Adams Diversified Equity Fund Declares Distribution and Announces First Quarter Performance

• The Fund advanced 7.8% during the quarter, surpassing the 6.1% return of the S&P 500
• Strength in the Technology sector, led by significant advances in several key holdings, drove the outperformance
• Consumer Staples holdings also contributed meaningfully to the quarterly results

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – April 21, 2017– The Board of Directors of Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE:ADX) today declared a distribution of $.05 per share from net investment income, payable June 1, 2017, to shareholders of record May 12, 2017. This distribution represents the second payment this year toward the Fund’s annual 6% minimum distribution rate commitment.  In 2016, the Fund paid out distributions at an annual distribution rate of 7.8%. Details regarding the Fund’s annual 6% minimum distribution rate commitment can be found at www.adamsfunds.com.

First Quarter Performance

For the three months ended March 31st, the total return on Adams Diversified Equity’s net asset value, with dividends and capital gains reinvested, was 7.8%. Comparable figures for the S&P 500 and the Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Average were 6.1% and 5.5%, respectively. The total return on the market price of the Fund’s shares for the period was 8.6%.

“The Fund’s superior results were largely driven by our team’s strong stock selection in the Technology and Consumer Staples sectors. Several holdings advanced by more than 20% during the quarter,” said Mark Stoeckle, CEO of Adams Funds. “We remain committed to our disciplined approach to investing which centers on solid fundamental research to identify high-quality companies that trade at compelling valuations with attractive risk profiles.”

For the twelve months ended March 31st, the total return on Adams Diversified Equity’s net asset value, with dividends and capital gains reinvested, was 17.8%. Comparable figures for the S&P 500 and the Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Average were 17.2% and 15.9%, respectively. The total return on the market price of the Fund’s shares for the period was 17.2%.

Net Asset Value

The Fund repurchased 237,861 shares of its common stock during the first quarter at an average price per share of $13.50 and a weighted average discount to NAV of 16.0%.

The First Quarter Report to Shareholders is expected to be released on or about April 28, 2017.

For further information, please contact:

Nancy J. Floyd Prue, CFA
Director of Shareholder Communications
410.752.5900 or 800.638.2479
email