STK Overview

Misconceptions about CEFs: Many investors misunderstand closed-end funds (CEFs), particularly regarding their fees and yields, which can lead them to miss out on significant dividends compared to ETFs like the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY).

CEF Fees Explained: While CEFs have higher average management fees (around 2.9%), these fees are taken from the fund's portfolio before dividends are distributed, meaning investors receive the full yield reported, which can be substantially higher than that of index funds.

Performance Comparison: CEFs like the BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (BST) and Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund (STK) have outperformed the S&P 500 index, even after accounting for their fees, highlighting their potential for higher returns.

Investment Strategy: Investors can benefit from a "CEF rotation" strategy, buying CEFs when they are undervalued and selling when they are overvalued, while also enjoying high yields and diversification across various asset classes.

Popularity of BDCs: Business development companies (BDCs) are gaining attention for their high dividends, often exceeding 12.9%, making them attractive for retirees and middle-market companies, but caution is advised due to potential risks like sector specialization and high management fees.

Risks of Specific BDCs: Examples like TriplePoint Venture Growth BDC Corp. and Goldman Sachs BDC illustrate the pitfalls of BDCs, including poor total returns and unsustainable dividends due to high management fees and losses in their portfolios.

Comparison with CEFs: The Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund (STK) is highlighted as a safer investment alternative to BDCs, offering a stable 5% dividend, consistent performance against major indices, and a current discount to net asset value.

Opportunities in CEFs: There are several closed-end funds (CEFs) available that yield an average of 9.5%, presenting a compelling investment opportunity with potential for significant price appreciation, while maintaining lower risk compared to BDCs.

Nasdaq Rally and AI Impact: The Nasdaq has been on a continuous rise since April, driven by companies increasingly adopting AI and robotics, leading to layoffs in the tech sector but benefiting stock owners like Amazon and Microsoft.

Dividend Investment Opportunities: Three dividend-paying funds are highlighted as attractive investments amid this trend: Global X Nasdaq 100 Covered Call ETF (QYLD) with an 11.2% yield, JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income (JEPQ) at 10.8%, and Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund (STK) with a 6.0% distribution rate, each employing covered call strategies for income generation.

AI's Impact on Employment and Dividends: AI is already replacing human workers, leading to increased corporate profits while creating opportunities for investors seeking dividends through funds that capitalize on the "growth-without-hiring" trend.

Investment Opportunities in AI-Driven Funds: Three closed-end funds are highlighted as potential investments offering significant dividends, including the Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund, Nuveen NASDAQ 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund, and Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust, each benefiting from AI integration across various sectors.

Distribution Announcement: Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund declared a second-quarter distribution of $0.4625 per share, reflecting a quarterly rate of 2.3125% based on its initial offering price and 1.6697% based on its market price as of April 30, 2025. The payment will be made on May 27, 2025, to stockholders of record on May 19, 2025.

Fund Performance Insights: The fund's average annual total return over the past five years is 18.94%, with an annualized distribution rate of 9.43%. It has also distributed more than its income in certain years, leading to returns of capital, which should not be confused with yield or income.