UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-08476
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Bruce N. Alpert
Gabelli Funds, LLC
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: 1-800-422-3554
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: June 30, 2013
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Semiannual Report June 30, 2013
Portfolio Management Team
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA Christopher J. Marangi Lawrence J. Haverty, CFA |
To Our Shareholders,
For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the net asset value (NAV) total return of The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. (the Fund) was 16.6%, compared with a total return of 11.1% for the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) World Free Index. The total return for the Funds publicly traded shares was 24.7%. The Funds NAV per share was $9.17, while the price of the publicly traded shares closed at $9.36 on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). See below for additional performance information.
Enclosed are the schedule of investments and financial statements as of June 30, 2013.
Comparative Results
Average Annual Returns through June 30, 2013 (a) (Unaudited) |
Since (11/15/94) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year To Date |
1 Year |
5 Year |
10 Year |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. |
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NAV Total Return (b) |
16.60 | % | 33.16 | % | 5.92 | % | 6.57 | % | 8.43 | % | |||||||||||||||
Investment Total Return (c) |
24.67 | 48.52 | 9.61 | 8.68 | 9.01 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Standard & Poors 500 Index |
13.39 | 20.60 | 7.01 | 7.30 | 9.08 | (d) | |||||||||||||||||||
MSCI World Free Index |
11.13 | 18.58 | 2.70 | 7.25 | 6.48 | (d) |
(a) Returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Investment returns and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate. When shares are sold, they may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data presented. Visit www.gabelli.com for performance information as of the most recent month end. Performance returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The Standard & Poors 500 and MSCI World Free Indices are unmanaged indicators of stock market performance. Dividends are considered reinvested except for the MSCI World Free Index. You cannot invest directly in an index. (b) Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in the NAV per share, reinvestment of distributions at NAV on the ex-dividend date, and adjustments for rights offerings and are net of expenses. Since inception return is based on an initial NAV of $7.50. (c) Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in closing market values on the NYSE, reinvestment of distributions, and adjustments for rights offerings. Since inception return is based on an initial offering price of $7.50. (d) From November 30, 1994, the date closest to the Funds inception for which data is available. |
Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)
The following table presents portfolio holdings as a percent of total investments as of June 30, 2013:
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Shareholders may obtain this information at www.gabelli.com or by calling the Fund at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554). The Funds Form N-Q is available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov and may also be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330.
Proxy Voting
The Fund files Form N-PX with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30, no later than August 31 of each year. A description of the Funds proxy voting policies, procedures, and how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554); (ii) writing to The Gabelli Funds at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; or (iii) visiting the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
Shareholder Meeting May 13, 2013 Final Results
The Funds Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on May 13, 2013 at the Greenwich Library in Greenwich, Connecticut. At that meeting, common and preferred shareholders, voting together as a single class, elected Mario J. Gabelli, CFA, and Christopher J. Marangi as Directors of the Fund. A total of 13,561,222 votes and 13,577,347 votes were cast in favor of these Directors and a total of 246,631 votes and 230,506 votes were withheld for these Directors, respectively. In addition, preferred shareholders, voting as a separate class, elected Anthony J. Colavita as a Director of the Fund. A total of 665,591 votes were cast in favor of this Director and a total of 47,854 votes were withheld for this Director.
James P. Conn, Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., Kuni Nakamura, Anthony R. Pustorino, Werner J. Roeder, and Salvatore J. Zizza continue to serve in their capacities as Directors of the Fund.
We thank you for your participation and appreciate your continued support.
2
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Schedule of Investments June 30, 2013 (Unaudited)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
3
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Schedule of Investments (Continued) June 30, 2013 (Unaudited)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
4
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Schedule of Investments (Continued) June 30, 2013 (Unaudited)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
5
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Schedule of Investments (Continued) June 30, 2013 (Unaudited)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
6
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Schedule of Investments (Continued) June 30, 2013 (Unaudited)
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
7
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
8
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 (Unaudited) |
Year Ended December 31, 2012 |
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Operations: |
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Net investment income |
$ 584,576 | $ 2,372,255 | ||||||
Net realized gain on investments, swap contracts, and foreign currency transactions |
4,407,159 | 1,614,523 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments, swap contracts, and foreign currency translations |
19,956,961 | 24,949,574 | ||||||
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Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations |
24,948,696 | 28,936,352 | ||||||
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Distributions to Preferred Shareholders: |
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Net investment income |
(65,994 | )* | (598,018 | ) | ||||
Net realized short term gain |
| (614,048 | ) | |||||
Net realized long term gain |
(533,956 | )* | | |||||
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|
|
|
|||||
Total Distributions to Preferred Shareholders |
(599,950 | ) | (1,212,066 | ) | ||||
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|
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Net Increase in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Resulting from Operations |
24,348,746 | 27,724,286 | ||||||
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|
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Distributions to Common Shareholders: |
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Net investment income |
(557,612 | )* | (1,350,934 | ) | ||||
Net realized short term gain |
| (1,387,146 | ) | |||||
Net realized long term gain |
(3,533,952 | )* | | |||||
Return of capital |
(3,120,583 | )* | (11,692,316 | ) | ||||
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|
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Total Distributions to Common Shareholders |
(7,212,147 | ) | (14,430,396 | ) | ||||
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Fund Share Transactions: |
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Net increase in net assets from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions |
379,044 | | ||||||
Net decrease from repurchase of common shares |
| (354,024 | ) | |||||
Offering costs for common shares charged to paid-in capital |
| (17,897 | ) | |||||
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Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets from Fund Share Transactions |
379,044 | (371,921 | ) | |||||
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|
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Net Increase in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders |
17,515,643 | 12,921,969 | ||||||
Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders: |
||||||||
Beginning of period |
148,124,040 | 135,202,071 | ||||||
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|
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End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $0 and $39,030, respectively) |
$165,639,683 | $148,124,040 | ||||||
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* | Based on year to date book income. Amounts are subject to change and recharacterization at year end. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
