Adams Diversified Equity Fund Declares Distribution and Announces First Quarter Performance

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, April 16, 2019 — 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 May 31, 2019, to shareholders of record May 17, 2019. This distribution represents the second payment this year toward the Fund’s annual 6% minimum distribution rate commitment, which can be found at adamsfunds.com.  The Fund’s distribution rate in 2018 was 12.9%.

FIRST QUARTER PERFORMANCE

“Our returns for the first quarter exceeded our benchmark driven by strong stock selection in several sectors including Consumer Discretionary, Health Care, and Communications Services,” said Mark Stoeckle, CEO of Adams Funds. For the three months ended March 31^st, the total return on Adams Diversified Equity’s net asset value, with dividends and capital gains reinvested, was 14.0%. Comparable figures for the S&P 500 and the Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Average were 13.7% and 12.9%, respectively. The total return on the market price of the Fund’s shares for the period was 14.8%.

For the twelve months ended March 31^st, the total return on Adams Diversified Equity’s net asset value, with dividends and capital gains reinvested, was 12.1%. Comparable figures for the S&P 500 and the Lipper Large-Cap Core Funds Average were 9.5% and 7.7%, respectively. The total return on the market price of the Fund’s shares for the period was 12.2%.

NET ASSET VALUE

The Fund repurchased 194,763 shares of its common stock during the first quarter at an average price per share of $14.18 and a weighted average discount to NAV of 14.5%.

The First Quarter Report to Shareholders is expected to be released on or about April 26, 2019.

Since 1929, Adams Funds has consistently helped generations of investors reach their investment goals. Adams Funds is comprised of two closed-end funds, Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ADX) and Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc. (NYSE: PEO). The Funds are actively managed by an experienced team with a disciplined approach and have paid dividends for more than 80 years across many market cycles. The Funds are committed to paying an annual distribution rate of 6% or more, providing reliable income to long-term investors. Shares can be purchased through our transfer agent or through a broker. For more information about Adams Funds, please visit: adamsfunds.com.

For further information, please contact:

Lyn Walther
Director of Shareholder Communications
800.638.2479
email