GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number            811-21698                    

        GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust        

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

One Corporate Center

                                 Rye , New York    10580-1422                                

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Bruce N. Alpert

Gabelli Funds, LLC

One Corporate Center

                                 Rye , New York    10580-1422                                

(Name and address of agent for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end: December 31

Date of reporting period: December 31, 2018

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

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


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.

 


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Annual Report — December 31, 2018

(Y)our Portfolio Management Team

 

LOGO

Caesar M. P. Bryan     Vincent Hugonnard-Roche

To Our Shareholders,

For the year ended December 31, 2018, the net asset value (NAV) total return of the GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust (the Fund) was (13.5)%, compared with total returns of (4.8)% and (16.3)% for the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Buy/Write Index and the Philadelphia Gold & Silver (XAU) Index, respectively. The total return for the Fund’s publicly traded shares was (19.4)%. The Fund’s NAV per share was $4.17, while the price of the publicly traded shares closed at $3.70 on the NYSE American. See page 2 for additional performance information.

Enclosed are the financial statements, including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2018.

 

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semiannual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (www.gabelli.com), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report. If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. To elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge, please contact your financial intermediary, or, if you invest directly with the Fund, you may call 800-422-3554 or send an email request to info@gabelli.com.


Comparative Results

 

   

                           Average Annual Returns through December 31, 2018 (a) (Unaudited)

                         Since     
      

1 Year

   

3 Year

   

5 Year

    

10 Year

                  Inception
(03/31/05)
 
 

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

                 
 

NAV Total Return (b)

     (13.54 )%      4.32     (4.99 )%       2.84           (0.26 )%   
 

Investment Total Return (c)

     (19.44     4.54       (5.00      (0.60           (1.38
 

CBOE S&P 500 Buy/Write Index

     (4.77     4.84       5.08        7.96             4.88  
 

Bloomberg Barclays Government/Credit Bond Index

     (0.45     2.14       2.49        3.43             3.91  
 

Energy Select Sector Index

     (18.01     1.36       (5.65      4.30             4.40  
 

XAU Index

     (16.34     16.69       (2.63      (4.40           (0.94
  (a)

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

  (b)

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

  (c)

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

 

 

2


Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)

The following table presents portfolio holdings as a percent of total investments before options written as of December 31, 2018:

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

 

Long Positions

  

Metals and Mining

     50.1

Energy and Energy Services

     33.0

U.S. Government Obligations

     16.8

Exchange Traded Funds

     0.1
  

 

 

 
         100.0
  

 

 

 

Short Positions

                       

Call Options Written

     (4.6 )% 

Put Options Written

     (0.4 )% 
  

 

 

 
         (5.0 )% 
  

 

 

 
 

 

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

Proxy Voting

The Fund files Form N-PX with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30, no later than August 31 of each year. A description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies, procedures, and how 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 SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

3


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments — December 31, 2018

 

 

Shares

       

Cost

   

Market
Value

 
 

COMMON STOCKS — 81.7%

 

 
 

Energy and Energy Services — 32.6%

 

 
  118,500    

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.(a)

  $ 8,702,837     $ 5,195,040  
  88,000    

Apache Corp.(a)

    7,441,980       2,310,000  
  103,375    

Baker Hughes, a GE
Company(a)

    5,776,579       2,222,563  
  346,000    

BP plc, ADR(a)

    15,792,360       13,120,320  
  140,000    

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.(a)

    3,733,289       3,129,000  
  202,000    

Chevron Corp.(a)

    26,241,870       21,975,580  
  25,000    

Cimarex Energy Co.

    3,366,786       1,541,250  
  45,500    

Concho Resources Inc.†(a)

    6,978,261       4,676,945  
  122,700    

ConocoPhillips(a)

    8,854,269       7,650,345  
  100,000    

Devon Energy Corp.(a)

    5,319,038       2,254,000  
  450,000    

Eni SpA

    8,874,218       7,088,303  
  120,500    

EOG Resources Inc.(a)

    14,933,860       10,508,805  
  402,500    

Exxon Mobil Corp.(a)

    36,737,469       27,446,475  
  198,500    

Halliburton Co.(a)

    11,125,710       5,276,130  
  31,000    

Helmerich & Payne Inc

    2,449,545       1,486,140  
  33,000    

Hess Corp.(a)

    2,107,200       1,336,500  
  40,000    

HollyFrontier Corp.(a)

    2,860,400       2,044,800  
  429,308    

Kinder Morgan Inc.(a)

    9,554,301       6,602,757  
  197,000    

Marathon Oil Corp.(a)

    4,219,893       2,824,980  
  205,994    

Marathon Petroleum Corp.(a)

    16,603,967       12,155,706  
  45,200    

Newfield Exploration Co.†

    1,902,365       662,632  
  110,254    

Noble Energy Inc.

    4,323,329       2,068,365  
  80,000    

Occidental Petroleum Corp.(a)

    6,735,670       4,910,400  
  61,800    

ONEOK Inc.(a)

    4,223,180       3,334,110  
  84,000    

Phillips 66(a)

    9,646,231       7,236,600  
  38,600    

Pioneer Natural Resources
Co.(a)

    7,705,663       5,076,672  
  883,000    

Royal Dutch Shell plc, Cl. A

    31,164,072       25,970,257  
  220,966    

Schlumberger Ltd.(a)

    18,228,269       7,972,453  
  170,000    

Suncor Energy Inc.(a)

    6,939,927       4,754,900  
  120,000    

Sunoco LP(a)

    2,793,267       3,262,800  
  100,000    

TechnipFMC plc(a)

    3,451,030       1,958,000  
  207,500    

The Williams Companies
Inc.(a)

    11,082,250       4,575,375  
  291,000    

TOTAL SA, ADR(a)

    18,613,149       15,184,380  
  98,500    

Valero Energy Corp.(a)

    11,292,010       7,384,545  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      339,849,702       235,197,128  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Metals and Mining — 49.1%

   
  563,500    

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.(a)

    31,437,101       22,765,400  
  1,308,200    

Alacer Gold Corp.†

    2,768,900       2,414,785  
  3,881,692    

Alamos Gold Inc., New York, Cl. A(a)

    29,533,781       13,974,091  
  460,000    

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd., ADR

    5,746,228       5,773,000  
  300,180    

Antofagasta plc

    6,809,945       2,996,596  
  700,000    

Asanko Gold Inc.†

    2,431,909       446,088  
  3,790,000    

B2Gold Corp.†

    11,733,700       11,066,800  
  282,000    

Barrick Gold Corp.(a)

    6,024,247       3,818,280  
  2,400,000    

Belo Sun Mining Corp.†

    1,821,022       668,034  
  3,600,000    

Centamin plc

    7,244,290       4,992,352  
  150,000    

Centerra Gold Inc.†

    913,700       643,862  
  1,725,000    

Continental Gold Inc.†

    5,298,853       2,842,990  
  1,265,000    

Detour Gold Corp.†

    22,732,767       10,683,746  

Shares

       

Cost

   

Market
Value

 
  417,247    

Eldorado Gold Corp.†(a)

  $ 8,914,211     $ 1,201,671  
  279,000    

Endeavour Mining Corp.†

    5,139,129       4,565,529  
  900,000    

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.†

    4,466,250       3,276,000  
  397,800    

Franco-Nevada Corp.(a)

    31,990,158       27,913,626  
  1,596,636    

Fresnillo plc

    28,659,546       17,501,618  
  702,000    

Gold Fields Ltd., ADR

    3,713,386       2,471,040  
  1,460,300    

Goldcorp Inc.(a)

    21,250,946       14,310,940  
  2,840,000    

Harmony Gold Mining Co.
Ltd., ADR†

    4,730,940       5,083,600  
  3,676,832    

Hochschild Mining plc

    12,309,527       7,313,266  
  370,500    

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

    8,210,003       9,661,442  
  40,000    

Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corp

    729,070       710,226  
  161,000    

MAG Silver Corp., New
York†(b)(c)

    1,685,670       1,175,300  
  560,000    

MAG Silver Corp., Toronto†

    8,212,501       4,101,963  
  1,145,125    

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

    23,905,816       17,806,694  
  606,000    

Newmont Mining Corp.(a)

    27,146,800       20,997,900  
  596,100    

Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.†

    1,244,810       331,846  
  4,753,500    

OceanaGold Corp.

    16,509,857       17,339,899  
  880,000    

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.

    10,731,511       7,715,793  
  850,000    

Perseus Mining Ltd.†

    2,832,874       249,048  
  175,500    

Polyus PJSC, GDR

    7,170,823       6,862,050  
  418,000    

Randgold Resources
Ltd., ADR(a)

    41,040,637       34,648,020  
  300,000    

Rio Tinto plc, ADR(a)

    17,722,116       14,544,000  
  306,000    

Royal Gold Inc.(a)

    27,717,670       26,208,900  
  850,000    

SEMAFO Inc.†

    4,257,692       1,836,727  
  652,100    

Tahoe Resources Inc.†(a)

    11,741,007       2,380,165  
  669,000    

Torex Gold Resources Inc.†

    14,241,166       6,365,595  
  600,000    

Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.†

    1,478,545       1,946,967  
  688,000    

Wheaton Precious Metals
Corp.(a)

    16,143,132       13,436,640  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      498,392,236       355,042,489  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS

    838,166,480       590,239,617  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS — 0.1%

 

 
  5,000    

Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF

    332,317       286,750  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

             
 

CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS — 0.2%

 

 

Metals and Mining — 0.2%

 

  $2,000,000    

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.,
4.000%, 12/31/22

    1,565,384       1,455,084  
  250,000    

Pretium Resources Inc.,
2.250%, 03/15/22

    250,000       226,725  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      1,815,384       1,681,809  
 

TOTAL CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS

    1,815,384       1,681,809  
 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

4


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2018

 

 

Principal
Amount

       

Cost

   

Market
Value

 
 

CORPORATE BONDS — 1.2%

 

 

Energy and Energy Services — 0.4%

 

  $1,000,000    

CNX Resources Corp.,
5.875%, 04/15/22

  $ 894,608     $ 962,500  
  1,000,000    

The Williams Companies Inc.,
7.875%, 09/01/21

    908,121       1,093,375  
  1,000,000    

Weatherford International Ltd.,

    7.750%, 06/15/21

    993,455       755,000  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      2,796,184       2,810,875  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Metals and Mining — 0.8%

 

  2,600,000    

Eldorado Gold Corp.,
6.125%, 12/15/20(c)

    2,553,820       2,372,500  
  2,000,000    

IAMGOLD Corp.,
7.000%, 04/15/25(c)

    2,000,000       1,890,000  
  2,000,000    

New Gold Inc.,
6.250%, 11/15/22(c)

    2,010,000       1,690,000  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      6,563,820       5,952,500  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS

    9,360,004       8,763,375  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Principal
Amount

       

Cost

   

Market

Value

 
 

U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 16.8%

 

 

$122,132,000

 

 

U.S. Treasury Bills, 2.151% to 2.511%††,
01/08/19 to 06/13/19(d)

  $ 121,477,221     $ 121,485,611  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE OPTIONS
WRITTEN — 100.0%

  $ 971,151,406       722,457,162  
   

 

 

   
 

OPTIONS WRITTEN — (5.0)%
(Premiums received $33,693,544)


 
    (36,098,529
 

Other Assets and Liabilities (Net)

      (30,880,273
 

PREFERRED STOCK
(3,484,483 preferred shares outstanding)


 
    (87,112,075
     

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS —COMMON STOCK
(136,223,484 common shares outstanding)


 
  $ 568,366,285  
     

 

 

 
 

NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE
($568,366,285 ÷ 136,223,484 shares outstanding)


 
  $ 4.17  
     

 

 

 

 

(a)

Securities, or a portion thereof, with a value of $334,590,660 were deposited with the broker as collateral for options written.

