The Payden Equity Income Fund invests primarily in large-capitalization common stocks with above-average dividend yields and other income-producing securities such as preferred stocks, master limited partnerships (MLPs), and real estate investment trusts (REITs). The Fund focuses on companies that have strong fundamentals and are expected to achieve positive earnings and dividend growth.
Role In Portfolio
Large-Capitalization Value – Appropriate for conservative equity investors who seek current income and moderate exposure to equity markets.
Fund Highlights
The Fund seeks to provide current income and equity-market participation through a variety of stocks, sectors, and security types such as common and preferred stocks, MLPs, and REITs.
The Fund seeks to achieve lower volatility and better risk-adjusted returns than competitors and the broad market overall.
Fund Snapshot - 02/28/2026
Fund Inception Date
Nov 1, 1996
Share Class Inception Date
Nov 1, 1996
Ticker
PYVLX
CUSIP
704329739
Fund Total Net Assets
$1.1 billion
Benchmark
Russell 1000 Value Index
Net Expense Ratio
0.76%
Sales Charge
None
Investment Minimum
Investor Class - Regular Account
$100,000
Investor Class - IRA Account
$100,000
Adviser Class - Regular Account
$5,000
Adviser Class - IRA Account
$2,000
SI Class
$10,000,000
Additional Investment - All Classes
$250
Payden Equity Income Fund (PYVLX)
Morningstar average: Large Value
Net Expense Ratio
0.76%
1.12%
Quoted performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, so investors' shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For the most recent month-end performance, which may be higher or lower than that quoted, go to the Mutual Funds > Performance page on this website, or call 800 572-9336.
To obtain a prospectus or summary prospectus, click on the Prospectuses & Reports link on the right side of this page, or call 800 572-9336. Before investing, investors should consider investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other important information, which are contained in these documents; read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investment in foreign securities offers different rewards and challenges from investing in domestic securities, including changes in exchange rates, political changes, and differences in reporting standards, and for emerging-market securities, higher volatility. The Payden Funds are distributed through Payden & Rygel Distributors, member FINRA.
Please note that by your use of this website and/or sending Payden & Rygel any information via this website, you acknowledge that any personal information you provide to us will be subject to our Privacy Notice set forth in Prospectus Appendix B here.
The investment strategy and investment management information presented on this website should not be construed to be formal financial planning advice or the formation of a financial manager/client relationship. Payden.com is an informative website designed to provide information to the general public based on our recommendations of investment management and investment strategies and is not designed to be representative of your own financial needs. Nor does the information contained herein constitute financial management advice. The firm makes no warranty or representation regarding the accuracy or legality of any information contained in this website, and assumes no liability for the use of said information. Be advised that as Internet communications are not always confidential, you provide our website your personal information at your own risk. Please do not make any decisions about any investment management or investment strategy matter without consulting with a qualified professional.
Portfolio Characteristics - 02/28/2026
Fund Inception Date
Nov 1, 1996
Share Class Inception Date
Nov 1, 1996
Total Net Assets
$1.1 billion
Average Duration
N/A
Average Maturity
N/A
30-Day SEC Yield :
N/A
Top Holdings
Top Holdings
Percent of Portfolio
Alphabet Inc-Class A
3.8%
JPMorgan Chase
3.5%
Amazon.com
2.3%
Merck & Co.
2.2%
Morgan Stanley
2.2%
GE Aerospace
2.2%
Analog Devices
2.1%
Duke Energy
2.1%
ITT Inc.
2.0%
Cisco Systems
1.9%
Sector Breakdown
Sector
Percent of Portfolio
Financials
21%
Health Care
14%
Industrials
13%
Technology
9%
Utilities
7%
Money Markets
7%
Communication Services
7%
Energy
6%
Consumer Discretionary
5%
Materials
4%
Consumer Staples
4%
Real Estate
3%
Total
100%
Quoted performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, so investors' shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For the most recent month-end performance, which may be higher or lower than that quoted, go to the Mutual Funds > Performance page on this website, or call 800 572-9336.
