Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat Aydin, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF) with AI Score 37/100 (Weak). Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. is a closed-end equity mutual fund managed by Gabelli Funds, investing primarily in convertible securities. Market cap: 0, Sector: Financial services.
Last analyzed: Mar 15, 2026Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF) Financial Services Profile
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. is a closed-end fund specializing in convertible securities across market capitalizations. Managed by Gabelli Funds, it offers investors exposure to a diversified portfolio benchmarked against leading convertible indices and the S&P 500, providing a blend of growth and income within the financial services sector.
Investment Thesis
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. presents an investment opportunity driven by its focus on convertible securities, offering a blend of income and potential capital appreciation. With a dividend yield of 7.52% and a P/E ratio of 3.20, the fund demonstrates a compelling income profile and attractive valuation metrics as of 2026-03-15. Key catalysts include the continued demand for income-generating assets in a low-interest-rate environment and the potential for capital appreciation from its equity investments. However, potential risks include market volatility impacting the value of its convertible securities and changes in interest rates affecting the attractiveness of fixed-income investments.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
Key Highlights
- Market Cap of $0.16B indicates a small-cap fund with potential for growth.
- P/E ratio of 3.20 suggests the fund is undervalued compared to its earnings.
- Profit Margin of 326.8% highlights efficient management and profitable investment strategies.
- Dividend Yield of 7.52% provides a significant income stream for investors.
- Beta of 1.06 indicates the fund's volatility is slightly higher than the market.
Competitors & Peers
Strengths
- Experienced management team at Gabelli Funds.
- High dividend yield of 7.52% attracts income-seeking investors.
- Focus on convertible securities provides a balance of income and growth.
- Long-standing track record since 1986.
Weaknesses
- Small market capitalization of $0.16B may limit liquidity.
- High profit margin of 326.8% may not be sustainable.
- Reliance on convertible securities exposes the fund to market volatility.
- Beta of 1.06 indicates slightly higher volatility than the market.
Catalysts
- Ongoing: Continued demand for income-generating assets in a low-interest-rate environment.
- Ongoing: Potential for capital appreciation from equity investments.
- Upcoming: Strategic initiatives to expand the fund's distribution network within the next 1-2 years.
- Upcoming: Potential integration of ESG investing principles within the next 1-2 years.
- Ongoing: Active management strategies to navigate market volatility and generate returns.
Risks
- Potential: Market volatility impacting the value of its convertible securities.
- Potential: Changes in interest rates affecting the attractiveness of fixed-income investments.
- Ongoing: Increased competition from other asset managers.
- Potential: Economic downturn impacting the value of investments.
- Ongoing: Regulatory changes in the financial services industry.
Growth Opportunities
- Expansion of Convertible Securities Portfolio: Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. can increase its assets under management (AUM) by strategically expanding its portfolio of convertible securities. The global convertible bond market is projected to reach $600 billion by 2028, offering ample opportunities for growth. By identifying undervalued convertible securities and leveraging its expertise in credit analysis, the fund can attract new investors and enhance its returns. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Strategic Partnerships with Financial Advisors: Collaborating with financial advisors and wealth management firms can significantly broaden Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd.'s distribution network. By offering its fund as a core holding in diversified portfolios, the fund can tap into a wider pool of investors seeking income and growth. The partnership approach can also enhance the fund's brand visibility and credibility. Timeline: Within the next 1-2 years.
- Diversification into Global Convertible Markets: Expanding its investment mandate to include global convertible securities can provide Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. with access to new investment opportunities and reduce its reliance on the U.S. market. The global convertible market offers a diverse range of issuers and sectors, allowing the fund to enhance its diversification and potentially improve its risk-adjusted returns. Timeline: Within the next 2-3 years.
- Enhancement of Investor Education and Communication: Improving investor education and communication can help Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. attract and retain investors. By providing clear and concise information about its investment strategy, performance, and risk management practices, the fund can build trust and confidence among investors. This can also involve hosting webinars, publishing research reports, and actively engaging with investors on social media. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Adoption of ESG Investing Principles: Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into its investment decision-making process can enhance Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd.'s appeal to socially responsible investors. By focusing on companies with strong ESG profiles, the fund can potentially improve its long-term performance and reduce its exposure to environmental and social risks. The growing demand for ESG investments presents a significant growth opportunity for the fund. Timeline: Within the next 1-2 years.
Opportunities
- Expansion into global convertible markets.
- Strategic partnerships with financial advisors.
- Growing demand for income-generating assets.
- Integration of ESG investing principles.
Threats
- Changes in interest rates may affect the attractiveness of convertible securities.
- Increased competition from other asset managers.
- Economic downturn may impact the value of investments.
- Regulatory changes in the financial services industry.
Competitive Advantages
- Established track record since 1986.
- Expertise in convertible securities investing.
- Management by Gabelli Funds, a reputable asset manager.
- Closed-end fund structure provides stability and flexibility.
