Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. Announces Distributions
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 06 2025
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Source: Newsfilter
Monthly Distributions Announced: Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. has declared monthly distributions of $0.05 for April, May, and June 2025, with the possibility that these distributions may include a return of capital if net investment income and realized gains are insufficient.
Performance and Risks: The fund's average annual total return on NAV over five years is 5.10%, while the fiscal year-to-date cumulative total return is -2.14%. Investors are cautioned about potential risks, including the possibility of losing principal and shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
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Analyst Views on VRTS
Wall Street analysts forecast VRTS stock price to rise
4 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
1 Hold
2 Sell
Hold
Current: 146.570
Low
158.00
Averages
181.00
High
218.00
Current: 146.570
Low
158.00
Averages
181.00
High
218.00
About VRTS
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. provides investment management and related services to institutions and individuals. It offers investment strategies for institutional and individual investors in different investment products and through multiple distribution channels. It provides various asset classes (equity, fixed income, multi-asset and alternatives), geographies (domestic, global, international and emerging), market capitalizations (large, mid and small), styles (growth, core and value) and investment approaches (fundamental and quantitative). Its retail products include open-end funds, closed-end funds and retail separate accounts. Its institutional products are offered to a variety of institutional clients through institutional separate accounts and commingled accounts, including sub advisory services to other investment advisers and its sponsored structured products. Its institutional products are marketed through relationships with consultants as well as directly to clients.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Cash Distribution Announcement: Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II has declared a cash distribution of $0.34375 per share payable on June 30, 2026, to Series A cumulative preferred shareholders of record on June 23, 2026, demonstrating the fund's commitment to ongoing shareholder returns.
- Preferred Stock Rating and Yield: The Series A cumulative preferred shares, trading on the NYSE, are rated 'A' by Fitch and offer an annual dividend rate of $1.375 per share, indicating the fund's capability to provide stable income.
- Share Issuance and Liquidity: The 4,360,000 Series A cumulative preferred shares, issued on September 11, 2018, at $25.00 per share, are now callable at any time at their liquidation value plus accrued dividends, enhancing liquidity options for investors.
- Investment Objective and Risks: The fund aims to provide total return through capital appreciation and high current income, although investments carry risks, including potential loss of principal, necessitating careful evaluation by investors.
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- Distribution Announcement: Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund has announced monthly distributions of $0.08 per share for June, July, and August 2026, demonstrating the fund's ongoing ability to generate income for investors and enhancing investor confidence.
- Payment Schedule: The distributions will be payable on June 29, July 30, and August 28, 2026, ensuring timely receipt of earnings for investors, which further increases the fund's attractiveness.
- Tax Information Clarification: The announcement states that the distribution amounts are estimates and the actual amounts will depend on the fund's investment performance and changes in tax regulations, providing transparency that aids investors in tax planning.
- Investment Strategy Overview: The fund aims to maximize capital preservation and income through a diversified portfolio of domestic and international fixed-income investments, showcasing its expertise and adaptability in diverse investment strategies.
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- Distribution Increase: Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. announced an increase in its monthly distribution from $0.05 to $0.055 per share, representing a 10% rise aimed at enhancing shareholder value and reducing the current discount to net asset value.
- Annual Distribution Rate: The new distribution rate translates to an annualized rate of approximately 10.0% based on the market price of $6.60 as of June 2, 2026, and about 8.8% based on the net asset value of $7.53, indicating the fund's attractiveness to investors.
- Transparent Distribution Sources: Under its Managed Distribution Plan, the fund may pay distributions partially or fully from net investment income and realized capital gains, and if these are insufficient, the shortfall will be distributed from the fund's assets, constituting a return of capital to shareholders.
- Investment Performance Caution: Despite the increase in distributions, investors should not assess the fund's investment performance solely based on the distribution amount or the terms of the Managed Distribution Plan, as overall fund performance and risks must be considered.
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- Quarterly Dividend Declaration: Virtus Investment has declared a quarterly dividend of $2.40 per share, consistent with previous distributions, demonstrating the company's ongoing ability to maintain stable cash flows, which is likely to attract income-seeking investors.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 6.96% reflects the company's appeal in the current market environment, potentially enhancing investor interest in its stock and supporting price stability.
- Shareholder Record Date: The dividend will be payable on August 14, with a record date of July 31 and an ex-dividend date also set for July 31, ensuring that existing shareholders can receive their dividends promptly, thereby reinforcing shareholder confidence.
- Financial Performance Overview: Virtus reported a non-GAAP EPS of $5.38 for Q1 2026, missing expectations by $0.29, while revenue of $199.5 million exceeded forecasts by $20.07 million, indicating potential for revenue growth despite challenges in profitability.
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- Significant Sales Growth: In Q1 2026, Virtus Investment Partners reported an 8% increase in sales to $5.8 billion, driven primarily by strong performance in U.S. retail funds and global funds, indicating successful diversification of their product offerings.
- Asset Management Scale Changes: As of March 31, the company's assets under management stood at $149 billion, down from $159 billion in the previous quarter, primarily due to net outflows and poor market performance, reflecting the pressure of the market environment on the company's performance.
- Improvement in Net Outflows: Despite total net outflows of $8.4 billion in Q1, the outflow situation significantly improved in March, indicating that the company's efforts to attract clients are beginning to pay off, especially following the reopening of the SMidCap Core strategy.
- Investment Returns and Capital Management: The adjusted earnings per share for Q1 was $5.38, a 16% decline from the previous year primarily due to seasonal expenses, yet the company maintains financial flexibility, continuing stock buybacks and dividends, demonstrating a commitment to shareholders.
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- Sales Growth Highlight: Despite facing challenges with net outflows in Q1, Virtus Investment Partners reported an 8% increase in sales, primarily driven by a focus on high-conviction strategies, indicating potential for attracting more investor interest in quality-oriented equity strategies moving forward.
- Private Market Expansion: The company completed a 56% investment in Keystone National Group for $200 million on March 1, which not only enhances its asset-centric private credit capabilities but also lays the groundwork for future capital returns and product diversification.
- Asset Management Status: As of March 31, Virtus's assets under management stood at $149 billion, down from $159 billion in the previous quarter, primarily due to net outflows and poor market performance, highlighting the company's vulnerability amid market fluctuations.
- Financial Outlook Adjustment: The CFO projected an average fee rate of 43 to 45 basis points for Q2, reflecting the full impact of Keystone, while adjusted net income was reported at $5.38 per share, down from $7.16 in the previous quarter, indicating pressure on cost control and revenue growth.
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