To obtain a prospectus or summary prospectus, click on the Prospectuses & Reports link on the right side of this page, or call 800 572-9336. Before investing, investors should consider investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other important information, which are contained in these documents; read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investment in foreign securities offers different rewards and challenges from investing in domestic securities, including changes in exchange rates, political changes, and differences in reporting standards, and for emerging-market securities, higher volatility. The Payden Funds are distributed through Payden & Rygel Distributors, member FINRA.
Please note that by your use of this website and/or sending Payden & Rygel any information via this website, you acknowledge that any personal information you provide to us will be subject to our Privacy Notice set forth in Prospectus Appendix B here.
The investment strategy and investment management information presented on this website should not be construed to be formal financial planning advice or the formation of a financial manager/client relationship. Payden.com is an informative website designed to provide information to the general public based on our recommendations of investment management and investment strategies and is not designed to be representative of your own financial needs. Nor does the information contained herein constitute financial management advice. The firm makes no warranty or representation regarding the accuracy or legality of any information contained in this website, and assumes no liability for the use of said information. Be advised that as Internet communications are not always confidential, you provide our website your personal information at your own risk. Please do not make any decisions about any investment management or investment strategy matter without consulting with a qualified professional.
Total Returns
YTD
1 Year
3 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Since Inception
Quarter-end (12/31/2025)
11.40%
11.40%
10.79%
9.36%
9.60%
7.25%
Month-end (2/28/2026)
4.84%
12.62%
13.47%
9.64%
10.29%
7.38%
Yearly Returns
2025
11.40%
2024
15.91%
2023
5.36%
2022
-6.71%
2021
23.28%
2020
0.74%
2019
27.95%
2018
-6.69%
2017
15.70%
2016
14.92%
Expenses
Total Annual Operating Expense
0.76%
Net or Actual Operating Expense
0.76%
Quoted performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, so investors' shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For the most recent month-end performance, which may be higher or lower than that quoted, go to the Mutual Funds > Performance page on this website, or call 800 572-9336.
To obtain a prospectus or summary prospectus, click on the Prospectuses & Reports link on the right side of this page, or call 800 572-9336. Before investing, investors should consider investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other important information, which are contained in these documents; read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investment in foreign securities offers different rewards and challenges from investing in domestic securities, including changes in exchange rates, political changes, and differences in reporting standards, and for emerging-market securities, higher volatility. The Payden Funds are distributed through Payden & Rygel Distributors, member FINRA.
Please note that by your use of this website and/or sending Payden & Rygel any information via this website, you acknowledge that any personal information you provide to us will be subject to our Privacy Notice set forth in Prospectus Appendix B here.
The investment strategy and investment management information presented on this website should not be construed to be formal financial planning advice or the formation of a financial manager/client relationship. Payden.com is an informative website designed to provide information to the general public based on our recommendations of investment management and investment strategies and is not designed to be representative of your own financial needs. Nor does the information contained herein constitute financial management advice. The firm makes no warranty or representation regarding the accuracy or legality of any information contained in this website, and assumes no liability for the use of said information. Be advised that as Internet communications are not always confidential, you provide our website your personal information at your own risk. Please do not make any decisions about any investment management or investment strategy matter without consulting with a qualified professional.
Fund Commentary - 02/28/2026
MARKET
The U.S. equity market recorded moderate losses in February with the S&P 500 Index declining -0.76% for the month.
Investor sentiment weakened amid growing concerns about artificial intelligence-driven disruption across a broader range of industries, while geopolitical tensions remained elevated.
Performance dispersion across sectors was notably pronounced, as consumer discretionary (5.4%), communications (-5.1%), and technology (-3.9%) were the worst performers, while the utilities (+10.4%), energy (+9.4%), and materials (+8.4%) sectors were the best performers.
