As
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 13, 2024
Securities
Act File No. 333-280756
Investment
Company Act File No. 811-05715
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
DC 20549
Form
N-2
(Check
Appropriate Box or Boxes)
☒ |
REGISTRATION
STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 |
☒ |
Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 |
☐ |
Post-Effective
Amendment No. |
and/or
☒ |
REGISTRATION
STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 |
☒ |
Amendment
No. 26 |
THE
GABELLI CONVERTIBLE AND INCOME SECURITIES FUND INC.
(Exact
name of Registrant as specified in Charter)
One
Corporate Center
Rye,
New York 10580-1422
(Address
of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant’s
Telephone Number, including Area Code: (800) 422-3554
John
C. Ball
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
One
Corporate Center
Rye,
New York 10580-1422
(914)
921-5100
(Name
and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies
to:
Peter
Goldstein, Esq.
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income
Securities
Fund Inc.
One
Corporate Center
Rye,
New York 10580-1422
(914)
921-5100 |
Kevin
T. Hardy, Esq.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
320
South Canal Street
Chicago,
Illinois 60606-5707
(312)
407-0641 |
Michael
K. Hoffman
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
One
Manhattan West
New
York, New York, 10001
(212)
735-3406 |
Approximate
Date of Commencement of Proposed Public Offering: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
☐ |
Check box if the only securities being registered
on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans. |
☑ |
Check box if any securities being registered
on this Form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities
Act”), other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan. |
☑ |
Check box if this Form is a registration statement
pursuant to General Instruction A.2 or a post-effective amendment thereto. |
☐ |
Check box if this Form is a registration statement
pursuant to General Instruction B or a post-effective amendment thereto that will become effective upon filing with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act. |
☐ |
Check box if this Form is a post-effective amendment
to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction B to register additional securities or additional classes
of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act. |
It
is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
☐ |
when declared effective pursuant to section
8(c) of the Securities Act |
If
appropriate, check the following box:
☐ |
This [post-effective] amendment designates a
new effective date for a previously filed [post-effective amendment] [registration statement]. |
☐ |
This
Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and
the
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is:
______.
|
☐ |
This
Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act
registration
statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is: ______.
|
☐ |
This
Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act
registration
statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is: ______.
|
Check
each box that appropriately characterizes the Registrant:
☑ |
Registered Closed-End
Fund (closed-end company that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”)).
|
☐ |
Business Development
Company (closed-end company that intends or has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment
Company Act. |
☐ |
Interval Fund (Registered
Closed-End Fund or a Business Development Company that makes periodic repurchase offers under Rule 23c-3 under the Investment
Company Act). |
☑ |
A.2 Qualified (qualified
to register securities pursuant to General Instruction A.2 of this Form). |
☐ |
Well-Known Seasoned
Issuer (as defined by Rule 405 under the Securities Act). |
☐ |
Emerging Growth Company
(as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934). |
☐ |
If an Emerging Growth
Company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with
any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. |
☐ |
New Registrant (registered
or regulated under the Investment Company Act for less than 12 calendar months preceding this filing). |
THE
REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL
THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME
EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE
ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
The
information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it
is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer and sale is not permitted.
Subject
to Completion
Preliminary
Prospectus dated September 13, 2024
BASE
PROSPECTUS
dated
, 2024
$125,000,000
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Common
Stock
Preferred
Stock
Notes
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common Stock
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common and Preferred Stock
___________________
Investment
Objective. The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company, incorporated as a Maryland corporation, registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund’s investment objective is to
seek a high level of total return on its assets. We cannot assure you that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The
Fund’s investments are selected by its investment adviser, Gabelli Funds, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”). The
Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. Under normal
circumstances the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in securities that are convertible into or represent the right
to acquire common stock, and in other debt or equity securities that are expected to periodically accrue or generate income for
their holders (the “80% Policy”). The Fund may invest without limit in securities rated below investment grade by
recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable quality, including securities of issuers in default,
which are likely to have the lowest rating; provided, however, that it is expected that not more than 50% of the Fund’s
portfolio will consist of securities rated CCC or lower by S&P or Caa or lower by Moody’s or, if unrated, are of comparable
quality as determined by the Investment Adviser, and the Fund’s investments in securities of issuers in default will be
limited to not more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund. Securities rated below investment grade, which may be preferred shares
or debt, are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Securities that are rated lower
than “BBB” by S&P, or lower than “Baa” by Moody’s or unrated securities considered by the Investment
Adviser to be of comparable quality, are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities.
We
may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings, our common stock and/or fixed rate preferred stock, each with a par value
$0.001 per share (together, “shares”), our promissory notes (“notes”), and/or our subscription rights
to purchase our common stock and/or preferred stock, which we refer to collectively as the “securities.” Securities
may be offered at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus (the “Prospectus”
and, each supplement thereto, a “Prospectus Supplement”). You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus
Supplement carefully before you invest in our securities.
Our
securities 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 securities, 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 stock 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 offer subscription rights for our common
stock, preferred stock or common and preferred stock. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any offering of subscription rights
will set forth the number of shares (common or preferred) issuable upon the exercise of each right and the other terms of such
rights offering. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale of notes will set forth the principal amount, interest rate, interest
payment dates, maturities, prepayment protections (if any) and other matters. We may not sell any of our securities through agents,
underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the particular offering
of our securities.
Shares
of our common stock (“common shares”) are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol
“GCV”. On September 6, 2024, the last reported sale price of our common shares was $4.18.
The net asset value of the Fund’s common shares at the close of business on September 6, 2024 was $3.70
per common share.
As
of September 6, 2024, the aggregate market value of our common shares held by non-affiliates, or the public float, was approximately
$73.8 million, which was calculated based on 17,651,015 outstanding common shares held by non-affiliates and on a price per share of
$4.18,
the closing price of our common shares on September 6, 2024. Pursuant to certain SEC rules, to the extent applicable, in no event will we
sell our securities in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period
so long as our public float remains below $75.0 million. We have not offered any securities pursuant to the SEC rules noted above during
the 12 calendar months prior to and including the date of this Prospectus.
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 Fund’s securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” beginning on page 11
and “Additional Fund Information--Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the Fund’s Annual Report for factors
that should be considered before investing in securities of the Fund, including risks related to a leveraged capital structure.
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 securities by us through agents, underwriters or dealers unless accompanied
by a Prospectus Supplement.
This
Prospectus, together with an applicable Prospectus Supplement, sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that a prospective
investor should know before investing. You should read this Prospectus, together with an applicable Prospectus Supplement, which
contains important information about the Fund, before deciding whether to invest in the securities, and retain it for future reference.
A Statement of Additional Information, dated , 2024, containing additional information about the Fund, has been filed with the
SEC and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. You may request a free copy of our annual and semiannual
reports, request a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information, the table of contents of which is on page 38 of this
Prospectus, or request other information about us and make shareholder inquiries by calling (800) GABELLI (422-3554) or by writing
to the Fund. You may also obtain a copy of the Statement of Additional Information (and other information regarding the Fund)
from the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Our annual and semiannual reports are also available on our website (www.gabelli.com).
The Statement of Additional Information is only updated in connection with an offering and is therefore not available on the Fund’s
website.
Our
securities 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 and any applicable Prospectus Supplement.
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
and any applicable Prospectus Supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus or the date of the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
This
is only a summary. This summary may not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our securities.
You should review the more detailed information contained in this prospectus (this “Prospectus”), including the section
titled “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” beginning on page 11, the applicable prospectus supplement thereto
and the Statement of Additional Information, dated , 2024
(the “SAI”).
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The Fund |
The Gabelli Convertible
and Income Securities Fund Inc. is a closed-end, diversified management investment company incorporated as a Maryland corporation
on December 19, 1988. Prior to March 31, 1995, The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. operated as an open-end,
diversified, management investment company. Throughout this prospectus, we refer to The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities
Fund Inc. as the “Fund” or as “we.” See “The Fund” in the Prospectus. |
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The Fund’s
outstanding common stock (“common shares”), par value $.001 per share, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”)
under the symbol “GCV.” On September 6, 2024, the last reported sale price of our common shares was $4.18.
The net asset value of the Fund’s common shares at the close of business on September 6, 2024 was $3.70
per common share. As of September 6, 2024,
the net assets of the Fund attributable to its common shares were approximately $72.5 million. As of September 6, 2024, the Fund had
outstanding 19,585,962
common shares and 640,000
shares of the Fund’s 5.200% Series
G Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series G Preferred Shares”) par value $.001 per share, liquidation preference of $10.00
per share. |
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|
The Offering |
We
may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings, shares of our common and/or fixed rate preferred stock, $0.001
par value per share, our notes, or our subscription rights to purchase our common or fixed rate preferred stock or both,
which we refer to collectively as the “securities.” The securities 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 common share of the Fund will not be less than the net asset value per common share at the time we make the
offering, exclusive of any underwriting commissions or discounts, provided that transferable rights offerings that meet
certain conditions may be offered at a price below the then current net asset value per common share of the Fund. See
“Rights Offerings” in the Prospectus. You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement
carefully before you invest in our securities. Our securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through
agents designated from time to time by us, 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 stock will set forth the liquidation preference and information about the dividend period, dividend rate,
any call protection or non-call period and other matters. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale of notes will
set forth the principal amount, interest rate, interest payment dates, maturities, prepayment protection (if any), and
other matters. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any offering of subscription rights will set forth the number of
common and/or preferred shares issuable upon the exercise of each right and the other terms of such rights offering.
The
aggregate number and amount of securities we may issue pursuant to this registration statement is limited to $125,000,000 of securities.
We may not sell any of our securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing
the method and terms of the particular offering. Furthermore, pursuant to certain SEC rules, in no event will we sell our securities
in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period so long as
our public float remains below $75.0 million. |
Investment Objective and Policies |
The
Fund’s investment objective to seek a high level of total return on its assets. The Fund will seek to achieve this
objective through a combination of current income and capital appreciation by investing primarily in convertible and other
income producing securities.
Under
normal circumstances the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets (taken at current value) in “convertible
securities,” i.e., securities (bonds, debentures, notes, stocks and other similar securities) that are convertible
into common stock or other equity securities, and “income securities,” i.e., nonconvertible debt or equity
securities having a history of regular payments or accrual of income to holders (the “80% Policy”). The 80%
Policy may be changed without shareholder approval. However, the Fund has adopted a policy to provide shareholders with
notice at least sixty days prior to the implementation of any change in the 80% Policy.
The
Fund may invest without limit in securities rated below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated
securities of comparable quality, including securities of issuers in default, which are likely to have the lowest rating; provided,
however, that it is expected that not more than 50% of the Fund’s portfolio will consist of securities rated CCC or lower
by S&P or Caa or lower by Moody’s or, if unrated, are of comparable quality as determined by the Investment Adviser
(as defined below), and the Fund’s investments in securities of issuers in default will be limited to not more than 5%
of the total assets of the Fund. Securities rated below investment grade, which may be preferred shares or debt, are predominantly
speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Securities that are rated lower than “BBB” by
S&P, or lower than “Baa” by Moody’s or unrated securities considered by the Investment Adviser to be of
comparable quality, are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities. See “Investment
Objective and Policies” in the Prospectus.
The
Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, which are generally denominated in foreign
currencies. The Fund may also purchase sponsored American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”) or U.S. denominated
securities of foreign issuers, which will not be included in the Fund’s 25% foreign securities limitation. See “Investment
Objective and Policies” in the Prospectus.
The
Fund has no limit on the amount of its net assets that it may invest in unregistered and otherwise illiquid investments;
however the Fund currently does not intend to invest more than 15% of its total assets in illiquid convertible securities
or income securities.
|
Investment Adviser |
Gabelli Funds, LLC, a New York limited liability
company, with offices at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422, serves as investment adviser to the Fund (the “Investment
Adviser”). The Investment Adviser’s investment philosophy with respect to equity and debt 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 issuer’s 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. |
Preferred Shares |
The terms
of each series of preferred shares may be fixed by our Board of Directors (each member, a “Director,” and collectively,
the “Board” or the “Board of Directors”) and may materially limit and/or qualify the rights of holders of
the Fund’s common shares. If the Fund’s Board determines that it may be advantageous to the Fund for the Fund to utilize
additional leverage, the Fund may issue additional series of fixed rate preferred shares in addition to the currently outstanding
Series G Preferred Shares. Any fixed rate preferred shares issued by the Fund will pay distributions at a fixed rate. 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 “Additional
Fund Information—Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Special Risks to Holders of Common Shares—Leverage Risk”
in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders on Form N-CSR for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 (the “Annual
Report”). The Fund may also determine in the future to issue other forms of senior securities, such as securities representing
debt, subject to the limitations of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund may also
borrow money, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. |
Dividends
and Distributions
|
Preferred
Shares Distributions. As required by the 1940 Act, all preferred shares of the Fund must have the same
seniority with respect to distributions. Accordingly, no complete distribution due for a particular dividend
period will be declared or paid on any series of preferred shares of the Fund for any dividend period, or
part thereof, unless full cumulative dividends and distributions due through the most recent dividend payment
dates for all series of outstanding preferred shares of the Fund are declared and paid. If full cumulative
distributions due have not been declared and made on all outstanding preferred shares of the Fund, any distributions
on such preferred shares will be made 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. As used herein, “Governing Documents” means the Fund’s charter ("Charter") and bylaws
(“Bylaws”).
The
distributions to the Fund’s preferred shareholders for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023, were comprised
of net investment income and short term and long term capital gains. The Fund’s annualized distributions may
in the future contain a return of capital. Shareholders who receive the payment of a distribution consisting of a return
of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving net profits when they are not. Shareholders should not
assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net profit. The composition of each distribution is estimated
based on the earnings of the Fund as of the record date for each distribution. The actual composition of each year’s
distributions will be based on the Fund’s investment activity through the end of the calendar year. In addition,
any amount treated as a tax free return of capital will reduce a shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares,
thereby increasing the shareholder’s potential taxable gain or reducing the potential taxable loss on the sale of
the shares.
Distributions
on fixed rate preferred shares, at the applicable annual rate of the per share liquidation preference, are cumulative
from the original issue date and are payable, when, as and if declared by the Board, out of funds legally available therefor.
Common
Share Distributions. In order to allow its common shareholders to realize a predictable, but not assured, level of
cash flow and some liquidity periodically on their investment without having to sell shares, the Fund has adopted a managed
distribution policy of paying, on a quarterly basis, a minimum annual distribution of 8% of the average net asset value
of the Fund within a calendar year or an amount sufficient to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to maintain its status as a “regulated investment company”
under Subchapter M of the Code (“RIC”) and avoid paying U.S. federal excise tax, whichever is greater. The
average net asset value of the Fund is based on the average net asset values as of the last day of the four preceding
calendar quarters during the year. The Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any taxable income that
it distributes to shareholders, provided that at least 90% of its investment company taxable income for that taxable year
is distributed to its shareholders. See “Taxation” in the Prospectus.
Under
the Fund’s distribution policy, the Fund declares and pays quarterly distributions from net investment income, capital gains,
and paid-in capital. The actual source of the distribution is determined after the end of the year. If the Fund does not generate
sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions
paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return
of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s tax basis in the shares (reducing the basis accordingly) and as capital gains
thereafter. Since a return of capital is considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is
generally not taxable and is treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis, thereby increasing the shareholder’s
potential taxable gain or reducing the potential taxable loss on the sale of the shares. In determining the extent to which a
distribution will be treated as being made from the Fund’s earnings and profits, earnings and profits will be allocated
on a pro rata basis first to distributions with respect to preferred shares, and then to the Fund’s common shares. |
|
Distributions
sourced from paid-in capital should not be considered as the dividend yield or total
return of an investment in the Fund. Shareholders who receive the payment of a distribution
consisting of a return of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving
net profits when they are not. Shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution
from the Fund is net profit.
During
the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023, the Fund made distributions of $0.36 per common share, approximately $0.10 of which constituted
a return of capital. During the fiscal period ended March 31, 2024, the Fund made distribution of $0.24 per common share, approximately
$0.24 of which constituted a return of capital. When the Fund makes distributions consisting of returns of capital, such distributions
may further decrease the Fund’s total assets and, therefore have the likely effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio
as the Fund’s fixed expenses will become a larger percentage of the Fund’s 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 independent investment judgment may
not dictate such action. These effects could have a negative impact on the prices investors receive when they sell shares of the Fund.
The
Fund’s distribution policy, including its policy to pay quarterly distributions and the annualized amount that the Fund
seeks to distribute, may be modified from time to time by the Board as it deems appropriate, including in light of market and
economic conditions and the Fund’s current, expected and historical earnings and investment performance. Common shareholders
are expected to be notified of any such modifications by press release or in the Fund’s periodic shareholder reports.
Limitations
on Distributions. If at any time the Fund has borrowings outstanding, the Fund will be prohibited from paying any distributions
on any of its common shares (other than in additional shares) and from repurchasing any of its common shares or preferred shares,
unless the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceed 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding
and exceed 200% of the sum of the amount of debt and preferred shares outstanding. In addition, in such circumstances the Fund
will be prohibited from paying any distributions on its preferred shares unless the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary
course liabilities, exceed 200% of the amount of debt outstanding.
|
Indebtedness |
Under applicable
state law and our Charter, we may borrow money without prior approval of holders of common and preferred shares. We may issue
debt securities, including notes, or other evidence of indebtedness and may secure any such notes or borrowings by mortgaging,
pledging or otherwise subjecting as security our assets to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or rating agency guidelines.
Any borrowings, including without limitation any notes, will rank senior to the preferred shares and the common shares. The
Prospectus Supplement will describe the interest payment provisions relating to notes. Interest on notes will be payable when
due as described in the related Prospectus Supplement. If we do not pay interest when due, it will trigger an event of default
and we will be restricted from declaring dividends and making other distributions with respect to our common shares and preferred
shares. |
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 Fund’s investment
objective 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 Fund’s anticipated investment period extending to
as long as six months. This could occur if market conditions are unstable to such an extent
that the Investment Adviser believes market risk is greater than the benefit of making
additional investments at that time. Depending on market conditions and operations, a portion
of the cash held by the Fund, including any proceeds raised from the offering to be identified
in any relevant Prospectus Supplement, may be used to pay distributions in accordance with
the Fund’s distribution policy. Such distribution may include a return of capital
and should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment in
the Fund.
See
“Use of Proceeds” in the Prospectus. |
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|
Exchange Listing |
The
Fund’s common shares are listed on the NYSE under the trading or “ticker”
symbol “GCV.” The Fund’s common shares have historically traded at a
discount to the Fund’s net asset value. Since the Fund commenced trading on the NYSE,
the Fund’s common shares have traded at a maximum discount to net asset value of
(34.4)% and a maximum premium of 33.9%.
The
Fund’s Series G Preferred Shares were issued in a private placement and are not listed on any exchange. Any series of
fixed rate preferred shares or subscription rights issued in the future pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement by the Fund
would likely be listed on the NYSE.
See
“Description of the Securities” in the Prospectus. |
Risk
Factors and Special Considerations |
Risk
is inherent in all investing and you could lose all or any portion of the amount you invest in our securities. Therefore,
before investing in our securities, you should consider the risks described in this Prospectus, the Fund’s Annual
Report and any Prospectus Supplement carefully. The following is only a summary of certain risks of investing in the Fund
described in more detail in the Fund’s Annual Report and elsewhere in this Prospectus and any applicable Prospectus
Supplement. Before you invest, you should read the full summary of the risks of investing in the Fund, beginning on page
11 this Prospectus under the heading “Risk Factors and Special Considerations,” in any accompanying Prospectus
Supplement and under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Risk Factors and Special Considerations”
in the Fund’s Annual Report.
Risks
related to the Fund’s portfolio investments include risks related to:
● investing
in convertible securities, common stock, preferred stock, fixed-income securities, corporate bonds, non-investment grade securities,
and restricted and illiquid securities;
● investing
in the direct obligations of the government of the United States or its agencies;
● investing
in securities of foreign issuers;
● use
of financial leverage; and
● derivative transactions.
Special
risks to investors in the Fund’s common shares include risks relating to the Fund’s common share distribution
policy, dividends and use of leverage, the common shares’ market price and liquidity, dilution and portfolio turnover.
Special
risks to investors in the Fund’s preferred shares include risks relating to the preferred shares’ market price
and liquidity, distributions on the preferred shares, redemption, reinvestment and subordination.
Special
risks to investors in the Fund’s notes include risks relating to the notes’ liquidity, market price (if traded)
and terms of redemption.
Special
risks to investors in the Fund’s preferred shares and notes include risks relating to common share repurchases,
common share distributions and credit quality ratings.
Special
risks to holders of the Fund’s subscription rights include risks relating to dilution, market price for subscription
rights and the value of the rights.
