UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number           811-21698         

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

One Corporate Center 

Rye, New York 10580-1422

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Bruce N. Alpert
Gabelli Funds, LLC
One Corporate Center 

Rye, New York 10580-1422

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 1-800-422-3554

 

Date of fiscal year end: December 31

 

Date of reporting period: December 31, 2021

 

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

 

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a)The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.

 

 

 

   
 

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Annual Report December 31, 2021

 

(Y)our Portfolio Management Team

 

(GRAPHIC)  (GRAPHIC) 
Caesar M. P. Bryan Vincent Hugonnard-
Roche

 

To Our Shareholders,

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, the net asset value (NAV) total return of the GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust (the Fund) was 6.7%, compared with total returns of 20.5% and (6.6)% for the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Buy/Write Index and the Philadelphia Gold & Silver (XAU), respectively. The total return for the Fund’s publicly traded shares was 17.5%. The Fund’s NAV per share was $3.91, while the price of the publicly traded shares closed at $3.75 on the NYSE American. See page 3 for additional performance information.

 

Enclosed are the financial statements, including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2021.

 

Investment Objective and Strategy (Unaudited)

 

The GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund’s investment objective is seek to provide a high level of current income. The Fund's secondary investment objective is to seek capital appreciation consistent with the Fund's strategy and its primary objective.

 

As permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semiannual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (www.gabelli.com), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report. If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. To elect to receive all future reports on paper free of charge, please contact your financial intermediary, or, if you invest directly with the Fund, you may call 800-422-3554 or send an email request to info@gabelli.com.

 

 

 

 

The Fund’s strategy is to invest at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies principally engaged in the gold industry and the natural resources industries. The Fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in the equity securities of companies principally engaged in the exploration, mining, fabrication, processing, distribution or trading of gold or the financing, managing, controlling or operating of companies engaged in ‘‘gold-related’’ activities. In addition, the Fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in the equity securities of companies principally engaged in the exploration, production or distribution of natural resources, such as gas, oil, paper, food and agriculture, forestry products, metals and minerals as well as related transportation companies and equipment manufacturers. As part of its investment strategy, the Fund intends to earn income through an option strategy of writing (selling) covered call options on equity securities in its portfolio.

 

Performance Discussion (Unaudited)

 

During the first quarter of 2021, two opposing forces drove the gold price: the continued expansion of the Federal Reserve balance sheet towards $8 trillion and the drop in money supply velocity. At the same time, real interest rates, which are currently correlated to the price of gold, continued their slow ascent. This positive trend continued in the second quarter, the dynamics for the price of gold remained largely favorable; the Federal Reserve balance sheet continued to expand, rising to $8.1 trillion in June. M2 velocity continued to decline, and real rates largely remained negative.

 

During the third quarter, some of the dynamics around the price of gold remained favorable. The Federal Reserve balance sheet continued to expand, rising to $8.45 trillion in September, and real rates stayed largely negative, with the 10 year TIPS cratering to -1.2% in July and finishing the quarter at -0.89%. In the fourth quarter of 2021 the dynamics around the price of gold remained favorable, gold bullion picked up 4.1% as the tapering of the bond buying program became a reality, and inflation management took the forefront. The Federal Reserve balance sheet peaked in December at a new high of $8.79 trillion, and the latest December PCE reading reached 4.67%. Despite this pressure on rates, it would take significant action from the Federal Reserve to push real rates into positive territory. In fact, they remained significantly negative, averaging -1.03% during the quarter.

 

One top contributor to performance in 2021 was Newmont Corp. (5.4% of net assets as of December 31, 2021), a company involved in the production and exploration of gold, copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company benefitted from progress in several projects in Australia, Africa, and South America and continued to perform well in a challenging landscape. Another contributor was Franco-Nevada Corp. (3.8%), a gold-focused royalty and streaming company, continued to benefit from successful mining and development projects.

 

Detractors from the portfolio included Northern Star Resources Ltd. (3.1%), one of the worst performing gold miners in 2021, down 31% vs. an 11% decline in the Gold Miners Index as it continued to struggle with increasing mine production. Barrick Gold Corp. (3.7%), saw losses of approximately 20% in 2021 amid the slowing global reopening of economies, vaccination programs, and high inflation in the U.S.

 

2 

 

 

Comparative Results

 

Average Annual Returns through December 31, 2021 (a) (Unaudited)

 

   1 Year  5 year  10 year  15 year  Since
Inception
(3/31/05)
GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust (GGN)                    
NAV Total Return (b)  6.69%  4.37%  (1.08)%  (0.74)%  1.53%
Investment Total Return (c)  17.51   5.31   (0.72)  (0.97)  1.15 
CBOE S&P 500 Buy/Write Index  20.47   7.84   7.54   5.45   5.89 
Bloomberg Government/Credit Bond Index  (1.78)  3.99   3.12   4.24   4.20 
Energy Select Sector Index  53.13   (1.31)  1.38   2.66   4.48 
Philadelphia Gold & Silver Index  (6.62)  12.03   (1.90)  0.64   3.24 

 

(a)Returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Investment returns and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate. The Fund's use of leverage may magnify the volatility of net asset value changes versus funds that do not employ leverage. When shares are sold, they may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data presented. Visit www.gabelli.com for performance information as of the most recent month end. The CBOE S&P 500 Buy/Write Index is an unmanaged benchmark index designed to reflect the return on a portfolio that consists of a long position in the stocks in the S&P 500 Index and a short position in a S&P 500 (SPX) call option. The Bloomberg Government/ Credit Bond Index is a market value weighted index that tracks the performance of fixed rate, publicly placed, dollar denominated obligations. The Energy Select Sector Index is an unmanaged indicator of stock market performance of large U.S. companies involved in the development or production of energy products. The Philadelphia Gold & Silver Index is an unmanaged indicator of stock market performance of large North American gold and silver companies. Dividends and interest income are considered reinvested. You cannot invest directly in an index.

(b)Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in the NAV per share and reinvestment of distributions at NAV on the ex-dividend date and are net of expenses. Since inception return is based on an initial NAV of $19.06.

(c)Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in closing market values on the NYSE American and reinvestment of distributions. Since inception return is based on an initial offering price of $20.00.

 

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing.

 

3 

 

 

COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN  

GAMCO GLOBAL GOLD NATURAL RESOURCES & INCOME TRUST (INVESTMENT TOTAL RETURN),

CBOE S&P 500 BUY/WRITE INDEX & PHILADELPHIA STOCK EXCHANGE GOLD AND SILVER INDEX

(Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns*
  1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
Investment 17.51% 5.31% (0.72)%

 

(GRAPHIC) 

 

* Past performance is not predictive of future results. The performance tables and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the sale of Fund shares.

 

4 

 

 

Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents portfolio holdings as a percent of total investments before options written as of December 31, 2021:

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

            
       Short Positions    
Long Positions           
        Call Options Written   (3.9)%
Metals and Mining   49.6%  Put Options Written   (0.1)%
Energy and Energy Services   34.6%      (4.0)%
U.S. Government Obligations   15.8%        
    100.0%        
              

The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT. Shareholders may obtain this information at www.gabelli.com or by calling the Fund at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554). The Fund’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330.

 

Proxy Voting

 

The Fund files Form N-PX with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30, no later than August 31 of each year. A description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies, procedures, and how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554); (ii) writing to The Gabelli Funds at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; or (iii) visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

5

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments — December 31, 2021

 
Shares      Cost   Market
Value
 
     COMMON STOCKS — 83.3% 
     Energy and Energy Services — 34.6% 
 100,400   APA Corp.(a)  $5,310,772   $2,699,756 
 198,975   Baker Hughes Co.   8,152,186    4,787,339 
 375,000   BP plc, ADR(a)   14,944,050    9,986,250 
 229,048   Chevron Corp.(a)   29,733,336    26,878,783 
 156,800   ConocoPhillips(a)   13,077,892    11,317,824 
 163,000   Coterra Energy Inc.(a)   4,157,229    3,097,000 
 140,000   Devon Energy Corp.(a)   6,667,750    6,167,000 
 48,000   Diamondback Energy Inc.   5,006,741    5,176,800 
 450,000   Eni SpA   7,927,876    6,260,611 
 117,000   EOG Resources Inc.(a)   13,753,275    10,393,110 
 555,500   Exxon Mobil Corp.(a)   46,115,188    33,991,045 
 220,000   Halliburton Co.(a)   7,978,471    5,031,400 
 47,000   Hess Corp.   3,709,852    3,479,410 
 485,008   Kinder Morgan Inc.(a)   9,365,039    7,692,227 
 179,494   Marathon Petroleum Corp.(a)   12,237,448    11,485,821 
 44,480   Occidental Petroleum Corp.(a)   1,505,412    1,289,475 
 112,500   ONEOK Inc.(a)   7,507,919    6,610,500 
 107,000   Phillips 66 (a)   11,762,311    7,753,220 
 58,400   Pioneer Natural Resources Co.(a)   11,311,148    10,621,792 
 1,044,000   Royal Dutch Shell plc, Cl. A   33,316,949    22,917,756 
 340,000   Schlumberger NV(a)   22,387,601    10,183,000 
 179,000   Suncor Energy Inc.(a)   6,984,953    4,480,370 
 30,000   Sunoco LP(a)   1,088,535    1,224,900 
 240,000   The Williams Companies Inc.(a)   11,305,549    6,249,600 
 376,000   TotalEnergies SE, ADR(a)   22,162,833    18,596,960 
 115,000   Valero Energy Corp.(a)   11,814,525    8,637,650 
         329,284,840    247,009,599 
                
                
     Metals and Mining — 48.7% 
 302,280   Aclara Resources Inc.†   425,646    344,111 
 265,000   Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.(a)   17,395,330    14,082,100 
 1,580,000   Alamos Gold Inc., Cl. A(a)   12,923,370    12,150,200 
 1,262,000   B2Gold Corp.(a)   7,121,820    4,959,660 
 1,182,019   Barrick Gold Corp.(a)   28,183,090    22,458,361 
 2,400,000   Belo Sun Mining Corp.†   1,821,022    1,119,412 
 201,100   BHP Group Ltd., ADR(a)   14,110,966    12,136,385 
 665,000   Centamin plc   963,359    799,478 
 425,000   Dundee Precious Metals Inc.   1,878,297    2,627,377 
 605,000   Eldorado Gold Corp.†   7,870,137    5,656,750 
 679,041   Endeavour Mining plc   16,638,672    14,885,811 
 600,000   Equinox Gold Corp.†   4,648,633    4,056,000 
 2,749,000   Evolution Mining Ltd.   7,454,663    8,120,142 
 166,500   Franco-Nevada Corp.(a)   24,194,450    23,025,285 
 680,000   Freeport-McMoRan Inc.(a)   26,546,981    28,376,400 
 327,659   Fresnillo plc   6,606,624    3,959,593 
Shares      Cost   Market
Value
 
 800,000   Gold Fields Ltd., ADR  $9,736,050   $8,792,000 
 4,604,079   Gold Road Resources Ltd.   4,628,309    5,259,025 
 262,276   Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd., ADR   1,778,835    1,077,954 
 2,200,000   Hochschild Mining plc   7,550,608    3,874,131 
 838,000   K92 Mining Inc.†   5,833,833    4,763,208 
 1,594,000   Kinross Gold Corp.   11,897,167    9,261,140 
 312,400   Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.(a)   14,384,145    13,105,180 
 40,000   Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corp.   729,070    1,186,766 
 622,999   Newcrest Mining Ltd.   13,737,360    11,095,876 
 520,700   Newmont Corp.(a)   33,032,983    32,293,814 
 410,015   Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.†   871,620    133,747 
 2,771,626   Northern Star Resources Ltd.   18,575,493    18,975,232 
 1,928,500   OceanaGold Corp.†   5,367,561    3,354,046 
 520,000   Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.   7,005,245    6,370,000 
 36,700   Pan American Silver Corp.   828,686    916,399 
 424,600   Pretium Resources Inc.†(a)   5,129,161    5,982,614 
 300,000   Rio Tinto plc, ADR(a)   24,974,500    20,082,000 
 35,000   Royal Gold Inc.(a)   4,022,413    3,682,350 
 400,000   SilverCrest Metals Inc.†   3,651,240    3,164,000 
 375,032   SSR Mining Inc.   6,364,243    6,638,067 
 250,000   Victoria Gold Corp.†   3,004,440    2,816,317 
 1,065,000   Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.†   6,364,828    9,690,620 
 54   Westgold Resources Ltd.   76    80 
 331,650   Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.(a)   17,071,758    14,237,735 
 515,000   Yamana Gold Inc.   3,270,250    2,173,300 
         388,592,934    347,682,666 
                
     TOTAL COMMON STOCKS   717,877,774    594,692,265 
                
     RIGHTS — 0.0% 
     Metals and Mining — 0.0% 
 269,700   Pan American Silver Corp., CVR†   61,125    210,016 
                
     WARRANTS — 0.0% 
     Energy and Energy Services — 0.0% 
 7,207   Occidental Petroleum Corp., expire 08/03/27†   35,675    90,880 

 

Principal
Amount
            
    CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS — 0.6%
    Metals and Mining — 0.6%
$1,300,000   Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., 4.650%, 10/31/24   1,300,000    1,412,541 
 2,000,000   Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd., 4.000%, 12/31/22   1,565,384    1,622,784 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

6

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2021

 
Principal
Amount
       Cost   Market
Value
 
       CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS (Continued) 
       Metals and Mining (Continued) 
$ 1,000,000    Pretium Resources Inc., 2.250%, 03/15/22  $1,000,000   $1,006,300 
           3,865,384    4,041,625 
                  
       TOTAL CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS   3,865,384    4,041,625 
                  
       CORPORATE BONDS — 0.3% 
       Metals and Mining — 0.3% 
  2,000,000    IAMGOLD Corp., 5.750%, 10/15/28(b)   2,000,000    1,968,060 
                  
       U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 15.8% 
  113,158,000    U.S. Treasury Bills, 0.005% to 0.130%††, 01/18/22 to 06/09/22(c)   113,146,248    113,147,002 
                  
TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE OPTIONS WRITTEN — 100.0%  $836,986,206    714,149,848 
                  
OPTIONS WRITTEN — (4.0)%          
(Premiums received $26,938,178)        (28,447,310)
                  
Other Assets and Liabilities (Net)        3,547,659 
                  
PREFERRED SHARES          
(3,459,899 preferred shares outstanding)        (86,497,475)
                  
NET ASSETS — COMMON SHARES          
(154,158,319 common shares outstanding)       $602,752,722 
                  
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE          
($602,752,722 ÷ 154,158,319 shares outstanding)       $3.91 

 

 

(a)Securities, or a portion thereof, with a value of $323,430,156 were deposited with the broker as collateral for options written.

(b)Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.

(c)At December 31, 2021, $41,190,000 of the principal amount was pledged as collateral for options written.

Non-income producing security.

††Represents annualized yields at dates of purchase.

ADRAmerican Depositary Receipt

CVRContingent Value Right
Geographic Diversification  % of Total Investments*  Market
Value
 
Long Positions          
United States   50.7%  $362,358,098 
Canada   25.4    181,274,307 
Europe   13.1    93,872,979 
Asia/Pacific   8.3    58,940,786 
South Africa   1.4    9,869,954 
Latin America   1.1    7,833,724 
Total Investments — Long Positions   100.0%  $714,149,848 
           
Short Positions          
United States   (3.6)%  $(25,736,485)
Europe   (0.2)   (1,541,283)
Canada   (0.1)   (875,319)
Asia/Pacific   (0.1)   (294,223)
Total Investments — Short Positions   (4.0)%  $(28,447,310)

 

 

*Total investments exclude options written.

 

As of December 31, 2021, options written outstanding were as follows:

 

Description  Counterparty  Number of
Contracts
  Notional
Amount
   Exercise
Price
   Expiration
Date
  Market
Value
 
OTC Call Options Written — (2.9)%                         
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.  Pershing LLC  215  USD  1,142,510   USD  62.50   01/21/22  $885 
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.  Pershing LLC  1,200  USD  6,376,800   USD  52.00   02/18/22   388,764 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

7

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2021

 
Description  Counterparty  Number of
Contracts
  Notional
Amount
    Exercise
Price
   Expiration
Date
  Market
Value
 
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.  Pershing LLC  1,290  USD  6,855,060    USD  60.00   03/18/22  $138,829 
Alamos Gold Inc., Cl. A  Pershing LLC  3,800  USD  2,922,200    USD  8.50   01/21/22   31,548 
Alamos Gold Inc., Cl. A  Pershing LLC  2,500  USD  1,922,500    USD  9.00   02/18/22   29,524 
Alamos Gold Inc., Cl. A  Pershing LLC  3,000  USD  2,307,000    USD  8.25   03/18/22   116,341 
Alamos Gold Inc., Cl. A  Pershing LLC  6,500  USD  4,998,500    USD  8.00   06/17/22   501,838 
APA Corp.  Pershing LLC  500  USD  1,344,500    USD  20.00   04/14/22   377,588 
APA Corp.  Pershing LLC  378  USD  1,016,442    USD  26.00   07/15/22   168,774 
B2Gold Corp.  Pershing LLC  8,400  USD  3,301,200    USD  4.60   02/18/22   75,865 
B2Gold Corp.  Pershing LLC  4,220  USD  1,658,460    USD  4.50   03/18/22   68,331 
Baker Hughes Co.  Pershing LLC  700  USD  1,684,200    USD  29.00   01/21/22   867 
Baker Hughes Co.  Pershing LLC  600  USD  1,443,600    USD  23.00   02/18/22   106,171 
Baker Hughes Co.  Pershing LLC  690  USD  1,660,140    USD  27.00   03/18/22   39,824 
Barrick Gold Corp.  Pershing LLC  1,300  USD  2,470,000    USD  20.00   01/21/22   24,025 
Barrick Gold Corp.  Pershing LLC  1,300  USD  2,470,000    USD  21.00   01/21/22   9,216 
Barrick Gold Corp.  Pershing LLC  5,270  USD  10,013,000    USD  21.00   02/18/22   144,246 
Barrick Gold Corp.  Pershing LLC  3,940  USD  7,486,000    USD  20.00   03/18/22   257,734 
BHP Group Ltd., ADR  Pershing LLC  670  USD  4,043,450    USD  70.00   01/21/22   1,753 
BHP Group Ltd., ADR  Pershing LLC  670  USD  4,043,450    USD  65.00   02/18/22   58,663 
BHP Group Ltd., ADR  Pershing LLC  670  USD  4,043,450    USD  70.00   03/18/22   23,324 
BP plc, ADR  Pershing LLC  1,350  USD  3,595,050    USD  26.00   01/21/22   137,039 
BP plc, ADR  Pershing LLC  1,200  USD  3,195,600    USD  30.00   03/18/22   33,175 
BP plc, ADR  Pershing LLC  1,200  USD  3,195,600    USD  26.00   04/14/22   211,836 
Chevron Corp.  Pershing LLC  800  USD  9,388,000    USD  102.50   01/21/22   1,197,968 
Chevron Corp.  Pershing LLC  760  USD  8,918,600    USD  102.50   02/18/22   1,083,389 
Chevron Corp.  Pershing LLC  730  USD  8,566,550    USD  116.00   03/18/22   365,548 
ConocoPhillips  Pershing LLC  488  USD  3,522,384    USD  65.00   01/21/22   365,350 
ConocoPhillips  Pershing LLC  480  USD  3,464,640    USD  75.00   02/18/22   101,207 
ConocoPhillips  Pershing LLC  600  USD  4,330,800    USD  80.00   03/18/22   85,322 
Coterra Energy Inc.  Pershing LLC  815  USD  1,548,500    USD  24.50   01/21/22   124 
Coterra Energy Inc.  Pershing LLC  815  USD  1,548,500    USD  24.50   04/14/22   24,913 
Devon Energy Corp.  Pershing LLC  700  USD  3,083,500    USD  40.00   01/21/22   323,562 
Devon Energy Corp.  Pershing LLC  700  USD  3,083,500    USD  44.00   03/18/22   280,820 
Diamondback Energy Inc.  Pershing LLC  160  USD  1,725,600    USD  75.00   01/21/22   526,444 
Diamondback Energy Inc.  Pershing LLC  160  USD  1,725,600    USD  107.50   03/18/22   153,165 
Diamondback Energy Inc.  Pershing LLC  160  USD  1,725,600    USD  95.00   06/17/22   318,738 
Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF  Pershing LLC  360  USD  1,998,000    USD  57.00   04/14/22   82,740 
Eni SpA  Morgan Stanley  300  EUR  1,833,000    EUR  11.00   01/21/22   213,793 
Eni SpA  Morgan Stanley  300  EUR  1,833,000    EUR  11.00   03/18/22   237,434 
EOG Resources Inc.  Pershing LLC  450  USD  3,997,350    USD  73.00   01/21/22   686,861 
EOG Resources Inc.  Pershing LLC  220  USD  1,954,260    USD  75.50   03/18/22   316,501 
EOG Resources Inc.  Pershing LLC  500  USD  4,441,500    USD  98.00   04/14/22   158,652 
Equinox Gold Corp.  Pershing LLC  3,000  USD  2,028,000    USD  8.00   02/18/22   41,987 
Equinox Gold Corp.  Pershing LLC  3,000  USD  2,028,000    USD  9.50   04/14/22   45,481 
Exxon Mobil Corp.  Pershing LLC  890  USD  5,445,910    USD  60.00   01/21/22   180,165 
Exxon Mobil Corp.  Pershing LLC  1,000  USD  6,119,000    USD  61.50   01/21/22   114,347 
Exxon Mobil Corp.  Pershing LLC  2,065  USD  12,635,735    USD  60.00   02/18/22   501,110 
Exxon Mobil Corp.  Pershing LLC  600  USD  3,671,400    USD  62.50   03/18/22   112,001 
Exxon Mobil Corp.  Pershing LLC  1,000  USD  6,119,000    USD  65.00   03/18/22   107,179 
Gold Fields Ltd., ADR  Pershing LLC  2,500  USD  2,747,500    USD  10.00   01/21/22   269,883 
Gold Fields Ltd., ADR  Pershing LLC  2,500  USD  2,747,500    USD  12.00   02/18/22   70,951 
Gold Fields Ltd., ADR  Pershing LLC  3,000  USD  3,297,000    USD  11.60   03/18/22   148,461 
Halliburton Co.  Pershing LLC  1,000  USD  2,287,000    USD  23.00   01/21/22   69,810 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

8

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2021

 
      Number of  Notional   Exercise   Expiration  Market 
Description  Counterparty  Contracts  Amount   Price   Date  Value 
Halliburton Co.  Pershing LLC  1,200  USD  2,744,400   USD  25.00   04/14/22  $135,401 
Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd., ADR  Pershing LLC  2,600  USD  1,068,600   USD  5.00   01/21/22   7,431 
Hess Corp.  Pershing LLC  130  USD  962,390   USD  65.00   01/21/22   121,534 
Hess Corp.  Pershing LLC  170  USD  1,258,510   USD  80.00   01/21/22   10,082 
Hess Corp.  Pershing LLC  170  USD  1,258,510   USD  80.00   03/18/22   47,680 
Kinder Morgan Inc.  Pershing LLC  1,700  USD  2,696,200   USD  18.00   01/21/22   1,529 
Kinder Morgan Inc.  Pershing LLC  1,600  USD  2,537,600   USD  17.00   02/18/22   20,287 
Kinder Morgan Inc.  Pershing LLC  1,550  USD  2,458,300   USD  17.50   03/18/22   21,143 
Kinross Gold Corp.  Pershing LLC  6,375  USD  3,703,875   USD  6.00   01/21/22   83,884 
Kinross Gold Corp.  Pershing LLC  4,200  USD  2,440,200   USD  6.50   02/18/22   53,596 
Kinross Gold Corp.  Pershing LLC  4,250  USD  2,469,250   USD  6.20   03/18/22   112,799 
Kinross Gold Corp.  Pershing LLC  1,115  USD  647,815   USD  6.50   03/18/22   20,513 
Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.  Pershing LLC  1,200  USD  5,034,000   USD  45.00   01/21/22   45,399 
Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.  Pershing LLC  1,000  USD  4,195,000   USD  43.00   02/18/22   161,037 
Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.  Pershing LLC  924  USD  3,876,180   USD  41.00   03/18/22   285,573 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.  Pershing LLC  550  USD  3,519,450   USD  62.50   01/21/22   147,199 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.  Pershing LLC  560  USD  3,583,440   USD  62.50   02/18/22   200,024 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.  Pershing LLC  535  USD  3,423,465   USD  70.00   03/18/22   76,546 
Newcrest Mining Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  623  AUD  1,525,104   AUD  27.00   01/20/22   1,675 
Newcrest Mining Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  2,500  AUD  6,120,000   AUD  25.00   02/17/22   131,450 
Newcrest Mining Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  2,100  AUD  5,140,800   AUD  26.00   03/17/22   74,002 
Newmont Corp.  Pershing LLC  1,630  USD  10,109,260   USD  62.00   01/21/22   270,966 
Newmont Corp.  Pershing LLC  1,557  USD  9,656,514   USD  60.50   02/18/22   540,198 
Newmont Corp.  Pershing LLC  1,200  USD  7,442,400   USD  60.00   03/18/22   490,342 
Newmont Corp.  Pershing LLC  820  USD  5,085,640   USD  64.00   03/18/22   188,443 
Northern Star Resources Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  6,930  AUD  6,521,130   AUD  10.25   02/17/22   87,097 
ONEOK Inc.  Pershing LLC  375  USD  2,203,500   USD  55.00   01/21/22   157,612 
ONEOK Inc.  Pershing LLC  380  USD  2,232,880   USD  67.50   03/18/22   18,944 
ONEOK Inc.  Pershing LLC  370  USD  2,174,120   USD  67.50   04/14/22   33,161 
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.  Pershing LLC  2,000  USD  2,450,000   USD  13.00   02/18/22   63,199 
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.  Pershing LLC  1,350  USD  1,653,750   USD  12.00   03/18/22   124,319 
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.  Pershing LLC  1,850  USD  2,266,250   USD  13.00   04/14/22   116,461 
Pan American Silver Corp.  Pershing LLC  367  USD  916,399   USD  25.00   01/21/22   32,212 
Phillips 66  Pershing LLC  370  USD  2,681,020   USD  80.00   01/21/22   7,920 
Phillips 66  Pershing LLC  340  USD  2,463,640   USD  75.00   02/18/22   67,742 
Phillips 66  Pershing LLC  360  USD  2,608,560   USD  82.50   03/18/22   35,563 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.  Pershing LLC  220  USD  4,001,360   USD  160.00   01/21/22   500,191 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.  Pershing LLC  190  USD  3,455,720   USD  200.00   03/18/22   90,271 
Rio Tinto plc, ADR  Pershing LLC  1,000  USD  6,694,000   USD  72.50   01/21/22   24,364 
Rio Tinto plc, ADR  Pershing LLC  1,000  USD  6,694,000   USD  72.50   02/18/22   83,503 
Rio Tinto plc, ADR  Pershing LLC  1,000  USD  6,694,000   USD  70.00   03/18/22   101,092 
Royal Dutch Shell plc, Cl. A  Morgan Stanley  384  GBP  6,227,712   GBp  1600.00   01/21/22   278,367 
Royal Dutch Shell plc, Cl. A  Morgan Stanley  310  GBP  5,027,580   GBp  1500.00   02/18/22   563,046 
Royal Dutch Shell plc, Cl. A  Morgan Stanley  350  GBP  5,676,300   GBp  1650.00   03/18/22   248,643 
Royal Gold Inc.  Pershing LLC  350  USD  3,682,350   USD  110.00   01/21/22   33,181 
Schlumberger NV  Pershing LLC  1,000  USD  2,995,000   USD  32.00   02/18/22   82,182 
Schlumberger NV  Pershing LLC  1,170  USD  3,504,150   USD  30.00   03/18/22   231,168 
Schlumberger NV  Pershing LLC  1,230  USD  3,683,850   USD  35.00   04/14/22   96,578 
SSR Mining Inc.  Pershing LLC  2,000  USD  3,540,000   USD  19.00   01/21/22   48,331 
SSR Mining Inc.  Pershing LLC  1,750  USD  3,097,500   USD  19.00   02/18/22   104,284 
Suncor Energy Inc.  Pershing LLC  570  USD  1,426,710   USD  21.50   01/21/22   206,140 
Suncor Energy Inc.  Pershing LLC  655  USD  1,639,465   USD  26.00   02/18/22   58,978 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

9

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2021

 
      Number of  Notional   Exercise   Expiration  Market 
Description  Counterparty  Contracts  Amount   Price   Date  Value 
Suncor Energy Inc.  Pershing LLC  570  USD  1,426,710   USD  25.50   03/18/22  $74,324 
Sunoco LP  Pershing LLC  300  USD  1,224,900   USD  35.00   01/21/22   175,943 
The Williams Companies Inc.  Pershing LLC  1,020  USD  2,656,080   USD  27.00   01/21/22   12,678 
The Williams Companies Inc.  Pershing LLC  580  USD  1,510,320   USD  27.00   02/18/22   25,158 
The Williams Companies Inc.  Pershing LLC  800  USD  2,083,200   USD  27.00   03/18/22   40,891 
TotalEnergies SE, ADR  Pershing LLC  1,287  USD  6,365,502   USD  47.00   01/21/22   357,147 
TotalEnergies SE, ADR  Pershing LLC  1,000  USD  4,946,000   USD  52.00   02/18/22   77,903 
TotalEnergies SE, ADR  Pershing LLC  1,473  USD  7,285,458   USD  55.00   03/18/22   74,504 
Valero Energy Corp.  Pershing LLC  430  USD  3,229,730   USD  70.00   02/18/22   263,507 
Valero Energy Corp.  Pershing LLC  370  USD  2,779,070   USD  75.00   03/18/22   153,420 
Valero Energy Corp.  Pershing LLC  350  USD  2,628,850   USD  75.00   04/14/22   172,235 
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF  Pershing LLC  2,625  USD  8,407,875   USD  32.00   04/14/22   515,043 
Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.  Pershing LLC  1,567  USD  6,727,131   USD  42.00   02/18/22   367,793 
Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.  Pershing LLC  1,750  USD  7,512,750   USD  44.00   03/18/22   343,944 
Yamana Gold Inc.  Pershing LLC  2,750  USD  1,160,500   USD  4.50   01/21/22   18,004 
Yamana Gold Inc.  Pershing LLC  2,400  USD  1,012,800   USD  4.50   03/18/22   49,017 
TOTAL OTC CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN                         $20,594,859 
OTC Put Options Written — (0.0)%                            
Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF  Pershing LLC  2,000  USD  11,100,000   USD  41.00   01/21/22  $3,891 
TOTAL OTC PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN                         $3,891 

 

   Number of  Notional  Exercise   Expiration  Market 
Description  Contracts  Amount  Price   Date  Value 
Exchange Traded Call Options Written — (1.0)%                         
Dundee Precious Metals Inc.  2,125  CAD  1,661,750  CAD   8.50   02/18/22  $50,397 
Dundee Precious Metals Inc.  2,125  CAD  1,661,750  CAD   8.50   03/18/22   41,998 
Eldorado Gold Corp.  2,200  USD  2,057,000  USD   11.00   02/18/22   26,400 
Eldorado Gold Corp.  2,200  USD  2,057,000  USD   10.00   03/18/22   110,000 
Eldorado Gold Corp.  1,650  USD  1,542,750  USD   10.00   04/14/22   107,250 
Endeavour Mining plc  3,400  CAD  9,428,200  CAD   33.00   01/21/22   28,222 
Endeavour Mining plc  3,088  CAD  8,563,024  CAD   31.00   03/18/22   201,399 
Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF  350  USD  1,942,500  USD   56.00   02/18/22   67,900 
Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF  360  USD  1,998,000  USD   56.00   03/18/22   96,840 
Franco-Nevada Corp.  965  USD  13,344,985  USD   135.00   01/21/22   521,100 
Franco-Nevada Corp.  700  USD  9,680,300  USD   150.00   02/18/22   126,000 
Freeport-McMoRan Inc.  2,700  USD  11,267,100  USD   35.00   01/21/22   1,881,900 
Freeport-McMoRan Inc.  2,000  USD  8,346,000  USD   40.00   02/18/22   720,000 
Freeport-McMoRan Inc.  2,100  USD  8,763,300  USD   40.00   03/18/22   886,200 
K92 Mining Inc.  4,200  CAD  3,019,800  CAD   8.00   03/18/22   58,105 
K92 Mining Inc.  4,180  CAD  3,005,420  CAD   8.50   06/17/22   148,702 
Occidental Petroleum Corp.  444  USD  1,287,156  USD   35.00   03/18/22   35,520 
OceanaGold Corp.  9,500  CAD  2,090,000  CAD   2.50   01/21/22   37,551 
OceanaGold Corp.  9,500  CAD  2,090,000  CAD   2.50   02/18/22   90,122 
Pretium Resources Inc.  2,300  USD  3,240,700  USD   11.00   01/21/22   690,000 
Pretium Resources Inc.  1,946  USD  2,741,914  USD   12.00   03/18/22   389,200 
SilverCrest Metals Inc.  2,000  USD  1,582,000  USD   10.00   03/18/22   48,000 
SilverCrest Metals Inc.  2,000  USD  1,582,000  USD   10.00   05/20/22   92,000 
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF  2,000  USD  6,406,000  USD   32.00   01/21/22   160,000 
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF  2,870  USD  9,192,610  USD   32.00   02/04/22   310,269 
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF  2,625  USD  8,407,875  USD   34.00   02/18/22   149,625 
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF  2,000  USD  6,406,000  USD   34.00   03/18/22   182,000 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

10

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2021

 
Description  Number of
Contracts
  Notional
Amount
  Exercise
Price
   Expiration
Date
  Market
Value
 
Victoria Gold Corp.  1,250  CAD  1,781,250  CAD  17.00   01/21/22  $10,376 
Victoria Gold Corp.  1,250  CAD  1,781,250  CAD  17.00   03/18/22   46,939 
Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.  3,600  CAD  4,143,600  CAD  12.00   01/21/22   35,575 
Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.  3,450  CAD  3,970,950  CAD  12.00   02/18/22   81,821 
Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.  3,600  CAD  4,143,600  CAD  13.00   03/18/22   44,112 
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN                     $7,475,523 
Exchange Traded Put Options Written — (0.1)%                        
Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF  1,000  USD  5,550,000  USD  48.00   02/18/22  $45,000 
Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF  850  USD  4,717,500  USD  40.00   03/18/22   11,475 
iShares Global Clean Energy ETF  1,000  USD  2,117,000  USD  21.00   01/21/22   42,000 
iShares Global Clean Energy ETF  980  USD  2,074,660  USD  22.00   02/18/22   132,300 
NextEra Energy Partners LP  200  USD  1,688,000  USD  70.00   01/21/22   4,000 
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust  60  USD  2,849,760  USD  400.00   01/21/22   1,620 
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust  60  USD  2,849,760  USD  400.00   02/18/22   6,300 
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund  380  USD  2,720,040  USD  67.00   02/18/22   15,200 
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund  380  USD  2,720,040  USD  67.00   03/18/22   28,120 
VanEck Agribusiness ETF  145  USD  1,383,590  USD  85.00   01/21/22   3,625 
VanEck Agribusiness ETF  145  USD  1,383,590  USD  89.00   01/21/22   10,875 
VanEck Agribusiness ETF  145  USD  1,383,590  USD  85.00   02/18/22   10,875 
VanEck Agribusiness ETF  145  USD  1,383,590  USD  89.00   02/18/22   18,487 
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF  250  USD  800,750  USD  27.00   01/21/22   1,500 
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF  1,000  USD  3,203,000  USD  26.00   02/18/22   11,000 
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF  2,190  USD  7,014,570  USD  25.00   03/18/22   30,660 
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN                     $373,037 
                         
TOTAL OPTIONS WRITTEN                     $28,447,310 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