OUTLOOK
We maintain a constructive outlook on the U.S. equity market in the long-term, supported by expectations for continued corporate earnings growth over the next 12 months and the potential for a more accommodative interest rate environment.
In the near term, however, we are moderating our expectations for significant price appreciation as elevated valuations and rising geopolitical uncertainty may contribute to heightened volatility.
We continue to favor high-quality companies with durable cash flows and strong balance sheets, while emphasizing the importance of diversification and a balanced approach to help dampen portfolio volatility.
Quoted performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, so investors' shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For the most recent month-end performance, which may be higher or lower than that quoted, go to the Mutual Funds > Performance page on this website, or call 800 572-9336.
To obtain a prospectus or summary prospectus, click on the Prospectuses & Reports link on the right side of this page, or call 800 572-9336. Before investing, investors should consider investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other important information, which are contained in these documents; read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investment in foreign securities offers different rewards and challenges from investing in domestic securities, including changes in exchange rates, political changes, and differences in reporting standards, and for emerging-market securities, higher volatility. The Payden Funds are distributed through Payden & Rygel Distributors, member FINRA.
Please note that by your use of this website and/or sending Payden & Rygel any information via this website, you acknowledge that any personal information you provide to us will be subject to our Privacy Notice set forth in Prospectus Appendix B here.
The investment strategy and investment management information presented on this website should not be construed to be formal financial planning advice or the formation of a financial manager/client relationship. Payden.com is an informative website designed to provide information to the general public based on our recommendations of investment management and investment strategies and is not designed to be representative of your own financial needs. Nor does the information contained herein constitute financial management advice. The firm makes no warranty or representation regarding the accuracy or legality of any information contained in this website, and assumes no liability for the use of said information. Be advised that as Internet communications are not always confidential, you provide our website your personal information at your own risk. Please do not make any decisions about any investment management or investment strategy matter without consulting with a qualified professional.
Payden Funds PO Box 534496 Pittsburgh, PA 15253-4496
Overnight: Payden Funds Attention: 534496 500 Ross Street 154-0520 Pittsburgh, PA 15262
Career Opportunities
Payden & Rygel provides superior solutions by employing a staff whose education, experience and vision have made the firm a leader in the field. We welcome the opportunity to speak with talented and motivated individuals who wish to meet this challenge.
If you are interested in a career with Payden & Rygel, please submit your resume to the firm's human resources department at careers@payden.com.
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Preperations
Payden & Rygel has developed a Business Continuity Plan to ensure that all critical functions continue in the event of a disruption in normal operations.
The firm has configured data replication servers and related infrastructure in its Boston, Massachusetts office. Data on critical Los Angeles servers is replicated to corresponding servers in the Boston location on a live basis throughout each day. In addition, other servers and databases are backed up, sent electronically to Boston, and restored at the end of each day. The firm has established a dedicated high-speed connection between the Los Angeles and Boston offices to facilitate the secure transmission of data backups.
A number of individuals from the Trading, Portfolio Operations, Information Technology, Compliance and Portfolio Management departments have been selected to connect remotely to the Boston office to complete their daily responsibilities, in the event of a disruption to normal business operations. The firm has implemented a VMWare virtual environment for each of these individuals so that they each have their own remote desktop in Boston to which they securely connect using a laptop or desktop computer with an Internet connection. Our expectation is that routine business operations will resume within 24 hours of a business continuity event. In addition, the Boston office has capacity to accommodate additional employees if a physical relocation of selected Los Angeles employees is necessary.
The firm uses a third-party hosted mass notification system to quickly communicate with all employees in the event of a disruption in operations. The system allows management to compose a text or voice message notifying employees of the event, which is then sent automatically to employees' mobile phones, home phones, and e-mail addresses. Employees indicate their receipt of the message from their phone or mobile device, which allows management to immediately review summary reports of the employees who are aware of the disruption. Additional instructions and updates can then be sent to all staff, as necessary under the circumstances.
