Allspring Utilities and High Income Fund (NYSE American: ERH) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to deliver high current income and capital appreciation through a diversified portfolio of securities issued by utility and related infrastructure companies. Originally launched in 2006 and managed by Allspring Global Investments, the fund offers investors exposure to the essential services sector, including electric, gas, water and pipeline companies. It employs an active management approach to identify both dividend-paying equities and income-generating fixed-income securities within the utilities space.
The fund’s primary investment objective centers on providing shareholders with high current income complemented by long-term capital growth. To achieve this, Allspring Utilities and High Income Fund allocates capital across common stocks, preferred stocks and senior or subordinated debt instruments issued by regulated utilities, independent power producers, and midstream energy infrastructure firms. The fund typically maintains a broad dividend yield profile by emphasizing issuers with stable cash flows, credit strength and attractive distribution track records.
Geographically, ERH focuses predominantly on North American utility companies, while retaining the flexibility to allocate a portion of its assets to select international and emerging market issuers where regulatory regimes support stable returns. The portfolio managers continuously monitor sector trends—such as climate resilience investments, grid modernization and renewable power integration—to enhance yield opportunities and manage interest rate sensitivity. This rigorous research framework enables the fund to capitalize on both established companies and innovative infrastructure sponsors driving the energy transition.
Governance of the fund is overseen by an independent board of trustees, ensuring alignment with shareholder interests and regulatory compliance. The day-to-day portfolio management is led by an experienced team of analysts and traders at Allspring Global Investments, who draw upon decades of sector expertise. Their collective responsibilities include security selection, risk management and ongoing evaluation of distribution policies. With a management pedigree dating back to its Eaton Vance origins, Allspring Utilities and High Income Fund continues to serve income-oriented investors seeking access to the utility sector’s defensive characteristics and diversification benefits within a closed-end fund structure.
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