11

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2021

 
Assets:    
Investments in securities, at value (cost $836,986,206)  $714,149,848 
Cash   32,408 
Deposit at brokers   10,985,582 
Receivable for investments in securities sold   912,980 
Dividends and interest receivable   515,060 
Deferred offering expense   153,244 
Prepaid expenses   1,833 
Total Assets   726,750,955 
Liabilities:     
Options written, at value (premiums received $26,938,178)   28,447,310 
Foreign currency overdraft, at value (cost $18,776)   18,747 
Distributions payable   60,068 
Payable for investment securities purchased   7,889,184 
Payable for investment advisory fees   572,600 
Payable for payroll expenses   96,028 
Payable for accounting fees   3,750 
Other accrued expenses   413,071 
Total Liabilities   37,500,758 
Cumulative Preferred Shares $0.001 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized:     
Series B Preferred Shares (5.000%, $25 liquidation value, 3,459,899 shares issued and outstanding)   86,497,475 
      
Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders  $602,752,722 
      
Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Consist of:     
Paid-in capital  $1,187,049,224 
Total accumulated loss   (584,296,502)
Net Assets  $602,752,722 
      
Net Asset Value per Common Share:     
($602,752,722 ÷ 154,158,319 shares outstanding at $0.001 par value; unlimited number of shares authorized)  $3.91 

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2021

 
Investment Income:    
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $1,055,479)  $21,003,676 
Interest   303,927 
Total Investment Income   21,307,603 
Expenses:     
Investment advisory fees   6,968,768 
Shareholder communications expenses   335,839 
Payroll expenses   272,359 
Trustees’ fees   252,618 
Offering expense for issuance of common shares   184,860 
Legal and audit fees   163,689 
Dividend expense on securities sold short   56,274 
Custodian fees   52,886 
Accounting fees   45,000 
Shareholder services fees   39,017 
Service fees for securities sold short (See Note 2)   28,625 
Interest expense   395 
Miscellaneous expenses   150,534 
Total Expenses   8,550,864 
Less:     
Expenses paid indirectly by broker (See Note 5)   (4,413)
Net Expenses   8,546,451 
Net Investment Income   12,761,152 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments in Securities, Securities Sold Short, Written Options, and Foreign Currency:     
Net realized loss on investments in securities   (21,811,387)
Net realized loss on securities sold short   (163,021)
Net realized gain on written options   43,694,952 
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions   (207,572)
Net realized gain on investments in securities, securities sold short, written options, and foreign currency transactions   21,512,972 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation:     
on investments in securities   8,029,604 
on written options   656,290 
on foreign currency translations   (23)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments in securities, written options, and foreign currency translations   8,685,871 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments in Securities, Securities Sold Short, Written Options, and Foreign Currency   30,198,843 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations   42,959,995 
Total Distributions to Preferred Shareholders   (4,324,874)
Net Increase in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Resulting from Operations  $38,635,121 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

12

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Statement of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders

 
   Year Ended
December 31, 2021
 Year Ended
December 31, 2020
             
Operations:              
Net investment income    $12,761,152     $6,858,890 
Net realized gain on investments in securities, securities sold short, written options, and foreign currency transactions     21,512,972      71,369,770 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments in securities, written options, and foreign currency translations     8,685,871      (50,192,234)
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations     42,959,995      28,036,426 
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders     (4,324,874)     (4,326,630)
Net Increase in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Resulting from Operations     38,635,121      23,709,796 
               
Distributions to Common Shareholders:              
Accumulated earnings     (7,893,100)     (4,835,836)
Return of capital     (47,664,520)     (73,144,119)
               
Total Distributions to Common Shareholders     (55,557,620)     (77,979,955)
               
Fund Share Transactions:              
Increase in net assets from common shares issued in offering           40,049,726 
Increase in net assets from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions     697,370      828,884 
Decrease in net assets from repurchase of common shares     (7,496,031)     (32,610,136)
Net increase in net assets from repurchase of preferred shares           11,955 
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets from Fund Share Transactions     (6,798,661)     8,280,429 
Net Decrease in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders     (23,721,160)     (45,989,730)
               
Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders:              
Beginning of year     626,473,882      672,463,612 
End of year    $602,752,722     $626,473,882 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

13

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Financial Highlights

 

Selected data for a common share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2021   2020   2019   2018   2017 
Operating Performance:                         
Net asset value, beginning of year  $4.01   $4.31   $4.17   $5.46   $5.68 
Net investment income   0.08    0.04    0.02    0.07    0.06 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, securities sold short, written options, and foreign currency transactions   0.20    0.13    0.74    (0.73)   0.35 
Total from investment operations   0.28    0.17    0.76    (0.66)   0.41 
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders: (a)                         
Net investment income   (0.03)   (0.03)   (0.03)   (0.03)   (0.03)
Total distributions to preferred shareholders   (0.03)   (0.03)   (0.03)   (0.03)   (0.03)
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Resulting from Operations   0.25    0.14    0.73    (0.69)   0.38 
Distributions to Common Shareholders:                         
Net investment income   (0.05)   (0.03)   (0.00)(b)   (0.03)   (0.05)
Net realized gain                    
Return of capital   (0.31)   (0.45)   (0.60)   (0.57)   (0.55)
Total distributions to common shareholders   (0.36)   (0.48)   (0.60)   (0.60)   (0.60)
Fund Share Transactions:                         
Increase in net asset value from common share transactions       0.01    0.01    0.00(b)   0.00(b)
Increase in net asset value from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions   0.00(b)                
Increase in net asset value from repurchase of common shares   0.01    0.03    0.00(b)        
Increase in net asset value from repurchase of preferred shares and transaction fees       0.00(b)   0.00(b)   0.00(b)   0.00(b)
Total Fund share transactions   0.01    0.04    0.01    0.00(b)   0.00(b)
Net Asset Value Attributable to Common Shareholders, End of Year  $3.91   $4.01   $4.31   $4.17   $5.46 
NAV total return †   6.69%   5.58%   18.82%   (13.54)%   7.05%
Market value, end of year  $3.75   $3.51   $4.40   $3.70   $5.21 
Investment total return ††   17.51%   (8.68)%   36.72%   (19.44)%   9.61%
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares, end of year (in 000’s)  $689,250   $712,971   $759,110   $655,478   $828,655 
Net assets attributable to common shares, end of year (in 000’s)  $602,753   $626,474   $672,464   $568,366   $740,746 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets attributable to common shares   2.09%   1.08%   0.46%   1.38%   1.13%
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares (c)(d)(e)   1.40%   1.42%   1.37%   1.35%   1.31%
Portfolio turnover rate   96%   89%   93%   146%   215%
                          
Cumulative Preferred Shares:                         
5.000% Series B Preferred                         
Liquidation value, end of year (in 000’s)  $86,497   $86,497   $86,646   $87,112   $87,909 
Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)   3,460    3,460    3,466    3,484    3,516 
Liquidation preference per share  $25.00   $25.00   $25.00   $25.00   $25.00 
Average market value (f)  $25.45   $25.13   $24.12   $23.06   $24.13 
Asset coverage per share  $199   $206   $219   $188   $236 
Asset Coverage   797%   824%   876%   752%   943%

 

 

Based on net asset value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at the net asset value per share on the ex-dividend dates.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

14

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

††Based on market value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan.

(a)Calculated based on average common shares outstanding on the record dates throughout the years.

(b)Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(c)The Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. For all years presented, there was no impact on the expense ratios.

(d)Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 would have been 1.22%, 1.25%, 1.20%, 1.19%, and 1.17%, respectively.

(e)The Fund incurred dividend expense and service fees on securities sold short. If these expenses had not been incurred, the expense ratios for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 would have been 1.39%, 1.34%, 1.33%, 1.33%, and 1.30% attributable to common shares, respectively, and 1.21%, 1.18%, 1.17%, 1.17%, and 1.16% including liquidation value of preferred shares.

(f)Based on weekly prices.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

15

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements

 

1. Organization. GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust (the Fund) is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on January 4, 2005 and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). Investment operations commenced on March 31, 2005.

 

The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide a high level of current income. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is to seek capital appreciation consistent with the Fund’s strategy and its primary objective. The Fund will attempt to achieve its objectives, under normal market conditions, by investing 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies principally engaged in the gold and natural resources industries. As part of its investment strategy, the Fund intends to earn income through an option strategy of writing (selling) covered call options on equity securities in its portfolio. The Fund anticipates that it will invest at least 25% of its assets in the equity securities of companies principally engaged in the exploration, mining, fabrication, processing, distribution, or trading of gold, or the financing, managing and controlling, or operating of companies engaged in “gold related” activities (Gold Companies). In addition, the Fund anticipates that it will invest at least 25% of its assets in the equity securities of companies principally engaged in the exploration, production, or distribution of natural resources, such as gas and oil, paper, food and agriculture, forestry products, metals, and minerals as well as related transportation companies and equipment manufacturers (Natural Resources Companies). The Fund may invest in the securities of companies located anywhere in the world.

 

The Fund may invest a high percentage of its assets in specific sectors of the market in order to achieve a potentially greater investment return. As a result, the Fund may be more susceptible to economic, political, and regulatory developments in a particular sector of the market, positive or negative, and may experience increased volatility to the Fund’s NAV and a magnified effect in its total return.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies. As an investment company, the Fund follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance, which is part of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) that may require the use of management estimates and assumptions in the preparation of its financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

 

The global outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease, known as COVID-19, has caused adverse effects on many companies, sectors, nations, regions, and the markets in general, and may continue for an unpredictable duration. The effects of this pandemic may materially impact the value and performance of the Fund, its ability to buy and sell fund investments at appropriate valuations, and its ability to achieve its investment objectives.

 

Security Valuation. Portfolio securities listed or traded on a nationally recognized securities exchange or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter market for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a market’s official closing price as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. If there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the average of the closing bid and asked prices or, if there were no asked prices quoted on that day, then the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the security is valued at the most recently available price or, if the Board of Trustees (the Board) so determines, by such other method as the Board shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value. Portfolio securities traded on more than one national securities exchange or market are valued according to the broadest and most representative market, as determined by Gabelli Funds, LLC (the Adviser).

 

16

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board if market conditions change significantly after the close of the foreign market, but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. Debt obligations for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the securities are valued using the closing bid price, unless the Board determines such amount does not reflect the securities’ fair value, in which case these securities will be fair valued as determined by the Board. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations. Futures contracts are valued at the closing settlement price of the exchange or board of trade on which the applicable contract is traded. OTC futures and options on futures for which market quotations are readily available will be valued by quotations received from a pricing service or, if no quotations are available from a pricing service, by quotations obtained from one or more dealers in the instrument in question by the Adviser.

 

Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined by the Board. Fair valuation methodologies and procedures may include, but are not limited to: analysis and review of available financial and non-financial information about the company; comparisons with the valuation and changes in valuation of similar securities, including a comparison of foreign securities with the equivalent U.S. dollar value American Depositary Receipt securities at the close of the U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that could be indicative of the value of the security.

 

The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;

Level 2 — other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.); and

Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs (including the Board’s determinations as to the fair value of investments).

 

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input both individually and in the aggregate that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

17

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

The summary of the Fund’s investments in securities and other financial instruments by inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2021 is as follows:

 

   Valuation Inputs     
   Level 1
Quoted Prices
   Level 2 Other
Significant
Observable Inputs
   Total Market Value
at 12/31/21
 
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:            
ASSETS (Market Value):            
Common Stocks (a)  $594,692,265       $594,692,265 
Rights (a)   210,016        210,016 
Warrants (a)   90,880        90,880 
Convertible Corporate Bonds (a)      $4,041,625    4,041,625 
Corporate Bonds (a)       1,968,060    1,968,060 
U.S. Government Obligations       113,147,002    113,147,002 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES – ASSETS  $594,993,161   $119,156,687   $714,149,848 
                
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:               
LIABILITIES (Market Value):               
Equity Contracts               
Call Options Written  $(6,558,804)  $(21,511,578)  $(28,070,382)
Put Options Written   (181,400)   (195,528)   (376,928)
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES - LIABLITIES  $(6,740,204)  $(21,707,106)  $(28,447,310)

 

 

 

(a)Please refer to the Schedule of Investments (SOI) for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.

 

There were no level 3 investments held at December 31, 2021 or 2020.

 

Additional Information to Evaluate Qualitative Information.

 

General. The Fund uses recognized industry pricing services – approved by the Board and unaffiliated with the Adviser – to value most of its securities, and uses broker quotes provided by market makers of securities not valued by these and other recognized pricing sources. Several different pricing feeds are received to value domestic equity securities, international equity securities, preferred equity securities, and fixed income securities. The data within these feeds are ultimately sourced from major stock exchanges and trading systems where these securities trade. The prices supplied by external sources are checked by obtaining quotations or actual transaction prices from market participants. If a price obtained from the pricing source is deemed unreliable, prices will be sought from another pricing service or from a broker/dealer that trades that security or similar securities.

 

Fair Valuation. Fair valued securities may be common or preferred equities, warrants, options, rights, or fixed income obligations. Where appropriate, Level 3 securities are those for which market quotations are not available, such as securities not traded for several days, or for which current bids are not available, or which are restricted as to transfer. When fair valuing a security, factors to consider include recent prices of comparable securities that are publicly traded, reliable prices of securities not publicly traded, the use of valuation models, current analyst reports, valuing the income or cash flow of the issuer, or cost if the preceding factors do not apply. A significant change in the unobservable inputs could result in a lower or higher value in Level 3 securities. The

 

18

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

circumstances of Level 3 securities are frequently monitored to determine if fair valuation measures continue to apply.

 

The Adviser reports quarterly to the Board the results of the application of fair valuation policies and procedures. These may include backtesting the prices realized in subsequent trades of these fair valued securities to fair values previously recognized.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments. The Fund may engage in various portfolio investment strategies by investing in derivative financial instruments for the purposes of increasing the income of the Fund, hedging against changes in the value of its portfolio securities and in the value of securities it intends to purchase, or hedging against a specific transaction with respect to either the currency in which the transaction is denominated or another currency. Investing in certain derivative financial instruments, including participation in the options, futures, or swap markets, entails certain execution, liquidity, hedging, tax, and securities, interest, credit, or currency market risks. Losses may arise if the Adviser’s prediction of movements in the direction of the securities, foreign currency, and interest rate markets is inaccurate. Losses may also arise if the counterparty does not perform its duties under a contract, or, in the event of default, the Fund may be delayed in or prevented from obtaining payments or other contractual remedies owed to it under derivative contracts. The creditworthiness of the counterparties is closely monitored in order to minimize these risks. Participation in derivative transactions involves investment risks, transaction costs, and potential losses to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. The consequences of these risks, transaction costs, and losses may have a negative impact on the Fund’s ability to pay distributions.

 

Collateral requirements differ by type of derivative. Collateral requirements are set by the broker or exchange clearing house for exchange traded derivatives, while collateral terms are contract specific for derivatives traded over-the-counter. Securities pledged to cover obligations of the Fund under derivative contracts are noted in the Schedule of Investments. Cash collateral, if any, pledged for the same purpose will be reported separately in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The Fund’s policy with respect to offsetting is that, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the master agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the Fund and the applicable counterparty. The enforceability of the right to offset may vary by jurisdiction.

 

The Fund’s derivative contracts held at December 31, 2021, if any, are not accounted for as hedging instruments under GAAP and are disclosed in the Schedule of Investments together with the related counterparty.

 

Options. The Fund may purchase or write call or put options on securities or indices for the purpose of increasing the income of the Fund. As a writer of put options, the Fund receives a premium at the outset and then bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the price of the financial instrument underlying the option. The Fund would incur a loss if the price of the underlying financial instrument decreases between the date the option is written and the date on which the option is terminated. The Fund would realize a gain, to the extent of the premium, if the price of the financial instrument increases between those dates.

 

As a purchaser of put options, the Fund pays a premium for the right to sell to the seller of the put option the underlying security at a specified price. The seller of the put has the obligation to purchase the underlying security upon exercise at the exercise price. If the price of the underlying security declines, the Fund would

 

19

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

realize a gain upon sale or exercise. If the price of the underlying security increases or stays the same, the Fund would realize a loss upon sale or at the expiration date, but only to the extent of the premium paid.

 

If a written call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether there has been a realized gain or loss. If a written put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the security. In the case of call options, the exercise prices are referred to as “in-the-money,” “at-the-money,” and “out-of-the-money,” respectively. The Fund may write (a) in-the-money call options when the Adviser expects that the price of the underlying security will remain stable or decline during the option period, (b) at-the-money call options when the Adviser expects that the price of the underlying security will remain stable, decline, or advance moderately during the option period, and (c) out-of-the-money call options when the Adviser expects that the premiums received from writing the call option will be greater than the appreciation in the price of the underlying security above the exercise price. By writing a call option, the Fund limits its opportunity to profit from any increase in the market value of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option. Out-of-the-money, at-the-money, and in-the-money put options (the reverse of call options as to the relation of exercise price to market price) may be utilized in the same market environments that such call options are used in equivalent transactions. Option positions at December 31, 2021 are reflected within the Schedule of Investments.

 

The Fund’s volume of activity in equity options contracts during the year ended December 31, 2021 had an average monthly market value of approximately $38,468,694.

 

At December 31, 2021, the Fund’s derivative liabilities (by type) are as follows:

 

   Gross Amounts of
Recognized Liabilities
Presented in the
Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
   Gross Amounts
Available for
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
   Net Amounts of
Liabilities Presented in
the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
 
Liabilities            
OTC Equity Written Options  $20,598,750      $20,598,750 

 

The following table presents the Fund’s derivative liabilities by counterparty net of the related collateral segregated by the Fund for the benefit of the counterparty as of December 31, 2021:

 

   Net Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
   Net Amounts of
Liabilities Presented in
the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
  Securities Pledged
as Collateral
  Cash Collateral
Pledged
  Net Amount
Counterparty                
Pershing LLC  $18,763,243   $(18,763,243)      
Morgan Stanley  1,835,507   (1,835,507)      
Total  $20,598,750   $(20,598,750)      

 

As of December 31, 2021 the value of equity options written can be found in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, under Liabilities, Options written, at value. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the effect of equity options written can be found in the Statement of Operations under Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss) on Investments, Securities Sold Short, Written Options, and Foreign Currency, within Net realized gain on written options, and Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on written options.

 

20

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Limitations on the Purchase and Sale of Futures Contracts, Certain Options, and Swaps. Subject to the guidelines of the Board, the Fund may engage in “commodity interest” transactions (generally, transactions in futures, certain options, certain currency transactions, and certain types of swaps) only for bona fide hedging or other permissible transactions in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Pursuant to amendments by the CFTC to Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA), the Adviser has filed a notice of exemption from registration as a “commodity pool operator” with respect to the Fund. The Fund and the Adviser are therefore not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under the CEA. In addition, certain trading restrictions are now applicable to the Fund which permit the Fund to engage in commodity interest transactions that include (i) “bona fide hedging” transactions, as that term is defined and interpreted by the CFTC and its staff, without regard to the percentage of the Fund’s assets committed to margin and options premiums and (ii) non-bona fide hedging transactions, provided that the Fund does not enter into such non-bona fide hedging transactions if, immediately thereafter, either (a) the sum of the amount of initial margin deposits on the Fund’s existing futures positions or swaps positions and option or swaption premiums would exceed 5% of the market value of the Fund’s liquidating value, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such transactions, or (b) the aggregate net notional value of the Fund’s commodity interest transactions would not exceed 100% of the market value of the Fund’s liquidating value, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such transactions. Therefore, in order to claim the Rule 4.5 exemption, the Fund is limited in its ability to invest in commodity futures, options, and certain types of swaps (including securities futures, broad based stock index futures, and financial futures contracts). As a result, in the future the Fund will be more limited in its ability to use these instruments than in the past, and these limitations may have a negative impact on the ability of the Adviser to manage the Fund, and on the Fund’s performance.

 

Securities Sold Short. The Fund may enter into short sale transactions. Short selling involves selling securities that may or may not be owned and, at times, borrowing the same securities for delivery to the purchaser, with an obligation to replace such borrowed securities at a later date. The proceeds received from short sales are recorded as liabilities and the Fund records an unrealized gain or loss to the extent of the difference between the proceeds received and the value of an open short position on the day of determination. The Fund records a realized gain or loss when the short position is closed out. By entering into a short sale, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security sold short. Dividends on short sales are recorded as an expense by the Fund on the ex-dividend date and interest expense is recorded on the accrual basis. The broker retains collateral for the value of the open positions, which is adjusted periodically as the value of the position fluctuates. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Fund incurred $28,625 in service fees related to its investment positions sold short and held by the broker. These amounts are included in the Statement of Operations under Expenses, Service fees for securities sold short.

 

Investments in Other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest, from time to time, in shares of other investment companies (or entities that would be considered investment companies but are excluded from the definition pursuant to certain exceptions under the 1940 Act) (the Acquired Funds) in accordance with the 1940 Act and related rules. Shareholders in the Fund would bear the pro rata portion of the periodic expenses of the Acquired Funds in addition to the Fund’s expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Fund’s pro rata portion of the periodic expenses charged by the Acquired Funds was less than one basis point.

 

Foreign Currency Translations. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments, and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange

 

21

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated at the exchange rate prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Unrealized gains and losses that result from changes in foreign exchange rates and/or changes in market prices of securities have been included in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations. Net realized foreign currency gains and losses resulting from changes in exchange rates include foreign currency gains and losses between trade date and settlement date on investment securities transactions, foreign currency transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the books of the Fund and the amounts actually received. The portion of foreign currency gains and losses related to fluctuation in exchange rates between the initial purchase trade date and subsequent sale trade date is included in realized gain/(loss) on investments.

 

Foreign Securities. The Fund may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The risks include possible revaluation of currencies, the inability to repatriate funds, less complete financial information about companies, and possible future adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers.

 

Foreign Taxes. The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments, or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable, based upon its current interpretation of tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.

 

Restricted Securities. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities for which the markets are restricted. Restricted securities include securities whose disposition is subject to substantial legal or contractual restrictions. The sale of restricted securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Restricted securities may sell at a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Securities freely saleable among qualified institutional investors under special rules adopted by the SEC may be treated as liquid if they satisfy liquidity standards established by the Board. The continued liquidity of such securities is not as well assured as that of publicly traded securities, and, accordingly, the Board will monitor their liquidity. At December 31, 2021, the Fund held no restricted securities.

 

Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date with realized gain/(loss) on investments determined by using the identified cost method. Interest income (including amortization of premium and accretion of discount) is recorded on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield to maturity method or amortized to earliest call date, if applicable. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except for certain dividends from foreign securities that are recorded as soon after the ex-dividend date as the Fund becomes aware of such dividends.

 

Custodian Fee Credits and Interest Expense. When cash balances are maintained in the custody account, the Fund receives credits which are used to offset custodian fees. The gross expenses paid under the custody arrangement are included in custodian fees in the Statement of Operations with the corresponding expense offset, if any, shown as “Custodian fee credits.” When cash balances are overdrawn, the Fund is charged an overdraft fee of 110% of the 90 day U.S. Treasury Bill rate on outstanding balances. This amount, if any, would be included in the Statement of Operations.

 

22

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are based on income and capital gains as determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from income and capital gains as determined under GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities and foreign currency transactions held by the Fund, timing differences, and differing characterizations of distributions made by the Fund. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, adjustments are made to the appropriate capital accounts in the period when the differences arise. Permanent differences were primarily due to the tax treatment of currency gains and losses and disallowed expenses. These reclassifications have no impact on the NAV of the Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2021, reclassifications were made to decrease paid-in capital by $278,796, with an offsetting adjustment to total accumulated loss.

 

The Fund declares and pays monthly distributions from net investment income, capital gains, and paid-in capital. The actual source of the distribution is determined after the end of the year. Distributions during the year may be made in excess of required distributions. Distributions sourced from paid-in capital should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment in the Fund. The Board will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s NAV and the financial market environment. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board at any time.

 

Distributions to shareholders of the Fund’s 5.000% Series B Cumulative Preferred Shares (Series B Preferred) are accrued on a daily basis and are determined as described in Note 5.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was as follows:

 

   Year Ended
December 31, 2021
   Year Ended
December 31, 2020
 
   Common   Preferred   Common   Preferred 
Distributions paid from:                    
Ordinary income  $7,893,100   $4,324,874   $4,835,836   $4,326,630 
Return of capital   47,664,520        73,144,119     
Total distributions paid  $55,557,620   $4,324,874   $77,979,955   $4,326,630 

 

Provision for Income Taxes. The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). It is the policy of the Fund to comply with the requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment company taxable income and net capital gains. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.

 

At December 31, 2021, the components of accumulated earnings/losses on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Accumulated capital loss carryforwards  $(411,190,666)
Net unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations   (173,024,378)
Other temporary differences*   (60,068)
Qualified late year loss deferrals**   (21,390)
Total  $(584,296,502)

 

 

*Other temporary differences are due to preferred share class distributions payable.

 

23

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

**Under the current law, qualified late year losses realized after October 31 and prior to the Fund’s year end may be elected as occurring on the first day of the following year. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Fund elected to defer $21,390 of late year ordinary losses.

 

At December 31, 2021, the Fund had net long term capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes which are available to reduce future required distributions of net capital gains to shareholders. The Fund is permitted to carry capital losses forward for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short term or long term capital losses.

 

Long term capital loss carryforward with no expiration  $(411,190,666)

 

The Fund utilized $29,894,914 of the capital loss carryforward for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

At December 31, 2021, the temporary differences between book basis and tax basis unrealized depreciation were primarily due to deferral of losses from wash sales for tax purposes, and adjustments on investments in partnerships.

 

The following summarizes the tax cost of investments and derivatives and the related net unrealized depreciation at December 31, 2021:

 

   Cost/
(Premiums)
   Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
   Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
   Net Unrealized
Depreciation
 
                
Investments and other derivative instruments  $858,831,364   $23,088,461   $(196,113,034)  $(173,024,573)

 

The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed not to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Fund did not incur any income tax, interest, or penalties. As of December 31, 2021, the Adviser has reviewed all open tax years and concluded that there was no impact to the Fund’s net assets or results of operations. The Fund’s federal and state tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open, subject to examination. On an ongoing basis, the Adviser will monitor the Fund’s tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary.

 

3. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions. The Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement (the Advisory Agreement) with the Adviser which provides that the Fund will pay the Adviser a fee, computed weekly and paid monthly, equal on an annual basis to 1.00% of the value of the Fund’s average weekly net assets including the liquidation value of preferred shares. In accordance with the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides a continuous investment program for the Fund’s portfolio and oversees the administration of all aspects of the Fund’s business and affairs.

 

4. Portfolio Securities. Purchases and sales of securities during the year ended December 31, 2021, other than short term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $607,818,225 and $624,577,346, respectively.

 

24

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

5. Transactions with Affiliates and Other Arrangements. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. The amount of such expenses paid through this directed brokerage arrangement during this period was $4,413.

 

The cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. Under the sub-administration agreement with Bank of New York Mellon, the fees paid include the cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV. The Fund reimburses the Adviser for this service. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Fund accrued $45,000 in accounting fees in the Statement of Operations.

 

As per the approval of the Board, the Fund compensates officers of the Fund, who are employed by the Fund and are not employed by the Adviser (although the officers may receive incentive based variable compensation from affiliates of the Adviser). For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Fund accrued $272,359 in payroll expenses in the Statement of Operations.

 

The Fund pays retainer and per meeting fees to Trustees not affiliated with the Adviser, plus specified amounts to the Lead Trustee and Audit Committee Chairman. Trustees are also reimbursed for out of pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. Trustees who are directors or employees of the Adviser or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Fund.

 

6. Capital. The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest (par value $0.001). The Fund has an effective $500 million shelf registration for the issuance of common or preferred shares. On June 17, 2021 the Fund filed a prospectus supplement for at-the-market offerings of up to 20 million common shares. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Fund has sold its common shares in “at the market” offerings as summarized in the following table:

 

Year Ended   Shares Issued   Net Proceeds   Sales
Manager
Commissions
   Offering
Expenses
   Net Proceeds
in Excess of
Par
 
2020    9,353,536   $40,049,726   $334,825   $105,404   $999,585 

 

The Board has authorized the repurchase of its common shares in the open market when the shares are trading at a discount of 7.5% or more (or such other percentage as the Board may determine from time to time) from the NAV of the shares. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Fund repurchased and retired 2,143,897 and 9,290,549 of its common shares at an investment of $7,496,031 and $32,610,136 and an average discount of approximately 11.85% and 13.28% from its NAV, respectively.

 

25

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Transactions in common shares of beneficial interest for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, were as follows:

 

   Year Ended
December 31, 2021
   Year Ended
December 31, 2020
 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares issued pursuant to shelf offering         9,353,536   $40,049,726 
Increase in net assets from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions  178,184   $697,370   200,245    828,884 
Decrease in net assets from repurchase of common shares  (2,143,897)   (7,496,031)  (9,290,549)   (32,610,136)
Net increase/(decrease)  (1,965,713)  $(6,798,661)  263,232   $8,268,474 

 

The Fund’s Declaration of Trust, as amended, authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of $0.001 par value Preferred Shares. The Series B Preferred are callable at any time at the liquidation value of $25 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The Board has authorized the repurchase of the Series B Preferred in the open market at prices less than the $25 liquidation value per share. At December 31, 2021, 3,459,899 Series B Preferred were outstanding and accrued dividends amounted to $60,068.

 

The Series B Preferred is senior to the common shares and results in the financial leveraging of the common shares. Such leveraging tends to magnify both the risks and opportunities to common shareholders. Dividends on the Series B Preferred are cumulative. The Fund is required by the 1940 Act and by the Statement of Preferences to meet certain asset coverage tests with respect to the Series B Preferred. If the Fund fails to meet these requirements and does not correct such failure, the Fund may be required to redeem, in part or in full, the Series B Preferred at the redemption price of $25 per share plus an amount equal to the accumulated and unpaid dividends whether or not declared on such shares in order to meet the requirements. Additionally, failure to meet the foregoing asset coverage requirements could restrict the Fund’s ability to pay dividends to common shareholders and could lead to sales of portfolio securities at inopportune times. The income received on the Fund’s assets may vary in a manner unrelated to the fixed rate, which could have either a beneficial or detrimental impact on net investment income and gains available to common shareholders.

 

The holders of Preferred Shares generally are entitled to one vote per share held on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common shares as a single class. The holders of Preferred Shares voting together as a single class also have the right currently to elect two Trustees and, under certain circumstances, are entitled to elect a majority of the Board of Trustees. In addition, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of all outstanding shares of the Preferred Shares, voting as a single class, will be required to approve any plan of reorganization adversely.

 

7. Indemnifications. The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Fund’s existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

8. Subsequent Events. Management has evaluated the impact on the Fund of all subsequent events occurring through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

26

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust (the "Fund") as of December 31, 2021, the related statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021, the statement of changes in net assets attributable to common shareholders for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2021 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2021, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets attributable to common shareholders for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2021 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

February 28, 2022

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 1986.

 

27

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited)

 

 

The following includes information that is incorporated by reference in the Fund’s Registration Statement and is also a summary of certain changes during the most recent fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. This information may not reflect all of the changes that have occurred since you purchased shares of the Fund.

 

During the Fund’s most recent fiscal year, there were no material changes to the Fund’s investment objectives or policies that have not been approved by shareholders or in the principal risk factors associated with an investment in the Fund.

 

SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES

 

The following table shows the Fund’s expenses, including preferred shares offering expenses, as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares. All expenses of the Fund are borne, directly or indirectly, by the common shareholders. The table is based on the capital structure of the Fund as of December 31, 2021. The purpose of the table and example below is to help you understand all fees and expenses that you, as a holder of common shares, would bear directly or indirectly.

 

Shareholder Transaction Expenses  
Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price) -% (a)
Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (excluding Preferred Shares Offering Expenses) (as a percentage of offering price) -% (a)
Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan  
Fees  
Purchase Transactions $1.00 (b)

 

Annual Expenses (as a percentage of net assets
attributable to common shares)
Percentages of Net Assets
Attributable to Common Shares
Management Fees 1.14%(c)
Other Expenses 0.26%(c)
Total Annual Expenses 1.40%
Dividends on Preferred Shares 0.72%(d)
Total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred Shares 2.12%

 

 

(a)If common shares are sold to or through underwriters or dealer managers, a prospectus or prospectus supplement will set forth any applicable sales load and the estimated offering expenses borne by the Fund.

(b)Shareholders participating in the Fund’s automatic dividend reinvestment plan do not incur any additional fees. Shareholders participating in the voluntary cash purchase plan would pay $1.00 plus their pro rata share of brokerage commissions per transaction to purchase shares and just their pro rata share of brokerage commissions per transaction to sell shares. See “Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan.”

 

28

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)

 
(c)The Investment Adviser’s fee is 1.00% annually of the Fund’s average weekly net assets, with no deduction for the liquidation preference of any preferred shares. Consequently, since the Fund has preferred shares or notes outstanding, all else being equal, the investment management fees and other expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares are higher than if the Fund did not utilize a leveraged capital structure. “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current year.”

(d)Dividends on Preferred Shares represent the estimated annual distributions on the existing preferred shares outstanding.

 

For a more complete description of the various costs and expenses a common shareholder would bear in connection with the issuance and ongoing maintenance of any preferred shares or notes issued by the Fund, see “Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Leverage Risk.”

 

The following example illustrates the expenses you would pay on a $1,000 investment in common shares, assuming a 5% annual portfolio total return.* The actual amounts in connection with any offering will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement if applicable.

 

   1 Year  3 Year  5 Year  10 Year
Total Expenses Incurred  $22  $66  $114  $226

 

**The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses. The example is based on total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred Shares shown in the table above and assumes that the amounts set forth in the table do not change and that all distributions are reinvested at net asset value. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example.

 

The example includes Dividends on Preferred Shares. If Dividends on Preferred Shares were not included in the example calculation, the expenses for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods in the table above would be as follows (based on the same assumptions as above): $14, $44, $77, and $169.

 

The Fund's common shares are listed on the NYSE American under the trading or "ticker" symbol "GGN." The Fund's Series B Cumulative Preferred Shares are listed on the NYSE American under the ticker symbol " GGN PrB." See "Description of the Securities" in the Prospectus. The Fund's common shares have historically traded at a discount to the Fund's net asset value. Over the past ten years, the Fund's common shares have traded at a premium to net asset value as high as 14.05% and a discount as low as (25.36)%. Any additional series of fixed rate preferred shares or subscription rights issued in the future pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement by the Fund would also likely be listed on the NYSE American.

 

The following table sets forth for the quarters indicated, the high and low sale prices on the NYSE American per share of our common shares and the net asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value per share at which the common shares were trading, expressed as a percentage of net asset value, at each of the high and low sale prices provided.

 

29

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)

 

 

   Common Share
Market Price
  Corresponding
Net Asset
Value
(“NAV”) Per
Share
  Corresponding
Premium or
Discount as a %
of NAV
Quarter Ended  High  Low  High  Low  High  Low
March 31, 2020  $4.45  $2.06  $4.31  $2.76  3.25%  (25.36)%
June 30, 2020  $3.52  $2.71  $3.56  $3.11  (1.12)%  (12.86)%
September 30, 2020  $3.77  $3.36  $4.32  $3.89  (12.73)%  (13.63)%
December 31, 2020  $3.58  $3.27  $4.05  $3.75  (11.60)%  (12.80)%
March 31, 2021  $3.73  $3.37  $4.21  $3.78  (11.40)%  (10.85)%
June 30, 2021  $4.29  $3.52  $4.25  $3.97  0.94%  (11.33)%
September 30, 2021  $4.08  $3.67  $4.00  $3.67  2.00%  0.00%
December 31, 2021  $4.02  $3.65  $4.02  $3.73  0.00%  (2.14)%

 

The last reported price for our common shares on December 31, 2021 was $3.75 per share. As of December 31, 2021, the net asset value per share of the Fund’s common shares was $3.91 Accordingly, the Fund’s common shares traded at a discount to net asset value of (4.09)% on December 31, 2021.

 

Unresolved SEC Staff Comments

 

The Fund does not believe that there are any material unresolved written comments, received 180 days or more before December 31, 2021 from the Staff of the SEC regarding any of the Fund’s periodic or current reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the Investment Company Act of 1940, or its registration statement.

