abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund Declares Quarterly Dividend for Preferred Shares
abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund Declaration
On September 10, 2025, the Board of Trustees of the abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund made an important announcement regarding its Series A Perpetual Preferred Shares. The Fund declared a cash distribution of $0.328125 per share, a decision that undoubtedly draws the attention of its investors. This quarterly dividend signals the Fund's continued commitment to providing returns to its shareholders.
The declared dividend is set to be payable on September 30, 2025, with the record date for shareholders falling on September 22, 2025. This means that investors holding the Fund's Series A Preferred Shares as of this date will be eligible for this dividend payment. The ex-dividend date is also designated as September 22, 2025, marking the cutoff for eligibility to receive the distribution.
The 5.250% Series A Preferred Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "ACP PRA." With a commendable rating of "A2" from Moody's Investors Service, these preferred shares present a stable investment option for those looking for fixed-income opportunities. Originally issued on May 10, 2021, at a price of $25.00 per share, these shares offer an annual dividend rate of $1.3125.
It's noteworthy that the source of the distributions may extend beyond standard income, potentially comprising net realized short-term and long-term capital gains, or even a return of capital. This means that the actual amounts available for tax reporting will depend on the Fund’s performance during the fiscal year, and investors should stay informed about any changes in tax regulations that could affect their returns.
As part of its regular reporting, a Form 1099-DIV will be distributed in January 2026. This form will outline the composition and amount of these distributions for shareholders and will offer details on their tax implications for the 2025 calendar year.
It is crucial to understand that the amount of this dividend should not be interpreted as an indication of the Fund's overall investment performance. Shareholders, therefore, are encouraged to evaluate the Fund's comprehensive performance metrics rather than focusing solely on distribution amounts.
Aberdeen Investments Global represents the operational framework for the abrdn firm's investment strategy, often referred to simply as “Aberdeen.” In the U.S., this includes the affiliated investment advisers such as abrdn Inc., abrdn Investments Limited, and abrdn Asia Limited.
Investors should recognize that closed-end funds, like the abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund, operate on a secondary market through various stock exchanges. As such, the Fund's net asset value (NAV) can fluctuate, potentially causing shares to trade at either a premium or a discount relative to their NAV. Investors must assess this dynamic as part of their investment strategy.
In conclusion, the recent announcement from the abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund regarding the quarterly dividend for its Series A Perpetual Preferred Shares not only reflects the fund's ongoing commitment to its investors but also serves as a reminder of the various factors influencing investment performance. Investors are encouraged to remain proactive in monitoring both their investment's performance and broader market trends to make informed decisions.