In the event that our Business Continuity Plan is activated and Los Angeles office phone lines are down, the Los Angeles phone numbers are re-directed to the Boston office. Boston-based staff will direct callers to the mobile phones of key portfolio professionals, as necessary. All key investment personnel have access to firm e-mail on mobile devices. E-mail delivery to Payden & Rygel addresses is not dependent on the availability of either Los Angeles or Boston servers. Finally, Boston-based staff has access to portfolio management and reporting information independent of Los Angeles technology availability.
The transfer agent for the Payden Funds is not located in Payden & Rygel's offices. The transfer agent for all of the funds maintains all shareholder records and will continue to receive all shareholder calls related to their accounts.
On at least a quarterly basis, several employees from the departments specified above will remotely connect to the Boston office to test the infrastructure by conducting their daily job responsibilities, including the execution, ticketing, settlement and processing of securities trades.
The Business Continuity Plan was developed and is monitored by a committee of senior managers, including the heads of the Trading, Portfolio Operations, Compliance and Information Technology departments. The committee meets regularly to discuss any necessary updates to the Plan and coordinates ongoing tests of the Boston location by a team of employees from various departments. The committee also solicits feedback from personnel based on the ongoing tests and promptly makes adjustments to the Plan and the Boston office resources, as necessary.
Updates to the Business Continuity Plan will be posted on this website page and a copy of the Plan may also be obtained by written request.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
& STEWARDSHIP
To assure that Payden & Rygel meets their fiduciary responsibilities as an investment adviser, we have in place policies and procedures to support our ESG & Stewardship efforts
In addition to our applicable firm wide policies, Payden & Rygel and affiliated companies have been appointed as investment manager/adviser to various EU domiciled collective investment schemes. Payden manages many of these investments so that they can be designated as Article 8 financial products pursuant to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (EU 2019/2088). Payden has further been appointed by certain clients under separately managed accounts to manage assets in accordance with SFDR Article 8.
Payden & Rygel respects your right to privacy. We also know that you expect us to conduct and process your business in an accurate and efficient manner and in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Collection of Information
To meet those expectations, we must collect and maintain certain personal information that is required by state and federal agencies, such as name, address and tax ID. We may collect or capture nonpublic information about you from the following sources:
Client onboarding forms;
Oral conversations or written correspondence between you and your Payden & Rygel representatives; and
Electronic sources, such as our Web site, or E-Mails.
Payden & Rygel clients have the right to: (i) be informed, at or before the point of collection, of the categories of personal information to be collected and the purposes for which the categories of personal information shall be used; and (ii) be informed of (a) the categories of personal information Payden & Rygel has collected about them; (b) the specific pieces of personal information Payden & Rygel has collected about them; (c) the categories of sources from which Payden & Rygel has collected the personal information; (d) the business or commercial purpose for collecting the personal information; and (e) the categories of third parties with whom Payden & Rygel share personal information about any client.
Disclosure of information
We do not disclose any nonpublic personal and account information about our clients, or former clients, to anyone, except as permitted by law.
In this regard, we may disclose such information to our affiliates, including Payden & Rygel Global Limited; Treasury Plus, Inc.; and Payden & Rygel Distributors. We also may disclose such information to unaffiliated third parties who are service providers to Payden & Rygel, such as broker-dealers, transfer agents or custodians. In each case, such disclosure is permitted by law, and the recipients are permitted to use it only as needed to provide agreed services to you. Finally, we may also disclose information to appropriate government agencies, and to others, as required by law or to prevent fraud.
We do not sell personal information collected, nor make that personal information available on-line. To change your personal information, call Payden & Rygel at (213) 625-1900 and request to speak to your Payden & Rygel representative.
Internal access to information and safeguards
We limit access to your personal and account information to those employees who need to know that information so that we can provide products and services to you. We also maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect your nonpublic personal and account information. Finally, when we dispose of such information, we have in place policies and procedures to assure that such information is properly stored and shredded in the case of documentary material and erased in the case of electronic media so that in either case the information cannot be practicably read or reconstructed.