 

30

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Financial Highlights

 

Selected data for a common share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012 
Operating Performance:                         
Net asset value, beginning of year  $5.34   $7.35   $9.94   $13.26   $14.70 
Net investment income   0.03    0.02    0.03    0.07    0.11 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, securities sold short, written options, and foreign currency transactions   1.15    (1.15)   (1.51)   (1.89)   (0.01)
Total from investment operations   1.18    (1.13)   (1.48)   (1.82)   0.10 
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders: (a)                         
Net investment income   (0.00)(b)   (0.00)(b)   (0.02)   (0.00)(b)   (0.00)(b)
Net realized gain               (0.05)   (0.07)
Return of capital   (0.04)   (0.04)   (0.02)        
Total distributions to preferred shareholders   (0.04)   (0.04)   (0.04)   (0.05)   (0.07)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets attributable to common shareholders resulting from operations   1.14    (1.17)   (1.52)   (1.87)   0.03 
Distributions to Common Shareholders:                         
Net investment income   (0.04)   (0.02)       (0.06)   (0.02)
Net realized gain               (0.75)   (1.36)
Return of capital   (0.80)   (0.82)   (1.08)   (0.63)   (0.24)
Total distributions to common shareholders   (0.84)   (0.84)   (1.08)   (1.44)   (1.62)
Fund Share Transactions:                         
Increase in net asset value from issuance of common shares   0.04        0.01    0.01    0.15 
Increase in net asset value from repurchase of common shares   0.00(b)   0.00(b)       0.00(b)    
Increase in net asset value from repurchase of preferred shares and transaction fees   0.00(b)   0.00(b)   0.00(b)   0.01     
Offering costs for preferred shares charged to paid-in capital               (0.03)    
Adjustments to offering costs for preferred shares credited to paid-in capital           0.00(b)        
Total Fund share transactions   0.04    0.00(b)   0.01    (0.01)   0.15 
Net Asset Value, End of Year  $5.68   $5.34   $7.35   $9.94   $13.26 
NAV total return †   22.67%   (17.59)%   (17.23)%   (14.62)%   1.36%
Market value, end of year  $5.30   $4.75   $7.00   $9.02   $12.80 
Investment total return ††   29.39%   (22.14)%   (13.01)%   (19.51)%   1.82%

 

31

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

Selected data for a common share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012 
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares, end of year (in 000’s)  $853,079   $691,468   $920,538   $1,152,361   $1,428,491 
Net assets attributable to common shares, end of year (in 000’s)  $764,312   $601,745   $828,027   $1,057,668   $1,329,599 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets attributable to common shares   0.44%   0.30%   0.21%   0.59%   0.33%
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares   1.32%(c)(d)   1.29%(c)   1.24%   1.20%   1.22%
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares   1.18%(c)(d)   1.15%(c)   1.14%   1.11%   1.12%
Portfolio turnover rate   198.4%   36.0%   87.4%   83.7%   47.4%
Preferred Shares:                         
5.000% Series B Cumulative Preferred Shares                         
Liquidation value, end of year (in 000’s)  $88,767   $89,724   $92,512   $94,693     
Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)   3,551    3,589    3,700    3,788     
Liquidation preference per share  $25.00   $25.00   $25.00   $25.00     
Average market value (e)  $23.81   $22.03   $21.28   $21.00     
Asset coverage per share  $240   $193   $249   $304     
Asset coverage   961%   771%   995%   1,217%    

 

 

Based on net asset value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at the net asset value per share on the ex-dividend dates.

††Based on market value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan.

(a)Calculated based upon average common shares outstanding on the record dates throughout the years.

(b)Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(c)The Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, there was no impact on the expense ratios.

(d)The Fund incurred dividend expenses on securities sold short. If this expense had not been incurred, the expense ratios for the year ended December 31, 2016 would have been 1.31% attributable to common shares, and 1.17% including liquidation value of preferred shares.

(e)Based on weekly prices.

 

CHANGES OCCURRING DURING THE PRIOR FISCAL PERIOD

 

The following information is a summary of certain changes during the most recent fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. This information may not reflect all of the changes that have occurred since you purchased shares of the Fund.

 

During the Fund’s most recent fiscal year, there were no material changes to the Fund’s investment objective or policies that have not been approved by shareholders or in the principal risk factors associated with an investment in the Fund.

 

32

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)

 

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

 

Investment Objectives

 

The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide a high level of current income. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is to seek capital appreciation consistent with the Fund’s strategy and its primary objective. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will attempt to achieve its objectives by investing at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies principally engaged in the gold industry and the natural resources industries. The Fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in the equity securities of companies principally engaged in the gold industry, which includes companies principally engaged in the exploration, mining, fabrication, processing, distribution or trading of gold or the financing, managing, controlling or operating of companies engaged in “gold-related” activities. In addition, the Fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in the equity securities of companies principally engaged in the group of industries that constitute the natural resources industries, which include companies principally engaged in the exploration, production or distribution of natural resources, such as gas, oil, paper, food and agriculture, forestry products, metals (other than gold) and minerals as well as related transportation companies and equipment manufacturers. The Fund may invest in the securities of companies located anywhere in the world. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 40% of its assets in the securities of issuers located in at least three countries other than the United States. For this purpose an issuer will be treated as located outside the United States if it is either organized or headquartered outside the United States and has a substantial portion of its operations or sales outside the United States. Equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, warrants, depository receipts and equity interests in trusts and other entities. Other Fund investments may include investment companies, securities of issuers subject to reorganization or other risk arbitrage investments, certain derivative instruments, debt (including obligations of the United States government) and money market instruments. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities rated below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable quality, including securities of issuers in default, which are likely to have the lowest rating. These securities, which may be preferred shares or debt, are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Securities that are rated lower than “BBB” by S&P, or lower than “Baa” by Moody’s or unrated securities considered by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality, are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities.

 

As part of its investment strategy, the Fund intends to generate gains through an option strategy of writing (selling) covered call options on equity securities in its portfolio. When the Fund sells a covered call option, it generates gains in the form of the premium paid by the buyer of the call option, but the Fund forgoes the opportunity to participate in any increase in the value of the underlying equity security above the exercise price of the option.

 

33

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)

 

 

Investment Methodology of the Fund

 

In selecting securities for the Fund, the Investment Adviser normally considers the following factors, among others:

The industry of the issuer of a security;

the potential of the Fund to earn gains from writing covered call options on such securities;

the interest or dividend income generated by the securities;

the potential for capital appreciation of the securities;

the prices of the securities relative to comparable securities;

whether the securities are entitled to the benefits of call protection or other protective covenants;

the existence of any anti-dilution protections or guarantees of the security; and

the number and size of investments of the portfolio as to issuers.

 

The Investment Adviser’s investment philosophy with respect to selecting investments in the gold industry and the natural resources industries is to emphasize quality and value, as determined by such factors as asset quality, balance sheet leverage, management ability, reserve life, cash flow, and commodity hedging exposure. In addition, in making stock selections, the Investment Adviser looks for securities that it believes may have a superior yield as well as capital gains potential.

 

Current Investment Practices

 

Gold Industry Concentration. Under normal market conditions the Fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in the equity securities of Gold Companies. “Gold Companies” are those Companies that are principally engaged in the gold industry, which includes companies principally engaged in the exploration, mining, fabrication, processing, distribution or trading of gold, or the financing, managing, controlling or operating of companies engaged in “gold-related” activities. The Fund’s investments in Gold Companies will generally be in the common equity of Gold Companies, but the Fund may also invest in other securities of Gold Companies, such as preferred stocks, securities convertible into common stocks, and securities such as rights and warrants that have common stock characteristics.

 

In selecting investments in Gold Companies for the Fund, the Investment Adviser will focus on stocks that are undervalued, but which appear to have favorable prospects for growth. Factors considered in this determination will include capitalization per ounce of gold production, capitalization per ounce of recoverable reserves, quality of management and ability to create shareholder wealth. Because most of the world’s gold production is outside of the United States, the Fund may have a significant portion of its investments in Gold Companies in securities of foreign issuers, including those located in developed as well as emerging markets. The percentage of Fund assets invested in particular countries or regions will change from time to time based on the Investment Adviser’s judgment. Among other things, the Investment Adviser will consider the economic stability and economic outlook of these countries and regions. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Industry Risks.”

 

Natural Resources Industries Concentration. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in equity securities of Natural Resources Companies. “Natural Resources Companies” are those that are principally engaged in the group of industries that constitute the natural resources industries, which include companies principally engaged in the exploration, production or distribution of energy or natural

 

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resources, such as gas, oil, paper, food and agriculture, forestry products, metals (other than gold) and minerals as well as related transportation companies and equipment manufacturers.”

 

Principally engaged, as used in this Annual Report, means a company that derives at least 50% of its revenues or earnings or devotes at least 50% of its assets to gold or natural resources related activities, as the case may be.

 

Covered Calls and Other Option Transactions. The Fund intends to generate gains through an option strategy which will normally consist of writing (selling) call options on equity securities in its portfolio (“covered calls”), but may, in amounts up to 15% of the Fund’s assets, consist of writing uncovered call options on additional amounts of such securities beyond the amounts held in its portfolio, on other securities not held in its portfolio, on indices comprised of Gold Companies or Natural Resources Companies or on exchange traded funds comprised of such issuers and also may consist of writing put options on securities in its portfolio. Writing a covered call is the selling of an option contract entitling the buyer to purchase an underlying security that the Fund owns, while writing an uncovered call is the selling of such a contract entitling the buyer to purchase a security the Fund does not own or in an amount in excess of the amount the Fund owns. When the Fund sells a call option, it generates gains in the form of the premium paid by the buyer of the call option, but the Fund forgoes the opportunity to participate in any increase in the value of the underlying equity security above the exercise price of the option. The writer of the call option has the obligation, upon exercise of the option, to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price during the option period.

 

A put option is the reverse of a call option, giving the buyer the right, in return for a premium, to sell the underlying security to the writer, at a specified price, and obligating the writer to purchase the underlying security from the holder at that price. When the Fund sells a put option, it generates gains in the form of the premium paid by the buyer of the put option, but the Fund will have the obligation to buy the underlying security at the exercise price if the price of the security decreases below the exercise price of the option.

 

If the Fund has written a call option, it may terminate its obligation by effecting a closing purchase transaction. This is accomplished by purchasing a call option with the same terms as the option previously written. However, once the Fund has been assigned an exercise notice, the Fund will be unable to effect a closing purchase transaction. Similarly, if the Fund is the holder of an option, it may liquidate its position by effecting a closing sale transaction. This is accomplished by selling an option with the same terms as the option previously purchased. There can be no assurance that either a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund so desires.

 

The Fund will realize a profit from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the premium it received from writing the option or is more than the premium it paid to purchase the option; the Fund will realize a loss from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is more than the premium it received from writing the option or is less than the premium it paid to purchase the option. Since call option prices generally reflect increases in the price of the underlying security, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option may also be wholly or partially offset by unrealized appreciation of the underlying security. Other principal factors affecting the market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market price and price volatility of the underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date of the option. Gains and losses on investments in options depend, in part, on the ability of the Investment Adviser to predict correctly

 

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the effect of these factors. The use of options cannot serve as a complete hedge since the price movement of securities underlying the options will not necessarily follow the price movements of the portfolio securities subject to the hedge.

 

An option position may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market for an option with the same terms or in a private transaction. Although the Fund will generally purchase or write options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option. In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, in which case the Fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur brokerage commissions upon the exercise of call options and upon the subsequent disposition of underlying securities for the exercise of put options.

 

When the Fund writes an uncovered call option or put option, it will segregate liquid assets with its custodian in an amount equal to the amount, adjusted daily, by which such option is in the money or will treat the unsegregated amount as borrowings.

 

Although the Investment Adviser will attempt to take appropriate measures to minimize the risks relating to the Fund’s writing and purchasing of put and call options, there can be no assurance that the Fund will succeed in any option-writing program it undertakes. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Risks Associated with Covered Calls and Other Options.”

 

Foreign Securities. Because many of the world’s Gold Companies and Natural Resources Companies are located outside of the United States, the Fund may have a significant portion of its investments in securities of foreign issuers, which are generally denominated in foreign currencies. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Foreign Securities Risk.”

 

The Fund may also purchase sponsored American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”) or U.S. dollar denominated securities of foreign issuers. ADRs are receipts issued by U.S. banks or trust companies in respect of securities of foreign issuers held on deposit for use in the U.S. securities markets.

 

Emerging Markets. The Fund may invest without limit in securities of emerging market issuers. These securities may be U.S. dollar denominated or non-U.S. dollar denominated, including emerging market country currency denominated. An “emerging market” country is any country that is considered to be an emerging or developing country by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the “World Bank”).

 

Emerging market countries generally include every nation in the world except the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe.

 

Registered Investment Companies. The Fund may invest in registered investment companies in accordance with the 1940 Act, to the extent consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, including exchange traded funds that concentrate in investments in the gold or natural resources industries. The 1940 Act generally prohibits the Fund from investing more than 5% of its assets in any one other investment company or more than 10% of its assets in all other investment companies. However, many exchange-traded funds are exempt from these limitations.

 

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Illiquid Investments. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities for which there is no readily available trading market or that are otherwise illiquid. Illiquid securities include securities legally restricted as to resale, such as commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Securities Act”), and securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A thereunder, written OTC options, repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days, certain loan participation interests, fixed time deposits which are not subject to prepayment or provide for withdrawal penalties upon prepayment (other than overnight deposits), and other securities whose disposition is restricted under the federal securities laws. Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 144A securities may, however, be treated as liquid by the Investment Adviser pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board, which require consideration of factors such as trading activity, availability of market quotations and number of dealers willing to purchase the security. If the Fund invests in Rule 144A securities, the level of portfolio illiquidity may be increased to the extent that eligible buyers become uninterested in purchasing such securities.

 

It may be difficult to sell such securities at a price representing the fair value until such time as such securities may be sold publicly. Where registration is required, a considerable period may elapse between a decision to sell the securities and the time when it would be permitted to sell. Thus, the Fund may not be able to obtain as favorable a price as that prevailing at the time of the decision to sell. The Fund may also acquire securities through private placements under which it may agree to contractual restrictions on the resale of such securities. Such restrictions might prevent their sale at a time when such sale would otherwise be desirable.

 

Income Securities. The Fund may invest in other equity securities that are expected to periodically accrue or generate income for their holders such as common and preferred stocks of issuers that have historically paid periodic dividends or otherwise made distributions to stockholders. Unlike fixed income securities, dividend payments generally are not guaranteed and so may be discontinued by the issuer at its discretion or because of the issuer’s inability to satisfy its liabilities. Further, an issuer’s history of paying dividends does not guarantee that it will continue to pay dividends in the future. In addition to dividends, under certain circumstances the holders of common stock may benefit from the capital appreciation of the issuer.

 

Common stocks represent the residual ownership interest in the issuer and holders of common stock are entitled to the income and increase in the value of the assets and business of the issuer after all of its debt obligations and obligations to preferred shareholders are satisfied. Common stocks generally have voting rights. Common stocks fluctuate in price in response to many factors including historical and prospective earnings of the issuer, the value of its assets, general economic conditions, interest rates, investor perceptions and market liquidity.

 

In addition, the Fund also may invest in fixed income securities such as convertible securities, bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stock, short term discounted Treasury Bills or certain securities of the U.S. government sponsored instrumentalities, as well as money market open-end funds that invest in those securities, which, in the absence of an applicable exemptive order, will not be affiliated with the Investment Adviser. Fixed income securities obligate the issuer to pay to the holder of the security a specified return, which may be either fixed or reset periodically in accordance with the terms of the security. Fixed income securities generally are senior to an issuer’s common stock and their holders generally are entitled to receive amounts due before any distributions are made to common shareholders. Common stocks, on the other hand, generally do not obligate an issuer to make periodic distributions to holders.

 

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The Fund may also invest in obligations of government sponsored instrumentalities. Unlike non-U.S. government securities, obligations of certain agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association, are supported by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government; others, such as those of the Export-Import Bank of the U.S., are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency’s obligations; and still others, such as those of the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to U.S. government sponsored instrumentalities if it is not obligated to do so by law. Although the Fund may invest in all types of obligations of agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government, the Fund currently intends to invest only in obligations of government sponsored instrumentalities that are supported by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government.

 

When Issued, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments. The Fund may enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities, including on a “when issued” or “delayed delivery” basis, in excess of customary settlement periods for the type of security involved. In some cases, a forward commitment may be conditioned upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring (i.e., a when, as and if issued security). When such transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time of the commitment, with payment and delivery taking place in the future, generally a month or more after the date of the commitment. While it will only enter into a forward commitment with the intention of actually acquiring the security, the Fund may sell the security before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable.

 

Securities purchased under a forward commitment are subject to market fluctuation, and no interest (or dividends) accrues to the Fund prior to the settlement date. The Fund will segregate with its custodian cash or liquid securities in an aggregate amount at least equal to the amount of its outstanding forward commitments.

 

Short Sales. The Fund may make short sales as a form of hedging to offset potential declines in long positions in the same or similar securities, including short sales against the box. The short sale of a security is considered a speculative investment technique. At the time of the sale, the Fund will own, or have the immediate and unconditional right to acquire at no additional cost, identical or similar securities or establish a hedge against a security of the same issuer which may involve additional cost, such as an “in the money” warrant.

 

Short sales “against the box” are subject to special tax rules, one of the effects of which may be to accelerate the recognition of income by the Fund. Other than with respect to short sales against the box, the Fund will limit short sales of securities to not more than 5% of the Fund’s assets. When the Fund makes a short sale, it must deliver the security to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale in order to satisfy its obligation to deliver the security upon conclusion of the sale.

 

Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase agreements may be seen as loans by the Fund collateralized by underlying securities. Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, the Fund acquires an underlying security for a relatively short period (usually not more than one week) subject to an obligation of the seller to repurchase, and the Fund to resell, the security at an agreed price and time. This arrangement results in a fixed rate of return to the Fund that is not subject to market fluctuations during the holding period. The Fund bears

 

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a risk of loss in the event that the other party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligations and the Fund is delayed in or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period in which it seeks to assert these rights. The Investment Adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreements to evaluate these risks, and monitors on an ongoing basis the value of the securities subject to repurchase agreements to ensure that the value is maintained at the required level. The Fund does not enter into repurchase agreements with the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates.

 

Convertible Securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, corporate note, preferred stock or other securities that may be exchanged or converted into a prescribed amount of common stock or other equity security of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. Before conversion, convertible securities have the same overall characteristics as non-convertible debt securities insofar as they generally provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of equity securities of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in an issuer’s capital structure. They are of a higher credit quality and entail less risk than an issuer’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security.

 

The Fund is also permitted to invest in certain other securities with innovative structures in the convertible securities market. These include “mandatory conversion” securities, which consist of debt securities or preferred stocks that convert automatically into equity securities of the same or a different issuer at a specified date and conversion ratio.

 

The market value of a convertible security may be viewed as comprised of two components: its “investment value,” which is its value based on its yield without regard to its conversion feature; and its “conversion value,” which is its value attributable to the underlying common stock obtainable on conversion. The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates and the yield of similar non-convertible securities, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decrease. The conversion value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in the market price of the underlying common stock. If, because of a low price of the underlying common stock, the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value, and the convertible security may sell at a premium over its conversion value to the extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.

 

Accordingly, convertible securities have unique investment characteristics because (i) they have relatively high yields as compared to common stocks, (ii) they have defensive characteristics since they provide a fixed return even if the market price of the underlying common stock declines, and (iii) they provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.

 

A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the charter provision or indenture pursuant to which the convertible security is issued. If a convertible security held

 

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by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to surrender the security for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations— Convertible Securities Risk.”

 

Non-Investment Grade Securities. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in securities rated below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable quality. The prices of these lower grade securities are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of higher grade securities. Securities of below investment grade quality—those securities rated below “Baa” by Moody’s or below “BBB” by S&P (or unrated securities of comparable quality)—are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due and therefore involve a greater risk of default. Securities rated below investment grade commonly are referred to as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities.

 

Generally, such non-investment grade securities and unrated securities of comparable quality offer a higher current yield than is offered by higher rated securities, but also (i) will likely have some quality and protective characteristics that, in the judgment of the rating organizations, are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions and (ii) are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. The market values of certain of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than higher quality securities. In addition, such non-investment grade securities and comparable unrated securities generally present a higher degree of credit risk. The risk of loss due to default by these issuers is significantly greater because such non-investment grade securities and unrated securities of comparable quality generally are unsecured and frequently are subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. In light of these risks, the Investment Adviser, in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issue, whether rated or unrated, will take various factors into consideration, which may include, as applicable, the issuer’s operating history, financial resources and its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, the market support for the facility financed by the issue, the perceived ability and integrity of the issuer’s management and regulatory matters.

 

In addition, the market value of non-investment grade securities is more volatile than that of higher quality securities, and the markets in which such lower rated or unrated securities are traded are more limited than those in which higher rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its portfolio and calculating its net asset value. Moreover, the lack of a liquid trading market may restrict the availability of securities for the Fund to purchase and may also have the effect of limiting the ability of the Fund to sell securities at their fair value in order to respond to changes in the economy or the financial markets.

 

Non-investment grade and unrated securities of comparable quality also present risks based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the obligation for redemption (often a feature of fixed income securities), the Fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. Also, as the principal value of bonds moves inversely with movements in interest rates, in the event of rising interest rates the value of the securities held by the Fund may decline proportionately more than a portfolio consisting of higher rated securities. Investments in zero coupon bonds may be more speculative and subject to greater fluctuations in value due to changes in interest rates than bonds that pay interest currently. Interest rates are at

 

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historical lows and there have been recent inflationary price movements; therefore, it is likely that interest rates will rise in the future.

 

The Fund may purchase securities of companies that are experiencing significant financial or business difficulties, including companies involved in bankruptcy or other reorganization and liquidation proceedings. Although such investments may result in significant financial returns to the Fund, they involve a substantial degree of risk. The level of analytical sophistication, both financial and legal, necessary for successful investments in issuers experiencing significant business and financial difficulties is unusually high. There can be no assurance that the Fund will correctly evaluate the value of the assets collateralizing its investments or the prospects for a successful reorganization or similar action. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a portfolio investment, the Fund may lose all or part of its investment or may be required to accept collateral with a value less than the amount of the Fund’s initial investment.

 

As part of its investments in non-investment grade securities, the Fund may invest without limit in securities of issuers in default. The Fund will make an investment in securities of issuers in default only when the Investment Adviser believes that such issuers will honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection and the value of these securities will appreciate. By investing in securities of issuers in default, the Fund bears the risk that these issuers will not continue to honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection or that the value of the securities will not otherwise appreciate.

 

In addition to using recognized rating agencies and other sources, the Investment Adviser also performs its own analysis of issuers in seeking investments that it believes to be underrated (and thus higher yielding) in light of the financial condition of the issuer. Its analysis of issuers may include, among other things, current and anticipated cash flow and borrowing requirements, value of assets in relation to historical cost, strength of management, responsiveness to business conditions, credit standing and current anticipated results of operations. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Investment Adviser may also consider general business conditions, anticipated changes in interest rates and the outlook for specific industries.

 

Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issue of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced. In addition, it is possible that statistical rating agencies might change their ratings of a particular issue to reflect subsequent events on a timely basis. Moreover, such ratings do not assess the risk of a decline in market value. None of these events will require the sale of the securities by the Fund, although the Investment Adviser will consider these events in determining whether the Fund should continue to hold the securities.

 

Fixed income securities, including non-investment grade securities and comparable unrated securities, frequently have call or buy-back features that permit their issuers to call or repurchase the securities from their holders, such as the Fund. If an issuer exercises these rights during periods of declining interest rates, the Fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, thus resulting in a decreased return for the Fund.

 

The market for non-investment grade and comparable unrated securities has experienced periods of significantly adverse price and liquidity several times, particularly at or around times of economic recession. Past market recessions have adversely affected the value of such securities and the ability of certain issuers of such securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon or to refinance such securities. The market for those securities may react in a similar fashion in the future.

 

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Other Derivative Instruments. The Fund may also utilize other types of derivative instruments, primarily for hedging or risk management purposes. These instruments include futures, forward contracts, options on such contracts and interest rate, total return and other kinds of swaps. These investment management techniques generally will not be considered senior securities if the Fund establishes in a segregated account cash or other liquid securities or sets aside assets on the accounting records equal to the Fund’s obligations in respect of such techniques. For a further description of such derivative instruments, see below.

 

Leveraging. The Fund may use leverage, including as a result of any issuances of preferred shares or notes, the Fund may issue senior securities (which may be stock, such as preferred shares, and/or securities representing debt) only if immediately after such issuance the value of the Fund’s total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceeds 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding and exceeds 200% of the amount of preferred shares and debt outstanding, as provided in the 1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions. Any such preferred shares may be convertible in accordance with the SEC staff guidelines, which may permit the Fund to obtain leverage at attractive rates. The use of leverage magnifies the impact of changes in net asset value. In addition, if the cost of leverage exceeds the return on the securities acquired with the proceeds of leverage, the use of leverage will diminish rather than enhance the return to the Fund. The use of leverage generally increases the volatility of returns to the Fund. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Leverage Risk.”

 

In the event the Fund had both outstanding preferred shares and senior securities representing debt at the same time, the Fund’s obligations to pay dividends or distributions and, upon liquidation of the Fund, liquidation payments in respect of its preferred shares would be subordinate to the Fund’s obligations to make any principal and/or interest payments due and owing with respect to its outstanding senior debt securities. Accordingly, the Fund’s issuance of senior securities representing debt would have the effect of creating special risks for the Fund’s preferred shareholders that would not be present in a capital structure that did not include such securities. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Special Risks Related to Preferred Securities.”

 

Additionally, the Fund may enter into derivative transactions that have economic leverage embedded in them. Economic leverage exists when the Fund achieves the right to a return on a capital base that exceeds the investment which the Fund has contributed to the instrument achieving a return. Derivative transactions that the Fund may enter into and the risks associated with them are described elsewhere in this Annual Report. The Fund cannot assure you that investments in derivative transactions that have economic leverage embedded in them will result in a higher return on its common shares.

 

To the extent the terms of such transactions obligate the Fund to make payments, the Fund may earmark or segregate cash or liquid assets in an amount at least equal to the current value of the amount then payable by the Fund under the terms of such transactions or otherwise cover such transactions in accordance with applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC. If the current value of the amount then payable by the Fund under the terms of such transactions is represented by the notional amounts of such investments, the Fund would segregate or earmark cash or liquid assets having a market value at least equal to such notional amounts, and if the current value of the amount then payable by the Fund under the terms of such transactions is represented by the market value of the Fund’s current obligations, the Fund would segregate or earmark cash or liquid assets having a market value at least equal to such current obligations. To the extent the terms of such transactions obligate the Fund to deliver particular securities to extinguish the Fund’s obligations under such transactions the Fund may “cover” its obligations under such transactions by either (i) owning the securities or collateral underlying

 

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such transactions or (ii) having an absolute and immediate right to acquire such securities or collateral without additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, having earmarked or segregated an appropriate amount of cash or liquid assets). Such earmarking, segregation or cover is intended to provide the Fund with available assets to satisfy its obligations under such transactions. As a result of such earmarking, segregation or cover, the Fund’s obligations under such transactions will not be considered senior securities representing indebtedness for purposes of the 1940 Act, or considered borrowings, but may create leverage for the Fund. To the extent that the Fund’s obligations under such transactions are not so earmarked, segregated or covered, such obligations may be considered “senior securities representing indebtedness” under the 1940 Act and therefore subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement.

 

These earmarking, segregation or cover requirements can result in the Fund maintaining securities positions it would otherwise liquidate, segregating or earmarking assets at a time when it might be disadvantageous to do so or otherwise restrict portfolio management.

 

On October 28, 2020, the SEC adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). The Fund will be required to implement and comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. Once implemented, Rule 18f-4 will impose limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminate the asset segregation framework currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, treat derivatives as senior securities so that a failure to comply with the limits would result in a statutory violation and require funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager.

 

Temporary Defensive Investments. When a temporary defensive posture is believed by the Investment Adviser to be warranted (“temporary defensive periods”), the Fund may without limitation hold cash or invest all or a portion of its assets in money market instruments and repurchase agreements in respect of those instruments. The money market instruments in which the Fund may invest are obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities; commercial paper rated “A-1” or higher by S&P or “Prime-1” by Moody’s; and certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances issued by domestic branches of U.S. banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. During temporary defensive periods, the Fund may also invest to the extent permitted by applicable law in shares of money market mutual funds. Money market mutual funds are investment companies and the investments in those companies by the Fund are in some cases subject to certain fundamental investment restrictions and applicable law. As a shareholder in a mutual fund, the Fund will bear its ratable share of its expenses, including management fees, and will remain subject to payment of the fees to the Investment Adviser, with respect to assets so invested. The Fund may find it more difficult to achieve its investment objective during temporary defensive periods.

 

Portfolio Turnover. The Fund will buy and sell securities to accomplish its investment objectives. The investment policies of the Fund, including its strategy of writing covered call options on securities in its portfolio, are expected to result in portfolio turnover that is higher than that of many investment companies, and may be higher than 100%. For the years ending December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the portfolio turnover rates were 96% and 88%, respectively.

 

Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to the Fund, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. The portfolio

 

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turnover rate is computed by dividing the lesser of the amount of the securities purchased or securities sold by the average monthly value of securities owned during the year (excluding securities whose maturities at acquisition were one year or less). Higher portfolio turnover may decrease the after-tax return to individual investors in the Fund to the extent it results in a decrease of the long term capital gains portion of distributions to shareholders.

 

Interest Rate Transactions

 

The Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions to manage its borrowing costs, as well as to increase income. The use of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. In an interest rate swap, the Fund would agree to pay to the other party to the interest rate swap (which is known as the “counterparty”) periodically a fixed rate payment in exchange for the counterparty agreeing to pay to the fund periodically a variable rate payment that is intended to approximate the Fund’s variable rate payment obligation on its borrowings (or the Fund’s potential variable payment obligations on fixed rate preferred shares that may have certain variable rate features). In an interest rate cap, the Fund would pay a premium to the counterparty to the interest rate cap and, to the extent that a specified variable rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, would receive from the counterparty payments of the difference based on the notional amount of such cap. Interest rate swap and cap transactions introduce additional risk because the Fund would remain obligated to pay interest or preferred shares dividends when due even if the counterparty defaulted. Depending on the general state of short term interest rates and the returns on the Fund’s portfolio securities at that point in time, such a default could negatively affect the Fund’s ability to make interest payments or dividend payments on the preferred shares. In addition, at the time an interest rate swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it could have a negative impact on the Fund’s ability to make interest payments or dividend payments on the preferred shares. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of the interest rate swap or cap could decline, resulting in a decline in the asset coverage for the borrowings or preferred shares. A sudden and dramatic decline in interest rates may result in a significant decline in the asset coverage. If the Fund fails to maintain the required asset coverage on any outstanding preferred shares or fails to comply with other covenants, the Fund may be required to prepay some or all of such borrowings or redeem some or all of these shares. Any such prepayment or redemption would likely result in the Fund seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap or cap transactions. Early termination of a swap could result in a termination payment by the Fund to the counterparty, while early termination of a cap could result in a termination payment to the Fund.

 

The Fund may enter into equity contract for difference swap transactions, for the purpose of increasing the income of the Fund. In an equity contract for difference swap, a set of future cash flows is exchanged between two counterparties. One of these cash flow streams will typically be based on a reference interest rate combined with the performance of a notional value of shares of a stock. The other will be based on the performance of the shares of a stock. Depending on the general state of short term interest rates and the returns on the Fund’s portfolio securities at the time a swap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction.

 

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The Fund will usually enter into swaps or caps on a net basis; that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Fund intends to segregate or earmark cash or liquid assets a value at least equal to the value of the Fund’s net payment obligations under any swap transaction, marked to market daily. The Fund will monitor any such swap with a view to ensuring that the Fund remains in compliance with all applicable regulatory, investment policy and tax requirements.

 

If the Fund writes (sells) a credit default swap or credit default index swap, then the Fund will, during the term of the swap agreement, designate on its books and records in connection with such transaction liquid assets or cash with a value at least equal to the full notional amount of the contract.

 

RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

 

Investors should consider the following risk factors and special considerations associated with investing in the Fund:

 

Market Risk

 

The market price of securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Securities may decline in value due to factors affecting securities markets generally or particular industries represented in the securities markets. The value of a security may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, adverse changes to credit markets or adverse investor sentiment generally. The value of a security may also decline due to factors which affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities. Credit ratings downgrades may also negatively affect securities held by the Fund. Even when markets perform well, there is no assurance that the investments held by the Fund will increase in value along with the broader market.

 

In addition, market risk includes the risk that geopolitical and other events will disrupt the economy on a national or global level. For instance, war, terrorism, market manipulation, government defaults, government shutdowns, political changes or diplomatic developments, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics) and natural/environmental disasters can all negatively impact the securities markets, which could cause the Fund to lose value. These events could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and significantly adversely impact the economy. The current contentious domestic political environment, as well as political and diplomatic events within the United States and abroad, such as the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, has in the past resulted, and may in the future result, in a government shutdown, which could have an adverse impact on the Fund’s investments and operations. Additional and/or prolonged U.S. federal government shutdowns may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. Governmental and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world have previously responded to serious economic disruptions with a variety of significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including but not limited

 

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to, direct capital infusions into companies, new monetary programs and dramatically lower interest rates. An unexpected or sudden reversal of these policies, or the ineffectiveness of these policies, could increase volatility in securities markets, which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments. Any market disruptions could also prevent the Fund from executing advantageous investment decisions in a timely manner. To the extent that the Fund focuses its investments in a region enduring geopolitical market disruption, it will face higher risks of loss, although the increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets can lead to events or conditions in one country, region or financial market adversely impacting a different country, region or financial market. Thus, investors should closely monitor current market conditions to determine whether the Fund meets their individual financial needs and tolerance for risk.

 

Current market conditions may pose heightened risks with respect to the Fund’s investment in fixed income securities. Interest rates in the U.S. are at or near historically low levels. Any interest rate increases in the future could cause the value of the Fund to decrease. Recently, there have also been signs of inflationary price movements. As such, fixed income securities markets may experience heightened levels of interest rate, volatility and liquidity risk.

 

Exchanges and securities markets may close early, close late or issue trading halts on specific securities or generally, which may result in, among other things, the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments at an advantageous time or accurately price its portfolio investments.

 

Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) and Global Health Event Risk.