9
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period:
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2013 | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating Performance: |
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Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ 8.22 | $ 7.48 | $ 9.17 | $ 7.70 | $ 5.40 | $ 14.39 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Net investment income/(loss) |
0.03 | 0.13 | 0.04 | (0.07 | ) | 0.05 | 0.14 | |||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, swap contracts, and foreign currency transactions |
1.35 | 1.48 | 0.00 | (a) | 2.22 | 2.33 | (8.41 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
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Total from investment operations |
1.38 | 1.61 | 0.04 | 2.15 | 2.38 | (8.27 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
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Distributions to Preferred Shareholders: (b) |
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Net investment income |
(0.00 | )*(a) | (0.03 | ) | | (0.09 | ) | (0.02 | ) | (0.13 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net realized gain |
(0.03 | )* | (0.04 | ) | (0.07 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||
Return of capital |
| | | | (0.07 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
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Total distributions to preferred shareholders |
(0.03 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.16 | ) | ||||||||||||
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Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Resulting from Operations |
1.35 | 1.54 | (0.03 | ) | 2.06 | 2.29 | (8.43 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
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Distributions to Common Shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
(0.03 | )* | (0.07 | ) | | (0.07 | ) | | | |||||||||||||||
Net realized gain |
(0.20 | )* | (0.08 | ) | (0.24 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||
Return of capital |
(0.17 | )* | (0.65 | ) | (0.63 | ) | (0.53 | ) | | (0.57 | ) | |||||||||||||
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Total distributions to common shareholders |
(0.40 | ) | (0.80 | ) | (0.87 | ) | (0.60 | ) | | (0.57 | ) | |||||||||||||
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Fund Share Transactions: |
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Increase/(Decrease) in net asset value from common share transactions |
(0.00 | )(a) | | (0.76 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||
Increase in net asset value from repurchase of common shares |
| 0.00 | (a) | 0.00 | (a) | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.00 | (a) | |||||||||||||||
Increase in net asset value from repurchase of preferred shares |
| | | 0.00 | (a) | 0.00 | (a) | 0.01 | ||||||||||||||||
Offering expenses charged to paid-in capital |
| (0.00 | )(a) | (0.03 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||
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Total Fund share transactions |
(0.00 | )(a) | 0.00 | (a) | (0.79 | ) | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | |||||||||||||||
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Net Asset Value Attributable to Common Shareholders, End of Period |
$ 9.17 | $ 8.22 | $ 7.48 | $ 9.17 | $ 7.70 | $ 5.40 | ||||||||||||||||||
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NAV total return |
16.60 | % | 22.29 | % | (0.13 | )% | 28.76 | % | 42.59 | % | (59.40 | )% | ||||||||||||
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Market value, end of period |
$ 9.36 | $ 7.85 | $ 6.24 | $ 8.21 | $ 6.63 | $ 4.45 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Investment total return |
24.67 | % | 40.00 | % | (10.35 | )% | 33.88 | % | 48.99 | % | (62.65 | )% | ||||||||||||
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See accompanying notes to financial statements.
10
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Financial Highlights (Continued)
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period:
Six Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2013 | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data: |
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Net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares, end of period |
$200,415 | $182,899 | $169,977 | $159,232 | $141,164 | $122,401 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net assets attributable to common shares, end of period (in 000s) |
$165,640 | $148,124 | $135,202 | $124,457 | $106,386 | $75,619 | ||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets attributable to common shares before preferred share distributions |
0.72 | %(c) | 1.68 | % | (0.11 | )% | (0.89 | )% | 0.88 | % | 1.40 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares before fees waived/fee reduction |
1.61 | %(c) | 1.84 | %(d) | 2.59 | % | 3.19 | % | 2.46 | % | 1.89 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares net of advisory fee reduction, if any |
1.61 | %(c) | 1.84 | %(d) | 2.34 | % | 3.19 | % | 2.43 | % | 1.54 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares before fees waived/fee reduction |
1.32 | %(c) | 1.48 | %(e) | 2.08 | % | 2.44 | % | 1.70 | % | 1.40 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares net of advisory fee reduction, if any |
1.32 | %(c) | 1.48 | %(e) | 1.88 | % | 2.44 | % | 1.68 | % | 1.14 | % | ||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
3.9 | % | 7.9 | % | 14.4 | % | 9.4 | % | 9.6 | % | 14.5 | % | ||||||||||||
Preferred Stock: |
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6.00% Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock |
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Liquidation value, end of period (in 000s) |
$ 19,775 | $ 19,775 | $ 19,775 | $ 19,775 | $ 19,778 | $ 24,281 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total shares outstanding (in 000s) |
791 | 791 | 791 | 791 | 791 | 971 | ||||||||||||||||||
Liquidation preference per share |
$ 25.00 | $ 25.00 | $ 25.00 | $ 25.00 | $ 25.00 | $ 25.00 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average market value (f) |
$ 25.77 | $ 25.73 | $ 25.38 | $ 25.07 | $ 23.53 | $ 22.59 | ||||||||||||||||||
Asset coverage per share |
$ 144.08 | $ 131.49 | $ 122.20 | $ 114.47 | $ 101.48 | $ 65.41 | ||||||||||||||||||
Series C Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock |
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Liquidation value, end of period (in 000s) |
$ 15,000 | $ 15,000 | $ 15,000 | $ 15,000 | $ 15,000 | $ 22,500 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total shares outstanding (in 000s) |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Liquidation preference per share |
$ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average market value (g) |
$ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Asset coverage per share |
$144,078 | $131,486 | $122,197 | $114,472 | $101,475 | $ 65,411 | ||||||||||||||||||
Asset Coverage (h) |
576 | % | 526 | % | 489 | % | 458 | % | 406 | % | 262 | % |
| Based on net asset value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at prices determined under the Funds dividend reinvestment plan including the effect of shares issued pursuant to the 2011 rights offering, assuming full subscription by shareholders. |
| Based on market value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at prices determined under the Funds dividend reinvestment plan including the effect of shares issued pursuant to the 2011 rights offering, assuming full subscription by shareholders. |
* | Based on year to date book income. Amounts are subject to change and recharacterization at year end. |
(a) | Amount represents less than $0.005 per share. |
(b) | Calculated based upon average common shares outstanding on the record dates throughout the periods. |
(c) | Annualized. |
(d) | These ratios do not include a reduction for insurance recovery of $300,000 and the prior period adjustment to legal expenses of $227,762. Had these amounts been included, the ratios for the year ended December 31, 2012 would have been 1.47%. |
(e) | These ratios do not include a reduction for insurance recovery of $300,000 and the prior period adjustment to legal expenses of $227,762. Had these amounts been included, the ratios for the year ended December 31, 2012 would have been 1.18%. |
(f) | Based on weekly prices. |
(g) | Liquidation value. Since February 2008, the weekly auctions have failed. Holders that have submitted orders have not been able to sell any or all of their shares in the auction. |
(h) | Asset coverage is calculated by combining all series of preferred shares. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
11
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. Organization. The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. (the Fund) is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company organized as a Maryland corporation on March 31, 1994 and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). The Fund commenced investment operations on November 15, 1994.