Other
general risks include risks related to:
● the Fund’s long term investment horizon, management and dependence on key personnel;
● market risks, market disruptions and geopolitical events, economic events and market events, government intervention in the financial
markets, and inflation;
● the anti-takeover provisions in the Fund’s Governing Documents; and
● the
Fund’s status as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. |
Management
and Fees |
Gabelli
Funds, LLC serves as the Fund’s investment adviser and is compensated for its services
and its related expenses at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net
assets including the liquidation value of preferred shares. In calculating net assets for
this purpose, liabilities does not include amounts attributable to liabilities constituting
indebtedness. Therefore, the Fund will pay an advisory fee on any assets attributable to
leverage it uses. The Investment Adviser is responsible for administration of the Fund and
currently utilizes and pays the fees of a third party administrator. The fee paid by the
Fund may be higher when leverage is utilized, giving the Investment Adviser an incentive
to utilize such leverage.
Because
the investment advisory fees are based on a percentage of net assets, which includes assets attributable to the Fund’s
use of leverage and assets from derivative transactions, the Investment Adviser may have a conflict of interest in the input
it provides to the Board regarding whether to use or increase the Fund’s use of leverage and/or derivative transactions.
The Board bases its decision, with input from the Investment Adviser, regarding whether and how much leverage to use for the
Fund on its assessment of whether such use of leverage is in the best interest of the Fund. The Board seeks to manage the Investment
Adviser’s potential conflict of interest by retaining the final decision on these matters and by periodically reviewing
the Fund’s performance and use of leverage.
See
“Management of the Fund—General” in the Prospectus. |
|
|
Repurchase
of Common Shares
|
The Fund is authorized to repurchase up to 500,000
of 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 Fund’s Board may determine from time to time). Although the Board has authorized such
repurchases, the Fund is not required to repurchase its common shares. During the six months ended March 31, 2024, the fiscal
period ended September 30, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not repurchase and retire any shares in
the open market. Any such repurchases are subject to certain notice and other requirements under the 1940 Act. See “Repurchase
of Common Shares” in the Prospectus. |
|
|
Anti-Takeover
Provisions |
Certain
provisions of the Fund’s Governing Documents, may be regarded as “anti-takeover” provisions. Pursuant
to these provisions, only one of three classes of directors is elected each year, and the affirmative vote of the holders
of 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund and the vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the holders of
preferred shares voting as a single class are necessary to authorize the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an
open-end investment company. In addition, we are subject to the Maryland Business Combination Act, subject to any applicable
requirements of the 1940 Act.
We
have also adopted measures that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including provisions
of our Charter classifying the Board in three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and authorizing the Board to
classify or reclassify shares of our stock in one or more classes or series and to cause the issuance of additional shares
of our stock without shareholder approval.
On February 16, 2023, the Fund elected to be subject to the Maryland
Control Share Acquisition Act (the “Control Share Act”). The Control Share Act provides that a holder of control shares acquired
in a control share acquisition has no voting rights with respect to those shares except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds
of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares owned by the acquiror, by officers or by directors who are employees of the corporation
are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. Control shares are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other
shares of stock owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power
(except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one
of the following ranges of voting power:
●
one-tenth or more but less than one-third;
●
one-third or more but less than a majority; or
●
a majority or more of all voting power.
A control share acquisition means the acquisition of issued and outstanding
control shares, subject to certain exceptions.
In connection with the Fund’s election to be subject to the Control
Share Act, the Fund’s Board of Directors adopted resolutions and
amended the Fund’s bylaws such that the Control Share Act does not apply (a) to
shares of any class or series of stock of the Fund other than common stock, (b) to any acquisition by Mario J. Gabelli, or any affiliates
or associates, thereof, of shares of stock of the Fund, or (c) to shares of stock of the Fund in a control share acquisition if, prior
to the acquisition, the person obtains approval of the Board of Directors exempting the acquisition from the Control Share Act. In addition,
to the extent that any provision of the Control Share Act is determined to be inconsistent with the 1940 Act, then any such provision
shall not apply.
In connection with electing to be
subject to the Control Share Act, the Board of Directors of the Fund determined that such election and the implementation thereof in
the Fund’s bylaws as described above, including providing that the Control Share Act does not apply to certain transactions,
as set forth above, is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund should not be viewed as a vehicle for
short-term trading purposes. It is designed primarily for risk-tolerant long-term investors.
Some uncertainty around the general application under the 1940 Act
of state control share statutes exists as a result of recent court decisions which have held that control share provisions in funds’
governing documents are not consistent with the 1940 Act. Additionally, in some circumstances uncertainty may also exist in how to enforce
the control share restrictions contained in state control share statutes against beneficial owners who hold their shares through financial
intermediaries. See “Certain Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and Our Charter and Bylaws—Control Share
Acquisitions” in the Prospectus.
These provisions, as well as other provisions of our Charter and Bylaws,
may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our shareholders.
|
|
|
|
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 “Certain Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation
Law and Our Charter and Bylaws” in the Prospectus. |
Custodian |
State Street
Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), located at State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02111, serves as the custodian (the “Custodian”) of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a custody
agreement. Under the custody agreement, the Custodian holds the Fund’s 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. |
|
|
Transfer Agent and Dividend
Disbursing Agent |
Computershare
Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”), whose principal address is 250 Royall Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116,
serves as the Fund’s dividend disbursing agent, as agent under the Fund’s automatic dividend reinvestment and
voluntary cash payment plans and as transfer agent and registrar with respect to the common shares and preferred shares of
the Fund. |
SUMMARY
OF FUND EXPENSES
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Summary of Fund Expenses” in the Fund’s
Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Price
Range of Common Shares
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Summary of Fund Expenses—Market, Net Asset
Value Information and Unresolved Staff Comments” in the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference. The following
table sets forth for the quarters indicated, the high and low sale prices on the NYSE per share of our common shares and the net
asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value per share at which the common shares were trading, expressed as a
percentage of net asset value, at each of the high and low sale prices provided.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
Market Price | |
Corresponding Net Asset Value (“NAV”) Per Share | |
Corresponding Premium or Discount as a % of NAV |
Quarter Ended | |
High | |
Low | |
High | |
Low | |
High | |
Low |
December 31, 2023 | |
$3.74 | |
$3.20 | |
$3.82 | |
$3.61 | |
(2.09)% | |
(11.36)% |
March 31, 2024 | |
$3.81 | |
$3.51 | |
$3.80 | |
$3.81 | |
0.26% | |
(7.87)% |
June 30, 2024 | |
$3.74 | |
$3.41 | |
$3.77 | |
$3.64 | |
$(0.80)% | |
$(6.32)% |
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
The
information contained under the headings “Financial Highlights” and “Additional Fund Information—Summary of Fund
Expenses—Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each year” in the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference. The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial
performance. The information in this table for the past five years is derived from the Fund’s financial statements audited by Tait,
Weller & Baker LLP, independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, whose report on such financial statements, together
with the financial statements of the Fund, are included in the Fund’s Annual Report and are incorporated by reference herein.
SENIOR
SECURITIES
The
information contained under the headings “Financial Highlights” and “Additional Fund Information—Summary of Fund
Expenses—Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each year” in the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference. The information contained under such headings in the Annual Report concerning the Fund’s
outstanding senior securities for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the years ended December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021,
December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is derived from the Fund’s financial statements audited by Tait, Weller & Baker LLP,
independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, whose report on such financial statements, together with the financial statements
of the Fund, are included in the Annual Report and are incorporated by reference herein.
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 Fund’s
investment objective 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 Fund’s anticipated investment period
extending to as long as six months. This could occur if market conditions are unstable to such an extent that the Investment Adviser
believes market risk is greater than the benefit of making additional investments at that time. Depending on market conditions
and operations, a portion of the cash held by the Fund, including any proceeds raised from the offering to be identified in any
relevant Prospectus Supplement, may be used to pay distributions in accordance with the Fund’s distribution policy. Such
distribution may include a return of capital and should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment
in the Fund.
While
it does not currently expect to do so, the Fund may use the net proceeds from the offering to call, redeem or repurchase shares
of its Series G Preferred Shares. The distribution rate on the Series G Preferred Shares is 5.200%. The Series G Preferred Shares
are subject to mandatory redemption by the Fund on June 26, 2025.
THE
FUND
The
Fund was incorporated in Maryland on December 19, 1988, as an open-end, diversified, management investment company and converted
to closed-end status after receiving shareholder approval of its Charter on February 21, 1995 and filing its Charter in Maryland
on March 31, 1995. The Fund’s principal office is located at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Investment
Objective and Policies
The
investment objective of the Fund is to seek a high level of total return on its assets. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective
through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. There is no assurance that this objective will be achieved. It is,
however, a fundamental policy of the Fund and cannot be changed without shareholder approval.
Under
normal circumstances the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets (taken at current value) in “convertible
securities,” i.e., securities (bonds, debentures, notes, stocks and other similar securities) that are convertible into
common stock or other equity securities, and “income securities,” i.e., nonconvertible debt or equity securities having
a history of regular payments or accrual of income to holders. Securities received upon conversion of a convertible security will
not be included in the calculation of the percentage of Fund assets invested in convertible securities but may be retained in
the Fund’s portfolio to permit orderly disposition or to establish long-term holding periods for federal income tax purposes.
The Fund expects to continue its practice of focusing on convertible securities to the extent attractive opportunities are available.
We cannot assure you that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund may invest without limit in securities rated
below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable quality, including securities
of issuers in default, which are likely to have the lowest rating; provided, however, that not more than 50% of the Fund’s
portfolio will consist of securities rated CCC or lower by S&P or Caa or lower by Moody’s or, if unrated, are of comparable
quality as determined by the Investment Adviser, and the Fund’s investments in securities of issuers in default will be
limited to not more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund. Securities rated below investment grade, which may be preferred shares
or debt, are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Securities that are rated lower
than “BBB” by S&P, or lower than “Baa” by Moody’s or unrated securities considered by the Investment
Adviser to be of comparable quality, are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities.
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Investment Objectives and Policies” in
the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
RISK
FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Risk Factors and Special Considerations”
in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
HOW
THE FUND MANAGES RISK
Investment
Restrictions
The
Fund has adopted certain investment restrictions as fundamental policies 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). In addition, pursuant to the Fund’s Series G Preferred Articles Supplementary, a majority,
as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding preferred shares of the Fund (voting separately as a single class) is also required
to change a fundamental policy. See “Investment Restrictions” in the SAI and “Additional Fund Information—Investment
Restrictions” in the Annual Report. The Fund may become subject to rating agency guidelines that are more limiting than
its current investment restrictions in order to obtain and maintain a desired rating on its preferred shares, if any.
The
Fund’s investment objective is a fundamental policy. Except as expressly listed under “Investment Restrictions”
none of the Fund’s other policies is fundamental, and each may be modified by the Board without shareholder approval.
Interest
Rate Transactions
The
Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions to manage its borrowing costs, as well as to increase income. The use
of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from
those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. In an interest rate swap, the Fund would agree to pay to the other
party to the interest rate swap (which is known as the “counterparty”) periodically a fixed rate payment in exchange
for the counterparty agreeing to pay to the fund periodically a variable rate payment that is intended to approximate the Fund’s
variable rate payment obligation on its borrowings (or the Fund’s potential variable payment obligations on fixed rate preferred
shares that may have certain variable rate features). In an interest rate cap, the Fund would pay a premium to the counterparty
to the interest rate cap and, to the extent that a specified variable rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, would receive
from the counterparty payments of the difference based on the notional amount of such cap. Interest rate swap and cap transactions
introduce additional risk because the Fund would remain obligated to pay interest or preferred shares dividends when due even
if the counterparty defaulted. Depending on the general state of short term interest rates and the returns on the Fund’s
portfolio securities at that point in time, such a default could negatively affect the Fund’s ability to make interest payments
or dividend payments on the preferred shares. In addition, at the time an interest rate swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled
termination date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the
replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it could have a negative impact on the Fund’s
ability to make interest payments or dividend payments on the preferred shares. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates,
the value of the interest rate swap or cap could decline, resulting in a decline in the asset coverage for the borrowings or preferred
shares. A sudden and dramatic decline in interest rates may result in a significant decline in the asset coverage. If the Fund
fails to maintain the required asset coverage on any outstanding borrowings or preferred shares or fails to comply with other
covenants, the Fund may be required to redeem some or all of these shares. Any such prepayment or redemption would likely result
in the Fund seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap or cap transactions. Early termination of a swap could result
in a termination payment by the Fund to the counterparty, while early termination of a cap could result in a termination payment
to the Fund.
The
Fund may enter into equity contract for difference swap transactions, for the purpose of increasing the income of the Fund. In
an equity contract for difference swap, a set of future cash flows is exchanged between two counterparties. One of these cash
flow streams will typically be based on a reference interest rate combined with the performance of a notional value of shares
of a stock. The other will be based on the performance of the shares of a stock. Depending on the general state of short term
interest rates and the returns on the Fund’s portfolio securities at the time a swap transaction reaches its scheduled termination
date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement
will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction.
The
Fund will usually enter into swaps or caps on a net basis; that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash settlement
on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net
amount of the two payments. The Fund intends to segregate or earmark cash or liquid assets having a value at least equal to the
value of the Fund’s net payment obligations under any swap transaction, marked to market daily. The Fund will monitor any
such swap with a view to ensuring that the Fund remains in compliance with all applicable regulatory, investment policy and tax
requirements.
If
the Fund writes (sells) a credit default swap or credit default index swap, then the Fund will, during the term of the swap agreement,
designate on its books and records in connection with such transaction liquid assets or cash with a value at least equal to the
full notional amount of the contract.
Further
information on the investment objective and policies of the Fund is set forth in the SAI.
MANAGEMENT
OF THE FUND
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Management of the Fund” in the Fund’s
Annual Report and under the heading “Proposal: To Elect Five (5) Directors of the Fund” in the Fund’s Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
PORTFOLIO
TRANSACTIONS
Principal
transactions are not entered into with affiliates of the Fund. However, G.research may execute portfolio transactions on stock
exchanges and in the OTC markets on an agency basis and may be paid commissions. For a more detailed discussion of the Fund’s
brokerage allocation practices, see “Portfolio Transactions” in the SAI.
DIVIDENDS
AND DISTRIBUTIONS
In
order to allow its common shareholders to realize a predictable, but not assured, level of cash flow and some liquidity periodically
on their investment without having to sell shares, the Fund has adopted a managed distribution policy of paying, on a quarterly
basis, a minimum distribution at an annual rate equal to 8% of the average net asset value of the Fund within a calendar year
on an amount sufficient to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Code to maintain its status as a RIC and avoid
paying U.S. federal excise tax, whichever is greater. The average net asset value of the Fund is based on the average net asset
values as of the last day of the four preceding calendar quarters during the year. As a RIC under the Code, the Fund will not
be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any taxable income that it distributes to shareholders, provided that at least 90% of
its investment company taxable income for that taxable year is distributed to its shareholders. See “Taxation” in
the Prospectus.
Under
the Fund’s distribution policy, the Fund declares and pays quarterly distributions from net investment income, capital gains,
and paid-in capital. The actual source of the distribution is determined after the end of the year. If the Fund does not generate
sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions
paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return
of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s tax basis in the shares (reducing the basis accordingly) and as capital gains
thereafter. Since a return of capital is considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is
generally not taxable and is treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis, thereby increasing the shareholder’s
potential taxable gain or reducing the potential taxable loss on the sale of the shares. In determining the extent to which a
distribution will be treated as being made from the Fund’s earnings and profits, earnings and profits will be allocated
on a pro rata basis first to distributions with respect to preferred shares, and then to the Fund’s common shares.
Distributions
sourced from paid-in capital should not be considered as the dividend yield or total return of an investment in the Fund. Shareholders
who receive the payment of a distribution consisting of a return of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving
net profits when they are not. Shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net profit.
During
the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023, the Fund made distributions of $0.36 per common share, approximately $0.10 of which
constituted a return of capital. When the Fund makes distributions consisting of returns of capital, such distributions may further
decrease the Fund’s total assets and, therefore have the likely effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio as the
Fund’s fixed expenses will become a larger percentage of the Fund’s 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 independent investment judgment
may not dictate such action. These effects could have a negative impact on the prices investors receive when they sell shares
of the Fund.
The
Fund’s distribution policy, including its policy to pay quarterly distributions and the annualized amount that the Fund
seeks to distribute, may be modified from time to time by the Board as it deems appropriate, including in light of market and
economic conditions and the Fund’s current, expected and historical earnings and investment performance. Common shareholders
are expected to be notified of any such modifications by press release or in the Fund’s periodic shareholder reports.
The
Fund, along with other closed-end registered investment companies advised by the Investment Adviser, is covered by an exemption
from Section 19(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder permitting the Fund to make periodic distributions of long term capital
gains provided that any distribution policy of the Fund with respect to its common shares calls for periodic distributions in
an amount equal to a fixed percentage of the Fund’s average net asset value over a specified period of time or market price
per common share at or about the time of distribution or pay-out of a fixed dollar amount. The Fund’s current policy is
to make quarterly distributions to holders of its common shares. The exemption also permits the Fund to make such distributions
with respect to any preferred shares in accordance with such shares’ terms.
Limitations
on Distributions. If at any time the Fund has borrowings outstanding, the Fund will be prohibited from paying any distributions
on any of its common shares (other than in additional shares) and from repurchasing any of its common shares or preferred shares,
unless the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceed 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding
and exceed 200% of the sum of the amount of debt and preferred shares outstanding. In addition, in such circumstances the Fund
will be prohibited from paying any distributions on its preferred shares unless the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary
course liabilities, exceed 200% of the amount of debt outstanding.
AUTOMATIC
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLANS
Under
the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”), a shareholder whose
common shares are registered in his or her own name will have all distributions reinvested automatically by Computershare, which
is the agent under the Plan, unless the shareholder elects to receive cash. Distributions with respect to common 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 common 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 Computershare as dividend-disbursing agent.
Enrollment
in the Plan
It
is the policy of the Fund to automatically reinvest dividends payable to common shareholders. As a “registered” shareholder
you automatically become a participant in the Plan. The Plan authorizes the Fund to credit common shares to participants upon an income
dividend or a capital gains distribution regardless of whether the shares are trading at a discount or a premium to net asset value.
All distributions to shareholders whose shares are registered in their own names will be automatically reinvested pursuant to the Plan
in additional common shares of the Fund. Plan participants may send their common shares certificates to Computershare to be held in their
dividend reinvestment account. Registered shareholders wishing to receive their distributions in cash may submit this request through
the Internet, by telephone or in writing to:
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
c/o
Computershare
P.O.
Box 505000
Louisville,
KY 40233-5000
Telephone:
(800) 336-6983
Website:
www.computershare.com/investor
Shareholders
requesting this cash election must include the shareholder’s name and address as they appear on the Fund’s records.
Shareholders with additional questions regarding the Plan or requesting a copy of the terms of the Plan, may contact Computershare
at the website or telephone number above.
If
your common shares are held in the name of a broker, bank, or nominee, you should contact such institution. If such institution is not
participating in the Plan, your account will be credited with a cash dividend. In order to participate in the Plan through such institution,
it may be necessary for you to have your common shares taken out of “street name” and re-registered in your own name. Once
registered in your own name your distributions will be automatically reinvested. Certain brokers participate in the Plan. Shareholders
holding shares in “street name” at participating institutions will have dividends automatically reinvested. Shareholders
wishing a cash dividend at such institution must contact their broker to make this change.
The
number of common shares distributed to participants in the Plan in lieu of cash dividends is determined in the following manner. Under
the Plan, whenever the market price of the Fund’s 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 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 Fund’s common shares The valuation date is the dividend or distribution payment date or, if that date is not a New York
Stock Exchange (“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 from the Fund valued at market price. If the Fund should
declare a dividend or capital gains distribution payable only in cash, Computershare will buy common shares in the open market, or on
the NYSE or elsewhere, for the participants’ accounts, except that Computershare will endeavor to terminate purchases in the open
market and cause the Fund to issue shares at net asset value if, following the commencement of such purchases, the market value of the
common shares exceeds the then current 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 common shares.
Voluntary
Cash Purchase Plan
The
Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan is yet another vehicle for our shareholders to increase their investment in the Fund. In order to
participate in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan, shareholders must have their shares registered in their own name.
Participants
in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan have the option of making additional cash payments to Computershare for investments in the Fund’s
common shares at the then current market price. Shareholders may send an amount from $250 to $10,000. Computershare will use these funds
to purchase shares in the open market on or about the 1st and 15th of each month. Computershare will charge each shareholder who participates
$0.75, plus a per share fee (currently $0.02 per share). Per share fees include any applicable brokerage commissions Computershare is
required to pay and fees for such purchases are expected to be less than the usual fees for such transactions. It is suggested that any
voluntary cash payments be sent to Computershare, P.O. Box 6006, Carol Stream, IL 60197-6006 such that Computershare receives such payments
approximately two business days before the 1st and 15th of the month. Funds not received at least two business days before the investment
date shall be held for investment until the next purchase date. A payment may be withdrawn without charge if notice is received by Computershare
at least two business days before such payment is to be invested.