 

As of the filing date of this Annual Report, there is an outbreak of a highly contagious form of a novel coronavirus known as “COVID-19.” COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and, in response to the outbreak, the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary declared a public health emergency in the United States. COVID-19 had a devastating impact on the global economy, including the U.S. economy, and resulted in a global economic recession. Many states issued orders requiring the closure of non-essential businesses and/or requiring residents to stay at home. The COVID-19 pandemic and preventative measures taken to contain or mitigate its spread have caused, and are continuing to cause, business shutdowns, cancellations of events and travel, significant reductions in demand for certain goods and services, reductions in business activity and financial transactions, supply chain interruptions and overall economic and financial market instability both globally and in the United States. Such effects will likely continue for the duration of the pandemic, which is uncertain, and for some period thereafter. While several countries, as well as certain states, counties and cities in the United States, began to relax the early public health restrictions with a view to partially or fully reopening their economies, many cities, both globally and in the United States, continue to experience, from time to time, surges in the reported number of cases and hospitalizations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Increases in cases can and have led to the re-introduction of restrictions and business shutdowns in certain states, counties and cities in the United States and globally and could continue to lead to the re-introduction of such restrictions elsewhere. Additionally, the vaccine produced by Johnson & Johnson is currently authorized for emergency use, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has granted full approval to the vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, which will now be marketed as Comirnaty and Spikevax, respectively. However, it remains unclear how quickly the vaccines will be distributed nationwide and globally or when “herd immunity” will be achieved and the restrictions that were imposed to slow the spread of the virus will be lifted entirely. Various factors could lead people to continue to self-isolate and not participate

 

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in the economy at pre-pandemic levels for a prolonged period of time. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the U.S. economy and most other major global economies may continue to experience a substantial economic downturn or recession, and our business and operations, as well as the business and operations of our portfolio companies, could be materially adversely affected by a prolonged economic downturn or recession in the United States and other major markets. Potential consequences of the current unprecedented measures taken in response to the spread of COVID-19, and current market disruptions and volatility that may impact the Fund include, but are not limited to:

sudden, unexpected and/or severe declines in the market price of the Fund’s common shares or net asset value;

inability of the Fund to accurately or reliably value its portfolio;

inability of the Fund to comply with certain asset coverage ratios that would prevent the Fund from paying dividends to the Fund’s common shareholders;

inability of the Fund to pay any dividends and distributions;

inability of the Fund to maintain its status as a RIC under the Code;

potentially severe, sudden and unexpected declines in the value of our investments;

increased risk of default or bankruptcy by the companies in which the Fund invests;

increased risk of companies in which the Fund invests being unable to weather an extended cessation of normal economic activity and thereby impairing their ability to continue functioning as a going concern;

reduced economic demand resulting from mass employee layoffs or furloughs in response to governmental action taken to slow the spread of COVID-19, which could impact the continued viability of the companies in which we invest;

companies in which the Fund invests being disproportionally impacted by governmental action aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 or mitigating its economic effects;

limited availability of new investment opportunities; and

general threats to the Fund’s ability to continue investment operations and to operate successfully as a diversified, closed-end investment company.

 

Despite actions of the U.S. federal government and foreign governments, the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors has contributed to significant volatility and declines in the global public equity markets and global debt capital markets, including the net asset value of the Fund’s shares. These events could have, and/or have had, a significant impact on the Fund’s performance, net asset value, income, operating results and ability to pay distributions, as well as the performance, income, operating results and viability of issuers in which it invests.

 

It is virtually impossible to determine the ultimate impact of COVID-19 at this time. Further, the extent and strength of any economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic abates, including following any “second wave,” “third wave” or other intensifying of the pandemic, is uncertain and subject to various factors and conditions. Accordingly, an investment in the Fund is subject to an elevated degree of risk as compared to other market environments.

 

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Total Return Risk

 

The Fund utilizes several investment management techniques in an effort to generate positive total return. The risks of these techniques, such as option writing, leverage, concentration in certain industries, and investing in emerging markets, are described in the following paragraphs. Taken together these and other techniques represent a risk that the Fund will experience a negative total return even in market environments that are generally positive and that the Fund’s returns, both positive and negative, may be more volatile than if the Fund did not utilize these investment techniques.

 

Industry Risks

 

Industry Risks. The Fund’s investments will be concentrated in the gold and natural resources industries. Because the Fund is concentrated in these industries, it may present more risks than if it were broadly diversified over numerous industries and sectors of the economy. A downturn in the gold or natural resources industries would have a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that does not concentrate in such industries.

 

The Fund invests in equity securities of Gold Companies. Equity securities of Gold Companies may experience greater volatility than companies not involved in the gold industry. Investments related to gold are considered speculative and are affected by a variety of worldwide economic, financial and political factors. The price of gold, which has experienced substantial increases in recent periods, may fluctuate sharply, including substantial decreases, over short periods of time due to changes in inflation or expectations regarding inflation in various countries, the availability of supplies of gold, changes in industrial and commercial demand, gold sales by governments, central banks or international agencies, investment speculation, monetary and other economic policies of various governments and government restrictions on private ownership of gold. In times of significant inflation or great economic uncertainty, Gold Companies have historically outperformed securities markets generally. However, in times of stable economic growth, traditional equity and debt investments could offer greater appreciation potential and the value of gold and the prices of equity securities of Gold Companies may be adversely affected, which could in turn affect the Fund’s returns. Some Gold Companies hedge, to varying degrees, their exposure to declines in the price of gold. Such hedging limits a Gold Company’s ability to benefit from future rises in the price of gold. The Investment Adviser’s judgments about trends in the prices of securities of Gold Companies may prove to be incorrect. It is possible that the performance of securities of Gold Companies may lag the performance of other industries or the broader market as a whole.

 

The Fund invests in equity securities of Natural Resources Companies. A downturn in the indicated natural resources industries would have a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that does not invest significantly in such industries. Such industries can be significantly affected by the supply of and demand for the indicated commodities and related services, exploration and production spending, government regulations, world events and economic conditions. The oil, gas, paper, food and agriculture, forestry products, metals (other than gold) and minerals industries can be significantly affected by events relating to international political developments, the success of exploration projects, commodity prices, and tax and government regulations. The stock prices of Natural Resources Companies, some of which have experienced substantial price increases in recent periods, may also experience greater price volatility than other types of common stocks. Securities issued by Natural Resources Companies are sensitive to changes in the prices of, and in supply and demand for, the indicated commodities. The value of securities issued by Natural Resources Companies may be affected

 

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by changes in overall market movements, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as weather, embargoes, tariffs, policies of commodity cartels and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The Investment Adviser’s judgments about trends in the prices of these securities and commodities may prove to be incorrect. It is possible that the performance of securities of Natural Resources Companies may lag the performance of other industries or the broader market as a whole.

 

Supply and Demand Risk. A decrease in the production of or exploitation of gold, gas, oil, paper, food and agriculture, forestry products, metals (other than gold) or minerals or a decrease in the volume of such commodities available for transportation, mining, processing, storage or distribution may adversely impact the financial performance of the Fund’s investments. Production declines and volume decreases could be caused by various factors, including catastrophic events affecting production, depletion of resources, labor difficulties, environmental proceedings, increased regulations, equipment failures and unexpected maintenance problems, import supply disruption, increased competition from alternative energy sources or commodity prices.

 

Sustained declines in demand for the indicated commodities could also adversely affect the financial performance of Gold Companies and Natural Resources Companies over the long term. Factors which could lead to a decline in demand include economic recession or other adverse economic conditions, higher fuel taxes or governmental regulations, increases in fuel economy, consumer shifts to the use of alternative fuel sources, changes in commodity prices, or weather.

 

Depletion and Exploration Risk. Many Gold Companies and Natural Resources Companies are either engaged in the production or exploitation of the particular commodities or are engaged in transporting, storing, distributing and processing such commodities. To maintain or increase their revenue level, these companies or their customers need to maintain or expand their reserves through exploration of new sources of supply, through the development of existing sources, acquisitions, or long term contracts to acquire reserves. The financial performance of Gold Companies and Natural Resources Companies may be adversely affected if they, or the companies to whom they provide products or services, are unable to cost effectively acquire additional products or reserves sufficient to replace the natural decline.

 

Regulatory Risk. Gold Companies and Natural Resources Companies may be subject to extensive government regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including how facilities are constructed, maintained and operated, environmental and safety controls, and in some cases the prices they may charge for the products and services they provide. Various governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them, and violators are subject to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future, which would likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the financial performance of Gold Companies and Natural Resources Companies.

 

Commodity Pricing Risk. The operations and financial performance of Gold Companies and Natural Resources Companies may be directly affected by the prices of the indicated commodities, especially those Gold Companies and Natural Resources Companies for whom the commodities they own are significant assets. Commodity prices fluctuate for many reasons, including changes in market and economic conditions, levels of domestic production, impact of governmental regulation and taxation, the availability of transportation systems and, in the case of oil and gas companies in particular, conservation measures and the impact of weather.

 

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Volatility of commodity prices, which may lead to a reduction in production or supply, may also negatively affect the performance of Gold Companies and Natural Resources Companies which are solely involved in the transportation, processing, storing, distribution or marketing of commodities. Volatility of commodity prices may also make it more difficult for Gold Companies and Natural Resources Companies to raise capital to the extent the market perceives that their performance may be directly or indirectly tied to commodity prices.

 

Oil and Natural Gas Price Volatility Risk.

 

Worldwide crude oil and natural gas prices and markets historically have been volatile and may continue to be volatile in the future. Prices for crude oil and natural gas are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for crude oil and natural gas, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control. These factors include, but are not limited to, increases in supplies from United States shale production, international political conditions, including uprisings and political unrest in the Middle East and Africa, the domestic and foreign supply of crude oil and natural gas, actions by members of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”), other allied producing countries (collectively with OPEC members, “OPEC+”) and other state-controlled oil companies to agree upon and maintain crude oil price and production controls, the level of consumer demand that is impacted by economic growth rates, weather conditions, domestic and foreign governmental regulations and taxes, the price and availability of alternative fuels, technological advances affecting energy consumption, the health of international economic and credit markets, and changes in the level of demand resulting from global or national health epidemics and concerns, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, various factors, including the effect of federal, state and foreign regulation of production and transportation, general economic conditions, changes in supply due to drilling by other producers and changes in demand may adversely affect our ability to market our crude oil and natural gas production.

 

A combination of factors, including a substantial decline in global demand for crude oil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent mitigation efforts, as well as market concerns about the ability of OPEC+ to agree on a perceived need to implement production cuts in response to weaker worldwide demand, caused an unprecedented decline in crude oil and natural gas prices during the first six months of 2020. Although crude oil prices have improved since December 31, 2020, adverse economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the various other factors described above, could result in additional price declines. These and other developments may adversely impact the Fund and its performance.

 

Cybersecurity Risks. Natural Resources Companies have experienced attempts to breach their operating systems and other similar incidents in the past, which have resulted in shutdowns and/or disruptions in their operations. For example, in May 2021, a U.S. fuel pipeline operator was the target of a ransomware attack, which resulted in the shutdown of a massive oil pipeline system that supplies the eastern United States. Natural Resources Companies may continue to be subject to attempts to gain unauthorized access to or through their operating systems. Any system failure, cybersecurity breach, ransomware attack or other system disruption could interrupt or delay operations and impact a Natural Resources Company’s ability to manage its operations and report financial performance, which could have a materially adverse effect on existing and future business. These and other developments may adversely impact the value of the Fund’s investments in Natural Resources Companies.

 

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Climate Change Risk. Climate change and regulations intended to control its impact may affect the value of the Fund’s investments. The Fund’s current evaluation is that the near term effects of climate change and climate change regulation on the Fund’s investments are not material, but the Fund cannot predict the long term impacts on the Fund or its investments from climate change or related regulations. The ongoing political focus on climate change has resulted in various treaties, laws and regulations which are intended to limit carbon emissions. The Fund believes these laws being enacted or proposed may cause energy costs at properties owned by the real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) or other real estate companies in which the Fund invests to increase. The Fund does not expect the direct impact of such increases to be material to the value of its investments, because the increased costs either would be the responsibility of tenants or operators of properties owned by the REITs or other real estate companies in which the Fund invests, or, in the longer term, passed through and paid by the customers of such properties. There can be no assurance that climate change will not have a material adverse effect on the properties, operations or business of the Fund’s investments in REITs and other real estate companies.

 

The physical effects of climate change could have a material adverse effect on the properties, operations and business of the Fund’s investments in REITs and other real estate companies in certain geographical locations. To the extent climate change causes changes in weather patterns, properties in these markets could experience increases in storm intensity, flooding and rising sea levels. Over time, these conditions could result in declining demand for the buildings owned by certain REITs and other real estate companies in which the Fund invests, or the inability of such REITs or other real estate companies to operate such buildings at all.

 

Risks Associated with Covered Calls and Other Option Transactions

 

There are several risks associated with transactions in options on securities. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given covered call option transaction not to achieve its objectives. A decision as to whether, when and how to use covered calls (or other options) involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The use of options may require the Fund to sell portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment, or may cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. As the writer of a covered call option, the Fund forgoes, during the option’s life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security covering the call option above the exercise price of the call option, but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. Although such loss would be offset in part by the option premium received, in a situation in which the price of a particular stock on which the Fund has written a covered call option declines rapidly and materially or in which prices in general on all or a substantial portion of the stocks on which the Fund has written covered call options decline rapidly and materially, the Fund could sustain material depreciation or loss in its net assets to the extent it does not sell the underlying securities (which may require it to terminate, offset or otherwise cover its option position as well). The writer of an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying security at the exercise price.

 

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There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out an option position. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market for exchange-traded options include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the trading facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation (the “OCC”) may not be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) the relevant exchange could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options). If trading were discontinued, the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist. However, outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms. The Fund’s ability to terminate OTC options may be more limited than with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that counterparties participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. If the Fund were unable to close out a covered call option that it had written on a security, it would not be able to sell the underlying security unless the option expired without exercise.

 

The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. Call options are marked to market daily and their value will be affected by changes in the value of and dividend rates of the underlying common stocks, an increase in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the stock market and the underlying common stocks and the remaining time to the options’ expiration. Additionally, the exercise price of an option may be adjusted downward before the option’s expiration as a result of the occurrence of certain corporate events affecting the underlying equity security, such as extraordinary dividends, stock splits, merger or other extraordinary distributions or events. A reduction in the exercise price of an option would reduce the Fund’s capital appreciation potential on the underlying security.

 

Limitation on Covered Call Writing Risk. The number of covered call options the Fund can write is limited by the number of shares of common stock the Fund holds. Furthermore, the Fund’s covered call options and other options transactions will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities on which such options are traded. These limitations govern the maximum number of options in each class which may be written or purchased by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or purchased on the same or different exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities or are held or written in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. As a result, the number of covered call options that the Fund may write or purchase may be affected by options written or purchased by it and other investment advisory clients of the Investment Adviser. An exchange, board of trade or other trading facility may order the liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.

 

Risks Associated with Uncovered Calls

 

There are special risks associated with uncovered option writing which expose the Fund to potentially significant loss. As the writer of an uncovered call option, the Fund has no risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline, but bears unlimited risk of loss should the price of the underlying security increase above the

 

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exercise price until the Fund covers its exposure. As with writing uncovered calls, the risk of writing uncovered put options is substantial. The writer of an uncovered put option bears a risk of loss if the value of the underlying instrument declines below the exercise price. Such loss could be substantial if there is a significant decline in the value of the underlying instrument.

 

For combination writing, where the Fund writes both a put and a call on the same underlying instrument, the potential risk is unlimited. If a secondary market in options were to become unavailable, the Fund could not engage in losing transactions and would remain obligated until expiration or assignment.

 

Equity Risk

 

Investing in the Fund involves equity risk, which is the risk that the securities held by the Fund will fall in market value due to adverse market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate and the particular circumstances and performance of particular companies whose securities the Fund holds. An investment in the Fund represents an indirect economic stake in the securities owned by the Fund, which are for the most part traded on securities exchanges or in the OTC markets. The market value of these securities, like other market investments, may move up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. The net asset value of the Fund may at any point in time be less than the net asset value of the Fund at the time the shareholder invested in the Fund, even after taking into account any reinvestment of distributions.

 

Leverage Risk

 

The Fund currently uses financial leverage for investment purposes by issuing preferred shares and is also permitted to use other types of financial leverage, such as through the issuance of debt securities or additional preferred shares and borrowing from financial institutions. As provided in the 1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions, the Fund may issue additional senior securities (which may be stock, such as preferred shares, and/or securities representing debt) only if immediately after such issuance the value of the Fund’s total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceeds 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding and exceeds 200% of the amount of preferred shares and debt outstanding. As of December 31, 2021, the amount of leverage represented approximately 13% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

The Fund’s leveraged capital structure creates special risks not associated with unleveraged funds having a similar investment objective and policies. These include the possibility of greater loss and the likelihood of higher volatility of the net asset value of the Fund and the asset coverage for the preferred shares. Such volatility may increase the likelihood of the Fund having to sell investments in order to meet its obligations to make distributions on the preferred shares or principal or interest payments on debt securities, or to redeem preferred shares or repay debt, when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The Fund’s use of leverage may require it to sell portfolio investments at inopportune times in order to raise cash to redeem preferred shares or otherwise de-leverage so as to maintain required asset coverage amounts or comply with the mandatory redemption terms of any outstanding preferred shares. The use of leverage magnifies both the favorable and unfavorable effects of price movements in the investments made by the Fund. To the extent that the Fund employs leverage in its investment operations, the Fund is subject to substantial risk of loss. The Fund cannot assure you that borrowings or the issuance of preferred shares or notes will result in a higher yield or return to the holders of the common shares. Also, since the Fund utilizes leverage, a decline in net asset value could affect the ability of

 

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the Fund to make common share distributions and such a failure to make distributions could result in the Fund ceasing to qualify as a RIC under the Code.

 

Any decline in the net asset value of the Fund’s investments would be borne entirely by the holders of common shares. Therefore, if the market value of the Fund’s portfolio declines, the leverage will result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of common shares than if the Fund were not leveraged. This greater net asset value decrease will also tend to cause a greater decline in the market price for the common shares. The Fund might be in danger of failing to maintain the required asset coverage of its borrowings, notes or preferred shares or of losing its ratings on its notes or preferred shares or, in an extreme case, the Fund’s current investment income might not be sufficient to meet the distribution or interest requirements on its preferred shares, borrowings or notes. In order to counteract such an event, the Fund might need to liquidate investments in order to fund a redemption or repayment of some or all of the preferred shares, borrowings or notes.

 

Preferred Share and Note Risk. The issuance of preferred shares or notes causes the net asset value and market value of the common shares to become more volatile. If the dividend rate on the preferred shares or the interest rate on the notes approaches the net rate of return on the Fund’s investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the holders of the common shares would be reduced. If the dividend rate on the preferred shares or the interest rate on the notes plus the management fee annual rate of 1.00% exceeds the net rate of return on the Fund’s portfolio, the leverage will result in a lower rate of return to the holders of common shares than if the Fund had not issued preferred shares or notes. If the Fund has insufficient investment income and gains, all or a portion of the distributions to preferred shareholders or interest payments to note holders would come from the common shareholders’ capital. Such distributions and interest payments reduce the net assets attributable to common shareholders.

 

In addition, the Fund would pay (and the holders of common shares will bear) all costs and expenses relating to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of the preferred shares or notes, including the advisory fees on the incremental assets attributable to the preferred shares or notes.

 

Holders of preferred shares and notes may have different interests than holders of common shares and may at times have disproportionate influence over the Fund’s affairs. As provided in the 1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions, the Fund may issue senior securities (which may be stock, such as preferred shares, and/or securities representing debt, such as notes) only if immediately after such issuance the value of the Fund’s total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceeds 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding (i.e., for every dollar of indebtedness outstanding, the Fund is required to have at least three dollars of assets) and exceeds 200% of the amount of preferred shares and debt outstanding (i.e., for every dollar in liquidation preference of preferred stock outstanding, the Fund is required to have two dollars of assets), which is referred to as the “asset coverage” required by the 1940 Act. In the event the Fund fails to maintain an asset coverage of 100% for any notes outstanding for certain periods of time, the 1940 Act requires that either an event of default be declared or that the holders of such notes have the right to elect a majority of the Fund’s Trustees until asset coverage recovers to 110%. In addition, holders of preferred shares, voting separately as a single class, have the right (subject to the rights of noteholders) to elect two members of the Board at all times and in the event dividends become two full years in arrears would have the right to elect a majority of the Trustees until such arrearage is completely eliminated. In addition, preferred shareholders have class voting rights on

 

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certain matters, including changes in fundamental investment restrictions and conversion of the Fund to open-end status, and accordingly can veto any such changes. Further, interest on notes would be payable when due and if the Fund does not pay interest when due, it will trigger an event of default and the Fund expects to be restricted from declaring dividends and making other distributions with respect to common shares and preferred shares. Upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, the holders of a majority in principal amount of a series of outstanding notes or the trustee will be able to declare the principal amount of that series of notes immediately due and payable upon written notice to the Fund. The 1940 Act also generally restricts the Fund from declaring distributions on, or repurchasing, common or preferred shares unless notes have an asset coverage of 300% (200% in the case of declaring distributions on preferred shares). The Fund’s common shares are structurally subordinated as to income and residual value to any preferred shares or notes in the Fund’s capital structure, in terms of priority to income and payment in liquidation.

 

Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of the Fund’s common shares and preferred shares, both by the 1940 Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies, might impair the Fund’s ability to maintain its qualification as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. While the Fund intends to redeem its preferred shares or notes to the extent necessary to enable the Fund to distribute its income as required to maintain its qualification as a RIC under the Code, there can be no assurance that such actions can be effected in time to meet the Code requirements.

 

Portfolio Guidelines of Rating Agencies for Preferred Shares and/or Credit Facility. In order to obtain and maintain attractive credit quality ratings for preferred shares or borrowings, the Fund must comply with investment quality, diversification and other guidelines established by the relevant rating agencies. These guidelines could affect portfolio decisions and may be more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. In the event that a rating on the Fund’s preferred shares or notes is lowered or withdrawn by the relevant rating agency, the Fund may also be required to redeem all or part of its outstanding preferred shares or notes, and the common shares of the Fund will lose the potential benefits associated with a leveraged capital structure.

 

Impact on Common Shares. Assuming that leverage will (1) be equal in amount to approximately 13% of the Fund’s total net assets (the Fund’s average amount of outstanding financial leverage during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021), and (2) charge interest or involve dividend payments at a projected blended annual average leverage dividend or interest rate of 5.00%, (the average dividend rate on the Fund’s outstanding financial leverage during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021) then the total return generated by the Fund’s portfolio (net of estimated expenses) must exceed approximately 0.64% of the Fund’s total net assets in order to cover such interest or dividend payments and other expenses specifically related to leverage. Of course, these numbers are merely estimates, used for illustration. Actual dividend rates, interest or payment rates may vary frequently and may be significantly higher or lower than the rate estimated above. The following table is furnished in response to requirements of the SEC. It is designed to illustrate the effect of leverage on common share total return, assuming investment portfolio total returns (comprised of net investment income of the Fund, realized gains or losses of the Fund and changes in the value of the securities held in the Fund’s portfolio) of -10%, -5%, 0%, 5% and 10%. These assumed investment portfolio returns are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily

 

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indicative of the investment portfolio returns experienced or expected to be experienced by the Fund. These assumed investment portfolio returns are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily indicative of the investment portfolio returns experienced or expected to be experienced by the Fund. The table further reflects leverage representing 13% of the Fund’s net assets (the Fund’s average amount of outstanding financial leverage during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021), the Fund’s current projected blended annual average leverage dividend or interest rate of 5.00% (the average dividend rate on the Fund’s outstanding financial leverage during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021), a base management fee at an annual rate of 1.00% of the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred shares and estimated annual incremental expenses attributable to any outstanding preferred shares of 0.01% of the Fund’s net assets attributable to common shares.

 

Assumed Return on Portfolio (Net of Expenses)   (10)%   (5)%   0%   5%   10%
Corresponding Return to Common Shareholder   (12.32)%   (6.60)%   (0.88)%   4.83%   10.55%

 

Common share total return is composed of two elements—the common share distributions paid by the Fund (the amount of which is largely determined by the taxable income of the Fund (including realized gains or losses) after paying interest on any debt and/or dividends on any preferred shares) and unrealized gains or losses on the value of the securities the Fund owns. As required by SEC rules, the table assumes that the Fund is more likely to suffer capital losses than to enjoy total return. For example, to assume a total return of 0% the Fund must assume that the income it receives on its investments is entirely offset by expenses and losses in the value of those investments.

 

 Market Discount Risk. As described below in “Market Discount Risk,” common shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount to their net asset values and the Fund’s common shares may trade at such a discount. This risk may be greater for investors expecting to sell their common shares of the Fund soon after completion of a public offering. The common shares of the Fund are designed primarily for long-term investors and investors in the shares should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes.

 

Foreign Securities Risk

 

Because many of the world’s Gold Companies and Natural Resources Companies are located outside of the United States, the Fund may have a significant portion of its investments in securities that are traded in foreign markets and that are not subject to the requirements of the U.S. securities laws, markets and accounting requirements. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve certain considerations and risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers and such securities may be more volatile than those of issuers located in the United States. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investments in their capital markets or in certain industries, and there may be greater levels of price volatility in

 

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foreign markets. Foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies may be subject to less government supervision and regulation than exists in the United States. Dividend and interest income may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may adversely affect the net return on such investments. There may be difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a court judgment abroad. In addition, it may be difficult to effect repatriation of capital invested in certain countries. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there are risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of the Fund held in foreign countries. Dividend income the Fund receives from foreign securities may not be eligible for the special tax treatment applicable to qualified dividend income. Moreover, certain equity investments in foreign issuers classified as passive foreign investment companies may be subject to additional taxation risk.

 

There may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than a U.S. company. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume than U.S. securities markets and some foreign company securities are less liquid than securities of otherwise comparable U.S. companies. A portfolio of foreign securities may also be adversely affected by fluctuations in the rates of exchange between the currencies of different nations and by exchange control regulations. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures that could cause the Fund to encounter difficulties in purchasing and selling securities on such markets and may result in the Fund missing attractive investment opportunities or experiencing loss. In addition, a portfolio that includes foreign securities can expect to have a higher expense ratio because of the increased transaction costs on non-U.S. securities markets and the increased costs of maintaining the custody of foreign securities.

 

Investments in foreign securities will expose the Fund to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in the countries that issue the securities or in which the issuers are located. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate fluctuations, large amounts of external debt, balance of payments and trade difficulties and extreme poverty and unemployment. Many of these countries are also characterized by political uncertainty and instability. The cost of servicing external debt will generally be adversely affected by rising international interest rates because many external debt obligations bear interest at rates which are adjusted based upon international interest rates.

 

The Fund also may purchase ADRs or U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers. ADRs are receipts issued by U.S. banks or trust companies in respect of securities of foreign issuers held on deposit for use in the U.S. securities markets. While ADRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted, many of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.

 

EMU and Redenomination Risk

 

As the European debt crisis progressed, the possibility of one or more Eurozone countries exiting the European Monetary Union (“EMU”), or even the collapse of the Euro as a common currency, arose, creating significant volatility at times in currency and financial markets generally. The effects of the collapse of the Euro, or of the exit of one or more countries from the EMU, on the U.S. and global economies and securities markets are

 

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impossible to predict, and any such events could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund’s portfolio. Any partial or complete dissolution of the EMU could have significant adverse effects on currency and financial markets, and on the values of the Fund’s portfolio investments. If one or more EMU countries were to stop using the Euro as its primary currency, the Fund’s investments in such countries may be redenominated into a different or newly adopted currency. As a result, the value of those investments could decline significantly and unpredictably. In addition, securities or other investments that are redenominated may be subject to foreign currency risk, liquidity risk and valuation risk to a greater extent than similar investments currently denominated in Euros. To the extent a currency used for redenomination purposes is not specified in respect of certain EMU-related investments, or should the Euro cease to be used entirely, the currency in which such investments are denominated may be unclear, making such investments particularly difficult to value or dispose of. The Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek judicial or other clarification of the denomination or value of such securities.

 

Eurozone Risk

 

A number of countries in the EU have experienced, and may continue to experience, severe economic and financial difficulties. In particular, many EU nations are susceptible to economic risks associated with high levels of debt, notably due to investments in sovereign debt of countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Ireland. As a result, financial markets in the EU have been subject to increased volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. Responses to these financial problems by European governments, central banks, and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest, and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets, and asset valuations around the world. Greece, Ireland, and Portugal have already received one or more “bailouts” from other Eurozone member states, and it is unclear how much additional funding they will require or if additional Eurozone member states will require bailouts in the future. One or more other countries may also abandon the euro and/or withdraw from the EU, placing its currency and banking system in jeopardy. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.

 

Brexit Risk

 

On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom officially withdrew from the EU, commonly referred to as “Brexit”. Following a transition period, the United Kingdom and the EU signed a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (“UK/ EU Trade Agreement”), which came into full force on May 1, 2021 and set out the foundation of the economic and legal framework for trade between the United Kingdom and the EU. As the UK/EU Trade Agreement is a new legal framework, the implementation of the UK/EU Trade Agreement may result in uncertainty in its application and periods of volatility in both the United Kingdom and wider European markets. The United Kingdom’s exit from the EU is expected to result in additional trade costs and disruptions in this trading relationship. Furthermore, there is the possibility that either party may impose tariffs on trade in the future in the event that regulatory standards between the EU and the UK diverge. The terms of the future relationship may cause continued uncertainty in the global financial markets, and adversely affect our ability, and the ability of our portfolio companies, to execute our respective strategies and to receive attractive returns.

 

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In particular, currency volatility may mean that our returns and the returns of our portfolio companies will be adversely affected by market movements and may make it more difficult, or more expensive, for us to implement appropriate currency hedging. Potential declines in the value of the British Pound and/or the euro against other currencies, along with the potential downgrading of the United Kingdom’s sovereign credit rating, may also have an impact on the performance of any of our portfolio companies located in the United Kingdom or Europe.

 

In addition, certain European countries have experienced negative interest rates on certain fixed-income instruments. A negative interest rate policy is an unconventional central bank monetary policy tool where nominal target interest rates are set with a negative value (i.e., below zero percent) intended to help create self-sustaining growth in the local economy. Negative interest rates may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from the Fund’s performance to the extent the Fund is exposed to such interest rates. Among other things, these developments have adversely affected the value and exchange rate of the euro and pound sterling, and may continue to significantly affect the economies of all EU countries, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s investments in such countries, other countries that depend on EU countries for significant amounts of trade or investment, or issuers with exposure to debt issued by certain EU countries.

 

To the extent the Fund has exposure to European markets or to transactions tied to the value of the euro, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. All of these developments may continue to significantly affect the economies of all EU countries, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s investments in such countries, other countries that depend on EU countries for significant amounts of trade or investment, or issuers with exposure to debt issued by certain EU countries.

 

Emerging Markets Risk

 

The Fund may invest without limit in securities of issuers whose primary operations or principal trading market are located in an “emerging market.” An “emerging market” country is any country that is considered to be an emerging or developing country by the World Bank. The considerations noted above in “Foreign Securities Risk” are generally intensified for investments in emerging market countries. Emerging market countries typically have economic and political systems that are less fully developed, and can be expected to be less stable than those of more developed countries. Investing in securities of companies in emerging markets may entail special risks relating to potential political and economic instability and the risks of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investment, the lack of hedging instruments and restrictions on repatriation of capital invested. Economies of such countries can be subject to rapid and unpredictable rates of inflation or deflation. Emerging securities markets are substantially smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets. The limited size of emerging securities markets and limited trading volume compared to the volume of trading in U.S. securities could cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the quality of the securities. For example, limited market size may cause prices to be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions. Adverse publicity and investors’ perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the value and liquidity of portfolio securities, especially in these markets. Other risks include high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries; overdependence on exports, including gold and natural resources exports, making these economies vulnerable to changes in commodity prices; overburdened infrastructure and obsolete or unseasoned financial systems; environmental problems; less developed legal systems; and

 

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less reliable securities custodial services and settlement practices. Certain emerging markets may also face other significant internal or external risks, including the risk of war and civil unrest. For all of these reasons, investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative.

 

Frontier Markets Risk

 

Frontier countries generally have smaller economies or less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier countries. The economies of frontier countries are less correlated to global economic cycles than those of their more developed counterparts and their markets have low trading volumes and the potential for extreme price volatility and illiquidity. This volatility may be further heightened by the actions of a few major investors. For example, a substantial increase or decrease in cash flows of mutual funds investing in these markets could significantly affect local stock prices and, therefore, the NAV of Fund’s common shares. These factors make investing in frontier countries significantly riskier than in other countries and any one of them could cause the NAV of a fund’s shares to decline.

 

Governments of many frontier countries in which the Fund may invest may exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In some cases, the governments of such frontier countries may own or control certain companies. Accordingly, government actions could have a significant effect on economic conditions in a frontier country and on market conditions, prices and yields of securities in the Fund’s portfolio. Moreover, the economies of frontier countries may be heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be, adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These economies also have been and may continue to be adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

The Fund expects to invest in companies whose securities are denominated or quoted in currencies other than U.S. dollars or have significant operations or markets outside of the United States. In such instances, the Fund will be exposed to currency risk, including the risk of fluctuations in the exchange rate between U.S. dollars (in which the Fund’s shares are denominated) and such foreign currencies, the risk of currency devaluations and the risks of non-exchangeability and blockage. As non-U.S. securities may be purchased with and payable in currencies of countries other than the U.S. dollar, the value of these assets measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and exchange control regulations. Fluctuations in currency rates may adversely affect the ability of the Investment Adviser to acquire such securities at advantageous prices and may also adversely affect the performance of such assets.

 

Certain non-U.S. currencies, primarily in developing countries, have been devalued in the past and might face devaluation in the future. Currency devaluations generally have a significant and adverse impact on the devaluing country’s economy in the short and intermediate term and on the financial condition and results of companies’ operations in that country. Currency devaluations may also be accompanied by significant declines in the values and liquidity of equity and debt securities of affected governmental and private sector entities generally. To the extent that affected companies have obligations denominated in currencies other than the devalued currency, those companies may also have difficulty in meeting those obligations under such circumstances, which in turn

 

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could have an adverse effect upon the value of the Fund’s investments in such companies. There can be no assurance that current or future developments with respect to foreign currency devaluations will not impair the Fund’s investment flexibility, its ability to achieve its investment objectives or the value of certain of its foreign currency denominated investments.

 

Tax Consequences of Foreign Investing

 

The Fund’s transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned. This treatment could increase or decrease the Fund’s ordinary income distributions to you, and may cause some or all of the Fund’s previously distributed income to be classified as a return of capital. In certain cases, the Fund may make an election to treat gain or loss attributable to certain investments as capital gain or loss.

 

Market Discount Risk

 

The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. Whether investors will realize gains or losses upon the sale of securities of the Fund will depend upon the market price of the securities at the time of sale, which may be less or more than the Fund’s net asset value per share or the liquidation value of any Fund preferred shares issued. Since the market price of any additional securities the Fund may issue will be affected by such factors as the Fund’s dividend and distribution levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), dividend and distribution stability, net asset value, market liquidity, the relative demand for and supply of such securities in the market, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Fund, we cannot predict whether any such securities will trade at, below or above net asset value or at, below or above their public offering price or at, below or above their liquidation value, as applicable. For example, common shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount to their net asset values and the Fund’s common shares may trade at such a discount. This risk may be greater for investors expecting to sell their securities of the Fund soon after the completion of a public offering for such securities. The risk of a market price discount from net asset value is separate and in addition to the risk that net asset value itself may decline. The Fund’s securities are designed primarily for long term investors, and investors in the shares should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes.

 

Common Stock Risk

 

Common stock of an issuer in the Fund’s portfolio may decline in price for a variety of reasons, including if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments because the issuer of the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stock in which the Fund invests is structurally subordinated as to income and residual value to preferred stock, bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stock or debt instruments of such issuers. In addition, while common stock has historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, common stock has also experienced significantly more volatility in generating those returns.

 

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Convertible Securities Risk

 

Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. The market values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. In the absence of adequate anti-dilution provisions in a convertible security, dilution in the value of the Fund’s holding may occur in the event the underlying stock is subdivided, additional equity securities are issued for below market value, a stock dividend is declared or the issuer enters into another type of corporate transaction that has a similar effect.

 

The value of a convertible security is influenced by the value of the underlying equity security. Convertible debt securities and preferred stocks may depreciate in value if the market value of the underlying equity security declines or if rates of interest increase. In addition, although debt securities are liabilities of a corporation which the corporation is generally obligated to repay at a specified time, debt securities, particularly convertible debt securities, are often subordinated to the claims of some or all of the other creditors of the corporation.

 

Mandatory conversion securities (securities that automatically convert into equity securities at a future date) may limit the potential for capital appreciation and, in some instances, are subject to complete loss of invested capital. Other innovative convertibles include “equity-linked” securities, which are securities or derivatives that may have fixed, variable, or no interest payments prior to maturity, may convert (at the option of the holder or on a mandatory basis) into cash or a combination of cash and equity securities, and may be structured to limit the potential for capital appreciation. Equity-linked securities may be illiquid and difficult to value and may be subject to greater credit risk than that of other convertibles. Moreover, mandatory conversion securities and equity-linked securities have increased the sensitivity of the convertible securities market to the volatility of the equity markets and to the special risks of those innovations, which may include risks different from, and possibly greater than, those associated with traditional convertible securities.