(b)

At December 31, 2018, the Fund held an investment in a restricted and illiquid security amounting to $1,175,300 or 0.16% of total investments before options written, which were valued under methods approved by the Board of Trustees as follows:

 

                12/31/18
                Carrying
Acquisition       Acquisition   Acquisition   Value

    Shares    

 

Issuer

 

    Dates    

 

    Cost    

 

Per Share

161,000  

MAG Silver Corp., New

     
 

York

  11/17/17   $1,685,670   $7.3000

 

(c)

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2018, the market value of Rule 144A securities amounted to $7,127,800 or 0.99% of total investments before options written.

(d)

At December 31, 2018, $35,000,000 of the principal amount was pledged as collateral for options written.

Non-income producing security.

††

Represents annualized yields at dates of purchase.

 

ADR

  American Depositary Receipt

GDR

  Global Depositary Receipt

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

5


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2018

 

 

Geographic Diversification

  

   % of Total
Investments*

 

Market
Value

Long Positions

        

United States

       47.7 %       $344,881,254  

Canada

       23.8       172,107,935  

Europe.

       17.2       124,367,683  

Asia/Pacific

       4.9       35,395,640  

Latin America

       4.5       32,377,010  

South Africa

           1.9           13,327,640  

Total Investments

       100.0 %       $722,457,162  

Geographic Diversification

  

   % of Total
Investments*

 

Market

Value

Short Positions

        

United States

       (3.9 )%       $(28,064,883)  

Canada

       (0.9 )       (6,800,987)  

Asia/Pacific

       (0.1 )       (727,380)  

Europe

         (0.1 )              (505,279)  

Total Investments

         (5.0 )%       $(36,098,529)  

 

*

Total investments exclude options written.

 

 

As of December 31, 2018, options written outstanding were as follows:

 

Description    Counterparty    Number of
Contracts
           Notional
Amount
  

Exercise

Price

     Expiration
Date
     Market
Value
 

OTC Call Options Written — (2.5)%

 

                 

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

   Pershing LLC      2,200      USD    8,888,000    USD      34.00        01/18/19      $     1,402,620  

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

   Pershing LLC      2,380      USD    9,615,200    USD      39.00        05/17/19        1,099,368  

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

   Pershing LLC      1,055      USD    4,262,200    USD      41.00        05/17/19        385,786  

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

   Pershing LLC      400      USD    1,753,600    USD      62.50        01/18/19        159  

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

   Pershing LLC      400      USD    1,753,600    USD      60.00        02/15/19        3,261  

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

   Pershing LLC      385      USD    1,687,840    USD      47.50        05/17/19        119,910  

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

   Pershing LLC      500      USD    2,192,000    USD      50.00        08/16/19        167,000  

Antofagasta plc

   Morgan Stanley      150      GBP    1,174,800    GBp      960.00        01/18/19        828  

Antofagasta plc

   Morgan Stanley      150      GBP    1,174,800    GBp      800.00        03/15/19        103,243  

Apache Corp.

   Pershing LLC      440      USD    1,155,000    USD      40.00        04/19/19        5,429  

B2Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC      12,500      USD    3,650,000    USD      2.80        02/15/19        358,015  

B2Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC      12,400      USD    3,620,800    USD      3.00        07/19/19        563,033  

Baker Hughes, a GE Company

   Pershing LLC      520      USD    1,118,000    USD      32.50        01/18/19        25  

Baker Hughes, a GE Company

   Pershing LLC      514      USD    1,105,100    USD      25.00        04/19/19        32,440  

Baker Hughes, a GE Company

   Pershing LLC      520      USD    1,118,000    USD      25.00        07/19/19        57,200  

Barrick Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC      1,400      USD    1,895,600    USD      82.50        02/15/19        556,398  

Barrick Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC      1,400      USD    1,895,600    USD      82.50        03/15/19        668,070  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

6


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2018

 

 

 

Description    Counterparty    Number of
Contracts
    

Notional
Amount

     Exercise
Price
     Expiration
Date
   Market
Value
 

Barrick Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC      680      USD      920,720      USD      87.50      06/21/19    $ 399,194  

Barrick Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC      700      USD      947,800      USD      90.00      06/21/19      356,437  

BP plc, ADR

   Pershing LLC      575      USD      2,180,400      USD      45.00      01/18/19      78  

BP plc, ADR

   Pershing LLC      575      USD      2,180,400      USD      46.00      01/18/19      34  

BP plc, ADR

   Pershing LLC      1,110      USD      4,209,120      USD      42.00      04/19/19      56,344  

BP plc, ADR

   Pershing LLC      1,200      USD      4,550,400      USD      40.00      07/19/19          178,664  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

   Pershing LLC      700      USD      1,564,500      USD      24.00      07/19/19      130,643  

Chevron Corp.

   Pershing LLC      680      USD      7,397,720      USD      121.00      01/18/19      3,606  

Chevron Corp.

   Pershing LLC      670      USD      7,288,930      USD      120.00      03/15/19      71,754  

Chevron Corp.

   Pershing LLC      670      USD      7,288,930      USD      110.00      06/21/19      434,586  

ConocoPhillips

   Pershing LLC      400      USD      2,494,000      USD      67.50      01/18/19      13,244  

ConocoPhillips

   Pershing LLC      200      USD      1,247,000      USD      67.50      02/15/19      22,373  

ConocoPhillips

   Pershing LLC      205      USD      1,278,175      USD      70.00      02/15/19      12,365  

ConocoPhillips

   Pershing LLC      415      USD      2,587,525      USD      62.50      06/21/19      216,609  

Eni SpA

   Morgan Stanley      300      EUR      2,062,200      EUR      16.00      01/18/19      155  

Eni SpA

   Morgan Stanley      300      EUR      2,062,200      EUR      15.50      03/15/19      13,676  

Eni SpA

   Morgan Stanley      300      EUR      2,062,200      EUR      14.50      05/17/19      80,177  

EOG Resources Inc.

   Pershing LLC      400      USD      3,488,400      USD      108.00      03/15/19      29,443  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   Pershing LLC      1,500      USD      10,228,500      USD      82.50      01/18/19      105  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   Pershing LLC      750      USD      5,114,250      USD      87.50      01/18/19      5  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   Pershing LLC      375      USD      2,557,125      USD      79.00      02/15/19      4,274  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   Pershing LLC      700      USD      4,773,300      USD      75.00      04/19/19      77,616  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   Pershing LLC      700      USD      4,773,300      USD      80.00      04/19/19      26,128  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   Pershing LLC      700      USD      4,773,300      USD      72.50      07/19/19      183,882  

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

   Pershing LLC      4,500      USD      1,638,000      USD      3.50      03/15/19      160,106  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

   Pershing LLC      950      USD      6,666,150      USD      65.00      01/18/19      527,064  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

   Pershing LLC      378      USD      2,652,426      USD      70.00      01/18/19      70,471  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

   Pershing LLC      1,450      USD      10,174,650      USD      71.00      04/19/19      586,748  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

   Pershing LLC      1,200      USD      8,420,400      USD      70.00      07/19/19      731,797  

Goldcorp Inc.

   Pershing LLC      4,500      USD      4,410,000      USD      9.50      02/15/19      330,358  

Halliburton Co.

   Pershing LLC      675      USD      1,794,150      USD      37.50      04/19/19      7,245  

Halliburton Co.

   Pershing LLC      660      USD      1,754,280      USD      32.50      05/17/19      42,870  

Halliburton Co.

   Pershing LLC      650      USD      1,727,700      USD      30.00      07/19/19      100,750  

Helmerich & Payne Inc.

   Pershing LLC      150      USD      719,100      USD      67.50      03/22/19      648  

Helmerich & Payne Inc.

   Pershing LLC      160      USD      767,040      USD      52.50      05/17/19      35,030  

Hess Corp.

   Pershing LLC      170      USD      688,500      USD      65.00      02/15/19      49  

HollyFrontier Corp.

   Pershing LLC      200      USD      1,022,400      USD      65.00      03/22/19      5,820  

HollyFrontier Corp.

   Pershing LLC      200      USD      1,022,400      USD      62.50      05/17/19      24,961  

Kinder Morgan Inc.

   Pershing LLC      1,400      USD      2,153,200      USD      18.00      01/18/19      1,763  

Kinder Morgan Inc.

   Pershing LLC      1,493      USD      2,296,234      USD      18.00      03/15/19      12,524  

Kinder Morgan Inc.

   Pershing LLC      1,400      USD      2,153,200      USD      16.30      06/21/19      94,832  

MAG Silver Corp.

   Pershing LLC      2,400      USD      1,752,000      USD      8.35      01/18/19      23,232  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

7


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2018

 

 

Description    Counterparty    Number of
Contracts
    

Notional
Amount

   Exercise
Price
     Expiration
Date
   Market
Value
 

MAG Silver Corp.

   Pershing LLC      2,400      USD    1,752,000    USD      8.35      02/15/19    $ 53,134  

Marathon Oil Corp.

   Pershing LLC      985      USD    1,412,490    USD      18.00      07/19/19      74,609  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

   Pershing LLC      735      USD    4,337,235    USD      80.00      01/18/19      53  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

   Pershing LLC      975      USD    5,753,475    USD      72.50      04/19/19      77,649  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

   Pershing LLC      735      USD    4,337,235    USD      65.00      06/21/19      226,380  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

   Morgan Stanley      4,600      AUD    10,155,472    AUD      21.25      01/18/19      261,938  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

   The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.      1,551      AUD    3,424,160    AUD      21.50      02/21/19      101,819  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

   The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.      2,900      AUD    6,402,363    AUD      21.00      03/28/19      295,256  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

   The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.      850      AUD    1,876,555    AUD      21.50      03/28/19      68,368  

Newmont Mining Corp.

   Pershing LLC      1,475      USD    5,110,875    USD      34.00      01/18/19      191,710  

Newmont Mining Corp.

   Pershing LLC      1,550      USD    5,370,750    USD      34.00      03/15/19      357,623  

Newmont Mining Corp.

   Pershing LLC      1,350      USD    4,677,750    USD      35.00      06/21/19      385,399  

Newmont Mining Corp.

   Pershing LLC      835      USD    2,893,275    USD      35.00      08/16/19      281,395  

Newmont Mining Corp.

   Pershing LLC      835      USD    2,893,275    USD      36.00      08/16/19      244,655  

Noble Energy Inc.