Shareholders
wishing to liquidate shares held at Computershare may do so through the Internet, in writing or by telephone to the above-mentioned
website, address or telephone number. Include in your request your name, address, and account number. Computershare will sell
such shares through a broker-dealer selected by Computershare within 5 business days of receipt of the request. The sale price
will equal the weighted average price of all shares sold through the Plan on the day of the sale, less applicable fees. Participants
should note that Computershare is unable to accept instructions to sell on a specific date or at a specific price. The cost to
liquidate shares is $2.50 per transaction as well as the per share fee (currently $0.10 per share) Per share fees include any
applicable brokerage commissions Computershare is required to pay and are expected to be less than the usual fees for such transactions.
More
information regarding the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan is available by calling (914)
921-5070 or by writing directly to the Fund.
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 30 days before the record date for such
dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by Computershare on at least 30 days written notice to participants
in the Plan.
DESCRIPTION
OF THE SECURITIES
The
following is a brief description of the terms of the Fund’s common and preferred stock, subscription rights, and notes.
This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the Fund’s Governing Documents. For complete
terms of the shares, please refer to the actual terms of such series, which are set forth in the Governing Documents. For complete
terms of the subscription rights, please refer to the actual terms of such subscription rights which will be set forth in the
subscription rights agreement relating to such subscription rights (the “Subscription Rights Agreement”). For complete
terms of the notes, please refer to the actual terms of such notes, which will be set forth in an Indenture relating to such notes
(the “Indenture”).
Common
Shares
The
Fund is authorized to issue 1,000,000,000 shares of capital stock, par value $.001 per share, in multiple classes and series thereof
as determined from time to time by the Board. As of September 6, 2024, 19,585,962
common shares were outstanding. The common shares of the Fund are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GCV” and began trading
March 31, 1995. The Fund’s common shares have historically traded at a discount to the Fund’s net asset value. Since
the Fund commenced trading on the NYSE, the Fund’s common shares have traded at a maximum discount to net asset value of (32.4)%
and a maximum premium of 33.9%. The average weekly trading volume of the common shares on the NYSE during the period from January 1,
2023 through September 30, 2023 was 116,956 shares. Though the Fund expects to pay distributions quarterly on the common shares, it is
not obligated to do so. Each share within a particular class or series thereof has equal voting, dividend, distribution and liquidation
rights. All shares, when issued in accordance with the terms of the applicable offering, will be fully paid and non-assessable. The
common shares are not redeemable and have no preemptive, conversion or cumulative voting rights.
Offerings
of shares require approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors. 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 Fund’s
outstanding common shareholders.
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 Fund’s common shares vote as a single class on election of Directors
and on additional matters with respect to which the 1940 Act, Maryland law, the Fund’s Charter, Bylaws or resolutions adopted
by the Board provide for a vote of the Fund’s common shares. See “Certain Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation
Law and Our Charter and Bylaws.”
The
Fund is a 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, subject to maintaining required asset coverage for each series of outstanding
preferred shares. The Board has authorized such repurchases to be made when the Fund’s 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). 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 interest
in the Fund.
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 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. The repurchase of common shares will reduce the total assets of the Fund available
for investment and may increase the Fund’s expense ratio. During the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the year
ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not repurchase and retire any shares in the open market.
Book-Entry
The
common shares 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 common shares purchased for purposes of distributions,
voting and liquidation rights.
Preferred
Shares
Under
the Fund’s Charter, the Board of Directors has the authority to classify or reclassify the Fund’s 1,000,000,000 authorized
shares of capital stock as preferred shares. 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 Fund’s common shares.
As
of August 6, 2024, the Fund had outstanding 640,000
Series G Preferred Shares. Distributions
on the Series G Preferred Shares accumulate at an annual rate of 5.200% of the liquidation preference of $10.00
per share, are cumulative from Shares
are the date of original issuance thereof, and are payable semiannually
on June 26, and December 26
of each year. The Series G Preferred Shares are subject to mandatory redemption by the Fund on June 26, 2025, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased
by the Fund. The Series G Preferred Shares were issued in a private placement and is not listed on any exchange.
If
the Fund publicly issues additional preferred shares, it will pay dividends to the holders of the preferred shares at a fixed
rate, 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 Fund’s creditors but before any distributions with respect to the Fund’s
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 share’s 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 Fund’s 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.
Redemption,
Purchase and Sale of Preferred Shares by the Fund. The terms of any preferred shares are expected to provide that
(i) they are redeemable by the Fund at any time (either after the date of initial issuance, or after some period of time
following initial issuance) in whole or in part at the original purchase price per share plus accumulated dividends per share,
(ii) the Fund may tender for or purchase preferred shares and (iii) the Fund may subsequently resell any shares so tendered
for or purchased. Any redemption or purchase of preferred shares by the Fund will reduce the leverage applicable to the common
shares, while any resale of preferred shares by the Fund will increase that leverage.
Rating
Agency Guidelines. The Series G Preferred Shares are not rated by any rating agency. Upon issuance, any new publicly
issued series of preferred shares may be rated by Moody’s or Fitch, in which case the following description of rating agency
guidelines would become applicable.
The
Fund expects that it would be required under any applicable rating agency guidelines to maintain assets having in the aggregate
a discounted value at least equal to the Basic Maintenance Amount (as defined in the applicable organizational documents for each
series of preferred shares) for its outstanding preferred shares with respect to the separate guidelines Moody’s and Fitch
has each established for determining discounted value. To the extent any particular portfolio holding does not satisfy the applicable
rating agency’s guidelines, all or a portion of such holding’s value will not be included in the calculation of discounted
value (as defined by such rating agency). The Moody’s and Fitch guidelines would also impose certain diversification requirements
and industry concentration limitations on the Fund’s overall portfolio, and apply specified discounts to securities held
by the Fund (except certain money market securities). The “Basic Maintenance Amount” is calculated as set out in the
organizational documents for each series of preferred shares.
The
“Basic Maintenance Amount” is generally equal to (a) the sum of (i) 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, (ii) the Fund’s other liabilities (excluding dividends and other distributions payable on the Fund’s
common shares) and (iii) any other current liabilities of the Fund (including amounts due and payable by the Fund pursuant
to reverse repurchase agreements and payables for assets purchased) less (b) the value of the Fund’s assets if such
assets are either cash or evidences of indebtedness which mature prior to or on the date of redemption or repurchase of preferred
shares or payment of another liability and are either U.S. government securities or evidences of indebtedness rated at least “Aaa,” “P-1”, “VMIG-1” or “MIG-1” by
Moody’s or “AAA”, “SP-1+” or “A-1+” by S&P and are held by the
Fund for distributions, the redemption or repurchase of preferred shares or the Fund’s 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 any applicable rating agency or agencies then rating the preferred shares at the
request of the Fund, the Fund may, and in certain circumstances would be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares.
The
Fund may, but would not be required to, adopt any modifications to the rating agency guidelines that may be established by Moody’s
and Fitch (or such other rating agency then rating the preferred shares at the request of the Fund) following the issuance of
any such rated preferred shares. Failure to adopt any such modifications, however, may result in a change in the relevant rating
agency’s 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 shareholders,
would be expected to be able to amend, alter, add to or repeal any provision of a Articles Supplementary adopted pursuant to rating
agency guidelines if the Board determines that such amendments or modifications are necessary to prevent a reduction in, or the
withdrawal of, a rating of the preferred shares and are in the aggregate in the best interests of the holders of the preferred
shares. Additionally, the Board, without further action by the shareholders, would be expected to be able to amend, alter, add
to or repeal any provision of any Articles Supplementary adopted pursuant to rating agency guidelines if the Board determines
that such amendments or modifications will not in the aggregate adversely affect the rights and preferences of the holders of
any series of the preferred shares, provided that the Fund has received advice from each applicable rating agency that such amendment
or modification is not expected to adversely affect such rating agency’s then-current rating of such series of the Fund’s
preferred shares.
As
described by Moody’s and Fitch, any ratings assigned to the preferred shares are assessments of the capacity and willingness
of the Fund to pay the obligations of each series of the preferred shares. Any ratings on the preferred shares are not recommendations
to purchase, hold or sell shares of any 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. Any ratings would be based on current information furnished
to Moody’s and Fitch by the Fund and the Investment Adviser and information obtained from other sources. Any ratings may
be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or the unavailability of, such information.
The
rating agency guidelines would 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 expects that it would pay fees to Moody’s and Fitch for rating any 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 additional preferred shares may be issued only if immediately after such issuance the value of the
Fund’s 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 shares and debt outstanding.
The
Fund is and likely will be required under the Articles Supplementary of each series of preferred shares 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 by a
specific time (generally within 60 calendar days or 49 calendar days), the Fund may, and in certain circumstances will be required
to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares sufficient to satisfy such asset coverage. See “—Redemption Procedures”
below.
Distributions. Holders
of any preferred shares are or will be entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized by the Board and declared by the Fund,
out of funds legally available therefor, cumulative cash distributions, at an annual rate set forth in the applicable Articles
Supplementary or Prospectus Supplement, payable with such frequency as set forth in the applicable Articles Supplementary or Prospectus
Supplement. Such distributions will accumulate from the date on which such shares are issued.
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 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 or distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation),
unless:
| ● | the
Fund has declared and paid (or provided to the relevant dividend paying agent) all cumulative
distributions on the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares due on or prior to the
date of such common shares dividend or distribution; |
| ● | the
Fund has redeemed the full number of preferred shares to be redeemed pursuant to any
mandatory redemption provision in the Fund’s Governing Documents; and |
| ● | after
making the distribution, the Fund meets applicable asset coverage requirements described
under “Preferred Shares—Rating Agency Guidelines” and “—Asset
Maintenance Requirements.” |
No
complete distribution due for a particular dividend period will be declared or made on any series of preferred shares for any
dividend period, or part thereof, unless full cumulative distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates therefore
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 Fund’s obligation
to make distributions on the preferred shares will be subordinate to its obligations to pay interest and principal, when due,
on any senior securities representing debt.
Mandatory
Redemption Relating to Asset Coverage Requirements. The Fund may, at its option, consistent with the 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 (generally the last business day of March, June, September
and December) and such failure is not cured on or before a specified period of time,
following such failure; or |
| ● | the
Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements as calculated in accordance with
any applicable rating agency guidelines as of any monthly valuation date (generally the
last business day of each month), and such failure is not cured on or before a specified
period of time after such valuation date. |
The
redemption price for preferred shares subject to mandatory redemption will generally be the liquidation preference, as stated in the
Articles Supplementary for the Series G Preferred Shares or the Prospectus Supplement accompanying the issuance of any series of 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 any applicable redemption premium determined by the Board and included in the applicable Articles Supplementary.
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 Fund’s assets exceed the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act after the redemption by 10% (that
is, 220% asset coverage) or some other amount specified in the Articles Supplementary. 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 Fund’s 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 10%
(that is, 110% rating agency asset coverage) or some other amount specified in the Articles Supplementary.
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 Fund’s outstanding preferred shares are to be redeemed, the Fund, at its discretion and subject to
the limitations of the Governing Documents, the 1940 Act and applicable law, 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 fewer 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. Preferred shares are not subject to optional redemption by the Fund until the date, if any, specified in the applicable
Articles Supplementary and Prospectus Supplement, unless such redemption is necessary, in the judgment of the Fund, to maintain the Fund’s
status as a RIC 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 plus any premium specified in or pursuant to the Articles
Supplementary. 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), nor 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 dividends or distributions on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on such redemption date, (vii) the
provision of the Articles Supplementary, 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 will not have the right to redeem any of their shares at their option except to the extent specified
in the Articles Supplementary.
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 then outstanding will be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating 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. Except as otherwise stated in this Prospectus, specified in the Governing Documents or resolved by the Board
or as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of preferred shares shall be entitled to one vote per share held on each matter
submitted to a vote of the shareholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common shares and of any other preferred
shares then outstanding as a single class.
In
connection with the election of the Fund’s Directors, holders of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled to elect two of the Fund’s Directors, and the remaining Directors will be elected by holders
of common shares and holders of preferred shares, voting together as a single class. In addition, if (i) at any time dividends
and distributions on outstanding preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to at least two full years’ dividends and
distributions thereon and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been deposited with the applicable paying agent for
the payment of such accumulated dividends and distributions or (ii) at any time holders of any other series of preferred
shares are entitled to elect a majority of the Directors of the Fund under the 1940 Act or the applicable Articles Supplementary
creating such shares, then the number of Directors constituting the Board automatically will be increased by the smallest number
that, when added to the two Directors elected exclusively by the holders of preferred shares as described above, would then constitute
a simple majority of the Board as so increased by such smallest number. Such additional Directors will be elected by the holders
of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a single class, at a special meeting of shareholders which will be called
as soon as practicable and will be held not less than ten nor more than twenty days after the mailing date of the meeting notice.
If the Fund fails to send such meeting notice or to call such a special meeting, the meeting may be called by any preferred shareholder
on like notice. The terms of office of the persons who are Directors at the time of that election will continue. If the Fund thereafter
pays, or declares and sets apart for payment in full, all dividends and distributions payable on all outstanding preferred shares
for all past dividend periods or the holders of other series of preferred shares are no longer entitled to elect such additional
Directors, the additional voting rights of the holders of the preferred shares as described above will cease, and the terms of
office of all of the additional Directors elected by the holders of the preferred shares (but not of the Directors with respect
to whose election the holders of common shares were entitled to vote or the two Directors the holders of preferred shares have
the right to elect as a separate class in any event) will terminate automatically.
The
1940 Act 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 (as defined in the 1940 Act), 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 Fund’s
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 Fund’s ability to take any such actions may be impeded
to the extent that there are any preferred shares outstanding. Additionally, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding preferred shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), voting as a separate class, will be required to amend, alter
or repeal any of the provisions of the Articles Supplementary so as to in the aggregate adversely affect the rights and preferences
set forth in the Articles Supplementary 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. The holders of preferred shares will
have no preemptive rights or rights to cumulative voting.
Limitation
on Issuance of Preferred Shares. So long as the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, subject to receipt of approval
from the rating agencies of each series of preferred shares outstanding, and subject to compliance with the Fund’s investment
objective, policies and restrictions, the Fund may issue and sell shares of one or more other series of additional preferred shares
provided that the Fund will, immediately after giving effect to the issuance of such additional preferred shares and to its receipt
and application of the proceeds thereof (including, without limitation, to the redemption of preferred shares to be redeemed out
of such proceeds), have an “asset coverage” for all senior securities of the Fund which are stock, as defined in the
1940 Act, of at least 200% of the sum of the liquidation preference of the preferred shares of the Fund then outstanding and all
indebtedness of the Fund constituting senior securities and no such additional preferred shares will have any preference or priority
over any other preferred shares of the Fund upon the distribution of the assets of the Fund or in respect of the payment of dividends
or distributions.
The
Fund will consider from time to time whether to offer additional preferred shares or securities representing indebtedness and
may issue such additional securities if the Board concludes that such an offering would be consistent with the Fund’s Governing
Documents and applicable law, and in the best interest of the Fund and its existing common shareholders.
Tenders
and Repurchases. In addition to the redemption provisions described herein, the Fund may also tender for or purchase
preferred shares (whether in private transactions or on the NYSE American) and the Fund may subsequently resell any shares so
tendered for or purchased, subject to the provisions of the Fund’s Governing Documents and the 1940 Act.
Book
Entry. Preferred shares may 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 preferred
shares will be deemed the beneficial owners of stock purchased for purposes of dividends, voting and liquidation rights.
Notes
General. Under
Maryland law and our Charter, we may borrow money without prior approval of holders of common and preferred shares. We may issue
debt securities, including notes, or other evidence of indebtedness and may secure any such notes or borrowings by mortgaging,
pledging or otherwise subjecting as security our assets to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or rating agency guidelines. Any
borrowings, including without limitation any notes, will rank senior to the preferred shares and the common shares.
Under
the 1940 Act, we may only issue one class of senior securities representing indebtedness, which in the aggregate, must have asset
coverage immediately after the time of issuance of at least 300%. So long as notes are outstanding, additional debt securities
must rank on a parity with notes with respect to the payment of interest and upon the distribution of our assets.
A
Prospectus Supplement relating to any notes will include specific terms relating to the offering. The terms to be stated in a
Prospectus Supplement will include the following:
| ● | the
form and title of the security; |
| ● | the
aggregate principal amount of the securities; |
| ● | the
interest rate of the securities; |
| ● | whether
the interest rate for the securities will be determined by auction or remarketing; |
| ● | the
maturity dates on which the principal of the securities will be payable; |
| ● | the
frequency with which auctions or remarketings, if any, will be held; |
| ● | any
changes to or additional events of default or covenants; |
| ● | any
minimum period prior to which the securities may not be called; |
| ● | any
optional or mandatory call or redemption provisions; |
| ● | the
credit rating of the notes; |
| ● | if
applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable
to the issuance of the notes; and |
| ● | any
other terms of the securities. |
Interest.
The Prospectus Supplement will describe the interest payment provisions relating to notes. Interest on notes will be payable when
due as described in the related Prospectus Supplement. If we do not pay interest when due, it will trigger an event of default
and we will be restricted from declaring dividends and making other distributions with respect to our common shares and preferred
shares.
Limitations.
Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, immediately after issuing any notes the value of our total assets, less certain ordinary
course liabilities, must equal or exceed 300% of the amount of the notes outstanding. Other types of borrowings also may result
in our being subject to similar covenants in credit agreements.
Additionally,
the 1940 Act requires that we prohibit the declaration of any dividend or distribution (other than a dividend or distribution
paid in Fund common or preferred shares or in options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase Fund common or preferred
shares) in respect of Fund common or preferred shares, or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration
any such fund common or preferred shares, unless the Fund’s notes have asset coverage of at least 300% (200% in the case
of a dividend or distribution on preferred shares) after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution, or acquisition price,
as the case may be. These 1940 Act requirements do not apply to any promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness issued in
consideration of any loan, extension, or renewal thereof, made by a bank or other person and privately arranged, and not intended
to be publicly distributed; however, any such borrowings may result in our being subject to similar covenants in credit agreements.
Moreover, the Indenture related to the notes could contain provisions more restrictive than those required by the 1940 Act, and
any such provisions would be described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Events
of Default and Acceleration of Maturity of Notes. Unless stated otherwise in the related Prospectus Supplement, any one
of the following events will constitute an “event of default” for that series under the Indenture relating to the
notes:
| ● | default
in the payment of any interest upon a series of notes when it becomes due and payable
and the continuance of such default for 30 days; |
| ● | default
in the payment of the principal of, or premium on, a series of notes at its stated maturity; |
| ● | default
in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of ours in the Indenture,
and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after written notice
has been given to us by the trustee; |
| ● | certain
voluntary or involuntary proceedings involving us and relating to bankruptcy, insolvency
or other similar laws; |
| ● | if,
on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months, the notes
have a 1940 Act asset coverage of less than 100%; or |
| ● | any
other “event of default” provided with respect to a series, including a default
in the payment of any redemption price payable on the redemption date. |
Upon
the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, the holders of a majority in principal amount of a series of outstanding
notes or the trustee will be able to declare the principal amount of that series of notes immediately due and payable upon written
notice to us. A default that relates only to one series of notes does not affect any other series and the holders of such other
series of notes will not be entitled to receive notice of such a default under the Indenture. Upon an event of default relating
to bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws, acceleration of maturity will occur automatically with respect to all series.
At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to a series of notes has been made, and before a judgment or decree
for payment of the money due has been obtained, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes of that
series, by written notice to us and the trustee, may rescind and annul the declaration of acceleration and its consequences if
all events of default with respect to that series of notes, other than the non-payment of the principal of that series
of notes which has become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived and other conditions have
been met.
Liquidation
Rights. In the event of (a) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization
or other similar case or proceeding in connection therewith, relative to us or to our creditors, as such, or to our assets, or
(b) any liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of us, whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving
insolvency or bankruptcy, or (c) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and liabilities
of ours, then (after any payments with respect to any secured creditor of ours outstanding at such time) and in any such event
the holders of notes shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of all
notes (including any interest accruing thereon after the commencement of any such case or proceeding), or provision shall be made
for such payment in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to the holders of the notes, before the holders
of any of our common or preferred shares are entitled to receive any payment on account of any redemption proceeds, liquidation
preference or dividends from such shares. The holders of notes shall be entitled to receive, for application to the payment thereof,
any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, including any such payment or distribution
which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness of ours being subordinated to the payment
of the notes, which may be payable or deliverable in respect of the notes in any such case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation
or other winding up event.