 

Preferred stocks are equity securities in the sense that they do not represent a liability of the corporation. In the event of liquidation of the corporation, and after its creditors have been paid or provided for, holders of preferred stock are generally entitled to a preference as to the assets of the corporation before any distribution may be made to the holders of common stock. Debt securities normally do not have voting rights. Preferred stocks may have no voting rights or may have voting rights only under certain circumstances.

Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer will fail to pay interest or dividends and principal in a timely manner. Companies that issue convertible securities may be small to medium-size, and they often have low credit ratings. In addition, the credit rating of a company’s convertible securities is generally lower than that of its conventional debt securities. Convertible securities are normally considered “junior” securities—that is, the company usually must pay interest on its conventional debt before it can make payments on its convertible securities. Credit risk could be high for the Fund, because it could invest in securities with low credit quality. The lower a debt security is rated, the greater its default risk. As a result, the Fund may incur cost and delays in enforcing its rights against the issuer.

Market Risk. Although convertible securities do derive part of their value from that of the securities into which they are convertible, they are not considered derivative financial instruments. However, mandatory convertible securities include features which render them more sensitive to price changes of their

 

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underlying securities. Thus they expose the Fund to greater downside risk than traditional convertible securities, but generally less than that of the underlying common stock.

Interest Rate Risk for Convertible Securities. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the current period of historically low interest rates and recent inflationary price movements. There is a possibility that interest rates may rise, which would likely drive down the prices of income or dividend paying securities. These factors increase the risk that market interest rates will rise or continue to rise in the future, with a corresponding decline in the value of convertible securities held by the Fund. Convertible securities are particularly sensitive to interest rate changes when their predetermined conversion price is much higher than the issuing company’s common stock.

Sector Risk. Sector risk is the risk that returns from the economic sectors in which convertible securities are concentrated will trail returns from other economic sectors. As a group, sectors tend to go through cycles of doing better-or-worse-than the convertible securities market in general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several years. Moreover, the sectors that dominate this market change over time.

 

Dilution Risk. In the absence of adequate anti-dilution provisions in a convertible security, dilution in the value of the Fund’s holding may occur in the event the underlying stock is subdivided, additional equity securities are issued for below market value, a stock dividend is declared, or the issuer enters into another type of corporate transaction that has a similar effect.

 

Income Risk

 

The income shareholders receive from the Fund is expected to be based primarily on income the Fund earns from its investment strategy of writing covered calls and dividends and other distributions received from its investments. If the Fund’s covered call strategy fails to generate sufficient income or the distribution rates or yields of the Fund’s holdings decrease, shareholders’ income from the Fund could decline.

 

Distribution Risk for Equity Income Portfolio Securities

 

In selecting equity income securities in which the Fund will invest, the Investment Adviser will consider the issuer’s history of making regular periodic distributions (i.e., dividends) to its equity holders. An issuer’s history of paying dividends or other distributions, however, does not guarantee that the issuer will continue to pay dividends or other distributions in the future. The dividend income stream associated with equity income securities generally is not guaranteed and will be subordinate to payment obligations of the issuer on its debt and other liabilities. Accordingly, an issuer may forgo paying dividends on its equity securities. In addition, because in most instances issuers are not obligated to make periodic distributions to the holders of their equity securities, such distributions or dividends generally may be discontinued at the issuer’s discretion.

 

Special Risks Related to Preferred Securities

 

There are special risks associated with the Fund’s investing in preferred securities, including:

 

Deferral. Preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer dividends or distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. If the

 

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Fund owns a preferred security that is deferring its dividends or distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for tax purposes although it has not yet received such income.

 

Non-Cumulative Dividends. Some preferred securities are non-cumulative, meaning that the dividends do not accumulate and need not ever be paid. A portion of the portfolio may include investments in non-cumulative preferred securities, whereby the issuer does not have an obligation to make up any arrearages to its shareholders. Should an issuer of a non-cumulative preferred security held by the Fund determine not to pay dividends or distributions on such security, the Fund’s return from that security may be adversely affected. There is no assurance that dividends or distributions on non-cumulative preferred securities in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable.

 

Subordination. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in an issuer’s capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than more senior debt security instruments.

 

Liquidity. Preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks or U.S. Government securities.

 

Limited Voting Rights. Generally, preferred security holders (such as the Fund) have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may be entitled to elect a number of Trustees to the issuer’s board. Generally, once all the arrearages have been paid, the preferred security holders no longer have voting rights.

 

Special Redemption Rights. In certain varying circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may redeem the securities prior to a specified date. For instance, for certain types of preferred securities, a redemption may be triggered by a change in federal income tax or securities laws. As with call provisions, a redemption by the issuer may negatively impact the return of the security held by the Fund.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The market value of bonds and other fixed-income or dividend-paying securities changes in response to interest rate changes and other factors. Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of bonds and other income or dividend paying securities will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise.

 

The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the current period of historically low interest rates and recent inflationary price movements.. The magnitude of these fluctuations in the market price of bonds and other income or dividend paying securities is generally greater for those securities with longer maturities. Fluctuations in the market price of the Fund’s investments will not affect interest income derived from instruments already owned by the Fund, but will be reflected in the Fund’s net asset value. The Fund may lose money if short-term or long-term interest rates rise sharply in a manner not anticipated by Fund management. To the extent the Fund invests in securities that may be prepaid at the option of the obligor, the sensitivity of such securities to changes in interest rates may increase (to the detriment of the Fund) when interest rates rise. Moreover, because rates on certain floating rate securities typically reset only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates (and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause some fluctuations in the net asset value of the Fund to the extent that it invests in floating rate securities. These basic principles

 

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also apply to U.S. government securities. A security backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price. Just like other income or dividend paying securities, government-guaranteed securities will fluctuate in value when interest rates change.

 

The Fund’s use of leverage will tend to increase the Fund’s interest rate risk. The Fund may invest in variable and floating rate instruments, which generally are less sensitive to interest rate changes than longer duration fixed rate instruments, but may decline in value in response to rising interest rates if, for example, the rates at which they pay interest do not rise as much, or as quickly, as market interest rates in general. Conversely, variable and floating rate instruments generally will not increase in value if interest rates decline. The Fund also may invest in inverse floating rate securities, which may decrease in value if interest rates increase, and which also may exhibit greater price volatility than fixed rate securities with similar credit quality. To the extent the Fund holds variable or floating rate instruments, a decrease (or, in the case of inverse floating rate securities, an increase) in market interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities, which may adversely affect the net asset value of the Fund’s common shares.

 

Rising interest rates may also adversely affect the financial performance of Gold Companies and Natural Resources Companies by increasing their costs of capital. This may reduce their ability to execute acquisitions or expansion projects in a cost-effective manner. The risks associated with rising interest rates are heightened given the historically low interest rate environment as of the date of this Annual Report. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the current period of historically low interest rates and recent inflationary price movements. There is a possibility that interest rates may rise, which would likely drive down the prices of income- or dividend-paying securities.

 

During periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a preferred stock or fixed income security may be able to exercise an option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is known as call or prepayment risk. Preferred stock and debt securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer to redeem the securities prior to their stated maturities. An issuer may redeem such a security if the issuer can refinance it at a lower cost due to declining interest rates or an improvement in the credit standing of the issuer. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected principal payments. This may prolong the length of time the security pays a below market interest rate, increase the security’s duration and reduce the value of the security. This is known as extension risk.

 

Inflation Risk

 

Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. Recently, there have been market indicators of a rise in inflation. As inflation increases, the real value of the Fund’s shares and distributions therefore may decline. In addition, during any periods of rising inflation, dividend rates of any debt securities issued by the Fund would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to common shareholders. Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in economic policies, and the Fund’s investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses to Fund shareholders. This risk is greater for fixed-income instruments with longer maturities.

 

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Deflation Risk

 

Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time, which may have an adverse effect on the market valuation of companies, their assets and their revenues. In addition, deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer default more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Illiquid Investments Risk

 

Although the Fund expects that its portfolio will primarily be comprised of liquid securities, the Fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in unregistered securities and otherwise illiquid investments. Unregistered securities are securities that cannot be sold publicly in the United States without registration under the Securities Act. An illiquid investment is a security or other investment that cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the value at which the Fund has valued the investment. Unregistered securities often can be resold only in privately negotiated transactions with a limited number of purchasers or in a public offering registered under the Securities Act. Considerable delay could be encountered in either event and, unless otherwise contractually provided for, the Fund’s proceeds upon sale may be reduced by the costs of registration or underwriting discounts. The difficulties and delays associated with such transactions could result in the Fund’s inability to realize a favorable price upon disposition of unregistered securities, and at times might make disposition of such securities impossible. In addition, the Fund may be unable to sell other illiquid investments when it desires to do so, resulting in the Fund obtaining a lower price or being required to retain the investment. Illiquid investments generally must be valued at fair value, which is inherently less precise than utilizing market values for it desires to do so, resulting in the Fund obtaining a lower price or being required to retain the investment. liquid investments, and may lead to differences between the price at which a security is valued for determining the Fund’s net asset value and the price the Fund actually receives upon sale.

 

Investment Companies

 

The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, including exchange traded funds, to the extent permitted by law. To the extent the Fund invests in the common equity of investment companies, the Fund will bear its ratable share of any such investment company’s expenses, including management fees. The Fund will also remain obligated to pay management fees to the Investment Adviser with respect to the assets invested in the securities of other investment companies. In these circumstances holders of the Fund’s common shares will be in effect subject to duplicative investment expenses.

 

Special Risks of Derivative Transactions

 

The Fund may participate in derivative transactions. Such transactions entail certain execution, market, liquidity, hedging and tax risks. Participation in the options or futures markets, in currency exchange transactions and in other derivatives transactions involves investment risks and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. If the Investment Adviser’s prediction of movements in the direction of the securities, foreign currency, interest rate or other referenced instruments or markets is inaccurate, the consequences to the Fund may leave the Fund in a worse position than if it had not used such strategies. Risks inherent in the use of options, foreign currency, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, securities indices and foreign currencies include:

 

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dependence on the Investment Adviser’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant measure;

 

imperfect correlation between the price of the derivative instrument and movements in the prices of the referenced assets;

 

the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities;

 

the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time;

 

the possible need to defer closing out certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences;

 

the possible inability of the Fund to purchase or sell a security or instrument at a time that otherwise would be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for the Fund to sell a security or instrument at a disadvantageous time due to a need for the Fund to maintain “cover” or to segregate securities in connection with the hedging techniques; and

 

the creditworthiness of counterparties.

 

Options, futures contracts, swaps contracts, and options thereon and forward contracts on securities and currencies may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the United States, may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the ability of the Fund to act upon economic events occurring in the foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States, and (v) less trading volume. Exchanges on which options, futures, swaps and options on futures or swaps are traded may impose limits on the positions that the Fund may take in certain circumstances.

 

Many OTC derivatives are valued on the basis of dealers’ pricing of these instruments. However, the price at which dealers value a particular derivative and the price which the same dealers would actually be willing to pay for such derivative should the Fund wish or be forced to sell such position may be materially different. Such differences can result in an overstatement of the Fund’s net asset value and may materially adversely affect the Fund in situations in which the Fund is required to sell derivative instruments. Exchange-traded derivatives and OTC derivative transactions submitted for clearing through a central counterparty have become subject to minimum initial and variation margin requirements set by the relevant clearinghouse, as well as possible margin requirements mandated by the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”). These regulators also have broad discretion to impose margin requirements on non-cleared OTC derivatives. These margin requirements will increase the overall costs for the Fund.

 

While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains. Hedges are sometimes subject to imperfect matching between the derivative and the underlying security, and there can be no assurance that the Fund’s hedging transactions will be effective.

 

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Derivatives may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the Fund to greater risk and increase its costs. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation is not yet known and may not be known for some time. New regulation may make derivatives more costly, may limit the availability of derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the value or performance of derivatives.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. There is no independent limit on the Fund’s ability to invest in foreign currency exchange contracts. The use of forward currency contracts may involve certain risks, including the failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations under the contract and that the use of forward contracts may not serve as a complete hedge because of an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the contracts and the prices of the currencies hedged or used for cover.

 

Counterparty Risk. The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to the derivative contracts purchased by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.

 

The counterparty risk for cleared derivatives is generally lower than for uncleared OTC derivative transactions since generally a clearing organization becomes substituted for each counterparty to a cleared derivative contract and, in effect, guarantees the parties’ performance under the contract as each party to a trade looks only to the clearing organization for performance of financial obligations under the derivative contract. However, there can be no assurance that a clearing organization, or its members, will satisfy its obligations to the Fund, or that the Fund would be able to recover the full amount of assets deposited on its behalf with the clearing organization in the event of the default by the clearing organization or the Fund’s clearing broker. In addition, cleared derivative transactions benefit from daily marking-to-market and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Uncleared OTC derivative transactions generally do not benefit from such protections. This exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. Such “counterparty risk” is accentuated for contracts with longer maturities where events may intervene to prevent settlement, or where the Fund has concentrated its transactions with a single or small group of counterparties.

 

Non-Investment Grade Securities

 

The Fund may invest in securities rated below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable quality. The prices of these lower grade securities are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of higher grade securities. Securities of below investment grade quality—those securities rated below “Baa” by Moody’s or below “BBB” by S&P (or unrated securities of comparable quality)—are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due and therefore involve a greater risk of default. Securities rated below investment grade commonly are referred to as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities and generally pay a premium above the yields of U.S. government securities or securities of investment grade issuers because they are subject to greater risks than these securities. These risks, which reflect their speculative character, include the following:

 

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greater volatility;

 

greater credit risk and risk of default;

 

potentially greater sensitivity to general economic or industry conditions;

 

potential lack of attractive resale opportunities (illiquidity); and

 

additional expenses to seek recovery from issuers who default.

 

In addition, the prices of these lower grade securities are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of higher grade securities. Lower grade securities tend to be less liquid than investment grade securities. The market value of lower grade securities may be more volatile than the market value of investment grade securities and generally tends to reflect the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short term market developments to a greater extent than investment grade securities, which primarily reflect fluctuations in general levels of interest rates.

 

Ratings are relative, subjective, and not absolute standards of quality. Securities ratings are based largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and the rating agencies’ analysis at the time of rating. Consequently, the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer’s current financial condition.

 

The Fund may purchase securities of companies that are experiencing significant financial or business difficulties, including companies involved in bankruptcy or other reorganization and liquidation proceedings. Although such investments may result in significant financial returns to the Fund, they involve a substantial degree of risk. The level of analytical sophistication, both financial and legal, necessary for successful investments in issuers experiencing significant business and financial difficulties is unusually high. There can be no assurance that the Fund will correctly evaluate the value of the assets collateralizing its investments or the prospects for a successful reorganization or similar action. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a portfolio investment, the Fund may lose all or part of its investment or may be required to accept collateral with a value less than the amount of the Fund’s initial investment.

 

As a part of its investments in lower grade securities, the Fund may invest in securities of issuers in default. The Fund will invest in securities of issuers in default only when the Investment Adviser believes that such issuers will honor their obligations, emerge from bankruptcy protection and the value of these securities will appreciate. By investing in the securities of issuers in default, the Fund bears the risk that these issuers will not continue to honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection or that the value of these securities will not otherwise appreciate.

 

In addition to using statistical rating agencies and other sources, the Investment Adviser will also perform its own analysis of issuers in seeking investments that it believes to be underrated (and thus higher yielding) in light of the financial condition of the issuer. Its analysis of issuers may include, among other things, current and anticipated cash flow and borrowing requirements, value of assets in relation to historical cost, strength of management, responsiveness to business conditions, credit standing and current anticipated results of operations. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Investment Adviser may also consider general business conditions, anticipated changes in interest rates and the outlook for specific industries.

 

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Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issue of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced. In addition, it is possible that statistical rating agencies might change their ratings of a particular issue to reflect subsequent events on a timely basis. Moreover, such ratings do not assess the risk of a decline in market value. None of these events will require the sale of the securities by the Fund, although the Investment Adviser will consider these events in determining whether the Fund should continue to hold the securities.

 

Fixed income securities, including non-investment grade securities and comparable unrated securities, frequently have call or buy-back features that permit their issuers to call or repurchase the securities from their holders, such as the Fund. If an issuer exercises these rights during periods of declining interest rates, the Fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, thus resulting in a decreased return for the Fund.

 

The market for non-investment grade and comparable unrated securities has experienced periods of significantly adverse price and liquidity several times, particularly at or around times of economic recession. Past market recessions have adversely affected the value of such securities and the ability of certain issuers of such securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon or to refinance such securities. The market for those securities may react in a similar fashion in the future.

 

Dependence on Key Personnel

 

The Investment Adviser is dependent upon the expertise of Mr. Mario J. Gabelli. If the Investment Adviser were to lose the services of Mr. Gabelli, it could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that a suitable replacement could be found for Mr. Gabelli in the event of his death, resignation, retirement or inability to act on behalf of the Investment Adviser.

 

The Fund is dependent upon the expertise of Vincent Hugonnard-Roche as the sole option strategist on the Fund’s portfolio management team. If the Fund were to lose the services of Mr. Roche, it could be temporarily adversely affected until a suitable replacement could be found.

 

Long Term Objective; Not a Complete Investment Program

 

The Fund is intended for investors seeking a high level of current income. The Fund is not meant to provide a vehicle for those who wish to exploit short term swings in the stock market. An investment in shares of the Fund should not be considered a complete investment program. Each shareholder should take into account the Fund’s investment objectives as well as the shareholder’s other investments when considering an investment in the Fund.

 

Management Risk

 

The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. The Investment Adviser will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results.

 

Non-Diversified Status

 

The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the 1940 Act, which means the Fund is not limited by the 1940 Act in the proportion of its assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. As a non-diversified investment company, the Fund may invest in the securities of individual issuers to a greater

 

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degree than a diversified investment company. As a result, the Fund may be more vulnerable to events affecting a single issuer and therefore, subject to greater volatility than a fund that is more broadly diversified. Accordingly, an investment in the Fund may present greater risk to an investor than an investment in a diversified company.

 

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk

 

The occurrence of events similar to those in recent years, such as localized wars, instability, new and ongoing pandemics (such as COVID-19), epidemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases in certain parts of the world, natural/environmental disasters, terrorist attacks in the United States and around the world, social and political discord, debt crises sovereign debt downgrades, increasingly strained relations between the United States and a number of foreign countries, new and continued political unrest in various countries, the exit or potential exit of one or more countries from the EU or the EMU, continued changes in the balance of political power among and within the branches of the U.S. government, government shutdowns, among others, may result in market volatility, may have long term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets, and may cause further economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide.

 

The current contentious domestic political environment, as well as political and diplomatic events within the United States and abroad, such as the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, may in the future result in additional government shutdowns, which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s investments and operations. In addition, the Fund’s ability to raise additional capital in the future through the sale of securities could be materially affected by a government shutdown. Additional and/or prolonged U.S. government shutdowns may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.

 

While the extreme volatility and disruption that U.S. and global markets experienced for an extended period of time beginning in 2007 and 2008 had, until the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, generally subsided, uncertainty and periods of volatility still remain, and risks to a robust resumption of growth persist. Federal Reserve policy, including with respect to certain interest rates, may adversely affect the value, volatility and liquidity of dividend and interest paying securities. Market volatility, dramatic changes to interest rates and/or a return to unfavorable economic conditions may lower the Fund’s performance or impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

The occurrence of any of the above events could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund does not know how long the securities markets may be impacted by similar events and cannot predict the effects of similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets. There can be no assurance that similar events and other market disruptions will not have other material and adverse implications.

 

As previously discussed, Brexit has led to volatility in the financial markets of the UK and more broadly across Europe and may also lead to weakening in consumer, corporate and financial confidence in such markets. The decision made in the British referendum may also lead to a call for similar referendums in other European jurisdictions which may cause increased economic volatility in the European and global markets. This mid- to long-term uncertainty may have an adverse effect on the economy generally and on the ability of the Fund and its investments to execute its respective strategies and to receive attractive returns. In particular, currency volatility may mean that the returns of the Fund and its investments are adversely affected by market movements and may

 

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make it more difficult, or more expensive, for the Fund to execute prudent currency hedging policies. Potential decline in the value of the British Pound and/or the Euro against other currencies, along with the potential downgrading of the United Kingdom’s sovereign credit rating, may also have an impact on the performance of portfolio companies or investments located in the UK or Europe. In light of the above, no definitive assessment can currently be made regarding the impact that Brexit will have on the Fund, its investments or its organization more generally.

 

In addition, the rules dealing with the U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made substantial changes to the Code. Among those changes were a significant permanent reduction in the generally applicable corporate tax rate, changes in the taxation of individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers that generally but not universally reduce their taxes on a temporary basis subject to “sunset” provisions, the elimination or modification of various previously allowed deductions (including substantial limitations on the deductibility of interest and, in the case of individuals, the deduction for personal state and local taxes), certain additional limitations on the deduction of net operating losses, certain preferential rates of taxation on certain dividends and certain business income derived by non-corporate taxpayers in comparison to other ordinary income recognized by such taxpayers, and significant changes to the international tax rules. In addition, the Biden administration has indicated that it intends to modify key aspects of the Code, including by increasing corporate and individual tax rates. The effect of these and other changes is uncertain, both in terms of the direct effect on the taxation of an investment in the Fund’s shares and their indirect effect on the value of the Fund’s assets, the Fund’s shares or market conditions generally.

 

Regulation and Government Intervention Risk

 

The global financial crisis has led the U.S. government and certain foreign governments to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases a lack of liquidity, including through direct purchases of equity and debt securities. Federal, state and other governments and certain foreign governments and their regulatory agencies or self-regulatory organizations may take legislative and regulatory actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation may change the way in which the Fund is regulated and could limit or preclude the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives.

 

The SEC and its staff are also reportedly engaged in various initiatives and reviews that seek to improve and modernize the regulatory structure governing investment companies. These efforts appear to be focused on risk identification and controls in various areas, including embedded leverage through the use of derivatives and other trading practices, cybersecurity, liquidity, valuation, enhanced regulatory and public reporting requirements and the evaluation of systemic risks. Any new rules, guidance or regulatory initiatives resulting from these efforts could increase the Fund’s expenses and impact its returns to shareholders or, in the extreme case, impact or limit its use of various portfolio management strategies or techniques and adversely impact the Fund.

 

On October 28, 2020, the SEC adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). The Fund will be required to implement and comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. Once implemented, Rule 18f-4 will impose limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into,

 

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eliminate the asset segregation framework currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, treat derivatives as senior securities so that a failure to comply with the limits would result in a statutory violation and require funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager.

 

In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, there appears to be a renewed popular, political and judicial focus on finance related consumer protection. Financial institution practices are also subject to greater scrutiny and criticism generally. In the case of transactions between financial institutions and the general public, there may be a greater tendency toward strict interpretation of terms and legal rights in favor of the consuming public, particularly where there is a real or perceived disparity in risk allocation and/or where consumers are perceived as not having had an opportunity to exercise informed consent to the transaction. In the event of conflicting interests between retail investors holding common shares of a closed-end investment company such as the Fund and a large financial institution, a court may similarly seek to strictly interpret terms and legal rights in favor of retail investors.

 

Changes enacted by the current presidential administration could significantly impact the regulation of financial markets in the United States. Areas subject to potential change, amendment or repeal include trade and foreign policy, corporate tax rates, energy and infrastructure policies, the environment and sustainability, criminal and social justice initiatives, immigration, healthcare and the oversight of certain federal financial regulatory agencies and the Federal Reserve. Certain of these changes can, and have, been effectuated through executive order. For example, the current administration has taken steps to address the COVID-19 pandemic, rejoin the Paris climate accord of 2015, cancel the Keystone XL pipeline and change immigration enforcement priorities. Other potential changes that could be pursued by the current presidential administration could include an increase in the corporate income tax rate; changes to regulatory enforcement priorities; and spending on clean energy and infrastructure. It is not possible to predict which, if any, of these actions will be taken or, if taken, their effect on the economy, securities markets or the financial stability of the United States. The Fund may be affected by governmental action in ways that are not foreseeable, and there is a possibility that such actions could have a significant adverse effect on the Fund and its ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Additional risks arising from the differences in expressed policy preferences among the various constituencies in the branches of the U.S. government have led in the past, and may lead in the future, to short term or prolonged policy impasses, which could, and have, resulted in shutdowns of the U.S. federal government. U.S. federal government shutdowns, especially prolonged shutdowns, could have a significant adverse impact on the economy in general and could impair the ability of issuers to raise capital in the securities markets. Any of these effects could have an adverse impact on companies in the Fund’s portfolios and consequently on the value of their securities and the Fund’s net asset values.

 

LIBOR Risk

 

The Fund may be exposed to financial instruments that are tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies or investment value. The Fund’s investments may pay interest at floating rates based on LIBOR or may be subject to interest caps or floors based on LIBOR. The Fund may also obtain financing at floating rates based on LIBOR. Derivative instruments utilized by the Fund may also reference LIBOR.

 

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In July 2017, the head of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority announced the desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. LIBOR can no longer be used to calculate new deals as of December 31, 2021. Since December 31, 2021, all sterling, euro, Swiss franc and Japanese yen LIBOR settings and the 1-week and 2-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings have ceased to be published or are no longer be representative, and after June 30, 2023, the overnight, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will cease to be published or will no longer be representative. Various financial industry groups have begun planning for the transition away from LIBOR, but there are challenges to converting certain securities and transactions to a new reference rate (e.g., the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, which is intended to replace the U.S. dollar LIBOR). Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known.

 

At this time, no consensus exists as to what rate or rates will become accepted alternatives to LIBOR, although the U.S. Federal Reserve, in connection with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of large U.S. financial institutions, is considering replacing U.S. dollar LIBOR with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). Given the inherent differences between LIBOR and SOFR, or any other alternative benchmark rate that may be established, there are many uncertainties regarding a transition from LIBOR, including but not limited to the need to amend all contracts with LIBOR as the referenced rate and how this will impact the cost of variable rate debt and certain derivative financial instruments. In addition, SOFR or other replacement rates may fail to gain market acceptance. Any failure of SOFR or alternative reference rates to gain market acceptance could adversely affect the return on, value of and market for securities linked to such rates.

 

Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known. The transition process might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for, and reduce the effectiveness of, new hedges placed against, instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR. While some existing LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR is no longer available by providing for an alternative rate-setting methodology, there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies to replicate LIBOR. Not all existing LIBOR-based instruments may have alternative rate-setting provisions and there remains uncertainty regarding the willingness and ability of issuers to add alternative rate-setting provisions in certain existing instruments. Moreover, these alternative rate-setting provisions may not be designed for regular use in an environment where LIBOR ceases to be published, and may be an ineffective fallback following the discontinuation of LIBOR.

 

In addition, a liquid market for newly-issued instruments that use a reference rate other than LIBOR still may be developing. There may also be challenges for the Fund to enter into hedging transactions against such newly-issued instruments until a market for such hedging transactions develops. All of the aforementioned may adversely affect the Fund’s performance or net asset value.

 

Legislation Risk

 

At any time after the date of this Annual Report, legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Fund. Legislation or regulation may change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. The Investment Adviser cannot predict the effects of any new governmental regulation that may be implemented and there can be no assurance that any new governmental regulation will not adversely affect the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

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Reliance on Service Providers Risk

 

The Fund must rely upon the performance of service providers to perform certain functions, which may include functions that are integral to the Fund’s operations and financial performance. Failure by any service provider to carry out its obligations to the Fund in accordance with the terms of its appointment, to exercise due care and skill or to perform its obligations to the Fund at all as a result of insolvency, bankruptcy or other causes could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s performance and returns to shareholders. The termination of the Fund’s relationship with any service provider, or any delay in appointing a replacement for such service provider, could materially disrupt the business of the Fund and could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s performance and returns to shareholders.

 

Cyber Security Risk

 

The Fund and its service providers are susceptible to cyber security risks that include, among other things, theft, unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption of confidential and highly restricted data; denial of service attacks; unauthorized access to relevant systems, compromises to networks or devices that the Fund and its service providers use to service the Fund’s operations; or operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Fund and its service providers. Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common and more sophisticated, and may be perpetrated by computer hackers, cyber-terrorists or others engaged in corporate espionage. Cyber attacks against or security breakdowns of the Fund or its service providers may adversely impact the Fund and its stockholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses; the inability of Fund stockholders to transact business and the Fund to process transactions; inability to calculate the Fund’s NAV; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; and/or additional compliance costs. The Fund may incur additional costs for cyber security risk management and remediation purposes. In addition, cyber security risks may also impact issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which may cause the Fund’s investment in such issuers to lose value. There have been a number of recent highly publicized cases of companies reporting the unauthorized disclosure of client or customer information, as well as cyberattacks involving the dissemination, theft and destruction of corporate information or other assets, as a result of failure to follow procedures by employees or contractors or as a result of actions by third parties, including actions by terrorist organizations and hostile foreign governments. Although service providers typically have policies and procedures, business continuity plans and/or risk management systems intended to identify and mitigate cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security policies, plans and systems put in place by its service providers or any other third parties whose operations may affect the Fund or its shareholders. There can be no assurance that the Fund or its service providers will not suffer losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches in the future.

 

Because technology is consistently changing, new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the Fund’s ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack. In addition to deliberate cyber attacks, unintentional cyber incidents can occur, such as the inadvertent release of confidential information by the Fund or its service providers. Like other funds and business enterprises, the Fund and its service providers are subject to the risk of cyber incidents occurring from time to time.

 

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Misconduct of Employees and of Service Providers Risk

 

Misconduct or misrepresentations by employees of the Investment Adviser or the Fund’s service providers could cause significant losses to the Fund. Employee misconduct may include binding the Fund to transactions that exceed authorized limits or present unacceptable risks and unauthorized trading activities, concealing unsuccessful trading activities (which, in any case, may result in unknown and unmanaged risks or losses) or making misrepresentations regarding any of the foregoing. Losses could also result from actions by the Fund’s service providers, including, without limitation, failing to recognize trades and misappropriating assets. In addition, employees and service providers may improperly use or disclose confidential information, which could result in litigation or serious financial harm, including limiting the Fund’s business prospects or future marketing activities. Despite the Investment Adviser’s due diligence efforts, misconduct and intentional misrepresentations may be undetected or not fully comprehended, thereby potentially undermining the Investment Adviser’s due diligence efforts. As a result, no assurances can be given that the due diligence performed by the Investment Adviser will identify or prevent any such misconduct.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk

 

The Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year, as well as within a given year. Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in the execution of investment decisions for the Fund. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund. High portfolio turnover may result in an increased realization of net short term capital gains by the Fund which, when distributed to common shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. Additionally, in a declining market, portfolio turnover may create realized capital losses.

 

Legal, Tax and Regulatory Risk

 

Legal, tax and regulatory changes could occur that may have material adverse effects on the Fund or its shareholders. For example, the regulatory and tax environment for derivative instruments in which the Fund may participate is evolving, and such changes in the regulation or taxation of derivative instruments may have material adverse effects on the value of derivative instruments held by the Fund and the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment strategies. Similarly, the Biden administration has indicated that it intends to modify key aspects of the Code, including by increasing corporate and individual tax rates. Changes to the U.S. federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could adversely affect an investment in the Fund.

 

We cannot assure you what percentage of the distributions paid on the Fund’s shares, if any, will consist of tax-advantaged qualified dividend income or long term capital gains or what the tax rates on various types of income will be in future years.

 

To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to RICs, the Fund must, among other things, meet certain asset diversification tests, derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from certain prescribed sources and distribute for each taxable year at least 90% of its “investment company taxable income.” Statutory limitations on distributions on the common shares if the Fund fails to satisfy the 1940 Act’s asset coverage requirements could jeopardize the Fund’s ability to meet such distribution requirements. While the Fund presently intends to purchase or redeem notes or preferred shares, if any, to the extent necessary in order to maintain compliance with such asset coverage requirements, there can be no assurance that such

 

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actions can be effected in time to meet the Code requirements. If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income for that year (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and such distributions would be taxable as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. The resulting corporate taxes would materially reduce the Fund’s net assets and the amount of cash available for distribution to shareholders. For a more complete discussion of these and other U.S. federal income tax considerations.

 

Investment Dilution Risk

 

The Fund’s investors do not have preemptive rights to any shares the Fund may issue in the future. The Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust authorizes it to issue an unlimited number of shares. The Board may make certain amendments to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust. After an investor purchases shares, the Fund may sell additional shares or other classes of shares in the future or issue equity interests in private offerings. To the extent the Fund issues additional equity interests after an investor purchases its shares, such investor’s percentage ownership interest in the Fund will be diluted.

 

Anti-Takeover Provisions

 

The Fund’s Governing Documents include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or convert the Fund to an open-end fund.

 

Investment Restrictions

 

The Fund has adopted certain fundamental investment policies designed to limit investment risk and maintain portfolio diversification. Under the 1940 Act, a fundamental policy may not be changed without the vote of a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (voting together as a single class subject to class approval rights of any preferred shares). Should the Fund decide to issue additional series of preferred shares in the future, it may become subject to rating agency guidelines that are more limiting than its fundamental investment policies in order to obtain and maintain a desired rating on its preferred shares.

 

Special Risks to Holders of Preferred Shares

 

Illiquidity Prior to Exchange Listing. Prior to an offering, there will be no public market for any series of fixed rate preferred shares. In the event any series of fixed rate preferred shares are issued, we expect to apply to list such shares on a national securities exchange, which will likely be the NYSE or the NYSE American. However, during an initial period, which is not expected to exceed 30 days after the date of its initial issuance, such shares may not be listed on any securities exchange. During such period, the underwriters may make a market in such shares, though they will have no obligation to do so. Consequently, an investment in such shares may be illiquid during such period. Preferred shares not intended to be listed on an exchange may be illiquid as long as they are outstanding.

 

Market Price Fluctuation. Fixed rate preferred shares may trade at a premium to or discount from liquidation value for various reasons, including changes in interest rates, perceived credit quality and other factors.

 

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Special Risks to Holders of Notes

 

An investment in our notes is subject to special risks. Our notes are not likely to be listed on an exchange or automated quotation system. We cannot assure you that any market will exist for our notes or if a market does exist, whether it will provide holders with liquidity. Broker-dealers that maintain a secondary trading market for the notes are not required to maintain this market, and the Fund is not required to redeem notes if an attempted secondary market sale fails because of a lack of buyers. To the extent that our notes trade, they may trade at a price either higher or lower than their principal amount depending on interest rates, the rating (if any) on such notes and other factors.

 

Special Risks of Notes to Holders of Preferred Shares

 

As provided in the 1940 Act, and subject to compliance with the Fund’s investment limitations, the Fund may issue notes. In the event the Fund were to issue such securities, the Fund’s obligations to pay dividends or make distributions and, upon liquidation of the Fund, liquidation payments in respect of its preferred shares would be subordinate to the Fund’s obligations to make any principal and interest payments due and owing with respect to its outstanding notes. Accordingly, the Fund’s issuance of notes would have the effect of creating special risks for the Fund’s preferred shareholders that would not be present in a capital structure that did not include such securities.

 

Special Risks to Holders of Notes and Preferred Shares

 

Common Share Repurchases. Repurchases of common shares by the Fund may reduce the asset coverage of the notes and preferred shares, which could adversely affect their liquidity or market prices.

 

Common Share Distribution Policy. In the event the Fund does not generate a total return from dividends and interest received and net realized capital gains in an amount at least equal to its distributions for a given year, the Fund may return capital as part of its distribution. This would decrease the asset coverage per share with respect to the Fund’s notes or preferred shares, which could adversely affect their liquidity or market prices.

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the Fund made distributions of $0.36 per common share, a portion of which constituted a return of capital. The composition of each distribution is estimated based on earnings as of the record date for the distribution. The actual composition of each distribution may change based on the Fund’s investment activity through the end of the calendar year.