As required by U.S. federal law, Payden & Rygel will update this information at least annually.
This website is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be a solicitation, offering or recommendation of any security, investment management service or investment advisory service. Nor does Payden & Rygel intend to provide investment, tax or legal advice through this website. In particular, Payden & Rygel does not represent that the securities, products or services discussed on this website are suitable or appropriate for all investors.
The information on this website is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation, or which would subject Payden & Rygel to any registration requirement within such jurisdiction or country.
The reliability and accuracy of the material on this website cannot be assured because of possible technical malfunctions and unauthorized tampering. In addition, the material on this website, including any opinions expressed herein, is subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
No part of this website may be reproduced in any of form, or referred to in any other publication without the express written consent of Payden & Rygel. Any links to other Internet sites ("hyperlinks") are included only as a convenience for visitors to this website. Payden & Rygel assumes no liability for the content or presentation of such hyperlink sites.
Legal Disclaimer
The investment strategy and investment management information presented on this website should not be construed to be formal financial planning advice or the formation of a financial manager/client relationship. Payden.com is an informative website designed to provide information to the general public based on our recommendations of investment management and investment strategies and is not designed to be representative of your own financial needs. Nor does the information contained herein constitute financial management advice. The firm makes no warranty or representation regarding the accuracy or legality of any information contained in this website, and assumes no liability for the use of said information. Be advised that as Internet communications are not always confidential, you provide our website your personal information at your own risk. Please do not make any decisions about any investment management or investment strategy matter without consulting with a qualified professional.
The Funds respect your right to privacy. We also know that you expect us to conduct and process your business in an accurate and efficient manner and in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Collection of Information
To meet those expectations, we must collect and maintain certain personal information that is required by state and federal agencies, such as name, address and tax ID. We may collect or capture nonpublic information about you from the following sources:
The Fund application, or other forms;
Oral conversations or written correspondence between you and our representatives;
Your transactions with us; and
Electronic sources, such as our Web site, or E-Mails.
Payden & Rygel clients have the right to: (i) be informed, at or before the point of collection, of the categories of personal information to be collected and the purposes for which the categories of personal information shall be used; and (ii) be informed of (a) the categories of personal information Payden & Rygel has collected about them; (b) the specific pieces of personal information Payden & Rygel has collected about them; (c) the categories of sources from which Payden & Rygel has collected the personal information; (d) the business or commercial purpose for collecting the personal information; and (e) the categories of third parties with whom Payden & Rygel share personal information.
Disclosure of Information
We do not disclose any nonpublic personal and account information about our customers, or former customers, to anyone, except as permitted by law.
In this regard, we may disclose such information to our affiliates, including the Funds’ investment adviser, Payden & Rygel; administrator, Treasury Plus, Inc.; and distributor, Payden & Rygel Distributors. We also may disclose such information to unaffiliated third parties who are service providers to you or to the Funds, such as broker-dealers, transfer agents, custodians, or our mail processing firm. In each case, such disclosure is permitted by law, and the recipients are permitted to use it only as needed to provide agreed services to you. Finally, we may also disclose information to appropriate government agencies, and to others, as required by law or to prevent fraud.
We do not sell personal information collected, nor make that personal information available on-line. To change your personal information, call Paydenfund Shareholder Services at 800-572-9366 and request the forms necessary to make any such changes.
Internal Access to Information and Safeguards
We limit access to your personal and account information to those employees who need to know that information so that we can provide products and services to you. We also maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect your nonpublic personal and account information. Finally, when we dispose of such information, we have in place policies and procedures to assure that such information is properly stored and shredded in the case of documentary material and erased in the case of electronic media so that in either case the information cannot be practicably read or reconstructed.
As required by U.S. federal law, Payden & Rygel will update this information at least annually.