BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – January 18, 2018 – Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc. (NYSE:PEO) announces the Fund’s investment returns for 2017. The total return on the Fund’s net asset value for the year was 3.0%, with dividends and capital gains reinvested. The comparable figures for the Lipper Global Natural Resources Funds Average, the Dow Jones U.S. Oil & Gas Index, and the Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index were 8.1%, -1.6%, and 25.1%, respectively. The total return on the Fund’s market price for the same period was 4.6%.
The Fund paid $1.18 per share in income dividends and realized capital gain distributions to shareholders in 2017, producing an annual distribution rate of 6.1%, exceeding the Fund’s annual 6% minimum distribution rate commitment. Details regarding the annual 6% minimum distribution rate commitment can be found at www.adamsfunds.com.
The 2017 Annual Report is expected to be released on or about February 26, 2018.
Annualized One, Three and Five-Year Comparative Returns (12/31/17)
| 1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams Natural Resources Fund (NAV) | 3.0% | 0.6% | 3.1% |
| Adams Natural Resources Fund (market price) | 4.6% | 0.2% | 3.0% |
| Lipper Global Natural Resources Funds Average | 8.1% | 0.6% | 0.4% |
| DJ U.S. Oil & Gas Index | -1.6% | -1.0% | 2.1% |
| DJ U.S. Basic Materials Index | 25.1% | 9.6% | 10.4% |
Net Asset Value Announced
The Fund’s net asset value at the end of 2017, compared with the year earlier, was:
| 12/31/17 | 12/31/16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Net assets | $674,388,286 | $685,882,029 |
| Shares outstanding | 28,999,196 | 28,555,305 |
| Net asset value per share | $23.26 | $24.02 |
Ten Largest Equity Portfolio Holdings (12/31/16)
| % of Net Assets | |
|---|---|
| Exxon Mobil Corporation | 19.1% |
| Chevron Corporation | 10.1% |
| DowDuPont Inc. | 6.0% |
| Schlumberger NV | 5.3% |
| ConocoPhillips | 4.5% |
| Halliburton Company | 3.4% |
| Valero Energy Corporation | 3.2% |
| EOG Resources, Inc. | 2.9% |
| Occidental Petroleum Corporation | 2.8% |
| Phillips 66 | 2.6% |
| Total | 59.9% |
* Non-controlled affiliated closed-end fund
Sector Weightings (12/31/16)
| % of Net Assets | |
|---|---|
| Energy | |
| Integrated Oil & Gas | 29.3% |
| Exploration & Production | 25.8% |
| Oil Equipment & Services | 11.7% |
| Refiners | 7.8% |
| Pipelines | 4.6% |
| Basic Materials | |
| Chemicals | 15.9% |
| Industrial Metals | 2.4% |
| General Industrials | 0.9% |
| Gold & Precious Metals | 0.6% |
During the fourth quarter, we initiated new positions in Devon Energy, Hess, and Newfield Exploration.
Since 1929, Adams Funds have 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: www.adamsfunds.com.
For further information, please contact:
Lyn Walther
Director of Shareholder Communications
410.752.5900 or 800.638.2479
email