The Funds investment objective is long term growth of capital. The Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets, under normal market conditions, in common stock and other securities, including convertible securities, preferred stock, options, and warrants of companies in the telecommunications, media, publishing, and entertainment industries (the 80% Policy). The 80% Policy may be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund will provide shareholders with notice at least sixty days prior to the implementation of any change in the 80% Policy.
2. Significant Accounting Policies. The Funds financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Security Valuation. Portfolio securities listed or traded on a nationally recognized securities exchange or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter market for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a markets official closing price as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. If there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the average of the closing bid and asked prices or, if there were no asked prices quoted on that day, then the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the security is valued at the most recently available price or, if the Board of Directors (the Board) so determines, by such other method as the Board shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value. Portfolio securities traded on more than one national securities exchange or market are valued according to the broadest and most representative market, as determined by Gabelli Funds, LLC (the Adviser).
Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board if market conditions change significantly after the close of the foreign market, but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. Debt instruments with remaining maturities of sixty days or less that are not credit impaired are valued at amortized cost, unless the Board determines such amount does not reflect the securities fair value, in which case these securities will be fair valued as determined by the Board. Debt instruments having a maturity greater than sixty days for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the security is valued using the closing bid price. U.S. government obligations with maturities greater than sixty days are normally valued using a model that incorporates market observable data such as reported sales of similar securities, broker quotes, yields, bids, offers, and reference data. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations.
Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined by the Board. Fair valuation methodologies and procedures may include, but are not limited to: analysis and review of available financial and non-financial information about the company; comparisons with the valuation and changes in valuation of similar securities, including a comparison of foreign securities with the equivalent U.S. dollar value American Depositary Receipt securities at the close of the U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that could be indicative of the value of the security.
12
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of the Funds investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:
| Level 1 quoted prices in active markets for identical securities; |
| Level 2 other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.); and |
| Level 3 significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds determinations as to the fair value of investments). |
A financial instruments level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input both individually and in the aggregate that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The summary of the Funds investments in securities and other financial instruments by inputs used to value the Funds investments as of June 30, 2013 is as follows:
Valuation Inputs | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 Quoted Prices |
Level 2 Other Significant Observable Inputs |
Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs |
Total Market Value at 6/30/13 |
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INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES: |
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ASSETS (Market Value): |
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Common Stocks: |
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Distribution Companies |
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Financial Services |
$ 1,250,576 | | $ 913 | $ 1,251,489 | ||||||||||||
Wireless Communications |
6,923,528 | 62,505 | 6,986,033 | |||||||||||||
Other Industries (a) |
190,426,895 | | 190,426,895 | |||||||||||||
Total Common Stocks |
198,600,999 | | 63,418 | 198,664,417 | ||||||||||||
Rights (a) |
| $ 68 | | 68 | ||||||||||||
Warrants (a) |
3,242 | | | 3,242 | ||||||||||||
U.S. Government Obligations |
| 1,877,815 | | 1,877,815 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN |
$198,604,241 | $1,877,883 | $63,418 | $200,545,542 |
(a) | Please refer to the Schedule of Investments (SOI) for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings. |
* | Other financial instruments are derivatives reflected in the SOI, such as futures, forwards, and swaps, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation of the instrument. |
The Fund did not have transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the six months ended June 30, 2013. The Funds policy is to recognize transfers among Levels as of the beginning of the reporting period.
13
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
Additional Information to Evaluate Qualitative Information.
General. The Fund uses recognized industry pricing services approved by the Board and unaffiliated with the Adviser to value most of its securities, and uses broker quotes provided by market makers of securities not valued by these and other recognized pricing sources. Several different pricing feeds are received to value domestic equity securities, international equity securities, preferred equity securities, and fixed income securities. The data within these feeds is ultimately sourced from major stock exchanges and trading systems where these securities trade. The prices supplied by external sources are checked by obtaining quotations or actual transaction prices from market participants. If a price obtained from the pricing source is deemed unreliable, prices will be sought from another pricing service or from a broker/dealer that trades that security or similar securities.
Fair Valuation. Fair valued securities may be common and preferred equities, warrants, options, rights, and fixed income obligations. Where appropriate, Level 3 securities are those for which market quotations are not available, such as securities not traded for several days, or for which current bids are not available, or which are restricted as to transfer. Among the factors to be considered to fair value a security are recent prices of comparable securities that are publicly traded, reliable prices of securities not publicly traded, the use of valuation models, current analyst reports, valuing the income or cash flow of the issuer, or cost if the preceding factors do not apply. A significant change in the unobservable inputs could result in a lower or higher value in Level 3 securities. The circumstances of Level 3 securities are frequently monitored to determine if fair valuation measures continue to apply.
The Adviser reports quarterly to the Board the results of the application of fair valuation policies and procedures. These include back testing the prices realized in subsequent trades of these fair valued securities to fair values previously recognized.