   Pershing LLC      220      USD    412,720    USD      30.00      01/18/19      1  

Noble Energy Inc.

   Pershing LLC      550      USD    1,031,800    USD      30.00      02/15/19      304  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

   Pershing LLC      265      USD    1,626,570    USD      78.50      01/18/19      89  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

   Pershing LLC      300      USD    1,841,400    USD      65.00      04/19/19      65,034  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

   Pershing LLC      265      USD    1,626,570    USD      75.00      05/17/19      12,604  

ONEOK Inc.

   Pershing LLC      300      USD    1,618,500    USD      62.50      04/19/19      19,031  

ONEOK Inc.

   Pershing LLC      310      USD    1,672,450    USD      60.00      07/19/19      51,388  

Phillips 66

   Pershing LLC      315      USD    2,713,725    USD      110.00      01/18/19      169  

Phillips 66

   Pershing LLC      315      USD    2,713,725    USD      100.00      02/15/19      8,801  

Phillips 66

   Pershing LLC      210      USD    1,809,150    USD      90.00      05/17/19      82,559  

Rio Tinto plc, ADR

   Pershing LLC      1,000      USD    4,848,000    USD      52.50      01/18/19      18,766  

Rio Tinto plc, ADR

   Pershing LLC      1,000      USD    4,848,000    USD      50.00      04/19/19      197,649  

Rio Tinto plc, ADR

   Pershing LLC      1,000      USD    4,848,000    USD      50.00      07/19/19      312,144  

Royal Dutch Shell plc

   Morgan Stanley      290      GBP    6,691,750    GBP      2,550.00      01/18/19      6,230  

Royal Dutch Shell plc

   Morgan Stanley      298      GBP    6,876,350    GBP      2,450.00      03/15/19      133,176  

Royal Dutch Shell plc

   Morgan Stanley      295      GBP    6,807,125    GBP      2,450.00      04/19/19      167,793  

Royal Gold Inc.

   Pershing LLC      200      USD    1,713,000    USD      77.50      01/18/19      163,332  

Royal Gold Inc.

   Pershing LLC      500      USD    4,282,500    USD      77.50      03/15/19      504,242  

Royal Gold Inc.

   Pershing LLC      185      USD    1,584,525    USD      77.50      04/19/19      198,704  

Royal Gold Inc.

   Pershing LLC      975      USD    8,350,875    USD      80.00      04/19/19      885,185  

Schlumberger Ltd.

   Pershing LLC      1,070      USD    3,860,560    USD      62.00      01/18/19      3  

Schlumberger Ltd.

   Pershing LLC      1,000      USD    3,608,000    USD      57.50      02/15/19      316  

Schlumberger Ltd.

   Pershing LLC      620      USD    2,236,960    USD      45.00      03/15/19      13,020  

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

8


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2018

 

 

Description    Counterparty    Number of
Contracts
           Notional
Amount
     Exercise
Price
     Expiration
Date
     Market
Value
 

Schlumberger Ltd.

   Pershing LLC      140      USD      505,120      USD      47.50          03/15/19      $ 1,396  

Schlumberger Ltd.

   Pershing LLC      450      USD      1,623,600      USD      50.00          05/17/19        8,263  

Schlumberger Ltd.

   Pershing LLC      740      USD      2,669,920      USD      45.00          06/21/19        48,100  

Suncor Energy Inc.

   Pershing LLC      565      USD      1,580,305      USD      38.00          01/18/19        39  

Suncor Energy Inc.

   Pershing LLC      560      USD      1,566,320      USD      36.00          02/15/19        1,195  

Suncor Energy Inc.

   Pershing LLC      575      USD      1,608,275      USD      31.00          03/15/19        26,509  

Suncor Energy Inc.

   Pershing LLC      565      USD      1,580,305      USD      30.00          06/21/19        74,015  

TechnipFMC plc

   Pershing LLC      500      USD      979,000      USD      32.00          01/18/19        0  

TechnipFMC plc

   Pershing LLC      500      USD      979,000      USD      27.00          04/19/19        8,345  

The Williams Companies Inc.

   Pershing LLC      625      USD      1,378,125      USD      28.00          02/15/19        2,551  

The Williams Companies Inc.

   Pershing LLC      700      USD      1,543,500      USD      26.00          03/15/19        8,323  

The Williams Companies Inc.

   Pershing LLC      1,500      USD      3,307,500      USD      24.00          05/17/19        112,754  

TOTAL SA, ADR

   Pershing LLC      905      USD      4,722,290      USD      57.50          02/15/19        27,751  

TOTAL SA, ADR

   Pershing LLC      1,005      USD      5,244,090      USD      57.50          05/17/19        100,021  

TOTAL SA, ADR

   Pershing LLC      1,000      USD      5,218,000      USD      57.50          08/16/19        141,000  

Valero Energy Corp.

   Pershing LLC      340      USD      2,548,980      USD      110.00          01/18/19        16  

Valero Energy Corp.

   Pershing LLC      325      USD      2,436,525      USD      95.00          03/15/19        9,116  

Valero Energy Corp.

   Pershing LLC      340      USD      2,548,980      USD      85.00          06/21/19        100,300  

Valero Energy Corp.

   Pershing LLC      320      USD      2,399,040      USD      87.50          06/21/19        75,340  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

   Pershing LLC      1,500      USD      2,929,500      USD      19.00          01/18/19        143,053  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

   Pershing LLC      1,500      USD      2,929,500      USD      17.00          03/15/19        451,496  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

   Pershing LLC      2,400      USD      4,687,200      USD      20.00          06/21/19        417,722  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

   Pershing LLC      1,480      USD      2,890,440      USD      20.00          08/16/19        300,440  
                       

 

 

 

TOTAL OTC CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN

                     $ 18,108,718  
                       

 

 

 
Description          Number of
Contracts
           Notional
Amount
     Exercise
Price
     Expiration
Date
     Market
Value
 

Exchange Traded Call Options Written — (2.1)%

        

Alacer Gold Corp.

        13,000      CAD      3,276,000      CAD      2.50          05/17/19      $ 261,866  

Alamos Gold Inc.

        13,000      USD      4,680,000      USD      5.00          03/15/19        130,000  

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd.

        2,300      USD      2,886,500      USD      12.00          04/18/19        310,500  

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd.

        2,300      USD      2,886,500      USD      12.00          07/19/19        409,400  

Apache Corp.

        440      USD      1,155,000      USD      45.00          01/18/19        440  

B2Gold Corp.

        13,000      USD      3,796,000      USD      2.50          04/18/19        650,000  

Barrick Gold Corp.

        1,450      USD      1,963,300      USD      12.00          01/18/19        205,900  

Barrick Gold Corp.

        1,370      USD      1,854,980      USD      13.00          01/18/19        106,860  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

9


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2018

 

 

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
             Notional
Amount
     Exercise
Price
     Expiration
Date
   Market
Value
 

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

     700          USD        1,564,500        USD        24.00        04/18/19    $ 91,000  

Cimarex Energy Co.

     120          USD        739,800        USD        95.00        01/18/19      900  

Cimarex Energy Co.

     130          USD        801,450        USD        75.00        06/21/19      42,250  

Concho Resources Inc.

     120          USD        1,233,480        USD        145.00        01/18/19      300  

Concho Resources Inc.

     160          USD        1,644,640        USD        150.00        03/15/19      5,200  

Concho Resources Inc.

     175          USD        1,798,825        USD        120.00        06/21/19      99,750  

Detour Gold Corp.

     5,200          CAD        5,995,600        CAD        12.00        01/18/19      131,409  

Detour Gold Corp.

     3,725          CAD        4,294,925        CAD        11.00        04/18/19      392,909  

Detour Gold Corp.

     3,725          CAD        4,294,925        CAD        11.50        05/17/19      360,167  

Devon Energy Corp.

     600          USD        1,352,400        USD        40.00        04/18/19      3,000  

Devon Energy Corp.

     400          USD        901,600        USD        32.00        07/19/19      26,600  

Endeavour Mining Corp.

     950          CAD        2,122,300        CAD        22.00        01/18/19      59,149  

Endeavour Mining Corp.

     950          CAD        2,122,300        CAD        19.00        04/18/19      271,389  

Endeavour Mining Corp.

     890          CAD        1,988,260        CAD        22.00        07/19/19      159,720  

EOG Resources Inc.

     300          USD        2,616,300        USD        120.00        01/18/19      900  

EOG Resources Inc.

     100          USD        872,100        USD        125.00        01/18/19      100  

EOG Resources Inc.

     405          USD        3,532,005        USD        100.00        04/18/19      115,425  

EOG Resources Inc.

     400          USD        3,488,400        USD        95.00        06/21/19      254,000  

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

     4,500            USD        1,638,000        USD        5.00        01/18/19      11,250  

Gold Fields Ltd., ADR

     3,000          USD        1,056,000        USD        3.00        01/18/19      159,000  

Goldcorp Inc.

     887          USD        869,260        USD        10.00        01/18/19      22,175  

Goldcorp Inc.

     2,480          USD        2,430,400        USD        11.00        01/18/19      12,400  

Goldcorp Inc.

     3,100          USD        3,038,000        USD        9.00        04/18/19      403,000  

Goldcorp Inc.

     4,500          USD        4,410,000        USD        10.00        07/19/19      463,500  

Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd., ADR

     8,400          USD        1,503,600        USD        2.00        08/16/19      168,000  

Hess Corp.

     80          USD        324,000        USD        57.50        02/15/19      1,040  

Hess Corp.

     80          USD        324,000        USD        60.00        02/15/19      480  

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

     705          CAD        2,509,800        CAD        26.00        01/18/19      491,878  

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

     1,500          CAD        5,340,000        CAD        26.00        04/18/19      1,101,487  

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

     1,500          CAD        5,340,000        CAD        36.00        07/19/19      406,534  

MAG Silver Corp.

     2,400          USD        1,752,000        USD        7.50        05/17/19      162,000  

Marathon Oil Corp.

     985          USD        1,412,490        USD        21.00        04/18/19      13,790  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

     350          USD        2,065,350        USD        70.00        03/15/19      28,000  

Newfield Exploration Co.

     225          USD        329,850        USD        30.00        01/18/19      563  

Newfield Exploration Co.

     225          USD        329,850        USD        21.00        03/15/19      8,100  

Newfield Exploration Co.

     225          USD        329,850        USD        19.00        06/21/19      23,063  

Noble Energy Inc.

     330          USD        619,080        USD        32.50        01/18/19      825  

OceanaGold Corp.

     13,935          CAD        6,939,630        CAD        4.00        01/18/19      990,108  

OceanaGold Corp.

     10,000          CAD        4,980,000        CAD        4.00        04/18/19      739,818  

OceanaGold Corp.

     10,000          CAD        4,980,000        CAD        5.00        05/17/19      205,098  

OceanaGold Corp.

     13,600          CAD        6,772,800        CAD        5.00        07/19/19      373,572  

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.

     3,500          CAD        4,189,500        CAD        12.00        04/18/19      217,917  

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.