Unsecured
creditors of ours may include, without limitation, service providers including the Investment Adviser, the Custodian, administrator,
auction agent, broker-dealers and the trustee, pursuant to the terms of various contracts with us. Secured creditors of ours may
include without limitation parties entering into any interest rate swap, floor or cap transactions, or other similar transactions
with us that create liens, pledges, charges, security interests, security agreements or other encumbrances on our assets.
A
consolidation, reorganization or merger of us with or into any other company, or a sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially
all of our assets in consideration for the issuance of equity securities of another company shall not be deemed to be a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of us.
Voting
Rights. The notes have no voting rights, except as mentioned below and to the extent required by law or as otherwise provided
in the Indenture relating to the acceleration of maturity upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default. In connection
with the notes or certain other borrowings (if any), the 1940 Act does in certain circumstances grant to the note holders or lenders
certain voting rights. The 1940 Act requires that provision is made either (i) that, if on the last business day of each
of twelve consecutive calendar months such notes shall have an asset coverage of less than 100%, the holders of such notes voting
as a class shall be entitled to elect at least a majority of the members of the Fund’s Directors, such voting right to continue
until such notes shall have an asset coverage of 110% or more on the last business day of each of three consecutive calendar months,
or (ii) that, if on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months such notes shall have an asset
coverage of less than 100%, an event of default shall be deemed to have occurred. It is expected that, unless otherwise stated
in the related Prospectus Supplement, provision will be made that, if on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive
calendar months such notes shall have an asset coverage of less than 100%, an event of default shall be deemed to have occurred.
These 1940 Act requirements do not apply to any promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness issued in consideration of any
loan, extension, or renewal thereof, made by a bank or other person and privately arranged, and not intended to be publicly distributed;
however, any such borrowings may result in our being subject to similar covenants in credit agreements. As reflected above, the
Indenture relating to the notes may also grant to the note holders voting rights relating to the acceleration of maturity upon
the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, and any such rights would be described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Market.
Our notes are not likely to be listed on an exchange or automated quotation system. The details on how to buy and sell such notes,
along with the other terms of the notes, will be described in a Prospectus Supplement. We cannot assure you that any market will
exist for our notes or if a market does exist, whether it will provide holders with liquidity.
Book-Entry,
Delivery and Form. Unless otherwise stated in the related Prospectus Supplement, the notes will be issued in book-entry form
and will be represented by one or more notes in registered global form. The global notes will be deposited with the trustee as
custodian for DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. DTC will maintain the notes in designated
denominations through its book-entry facilities.
Under
the terms of the Indenture, we and the trustee may treat the persons in whose names any notes, including the global notes, are
registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Therefore,
so long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of the global notes, DTC or such nominee will be considered the sole holder
of outstanding notes under the Indenture. We or the trustee may give effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization
furnished by DTC or its nominee.
A
global note may not be transferred except as a whole by DTC, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of beneficial
owners in the global note may be transferred or exchanged for definitive securities in accordance with the rules and procedures
of DTC. In addition, a global note may be exchangeable for notes in definitive form if:
| ● | DTC
notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a depository and we do not
appoint a successor within 60 days; |
| ● | we,
at our option, notify the trustee in writing that we elect to cause the issuance of notes
in definitive form under the Indenture; or |
| ● | an
event of default has occurred and is continuing. |
In
each instance, upon surrender by DTC or its nominee of the global note, notes in definitive form will be issued to each person
that DTC or its nominee identifies as being the beneficial owner of the related notes.
Under
the Indenture, the holder of any global note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any person, including its participants
and persons who may hold interests through DTC participants, to take any action which a holder is entitled to take under the Indenture.
Trustee,
Transfer Agent, Registrar, Paying Agent and Redemption Agent. Information regarding the trustee under the Indenture, which
may also act as transfer agent, registrar, paying agent and redemption agent with respect to our notes, will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement.
Subscription
Rights
General. We
may issue subscription rights to holders of our (i) common shares to purchase common and/or preferred shares or (ii) preferred
shares to purchase preferred shares (subject to applicable law). Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with
any other offered security and may or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the subscription rights. In
connection with a subscription rights offering to holders of our common and/or preferred shares, we would distribute certificates
evidencing the subscription rights and a Prospectus Supplement to our common or preferred shareholders, as applicable, as of the
record date that we set for determining the shareholders eligible to receive subscription rights in such subscription rights offering.
The
applicable Prospectus Supplement would describe the following terms of subscription rights in respect of which this Prospectus
is being delivered:
| ● | the
period of time the offering would remain open (which will be open a minimum number of
days such that all record holders would be eligible to participate in the offering and
will not be open longer than 120 days); |
| ● | the
title of such subscription rights; |
| ● | the
exercise price for such subscription rights (or method of calculation thereof); |
| ● | the
number of such subscription rights issued in respect of each common share; |
| ● | the
number of rights required to purchase a single preferred share; |
| ● | the
extent to which such subscription rights are transferable and the market on which they
may be traded if they are transferable; |
| ● | if
applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable
to the issuance or exercise of such subscription rights; |
| ● | the
date on which the right to exercise such subscription rights will commence, and the date
on which such right will expire (subject to any extension); |
| ● | the
extent to which such subscription rights include an over-subscription privilege with
respect to unsubscribed securities and the terms of such over-subscription privilege; |
| ● | any
termination right we may have in connection with such subscription rights offering; and |
| ● | any
other terms of such subscription rights, including exercise, settlement and other procedures
and limitations relating to the transfer and exercise of such subscription rights. |
Exercise
of Subscription Rights. Each subscription right would entitle the holder of the subscription right to purchase for cash such
number of shares at such exercise price as in each case is set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the Prospectus Supplement
relating to the subscription rights offered thereby, Subscription rights would be exercisable at any time up to the close of business
on the expiration date for such subscription rights set forth in the Prospectus Supplement. After the close of business on the expiration
date, all unexercised subscription rights would become void.
Subscription
rights would be exercisable as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Upon expiration
of the rights offering and the receipt of payment and the subscription rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the
corporate trust office of the subscription rights agent or any other office indicated in the Prospectus Supplement we would issue, as
soon as practicable, the shares purchased as a result of such exercise. To the extent permissible under applicable law, we may determine
to offer any unsubscribed offered securities directly to persons other than shareholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers
or through a combination of such methods, as set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common and Preferred Shares. The Fund may issue subscription rights which would entitle holders to
purchase both common and preferred shares in a ratio to be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. In accordance with
the 1940 Act, at least three rights would be required to subscribe for one common share. It is expected that rights to purchase
both common and preferred shares would require holders to purchase an equal number of common and preferred shares, and would not
permit holders to purchase an unequal number of common or preferred shares, or purchase only common shares or only preferred shares.
For example, such an offering might be structured such that three rights would entitle an investor to purchase one common share
and one preferred share, and such investor would not be able to choose to purchase only a common share or only a preferred share
upon the exercise of his, her or its rights.
The
common shares and preferred shares issued pursuant to the exercise of any such rights, however, would at all times be separately
tradeable securities. Such common and preferred shares would not be issued as a “unit” or “combination”
and would not be listed or traded as a “unit” or “combination” on a securities exchange, such as the NYSE,
at any time. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth additional details regarding an offering of subscription rights
to purchase common and preferred shares.
Outstanding
Securities
The
following information regarding the Fund’s authorized and outstanding shares is as of September 6, 2024.
Title
of Class |
Amount
Authorized |
Amount
Held
by
Fund or
for
its Account |
Amount
Outstanding
Exclusive
of
Amount
Held
by
Fund |
Common
Shares |
994,500,000 |
None |
19,585,962 |
Series
B 6.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock |
1,995,000 |
None |
None |
Series
G 5.20% Cumulative Preferred Stock |
1,500,000 |
None |
640,000 |
CERTAIN
PROVISIONS OF THE MARYLAND GENERAL CORPORATION LAW AND OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS
The
Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) and our Charter and Bylaws contain provisions that could make it more
difficult for a potential acquiror to acquire us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions are
expected to discourage certain coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire
control of us to negotiate first with the Board of Directors. We believe the benefits of these provisions outweigh the potential
disadvantages of discouraging any such acquisition proposals because, among other things, the negotiation of such proposals may
improve their terms.
Classified
Board of Directors
The
Board of Directors is divided into three classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms. Upon expiration of their current
terms, directors of each class will be elected to serve until the third annual meeting following their election and until their
successors are duly elected and qualify and each year one class of directors will be elected by the shareholders. A classified
board may render a change in control of us or removal of our incumbent management more difficult. We believe, however, that the
longer time required to elect a majority of a classified Board of Directors will help to ensure the continuity and stability of
our management and policies.
Election
of Directors
Our
Bylaws provide that in an uncontested election, the Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast in the election of Directors.
In the case of a Contested Election (as defined in the Bylaws), Directors are elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares
outstanding and entitled to vote for the election of any Director.
Number
of Directors; Vacancies; Removal
Our
Charter provides that the number of Directors will be set only by the Board of Directors in accordance with our Bylaws. Our Bylaws
provide that a majority of our entire Board of Directors may at any time increase or decrease the number of Directors. However,
the number of Directors may never be less than the minimum number required by the MGCL or, unless our Bylaws are amended, more
than thirteen. We have elected by provision in our Charter to be subject to the provision of Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL
regarding the filling of vacancies on the Board of Directors. Accordingly, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors
in setting the terms of any class or series of preferred shares, any and all vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled
only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Directors in office, even if the remaining Directors do not constitute
a quorum, and any Director elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which
the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies, subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.
Under
Maryland law, a Director may be removed by the affirmative vote a majority of the votes entitled to be cast and, so long as the
Board of Directors is classified, only for cause.
Action
by Shareholders
Under
the MGCL, shareholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of shareholders or, with respect to the holders
of common shares, unless the charter provides for shareholder action by less than unanimous written consent (which is not the
case for our Charter), by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting. These provisions, combined with the requirements of
our Bylaws regarding the calling of a shareholder-requested special meeting of shareholders discussed below, may have the effect
of delaying consideration of a shareholder proposal until the next annual meeting.
Advance
Notice Provisions for Shareholder Nominations and Shareholder Proposals
Our
Bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of shareholders, nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors
and the proposal of business to be considered by shareholders may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by
the Board of Directors or (3) by any shareholder who was a shareholder of record both at the time of notice required by our Bylaws
and on the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting, and has complied with
the advance notice requirements of, and provided the information and certifications required by, our Bylaws. With respect to special
meetings of shareholders, only the business specified in our notice of the meeting may be brought before the meeting.
Calling
of Special Meetings of Shareholders
Our
Bylaws provide that special meetings of shareholders may be called by the Board of Directors, the chairman of the Board of Directors
and the president of the Fund. Additionally, our Bylaws provide that, subject to the satisfaction of certain procedural and informational
requirements by the shareholders requesting the meeting, a special meeting of shareholders will be called by the secretary of
the corporation upon the written request of shareholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to
be cast at such meeting.
Approval
of Extraordinary Corporate Action; Amendment of Charter and Bylaws
Under
Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, convert, sell all or substantially all of its
assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business, unless advised by the board
and approved by the affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast
on the matter. However, a Maryland corporation may provide in its charter for approval of these matters by a lesser percentage, but not
less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our Charter generally provides for approval of Charter amendments and extraordinary transactions
by the shareholders entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. In addition to any vote required by the 1940 Act with respect to the vote of holders of preferred shares, our Charter also provides that
certain Charter amendments, including but not limited to any charter amendment that would make our stock a redeemable security (within
the meaning of the 1940 Act) requires the approval of the shareholders entitled to cast at least 75% of the votes entitled to be cast
on such matter; these voting requirements, which have been considered and determined to be in the best interests of shareholders by the
Board of Directors, are greater than applicable minimum voting requirements imposed by the 1940 Act and applicable Maryland law. Our
Charter and Bylaws provide that the Board of Directors has the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our Bylaws
and to make new Bylaws.
Control
Share Acquisitions
On
February 16, 2023, the Fund elected, by resolution unanimously adopted by the Board of Directors of the Fund in accordance with
Section 3-702(c)(4) of the MGCL, to be subject to the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act (the “Control Share Act”),
effective immediately. The Control Share Act only applies to acquisitions of Fund shares on or after February 16, 2023.
Under
the MGCL, the Control Share Act provides that a holder of control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share
acquisition has no voting rights with respect to those shares except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes
entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares owned by the acquiror, by officers or by directors who are employees of the corporation
are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. Control shares are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all
other shares of stock owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of
voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors
within one of the following ranges of voting power:
| ● | one-tenth
or more but less than one-third;
|
| ● | one-third
or more but less than a majority; or
|
| ● | a
majority or more of all voting power. |
The
requisite shareholder approval must be obtained each time an acquiror crosses one of the thresholds of voting power set forth
above. Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained
shareholder approval. A control share acquisition means the acquisition of issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain
exceptions.
A
person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition may compel the board of directors of the corporation to call
a special meeting of shareholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. The right to
compel the calling of a special meeting is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay
the expenses of the meeting. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any shareholders
meeting.
If
voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by
the statute, then the corporation may redeem for fair value any or all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights have
previously been approved. The right of the corporation to redeem control shares is subject to certain conditions and limitations, including,
compliance with the 1940 Act. Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of
the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror or of any meeting of shareholders at which the voting rights of the shares
are considered and not approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a shareholders meeting and the acquiror becomes
entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other shareholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the
shares as determined for purposes of appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control
share acquisition. However, the Bylaws provide that no shareholder shall be entitled to exercise appraisal rights under the Control Share
Act.
In
connection with the Fund’s election to be subject to the Control Share Act, the Fund’s Board of Directors adopted resolutions and
amended the Fund’s
Bylaws such that the Control Share Act does not apply (a) to shares of any class or series of stock of the Fund other than common stock,
(b) to any acquisition by Mario J. Gabelli, or any affiliates or associates, thereof, of shares of stock of the Fund, or (c) to shares
of stock of the Fund in a control share acquisition if, prior to the acquisition, the person obtains approval of the Board of Directors
exempting the acquisition from the Control Share Act. In addition, to the extent that any provision of the Control Share Act is determined
to be inconsistent with the 1940 Act, then any such provision shall not apply.
In
connection with electing to be subject to the Control Share Act, the Board of Directors of the Fund determined that such election and
the implementation thereof in the Fund’s Bylaws as described above, including providing that the Control Share Act does not apply to certain transactions, is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The
Fund should not be viewed as a vehicle for trading purposes. It is designed primarily for risk-tolerant long-term investors.
The
foregoing is only a summary of the material terms of the Control Share Act. Shareholders should consult their own counsel with respect
to the application of the Control Share Act to any particular circumstance. Some uncertainty around the general application under the
1940 Act of state control share statutes exists as a result of recent court decisions which have held that control share provisions in
funds’ governing documents are not consistent with the 1940 Act. Additionally, in some circumstances uncertainty may also exist
in how to enforce the control share restrictions contained in state control share statutes against beneficial owners who hold their shares
through financial intermediaries.
The
limitations of the Control Share Act described above could have the effect of depriving shareholders of an opportunity to sell their
shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control over the Fund and may
reduce market demand for the Fund’s common stock, which could have the effect of increasing the likelihood that the Fund’s
common stock trade at a discount to net asset value and increasing the amount of any such discount.
The
provisions of the Governing Documents and Maryland law described above could have the effect of depriving the owners of stock 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 may render more difficult the accomplishment
of a merger or the assumption of control by a principal shareholder.
Business
Combinations
Under
Maryland law, “business combinations” between a Maryland corporation and an interested shareholder or an affiliate
of an interested shareholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested shareholder becomes
an interested shareholder (the “Business Combination Act”). These business combinations include a merger, consolidation,
share exchange or, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities.
An interested shareholder is defined as:
| ● | any
person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation’s
outstanding voting stock; or |
| ● | an
affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period
prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting
power of the then outstanding voting stock of the corporation. |
A
person is not an interested shareholder under this statute if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which
the shareholder otherwise would have become an interested shareholder. However, in approving a transaction, the board of directors
may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined
by the board.
After
the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Maryland corporation and an interested shareholder generally must
be recommended by the board of directors of the corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:
| ● | 80%
of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of
the corporation; and |
| ● | two-thirds
of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other
than shares held by the interested shareholder with whom or with whose affiliate the
business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested
shareholder. |
These
super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the corporation’s common shareholders receive a minimum price, as defined
under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested
shareholder for its shares.
The
statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are exempted by the board of directors
before the time that the interested shareholder becomes an interested shareholder. We have elected in our Charter to be subject
to the Business Combination Act. The statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty
of consummating any offer.
Subtitle
8
Subtitle
8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, and at least three independent directors to elect to be subject, by provision in its charter or bylaws
or a resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to any or all of
the following five provisions:
| ● | a
two-thirds vote requirement for removing a director; |
| ● | a
requirement that the number of directors be fixed only by vote of the directors; |
| ● | a
requirement that a vacancy on the board be filled only by the remaining directors and
for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred;
or |
| ● | a
majority requirement for the calling of a special meeting of shareholders. |
We
have elected by a provision in our Charter to be subject to the provisions of Subtitle 8 relating to the filling of vacancies
on the Board of Directors. Through provisions in our Charter and Bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, the Fund already (1) has
a classified board, (2) vests in the Board the exclusive power to fix the number of directorships, subject to limitations
set forth in the Charter and Bylaws, and (3) requires, unless called by the Board of Directors, the chairman of the Board
or our president, the request of shareholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all votes entitled to be cast on a
matter at such meeting to call a special meeting to consider and vote on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting
of shareholders. In the future, the Board of Directors may elect, without shareholder approval, to adopt one or more of the other
provisions of Subtitle 8.
Limitation
on Liability of Directors and Officers; Indemnification and Advance of Expenses
Maryland
law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers
to the corporation and its shareholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper
benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment
as being material to the cause of action. Our Charter contains such a provision which eliminates directors’ and officers’
liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act.
Our
Charter and Bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act,
to indemnify any present or former director or officer and our Bylaws us obligate us to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland
law (and, in the case of our Bylaws, to the maximum extent permitted by the Securities Act) and subject to the requirements of
the 1940 Act, to indemnify any individual who, while serving as our director or officer and at our request, serves or has served
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or employee benefit plan as a director, officer, partner, trustee
employee, agent or fiduciary, from and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person
may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse their reasonable expenses in advance of
final disposition of a proceeding. Our Bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any of our employees or agents.
In accordance with the 1940 Act, we will not indemnify any person for any liability to which such person would be subject by reason
of such person’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct
of his or her office.
Maryland
law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our Charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer
who has been successful in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason
of his or her service in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers,
among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection
with any proceeding to which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their service in those or other
capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving
rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty,
(b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in
the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.
However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of
the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received unless, in either
case, a court orders indemnification, and then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to advance reasonable
expenses to a director or officer in advance of final disposition of a proceeding upon the corporation’s receipt of (a) a
written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct
necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (b) a written undertaking by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay
the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met. The
advancement of expenses is subject to additional limitations pursuant to the 1940 Act.
Preferred
Stock Terms
Further,
unless a higher percentage is provided for under the Charter, the affirmative vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of the Fund’s preferred stock, voting as a separate class,
will be required to approve any plan of reorganization adversely affecting such stock or any action requiring a vote of security
holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, including, among other things, open-ending the Fund and changing the Fund’s
investment objective or changing the investment restrictions described as fundamental policies under “Investment Restrictions”
in the SAI and in the Annual Report.
The
Governing Documents of the Fund are on file with the SEC.
CLOSED-END
FUND STRUCTURE
The
Fund is a 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 common
shares for trading on a stock exchange and do not redeem their common shares at the request of the shareholder. This means that
if you wish to sell your common 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 an open-end fund, if the shareholder wishes to sell shares of the fund, the open-end fund will redeem
or buy back the shares at net asset value. Also, open-end 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 an open-end fund can make it difficult
to manage the fund’s investments. By comparison, closed-end funds are generally able to stay more fully invested in securities
that are consistent with their investment objective, 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.
Common
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 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 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 common shares trading at a price equal or close to net asset value per share. We cannot assure you that the
Fund’s common shares will not trade at a discount.
REPURCHASE
OF COMMON SHARES
The
Fund is a 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, subject to certain requirements under Maryland law. The Board of Directors has authorized, but does not
require, such repurchases to be made when the Fund’s common shares are trading at a discount from net asset value of 10% or more
(or such other percentage as the Board of Directors of the Fund may determine from time to time). This authorization is a standing authorization
that may be executed in the discretion of the Fund’s officers. The Fund’s officers are authorized to use the Fund’s
general corporate funds to repurchase common shares. The Fund generally intends to finance common share repurchases with cash on hand,
and while the Fund may incur debt to finance common share repurchases, such debt financing would require further approval of the Board,
and the Fund does not currently intend to incur debt to finance common share repurchases. The Fund has repurchased its common shares
under this authorization. See “Description of the Securities—Common Shares.” Although the Board of Directors has authorized
such repurchases, the Fund is not required to repurchase its common shares, and the Fund’s officers, in determining whether to
repurchase Fund common shares pursuant to this authority, take into account a variety of market and economic factors including, among
other things, trading volume, the magnitude of discount, bid/ask spreads, the Fund’s available cash position, leverage and expense
ratios and any applicable legal or contractual restrictions on such repurchases that may be applicable at the time. The Board of Directors
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 interest in the Fund. The Fund has not and will not,
unless otherwise set forth in a Prospectus Supplement and accomplished in accordance with applicable law and positions of the SEC’s
staff, repurchase common shares (i) immediately after the completion of an offering of common shares (i.e., within sixty days of an overallotment
option period) or (ii) at a price that is tied to the initial offering price. See “Plan of Distribution.”