Derivative Financial Instruments. The Fund may engage in various portfolio investment strategies by investing in a number of derivative financial instruments for the purposes of hedging or protecting its exposure to interest rate movements and movements in the securities markets, hedging against changes in the value of its portfolio securities and in the value of securities it intends to purchase, or hedging against a specific transaction with respect to either the currency in which the transaction is denominated or another currency. Investing in certain derivative financial instruments, including participation in the options, futures, or swap markets, entails certain execution, liquidity, hedging, tax, and securities, interest, credit, or currency market risks. Losses may arise if the Advisers prediction of movements in the direction of the securities, foreign currency, and interest rate markets is inaccurate. Losses may also arise if the counterparty does not perform its duties under a contract, or that, in the event of default, the Fund may be delayed in or prevented from obtaining payments or other contractual remedies owed to it under derivative contracts. The creditworthiness of the counterparties is closely monitored in order to minimize these risks. Participation in derivative transactions involves investment risks, transaction costs, and potential losses to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. The consequences of these risks, transaction costs, and losses may have a negative impact on the Funds ability to pay distributions.
Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-11 Balance Sheet Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11 requires a fund to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of assets and liabilities and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The scope of ASU 2011-11
14
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
includes derivatives and sale and repurchase agreements. The purpose of ASU 2011-11 is to facilitate comparison of financial statements prepared on the basis of U.S. GAAP and on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards. Management is continually evaluating the implications of ASU 2011-11 and its impact on the financial statements and, at this time, has concluded that ASU 2011-11 is not applicable to the Fund because the Fund does not have investments covered under this guidance.
The Funds derivative contracts held at June 30, 2013, if any, are not accounted for as hedging instruments under GAAP and are disclosed in the Schedule of Investments together with the related counterparty.
Swap Agreements. The Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions for the purposes of hedging or protecting its exposure to interest rate movements and movements in the securities markets. The use of swaps 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 periodically to the counterparty 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 Funds variable rate payment obligation on the Series C Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (Series C Preferred). Interest rate swaps transactions introduce additional risk because the Fund would remain obligated to pay preferred stock dividends when due in accordance with the Articles Supplementary even if the counterparty defaulted. 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 Funds 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.
Unrealized gains related to swaps are reported as an asset and unrealized losses are reported as a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The change in value of swaps, including the accrual of periodic amounts of interest to be received or paid on swaps, is reported as unrealized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations. A realized gain or loss is recorded upon receipt or payment of a periodic payment or termination of swap agreements.
The Funds interest rate swap agreement with Citibank N.A. terminated on April 4, 2013. The notional amount of the agreement was $10,000,000.
For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the effect of interest rate swap agreements can be found in the Statement of Operations under Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments, Swap Contracts, and Foreign Currency, Net realized loss on swap contracts and Net change in unrealized appreciation on swap contracts.
Limitations on the Purchase and Sale of Futures Contracts, Certain Options, and Swaps. Subject to the guidelines of the Board, the Fund may engage in commodity interest transactions (generally, transactions in futures, certain options, certain currency transactions, and certain types of swaps) only for bona fide hedging or other permissible transactions in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Pursuant to amendments by the CFTC to Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange
15
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
Act (CEA), the Adviser has filed a notice of exemption from registration as a commodity pool operator with respect to the Fund. The Fund and the Adviser are therefore not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under the CEA. Due to the recent amendments to Rule 4.5 under the CEA, certain trading restrictions are now applicable to the Fund as of January 1, 2013. These trading restrictions permit the Fund to engage in commodity interest transactions that include (i) bona fide hedging transactions, as that term is defined and interpreted by the CFTC and its staff, without regard to the percentage of the Funds assets committed to margin and options premiums and (ii) non-bona fide hedging transactions, provided that the Fund does not enter into such non-bona fide hedging transactions if, immediately thereafter, either (a) the sum of the amount of initial margin deposits on the Funds existing futures positions or swaps positions and option or swaption premiums would exceed 5% of the market value of the Funds liquidating value, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such transactions, or (b) the aggregate net notional value of the Funds commodity interest transactions would not exceed 100% of the market value of the Funds liquidating value, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such transactions. Therefore, in order to claim the Rule 4.5 exemption, the Fund is limited in its ability to invest in commodity futures, options, and certain types of swaps (including securities futures, broad based stock index futures, and financial futures contracts). As a result, in the future, the Fund will be more limited in its ability to use these instruments than in the past, and these limitations may have a negative impact on the ability of the Adviser to manage the Fund, and on the Funds performance.
Foreign Currency Translations. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments, and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated at the exchange rate prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Unrealized gains and losses that result from changes in foreign exchange rates and/or changes in market prices of securities have been included in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations. Net realized foreign currency gains and losses resulting from changes in exchange rates include foreign currency gains and losses between trade date and settlement date on investment securities transactions, foreign currency transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the books of the Fund and the amounts actually received. The portion of foreign currency gains and losses related to fluctuation in exchange rates between the initial purchase trade date and subsequent sale trade date is included in realized gain/(loss) on investments.
Foreign Securities. The Fund may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The risks include possible revaluation of currencies, the inability to repatriate funds, less complete financial information about companies, and possible future adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers.
Foreign Taxes. The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments, or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable, based upon its current interpretation of tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.
16
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
Restricted Securities. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities for which the markets are restricted. Restricted securities include securities whose disposition is subject to substantial legal or contractual restrictions. The sale of restricted securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than does the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Restricted securities may sell at a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Securities freely saleable among qualified institutional investors under special rules adopted by the SEC may be treated as liquid if they satisfy liquidity standards established by the Board. The continued liquidity of such securities is not as well assured as that of publicly traded securities, and accordingly the Board will monitor their liquidity. For the restricted securities the Fund held as of June 30, 2013, refer to the Schedule of Investments.
Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date with realized gain/(loss) on investments determined by using the identified cost method. Interest income (including amortization of premium and accretion of discount) is recorded on the accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield to maturity method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except for certain dividends from foreign securities that are recorded as soon after the ex-dividend date as the Fund becomes aware of such dividends.
Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are based on income and capital gains as determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from income and capital gains as determined under GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities and foreign currency transactions held by the Fund, timing differences, and differing characterizations of distributions made by the Fund. Distributions from net investment income for federal income tax purposes include net realized gains on foreign currency transactions. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, adjustments are made to the appropriate capital accounts in the period when the differences arise. These reclassifications have no impact on the NAV of the Fund.
Distributions to shareholders of the Funds 6.00% Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock (Series B Preferred) and Series C Preferred (Preferred Stock) are accrued on a daily basis and are determined as described in Note 5.
Under the Funds current distribution policy related to common shares, 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 calendar year. Pursuant to this policy, distributions during the year may be made in excess of required distributions. To the extent such distributions are made from current earnings and profits, they are considered ordinary income or long term capital gains. The Funds current distribution policy may restrict the Funds ability to payout all of its net realized long term capital gains as a Capital Gain Dividend. Distributions sourced from paid-in capital should not be considered the current yield or the total return from an investment in the Fund.
17
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows:
Common | Preferred | |||||||
Distributions paid from: |
||||||||
Ordinary income (inclusive of short term capital gains) |
$ | 2,738,080 | $ | 1,212,066 | ||||
Return of capital |
11,692,316 | | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total distributions paid |
$ | 14,430,396 | $ | 1,212,066 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Provision for Income Taxes. The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). It is the policy of the Fund to comply with the requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment company taxable income and net capital gains. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.
As of December 31, 2012, the components of accumulated earnings/losses on a tax basis were as follows:
Accumulated capital loss carryforwards |
$ | (8,773,147 | ) | |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments |
63,555,838 | |||
Net unrealized depreciation on swap contracts and foreign currency translations |
(159,176 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | 54,623,515 | ||
|
|
At December 31, 2012, the Fund had net capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes which are available to reduce future required distributions of net capital gains to shareholders. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund will be permitted to carry forward for an unlimited period capital losses incurred in years beginning after December 22, 2010. In addition, these losses must be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years. As a result of the rule, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short term or long term capital losses rather than being considered all short term as under previous law. $8,773,147 of capital loss carryforwards is available through 2017.
The following summarizes the tax cost of investments and the related net unrealized appreciation at June 30, 2013:
Cost | Gross Unrealized Appreciation |
Gross Unrealized Depreciation |
Net Unrealized Appreciation |
|||||||||||||||
Investments |
$ | 114,523,405 | $ | 96,871,876 | $ | (10,849,739 | ) | $ | 86,022,137 |
The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Funds tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are more-likely-than-not of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed not to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Fund did not incur any income tax, interest, or penalties. As of June 30, 2013, the Adviser has reviewed all open tax years and concluded that there was no impact to the Funds net assets or results of operations. Tax years ended December 31, 2009 through December 31, 2012 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. On an ongoing basis, the Adviser will monitor the Funds tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary.
18
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
3. Agreements and Transactions with Affiliates. The Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement (the Advisory Agreement) with the Adviser which provides that the Fund will pay the Adviser a fee, computed weekly and paid monthly, equal on an annual basis to 1.00% of the value of the Funds average weekly net assets including the liquidation value of preferred stock. In accordance with the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides a continuous investment program for the Funds portfolio and oversees the administration of all aspects of the Funds business and affairs. The Adviser has agreed to reduce the management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the Preferred Stock if the total return of the NAV of the common shares of the Fund, including distributions and advisory fee subject to reduction, does not exceed the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of the Preferred Stock for the year.
The Funds total return on the NAV of the common shares is monitored on a monthly basis to assess whether the total return on the NAV of the common shares exceeds the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of Preferred Stock for the period. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Funds total return on the NAV of the common shares exceeded the stated dividend rate or net swap expense on the outstanding Preferred Stock. Thus, advisory fees were accrued on the assets attributable to all Preferred Stock.
During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Fund paid brokerage commissions on security trades of $3,587 to G. research, Inc. (formerly Gabelli & Company, Inc.), an affiliate of the Adviser.
The cost of calculating the Funds NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Fund paid or accrued $22,500 to the Adviser in connection with the cost of computing the Funds NAV.
As per the approval of the Board, the Fund compensates officers of the Fund, who are employed by the Fund and are not employed by the Adviser (although officers may receive incentive based variable compensation from affiliates of the Adviser). For the six months ended June 30, 2013 the Fund paid or accrued $31,467 in payroll expenses in the Statement of Operations.
The Fund pays each Director who is not considered an affiliated person an annual retainer of $6,000 plus $500 for each Board meeting attended and each Director is reimbursed by the Fund for any out of pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. All Board committee members receive $1,000 per meeting attended. The Audit Committee Chairman receives an annual fee of $3,000, the Nominating Committee Chairman and the Lead Director each receive an annual fee of $2,000. A Director may receive a single meeting fee, allocated among the participating funds, for participation in certain meetings held on behalf of multiple funds. Directors who are directors or employees of the Adviser or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Fund.
4. Portfolio Securities. Purchases and sales of securities during the six months ended June 30, 2013, other than short term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $7,483,788 and $20,342,169, respectively.
5. Capital. The charter permits the Fund to issue 196,750,000 shares of common stock (par value $0.001). The Board has authorized the repurchase of up to 1,950,000 shares on the open market when the shares are trading at a discount of 5% or more (or such other percentage as the Board may determine from time to time) from the NAV of the shares. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Fund did not repurchase any common stock in the open market. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Fund repurchased and retired 50,025 shares of common stock in the open market at a cost of $354,024 and an average discount of approximately 9.81% from its NAV.