     1,700          CAD        2,034,900        CAD        12.00        06/21/19      138,222  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

10


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2018

 

 

Description    Number of
Contracts
             Notional
Amount
     Exercise
Price
     Expiration
Date
     Market
Value
 

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.

     3,600          CAD        4,309,200        CAD        13.00        07/19/19      $ 177,996  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

     125          USD        1,644,000        USD        175.00        01/18/19        1,000  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

     125          USD        1,644,000        USD        170.00        03/15/19        11,875  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

     136          USD        1,788,672        USD        145.00        06/21/19        133,280  

Royal Gold Inc.

     200          USD        1,713,000        USD        80.00        01/18/19        120,600  

Royal Gold Inc.

     1,000          USD        8,565,000        USD        82.50        01/18/19        371,000  

SEMAFO Inc.

     8,500          CAD        2,507,500        CAD        3.50        01/18/19        15,565  

Tahoe Resources Inc.

     1,252          USD        456,980        USD        2.50        01/18/19        162,760  

Tahoe Resources Inc.

     1,769          USD        645,685        USD        3.00        03/15/19        70,760  

Torex Gold Resources Inc.

     2,300          CAD        2,987,700        CAD        15.00        01/18/19        16,847  

Torex Gold Resources Inc.

     2,000          CAD        2,598,000        CAD        12.00        04/18/19        289,335  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     3,118          USD        6,575,862        USD        18.50        01/18/19        810,680  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     3,300          USD        6,959,700        USD        19.00        01/18/19        686,400  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     8,650          USD        18,242,850        USD        21.00        01/18/19        579,550  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     4,700          USD        9,912,300        USD        20.00        02/15/19        747,300  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     3,150          USD        6,643,350        USD        20.50        02/15/19        400,050  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     2,200          USD        4,639,800        USD        20.00        04/18/19        457,600  
                    

 

 

 

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN

                     $ 15,283,552  
                    

 

 

 

Exchange Traded Put Options Written — (0.4)%

                    

Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF

     1,091          USD        6,256,885        USD        68.00        01/18/19      $ 1,199,009  

Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF

     1,600          USD        9,176,000        USD        60.00        03/29/19        764,000  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     6,250          USD        13,181,250        USD        18.00        01/18/19        6,250  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     7,000          USD        14,763,000        USD        18.00        03/15/19        161,000  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     8,000          USD        16,872,000        USD        19.00        06/21/19        576,000  
                    

 

 

 

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN

                     $ 2,706,259  
                    

 

 

 

TOTAL OPTIONS WRITTEN

                     $ 36,098,529  
                    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

11


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2018

 

Assets:

  

Investments, at value (cost $971,151,406)

   $ 722,457,162  

Foreign currency (cost $2,785,823)

     2,786,874  

Cash

     32,725  

Deposit at brokers.

     4,039,671  

Receivable for investments sold

     19,323,801  

Dividends and interest receivable

     615,694  

Deferred offering expense

     157,806  

Prepaid expense

     4,345  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     749,418,078  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Options written, at value (premiums received $33,693,544)

     36,098,529  

Payable to brokers

     10,977,347  

Distributions payable

     60,495  

Payable for investments purchased

     45,645,712  

Payable for preferred shares repurchased

     258,725  

Payable for investment advisory fees

     558,100  

Payable for payroll expenses

     83,311  

Payable for accounting fees

     7,500  

Other accrued expenses

     249,999  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     93,939,718  
  

 

 

 

Cumulative Preferred Shares, $0.001 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized:

  

Series B Preferred Shares (5.000%, $25 liquidation value, 3,484,483 shares issued and outstanding)

     87,112,075  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders

   $ 568,366,285  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Consist of:

  

Paid-in capital

   $ 1,305,783,226  
  

 

 

 

Total accumulated loss(a)

     (737,416,941

Net Assets

   $ 568,366,285  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value per Common Share:

  

($568,366,285 ÷ 136,223,484 shares outstanding at $0.001 par value; unlimited number of shares authorized)

     $4.17  

 

 

(a)

Effective December 31, 2018, the Fund has adopted disclosure requirements conforming to SEC Rule 6-04.17 of Regulation S-X and discloses total distributable earnings/accumulated loss.

  

See Note 2 for further details.

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

Investment Income:

  

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $872,042)

   $ 15,409,235  

Interest

     2,711,232  
  

 

 

 

Total Investment Income.

     18,120,467  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

  

Investment advisory fees

     7,499,292  

Shareholder communications expenses

     342,424  

Payroll expenses

     211,956  

Trustees’ fees

     197,773  

Legal and audit fees

     157,061  

Offering expense for issuance of common shares .

     146,594  

Dividend expense on securities sold short

     121,583  

Custodian fees

     83,825  

Accounting fees

     45,000  

Shareholder services fees

     30,507  

Interest expense

     330  

Service fees for securities sold short
(See Note 2)

     1,559  

Miscellaneous expenses

     119,749  
  

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     8,957,653  
  

 

 

 

Less:

  

Expenses paid indirectly by broker (See Note 3)

     (5,797
  

 

 

 

Net Expenses

     8,951,856  
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     9,168,611  
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss)on Investments, Securities Sold Short, Written Options, and Foreign Currency:

  

Net realized loss on investments

     (35,954,913

Net realized gain on securities sold short

     268,574  

Net realized gain on written options

     65,204,775  

Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions.

     (278,900
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain on investments, securities sold short, written options, and foreign currency transactions

     29,239,536  
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation:

  

on investments

     (139,391,139

on written options

     11,461,166  

on foreign currency translations

     (14,019
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on investments, written options, and foreign currency translations

     (127,943,992
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss)on Investments, Securities Sold Short, Written Options, and Foreign Currency

     (98,704,456
  

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     (89,535,845
  

 

 

 

Total Distributions to Preferred Shareholders

     (4,394,893
  

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Resulting from Operations

   $ (93,930,738
  

 

 

 
 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

12


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Statement of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders

 

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2018
  Year Ended
December 31, 2017

Operations:

        

Net investment income

       $        9,168,611       $    8,519,105

Net realized gain on investments, securities sold short, written options, and foreign currency transactions

       29,239,536       48,124,067

Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments, securities sold short, written options, and foreign currency translations

       (127,943,992 )       (1,224,511 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

       (89,535,845 )       55,418,661
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Preferred Shareholders(a)

       (4,394,893 )       (4,401,545 )*
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Resulting from Operations

       (93,930,738 )       51,017,116
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Common Shareholders:

        

Accumulated earnings

       (4,647,232 )       (6,585,968 )**

Return of capital

       (76,830,834 )       (74,461,432 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Distributions to Common Shareholders(a)

       (81,478,066 )       (81,047,400 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Fund Share Transactions:

        

Net increase in net assets from common shares issued in offering

       1,577,430       4,108,377

Increase in net assets from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions

       1,341,592       2,310,005

Net increase in net assets from repurchase of preferred shares

       110,203       45,947
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets from Fund Share Transactions

       3,029,225       6,464,329
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders

       (172,379,579 )       (23,565,955 )

Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders:

        

Beginning of year

       740,745,864       764,311,819
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of year

       $    568,366,285       $740,745,864
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Effective December 31, 2018, the Fund has adopted disclosure requirements conforming to SEC Rule 6-04.17 of Regulation S-X. See Note 2 for further details.

*

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the distributions to Preferred shareholders was comprised of net investment income of $4,401,545.

**

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the distributions to Common shareholders was comprised of net investment income of $6,585,968.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

13


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Financial Highlights

 

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

     Year Ended December 31,
                   2018                 2017                 2016                 2015                 2014

Operating Performance:

                    

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $ 5.46     $ 5.68     $ 5.34     $ 7.35     $ 9.94
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

       0.07       0.06       0.03       0.02       0.03

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, securities sold short, written options, and foreign currency transactions

       (0.73 )       0.35       1.15         (1.15 )       (1.51 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

       (0.66 )       0.41       1.18         (1.13 )       (1.48 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Preferred Shareholders: (a)

                    

Net investment income

       (0.03 )       (0.03)       (0.00) (b)           (0.00 )(b)       (0.02 )

Return of capital

              —              —       (0.04)       (0.04 )       (0.02 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions to preferred shareholders

       (0.03       (0.03       (0.04)         (0.04       (0.04
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets attributable to common shareholders resulting from operations

       (0.69)       0.38       1.14       (1.17 )       (1.52 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Common Shareholders:

                    

Net investment income

       (0.03 )       (0.05 )       (0.04)       (0.02 )      

Return of capital

       (0.57 )       (0.55 )       (0.80)       (0.82 )       (1.08 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions to common shareholders

       (0.60 )       (0.60 )       (0.84)       (0.84 )       (1.08 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Fund Share Transactions:

                    

Increase in net asset value from issuance of common shares

       0.00 (b)       0.00 (b)       0.04             0.01

Increase in net asset value from repurchase of common shares

                   0.00 (b)       0.00 (b)      

Increase in net asset value from repurchase of preferred shares and transaction fees

       0.00 (b)       0.00 (b)       0.00 (b)       0.00 (b)       0.00 (b)

Adjustments to offering costs for preferred shares credited to paid-in capital

                               0.00 (b)
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Fund share transactions

       0.00 (b)       0.00 (b)       0.04       0.00 (b)       0.01
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

     $ 4.17     $ 5.46     $ 5.68     $ 5.34     $ 7.35
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

NAV total return †

       (13.54 )%       7.05 %       22.67       (17.59 )%        (17.23 )% 
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Market value, end of year

     $ 3.70     $ 5.21     $ 5.30       $ 4.75       $ 7.00  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investment total return ††

       (19.44 )%       9.61 %       29.39 %       (22.14 )%       (13.01 )%
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

14


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

 

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

     Year Ended December 31,  
                   2018                   2017                   2016                   2015                   2014  

Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:

          

Net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares, end of year (in 000’s)

     $655,478       $828,655       $853,079       $691,468       $920,538  

Net assets attributable to common shares, end of year (in 000’s)

     $568,366       $740,746       $764,312       $601,745       $828,027  

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets attributable to common shares

     1.38     1.13     0.44     0.30     0.21

Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares(c)

     1.35 %(d)(e)      1.31 %(d)(e)      1.32 %(d)(e)      1.29 %(d)      1.24

Portfolio turnover rate

     145.7     214.6     198.4     36.0     87.4

Cumulative Preferred Shares:

          

5.000% Series B Preferred

          

Liquidation value, end of year (in 000’s)

     $  87,112       $  87,909       $  88,767       $  89,724       $  92,512  

Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)

     3,484       3,516       3,551       3,589       3,700  

Liquidation preference per share

     $    25.00       $     25.00       $    25.00       $    25.00       $    25.00  

Average market value (f)

     $    23.06       $     24.13       $    23.81       $    22.03       $    21.28  

Asset coverage per share

     $       188       $        236       $       240       $       193       $       249  

Asset coverage

     752     943     961     771     995

 

 

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

††

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

(a)

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

(b)

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(c)

Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014 would have been 1.19%, 1.17%, 1.18%, 1.15%, and 1.14%, respectively.

(d)

The Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015, there was no impact on the expense ratios.