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. The repurchase of common shares will reduce the total assets of the Fund available
for investment and may increase the Fund’s expense ratio.
RIGHTS
OFFERINGS
The
Fund may in the future, and at its discretion, choose to make offerings of subscription rights to holders of our (i) common shares
to purchase common and/or preferred shares and/or (ii) preferred shares to purchase preferred shares (subject to applicable law).
A future rights offering may be transferable or non-transferable. Any such future rights offering will be made in accordance with
the 1940 Act. Under the laws of Maryland, 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 to purchase
common stock 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 fund’s 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.
TAXATION
The
following discussion is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its common and
preferred shareholders. 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 summary does not discuss the consequences of an investment
in the Fund’s notes or subscription rights to acquire shares of the Fund’s stock. The tax consequences of such an
investment will be discussed in a relevant prospectus supplement.
This
discussion assumes you are a taxable U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and that you hold your shares
as capital assets (generally, for investment). This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Code, Treasury regulations,
judicial authorities, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and other applicable authorities,
all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that
the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to those set forth below. No attempt is made
to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal income tax concerns affecting the Fund and its shareholders (including shareholders
subject to special tax rules and shareholders owning large positions in the Fund), nor does this discussion address any state,
local or foreign tax concerns.
The
discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. 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 as, and intends to continue to qualify annually as, a RIC under Subchapter M
of the Code. Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things,
| (i) | derive
in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from (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 currencies and (b) net income derived from interests in certain publicly traded
partnerships that are treated as partnerships for U.S. 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”); and |
| (ii) | 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 Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash
items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs 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 Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s
total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities
and the securities of other RICs) of (I) any one issuer, (II) any two or more
issuers that the Fund controls 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. |
As
a RIC, the Fund generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on income and gains that it distributes each taxable
year to shareholders, provided that it distributes at least 90% of the sum of the Fund’s (i) investment company taxable
income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest, the excess of any net short term capital gain over net long term
capital loss, and other taxable income other than any net capital gain (as defined below) reduced by deductible expenses) determined
without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) net tax-exempt interest income (the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest
income over certain disallowed deductions), if any. The Fund intends to distribute at least annually substantially all of such
income. The Fund will be subject to income tax at regular corporate rates on any investment company taxable income and net capital
gain that it does not distribute to its shareholders.
The
Fund may either distribute or retain for reinvestment all or part of its net capital gain (which consists of the excess of its
net long term capital gain over its net short term capital loss). If any such gain is retained, the Fund will be subject to a
corporate income tax on such retained amount. In that event, the Fund may report the retained amount as undistributed capital
gain in a notice to its shareholders, each of whom (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax
purposes as long term capital gain its share of such undistributed amounts, (ii) will be entitled to credit its proportionate
share of the tax paid by the Fund against its U.S. federal income tax liability and to claim refunds to the extent that the credit
exceeds such liability and (iii) will increase its basis in its shares by the amount of undistributed capital gains included
in the shareholder’s income less the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii).
Amounts
not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4%
federal excise tax at the Fund level. To avoid the tax, the Fund must distribute during each calendar year an amount at least
equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar
year, and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses (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 Fund’s fiscal year). In
addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the federal excise tax will be increased or decreased
to reflect any under-distribution or over-distribution, as the case may be, from previous years. For purposes of the excise tax,
the Fund will be deemed to have distributed any income on which it paid U.S. federal income tax. Although the Fund intends to
distribute any income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% federal excise tax, there can
be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund’s ordinary income and capital gains will be distributed to avoid entirely
the imposition of the tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the
foregoing distribution requirement.
Certain
of the Fund’s investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among
other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (ii) convert lower
taxed long term capital gains or qualified dividend income into higher taxed short term capital gains or ordinary income, (iii) convert
an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause the Fund to recognize
income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock
or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and
(vii) produce income that will not qualify as good income for purposes of the 90% annual gross income requirement described
above. These U.S. federal income tax provisions could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders.
If
for any taxable year the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would
be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders.
Taxation
of Shareholders
The
Fund expects to take the position that under present law any preferred shares that it issues will constitute equity rather than
debt of the Fund for U.S. federal income tax purposes. It is possible, however, that the IRS could take a contrary position asserting,
for example, that such preferred shares constitute debt of the Fund. If that position were upheld, distributions on the Fund’s
preferred shares would be considered interest, taxable as ordinary income regardless of the taxable income of the Fund, and other
adverse consequences could result for the Fund or shareholders. The following discussion and the discussion in the SAI assume
that any preferred shares issued by the Fund will be treated as equity.
Distributions
paid to you by the Fund from its investment company taxable income (referred to hereinafter as “ordinary income dividends”)
are generally taxable to you as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits.
Provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met, such distributions (if properly reported by the Fund) may
qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders to the extent that the Fund’s
income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, and (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as qualified
dividend income eligible to be taxed at long term capital gains rates to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend
income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign
corporations. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund’s distributions will be eligible for the dividends
received deduction or for the reduced rates applicable to qualified dividend income.
Distributions
made to you from net capital gain (“capital gain dividends”), including capital gain dividends credited to you but
retained by the Fund, are taxable to you as long term capital gains if they have been properly reported by the Fund, regardless
of the length of time you have owned your Fund shares. Long term capital gain of individuals is generally subject to reduced U.S.
federal income tax rates.
Distributions
in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-free return of capital
to the extent of your adjusted tax basis of your shares and thereafter will be treated as capital gains. The amount of any Fund
distribution that is treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce your adjusted tax basis in your shares, thereby
increasing your potential gain or reducing your potential loss on any subsequent sale or other disposition of your shares. In
determining the extent to which a distribution will be treated as being made from the Fund’s earnings and profits, earnings
and profits will be allocated on a pro rata basis first to distributions with respect to the Fund’s preferred shares, and
then to the Fund’s common shares.
The
IRS currently requires a RIC that has two or more classes of shares outstanding to designate to each such class proportionate
amounts of each type of its income (e.g., ordinary income, capital gain dividends, qualified dividend income) for each tax year
based upon the percentage of total dividends distributed to each class for such year.
Generally,
after the close of its calendar year, the Fund will provide you with a written notice reporting the amount of any qualified dividend
income or capital gain dividends and other distributions.
Except
in the case of a redemption or repurchase (the consequences of which are described in the SAI under “Taxation — Taxation
of Shareholders”), the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund will generally result in capital gain or loss to
you, 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 undistributed capital gain dividends) by you with respect to
such Fund shares. A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be disallowed if other substantially identical
shares 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 of the sale or exchange of the shares. In such case, the basis of the shares
acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
Dividends
and other taxable distributions are taxable to you even if they are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. Dividends and
other distributions paid by the Fund are generally treated as received by a shareholder at the time the dividend or distribution
is made. If, however, the Fund pays you a dividend or makes 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 dividend or distribution will
be treated for tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by you on December 31 of the year in which the dividend
or distribution was declared.
The
Fund is required in certain circumstances to withhold, for U.S. backup withholding tax purposes, a portion of the taxable dividends
or distributions and certain other payments paid to non-corporate holders of the Fund’s shares who do not furnish
the Fund (or its agent) with their correct taxpayer identification number (in the case of individuals, generally, 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 you may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax
liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Shareholders
are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal, foreign, state, local income or
other taxes.
CUSTODIAN,
TRANSFER AGENT
AND
DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
State
Street, whose principal address is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02111, serves as the custodian
(the “Custodian”) of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a custody agreement. Under the custody agreement, the Custodian
holds the Fund’s 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.
Computershare,
whose principal address is 250 Royall Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, serves as the Fund’s dividend disbursing agent, as agent
under the Fund’s automatic dividend reinvestment and voluntary cash payment plans and as transfer agent and registrar with respect
to the common shares and preferred shares of the Fund.
Computershare
also would be expected to serve as the Fund’s transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent
with respect to any additional preferred shares.
PLAN
OF DISTRIBUTION
We
may sell our securities through underwriters or dealers, directly to one or more purchasers, through agents, to or through underwriters
or dealers, or through a combination of any such methods of sale. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will identify any underwriter
or agent involved in the offer and sale of our securities, any sales loads, discounts, commissions, fees or other compensation
paid to any underwriter, dealer or agent, the offering price, net proceeds and use of proceeds and the terms of any sale.
The
distribution of our securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which
may be changed, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices, or at negotiated
prices, provided, however, that the offering price per share in the case of common shares, must equal or exceed the net asset
value per share, exclusive of any underwriting commissions or discounts, of our common shares.
We
may sell our securities directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters
as defined in the Securities Act for any resales of the securities. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved.
We may use electronic media, including the Internet, to sell offered securities directly.
In
connection with the sale of our securities, underwriters or agents may receive compensation from us in the form of discounts,
concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell our securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation
in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they
may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of our securities may be deemed to be
underwriters under the Securities Act, and any discounts and commissions they receive from us and any profit realized by them
on the resale of our securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Any such
underwriter or agent will be identified and any such compensation received from us will be described in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. The maximum commission or discount to be received by any Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”)
member or independent broker-dealer will not exceed eight percent. We will not pay any compensation to any underwriter or agent
in the form of warrants, options, consulting or structuring fees or similar arrangements.
If
a Prospectus Supplement so indicates, we may grant the underwriters an option to purchase additional securities at the public
offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, within 45 days from the date of the Prospectus Supplement, to
cover any overallotments.
To
facilitate an offering of securities in an underwritten transaction and in accordance with industry practice, the underwriters
may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the market price of the securities. Those transactions
may include overallotment, entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate covering transactions, and reclaiming selling concessions
allowed to an underwriter or a dealer.
| ● | An
overallotment in connection with an offering creates a short position in the securities
for the underwriter’s own account. |
| ● | An
underwriter may place a stabilizing bid to purchase the shares for the purpose of pegging,
fixing, or maintaining the price of the securities. |
| ● | Underwriters
may engage in syndicate covering transactions to cover overallotments or to stabilize
the price of the securities subject to the offering by bidding for, and purchasing, the
securities or any other securities in the open market in order to reduce a short position
created in connection with the offering. |
| ● | The
managing underwriter may impose a penalty bid on a syndicate member to reclaim a selling
concession in connection with an offering when the securities originally sold by the
syndicate member are purchased in syndicate covering transactions or otherwise. |
Any
of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels. The underwriters
are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.
Any
underwriters to whom the offered securities are sold for offering and sale may make a market in the offered securities, but the
underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making at any time without notice. The offered securities
may or may not be listed on a securities exchange. We cannot assure you that there will be a liquid trading market for the offered
securities.
Any
fixed rate preferred shares sold pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement will likely be listed on the NYSE.
Under
agreements into which we may enter, underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of our securities may
be entitled to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Underwriters,
dealers and agents may engage in transactions with us, or perform services for us, in the ordinary course of business.
If
so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, we will ourselves, or will authorize underwriters or other persons acting
as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase our securities from us pursuant to contracts providing for
payment and delivery on a future date. Institutions with which such contacts may be made include commercial and savings banks,
insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others, but in all cases
such institutions must be approved by us. The obligation of any purchaser under any such contract will be subject to the condition
that the purchase of the securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which
such purchaser is subject. The underwriters and such other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity
or performance of such contracts. Such contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the Prospectus Supplement,
and the Prospectus Supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of such contracts.
To
the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the underwriters may from time to
time act as brokers or dealers and receive fees in connection with the execution of our portfolio transactions after the underwriters
have ceased to be underwriters and, subject to certain restrictions, each may act as a broker while it is an underwriter.
A
Prospectus and accompanying Prospectus Supplement in electronic form may be made available on the websites maintained by underwriters.
The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of securities for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Such allocations
of securities for Internet distributions will be made on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, securities may be sold
by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell securities to online brokerage account holders.
In
order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, our securities offered hereby will be sold in such
jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.
LEGAL
MATTERS
Certain
legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York and Venable LLP, Baltimore,
Maryland in connection with the offering of the securities.
INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Tait,
Weller & Baker LLP serves as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund and audits the financial statements of
the Fund. Tait, Weller & Baker LLP is located at 50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
The
Fund is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and
the 1940 Act and in accordance therewith files, or will file, 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 the Exchange Act and the
1940 Act 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
Fund’s common shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GCV”. 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, 20 Broad Street, New York,
New York 10005, as the case may be.
This
Prospectus constitutes part of a Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the SEC under the Securities 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 securities 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 SEC’s web site (http://www.sec.gov).
INCORPORATION
BY REFERENCE
This
Prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC. We are allowed to “incorporate by reference”
the information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those
documents. We incorporate by reference into this Prospectus the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the
SEC under Rule 30(b)(2) under the 1940 Act and Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and any reports and other
documents subsequently filed by the Fund with the SEC pursuant to Rule 30(b)(2) under the 1940 Act and Section 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of the initial registration statement and prior to the effectiveness of the registration
statement, including any filings on or after the date of this Prospectus from the date of filing (excluding any information furnished,
rather than filed), until we have sold all of the offered securities to which this Prospectus and any accompanying prospectus
supplement relates or the offering is otherwise terminated. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of
this Prospectus. Any statement in a document incorporated by reference into this Prospectus will be deemed to be automatically
modified or superseded to the extent a statement contained in (1) this Prospectus or (2) any other subsequently filed document
that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. The documents incorporated by reference
herein include:
To
obtain copies of these filings, see “Additional Information” in this Prospectus. We will also provide without charge
to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of
any and all of the documents that have been or may be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus or the accompanying Prospectus
Supplement. You should direct requests for documents by writing to: Investor Relations
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
One
Corporate Center
Rye,
NY 10580-1422
(914)
921-5070
This
Prospectus is also available on our website at http://www.gabelli.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated
by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus and should not be considered to be part of this prospectus
supplement or accompanying prospectus.
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.
SPECIAL
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Any
projections, forecasts and estimates contained or incorporated by reference herein are forward looking statements and are based
upon certain assumptions. Projections, forecasts and estimates are necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that
some or all of the assumptions underlying any projections, forecasts or estimates will not materialize or will vary significantly
from actual results. Actual results may vary from any projections, forecasts and estimates and the variations may be material.
Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward looking statements include
changes in interest rates, market, financial or legal uncertainties, including changes in tax law, and the timing and frequency
of defaults on underlying investments. Consequently, the inclusion of any projections, forecasts and estimates herein should not
be regarded as a representation by the Fund or any of its affiliates or any other person or entity of the results that will actually
be achieved by the Fund. Neither the Fund nor its affiliates has any obligation to update or otherwise revise any projections,
forecasts and estimates including any revisions to reflect changes in economic conditions or other circumstances arising after
the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, even if the underlying assumptions do not come to fruition.
The Fund acknowledges that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the safe harbor for forward-looking statements under the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 does not apply to investment companies such as the Fund.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
An
SAI dated as of , 2024, 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:
|
|
|
Page
|
The
Fund |
1 |
Investment
Policies |
1 |
Investment
Restrictions |
1 |
Management
of the Fund |
1 |
Portfolio
Transactions |
4 |
Portfolio
Turnover |
5 |
Taxation |
5 |
Net
Asset Value |
10 |
Beneficial
Owners |
11 |
General
Information |
11 |
Appendix
A
CORPORATE
BOND RATINGS
MOODY’S
INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
|
|
Aaa |
Obligations rated
Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. |
|
|
Aa |
Obligations rated
Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
|
|
A |
Obligations rated
A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
|
|
Baa |
Obligations rated
Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. |
|
|
Ba |
Obligations rated
Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
|
|
B |
Obligations rated
B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
|
|
Caa |
Obligations rated
Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
|
|
Ca |
Obligations rated
Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. |
|
|
C |
Obligations rated
C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. |
S&P
GLOBAL RATINGS
|
|
AAA |
An obligation
rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its
financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong. |
|
|
AA |
An obligation
rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to
meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong. |
|
|
A |
An obligation
rated ‘A’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions
than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the
obligation is still strong. |
|
|
BBB |
An obligation
rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances
are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
|
|
BB; B; CCC; CC; and C |
Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’,
‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’
indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality
and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions. |
|
|
BB |
An obligation
rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties
or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity
to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
|
|
B |
An obligation
rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently
has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions
will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
|
|
CCC |
An obligation
rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic
conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial,
or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
|
|
CC |
An obligation
rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘CC’ rating is used when a default has
not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time
to default. |
|
|
C |
An obligation
rated ‘C’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative
seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher. |
|
|
D |
An obligation
rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’
rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes
that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of
the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy
petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic
stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring. |
|
|
* |
Ratings from ‘AA’ to ‘CCC’
may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories. |
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Common
Stock
Preferred
Stock
Notes
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common Stock
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common Stock and Preferred Stock
PROSPECTUS
,
2024
Subject
to Completion, Dated September 13, 2024
THE
GABELLI CONVERTIBLE AND INCOME SECURITIES FUND INC.
STATEMENT
OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
THE
INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THE FUND MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES
UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE
THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment
company, incorporated as a Maryland corporation, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940
Act”). The Fund’s investment objective is to seek a high level of total return on its assets. The Fund’s investments
are selected by its Investment Adviser, Gabelli Funds, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”). The Fund seeks to achieve its
investment objective through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. Under normal circumstances the Fund will
invest at least 80% of its total assets in securities that are convertible into or represent the right to acquire common stock,
and in other debt or equity securities that are expected to periodically accrue or generate income for their holders (the “80%
Policy”). We cannot assure you that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
This
Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) does not constitute a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction
with the Fund’s prospectus relating thereto dated ,
2024, and as it may be supplemented (the “Prospectus”). This SAI does not include all information that a prospective
investor should consider before investing in the Fund’s securities, and investors should obtain and read the Prospectus
prior to purchasing such securities. This SAI incorporates by reference the entire Prospectus. You may request a free copy of
the Prospectus by calling (800) GABELLI (422-3554) or by writing to the Fund. A copy of the Fund’s Registration Statement,
including the Prospectus and any supplement, may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)
upon payment of the fee prescribed, or inspected at the SEC’s office or via its website (http://www.sec.gov) at no charge.
Capitalized terms used but not defined in this SAI have the meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.
This
Statement of Additional Information is dated , 2024.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
The
Fund
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. is a diversified, closed-end management investment company incorporated under
the laws of the State of Maryland. The Fund was incorporated in Maryland on December 19, 1988 as an open-end, diversified, management
investment company, and converted to closed-end status after receiving shareholder approval of its Charter on February 21, 1995
and filing the Charter in Maryland on March 31, 1995. The Fund’s common stock (“common shares”) is listed on
the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “GCV.”
Investment
Policies
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Investment Policies” in the Fund’s
Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Investment
Restrictions
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Investment Restrictions” in the Fund’s
Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Management
of the Fund
Indemnification
of Officers and Directors; Limitations on Liability
The
Governing Documents provide that the Fund will indemnify its Directors 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 Director,
officer, employee or agent of the Fund against any liability to which such person would otherwise be subject in the event of such
person’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
his or her position.
Investment
Advisory and Administrative Arrangements
The
Investment Adviser is a New York limited liability company which serves as an investment adviser to registered investment companies
as well as one fund that trades on the London Stock Exchange and Luxembourg SICAV, with combined aggregate net assets of approximately
$20.5 billion as of March 31, 2024. The Investment Adviser is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act
of 1940, as amended, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GBL”). Mr. Mario J. Gabelli may be
deemed a “controlling person” of the Investment Adviser on the basis of his controlling interest in GBL. Mr. Gabelli
owns a majority of the stock of GGCP, Inc. (“GGCP”) which holds a majority of the capital stock and voting power of
GBL. The Investment Adviser has several affiliates that provide investment advisory services: GAMCO Asset Management Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of GBL, acts as investment adviser for individuals, pension trusts, profit sharing trusts, and endowments, and
as a sub-adviser to certain third party investment funds, which include registered investment companies, having assets under management
of approximately $11.1 billion as of March 31, 2024; Teton Advisors, Inc., and its wholly owned investment adviser, Keeley Teton
Advisers, LLC, with assets under management of approximately $1.4 billion as of March 31, 2024, acts as investment adviser to
The TETON Westwood Funds, the KEELEY Funds, and separately managed accounts; and Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc.