19
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
Transactions in common stock were as follows:
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 (Unaudited) |
Year Ended December 31, 2012 |
|||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||
Net increase in net assets from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions |
42,541 | $ | 379,044 | | | |||||||||||
Net decrease from repurchase of common shares |
| | (50,025 | ) | $ | (354,024 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) |
42,541 | $ | 379,044 | (50,025 | ) | $ | (354,024 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Funds Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 2,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock is senior to the common stock and results in the financial leveraging of the common stock. Such leveraging tends to magnify both the risks and opportunities to common shareholders. Dividends on shares of the Preferred Stock are cumulative. The Fund is required by the 1940 Act and by the Articles Supplementary to meet certain asset coverage tests with respect to the Preferred Stock. If the Fund fails to meet these requirements and does not correct such failure, the Fund may be required to redeem, in part or in full, the Series B and Series C Preferred at redemption prices of $25.00 and $25,000, respectively, per share plus an amount equal to the accumulated and unpaid dividends whether or not declared on such shares in order to meet these requirements. Additionally, failure to meet the foregoing asset coverage requirements could restrict the Funds ability to pay dividends to common shareholders and could lead to sales of portfolio securities at inopportune times. The income received on the Funds assets may vary in a manner unrelated to the fixed and variable rates, which could have either a beneficial or detrimental impact on net investment income and gains available to common shareholders.
The Fund filed a $400 million shelf registration statement with the SEC that was declared effective on November 14, 2012, enabling the Fund to offer additional common or preferred stock.
On March 31, 2003, the Fund received net proceeds of $24,009,966 (after underwriting discounts of $787,500 and offering expenses of $202,534) from the public offering of 1,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred. The Fund, at its option, may redeem the Series B Preferred in whole or in part at the redemption price at any time. The Board has authorized the repurchase of Series B Preferred in the open market at prices less than the $25 liquidation value per share. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Fund did not repurchase any shares of Series B Preferred. At June 30, 2013, 791,014 shares of 6.00% Series B Preferred were outstanding and accrued dividends amounted to $16,479.
On March 31, 2003, the Fund received net proceeds of $24,547,465 (after underwriting discounts of $250,000 and offering expenses of $202,535) from the public offering of 1,000 shares of Series C Preferred. The dividend rate, as set by the auction process, which is generally held every seven days, is expected to vary with short term interest rates. Since February 2008, the number of Series C Preferred subject to bid orders by potential holders has been less than the number of Series C Preferred subject to sell orders. Therefore, the weekly auctions have failed, and the dividend rate since then has been the maximum rate. In that event, holders that have submitted sell orders may not be able to sell any or all of the Series C Preferred for which they have
20
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
submitted sell orders. The current maximum rate is 175% of the AA Financial Composite Commercial Paper Rate on the date of such auction. The dividend rates of Series C Preferred ranged from 0.088% to 0.228% during the six months ended June 30, 2013. Existing shareholders may submit an order to hold, bid, or sell such shares on each auction date. Shareholders of the Series C Preferred may also trade their shares in the secondary market. The Fund, at its option, may redeem the Series C Preferred in whole or in part at the redemption price at any time. There were no redemptions of Series C Preferred during the six months ended June 30, 2013. At June 30, 2013, 600 shares of Series C Preferred were outstanding with an annualized dividend rate of 0.140% per share and accrued dividends amounted to $292.
On March 29, 2011, the Fund distributed one transferable right for each of the 13,575,669 shares of common stock outstanding on that date. Three rights were required to purchase one additional share of common stock at the subscription price of $7.00 per share. On April 26, 2011, the Fund issued 4,525,223 shares of common stock, receiving proceeds of $31,676,561, prior to the deduction of offering expenses of $456,781. The NAV per share of the Fund was reduced by approximately $0.76 per share as a result of the issuance of shares below NAV.
The holders of Preferred Stock generally are entitled to one vote per share held on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common stock as a single class. The holders of Preferred Stock voting together as a single class also have the right currently to elect two Directors and under certain circumstances are entitled to elect a majority of the Board. In addition, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of all outstanding shares of the preferred stock, voting as a single class, will be required to approve any plan of reorganization adversely affecting the preferred stock, and the approval of two-thirds of each class, voting separately, of the Funds outstanding voting stock must approve the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company. The approval of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding preferred stock and a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds outstanding voting securities are required to approve certain other actions, including changes in the Funds investment objectives or fundamental investment policies.
6. Industry Concentration. Because the Fund primarily invests in common stocks and other securities of foreign and domestic companies in the telecommunications, media, publishing, and entertainment industries, its portfolio may be subject to greater risk and market fluctuations than a portfolio of securities representing a broad range of investments.
7. Indemnifications. The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Funds maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Funds existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
8. Other Matters. On April 24, 2008, the Adviser entered into a settlement with the SEC to resolve an inquiry regarding prior frequent trading in shares of the GAMCO Global Growth Fund (the Global Growth Fund) by one investor who was banned from the Global Growth Fund in August 2002. Under the terms of the settlement, the Adviser, without admitting or denying the SECs findings and allegations, paid $16 million (which included a $5 million civil monetary penalty). On the same day, the SEC filed a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, alleging violations of certain federal securities laws arising from the same matter. The officer, who
21
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)
also is an officer of the Global Growth Fund and other funds in the Gabelli/GAMCO complex, including this Fund, denies the allegations and is continuing in his positions with the Adviser and the funds. The settlement by the Adviser did not have, and the resolution of the action against the officer is not expected to have, a material adverse impact on the Adviser or its ability to fulfill its obligations under the Advisory Agreement.
9. Subsequent Events. Management has evaluated the impact on the Fund of all other subsequent events occurring through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no other subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial.
Certifications
The Funds Chief Executive Officer has certified to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) that, as of June 10, 2013, he was not aware of any violation by the Fund of applicable NYSE corporate governance listing standards. The Fund reports to the SEC on Form N-CSR which contains certifications by the Funds principal executive officer and principal financial officer that relate to the Funds disclosure in such reports and that are required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act.
