e497
Filed Pursuant to Rule 497(c)
File No. 333-166168
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated August 17, 2010)
$30,000,000
The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust
1,200,000 Shares
5.76% Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares
(Liquidation Preference $25.00 per share)
The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust (the Fund, we, us or our) is
offering 1,200,000 shares of 5.76% Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares (the Series A
Preferred Shares). The Series A Preferred Shares shall constitute a separate series of preferred
shares.
The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). The Funds investment objective is
long-term growth of capital. The Funds investment adviser is Gabelli Funds, LLC (the Investment
Adviser).
Our common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol GRX.
The last reported NYSE sale price for our common shares on
August 16, 2010 was $6.16 per share.
Investors
in Series A Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive
cumulative cash dividends and distributions
at a rate of 5.76% per annum. Dividends and distributions on the Series A Preferred Shares will be payable quarterly
on March 26, June 26, September 26 and
December 26 in each year, commencing on September 26, 2010.
The
Series A Preferred Shares are redeemable at the option of the
Fund on or after August 20, 2015, and are subject to mandatory redemption by us in certain circumstances.
Application has been made to list the Series A Preferred Shares on the NYSE. Trading on the
NYSE is anticipated to begin within 30 days of the delivery of the Series A Preferred Shares.
An investment in the Fund is not appropriate for all investors. We cannot assure you that the
Funds investment objective will be achieved. You should read this Prospectus Supplement and the
accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in the Series A Preferred Shares and
retain it for future reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus contain
important information about us. Material that has been incorporated by reference and other
information about us can be obtained from us by calling 800-GABELLI (422-3554) or from the
Securities and Exchange Commissions (SEC) website (http://www.sec.gov).
Investing in Series A Preferred Shares involves certain risks that are described in the Risk
Factors and Special Considerations section beginning on page 21 of the accompanying Prospectus.
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these
securities or determined if this Prospectus Supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation
to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Per Share |
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Total |
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Public offering price |
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$ |
25.0000 |
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$ |
30,000,000 |
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Underwriting discounts and commissions
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$ |
0.7875 |
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$ |
945,000 |
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Proceeds, before expenses, to the Fund (1)
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$ |
24.2125 |
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$ |
29,055,000 |
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(1) |
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The aggregate expenses of the offering (excluding
underwriting discount) are estimated
to be $250,000, which represents
approximately $0.21 per share. |
The Underwriters are expected to deliver the Series A Preferred Shares in book-entry form
through the Depository Trust Company on or about August 20, 2010.
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Wells Fargo Securities
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Gabelli & Company, Inc. |
The date
of this Prospectus Supplement is August 17, 2010
P-1
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. Neither the Fund nor the underwriters have authorized
anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that
the information contained in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is accurate
as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus,
respectively. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have
changed since those dates.
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus Supplement
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P-5 |
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P-6 |
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P-9 |
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P-9 |
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P-11 |
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Prospectus
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY |
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1 |
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SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES |
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11 |
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
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12 |
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USE OF PROCEEDS |
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13 |
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THE FUND |
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13 |
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES |
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13 |
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RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS |
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21 |
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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND |
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30 |
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PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS |
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32 |
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DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS |
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32 |
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ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK |
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33 |
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AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLAN |
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33 |
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DESCRIPTION OF THE SHARES |
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34 |
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ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS OF THE FUNDS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS |
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41 |
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CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE |
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42 |
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REPURCHASE OF COMMON SHARES |
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43 |
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RIGHTS OFFERINGS |
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43 |
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NET ASSET VALUE |
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43 |
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LIMITATION ON TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS LIABILITY |
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44 |
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TAXATION |
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44 |
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CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT |
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47 |
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION |
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47 |
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LEGAL MATTERS |
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48 |
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INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
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49 |
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
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49 |
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PRIVACY PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND |
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49 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
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50 |
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P-2
CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Prospectus Supplement, the accompanying Prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by
the words may, will, intend, expect, estimate, continue, plan, anticipate, and
similar terms and the negative of such terms. Such forward-looking statements may be contained in
this Prospectus Supplement as well as in the accompanying Prospectus. By their nature, all
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ
materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors that could
materially affect our actual results are the performance of the portfolio of securities we hold,
the price at which our shares will trade in the public markets and other factors discussed in our
periodic filings with the SEC.
Although we believe that the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements are
reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in our
forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as
any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent risks and
uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the Risk Factors and Special Considerations section of
the accompanying Prospectus and Risks of the Series A Preferred Shares in this Prospectus
Supplement. All forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus Supplement or the accompanying Prospectus are made as of the date of this Prospectus
Supplement or the accompanying Prospectus, as the case may be. Except for our ongoing obligations
under the federal securities laws, we do not intend, and we undertake no obligation, to update any
forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus Supplement,
any accompanying Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information are excluded from the safe
harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933
Act).
Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our
expectations include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the Risk Factors and
Special Considerations section of the accompanying Prospectus as well as in the Risks of the
Series A Preferred Shares section of this Prospectus Supplement. We urge you to review carefully
those sections for a more detailed discussion of the risks of an investment in the Series A
Preferred Shares.
P-3
TERMS OF THE SERIES A PREFERRED SHARES
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The Fund
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The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end
management investment company registered
under the 1940 Act. The Funds investment
objective is long-term growth of capital. The
Funds investment adviser is Gabelli Funds,
LLC (the Investment Adviser). Our common
shares are traded on the NYSE under the
symbol GRX. The last reported NYSE sale
price for our common shares on August 16,
2010 was $6.16 per share. |
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Securities Offered
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1,200,000 shares of
5.76% Series A
Cumulative Preferred Shares (the Series A
Preferred Shares). The Series A Preferred
Shares shall constitute a separate series of
preferred shares. |
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Dividend Rate
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Dividends and distributions on the Series A Preferred Shares
are cumulative from their original issue date
at the annual rate of 5.76%. |
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Dividend Payment Date
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Holders of Series A Preferred Shares shall be
entitled to receive, when, as and if declared
by, or under authority granted by, the Board
of Trustees, out of funds legally available
therefor, cumulative cash dividends and
distributions. Dividends and distributions will be payable
quarterly on March 26, June 26, September 26,
and December 26 in each year, commencing on
September 26, 2010. |
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Liquidation Preference
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$25.00 per share. |
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Term Redemption
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The Series A Preferred Shares are redeemable
at the option of the Fund on or after August 20, 2015. |
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Optional Redemption
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Prior to August 20, 2015, the Series A
Preferred Shares are not subject to optional
redemption by the Fund unless such redemption
is necessary, in the judgment of the Board of
Trustees, to meet tax, regulatory or rating
agency asset coverage requirements.
Except as provided in the foregoing sentence,
commencing August 20, 2015, and thereafter,
to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and
Delaware law, the Fund may at any time upon
notice of redemption redeem the Series A
Preferred Shares in whole or in part at the
liquidation preference per share plus accumulated but unpaid
dividends and distributions through the date of redemption, which notice
shall specify a redemption date of not fewer
than 15 days nor more than 60 days after the
date of such notice. |
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NYSE Listing
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Application has been made to list the
Series A Preferred Shares on the NYSE. Prior
to the offering, there has been no public
market for the Series A Preferred Shares. It
is anticipated that trading on the NYSE will
begin within 30 days of the delivery of the Series A Preferred
Shares. During such period,
the underwriters do not intend to make a
market in the Series A Preferred Shares.
Consequently, it is anticipated that, prior
to the commencement of trading on the NYSE,
an investment in Series A Preferred Shares
will be illiquid. |
P-4
USE OF PROCEEDS
We
estimate the total net proceeds of the offering to be $28,805,000, based on the public offering
price of $25.00 per share and after deduction of the underwriting discounts and commissions and
estimated offering expenses payable by us.
The Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in
high-quality short-term debt securities and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that
the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Funds investment objectives and
policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to be
substantially completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in
the Funds anticipated investment period extending to as long as six months.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the unaudited capitalization of the Fund as of June 30, 2010,
and its adjusted capitalization assuming the Series A Preferred Shares offered in this Prospectus
Supplement had been issued.
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As of June 30, 2010 |
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(unaudited) |
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Actual |
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As adjusted |
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Preferred shares, $0.001 par value per share, unlimited shares authorized.
(The Actual column reflects the Funds outstanding capitalization as of
June 30, 2010; the As adjusted column assumes the issuance of
1,200,000 shares of Series A Preferred Shares, $25 liquidation preference
per share) |
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$ |
0 |
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$ |
30,000,000 |
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Shareholders equity applicable to common shares: |
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Common shares, $0.001 par value per share; unlimited shares authorized,
8,474,459 shares outstanding |
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8,474 |
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8,474 |
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Paid-in surplus* |
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66,796,780 |
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65,601,780 |
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Accumulated net investment gain (loss) |
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(126,161 |
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(126,161 |
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Accumulated net realized gain (loss) |
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(3,470,698 |
) |
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(3,470,698 |
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Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
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(212,905 |
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(212,905 |
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Net assets attributable to common shares |
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62,995,490 |
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61,800,490 |
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Liquidation preference of preferred shares |
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0 |
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30,000,000 |
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Net assets, plus the liquidation preference of preferred shares |
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62,995,490 |
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91,800,490 |
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* |
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As adjusted paid-in surplus reflects a deduction for the estimated
underwriting discounts of $945,000 and estimated offering expenses
of the Series A Preferred Shares of $250,000. |
For financial reporting purposes, the Fund is required to deduct the liquidation
preference of its outstanding preferred shares from net assets, so long as the senior securities
have redemption features that are not solely within the control of the Fund. For all regulatory
purposes, the Funds preferred shares will be treated as equity (rather than debt).
P-5
ASSET COVERAGE RATIO
If the Series A Preferred Shares offered hereby had been issued and sold as of June 30, 2010,
the asset coverage required under the 1940 Act would have been computed as follows:
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Value of Fund assets less liabilities and |
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indebtedness not constituting senior securities
Senior securities representing indebtedness plus
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=
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$91,800,490
$30,000,000
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=
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306% |
liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Shares |
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RISKS OF THE SERIES A PREFERRED SHARES
Risk is inherent in all investing. Therefore, before investing in the Series A Preferred
Shares you should consider the risks associated with such an investment carefully. See Risk
Factors and Special Considerations in the Prospectus. Primary risks specially associated with an
investment in the Series A Preferred Shares include:
The market price for the Series A Preferred Shares will be influenced by changes in
interest rates, the perceived credit quality of the Series A
Preferred Shares and other factors, and
may be higher or lower than the liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Shares.
You will have no right to require the Fund to repurchase or redeem your shares of Series A
Preferred Shares at any time.
The credit rating on the Series A Preferred Shares could be reduced or withdrawn while an
investor holds Series A Preferred Shares, and the credit rating does not eliminate or mitigate the
risks of investing in the Series A Preferred Shares. A reduction or withdrawal of the credit rating
would likely have an adverse effect on the market value of the Series A Preferred Shares.
The
Fund may not meet applicable asset coverage requirements, or earn sufficient income from
its investments to make distributions on the Series A Preferred Shares.
The
Fund generally may redeem the Series A Preferred Shares at any
time after August 20, 2015.
In addition, the Fund may at any time redeem shares of Series A Preferred Shares to the extent
necessary to meet tax, regulatory or rating agency asset coverage requirements. For example, if the
value of the Funds investment portfolio declines, thereby reducing the asset coverage for the
Series A Preferred Shares, the Fund may be obligated under the terms of the Series A Preferred
Shares to redeem shares of the Series A Preferred Shares. Investors may not be able to reinvest the
proceeds of any redemption in an investment providing the same or a
better rate of return than that of the
Series A Preferred Shares.
The Series A Preferred Shares is not a debt obligation of the Fund. The Series A Preferred
Shares is junior in respect of distributions and liquidation preference to any indebtedness
incurred by the Fund. Although unlikely, precipitous declines in the value of the Funds assets
could result in the Fund having insufficient assets to redeem all of the Series A Preferred Shares
for the full redemption price.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES A PREFERRED SHARES
The following is a brief description of the terms of the Series A Preferred Shares. This is
not a complete description and is subject to and entirely qualified by reference to the Funds
Statement of Preferences (the Statement). The Statement
is attached as Exhibit (a)(ii) to the Funds
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement. Copies may be obtained as
described under Additional Information in the accompanying Prospectus. Any capitalized terms in
this section that are not defined have the meaning assigned to them in the Statement.
General
The
Funds Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of preferred shares,
$0.001 par value per share, in one or more classes or series with rights as determined by the Board
of Trustees without the approval of
P-6
common
shareholders. The Statement currently authorizes the issuance of
1,200,000 Series A
Preferred Shares. All Series A Preferred Shares will have a
liquidation preference of $25.00 per
share.
The Series A Preferred Shares, when issued by the Fund and paid for pursuant to the terms of
this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, will be fully paid and non-assessable
and will have no preemptive, exchange or conversion rights. Any Series A Preferred Shares
repurchased or redeemed by the Fund will be classified as authorized and unissued Series A
Preferred Shares. The Board of Trustees may by resolution classify or reclassify any authorized and
unissued Series A Preferred Shares from time to time by setting or changing the preferences,
rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and
distributions, qualifications or terms or
conditions of redemption of such shares.
Dividends and Dividend Periods
The following is a general description of dividends and dividend periods for the Series A
Preferred Shares.
Dividend Periods. The dividend period for the Series A Preferred Shares is quarterly and the
dividend rate is 5.76% per annum.
Dividend
Payment Dates. Dividends and distributions on the Series A Preferred Shares will be payable, when, as
and if declared by, or under authority granted by, the Board of Trustees, out of legally available funds in accordance with the
Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust, the Statement and applicable law.
Dividends on preferred shares will accumulate from the date of their original issue, which is
August 20, 2010.
Restrictions on Dividend, Redemption and Other Payments. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not
(i) declare any dividend with respect to the Series A Preferred Shares if, at the time of such
declaration (and after giving effect thereto), asset coverage with respect to the Funds senior
securities that are stock (as defined in the 1940 Act) would be less than 200% (or such other
percentage as may in the future be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum asset coverage
for senior securities representing stock of a closed-end investment company as a condition of
declaring dividends on its preferred shares) or (ii) declare any other distribution on the Series A
Preferred Shares or purchase or redeem Series A Preferred Shares if at the time of the declaration
(and after giving effect thereto), asset coverage with respect to the Funds senior securities
representing indebtedness would be less than 300% (or such other percentage as may in the future be
specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum asset coverage for senior securities representing
indebtedness of a closed-end investment company as a condition of declaring distributions,
purchases or redemptions of its shares of beneficial interest). Senior securities representing
indebtedness generally means any bond, debenture, note or similar obligation or instrument
constituting a security (other than stock) and evidencing indebtedness and could include the Funds
obligations under any borrowings. The term senior security does not include any promissory note
or other evidence of indebtedness in any case where such a loan is for temporary purposes only and
in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund at the time when the
loan is made. A loan is presumed under the 1940 Act to be for temporary purposes if it is repaid
within 60 days and is not extended or renewed; otherwise it is presumed not to be for temporary
purposes. For purposes of determining whether the 200% and 300% asset coverage requirements
described above apply in connection with dividends or distributions on or purchases or redemptions
of Series A Preferred Shares, such asset coverages may be calculated on the basis of values
calculated as of a time within 48 hours (not including Sundays or holidays) next preceding the time
of the applicable determination.
Voting Rights
Except
as otherwise provided in the Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws of the
Fund or a resolution of the Board of Trustees or its delegatee, or as required by applicable law,
holders of Series A Preferred Shares shall have no power to vote on any matter except matters
submitted to a vote of the common shares. In any matter submitted to a vote of the holders of the
common shares, each holder of Series A Preferred Shares shall be entitled to one vote for each
Series A Preferred Share held and the holders of the outstanding preferred shares, including Series
A Preferred Shares, and the common shares shall vote together as a single class; provided, however,
that at any meeting of the shareholders of the Fund held for the election of trustees, the holders
of the outstanding preferred shares, including Series A Preferred Shares, shall be entitled, as a
class, to the exclusion of the holders of
P-7
all other securities and classes of capital shares of the Fund, to elect a number of Fund
trustees, such that following the election of trustees at the meeting of the shareholders, the
Funds Board of Trustees shall contain two trustees elected by the holders of the outstanding
preferred shares, including the Series A Preferred Shares. Subject to certain provisions in the
Statement, the holders of all outstanding common shares and preferred shares of the Fund, including
the Series A Preferred Shares, voting as a single class, shall elect the balance of the trustees.
Redemption
Mandatory Redemption. Under certain circumstances, the Series A Preferred Shares will be
subject to mandatory redemption by the Fund out of funds legally available therefor in accordance
with the Statement and applicable law.
If the Fund fails to have asset coverage, as determined in accordance with Section 18(h) of
the 1940 Act, of at least 200% with respect to all outstanding senior securities of the Fund which
are stock, including all outstanding Series A Preferred Shares (or such other asset coverage as may
in the future be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum asset coverage for senior
securities which are stock of a closed-end investment company as a condition of declaring dividends
on its common shares), and such failure is not cured as of the cure date specified in the Statement,
(i) the Fund shall give a notice of redemption with respect to the redemption of a sufficient
number of preferred shares, which at the Funds determination (to the extent permitted by the 1940
Act and Delaware law) may include any proportion of Series A Preferred Shares, to enable it to meet
the asset coverage requirements, and, at the Funds discretion, such additional number of Series A
Preferred Shares or other preferred shares in order that the Fund have asset coverage with respect
to the Series A Preferred Shares and any other preferred shares remaining outstanding after such
redemption as great as 220%, and (ii) deposit an amount with the dividend-disbursing agent appointed by the Fund, having an initial
combined value sufficient to effect the redemption of the Series A Preferred Shares or other
preferred shares to be redeemed.
On such cure date, the Fund shall redeem, out of funds legally available therefor, the number
of preferred shares, which, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and Delaware law, at the option
of the Fund may include any proportion of Series A Preferred Shares or any other series of
preferred shares, equal to the minimum number of shares the redemption of which, if such redemption
had occurred immediately prior to the opening of business on such cure date, would have resulted in
the Fund having asset coverage immediately prior to the opening of business on such cure date or,
if asset coverage cannot be so restored, all of the outstanding Series A Preferred Shares, at a
price equal to $25.00 per share plus accumulated but unpaid dividends and distributions (whether or
not earned or declared by the Fund) through the date of redemption.
Optional Redemption. Under certain circumstances, to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act
and Delaware law, the Fund may have the option to redeem, in whole or in part, Series A Preferred
Shares.
Liquidation
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, whether
voluntary or involuntary, the holders of Series A Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive out
of the assets of the Fund available for distribution to shareholders, after satisfying claims of
creditors but before any distribution or payment shall be made in respect of the common shares or
any other shares of the Fund ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Shares as to liquidation
payments, a liquidation distribution in the amount of $25.00 per share (the Liquidation
Preference), plus an amount equal to all unpaid dividends and distributions accumulated to and
including the date fixed for such distribution or payment (whether or not earned or declared by the
Fund, but excluding interest thereon), and such holders shall be entitled to no further
participation in any distribution or payment in connection with any such liquidation, dissolution
or winding up.
If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, whether
voluntary or involuntary, the assets of the Fund available for distribution among the holders of
all outstanding Series A Preferred Shares, and any other outstanding class or series of preferred
shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with the Series A Preferred Shares as to payment upon
liquidation, shall be insufficient to permit the payment in full to such holders of Series A
Preferred Shares of the liquidation preference plus accumulated and unpaid dividends and
distributions and the amounts due upon liquidation with respect to such other preferred shares,
then such available assets shall be
P-8
distributed among the holders of Series A Preferred Shares and such other preferred shares
ratably in proportion to the respective preferential liquidation amounts to which they are
entitled. Unless and until the liquidation preference plus accumulated and unpaid dividends and
distributions has been paid in full to the holders of Series A Preferred Shares, no dividends or
distributions will be made to holders of the common shares or any other shares of the Fund ranking
junior to the Series A Preferred Shares as to liquidation.
