Q: I'm considering buying HDIV ETF. On the ETF website it shows a 2023 total distribution of $1.974 and a ROC (return of capitol) of $ 1.66201 . After watching a video of ROC sometimes the ROC is not a reduction of NAV but just for tax purposes. And in some instances it is actually a return of your own capital and your NAV is reduced. Can you give some clarity on ROC. And how to determine if an ETF in my investment account has dropped in value from return of my own capital or loss of the underlying securities of ETF? My personal situation all my investment accounts are RRSP and TSFSA.
Thanks, Brian.
Thanks, Brian.
5i Research Answer:
It's quite hard to generalize, as all ETFs have different tax regimes and policies, and they will also vary year to year. Net asset value can decline with ROC and it can also decline with the market at times. In a registered account the analysis is easier, though, We would simply look at total return of the ETF. If ROC is 'investors own money' then NAV is going to decline, moreso than the market in general (or whatever index one compares the ETF to). Looking at the ETFs' yearly tax summary will show the breakdown of taxes.