(e)

The Fund incurred dividends and service fees on securities sold short. If this expense had not been incurred, the expense ratios for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 would have been 1.33, 1.30%, and 1.31% attributable to common shares, respectively, and 1.17, 1.16%, and 1.17% including liquidation value of preferred shares.

(f)

Based on weekly prices.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

15


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

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

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

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

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

New Accounting Pronouncements. The SEC recently adopted changes to Regulation S-X to simplify the reporting of information by registered investment companies in financial statements. The amendments require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributable earnings on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and also require presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributions to shareholders, except for tax return of capital distributions, if any, on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders. The amendments also removed the requirement for parenthetical disclosure of undistributed net investment income on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders. These Regulation S-X amendments are reflected in the Fund’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018. As a result of adopting these amendments, the distributions to shareholders in the December 31, 2017 Statement of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders presented herein have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

To improve the effectiveness of fair value disclosure requirements, the Financial Accounting Standards Board recently issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (ASU 2018-13), which adds, removes,

 

16


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

and modifies certain aspects relating to fair value disclosure. ASU 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption of the additions relating to ASU 2018-13 is not required, even if early adoption is elected for the removals under ASU 2018-13. Management has early adopted the removals set forth in ASU 2018-13 in these financial statements and has not early adopted the additions set forth in ASU 2018-13.

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

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

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

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

17


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input both individually and in the aggregate that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The summary of the Fund’s investments in securities and other financial instruments by inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

     Valuation Inputs    
     Level 1
Quoted Prices
  Level 2 Other Significant
Observable Inputs
  Total Market Value
at 12/31/18

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:

            

ASSETS (Market Value):

            

Common Stocks:

            

Energy and Energy Services

     $ 235,197,128           $ 235,197,128  

Metals and Mining

       301,412,475     $ 53,630,014       355,042,489  

Total Common Stocks

       536,609,603       53,630,014       590,239,617  

Convertible Corporate Bonds (a)

             1,681,809       1,681,809  

Corporate Bonds (a)

             8,763,375       8,763,375  

Exchange Traded Funds

       286,750             286,750  

U.S. Government Obligations

             121,485,611       121,485,611  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES – ASSETS

     $ 536,896,353     $ 185,560,809     $ 722,457,162  

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:

            

LIABILITIES (Market Value)

            

EQUITY CONTRACTS:

            

Call Options Written

     $ (14,518,291 )     $ (18,873,979 )     $ (33,392,270 )

Put Options Written

       (1,942,259 )       (764,000 )       (2,706,259 )

TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES – LIABILITIES

     $ (16,460,550 )     $ (19,637,979 )     $ (36,098,529)  

 

(a)

Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.

The Fund held no level 3 investments at December 31, 2018 or 2017.

Additional Information to Evaluate Qualitative Information.

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

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

 

18


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

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 may include backtesting the prices realized in subsequent trades of these fair valued securities to fair values previously recognized.

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

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

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

The Fund’s derivative contracts held at December 31, 2018, if any, are not accounted for as hedging instruments under GAAP and are disclosed in the Schedule of Investments together with the related counterparty.

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

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

 

19


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

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

If a written call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether there has been a realized gain or loss. If a written put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the security. In the case of call options, the exercise prices are referred to as “in-the-money,” “at-the-money,” and “out-of-the-money,” respectively. The Fund may write (a) in-the-money call options when the Adviser expects that the price of the underlying security will remain stable or decline during the option period, (b) at-the-money call options when the Adviser expects that the price of the underlying security will remain stable, decline, or advance moderately during the option period, and (c) out-of-the-money call options when the Adviser expects that the premiums received from writing the call option will be greater than the appreciation in the price of the underlying security above the exercise price. By writing a call option, the Fund limits its opportunity to profit from any increase in the market value of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option. Out-of-the-money, at-the-money, and in-the-money put options (the reverse of call options as to the relation of exercise price to market price) may be utilized in the same market environments that such call options are used in equivalent transactions. Option positions at December 31, 2018 are reflected within the Schedule of Investments.

The Fund’s volume of activity in equity options contracts during the year ended December 31, 2018 had an average monthly market value of approximately $28,077,703.

At December 31, 2018, the Fund’s derivative liabilities (by type) are as follows:

 

     Gross Amounts of      Gross Amounts         
     Recognized Liabilities      Available for      Net Amounts of  
     Presented in the      Offset in the      Liabilities Presented in  
     Statement of      Statement of Assets      the Statement of  
     Assets and Liabilities      and Liabilities      Assets and Liabilities  

Liabilities

        

OTC Equity Written Options

     $18,108,718        —            $18,108,718  

The following table presents the Fund’s derivative liabilities by counterparty net of the related collateral segregated by the Fund as of December 31, 2018:

 

            Net Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of       
          Assets and Liabilities     
    

Net Amounts of

Liabilities Presented in
the Statement of Assets

   Securities Pledged   Cash Collateral     
     and Liabilities    as Collateral   Pledged            Net Amount        

Counterparty

                  

Pershing LLC

     $ 16,876,059      $ (16,876,059 )             

Morgan Stanley

               767,216                (767,216)               

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

               465,443                (465,443)               
    

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     $ 18,108,718      $ (18,108,718 )             
    

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2018, the value of equity option positions can be found in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, under Liabilities, Options written, at value. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the effect of

 

20


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

equity option positions can be found in the Statement of Operations under Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments, Securities Sold Short, Written Options, and Foreign Currency, within Net realized gain on written options, and Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on written options.

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

Securities Sold Short. The Fund may enter into short sale transactions. Short selling involves selling securities that may or may not be owned and, at times, borrowing the same securities for delivery to the purchaser, with an obligation to replace such borrowed securities at a later date. The proceeds received from short sales are recorded as liabilities and the Fund records an unrealized gain or loss to the extent of the difference between the proceeds received and the value of an open short position on the day of determination. The Fund records a realized gain or loss when the short position is closed out. By entering into a short sale, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security sold short. Dividends on short sales are recorded as an expense by the Fund on the ex-dividend date and interest expense is recorded on the accrual basis. The broker retains collateral for the value of the open positions, which is adjusted periodically as the value of the position fluctuates. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund incurred $1,559 in service fees related to its investment positions sold short and held by the broker. These amounts are included in the Statement of Operations under Expenses, Service fees for securities sold short.

Investments in Other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest, from time to time, in shares of other investment companies (or entities that would be considered investment companies but are excluded from the definition pursuant to certain exceptions under the 1940 Act) (the Acquired Funds) in accordance with the 1940 Act and related rules. Shareholders in the Fund would bear the pro rata portion of the periodic expenses of

 

21


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

the Acquired Funds in addition to the Fund’s expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund’s pro rata portion of the periodic expenses charged by the Acquired Funds was less than 1 basis points.

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.

Restricted Securities. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities for which the markets are restricted. Restricted securities include securities whose disposition is subject to substantial legal or contractual restrictions. The sale of restricted securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Restricted securities may sell at a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Securities freely saleable among qualified institutional investors under special rules adopted by the SEC may be treated as liquid if they satisfy liquidity standards established by the Board. The continued liquidity of such securities is not as well assured as that of publicly traded securities, and, accordingly, the Board will monitor their liquidity. For the restricted securities the Fund held as of December 31, 2018, 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 an 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.

 

22


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

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

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. Permanent differences were primarily due to tax treatment of currency gains and losses, sales of partnership interests, and disallowed expenses. These reclassifications have no impact on the NAV of the Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2018, reclassifications were made to decrease paid-in capital by $100,787, with an offsetting adjustment to total distributable earnings.

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

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

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:

 

     Year Ended      Year Ended  
     December 31, 2018      December 31, 2017  
     Common      Preferred      Common      Preferred  

Distributions paid from:

           

Ordinary income

   $ 4,647,232      $ 4,394,893      $ 6,585,968      $ 4,401,545  

Return of capital

     76,830,834               74,461,432         
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

   $ 81,478,066      $ 4,394,893      $ 81,047,400      $ 4,401,545  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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.

 

23


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

As of December 31, 2018, the components of accumulated earnings/losses on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Accumulated capital loss carryforwards

   $ (405,520,780

Net unrealized depreciation on investments, written options, and foreign currency translations

     (325,866,055

Qualified late year loss deferral*

     (5,969,611

Other temporary differences**

     (60,495
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ (737,416,941
  

 

 

 

 

*

Under the current law, qualified late year losses realized after October 31 and prior to the Fund’s year end may be elected as occurring on the first day of the following year. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund elected to defer $5,969,611 of late year long term capital losses.

**

Other temporary differences are primarily due to adjustments on preferred share class distribution payables.

At December 31, 2018, the Fund had net long term capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of $405,520,780 which are available for an unlimited period to reduce future required distributions of net capital gains to shareholders. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short term or long term capital losses.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund utilized capital loss carryforwards of $25,178,736.

At December 31, 2018, the temporary differences between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation/depreciation were primarily due to deferral of losses from wash sales for tax purposes and mark-to-market adjustments on passive foreign investment companies.

The following summarizes the tax cost of investments, written options, and the related net unrealized depreciation at December 31, 2018:

 

     Cost/    Gross    Gross    
     (Proceeds)/    Unrealized    Unrealized   Net Unrealized
     Premiums    Appreciation    Depreciation   Depreciation

Investments and derivative instruments

       $1,012,211,495        $4,824,256        $(330,677,118 )       $(325,852,862 )

The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed not to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund did not incur any income tax, interest, or penalties. As of December 31, 2018, the Adviser has reviewed all open tax years and concluded that there was no impact to the Fund’s net assets or results of operations. The Fund’s federal and state tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open, subject to examination. On an ongoing basis, the Adviser will monitor the Fund’s tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary.

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

 

24


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. The amount of such expenses paid through this directed brokerage arrangement during this period was $5,797.

The cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund accrued $45,000 in accounting fees in the Statement of Operations.

As per the approval of the Board, the Fund compensates officers of the Fund, who are employed by the Fund and are not employed by the Adviser (although the officers may receive incentive based variable compensation from affiliates of the Adviser). For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund accrued $211,956 in payroll expenses in the Statement of Operations.

The Fund pays each Trustee who is not considered an affiliated person an annual retainer of $15,000 plus $2,000 for each Board meeting attended. Each Trustee 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 Trustee each receives an annual fee of $2,000. A Trustee may receive a single meeting fee, allocated among the participating funds, for participation in certain meetings held on behalf of multiple funds. Trustees 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 year ended December 31, 2018, other than short term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $1,020,317,225 and $993,882,329, respectively.

5. Capital. The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest (par value $0.001). Pursuant to a $500 million shelf registration, during the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund has sold its common shares in “at the market” offerings as summarized in the following table:

 

  Year
Ended

 

Shares
Issued

 

Net
Proceeds

 

Sales
Manager
Commissions

 

Offering
Expenses

 

Net
Proceeds in
Excess of Par

2018   336,269   $1,577,430   $15,616   $146,594   $35,245
2017   727,934   4,108,377   39,781   129,409   89,012

The Board has authorized the repurchase of its common shares in the open market when the shares are trading at a discount of 7.5% or more (or such other percentage as the Board may determine from time to time) from the NAV of the shares. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Fund did not repurchase any shares.