(formerly, Gabelli Securities, Inc.), a wholly owned subsidiary of Associated Capital Group, Inc. (“Associated Capital”),
acts as investment adviser for certain alternative investment products, consisting primarily of risk arbitrage and merchant banking
limited partnerships and offshore companies, with assets under management of approximately $1.5 billion as of March 31, 2024.
Teton Advisors, Inc., was spun off by GBL in March 2009 and is an affiliate of GBL by virtue of Mr. Gabelli’s ownership
of GGCP, the principal shareholder of Teton Advisors, Inc., as of March 31, 2024. Associated Capital was spun off from GBL on
November 30, 2015, and is an affiliate of GBL by virtue of Mr. Gabelli’s ownership of GGCP, the principal shareholder of
Associated Capital.
Affiliates
of the Investment Adviser may, in the ordinary course of their business, acquire for their own account or for the accounts of
their investment advisory clients, significant (and possibly controlling) positions in the securities of companies that may also
be suitable for investment by the Fund. The securities in which the Fund might invest may thereby be limited to some extent. For
instance, many companies in the past several years have adopted so-called “poison pill” or other defensive measures
designed to discourage or prevent the completion of non-negotiated offers for control of the company. Such defensive measures
may have the effect of limiting the shares of the company which might otherwise be acquired by the Fund if the affiliates of the
Investment Adviser or their investment advisory accounts have or acquire a significant position in the same securities. However,
the Investment Adviser does not believe that the investment activities of its affiliates will have a material adverse effect upon
the Fund in seeking to achieve its investment objective. Securities purchased or sold pursuant to contemporaneous orders entered
on behalf of the investment company accounts of the Investment Adviser or the investment advisory accounts managed by its affiliates
for their unaffiliated clients are allocated pursuant to procedures, approved by the Board, believed to be fair and not disadvantageous
to any such accounts. In addition, all such orders are accorded priority of execution over orders entered on behalf of accounts
in which the Investment Adviser or its affiliates have a substantial pecuniary interest. The Investment Adviser may on occasion
give advice or take action with respect to other clients that differs from the actions taken with respect to the Fund. The Fund
may invest in the securities of companies that are investment management clients of GAMCO. In addition, portfolio companies or
their officers or directors may be minority shareholders of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates.
Under
the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser manages the portfolio of the Fund in accordance with its
stated investment objective and policies, makes investment decisions for the Fund, places orders to purchase and sell securities
on behalf of the Fund and manages its other business and affairs, all subject to the supervision and direction of the Fund’s
Board. In addition, under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser oversees the administration of all aspects
of the Fund’s business and affairs and provides, or arranges for others to provide, at the Investment Adviser’s expense,
certain enumerated services, including maintaining the Fund’s books and records, preparing reports to the Fund’s shareholders
and supervising the calculation of the net asset value of the Fund’s shares. Expenses of computing the net asset value of
the Fund, including any equipment or services obtained solely for the purpose of pricing shares or valuing its investment portfolio,
underwriting compensation and reimbursements in connection with sales of the Fund’s securities, the costs of utilizing a
third party to monitor and collect class action settlements on behalf of the Fund, expenses in connection with the preparation
of SEC filings, the fees and expenses of Directors who are not officers or employees of the Investment Adviser of its affiliates,
compensation and other expenses of officers and employees of the Fund (including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer,
Vice President and Ombudsman) as approved by the Directors, charges of the custodian, any sub-custodian and transfer agent and
dividend paying agent, expenses in connection with the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan and the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan,
accounting and pricing costs, membership fees in trade associations, expenses for legal and independent accountants’ services,
costs of printing proxies, share certificates and shareholder reports, fidelity bond coverage for Fund officers and employees,
Directors’ and officers’ errors and omissions insurance coverage, and stock exchange listing fees will be an expense
of the Fund unless the Investment Adviser voluntarily assumes responsibility for such expenses.
The
Advisory Agreement combines investment advisory and administrative responsibilities in one agreement. For services rendered by the Investment
Adviser on behalf of the Fund under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Investment Adviser a fee, computed daily and paid monthly,
equal on an annual basis to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets including the liquidation value of preferred shares. In
calculating net assets for this purpose, liabilities does not include amounts attributable to liabilities constituting indebtedness.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Investment Adviser will waive the portion of its investment advisory fee attributable to an amount
of assets of the Fund equal to the aggregate stated value of the applicable series of its currently outstanding preferred shares for
any calendar year in which the net asset value total return of the Fund allocable to the common shares, including distributions and the
advisory fee subject to potential waiver, is less than the stated annual dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular
series of currently outstanding preferred shares, prorated during the year such series is issued and the final year such series is outstanding.
The Fund’s total return on the net asset value of the common shares is monitored on a monthly basis to assess whether the total
return on the net asset value of the common shares exceeds the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series
of currently outstanding preferred shares for the period. The test to confirm the accrual of the management fee on the assets attributable
to each particular series of preferred shares is annual. The Fund will accrue for the management fee on these assets during the fiscal
year if it appears probable that the Fund will incur the management fee on those additional assets.
Because
the investment advisory fees are based on a percentage of net assets, including, for purposes of the calculation of the investment
advisory fee, assets attributable to the Fund’s use of leverage and assets from derivative transactions, the Investment Adviser
may have a conflict of interest in the input it provides to the Board regarding whether to use or increase the Fund’s use of
leverage and/or derivative transactions. The Board bases its decision, with input from the Investment Adviser, regarding whether and
how much leverage to use for the Fund on its assessment of whether such use of leverage is in the best interest of the Fund. The
Board seeks to manage the Investment Adviser’s potential conflict of interest by retaining the final decision on these matters
and by periodically reviewing the Fund’s performance and use of leverage.
Pursuant
to the Investment Advisory Agreement, for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the years ended December 31, 2022 and
2021, the Investment Adviser earned $719,039, $1,249,125 and $1,610,085, respectively, for advisory and administrative services
rendered to the Fund.
The
Investment Advisory Agreement provides that, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
for its obligations and duties thereunder, the Investment Adviser is not liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or
for any loss suffered by the Fund. As part of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund has agreed that the name “Gabelli”
is the Investment Adviser’s property, and that in the event the Investment Adviser ceases to act as an investment adviser
to the Fund, the Fund will change its name to one not including “Gabelli.”
Additionally,
the Investment Adviser has entered into a sub-administration agreement (the “Sub-Administration Agreement”) with The
Bank of New York Mellon (the “Sub-Administrator”) pursuant to which the Sub-Administrator provides certain administrative
services necessary for the Fund’s operations which do not include the investment and portfolio management services provided
by the Investment Adviser. For these services and the related expenses borne by the Sub-Administrator, the Investment Adviser
pays 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 but less than $15 billion, 0.01% of the aggregate average net
assets in excess of $15 billion and 0.008% of the aggregate average net assets in excess of $20 billion.
Pursuant
to its terms, the Advisory Agreement will remain in effect with respect to the Fund from year to year if approved annually (i)
by the Fund’s Board or by the holders of a majority of its outstanding voting securities and (ii) by a majority of the directors
who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Advisory Agreement, by vote cast
in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The
Advisory Agreement was most recently approved by a majority of the Fund’s Board, including a majority of the Directors who
are not interested persons as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, at an in person meeting of the Board held on May 14, 2024.
A
discussion regarding the basis of the Board’s approval of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund will be available in the annual
report to shareholders for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.
The
Advisory Agreement terminates automatically on its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) and may be terminated without penalty
on 60 days’ written notice by the Fund’s Board of Directors, by a vote of a majority of the Fund’s shares or
by the Investment Adviser.
Portfolio
Holdings Information
Employees
of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates will often have access to information concerning the portfolio holdings of the Fund.
The Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted policies and procedures that require all employees to safeguard proprietary information
of the Fund, which includes information relating to the Fund’s portfolio holdings as well as portfolio trading activity
of the Investment Adviser with respect to the Fund (collectively, “Portfolio Holdings Information”). In addition,
the Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted policies and procedures providing that Portfolio Holdings Information may not
be disclosed except to the extent that it is (a) made available to the general public by posting on the Fund’s website
or filed as part of a required filing on Form N-PORT or N-CSR or (b) provided to a third party for legitimate business purposes
or regulatory purposes, that has agreed to keep such data confidential under terms approved by the Investment Adviser’s
legal department or outside counsel, as described below. The Investment Adviser will examine each situation under (b) with
a view to determine that release of the information is in the best interest of the Fund and their shareholders and, if a potential
conflict between the Investment Adviser’s interests and the Fund’s interests arises, to have such conflict resolved
by the Chief Compliance Officer or those Directors who are not considered to be “interested persons” (as defined in
the 1940 Act). These policies further provide that no officer of the Fund or employee of the Investment Adviser shall communicate
with the media about the Fund without obtaining the advance consent of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, or
General Counsel of the Investment Adviser.
Under
the foregoing policies, the Fund currently may disclose Portfolio Holdings Information in the circumstances outlined below. Disclosure
generally may be either on a monthly or quarterly basis with no time lag in some cases and with a time lag of up to 60 days in
other cases (with the exception of proxy voting services which require a regular download of data):
(1)
To regulatory authorities in response to requests for such information and with the approval of the Chief Compliance Officer of
the Fund;
(2)
To mutual fund rating and statistical agencies and to persons performing similar functions where there is a legitimate business
purpose for such disclosure and such entity has agreed to keep such data confidential until at least it has been made public by
the Investment Adviser;
(3)
To service providers of the Fund, as necessary for the performance of their services to the Fund and to the Board, where such
entity has agreed to keep such data confidential until at least it has been made public by the Investment Adviser. The Fund’s
current service providers that may receive such information are its administrator, sub-administrator, custodian, independent registered
public accounting firm, legal counsel, and financial printers;
(4)
To firms providing proxy voting and other proxy services provided such entity has agreed to keep such data confidential until
at least it has been made public by the Investment Adviser;
(5)
To certain broker dealers, investment advisers, and other financial intermediaries for purposes of their performing due diligence
on the Fund and not for dissemination of this information to their clients or use of this information to conduct trading for their
clients. Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings Information in these circumstances requires the broker, dealer, investment adviser,
or financial intermediary to agree to keep such information confidential until it has been made public by the Investment Adviser
and is further subject to prior approval of the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund and shall be reported to the Board at the
next quarterly meeting; and
(6)
To consultants for purposes of performing analysis of the Fund, which analysis may be used by the consultant with its clients
or disseminated to the public, provided that such entity shall have agreed to keep such information confidential until at least
it has been made public by the Investment Adviser.
As
of the date of this SAI, the Fund makes information about portfolio securities available to its administrator, sub-administrator,
custodian, and proxy voting services on a daily basis, with no time lag, to its typesetter on a quarterly basis with a ten day
time lag, to its financial printers on a quarterly basis with a forty-five day time lag, and its independent registered public
accounting firm and legal counsel on an as needed basis with no time lag. The names of the Fund’s administrator, custodian,
independent registered public accounting firm, and legal counsel are set forth is the Prospectus. The Fund’s proxy voting
service is Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. Donnelley Financial Solutions and Appatura provide typesetting services for the
Fund and the Fund selects from a number of financial printers who have agreed to keep such information confidential until at least
it has been made public by the Investment Adviser. Other than those arrangements with the Fund’s service providers and proxy
voting service, the Fund has no ongoing arrangements to make available information about the Fund’s portfolio securities
prior to such information being disclosed in a publicly available filing with the SEC that is required to include the information.
Disclosures
made pursuant to a confidentiality agreement are subject to periodic confirmation by the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund
that the recipient has utilized such information solely in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Neither the Fund, nor the
Investment Adviser, nor any of the Investment Adviser’s affiliates will accept on behalf of itself, its affiliates, or the
Fund any compensation or other consideration in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings of the Fund. The Board will
review such arrangements annually with the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer.
Portfolio
Transactions
Subject
to policies established by the Board, the Investment Adviser is responsible for placing purchase and sale orders and the allocation
of brokerage on behalf of the Fund. Transactions in equity securities are in most cases effected on U.S. stock exchanges and involve
the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. In general, there may be no stated commission in the case of securities traded
in OTC markets, but the prices of those securities may include undisclosed commissions or mark-ups. Principal transactions are
not entered into with affiliates of the Fund. However, G.research may execute transactions in the OTC markets on an agency basis
and receive a stated commission therefrom. To the extent consistent with applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and
exemptions adopted by the SEC thereunder, as well as other regulatory requirements, the Board has determined that portfolio transactions
may be executed through G.research and its broker-dealer affiliates if, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, the use of
those broker-dealers is likely to result in price and execution at least as favorable as those of other qualified broker-dealers,
and if, in particular transactions, the affiliated broker-dealers charge the Fund a rate consistent with that charged to comparable
unaffiliated customers in similar transactions and comparable to rates charged by other broker dealers for similar transactions.
The Fund has no obligations to deal with any broker or group of brokers in executing transactions in portfolio securities. In
executing transactions, the Investment Adviser seeks to obtain the best price and execution for the Fund, taking into account
such factors as price, size of order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved and the firm’s
risk in positioning a block of securities. While the Investment Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates,
the Fund does not necessarily pay the lowest commission available. During the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the years
ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Fund paid aggregate brokerage commissions of $5,952, $13,930 and $2,495, respectively.
During the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Fund paid to G.research
brokerage commissions on security trades of $625, $900 and $384, respectively. Such amount represents approximately 11%, 6% and
15% of the Fund’s aggregate brokerage commissions paid during the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the years ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The percentages of the Fund’s aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving
the payment of commissions effected through G.research during the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the years ended December 31,
2022 and 2021 were approximately 22%, 12% and 13%, respectively.
Subject
to obtaining the best price and execution, brokers who provide supplemental research, market and statistical information, or other
services (e.g., wire services) to the Investment Adviser or its affiliates may receive orders for transactions by the Fund. The
term “research, market and statistical information” includes advice as to the value of securities, and advisability
of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities,
and furnishing analyses and reports concerning issues, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy
and the performance of accounts. Information so received will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be
performed by the Investment Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement and the expenses of the Investment Adviser will not
necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental information. Such information may be useful to the Investment
Adviser and its affiliates in providing services to clients other than the Fund, and not all such information is used by the Investment
Adviser in connection with the Fund. Conversely, such information provided to the Investment Adviser and its affiliates by brokers
and dealers through whom other clients of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates effect securities transactions may be useful
to the Investment Adviser in providing services to the Fund.
Although
investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those for the other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser and
its affiliates, investments of the kind made by the Fund may also be made for those other accounts. When the same securities are
purchased for or sold by the Fund and any of such other accounts, it is the policy of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates
to allocate such purchases and sales in a manner deemed fair and equitable over time to all of the accounts, including the Fund.
Portfolio
Turnover
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Risks and Special Considerations—Portfolio
Turnover Risk” in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Taxation
The
following discussion is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its common
and preferred shareholders. This summary does not discuss the consequences of an investment in the Fund’s notes or subscription
rights to acquire shares of the Fund’s stock. The tax consequences of such an investment will be discussed in a relevant
prospectus supplement.
Except
as expressly provided otherwise, this discussion assumes you are a taxable U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal
income tax purposes) and that you hold your shares as capital assets (generally, for investment). The discussion is based upon
current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury regulations, judicial authorities,
published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and other applicable authorities, all of which are
subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that the IRS would
not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to those set forth below. No attempt is made to present a detailed
explanation of all U.S. federal income tax concerns affecting the Fund and its shareholders (including shareholders subject
to special tax rules and shareholders owning a large position in the Fund), nor does this discussion address any state, local,
or foreign tax concerns.
The
discussions set forth here and in the Prospectus do not constitute tax advice. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers
with any specific questions relating to U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxes.
Taxation
of the Fund
The
Fund has elected to be treated and has qualified, and intends to continue to qualify, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.
Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things,
| (i) | derive
in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from (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 currencies and (b) net income derived from interests in certain publicly traded
partnerships that are treated as partnerships for U.S. 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”); and |
| (ii) | 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 Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash
items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs 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 Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s
total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities
and the securities of other RICs) of (I) any one issuer, (II) any two or more
issuers that the Fund controls 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. |
As
a RIC, the Fund generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on income and gains that it distributes each taxable
year to shareholders, provided that it distributes annually at least 90% of the sum of the Fund’s (i) investment company
taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest, the excess of any net short term capital gain over net
long term capital loss, and other taxable income, other than any net capital gain (as defined below), reduced by deductible expenses)
determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) net tax-exempt interest income (the excess
of its gross tax-exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions). The Fund intends to distribute at least
annually substantially all of such income. 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.
Amounts
not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4%
federal excise tax at the Fund level. To avoid the tax, the Fund must distribute during each calendar year an amount at least
equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar
year, and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses (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 Fund’s fiscal year). In
addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the federal excise tax will be increased or decreased
to reflect any under-distribution or over-distribution, as the case may be, from previous years. For purposes of the excise tax,
the Fund will be deemed to have distributed any income on which it paid U.S. federal income tax. Although the Fund intends to
distribute any income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% federal excise tax, there can
be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund’s ordinary income and capital gains will be distributed to avoid entirely
the imposition of the tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the
foregoing distribution requirement.
If
the Fund were unable to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement or otherwise were to fail to qualify as a RIC in any year, generally
it would be taxed on all of its taxable income and gains in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and distributions to the
Fund’s shareholders would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. Such distributions would be taxable
to the shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Provided
that certain holding period and other requirements are met, such dividends may be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified
dividend income eligible to be taxed at long term capital gain rates in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for
the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders. To qualify again to be taxed as a RIC in a subsequent
year, the Fund would be required to distribute to its shareholders its earnings and profits attributable to non-RIC years.
In addition, if the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, then, in order to qualify as
a RIC in a subsequent year, the Fund would be required to elect to recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gain (the
excess of aggregate gain, including items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if the Fund had been liquidated)
or, alternatively, to be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of five years. The remainder
of this discussion assumes that the Fund qualifies for taxation as a RIC.
Certain
of the Fund’s investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may,
among other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (ii) convert
lower taxed long term capital gains or qualified dividend income into higher taxed short term capital gains or ordinary income,
(iii) convert an ordinary loss or deduction into capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause
the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a
purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex
financial transactions and (vii) produce income that will not qualify as good income for purposes of the 90% annual gross
income requirement described above. These U.S. federal income tax provisions could therefore affect the amount, timing and character
of distributions to shareholders.
Gain
or loss on the sale of securities by the Fund will generally be long term capital gain or loss if the securities have been held
by the Fund for more than one year. Gain or loss on the sale of securities held for one year or less will be short term capital
gain or loss.
Foreign
currency gain or loss on non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities and on any non-U.S. dollar-denominated futures
contracts, options and forward contracts that are not section 1256 contracts (as defined below) generally will be treated
as ordinary income and loss.
The
premium received by the Fund for writing a call option is not included in income at the time of receipt. If the option expires,
the premium is short term capital gain to the Fund. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction, the difference between the
amount paid to close out its position and the premium received is short term capital gain or loss. If a call option written by
the Fund is exercised, thereby requiring the Fund to sell the underlying security, the premium will increase the amount realized
upon the sale of the security and any resulting gain or loss will be long term or short term, depending upon the holding period
of the security. The Fund does not have control over the exercise of the call options it writes and thus does not control the
timing of such taxable events.
With
respect to a put or call option that is purchased by the Fund, if the option is sold, any resulting gain or loss will be a capital
gain or loss and will be short term or long term, depending upon the holding period for the option. If the option expires, the
resulting loss is a capital loss and is short term or long term, depending upon the holding period for the option. If the option
is exercised, the cost of the option, in the case of a call option, is added to the basis of the purchased security and, in the
case of a put option, reduces the amount realized on the underlying security in determining gain or loss.
The
Fund’s investment in so-called “section 1256 contracts,” such as regulated futures contracts,
most foreign currency forward contracts traded in the interbank market, options on most stock indices and any non-equity options,
are subject to special tax rules. All section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of its taxable year are required
to be marked to their market value, and any unrealized gain or loss on those positions will be included in the Fund’s income
as if each position had been sold for its fair market value at the end of the taxable year, thereby potentially causing the Fund
to recognize gain in advance of a corresponding receipt of cash. The resulting gain or loss will be combined with any gain or
loss realized by the Fund from positions in section 1256 contracts closed during the taxable year. Provided such positions
were held as capital assets and were not part of a “hedging transaction” nor part of a “straddle,” 60%
of the resulting net gain or loss will be treated as long term capital gain or loss, and 40% of such net gain or loss will be
treated as short term capital gain or loss, regardless of the period of time the positions were actually held by the Fund.
Investments
by the Fund in certain “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”) could subject the Fund to U.S. federal
income tax (including interest charges) on certain distributions or dispositions with respect to those investments which cannot
be eliminated by making distributions to shareholders. Elections may be available to the Fund to mitigate the effect of the PFIC
rules, but such elections generally accelerate the recognition of income without the receipt of cash. Dividends paid by PFICs
will not qualify for the reduced tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income, as discussed below under “Taxation of
Shareholders.”