TAXATION
Any references applicable to common shares in the Taxation sections of the Prospectus and
the Statement of Additional Information will be deemed to apply to preferred shares also. All
references applicable to common shareholders in the Taxation sections of the Prospectus and the
Statement of Additional Information will be deemed to apply to preferred shareholders also.
In addition, the Internal Revenue Service currently requires that a regulated investment
company that has two or more classes of stock allocate to each such class proportionate amounts of
each type of its income (such as ordinary income, capital gains, dividends qualifying for the
dividends received deduction and qualified dividend income) based upon the percentage of total
dividends paid out of earnings or profits to each class for the tax year. Accordingly, the Fund
intends each year to allocate capital gain dividends, dividends qualifying for the dividends
received deduction and dividends derived from qualified dividend income, if any, between its common
shares and preferred shares in proportion to the total dividends paid out of earnings or profits to
each class with respect to such tax year.
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the Funds underwriting agreement dated the date
of this Prospectus Supplement, each underwriter named below for whom Wells Fargo Securities, LLC is
acting as Representative, has severally agreed to purchase, and the Fund has agreed to sell to that
underwriter, the number of shares of Series A Preferred Shares set forth opposite the underwriters
name.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Series A |
Underwriter |
|
Preferred Shares |
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC |
|
|
1,020,000 |
|
Gabelli & Company, Inc. |
|
|
120,000 |
|
Janney
Montgomery Scott LLC |
|
|
12,000 |
|
Ladenburg
Thalmann & Co. Inc. |
|
|
12,000 |
|
Oppenheimer
& Co. Inc. |
|
|
12,000 |
|
RBC Capital
Markets Corporation |
|
|
12,000 |
|
Stifel,
Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated |
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to purchase
the shares included in this offering are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by
counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all of the
Series A Preferred Shares, if they purchase any such shares. If an underwriter defaults, the
underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitment of the non-defaulting underwriters may
be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.
The Fund and the Investment Adviser have each agreed to indemnify the underwriters against
certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the 1933 Act, as amended, or to contribute
to payments the underwriters may be required to make for any of those liabilities. The underwriters
initially propose to offer part of the Series A Preferred Shares directly to the public at the
public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus Supplement and offer part of
the Series A Preferred Shares to certain dealers at the public offering price less a concession not
to exceed $0.50 per share. The underwriting discounts and commissions
of $0.7875 per share are equal
to 3.15% of the initial offering price. The underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a
concession not to exceed $0.45 per share of Series A Preferred Shares on sales to other
underwriters or to certain dealers. After the initial offering of the Series A Preferred Shares to
the public, the underwriters may change the public offering price and other selling terms.
Investors must pay for any Series A Preferred Shares purchased
on or before August 20, 2010.
P-9
The following table shows the underwriting discounts and commissions that the Fund will pay in
connection with this offering.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid by the Fund |
Per Share |
|
$ |
0.7875 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
945,000 |
|
The Fund and the Investment Adviser have agreed that, for a period of 90 days from the
date of this Prospectus Supplement, they will not, without the prior written consent of Wells Fargo
Securities, LLC, on behalf of the underwriters, (a) directly or indirectly offer, pledge, sell,
contract to sell, sell any option to contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell,
grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or lend or otherwise dispose of preferred shares or
any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for preferred shares or file a
registration statement under the 1933 Act with respect to the foregoing or (b) enter into any swap
or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or
indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of Series A Preferred Shares. Wells Fargo
Securities, LLC, in its sole discretion, may release any of the securities subject to these lock-up
agreements at any time without notice.
Application has been made to list the Series A Preferred Shares on the NYSE. Prior to the
offering, there has been no public market for the Series A Preferred Shares. It is anticipated that
trading on the NYSE will begin within 30 days of the delivery of
the Series A Preferred Shares. During
such period, the underwriters do not intend to make a market in the Series A Preferred Shares.
Consequently, it is anticipated that, prior to the commencement of trading on the NYSE, an
investment in Series A Preferred Shares will be illiquid.
If a secondary trading market develops prior to the commencement of trading on the NYSE,
holders of the Series A Preferred Shares may be able to sell such shares only at substantial
discounts from the liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Shares.
In connection with the offering, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, on behalf of the underwriters,
may purchase and sell the Series A Preferred Shares in the open market. These transactions may
include syndicate covering and stabilizing transactions. Syndicate covering transactions involve
purchases of the Series A Preferred Shares in the open market after the distribution has been
completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain
bids or purchases for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the
Series A Preferred Shares while the offering is in progress.
The underwriters may impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a
selling concession from a syndicate member when Wells Fargo Securities, LLC repurchases shares of
Series A Preferred Shares originally sold by that syndicate member in order to cover syndicate
short positions or make stabilizing purchases.
Any of these activities may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of Series
A Preferred Shares. They may also cause the price of Series A Preferred Shares to be higher than
the price that would otherwise exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The
underwriters may conduct these transactions on the NYSE or in the over-the-counter market, or
otherwise. If the underwriters commence any of these transactions, they may discontinue them at any
time.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the
direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of
the Series A Preferred Shares. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any
representation that the underwriters will engage in these transactions or that these transactions,
once commenced, will not be discontinued.
Certain underwriters have performed investment banking and advisory services for the Fund and
the Investment Adviser from time to time, for which they have received customary fees and expenses.
The underwriters and their affiliates may from time to time engage in transactions with, and
perform services for, the Fund and the Investment Adviser in the ordinary course of their business.
The Fund anticipates that, from time to time, certain underwriters may act as brokers or
dealers in connection with the Funds execution of the Funds portfolio transactions after they
have ceased to be underwriters and, subject to certain restrictions, may act as brokers while they
are underwriters.
P-10
Gabelli & Company, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gabelli Securities, Inc., which is a
majority-owned subsidiary of the parent company of the Investment Adviser, which is, in turn,
indirectly majority-owned by Mario J. Gabelli. As a result of these
relationships, Mr. Gabelli is a controlling person of Gabelli & Company, Inc.
The principal business address of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC is 301 S. College Street,
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288. The principal business address of Gabelli & Company, Inc. is One
Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters will be passed on by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP,
counsel to the Fund in connection with the offering of the Series A Preferred Shares. Certain
legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Simpson
Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP may rely
as to certain matters of Delaware law on the opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
P-11
Filed
Pursuant to Rule 497(c)
File No. 333-166168
Base Prospectus
dated August 17, 2010
PROSPECTUS
$100,000,000
The Gabelli Healthcare &
WellnessRx Trust
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest
Investment Objectives. The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust (the Fund)
is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Funds investment objective is long-term growth of capital.
The Funds investment adviser is Gabelli Funds, LLC (the Investment Adviser). An investment in
the Fund is not appropriate for all investors. We cannot assure you that the Funds investment
objective will be achieved.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets (plus
borrowings made for investment purposes) in equity securities (such as common stock and preferred
stock) and income producing securities (such as fixed income debt securities and securities
convertible into common stock) of domestic and foreign companies in the healthcare and wellness
industries. Companies in the healthcare and wellness industries are defined as those companies
which are primarily engaged in providing products, services and/or equipment related to healthcare,
medical, or lifestyle needs (i.e., food, beverages, nutrition and weight management). Primarily
engaged, as defined in this registration statement, means a company that derives at least 50% of
its revenues or earnings from, or devotes at least 50% of its assets to, the indicated business.
Specific sector investments for the Fund will include, but are not limited to, dental, orthopedics,
cardiology, hearing aid, life science, in-vitro diagnostics, medical supplies and products,
aesthetics and plastic surgery, veterinary, pharmacy benefits management, healthcare distribution,
healthcare imaging, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare plans, healthcare services, and
healthcare equipment, as well as food, beverages, nutrition and weight management. The Fund will
focus on companies that are growing globally due to favorable demographic trends and may invest
without limitation in securities of foreign issuers. See Investment Objectives and Policies.
We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings, our common shares or preferred
shares, each having a par value of $0.001 per share. Shares may be offered at prices and on terms
to be set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a Prospectus Supplement). You
should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement carefully before you invest in
our shares.
Our shares may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through agents designated from
time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to
the offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of our shares, and will
set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between us and our
agents or underwriters, or among our underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be
calculated. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale of preferred shares will set forth the
liquidation preference and information about the dividend period, dividend rate, any call
protection or non-call period, and other matters. We may not sell any of our shares through agents,
underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms
of the particular offering of our shares. Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol GRX. Any future series of fixed rate preferred shares would
also likely be listed on a stock exchange. On August 16, 2010, the
last reported NYSE sale price of our
common shares was $6.16. The net asset value of the Funds common shares at the close of business
on August 16, 2010 was $7.49 per share. Shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount from
net asset value. This creates a risk of loss for an investor purchasing shares in a public
offering.
Investing in the Funds shares involves risks. See Risk Factors and Special Considerations
on page 21 for factors that should be considered before investing in shares of the Fund.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of shares by us through agents,
underwriters or dealers unless accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that a prospective
investor should know before investing. You should read this Prospectus, which contains important
information about the Fund, before deciding whether to invest in the shares, and retain it for
future reference. A Statement of Additional Information, dated August
17, 2010, containing
additional information about the Fund, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. You may request a free copy
of our annual and semi-annual reports, request a free copy of the Statement of Additional
Information, the table of contents of which is on page 50 of this Prospectus, request other
information about us and make shareholder inquiries by calling (800) GABELLI (422-3554) or by
writing to the Fund, or obtain a copy (and other information regarding the Fund) from the
Securities and Exchange Commissions web site (http://www.sec.gov).
Our shares do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by,
any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.
The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not
making an offer to sell these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. You
should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus is accurate as of any date
other than the date of this Prospectus.
Table of Contents
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This is only a summary. This summary may not contain all of the information that you should
consider before investing in our shares. You should review the more detailed information contained
in this Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information, dated
August 17, 2010 (the SAI).
The Fund
The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust is a non-diversified, closed-end
management investment company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. Throughout this
Prospectus, we refer to The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust as the Fund or as
we. See The Fund.
The Offering
We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings, our common or preferred shares,
$0.001 par value per share. The shares may be offered at prices and on terms to be set forth in one
or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a Prospectus Supplement). The offering price per
share of our common shares will not be less than the net asset value per share of our common shares
at the time we make the offering, exclusive of any underwriting commissions or discounts. You
should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement carefully before you invest in
our shares. Our shares may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through agents designated
from time to time by us or to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement
relating to the offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the sale of
our shares, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount
arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters, or among our underwriters, or the basis upon
which such amount may be calculated. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale of preferred
shares will set forth the liquidation preference and information about the dividend period,
dividend rate, any call protection or non-call period and other matters. We may not sell any of our
shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement
describing the method and terms of the particular offering of our shares. Our common shares are
listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol GRX. Any future series of fixed
rate preferred shares would also likely be listed on a stock
exchange. On August 16, 2010, the
last reported NYSE sale price of our common shares was $6.16. The net asset value of the Funds common
shares at the close of business on August 16, 2010 was $7.49 per share.
Investment Objectives and Policies
The Funds investment objective is long-term growth of capital. Under normal market
conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets (plus borrowings made for investment
purposes) in equity securities (such as common stock and preferred stock) and income producing
securities (such as fixed income debt securities and securities convertible into common stock) of
domestic and foreign companies in the healthcare and wellness industries. Companies in the
healthcare and wellness industries are defined as those companies which are primarily engaged in
providing products, services and/or equipment related to healthcare, medical, or lifestyle needs
(i.e., food, beverages, nutrition and weight management). Primarily engaged, as defined in this
Prospectus, means a company that derives at least 50% of its revenues or earnings from, or devotes
at least 50% of its assets to, the indicated business. Specific sector investments for the Fund
will include, but are not limited to, dental, orthopedics, cardiology, hearing aid, life science,
in-vitro diagnostics, medical supplies and products, aesthetics and plastic surgery, veterinary,
pharmacy benefits management, healthcare distribution, healthcare imaging, pharmaceuticals,
biotechnology, healthcare plans, healthcare services, and healthcare equipment, as well as food,
beverages, nutrition and weight management. The Fund will focus on companies that are growing
globally due to favorable demographic trends and may invest without limitation in securities of
foreign issuers. No assurances can be given that the Funds investment objective will be achieved.
The Funds investment objective is fundamental and therefore may not be changed without the
approval of the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities, as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). Except as expressly stated herein,
none of the Funds policies are fundamental and may be modified by the Board of Trustees (the
Board, each member of the Board individually a Trustee) without shareholder approval.
The Fund will invest primarily in equity securities of companies in the healthcare and
wellness industries. However, the Fund may also invest in preferred stocks and debt securities of
any quality and any maturity of such companies when it appears that the Fund will be better able to
achieve its investment objective through investments in such securities or when the Fund is
temporarily in a defensive position. The remaining 20% of its assets may be invested in other
securities, including stocks, debt obligations and money market instruments, as well as certain
- 1 -
derivative instruments in the healthcare and wellness industries or other industries.
Moreover, should extraordinary conditions affecting such sectors or securities markets as a whole
warrant, the Fund may temporarily be primarily invested in money market instruments. These factors
may change rapidly. The Fund emphasizes quality in selecting healthcare and wellness investments,
and looks for companies that have sound financial structures and identifiable growth prospects.
Believing that demographic trends will affect global market opportunities, the Fund intends to
position itself to take advantage of these trends.
The Fund may invest without limitation in securities of foreign issuers, which generally are
denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign investments may involve certain risk and opportunity
considerations not typically associated with investing in domestic issuers and could cause the Fund
to be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates and revaluations of
currencies. See Investment Objectives and Policies.
Preferred Shares and Borrowings
The Fund has not issued preferred shares or borrowed money to leverage its investments. If
the Funds Board determines that it may be advantageous to the holders of the Funds common shares
for the Fund to utilize such leverage, the Fund may issue preferred shares or borrow money. Any
preferred shares will be senior to the common shares and result in the financial leveraging of the
common shares. Such leveraging tends to magnify both the risks and opportunities to common
shareholders. Any preferred shares issued by the Fund will pay distributions either at a fixed rate
or at rates that will be reset frequently based on short-term interest rates. Any borrowings may
also be at fixed or floating rates. Leverage creates a greater risk of loss as well as a potential
for more gains for the common shares than if leverage were not used. See Risk Factors and Special
ConsiderationsLeverage Risk. The Fund may also engage in investment management techniques which
will not be considered senior securities if the Fund establishes in a segregated account cash or
other liquid securities equal to the Funds obligations in respect of such techniques.
Dividends and Distributions
The Fund intends to make regular annual cash distributions of its investment company taxable
income (which includes ordinary income and realized short-term capital gains) to common
shareholders. The Fund also intends to make annual distributions of its realized capital gains
(which is the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses).
If approved by the Board, a portion of the
distributions to the preferred shareholders may also be sourced from capital attributable
to the common shareholders. Any return of capital that is a component of
a distribution is not sourced from realized gains of the Fund and that portion should not
be considered by investors as yield or total return on their investment in the
Fund. Various factors will affect the level of the Funds income,
such as its asset mix and use of covered call strategies. To
permit the Fund to maintain more stable annual distributions, the Fund may
from time to time distribute less than the entire amount of income earned
in a particular period, which would be available to supplement future distributions. As a result, the distributions
paid by the Fund for any particular annual period may be more or less than the
amount of income actually earned by the Fund during that period.
In the event the Fund does not generate a total return from dividends
and interest received and net realized capital gains in an amount equal to or in excess of its distribution in a given year, the Fund
may return capital as part of such distribution, which may have the effect of decreasing the asset coverage per share with respect to the
Funds preferred shares. Any return of capital that is a component of a distribution is not sourced from realized or unrealized profits of
the Fund and that portion should not be considered by investors as yield or total return on their investment in the Fund. Shareholders
should not assume that a distribution from the Fund is comprised exclusively of net profits.
As the Fund is covered by an exemption from the 1940 Act which allows the Board to implement a managed distribution policy, the Board in
the future may determine to cause the Fund to distribute a fixed percentage of the Funds average net asset value or market price per
common share over a specified period of time at or about the time of distribution or to distribute a fixed dollar amount. The Board has
not implemented such a policy, but the Board may implement such a policy in the future if we issue preferred shares.
Because
the Funds distribution policy may be changed by the Board at any time and the Funds income will
fluctuate, there can be no assurance that the Fund will pay dividends or distributions at a
particular rate. See Dividends and Distributions.
Investment company taxable income (including dividend income) and capital gain distributions
paid by the Fund are automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund unless a shareholder
elects to receive cash or the shareholders broker does not provide reinvestment services. See
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan.
Use of Proceeds
The Fund will use the net proceeds from the offering to purchase portfolio securities in
accordance with its investment objectives and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are
identified, which is expected to substantially be completed within three months; however, changes
in market conditions could result in the Funds anticipated investment period extending to as long
as six months. See Use of Proceeds.
Exchange Listing
The Funds common shares are listed on the NYSE under the trading or ticker symbol GRX.
See Description of the Shares. Any future series of fixed rate preferred shares would also likely
be listed on a stock exchange.
Market Price of Shares
Common shares of closed-end investment companies often trade at prices lower than their net
asset value. Common shares of closed-end investment companies may trade during some periods at
prices higher than their net asset value and during other periods at prices lower than their net
asset value. The Fund cannot assure you that its common shares will trade at a price higher than or
equal to net asset value. The Funds net asset value will be reduced immediately following this
offering by the sales load and the amount of the offering expenses paid by the Fund. See Use of
Proceeds.
- 2 -
In addition to net asset value, the market price of the Funds common shares may be affected
by such factors as the Funds dividend and distribution levels (which are affected by expenses) and
stability, market liquidity, market supply and demand, unrealized gains, general market and
economic conditions, and other factors. See Risk Factors and Special Considerations, Description
of the Shares and Repurchase of Common Shares.
The common shares are designed primarily for long-term investors, and you should not purchase
common shares of the Fund if you intend to sell them shortly after purchase.
Fixed rate preferred shares, if issued, may also trade at premiums to or discounts from their
liquidation preference for a variety of reasons, including changes in interest rates.
Risk Factors and Special Considerations
Risk is inherent in all investing. Therefore, before investing in shares of the Fund, you
should consider the following risks carefully.
Industry Concentration Risks. As a result of investing a significant portion of its assets in
companies in the healthcare and wellness industries, the value of the Funds shares will be more
susceptible to factors affecting those particular types of companies, which may include, among
others, governmental regulation, changes in government subsidy and reimbursement levels, the
governmental approval process, rapid obsolescence of products and services and patent expirations.
In addition, global demographic changes could have a positive or negative impact on the Funds
shares. The Investment Adviser believes that certain healthcare and wellness related companies
could experience growth as a result of demographic changes and the Fund intends to focus on
companies that will benefit from these demographic trends. However, certain of these companies may
be less able to anticipate demographic trends and investments in these companies would not be
likely to perform as well as investments in those that do.
Long-Term Objective. The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital. 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 shareholders investment objectives when considering an
investment in the Fund.
Non-Diversified Status. The Fund is classified as a non-diversified investment company under
the 1940 Act, which means that 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 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.
To qualify as a regulated investment company, or RIC for purposes of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), the Fund intends to conduct its operations in a manner that
will relieve it of any liability for federal income tax to the extent its earnings are distributed
to shareholders. To so qualify as a regulated investment company, among other requirements, the
Fund will limit its investments so that, at the close of each quarter of the taxable year:
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not more than 25% of the market value of its total assets
will be invested in the securities (other than U.S.
government securities or the securities of other RICs) of
a single issuer, any two or more issuers in which the Fund
owns 20% or more of the voting securities and which are
determined to be engaged in the same, similar or related
trades or businesses or in the securities of one or more
qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined in the
Code); and |
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at least 50% of the market value of the Funds assets will
be represented by cash, securities of other RICs, U.S.
government securities and other securities, with such
other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to
an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Funds
total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of such issuer. |
See Tax Status.