 

Credit Quality Ratings. The Fund may obtain credit quality ratings for its preferred shares or notes; however, it is not required to do so and may issue preferred shares or notes without any rating. If rated, the Fund does not impose any minimum rating necessary to issue such preferred shares or notes. In order to obtain and maintain attractive credit quality ratings for preferred shares or notes, if desired, the Fund’s portfolio must satisfy over-collateralization tests established by the relevant rating agencies. These tests are more difficult to satisfy to the extent the Fund’s portfolio securities are of lower credit quality, longer maturity or not diversified by issuer and industry.

 

These guidelines could affect portfolio decisions and may be more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. A rating (if any) by a rating agency does not eliminate or necessarily mitigate the risks of investing in our preferred shares or notes, and a rating may not fully or accurately reflect all of the securities’ credit risks. A

 

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rating (if any) does not address liquidity or any other market risks of the securities being rated. A rating agency could downgrade the rating of our notes or preferred shares, which may make such securities less liquid in the secondary market. If a rating agency downgrades the rating assigned to notes or preferred shares, we may alter our portfolio or redeem the preferred securities or notes under certain circumstances.

 

Special Risk to Holders of Subscription Rights

 

There is a risk that changes in market conditions may result in the underlying common or preferred shares purchasable upon exercise of the subscription rights being less attractive to investors at the conclusion of the subscription period. This may reduce or eliminate the value of the subscription rights. Investors who receive subscription rights may find that there is no market to sell rights they do not wish to exercise. If investors exercise only a portion of the rights, the number of common or preferred shares issued may be reduced, and the common or preferred shares may trade at less favorable prices than larger offerings for similar securities.

 

Regulated Investment Company Status Risk

 

Securities issued by certain issuers in which the Fund invests which are or become pass-through entities (such as Canadian Royalty Trusts, which may be grantor trusts for U.S. federal income tax purposes) may not produce “qualified” income for purposes of determining the Fund’s compliance with the tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies. To the extent that the Fund holds such securities indirectly through investments in a taxable subsidiary formed by the Fund, those securities may produce “qualified” income. However, the net return to the Fund on such investments would be reduced to the extent that the subsidiary is subject to corporate income taxes. The Fund intends to monitor its investments with the objective of maintaining its continued qualification as a RIC. If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and such distributions will be taxable to the shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits.

 

Additional Investment Policies

 

Canadian Royalty Trusts. The Fund may invest in equity interests in Canadian Royalty Trusts. A Canadian Royalty Trust is a royalty trust whose securities are generally listed on a Canadian securities exchange and which controls an underlying company whose business is the acquisition, exploitation, production and sale of oil and natural gas. These trusts generally pay out to unitholders the majority of the cash flow that they receive from the production and sale of underlying oil and natural gas reserves. The amount of distributions paid on a Canadian Royalty Trust’s units will vary from time to time based on production levels, commodity prices, royalty rates and certain expenses, deductions and costs, as well as on the distribution payout ratio policy adopted. As a result of distributing the bulk of its cash flow to unitholders, the ability of a Canadian Royalty Trust to finance internal growth through exploration is limited. Therefore, Canadian Royalty Trusts typically grow through acquisition of additional oil and gas properties or producing companies with proven reserves of oil and gas, funded through the issuance of additional equity or, where the trust is able, additional debt.

 

Canadian Royalty Trusts, like other types of Natural Resources Companies, are exposed to pricing risk, supply and demand risk and depletion and exploration risk with respect to their underlying commodities, among other risks. An investment in units of Canadian Royalty Trusts involves some risks which differ from an investment

 

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in common stock of a corporation, including increased liability for the obligations of the trust. There are certain regulatory and tax risks associated with an investment in Canadian Royalty Trusts resulting from reliance on beneficial Canadian incentive programs and tax laws that may be changed in the future. In addition, securities of certain Canadian Royalty Trusts may not be qualifying assets for the Fund’s asset diversification requirements.

 

Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”). MLPs in which the Fund intends to invest will be limited partnerships (or limited liability companies treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes), the units of which will generally be listed and traded on a U.S. securities exchange. MLPs normally derive income and gains from the exploration, development, mining or production, processing, refining, transportation (including pipeline transporting gas, oil, or products thereof), or the marketing of mineral or natural resources. MLPs generally have two classes of owners, the general partner and limited partners. When investing in an MLP, the Fund intends to purchase publicly traded common units issued to limited partners of the MLP. The general partner typically controls the operations and management of the MLP. MLPs are typically structured such that common units and general partner interests have first priority to receive quarterly cash distributions up to an established minimum amount (“minimum quarterly distributions” or “MQD”). Common and general partner interests also accrue arrearages in distributions to the extent the MQD is not paid. Once common and general partner interests have been paid, subordinated units receive distributions of up to the MQD; however, subordinated units do not accrue arrearages. Distributable cash in excess of the MQD paid to both common and subordinated units is distributed to both common and subordinated units generally on a pro rata basis. The general partner is also eligible to receive incentive distributions if the general partner operates the business in a manner that results in distributions paid per common unit surpassing specified target levels.

 

MLPs, like other types of Natural Resources Companies, are exposed to pricing risk, supply and demand risk and depletion and exploration risk with respect to their underlying commodities, among other risks. An investment in MLP units involves some risks which differ from an investment in the common stock of a corporation. Holders of MLP units have limited control and voting rights on matters affecting the partnership. In addition, there are certain tax risks associated with an investment in MLP units and conflicts of interest may exist between common unit holders and the general partner, including those arising from incentive distribution payments.

 

Risk Arbitrage. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets at the time of investment in securities pursuant to “risk arbitrage” strategies or in other investment funds managed pursuant to such strategies. Risk arbitrage investments are made in securities of companies for which a tender or exchange offer has been made or announced and in securities of companies for which a merger, consolidation, liquidation or reorganization proposal has been announced if, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, there is a reasonable prospect of total return significantly greater than the brokerage and other transaction expenses involved. Risk arbitrage strategies attempt to exploit merger activity to capture the spread between current market values of securities and their values after successful completion of a merger, restructuring or similar corporate transaction. Transactions associated with risk arbitrage strategies typically involve the purchases or sales of securities in connection with announced corporate actions which may include, but are not limited to, mergers, consolidations, acquisitions, transfers of assets, tender offers, exchange offers, re-capitalizations, liquidations, divestitures, spin-offs and similar transactions. However, a merger or other restructuring or tender or exchange offer anticipated by the Fund and in which it holds an arbitrage position may not be completed on the terms contemplated or within the time frame anticipated, resulting in losses to the Fund.

 

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In general, securities which are the subject of such an offer or proposal sell at a premium to their historic market price immediately prior to the announcement of the offer but may trade at a discount or premium to what the stated or appraised value of the security would be if the contemplated transaction were approved or consummated. Such investments may be advantageous when the discount significantly overstates the risk of the contingencies involved; significantly undervalues the securities, assets or cash to be received by shareholders as a result of the contemplated transaction; or fails adequately to recognize the possibility that the offer or proposal may be replaced or superseded by an offer or proposal of greater value. The evaluation of such contingencies requires unusually broad knowledge and experience on the part of the Investment Adviser which must appraise not only the value of the issuer and its component businesses as well as the assets or securities to be received as a result of the contemplated transaction but also the financial resources and business motivation behind the offer and/or the dynamics and business climate when the offer or proposal is in process. Since such investments are ordinarily short term in nature, they will tend to increase the turnover ratio of the Fund, thereby increasing its brokerage and other transaction expenses. Risk arbitrage strategies may also involve short selling, options hedging and other arbitrage techniques to capture price differentials.

 

Derivative Instruments

 

Options. The Fund may, from time to time, subject to guidelines of the Board of Trustees and the limitations set forth in the prospectus, purchase or sell (i.e., write) options on securities, securities indices and foreign currencies which are listed on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market, as a means of achieving additional return or of hedging the value of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

A call option is a contract that gives the holder of the option the right to buy from the writer of the call option, in return for a premium, the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. The writer of the call option has the obligation, upon exercise of the option, to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price during the option period.

 

A put option is a contract that gives the holder of the option the right, in return for a premium, to sell to the seller the underlying security at a specified price. The seller of the put option has the obligation to buy the underlying security upon exercise at the exercise price.

 

A call option is “covered” if the Fund owns the underlying instrument covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that instrument without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a segregated account by its custodian) upon conversion or exchange of other instruments held in its portfolio. A call option is also covered if the Fund holds a call option on the same instrument as the call option written where the exercise price of the call option held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call option written or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the call option written if the difference is maintained by the Fund in cash, U.S. government securities or other high-grade short term obligations in a segregated account with its custodian. A put option is “covered” if the Fund maintains cash or other high-grade short-term obligations with a value equal to the exercise price in a segregated account with its custodian, or else holds a put option on the same instrument as the put option written where the exercise price of the put option held is equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put option written.

 

If the Fund has written an option, it may terminate its obligation by effecting a closing purchase transaction. This is accomplished by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written. However, once the

 

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Fund has been assigned an exercise notice, the Fund will be unable to effect a closing purchase transaction. Similarly, if the Fund is the holder of an option it may liquidate its position by effecting a closing sale transaction. This is accomplished by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased. There can be no assurance that either a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund so desires.

 

The Fund realizes a profit from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the premium received from writing the option or is more than the premium paid to purchase the option; the Fund realizes a loss from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is more than the premium received from writing the option or is less than the premium paid to purchase the option. Since call option prices generally reflect increases in the price of the underlying security, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option may also be wholly or partially offset by unrealized appreciation of the underlying security, and any gain resulting from the repurchase of a call option may also be wholly or partially offset by unrealized depreciation of the underlying security. Other principal factors affecting the market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market price and price volatility of the underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date. Gains and losses on investments in options depend, in part, on the ability of the Investment Adviser to correctly predict the effect of these factors. The use of options cannot serve as a complete hedge since the price movement of securities underlying the options will not necessarily follow the price movements of the portfolio securities subject to the hedge.

 

An option position may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market for an option of the same series or in a private transaction. Although the Fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option. In such event it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, in which case the Fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur brokerage commissions upon the exercise of call options and upon the subsequent disposition of underlying securities for the exercise of put options. If the Fund, as a covered call option writer, is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise, or otherwise covers the position.

 

Options on Securities Indices. The Fund may purchase and sell securities index options. One effect of such transactions may be to hedge all or part of the Fund’s securities holdings against a general decline in the securities market or a segment of the securities market. Options on securities indices are similar to options on stocks except that, rather than the right to take or make delivery of stock at a specified price, an option on a securities index gives the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the securities index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call option, or less than, in the case of a put option, the exercise price of the option.

 

The Fund’s successful use of options on indices depends upon its ability to predict the direction of the market and is subject to various additional risks. The correlation between movements in the index and the price of the securities being hedged against is imperfect and the risk from imperfect correlation increases as the composition of the Fund diverges from the composition of the relevant index. Accordingly, a decrease in the value of the securities being hedged against may not be wholly offset by a gain on the exercise or sale of a securities index put option held by the Fund.

 

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Options on Foreign Currencies. Instead of purchasing or selling currency futures (as described below), the Fund may attempt to accomplish similar objectives by purchasing put or call options on currencies or by writing put options or call options on currencies either on exchanges or in OTC markets. A put option gives the Fund the right to sell a currency at the exercise price until the option expires. A call option gives the Fund the right to purchase a currency at the exercise price until the option expires. Both types of options serve to insure against adverse currency price movements in the underlying portfolio assets designated in a given currency. The Fund’s use of options on currencies will be subject to the same limitations as its use of options on securities, described above and in the prospectus. Currency options may be subject to position limits that may limit the ability of the Fund to fully hedge its positions by purchasing the options.

 

As in the case of interest rate futures contracts and options thereon, described below, the Fund may hedge against the risk of a decrease or increase in the U.S. dollar value of a foreign currency denominated debt security that the Fund owns or intends to acquire by purchasing or selling options contracts, futures contracts or options thereon with respect to a foreign currency other than the foreign currency in which such debt security is denominated, where the values of such different currencies (vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar) historically have a high degree of positive correlation.

 

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures. The Fund may purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options thereon which are traded on a commodities exchange or board of trade for certain hedging, yield enhancement and risk management purposes. A financial futures contract is an agreement to purchase or sell an agreed amount of securities or currencies at a set price for delivery in the future. These futures contracts and related options may be on debt securities, financial indices, securities indices, U.S. government securities and foreign currencies.

 

It is anticipated that these investments, if any, will be made by the Fund primarily for the purpose of hedging against changes in the value of its portfolio securities and in the value of securities it intends to purchase. Such investments will only be made if they are economically appropriate to the reduction of risks involved in the management of the Fund. In this regard, the Fund may enter into futures contracts or options on futures for the purchase or sale of securities indices or other financial instruments including but not limited to U.S. government securities.

 

A “sale” of a futures contract (or a “short” futures position) means the assumption of a contractual obligation to deliver the securities underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future time. A “purchase” of a futures contract (or a “long” futures position) means the assumption of a contractual obligation to acquire the securities underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future time. Certain futures contracts, including stock and bond index futures, are settled on a net cash payment basis rather than by the sale and delivery of the securities underlying the futures contracts.

 

No consideration will be paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Fund will be required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or cash equivalents equal to approximately 1% to 10% of the contract amount (this amount is subject to change by the exchange or board of trade on which the contract is traded and brokers or members of such board of trade may charge a higher amount). This amount is known as the “initial margin” and is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract. Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin,” to and from the broker will be made daily as the

 

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price of the index or security underlying the futures contract fluctuates. At any time prior to the expiration of the futures contract, the Fund may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, which will operate to terminate its existing position in the contract.

 

An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option.

 

Upon exercise of an option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer’s futures margin account attributable to that contract, which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put option, the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. The potential loss related to the purchase of an option on a futures contract is limited to the premium paid for the option (plus transaction costs). Because the value of the option purchased is fixed at the point of sale, there are no daily cash payments by the purchaser to reflect changes in the value of the underlying contract; however, the value of the option does change daily and that change would be reflected in the net assets of the Fund.

 

Futures and options on futures entail certain risks, including but not limited to the following: no assurance that futures contracts or options on futures can be offset at favorable prices, possible reduction of the yield of the Fund due to the use of hedging, possible reduction in value of both the securities hedged and the hedging instrument, possible lack of liquidity due to daily limits on price fluctuations, imperfect correlation between the contracts and the securities being hedged, losses from investing in futures transactions that are potentially unlimited and the segregation requirements described below.

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. The Fund may purchase or sell interest rate futures contracts to take advantage of or to protect the Fund against fluctuations in interest rates affecting the value of debt securities which the Fund holds or intends to acquire. For example, if interest rates are expected to increase, the Fund might sell futures contracts on debt securities, the values of which historically have a high degree of positive correlation to the values of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Such a sale would have an effect similar to selling an equivalent value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. If interest rates increase, the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities will decline, but the value of the futures contracts to the Fund will increase at approximately an equivalent rate thereby keeping the net asset value of the Fund from declining as much as it otherwise would have. The Fund could accomplish similar results by selling debt securities with longer maturities and investing in debt securities with shorter maturities when interest rates are expected to increase. However, since the futures market may be more liquid than the cash market, the use of futures contracts as a risk management technique allows the Fund to maintain a defensive position without having to sell its portfolio securities.

 

Similarly, the Fund may purchase interest rate futures contracts when it is expected that interest rates may decline. The purchase of futures contracts for this purpose constitutes a hedge against increases in the price of debt securities (caused by declining interest rates), which the Fund intends to acquire. Since fluctuations in the value of appropriately selected futures contracts should approximate that of the debt securities that will be purchased, the Fund can take advantage of the anticipated rise in the cost of the debt securities without actually buying them. Subsequently, the Fund can make its intended purchase of the debt securities in the cash market and liquidate its futures position.

 

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The purchase of a call option on a futures contract is similar in some respects to the purchase of a call option on an individual security. Depending on the pricing of the option compared to either the price of the futures contract upon which it is based or the price of the underlying debt securities, it may or may not be less risky than ownership of the futures contract or underlying debt securities. As with the purchase of futures contracts, when the Fund is not fully invested it may purchase a call option on a futures contract to hedge against a market advance due to declining interest rates.

 

The purchase of a put option on a futures contract is similar to the purchase of protective put options on portfolio securities. The Fund will purchase a put option on a futures contract to hedge the Fund’s portfolio against the risk of rising interest rates and consequent reduction in the value of portfolio securities.

 

The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against declining prices of the securities that are deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration of the option is below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium, which provides a partial hedge against any decline that may have occurred in the Fund’s portfolio holdings. The writing of a put option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against increasing prices of the securities that are deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration of the option is higher than the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium, which provides a partial hedge against any increase in the price of debt securities that the Fund intends to purchase. If a put or call option the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will incur a loss which will be reduced by the amount of the premium it received. Depending on the degree of correlation between changes in the value of its portfolio securities and changes in the value of its futures positions, the Fund’s losses from options on futures it has written may to some extent be reduced or increased by changes in the value of its portfolio securities.

 

Currency Futures and Options Thereon. Generally, foreign currency futures contracts and options thereon are similar to the interest rate futures contracts and options thereon discussed previously. By entering into currency futures and options thereon, the Fund will seek to establish the rate at which it will be entitled to exchange U.S. dollars for another currency at a future time. By selling currency futures, the Fund will seek to establish the number of dollars it will receive at delivery for a certain amount of a foreign currency. In this way, whenever the Fund anticipates a decline in the value of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar, the Fund can attempt to “lock in” the U.S. dollar value of some or all of the securities held in its portfolio that are denominated in that currency. By purchasing currency futures, the Fund can establish the number of dollars it will be required to pay for a specified amount of a foreign currency in a future month. Thus, if the Fund intends to buy securities in the future and expects the U.S. dollar to decline against the relevant foreign currency during the period before the purchase is effected, the Fund can attempt to “lock in” the price in U.S. dollars of the securities it intends to acquire.

 

The purchase of options on currency futures will allow the Fund, for the price of the premium and related transaction costs it must pay for the option, to decide whether or not to buy (in the case of a call option) or to sell (in the case of a put option) a futures contract at a specified price at any time during the period before the option expires. If the Investment Adviser, in purchasing an option, has been correct in its judgment concerning the direction in which the price of a foreign currency would move against the U.S. dollar, the Fund may exercise the option and thereby take a futures position to hedge against the risk it had correctly anticipated or close out the option position at a gain that will offset, to some extent, currency exchange losses otherwise suffered by

 

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the Fund. If exchange rates move in a way the Fund did not anticipate, however, the Fund will have incurred the expense of the option without obtaining the expected benefit; any such movement in exchange rates may also thereby reduce rather than enhance the Fund’s profits on its underlying securities transactions.

 

Securities Index Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. Purchases or sales of securities index futures contracts are used for hedging purposes to attempt to protect the Fund’s current or intended investments from broad fluctuations in stock or bond prices. For example, the Fund may sell securities index futures contracts in anticipation of or during a market decline to attempt to offset the decrease in market value of the Fund’s securities portfolio that might otherwise result. If such decline occurs, the loss in value of portfolio securities may be offset, in whole or part, by gains on the futures position. When the Fund is not fully invested in the securities market and anticipates a significant market advance, it may purchase securities index futures contracts in order to gain rapid market exposure that may, in part or entirely, offset increases in the cost of securities that the Fund intends to purchase. As such purchases are made, the corresponding positions in securities index futures contracts will be closed out. The Fund may write put and call options on securities index futures contracts for hedging purposes.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. Subject to guidelines of the Board of Trustees, the Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to protect the value of its portfolio against uncertainty in the level of future currency exchange rates between a particular foreign currency and the U.S. dollar or between foreign currencies in which its securities are or may be denominated. The Fund may enter into such contracts on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the rate then prevailing in the currency exchange market or on a forward basis by entering into a forward contract to purchase or sell currency. A forward contract on foreign currency is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days agreed upon by the parties from the date of the contract at a price set on the date of the contract. Forward currency contracts (i) are traded in a market conducted directly between currency traders (typically, commercial banks or other financial institutions) and their customers, (ii) generally have no deposit requirements and (iii) are typically consummated without payment of any commissions. The Fund, however, may enter into forward currency contracts requiring deposits or involving the payment of commissions.

 

The dealings of the Fund in forward foreign exchange are limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of one forward foreign currency for another currency with respect to specific receivables or payables of the Fund accruing in connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities or its payment of distributions. Position hedging is the purchase or sale of one forward foreign currency for another currency with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in the foreign currency to offset the effect of an anticipated substantial appreciation or depreciation, respectively, in the value of the currency relative to the U.S. dollar. In this situation, the Fund also may, for example, enter into a forward contract to sell or purchase a different foreign currency for a fixed U.S. dollar amount when it is believed that the U.S. dollar value of the currency to be sold or bought pursuant to the forward contract will fall or rise, as the case may be, whenever there is a decline or increase, respectively, in the U.S. dollar value of the currency in which its portfolio securities are denominated (this practice being referred to as a “cross-hedge”).

 

In hedging a specific transaction, the Fund may enter into a forward contract with respect to either the currency in which the transaction is denominated or another currency deemed appropriate by the Investment Adviser. The

 

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amount the Fund may invest in forward currency contracts is limited to the amount of its aggregate investments in foreign currencies.

 

The use of forward currency contracts may involve certain risks, including the failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations under the contract, and such use may not serve as a complete hedge because of an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the contracts and the prices of the currencies hedged or used for cover. The Fund will only enter into forward currency contracts with parties that the Investment Adviser believes to be creditworthy institutions.

 

Under current interpretations of the SEC and its staff under the 1940 Act, the Fund must segregate with its custodian liquid assets, or engage in other SEC or staff approved measures, to “cover” open positions in certain types of derivative instruments. The purpose of these requirements is to prevent the Fund from incurring excessive leverage through such instruments. In the case of futures and forward contracts, for example, that are not required as a result of one or more contractual arrangements to settle for cash only in an amount equal to the change in value of the contract over its term but rather may settle through physical delivery or in the notional amount, the Fund must segregate liquid assets equal to such contract’s full notional value while it has an open long position, or is equal to the market value of the contract in the case of an open short position. With respect to contracts that the Fund is contractually obligated to settle for cash in an amount equal to the change in value of the contract, the Fund needs to segregate liquid assets only in an amount equal to the Fund’s unpaid mark to market obligation rather than the entire notional amount. This is because the Fund’s maximum potential obligation at that point in time is its net unpaid mark to market obligation rather than the full notional amount.

 

Additional Risks Relating to Derivative Investments

 

Counterparty Risk. The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to the derivative contracts purchased by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.

 

The counterparty risk for cleared derivatives is generally lower than for uncleared OTC derivative transactions since generally a clearing organization becomes substituted for each counterparty to a cleared derivative contract and, in effect, guarantees the parties’ performance under the contract as each party to a trade looks only to the clearing organization for performance of financial obligations under the derivative contract. However, there can be no assurance that a clearing organization, or its members, will satisfy its obligations to the Fund, or that the Fund would be able to recover the full amount of assets deposited on its behalf with the clearing organization in the event of the default by the clearing organization or the Fund’s clearing broker. In addition, cleared derivative transactions benefit from daily marking-to-market and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Uncleared OTC derivative transactions generally do not benefit from such protections. This exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. Such “counterparty risk” is accentuated for contracts with longer maturities where events may intervene to prevent settlement, or where the Fund has concentrated its transactions with a single or small group of counterparties.

 

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Failure of Futures Commission Merchants and Clearing Organizations Risk. The Fund may deposit funds required to margin open positions in the derivative instruments subject to the Commodity Exchange Act with a clearing broker registered as a “futures commission merchant” (“FCM”). The Commodity Exchange Act requires an FCM to segregate all funds received from customers with respect to any orders for the purchase or sale of U.S. domestic futures contracts and cleared swaps from the FCM’s proprietary assets. Similarly, the Commodity Exchange Act requires each FCM to hold in a separate secure account all funds received from customers with respect to any orders for the purchase or sale of foreign futures contracts and segregate any such funds from the funds received with respect to domestic futures contracts. However, all funds and other property received by a clearing broker from its customers are held by the clearing broker on a commingled basis in an omnibus account and may be invested by the clearing broker in certain instruments permitted under the applicable regulation. There is a risk that assets deposited by the Fund with any swaps or futures clearing broker as margin for futures contracts may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of the Fund’s clearing broker. In addition, the assets of the Fund may not be fully protected in the event of the clearing broker’s bankruptcy, as the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the clearing broker’s combined domestic customer accounts.

 

Similarly, the Commodity Exchange Act requires a clearing organization approved by the CFTC as a derivatives clearing organization to segregate all funds and other property received from a clearing member’s clients in connection with domestic futures, swaps and options contracts from any funds held at the clearing organization to support the clearing member’s proprietary trading. Nevertheless, with respect to futures contracts and options on futures, a clearing organization may use assets of a non-defaulting customer held in an omnibus account at the clearing organization to satisfy losses in that account resulting from the default by another customer on its payment obligations that leads to the clearing member’s default to the clearing organization. As a result, in the situation of a double default by a customer of the Fund’s clearing member and the clearing member itself with respect to payment obligations on the customer’s futures or options on futures, there is a risk that the Fund’s assets in an omnibus account with the clearing organization may be used to satisfy losses from the double default and that the Fund may not recover the full amount of any such assets.

 

Dodd-Frank Act Risk. Title VII of the U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act) (the “Derivatives Title”) imposed a new regulatory structure on derivatives markets, with particular emphasis on swaps and security-based swaps (collectively “swaps”), which are subject to oversight by the CFTC and by the SEC, respectively. The regulatory framework covers a broad range of swap market participants, including banks, non-banks, credit unions, insurance companies, broker-dealers and investment advisers.

 

The SEC, other U.S. regulators, and to a lesser extent the CFTC (the “Regulators”) still are in the process of adopting regulations, making determinations and providing guidance to implement the Derivatives Title, though certain aspects of the new regulatory structure are substantially complete. Until the Regulators complete their rulemaking efforts, the full extent to which the Derivatives Title and the rules adopted thereunder will impact the Funds is unclear. It is possible that the continued development of this new regulatory structure for swaps may jeopardize certain trades and/or trading strategies that may be employed by the Fund, or at least make them more costly.

 

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Current regulations require the mandatory central clearing and mandatory exchange trading of particular types of interest rate swaps and index credit default swaps (together, “Covered Swaps”). Together, these new regulatory requirements change a fund’s trading of Covered Swaps. With respect to mandatory central clearing, each Fund is now required to clear its Covered Swaps through a clearing broker, which requires, among other things, posting initial margin and variation margin to the Fund’s clearing broker in order to enter into and maintain positions in Covered Swaps. With respect to mandatory exchange trading, the Fund may be required to become a participant of a type of execution platform called a swap execution facility (“SEF”) or may be required to access the SEF through an intermediary (such as an executing broker) in order to be able to trade Covered Swaps for the Fund. In either scenario, the Fund may incur additional legal and compliance costs and transaction fees. Just as with the other regulatory changes imposed as a result of the implementation of the Derivatives Title, the increased costs and fees associated with trading Covered Swaps may jeopardize certain trades and/or trading strategies that may be employed by the Fund, or at least make them more costly.

 

Additionally, the Regulators have finalized regulations with a phased implementation that may require swap dealers to collect from, and post to, the Fund variation margin (and initial margin, if the Fund exceeds a specified exposure threshold) for uncleared derivatives transactions in certain circumstances. U.S. federal banking regulators have also finalized regulations that would impose upon swap dealers new capital requirements. The CFTC and SEC have adopted capital requirements for swap dealers, and the SEC has finalized its uncleared margin rules. Such requirements may make certain types of trades and/or trading strategies more costly or impermissible.

 

There may be market dislocations due to uncertainty during the implementation period of any new regulation and the Fund cannot know how the derivatives market will adjust to new regulations. Until the Regulators complete the rulemaking process for the Derivatives Title, it is unknown the extent to which such risks may materialize.

 

Legal and Regulatory Risk. At any time after the date hereof, legislation or additional regulations may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Fund. Changing approaches to regulation may have a negative impact on the securities in which the Fund invests. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. There can be no assurances that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objectives. In addition, as new rules and regulations resulting from the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act are implemented and new international capital and liquidity requirements are introduced under the Basel III Accords, the market may not react the way the Investment Adviser expects. Whether the Fund achieves its investment objectives may depend on, among other things, whether the Investment Adviser correctly forecasts market reactions to this and other legislation. In the event the Investment Adviser incorrectly forecasts market reaction, the Fund may not achieve its investment objectives.

 

Special Risk Considerations Relating to Futures and Options Thereon. The Fund’s ability to establish and close out positions in futures contracts and options thereon will be subject to the development and maintenance of liquid markets. Although the Fund generally will purchase or sell only those futures contracts and options thereon for which there appears to be a liquid market, there is no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract or option thereon at any particular time. In the event no liquid market exists for a particular futures contract or option thereon in which the Fund maintains a position, it will not be

 

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possible to effect a closing transaction in that contract or to do so at a satisfactory price and the Fund would have to either make or take delivery under the futures contract or, in the case of a written option, wait to sell the underlying securities until the option expires or is exercised or, in the case of a purchased option, exercise the option. In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon which the Fund has written and which the Fund is unable to close, the Fund would be required to maintain margin deposits on the futures contract or option thereon and to make variation margin payments until the contract is closed.

 

Successful use of futures contracts and options thereon and forward contracts by the Fund is subject to the ability of the Investment Adviser to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest and foreign currency rates. If the Investment Adviser’s expectations are not met, the Fund will be in a worse position than if a hedging strategy had not been pursued. For example, if the Fund has hedged against the possibility of an increase in interest rates that would adversely affect the price of securities in its portfolio and the price of such securities increases instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of its securities because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it may have to sell securities to meet the requirements. These sales may be, but will not necessarily be, at increased prices that reflect the rising market. The Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so.

 

Additional Risks of Foreign Options, Futures Contracts, Options on Futures Contracts and Forward Contracts. Options, futures contracts and options thereon and forward contracts on securities and currencies may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the U.S., may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors; (ii) lesser availability than in the U.S. of data on which to make trading decisions; (iii) delays in the Fund’s ability to act upon economic events occurring in the foreign markets during non-business hours in the U.S.; (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the U.S.; and (v) lesser trading volume.

 

Exchanges on which options, options on futures and forward contracts are traded may impose limits on the positions that the Fund may take in certain circumstances.

 

Swaps. The Fund may enter into total rate of return, credit default or other types of swaps and related derivatives for the purpose of hedging and risk management. These transactions generally provide for the transfer from one counterparty to another of certain risks inherent in the ownership of a financial asset such as a common stock or debt instrument. Such risks include, among other things, the risk of default and insolvency of the obligor of such asset, the risk that the credit of the obligor or the underlying collateral will decline or the risk that the common stock of the underlying issuer will decline in value. The transfer of risk pursuant to a derivative of this type may be complete or partial, and may be for the life of the related asset or for a shorter period. These derivatives may be used as a risk management tool for a pool of financial assets, providing the Fund with the opportunity to gain or reduce exposure to one or more reference securities or other financial assets (each, a “Reference Asset”) without actually owning or selling such assets in order, for example, to increase or reduce a concentration risk or to diversify a portfolio. Conversely, these derivatives may be used by the Fund to reduce exposure to an owned asset without selling it.

 

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Because the Fund would not own the Reference Assets, the Fund may not have any voting rights with respect to the Reference Assets, and in such cases all decisions related to the obligors or issuers of the Reference Assets, including whether to exercise certain remedies, will be controlled by the swap counterparties.

 

Total rate of return swaps and similar derivatives are subject to many risks, including the possibility that the market will move in a manner or direction that would have resulted in gain for the Fund had the swap or other derivative not been utilized (in which case it would have been better had the Fund not engaged in the interest rate hedging transactions), the risk of imperfect correlation between the risk sought to be hedged and the derivative transactions utilized, the possible inability of the counterparty to fulfill its obligations under the swap and potential illiquidity of the hedging instrument utilized, which may make it difficult for the Fund to close out or unwind one or more hedging transactions.

 

Total rate of return swaps and related derivatives present certain legal, tax and market uncertainties that present risks in entering into such arrangements. There is currently little or no case law or litigation characterizing total rate of return swaps or related derivatives, interpreting their provisions, or characterizing their tax treatment.

 

If the Fund writes (sells) a credit default swap or credit default index swap, then the Fund will, during the term of the swap agreement, designate on its books and records in connection with such transaction liquid assets or cash with a value at least equal to the full notional amount of the contract.

 

Regulation of Certain Options, Currency Transactions and Other Derivative Transactions as Swaps or Security-Based Swaps. The Dodd-Frank Act includes provisions that comprehensively regulate the OTC (i.e., not exchange-traded) derivatives markets for the first time. This regulation requires that certain of the options, currency transactions and other derivative transactions entered into by the Fund be regulated as swaps by the CFTC or as security-based swaps by the SEC.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act generally requires swaps and security-based swaps to be submitted for clearing to regulated clearing organizations (the so-called “clearing mandate”), unless an exemption from clearing applies. Swaps and security-based swaps that are submitted for clearing will be subject to minimum initial and variation margin requirements set by the relevant clearing organization, as well as possible CFCT- or SEC-mandated margin requirements. Accordingly, dealers of swaps and security-based swaps (usually large commercial banks or other financial institutions) as well as other market participants will be required to post margin to the clearing organizations through which their swaps and/or security-based swaps are cleared. The CFTC, SEC and other U.S. regulators also are required to impose margin requirements on uncleared swap and uncleared security- based swap transactions. These changes with respect to clearing and margin likely will increase a dealer’s costs, and those increased costs are expected to be passed through, at least partially, to market participants, including any Fund that uses swaps or security-based swaps.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act also requires many swaps and security-based swaps that are currently executed on a bilateral basis in the OTC market to be executed through a regulated securities, futures, or swap exchange or execution facility if those transactions are subject to the clearing mandate. Once such requirements become effective, it may be more difficult and costly for the Funds to continue to enter into customized swap or security-based swap transactions on a bilateral basis.

 

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In addition, dealers and major participants in the OTC market are required to register with the CFTC and/or the SEC. Registered dealers and major participants are subject to minimum capital and margin requirements, business conduct standards, disclosure requirements, reporting and recordkeeping requirements, position limits, limitations on conflicts of interest, and other regulatory burdens. These requirements may increase the overall costs for dealers and major participants in the OTC market, and such increased costs are likely to be passed through, at least partially, to market participants, including any Fund that utilizes these instruments.

 

The cumulative effects of the Dodd-Frank Act on swap and security-based swap transactions and on participants in the derivatives market remain uncertain.

 

Limitations on the Purchase and Sale of Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. Subject to the guidelines of the Board, the Fund may engage in “commodity interest” transactions (generally, transactions in futures, certain options, certain currency transactions and certain types of swaps) only for bona fide hedging, yield enhancement and risk management purposes, in each case in accordance with the rules and regulations of the CFTC. CFTC Rule 4.5, upon which the Fund relies to avoid having its adviser register with the CFTC as a “commodity pool operator,” imposes certain commodity interest trading restrictions on the Fund. These trading restrictions permit the Fund to engage in commodity interest transactions that include (i) “bona fide hedging” transactions, as that term is defined and interpreted by the CFTC and its staff, without regard to the percentage of the Fund’s assets committed to margin and option premiums and (ii) non-bona fide hedging transactions, provided that the Fund not enter into such non-bona fide hedging transactions if, immediately thereafter, either (a) the sum of the amount of initial margin deposits on the Fund’s existing futures or swaps positions and option or swaption premiums would exceed 5% of the market value of the Fund’s liquidating value, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such transactions, or (b) the aggregate net notional value of the Fund’s commodity interest transactions would not exceed 100% of the market value of the Fund’s liquidating value, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such transactions. In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the Fund may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the futures, options or swaps markets. If the Investment Adviser were required to register as a commodity pool operator with respect to the Fund, compliance with additional registration and regulatory requirements would increase Fund expenses. Other potentially adverse regulatory initiatives could also develop.