 

25


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

Transactions in common shares of beneficial interest for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:

 

     Year Ended        Year Ended  
     December 31, 2018        December 31, 2017  
     Shares        Amount        Shares        Amount  

Shares issued pursuant to shelf offering

     336,269        $ 1,577,430          727,934        $ 4,108,377  

Increase from shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions

     277,381          1,341,592          418,401          2,310,005  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     613,650        $ 2,919,022          1,146,335        $ 6,418,382  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

The Fund has an effective shelf registration authorizing the offering of an additional $500 million of common shares or preferred shares.

The Fund’s Declaration of Trust, as amended, authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of $0.001 par value Preferred Shares. The Series B Preferred are callable at any time at the liquidation value of $25 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The Board has authorized the repurchase of the Series B Preferred in the open market at prices less than the $25 liquidation value per share. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund repurchased and retired 31,874 of the Series B Preferred in the open market at an investment of $686,647 and an average discount of approximately 13.87% from its liquidation preference. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Fund repurchased and retired 34,324 of the Series B Preferred in the open market at an investment of $811,253 and an average discount of approximately 5.50% from its liquidation preference. At December 31, 2018, 3,484,483 Series B Preferred were outstanding and accrued dividends amounted to $60,495.

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

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

 

26


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities are required to approve certain other actions, including changes in the Fund’s investment objectives or fundamental investment policies.

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

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

 

27


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust:

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust (the “Fund”) as of December 31, 2018, the related statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018, the statement of changes in net assets attributable to common shareholders for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2018 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2018, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets attributable to common shareholders for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2018 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

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

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

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2018 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

February 28, 2019

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

 

28


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited)

 

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

 

          Number of            
     Term of Office    Funds in Fund            
Name, Position(s)    and    Complex            
Address1    Length of    Overseen by      Principal Occupation(s)    Other Directorships

and Age  

  

Time Served2

  

Trustee

    

During Past Five Years

  

Held by Trustee3

INDEPENDENT

           

    TRUSTEES4 :

           

Anthony J. Colavita5 Trustee

Age: 83

   Since 2005**      20      President of the law firm of Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.   

James P. Conn5 Trustee

Age: 80

   Since 2005***      26      Former Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. (1992-1998)   

Vincent D. Enright Trustee

Age: 75

   Since 2005*      17      Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of KeySpan Corp. (public utility) (1994-1998)    Director of Echo Therapeutics, Inc. (therapeutics and diagnostics) (2008- 2014); Director of The LGL Group, Inc. (diversified manufacturing) (2011-2014)

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.6

Trustee

Age: 79

   Since 2005**      14      Co-Chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates; Former President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Gaming Association (1995-2013); Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee (1983- 1989)    Director of First Republic Bank (banking); Director of Eldorado Resorts, Inc. (casino entertainment company)

Michael J. Melarkey Trustee

Age: 69

   Since 2005*      25      Of Counsel in the law firm of McDonald Carano Wilson LLP; Partner in the law firm of Avansino, Melarkey, Knobel, Mulligan & McKenzie (1980-2015)    Chairman of Southwest Gas Corporation (natural gas utility)

Salvatore M. Salibello Trustee

Age: 73

   Since 2005***      8      Senior Partner of Bright Side Consulting (consulting); Certified Public Accountant and Managing Partner of the certified public accounting firm of Salibello & Broder LLP (1978-2012); Partner of BDO Seidman, LLP (2012-2013)    Director of Nine West, Inc. (consumer products) (2002-2014)

Anthonie C. van Ekris6 Trustee

Age: 84

   Since 2005***      23      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BALMAC International, Inc. (global import/ export company)   

Salvatore J. Zizza Trustee

Age: 73

   Since 2005**      32      President of Zizza & Associates Corp. (private holding company); Chairman of BAM (semiconductor and aerospace manufacturing); President of Bergen Cove Realty Inc.; Chairman of Metropolitan Paper Recycling Inc. (recycling) (2005-2014)    Director and Chairman of Trans-Lux Corporation (business services); Director and Chairman of Harbor Diversified Inc. (pharmaceuticals) (2009-2018)

 

29


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)

 

 

     Term of     
Name, Position(s)    Office and     
Address1    Length of    Principal Occupation(s)

and Age

  

Time Served2

  

During Past Five Years

OFFICERS:          

Bruce N. Alpert President

Age: 67

   Since 2005    Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 1988; Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Senior Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2008

John C. Ball

Treasurer

Age: 42

   Since 2017    Treasurer of funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2017; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of AMG Funds, 2014-2017; Vice President of State Street Corporation, 2007-2014

Agnes Mullady

Vice President

Age: 60

   Since 2006    Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2006; President and Chief Operating Officer of the Fund Division of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 2015; Chief Executive Officer of G.distributors, LLC since 2010; Senior Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2009; Vice President of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 2007; Executive Vice President of Associated Capital Group, Inc. since 2016

Andrea R. Mango Secretary and Vice President

Age: 46

   Since 2013    Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2016; Counsel of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 2013; Secretary of registered investment companies within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2013; Vice President of closed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2014; Corporate Vice President within the Corporate Compliance Department of New York Life Insurance Company, 2011-2013

Richard J. Walz

Chief Compliance Officer Age: 59

   Since 2013    Chief Compliance Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2013; Chief Compliance Officer of AEGON USA Investment Management, 2011-2013

 

30


GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)

 

 

     Term of     
Name, Position(s)    Office and     
Address1    Length of    Principal Occupation(s)

and Age

  

Time Served2

  

During Past Five Years

Molly A.F. Marion

Vice President and Ombudsman

Age: 64

   Since 2005    Vice President and/or Ombudsman of closed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2012

Laurissa M. Martire Vice President and Ombudsman

Age: 42

   Since 2010    Vice President and/or Ombudsman of closed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Vice President (since 2016) and Assistant Vice President (2003-2016) of GAMCO Investors, Inc.

Carter W. Austin

Vice President

Age: 52

   Since 2005    Vice President and/or Ombudsman of closed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (since 2015) and Vice President (1996-2015) of Gabelli Funds, LLC

David I. Schachter Vice President

Age: 65

   Since 2011    Vice President and/or Ombudsman of closed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Vice President (since 2015) of GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Vice President (1999- 2015) of G.research, LLC

 

1 

Address: One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422, unless otherwise noted.

2 

The Fund’s Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, each class having a term of three years. Each year the term of office of one class expires and the successor or successors elected to such class serve for a three year term. The three year term for each class expires as follows:

  *

Term expires at the Fund’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

  **

Term expires at the Fund’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

  ***

Term expires at the Fund’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

For officers, includes time served in prior office positions with the Fund. Each officer will hold office for an indefinite term until the date he or she resigns or retires or until his or her successor is elected and qualified.

3 

This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, i.e., public companies, or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.

4 

Trustees who are not interested persons are considered “Independent” Trustees.

5 

This Trustee is elected solely by and represents the shareholders of the preferred shares issued by this Fund.

6 

Mr. Fahrenkopf’s daughter, Leslie F. Foley, serves as a director of other funds in the Fund Complex. Mr. van Ekris is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., Gabelli Fund LDC, Gama Capital Opportunities Master Ltd., and GAMCO International SICAV, all of which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and, in the event, would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser.

 

31


GAMCO GLOBAL GOLD, NATURAL RESOURCES & INCOME TRUST

INCOME TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)

December 31, 2018

Cash Dividends and Distributions

 

                   Ordinary             Total Amount      Dividend  
             Payable                      Record                      Investment              Return of      Paid              Reinvestment          
     Date      Date      Income              Capital (a)                      Per Share              Price  

Common Shares

                 
     01/24/18        01/17/18        $0.00310        $0.04690        $0.05000        $5.49900  
     02/21/18        02/13/18        0.00310        0.04690        0.05000        5.07500  
     03/22/18        03/15/18        0.00310        0.04690        0.05000        4.97890  
     04/23/18        04/16/18        0.00310        0.04690        0.05000        5.08670  
     05/23/18        05/16/18        0.00310        0.04690        0.05000        5.12520  
     06/22/18        06/15/18        0.00310        0.04690        0.05000        5.06000  
     07/24/18        07/17/18        0.00310        0.04690        0.05000        5.01000  
     08/24/18        08/17/18        0.00310        0.04690        0.05000        4.71200  
     09/21/18        09/14/18        0.00310        0.04690        0.05000        4.60000  
     10/24/18        10/17/18        0.00310        0.04690        0.05000        4.27400  
     11/23/18        11/15/18        0.00310        0.04690        0.05000        4.05650  
     12/14/18        12/07/18        0.00310        0.04690        0.05000        3.91840  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
                       $0.03720                    $0.56280                    $0.60000     

5.000% Series B Cumulative Preferred Shares

 

           
     03/26/18        03/19/18        $0.31250               $0.31250     
     06/26/18        06/19/18        0.31250               0.31250     
     09/26/18        09/19/18        0.31250               0.31250     
     12/26/18        12/18/18        0.31250               0.31250     
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
           $1.25000               $1.25000     

A Form 1099-DIV has been mailed to all shareholders of record which sets forth specific amounts to be included in your 2018 tax returns. Ordinary distributions may include net investment income, realized net short term capital gains, and foreign tax paid. Ordinary income is reported in box 1a of Form 1099-DIV. Capital gain distributions are reported in box 2a of Form 1099-DIV.

There were no long term capital gain distributions in the year ended December 31, 2018.

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

In 2018, the Fund paid to common and Series B Cumulative Preferred shareholders ordinary income dividends of $0.03840 and $1.25 per share, respectively. For 2018, 68.03% of the ordinary dividend qualified for the dividend received deduction available to corporations, 100% of the ordinary income distribution was deemed qualified dividend income, and 14.04% of ordinary income distribution was qualified interest income. The percentage of ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund during 2018 derived from U.S. Government securities was 9.69%. Such income is exempt from state and local taxes in all states. However, many states, including New York and California, allow a tax exemption for a portion of the income earned only if a mutual fund has invested at least 50% of its assets at the end of each quarter of its fiscal year in U.S. Government securities. The Fund did not meet this strict requirement in 2018. The percentage of U.S. Government securities held as of December 31, 2018 was 16.82% of total investments.