About ECF
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd., established on June 27, 1986, is a closed-end equity mutual fund managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. The fund focuses on investing in public equity markets, with a primary emphasis on convertible securities. These securities offer a blend of fixed income and potential equity upside, appealing to investors seeking both income and growth. The fund invests across various market capitalizations, providing diversification within its portfolio. Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. benchmarks its performance against the Bank of America Merrill Lynch All U.S. Convertibles Index, the Barclays Balanced U.S. Convertibles Index, and the S&P 500 Index, reflecting its investment strategy and market exposure. Formerly known as Ellsworth Fund Ltd., the fund is domiciled in the United States and aims to deliver a combination of capital appreciation and current income to its shareholders through strategic investments in convertible securities and other equity instruments. The fund's investment decisions are guided by the expertise of Gabelli Funds, leveraging their research capabilities and market insights to identify attractive investment opportunities.
What They Do
- Invests in public equity markets.
- Primarily focuses on convertible securities.
- Manages a closed-end equity mutual fund.
- Benchmarks performance against indices like the S&P 500.
- Aims to provide a combination of capital appreciation and current income.
- Operates under the management of Gabelli Funds, LLC.
Business Model
- Generates revenue through investment management fees.
- Profits from capital appreciation of its investments.
- Distributes income to shareholders through dividends.
- Utilizes active management strategies to generate returns.
Industry Context
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. operates within the asset management industry, specifically focusing on income-generating investments. The industry is characterized by increasing demand for diversified investment products that offer both income and growth. The competitive landscape includes other closed-end funds and asset managers offering similar investment strategies. The fund's focus on convertible securities positions it to capitalize on the demand for hybrid instruments that provide a balance between fixed income and equity exposure. Market trends include the growing popularity of alternative investment strategies and the increasing importance of active management in generating returns.
Key Customers
- Individual investors seeking income and growth.
- Institutional investors looking for diversified investment products.
- Financial advisors seeking investment solutions for their clients.
- Retirement plans and endowments.
Financials
Chart & Info
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF) stock price: Price data unavailable
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Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for ECF.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for ECF.
MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates ECF's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Leadership: Thomas Hall Dinsmore
CEO
Thomas Hall Dinsmore serves as the CEO of Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. His career spans several decades in the financial services industry, with a focus on investment management and portfolio strategy. He has held various leadership positions at GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Gabelli Funds, LLC, gaining extensive experience in managing closed-end funds and other investment vehicles. His expertise lies in identifying and capitalizing on investment opportunities across different asset classes, with a particular emphasis on convertible securities. He holds advanced degrees in finance and economics.
Track Record: Under Thomas Hall Dinsmore's leadership, Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. has maintained a consistent dividend yield and navigated various market cycles. He has overseen the fund's strategic allocation to convertible securities, balancing income generation with potential capital appreciation. Key milestones include the fund's continued outperformance relative to its benchmark indices and its ability to attract and retain investors seeking a blend of income and growth.
ECF Financial Services Stock FAQ
What does Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. do?
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. is a closed-end equity mutual fund that primarily invests in convertible securities. Managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, the fund aims to provide investors with a combination of capital appreciation and current income. It invests across various market capitalizations and benchmarks its performance against indices like the Bank of America Merrill Lynch All U.S. Convertibles Index and the S&P 500 Index. The fund's focus on convertible securities allows it to offer a blend of fixed income and potential equity upside to its shareholders.
What do analysts say about ECF stock?
Analyst consensus for Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. is currently pending, with key valuation metrics including a P/E ratio of 3.20 and a dividend yield of 7.52%. Growth considerations revolve around the fund's ability to generate consistent income and capital appreciation through its investments in convertible securities. Investors should monitor the fund's performance relative to its benchmark indices and its ability to navigate market volatility. The fund's small market capitalization and focus on a specific asset class may present both opportunities and challenges.
What are the main risks for ECF?
The main risks for Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. include market volatility impacting the value of its convertible securities, changes in interest rates affecting the attractiveness of fixed-income investments, and increased competition from other asset managers. An economic downturn could also negatively impact the value of its investments. Additionally, regulatory changes in the financial services industry could pose challenges for the fund. Investors should carefully consider these risks before investing in the fund.
What are the key factors to evaluate for ECF?
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF) currently holds an AI score of 37/100, indicating low score. Key strength: Experienced management team at Gabelli Funds.. Primary risk to monitor: Potential: Market volatility impacting the value of its convertible securities.. This is not financial advice.
How frequently does ECF data refresh on this page?
ECF prices update in real time during U.S. market hours (9:30 AM-4:00 PM ET, weekdays). Fundamentals refresh after quarterly or annual filings. Analyst ratings and AI insights update daily. News is aggregated continuously from financial sources.
What has driven ECF's recent stock price performance?
Recent price movement in Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF) can be influenced by earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and broader market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Experienced management team at Gabelli Funds.. Check the News and Technical Analysis tabs for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider ECF overvalued or undervalued right now?
Determining whether Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF) is overvalued or undervalued requires examining multiple metrics. Compare valuation ratios (P/E, P/S, EV/EBITDA) against sector peers for a comprehensive view.
What research should beginners do before buying ECF?
Before investing in Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) what Wall Street analysts recommend and their price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Financial data is based on information available as of 2026-03-15.
- AI analysis is pending and may provide further insights.