22
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)
Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), contemplates that the Board of Directors (the Board) of The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. (the Fund), including a majority of the Directors who have no direct or indirect interest in the investment advisory agreement and are not interested persons of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act (the Independent Board Members), are required to annually review and re-approve the terms of the Funds existing investment advisory agreement and approve any newly proposed terms therein. In this regard, the Board reviewed and re-approved, during the most recent six month period covered by this report, the Advisory Agreement (the Advisory Agreement) with Gabelli Funds, LLC (the Adviser) for the Fund.
More specifically, at a meeting held on May 16, 2013, the Board, including the Independent Board Members meeting in executive session with their counsel, considered the factors and reached the conclusions described below relating to the selection of the Adviser and the re-approval of the Advisory Agreement.
1. The nature, extent, and quality of services provided by the Adviser.
The Board Members reviewed in detail the nature and extent of the services provided by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement and the quality of those services over the past year. The Board noted that these services included managing the investment program of the Fund, including the purchase and sale of portfolio securities, as well as the provision of general corporate services. The Board Members considered that the Adviser also provided, at its expense, office facilities for use by the Fund and supervisory personnel responsible for supervising the performance of administrative, accounting, and related services for the Fund, including monitoring to assure compliance with stated investment policies and restrictions under the 1940 Act and related securities regulation. The Board noted that, in addition to managing the investment program for the Fund, the Adviser provided certain non-advisory and compliance services, including services for the Funds Rule 38a-1 compliance program.
The Board noted that the Adviser had engaged, at its expense, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (BNY) to assist it in performing certain of its administrative functions. The Board concluded that the nature and extent of the services provided was reasonable and appropriate in relation to the advisory fee, that the level of services provided by the Adviser, either directly or through BNY, had not diminished over the past year, and that the quality of service continued to be high.
The Board reviewed the personnel responsible for providing services to the Fund and concluded, based on their experience and interaction with the Adviser, that (i) the Adviser was able to retain quality personnel, (ii) the Adviser and its agents exhibited a high level of diligence and attention to detail in carrying out their advisory and administrative responsibilities under the Advisory Agreement, (iii) the Adviser was responsive to requests of the Board, (iv) the scope and depth of the Advisers resources was adequate, and (v) the Adviser had kept the Board apprised of developments relating to the Fund and the industry in general. The Board also focused on the Advisers reputation and long standing relationship with the Fund. The Board also believed that the Adviser had devoted substantial resources and made substantial commitments to address new regulatory compliance requirements applicable to the Fund.
2. The performance of the Fund and the Adviser.
The Board reviewed the investment performance of the Fund, on an absolute basis, as compared with its Lipper peer group of other SEC registered closed-end funds. The Board considered the Funds one, three, five and ten year average annual total return for the periods ended March 31, 2013, but placed greater emphasis on
23
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Advisory Agreements (Unaudited) (Continued)
the Funds longer term performance. The peer group considered by the Board was developed by Lipper and was comprised of other selected closed-end core, growth, and value equity funds (the Performance Peer Group). The Board considered these comparisons helpful in their assessment as to whether the Adviser was obtaining for the Funds shareholders the total return performance that was available in the marketplace, given the Funds objectives, strategies, limitations, and restrictions. In reviewing the performance of the Fund, the Board noted that the Funds performance was above the median for the one year, three year and ten year periods, and below the median for the five year period. The Board concluded that the Funds performance was reasonable in comparison with that of the Performance Peer Group.
In connection with its assessment of the performance of the Adviser, the Board considered the Advisers financial condition and whether it had the resources necessary to continue to carry out its functions under the Advisory Agreement. The Board concluded that the Adviser had the financial resources necessary to continue to perform its obligations under the Advisory Agreement and to continue to provide the high quality services that it has provided to the Fund to date.
3. The cost of the advisory services and the profits to the Adviser and its affiliates from the relationship with the Fund.
In connection with the Boards consideration of the cost of the advisory services and the profits to the Adviser and its affiliates from the relationship with the Fund, the Board considered a number of factors. First, the Board compared the level of the advisory fee for the Fund against a comparative Lipper expense peer group comprised of other selected closed-end core, growth, and value equity funds (Expense Peer Group). The Board also considered comparative non-management fee expenses and comparative total fund expenses of the Fund and the Expense Peer Group. The Board considered this information as useful in assessing whether the Adviser was providing services at a cost that was competitive with other similar funds. In assessing this information, the Board considered the comparative contract rates. The Board noted that the Funds advisory fee was higher than average and the total expense ratio was lower than average when compared with those of the Expense Peer Group.
The Board also reviewed the fees charged by the Adviser to provide similar advisory services to other registered investment companies or accounts with similar investment objectives, noting that in some cases the fees charged by the Adviser were the same, or lower, than the fees charged to the Fund.
The Board also considered an analysis prepared by the Adviser of the estimated profitability to the Adviser of its relationship with the Fund and reviewed with the Adviser its cost allocation methodology in connection with its profitability. In this regard, the Board reviewed Pro-forma Income Statements of the Adviser for the year ended December 31, 2012. The Board considered one analysis for the Adviser as a whole, and a second analysis for the Adviser with respect to the Fund. With respect to the Fund analysis, the Board received an analysis based on the Funds average net assets during the period as well as a pro-forma analysis of profitability at higher and lower asset levels. The Board concluded that the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser under either analysis was not excessive.
24
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Advisory Agreements (Unaudited) (Continued)
4. The extent to which economies of scale will be realized as the Fund grows and whether fee levels reflect those economies of scale.
With respect to the Boards consideration of economies of scale, the Board discussed whether economies of scale would be realized by the Fund at higher asset levels. The Board also reviewed data from the Expense Peer Group to assess whether the Expense Peer Group funds had advisory fee breakpoints and, if so, at what asset levels. The Board also assessed whether certain of the Advisers costs would increase if asset levels rise. The Board noted the Funds current size and concluded that under foreseeable conditions, they were unable to assess at this time whether economies of scale would be realized by the Fund if it were to experience significant asset growth. In the event there were to be significant asset growth in the Fund, the Board determined to reassess whether the advisory fee appropriately took into account any economies of scale that had been realized as a result of that growth.