Market Discount Risk. Common shares of closed-end investment companies often trade at a discount from
net asset value. This characteristic of shares of a closed-end fund is a risk separate and distinct
from the risk that the Funds net asset value may decrease. The Investment Adviser cannot predict
whether the Funds shares will trade at, below
- 3 -
or above net asset value. The risk of holding shares of a closed-end fund that might trade at
a discount is more pronounced for shareholders who wish to sell their shares in a relatively short
period of time after acquiring them because, for those investors, realization of a gain or loss on
their investments is likely to be more dependent upon the existence of a premium or discount than
upon portfolio performance. The Funds common shares are not subject to redemption. Shareholders desiring
liquidity may, subject to applicable securities laws, trade their shares in the Fund on the NYSE or
other markets on which such shares may trade at the then current market value, which may differ
from the then current net asset value.
Lower Grade Securities. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in fixed-income
securities rated below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated
securities of comparable quality. These securities, which may be preferred stock or debt, are
predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Debt securities
that are not rated or that are rated lower than BBB by
Standard & Poors Ratings Services, a
division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (S&P) or lower than Baa by Moodys Investors
Service, Inc. (Moodys) are referred to in the financial press as junk bonds.
Generally, such lower 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 issuers 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 securities generally present a higher
degree of credit risk. The risk of loss due to default by these issuers is significantly greater
because such lower 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
issuers 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 issuers management, and regulatory matters.
In addition, the market value of securities in lower rated categories 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
response to changes in the economy or the financial markets.
Lower grade securities 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 nonconvertible bonds and preferred stocks 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 regular income streams.
As part of its investment in lower grade securities, the Fund may invest 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 under a plan pursuant to which the securities received by the Fund in
exchange for its defaulted securities will have a value in excess of the Funds investment. 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 issues 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
- 4 -
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 issuer of securities may cease to be rated or its
rating may be reduced. In addition, it is possible that statistical rating agencies may change
their ratings of a particular issuer to reflect subsequent events. 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.
The market for lower grade and comparable unrated securities has experienced several periods
of significantly adverse price and liquidity, particularly at or around times of economic
recessions. Past market recessions have adversely affected the value of such securities as well as
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.
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
over-the-counter 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 worth less than the amount at the time the shareholder invested in the Fund, even
after taking into account any reinvestment of distributions.
Foreign Securities. There is no limitation on the amount of foreign securities in which the
Fund may invest. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve certain considerations
and risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Foreign
companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and
requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. 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.
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.
The Fund also may purchase sponsored American Depositary 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. 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.
Value Investing Risk. The Fund focuses its investments on the securities of companies that the
Investment Adviser believes to be undervalued or inexpensive relative to other investments. These
types of securities may
- 5 -
present risks in addition to the general risks associated with investing in common and
preferred stocks. These securities generally are selected on the basis of an issuers fundamentals
relative to current market price. Such securities are subject to the risk of mis-estimation of
certain fundamental factors. In addition, during certain time periods market dynamics may strongly
favor growth stocks of issuers that do not display strong fundamentals relative to market price
based upon positive price momentum and other factors. Disciplined adherence to a value investment
mandate during such periods can result in significant underperformance relative to overall market
indices and other managed investment vehicles that pursue growth style investments and/or flexible
equity style mandates.
Smaller Companies. The Fund may invest in smaller companies that may benefit from the
development of new products and services. These smaller companies may present greater opportunities
for capital appreciation, and may also involve greater investment risk than larger, more
established companies. For example, smaller companies may have more limited product lines, market,
or financial resources, and their securities may trade less frequently and in lower volume than the
securities of larger, more established companies. As a result, the prices of the securities of such
smaller companies may fluctuate to a greater degree than the prices of securities of other issuers.
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 and in currency exchange transactions involves investment risks
and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. If
the Investment Advisers prediction of movements in the direction of the securities, foreign
currency and interest rate markets are inaccurate, the consequences to the Fund may leave it in a
worse position than if such strategies were not used. Risks inherent in the use of options, foreign
currency, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, securities indices and foreign
currencies include:
|
|
|
dependence on the Investment Advisers ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of
interest rates, securities prices and currency markets; |
|
|
|
|
imperfect correlation between the price of options and futures contracts and options thereon and
movements in the prices of the securities or currencies being hedged; |
|
|
|
|
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; and |
|
|
|
|
the possible inability of the Fund to purchase or sell a security at a time that otherwise would be
favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for Fund to sell a security at a disadvantageous time
due to a need for the Fund to maintain cover or to segregate securities in connection with the
hedging techniques. |
Futures Transactions. The Fund may make investments in futures and options on futures. Risks
include, but are 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 or price fluctuations; |
|
|
|
|
imperfect correlation between the contracts and the securities being hedged; and |
|
|
|
|
losses from investing in futures transactions that are potentially unlimited and the
segregation requirements for such transactions. |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts. The use of forward currency exchange contracts may
involve certain risks, including the failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations under
the contract and that the use of
- 6 -
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.
Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because its portfolio is actively
managed. The Investment Adviser applies 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.
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund may have a high turnover ratio which may result in higher
expenses and lower after-tax return to shareholders than if the Fund had a lower turnover ratio.
Leverage Risk. The use of leverage, which can be described as exposure to changes in price at
a ratio greater than the amount of equity invested, either through the issuance of preferred
shares, borrowing or other forms of market exposure, magnifies both the favorable and unfavorable
effects of price movements in the investments made by the Fund. To the extent that the Fund
determines to employ leverage in its investment operations, the Fund will be subject to substantial
risk of loss. The Fund cannot assure you that borrowings or the issuance of preferred shares will
result in a higher yield or return to the holders of the common shares.
|
|
|
Preferred Share Risk. The issuance of preferred shares
causes the net asset value and market value of the common
shares to become more volatile. If the dividend rate on
the preferred shares approaches the net rate of return on
the Funds investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage
to the holders of the common shares would be reduced. If
the dividend rate on the preferred shares plus the
management fee annual rate of 1.00% exceeds the net rate
of return on the Funds 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. |
|
|
|
|
Any decline in the net asset value of the Funds
investments would be borne entirely by the holders of
common shares. Therefore, if the market value of the
Funds 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 the preferred shares or of
losing its ratings, if any, on the preferred shares or, in an
extreme case, the Funds current investment income might
not be sufficient to meet the dividend requirements on the
preferred shares. In order to counteract such an event,
the Fund might need to liquidate investments in order to
fund a redemption of some or all of the preferred shares. |
|
|
|
|
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,
including additional advisory fees. Holders of preferred
shares may have different interests than holders of common
shares and at times may have disproportionate influence
over the Funds affairs. Holders of preferred shares,
voting separately as a single class, would have the right
to elect two members of the Board at all times and in the
event dividends become in arrears for two full years would
have the right to elect a majority of the Trustees until
the arrearage is completely eliminated. In addition,
preferred shareholders have class voting rights on certain
matters, including changes in fundamental investment
restrictions and conversion of the Fund to open-end
status, and accordingly can veto any such changes. |
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Guidelines of Rating Agencies for Preferred
Shares and/or Credit Facility. In order to obtain
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. |
Dependence on Key Personnel. The Investment Adviser is dependent upon the expertise of Mr.
Mario J. Gabelli in providing advisory services with respect to the Funds investments. If the
Investment Adviser were to lose the services of Mr. Gabelli, its ability to service the Fund could
be adversely affected. There can be no assurance
- 7 -
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.
Geopolitical Events. As a result of the terrorist attacks on domestic U.S. targets on
September 11, 2001, some of the U.S. securities markets were closed for a four-day period. These
terrorists attacks, the war in Iraq and its aftermath and other geopolitical events have led to,
and may in the future lead to, increased short-term market volatility and may have long-term
effects on U.S. and world economies and markets. The nature, scope and duration of the war and
occupation cannot be predicted with any certainty. Similar events in the future or other
disruptions of financial markets could affect interest rates, securities exchanges, auctions,
secondary trading, ratings, credit risk, inflation, energy prices, and other factors relating to
the common shares.
Risks to Holders of Common Shares of Issuance of Senior Securities. The Fund may issue
preferred shares in the future. A leveraged capital structure creates certain special risks and
potential benefits not associated with unleveraged funds having similar investment objectives and
policies. Any investment income or gains from the capital represented by preferred shares or debt
which is in excess of the dividends payable thereon will cause the total return of the common
shares to be higher than would otherwise be the case. Conversely, if the investment performance of
the capital represented by preferred shares or debt fails to cover the dividends payable thereon,
the total return of the common shares would be less or, in the case of negative returns, would
result in higher negative returns to a greater extent than would otherwise be the case. The
requirement to pay dividends on preferred shares or debt in full before any dividends may be paid
on or distribution made to the common shares means that dividends on or distributions to the common
shares from earnings may be reduced or eliminated.
The mandatory requirements of the 1940 Act could also pose certain risks for the holders of
common shares in the same circumstances. If the asset coverage for any preferred shares or debt
securities falls below the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund would be unable to pay dividends
on or make distributions to its common shares. Although an inability to pay dividends on or make
distributions to the common shares could conceivably cause the Fund to lose its special federal
income tax status, which would be materially adverse to the holders of the common shares, such
inability can be avoided through the use of mandatory redemption requirements designed to ensure
that the Fund maintains the necessary asset coverage.
The class voting rights of preferred shares could make it more difficult for the Fund to take
certain actions that may, in the future, be proposed by the Board and/or the holders of common
shares, such as a merger, exchange of securities, liquidation or alteration of the rights of a
class of the Funds securities if such actions would be adverse to the preferred shares, or such as
converting the Fund to an open-end investment company or acting inconsistently with its fundamental
investment restrictions or other fundamental policies or seeking to operate other than as an
investment company.
Preferred shares will be issued only if the Board determines in light of all relevant
circumstances known to the Board that to do so would be in the best interests of the Fund and its
shareholders. The circumstances that the Board will consider before issuing preferred shares
include not only the dividend rate on the preferred shares in comparison to the historical
performance of the Fund but also such matters as the terms on which the Fund can call the preferred
shares, the circumstances in which the Investment Adviser will earn additional investment advisory
fees on the net assets attributable to the preferred shares and the ability of the Fund to meet the
asset coverage tests and other requirements imposed by the rating agencies for such preferred
shares.
The issuance of preferred shares convertible into common shares might also reduce net income
per share of such shares and net asset value per share of such shares if these securities are
converted into common shares. Such income dilution would occur if the Fund could, from the
investments made with the proceeds of the preferred shares, earn an amount per common share
issuable upon conversion greater than the dividend required to be paid on the amount of preferred
shares convertible into one common share. Such net asset value dilution would occur if preferred
shares were converted at a time when the net asset value per common share was greater than the
conversion price.
Anti-Takeover
Provisions. The Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Fund
(together, its 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.
Status as a Regulated Investment Company. The Fund intends to remain qualified as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. Qualification requires, among other things,
compliance by the Fund with certain distribution requirements.
- 8 -
Temporary Investments. During temporary defensive periods and during inopportune periods to be
fully invested, the Fund may invest in U.S. government securities and in money market mutual funds
that invest in those 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 United
States, 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 agencys 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.
Management and Fees
Gabelli Funds, LLC (the Investment Adviser) serves as the Funds Investment Adviser and is
paid a fee for its services and its related expenses computed weekly and paid monthly at the annual
rate of 1.00% of the average weekly net assets of the Fund. The Funds average weekly net assets
will be deemed to be the average weekly value of the Funds total assets minus the sum of the
Funds liabilities (such liabilities exclude the aggregate liquidation preference of outstanding
preferred shares and accumulated dividends, if any, on those shares). For purposes of the
calculation of the fees payable to the Investment Adviser by the Fund, average weekly net assets of
the Fund are determined at the end of each month on the basis of its average net assets for each
week during the month. The assets for each weekly period are determined by averaging the net assets
at the end of a week with the net assets at the end of the prior week. The Investment Adviser is
responsible for administration of the Fund and currently utilizes and pays the fees of a third
party sub-administrator. See Management of the Fund.
Repurchase of Common Shares and Anti-Takeover Provisions
The Funds Board has authorized the Fund (and the Fund accordingly reserves freedom of action)
to repurchase its common shares in the open market when the common shares are trading at a discount
of 10% or more from net asset value (or such other percentage as the Board may determine from time
to time). Although the Board has authorized such repurchases, the Fund is not required to
repurchase its common shares. The Board has not established a limit on the number of shares that
could be purchased during such period. Such repurchases are subject to certain notice and other
requirements under the 1940 Act. See Repurchase of Common Shares.
Certain provisions of the Governing Documents may be regarded as anti-takeover provisions.
Pursuant to these provisions, only one of three classes of Trustees is elected each year, and the
affirmative vote of the holders of 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are necessary to
authorize the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company or to
authorize certain transactions between the Fund and a beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class
of the Funds capital stock. The overall effect of these provisions is to render more difficult the
accomplishment of a merger with, or the assumption of control by, a principal shareholder. These
provisions may have the effect of depriving Fund common shareholders of an opportunity to sell
their shares at a premium to the prevailing market price. The issuance of preferred shares could
make it more difficult for the holders of common shares to avoid the effect of these provisions.
See Anti-Takeover Provisions of the Funds Governing Documents.
Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (Mellon), located at 135 Santilli Highway, Everett,
Massachusetts 02149, serves as the custodian (the Custodian) of the Funds assets pursuant to a
custody agreement. Under the custody agreement, the Custodian holds the Funds assets in compliance
with the 1940 Act. For its services, the Custodian will receive a monthly fee paid by the Fund
based upon, among other things, the average value of the total assets of the Fund, plus certain
charges for securities transactions and out-of-pocket expenses.
Rules adopted under the 1940 Act permit the Fund to maintain its foreign securities in the
custody of certain eligible foreign banks and securities depositories. Pursuant to those rules, any
foreign securities in the portfolio of the Fund may be held by subcustodians approved by the Board
in accordance with the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Selection
of any such subcustodians will be made by the Board following a consideration of a number of
factors, including but not limited to the reliability and financial stability of the institution,
the ability of the institution to perform capably custodial services for the Fund, the reputation
of the
- 9 -
institution in its national market, the political and economic stability of the country or
countries in which the subcustodians are located, and risks of potential nationalization or
expropriation of assets of the Fund.
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (Computershare), located at 250 Royall Street, Canton,
Massachusetts 02021, serves as the Funds dividend disbursing agent, as agent under the Funds
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan (the Plan) and as transfer agent
and registrar with respect to the Funds common shares.
- 10 -
SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES
The following table shows the Funds expenses, including preferred share offering expenses, as a percentage of net assets attributable to
common shares.
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholder Transaction Expenses |
|
|
|
|
Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price) |
|
|
1.00 |
%(1) |
Offering
Expenses Borne by the Fund (excluding Preferred Share Offering
Expenses) (as a percentage of offering price) |
|
|
0.37 |
%(1) |
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees |
|
|
None |
(2) |
Preferred Share Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares) |
|
|
0.18 |
%(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Net |
|
|
|
Assets Attributable |
|
|
|
to Common Shares |
|
Annual Expenses |
|
|
|
|
Management Fees |
|
|
1.42 |
%(4) |
Interest on Borrowed Funds |
|
|
None |
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
0.57 |
%(4) |
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Expenses |
|
|
1.99 |
%(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Estimated maximum amount based on offering of $50 million in
common shares. The actual amounts in connection with any offering
will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement if applicable. |
|
(2) |
|
You will be charged a $2.50 service charge and pay brokerage
charges if you direct the plan agent to sell your common shares
held in a dividend reinvestment account. |
|
(3) |
|
Assumes issuance of $50 million in liquidation preference of fixed rate preferred shares and net
assets attributable to common shares of $119 million (which includes issuance of $50 million in
common shares). The actual amounts in connection with any offering will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement if applicable.
|
|
(4) |
|
The Investment Advisers fee is 1.00% annually of the Funds
average weekly net assets, with no deduction for the liquidation
preference of any outstanding preferred shares. 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 will be higher than if the Fund
does not utilize a leveraged capital structure. Other Expenses
are based on estimated amounts for the current year assuming
completion of the proposed issuances. |
The purpose of the table above and the example below is to help you understand all fees
and expenses that you, as a holder of common shares, would bear directly or indirectly.
The following example illustrates the expenses (including the maximum estimated sales load of
$10 and estimated offering expenses of $3.70 from the issuance of $50 million in common shares)
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 Years |
|
|
5 Years |
|
|
10 Years |
|
Total Expenses Incurred |
|
$ |
34 |
|
|
$ |
75 |
|
|
$ |
119 |
|
|
$ |
242 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses. The example
assumes that the amounts set forth in the Annual Expenses table are accurate and that all
distributions are reinvested at net asset value. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those
assumed. Moreover, the Funds actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5%
return shown in the example. |
- 11 -
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The selected data below sets forth the per share operating performance and ratios for the
periods presented. The financial information was derived from and should be read in conjunction
with the Financial Statements of the Fund and Notes thereto, which are incorporated by reference
into this Prospectus and the SAI. The financial information for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2009 and for each of the preceding fiscal periods presented since
inception, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
(PwC), the Funds independent registered public accounting firm, whose unqualified report on such
Financial Statements is incorporated by reference into the SAI.
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
Period Ended |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
December 31, 2007 |
(a) |
Operating Performance: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
|
$ |
6.21 |
|
|
$ |
8.03 |
|
|
$ |
8.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income/(loss) |
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
(0.07 |
) |
|
|
0.02 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments and
foreign currency transactions |
|
|
1.60 |
|
|
|
(1.70 |
) |
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations |
|
|
1.55 |
|
|
|
(1.77 |
) |
|
|
0.08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions to Common Shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
Net realized gain |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total distributions to common shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period |
|
$ |
7.76 |
|
|
$ |
6.21 |
|
|
$ |
8.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NAV total return |
|
|
24.96 |
% |
|
|
(22.03 |
)% |
|
|
1.00 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market value, end of period |
|
$ |
6.70 |
|
|
$ |
5.01 |
|
|
$ |
7.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment total return |
|
|
33.73 |
% |
|
|
(28.63 |
)% |
|
|
(10.75 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets end of period (in 000s) |
|
$ |
65,750 |
|
|
$ |
52,622 |
|
|
$ |
68,069 |
|
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets |
|
|
(0.72 |
)% |
|
|
(0.94 |
)% |
|
|
0.56 |
%(b) |
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets |
|
|
2.04 |
% |
|
|
2.41 |
% |
|
|
1.97 |
%(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
|
55.7 |
% |
|
|
122.0 |
% |
|
|
26.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
Based on net asset value per share at commencement of operations
of $8.00 per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at
the net asset value per share on the ex-dividend dates. Total
return for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
|
|
|
Based on market value per share at initial public offering of
$8.00 per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at
prices determined under the Funds dividend reinvestment plan.
Total return for a period of less than one year is not
annualized. |
|
|
|
Effective in 2008, a change in accounting policy was adopted with
regard to the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate to
include cash proceeds due to mergers. Had this policy been
adopted retroactively, the portfolio turnover rate for the period
ended December 31, 2007 would have been 60.6%. |
|
(a) |
|
The Fund commenced investment operations on June 28, 2007. |
|
(b) |
|
Annualized. |
- 12 -
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in
high quality short-term debt securities and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that
the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Funds investment objectives and
policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially
be completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the Funds
anticipated investment period extending to as long as six months.
