Insights on Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund’s Monthly Distribution
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund, Inc. (NYSE: RFI) has recently issued a notification that outlines the sources of distribution payments scheduled for October 31, 2025. This press release is particularly relevant for shareholders seeking clarity on how their investments are performing and how distributions are structured.
Overview of the Distribution Policy
In 2011, the Fund initiated a managed distribution policy sanctioned by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The objective of this policy is to regularly provide shareholders with distributions that reflect the Fund's long-term total return potential. Specifically, the Fund distributes fixed monthly amounts per share, enhancing its flexibility in capital gains realization throughout the year, allowing it to provide monthly payments to shareholders.
However, it is crucial to note that the Board of Directors retains the authority to alter, suspend, or completely terminate this managed distribution policy, which may negatively impact the market value of the Fund's shares. Such governance ensures that the interests of shareholders are a priority while balancing the management's ability to adapt to market conditions.
Breakdown of Monthly Distributions
The upcoming distribution will encompass various components, which are crucial for shareholders to understand as they prepare for tax implications:
- - Net Investment Income: Contributes 13.88% of the total current distribution.
- - Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains: Constitutes nothing for this specific month but has accounted for 10.76% year-to-date.
- - Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains: Represents a significant portion at 86.12% for the current distribution and 61.06% cumulatively this year.
- - Return of Capital: No current amount, indicating that all distributions are coming from other sources.
For October 2025, the total distribution per common share is set at $0.0800, with year-to-date distributions totaling $0.8000. This information is subject to eventual changes, which underscores the importance of shareholders staying informed through company updates.
Impact of Distribution on Shareholders
Understanding the different sources of distribution is essential as they directly influence shareholders’ taxable income. For federal tax purposes, the return of capital declines the tax basis in shares, implying that shareholders won’t be taxed on that portion of their distribution. On the other hand, comprehension of long-term capital gains is critical, as they will impact tax filings in a different bracket than regular income.
At the end of the year, the Fund releases a Form 1099-DIV, which details how shareholders should report these distributions for tax obligations. The tax characteristics can fluctuate until the year concludes and are not definitively known until after all the year-end accounting is complete.
Performance Metrics
For the fiscal year up until September 30, 2025, the Fund has shown a cumulative total return of 6.34% and a cumulative distribution rate of 6.88%. The average annual total return over the last five years stands at a notable 7.40%, while the current annualized distribution rate is reported at 8.25%.
These metrics illustrate the performance of the Fund against its managed distribution policy and give shareholders a clearer picture of their returns relative to market conditions.
Investment Considerations
Investors are urged to carefully assess the Fund's objectives, potential risks, fees, and expenses before deciding to invest. The latest performance reports and regulatory filings can be accessed via the Fund’s website or by contacting a financial advisor.
Conclusion
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund continues to provide valuable insights for its shareholders regarding distribution sources and disclosed performance metrics. This alignment between management strategies and shareholder interests exemplifies an ongoing commitment to transparency in investment management. Investors are encouraged to stay informed about any changes to the distribution policy as they could significantly influence both market price and individual investment value going forward.