5. Other Factors.
In addition to the above factors, the Board also discussed other benefits received by the Adviser from its management of the Fund. The Board considered that the Adviser does use soft dollars in connection with its management of the Fund.
Based on a consideration of all these factors in their totality, the Board, including all of the Independent Board Members, determined that the Funds advisory fee was fair and reasonable with respect to the quality of services provided and in light of the other factors described above that the Board deemed relevant. Accordingly, the Board determined to approve the continuation of the Funds Advisory Agreement. The Board Members based their decision on evaluations of all these factors as a whole and did not consider any one factor as all important or controlling.
25
THE GABELLI MULTIMEDIA TRUST INC.
One Corporate Center
Rye, NY 10580-1422
Investment Objective:
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc., is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company whose primary objective is long term growth of capital, with income as a secondary objective. The Fund seeks opportunities for long term growth within the context of two main investment universes: companies involved in creativity, as it relates to the development of intellectual property rights (copyrights); and companies involved in distribution, as it relates to the delivery of these copyrights. Additionally, the Fund will invest in companies participating in emerging technological advances in interactive services and products.
Stock Exchange Listing
Common | Series B Preferred | |||
NYSESymbol: |
GGT | GGT PrB | ||
Shares Outstanding: |
18,072,908 | 791,014 |
We have separated the portfolio managers commentary from the financial statements and investment portfolio due to corporate governance regulations stipulated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We have done this to ensure that the content of the portfolio managers commentary is unrestricted. The financial statements and investment portfolio are mailed separately from the commentary. Both the commentary and the financial statements, including the portfolio of investments, will be available on our website at www.gabelli.com.
The Net Asset Value per share appears in the Publicly Traded Funds column, under the heading Specialized Equity Funds, in Mondays The Wall Street Journal. It is also listed in Barrons Mutual Funds/Closed End Funds section under the heading Specialized Equity Funds.
The Net Asset Value per share may be obtained each day by calling (914) 921-5070 or visiting www.gabelli.com.
The NASDAQ symbol for the Net Asset Value is XGGTX.
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that the Fund may, from time to time, purchase its common shares in the open market when the Funds shares are trading at a discount of 5% or more from the net asset value of the shares. The Fund may also, from time to time, purchase its preferred shares in the open market when the preferred shares are trading at a discount to the liquidation value.
THE GABELLI MULTIMEDIA TRUST INC.
One Corporate Center
Rye, NY 10580-1422
Portfolio Management Team Biographies
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GAMCO Investors, Inc. that he founded in 1976 and Chief Investment Officer - Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management Inc. Mr. Gabelli is a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University and holds an MBA degree from Columbia Business School, and an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island.
Christopher J. Marangi joined G.research, Inc. in 2003 as a research analyst and currently leads the digital research sector team. He also serves as a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC and manages several funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Funds Complex. Mr. Marangi graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Political Economy from Williams College and holds an MBA with honors from Columbia Business School.
Lawrence J. Haverty, Jr., CFA, joined GAMCO Investors, Inc. in 2005 and currently is a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC and the Fund. Mr. Haverty was previously a managing director for consumer discretionary research at State Street Research, the Boston based subsidiary of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. He holds a BS from the Wharton School and a MA from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania where he was a Ford Foundation Fellow.
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
Not applicable.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Not applicable.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed registrants.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Investments.
(a) | Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form. |
(b) | Not applicable. |
Item 7. | Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
There has been no change, as of the date of this filing, in any of the portfolio managers identified in response to paragraph (a)(1) of this Item in the registrants most recently filed annual report on Form N-CSR.
Item 9. | Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. |
REGISTRANT PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
|
(a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased
|
(b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)
|
(c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
|
(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
| ||||
Month #1 01/01/13 through 01/31/13
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common 18,030,367
Preferred Series B 791,014
| ||||
Month #2 02/01/13 through 02/28/13
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common 18,030,367
Preferred Series B 791,014
| ||||
Month #3 03/01/13 through 03/31/13
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common 18,030,367
Preferred Series B 791,014
| ||||
Month #4 04/01/13 through 04/30/13
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common 18,030,367
Preferred Series B 791,014
| ||||
Month #5 05/01/13 through 05/31/13
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common 18,030,367
Preferred Series B 791,014
| ||||
Month #6 06/01/13 through 06/30/13
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common 18,072,908
Preferred Series B 791,014
| ||||
Total |
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
Common N/A
Preferred Series B N/A
|
N/A |
Footnote columns (c) and (d) of the table, by disclosing the following information in the aggregate for all plans or programs publicly announced:
a. | The date each plan or program was announced The notice of the potential repurchase of common and preferred shares occurs quarterly in the Funds quarterly report in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. |
b. | The dollar amount (or share or unit amount) approved Any or all common shares outstanding may be repurchased when the Funds common shares are trading at a discount of 5% or more from the net asset value of the shares. |
Any or all preferred shares outstanding may be repurchased when the Funds preferred shares are trading at a discount to the liquidation value of $25.00.
c. | The expiration date (if any) of each plan or program The Funds repurchase plans are ongoing. |
d. | Each plan or program that has expired during the period covered by the table The Funds repurchase plans are ongoing. |
e. | Each plan or program the registrant has determined to terminate prior to expiration, or under which the registrant does not intend to make further purchases. The Funds repurchase plans are ongoing. |
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrants Board of Directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) | The registrants principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrants disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)). |
(b) | There were no changes in the registrants internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the registrants second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1)
|
Not applicable.
| |
(a)(2) |
Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.
| |
(a)(3)
|
Not applicable.
| |
(b) |
Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) |
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. |
By (Signature and Title)* |
/s/ Bruce N. Alpert | |
Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer |
Date |
9/6/13 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By (Signature and Title)* |
/s/ Bruce N. Alpert | |
Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer |
Date |
9/6/13 |
By (Signature and Title)* |
/s/ Agnes Mullady | |
Agnes Mullady, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer |
Date |
9/6/13 |
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.