The
Fund may invest in debt obligations purchased at a discount with the result that the Fund may be required to accrue income for
U.S. federal income tax purposes before amounts due under the obligations are paid. The Fund may also invest in securities
rated in the medium to lower rating categories of nationally recognized rating organizations, and in unrated securities (“high
yield securities”). A portion of the interest payments on such high yield securities may be treated as dividends for certain
U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The
Fund may invest in preferred securities or other securities the U.S. federal income tax treatment of which may not be clear or
may be subject to special rules or to recharacterization by the IRS. To the extent the tax treatment of such securities or the
income from such securities differs from the tax treatment expected by the Fund, it could affect the timing or character of income
recognized by the Fund, potentially requiring the Fund to purchase or sell securities, or otherwise change its portfolio, in order
to comply with the tax rules applicable to RICs under the Code.
As
a result of investing in stock of PFICs or securities purchased at a discount or any other investment that produces income that
is not matched by a corresponding cash distribution to the Fund, the Fund could be required to include in current income, income
it has not yet received in cash. Any such income would be treated as income earned by the Fund and therefore would be subject
to the distribution requirements of the Code. This might prevent the Fund from distributing 90% of its investment company taxable
income as is required in order to avoid Fund-level U.S. federal income tax on all of its income, or might prevent the
Fund from distributing enough ordinary income and capital gain net income to avoid the imposition of Fund-level income or excise
taxes. To avoid this result, the Fund may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities at inopportune times or on unfavorable
terms, forgo favorable investments, or take other actions that it would otherwise not take, to be able to make distributions to
its shareholders.
If
the Fund does not meet the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act and the Statements of Preferences, the Fund will be required
to suspend distributions to the holders of the common shares until the asset coverage is restored. Such a suspension of distributions
might prevent the Fund from distributing 90% of its investment company taxable income as is required in order to avoid Fund-level U.S. federal
income taxation on all of its income, or might prevent the Fund from distributing enough income and capital gain net income to
avoid imposition of Fund-level income or excise taxes.
Dividends
or other income (including, in some cases, capital gains) received by the Fund from investments in foreign securities may be subject
to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce
or eliminate such taxes in some cases. If more than 50% of the Fund’s total assets at the close of its taxable year consist
of stock or securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect for U.S. federal income tax purposes to treat foreign income
taxes paid by it as paid by its shareholders. The Fund may qualify for and make this election in some, but not necessarily all,
of its taxable years. If the Fund were to make such an election, shareholders of the Fund would be required to take into account
an amount equal to their pro rata portions of such foreign taxes in computing their taxable income and then treat an amount equal
to those foreign taxes as a U.S. federal income tax deduction or as a foreign tax credit against their U.S. federal income liability.
A taxpayer’s ability to use a foreign tax deduction or credit is subject to limitations under the Code. If the Fund makes
this election, it will furnish its shareholders with a written notice after the close of the taxable year.
Taxation
of Shareholders
Distributions
paid by the Fund from its investment company taxable income generally are taxable as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s
current or accumulated earnings and profits (“ordinary income dividends”). Provided that certain holding period and
other requirements are met, such distributions (if properly reported by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received
deduction available to corporations, but only to the extent that the Fund’s income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations
and (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at long term capital gain
rates to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income
from taxable domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated
in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualifying 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). A qualified foreign corporation does not include a foreign corporation that for the taxable year of the corporation in
which the dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year, is a PFIC. If the Fund lends portfolio securities, the amount received
by the Fund that is the equivalent of the dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned will not be eligible for qualified
dividend income treatment. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund’s distributions will be eligible for
the dividends received deduction or the reduced rates applicable to qualified dividend income.
Properly
reported distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long term capital gain over net short term capital loss) (“capital
gain distributions”), if any, are taxable to shareholders at the reduced rates applicable to long term capital gain, regardless
of how long the shareholder has held the Fund’s shares. Capital gain distributions are not eligible for the dividends received
deduction.
The
Fund may either distribute or retain for reinvestment all or part of its net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long term capital
gain over net short term capital loss). If any such gain is retained, the Fund will be subject to regular corporate income tax
on the retained amount. In that event, the Fund may report the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a notice to its
shareholders, each of whom (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes as long term capital
gain its share of such undistributed amounts, (ii) will be entitled to credit its proportionate share of the tax paid by
the Fund against its U.S. federal income tax liability and to claim refunds to the extent that the credit exceeds such liability
and (iii) will increase its basis in its shares of the Fund by the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the
shareholder’s income less the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii).
Distributions
in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-free return of capital
to the extent of your adjusted tax basis of your shares and thereafter will be treated as capital gains. The amount of any Fund
distribution that is treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce your adjusted tax basis in your shares, thereby
increasing your potential gain or reducing your potential loss on any subsequent sale or other disposition of your shares. In
determining the extent to which a distribution will be treated as being made from the Fund’s earnings and profits, earnings
and profits will be allocated on a pro rata basis first to distributions with respect to the Fund’s preferred shares, and
then to the Fund’s common shares.
The
IRS currently requires that a RIC 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, and qualified dividend income) based upon the percentage of total
dividends paid to each class for the tax year. Accordingly, the Fund intends each year to allocate capital gain dividends, dividends
eligible for the dividends received deduction, and dividends that constitute qualified dividend income, if any, between its common
shares and preferred shares in proportion to the total dividends paid to each class with respect to such tax year.
Dividends
and other taxable distributions are taxable to you even though they are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. Dividends
and other distributions paid by the Fund are generally treated under the Code as paid by the Fund and received by you at the time
the dividend or distribution is made. If, however, the Fund pays you a dividend 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 dividend will be treated for
U.S. federal income tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by you on December 31 of the year in which the dividend
was declared. In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of the Fund’s taxable year may be “spilled
back” and treated as paid by the Fund (except for purposes of the 4% nondeductible excise tax) during such taxable year.
In such case, you will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually
made.
The
price of shares purchased at any time may reflect the amount of a forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing shares just prior
to the record date for a distribution will receive a distribution which will be taxable to them even though it represents in part
a return of invested capital.
Except
as discussed below in the case of a redemption or repurchase of shares, upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of shares,
a shareholder will generally realize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market
value of other property received and the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares. Such gain or loss will be treated
as long term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange
will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced by substantially identical shares within a 61-day period
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis
of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. In addition, any loss realized by a shareholder on the
sale of Fund shares held by the shareholder for six months or less will be treated for tax purposes as a long term capital loss
to the extent of any capital gain distributions received by the shareholder (or amounts credited to the shareholder as an undistributed
capital gain) with respect to such shares. There are a number of limitations on the use of capital losses under the Code.
In
general, a redemption or repurchase of shares should be treated as a sale or exchange of such shares under section 302 of the
Code, if the distribution of cash (a) is “substantially disproportionate” with respect to the shareholder, (b) results
in a “complete redemption” of the shareholder’s interest, or (c) is “not essentially equivalent to
a dividend” with respect to the shareholder. A “substantially disproportionate” distribution generally requires
a reduction of at least 20% in the shareholder’s proportionate interest in the Fund and also requires the shareholder to
own less than 50% of the voting power of all classes entitled to vote immediately after the redemption or repurchase. A “complete
redemption” of a shareholder’s interest generally requires that all common and preferred shares of the Fund owned
by such shareholder be disposed of. A distribution “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” requires that there
be a “meaningful reduction” in the shareholder’s proportionate interest in the Fund, which should result if
the shareholder has a minimal interest in the Fund, exercises no control over Fund affairs and suffers a reduction in his proportionate
interest in the Fund. In determining whether any of these tests has been met, any common and preferred shares actually owned,
as well as shares considered to be owned by the shareholder by reason of certain constructive ownership rules set forth in section
318 of the Code, generally must be taken into account.
If
the redemption or repurchase of your shares meets any of these three tests for “sale or exchange” treatment, you will
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of other property received
pursuant to the transaction and the adjusted tax basis of the sold shares. If none of the tests described above are met, you may
be treated as having received, in whole or in part, a dividend, return of capital or capital gain, depending on (i) whether
there are sufficient earnings and profits to support a dividend and (ii) your tax basis in the relevant shares. The tax basis
in the sold shares will be transferred to any remaining shares held by you in the Fund. In addition, if the redemption or repurchase
of shares is treated as a “dividend” to a shareholder, a constructive dividend under certain provisions of the Code
may result to a non-selling shareholder whose proportionate interest in the earnings and assets of the Fund has been
increased as a result of such transaction.
Certain
U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a
3.8% Medicare tax on all or a part of their “net investment income,” which includes dividends received from the Fund
and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of the Fund’s stock.
Ordinary
income dividends, capital gain distributions and gain on the sale of Fund shares also may be subject to state, local and foreign
taxes. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific questions about U.S. federal (including
the application of the alternative minimum tax rules), state, local or foreign tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.
A
shareholder that is a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation (a “foreign investor”) generally will
be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or possibly a lower rate provided by an applicable tax treaty)
on ordinary income dividends. Assuming applicable disclosure and certification requirements are met, a foreign investor generally
will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain realized in respect of any distributions of net capital
gain (including net capital gain retained by the Fund but credited to shareholders) or upon the sale or other disposition of shares
of the Fund. Different tax consequences may result if the foreign investor is engaged in a trade or business in the United States,
or in the case of an individual, if the foreign investor is present in the United States for 183 days or more during a taxable
year and certain other conditions are met.
Properly
reported ordinary income dividends are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax where they (i) are paid in
respect of a RIC’s “qualified net interest income” (generally, the RIC’s U.S.-source interest income,
other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which the RIC is at least
a 10% shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) are paid in respect of a RIC’s “qualified
short term gains” (generally, the excess of the RIC’s net short term capital gain over the RIC’s net long term
capital loss for such taxable year). Depending on its circumstances, the Fund may report all, some or none of its potentially
eligible dividends as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short term gains, and/or treat such dividends, in whole
or in part, as ineligible for this exemption from withholding. In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a foreign
investor would need to comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including,
in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or substitute Form). In the case of shares held through
an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund reports the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified
short term gain. Foreign investors should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their
accounts. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund’s distributions would qualify for favorable treatment
as qualified net interest income or qualified short term gains.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, withholding is generally required at a rate of 30% on dividends in respect of the Fund’s shares held by or
through certain foreign financial institutions (including investment funds), unless such institution enters into an agreement
with the Secretary of the Treasury to report, on an annual basis, information with respect to shares in, and accounts maintained
by, the institution to the extent such shares or accounts are held by certain U.S. persons or by certain non-U.S. entities that
are wholly or partially owned by U.S. persons and to withhold on certain payments. Accordingly, the entity through which
the Fund’s shares are held will affect the determination of whether such withholding is required. Similarly, dividends in
respect of the Fund’s shares held by an investor that is a non-financial non-U.S. entity will generally
be subject to withholding at a rate of 30%, unless such entity either (i) certifies that such entity does not have any “substantial
United States owners” or (ii) provides certain information regarding the entity’s “substantial United States
owners,” which the Fund or other applicable withholding agent will in turn be required to provide to the Secretary of the
Treasury. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country, or future Treasury regulations
or other guidance, may modify these requirements. Foreign investors are encouraged to consult with their tax advisers regarding
the possible implications of these rules on their investment in the Fund’s shares.
Foreign
investors should consult their tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of investing in the Fund’s shares.
The
Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax on all taxable distributions and redemption proceeds payable to non-corporate shareholders
who fail to provide the Fund (or its agent) with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications,
or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax.
Any amounts withheld may be refunded or credited against such shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any,
provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
THE
FOREGOING IS A GENERAL AND ABBREVIATED SUMMARY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CODE AND TREASURY REGULATIONS PRESENTLY IN EFFECT.
FOR THE COMPLETE PROVISIONS, REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE PERTINENT CODE SECTIONS AND THE TREASURY REGULATIONS PROMULGATED
THEREUNDER. THE DISCUSSION SET FORTH ABOVE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY LEGISLATIVE, JUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION, EITHER PROSPECTIVELY
OR RETROACTIVELY. PERSONS CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SHARES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS REGARDING THE PURCHASE,
OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF SHARES OF THE FUND.
Net
Asset Value
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Net Asset Value” in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Beneficial
Owners
As
of September 6, 2024, based upon Schedule 13D/13G filings with the SEC, the following persons were known to the Fund to
be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
and Address of Beneficial
Owner(s)
|
|
Title of Class
|
|
Amount of Shares and
Nature of Ownership
|
|
Percent of
Class
|
Mario
J. Gabelli and affiliates
One
Corporate Center
Rye,
NY 10580-1422 |
|
Common |
|
1,931,500
(beneficial) (1) |
|
9.9% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regina
Pitaro
One
Corporate Center
Rye,
NY 10580 |
|
Preferred |
|
285,000
(beneficial) |
|
44.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sheila
Ellice Shafran Living Trust
Boca
Raton, FL 33432 |
|
Preferred |
|
150,000
(beneficial) |
|
23.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GAMCO
Investors Inc. and affiliates
One
Corporate Center
Rye,
NY 10580 |
|
Preferred |
|
100,000
(beneficial) (2) |
|
15.6% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W.
David Franzel Living Trust
Alexandria,
VA 22304 |
|
Preferred |
|
50,000
(beneficial) |
|
7.8% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (1) | Comprised
of 487,500 common shares of owned by directly Mario J. Gabelli; 1,100,000 shares owned by
GGCP, Inc. (GGCP), of which Mr. Gabelli is the Chief Executive Officer, a director, and the
controlling shareholder; 326,425 shares owned by Associated Capital Group, Inc. (ACG), of
which Mr. Gabelli is the Executive Chair and controlling shareholder; and 17,575 shares owned
by Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (GCIA), a majority owned subsidiary of
Associated Capital Group, Inc. Mr. Gabelli has less than a 100% interest in each of these
entities and disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by these entities which are
in excess of his indirect pecuniary interest. |
| (2) | Comprised
of 100,000 preferred shares owned by GAMCO Asset Management Inc. Mr. Gabelli has less than
a 100% interest in this entity and disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by
this entity which are in excess of his indirect pecuniary interest. |
As
of September 6, 2024, the Directors and executive officers as a group beneficially owned less than 1% of the total common
shares outstanding and less than 1% of the total preferred shares outstanding.
General
Information
Book-Entry-Only
Issuance
The
Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) will act as securities depository for the securities offered pursuant to the Prospectus.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system is based upon information obtained from DTC.
The securities offered hereby initially will be issued only as fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede &
Co. (as nominee for DTC). One or more fully-registered global security certificates initially will be issued, representing in
the aggregate the total number of securities, and deposited with DTC.
DTC
is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning
of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of
the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A
of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among participants
of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry
changes in participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct
DTC participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations.
Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly through other entities.
Purchases
of securities within the DTC system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the securities
on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of a security, a beneficial owner, is in turn to be recorded
on the direct or indirect participants’ records. Beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their
purchases, but beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transactions, as well
as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect participants through which the beneficial owners purchased
securities. Transfers of ownership interests in securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of participants
acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests
in securities, except as provided herein.
DTC
has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the securities being offered pursuant to the Prospectus; DTC’s records
reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts such securities are credited, which may or may not be the
beneficial owners. The participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
Conveyance
of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants, and by direct
participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory
or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payments
on the securities will be made to DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit direct participants’ accounts on the relevant payment
date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not
receive payments on such payment date. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions
and customary practices and will be the responsibility of such participant and not of DTC or the Fund, subject to any statutory
or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of distributions to DTC is the responsibility of the
Fund, disbursement of such payments to direct participants is the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to
the beneficial owners is the responsibility of direct and indirect participants. Furthermore each beneficial owner must rely on
the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights under the securities.
DTC
may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with respect to the securities at any time by giving reasonable
notice to the Fund. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depository is not obtained, certificates
representing the securities will be printed and delivered.
Proxy
Voting Procedures
The
Fund has adopted the proxy voting procedures of the Investment Adviser and has directed the Investment Adviser to vote all proxies
relating to the Fund’s voting securities in accordance with such procedures. The proxy voting procedures are incorporated
herein by reference to the Fund’s most recently filed Form N-CSR. See “Incorporation By Reference” in the
Prospectus. The proxy voting procedures are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet site
(http://www.sec.gov). Information regarding how the Registrant voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent
12-month period ended June 30 will be available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800-422-3554, or on the
Registrant’s website at http://www.gabelli.com, and (ii) on the Commission’s website at
http://www.sec.gov.
Code
of Ethics
The
Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted a Code of Ethics. This Code of Ethics sets forth restrictions on the trading activities
of trustees/directors, officers and employees of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and their affiliates. For example, such persons
may not purchase any security for which the Fund has a purchase or sale order pending, or for which such trade is under consideration.
In addition, those trustees/directors, officers and employees that are principally involved in investment decisions for client
accounts are prohibited from purchasing or selling for their own account for a period of seven days a security that has been traded
for a client’s account, unless such trade is executed on more favorable terms for the client’s account and it is determined
that such trade will not adversely affect the client’s account. Short term trading by such trustee/directors, officers and
employees for their own accounts in securities held by a Fund client’s account is also restricted. The above examples are
subject to certain exceptions and they do not represent all of the trading restrictions and policies set forth by the Code of
Ethics. The Code of Ethics is available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
Joint
Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers
The
Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted a Joint Code of Ethics that serves as a code of conduct. The Joint Code of Ethics
sets forth policies to guide the chief executive and senior financial officers in the performance of their duties. The Joint
Code of Ethics is available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet site (http://www.sec.gov).
Incorporation
by Reference
As
noted in the Prospectus, we are allowed to “incorporate by reference” the information that we file with the SEC, which
means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference
is considered to be part of the Prospectus, the SAI or the Prospectus Supplement, as applicable, and later information that we
file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information.
PART
C
OTHER
INFORMATION
| Item 25. | Financial
Statements and Exhibits |
Part
A
The
audited financial statements included in the annual report to the Fund’s shareholders for the fiscal year ended September 30,
2023 (the “Annual Report”), together with the report
of Tait, Weller & Baker LLP thereon, are incorporated by reference to the Annual Report in Part A.
The
unaudited financial statements included in the semi-annual report to the Fund’s shareholders for the fiscal period ended
March 31, 2024.
Part
B
None
| (a)(vii) | Articles
Supplementary for the Series [ ] Preferred Stock ** |
| (d)(i) | Form
of Subscription Certificate for Shares of Common Stock ** |
| (d)(ii) | Form
of Subscription Certificate for Shares of [ ]% Series Cumulative Preferred Stock ** |
| (d)(iii) | Form
of Subscription Certificate for Shares of Common Stock and [ ]% Series Cumulative Preferred
Shares ** |
| (d)(iv) | Form
of Indenture (11) |
| (d)(v) | Form
T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee with respect to the Form of Indenture ** |
| (d)(vi) | Form
of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery ** |
| (e) | Automatic
Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan (12) |
| (h)(i) | Form
of Underwriting Agreement ** |
| (h)(ii) | Form
of Dealer Manager Agreement ** |
| (k)(xx) | Form
of Rights Agent Agreement ** |
| (k)(xxi) | Form
of Information Agent Agreement ** |
| ** | To
be filed by Amendment. |
| (1) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos.
333-26644 and 811-05715, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March
31, 1995. |
| (2) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos.
333-224305 and 811-05715, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April
16, 2018. |
| (3) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s
Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos. 333-102494 and 811-05715, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2003. |
| (4) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, File No. 811-05715, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on December 9, 2010. |
| (5) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos.
333-257573 and 811-05715, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June
30, 2021. |
| (6) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos.
333-24541 and 811-05715, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May
9, 1997. |
| (7) | Incorporated
by reference to The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.’s Post-Effective Amendment No.
4 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2, File No. 333-218771 and 811-08476, as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2019. |
| (8) | Incorporated
by reference to The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust’s Tender Offer Statement
on Schedule TO, File No. 005- 84324, filed on March 17, 2021. |
| (9) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s
Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos. 333-257573 and 811-05715, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 25, 2022. |
| (10) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s
Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos. 333-257573 and 811-05715, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2023. |
| (11) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos. 333-280756
and 811-05715, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 11, 2024. |
| (12) | Included
in the Prospectus. |
| Item 26. | Marketing
Arrangements |
The
information contained under the heading “Plan of Distribution” in the Prospectus is incorporated by reference, and
any information concerning any underwriters will be contained in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement, if any.
| Item 27. | Other
Expenses of Issuance and Distribution |
The
following table sets forth the estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the offering described in this Registration
Statement:
SEC registration fees | |
$ | 18,450 | |
NYSE listing fee | |
$ | 40,000 | |
Rating Agency fees | |
$ | 75,000 | |
Printing/engraving expenses | |
$ | 175,000 | |
Auditing fees and expenses | |
$ | 55,000 | |
FINRA filing fee | |
$ | 8,000 | |
Legal fees and expenses | |
$ | 400,000 | |
Miscellaneous | |
$ | 78,550 | |
Total | |
$ | 850,000 | |
| Item 28. | Persons
Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant |
None.
| Item 29. | Number
of Holders of Securities as of September 12, 2024 |
Title
of Class
|
|
Number of
Record Holders
|
Common
Stock |
|
632 |
Series
G Cumulative Preferred Stock |
|
9 |
Maryland
law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers
to the corporation and its shareholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper
benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment
as being material to the cause of action. The Registrant’s charter contains such a provision which eliminates directors’
and officers’ liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, subject to the requirements of the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).