 

32


GAMCO GLOBAL GOLD, NATURAL RESOURCES & INCOME TRUST

INCOME TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited) (Continued)

December 31, 2018

 

Historical Distribution Summary

 

            Short Term      Long Term             Foreign      Total      Adjustment  
     Investment      Capital      Capital      Return of      Tax      Distributions      to Cost  
     Income (b)(c)      Gains (b)      Gains      Capital (a)      Credit (c)      (d)      Basis (e)  

Common Shares

                    

2018

     $0.03840                      $0.56280        $(0.00120)        $0.60000        $0.56280  

2017

     0.05160                      0.54960        (0.00120)        0.60000        0.54960  

2016

                          0.84000               0.84000        0.84000  

2015

                          0.84000               0.84000        0.84000  

2014

                          1.08000               1.08000        1.08000  

2013

     0.05562        $0.76900               0.61538               1.44000        0.61538  

2012

     0.04689        1.19955        $0.16042        0.22614        (0.01300)        1.62000        0.22614  

2011

     0.09570        1.28230        0.26120        0.04080               1.68000        0.04080  

2010

     0.34100        1.11480        0.22420                      1.68000         

2009

     0.25914        0.28117        0.12228        1.01741               1.68000        1.01741  

5.000% Series B Cumulative Preferred Shares

 

                 

2018

     $1.29840                             $(0.04840)        $1.25000         

2017

     1.29240                             (0.04240)        1.25000         

2016

     1.18640                      $0.06360               1.25000        $0.06360  

2015

     0.86960                      0.56320        (0.18280)        1.25000        0.56320  

2014

     0.56600                      0.68400               1.25000        0.68400  

2013

     0.05364        $0.74150                             0.79514         

6.625% Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares

 

                 

2013

     $0.05647        $0.78084                             $0.83731         

2012

     0.05465        1.39626        $0.22051               $(0.01518)        1.65625         

2011

     0.09204        1.26428        0.29993                      1.65625         

2010

     0.32400        1.06004        0.27222                      1.65625         

2009

     0.60224        0.65354        0.40047                      1.65625         

2008

     0.38281               1.27344                      1.65625         

 

(a) Non-taxable.

(b) Taxable as ordinary income for Federal tax purposes.

(c) Per share ordinary investment income and investment income are grossed up for the foreign tax credit.

(d) Total amounts may differ due to rounding.

(e) Decrease in cost basis.

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

 

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

 

33


AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT

AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLANS

Enrollment in the Plan

It is the policy of GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust to automatically reinvest dividends payable to common shareholders. As a “registered” shareholder, you automatically become a participant in the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the Plan). The Plan authorizes the Fund to credit shares of common stock 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 shares of the Fund. Plan participants may send their stock certificates to American Stock Transfer (AST) to be held in their dividend reinvestment account. Registered shareholders wishing to receive their distribution in cash must submit this request in writing to:

GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust

c/o American Stock Transfer

6201 15th Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11219

Shareholders requesting this cash election must include the shareholder’s name and address as they appear on the share certificate. Shareholders with additional questions regarding the Plan or requesting a copy of the terms of the Plan may contact AST at (888) 422-3262.

If your 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 shares taken out of “street name” and re-registered in your own name. Once registered in your own name, your dividends 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 shares 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 shares of 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 stock. 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, AST will buy common stock in the open market, or on the NYSE or elsewhere, for the participants’ accounts, except that AST 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 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 AST for investments in the Fund’s shares at the then current market price. Shareholders may send an amount from $250 to $10,000. AST will use these funds to purchase shares in the open market on or about the 1st and 15th of each month. AST will charge each shareholder who participates a pro rata share of the brokerage commissions. Brokerage charges for such purchases are expected to be less than the usual brokerage charge for such transactions. It is suggested that any voluntary cash payments be sent to American Stock Transfer, 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219 such that AST receives such payments approximately 10 days before the 1st and 15th of the month. Funds not received at least five 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 AST at least 48 hours before such payment is to be invested.

Shareholders wishing to liquidate shares held at AST must do so in writing or by telephone. Please submit your request to the above mentioned address or telephone number. Include in your request your name, address, and account number. The cost to liquidate shares is $1.00 per transaction as well as the brokerage commission incurred. Brokerage charges are expected to be less than the usual brokerage charge for such transactions.

For more information regarding the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan, brochures are 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 90 days before the record date for such dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by AST on at least 90 days written notice to participants in the Plan.

 

34


GAMCO GLOBAL GOLD, NATURAL RESOURCES & INCOME TRUST

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

Portfolio Management Team Biographies

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

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

 

 

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. Both the commentary and the financial statements, including the portfolio of investments, will be available on our website at www.gabelli.com.

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

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

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

 

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

 


 

GAMCO GLOBAL GOLD, NATURAL RESOURCES

& INCOME TRUST

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

t   800-GABELLI (800-422-3554)

f   914-921-5118

e   info@gabelli.com

    GABELLI.COM

 

 

TRUSTEES

 

Anthony J. Colavita

President,

Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.

 

James P. Conn

Former Managing Director &

Chief Investment Officer,

Financial Security Assurance

Holdings Ltd.

 

Vincent D. Enright

Former Senior Vice President &

Chief Financial Officer,

KeySpan Corp.

 

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.

Former President &

Chief Executive Officer,

American Gaming Association

 

Michael J. Melarkey

Of Counsel,

McDonald Carano Wilson LLP

 

Salvatore M. Salibello

Senior Partner,

Bright Side Consulting

 

Anthonie C. van Ekris

Chairman,

BALMAC International, Inc.

 

Salvatore J. Zizza

Chairman,

Zizza & Associates Corp.

  

 

OFFICERS

 

Bruce N. Alpert

President

 

John C. Ball

Treasurer

 

Agnes Mullady

Vice President

 

Andrea R. Mango

Secretary & Vice President

 

Richard J. Walz

Chief Compliance Officer

 

Molly A.F. Marion

Vice President& Ombudsman

 

Laurissa M. Martire

Vice President& Ombudsman

 

Carter W. Austin

Vice President

 

David I. Schachter

Vice President

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

Gabelli Funds, LLC

One Corporate Center

Rye, New York 10580-1422

 

CUSTODIAN

 

The Bank of New York Mellon

 

COUNSEL

 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &

Flom LLP

 

TRANSFER AGENT AND

REGISTRAR

 

American Stock Transfer and

Trust Company

 

 

GGN Q4/2018     

LOGO

 


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

  (a)

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

  (c)

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

  (d)

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

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

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

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Audit Fees

 

  (a)

The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years are $59,808 for 2017 and $59,808 for 2018.

Audit-Related Fees

 

  (b)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item are $0 for 2017 and $0 for 2018.

Tax Fees


  (c)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning are $55,380 for 2017 and $55,380 for 2018. Tax fees represent tax compliance services provided in connection with the review of the Registrant’s tax returns and related options analysis.

All Other Fees

 

  (d)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item are $11,500 for 2017 and $13,500 for 2018. All other fees represent services provided in review of registration statements and performing strategic analysis work.

(e)(1)

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

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

(e)(2)

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

(b) N/A

(c) 0%

(d) 0%

 

  (f)

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

 

  (g)

The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the


adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant was $0 for 2017 and $0 for 2018.

 

  (h)

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

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

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

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.

The Proxy Voting Policies are attached herewith.


POLICY REGARDING VOTING OF PROXIES ON BEHALF OF CLIENTS

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this policy and its related procedures regarding voting proxies for securities held in Client accounts and for which an Adviser has been delegated proxy voting authority (“Client Proxies”) is to establish guidelines regarding Client Proxies that are reasonably designed to conform with the requirements of applicable law (this “Policy”).

General Policy

Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act requires a registered investment adviser that exercises proxy voting authority over client securities to: (i) adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that the investment adviser votes proxies related to client securities in the best interest of its Clients; (ii) ensure that the written policies and procedures address material conflicts that may arise between the interests of the investment adviser and those of its Clients; (iii) describe its proxy voting procedures to Clients, and provide copies of such procedures upon request by such Clients; and (iv) disclose to Clients how they may obtain information from the Adviser about how the Adviser voted with respect to their Securities. Each Adviser is committed to implementing policies and procedures that conform with the requirements of the Advisers Act. To that end, it has implemented this Policy to facilitate the Adviser’s compliance with Rule 206(4)-6 and to ensure that proxies related to Client Securities are voted (or not voted) in a manner consistent with the best interest of its Clients.

The Voting of Proxies on Behalf of Clients

These following procedures will be used by each of the Advisers to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio Securities held by their Clients, including the procedures that the Advisers use when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of the investors in a Private Fund Client, RIC or Managed Account Client, on the one hand, and those of the Adviser; the principal underwriter; or any affiliated person of such Client, the Advisers, or the principal underwriter. These procedures will not apply where the Advisers do not have voting discretion or where the Advisers have agreed with a Client to vote the Client’s proxies in accordance with specific guidelines or procedures supplied by the Client (to the extent permitted by ERISA)1.

Proxy Voting Committee

The Advisers’ Proxy Voting Committee (the “Proxy Committee”) was originally formed in April 1989 for the purpose of formulating guidelines and reviewing proxy statements within the parameters of the Proxy Voting Guidelines, which are appended as EXHIBIT A to this Policy. The Proxy Committee includes representatives from Research, Administration, Legal, and the Advisers. Additional or

 

 

1 With respect to any Private Fund Client or RIC Client, such deviation from these guidelines will be disclosed in the offering materials for such Client.

 

 

Revised: November 14, 2018


replacement members of the Proxy Committee will be nominated by the Chairman and voted upon by the entire Proxy Committee.

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

In general, the Director of Proxy Voting Services, using the Proxy Voting Guidelines, recommendations of Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”), Glass Lewis & Co., LLC (“Glass Lewis”), other third-party services and the analysts of G.research, will determine how to vote on each issue. For non-controversial matters, the Director of Proxy Voting Services may vote the proxy if the vote is: (1) consistent with the recommendations of the issuer’s Board of Directors and not contrary to the Proxy Voting Guidelines; (2) consistent with the recommendations of the issuer’s Board of Directors and is a non-controversial issue not covered by the Proxy Voting Guidelines; or (3) the vote is contrary to the recommendations of the Board of Directors but is consistent with the Proxy Voting Guidelines. In those instances, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Chairman of the Proxy Committee may sign and date the proxy statement indicating how each issue will be voted.

All matters identified by the Chairman of the Proxy Committee, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the General Counsel as controversial, taking into account the recommendations of ISS, Glass Lewis, other third party services and the analysts of G.research, will be presented to the Proxy Voting Committee. If the Chairman of the Proxy Committee, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the General Counsel has identified the matter as one that (1) is controversial; (2) would benefit from deliberation by the Proxy Committee; or (3) may give rise to a conflict of interest between the Advisers and investors in the Clients or the Clients, the Chairman of the Proxy Committee will initially determine what vote to recommend that the relevant Adviser should cast and that determination will go before the Proxy Committee for review.

Conflicts of Interest

The Advisers have implemented this Policy in order to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing their proxy voting decisions. By following the Proxy Voting Guidelines, as well as the recommendations of ISS, Glass Lewis, other third-party services and the analysts of G.research, the Advisers seek to avoid, wherever possible, the influence of potential conflicts of interest. Nevertheless, circumstances may arise in which one or more of the Advisers are faced with a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest in connection with a proxy vote. In general, a conflict of interest may arise when an Adviser knowingly does business with an issuer, and may appear to have a material conflict between its own interests and the interests of the investors in a Client regarding how the proxy is to be voted. A conflict also may exist when an Adviser has actual knowledge of a material business arrangement between an issuer and an affiliate of the Adviser.

