Share-split context: A minor share adjustment was recorded on Sep 9, 2024 with coefficient 1.026. Current price-return figures are already normalized to the current share basis.

Understanding the Gabelli Utility Trust (GUT)

What this ETF is trying to do

The Gabelli Utility Trust (ticker: GUT) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) listed on the NYSE. While specific holdings are not listed in the current data, this fund is categorized as an ETF.

What the numbers show

When looking at how an ETF performs, it is important to know the difference between "price return" and "total return."

• Price Return: This only tracks how much the share price changes.

• Total Return: This includes both the change in share price AND any cash distributions (dividends) paid out.

For GUT, the numbers show a difference between these two:

• Year-to-Date (YTD): The price return is approximately -2.82%, but the total return is +4.51%.

• One Year: The price return is approximately -2.98%, while the total return is +6.98%.

• Three Year: The price return is approximately 16.07%, and the total return is much higher at approximately 58.28%.

Because this ETF has a history of forward splits, we use split-adjusted returns. A forward split means each old share became multiple new shares, which makes the per-share price look lower, even though your total ownership stayed the same.

Income and distribution explanation

This ETF is known for providing regular cash payments, called distributions. The current distribution yield is approximately 10.24%. This means the amount of cash paid out is quite high compared to the current share price of $5.86.

The fund usually pays out monthly, and it has made 12 distributions over the last year. It is important to remember that a high distribution yield does not guarantee you will earn that same percentage as total return.

NAV erosion explanation

"NAV erosion" is a term used to describe when the value of the underlying assets in a fund decreases over time. Investors often look for stability so their original investment stays intact.

For GUT, the erosion-risk score is 94, which is labeled as "Stable / sideways." The erosion severity is rated as "good," and there is no severe erosion-risk flag present.

Pros

• The fund has a high distribution yield of approximately 10.24%.

• The total returns over one, three, and five years have been positive.

• The erosion-risk score suggests the fund is currently considered stable.

Cons

• The share price has seen some declines (price return) over the last year and year-to-date.

• High yields can sometimes be misleading if the share price is falling significantly.

Beginner takeaway

When looking at GUT, you will see two different stories: the share price has gone down slightly in the short term, but the total return (which includes the cash paid to you) has stayed positive. Always look at the "total return" to see the full picture of how an investment has performed.