THE FUND
The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the
1940 Act. The Fund was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 20, 2007, pursuant to an
Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. The Fund
commenced investment operations on June 28, 2007. The Funds principal office is located at One
Corporate Center, Rye, New York, 10580-1422 and its telephone number is (800) 422-3554.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Investment Objectives
The Funds investment objective is long-term growth of capital. Under normal market
conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets (plus borrowings made for investment
purposes) in equity securities (such as common stock and preferred stock) and income producing
securities (such as fixed income debt securities and securities convertible into common stock) of
domestic and foreign companies in the healthcare and wellness industries. Companies in the
healthcare and wellness industries are defined as those companies which are primarily engaged in
providing products, services and/or equipment related to healthcare, medical, or lifestyle needs
(i.e., food, beverages, nutrition and weight management). Primarily engaged, as defined in this
registration statement, means a company that derives at least 50% of its revenues or earnings from,
or devotes at least 50% of its assets to, the indicated business. Specific sector investments for
the Fund will include, but are not limited to, dental, orthopedics, cardiology, hearing aid, life
science, in-vitro diagnostics, medical supplies and products, aesthetics and plastic surgery,
veterinary, pharmacy benefits management, healthcare distribution, healthcare imaging,
pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare plans, healthcare services, and healthcare equipment, as
well as food, beverages, nutrition and weight management. The Fund will focus on companies that are
growing globally due to favorable demographic trends and may invest without limitation in
securities of foreign issuers. No assurances can be given that the Funds objective will be
achieved. The Funds investment objective is fundamental and therefore may not be changed without
the approval of the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting securities, as defined
in the 1940 Act. Except as expressly stated herein, none of the Funds policies are fundamental and
may be modified by the Board without shareholder approval.
The Fund will invest primarily in equity securities of companies in the healthcare and
wellness industries. However, the Fund may also invest in preferred stocks and debt securities of
any quality and any maturity of such companies when it appears that the Fund will be better able to
achieve its investment objective through investments in such securities or when the Fund is
temporarily in a defensive position. The remaining 20% of its assets may be invested in other
securities, including stocks, debt obligations and money market instruments, as well as certain
derivative instruments in the healthcare and wellness industries or other industries. Moreover,
should extraordinary conditions affecting such sectors or securities markets as a whole warrant,
the Fund may temporarily be primarily invested in money market instruments. These factors may
change rapidly. The Fund emphasizes quality in selecting healthcare and wellness investments, and
looks for companies that have sound financial structures and identifiable growth prospects.
Believing that demographic trends will affect global market opportunities, the Fund intends to
position itself to take advantage of these trends.
The Fund may invest without limitation in securities of foreign issuers, which generally are
denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign investments may involve certain risk and opportunity
considerations not typically associated with investing in domestic issuers and could cause the Fund
to be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates and revaluations of
currencies.
- 13 -
Investment Methodology of the Fund
In selecting securities for the Fund, the Investment Adviser normally will consider the
following factors, among others:
|
|
|
the Investment Advisers own evaluations of the private market value (as defined below), cash flow,
earnings per share and other fundamental aspects of the underlying assets and business of the
company; |
|
|
|
|
the potential for capital appreciation of the securities; |
|
|
|
|
the interest or dividend income generated by the securities; |
|
|
|
|
the prices of the securities relative to other 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 diversification of the portfolio of the Fund as to issuers. |
The Investment Advisers investment philosophy with respect to equity securities is to
identify assets that are selling in the public market at a discount to their private market value.
The Investment Adviser defines private market value as the value informed purchasers are willing to
pay to acquire assets with similar characteristics. The Investment Adviser also normally evaluates
an issuers free cash flow and long-term earnings trends. Finally, the Investment Adviser looks for
a catalyst, something indigenous to the company, its industry or country, that will surface
additional value.
The Funds investment objective of long-term growth of capital is a fundamental policy of the
Fund. The Funds policy of concentration in companies in the healthcare and wellness industries is
also a fundamental policy of the Fund. 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).
Certain Investment Practices
Special Situations. Although the Fund typically invests in the securities of companies on the
basis of fundamental value, the Fund from time to time may, as a non-principal investment strategy,
invest in companies that are determined by the Investment Adviser to possess special situation
characteristics. In general, a special situation company is a company whose securities are expected
to increase in value solely by reason of a development particularly or uniquely applicable to the
company. Developments that may create special situations include, among others, a liquidation,
reorganization, recapitalization or merger, material litigation, technological breakthrough or new
management or management policies. The principal risk associated with investments in special
situation companies is that the anticipated development thought to create the special situation may
not occur and the investment therefore may not appreciate in value or may decline in value.
Options. The Fund may, subject to guidelines of the Board, 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 U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) markets as a means of achieving
additional return or of hedging the value of the Funds portfolio.
The Fund may write covered call options on common stocks that it owns or has an immediate
right to acquire through conversion or exchange of other securities in an amount not to exceed 25%
of its total assets or invest up to 10% of its total assets in the purchase of put options on
common stocks that the Fund owns or may acquire through the conversion or exchange of other
securities that it owns.
A call option is a contract that gives the holder of the option the right to buy from the
writer (seller) of the call option, in return for a premium paid, 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.
- 14 -
A put option is the reverse of a call option, giving the holder the right, in return for a
premium, to sell the underlying security or currency to the writer, at a specified price, and
obligating the writer to purchase the underlying security or currency from the holder at that
price. The writer of the put, who receives the premium, has the obligation to buy the underlying
security or currency upon exercise, at the exercise price during the option period.
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. There can be no assurance that a closing purchase transaction can be effected
when the Fund so desires.
An exchange traded option may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary
market for an option of the same series. 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.
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 upon conversion or exchange of another instrument held in its portfolio (or for
additional cash consideration held in a segregated account by its custodian). A call option is also
covered if the Fund holds a call on the same instrument as the call written where the exercise
price of the call held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or
(ii) greater than the exercise price of the call written if the difference is maintained by the
Fund in cash, U.S. government obligations (as defined under Investment Restrictions) 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 on the same
instrument as the put written where the exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater than
the exercise price of the put 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 Fund has been
assigned an exercise notice, it 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. Gains and losses on investments in options depend, in
part, on the ability of the Investment Adviser to predict correctly 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 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, so that 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.
In addition to options on securities, the Fund may also purchase and sell call and put options
on securities indices. A stock index reflects in a single number the market value of many different
stocks. Relative values are assigned to the stocks included in an index and the index fluctuates
with changes in the market values of the stocks. The options give the holder the right to receive a
cash settlement during the term of the option based on the difference between the exercise price
and the value of the index. By writing a put or call option on a securities index,
- 15 -
the Fund is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of this amount.
The Fund may offset its position in the stock index options prior to expiration by entering into a
closing transaction on an exchange or it may let the option expire unexercised.
The Fund may also buy or sell put and call options on foreign currencies. A put option on a
foreign currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell a foreign currency at the
exercise price until the option expires. A call option on a foreign currency gives the purchaser of
the option the right to purchase the currency at the exercise price until the option expires.
Currency options traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to position limits which may
limit the ability of the Fund to reduce foreign currency risk using such options. Over-the-counter
options differ from exchange-traded options in that they are two-party contracts with price and
other terms negotiated between buyer and seller and generally do not have as much market liquidity
as exchange-traded options. Over-the-counter options are considered illiquid securities.
Use of options on securities indices entails the risk that trading in the options may be
interrupted if trading in certain securities included in the index is interrupted. The Fund will
not purchase these options unless the Investment Adviser is satisfied with the development, depth
and liquidity of the market and the Investment Adviser believes the options can be closed out.
Price movements in the portfolio of the Fund may not correlate precisely with the movements in
the level of an index and, therefore, the use of options on indices cannot serve as a complete
hedge and will depend, in part, on the ability of the Investment Adviser to predict correctly
movements in the direction of the stock market generally or of a particular industry. Because
options on securities indices require settlement in cash, the Fund may be forced to liquidate
portfolio securities to meet settlement obligations.
Although the Investment Adviser will attempt to take appropriate measures to minimize the
risks relating to the Funds writing of put and call options, there can be no assurance that the
Fund will succeed in any option writing program it undertakes.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures. A sale of a futures contract (or a short futures
position) means the assumption of a contractual obligation to deliver the assets 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 assets
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 assets 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 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 price of the index or security underlying the futures contract
fluctuates. At any time prior to the expiration of a futures contract, the Fund may 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 writers 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
- 16 -
the securities being hedged, losses from investing in futures transactions that are
potentially unlimited and the segregation requirements described below.
In the event the Fund sells a put option or enters into long futures contracts, under current
interpretations of the 1940 Act, an amount of cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid
securities equal to the market value of the contract must be deposited and maintained in a
segregated account with the Funds custodian (the Custodian) to collateralize the positions, in
order for the Fund to avoid being treated as having issued a senior security in the amount of its
obligations. For short positions in futures contracts and sales of call options, the Fund may
establish a segregated account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) with cash or
liquid securities that, when added to amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant or a
broker as margin, equal the market value of the instruments or currency underlying the futures
contract or call option or the market price at which the short positions were established.
Interest Rate Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. The Fund may purchase or sell interest
rate futures contracts to take advantage of, or to protect 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
Funds portfolio securities. Such a sale would have an effect similar to selling an equivalent
value of the Funds portfolio securities. If interest rates increase, the value of the Funds
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
concurrently liquidate its futures position. To the extent the Fund enters into futures contracts
for this purpose, it will maintain, in a segregated asset account with the Funds Custodian, assets
sufficient to cover the obligations of the Fund with respect to such futures contracts, which will
consist of cash or other liquid securities from its portfolio in an amount equal to the difference
between the fluctuating market value of such futures contracts and the aggregate value of the
initial margin deposited by the Fund with its Custodian with respect to such futures contracts.
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 Funds portfolio against the risk of rising interest rates and a 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 Funds 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
- 17 -
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, losses of the Fund 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 as 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 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 Funds 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 Funds 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 its 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 it 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.
Limitations on the Purchase and Sale of Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts.
The Investment Adviser has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term commodity pool
operator under the Commodity Exchange Act and therefore is not subject to registration under the
Commodity Exchange Act. Accordingly, the Funds investments in derivative instruments described in
this registration statement are not limited by or subject to regulation under the Commodity
Exchange Act or otherwise regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Nevertheless,
investment restrictions of the Fund place certain limitations and prohibitions on the Funds
ability to purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts. Under these restrictions, the Fund
may not enter into futures contracts or options on futures contracts unless (i) the aggregate
initial margins and premiums do not exceed 5% of the fair market value of the Funds total assets
and (ii) the aggregate market value of outstanding futures contracts of the Fund and the market
value of the currencies and futures contracts subject to outstanding options written by the Fund,
as the case may be, do not exceed 50% of the market value of the Funds total assets. In addition,
investment in futures contracts and related options generally will be limited by the rating agency
guidelines applicable to any outstanding preferred shares.
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts. The Fund may engage in currency transactions other than
on futures exchanges to protect against future changes in the level of future currency exchange
rates. The Fund will conduct
- 18 -
such currency exchange transactions either 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 forward
contracts to purchase or sell currency. A forward contract on foreign currency involves 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. Dealing in forward currency exchange by the Fund will be limited to hedging involving
either specific transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of
forward currency with respect to specific receivables or payables of the Fund generally arising in
connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities and accruals of interest
receivable and fund expenses. Position hedging is the forward sale of currency with respect to
portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in that currency or in a currency bearing a high
degree of positive correlation to the value of that currency.
The Fund may not position hedge with respect to a particular currency for an amount greater
than the aggregate market value (determined at the time of making any sale of forward currency) of
the securities held in its portfolio denominated or quoted in, or currently convertible into, such
currency. If the Fund enters into a position hedging transaction, the Custodian or subcustodian
will place cash or other liquid securities in a segregated account of the Fund in an amount equal
to the value of the Funds total assets committed to the consummation of the given forward
contract. If the value of the securities placed in the segregated account declines, additional cash
or securities will be placed in the account so that the value of the account will, at all times,
equal the amount of the Funds commitment with respect to the forward contract.
At or before the maturity of a forward sale contract, the Fund may either sell a portfolio
security and make delivery of the currency, or retain the security and offset its contractual
obligations to deliver the currency by purchasing a second contract pursuant to which the Fund will
obtain, on the same maturity date, the same amount of the currency which it is obligated to
deliver. If the Fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, the
Fund, at the time of execution of the offsetting transaction, will incur a gain or a loss to the
extent that movement has occurred in forward contract prices. Should forward prices decline during
the period between entering into a forward contract by the Fund for the sale of a currency and the
date it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the currency, the Fund will realize
a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase is less than the price of
the currency it has agreed to sell. Should forward prices increase, the Fund will suffer a loss to
the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it
has agreed to sell. Closing out forward purchase contracts involves similar offsetting
transactions.
The cost to the Fund of engaging in currency transactions varies with factors such as the
currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing.
Because forward transactions in currency exchange are usually conducted on a principal basis, no
fees or commissions are involved. The use of foreign currency contracts does not eliminate
fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities, but it does establish a rate of exchange
that can be achieved in the future. In addition, although forward currency contracts limit the risk
of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also limit any potential gain
that might result if the value of the currency increases.
If a decline in any currency is generally anticipated by the Investment Adviser, the Fund may
not be able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the level to which the currency is
anticipated to decline.
Special Risk Considerations Relating to Futures and Options Thereon. The Funds 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 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.
- 19 -
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 Advisers 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 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 and options on futures are traded may impose limits on the
positions that the Fund may take in certain circumstances.
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 as well as incurring
transaction costs.
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 the Fund will 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.
Swaps. The Fund may enter into total rate of return, credit default or other types of swaps
and related derivatives for various purposes, including to gain economic exposure to an asset or
group of assets that may be difficult or impractical to acquire or for 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 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
- 20 -
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.
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 transactions), nearly unlimited exposure to changes in the
value of the Reference Assets, total loss to the Fund of the entire notional amount of the swap,
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 instrument utilized, which may make it difficult for the
Fund to close out or unwind one or more transactions.
Total rate of return swaps and related derivatives are a relatively recent development in the
financial markets. Consequently, there are certain legal, tax and market uncertainties that present
risks in entering into such an arrangement. 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. In addition, additional regulations and laws may apply to these
types of derivatives that have not previously been applied. There can be no assurance that future
decisions constructing similar provisions to those in any swap agreement or other related documents
or additional regulations and laws will not have an adverse effect on the Fund that utilizes these
instruments. The Fund will monitor these risks and seek to utilize these instruments in a manner
that does not lead to undue risk regarding the tax or other structural elements of the Fund. The
Fund will not invest in these types of instruments if the Reference Assets are commodities except
for bona fide hedging or risk management purposes.
Restricted and Illiquid Securities. The Fund may invest without limit in illiquid securities.
Illiquid securities include securities the disposition of which is subject to substantial legal or
contractual restrictions. The sale of illiquid securities often requires more time and results in
higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than does 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. Unseasoned issuers are companies (including predecessors) that
have operated less than three years. The continued liquidity of such securities may not be as well
assured as that of publicly traded securities, and accordingly the Board will monitor their
liquidity. The Board will review pertinent factors such as trading activity, reliability of price
information and trading patterns of comparable securities in determining whether to treat any such
security as liquid. To the extent the Board treats such securities as liquid, temporary impairments
to trading patterns of such securities may adversely affect the liquidity of the Fund.
The Board has adopted guidelines and delegated to the Investment Adviser, subject to the
supervision of the Board, the function of determining and monitoring the liquidity of particular
Rule 144A securities under the Securities Act of 1933 Act, as amended (the 1933 Act).
RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Investors should consider the following risk factors and special considerations associated
with investing in the Fund:
Industry Concentration Risks
As a result of investing a significant portion of its assets in companies in the healthcare
and wellness industries, the value of the Funds shares will be more susceptible to factors
affecting those particular types of companies, which may include, among others, governmental
regulation, changes in government subsidy and reimbursement levels, the governmental approval
process, rapid obsolescence of products and services and patent expirations. In addition, global
demographic changes could have a positive or negative impact on the Funds shares.
- 21 -
The Investment Adviser believes that certain healthcare and wellness related companies could
experience growth as a result of demographic changes and the Fund intends to focus on companies
that will benefit from these demographic trends. However, certain of these companies may be less
able to anticipate demographic trends and investments in these companies would not be likely to
perform as well as investments in those that do.
Long-Term Objective
The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital. 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 shareholders investment objectives when considering an investment in the Fund.
Non-Diversified Status
The Fund is classified as a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act, which
means that 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 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.
To qualify as a regulated investment company, or RIC for purposes of the Code, the Fund
intends to conduct its operations in a manner that will relieve it of any liability for federal
income tax to the extent its earnings are distributed to shareholders. To so qualify as a
regulated investment company, among other requirements, the Fund will limit its investments so
that, at the close of each quarter of the taxable year:
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not more than 25% of the market value of its total assets
will be invested in the securities (other than U.S.
government securities or the securities of other RICs) of
a single issuer, any two or more issuers in which the Fund
owns 20% or more of the voting securities and which are
determined to be engaged in the same, similar or related
trades or businesses or in the securities of one or more
qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined in the
Code); and |
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at least 50% of the market value of the Funds assets will
be represented by cash, securities of other RICs, U.S.
government securities and other securities, with such
other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to
an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Funds
total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of such issuer. |
See Tax Status.
Market Discount Risk
Shares of closed-end investment companies often trade at a discount from net asset value. This
characteristic of shares of a closed-end fund is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that
the Funds net asset value may decrease. The Investment Adviser cannot predict whether the Funds
shares will trade at, below or above net asset value. The risk of holding shares of a closed-end
fund that might trade at a discount is more pronounced for shareholders who wish to sell their
shares in a relatively short period of time after acquiring them because, for those investors,
realization of a gain or loss on their investments is likely to be more dependent upon the
existence of a premium or discount than upon portfolio performance. The Funds shares are not
subject to redemption. Shareholders desiring liquidity may, subject to applicable securities laws,
trade their shares in the Fund on the NYSE or other markets on which such shares may trade at the
then current market value, which may differ from the then current net asset value.
Lower Grade Securities
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in fixed-income securities rated below
investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable
quality. These securities, which may be preferred stock or debt, are predominantly speculative and
involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Debt securities that are not rated or that are
rated lower than BBB by Standard & Poors
Ratings Services, a division of the McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc. (S&P) or lower than Baa by Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) are
referred to in the financial press as junk bonds.
- 22 -
Generally, such lower 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 issuers 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 securities generally present a higher
degree of credit risk. The risk of loss due to default by these issuers is significantly greater
because such lower 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
issuers 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 issuers management, and regulatory matters.
In addition, the market value of securities in lower rated categories 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
response to changes in the economy or the financial markets.
Lower grade securities 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 nonconvertible bonds and preferred stocks 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 regular income streams.
As part of its investment in lower grade securities, the Fund may invest 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 under a plan pursuant to which the securities received by the Fund in
exchange for its defaulted securities will have a value in excess of the Funds investment. 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 issues 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 issuer of securities may cease to be rated or its
rating may be reduced. In addition, it is possible that statistical rating agencies may change
their ratings of a particular issuer to reflect subsequent events. 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.
The market for lower grade and comparable unrated securities has experienced several periods
of significantly adverse price and liquidity, particularly at or around times of economic
recessions. Past market recessions have adversely affected the value of such securities as well as
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.
- 23 -
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 over-the-counter 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 worth less
than the amount at the time the shareholder invested in the Fund, even after taking into account
any reinvestment of distributions.
Foreign Securities
There is no limitation on the amount of foreign securities in which the Fund may invest.
Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve certain considerations and risks not
ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Foreign companies are not
generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements
comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. 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.
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.
The Fund also may purchase sponsored American Depositary 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. 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.
Value Investing Risk
The Fund focuses its investments on the securities of companies that the Investment Adviser
believes to be undervalued or inexpensive relative to other investments. These types of securities
may present risks in addition to the general risks associated with investing in common and
preferred stocks. These securities generally are selected on the basis of an issuers fundamentals
relative to current market price. Such securities are subject to the risk of mis-estimation of
certain fundamental factors. In addition, during certain time periods market dynamics may strongly
favor growth stocks of issuers that do not display strong fundamentals relative to market price
based upon positive price momentum and other factors. Disciplined adherence to a value investment
mandate during such periods can result in significant underperformance relative to overall market
indices and other managed investment vehicles that pursue growth style investments and/or flexible
equity style mandates.