 

Commodities-Linked Equity Derivative Instrument Risk. The Fund may invest in structured notes that are linked to one or more underlying commodities. Such structured notes provide exposure to the investment returns of physical commodities without actually investing directly in physical commodities. Such structured notes in which the Fund expects to invest are hybrid instruments that have substantial risks, including risk of loss of all or a significant portion of their principal value. Because the payouts on these notes are linked to the price change of the underlying commodities, these investments are subject to market risks that relate to the movement of prices in the commodities markets. They may also be subject to additional special risks that do not affect traditional equity and debt securities that may be greater than or in addition to the risks of derivatives in general, including risk of loss of interest, risk of loss of principal, lack of liquidity and risk of greater volatility.

 

Risk of Loss of Interest. If payment of interest on a structured note or other hybrid instrument is linked to the value of a particular commodity, futures contract, index or other economic variable, the Fund might not receive all (or a portion) of the interest due on its investment if there is a loss in value of the underlying instrument.

 

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Risk of Loss of Principal. To the extent that the amount of the principal to be repaid upon maturity is linked to the value of a particular commodity, futures contract, index or other economic variable, the Fund might not receive all or a portion of the principal at maturity of the investment. At any time, the risk of loss associated with a particular instrument in the Fund’s portfolio may be significantly higher than 50% of the value of the investment.

 

Lack of Secondary Market. A liquid secondary market may not exist for the specially created hybrid instruments the Fund buys, which may make it difficult for the Fund to sell them at an acceptable price or accurately value them.

 

Risk of Greater Volatility. The value of the commodities-linked equity derivative investments the Fund buys may fluctuate significantly because the values of the underlying investments to which they are linked are themselves extremely volatile. Additionally, economic leverage will increase the volatility of these hybrid instruments, as they may increase or decrease in value more quickly than the underlying commodity index, futures contract or other economic variable.

 

The Investment Adviser is Not Registered as a Commodity Pool Operator. The Investment Adviser has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

Risks of Currency Transactions. Currency transactions are also subject to risks different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can be adversely affected by government exchange controls, limitations or restrictions on repatriation of currency, and manipulation, or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These forms of governmental action can result in losses to the Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or monies in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure and incurring transaction costs.

 

Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is an instrument under which the purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires a debt security and the seller agrees, at the time of the sale, to repurchase the obligation at a mutually agreed upon time and price, thereby determining the yield during the purchaser’s holding period. This results in a fixed rate of return insulated from market fluctuations during such period. The underlying securities are ordinarily U.S. Treasury or other government obligations or high quality money market instruments. The Fund will require that the value of such underlying securities, together with any other collateral held by the Fund, always equals or exceeds the amount of the repurchase obligations of the counter party. The Fund’s risk is primarily that, if the seller defaults, the proceeds from the disposition of the underlying securities and other collateral for the seller’s obligation are less than the repurchase price. If the seller becomes insolvent, the Fund might be delayed in or prevented from selling the collateral. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a seller, the Fund will promptly seek to liquidate the collateral. To the extent that the proceeds from any sale of such collateral upon a default in the obligation to repurchase are less than the repurchase price, the Fund will experience a loss.

 

The Investment Adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, reviews the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreements to evaluate these risks and monitors on an ongoing basis the value of the securities subject to repurchase agreements to

 

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ensure that the value is maintained at the required level. The Fund will not enter into repurchase agreements with the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates.

 

If the financial institution which is a party to the repurchase agreement petitions for bankruptcy or becomes subject to the United States Bankruptcy Code, the law regarding the rights of the Fund is unsettled. As a result, under extreme circumstances, there may be a restriction on the Fund’s ability to sell the collateral and the Fund would suffer a loss.

 

Loans of Portfolio Securities. Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and the Fund’s investment restrictions, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities to securities broker-dealers or financial institutions, provided that such loans are callable at any time by the Fund (subject to notice provisions described below), and are at all times collateralized by cash or cash equivalents which are maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the market value, determined daily, of the loaned securities. The advantage of such loans is that the Fund continues to receive the income on the loaned securities while at the same time earning interest on the cash amounts deposited as collateral, which will be invested in short term highly liquid obligations. The Fund will not lend its portfolio securities if such loans are not permitted by the laws or regulations of any state in which its shares are qualified for sale. The Fund’s loans of portfolio securities will be collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, which means that “cash equivalents” accepted as collateral will be limited to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities or irrevocable letters of credit issued by a bank (other than the Fund’s bank lending agent, if any, or a borrower of the Fund’s portfolio securities or any affiliate of such bank or borrower) which qualifies as a custodian bank for an investment company under the 1940 Act, and no loan will cause the value of all loaned securities to exceed 20% of the value of the Fund’s total assets. The Fund’s ability to lend portfolio securities may be limited by rating agency guidelines (if any).

 

A loan may generally be terminated by the borrower on one business days’ notice, or by the Fund at any time thereby requiring the borrower to redeliver the borrowed securities within the normal and customary settlement time for securities transactions. If the borrower fails to deliver the loaned securities within the normal and customary settlement time for securities transactions, the Fund could use the collateral to replace the securities while holding the borrower liable for any excess of replacement cost over the value of the collateral pledged by the borrower. As with any extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities violate the terms of the loan or fail financially. However, these loans of portfolio securities will only be made to firms deemed by the Investment Adviser to be creditworthy and when the income which can be earned from such loans justifies the attendant risks. The Board will oversee the creditworthiness of the contracting parties on an ongoing basis. Upon termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to the Fund. Any gain or loss in the market price during the loan period would inure to the Fund.

 

The risks associated with loans of portfolio securities are substantially similar to those associated with repurchase agreements. Thus, if the counterparty to the loan petitions for bankruptcy or becomes subject to the United States Bankruptcy Code, the law regarding the rights of the Fund is unsettled. As a result, under extreme circumstances, there may be a restriction on the Fund’s ability to sell the collateral and the Fund would suffer a loss. Moreover, because the Fund will reinvest any cash collateral it receives, as described above, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the investments it makes will decline and result in losses to the Fund.

 

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These losses, in extreme circumstances such as the 2007-2009 financial crisis, could be substantial and have a significant adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders.

 

When voting or consent rights which accompany loaned securities pass to the borrower, the Fund will follow the policy of calling the loaned securities, to be delivered within one day after notice, to permit the exercise of such rights if the matters involved would have a material effect on the Fund’s investment in such loaned securities. The Fund will pay reasonable finder’s, administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities, and may also pay fees to one or more securities lending agents and/or pay other fees or rebates to borrowers.

 

When Issued, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments. The Fund may enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities, including on a “when issued” or “delayed delivery” basis, in excess of customary settlement periods for the type of security involved. In some cases, a forward commitment may be conditioned upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring (i.e., a when, as and if issued security). When such transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time of the commitment, with payment and delivery taking place in the future, generally a month or more after the date of the commitment. While it will only enter into a forward commitment with the intention of actually acquiring the security, the Fund may sell the security before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable by the Investment Adviser.

 

Securities purchased under a forward commitment are subject to market fluctuation, and no interest (or dividends) accrues to the Fund prior to the settlement date.

 

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

 

The Fund operates under the following restrictions that constitute fundamental policies under the 1940 Act and that, except as otherwise noted, cannot be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund voting together as a single class (which for this purpose and under the 1940 Act means the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares). In addition, pursuant to the Statements of Preferences, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares of the Fund voting as a separate class (which for this purpose and under the 1940 Act means the lesser of (i) 67% of the preferred shares, as a single class, represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding preferred shares), is also required to change a fundamental policy. Except as otherwise noted, all percentage limitations set forth below apply immediately after a purchase or initial investment and any subsequent change in any applicable percentage resulting from market fluctuations does not require any action.

 

other than with respect to its concentrations in Gold Companies and Natural Resources Companies, invest more than 25% of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of issuers in any particular industry. This restriction does not apply to investments in U.S. government securities and investments in the gold industry and the natural resources industries;

 

purchase commodities or commodity contracts if such purchase would result in regulation of the Fund as a commodity pool operator;

 

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purchase or sell real estate, provided the Fund may invest in securities and other instruments secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein;

 

make loans of money or other property, except that (i) the Fund may acquire debt obligations of any type (including through extensions of credit), enter into repurchase agreements and lend portfolio assets and (ii) the Fund may, up to 20% of the Fund’s total assets, lend money or other property to other investment companies advised by the Investment Adviser pursuant to a common lending program to the extent permitted by applicable law;

 

borrow money, except to the extent permitted by applicable law;

 

issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted by applicable law; or

 

underwrite securities of other issuers, except insofar as the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under applicable law in selling portfolio securities; provided, however, this restriction shall not apply to securities of any investment company organized by the Fund that are to be distributed pro rata as a dividend to its shareholders.

 

In addition, the Fund’s investment objectives and its policies of investing at least 25% of its assets in normal circumstances in Gold Companies and in Natural Resource Companies are fundamental policies. Unless specifically stated as such, no policy of the Fund is fundamental and each policy may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval. The percentage and ratings limitations stated herein and in the Prospectus apply only at the time of investment and are not considered violated as a result of subsequent changes to the value, or downgrades to the ratings, of the Fund’s portfolio investments.

 

The Fund interprets investment restriction (1), above, to mean that the Fund will not concentrate its investments in a particular industry, as that term is used in the 1940 Act, except that the Fund will concentrate its investments in (a) companies principally engaged in the natural resources industries (defined in the Prospectus as “Natural Resources Companies”) and (b) companies principally engaged in the gold industry (defined in the Prospectus as “Gold Companies”). The SEC staff currently takes the position that investment of 25% or more of a fund’s total assets in one or more issuers conducting their principal activities in the same industry or group of industries constitutes concentration; this position forms the basis for the Fund’s fundamental policies of investment of at least 25% of its assets in normal circumstances in Natural Resources Companies and in Gold Companies. The Fund also interprets investment restriction (1) to permit investment without limit in the following: securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities; tax-exempt securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions; and repurchase agreements collateralized by any such obligations.

 

With respect to investment restriction (5), the 1940 Act permits the Fund to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the Fund’s total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to 5% of the Fund’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. The Fund’s total assets include the amounts being borrowed. To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act requires the Fund to maintain at all times an “asset coverage” of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings. Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the Fund’s total assets (including amounts borrowed), minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. Borrowing money to increase portfolio holdings is known as “leveraging.”

 

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Certain trading practices and investments, such as reverse repurchase agreements, may be considered to be borrowings or involve leverage and thus are subject to the 1940 Act restrictions. In accordance with SEC staff guidance and interpretations, when the Fund engages in certain such transactions, other than reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund, instead of maintaining asset coverage of at least 300%, may segregate or earmark liquid assets, or enter into an offsetting position, in an amount at least equal to the Fund’s exposure, on a mark-to-market basis, to the transaction (as calculated pursuant to requirements of the SEC). From the outset of the transaction, in accordance with 1940 Act Release 10666, “Securities Trading Practices of Registered Investment Companies” (April 18, 1979), for reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund will segregate the full amount of the Fund’s actual or potential cash payment obligations that the Fund will owe at settlement. The investment restriction in (5) above will be interpreted to permit the Fund to (a) engage in trading practices and investments that may be considered to be borrowing or to involve leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, (b) segregate or earmark liquid assets or enter into offsetting positions in accordance with SEC staff guidance and interpretations, (c) engage in securities lending in accordance with SEC staff guidance and interpretations and (d) settle securities transactions within the ordinary settlement cycle for such transactions. Practices and investments that may involve leverage but are not considered to be borrowings are not subject to the policy.

 

With respect to investment restriction (6), under the 1940 Act, the Fund may issue senior securities (which may be stock, such as preferred shares, and/or securities representing debt, such as notes) only if immediately after such issuance the value of the Fund’s total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceeds 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding and exceeds 200% of the amount of preferred shares (measured by liquidation value) and debt outstanding, which is referred to as the “asset coverage” required by the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act also generally restricts the Fund from declaring cash distributions on, or repurchasing, common or preferred shares unless outstanding debt securities have an asset coverage of 300% (200% in the case of declaring distributions on preferred shares), or from declaring cash distributions on, or repurchasing, common shares unless preferred shares have an asset coverage of 200% (in each case, after giving effect to such distribution or repurchase).

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Trustees and Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Information pertaining to the Trustees and officers of the Fund is set forth below. The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554) or by writing to GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422.

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Age
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
  Number of
Funds
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Other Directorships
Held by Trustee3
INTERESTED TRUSTEES4:
                 
Agnes Mullady
Trustee
Age: 63
  Since 2021***   11   Senior Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (2008 - 2019); Executive Vice President of Associated Capital Group, Inc. (November 2016 - 2019); President and Chief Operating Officer of the Fund Division of Gabelli Funds, LLC (2010 - 2019); Vice President of Gabelli Funds, LLC (2006 - 2019); Chief Executive Officer of G.distributors, LLC (2011 - 2019); and an officer of all of the Gabelli/GAMCO/Teton Funds (2006 - 2019)  
                 
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES5:            
Calgary Avansino
Trustee
Age: 46
  Since 2021***   6   Chief Executive Officer, Glamcam (2018 - 2020)   Trustee, Cate School; Trustee, the E.L. Wiegand Foundation; Member, the Common Sense Media Advisory Council
                 
Elizabeth C. Bogan
Trustee
Age: 77
  Since 2021***   12   Senior Lecturer in Economics at Princeton University  
                 
Anthony S. Colavita6,7
Trustee
Age: 60
  Since 2019**   21   Attorney, Anthony S. Colavita, P.C.; Supervisor, Town of Eastchester, NY  
                 
James P. Conn6
Trustee
Age: 83
  Since 2005***   23   Former Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Financial Security Assurance Holdings, Ltd. (1992-1998)  
                 
Vincent D. Enright7
Trustee
Age: 78
  Since 2005*   17   Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of KeySpan Corp. (public utility) (1994-1998)   Director of Echo Therapeutics, Inc. (therapeutics and diagnostics) (2008-2014); Director of The LGL Group, Inc. (diversified manufacturing) (2011-2014)

 

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Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)

 
Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Age
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
  Number of
Funds
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Other Directorships
Held by Trustee3
Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr7.
Trustee
Age: 82
  Since 2005**   12   Co-Chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates; Former President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Gaming Association (1995- 2013); Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee (1983-1989))   Director of First Republic Bank (banking); Director of Eldorado Resorts, Inc. (casino entertainment company)
                 
Michael J. Melarkey
Trustee
Age: 72
  Since 2005*   22   Of Counsel in the law firm of McDonald Carano Wilson LLP; Partner in the law firm of Avansino, Melarkey, Knobel, Mulligan & McKenzie (1980-2015)   Chairman of Southwest Gas Corporation (natural gas utility)
                 
Salvatore M. Salibello7
Trustee
Age: 76
  Since 2005***   6   Senior Partner of Bright Side Consulting (consulting); Certified Public Accountant and Managing Partner of the certified public accounting firm of Salibello & Broder LLP (1978-2012); Partner of BDO Seidman, LLP (2012-2013)   Director of Nine West, Inc. (consumer products) (2002- 2014); Director of LICT Corp. (Telecommunications)
                 
Anthonie C. van Ekris7
Trustee
Age: 87
  Since 2005***   23   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BALMAC International, Inc. (global import/ export company)  
                 
Salvatore J. Zizza8
Trustee
Age: 76
  Since 2005**   32   President, Zizza & Associates Corp. (private holding company); Chairman of Bergen Cove Realty Inc. (residential real estate)   Director and Chairman of Trans-Lux Corporation (business services); Director and Chairman of Harbor Diversified Inc. (pharmaceuticals) (2009-2018); Retired Chairman of BAM (semiconductor and aerospace manufacturing)

 

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Name, Position(s)
Address1
and Age
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
OFFICERS:        
Bruce N. Alpert
President
Age: 70
  Since 2005  

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 1988; Officer of registered investment companies within the Fund Complex; Senior Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2008; Vice President – Mutual Funds, G.research, LLC

John C. Ball
Treasurer
Age: 45
  Since 2017  

Treasurer of registered investment companies within the Fund Complex since 2017; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of AMG Funds, 2014-2017; Chief Executive Officer, G.distributors, LLC since December 2020 

Peter Goldstein
Secretary and Vice
President
Age: 68
  Since 2020  

General Counsel, Gabelli Funds, LLC since July 2020; General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Buckingham Capital Management, Inc. (2012-2020); Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, The Buckingham Research Group, Inc. (2012-2020)

Richard J. Walz
Chief Compliance
officer
Age: 62
  Since 2013  

Chief Compliance Officer of registered investment companies within the Fund Complex since 2013; Chief Compliance Officer for Gabelli Funds, LLC since 2015

Carter W. Austin
Vice President
Age: 55
  Since 2005  

Vice President and/or Ombudsman of closed-end funds within the Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (since 2015) and Vice President (1996-2015) of Gabelli Funds, LLC

Daniel Plourde
Vice President
Age: 41
  Since 2021  

Vice President of registered investment companies within the Fund Complex since 2021; Assistant Treasurer of the North American SPDR ETFs and State Street Global Advisors Mutual Funds (2017-2021); Fund Administration at State Street Bank (2009-2017)

David I. Schachter
Vice President
Age: 68
  Since 2011  

Vice President and/or Ombudsman of closed-end funds within the Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (since 2015) and Vice President (1999-2015) of G.research, LLC

Molly A. F. Marion
Vice President and
Ombudsman
Age: 67
  Since 2005  

Vice President and/or Ombudsman of closed-end funds within the Fund Complex; Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2012

Laurissa M. Martire
Vice President and
Ombudsman
Age: 45
  Since 2010  

Vice President and/or Ombudsman of closed-end funds within the Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (since 2019) and other positions (2003-2019) of GAMCO Investors, Inc.

 

 
1Address: One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422, unless otherwise noted.
2The Fund’s Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, each class having a term of three years. Each year the term of office of one class expires and the successor or successors elected to such class serve for a three year term. The three year term for each class expires as follows:

*     Term expires at the Fund’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. 

**    Term expires at the Fund’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. 

***   Term expires at the Fund’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. 

Each officer will hold office for an indefinite term until the date he or she resigns or retires or until his or her successor is elected and

 

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qualified. 

3This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, i.e., public companies, or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
4“Interested person” of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act. Ms. Agnes Mullady is considered an “interested person” because of her affiliation with Gabelli Funds, LLC, which acts as the Fund’s investment adviser.
5Trustees who are not interested persons are considered “Independent” Trustees.
6This Trustee is elected solely by and represents the shareholders of the preferred shares issued by this Fund.
7Mr. Colavita’s father, Anthony J. Colavita, and Mr. Fahrenkopf’s daughter, Leslie F. Foley, serve as directors of other funds in the Fund Complex. Mr. Enright is a director of The LGL Group, Inc., Mr. Salibello is a director of LICT Corp., and Mr. van Ekris is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., Gabelli Fund LDC, Gama Capital Opportunities Master Ltd., and GAMCO International SICAV, all of which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and, in the event, would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser.
8Mr. Zizza is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and in that event would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser. On September 9, 2015, Mr. Zizza entered into a settlement with the SEC to resolve an inquiry relating to an alleged violation regarding the making of false statements or omissions to the accountants of a company concerning a related party transaction. The company in question is not an affiliate of, nor has any connection to, the Fund. Under the terms of the settlement, Mr. Zizza, without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings and allegation, paid $150,000 and agreed to cease and desist committing or causing any future violations of Rule 13b2-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Board has discussed this matter and has determined that it does not disqualify Mr. Zizza from serving as an Independent Director.

 

 

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General

 

The Fund’s Board has overall responsibility for the management of the Fund. The Board of Trustees decides upon matters of general policy and reviews the actions of the Investment Adviser, Gabelli Funds, LLC, One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422, and the Sub-Administrator (as defined below). Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Fund and the Investment Adviser (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), the Investment Adviser, under the supervision of the Fund’s Board of Trustees, provides a continuous investment program for the Fund’s portfolio; provides investment research and makes and executes recommendations for the purchase and sale of securities; and provides all facilities and personnel, including officers required for its administrative management, and pays the compensation of Trustees of the Fund who are officers or employees of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates. As compensation for its services rendered and the related expenses borne by the Investment Adviser, the Fund pays the Investment Adviser a monthly fee at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets, with no deduction for the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred shares. The Fund’s average weekly net assets shall be determined at the end of each month on the basis of the Fund’s average net assets for each week during the month. The assets for each weekly period shall be determined by averaging the net assets at the end of a week with the net assets at the end of the prior week. The value of the Fund’s average weekly net assets shall be deemed to be the average weekly value of the Fund’s total assets minus the sum of the Fund’s liabilities (such liabilities exclude the aggregate liquidation preference of outstanding preferred shares and accumulated dividends, if any, on those shares and the outstanding principal amount of any debt securities the proceeds of which were used for investment purposes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon). Therefore, the Fund will pay an advisory fee on any assets attributable to certain types of leverage it uses. Consequently, if the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, the investment management fees and other expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares may be higher than if the Fund does not utilize a capital structure leveraged with preferred equity.

 

Because the investment advisory fee is based on a percentage of the Fund’s net assets without deduction for the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred shares, the Investment Adviser may have a conflict of interest in the input it provides to the Board regarding whether to use or increase the Fund’s use of preferred share leverage. The Board bases its decision, with input from the Investment Adviser, regarding whether and how much preferred share leverage to use for the Fund on its assessment of whether such use of leverage is in the best interests of the Fund, and the Board seeks to manage the Investment Adviser’s potential conflict of interest by retaining the final decision on these matters and by periodically reviewing the Fund’s performance and use of leverage.

 

The Investment Adviser

 

The Investment Adviser is a New York limited liability company which serves as an investment adviser to registered investment companies with combined aggregate net assets of approximately $21.5 billion as of December 31, 2021. The Investment Adviser is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GBL”). Mr. Gabelli owns a majority of the stock of GGCP, Inc. (“GGCP”) which holds a majority of the capital stock and voting power of GBL. The Investment Adviser has several affiliates that provide investment advisory services: GAMCO Asset Management Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of GBL, acts as investment adviser for individuals, pension trusts, profit sharing trusts, and endowments, and as a sub-adviser to certain third party investment funds, which

 

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include registered investment companies, having assets under management of approximately of $13.5 billion as of December 31, 2021; Teton Advisors, Inc., and its wholly owned investment adviser, Keeley Teton Advisers, LLC, with assets under management of approximately $2.1 billion as of September 30, 2021, acts as investment adviser to The TETON Westwood Funds, the KEELEY Funds, and separately managed accounts; and Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (formerly, Gabelli Securities, Inc.), a wholly owned subsidiary of Associated Capital Group, Inc. (“Associated Capital”), acts as investment adviser for certain alternative investment products, consisting primarily of risk arbitrage and merchant banking limited partnerships and offshore companies, with assets under management of approximately $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2021. Teton Advisors, Inc., was spun off by GBL in March 2009 and is an affiliate of GBL by virtue of Mr. Gabelli’s ownership of GGCP, the principal shareholder of Teton Advisors, Inc., as of December 31, 2021. Associated Capital was spun off from GBL on November 30, 2015, and is an affiliate of GBL by virtue of Mr. Gabelli’s ownership of GGCP, the principal shareholder of Associated Capital.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Fund’s Board approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Investment Adviser is available in this Annual Report.

 

Payment of Expenses

 

The Investment Adviser is obligated to pay expenses associated with providing the services contemplated by the Investment Advisory Agreement including compensation of and office space for its officers and employees connected with investment and economic research, trading and investment management and administration of the Fund (but excluding costs associated with the calculation of the net asset value and allocated costs of the chief compliance officer function and officers of the Fund who are employed by the Fund and are not employed by the Investment Adviser although such officers may receive incentive-based variable compensation from affiliates of the Investment Adviser), as well as the fees of all Trustees of the Fund who are officers or employees of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates.

 

In addition to the fees of the Investment Adviser, the Fund, and indirectly the holders of its common shares, is responsible for the payment of all its other expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, which include, among other things, underwriting compensation and reimbursements in connection with sales of the Fund’s securities, expenses for legal and the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm’s services, stock exchange listing fees and expenses, costs of printing proxies, share certificates and shareholder reports, charges of the Fund’s Custodian, any sub-custodian and any transfer agent and distribution disbursing agent, expenses in connection with the Fund’s automatic dividend reinvestment plan and the voluntary cash purchase plan, SEC fees and preparation of filings with the SEC, fees and expenses of Trustees who are not officers or employees of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates, accounting and printing costs, the Fund’s pro rata portion of membership fees in trade organizations, compensation and other expenses of officers and employees of the Fund (including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer, Vice President and Ombudsman) as approved by the Fund’s Trustees, fidelity bond coverage for the Fund’s officers and employees, Trustees’ and officers’ errors and omissions insurance coverage, interest, brokerage costs, taxes, expenses of qualifying the Fund’s shares for sale in various states, expenses of personnel performing shareholder servicing functions, rating agency fees, organizational expenses, litigation and other extraordinary or non-recurring expenses and other expenses properly payable by the Fund.

 

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Selection of Securities Brokers

 

The Investment Advisory Agreement contains provisions relating to the selection of securities brokers to effect the portfolio transactions of the Fund. Under those provisions, the Investment Adviser may (i) direct Fund portfolio brokerage to G.research, LLC (“G.research”), an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, or to other broker-dealer affiliates of the Investment Adviser and (ii) pay commissions to brokers other than G.research that are higher than might be charged by another qualified broker to obtain brokerage and/or research services considered by the Investment Adviser to be useful or desirable for its investment management of the Fund and/ or its other investment advisory accounts or those of any investment adviser affiliated with it. The SAI contains further information about the Investment Advisory Agreement, including a more complete description of the investment advisory and expense arrangements, exculpatory and brokerage provisions, as well as information on the brokerage practices of the Fund.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Vincent Hugonnard-Roche serves as a co-lead portfolio manager for the Fund and is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s option strategy. Mr. Roche is also co-lead portfolio manager for the GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust. Mr. Roche joined GBL in 2000 as Director of Quantitative Strategies and Head of Risk Management.

 

Caesar M.P. Bryan serves as a co-lead portfolio manager for the Fund and is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the gold companies portion of the Fund’s portfolio. Mr. Bryan joined GBL in 1994 and currently serves as a portfolio manager for the Investment Adviser and several funds in the Fund Complex.

 

Vincent Hugonnard-Roche and Caesar M.P. Bryan function as a team and are jointly responsible for the day to day management of the Fund.

 

Sub-Administrator

 

The Investment Adviser has entered into a sub-administration agreement with BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (the “Sub-Administrator”) pursuant to which the Sub-Administrator provides certain administrative services necessary for the Fund’s operations which do not include the investment and portfolio management services provided by the Investment Adviser. For these services and the related expenses borne by the Sub-Administrator, the Investment Adviser pays an annual fee based on the value of the aggregate average daily net assets of all funds under its administration managed by the Investment Adviser, GAMCO and Teton Advisors, Inc. as follows: 0.0275%—first $10 billion, 0.0125%—exceeding $10 billion but less than $15 billion, 0.01%— over $15 billion but less than $20 billion and 0.008% over $20 billion. The Sub-Administrator has its principal office at 760 Moore Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406.

 

NET ASSET VALUE

 

The net asset value of the Fund’s shares is computed based on the market value of the securities it holds and is determined daily as of the close of the regular trading day on the NYSE. For purposes of determining the Fund’s net asset value per share, portfolio securities listed or traded on a nationally recognized securities exchange or traded in the U.S. OTC market for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a market’s official closing price as of the close of business on the day the securities are being

 

104

 

 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust 

Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)

 

valued. If there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the average of the closing bid and asked prices, or, if there were no asked prices quoted on that day, then the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the security is valued at the most recently available price or if the Board so determines, by such other method as the Board shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value. Portfolio securities traded on more than one national securities exchange or market are valued according to the broadest and most representative market, as determined by the Investment Adviser.

 

Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board if market conditions change significantly after the close of the foreign market but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. Debt instruments with remaining maturities of 60 days or less that are not credit impaired are valued at amortized cost, unless the Board determines such amount does not reflect the securities’ fair value, in which case these securities will be fair valued as determined by the Board. Debt instruments having a maturity greater than 60 days for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the security is valued using the closing bid price. Futures contracts are valued at the closing settlement price of the exchange or board of trade on which the applicable contract is traded.

 

Options are valued using market quotations. When market quotations are not readily available, options are valued from broker quotes. In limited circumstances when neither market quotations nor broker quotes are readily available, options are valued using a Black Scholes model.

 

Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined by the Board. Fair valuation methodologies and procedures may include, but are not limited to: analysis and review of available financial and non-financial information about the company; comparisons to the valuation and changes in valuation of similar securities, including a comparison of foreign securities to the equivalent U.S. dollar value ADR securities at the close of the U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that could be indicative of the value of the security.

 

The Fund obtains valuations on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service approved by the Board. All other investment assets, including restricted and not readily marketable securities, are valued in good faith at fair value under procedures established by and under the general supervision and responsibility of the Board.

 

In addition, whenever developments in one or more securities markets after the close of the principal markets for one or more portfolio securities and before the time as of which the Fund determines its net asset value would, if such developments had been reflected in such principal markets, likely have more than a minimal effect on the Fund’s net asset value per share, the Fund may fair value such portfolio securities based on available market information as of the time the Fund determines its net asset value.

 

NYSE American Closings. The holidays (as observed) on which the NYSE American is closed, and therefore days upon which shareholders will not be able to purchase or sell common shares currently are: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, and on the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively.

 

105

 

 

 

GAMCO GLOBAL GOLD, NATURAL RESOURCES & INCOME TRUST 

AND YOUR PERSONAL PRIVACY

 

Who are we?

 

The GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust is a closed-end management investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940. We are managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, which is affiliated with GAMCO Investors, Inc., a publicly held company that has subsidiaries that provide investment advisory services for a variety of clients.

 

What kind of non-public information do we collect about you if you become a fund shareholder?

 

When you purchase shares of the Fund on the New York Stock Exchange, you have the option of registering directly with our transfer agent in order, for example, to participate in our dividend reinvestment plan.

 

Information you give us on your application form. This could include your name, address, telephone number, social security number, bank account number, and other information.

 

Information about your transactions with us. This would include information about the shares that you buy or sell; it may also include information about whether you sell or exercise rights that we have issued from time to time. If we hire someone else to provide services — like a transfer agent — we will also have information about the transactions that you conduct through them.

 

What information do we disclose and to whom do we disclose it?

 

We do not disclose any non-public personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone other than our affiliates, our service providers who need to know such information, and as otherwise permitted by law. If you want to find out what the law permits, you can read the privacy rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. They are in volume 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 248. The Commission often posts information about its regulations on its website, www. sec.gov.

 

What do we do to protect your personal information?

 

We restrict access to non-public personal information about you to the people who need to know that information in order to provide services to you or the fund and to ensure that we are complying with the laws governing the securities business. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to keep your personal information confidential.

 

 

106

 

 

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107

 

 

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108

 

 

GAMCO GLOBAL GOLD, NATURAL RESOURCES & INCOME TRUST 

INCOME TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited) 

December 31, 2021

 

Cash Dividends and Distributions

 

    Payable
Date
  Record
Date
  Ordinary
Investment
Income (a)
  Long Term
Capital
Gains
  Return of
Capital (b)
  Total Amount
Paid
Per Share (c)
  Dividend
Reinvestment
Price
Common Stock            
    01/22/21   01/14/21   $0.00470     $0.02530   $0.03000   $3.54780
    02/19/21   02/11/21   0.00470     0.02530   0.03000   3.52850
    03/24/21   03/17/21   0.00470     0.02530   0.03000   3.47630
    04/23/21   04/16/21   0.00470     0.02530   0.03000   3.69690
    05/21/21   05/14/21   0.00470     0.02530   0.03000   4.03550
    06/23/21   06/16/21   0.00470     0.02530   0.03000   4.05000
    07/23/21   07/16/21   0.00470     0.02530   0.03000   3.86000
    08/24/21   08/17/21   0.00470     0.02530   0.03000   3.86000
    09/23/21   09/16/21   0.00470     0.02530   0.03000   3.74990
    10/22/21   10/15/21   0.00470     0.02530   0.03000   3.96430
    11/22/21   11/15/21   0.00470     0.02530   0.03000   3.86270
    12/17/21   12/10/21   0.00470     0.02530   0.03000   3.68850
            $0.0564     $0.30360   $0.36000    
5.000% Series B Cumulative Preferred Shares            
    03/26/21   03/19/21   $0.3125000       $0.3125000    
    06/28/21   06/21/21   0.3125000       0.3125000    
    09/27/21   09/20/21   0.3125000       0.3125000    
    12/27/21   12/17/21   0.3125000       0.3125000    
            $1.2500000       $1.2500000    

 

A Form 1099-DIV has been mailed to all shareholders of record which sets forth specific amounts to be included in your 2021 tax returns. Ordinary distributions may include net investment income, realized net short term capital gains, and foreign tax paid. Ordinary income is reported in box 1a of Form 1099-DIV. Capital gain distributions are reported in box 2a of Form 1099-DIV.

 

Corporate Dividends Received Deduction, Qualified Dividend Income, and U.S. Government Securities Income

 

In 2021, the Fund paid to common and Series B Cumulative Preferred shareholders ordinary income dividends of $0.05640 and $1.25000 per share, respectively. For 2021, 58.90% of the ordinary dividend qualified for the dividend received deduction available to corporations, 100% of the ordinary income distribution was deemed qualified dividend income, and 0.19% of ordinary income distribution was qualified interest income. The percentage of ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund during 2021 derived from U.S. Government securities was 0.19%. Such income is exempt from state and local taxes in all states. However, many states, including New York and California, allow a tax exemption for a portion of the income earned only if a mutual fund has invested at least 50% of its assets at the end of each quarter of its fiscal year in U.S. Government securities. The Fund did not meet this strict requirement in 2021. The percentage of U.S. Government securities held as of December 31, 2021 was 15.84% of total investments.

 

109

 

 

GAMCO GLOBAL GOLD, NATURAL RESOURCES & INCOME TRUST
INCOME TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited) (Continued)

December 31, 2021

 

Historical Distribution Summary

 

   Investment
Income (a)
  Short Term
Capital
Gains (a)
  Long Term
Capital
Gains
  Return of
Capital (b)
  Foreign
Tax
Credit (c)
  Total
Distributions (d)
  Adjustment
to Cost
Basis (e)
Common Shares         
2021  $0.06000      $0.30360  $(0.00360)  $0.36000  $0.29040
2020  0.03420      0.44760  (0.00180)  0.48000  0.44760
2019  0.00576      0.59460  (0.00036)  0.60000  0.59460
2018  0.03840      0.56280  (0.00120)  0.60000  0.56280
2017  0.05160      0.54960  (0.00120)  0.60000  0.54960
2016        0.84000    0.84000  0.84000
2015        0.84000    0.84000  0.84000
2014        1.08000    1.08000  1.08000
2013  0.05562  $0.76900    0.61538    1.44000  0.61538
2012  0.04689  1.19955  $0.16042  0.22614  (0.01300)  1.62000  0.22614
5.000% Series B Cumulative Preferred Shares         
2021  $1.32040        $(0.07040)  $1.25000 
2020  1.30600        (0.05600)  1.25000 
2019  1.34320        (0.09320)  1.25000 
2018  1.29840        (0.04840)  1.25000 
2017  1.29240        (0.04240)  1.25000 
2016  1.18640      $0.06360    1.25000  $0.06360
2015  0.86960      0.56320  (0.18280)  1.25000  0.56320
2014  0.56600      0.68400    1.25000  0.68400
2013  0.05364  $0.74150        0.79514 
6.625% Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares         
2013  $0.05647  $0.78084        $0.83731 
2012  0.05465  1.39626  $0.22051    $(0.01518)  1.65625 

 

 
(a)Taxable as ordinary income for Federal tax purposes.
(b)Non-taxable.
(c)Per share ordinary investment income and investment income are grossed up for the foreign tax credit.
(d)Total amounts may differ due to rounding.
(e)Decrease in cost basis.

 

 

 

All designations are based on financial information available as of the date of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Fund to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.

