% and 8.7%, respectively. The total return on the market price of the Fund's shares for the period was 13.2%.
For the twelve months ended June 30th, the total return on Adams Diversified Equity's net asset value, with dividends and capital gains reinvested, was 20.7%. Comparable figures for the S&P 500 and the Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Average were 17.9% and 17.0%, respectively. The total return on the market price of the Fund's shares for the period was 21.6%.
"We are pleased with our performance over the past six and 12 months on both an NAV and market basis. ADX surpassed its benchmark by 2.6% for the first half of 2017 driven by solid gains in our Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Consumer Staples holdings," said Mark Stoeckle, CEO of Adams Funds. "We remain committed to executing our disciplined investment strategy and expect to build on these results going forward."
NET ASSET VALUE
| 6/30/2017 | 6/30/2016 |
| Net assets | $1,671,661,063 | $1,470,416,176 |
| Shares outstanding | 98,833,094 | 97,362,723 |
| Net asset value per share | $16.91 | $15.10 |
The Fund repurchased 596,561 shares of its common stock during the six-month period for $8.3 million, at an average price per share of $13.87 and a weighted average discount to NAV of 15.6%.
The Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders is expected to be released on or about July 21, 2017.
The Fund will be holding a conference call on August 17, 2017 at 2:00 PM EDT to discuss first half 2017 performance. The dial in number is 1-877-270-2148. Please ask to be joined to the Adams Funds call.
Since 1929, Adams Funds has consistently helped generations of investors reach their investment goals. Adams Funds is comprised of two closed-end funds, Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Inc. (ADX) and Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc. (PEO). The Funds are actively managed by an experienced team with a disciplined approach and have paid dividends for more than 80 years across many market cycles. The Funds are committed to paying an annual distribution rate of 6% or more, providing reliable income to long-term investors. Shares can be purchased through our transfer agent or through a broker. For more information about Adams Funds, please visit: www.adamsfunds.com.
Contact:Lyn Walther
Director of Shareholder Communications
410.752.5900
walther@adamsfunds.com
500 East Pratt Street, Suite 1300, Baltimore, MD 21202 │ 410.752.5900 │ 800.638.2479 │ adamsfunds.com
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