- 24 -
Smaller Companies
The Fund may invest in smaller companies that may benefit from the development of new products
and services. These smaller companies may present greater opportunities for capital appreciation,
and may also involve greater investment risk than larger, more established companies. For example,
smaller companies may have more limited product lines, market, or financial resources, and their
securities may trade less frequently and in lower volume than the securities of larger, more
established companies. As a result, the prices of the securities of such smaller companies may
fluctuate to a greater degree than the prices of securities of other issuers.
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 and in currency exchange transactions involves investment risks and transaction costs to
which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. If the Investment Advisers
prediction of movements in the direction of the securities, foreign currency and interest rate
markets are inaccurate, the consequences to the Fund may leave it in a worse position than if such
strategies were not used. 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 Advisers ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of
interest rates, securities prices and currency markets; |
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imperfect correlation between the price of options and futures contracts and options thereon and
movements in the prices of the securities or currencies being hedged; |
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the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select
portfolio securities; |
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the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time; |
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the possible need to defer closing out certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences; and |
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the possible inability of the Fund to purchase or sell a security at a time that otherwise would be
favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for Fund to sell a security at a disadvantageous time
due to a need for the Fund to maintain cover or to segregate securities in connection with the
hedging techniques. |
Futures Transactions
The Fund may make investments in futures and options on futures. Risks include, but are not
limited to, the following:
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no assurance that futures contracts or options on futures can be offset at favorable prices; |
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possible reduction of the yield of the Fund due to the use of hedging; |
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possible reduction in value of both the securities hedged and the hedging instrument; |
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possible lack of liquidity due to daily limits or price fluctuations; |
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imperfect correlation between the contracts and the securities being hedged; and |
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losses from investing in futures transactions that are potentially unlimited and the
segregation requirements for such transactions. |
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts
The use of forward currency exchange 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
- 25 -
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.
Management Risk
The Fund is subject to management risk because its portfolio is actively managed. The
Investment Adviser applies 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.
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund may have a high turnover ratio which may result in higher expenses and lower
after-tax return to shareholders than if the Fund had a lower turnover ratio.
Dependence on Key Personnel
The Investment Adviser is dependent upon the expertise of Mr. Mario J. Gabelli in providing
advisory services with respect to the Funds investments. If the Investment Adviser were to lose
the services of Mr. Gabelli, its ability to service the Fund 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.
Geopolitical Events
As a result of the terrorist attacks on domestic U.S. targets on September 11, 2001, some of
the U.S. securities markets were closed for a four-day period. These terrorists attacks, the war in
Iraq and its aftermath and other geopolitical events have led to, and may in the future lead to,
increased short-term market volatility and may have long-term effects on U.S. and world economies
and markets. The nature, scope and duration of the war and occupation cannot be predicted with any
certainty. Similar events in the future or other disruptions of financial markets could affect
interest rates, securities exchanges, auctions, secondary trading, ratings, credit risk, inflation,
energy prices, and other factors relating to the common shares.
Leverage Risk
The use of leverage, which can be described as exposure to changes in price at a ratio greater
than the amount of equity invested, either through the issuance of preferred shares, borrowing or
other forms of market exposure, magnifies both the favorable and unfavorable effects of price
movements in the investments made by the Fund. To the extent the Fund determines to employ leverage
in its investment operations, the Fund will be subject to substantial risks of loss. The Fund
cannot assure that borrowings or the issuance of preferred shares will result in a higher yield or
return to the holders of the common shares.
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Preferred Share Risk. The issuance of preferred shares
causes the net asset value and market value of the common shares to become more volatile. If the dividend rate on
the preferred shares approaches the net rate of return on
the Funds investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to
the holders of the common shares would be reduced. If the
dividend rate on the preferred shares plus the management
fee annual rate of 1.00% exceeds the net rate of return on
the Funds 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. |
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Any decline in the net asset value of the Funds
investments would be borne entirely by the holders of
common shares. Therefore, if the market value of the
Funds 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.
In such a case, the Fund might be in danger of failing to maintain the required asset coverage of the preferred shares or of losing its ratings on the preferred shares or,
in an extreme case, the |
- 26 -
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|
Funds current investment income might not be sufficient to meet the dividend requirements
on the preferred shares. In order to counteract such an
event, the Fund might need to liquidate investments in
order to fund a redemption of some or all of the preferred shares. |
|
|
|
|
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,
including the advisory fees on the incremental assets
attributable to such shares. |
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Holders of preferred shares may have different interests
than holders of common shares and may at times have
disproportionate influence over the Funds affairs.
Holders of preferred shares, voting separately as a single
class, would have the right 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 certain matters, including changes in
fundamental investment restrictions and conversion of the
fund to open-end status, and accordingly can veto any such
changes. |
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Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of
dividends or other distributions to the holders of the
Funds common shares and preferred shares, both by the 1940
Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies, might
impair the Funds ability to maintain its qualification as
a regulated investment company for federal income tax
purposes. While the Fund intends to redeem its preferred shares to the extent necessary to enable the Fund to
distribute its income as required to maintain its
qualification as a regulated investment company under the
Code, there can be no assurance that such actions can be
effected in time to meet the Code requirements. |
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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. |
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Impact on Common Shares. 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 Funds portfolio) of 10%, 5%,
0%, 5% and 10%. 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. See Risks. The table further reflects
leverage representing 30% of the Funds total assets,
the Funds current projected blended annual average
leverage dividend or interest rate of 6.00%, a 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 0.03% of the Funds net
assets attributable to common shares. |
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Assumed Portfolio Total Return (Net of Expenses) |
|
|
(10) |
% |
|
|
(5) |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
10 |
% |
Common Share Total Return |
|
|
(17.30) |
% |
|
|
(10.16) |
% |
|
|
(3.01 |
)% |
|
|
4.13 |
% |
|
|
11.27 |
% |
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.
Until the Fund borrows or issues preferred shares, the Funds shares will not be leveraged,
and the risks and special considerations related to leverage described in this prospectus will not
apply. Such leveraging of the shares cannot be fully achieved until the proceeds resulting from
the use of leverage have been invested in accordance with the Funds investment objectives and
policies.
- 27 -
Special Risks to Holders of Fixed Rate Preferred Shares
Illiquidity Prior to Exchange Listing. Prior to the offering, there will be no public market
for any fixed rate preferred shares. In the event any fixed rate preferred shares are issued,
prior application will have been made to list such shares on the NYSE. 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.
Market Price Fluctuation. Fixed rate preferred shares may trade at a premium to or discount
from liquidation preference for a variety of reasons, including changes in interest rates.
Special Risks for Holders of Variable Rate Preferred Shares
Auction Risk. In the event any auction rate preferred shares are issued, you may not be able
to sell your auction rate preferred shares at an auction if the auction fails, i.e., if more
auction rate preferred shares are offered for sale than there are buyers for those shares. Also,
if you place an order (a hold order) at an auction to retain auction rate preferred shares only at
a specified rate that exceeds the rate set at the auction, you will not retain your auction rate
preferred shares. Additionally, if you place a hold order without specifying a rate below which
you would not wish to continue to hold your shares and the auction sets a below-market rate, you
will receive a lower rate of return on your shares than the market rate. Finally, the dividend
period may be changed, subject to certain conditions and with notice to the holders of the auction
rate preferred shares, which could also affect the liquidity of your investment.
Secondary Market Risk. In the event any auction rate preferred shares are issued, if you try
to sell your auction rate preferred shares between auctions, you may not be able to sell them for
their liquidation preference per share or such amount per share plus accumulated dividends. If the
Fund has designated a special dividend period of more than seven days, changes in interest rates
could affect the price you would receive if you sold your shares in the secondary market.
Broker-dealers that maintain a secondary trading market for the auction rate preferred shares are
not required to maintain this market, and the Fund is not required to redeem auction rate preferred
shares if either an auction or an attempted secondary market sale fails because of a lack of
buyers. The auction rate preferred shares will not be registered on a stock exchange. If you sell
your auction rate preferred shares to a broker-dealer between auctions, you may receive less than
the price you paid for them, especially when market interest rates have risen since the last
auction or during a special dividend period.
Risks to Holders of Common Shares of Issuance of Senior Securities
The Fund may issue preferred shares in the future. A leveraged capital structure creates
certain special risks and potential benefits not associated with unleveraged funds having similar
investment objectives and policies. Any investment income or gains from the capital represented by
preferred shares or debt which is in excess of the dividends payable thereon will cause the total
return of the common shares to be higher than would otherwise be the case. Conversely, if the
investment performance of the capital represented by preferred shares or debt fails to cover the
dividends payable thereon, the total return of the common shares would be less or, in the case of
negative returns, would result in higher negative returns to a greater extent than would otherwise
be the case. The requirement to pay dividends on preferred shares or debt in full before any
dividends may be paid on or distribution made to the common shares means that dividends on or
distributions to the common shares from earnings may be reduced or eliminated.
The mandatory requirements of the 1940 Act could also pose certain risks for the holders of
common shares in the same circumstances. If the asset coverage for any preferred shares or debt
securities falls below the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund would be unable to pay dividends
on or make distributions to its common shares. Although an inability to pay dividends on or make
distributions to the common shares could conceivably cause the Fund to lose its special federal
income tax status, which would be materially adverse to the holders of the common shares, such
inability can be avoided through the use of mandatory redemption requirements designed to ensure
that the Fund maintains the necessary asset coverage.
The class voting rights of preferred shares could make it more difficult for the Fund to take
certain actions that may, in the future, be proposed by the Board and/or the holders of common
shares, such as a merger, exchange of securities, liquidation or alteration of the rights of a
class of the Funds securities if such actions would be adverse to the preferred shares, or such as
converting the Fund to an open-end investment company or acting inconsistently
- 28 -
with its fundamental investment restrictions or other fundamental policies or seeking to
operate other than as an investment company.
Preferred shares will be issued only if the Board determines in light of all relevant
circumstances known to the Board that to do so would be in the best interests of the Fund and its
shareholders. The circumstances that the Board will consider before issuing preferred shares
include not only the dividend rate on the preferred shares in comparison to the historical
performance of the Fund but also such matters as the terms on which the Fund can call the preferred
shares, the circumstances in which the Investment Adviser will earn additional investment advisory
fees on the net assets attributable to the preferred shares and the ability of the Fund to meet the
asset coverage tests and other requirements imposed by the rating agencies for such preferred
shares.
The issuance of preferred shares convertible into common shares might also reduce net income
per share of such shares and net asset value per share of such shares if these securities are
converted into common shares. Such income dilution would occur if the Fund could, from the
investments made with the proceeds of the preferred shares, earn an amount per common share
issuable upon conversion greater than the dividend required to be paid on the amount of preferred
shares convertible into one common share. Such net asset value dilution would occur if preferred
shares were converted at a time when the net asset value per common share was greater than the
conversion price.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
The 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.
Status as a Regulated Investment Company
The Fund intends to remain qualified as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of
the Code. Qualification requires, among other things, compliance by the Fund with certain
distribution requirements.
Temporary Investments
During temporary defensive periods and during inopportune periods to be fully invested, the
Fund may invest in U.S. government securities and in money market mutual funds that invest in those
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 United States, 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 agencys 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.
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
a majority of voting securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding voting securities
(voting together as a single class) of the Fund.
1. The Fund may not invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time
of each investment, in the securities of issuers in any particular industry except that the Fund
will invest 25% or more of its total assets in the healthcare and wellness industries. This
restriction does not apply to investments in direct obligations of the United States or its
agencies or instrumentalities that are entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States
and that, other than U.S. Treasury Bills, provide for the periodic payment of interest and the full
payment of principal at maturity or call for redemption (U.S. Government Obligations).
2. The Fund may not purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts except that the Fund
may purchase or sell futures contracts and related options thereon if immediately thereafter (i) no
more than 5% of its total assets are invested in initial margins and premiums and (ii) the
aggregate market value of its outstanding futures contracts and market value of the currencies and
futures contracts subject to outstanding options written by the Fund do not exceed 50% of the
market value of its total assets. The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, provided that the
Fund may invest in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies
that invest in real estate or interests therein.
- 29 -
3. The Fund may not make loans of money, except by the purchase of a portion of privately or
publicly distributed debt obligations, and enter into repurchase agreements with respect to those
obligations, consistent with its investment objectives and policies. The Fund reserves the
authority to make loans of its portfolio securities to financial intermediaries in an aggregate
amount not exceeding 20% of its total assets. Any such loans may only be made upon approval of, and
subject to any conditions imposed by, the Board. Because these loans would at all times be fully
collateralized, the risk of loss in the event of default of the borrower should be slight.
4. The Fund may borrow money to the extent permitted by applicable law and may pledge assets
to secure such borrowings or other issuances of senior securities. The 1940 Act currently requires
that the Fund have 300% asset coverage with respect to all borrowings other than temporary
borrowings of up to 5% of the value of its total assets.
5. The Fund may not issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted by applicable law.
6. The Fund may not underwrite securities of other issuers except insofar as the Fund may be
deemed an underwriter under the 1933 Act 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.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
General
The Funds Board (who, with its officers, are described in the SAI) has overall responsibility
for the management of the Fund. The Board decides upon matters of general policy and reviews the
actions of the Investment Adviser, Gabelli Funds, LLC, located at 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 Funds Board, provides a continuous investment
program for the Funds 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 and the related expenses borne by the Investment Adviser, the Fund
pays the Investment Adviser a fee, computed weekly and payable monthly, equal, on an annual basis,
to 1.00% of the Funds average weekly net assets. The Funds average weekly net assets will be
deemed to be the average weekly value of the Funds total assets minus the sum of the Funds
liabilities (such liabilities exclude the aggregate liquidation preference of outstanding preferred
shares and accumulated dividends, if any, on those shares). For purposes of the calculation of the
fees payable to the Investment Adviser by the Fund, average weekly net assets of the Fund are
determined at the end of each month on the basis of its average net assets for each week during the
month. The assets for each weekly period are determined by averaging the net assets at the end of a
week with the net assets at the end of the prior week. A discussion regarding the basis for the
most recent approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement by the Board of the Fund is available in
the Funds semi-annual report to shareholders for the period ending June 30, 2009.
The Investment Adviser
Gabelli Funds, LLC acts as the Funds Investment Adviser pursuant to the Investment Advisory
Agreement with the Fund. The Investment Adviser is a New York limited liability company with
principal offices located at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422. The Investment Adviser
was organized in 1999 and is the successor to Gabelli Funds, Inc., which was organized in 1980. As
of March 31, 2010, the Investment Adviser acted as registered investment adviser to 25
management investment companies with aggregate net assets of $15.6 billion. The Investment Adviser,
together with the other affiliated investment advisers noted below had assets under management
totaling approximately $28.0 billion as of March 31, 2010. GAMCO Asset Management Inc., an
affiliate of the Investment Adviser, acts as investment adviser for individuals, pension trusts, profit sharing trusts and endowments, and as a sub adviser to management investment companies
having aggregate assets of $12.0 billion under management as of March 31, 2010. Gabelli
Securities, Inc., an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, acts as investment adviser for investment
partnerships and entities having aggregate assets of approximately
$341 million as of March 31, 2010. Teton Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, acts as
- 30 -
investment
manager to the GAMCO Westwood Funds and separate accounts having aggregate assets of
approximately $609 million under
management as of March 31, 2010.
The Investment Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc., a New York
corporation, whose Class A Common Stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol GBL. Mr. Mario J.
Gabelli is a controlling person of the Investment Adviser on the basis of his
ownership of a majority of the stock of GGCP, Inc., which owns a majority of the capital stock of
GAMCO Investors, Inc.
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 that 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 is responsible for the payment of
all its other expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, which include, among other things,
expenses for legal and the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms services, stock exchange
listing fees, costs of printing proxies, share certificates and shareholder reports, charges of the
Funds custodian, charges of the transfer agent and distribution disbursing agent, SEC fees, fees
and expenses of Trustees who are not officers or employees of the Investment Adviser or its
affiliates, accounting and printing costs, the Funds pro rata portion of membership fees in trade
organizations, the Funds pro rata portion of its Chief Compliance Officers compensation, fidelity
bond coverage for the Funds officers and employees, Trustees and officers liability policy,
interest, brokerage costs, taxes, expenses of qualifying the Fund for sale in various states,
expenses of personnel performing shareholder servicing functions, litigation and other
extraordinary or non-recurring expenses and other expenses properly payable by the Fund.
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 Gabelli & Company, Inc. or other broker-dealer
affiliates of the Investment Adviser and (ii) pay commissions to brokers other than Gabelli &
Company, Inc. 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.
Portfolio Management
Mr. Mario J. Gabelli, CFA, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Mr. Gabelli has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GAMCO Investors, Inc. and its
predecessors since 1976. Mr. Gabelli is the Chief Investment OfficerValue Products for the
Investment Adviser and GAMCO Asset Management Inc. Mr. Gabelli serves as Portfolio Manager for
several funds in the Gabelli fund family and is a director of most of the funds in the family. Mr.
Gabelli is also the Chief Executive Officer and a director of GGCP, Inc., a private company owning the
majority of the shares of GAMCO Investors, Inc.
Mr. Kevin V. Dreyer is a co-portfolio manager. Mr. Dreyer joined Gabelli & Company, Inc. in
2005 as a research analyst upon earning an MBA from Columbia Business
School. Mr. Dreyer previously
worked as an investment banking analyst at Banc of America Securities following his graduation from
the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Jeffrey J. Jonas, CFA, is a co-portfolio manager. Mr. Jonas joined Gabelli & Company, Inc.
in 2003 as a research analyst. Prior to his appointment as Associate Portfolio Manager of the
Fund, Mr. Jonas served as co-portfolio manager of GAMCO Medical Opportunities LP. Mr. Jonas was a
Presidential Scholar at Boston College where he received a BS in finance and management information
systems.
- 31 -
The SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers compensation, other
accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers, and the Portfolio Managers ownership of securities of
the Fund.
Non-Resident Trustees
Mr. Anthonie C. van Ekris is not a U.S. resident and substantially all of his assets may be
located outside of the United States. Mr. van Ekris does not have agents for service of process in
the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for U.S. investors to effect service of process
upon Mr. van Ekris within the United States or to realize judgments of courts of the United States
predicated upon civil liabilities under the federal securities laws of the United States. In
addition, it is not certain that civil liabilities predicated upon the federal securities laws on
which a valid judgment of a court in the United States is obtained would be enforceable in the
court of the jurisdiction in which Mr. van Ekris resides.
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 Funds operations that 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 a prorated
monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.0275% of the first $10 billion of the aggregate average net
assets of the Fund and all other funds advised by the Investment Adviser and Teton Advisors, Inc.
and administered by the Sub-Administrator, 0.0125% of the aggregate average net assets exceeding
$10 billion and 0.01% of the aggregate average net assets in excess of $15 billion. The
Sub-Administrator has its principal office at 760 Moore Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406.
Regulatory Matters
On April 24, 2008, the Investment Adviser entered into a settlement with the SEC to resolve an
inquiry regarding prior frequent trading activity in shares of the GAMCO Global Growth Fund (the
Global Growth Fund) by one investor who was banned from the Global Growth Fund in August 2002.
In the administrative settlement order, the SEC found that the Investment Adviser had willfully
violated Section 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Section 17(d) of the 1940 Act and
Rule 17d-1 thereunder, and had willfully aided and abetted and caused violations of Section
12(d)(1)(B)(i) of the 1940 Act. Under the terms of the settlement, the Investment Adviser, while
neither admitting nor denying the SECs findings and allegations, paid $16 million (which included
a $5 million civil monetary penalty), approximately $12.8 million of which is in the process of
being paid to shareholders of the Global Growth Fund in accordance with a plan developed by an
independent distribution consultant and approved by the independent directors of the Global Growth
Fund and acceptable to the staff of the SEC, and agreed to cease and desist from future violations
of the above-referenced federal securities laws and rule. The SEC order also noted the cooperation
that the Investment Adviser had given the staff of the SEC during its inquiry. The settlement will
not have a material adverse impact on the Investment Adviser or its ability to fulfill its
obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement. On the same day, the SEC filed a civil action
against the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Investment Adviser,
alleging violations of certain federal securities laws arising from the same matter. The officer
is also an officer of the Fund, the Global Growth Fund and other funds in the Gabelli/GAMCO fund
complex. The officer denied the allegations and is continuing in his positions with the Investment
Adviser and the funds. The court dismissed certain claims and found that the SEC was not entitled
to pursue various remedies against the officer while leaving one remedy in the event the SEC were
able to prove violations of law. The court subsequently dismissed without prejudice the remaining
remedy against the officer, which would allow the SEC to appeal the courts rulings. The
Investment Adviser currently expects that any resolution of the action against the officer will not
have a material adverse impact on the Investment Adviser or its ability to fulfill its obligations
under the Investment Advisory Agreement.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Principal transactions are not entered into with affiliates of the Fund. However, Gabelli &
Company, Inc., an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, may execute portfolio transactions on stock
exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets on an agency basis and receive a stated commission
therefor. For a more detailed discussion of the Funds brokerage allocation practices, see
Portfolio Transactions in the SAI.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized
capital gains to shareholders at year end. The Fund will pay common shareholders at least 90% of
its investment company taxable income each taxable year. As the Fund is covered by an exemption
from the 1940 Act which allows the Board to
- 32 -
implement a managed distribution policy, the Board in the future may determine to cause the
Fund to distribute a fixed percentage of the Funds average net asset value or market price per
common share over a specified period of time at or about the time of distribution or to distribute
a fixed dollar amount. The Board has not implemented such a policy, but the Board may implement such a policy in the future if we issue preferred shares. Because the
Funds distribution policy may be changed by the Board at any time and the Funds income will
fluctuate, there can be no assurance that the Fund will pay dividends or distributions at a
particular rate. See Dividends and Distributions in the SAI.
In the event the Fund distributes amounts in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits, such distributions will
decrease the Funds total assets and, therefore, have the likely effect of increasing the Funds expense ratio as the Funds fixed
expenses will become a larger percentage of the Funds average net assets. In addition, in order to make such distributions, the Fund
may have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so.
Shareholders will automatically have all dividends and distributions reinvested in common
shares of the Fund issued by the Fund or purchased in the open market in accordance with the Funds
dividend reinvestment plan unless an election is made to receive cash. See Automatic Dividend
Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan.
ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, the Fund did not have any transactions in
shares of beneficial interest. Gabelli & Company, Inc., an affiliate of Gabelli Funds, LLC, the
Funds Investment Adviser, will act as sales manager for future offerings.
AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLAN
Under the Plan, a shareholder whose common shares are registered in his or her own name will
have all distributions reinvested automatically by the Plan agent, unless the shareholder elects to
receive cash. Distributions with respect to shares registered in the name of a broker-dealer or
other nominee (that is, in street name) will be reinvested by the broker or nominee in additional
shares under the Plan, unless the service is not provided by the broker or nominee or the
shareholder elects to receive distributions in cash. Investors who own common shares registered in
street name should consult their broker-dealers for details regarding reinvestment. All
distributions to investors who do not participate in the Plan will be paid by check mailed directly
to the record holder by the dividend disbursing agent.
Under the Plan, whenever the market price of the common shares is equal to or exceeds net
asset value at the time shares are valued for purposes of determining the number of shares
equivalent to the cash dividends or capital gains distribution, participants in the Plan are issued
common shares, valued at the greater of (i) the net asset value as most recently determined or (ii)
95% of the then current market price of the common shares. The valuation date is the dividend or
distribution payment date or, if that date is not an NYSE trading day, the next trading day. If the
net asset value of the common shares at the time of valuation exceeds the market price of the
common shares, participants will receive shares purchased by the Plan agent in the open market. If
the Fund should declare a dividend or capital gains distribution payable only in cash, the Plan
agent will buy the common shares for such Plan in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for
the participants accounts, except that the Plan agent will endeavor to terminate purchases in the
open market and cause the Fund to issue shares at the greater of net asset value or 95% of market
value if, following the commencement of such purchases, the market value of the common shares
exceeds net asset value.
The automatic reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions will not relieve
participants of any income tax which may be payable on such distributions. A participant in the
Plan will be treated for Federal income tax purposes as having received, on a dividend payment
date, a dividend or distribution in an amount equal to the cash the participant could have received
instead of shares.
Participants in the Plan have the option of making additional cash payments to the Plan agent,
semi-monthly, for investment in the common shares at the then current market price. Such payments
may be made in any amount from $250 to $10,000. The Plan agent will use all funds received from
participants to purchase shares of the Fund in the open market on or about the 1st or 15th of each
month. The Plan agent will charge each shareholder who participates $0.75, plus a pro rata share of
the brokerage commissions. Brokerage charges for such purchases are expected to be less than the
usual brokerage charge for such transactions. It is suggested that participants send voluntary cash
payments to the Plan agent in a manner that ensures that the Plan agent will receive these payments
approximately 10 days before the 1st or 15th of the month. Payments not received at least five days
before the investment date shall be held for investment until the next purchase date. A participant
may without charge withdraw a voluntary cash payment by written notice, if the notice is received
by the Plan agent at least 48 hours before such payment is to be invested.
- 33 -
Shareholders wishing to liquidate shares held by the Plan agent must do so in writing or by
telephone. The cost to liquidate shares is $2.50 per transaction as well as the brokerage
commission incurred. Brokerage charges are expected to be less than the usual brokerage charge for
such transactions.
The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan as applied to any voluntary cash
payments made and any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the change sent
to the members of the Plan at least 90 days before the record date for such dividend or
distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by the Plan agent on at least 90 days
written notice to participants in the Plan.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SHARES
The following is a brief description of the terms of the Funds shares. This description does
not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the Funds Governing Documents. For
complete terms of the shares, please refer to the actual terms of the Trust, which are set forth in
the Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust.
Common Shares
The Fund is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company organized as a Delaware
statutory trust on February 20, 2007. The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares
of beneficial interest, par value $0.001 per share, in multiple classes and series thereof as
determined from time to time by the Board, which also has the authority without shareholder
approval to establish the designations, powers, preferences, voting, conversion and other rights,
limitations, qualifications and terms and conditions of each such class and series. Each share
within a particular class or series thereof has equal voting, dividend, distribution and
liquidation rights. The Board has authorized issuance of an unlimited number of common shares. When
issued, in accordance with the terms thereof, the common shares will be fully paid and
non-assessable. All common shares are equal as to distributions, assets and voting privileges.
Common shares are not redeemable and have no preemptive, conversion or cumulative voting rights.
Offerings of shares require approval by the Funds Board. Any additional offering of common
shares will be subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, which provides that common shares may
not be issued at a price below the then current net asset value, exclusive of sales load, except in
connection with an offering to existing holders of common shares or with the consent of a majority
of the Funds common stockholders.
The Funds common shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol GRX.
The Funds net asset value per share will be reduced immediately following the offering of
common shares by the amount of the offering expenses paid by the Fund. Unlike open-end funds,
closed-end funds like the Fund do not continuously offer shares and do not provide daily
redemptions. Rather, if a shareholder determines to buy additional common shares or sell shares
already held, the shareholder may do so by trading through a broker on the NYSE or otherwise.
Shares of closed-end investment companies often trade on an exchange at prices lower than net
asset value. Because the market value of the common shares may be influenced by such factors as
dividend and distribution levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), dividend and
distribution stability, net asset value, market liquidity, relative demand for and supply of such
shares in the market, unrealized gains, general market and economic conditions and other factors
beyond the control of the Fund, the Fund cannot assure you that common shares will trade at a price
equal to or higher than net asset value in the future. The common shares are designed primarily for
long-term investors and you should not purchase the common shares if you intend to sell them soon
after purchase.
Subject to the rights of the outstanding preferred shares, the Funds common shares vote as a
single class on election of Trustees and on additional matters with respect to which the 1940 Act,
the Funds Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust, By-Laws or resolutions adopted by the Trustees provide for a vote
of the Funds common shares. See Anti-Takeover Provisions of the Funds Governing Documents.
Book Entry
The common shares sold through this offering will initially be held in the name of Cede & Co.
as nominee for the Depository Trust Company (DTC). The Fund will treat Cede & Co. as the holder
of record of the common shares for all purposes. In accordance with the procedures of DTC, however,
purchasers of common shares will be deemed the beneficial owners of shares purchased for purposes
of distributions, voting and liquidation rights. Purchasers of common shares may obtain registered
certificates by contacting the transfer agent.
- 34 -
Preferred Shares
Currently, an unlimited amount of the Funds shares have been classified by the Board as
preferred shares, par value $0.001 per share. The terms of such preferred shares may be fixed by
the Board and would materially limit and/or qualify the rights of the holders of the Funds common
shares.
If the Fund issues preferred shares, it will pay dividends to the holders of the preferred
shares at either a fixed rate or a rate that will be reset frequently based on short-term interest
rates, as described in a Prospectus Supplement accompanying each preferred share offering.
Upon a liquidation, each holder of the preferred shares will be entitled to receive out of the
assets of the Fund available for distribution to shareholders (after payment of claims of the
Funds creditors but before any distributions with respect to the Funds common shares or any other
shares of the Fund ranking junior to the preferred shares as to liquidation payments) an amount per
share equal to such shares liquidation preference plus any accumulated but unpaid distributions
(whether or not earned or declared, excluding interest thereon) to the date of distribution, and
such shareholders shall be entitled to no further participation in any distribution or payment in
connection with such liquidation. Each series of the preferred shares will rank on a parity with
any other series of preferred shares of the Fund as to the payment of distributions and the
distribution of assets upon liquidation, and will be junior to the Funds obligations with respect
to any outstanding senior securities representing debt. The preferred shares carry one vote per
share on all matters on which such shares are entitled to vote. The preferred shares will, upon
issuance, be fully paid and nonassessable and will have no preemptive, exchange or conversion
rights. The Board may by resolution classify or reclassify any authorized but unissued capital
shares of the Fund from time to time by setting or changing the preferences, conversion or other
rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions or terms or conditions of
redemption. The Fund will not issue any class of shares senior to the Preferred Shares.
Rating
Agency Guidelines. The Fund expects that it will be required under Moodys
and S&P guidelines to maintain assets having in the aggregate a discounted value at least equal to
the Basic Maintenance Amount (as defined below) for its outstanding preferred shares, with respect
to the separate guidelines Moodys and S&P has each established for determining discounted value.
To the extent any particular portfolio holding does not satisfy the applicable rating agencys
guidelines, all or a portion of such holdings value will not be included in the calculation of
discounted value (as defined by such rating agency). The Moodys and S&P guidelines also impose
certain diversification requirements and industry concentration limitations on the Funds overall
portfolio, and apply specified discounts to securities held by the Fund (except certain money
market securities). The Basic Maintenance Amount is equal to (i) the sum of (a) the aggregate
liquidation preference of any preferred shares then outstanding plus (to the extent not included in
the liquidation preference of such preferred shares) an amount equal to the aggregate accumulated
but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) in respect of such preferred shares,
(b) the total principal of any debt (plus accrued and projected interest), (c) certain Fund
expenses and (d) certain other current liabilities (excluding any unmade distributions on the
Funds common shares) less (ii) the Funds (a) cash and (b) assets consisting of indebtedness which
(y) mature prior to or on the date of redemption or repurchase of the preferred shares and are U.S.
government securities or evidences of indebtedness rated at least Aaa, P-1, VMIG-1 or MIG-1
by Moodys or AAA, SP-1+ or A-1+ by S&P, and (z) is held by the Fund for distributions, the
redemption or repurchase of preferred shares or the Trusts liabilities.
If the Fund does not cure in a timely manner a failure to maintain a discounted value of its
portfolio equal to the Basic Maintenance Amount in accordance with the requirements of the
applicable rating agency or agencies then rating the preferred shares at the request of the Fund,
the Fund may, and in certain circumstances will be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred
shares, as described below under Redemption.
The Fund may, but is not required to, adopt any modifications to the rating agency guidelines
that may hereafter be established by Moodys and S&P. Failure to adopt any such modifications,
however, may result in a change in the relevant rating agencys ratings or a withdrawal of such
ratings altogether. In addition, any rating agency providing a rating for the preferred shares at
the request of the Fund may, at any time, change or withdraw any such rating. The Board, without
further action by the shareholders, may amend, alter, add to or repeal certain of the definitions
and related provisions that have been adopted by the Fund pursuant to the rating agency guidelines
if the Board determines that such modification is necessary to prevent a reduction in rating of the
preferred shares by Moodys and S&P, as the case may be, is in the best interests of the holders of
common shares and is not adverse to the holders of preferred shares in view of advice to the Fund
by Moodys and S&P (or such other rating agency then
- 35 -
rating the preferred shares at the request of the Fund) that such modification would not
adversely affect, as the case may be, its then current rating of the preferred shares.
The Board may amend the Statement of Preferences definition of Maximum Rate (the maximum
rate as defined below under Distributions on the Preferred Shares Maximum Rate) to increase
the percentage amount by which the applicable reference rate is multiplied or to increase the
applicable spread to which the reference rate is added to determine the maximum rate without the
vote or consent of the holders of the preferred shares or any other shareholders of the Fund, but only
after consultation with the broker-dealers and with confirmation from each applicable rating agency
that the Fund could meet applicable rating agency asset coverage tests immediately following any
such increase.
As described by Moodys and S&P, the ratings assigned to the preferred shares are assessments
of the capacity and willingness of the Fund to pay the obligations of each of the preferred shares.
The ratings on the preferred shares are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell shares of
either series, inasmuch as the ratings do not comment as to market price or suitability for a
particular investor. The rating agency guidelines also do not address the likelihood that an owner
of preferred shares will be able to sell such shares on an exchange, in an auction or otherwise.
The ratings are based on current information furnished to Moodys and S&P by the Fund and the
Investment Adviser and information obtained from other sources. The ratings may be changed,
suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or the unavailability of, such information.
The rating agency guidelines will apply to the preferred shares, as the case may be, only so
long as such rating agency is rating such shares at the request of the Fund. The Fund will pay fees
to Moodys and S&P for rating the preferred shares.
Asset Maintenance Requirements. In addition to the requirements summarized under Rating
Agency Guidelines above, the Fund must also satisfy asset maintenance requirements under the 1940
Act with respect to its preferred shares. Under the 1940 Act, such debt or preferred shares may be
issued only if immediately after such issuance the value of the Funds total assets (less ordinary
course liabilities) is at least 300% of the amount of any debt outstanding and at least 200% of the
amount of any preferred stock and debt outstanding.
The Fund will be required under the preferred shares Statement of Preferences (the Statement
of Preferences) to determine whether it has, as of the last business day of each March, June,
September and December of each year, an asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) of at least
200% (or such higher or lower percentage as may be required at the time under the 1940 Act) with
respect to all outstanding senior securities of the Fund that are debt or stock, including any
outstanding preferred shares. If the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage required under the
1940 Act on such dates and such failure is not cured within 60 calendar days, the Fund may, and in
certain circumstances will be required to, mandatorily redeem the number of preferred shares
sufficient to satisfy such asset coverage. See Redemption below.
Distributions. In connection with the offering of one or more series of preferred shares, an
accompanying Prospectus Supplement will specify whether dividends on such preferred shares will be
based on a fixed or variable rate. If such Prospectus Supplement specifies that dividends will be
paid at a fixed rate (Fixed Rate Preferred Shares), holders of such Preferred Shares will be
entitled to receive, out of funds legally available therefor, cumulative cash distributions, at an
annual rate set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, payable with such frequency as set
forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Such distributions will accumulate from the date on
which such shares are issued.
In the alternative, the Prospectus Supplement may state that the holders of one or more series
of the preferred shares are entitled to receive cash distributions at annual rates stated as a
percentage of liquidation preference, that will vary from dividend period to dividend period
(Variable Rate Preferred Shares). The liquidation preference per share and the dividend rate for
the initial dividend period for any such series of preferred shares will be the rate set out in the
Prospectus Supplement for such series. For subsequent dividend periods, each such series of
preferred shares will pay distributions based on a rate set at an auction, normally held weekly,
but not in excess of a maximum rate. Dividend periods generally will be seven days, and the
dividend periods generally will begin on the first business day after an auction. In most
instances, distributions are also paid weekly, on the business day following the end of the
dividend period. The Fund, subject to some limitations, may change the length of the dividend
periods, designating them as special dividend periods, as described below under Designation of
Special Dividend Periods.
- 36 -
Distribution Payments. Except as described below, the dividend payment date for a series of
Variable Rate Preferred Shares will be the first business day after the dividend period ends. The
dividend payment dates for special dividend periods of more (or less) than seven days will be set
out in the notice designating a special dividend period. See Designation of Special Dividend
Periods for a discussion of payment dates for a special dividend period.
If a dividend payment date for a series of Variable Rate Preferred Shares is not a business
day because the NYSE is closed for business for more than three consecutive business days due to an
act of God, natural disaster, act of war, civil or military disturbance, act of terrorism,
sabotage, riots or a loss or malfunction of utilities or communications services, or the dividend
payable on such date can not be paid for any such reason, then:
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the dividend payment date for the affected dividend period
will be the next business day on which the Fund and its
paying agent, if any, are able to cause the distributions
to be paid using their reasonable best efforts; |
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the affected dividend period will end on the day it would
have ended had such event not occurred and the dividend
payment date had remained the scheduled date; and |
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the next dividend period will begin and end on the dates
on which it would have begun and ended had such event not
occurred and the dividend payment date remained the
scheduled date. |
Determination of Dividend Rates. The Fund computes the distributions per share for a series of
Variable Rate Preferred Shares by multiplying the applicable rate determined at the auction by a
fraction, the numerator of which normally is the number of days in such dividend period and the
denominator of which is 360. This applicable rate is then multiplied by the liquidation preference
per share of such series to arrive at the distribution per share.
Maximum Rate. The dividend rate for a series of Variable Rate Preferred Shares that results
from an auction for such shares will not be greater than the applicable maximum rate. The maximum
rate for any standard dividend period will be the greater of the applicable percentage of the
reference rate or the reference rate plus the applicable spread. The reference rate will be the
applicable LIBOR Rate (as defined below) for a dividend period of fewer than 365 days or the
Treasury Index Rate (as defined below) for a dividend period of 365 days or more. The applicable
percentage and the applicable spread will be determined based on the lower of the credit ratings
assigned to such series of preferred shares by Moodys and S&P on the auction date for such period
(as set forth in the table below). If Moodys and/or S&P do not make such rating available, the
rate will be determined by reference to equivalent ratings issued by a substitute rating agency. In
the case of a special dividend period, (1) the Fund will communicate the maximum applicable rate in
a notice of special rate period for such dividend payment period, (2) the applicable percentage and
applicable spread will be determined on the date two business days before the first day of such
special dividend period and (3) the reference rate will be the applicable LIBOR Rate for a dividend
period of fewer than 365 days or the Treasury Index Rate for a dividend period of 365 days or more.
The LIBOR Rate, as described in greater detail in the Statement of Preferences, is the
applicable London Inter-Bank Offered Rate for deposits in U.S. dollars for the period most closely
approximating the applicable dividend period for the Preferred Shares.
The Treasury Index Rate, as described in greater detail in the Statement of Preferences, is
the average yield to maturity for certain U.S. Treasury securities having substantially the same
length to maturity as the applicable dividend period for the Preferred Shares.
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Credit Ratings |
|
Applicable |
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|
Moodys |
|
S&P |
|
Percentage |
|
Applicable Spread |
Aaa
|
|
AAA
|
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150 |
% |
|
|
1.50 |
% |
Aa3 to Aa1
|
|
AAto AA+
|
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250 |
% |
|
|
2.50 |
% |
A3 to A1
|
|
Ato A+
|
|
|
350 |
% |
|
|
3.50 |
% |
Baa1 or lower
|
|
BBB+ or lower
|
|
|
550 |
% |
|
|
5.50 |
% |
Assuming the Fund maintains an AAA and Aaa rating on the preferred shares, the practical
effect of the different methods used to determine the maximum rate is shown in the table below:
- 37 -
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|
Method Used to |
|
|
Maximum Applicable |
|
Maximum Applicable |
|
Determine the |
|
|
Rate Using the |
|
Rate Using the |
|
Maximum Applicable |
Reference Rate |
|
Applicable Percentage |
|
Applicable Spread |
|
Rate |
1%
|
|
|
1.50 |
% |
|
|
2.50 |
% |
|
Spread |
2%
|
|
|
3.00 |
% |
|
|
3.50 |
% |
|
Spread |
3%
|
|
|
4.50 |
% |
|
|
4.50 |
% |
|
Either |
4%
|
|
|
6.00 |
% |
|
|
5.50 |
% |
|
Percentage |
5%
|
|
|
7.50 |
% |
|
|
6.50 |
% |
|
Percentage |
6%
|
|
|
9.00 |
% |
|
|
7.50 |
% |
|
Percentage |
There is no minimum dividend rate in respect of any dividend period.
Effect of Failure to Pay Distributions in a Timely Manner. If the Fund fails to pay the
paying agent the full amount of any distribution or redemption price, as applicable, for a series
of variable rate preferred shares in a timely manner, the dividend rate for the dividend period
following such a failure to pay (such period referred to as the default period) and any subsequent
dividend period for which such default is continuing will be the default rate. In the event that
the Fund fully pays all default amounts due during a dividend period, the dividend rate for the
remainder of that dividend period will be, as the case may be, the applicable rate (for the first
dividend period following a dividend default) or the then maximum rate (for any subsequent dividend
period for which such default is continuing).
The default rate is 550% of the applicable LIBOR Rate for a dividend period of 364 days or
fewer and 550% of the applicable Treasury Index Rate for a dividend period of longer than 364 days.
Designation of Special Dividend Periods. The Fund may instruct the auction agent to hold
auctions more or less frequently than weekly and may designate dividend periods longer or shorter
than one week. The Fund may do this if, for example, the Fund expects that short-term rates might
increase or market conditions otherwise change, in an effort to optimize the potential benefit of
the Funds leverage for holders of its common shares. The Fund does not currently expect to hold
auctions and pay distributions less frequently than weekly or establish dividend periods longer or
shorter than one week. If the Fund designates a special dividend period, changes in interest rates
could affect the price received if preferred shares are sold in the secondary market.
Any designation of a special dividend period for a series of Variable Rate Preferred Shares
will be effective only if (i) notice thereof has been given as provided for in the governing
documents, (ii) any failure to pay in a timely manner to the auction agent the full amount of any
distribution on, or the redemption price of, any preferred shares has been cured as provided for in
the governing documents, (iii) the auction immediately preceding the special dividend period was
not a failed auction, (iv) if the Fund has mailed a notice of redemption with respect to any
preferred shares, the Fund has deposited with the paying agent all funds necessary for such
redemption and (v) the Fund has confirmed that as of the auction date next preceding the first day
of such special dividend period, it has assets with an aggregate discounted value at least equal to
the Basic Maintenance Amount, and the Fund has provided notice of such designation and a Basic
Maintenance Report to each rating agency then rating the preferred shares at the request of the
Fund.
The dividend payment date for any such special dividend period will be set out in the notice
designating the special dividend period. In addition, for special dividend periods of at least
91 days, dividend payment dates will occur on the first business day of each calendar month within
such dividend period and on the business day following the last day of such dividend period.
Before the Fund designates a special dividend period: (i) at least seven business days (or two
business days in the event the duration of the dividend period prior to such special dividend
period is less than eight days) and not more than 30 business days before the first day of the
proposed special dividend period, the Fund will issue a press release stating its intention to
designate a special dividend period and inform the auction agent of the proposed special dividend
period by telephonic or other means and confirm it in writing promptly thereafter and (ii) the Fund
must inform the auction agent of the proposed special dividend period by 3:00 p.m., New York City
time on the second business day before the first day of the proposed special dividend period.
Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions for the Preferred Shares
So long as any preferred shares are outstanding, the Fund may not pay any dividend or
distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in common shares or in options, warrants
or rights to subscribe for or purchase
- 38 -
common shares) in respect of the common shares or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or
otherwise acquire for consideration any common shares (except by conversion into or exchange for
shares of the Fund ranking junior to the preferred shares as to the payment of dividends and the
distribution of assets upon liquidation), unless:
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the Fund has declared and paid (or provided to the
relevant dividend paying agent) all cumulative
distributions on the Funds outstanding preferred shares
due on or prior to the date of such common share dividend
or distribution; |
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|
|
the Fund has redeemed the full number of preferred shares
to be redeemed pursuant to any mandatory redemption
provision in the Funds governing documents; and |
|
|
|
|
after making the distribution, the Fund meets applicable
asset coverage requirements described under Rating Agency
Guidelines and Asset Maintenance Requirements. |
No full distribution will be declared or made on any series of the preferred shares for
any dividend period, or part thereof, unless full cumulative distributions due through the most
recent dividend payment dates therefor for all outstanding series of preferred shares of the Fund
ranking on a parity with such series as to distributions have been or contemporaneously are
declared and made. If full cumulative distributions due have not been made on all outstanding
preferred shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series of preferred shares as to the
payment of distributions, any distributions being paid on the preferred shares will be paid as
nearly pro rata as possible in proportion to the respective amounts of distributions accumulated
but unmade on each such series of preferred shares on the relevant dividend payment date. The
Funds obligation to make distributions on the preferred shares will be subordinate to its
obligations to pay interest and principal, when due, on any of the Funds senior securities
representing debt.
Redemption
Mandatory Redemption Relating to Asset Coverage Requirements. The Fund may, at its option,
consistent with its Governing Documents and the 1940 Act, and in certain circumstances will be
required to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares in the event that:
|
|
|
the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements
specified under the 1940 Act on a quarterly valuation date
and such failure is not cured on or before 60 days, in the
case of the Fixed Rate Preferred Shares, or 10 business
days, in the case of the Variable Rate Preferred Shares,
following such failure; or |
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|
|
the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements
as calculated in accordance with the applicable rating
agency guidelines as of any monthly valuation date, and
such failure is not cured on or before 10 business days
after such valuation date. |
The redemption price for preferred shares subject to mandatory redemption will be the
liquidation preference, as stated in the Prospectus Supplement accompanying the issuance of such
preferred shares, plus an amount equal to any accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not
earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption, plus (in the case of Variable Rate Preferred
Shares having a dividend period of more than one year) any applicable redemption premium determined
by the Board and included in the Statement of Preferences.
The number of preferred shares that will be redeemed in the case of a mandatory redemption
will equal the minimum number of outstanding preferred shares, the redemption of which, if such
redemption had occurred immediately prior to the opening of business on the applicable cure date,
would have resulted in the relevant asset coverage requirement having been met or, if the required
asset coverage cannot be so restored, all of the preferred shares. In the event that preferred
shares are redeemed due to a failure to satisfy the 1940 Act asset coverage requirements, the Fund
may, but is not required to, redeem a sufficient number of preferred shares so that the Funds
assets exceed the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act after the redemption by 10% (that
is, 220% asset coverage). In the event that preferred shares are redeemed due to a failure to
satisfy applicable rating agency guidelines, the Fund may, but is not required to, redeem a
sufficient number of preferred shares so that the Funds discounted portfolio value (as determined
in accordance with the applicable rating agency guidelines) after redemption exceeds the asset
coverage requirements of each applicable rating agency by up to 5% (that is, 105%
- 39 -
rating agency asset coverage). In addition, as discussed under Optional Redemption of the
Preferred Shares below, the Fund generally may redeem Variable Rate Preferred Shares subject to a
variable rate, in whole or in part, at its option at any time (usually on a dividend or
distribution payment date), other than during a non-call period.
If the Fund does not have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is otherwise
unable to redeem, all the preferred shares to be redeemed on any redemption date, the Fund will
redeem on such redemption date that number of shares for which it has legally available funds, or
is otherwise able to redeem, from the holders whose shares are to be redeemed ratably on the basis
of the redemption price of such shares, and the remainder of those shares to be redeemed will be
redeemed on the earliest practicable date on which the Fund will have funds legally available for
the redemption of, or is otherwise able to redeem, such shares upon written notice of redemption.
If fewer than all of the Funds outstanding preferred shares are to be redeemed, the Fund, at
its discretion and subject to the limitations of its Governing Documents and the 1940 Act, will
select the one or more series of preferred shares from which shares will be redeemed and the amount
of preferred shares to be redeemed from each such series. If less than all preferred shares of a
series are to be redeemed, such redemption will be made as among the holders of that series pro
rata in accordance with the respective number of shares of such series held by each such holder on
the record date for such redemption (or by such other equitable method as the Fund may determine).
If fewer than all the preferred shares held by any holder are to be redeemed, the notice of
redemption mailed to such holder will specify the number of shares to be redeemed from such holder,
which may be expressed as a percentage of shares held on the applicable record date.
Optional Redemption of Fixed Rate Preferred Shares. Fixed Rate Preferred Shares will not be
subject to optional redemption by the Fund until the date, if any, specified in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, unless such redemption is necessary, in the judgment of the Fund, to
maintain the Funds status as a regulated investment company under the Code. Commencing on such
date and thereafter, the Fund may at any time redeem such Fixed Rate Preferred Shares in whole or
in part for cash at a redemption price per share equal to the initial liquidation preference per
share plus accumulated and unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) to the
redemption date. Such redemptions are subject to the notice requirements set forth under
Redemption Procedures and the limitations of the Governing Documents and 1940 Act.
Optional Redemption of Variable Rate Preferred Shares. The Fund generally may redeem Variable
Rate Preferred Shares, if issued, in whole or in part, at its option at any time (usually on a
dividend or distribution payment date), other than during a non-call period. The Fund may designate
a non-call period during a dividend period of more than seven days. In the case of such preferred
shares having a dividend period of one year or less, the redemption price per share will equal the
initial liquidation preference plus an amount equal to any accumulated but unpaid distributions
thereon (whether or not earned or declared) to the redemption date, and in the case of such
Preferred Shares having a dividend period of more than one year, the redemption price per share
will equal the initial liquidation preference plus any redemption premium applicable during such
dividend period. Such redemptions are subject to the notice requirements set forth under
Redemption Procedures and the limitations of the Governing Documents and 1940 Act.
Redemption Procedures. A notice of redemption with respect to an optional redemption will be
given to the holders of record of preferred shares selected for redemption not less than 15 days
(subject to NYSE requirements), in the case of Fixed Rate Preferred Shares, and not less than seven
days in the case of Variable Rate Preferred Shares, nor, in both cases, more than 40 days prior to
the date fixed for redemption. Preferred shareholders may receive shorter notice in the event of a
mandatory redemption. Each notice of redemption will state (i) the redemption date, (ii) the number
or percentage of preferred shares to be redeemed (which may be expressed as a percentage of such
shares outstanding), (iii) the CUSIP number(s) of such shares, (iv) the redemption price
(specifying the amount of accumulated distributions to be included therein), (v) the place or
places where such shares are to be redeemed, (vi) that distributions on the shares to be redeemed
will cease to accumulate on such redemption date, (vii) the provision of the Statement of
Preferences, as applicable, under which the redemption is being made and (viii) any conditions
precedent to such redemption. No defect in the notice of redemption or in the mailing thereof will
affect the validity of the redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law.
The holders of any preferred shares, whether subject to a variable or fixed rate, will not
have the right to redeem any of their shares at their option.
Liquidation Preference. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, the holders of preferred shares will be entitled to
receive a preferential liquidating
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distribution, which is expected to equal the original purchase price per preferred share plus
accumulated and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, before any distribution of assets is
made to holders of common shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution
to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred shares will not be entitled to any further
participation in any distribution of assets by the Fund.
Voting Rights. The 1940 Act requires that the holders of any preferred shares, voting
separately as a single class, have the right to elect at least two Trustees at all times. The
remaining Trustees will be elected by holders of common shares and preferred shares, voting
together as a single class. In addition, subject to the prior rights, if any, of the holders of any
other class of senior securities outstanding, the holders of any preferred shares have the right to
elect a majority of the Trustees at any time two years dividends on any preferred shares are
unpaid. The 1940 Act also requires that, in addition to any approval by shareholders that might
otherwise be required, the approval of the holders of a majority of any outstanding preferred
shares, voting separately as a class, would be required to (i) adopt any plan of reorganization
that would adversely affect the preferred shares, and (ii) take any action requiring a vote of
security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, including, among other things, changes in the
Funds subclassification as a closed-end investment company to an open-end company or changes in
its fundamental investment restrictions. As a result of these voting rights, the Funds ability to
take any such actions may be impeded to the extent that there are any preferred shares outstanding.
The Board presently intends that, except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus and except as
otherwise required by applicable law, holders of preferred shares will have equal voting rights
with holders of common shares (one vote per share, unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act) and
will vote together with holders of common shares as a single class.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares, voting
as a separate class, will be required to amend, alter or repeal any of the preferences, rights or
powers of holders of preferred shares so as to affect materially and adversely such preferences,
rights or powers, or to increase or decrease the authorized number of preferred shares. The class
vote of holders of preferred shares described above will in each case be in addition to any other
vote required to authorize the action in question.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply to any preferred shares if, at or prior to the
time when the act with respect to which such vote otherwise would be required will be effected,
such shares will have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient cash or cash
equivalents provided to the applicable paying agent to effect such redemption.
Book Entry. Fixed Rate Preferred Shares will initially be held in the name of Cede & Co. as
nominee for DTC. The Fund will treat Cede & Co. as the holder of record of preferred shares for all
purposes. In accordance with the procedures of DTC, however, purchasers of Fixed Rate Preferred
Shares will be deemed the beneficial owners of stock purchased for purposes of dividends, voting
and liquidation rights.
Variable Rate Preferred Shares will initially be held by the auction agent as custodian for
Cede & Co., in whose name the Variable Rate Preferred Shares will be registered. The Fund will
treat Cede & Co. as the holder of record of the Variable Rate Preferred Shares for all purposes.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS OF THE FUNDS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
The Fund presently has provisions in its Governing Documents which could have the effect of
limiting, in each case
|
(i) |
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the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund, |
|
|
(ii) |
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the Funds freedom to engage in certain transactions, or |
|
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(iii) |
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the ability of the Funds Trustees or shareholders to amend the
Governing Documents or effectuate changes in the Funds management. |
These provisions of the Governing Documents may be regarded as anti-takeover provisions. The
Board is divided into three classes, each having a term of no more than three years (except, to
ensure that the term of a class of the Funds Trustees expires each year, one class of the Funds
Trustees will serve an initial one-year term and three-year terms thereafter and another class of
its Trustees will serve an initial two-year term and three-year terms thereafter). Each year the
term of one class of Trustees will expire. Accordingly, only those Trustees in one class may be
changed in any one year, and it would require a minimum of two years to change a majority of the
Board.
- 41 -
Further, if the Fund issues preferred shares, one Trustee in each of two of the classes of the
Fund will be elected solely by the holders of the Funds preferred stock and will not be able to be
removed or replaced by the holders of the common shares. Such system of electing Trustees may have
the effect of maintaining the continuity of management and, thus, make it more difficult for the
shareholders of the Fund to change the majority of Trustees.
A Trustee of the Fund may be removed with or without cause by two-thirds of the remaining
Trustees and, without cause, by 66 2 / 3% of the shareholder votes entitled to be cast for the
election of such Trustees. Special voting requirements of 75% of the outstanding voting shares
apply to certain mergers or a sale of all or substantially all of the Funds assets, liquidation,
conversion of the Fund into an open-end fund or interval fund and amendments to several provisions
of the Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust, including the foregoing provisions. In addition, after completion of
the offering, 80% of the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund voting as a class
is generally required in order to authorize any of the following transactions:
|
(i) |
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merger or consolidation of the Fund with or into any entity; |
|
|
(ii) |
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issuance of any securities of the Fund for cash to any person or entity; |
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(iii) |
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sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Fund to
any entity or person (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less
than $5,000,000); |
|
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(iv) |
|
sale, lease or exchange to the Fund, in exchange for securities of the Fund, of any
assets of any entity or person (except assets having an aggregate fair market value
of less than $5,000,000); or |
|
|
(v) |
|
the purchase of the Funds common shares by the Fund from any other person or entity. |
If such person or entity is directly, or indirectly through affiliates, the beneficial owner
of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, however, such vote would not be required
when, under certain conditions, the Board approves the transaction. Reference is made to the
Governing Documents on file with the SEC, for the full text of these provisions.
The provisions of the Governing Documents described above could have the effect of depriving
the owners of shares in the Fund of opportunities to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing
market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund in a tender
offer or similar transaction. The overall effect of these provisions is to render more difficult
the accomplishment of a merger or the assumption of control by a principal shareholder.
The Governing Documents of the Fund are on file with the SEC. For access to the full text of
these provisions, see Additional Information.
CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE
The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company (commonly referred to
as a closed-end fund). Closed-end funds differ from open-end funds (which are generally referred to
as mutual funds) in that closed-end funds generally list their shares for trading on a stock
exchange and do not redeem their shares at the request of a shareholder. This means that if you
wish to sell your shares of a closed-end fund you must trade them on the market like any other
stock at the prevailing market price at that time. In a mutual fund, if the shareholder wishes to
sell shares of the fund, the mutual fund will redeem or buy back the shares at net asset value.
Also, mutual funds generally offer new shares on a continuous basis to new investors, and
closed-end funds generally do not. The continuous inflows and outflows of assets in a mutual fund
can make it difficult to manage the funds investments. By comparison, closed-end funds are
generally able to stay more fully invested in securities that are consistent with their investment
objectives, to have greater flexibility to make certain types of investments and to use certain
investment strategies such as financial leverage and investments in illiquid securities.
Shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount to their net asset value. Because of this
possibility and the recognition that any such discount may not be in the interest of shareholders,
the Funds Board might consider from time to time engaging in open-market repurchases, tender
offers for shares or other programs intended to reduce a discount. We cannot guarantee or assure,
however, that the Funds Board will decide to engage in any of these actions. Nor is there any
guarantee or assurance that such actions, if undertaken, would result in the shares trading at a
price equal or close to net asset value per share. The Board might also consider converting the
Fund to an open-
- 42 -
end fund, which would also require a supermajority vote of the shareholders of the Fund and a
separate vote of any outstanding preferred shares. We cannot assure you that the Funds common
shares will not trade at a discount.
REPURCHASE OF COMMON SHARES
The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company and as such its
shareholders do not, and will not, have the right to require the Fund to repurchase their shares.
The Fund, however, may repurchase its common shares from time to time as and when it deems such a
repurchase advisable. The Board has authorized such repurchases to be made when the Funds common
shares are trading at a discount from net asset value of 10% or more (or such other percentage as
the Board of the Fund may determine from time to time). Although the Board has authorized such
repurchases, the Fund is not required to repurchase its common shares. The Board has not
established a limit on the number of shares that could be purchased during such period. Pursuant to
the 1940 Act, the Fund may repurchase its common shares on a securities exchange (provided that the
Fund has informed its shareholders within the preceding six months of its intention to repurchase
such shares) or pursuant to tenders and may also repurchase shares privately if the Fund meets
certain conditions regarding, among other things, distribution of net income for the preceding
fiscal year, status of the seller, price paid, brokerage commissions, prior notice to shareholders
of an intention to purchase shares and purchasing in a manner and on a basis that does not
discriminate unfairly against the other shareholders through their interests in the Fund.