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

 

 

 

Revised: November 14, 2018


Operation of the Proxy Committee

For matters submitted to the Proxy Committee, each member of the Proxy Committee will receive, prior to the meeting, a copy of the proxy statement, any relevant third party research, a summary of any views provided by the portfolio manager of the applicable Client and any recommendations by G.research analysts. The portfolio manager, any member of Senior Management or the G.research analysts may be invited to present their viewpoints to the Proxy Committee. If the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the General Counsel believes that the matter before the Proxy Committee is one with respect to which a conflict of interest may exist between the Advisers and their Clients’ or investors, the General Counsel may provide an opinion to the Proxy Committee concerning the conflict. If the matter is one in which the interests of the Clients or investors, on the one hand, or the applicable Adviser, on the other, may diverge, The General Counsel may so advise and the Proxy Committee may make different recommendations as to different Clients. For any matters where the recommendation may trigger appraisal rights, The General Counsel may provide an opinion concerning the likely risks and merits of such an appraisal action.

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

Although the Proxy Voting Guidelines express the normal preferences for the voting of any interests not covered by a contrary investment guideline provided by the Client, the Proxy Committee is not bound by the preferences set forth in the Proxy Voting Guidelines and will review each matter on its own merits. The Advisers subscribe to ISS and Glass Lewis, which supplies current information on companies, matters being voted on, regulations, trends in proxy voting and information on corporate governance issues.

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

Social Issues and Other Client Guidelines

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

 

 

 

Revised: November 14, 2018


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

Client Retention of Voting Rights

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

- Operations

- Proxy Department

- Investment professional assigned to the account

- Chief Compliance Officer

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

Proxies of Certain Non-U.S. Issuers

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

In addition, voting proxies of issuers in non-US markets may also give rise to a number of administrative issues to prevent the Advisers from voting such proxies. For example, the Advisers may receive the notices for shareholder meetings without adequate time to consider the proposals in the proxy or after the cut-off date for voting. In these cases, the Advisers will look to Glass Lewis or other third party service for recommendations on how to vote. Other markets require the Advisers to provide local agents with power of attorney prior to implementing their respective voting instructions on the proxy. Although it is the Advisers’ policies to vote the proxies for its clients for which they have proxy voting authority, in the case of issuers in non-US markets, we vote client proxies on a best efforts basis.

Voting Records and Client Disclosure

The Proxy Voting Department will retain a record of matters voted upon by the Advisers for their Clients. The Advisers will supply information on how they voted a Client’s proxy upon request from the Client or an investor in a Client.

 

 

 

Revised: November 14, 2018


Registered Investment Companies and Form N-PX

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

Form ADV Disclosure

Each Adviser to a RIC or Private Fund Client will disclose in Part 2A of its Form ADV that such Clients may contact the Chief Compliance Officer during regular business hours, via email or telephone, to obtain information on how each Adviser voted such Client’s proxies for the past 5 years. The summary of this Policy included in each Adviser’s Part 2A of its Form ADV will be updated whenever this Policy is revised. Clients may also receive a copy of this Policy upon their request.

Note that updating the Form ADV with a change to this Policy outside of the annual update is voluntary. However, each Adviser will need to communicate to the Client any changes to this Policy affecting its fiduciary duty.

The Advisers’ proxy voting records will be retained in accordance with the Policy Regarding Recordkeeping.

Voting Procedures

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

Proxies are received in one of two forms:

 

*

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

 

*

Proxy cards which may be voted directly.

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

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

Records have been maintained on the ProxyEdge system.

ProxyEdge records include:

 

 

 

Revised: November 14, 2018


Security Name and CUSIP Number

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

Client Name

Adviser or Fund Account Number

Directors’ Recommendation

How the Adviser voted for the client on item

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

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

 

   

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

   

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

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

7.   Voting in Person

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

 

*

Banks and brokerage firms using the services at Broadridge:

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

 

 

 

Revised: November 14, 2018


*

Banks and brokerage firms issuing proxies directly:

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

All legal proxies should appoint:

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

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

 

 

 

 

Revised: November 14, 2018


EXHIBIT A

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

General Policy Statement

It is the policy of the Advisers to vote in the best economic interests of our Clients. As we state in our Magna Carta of Shareholders Rights, established in May 1988, we are neither for nor against management. We are for shareholders.

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

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

Board of Directors

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

Factors taken into consideration include:

 

*

Historical responsiveness to shareholders

This may include such areas as:

-Paying greenmail

-Failure to adopt shareholder resolutions receiving a majority of votes

 

*

Qualifications

 

*

Nominating committee in place

 

*

Number of outside directors on the board

 

*

Attendance at meetings

 

*

Overall performance

 

 

 

Revised: November 14, 2018


Selection of Auditors

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

Blank Check Preferred Stock

We oppose the issuance of blank check preferred stock.

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

Classified Board

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

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

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

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

Increase Authorized Common Stock

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

Factors taken into consideration include:

 

*

Future use of additional shares

-Stock split

-Stock option or other executive compensation plan

-Finance growth of company/strengthen balance sheet

-Aid in restructuring

-Improve credit rating

-Implement a poison pill or other takeover defense

 

*

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

 

*

Amount of additional stock to be authorized and its dilutive effect

 

 

 

Revised: November 14, 2018


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

Confidential Ballot

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

However, we look at this issue on a case-by-case basis. In order to promote confidentiality in the voting process, we endorse the use of independent Inspectors of Election.

Cumulative Voting

In general, we support cumulative voting.

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

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

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

Director Liability and Indemnification

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

Equal Access to the Proxy

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

Fair Price Provisions

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

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

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

 

 

Revised: November 14, 2018


Golden Parachutes

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

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

Anti-Greenmail Proposals

We do not support greenmail. An offer extended to one shareholder should be extended to all shareholders equally across the board. Limit Shareholders’ Rights to Call Special Meetings

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

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Consideration of Nonfinancial Effects of a Merger

This proposal releases the directors from only looking at the financial effects of a merger and allows them the opportunity to consider the merger’s effects on employees, the community, and consumers. As a fiduciary, we are obligated to vote in the best economic interests of our Clients. In general, this proposal does not allow us to do that. Therefore, we generally cannot support this proposal.

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Mergers, Buyouts, Spin-Offs, Restructurings

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

Military Issues

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

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

 

 

 

Revised: November 14, 2018


Northern Ireland

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

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

Opt Out of State Anti-Takeover Law

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

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

 

*

State of Incorporation

 

*

Management history of responsiveness to shareholders

 

*

Other mitigating factors

Poison Pills

In general, we do not endorse poison pills.

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

Reincorporation

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

Stock Incentive Plans

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

 

*

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

 

*

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

 

*

Method of payment.

 

*

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

 

 

 

Revised: November 14, 2018


*

The successful steps taken by management to maximize shareholder value.

Supermajority Vote Requirements

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

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Limit Shareholders Right to Act by Written Consent

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

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

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

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

Proxy Access

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

 

 

 

 

Revised: November 14, 2018


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

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

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

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

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

MANAGEMENT OF OTHER ACCOUNTS

The table below shows the number of other accounts managed by each Portfolio Manager and the total assets in each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other paid investment vehicles and other accounts as of December 31, 2018. For each category, the table also shows the number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on account performance.

 

  Name of Portfolio Manager or  

Team Member

   Type of
  Accounts  
  

Total

  No. of Accounts  
Managed

   Total
Assets
  

No. of

Accounts
where

  Advisory Fee  
is Based on
Performance

  

Total Assets

in Accounts
where
Advisory Fee
is Based on
  Performance  

Caesar M.P. Bryan    Registered
Investment
Companies:
   5    $491.1

million

   0    $0
     Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles:
   0    $0    0    $0
     Other Accounts:    20    $108.9

million

   0    $0
                          
Vincent Hugonnard-Roche    Registered
Investment
Companies:
   1    $149.1

million

   0    $0
     Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles:
   0    $0    0    $0
     Other Accounts:    4    $1.8 million    0    $0

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

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

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

ALLOCATION OF LIMITED INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES. As indicated above, the Portfolio Managers manage accounts with investment strategies and/or policies that are similar to the Fund. In these cases, if the Portfolio Manager identifies an investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple accounts, the Fund


may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity because the opportunity may be allocated among all or many of these accounts or other accounts managed primarily by other Portfolio Managers of the Adviser, and their affiliates. In addition, in the event a Portfolio Manager determines to purchase a security for more than one account in an aggregate amount that may influence the market price of the security, accounts that purchased or sold the security first may receive a more favorable price than accounts that made subsequent transactions.

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

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

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

COMPENSATION STRUCTURE FOR THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

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

OWNERSHIP OF SHARES IN THE FUND


Caesar M. P. Bryan and Vincent Hugonnard-Roche each owned $0-$10,000 and $0-$10,000, respectively, of shares of the Trust as of December 31, 2018.

 

(b)

Not applicable.

 

Item 9.

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

REGISTRANT PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period

 

 

  (a) Total Number of  
Shares (or Units)
Purchased

 

 

  (b) Average Price
Paid   per Share (or
Unit)

 

 

(c) Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
  Purchased as Part of  
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs

 

 

(d) Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar Value)

of Shares (or Units) that May

Yet Be Purchased Under the

Plans or Programs

 

Month #1
07/01/2018 through 07/31/2018

 

 

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 – 135,742,459

 

Preferred Series B – 3,516,357

 

Month #2
08/01/2018 through 08/31/2018

 

 

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 – 135,813,647

 

Preferred Series B – 3,516,357

 

Month #3
09/01/2018 through 09/30/2018

 

 

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 – 136,223,484

 

Preferred Series B – 3,516,357

 

Month #4
10/01/2018 through 10/31/2018

 

 

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 – 136,223,484

 

Preferred Series B – 3,516,357

 

Month #5
11/01/2018 through 11/30/2018

 

 

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 – 136,223,484

 

Preferred Series B – 3,516,357

 

       
Month #6
12/01/2018 through 12/31/2018
 

Common – N/A

 

Preferred Series B – 31,874

 

Common – N/A

 

Preferred Series B – $21.6573

 

Common – N/A

 

Preferred Series B – 31,874

 

Common – 136,223,484

 

Preferred Series B – 3,516,357—31,874 = 3,484,483

Total  

Common – N/A

 

Preferred Series B – 31,874

 

Common – N/A

 

Preferred Series B – $21.6573

 

Common – N/A

 

Preferred Series B – 31,874

  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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s common shares are trading at a discount of 7.5% or more from the net asset value of the shares. Any or all preferred shares outstanding may be repurchased when the Fund’s preferred shares are trading at a discount to the liquidation value of $25.00.

c.

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

d.

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

e.

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

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

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

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

  (a)

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

 

  (b)

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

 

Item 12.

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


  (a)

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

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

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

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

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

 

  (b)

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

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

  (a)(1)

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

 

  (a)(2)

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

 

  (a)(3)

Not applicable.

 

  (a)(4)

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)    GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust                                    

By (Signature and Title)*    /s/ Bruce N. Alpert                                                                               

                                             Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer

Date 3/7/19                                                                                                                                         

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 3/7/19                                                                                                                                         

By (Signature and Title)*    /s/ John C. Ball                                                                                     

                                             John C. Ball, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer

Date 3/7/19                                                                                                                                         

 

* 

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