 

The Fund intends to generate current income from short term gains primarily through its strategy of writing (selling) covered call options on the equity securities in its portfolio. Because of its primary strategy, the Fund forgoes the opportunity to participate fully in the appreciation of the underlying equity security above the exercise price of the option. It is also subject to the risk of depreciation of the underlying equity security in excess of the premium received.

 

110

 

 

GAMCO GLOBAL GOLD, NATURAL RESOURCES & INCOME TRUST 

One Corporate Center 

Rye, NY 10580-1422

 

  

Portfolio Management Team Biographies

 

 

Caesar M. P. Bryan joined GAMCO Asset Management in 1994. He is a member of the global investment team of Gabelli Funds, LLC and portfolio manager of several funds within the Fund Complex. Prior to joining Gabelli, Mr. Bryan was a portfolio manager at Lexington Management. He began his investment career at Samuel Montagu Company, the London based merchant bank. Mr. Bryan graduated from the University of Southampton in England with a Bachelor of Law and is a member of the English Bar.

 

Vincent Hugonnard-Roche joined GAMCO Investors, Inc. in 2000. He is Director of Quantitative Strategies, head of the Gabelli Risk Management Group, serves as a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC, and manages several funds within the Fund Complex. He received a Master’s degree in Mathematics of Decision Making from EISITI, France and an MS in Finance from ESSEC, France.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have separated the portfolio managers’ commentary from the financial statements and investment portfolio due to corporate governance regulations stipulated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We have done this to ensure that the contents of the portfolio managers’ commentary are unrestricted. Both the commentary and the financial statements, including the portfolio of investments, will be available on our website at www.gabelli.com.

 

The Net Asset Value per share appears in the Publicly Traded Funds column, under the heading “Specialized Equity Funds,” in Monday’s The Wall Street Journal. It is also listed in Barron’s Mutual Funds/Closed End Funds section under the heading “Specialized Equity Funds.”

 

The Net Asset Value per share may be obtained each day by calling (914) 921-5070 or visiting www.gabelli.com.

 

The NASDAQ symbol for the Net Asset Value is “XGGNX.”

 

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that the Fund may from time to time purchase its common shares in the open market when the Fund’s shares are trading at a discount of 7.5% or more from the net asset value of the shares. The Fund may also from time to time purchase its preferred shares in the open market when the preferred shares are trading at a discount to the liquidation value.

 

 

 

 


 

GAMCO GLOBAL GOLD, NATURAL RESOURCES 

& INCOME TRUST 

One Corporate Center 

Rye, New York 10580-1422

 

t800-GABELLI (800-422-3554)
f914-921-5118
einfo@gabelli.com

GABELLI.COM

 

TRUSTEES

 

Calgary Avansino 

Former Chief Executive Officer, 

Glamcam

 

Elizabeth C. Bogan 

Senior Lecturer in Economics, 

Princeton University

 

Anthony S. Colavita 

President, 

Anthony S. Colavita, P.C.

 

James P. Conn 

Former Managing Director & 

Chief Investment Officer, 

Financial Security Assurance 

Holdings LTD.

 

Vincent D. Enright 

Former Senior Vice President & 

Chief Financial Officer, 

KeySpan Corp.

 

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr. 

Former President & Chief 

Executive Officer, 

American Gaming Association

 

Michael J. Melarkey 

Of Counsel, 

McDonald Carano Wilson LLP

 

Agnes Mullady 

Former Senior Vice President, 

GAMCO Investors, Inc.

 

Salvatore M. Salibello 

Senior Partner, 

Bright Side Consulting

 

Anthonie C. van Ekris

Chairman, 

BALMAC International, Inc.

 

Salvatore J. Zizza 

Chairman, 

Zizza & Associates Corp.

 

OFFICERS

 

Bruce N. Alpert 

President

 

John C. Ball 

Treasurer

 

Peter Goldstein 

Secretary & Vice President

 

Richard J. Walz 

Chief Compliance Officer

 

Molly A.F. Marion 

Vice President & Ombudsman

 

Laurissa M. Martire 

Vice President & Ombudsman

 

Carter W. Austin 

Vice President

 

Daniel Plourde 

Vice President

 

David I. Schachter 

Vice President

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

Gabelli Funds, LLC 

One Corporate Center 

Rye, New York 10580-1422

 

CUSTODIAN

 

The Bank of New York 

Mellon

 

COUNSEL

 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & 

Flom LLP

 

TRANSFER AGENT AND 

REGISTRAR

 

American Stock Transfer and 

Trust Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GGN Q4/2021


 

 

 

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

(a)The registrant, as of the end of the period covered by this report, has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.

(c)There have been no amendments, during the period covered by this report, to a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics description.

(d)The registrant has not granted any waivers, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this item’s instructions.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

As of the end of the period covered by the report, the registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that Vincent D. Enright is qualified to serve as an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee and that he is “independent,” as defined by Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Audit Fees

 

(a)The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years are $61,004 for 2020 and $61,004 for 2021.

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

(b)The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item are $0 for 2020 and $0 for 2021.

 

Tax Fees

 

(c)The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning are $5,680 for 2020 and $5,680 for 2021. Tax fees represent tax compliance services provided in connection with the review of the Registrant’s tax returns.

 

 

 

All Other Fees

 

(d)The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item are $7,500 for 2020 and $7,500 for 2021. All other fees represent services provided in review of registration statements and performing strategic analysis work.

 

(e) (1)Disclose the audit committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. The Audit Committee (“Committee”) of the registrant is responsible for pre-approving (i) all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm to the registrant and (ii) all permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm to the Adviser, Gabelli Funds, LLC, and any affiliate of Gabelli Funds, LLC (“Gabelli”) that provides services to the registrant (a “Covered Services Provider”) if the independent registered public accounting firm’s engagement related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant. The Committee may delegate its responsibility to pre-approve any such audit and permissible non-audit services to the Chairperson of the Committee, and the Chairperson must report to the Committee, at its next regularly scheduled meeting after the Chairperson’s pre-approval of such services, his or her decision(s). The Committee may also establish detailed pre-approval policies and procedures for pre-approval of such services in accordance with applicable laws, including the delegation of some or all of the Committee’s pre-approval responsibilities to the other persons (other than Gabelli or the registrant’s officers). Pre-approval by the Committee of any permissible non-audit services is not required so long as: (i) the permissible non-audit services were not recognized by the registrant at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (ii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee and approved by the Committee or Chairperson prior to the completion of the audit.

 

(e) (2)The percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X are as follows:

 

(b) N/A

 

(c) 0%

 

(d) 0%

 

(f)The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees was less than fifty percent.

 

(g)The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant was $7,500 for 2020 and $7,500 for 2021.

 

 

 

(h)The registrant’s audit committee of the board of directors has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

(a)The registrant has a separately designated audit committee consisting of the following members: Vincent D. Enright, Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., and Salvatore J. Zizza.

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

(a)Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1(a) of this form.

 

(b)Not applicable due to no such divestments during the semi-annual period covered since the previous Form N-CSR filing.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

The Proxy Voting Policies are attached herewith.

 

 

 

SECTION HH

 

The Voting of Proxies on Behalf of Clients 

(This section pertains to all affiliated SEC registered investment advisers)

 

Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and Rule 30b1-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 require investment advisers to adopt written policies and procedures governing the voting of proxies on behalf of their clients.

 

These procedures will be used by GAMCO Asset Management Inc., Gabelli Funds, LLC, Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc., and Teton Advisors, Inc. (collectively, the “Advisers”) to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities held by their clients, including the procedures that the Advisers use when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of the shareholders of an investment company managed by one of the Advisers, on the one hand, and those of the Advisers; the principal underwriter; or any affiliated person of the investment company, the Advisers, or the principal underwriter. These procedures will not apply where the Advisers do not have voting discretion or where the Advisers have agreed to with a client to vote the client’s proxies in accordance with specific guidelines or procedures supplied by the client (to the extent permitted by ERISA).

 

I.       Proxy Voting Committee

 

The Proxy Voting Committee was originally formed in April 1989 for the purpose of formulating guidelines and reviewing proxy statements within the parameters set by the substantive proxy voting guidelines originally published in 1988 and updated periodically, a copy of which are appended as Exhibit A. The Committee will include representatives of Research, Administration, Legal, and the Advisers. Additional or replacement members of the Committee will be nominated by the Chairman and voted upon by the entire Committee.

 

Meetings are held on an as needed basis to form views on the manner in which the Advisers should vote proxies on behalf of their clients.

 

In general, the Director of Proxy Voting Services, using the Proxy Guidelines, and the analysts of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GBL”), will determine how to vote on each issue. For non-controversial matters, the Director of Proxy Voting Services may vote the proxy if the vote is: (1) consistent with the recommendations of the issuer's Board of Directors and not contrary to the Proxy Guidelines; (2) consistent with the recommendations of the issuer's Board of Directors and is a non-controversial issue not covered by the Proxy Guidelines; or (3) the vote is contrary to the recommendations of the Board of Directors but is consistent with the Proxy Guidelines. In those instances, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Chairman of the Committee may sign and date the proxy statement indicating how each issue will be voted.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019  
  INTERNAL USE ONLY

  

HH-1

 

 

All matters identified by the Chairman of the Committee, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Legal Department as controversial, taking into account the recommendations of the analysts of GBL, will be presented to the Proxy Voting Committee. If the Chairman of the Committee, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Legal Department has identified the matter as one that (1) is controversial; (2) would benefit from deliberation by the Proxy Voting Committee; or (3) may give rise to a conflict of interest between the Advisers and their clients, the Chairman of the Committee will initially determine what vote to recommend that the Advisers should cast and the matter will go before the Committee.

 

A.Conflicts of Interest.

 

The Advisers have implemented these proxy voting procedures in order to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing their proxy voting decisions. By following the Proxy Guidelines and the analysts of GBL, the Advisers are able to avoid, wherever possible, the influence of potential conflicts of interest. Nevertheless, circumstances may arise in which one or more of the Advisers are faced with a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest in connection with its vote. In general, a conflict of interest may arise when an Adviser knowingly does business with an issuer, and may appear to have a material conflict between its own interests and the interests of the shareholders of an investment company managed by one of the Advisers regarding how the proxy is to be voted. A conflict also may exist when an Adviser has actual knowledge of a material business arrangement between an issuer and an affiliate of the Adviser.

 

In practical terms, a conflict of interest may arise, for example, when a proxy is voted for a company that is a client of one of the Advisers, such as GAMCO Asset Management Inc. A conflict also may arise when a client of one of the Advisers has made a shareholder proposal in a proxy to be voted upon by one or more of the Advisers. The Director of Proxy Voting Services, together with the Legal Department, will scrutinize all proxies for these or other situations that may give rise to a conflict of interest with respect to the voting of proxies.

 

B.       Operation of Proxy Voting Committee

 

For matters submitted to the Committee, each member of the Committee will receive, prior to the meeting, a copy of the proxy statement, a summary of any views provided by the Chief Investment Officer and any recommendations by GBL analysts. The Chief Investment Officer or the GBL analysts may be invited to present their viewpoints. If the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Legal Department believe that the matter before the committee is one with respect to which a conflict of interest may exist between the Advisers and their clients, counsel may provide an opinion to the Committee concerning the conflict. If the matter is one in which the interests of the clients of one or more of the Advisers may diverge, counsel may so advise and the Committee may make different recommendations as to different clients. For any matters where the recommendation may trigger appraisal rights, counsel may provide an opinion concerning the likely risks and merits of such an appraisal action.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019  
  INTERNAL USE ONLY

  

HH-2

 

 

Each matter submitted to the Committee will be determined by the vote of a majority of the members present at the meeting. Should the vote concerning one or more recommendations be tied in a vote of the Committee, the Chairman of the Committee will cast the deciding vote. The Committee will notify the proxy department of its decisions and the proxies will be voted accordingly.

 

Although the Proxy Guidelines express the normal preferences for the voting of any shares not covered by a contrary investment guideline provided by the client, the Committee is not bound by the preferences set forth in the Proxy Guidelines and will review each matter on its own merits. The Advisers subscribe to Institutional Shareholder Services Inc (“ISS”) and Glass Lewis & Co., LLC (“Glass Lewis”), which supply current information on companies, matters being voted on, regulations, trends in proxy voting and information on corporate governance issues. The information provided by ISS and GL is for informational purposes only.

 

If the vote cast either by the analyst or as a result of the deliberations of the Proxy Voting Committee runs contrary to the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the issuer, the matter may be referred to legal counsel to determine whether an amendment to the most recently filed Schedule 13D is appropriate.

 

II.       Social Issues and Other Client Guidelines

 

If a client has provided and the Advisers have accepted special instructions relating to the voting of proxies, they should be noted in the client’s account file and forwarded to the proxy department. This is the responsibility of the investment professional or sales assistant for the client. In accordance with Department of Labor guidelines, the Advisers’ policy is to vote on behalf of ERISA accounts in the best interest of the plan participants with regard to social issues that carry an economic impact. Where an account is not governed by ERISA, the Advisers will vote shares held on behalf of the client in a manner consistent with any individual investment/voting guidelines provided by the client. Otherwise the Advisers may abstain with respect to those shares.

 

Specific to the Gabelli ESG Fund, the Proxy Voting Committee will rely on the advice of the portfolio managers of the Gabelli ESG Fund to provide voting recommendations on the securities held in the portfolio.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019  
  INTERNAL USE ONLY

  

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III.       Client Retention of Voting Rights

 

If a client chooses to retain the right to vote proxies or if there is any change in voting authority, the following should be notified by the investment professional or sales assistant for the client.

 

- Operations 

- Proxy Department 

- Investment professional assigned to the account

 

In the event that the Board of Directors (or a Committee thereof) of one or more of the investment companies managed by one of the Advisers has retained direct voting control over any security, the Proxy Voting Department will provide each Board Member (or Committee member) with a copy of the proxy statement together with any other relevant information.

 

IV.Proxies of Certain Non-U.S. Issuers

 

Proxy voting in certain countries requires “share-blocking.” Shareholders wishing to vote their proxies must deposit their shares shortly before the date of the meeting with a designated depository. During the period in which the shares are held with a depository, shares that will be voted at the meeting cannot be sold until the meeting has taken place and the shares are returned to the clients’ custodian. Absent a compelling reason to the contrary, the Advisers believe that the benefit to the client of exercising the vote is outweighed by the cost of voting and therefore, the Advisers will not typically vote the securities of non-U.S. issuers that require share-blocking.

 

In addition, voting proxies of issuers in non-U.S. markets may also give rise to a number of administrative issues or give rise to circumstances under which voting would impose a cost (real or implied) on its client which may cause the Advisers to abstain from voting such proxies. For example, the Advisers may receive the notices for shareholder meetings without adequate time to consider the proposals in the proxy or after the cut-off date for voting. Other markets require the Advisers to provide local agents with power of attorney prior to implementing their respective voting instructions on the proxy. Other markets may require disclosure of certain ownership information in excess of what is required to vote in the U.S. market. Although it is the Advisers’ policies to vote the proxies for its clients for which they have proxy voting authority, in the case of issuers in non-U.S. markets, we vote client proxies on a best efforts basis.

 

V.       Voting Records

 

The Proxy Voting Department will retain a record of matters voted upon by the Advisers for their clients. The Advisers will supply information on how they voted a client’s proxy upon request from the client.

 

The complete voting records for each registered investment company (the “Fund”) that is managed by the Advisers will be filed on Form N-PX for the twelve months ended June 30th, no later than August 31st of each year. A description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies, procedures, and how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554); (ii) writing to Gabelli Funds, LLC at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; or (iii) visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019  
  INTERNAL USE ONLY

  

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The Advisers’ proxy voting records will be retained in compliance with Rule 204-2 under the Investment Advisers Act.

 

VI.       Voting Procedures

 

1. Custodian banks, outside brokerage firms and clearing firms are responsible for forwarding proxies directly to the Advisers.

 

Proxies are received in one of two forms:

 

Shareholder Vote Instruction Forms (“VIFs”) - Issued by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”). Broadridge is an outside service contracted by the various institutions to issue proxy materials.

Proxy cards which may be voted directly.

 

2. Upon receipt of the proxy, the number of shares each form represents is logged into the proxy system, electronically or manually, according to security.

 

3. Upon receipt of instructions from the proxy committee, the votes are cast and recorded for each account.

 

Records have been maintained on the ProxyEdge system.

 

ProxyEdge records include: 

Security Name and CUSIP Number 

Date and Type of Meeting (Annual, Special, Contest)

 

Directors’ Recommendation (if any) 

How the Adviser voted for the client on item

 

4. VIFs are kept alphabetically by security. Records for the current proxy season are located in the Proxy Voting Department office. In preparation for the upcoming season, files are transferred to an offsite storage facility during January/February.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019  
  INTERNAL USE ONLY

  

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5. If a proxy card or VIF is received too late to be voted in the conventional matter, every attempt is made to vote including:

 

When a solicitor has been retained, the solicitor is called. At the solicitor’s direction, the proxy is faxed or sent electronically.

In some circumstances VIFs can be faxed or sent electronically to Broadridge up until the time of the meeting.

 

6. In the case of a proxy contest, records are maintained for each opposing entity.

 

7. Voting in Person

 

a) At times it may be necessary to vote the shares in person. In this case, a “legal proxy” is obtained in the following manner:

 

Banks and brokerage firms using the services at Broadridge:

 

Broadridge is notified that we wish to vote in person. Broadridge issues individual legal proxies and sends them back via email or overnight (or the Adviser can pay messenger charges). A lead-time of at least two weeks prior to the meeting is needed to do this. Alternatively, the procedures detailed below for banks not using Broadridge may be implemented.

 

Banks and brokerage firms issuing proxies directly:

 

The bank is called and/or faxed and a legal proxy is requested.

 

All legal proxies should appoint:

 

“Representative of [Adviser name] with full power of substitution.”

 

b) The legal proxies are given to the person attending the meeting along with the limited power of attorney.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019  
  INTERNAL USE ONLY

  

HH-6

 

 

Appendix A 

Proxy Guidelines

 

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

 

General Policy Statement

 

It is the policy of GAMCO Investors, Inc, and its affiliated advisers (collectively “the Advisers”) to vote in the best economic interests of our clients. As we state in our Magna Carta of Shareholders Rights, established in May 1988, we are neither for nor against management. We are for shareholders.

 

At our first proxy committee meeting in 1989, it was decided that each proxy statement should be evaluated on its own merits within the framework first established by our Magna Carta of Shareholders Rights. The attached guidelines serve to enhance that broad framework.

 

We do not consider any issue routine. We take into consideration all of our research on the company, its directors, and their short and long-term goals for the company. In cases where issues that we generally do not approve of are combined with other issues, the negative aspects of the issues will be factored into the evaluation of the overall proposals but will not necessitate a vote in opposition to the overall proposals.

 

Board of Directors

 

We do not consider the election of the Board of Directors a routine issue. Each slate of directors is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

 

Factors taken into consideration include:

 

Historical responsiveness to shareholders

This may include such areas as: 

-Paying greenmail 

-Failure to adopt shareholder resolutions receiving a majority of shareholder votes 

Qualifications

Nominating committee in place

Number of outside directors on the board

Attendance at meetings

Overall performance

 

Revised: October 23, 2019  
  INTERNAL USE ONLY

  

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Selection of Auditors

 

In general, we support the Board of Directors’ recommendation for auditors.

 

Blank Check Preferred Stock

 

We oppose the issuance of blank check preferred stock.

 

Blank check preferred stock allows the company to issue stock and establish dividends, voting rights, etc. without further shareholder approval.

 

Classified Board

 

A classified board is one where the directors are divided into classes with overlapping terms. A different class is elected at each annual meeting.

 

While a classified board promotes continuity of directors facilitating long range planning, we feel directors should be accountable to shareholders on an annual basis. We will look at this proposal on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the board’s historical responsiveness to the rights of shareholders.

 

Where a classified board is in place we will generally not support attempts to change to an annually elected board.

 

When an annually elected board is in place, we generally will not support attempts to classify the board.

 

Increase Authorized Common Stock

 

The request to increase the amount of outstanding shares is considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

Factors taken into consideration include:

 

Future use of additional shares

-Stock split 

-Stock option or other executive compensation plan 

-Finance growth of company/strengthen balance sheet 

-Aid in restructuring 

-Improve credit rating 

-Implement a poison pill or other takeover defense 

Amount of stock currently authorized but not yet issued or reserved for stock option plans

 

Revised: October 23, 2019  
  INTERNAL USE ONLY

 

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Amount of additional stock to be authorized and its dilutive effect

 

We will support this proposal if a detailed and verifiable plan for the use of the additional shares is contained in the proxy statement.

 

Confidential Ballot

 

We support the idea that a shareholder’s identity and vote should be treated with confidentiality.

 

However, we look at this issue on a case-by-case basis.

 

In order to promote confidentiality in the voting process, we endorse the use of independent Inspectors of Election.

 

Cumulative Voting

 

In general, we support cumulative voting.

 

Cumulative voting is a process by which a shareholder may multiply the number of directors being elected by the number of shares held on record date and cast the total number for one candidate or allocate the voting among two or more candidates.

 

Where cumulative voting is in place, we will vote against any proposal to rescind this shareholder right.

 

Cumulative voting may result in a minority block of stock gaining representation on the board. When a proposal is made to institute cumulative voting, the proposal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. While we feel that each board member should represent all shareholders, cumulative voting provides minority shareholders an opportunity to have their views represented.

 

Director Liability and Indemnification

 

We support efforts to attract the best possible directors by limiting the liability and increasing the indemnification of directors, except in the case of insider dealing.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019  
  INTERNAL USE ONLY

 

HH-9

 

 

Equal Access to the Proxy

 

The SEC’s rules provide for shareholder resolutions. However, the resolutions are limited in scope and there is a 500 word limit on proponents’ written arguments. Management has no such limitations. While we support equal access to the proxy, we would look at such variables as length of time required to respond, percentage of ownership, etc.

 

Fair Price Provisions

 

Charter provisions requiring a bidder to pay all shareholders a fair price are intended to prevent two-tier tender offers that may be abusive. Typically, these provisions do not apply to board-approved transactions.

 

We support fair price provisions because we feel all shareholders should be entitled to receive the same benefits.

 

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

Golden Parachutes

 

Golden parachutes are severance payments to top executives who are terminated or demoted after a takeover.

 

We support any proposal that would assure management of its own welfare so that they may continue to make decisions in the best interest of the company and shareholders even if the decision results in them losing their job. We do not, however, support excessive golden parachutes. Therefore, each proposal will be decided on a case-by- case basis.

 

Anti-Greenmail Proposals

 

We do not support greenmail. An offer extended to one shareholder should be extended to all shareholders equally across the board.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019  
  INTERNAL USE ONLY

 

HH-10

 

 

Limit Shareholders’ Rights to Call Special Meetings

 

We support the right of shareholders to call a special meeting.

 

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

Consideration of Nonfinancial Effects of a Merger

 

This proposal releases the directors from only looking at the financial effects of a merger and allows them the opportunity to consider the merger’s effects on employees, the community, and consumers.

 

As a fiduciary, we are obligated to vote in the best economic interests of our clients. In general, this proposal does not allow us to do that. Therefore, we generally cannot support this proposal.

 

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

Mergers, Buyouts, Spin-Offs, Restructurings

 

Each of the above is considered on a case-by-case basis. According to the Department of Labor, we are not required to vote for a proposal simply because the offering price is at a premium to the current market price. We may take into consideration the long term interests of the shareholders.

 

Military Issues

 

Shareholder proposals regarding military production must be evaluated on a purely economic set of criteria for our ERISA clients. As such, decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

 

In voting on this proposal for our non-ERISA clients, we will vote according to the client’s direction when applicable. Where no direction has been given, we will vote in the best economic interests of our clients. It is not our duty to impose our social judgment on others.

 

Northern Ireland

 

Shareholder proposals requesting the signing of the MacBride principles for the purpose of countering the discrimination of Catholics in hiring practices must be evaluated on a purely economic set of criteria for our ERISA clients. As such, decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019  
  INTERNAL USE ONLY

 

HH-11

 

 

In voting on this proposal for our non-ERISA clients, we will vote according to client direction when applicable. Where no direction has been given, we will vote in the best economic interests of our clients. It is not our duty to impose our social judgment on others.

 

Opt Out of State Anti-Takeover Law

 

This shareholder proposal requests that a company opt out of the coverage of the state’s takeover statutes. Example: Delaware law requires that a buyer must acquire at least 85% of the company’s stock before the buyer can exercise control unless the board approves.

 

We consider this on a case-by-case basis. Our decision will be based on the following:

 

State of Incorporation

Management history of responsiveness to shareholders

Other mitigating factors

 

Poison Pill

 

In general, we do not endorse poison pills.

 

In certain cases where management has a history of being responsive to the needs of shareholders and the stock is very liquid, we will reconsider this position.

 

Reincorporation

 

Generally, we support reincorporation for well-defined business reasons. We oppose reincorporation if proposed solely for the purpose of reincorporating in a state with more stringent anti-takeover statutes that may negatively impact the value of the stock.

 

Stock Incentive Plans

 

Director and Employee Stock incentive plans are an excellent way to attract, hold and motivate directors and employees. However, each incentive plan must be evaluated on its own merits, taking into consideration the following:

 

Dilution of voting power or earnings per share by more than 10%.

Kind of stock to be awarded, to whom, when and how much.

Method of payment.

Amount of stock already authorized but not yet issued under existing stock plans.

The successful steps taken by management to maximize shareholder value.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019  
  INTERNAL USE ONLY

 

HH-12

 

 

Supermajority Vote Requirements

 

Supermajority vote requirements in a company’s charter or bylaws require a level of voting approval in excess of a simple majority of the outstanding shares. In general, we oppose supermajority-voting requirements. Supermajority requirements often exceed the average level of shareholder participation. We support proposals’ approvals by a simple majority of the shares voting.

 

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

Limit Shareholders Right to Act by Written Consent

 

Written consent allows shareholders to initiate and carry on a shareholder action without having to wait until the next annual meeting or to call a special meeting. It permits action to be taken by the written consent of the same percentage of the shares that would be required to effect proposed action at a shareholder meeting.

 

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

“Say-on-Pay” / “Say-When-on-Pay” / “Say-on-Golden-Parachutes”

 

Required under the Dodd-Frank Act; these proposals are non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation.  We will generally vote with the Board of Directors’ recommendation(s) on advisory votes on executive compensation (“Say-on-Pay”), advisory votes on the frequency of voting on executive compensation (“Say-When-on-Pay”) and advisory votes relating to extraordinary transaction executive compensation (“Say-on-Golden-Parachutes”).  In those instances when we believe that it is in our clients’ best interest, we may abstain or vote against executive compensation and/or the frequency of votes on executive compensation and/or extraordinary transaction executive compensation advisory votes.

 

Proxy Access

 

Proxy access is a tool used to attempt to promote board accountability by requiring that a company’s proxy materials contain not only the names of management nominees, but also any candidates nominated by long-term shareholders holding at least a certain stake in the company. We will review proposals regarding proxy access on a case-by-case basis taking into account the provisions of the proposal, the company’s current governance structure, the successful steps taken by management to maximize shareholder value, as well as other applicable factors.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019  
  INTERNAL USE ONLY

 

HH-13

 

 

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

A portfolio team manages the Fund. The individuals listed below are those who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.

 

Caesar M. P. Bryan joined GAMCO Asset Management Inc. in 1994. He is a member of the global investment team of Gabelli Funds, LLC and portfolio manager of several funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex. Prior to joining Gabelli, Mr. Bryan was a portfolio manager at Lexington Management. He began his investment career in 1979 at Samuel Montagu Company, the London based merchant bank. Mr. Bryan graduated from the University of Southampton in England with a Bachelor of Law and is a member of the English Bar.

 

Vincent Hugonnard-Roche joined GAMCO Investors, Inc. in 2000. He is Director of Quantitative Strategies, head of the Gabelli Risk Management Group, and serves as a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC and manages another fund within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund complex. He received a Master’s degree in Mathematics of Decision Making from EISITI, France and an MS in Finance from ESSEC, France.

 

MANAGEMENT OF OTHER ACCOUNTS

 

The table below shows the number of other accounts managed by each Portfolio Manager and the total assets in each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other paid investment vehicles and other accounts as of December 31, 2021. For each category, the table also shows the number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on account performance.

 

Name of Portfolio Manager or 

Team Member 

Type of Accounts

Total 

No. of Accounts Managed 

Total Assets No. of Accounts where Advisory Fee is Based on Performance Total Assets in Accounts where Advisory Fee is Based on Performance
Caesar M.P. Bryan Registered Investment Companies:

5

$785.7 million

0

$0

  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:

0

$0

0

$0

  Other Accounts:

22

$176.2 million

0

$0

           
Vincent Hugonnard-Roche Registered Investment Companies:

1

$143.6 million

0

$0

  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:

0

$0

0

$0

  Other Accounts:

5

$3.7 million

0

$0

 

 

 

 

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

As reflected above, the Portfolio Managers manage accounts in addition to the Fund. Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a Portfolio Manager also has day to day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other accounts. These potential conflicts include:

 

ALLOCATION OF LIMITED TIME AND ATTENTION. As indicated above, the Portfolio Managers manage multiple accounts. As a result, he/she will not be able to devote all of their time to the management of the Fund. A Portfolio Manager, therefore, may not be able to formulate as complete a strategy or identify equally attractive investment opportunities for each of those accounts, as might be the case if he/she were to devote all of his/her attention to the management of only the Fund.

 

ALLOCATION OF LIMITED INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES. As indicated above, the Portfolio Managers manage accounts with investment strategies and/or policies that are similar to the Fund. In these cases, if the Portfolio Manager identifies an investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple accounts, the Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity because the opportunity may be allocated among all or many of these accounts or other accounts managed primarily by other Portfolio Managers of the Adviser, and their affiliates. In addition, in the event a Portfolio Manager determines to purchase a security for more than one account in an aggregate amount that may influence the market price of the security, accounts that purchased or sold the security first may receive a more favorable price than accounts that made subsequent transactions.

 

PURSUIT OF DIFFERING STRATEGIES. At times, a Portfolio Manager may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the accounts for which he/she exercises investment responsibility, or may decide that certain of the funds or accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, the Portfolio Manager may execute differing or opposite transactions for one or more accounts which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment of one or more other accounts.

 

VARIATION IN COMPENSATION. A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to the Portfolio Manager differ among the accounts that he or she manages. If the structure of the Adviser’s management fee or the Portfolio Manager’s compensation differs among accounts (such as where certain accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based management fees), the Portfolio Manager may be motivated to favor certain accounts over others. The Portfolio Manager may also be motivated to favor accounts in which he or she has an investment interest, or in which the Adviser, or their affiliates have investment interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain assets under management or to enhance a Portfolio Manager’s performance record or to derive other rewards, financial or otherwise, could influence the Portfolio Manager in affording preferential treatment to those accounts that could most significantly benefit the Portfolio Manager. For example, as reflected above, if a Portfolio Manager manages accounts, which have performance fee arrangements, certain portions of their compensation will depend on the achievement of performance milestones on those accounts. The Portfolio Manager could be incented to afford preferential treatment to those accounts and thereby by subject to a potential conflict of interest.

 

The Adviser, and the Funds have adopted compliance policies and procedures that are designed to address the various conflicts of interest that may arise for the Adviser and their staff members. However, there is no guarantee that such policies and procedures will be able to detect and prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may arise.

 

 

 

COMPENSATION STRUCTURE FOR THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

The compensation of the Portfolio Managers for the Fund is structured to enable the Adviser to attract and retain highly qualified professionals in a competitive environment. The Portfolio Managers receive a compensation package that includes a minimum draw or base salary, equity-based incentive compensation via awards of stock options, and incentive based variable compensation based on a percentage of net revenue received by the Adviser for managing the Fund to the extent that the amount exceeds a minimum level of compensation. Net revenues are determined by deducting from gross investment management fees certain of the firm’s expenses (other than the Portfolio Managers’ compensation) allocable to the Fund (the incentive-based variable compensation for managing other accounts is also based on a percentage of net revenues to the investment adviser for managing the account). This method of compensation is based on the premise that superior long-term performance in managing a portfolio should be rewarded with higher compensation as a result of growth of assets through appreciation and net investment activity. The level of equity-based incentive and incentive-based variable compensation is based on an evaluation by the Adviser’s parent, GBL, of quantitative and qualitative performance evaluation criteria. This evaluation takes into account, in a broad sense, the performance of the accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager, but the level of compensation is not determined with specific reference to the performance of any account against any specific benchmark. Generally, greater consideration is given to the performance of larger accounts and to longer term performance over smaller accounts and short-term performance.

 

OWNERSHIP OF SHARES IN THE FUND

 

Caesar M. P. Bryan and Vincent Hugonnard-Roche each owned $1-$10,000 and $1-$10,000 respectively, of shares of the Trust as of December 31, 2021.

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

 

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

REGISTRANT PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period (a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased) (b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) (c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Month #1
07/01/2021 through 07/31/2021
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common –  154,098,001

Preferred Series B – 3,459,899
Month #2
08/01/2021 through 08/31/2021
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – 154,158,319

Preferred Series B – 3,459,899
Month #3
09/01/2021 through 09/30/2021
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – 154,158,319

Preferred Series B – 3,459,899
Month #4
10/01/2021 through 10/31/2021
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common –154,158,319

Preferred Series B –3,459,899
Month #5
11/01/2021 through 11/30/2021
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common –154,158,319

Preferred Series B – 3,459,899
Month #6
12/01/2021 through 12/31/2021
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – 154,158,319

Preferred Series B – 3,459,899
Total Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series B – N/A
N/A

 

Footnote columns (c) and (d) of the table, by disclosing the following information in the aggregate for all plans or programs publicly announced:

 

a.The date each plan or program was announced – The notice of the potential repurchase of common and preferred shares occurs semiannually in the Fund’s reports to shareholders in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

b.The dollar amount (or share or unit amount) approved – Any or all common shares outstanding may be repurchased when the Fund’s common shares are trading at a discount of 7.5% or more from the net asset value of the shares.

Any or all preferred shares outstanding may be repurchased when the Fund’s preferred shares are trading at a discount to the liquidation value of $25.00. 

c.The expiration date (if any) of each plan or program – The Fund’s repurchase plans are ongoing.

d.Each plan or program that has expired during the period covered by the table – The Fund’s repurchase plans are ongoing.

e.Each plan or program the registrant has determined to terminate prior to expiration, or under which the registrant does not intend to make further purchases. – The Fund’s repurchase plans are ongoing.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board of Trustees, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.

 

 

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).

 

(b)There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d))) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

(a) If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company, provide the following dollar amounts of income and fees/compensation related to the securities lending activities of the registrant during its most recent fiscal year:

 

(1) Gross income from securities lending activities; $0

 

(2) All fees and/or compensation for each of the following securities lending activities and related services: any share of revenue generated by the securities lending program paid to the securities lending agent(s) (“revenue split”); fees paid for cash collateral management services (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split; administrative fees that are not included in the revenue split; fees for indemnification that are not included in the revenue split; rebates paid to borrowers; and any other fees relating to the securities lending program that are not included in the revenue split, including a description of those other fees; $0

 

(3) The aggregate fees/compensation disclosed pursuant to paragraph (2); $0 and

 

(4) Net income from securities lending activities (i.e., the dollar amount in paragraph (1) minus the dollar amount in paragraph (3)). $0

 

(b) If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company, describe the services provided to the registrant by the securities lending agent in the registrant’s most recent fiscal year. N/A

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1)Code of ethics, or any amendment thereto, that is the subject of disclosure required by Item 2 is attached hereto.

 

(a)(2)Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

 

(a)(2)(1)Not applicable.

 

(a)(2)(2)Not applicable.

 

(b)Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

 

(c)Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

           
(Registrant)     GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust  

 

By (Signature and Title)*   /s/ Bruce N. Alpert  
    Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer  

 

Date      March 9, 2022  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By (Signature and Title)*   /s/ Bruce N. Alpert  
    Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer  

 

Date      March 9, 2022  

 

By (Signature and Title)*   /s/ John C. Ball  
    John C. Ball, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer  

 

Date      March 9, 2022  

 

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.

 

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