Shares repurchased by the Fund will be retired and will not be available for reissuance. The
Fund may incur debt to finance share repurchase transactions. Any gain in the value of the
investments of the Fund during the term of the borrowing that exceeds the interest paid on the
amount borrowed would cause the net asset value of the Funds shares to increase more rapidly than
in the absence of borrowing. Conversely, any decline in the value of the investments of the Fund
would cause the net asset value of the Funds shares to decrease more rapidly than in the absence
of borrowing. Borrowing money thus creates an opportunity for greater capital gains but at the same
time increases exposure to capital risk.
When the Fund repurchases its common shares for a price below net asset value, the net asset
value of the common shares that remain outstanding shares will be enhanced, but this does not
necessarily mean that the market price of the outstanding common shares will be affected, either
positively or negatively. Further, interest on borrowings to finance share repurchase transactions
will reduce the net income of the Fund. The repurchase of common shares will reduce the total
assets of the Fund available for investment and may increase the Funds expense ratio.
The Fund does not currently have an established tender offer program or established schedule
for considering tender offers. No assurance can be given that the Board will decide to undertake
any such tender offers in the future, or, if undertaken, that they will reduce any market discount.
RIGHTS OFFERINGS
The Fund may in the future, and at its discretion, choose to make rights offerings. Any such
future rights offering will be made in accordance with the 1940 Act. Under the laws of Delaware,
the Board is authorized to approve rights offerings without obtaining shareholder approval. The
staff of the SEC has interpreted the 1940 Act as not requiring shareholder approval of a
transferable rights offering at a price below the then current net asset value so long as certain
conditions are met, including: (i) a good faith determination by a funds Board that such offering
would result in a net benefit to existing shareholders; (ii) the offering fully protects
shareholders preemptive rights and does not discriminate among shareholders (except for the
possible effect of not offering fractional rights); (iii) management uses its best efforts to
ensure an adequate trading market in the rights for use by shareholders who do not exercise such
rights; and (iv) the ratio of a transferable rights offering does not exceed one new share for each
three rights held.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of the Funds shares is computed based on the market value of the
securities it holds and determined daily as of the close of the regular trading day on the
NYSE. For purposes of determining the Funds net asset value per share, 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 markets official closing price as of the close of business on the day the
securities are being valued. If
- 43 -
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.
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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Closings. The holidays (as observed) on which the NYSE is closed, and therefore days
upon which shareholders cannot purchase or sell shares, currently are: New Years Day, Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, 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.
LIMITATION ON TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS LIABILITY
The Governing Documents provide that the Fund will indemnify its Trustees and officers and may
indemnify its employees or agents against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with
litigation in which they may be involved because of their positions with the Fund, to the fullest
extent permitted by law. However, nothing in the Governing Documents protects or indemnifies a
Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Fund against any liability to which such person would
otherwise be subject in the event of such persons willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence
or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her position.
TAXATION
The following discussion is a brief summary of certain federal income tax considerations
affecting the Fund and the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Funds shares. A more
complete discussion of the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its shareholders can be found in
the SAI that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. This discussion assumes you are a
U.S. person and that you hold your shares as capital assets. This discussion is based upon current
provisions of the Code, the regulations promulgated thereunder and judicial and administrative
authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations by the courts or the
Internal Revenue Service (the IRS), possibly with retroactive effect. No ruling has been or will
be sought from the IRS regarding any matter discussed herein. Counsel to the Fund has not rendered
and will not render any legal opinion
- 44 -
regarding any tax consequences relating to the Fund or an investment in the Fund. No attempt
is made to present a detailed explanation of all federal tax concerns affecting the Fund and
its shareholders (including shareholders owning large positions in the Fund).
The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice and potential investors are
urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the tax consequences to them of investing in
the Fund.
Taxation of the Fund
The Fund has elected to be treated and has qualified, and intends to continue to qualify
annually, as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. Accordingly, the Fund
must, among other things, meet the following requirements regarding the source of its income and
the diversification of its assets:
(i) The Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from the
following sources, which are referred to herein as Qualifying Income: (a) dividends, interest
(including tax-exempt interest), payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from
the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income
(including but not limited to gain from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with
respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or foreign currencies; and
(b) interests in publicly traded partnerships that are treated as partnerships for federal
income tax purposes and that derive less than 90% of their gross income from the items described in
(a) above (each a Qualified Publicly Traded Partnership).
(ii) The Fund must diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable
year (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Funds total assets is represented by cash and
cash items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and
other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount
not greater than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets and not more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the market value of the
Funds total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities and the
securities of other regulated investment companies) of (I) any one issuer, (II) any two or more
issuers of which 20% or more of the voting stock is held by the Fund and that are determined to be engaged in the same business or
similar or related trades or businesses or (III) any one or more Qualified Publicly Traded
Partnerships.
Although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment
companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items
attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.
The Funds investments in partnerships, including in Qualified Publicly Traded Partnerships,
may result in the Fund being subject to state, local or foreign income, franchise or withholding
tax liabilities.
As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally will not be subject to federal
income tax on income and gains that the Fund distributes to its shareholders, provided that it
distributes each taxable year at least the sum of (i) 90% of the Funds investment company taxable
income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest and the excess of any net short-term
capital gain over net long-term capital loss and other taxable income, other than any net long-term
capital gain, reduced by deductible expenses) determined without regard to the deduction for
dividends paid and (ii) 90% of the Funds net tax-exempt interest income (the excess of its gross
tax-exempt interest over certain disallowed deductions). The Fund intends to distribute
substantially all of such income at least annually. The Fund will be subject to income tax at
regular corporate rates on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute to its
shareholders.
Upon any failure to meet the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund will be
required (i) to suspend distributions to common shareholders, and (ii) under certain
circumstances to partially redeem the preferred shares in order to maintain or restore the requisite
asset coverage, either of which could prevent the Fund from making distributions required to
qualify as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes and to avoid the
excise taxes discussed below. Depending on the size of the Funds assets relative to its
outstanding senior securities, under certain circumstances redemption of the preferred shares
might restore asset coverage. If asset coverage were restored, the Fund would again be able to
pay dividends and depending on the circumstances, could requalify or avoid disqualification as a
regulated investment company and avoid the excise taxes discussed below.
The Code imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the Fund to the extent the Fund does not
distribute by the end of any calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its
ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gain or loss) for the calendar year and
(ii) 98% of its capital gain in excess of its capital loss (adjusted for certain ordinary losses)
for a one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is
made to use the Funds fiscal year). In addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in
any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any under-distribution
or over-distribution, as the case may be, from the previous year. While the Fund intends to
distribute any income and capital gain in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4%
excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Funds taxable income and
capital gain will be distributed to entirely avoid the imposition of the excise tax. In that event,
the Fund will be liable for the excise tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the
foregoing distribution requirement.
If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company, all of
its taxable income (including its net capital gain) will be subject to tax at regular corporate
rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders.
In addition, in the event of a failure to qualify, the Funds distributions, to the extent derived
from the Funds current or accumulated earnings and profits,
including any distributions of net
long-term capital gains, will be taxable to shareholders as dividend income. However, such
dividends will be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of
shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for the dividends received deduction in the case of
corporate shareholders. Moreover, if the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment
company in any year, it must pay out its earnings and profits accumulated in that year in order to
qualify again as a regulated investment company. If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated
investment company for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund may be required to
recognize any net built-in gains with respect to certain of its
assets (i.e., the excess of the
aggregate gains, including items of income, over aggregate losses that would have been realized
with respect to such assets if the Fund had been liquidated) if it qualifies as a regulated
investment company in a subsequent year.
- 45 -
Taxation of Shareholders
Distributions paid to investors by the Fund from its investment company taxable income which
includes the excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses (together
referred to hereinafter as ordinary income dividends) are generally taxable to investors as
ordinary income to the extent of the earnings and profits of the Fund. Such distributions (if
designated by the Fund) may, however, qualify (provided holding periods and other requirements are
met) (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders to the extent
that the income of the Fund consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, and (ii) for
taxable years through December 31, 2010, as qualified dividend income eligible for the reduced
maximum federal tax rate to individuals of generally 15% (currently 0% for individuals in lower tax
brackets) to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income
is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain foreign corporations
(e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in
certain countries with a qualified comprehensive tax treaty with the United States, or whose stock
with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market
in the United States). Distributions made to investors from an excess of net long-term capital
gains over net short-term capital losses (capital gain dividends), including capital gain
dividends credited to investors but retained by the Fund, are taxable to investors as long-term
capital gains if they have been properly designated by the Fund, regardless of the length of time
investors have owned shares of the Fund. The maximum federal income tax rate on net long-term
capital gain of individuals is reduced generally from 20% to 15%
(currently 0% for individuals in
lower brackets) for such gain realized before January 1, 2011. Distributions in excess of the
earnings and profits of the Fund will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of shares held by an
investor and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to
investors (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). Generally, not later than 60 days
after the close of its taxable year, the Fund will provide investors with a written notice
designating the amount of any qualified dividend income or capital gain dividends and other
distributions.
The sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of shares of the Fund will generally
result in capital gain or loss to an investor, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the
shares have been held for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or
exchange of Fund shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to
the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed
capital gain dividend) by an investor. A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund
will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares of the Fund are acquired (whether
through the automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30
days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed of. In such case, the
basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Present law taxes
both long-term and short-term capital gains of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary
income.
If the Fund pays a distribution in January that was declared in the previous October, November
or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such
distribution will be treated for tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by
shareholders not later than December 31 of the year in which the distribution was declared.
The Fund is required in certain circumstances to backup withhold on taxable dividends or
distributions and certain other payments paid to non-corporate holders of the Funds shares who do
not furnish the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number (in the case of individuals,
their social security number) and certain certifications, or who are otherwise subject to backup
withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld from payments made
to investors may be refunded or credited against an investors federal income tax liability,
if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Distributions may be subject to additional state, local, and foreign taxes, depending on each
shareholders particular situation. Non-U.S. shareholders may be subject to other U.S. tax rules that
differ significantly from those summarized above, including the likelihood that ordinary income
dividends distributed to them will be subject to U.S. tax withholding at a rate of 30% (or a lower
treaty rate, if applicable). Non-U.S. investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding
federal, state, local and foreign tax considerations.
Recent legislation will impose, beginning in 2013, a new 3.8 percent Medicare contribution tax on net investment income, including interests, dividends, and capital gain, of U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 (or $250,000 if married filing jointly), and of estates and trusts.
Beginning in 2013, a
withholding tax of 30% will apply to payments of Fund dividends and gross proceeds of Fund redemptions paid to non-U.S.
shareholders, unless such non-U.S. shareholders comply with certain reporting requirements to the IRS and/or the Fund as to
identifying information (including name, address and taxpayer identification number) of direct and indirect U.S. owners.
Taxation of Holders of Preferred Shares
Based in part on the lack of any
present intention on the part of the Fund to redeem or purchase the preferred shares at any time in the future, the Fund
believes that under present law the preferred shares will constitute stock of the Fund and distributions with respect to the
preferred shares (other than distributions in redemption of the preferred shares that are treated as exchanges of stock under
section 302(b) of the Code) thus will constitute dividends to the extent of the Funds current or accumulated earnings and
profits as calculated for federal income tax purposes. Such dividends generally will be taxable as ordinary income to holders
(other than distributions of qualified dividend income and capital gain dividends, as described above). The foregoing discussion
relies in part on a published ruling of the IRS stating that certain preferred stock similar in many material respects to the
preferred shares represents equity. It is possible, however, that the IRS might take a contrary position asserting, for example,
that the preferred shares constitute debt of the Fund. If this position were upheld, the discussion of the treatment of
distributions above would not apply. Instead, distributions by the Fund to holders of preferred shares would constitute interest, whether or not such distributions exceeded the earnings and profits of the Fund, would be included in full in the income of the recipient and would be taxed as ordinary income.
Distributions of net capital gain that are designated by the Fund as capital gain dividends will be treated as long-term capital gains in the hands of holders regardless of the holders respective holding periods for their preferred shares. Distributions, if any, in excess of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of
a stockholders shares and, after that basis has been reduced to zero, will constitute a capital gain to the stockholder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). The IRS currently requires that a regulated investment company that has two or more classes of stock allocate to each such class proportionate amounts of each type of its income (such as ordinary income, capital gains, dividends qualifying for the dividends received
deduction and qualified dividend income) based upon the percentage of total dividends paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits to each class for the tax year. Accordingly, the Fund intends each year to allocate capital gain dividends, dividends qualifying for the dividends received deduction and dividends derived from qualified dividend income, if any, between its common shares and the preferred shares in proportion to the total dividends paid out of
current or accumulated earnings and profits to each class with respect to such tax year. Distributions in
excess of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits, if any, however, will not be allocated
proportionately among the common shares and the preferred shares. Since the Funds current and accumulated
earnings and profits will first be used to pay dividends on the preferred shares, distributions in excess of
such earnings and profits, if any, will be made disproportionately to holders of common shares.
Stockholders will be notified
annually as to the federal tax status of distributions.
A redemption (including a
redemption resulting from liquidation of the Fund), if any, of the preferred shares by the Fund generally will give
rise to capital gain or loss if the holder does not own (and is not regarded under certain tax law rules of constructive
ownership as owning) any shares of common shares in the Fund and provided that the redemption proceeds do not represent
declared but unpaid dividends.
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Conclusion
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the provisions of the Code and the
Treasury regulations in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Fund and its
shareholders. These provisions are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, and
any such change may be retroactive.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon, located at 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, Massachusetts 02149,
serves as the Custodian of the Funds assets pursuant to a custody agreement. Under the custody
agreement, the Custodian holds the Funds assets in compliance with the 1940 Act. For its services,
the Custodian will receive a monthly fee paid by the Fund based upon, among other things, the
average value of the total assets of the Fund, plus certain charges for securities transactions and
out-of-pocket expenses.
Rules adopted under the 1940 Act permit the Fund to maintain its foreign securities in the
custody of certain eligible foreign banks and securities depositories. Pursuant to those rules, any
foreign securities in the portfolio of the Fund may be held by subcustodians approved by the Board
in accordance with the regulations of the SEC. Selection of any such subcustodians will be made by
the Board following a consideration of a number of factors, including but not limited to the
reliability and financial stability of the institution, the ability of the institution to perform
capably custodial services for the Fund, the reputation of the institution in its national market,
the political and economic stability of the country or countries in which the subcustodians are
located, and risks of potential nationalization or expropriation of assets of the Fund.
Computershare, located at 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021, serves as the Funds
dividend disbursing agent, as agent under the Funds Plan and as transfer agent and registrar with
respect to the Funds common shares.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the shares, being offered hereby in one or more of the following ways from time to
time:
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to underwriters or dealers for resale to the public or to institutional investors; |
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directly to institutional investors; |
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directly to a limited number of purchasers or to a single purchaser; |
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through agents to the public or to institutional investors; or |
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through a combination of any of these methods of sale. |
The Prospectus Supplement with respect to each series of securities will state the terms
of the offering of the securities, including:
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the offering terms, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents; |
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the purchase price of the securities and the net proceeds to be received by us from the sale; |
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any underwriting discounts or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters or
agents compensation, which compensation for any sale will in no event exceed 8% of the
sales price; |
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any initial public offering price; |
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any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and |
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any securities exchange on which the securities may be listed. |
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If we use underwriters or dealers in the sale, the securities will be acquired by the
underwriters or dealers for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more
transactions, including;
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negotiated transactions; |
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at a fixed public offering price or prices, which may be changed; |
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at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
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at prices related to prevailing market prices; or |
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at negotiated prices. |
Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or
paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
If underwriters are used in the sale of any securities, the securities may be either offered
to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters, or directly by
underwriters. Generally, the underwriters obligations to purchase the securities will be subject
to certain conditions precedent. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the
securities if they purchase any of the securities.
If indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, we may sell the securities through agents
from time to time. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will name any agent involved in the offer
or sale of the securities and any commissions we pay to them. Commissions for any sale will in no
event exceed 8% of the sales price. Generally, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for
the period of its appointment. We may authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers
by certain purchasers to purchase the securities from us at the public offering price set forth in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment
and delivery on a specified date in the future. The delayed delivery contracts will be subject only
to those conditions set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, and the applicable
Prospectus Supplement will set forth any commissions we pay for solicitation of these delayed
delivery contracts.
Offered securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption
or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as
principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. Any remarketing firm will be identified and
the terms of its agreements, if any, with us and its compensation will be described in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Agents, underwriters and other third parties described above may be entitled to
indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities under the 1933 Act, or to contribution with
respect to payments which the agents or underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
Agents, underwriters and such other third parties may be customers of, engage in transactions with,
or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.
Each series of securities will be a new issue of securities and will have no established
trading market other than our common shares and Preferred Shares, which are listed on the NYSE. Any
common shares sold will be listed on NYSE, upon official notice of issuance. The securities, other
than the common shares, may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. Any
underwriters to whom securities are sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in
the securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market
making at any time without notice.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters will be passed on by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue,
New York, New York 10019, counsel to the Fund in connection with the offering of the Funds shares.
Counsel for the Fund will rely, as to certain matters of Delaware law, on Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
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INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
PwC serves as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund and
audits the financial statements of the Fund. PwC is located at 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Fund is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and the 1940 Act, and in accordance therewith files reports and other information with
the SEC. Reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the Fund with the SEC pursuant to
the informational requirements of such Acts can be inspected and copied at the public reference
facilities maintained by the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The SEC maintains a
web site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements and other
information regarding registrants, including the Fund, that file electronically with the SEC.
The common shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol GRX. Any future series of fixed
rate preferred shares would also likely be listed on a stock exchange. Reports, proxy statements
and other information concerning the Fund and filed with the SEC by the Fund will be available for
inspection at the NYSE, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York, 10005.
This Prospectus constitutes part of a Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the SEC
under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act. This Prospectus omits certain of the information contained in
the Registration Statement, and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related
exhibits for further information with respect to the Fund and the common shares offered hereby. Any
statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any document are not necessarily complete,
and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement is qualified in its
entirety by such reference. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon
payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations or free of charge through the SECs web
site (http://www.sec.gov).
PRIVACY PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND
The Fund is committed to maintaining the privacy of its shareholders and to safeguarding their
non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what
personal information the Fund collects, how the Fund protects that information and why, in certain
cases, the Fund may share information with select other parties.
Generally, the Fund does not receive any non-public personal information relating to its
shareholders, although certain non-public personal information of its shareholders may become
available to the Fund. The Fund does not disclose any non-public personal information about its
shareholders or former shareholders to anyone, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in
order to service shareholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third party
administrator).
The Fund restricts access to non-public personal information about its shareholders to
employees of the Fund, the Investment Adviser, and its affiliates with a legitimate business need
for the information. The Fund maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to
protect the non-public personal information of its shareholders.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
An
SAI dated as of August 17, 2010, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus. An SAI may be obtained without charge by writing to the Fund at its
address at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422 or by calling the Fund toll-free at (800)
GABELLI (422-3554). The Table of Contents of the SAI is as follows:
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No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations in
connection with this offering other than those contained in this Prospectus in connection with the
offer contained herein, and, if given or made, such other information or representations must not
be relied upon as having been authorized by the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the underwriters.
Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder will, under any circumstances,
create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Fund since the date
hereof or that the information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to its date.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any
securities other than the securities to which it relates. This Prospectus does not constitute an
offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstance in which
such an offer or solicitation is unlawful.
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$100,000,000
The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest
August
17, 2010
The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust
1,200,000 Shares
5.76% Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares
(Liquidation Preference $25.00 per share)
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
August 17, 2010
Wells Fargo Securities
Gabelli & Company, Inc.