The
Registrant’s charter and bylaws obligate the Registrant to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the
requirements of the 1940 Act to indemnify any present or former director or officer and the Registrant’s bylaws obligate
the Registrant to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and subject to the
requirements of the 1940 Act, to indemnify any individual who, while serving as the Registrant’s director or officer and
at the Registrant’s request, serves or has served another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or
employee benefit plan as a director, officer, partner, trustee employee, agent or fiduciary, from and against any claim or liability
to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and
to pay or reimburse their reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The bylaws also permit the Registrant
to indemnify and advance expenses to any of the Registrant’s employees or agents. In accordance with the 1940 Act, the Registrant’s
will not indemnify any person for any liability to which such person would be subject by reason of such person’s willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Maryland
law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which the Registrant’s charter does not) to indemnify
a director or officer who has been successful in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be
made, a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and
former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually
incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their
service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was
material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result of active
and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property
or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the
act or omission was unlawful. However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in
a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly
received unless, in either case, a court orders indemnification, and then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits
a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer in advance of final disposition of a proceeding upon the
corporation’s receipt of (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that
he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (b) a written undertaking
by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined
that the standard of conduct was not met. The advancement of expenses is subject to additional limitations pursuant to the 1940
Act.
Section 9
of the Registrant’s Investment Advisory Agreement provides as follows:
9.
Indemnity
(a)
The Registrant hereby agrees to indemnify the Adviser and each of the Adviser’s trustees, officers, employees, and agents
(including any individual who serves at the Adviser’s request as director, officer, partner, trustee or the like of another
corporation) and controlling persons (each such person being an “indemnitee”) against any liabilities and expenses,
including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and counsel fees (all as provided
in accordance with applicable corporate law) reasonably incurred by such indemnitee in connection with the defense or disposition
of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or investigative body in
which he may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with which he may be or may have been threatened, while acting
in any capacity set forth above in this paragraph or thereafter by reason of his having acted in any such capacity, except with
respect to any matter as to which he shall have been adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that
his action was in the best interest of the Fund and furthermore, in the case of any criminal proceeding, so long as he had no
reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful, provided, however, that (1) no indemnitee shall be indemnified
hereunder against any liability to the Fund or its shareholders or any expense of such indemnitee arising by reason of (i) willful
misfeasance, (ii) bad faith, (iii) gross negligence, (iv) reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct
of his position (the conduct referred to in such clauses (i) through (v) being sometimes referred to herein as “disabling
conduct”), (2) as to any matter disposed of by settlement or a compromise payment by such indemnitee, pursuant to a consent
decree or otherwise, no indemnification either for said payment or for any other expenses shall be provided unless there has been
a determination that such settlement or compromise is in the best interests of the Fund and that such indemnitee appears to have
acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Fund and did not involve disabling
conduct by such indemnitee and (3) with respect to any action, suit or other proceeding voluntarily prosecuted by any indemnitee
as plaintiff, indemnification shall be mandatory only if the prosecution of such action, suit or other proceeding by such indemnitee
was authorized by a majority of the full Board of the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing the Fund shall not be obligated to provide
any such indemnification to the extent such provision would waive any right which the Fund cannot lawfully waive.
(b)
The Fund will make advance payments in connection with the expenses of defending any action with respect to which indemnification
might be sought hereunder if the Fund receives a written affirmation of the indemnitee’s good faith belief that the standard
of conduct necessary for indemnification has been met and a written undertaking to reimburse the Fund unless it is subsequently
determined that he is entitled to such indemnification and if the trustees of the Fund determine that the facts then known to
them would not preclude indemnification. In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met: (A) the indemnitee
shall provide a security for his undertaking, (B) the Fund shall be insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful
advances, or (C) a majority of a quorum of trustees of the Fund who are neither “interested persons” of the Fund
(as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Act) nor parties to the proceeding (“Disinterested Non-Party Directors”)
or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall determine, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed
to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the indemnitee ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
(c)
All determinations with respect to indemnification hereunder shall be made (1) by a final decision on the merits by a court
or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that such indemnitee is not liable by reason of disabling conduct or, (2) in
the absence of such a decision, by (i) a majority vote of a quorum of the Disinterested Non-party Directors of
the Fund, or (ii) if such a quorum is not obtainable or even, if obtainable, if a majority vote of such quorum so directs,
independent legal counsel in a written opinion.
The
rights accruing to any indemnitee under these provisions shall not exclude any other right to which he may be lawfully entitled.
Other
Underwriter
indemnification provisions to be filed by amendment.
Additionally,
the Registrant and the other funds in the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex jointly maintain, at their own expense, E&O/D&O insurance
policies for the benefit of its directors/trustees, officers and certain affiliated persons. The Registrant pays a pro rata portion
of the premium on such insurance policies.
Insofar
as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion
of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense
of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
| Item 31. | Business
and Other Connections of Investment Adviser |
The
Investment Adviser, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of New York, acts as investment adviser
to the Registrant. The Registrant is fulfilling the requirement of this Item 31 to provide a list of the officers and directors
of the Investment Adviser, together with information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial
nature engaged in by the Investment Adviser or those officers and directors during the past two years, by incorporating by reference
the information contained in the Form ADV of the Investment Adviser filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant
to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 801-37706).
| Item 32. | Location
of Accounts and Records |
The
accounts and records of the Registrant are maintained in part at the office of the Investment Adviser at One Corporate Center,
Rye, New York 10580-1422, in part at the offices of the Fund’s custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, State Street
Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, in part at the offices of the Fund’s sub-administrator,
Bank of New York Mellon, at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286, and in part at the offices of the Fund’s transfer
agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., at 150 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02116.
| Item 33. | Management
Services |
Not
applicable.
| a. | to
file, during a period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment
to this Registration Statement: |
| (1) | to
include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; |
| (2) | to
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events after the effective date of the registration
statement (or the most recent post- effective amendment thereof) which, individually
or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume
of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed
that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent
no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation
of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement. |
| (3) | to
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously
disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in
the Registration Statement. |
Provided,
however, that paragraphs a(1), a(2), and a(3) of this section do not apply to the extent the information required to be included
in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant
pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference into the registration statement,
or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
| b. | that
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective
amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
be the initial bona fide offering thereof; |
| c. | to
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering; |
| d. | that,
for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser: |
| (1) | if
the Registrant is subject to Rule 430B: |
| (A) | Each
prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part
of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of
and included in the registration statement; and |
| (B) | Each
prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part
of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant
to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (x), or (xi) for the purpose of providing the information required
by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in
the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first
used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the
offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes
of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be
deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities
in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that
is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated
by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration
statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective
date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or
prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately
prior to such effective date; or |
| (2) | if
the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C: each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)
under the Securities Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering,
other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed
in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration
statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that
no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration
statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into
the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will,
as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede
or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that
was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior
to such date of first use. |
| e. | that
for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act to
any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities: |
The
undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration
statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or
sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser
and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser:
| (1) | any
preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering
required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act; |
| (2) | free
writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned
Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant; |
| (3) | the
portion of any other free writing prospectus or advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under
the Securities Act relating to the offering containing material information about the
undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned
Registrant; and |
| (4) | any
other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant
to the purchaser. |
| 5. | The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report
pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that
is incorporated by reference into the registration statement shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering
of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof. |
| 6. | Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted
to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit
to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it
is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication
of such issue. |
| 7. | Registrant
undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt
delivery, within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any prospectus
or Statement of Additional Information. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Rye, and State of New York, on the
13th day of September, 2024.
|
The Gabelli Convertible and Income
Securities Fund Inc. |
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ John
C. Ball |
|
|
John
C. Ball
President
and Treasurer |
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities indicated and on the 13th day of September, 2024.
|
NAME |
|
TITLE |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
John C. Ball |
|
President
and Treasurer |
|
John C. Ball |
|
(Principal Executive, Financial and Accounting
Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
John Birch |
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Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Anthony S. Colavita |
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Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Thomas H. Dinsmore |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Vincent D. Enright |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Leslie F. Foley |
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Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Daniel D. Harding |
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Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Michael J. Melarkey |
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Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Agnes Mullady |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Christina Peeney |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Werner J. Roeder |
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Director |
|
|
|
|
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* |
|
|
|
Anthonie C. van Ekris |
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Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Salvatore J. Zizza |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
John C. Ball |
|
|
|
John
C. Ball |
|
Attorney-in-Fact |
| * | Pursuant
to a Power of Attorney |
EXHIBIT
INDEX
We have served as Maryland counsel to The Gabelli
Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc., a Maryland corporation registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
“1940 Act”), as a closed-end management investment company (the “Company”), in connection with certain matters
of Maryland law arising out of the registration of the following securities of the Company having an aggregate initial offering price
of up to $125,000,000 (collectively, the “Securities”): (a) shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Common
Stock”); (b) shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”); (c) subscription rights (“Common
Stock Subscription Rights”) to purchase shares of Common Stock; (d) subscription rights (“Preferred Stock Subscription Rights”)
to purchase shares of Preferred Stock; (e) subscription rights (the “Common Stock & Preferred Stock Subscription Rights”
and, together with the Common Stock Subscription Rights and the Preferred Stock Subscription Rights, the “Subscription Rights”)
to purchase shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock; and (f) notes (“Notes”), in each case, covered by the above-referenced
Registration Statement (the “Registration Statement”), filed by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and the 1940 Act.
In connection with our representation of the Company,
and as a basis for the opinion hereinafter set forth, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction,
of the following documents (collectively, the “Documents”):
1. The Registration
Statement and the related form of prospectus included therein, substantially in the form transmitted to the Commission under the 1933
Act and the 1940 Act;
2. The charter
of the Company (the “Charter”), certified by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the “SDAT”);
3. The Bylaws
of the Company (the “Bylaws”), certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company;
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
4. A certificate
of the SDAT as to the good standing of the Company, dated as of a recent date;
5. Resolutions
(the “Resolutions”) adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) relating to the registration
and issuance of the Securities, certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company;
6. A certificate
executed by an officer of the Company, dated as of the date hereof; and
7. Such
other documents and matters as we have deemed necessary or appropriate to express the opinion set forth below, subject to the assumptions,
limitations and qualifications stated herein.
1. Each
individual executing any of the Documents, whether on behalf of such individual or another person, is legally competent to do so.
2. Each
individual executing any of the Documents on behalf of a party (other than the Company) is duly authorized to do so.
3. Each
of the parties (other than the Company) executing any of the Documents has duly and validly executed and delivered each of the Documents
to which such party is a signatory, and such party's obligations set forth therein are legal, valid and binding and are enforceable in
accordance with all stated terms.
4. All Documents
submitted to us as originals are authentic. The form and content of all Documents submitted to us as unexecuted drafts do not differ in
any respect relevant to this opinion from the form and content of such Documents as executed and delivered. All Documents submitted to
us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original documents. All signatures on all such Documents are genuine. All public
records reviewed or relied upon by us or on our behalf are true and complete. All representations, warranties, statements and information
contained in the Documents are true and complete. There has been no oral or written modification of or amendment to any of the Documents,
and there has been no waiver of any provision of any of the Documents, by action or omission of the parties or otherwise.
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
5. Upon
the issuance of any Securities that are Common Stock (“Common Securities”), including Common Securities which may be issued
upon conversion or exercise of any other Securities convertible into or exercisable for Common Securities, the total number of shares
of Common Stock issued and outstanding will not exceed the total number of shares of Common Stock that the Company is then authorized
to issue under the Charter.
6. Upon
the issuance of any Securities that are Preferred Stock (“Preferred Securities”), including Preferred Securities which may
be issued upon conversion or exercise of any other Securities convertible into or exercisable for Preferred Securities, the total number
of issued and outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, and the total number of issued and outstanding shares of the applicable class or
series of Preferred Stock designated pursuant to the Charter, will not exceed the total number of shares of Preferred Stock or the number
of shares of such class or series of Preferred Stock that the Company is then authorized to issue under the Charter.
7. The issuance,
and certain terms, of the Securities to be issued by the Company from time to time will be authorized and approved by the Board, or a
duly authorized committee thereof, in accordance with the Maryland General Corporation Law, the Charter, the Bylaws, the Registration
Statement and the Resolutions; and with respect to any Subscription Rights, a Subscription Rights Certificate representing such Subscription
Rights (the “Subscription Rights Certificate”) will be duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company and
the specific terms of such Subscription Rights will be duly established by the Board, and such Subscription Rights will be duly distributed
by the Company, in accordance with the Charter, the Bylaws, the Registration Statement and the Resolutions; and, with respect to any Preferred
Securities, Articles Supplementary setting forth the number of shares and the terms of any class or series of Preferred Stock to be issued
by the Company will be filed with and accepted for record by the SDAT prior to their issuance (such approvals and, if applicable, acceptance
for record, referred to herein as the “Corporate Proceedings”).
Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions,
limitations and qualifications stated herein, it is our opinion that:
1. The Company
is a corporation duly incorporated and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing with
the SDAT.
2. Upon
the completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating to the Common Securities, the issuance of the Common Securities will be duly authorized
and, when and if issued and delivered against payment therefor in accordance with the Registration Statement, the Resolutions and the
Corporate Proceedings, the Common Securities will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
3. Upon
the completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating to the Preferred Securities, the issuance of the Preferred Securities will be duly
authorized and, when and if issued and delivered against payment therefor in accordance with the Registration Statement, the Resolutions
and the Corporate Proceedings, the Preferred Securities will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
4. Upon
the completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating to the Subscription Rights, the issuance of the Subscription Rights will be duly
authorized and, when and if issued and paid for in accordance with the applicable Subscription Rights Certificate, the Subscription Rights
will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.
5. Upon
the completion of all Corporate Proceedings relating to the Notes, the issuance of the Notes will be duly authorized.
In addition to the assumptions and qualifications
set forth above, and without limiting the generality of such assumptions and qualifications, the opinion expressed in paragraph 4 above
is also subject to (a) the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, preference, fraudulent transfer, moratorium or other similar
laws relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, (b) the effect of general principles of equity, whether considered
in a proceeding in equity or at law (including the possible unavailability of specific performance or injunctive relief), concepts of
materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, and the discretion of the court before which a proceeding is brought and (c)
the invalidity under certain circumstances under law or court decisions of provisions providing for the indemnification of or contribution
to a party with respect to a liability where such indemnification or contribution is contrary to public policy.
The foregoing opinion is limited to the laws of the
State of Maryland and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any other law. We express no opinion as to the applicability or
effect of the 1940 Act or other federal securities laws, or state securities laws, including the securities laws of the State of Maryland,
or as to federal or state laws regarding fraudulent transfers. To the extent that any matter as to which our opinion is expressed herein
would be governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Maryland, we do not express any opinion on such matter. The
opinion expressed herein is subject to the effect of judicial decisions which may permit the introduction of parol evidence to modify
the terms or the interpretation of agreements.
The opinion expressed herein is limited to the matters
specifically set forth herein and no other opinion shall be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. We assume no obligation to supplement
this opinion if any applicable law changes after the date hereof or if we become aware of any fact that might change the opinion expressed
herein after the date hereof.
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
This opinion is being furnished to you for submission
to the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and to the use of the name of our firm therein. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons
whose consent is required by Section 7 of the 1933 Act.
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
We have acted as special New York counsel to The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the Registration
Statement on Form N-2 filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on July 11, 2024,
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), as amended by Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement to be filed by the Company on the date hereof (such registration statement, as so amended, the “Registration Statement”).
The Registration Statement relates to the issuance and sale by the Company from time to time, pursuant to Rule 415 of the General Rules
and Regulations of the Commission promulgated under the Securities Act (the “Rules and Regulations”), of, among other securities,
notes of the Company (the “Notes”), which may be issued in one or more series under an indenture (the “Indenture”)
proposed to be entered into by the Company and the trustee to be named therein (the “Trustee”), the form of which is filed
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
This opinion is being furnished in accordance with
the requirements of sub paragraph (l) of item 25.2 of Part C of Form N-2.
In rendering the opinions stated herein, we have
examined and relied upon the following:
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
We have also examined originals or copies, certified
or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such records of the Company and such agreements, certificates and receipts of public officials,
certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company and others, and such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate
as a basis for the opinion stated below.
In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness
of all signatures, including electronic signatures, the legal capacity and competency of all natural persons, the authenticity of all
documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as facsimile, electronic,
certified or photocopied copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such copies. As to any facts relevant to the opinions stated
herein that we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives
of the Company and others and of public officials.
We do not express any opinion with respect to the
laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of New York (“Opined-on Law”).
The Indenture and the supplemental indentures and
officer’s certificates establishing the terms of the Notes pursuant thereto and any applicable underwriting or purchase agreement
are referred to herein collectively as the “Transaction Documents.”
The opinion stated below presumes that all of the
following (collectively, the “general conditions”) shall have occurred prior to the issuance of the Notes:
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Based upon the foregoing and subject to the qualifications
and assumptions stated herein, we are of the opinion that the Notes offered by the Company (the “Offered Notes”), when (a)
the general conditions shall have been satisfied, (b) the Indenture and the Trustee have been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act
of 1939; (c) the issuance, sale and terms of the Offered Notes and related matters have been approved and established in conformity with
the applicable Transaction Documents and (d) the Offered Notes have been issued in a form that complies with the provisions of the applicable
Transaction Documents and have been duly executed and authenticated in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and any other applicable
Transaction Documents and issued and sold or otherwise distributed in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Transaction Document
upon payment of the agreed-upon consideration therefor, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against
the Company in accordance with their respective terms under the laws of the State of New York.
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
(f) we call to your attention that irrespective of the agreement of the parties to any Transaction Document, a court may decline to
hear a case on grounds of forum non conveniens or other doctrine limiting the availability of such court as a forum for resolution of
disputes; in addition, we call to your attention that we do not express any opinion with respect to the subject matter jurisdiction of
the federal courts of the United States of America in any action arising out of or relating to any Transaction Document.
(a) the Company (i) is duly incorporated and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland, (ii)
has requisite legal status and legal capacity under the laws of the State of Maryland and (iii) has complied and will comply with all
aspects of the laws of the State of Maryland in connection with the transactions contemplated by, and the performance of its obligations
under, the Transaction Documents;
(b) the Company has the corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform all its obligations under each of the Transaction
Documents;
(c) neither the execution and delivery by the Company of the Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party nor the performance
by the Company of its obligations thereunder, including the issuance and sale of the Notes: (i) conflicts or will conflict with the Articles
of Amendment and Restatement of the Company or by-laws of the Company, (ii) constitutes or will constitute a violation of, or a default
under, any lease, indenture, instrument or other agreement to which the Company or its property is subject, (iii) contravenes or will
contravene any order or decree of any governmental authority to which the Company or its property is subject, or (iv) violates or will
violate any law, rule or regulation to which the Company or its property is subject (except that we do not make the assumption set forth
in this clause (iv) with respect to the Opined-on Law);
(d) neither the execution and delivery by the Company of the Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party nor the performance
by the Company of its obligations thereunder, including the issuance and sale of the Notes, requires or will require the consent, approval,
licensing or authorization of, or any filing, recording or registration with, any governmental authority under any law, rule or regulation
of any jurisdiction;
(e) except to the extent expressly stated in the opinions contained herein, each of the Transaction Documents constitutes the valid
and binding obligation of each party to such Transaction Document, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms;
(f) any agent of service will have accepted appointment as agent to receive service of process and call to your attention that we do
not express any opinion if and to the extent such agent shall resign such appointment; further, we do not express any opinion with respect
to the irrevocability of the designation of such agent to receive service of process;
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with
the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We also hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the heading “Legal
Matters” in the prospectus forming part of the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are
within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the Rules and Regulations. This
opinion is expressed as of the date hereof unless otherwise expressly stated, and we disclaim any undertaking to advise you of any subsequent
changes in the facts stated or assumed herein or of any subsequent changes in applicable laws.
We consent to the references to our firm in the
Registration Statement on Form N-2 of The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. and to the use of our report dated November
29, 2023 on the financial statements and financial highlights of Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.. Such financial statements
and financial highlights appear in the 2023 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement.