The information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion, dated March 16, 2011
BASE PROSPECTUS
$100,000,000
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund
Common Shares
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Investment Objective and Philosophy. Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund’s investment objective is to maximize total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. The Fund will pursue a relative value-based investment philosophy, which utilizes quantitative and qualitative analysis to seek to identify securities or spreads between securities that deviate from their perceived fair value and/or historical norms. The Fund’s sub-adviser seeks to combine a credit-managed fixed-income portfolio with access to a diversified pool of alternative investments and equity strategies. The Fund’s investment philosophy is predicated upon the belief that thorough research and independent thought are rewarded with performance that has the potential to outperform benchmark indexes with both lower volatility and lower correlation of returns as compared to such benchmark indexes. The Fund cannot ensure investors that it will achieve its investment objective.
Investment Portfolio. The Fund will seek to achieve its investment objective by investing in a wide range of fixed-income and other debt and senior equity securities (“Income Securities”) selected from a variety of sectors and credit qualities, including, but not limited to, corporate bonds, loans and loan participations, structured finance investments, U.S. government and agency securities, mezzanine and preferred securities and convertible securities, and in common stocks, limited liability company interests, trust certificates and other equity investments (“Common Equity Securities”) that the Fund’s sub-adviser believes offer attractive yield and/or capital appreciation potential, including employing a strategy of writing (selling) covered call and put options on such equities.
Offering. The Fund may offer, from time to time, up to $100,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Shares”), in one or more offerings in amounts, at prices and on terms set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a “Prospectus Supplement”). You should read this Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement carefully before you decide to invest in the Common Shares.
The Fund may offer Common Shares (1) directly to one or more purchasers, (2) through agents that the Fund may designate from time to time or (3) to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering of Common Shares will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and agents or underwriters or among underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Fund may not sell Common Shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this Prospectus and a Prospectus Supplement. See “Plan of Distribution.”
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser and is responsible for the management of the Fund. Guggenheim Partners Asset Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) will be responsible for the management of the Fund’s portfolio of securities. Each of the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim Partners”). Guggenheim Partners is a diversified financial services firm with wealth management, capital markets, investment management and proprietary investing businesses, whose clients are a mix of individuals, family offices, endowments, foundations, insurance companies and other institutions that have entrusted Guggenheim Partners with the supervision of more than $100 billion of assets as of December 31, 2010.
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Investing in the Fund’s Common Shares involves certain risks. See “Risks” on page 51 of this Prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Prospectus dated, 2011
(continued from previous page)
Investment Parameters. The Fund may allocate its assets among a wide variety of Income Securities and Common Equity Securities, provided that, under normal market conditions, the Fund will not invest more than: 60% of its total assets in Income Securities rated below-investment grade (commonly referred to as “high-yield” or “junk” bonds), which are considered speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal; 50% of its total assets in Common Equity Securities consisting of common stock; 20% of its total assets in other investment companies, including registered investment companies, private investment funds and/or other pooled investment vehicles; 20% of its total assets in non-U.S. dollar-denominated Income Securities; and 10% of its total assets in Income Securities of issuers in emerging markets.
Common Shares. The Fund’s currently outstanding Common Shares are, and the Common Shares offered in this Prospectus will be, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “GOF.” The net asset value of the Common Shares at the close of business on March 9, 2011 was $20.01 per share, and the last sale price of the Common Shares on the NYSE on such date was $20.65. See “Market and Net Asset Value Information.”
Financial Leverage. The Fund may seek to enhance the level of its current distributions by utilizing financial leverage through the issuance of senior securities such as preferred shares (“Preferred Shares”), through borrowing or the issuance of commercial paper or other forms of debt (“Borrowings”), through reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls or similar transactions or through a combination of the foregoing (collectively “Financial Leverage”). The Fund’s total Financial Leverage may vary over time; however, the aggregate amount of Financial Leverage is not currently expected to exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund’s Managed Assets (as defined herein) after such issuance and/or borrowing; however, the Fund may utilize Financial Leverage up to the limits imposed by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Fund has entered into a committed facility agreement with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. (“BNP Paribas”) pursuant to which the Fund may borrow up to $30 million. As of November 30, 2010, outstanding Borrowings under the committed facility agreement were approximately $22.4 million, which represented approximately 9.0% of the Fund’s Managed Assets as of such date. The Fund invests a portion of its total assets through participation in the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility program (the “TALF Program”), a program developed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the U.S. Department of the Treasury and operated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (“FRBNY”). Under the TALF Program, the FRBNY may provide loans to the Fund to purchase certain investment-grade, asset-backed securities which must be backed by auto loans, student loans, credit card loans, small business loans or certain commercial mortgage-backed securities. As of November 30, 2010, the Fund’s borrowings under the TALF Program represented approximately 4.3% of the Fund’s Managed Assets. In addition, as of November 30, 2010, the Fund had reverse repurchase agreements outstanding representing Financial Leverage equal to approximately 15.1% of the Fund’s Managed Assets. As of November 30, 2010, the Fund’s total Financial Leverage represented approximately 28.4% of the Fund’s Managed Assets.
You should read this Prospectus, which contains important information about the Fund, together with any Prospectus Supplement, before deciding whether to invest, and retain it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information, dated, 2011, containing additional information about the Fund, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. You may request a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information, the table of contents of which is on page 86 of this Prospectus, by calling (800) 345-7999 or by writing to the Investment Adviser at Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, 2455 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, Illinois 60532, or you may obtain a copy (and other information regarding the Fund) from the SEC’s web site (http://www.sec.gov). Free copies of the Fund’s reports and its Statement of Additional Information will also be available from the Fund’s web site at www.guggenheimfunds.com/gof. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Fund’s website is not part of this Prospectus.
The Fund’s Common Shares do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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________________
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Prospectus contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the federal securities laws, that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements describe the Fund’s plans, strategies, and goals and the Fund’s beliefs and assumptions concerning future economic and other conditions and the outlook for the Fund, based on currently available information. In this Prospectus, words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “objectives,” “goals,” “future,” “intends,” “seeks,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” and similar expressions are used in an effort to identify forward-looking statements, although some forward-looking statements may be expressed differently. The Fund is not entitled to the safe harbor for forward-looking statements pursuant to Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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This is only a summary of information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in the Fund’s Common Shares. You should carefully read the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement prior to making an investment in the Fund, especially the information set forth under the headings “Investment Objective and Policies” and “Risks.” You may also wish to request a copy of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, dated _____, 2011 (the “SAI”), which contains additional information about the Fund.
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The Fund
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Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company that commenced operations on July 26, 2007. The Fund’s objective is to maximize total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation.
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The Fund’s common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, are called “Common Shares” and the holders of Common Shares are called “Common Shareholders” throughout this Prospectus.
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Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser and is responsible for the management of the Fund. Guggenheim Partners Asset Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) is responsible for the management of the Fund’s portfolio of securities. Each of the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim Partners”). |
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The Offering
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The Fund may offer, from time to time, up to $100,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of Common Shares, on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. The Fund will offer Common Shares at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a “Prospectus Supplement”).
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The Fund may offer Common Shares (1) directly to one or more purchasers, (2) through agents that the Fund may designate from time to time, or (3) to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and agents or underwriters or among underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Fund may not sell Common Shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this Prospectus and a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of Common Shares. See “Plan of Distribution.”
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Use of Proceeds
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Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, the Fund intends to invest the net proceeds of an offering of Common Shares in accordance with its investment objective and policies as stated herein. It is currently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of an offering of Common Shares in accordance with its investment objective and policies within three months after the completion of such offering. Pending such investment, it is anticipated that the proceeds will be invested in U.S. government securities or high quality, short-term money market securities. The Fund may also use the proceeds for working capital
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purposes, including the payment of distributions, interest and operating expenses, although the Fund currently has no intent to issue Common Shares primarily for this purpose.
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Investment Objective and Philosophy
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The Fund’s investment objective is to maximize total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. The Fund will pursue a relative value-based investment philosophy, which utilizes quantitative and qualitative analysis to seek to identify securities or spreads between securities that deviate from their perceived fair value and/or historical norms. The Sub-Adviser seeks to combine a credit-managed fixed-income portfolio with access to a diversified pool of alternative investments and equity strategies. The Fund’s investment philosophy is predicated upon the belief that thorough research and independent thought are rewarded with performance that has the potential to outperform benchmark indexes with both lower volatility and lower correlation of returns as compared to such benchmark indexes. The Fund cannot ensure investors that it will achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s investment objective is considered fundamental and may not be changed without the approval of Common Shareholders. See “Investment Objective and Policies—Investment Philosophy and Investment Process.”
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Investment Process
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The Sub-Adviser’s investment process is a collaborative effort between its Portfolio Construction Group, which utilizes tools such as Guggenheim Partners’ Dynamic Financial Analysis Model to determine allocation of assets among a variety of sectors, and its Sector Specialists, who are responsible for security selection within these sectors and for implementing securities transactions, including the structuring of certain securities directly with the issuer or with investment banks and dealers involved in the origination of such securities.
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Investment Portfolio
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The Fund will seek to achieve its investment objective by investing in:
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Income Securities. The Fund may invest in a wide range of fixed-income and other debt and senior equity securities (“Income Securities”) selected from a variety of sectors and credit qualities. The Fund may invest in Income Securities of any credit quality, including Income Securities rated below-investment grade (commonly referred to as “high-yield” or “junk” bonds), which are considered speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The sectors and types of Income Securities in which the Fund may invest, include, but are not limited to: |
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corporate bonds;
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loans and loan participations (including senior secured floating rate loans, “second lien” secured floating rate loans, and other types of secured and unsecured loans with fixed and variable interest rates) (collectively, “Loans”);
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structured finance investments (including residential and commercial mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and risk-linked securities);
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U.S. government and agency securities;
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mezzanine and preferred securities; and
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convertible securities. |
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Common Equity Securities and Covered Call Option Strategy. The Fund may invest in common stocks, limited liability company interests, trust certificates and other equity investments (“Common Equity Securities”) that the Sub-Adviser believes offer attractive yield and/or capital appreciation potential. As part of its Common Equity Securities strategy, the Fund currently intends to employ a strategy of writing (selling) covered call options and may, from time to time, buy or sell put options on individual Common Equity Securities and, to a lesser extent, on indices of securities and sectors of securities. This covered call option strategy is intended to generate current gains from option premiums as a means to enhance distributions payable to the Fund’s Common Shareholders.
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Structured Finance Investments. The Fund may invest in structured finance investments, which are Income Securities and Common Equity Securities typically issued by special purpose vehicles that hold income-producing securities (e.g., mortgage loans, consumer debt payment obligations and other receivables) and other financial assets. Structured finance investments are tailored, or packaged, to meet certain financial goals of investors. Typically, these investments provide investors with capital protection, income generation and/or the opportunity to generate capital growth. The Sub-Adviser believes that structured finance investments provide attractive risk-adjusted returns, frequent sector rotation opportunities and prospects for adding value through security selection. Structured finance investments include:
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Mortgage-Related Securities. Mortgage-related securities are a form of derivative collateralized by pools of commercial or residential mortgages. Pools of mortgage loans are assembled as securities for sale to investors by various governmental, government-related and private organizations. These securities may include complex instruments such as collateralized mortgage obligations, REITs (including debt and preferred stock issued by REITs), and other real estate-related securities. The mortgage-related securities in which the Fund may invest include those with fixed, floating or variable interest rates, those with interest rates that change based on multiples of changes in a specified index of interest rates, and those with interest rates that change inversely to changes in interest rates, as well as those that do not bear interest. The Fund may invest in residential and commercial mortgage-related securities issued by governmental entities and private issuers, including subordinated mortgage-related securities. The underlying assets of certain mortgage-related securities may be subject to prepayments, which shorten the weighted average maturity and may lower the return of such securities.
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Asset-Backed Securities. Asset-backed securities are a form of derivative issued by governmental entities and private issuers which utilizes securitization techniques similar to those used for mortgage-related securities. The collateral for these securities may include home
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equity loans, automobile and credit card receivables, boat loans, computer leases, airplane leases, mobile home loans, recreational vehicle loans and hospital account receivables. The Fund may invest in these and other types of asset-backed securities that may be developed in the future. Asset-backed securities are subject to the same risk of prepayment described above with respect to mortgage-related securities. Asset-backed securities may provide the Fund with a less effective security interest in the related collateral than do mortgage-related securities, and thus it is possible that recovery on repossessed collateral might be unavailable or inadequate to support payments on these securities.
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Collateralized Debt Obligations. A collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) is an asset-backed security whose underlying collateral is typically a portfolio of bonds, bank loans, other structured finance securities and/or synthetic instruments. Where the underlying collateral is a portfolio of bonds, a CDO is referred to as a collateralized bond obligation (“CBO”). Where the underlying collateral is a portfolio of bank loans, a CDO is referred to as a collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”). Investors in CDOs bear the credit risk of the underlying collateral. Multiple tranches of securities are issued by the CDO, offering investors various maturity and credit risk characteristics. Tranches are categorized as senior, mezzanine, and subordinated/equity, according to their degree of risk. If there are defaults or the CDO’s collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches take precedence over those to subordinated/equity tranches. CDOs are subject to the same risk of prepayment described with respect to certain mortgage-related and asset-backed securities. The value of CDOs may be affected by changes in the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool, the originator of the pool, or the financial institution or fund providing the credit support or enhancement.
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Risk-Linked Securities. Risk-linked securities (“RLS”) are a form of derivative issued by insurance companies and insurance-related special purpose vehicles that apply securitization techniques to catastrophic property and casualty damages. RLS are typically debt obligations for which the return of principal and the payment of interest are contingent on the non-occurrence of a pre-defined “trigger event.” Depending on the specific terms and structure of the RLS, this trigger could be the result of a hurricane, earthquake or some other catastrophic event.
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Real Property Asset Companies. The Fund may invest in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities issued by companies that own, produce, refine, process, transport and market “real property assets,” such as real estate and the natural resources upon or within real estate (“Real Property Asset Companies”).
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Personal Property Asset Companies. The Fund may invest in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities issued by companies that seek to profit primarily from the ownership, rental, leasing, financing
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or disposition of personal (as opposed to real) property assets (“Personal Property Asset Companies”). Personal (as opposed to real) property includes any tangible, movable property or asset. The Fund will typically seek to invest in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities of Personal Property Asset Companies the investment performance of which is not expected to be highly correlated with traditional market indexes because the personal property asset held by such company is non-correlated with traditional debt or equity markets. Such personal property assets include special situation transportation assets (e.g., railcars, airplanes and ships) and collectibles (e.g., antiques, wine and fine art).
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Private Securities. The Fund may invest in privately issued Income Securities and Common Equity Securities of both public and private companies (“Private Securities”). Private Securities have additional risk considerations than comparable public securities, including availability of financial information about the issuer and valuation and liquidity issues.
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Investment Funds. As an alternative to holding investments directly, the Fund may also obtain investment exposure to Income Securities and Common Equity Securities by investing in other investment companies, including registered investment companies, private investment funds and/or other pooled investment vehicles (collectively, “Investment Funds”). The Fund may invest up to 30% of its total assets in Investment Funds that primarily hold (directly or indirectly) investments in which the Fund may invest directly, of which amount up to 20% of its total assets may be invested in Investment Funds that are registered as investment companies (“Registered Investment Funds”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As used in this Prospectus, “Private Investment Funds” means privately offered Investment Funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” under the 1940 Act, including by operation of Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) thereof. Such funds may be commonly referred to as “hedge funds” or “private equity funds.” Investments in other Investment Funds involve operating expenses and fees at the Investment Fund level that are in addition to the expenses and fees borne by the Fund and are borne indirectly by holders of the Fund’s Common Shares. |
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Synthetic Investments. As an alternative to holding investments directly, the Fund may also obtain investment exposure to Income Securities and Common Equity Securities through the use of customized derivative instruments (including swaps, options, forwards, notional principal contracts or other financial instruments) to replicate, modify or replace the economic attributes associated with an investment in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities (including interests in Investment Funds.
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Investment Policies
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The Fund may allocate its assets among a wide variety of Income Securities and Common Equity Securities, provided that, under normal market conditions, the Fund will not invest more than:
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60% of its total assets in Income Securities rated below-investment grade;
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50% of its total assets in Common Equity Securities consisting of common stock;
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30% of its total assets in Investment Funds;
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20% of its total assets in non-U.S. dollar-denominated Income Securities of corporate and governmental issuers located outside the United States; and
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10% of its total assets in Income Securities of issuers in emerging markets.
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The percentage of the Fund’s total assets allocated to any category of investment may at any given time be significantly less than the maximum percentage permitted pursuant to the above referenced investment policies.
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Unless otherwise stated in this Prospectus or the SAI, the Fund’s investment policies are considered non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board of Trustees”) without Common Shareholder approval. The Fund will provide investors with at least 60 days’ prior written notice of any change in the Fund’s investment policies. See “Investment Objective and Policies” in this Prospectus and in the SAI.
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Financial Leverage
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The Fund may seek to enhance the level of its current distributions by utilizing financial leverage through the issuance of senior securities such as preferred shares (“Preferred Shares”), through borrowing or the issuance of commercial paper or other forms of debt (“Borrowings”), through reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls or similar transactions or through a combination of the foregoing (collectively “Financial Leverage”). The Fund’s total Financial Leverage may vary over time; however, the aggregate amount of Financial Leverage is not expected to exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund’s Managed Assets (as defined herein) after such issuance and/or borrowing; however, the Fund may utilize Financial Leverage up to the limits imposed by the 1940 Act. The Fund may also borrow in excess of such limit for temporary purposes such as the settlement of transactions.
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The Fund has entered into a committed facility agreement with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. (“BNP Paribas”) pursuant to which the Fund may borrow up to $30 million. As of November 30, 2010, outstanding Borrowings under the committed facility agreement were approximately $22.4 million, which represented approximately 9.0% of the Fund’s Managed Assets as of such date. The Fund invests a portion of its Managed Assets through participation in the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility program (the “TALF Program”), a program developed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the U.S. Department of the Treasury and operated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (“FRBNY”). Under the TALF Program, the FRBNY may provide loans to the Fund to purchase certain investment-grade, asset-backed securities which must be backed by auto loans, student loans, credit card loans, small business loans or certain commercial mortgage-backed securities. As of November 30, 2010, the Fund’s borrowings under the TALF Program represented approximately 4.3% of the Fund’s Managed Assets. In
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addition, as of November 30, 2010, the Fund had reverse repurchase agreements outstanding representing Financial Leverage equal to approximately 15.1% of the Fund’s Managed Assets. As of November 30, 2010, the Fund’s total Financial Leverage represented approximately 28.4% of the Fund’s Managed Assets.
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So long as the net rate of return on the Fund’s investments purchased with the proceeds of Financial Leverage exceeds the cost of such Financial Leverage, such excess amounts will be available to pay higher distributions to holders of the Fund’s Common Shares. Any use of Financial Leverage must be approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. In connection with the Fund’s use of Financial Leverage, the Fund may seek to hedge the interest rate risks associated with the Financial Leverage through interest rate swaps, caps or other derivative transactions. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s Financial Leverage strategy will be successful during any period during which it is employed. The Fund may also seek to enhance the level of its current distributions by lending its portfolio securities to broker-dealers or financial institutions. See “Use of Financial Leverage” and “Risks—Financial Leverage Risk” and “Investment Objective and Policies—Investment Practices—Loans of Portfolio Securities.”
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Other Investment Practices
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Temporary Defensive Investments. At any time when a temporary defensive posture is believed by the Sub-Adviser to be warranted (a “temporary defensive period”), the Fund may, without limitation, hold cash or invest its assets in money market instruments and repurchase agreements in respect of those instruments. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective during a temporary defensive period or be able to sustain its historical distribution levels. See “Investment Objective and Policies—Temporary Defensive Investments.”
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Derivative Transactions. The Fund may purchase and sell derivative instruments (which derive their value by reference to another instrument, security or index) for investment purposes, such as obtaining investment exposure to an investment category; risk management purposes, such as hedging against fluctuations in securities prices or interest rates; diversification purposes; or to change the duration of the Fund. In order to help protect the soundness of derivative transactions and outstanding derivative positions, the Sub-Adviser generally requires derivative counterparties to have a minimum credit rating of A from Moody’s Investors Service (or a comparable rating from another rating agency) and monitors such rating on an ongoing basis. In addition, the Sub-Adviser seeks to allocate derivative transactions to limit exposure to any single counterparty. The Fund has not adopted a maximum percentage limit with respect to derivative investments. However, the maximum level of and types of derivative transactions used by the Fund will be approved by the Board of Trustees and the Board of Trustees will receive regular reports from the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser regarding the Fund’s use of derivative instruments and the effect of derivative transactions on the management of the Fund’s portfolio and the performance of the Fund. |
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Management of the Fund
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Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC acts as the Fund’s Investment Adviser pursuant to an advisory agreement with the Fund
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(the “Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser is responsible for the management of the Fund and administers the affairs of the Fund to the extent requested by the Board of Trustees. As compensation for its services, the Fund pays the Investment Adviser a fee, payable monthly, in an annual amount equal to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily Managed Assets. “Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund, including the assets attributable to the proceeds from any borrowings or other forms of Financial Leverage, minus liabilities, other than liabilities related to any Financial Leverage.
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Guggenheim Partners Asset Management, LLC acts as the Fund’s Sub-Adviser pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with the Fund and the Investment Adviser (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser is responsible for the management of the Fund’s portfolio of securities. As compensation for its services, the Investment Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a fee, payable monthly, in a maximum annual amount equal to 0.50% of the Fund’s average daily Managed Assets.
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Each of the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Guggenheim Partners.
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Distributions
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The Fund intends to pay substantially all of its net investment income to Common Shareholders through monthly distributions. In addition, the Fund intends to distribute any net long-term capital gains to Common Shareholders as long-term capital gain dividends at least annually. The Fund expects that dividends paid on the Common Shares will consist of (i) investment company taxable income, which includes, among other things, ordinary income, short-term capital gain (for example, premiums earned in connection with the Fund’s covered call option strategy) and income from certain hedging and interest rate transactions, (ii) qualified dividend income and (iii) long-term capital gain (gain from the sale of a capital asset held longer than one year). To the extent the Fund receives dividends with respect to its investments in Common Equity Securities that consist of qualified dividend income (income from domestic and certain foreign corporations), a portion of the Fund’s distributions to its Common Shareholders may consist of qualified dividend income. The Fund cannot assure you, however, as to what percentage of the dividends paid on the Common Shares, if any, will consist of qualified dividend income or long-term capital gains, which are taxed at lower rates for individuals than ordinary income. See “Distributions.”
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If you hold your Common Shares in your own name or if you hold your Common Shares with a brokerage firm that participates in the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”), unless you elect to receive cash, all dividends and distributions that are declared by the Fund will be automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares of the Fund pursuant to the Plan. If you hold your Common Shares with a brokerage firm that does not participate in the Plan, you will not be able to participate in the Plan and any dividend reinvestment may be effected on different terms than those described above. Consult your financial adviser for more information. See “Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
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Listing and Symbol
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The Fund’s currently outstanding Common Shares are, and the Common Shares offered in this Prospectus will be, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “GOF.”
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Special Risk Considerations
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Not a Complete Investment Program. The Fund is intended for investors seeking current income and capital appreciation. The Fund is not meant to provide a vehicle for those who wish to play short-term swings in the stock market. An investment in the Common Shares of the Fund should not be considered a complete investment program.Each Common Shareholder should take into account the Fund’s investment objective as well as the Common Shareholder’s other investments when considering an investment in the Fund.
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Investment and Market Risk. An investment in Common Shares of the Fund is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested. An investment in the Common Shares of the Fund represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund. The value of those securities may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. The value of the securities owned by the Fund will affect the value of the Common Shares. At any point in time, your Common Shares may be worth less than your original investment, including the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.
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Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it has an actively managed portfolio. The Sub-Adviser will apply investment techniques and risk analysis in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results.
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Income Risk. The income investors receive from the Fund is based primarily on the interest it earns from its investments in Income Securities, which can vary widely over the short- and long-term. If prevailing market interest rates drop, investors’ income from the Fund could drop as well. The Fund’s income could also be affected adversely when prevailing short-term interest rates increase and the Fund is utilizing leverage, although this risk is mitigated to the extent the Fund’s investments include floating-rate obligations.
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Dividend Risk. Dividends on common stock and other Common Equity Securities which the Fund may hold are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of an issuer’s board of directors. There is no guarantee that the issuers of the Common Equity Securities in which the Fund invests will declare dividends in the future or that, if declared, they will remain at current levels or increase over time.
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Income Securities Risk. In addition to the risks discussed above, Income Securities, including high-yield bonds, are subject to certain risks, including:
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Issuer Risk. The value of Income Securities may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services.
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Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that one or more debt obligations in the Fund’s portfolio will decline in price, or fail to pay interest or principal when due, because the issuer of the obligation experiences a decline in its financial status.
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Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that Income Securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of Income Securities generally will fall.
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Reinvestment Risk. Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from the Fund’s portfolio will decline if the Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called Income Securities at market interest rates that are below the Fund portfolio’s current earnings rate. A decline in income could affect the Common Shares’ market price or the overall return of the Fund.
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Prepayment Risk. During periods of declining interest rates, borrowers may exercise their option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is known as call or prepayment risk.
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Liquidity Risk. The Fund may invest without limitation in Income Securities for which there is no readily available trading market or which are otherwise illiquid, including certain high-yield bonds. The Fund may not be able to readily dispose of illiquid securities and obligations at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell such securities and obligations if they were more widely traded and, as a result of such illiquidity, the Fund may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions if necessary to raise cash to meet its obligations. In addition, limited liquidity could affect the market price of Income Securities, thereby adversely affecting the Fund’s net asset value and ability to make distributions.
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Valuation of Certain Income Securities. The Sub-Adviser normally uses an independent pricing service to value most Income Securities held by the Fund. Because the secondary markets for certain investments may be limited, they may be difficult to value. Where market quotations are not readily available, valuation may require more research than for more liquid investments. In addition, elements of judgment may play a greater role in valuation in such cases than for investments with a more active secondary market because there is less reliable objective data available.
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Duration and Maturity Risk. The Fund has no set policy regarding portfolio maturity or duration. Holding long duration and long maturity investments will expose the Fund to certain magnified risks. These risks include interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risks as discussed above.
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Below-Investment Grade Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in Income Securities rated below-investment grade or, if unrated, determined by the Sub-Adviser to be of comparable credit quality, which are commonly referred to as “high-yield” or “junk” bonds. Investment in securities of below-investment grade quality involves substantial risk of loss. Income Securities of below-investment grade
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quality are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due and therefore involve a greater risk of default or decline in market value due to adverse economic and issuer-specific developments. Income Securities of below-investment grade quality display increased price sensitivity to changing interest rates and to a deteriorating economic environment. The market values for Income Securities of below-investment grade quality tend to be more volatile and such securities tend to be less liquid than investment grade debt securities.
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Structured Finance Investments Risk. The Fund’s structured finance investments may include residential and commercial mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities issued by governmental entities and private issuers. Holders of structured finance investments bear risks of the underlying investments, index or reference obligation and are subject to counterparty risk. The Fund may have the right to receive payments only from the structured product, and generally does not have direct rights against the issuer or the entity that sold the assets to be securitized. While certain structured finance investments enable the investor to acquire interests in a pool of securities without the brokerage and other expenses associated with directly holding the same securities, investors in structured finance investments generally pay their share of the structured product’s administrative and other expenses. Although it is difficult to predict whether the prices of indices and securities underlying structured finance investments will rise or fall, these prices (and, therefore, the prices of structured finance investments) will be influenced by the same types of political and economic events that affect issuers of securities and capital markets generally. If the issuer of a structured product uses shorter term financing to purchase longer term securities, the issuer may be forced to sell its securities at below market prices if it experiences difficulty in obtaining short-term financing, which may adversely affect the value of the structured finance investment owned by the Fund.
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The Fund may invest in structured finance products collateralized by low grade or defaulted loans or securities. Investments in such structured finance products are subject to the risks associated with below investment grade securities. Such securities are characterized by high risk. It is likely that an economic recession could severely disrupt the market for such securities and may have an adverse impact on the value of such securities.
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Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. The risks associated with mortgage-backed securities include: (1) credit risk associated with the performance of the underlying mortgage properties and of the borrowers owning these properties; (2) adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, which are more likely to have an adverse impact on mortgage-backed securities secured by loans on certain types of commercial properties than on those secured by loans on residential properties; (3) prepayment risk, which can lead to significant fluctuations in the value of the mortgage-backed security; (4) loss of all or part of the premium, if any, paid; and (5) decline in the market value of the security, whether resulting from changes in interest rates, prepayments on the underlying mortgage collateral
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or perceptions of the credit risk associated with the underlying mortgage collateral.
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Mortgage-backed securities represent an interest in a pool of mortgages. When market interest rates decline, more mortgages are refinanced and the securities are paid off earlier than expected. Prepayments may also occur on a scheduled basis or due to foreclosure. When market interest rates increase, the market values of mortgage-backed securities decline. At the same time, however, mortgage refinancings and prepayments slow, which lengthens the effective maturities of these securities. As a result, the negative effect of the rate increase on the market value of mortgage-backed securities is usually more pronounced than it is for other types of debt securities. In addition, due to increased instability in the credit markets, the market for some mortgage-backed securities has experienced reduced liquidity and greater volatility with respect to the value of such securities, making it more difficult to value such securities. The Fund may invest in sub-prime mortgages or mortgage-backed securities that are backed by sub-prime mortgages.
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Moreover, the relationship between prepayments and interest rates may give some high-yielding mortgage-related and asset-backed securities less potential for growth in value than conventional bonds with comparable maturities. In addition, in periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase. During such periods, the reinvestment of prepayment proceeds by the Fund will generally be at lower rates than the rates that were carried by the obligations that have been prepaid. Because of these and other reasons, mortgage-related and asset-backed security’s total return and maturity may be difficult to predict precisely. To the extent that the Fund purchases mortgage-related and asset-backed securities at a premium, prepayments (which may be made without penalty) may result in loss of the Fund’s principal investment to the extent of premium paid.
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Mortgage-backed securities generally are classified as either commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) or residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), each of which are subject to certain specific risks.
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Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. The market for CMBS developed more recently and, in terms of total outstanding principal amount of issues, is relatively small compared to the market for residential single-family mortgage-related securities. CMBS are subject to particular risks, including lack of standardized terms, shorter maturities than residential mortgage loans and payment of all or substantially all of the principal only at maturity rather than regular amortization of principal. In addition, commercial lending generally is viewed as exposing the lender to a greater risk of loss than one-to-four family residential lending. Commercial lending, for example, typically involves larger loans to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers than residential one-to-four family mortgage loans. In addition, the repayment of loans secured by income producing properties typically is dependent upon the successful operation of the related real estate project and the cash flow generated therefrom. Net
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operating income of an income-producing property can be affected by, among other things: tenant mix, success of tenant businesses, property management decisions, property location and condition, competition from comparable types of properties, changes in laws that increase operating expense or limit rents that may be charged, any need to address environmental contamination at the property, the occurrence of any uninsured casualty at the property, changes in national, regional or local economic conditions and/or specific industry segments, declines in regional or local real estate values, declines in regional or local rental or occupancy rates, increases in interest rates, real estate tax rates and other operating expenses, change in governmental rules, regulations and fiscal policies, including environmental legislation, acts of God, terrorism, social unrest and civil disturbances. Consequently, adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances are more likely to have an adverse impact on mortgage-related securities secured by loans on commercial properties than on those secured by loans on residential properties. Additional risks may be presented by the type and use of a particular commercial property. Special risks are presented by hospitals, nursing homes, hospitality properties and certain other property types. Commercial property values and net operating income are subject to volatility, which may result in net operating income becoming insufficient to cover debt service on the related mortgage loan. The exercise of remedies and successful realization of liquidation proceeds relating to CMBS may be highly dependent on the performance of the servicer or special servicer. There may be a limited number of special servicers available, particularly those that do not have conflicts of interest.
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Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. Credit-related risk on RMBS arises from losses due to delinquencies and defaults by the borrowers in payments on the underlying mortgage loans and breaches by originators and servicers of their obligations under the underlying documentation pursuant to which the RMBS are issued. The rate of delinquencies and defaults on residential mortgage loans and the aggregate amount of the resulting losses will be affected by a number of factors, including general economic conditions, particularly those in the area where the related mortgaged property is located, the level of the borrower’s equity in the mortgaged property and the individual financial circumstances of the borrower. If a residential mortgage loan is in default, foreclosure on the related residential property may be a lengthy and difficult process involving significant legal and other expenses. The net proceeds obtained by the holder on a residential mortgage loan following the foreclosure on the related property may be less than the total amount that remains due on the loan. The prospect of incurring a loss upon the foreclosure of the related property may lead the holder of the residential mortgage loan to restructure the residential mortgage loan or otherwise delay the foreclosure process.
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Sub-Prime Mortgage Market Risk. The residential mortgage market in the United States has experienced difficulties that may adversely affect the performance and market value of certain mortgages and mortgage-related securities. Delinquencies and losses on residential mortgage
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loans (especially sub-prime and second-line mortgage loans) generally have increased recently and may continue to increase, and a decline in or flattening of housing values (as has recently been experienced and may continue to be experienced in many housing markets) may exacerbate such delinquencies and losses. Borrowers with adjustable rate mortgage loans are more sensitive to changes in interest rates, which affect their monthly mortgage payments, and may be unable to secure replacement mortgages at comparably low interest rates. Also, a number of residential mortgage loan originators have recently experienced serious financial difficulties or bankruptcy. Largely due to the foregoing, reduced investor demand for mortgage loans and mortgage-related securities and increased investor yield requirements have caused limited liquidity in the secondary market for mortgage-related securities, which can adversely affect the market value of mortgage-related securities. It is possible that such limited liquidity in such secondary markets could continue or worsen. If the economy of the United States deteriorates further, the incidence of mortgage foreclosures, especially sub-prime mortgages, may increase, which may adversely affect the value of any mortgage-backed securities owned by the Fund.
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The significance of the mortgage crisis and loan defaults in residential mortgage loan sectors led to the enactment in July 2008 of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, a wide-ranging housing rescue bill that offers up to $300 billion in assistance to troubled homeowners and emergency assistance to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, companies that operate under federal charter and play a vital role in providing financing for the housing markets. The above-mentioned housing bill could potentially have a material adverse effect on the Funds’ investment as the bill, among other things, (1) allows approximately 400,000 homeowners to refinance into affordable, government-backed loans through a program run by the Federal Housing Authority (“FHA”), a division of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) and (2) provides approximately $180 million for “pre-foreclosure” housing counseling and legal services for distressed borrowers. In addition, the mortgage crisis has led public advocacy groups to demand, and governmental officials to propose and consider, a variety of other “bailout” and “rescue” plans that could potentially have a material adverse effect on the Funds’ investments. Certain borrowers may also seek relief through the “FHA Secure” refinancing option that gives homeowners with non-FHA adjustable rate mortgages, current or delinquent and regardless of reset status, the ability to refinance into a FHA-insured mortgage. The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009, which was enacted on May 20, 2009, provides a safe harbor for servicers entering into “qualified loss mitigation plans” with respect to residential mortgages originated before the act was enacted. By protecting servicers from certain liabilities, this safe harbor may encourage loan modifications and reduce the likelihood that investors in securitizations will be paid on a timely basis or will be paid in full. In addition to the above, a variety of other plans and proposals from federal and state regulatory agencies have been presented. Law, legislation or other government regulation, promulgated in furtherance of a “bailout” or “rescue” plan to address
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the crisis and distress in the residential mortgage loan sector, may result in a reduction of available transactional opportunities for the Fund, or an increase in the cost associated with such transactions. Any such law, legislation or regulation may adversely affect the market value of non-agency RMBS.
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A number of originators and servicers of residential and commercial mortgage loans, including some of the largest originators and servicers in the residential and commercial mortgage loan market, have experienced serious financial difficulties, including some that are now subject to federal insolvency proceedings. Such difficulties may affect the performance of non-agency RMBS and CMBS backed by mortgage loans. There can be no assurance that originators and servicers of mortgage loans will not continue to experience serious financial difficulties or experience such difficulties in the future, including becoming subject to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, or that underwriting procedures and policies and protections against fraud will be sufficient in the future to prevent such financial difficulties or significant levels of default or delinquency on mortgage loans.
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Asset-Backed Securities Risk. ABS involve certain risks in addition to those presented by mortgage-backed securities. Therefore, there is the possibility that recoveries on the underlying collateral may not, in some cases, be available to support payments on these securities. ABS do not have the benefit of the same security interest in the underlying collateral as mortgage-backed securities and are more dependent on the borrower’s ability to pay and may provide the Fund with a less effective security interest in the related collateral than do mortgage-related securities. The collateral underlying ABS may constitute assets related to a wide range of industries and sectors. The collateral underlying ABS may constitute assets related to a wide range of industries and sectors. For example, ABS can be collateralized with credit card and automobile receivables. Credit card receivables are generally unsecured, and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. Most issuers of automobile receivables permit the servicers to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If the servicer were to sell these obligations to another party, there is a risk that the purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the holders of the related automobile receivables. In addition, because of the large number of vehicles involved in a typical issuance and technical requirements under state laws, the trustee for the holders of the automobile receivables may not have an effective security interest in all of the obligations backing such receivables. If the economy of the United States deteriorates, defaults on securities backed by credit card, automobile and other receivables may increase, which may adversely affect the value of any ABS owned by the Fund. In addition, these securities may provide the Fund with a less effective security interest in the related collateral than do mortgage-related securities. Therefore, there is the possibility that recoveries on the
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underlying collateral may not, in some cases, be available to support payments on these securities.
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The Credit CARD Act of 2009 imposes new regulations on the ability of credit card issuers to adjust the interest rates and exercise various other rights with respect to indebtedness extended through credit cards. The Fund and the Sub-Adviser cannot predict what effect, if any, such regulations might have on the market for ABS and such regulations may adversely affect the value of ABS owned by the Fund.
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The United States automobile manufacturers have recently reported reduced sales and the potential inability to meet their financing needs. As a result, certain automobile manufacturers have been granted access to emergency loans from the U.S. Government and have experienced bankruptcy. As a result of these events, the value of securities backed by receivables from the sale or lease of automobiles may be adversely affected. |
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Risks Associated with CDOs. The credit quality of CDO securities depends primarily upon the quality of the underlying assets and the level of credit support and/or enhancement provided. The underlying assets (e.g., debt obligations) of a CDO are subject to prepayments, which shorten the weighted average maturity and may lower the return of the securities issued by the CDO. If the credit support or enhancement is exhausted, losses or delays in payment may result if the required payments of principal and interest are not made. The value of CDO securities also may change because of changes in market value, that is changes in the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool, the originator of the pool, or the financial institution or fund providing the credit support or enhancement.
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Risks Associated with Risk-Linked Securities. RLS are a form of derivative issued by insurance companies and insurance-related special purpose vehicles that apply securitization techniques to catastrophic property and casualty damages. Unlike other insurable low-severity, high-probability events (such as auto collision coverage), the insurance risk of which can be diversified by writing large numbers of similar policies, the holders of a typical RLS are exposed to the risks from high-severity, low-probability events such as that posed by major earthquakes or hurricanes. RLS represent a method of reinsurance, by which insurance companies transfer their own portfolio risk to other reinsurance companies and, in the case of RLS, to the capital markets. A typical RLS provides for income and return of capital similar to other fixed-income investments, but involves full or partial default if losses resulting from a certain catastrophe exceeded a predetermined amount. In essence, investors invest funds in RLS and if a catastrophe occurs that “triggers” the RLS, investors may lose some or all of the capital invested. In the case of an event, the funds are paid to the bond sponsor — an insurer, reinsurer or corporation — to cover losses. In return, the bond sponsors pay interest to investors for this catastrophe protection. RLS can be structured to pay-off on three types of variables—insurance-industry catastrophe loss indicies, insure-specific catastrophe losses and parametric indices based on the physical
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characteristics of catastrophic events. Such variables are difficult to predict or model, and the risk and potential return profiles of RLS may be difficult to assess. Catastrophe-related RLS have been in use since the 1990s, and the securitization and risk-transfer aspects of such RLS are beginning to be employed in other insurance and risk-related areas. The RLS market is thus in the early stages of development. No active trading market may exist for certain RLS, which may impair the ability of the Fund to realize full value in the event of the need to liquidate such assets.
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Risks Associated with Structured Notes. Investments in structured notes involve risks, including credit risk and market risk. Where the Fund’s investments in structured notes are based upon the movement of one or more factors, including currency exchange rates, interest rates, referenced bonds and stock indices, depending on the factor used and the use of multipliers or deflators, changes in interest rates and movement of the factor may cause significant price fluctuations. Additionally, changes in the reference instrument or security may cause the interest rate on the structured note to be reduced to zero, and any further changes in the reference instrument may then reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Structured notes may be less liquid than other types of securities and more volatile than the reference instrument or security underlying the note.
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Senior Loans Risk. The Fund may invest in senior secured floating rate Loans made to corporations and other non-governmental entities and issuers (“Senior Loans”). Senior Loans typically hold the most senior position in the capital structure of the issuing entity, are typically secured with specific collateral and typically have a claim on the assets and/or stock of the borrower that is senior to that held by subordinated debt holders and stockholders of the borrower. The Fund’s investments in Senior Loans are typically below-investment grade and are considered speculative because of the credit risk of their issuers. The risks associated with Senior Loans of below-investment grade quality are similar to the risks of other lower grade Income Securities, although Senior Loans are typically senior and secured in contrast to subordinated and unsecured Income Securities. Senior Loans’ higher standing has historically resulted in generally higher recoveries in the event of a corporate reorganization. In addition, because their interest payments are adjusted for changes in short-term interest rates, investments in Senior Loans generally have less interest rate risk than other lower grade Income Securities, which may have fixed interest rates.
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Second Lien Loans Risk. The Fund may invest in “second lien” secured floating rate Loans made by public and private corporations and other non-governmental entities and issuers for a variety of purposes (“Second Lien Loans”). Second Lien Loans are second in right of payment to one or more Senior Loans of the related borrower. Second Lien Loans are subject to the same risks associated with investment in Senior Loans and other lower grade Income Securities. However, Second Lien Loans are second in right of payment to Senior Loans and therefore are subject to the additional risk that the cash flow of the borrower and any property securing the Loan may be
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insufficient to meet scheduled payments after giving effect to the senior secured obligations of the borrower. Second Lien Loans are expected to have greater price volatility and exposure to losses upon default than Senior Loans and may be less liquid.
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Mezzanine Investments Risk. The Fund may invest in certain lower grade securities known as “Mezzanine Investments,” which are subordinated debt securities that are generally issued in private placements in connection with an equity security (e.g., with attached warrants) or may be convertible into equity securities. Mezzanine Investments are subject to the same risks associated with investment in Senior Loans, Second Lien Loans and other lower grade Income Securities. However, Mezzanine Investments may rank lower in right of payment than any outstanding Senior Loans and Second Lien Loans of the borrower, or may be unsecured (i.e., not backed by a security interest in any specific collateral), and are subject to the additional risk that the cash flow of the borrower and available assets may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments after giving effect to any higher ranking obligations of the borrower. Mezzanine Investments are expected to have greater price volatility and exposure to losses upon default than Senior Loans and Second Lien Loans and may be less liquid.
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Convertible Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in convertible securities, which include bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks and other securities that entitle the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. As with all Income Securities, the market values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. Convertible securities also tend to reflect the market price of the underlying stock in varying degrees, depending on the relationship of such market price to the conversion price in the terms of the convertible security. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in an issuer’s capital structure and consequently entail less risk than the issuer’s common stock.
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Preferred Stock Risks. The Fund may invest in preferred stock, which represents the senior residual interest in the assets of an issuer after meeting all claims, with priority to corporate income and liquidation payments over the issuer’s common stock. As such, preferred stock is inherently more risky than the bonds and other debt instruments of the issuer, but less risky than its common stock. Preferred stocks may be significantly less liquid than many other securities, such as U.S. Government securities, corporate debt and common stock.
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Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in non-U.S. dollar-denominated Income Securities of foreign issuers. Investing in foreign issuers may involve certain risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers due to increased exposure to foreign economic, political and legal developments, including favorable or unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates, exchange control regulations (including currency
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blockage), expropriation or nationalization of assets, imposition of withholding taxes on payments, and possible difficulty in obtaining and enforcing judgments against foreign entities. Furthermore, issuers of foreign securities and obligations are subject to different, often less comprehensive, accounting, reporting and disclosure requirements than domestic issuers. The securities and obligations of some foreign companies and foreign markets are less liquid and at times more volatile than comparable U.S. securities, obligations and markets. These risks may be more pronounced to the extent that the Fund invests a significant amount of its assets in companies located in one region and to the extent that the Fund invests in securities of issuers in emerging markets. The Fund may also invest in U.S. dollar-denominated Income Securities of foreign issuers, which are subject to many of the risks described above regarding Income Securities of foreign issuers denominated in foreign currencies.
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Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in Income Securities the issuers of which are located in countries considered to be emerging markets, and investments in such securities are considered speculative. Heightened risks of investing in emerging markets include: smaller market capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; and potential restrictions on repatriation of investment income and capital.
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Foreign Currency Risk. The value of securities denominated or quoted in foreign currencies may be adversely affected by fluctuations in the relative currency exchange rates and by exchange control regulations. The Fund’s investment performance may be negatively affected by a devaluation of a currency in which the Fund’s investments are denominated or quoted. Further, the Fund’s investment performance may be significantly affected, either positively or negatively, by currency exchange rates because the U.S. dollar value of securities denominated or quoted in another currency will increase or decrease in response to changes in the value of such currency in relation to the U.S. dollar.
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Common Equity Securities Risk. The Fund may invest up to 50% of its total assets in Common Equity Securities. Common Equity Securities’ prices fluctuate for a number of reasons, including changes in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer, the general condition of the relevant stock market and broader domestic and international political and economic events. The prices of Common Equity Securities are also sensitive to general movements in the stock market, so a drop in the stock market may depress the prices of Common Equity Securities to which the Fund has exposure. While broad market measures of Common Equity Securities have historically generated higher average returns than Income Securities, Common Equity Securities have also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. Common Equity Securities in which the Fund may invest are structurally subordinated to preferred stock, bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and are therefore inherently more risky than preferred stock or debt instruments of such issuers.
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Risks Associated with the Fund’s Covered Call Option Strategy. The ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective is partially dependent on the successful implementation of its covered call option strategy. There are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events.
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As the writer of a covered call option, the Fund forgoes, during the option’s life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security covering the call option above the sum of the premium and the strike price of the call, but retains the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. As the Fund writes covered calls over more of its portfolio, its ability to benefit from capital appreciation becomes more limited. See “Risks—Risks Associated with the Fund’s Covered Call Option Strategy—Risks Associated with Covered Call and Put Options.”
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With respect to exchange-traded options, there can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out an option position on an options exchange. If the Fund were unable to close out a covered call option that it had written on a security, it would not be able to sell the underlying security unless the option expired without exercise. See “Risks—Risks Associated with the Fund’s Covered Call Option Strategy—Exchange-Listed Option Risk.”
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The Fund may also write (sell) over-the-counter options (“OTC options”). Options written by the Fund with respect to non-U.S. securities, indices or sectors generally will be OTC options. OTC options differ from exchange-listed options in that they are two-party contracts, with exercise price, premium and other terms negotiated between buyer and seller, and generally do not have as much market liquidity as exchange-listed options. See “Risks—Risks Associated with the Fund’s Covered Call Option Strategy—OTC Option Risk.”
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Risks of Real Property Asset Companies. The Fund may invest in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities issued by Real Property Asset Companies. Because of the Fund’s ability to make indirect investments in real estate and in the securities of companies in the real estate industry, it is subject to risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate, including declines in the value of real estate; general and local economic conditions; increased competition; and changes in interest rates. Because of the Fund’s ability to make indirect investments in natural resources and physical commodities, and in Real Property Asset Companies engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, gold and other precious metals, steel and iron ore production, energy services, forest products, chemicals, coal, alternative energy sources and environmental services, as well as related transportation companies and equipment manufacturers, the Fund is subject to risks associated with such real property assets,
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including supply and demand risk, depletion risk, regulatory risk and commodity pricing risk.
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Risks of Personal Property Asset Companies. The Fund may invest in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities issued by Personal Property Asset Companies which invest in personal property such as special situation transportation assets (e.g., railcars, airplanes and ships) and collectibles (e.g., antiques, wine and fine art). The risks of special situation transportation assets include cyclicality of supply and demand for transportation assets and risk of decline in the value of transportation assets and rental values. The risks of collectible assets include the difficulty in valuing collectible assets, the relative illiquidity of collectible assets, the prospects of forgery or the inability to assess the authenticity of collectible assets and the high transaction and related costs of purchasing, selling and safekeeping collectible assets.
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Private Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in privately issued Income Securities and Common Equity Securities of both public and private companies. Private Securities have additional risk considerations than investments in comparable public investments. Whenever the Fund invests in companies that do not publicly report financial and other material information, it assumes a greater degree of investment risk and reliance upon the Sub-Adviser’s ability to obtain and evaluate applicable information concerning such companies’ creditworthiness and other investment considerations. Certain Private Securities may be illiquid. Because there is often no readily available trading market for Private Securities, the Fund may not be able to readily dispose of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell them if they were more widely traded. Private Securities are also more difficult to value. Private Securities that are debt securities generally are of below-investment grade quality, frequently are unrated and present many of the same risks as investing in below-investment grade public debt securities.
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Investment Funds Risk. As an alternative to holding investments directly, the Fund may also obtain investment exposure to Income Securities and Common Equity Securities by investing up to 20% of its total assets in Investment Funds, of which amount up to 10% of its total assets may be invested in Registered Investment Funds. Investments in Investment Funds present certain special considerations and risks not present in making direct investments in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities. Investments in Investment Funds involve operating expenses and fees that are in addition to the expenses and fees borne by the Fund. Such expenses and fees attributable to the Fund’s investment in another Investment Fund are borne indirectly by Common Shareholders. Accordingly, investment in such entities involves expense and fee layering. To the extent management fees of Investment Funds are based on total gross assets, it may create an incentive for such entities’ managers to employ financial leverage, thereby adding additional expense and increasing volatility and risk. A performance-based fee arrangement may create incentives for an adviser or manager to take greater investment risks in the hope of earning a higher profit participation. Investments in
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Investment Funds frequently expose the Fund to an additional layer of financial leverage.
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Private Investment Funds Risk. In addition to those risks described above with respect to all Investment Funds, investing in Private Investment Funds may pose additional risks to the Fund. Certain Private Investment Funds in which the Fund participates may involve capital call provisions under which the Fund is obligated to make additional investments at specified levels even if it would otherwise choose not to. Investments in Private Investment Funds may have very limited liquidity. Often there will be no secondary market for such investments and the ability to redeem or otherwise withdraw from a Private Investment Fund may be prohibited during the term of the Private Investment Fund or, if permitted, may be infrequent. Certain Private Investment Funds may be subject to “lock-up” periods of a year or more. The valuation of investments in Private Investment Funds often will be based upon valuations provided by the adviser or manager and it may not always be possible to effectively assess the accuracy of such valuations, particularly if the fund holds substantial investments the values of which are determined by the adviser or manager based upon a fair valuation methodology. Incentive fee considerations, which are generally expected to be between 15%-25% of the net capital appreciation (if any) in the assets managed by a Private Investment Fund manager, may cause conflicts in the fair valuation of investment holdings by a Private Investment Fund’s adviser or manager.
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Private Investment Funds in which the Fund invests may employ a number of investment techniques, including short sales, investment in non-investment grade or nonmarketable securities, uncovered option transactions, forward transactions, futures and options on futures transactions, foreign currency transactions and highly concentrated portfolios, among others, which could, under certain circumstances, magnify the impact of any negative market, sector or investment development. The Fund may be exposed to increased leverage risk, as the Private Investment Funds in which it invests may borrow and may utilize various lines of credit, reverse repurchase agreements, “dollar” rolls, issuance of debt securities, swaps, forward purchases and other forms of leverage. Some of the Private Investment Funds may provide very limited information with respect to their operation and performance to the Fund, thereby severely limiting the Fund’s ability to verify initially or on a continuing basis any representations made by the Private Investment Funds or the investment strategies being employed, and exposing the Fund to concentration risk if it invests in a number of Private Investment Funds which have overlapping strategies and accumulate large positions in the same or related instruments without the Sub-Adviser’s knowledge. The Fund will not have the ability to direct or influence the management of the Private Investment Funds in which it invests, so the returns on such investments will primarily depend on the performance of the Private Investment Funds’ managers and could suffer substantial adverse effects by the unfavorable performance of such managers.
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Synthetic Investments Risk. The Fund may be exposed to certain additional risks to the extent the Sub-Adviser uses derivatives as a means to synthetically implement the Fund’s investment strategies. If the Fund enters into a derivative instrument whereby it agrees to receive the return of a security or financial instrument or a basket of securities or financial instruments, it will typically contract to receive such returns for a predetermined period of time. During such period, the Fund may not have the ability to increase or decrease its exposure. In addition, such customized derivative instruments will likely be highly illiquid, and it is possible that the Fund will not be able to terminate such derivative instruments prior to their expiration date or that the penalties associated with such a termination might impact the Fund’s performance in a material adverse manner. Furthermore, derivative instruments typically contain provisions giving the counterparty the right to terminate the contract upon the occurrence of certain events. If a termination were to occur, the Fund’s return could be adversely affected as it would lose the benefit of the indirect exposure to the reference securities and it may incur significant termination expenses.
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Inflation/Deflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Common Shares and distributions can decline. In addition, during any periods of rising inflation, the dividend rates or borrowing costs associated with the Fund’s use of Financial Leverage would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to Common Shareholders. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time—the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse affect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer default more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio.
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Market Discount Risk. The Fund’s Common Shares have a limited trading history and have traded both at a premium and at a discount in relation to NAV. The Fund cannot predict whether the Common Shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to NAV. The Fund’s Common Shares have recently traded at a premium to NAV per share, which may not be sustainable. If the Common Shares are trading at a premium to net asset value at the time you purchase Common Shares, the NAV per share of the Common Shares purchased will be less than the purchase price paid. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from NAV, but in some cases have traded above NAV. The risk of the Common Shares trading at a discount is a risk separate from the risk of a decline in the Fund’s NAV as a result of the Fund’s investment activities. The Fund’s NAV will be reduced immediately following an offering of the Common Shares due to the costs of such offering, which will be borne entirely by the Fund. The sale of Common Shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an adverse effect on prices of Common Shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of Common Shares available may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent
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of Common Shareholders to permit the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below the Fund’s then current NAV, subject to certain conditions, and such sales of Common Shares at price below NAV, if any, may increase downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. These sales, if any, also might make it more difficult for the Fund to sell additional Common Shares in the future at a time and price it deems appropriate.
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Whether Common Shareholder will realize a gain or loss upon the sale of Common Shares depends upon whether the market value of the Common Shares at the time of sale is above or below the price the Common Shareholder paid, taking into account transaction costs for the Common Shares, and is not directly dependent upon the Fund’s NAV. Because the market value of the Common Shares will be determined by factors such as the relative demand for and supply of the shares in the market, general market conditions and other factors outside the Fund’s control, the Fund cannot predict whether the Common Shares will trade at, below or above NAV, or at, below or above the public offering price for the Common Shares. Common Shares of the Fund are designed primarily for long-term investors; investors in Common Shares should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes.
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Dilution Risk. The voting power of current Common Shareholders will be diluted to the extent that current Common Shareholders do not purchase Common Shares in any future offerings of Common Shares or do not purchase sufficient Common Shares to maintain their percentage interest. If the Fund is unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as intended, the Fund’s per Common Share distribution may decrease and the Fund may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned. If the Fund sells Common Shares at a price below NAV pursuant to the consent of Common Shareholders, shareholders will experience a dilution of the aggregate NAV per Common Share because the sale price will be less than the Fund’s then-current NAV per Common Share. Similarly, were the expenses of the offering to exceed the amount by which the sale price exceeded the Fund’s then current NAV per Common Share, shareholders would experience a dilution of the aggregate NAV per Common Share. This dilution will be experienced by all shareholders, irrespective of whether they purchase Common Shares in any such offering. See “Description of Capital Structure—Common Shares—Issuance of Additional Common Shares.”
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Financial Leverage Risk. Although the use of Financial Leverage by the Fund may create an opportunity for increased after-tax total return for the Common Shares, it also results in additional risks and can magnify the effect of any losses. If the income and gains earned on securities purchased with Financial Leverage proceeds are greater than the cost of Financial Leverage, the Fund’s return will be greater than if Financial Leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income or gains from the securities purchased with such proceeds does not cover the cost of Financial Leverage, the return to the Fund will be less than if Financial Leverage had not been used.
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Financial Leverage involves risks and special considerations for shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of and dividends on the Common Shares than a comparable portfolio without leverage; the risk that fluctuations in interest rates on Borrowings or in the dividend rate on any Preferred Shares that the Fund must pay will reduce the return to the Common Shareholders; and the effect of Financial Leverage in a declining market, which is likely to cause a greater decline in the net asset value of the Common Shares than if the Fund were not leveraged, which may result in a greater decline in the market price of the Common Shares.
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Because the fees received by the Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser are based on the Managed Assets of the Fund (including the proceeds of any Financial Leverage), the Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser have a financial incentive for the Fund to utilize Financial Leverage, which may create a conflict of interest between the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser on the one hand and the Common Shareholders on the other. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be implemented or that it will be successful during any period during which it is employed.
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Financial leverage may also be achieved through the purchase of certain derivative instruments. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments exposes the Fund to special risks. See “Investment Objectives and Policies—Certain Other Investment Practices—Derivative Transactions” and “ Risks—Derivative Transactions Risk.”
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Recent economic and market events have contributed to severe market volatility and caused severe liquidity strains in the credit markets. If dislocations in the credit markets continue, the Fund’s leverage costs may increase and there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to renew or replace existing leverage on favorable terms or at all. If the cost of leverage is no longer favorable, or if the Fund is otherwise required to reduce its leverage, the Fund may not be able to maintain distributions on Common Shares at historical levels and Common Shareholders will bear any costs associated with selling portfolio securities.
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See “Risks – Financial Leverage Risk.”
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Derivative Transactions Risks. Participation in options, futures and other derivative transactions involves investment risks and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of such strategies. If the Sub-Adviser’s prediction of movements in the direction of the securities and interest rate markets is inaccurate, the consequences to the Fund may leave the Fund in a worse position than if it had not used such strategies. Positions in derivatives (such as options, swaps, and futures and forward contracts and options thereon) may subject the Fund to substantial loss of principal in relation to the Fund’s investment amount.
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Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in the execution of investment decisions for the Fund. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne
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by the Fund. High portfolio turnover may result in an increased realization of net short-term capital gains by the Fund which, when distributed to Common Shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. Additionally, in a declining market, portfolio turnover may create realized capital losses.
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Risk Associated with Recent Market Developments. Global and domestic financial markets have experienced periods of unprecedented turmoil. Instability in the credit markets has made it more difficult for a number of issuers to obtain financings or refinancings for their investment or lending activities or operations. There is a risk that such issuers will be unable to successfully complete such financings or refinancings. In particular, because of the conditions in the credit markets, issuers of debt securities may be subject to increased cost for debt, tightening underwriting standards and reduced liquidity for loans they make, securities they purchase and securities they issue. There is also a risk that developments in sectors of the credit markets in which the Fund does not invest may adversely affect the liquidity and the value of securities in sectors of the credit markets in which the Fund does invest, including securities owned by the Fund.
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The debt and equity capital markets in the United States have been negatively impacted by significant write-offs in the financial services sector relating to sub-prime mortgages and the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated market, among other things. These events, along with the deterioration of the housing market, the failure of major financial institutions and the resulting United States federal government actions led to worsening general economic conditions, which materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial firms in particular. These events adversely affected the willingness of some lenders to extend credit, which may make it more difficult for issuers of Senior Loans to finance their operations. Such market conditions may increase the volatility of the value of securities owned by the Fund, may make it more difficult for the Fund to accurately value its securities or to sell its securities on a timely basis and may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to borrow for investment purposes and increase the cost of such borrowings, which would reduce returns to the Common Shareholders. These developments adversely affected the broader economy, and may continue to do so, which in turn may adversely affect the ability of issuers of securities owned by the Fund to make payments of principal and interest when due, lead to lower credit ratings and increased defaults. Such developments could, in turn, reduce the value of securities owned by the Fund and adversely affect the net asset value of the Fund’s Common Shares. In addition, the prolonged continuation or further deterioration of current market conditions could adversely impact the Fund’s portfolio.
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Recently, markets have witnessed more stabilized economic activity as expectations for an economic recovery increased. However, risks to a robust resumption of growth persist. A return to unfavorable economic conditions or sustained economic slowdown could adversely impact the Fund’s portfolio. Financial market conditions, as well as various
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social, political, and psychological tensions in the United States and around the world, have contributed to increased market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets; and may cause further economic uncertainties or deterioration in the United States and worldwide. Furthermore, volatile financial markets can expose the Fund to greater market and liquidity risk and potential difficulty in valuing portfolio instruments held by the Fund. The Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser do not know how long the financial markets will continue to be affected by these events and cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the U.S. and global economies and securities markets in the Fund’s portfolio. The Investment Advisor and the Sub-Adviser intend to monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund’s portfolio in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund’s investment objective, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so. Given the risks described above, an investment in Common Shares may not be appropriate for all prospective investors. A prospective investor should carefully consider his or her ability to assume these risks before making an investment in the Fund.
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Risk Associated with Government Intervention in Financial Markets. The instability in the financial markets discussed above has led the U.S. Government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that have experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases a lack of liquidity. Federal, state, and other governments, their regulatory agencies, or self regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which was signed into law in July 2010, has resulted in a significant revision of the U.S. financial regulatory framework. The Dodd-Frank Act covers a broad range of topics, including, among many others, a reorganization of federal financial regulators; a process designed to ensure financial system stability and the resolution of potentially insolvent financial firms; new rules for derivatives trading; the creation of a consumer financial protection watchdog; the registration and regulation of managers of private funds; the regulation of credit rating agencies; and new federal requirements for residential mortgage loans. The regulation of various types of derivative instruments pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act may adversely affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests that utilize derivatives strategies for hedging or other purposes. The ultimate impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, and any resulting regulation, is not yet certain and issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may also be affected by the new legislation and regulation in ways that are currently unforeseeable.
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Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such a program may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the Fund’s portfolio holdings.
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Legislation Risk. At any time after the date of this Prospectus, legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Fund or the issuers of such assets. Changing approaches to regulation may have a negative impact on the Fund entities in which the Fund invests. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. There can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
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TALF, TARP, PPIP and Other Government Programs Risks. In response to the financial crises affecting the banking system and the financial markets, the United States government, the Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and other governmental and regulatory bodies have taken action in an attempt to stabilize the financial markets.
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The TALF Program and the Legacy Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility program (“Legacy TALF Program”) are operated by the established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) and the U.S. Treasury as a credit facility designed to restore liquidity to the market for asset-backed securities and operated by the FRBNY.
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Pursuant to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”), the Troubled Asset Relief Program (the “TARP”) was established. The purpose of this legislation was to stabilize financial markets and institutions in light of the financial crisis affecting the United States. In connection with the TARP, the Treasury announced the creation of the Financial Stability Plan in early 2009. The Financial Stability Plan outlined a series of key initiatives to help restore the United States economy, one of which was the creation of the Public-Private Investment Program (“PPIP”). The PPIP is designed to encourage the transfer of eligible assets, which include certain illiquid real estate-related assets issued prior to 2009 (which may be rated below investment grade, have no readily available trading market (or otherwise be considered illiquid), may be difficult to value and may be backed in part by non-performing mortgages), from banks and other financial institutions in an effort to restart the market for these assets and support the flow of credit and other capital into the broader economy.
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Other such programs may be sponsored, established or operated by U.S. or non U.S. governments from time to time. It is unclear what effect these programs, and their eventual termination, may have on the markets for credit securities in which the fund may invest over the near- and long-term. Such programs may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the Fund’s portfolio holdings.
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The Fund may invest a portion of its assets through participation in the TALF Program. Under the TALF Program, the FRBNY may provide loans to the Fund to purchase certain investment-grade, asset-backed securities which must be backed by auto loans, student loans, credit card loans, small business loans or certain commercial mortgage-
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backed securities. The Fund may seek to participate in other government programs from time to time. Participation in such programs may expose the Fund to additional risks and may limit the Fund’s ability to engage in certain of the investment strategies or transactions described in this Prospectus or in the SAI. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to participate in any such program.
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Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk. Continuing U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, instability in the Middle East and terrorist attacks in the United States and around the world may result in market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets and may cause further economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide. The Fund does not know how long the securities markets may be affected by these events and cannot predict the effects of the occupation or similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets.
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Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Fund’s Governing Documents
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The Fund’s Certificate of Trust, Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws (the “Governing Documents”) include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or convert the Fund to an open-end fund. These provisions could have the effect of depriving the Common Shareholders of opportunities to sell their Common Shares at a premium over the then-current market price of the Common Shares. See “Anti-Takeover and Other Provisions in the Fund’s Governing Documents” and “Risks—Anti-Takeover Provisions.”
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Administrator, Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent
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The Bank of New York Mellon serves as the custodian of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a custody agreement. Under the custody agreement, the custodian holds the Fund’s assets in compliance with the 1940 Act. For its services, the custodian will receive a monthly fee based upon, among other things, the average value of the total assets of the Fund, plus certain charges for securities transactions. The Bank of New York Mellon also serves as the Fund’s dividend disbursing agent, agent under the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan Agent”), transfer agent and registrar with respect to the Common Shares of the Fund.
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Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC serves as the Fund’s administrator. Pursuant to an administration agreement with the Fund, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC provides certain administrative, bookkeeping and accounting services to the Fund.
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The following table contains information about the costs and expenses that Common Shareholders will bear directly or indirectly. The table is based on the capital structure of the Fund as of November 30, 2010 (except as noted below). The purpose of the table and the example below is to help you understand the fees and expenses that you, as a Common Shareholder, would bear directly or indirectly.
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
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Sales load (as a percentage of offering price)
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—%(1)
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Offering expenses borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering price)
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—%(1)
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Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan fees(2)
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None
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Percentage of Average Net Assets
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Annual Expenses
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Attributable to Common Shares(3)
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Management fee (4)
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1.38%
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Interest expense (5)
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0.86%
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Acquired Fund fees and expenses
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0.03%
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Other expenses(6)
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0.48%
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Total annual expenses
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2.75%
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(1)
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If Common Shares to which this Prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters, the Prospectus Supplement will set forth any applicable sales load and the estimated offering expenses borne by the Fund. |
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(2)
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You will pay brokerage charges if you direct the Plan Agent to sell your Common Shares held in a dividend reinvestment account. See “Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” |
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(3)
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Based upon average net assets applicable to Common Shares during the period ended November 30, 2010. |
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(4)
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The Fund pays an investment advisory fee to the Investment Adviser in an annual amount equal to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily Managed Assets (as defined herein). Common Shareholders bear the portion of the investment advisory fee attributable to the assets purchased with the proceeds of Financial Leverage, which means that Common Shareholders effectively bear the entire advisory fee. |
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(5)
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Includes interest payments on borrowed funds and interest expense on reverse repurchase agreements. Interest payments on borrowed funds is based upon the Fund’s outstanding Financial Leverage as of November 30, 2010, which included Borrowings under the Fund’s committed facility agreement in an amount equal to 9.0% of the Fund’s Managed Assets, at an annual interest rate cost to the Fund of 1.15% and Borrowings under the TALF program in an amount equal to 4.3% of the Fund’s Managed Assets, at an annual interest rate cost to the Fund of 3.80%. The actual amount of interest payments by the Fund will vary over time in accordance with the amount of Borrowings and variations in market interest rates. Interest expenses on reverse repurchase agreements assumes the use of leverage in the form of reverse repurchase agreements representing 15.1% of the Fund’s Managed Assets at an annual interest rate cost to the Fund of 1.99%. The actual amount of interest expense on reverse repurchase agreements borne by the Fund will vary over time in accordance with the level of the Fund’s use of reverse repurchase agreements and variations in market interest rates. The Fund has no present intent to increase the amount of Financial Leverage utilized by the Fund as a percentage of Managed Assets during the next year. |
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(7)
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Other expenses are estimated based upon those incurred during the current fiscal year. |
Example
As required by relevant SEC regulations, the following Example illustrates the expenses that you would pay on a $1,000 investment in Common Shares, assuming (1) “Total annual expenses” of 2.75% of net assets attributable to Common Shares and (2) a 5% annual return*:
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Total Expenses Incurred(1)
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$ 52 |
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$ 108 |
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$ 167 |
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$ 325 |
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*
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The Example should not be considered a representation of future expenses or returns. Actual expenses may be higher or lower than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may be higher or lower than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the Example. The Example assumes that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at net asset value.
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(1)
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The example above does not include sales loads or estimated offering costs.
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The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance. Except where noted, the information in this table is derived from the Fund’s financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, whose report on such financial statements, together with the financial statements of the Fund, are included in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders for the period ended May 31, 2010, and are incorporated by reference into the SAI. The unaudited information for the six months ended November 30, 2010 is derived from the unaudited financial statements included in the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders for the period ended November 30, 2010, which are incorporated by reference into the SAI.
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Per share operating performance for a Common Share outstanding throughout the period
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For the Six Months Ended November 30, 2010 (unaudited)
|
|
For the Year Ended May 31, 2010
|
|
For the Year Ended May 31, 2009
|
|
For the period July 27, 2007* through May 31, 2008
|
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
$
|
17.56
|
|
$
|
12.42
|
|
$
|
17.52
|
|
$
|
19.10
|
(b)
|
Income from investment operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (a)
|
|
|
0.92
|
|
|
1.76
|
|
|
1.06
|
|
|
0.79
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, options, futures, swaps and unfunded commitments
|
|
|
1.61
|
|
|
5.23
|
|
|
(4.31
|
)
|
|
(0.99
|
)
|
Total from investment operations
|
|
|
2.53
|
|
|
6.99
|
|
|
(3.25
|
)
|
|
(0.20
|
)
|
Common Share offering expenses charged to paid-in-capital
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.04
|
)
|
Distributions to Common Shareholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From and in excess of net investment income
|
|
|
(0.92
|
)
|
|
(1.85
|
)
|
|
(1.36
|
)
|
|
(0.98
|
)
|
Return of capital
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.49
|
)
|
|
(0.36
|
)
|
Total distributions
|
|
|
(0.92
|
)
|
|
(1.85
|
)
|
|
(1.85
|
)
|
|
(1.34
|
)
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
$
|
19.17
|
|
$
|
17.56
|
|
$
|
12.42
|
|
$
|
17.52
|
|
Market value, end of period
|
|
$
|
20.02
|
|
$
|
17.46
|
|
$
|
11.53
|
|
$
|
16.78
|
|
Total investment return (c)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value
|
|
|
14.62
|
%
|
|
59.06
|
%
|
|
-18.37
|
%
|
|
-1.40
|
%
|
Market value
|
|
|
20.48
|
%
|
|
70.37
|
%
|
|
-19.51
|
%
|
|
-9.41
|
%
|
Ratios and supplemental data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, applicable to Common Shareholders, end of period (thousands)
|
|
$
|
177,647
|
|
$
|
161,783
|
|
$
|
113,076
|
|
$
|
159,509
|
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets applicable to Common Shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses, excluding interest expense
|
|
|
1.86
|
%(d)(e)
|
|
1.98
|
%(d)
|
|
2.06
|
%(d)
|
|
1.72
|
%(d)(e)
|
Total expenses, including interest expense
|
|
|
2.72
|
%(d)(e)
|
|
2.97
|
%(d)
|
|
3.25
|
%(d)
|
|
3.36
|
%(d)(e)
|
Net investment income, including interest expense
|
|
|
9.99
|
%(e)
|
|
11.30
|
%
|
|
7.84
|
%
|
|
5.08
|
%(d)
|
Portfolio turnover (f)
|
|
|
27
|
%
|
|
67
|
%
|
|
58
|
%
|
|
210
|
%
|
Senior Indebtedness
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Borrowings outstanding (in thousands)
|
|
$
|
70,396
|
|
$
|
69,117
|
|
$
|
31,085
|
|
$
|
76,016
|
|
Asset coverage per $1,000 of indebtedness (g)
|
|
$
|
3,524
|
|
$
|
3,341
|
|
$
|
4,638
|
|
$
|
3,098
|
|
*
|
Commencement of operations.
|
(a)
|
Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
|
(b)
|
Before deduction of offering expenses charged to capital.
|
(c)
|
Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of a Common Share at the beginning of the period and a sale on the last day of the period reported either at net asset value (“NAV”) or market price per share. Dividends and distributions are assumed to be reinvested at NAV for NAV returns or the prices obtained under the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan for market value returns. Total investment return does not reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
|
(d)
|
The ratios of total expenses to average net assets applicable to Common Shares do not reflect fees and espenses incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investment in shares of other investment companies. If these fees were included in the expense ratios, expense ratios would increase by 0.03% for the period ended November 30, 2010, 0.05% for the year ended May 31, 2010, 0.08% for the year ended May 31, 2009, and 0.04% for the period ended May 31, 2008.
|
(e)
|
Annualized.
|
(f)
|
Portfolio turnover is not annualized for periods less than a year.
|
(g)
|
Calculated by subtracting the Fund’s total liabilities (not including borrowings) from the Fund’s total assets and dividing by the total borrowings.
|
See notes to financial statements.
The following table sets forth information about the Fund’s outstanding Financial Leverage as of the end of each fiscal year since its inception:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended
|
|
Type of Leverage
|
|
|
Total Amount Outstanding
|
|
|
Asset Coverage Per $1,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 31, 2010
|
|
Total Leverage
|
|
$
|
69,116,885
|
|
$ 3,341 |
|
|
|
Committed Facility Agreement
|
|
$
|
26,865,369
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreements(1)
|
|
$
|
31,621,245
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TALF Program(1)
|
|
$
|
10,630,271
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 31, 2009
|
|
Total Leverage
|
|
$
|
31,084,801
|
|
$ 4,638 |
|
|
|
Committed Facility Agreement
|
|
$
|
22,127,551
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreements(1)
|
|
$
|
8,957,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 31, 2008
|
|
Total Leverage
|
|
$
|
76,016,239
|
|
$ 3,098 |
|
|
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreements(1)
|
|
$
|
76,016,239
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
As a result of the Fund having earmarked or segregated cash or liquid securities to collateralize the transactions or otherwise having covered the transactions, in accordance with releases and interpretive letters issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Fund does not treat its obligations under such transactions as senior securities representing indebtedness for purposes of the 1940 Act.
|
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) that commenced operations on July 26, 2007. The Fund was organized as a statutory trust on November 13, 2006, pursuant to a Certificate of Trust, and is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. Its principal office is located at 2455 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, Illinois 60532, and its telephone number is (630) 505-3700.
Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) serves as the Fund’s investment adviser and is responsible for the management of the Fund. Guggenheim Partners Asset Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) is responsible for the management of the Fund’s portfolio of securities. Each of the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim Partners”).
Except as otherwise noted, all percentage limitations set forth in this Prospectus apply immediately after a purchase or initial investment and any subsequent change in any applicable percentage resulting from market fluctuations does not require any action.
Unless otherwise specified in a supplement to this Prospectus (each a “Prospectus Supplement”), the Fund intends to invest the net proceeds of an offering of Common Shares in accordance with its investment objective and policies as stated herein. It is currently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of an offering of Common Shares in accordance with its investment objective and policies within three months after the completion of such offering. Pending such investment, it is anticipated that the proceeds will be invested in U.S. government securities or high quality, short-term money market securities. The Fund may also use the proceeds for working capital purposes, including the payment of distributions, interest and operating expenses, although the Fund currently has no intent to issue Common Shares primarily for this purpose.
The Fund’s currently outstanding Common Shares are, and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, will be, subject to notice of issuance, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). The Fund’s Common Shares commenced trading on the NYSE on July 27, 2007.
The Common Shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount in relation to the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share. Although the Common Shares recently have traded at a premium to NAV, there can be no assurance that this will continue after the offering nor that the Common Shares will not trade at a discount in the future. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The Fund’s NAV may be reduced immediately following an offering of the Common Shares due to the costs of such offering, which will be borne entirely by the Fund. The sale of Common Shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an adverse effect on prices of Common Shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of Common Shares available may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. See “Risks—Market Discount Risk.”
The following table sets forth, for each of the periods indicated, the high and low closing market prices for the Common Shares on the NYSE, as well as the NAV per Common Share and the premium or discount to net asset value per Common Share at which the Common Shares were trading on the date of the high and low closing prices. The
Fund calculates its NAV as of the close of business, usually 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, every day on which the NYSE is open. See “Net Asset Value” for information as to the determination of the Fund’s NAV.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market Price
|
|
NAV per Common
Share on Date of Market Price High and Low(1)
|
|
Premium/(Discount) on
Date of Market Price
High and Low(2)
|
|
During Quarter Ended
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
February 28, 2011
|
|
$
|
21.00
|
|
$
|
18.41
|
|
$
|
19.69
|
|
$
|
19.04
|
|
|
6.65
|
%
|
|
(3.31
|
)%
|
November 30, 2010
|
|
|
21.14
|
|
|
18.90
|
|
|
19.38
|
|
|
19.13
|
|
|
9.08
|
|
|
(1.20
|
)
|
August 31, 2010
|
|
|
19.58
|
|
|
17.27
|
|
|
18.19
|
|
|
17.53
|
|
|
7.64
|
|
|
(1.48
|
)
|
May 31, 2010
|
|
|
18.97
|
|
|
16.02
|
|
|
17.97
|
|
|
17.68
|
|
|
5.56
|
|
|
(9.39
|
)
|
February 28, 2010
|
|
|
17.82
|
|
|
16.00
|
|
|
17.03
|
|
|
15.89
|
|
|
4.64
|
|
|
0.69
|
|
November 30, 2009
|
|
|
15.91
|
|
|
14.35
|
|
|
15.76
|
|
|
14.24
|
|
|
0.95
|
|
|
0.77
|
|
August 31, 2009
|
|
|
14.88
|
|
|
12.01
|
|
|
14.15
|
|
|
12.45
|
|
|
5.16
|
|
|
(3.53
|
)
|
May 31, 2009
|
|
|
11.90
|
|
|
7.50
|
|
|
12.34
|
|
|
10.51
|
|
|
(3.57
|
)
|
|
(28.64
|
)
|
February 28, 2009
|
|
|
11.26
|
|
|
8.71
|
|
|
12.31
|
|
|
11.04
|
|
|
(8.53
|
)
|
|
(21.11
|
)
|
November 30, 2008
|
|
|
16.13
|
|
|
8.05
|
|
|
16.33
|
|
|
11.89
|
|
|
(1.22
|
)
|
|
(32.30
|
)
|
August 31, 2008
|
|
|
17.06
|
|
|
14.36
|
|
|
17.46
|
|
|
16.46
|
|
|
(2.29
|
)
|
|
(12.76
|
)
|
(1) Based on the Fund’s computations
(2) Calculated based on the information presented. Percentages are rounded.
The last reported sale price, NAV per Common Share and percentage premium to NAV per Common Share on March 9, 2011 was $20.65, $20.01 and 3.20%, respectively. The Fund cannot predict whether its Common Shares will trade in the future at a premium to or discount from NAV, or the level of any premium or discount. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from NAV. The Fund’s Common Shares have in the past traded below their NAV. As of March 9, 2011, 9,293,490 Common Shares of the Fund were outstanding.
Investment Objective
The Fund’s investment objective is to maximize total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. The Fund’s investment objective is considered fundamental and may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund. The Fund cannot ensure investors that it will achieve its investment objective.
Investment Philosophy and Investment Process
The Fund will pursue a relative value-based investment philosophy, which utilizes quantitative and qualitative analysis to seek to identify securities or spreads between securities that deviate from their fair value and/or historical norms. The Sub-Adviser seeks to combine a credit-managed fixed-income portfolio with access to a diversified pool of alternative investments and equity strategies. The Fund’s investment philosophy is predicated upon the belief that thorough research and independent thought is rewarded with performance that has the potential to outperform benchmark indexes with both lower volatility and lower correlation of returns as compared to such benchmark indexes. The Fund cannot ensure that the perceived fair value of the Fund’s portfolio investments will be achieved.
The Sub-Adviser’s investment process is a collaborative effort between its Portfolio Construction Group, which utilizes tools such as Guggenheim Partners’ Dynamic Financial Analysis Model to determine allocation of assets among a variety of sectors, and its Sector Specialists, who are responsible for security selection within these sectors and for implementing securities transactions, including the structuring of certain securities directly with the issuer or with investment banks and dealers involved in the origination of such securities.
Investment Policies
The Fund will seek to achieve its investment objective by investing in a wide range of fixed-income and other debt and senior equity securities (“Income Securities”) selected from a variety of sectors, including, but not limited to, U.S. government and agency securities, corporate bonds, loans and loan participations, structured finance investments (including residential and commercial mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities, collateralized debt
obligations and risk-linked securities), mezzanine and preferred securities and convertible securities. The Fund may invest in non-U.S. dollar-denominated Income Securities issued by sovereign entities and corporations, including Income Securities of issuers in emerging market countries. The Fund may invest in Income Securities of any credit quality, including Income Securities rated below-investment grade (commonly referred to as “high-yield” or “junk” bonds), which are considered speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
The Fund may also invest in common stocks, limited liability company interests, trust certificates and other equity investments (“Common Equity Securities”) that the Sub-Adviser believes offer attractive yield and/or capital appreciation potential. As part of its Common Equity Securities strategy, the Fund currently intends to employ a strategy of writing (selling) covered call options and may, from time to time, buy or sell put options on individual Common Equity Securities. In addition to its covered call option strategy, the Fund may, to a lesser extent, pursue a strategy that includes the sale (writing) of both covered call and put options on indices of securities and sectors of securities.
The Fund may allocate its assets among a wide variety of Income Securities and Common Equity Securities, provided that, under normal market conditions, the Fund will not invest more than:
|
•
|
60% of its total assets in Income Securities rated below-investment grade;
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
50% of its total assets in Common Equity Securities;
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
30% of its total assets in other investment companies, including registered investment companies, private investment funds and/or other pooled investment vehicles;
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
20% of its total assets in non-U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities of corporate and governmental issuers located outside the United States; and
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
10% of its total assets in emerging markets.
|
The percentage of the Fund’s total assets allocated to any category of investment may at any given time be significantly less than the percentage permitted pursuant to the above referenced investment policies.
These policies may be changed by the Board of Trustees, but no change is anticipated. If the Fund’s policies change, the Fund will provide shareholders at least 60 days’ prior written notice before implementation of the change.
Percentage limitations described in this Prospectus are as of the time of investment by the Fund and could thereafter be exceeded as a result of market value fluctuations of the Fund’s portfolio.
Credit Quality. The Fund may invest up to 60% of its total assets in Income Securities rated below-investment grade (e.g., securities rated below Baa3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or below BBB- by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“S&P”)) or, if unrated, determined by the Sub-Adviser to be of comparable quality, and may invest without limitation in Income Securities rated investment grade or, if unrated, determined by the Sub-Adviser to be of comparable quality. The Fund will not invest in Income Securities rated below CCC by Moody’s or Caa2 by S&P or that at the time of purchase are in default. Securities rated below-investment grade are regarded as having predominately speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal, and are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” or “high-yield bonds.” Lower grade securities may be particularly susceptible to economic downturns. It is likely that an economic recession could severely disrupt the market for such securities and may have an adverse effect on the value of such securities. In addition, it is likely that any such economic downturn could adversely affect the ability of the issuers of such securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon and increase the incidence of default for such securities.
These credit quality policies apply only at the time a security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of a security if a rating agency or the Sub-Adviser downgrades its assessment of that security. In determining whether to retain or sell a security that a rating agency or the Sub-Adviser has downgraded, the Sub-Adviser may consider such factors as its assessment of the credit quality of the security, the price at which the security could be sold, and the rating, if any, assigned to the security by other ratings agencies. When the Sub-Adviser believes it to be in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders, the Fund will reduce its investment in lower grade securities and, in certain market conditions, the Fund may invest none of its assets in lower grade securities.
Rating agencies, such as Moody’s or S&P, are private services that provide ratings of the credit quality of debt obligations. Ratings assigned by a rating agency are not absolute standards of credit quality but represent the opinion of the rating agency as to the quality of the obligation. Ratings do not evaluate market risks or the liquidity of securities. Rating agencies may fail to make timely changes in credit ratings and an issuer’s current financial condition may be better or worse than a rating indicates. To the extent that the issuer of a security pays a rating agency for the analysis of its security, an inherent conflict of interest may exist that could affect the reliability of the rating. Ratings are relative and subjective and, although ratings may be useful in evaluating the safety of interest and principal payments, they do not evaluate the market value risk of such obligations. Although these ratings may be an initial criterion for selection of portfolio investments, the Sub-Adviser also will independently evaluate these securities and the ability of the issuers of such securities to pay interest and principal. To the extent that the Fund invests in unrated lower grade securities, the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective will be more dependent on the Sub-Adviser’s credit analysis than would be the case when the Fund invests in rated securities.
Please refer to Appendix A to the SAI for more information regarding Moody’s and S&P’s ratings of fixed-income securities.
THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS
The Fund will seek to achieve its investment objective by investing in the following categories of securities:
Income Securities. The Fund may invest in a wide range of Income Securities selected from a variety of sectors, including, but not limited to, corporate bonds, loans and loan participations (including senior secured floating rate loans (“Senior Loans”), “second lien” secured floating rate loans (“Second Lien Loans”), and other types of secured and unsecured loans with fixed and variable interest rates) (collectively, “Loans”), structured finance investments (including residential and commercial mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and risk-linked securities), U.S. government and agency securities, mezzanine and preferred securities and convertible securities. The Fund may invest in non-U.S. dollar-denominated Income Securities issued by sovereign entities and corporations, including Income Securities of issuers in emerging market countries. The Fund may invest in Income Securities of any credit quality, including Income Securities rated below-investment grade (commonly referred to as “high-yield” or “junk” bonds), which are considered speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
Common Equity Securities and Covered Call Option Strategy. The Fund may invest in Common Equity Securities that the Sub-Adviser believes offer attractive yield and/or capital appreciation potential. As part of its Common Equity Securities strategy, the Fund currently intends to employ a strategy of writing (selling) covered call options and may, from time to time, buy or sell put options on individual Common Equity Securities. In addition to its covered call option strategy, the Fund may, to a lesser extent, pursue a strategy that includes the sale (writing) of both covered call and put options on indices of securities and sectors of securities. This option strategy is intended to generate current gains from option premiums as a means to enhance distributions payable to the Fund’s Common Shareholders. As the Fund writes covered calls over more of its portfolio, its ability to benefit from capital appreciation becomes more limited. A substantial portion of the options written by the Fund may be over-the-counter options (“OTC options”).
Real Property Asset Companies. The Fund may invest in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities issued by companies that own, produce, refine, process, transport and market “real property assets,” such as real estate and the natural resources upon or within real estate (“Real Property Asset Companies”). These Real Property Asset Companies include:
|
•
|
Companies engaged in the ownership, construction, financing, management and/or sale of commercial, industrial and/or residential real estate (or that have assets primarily invested in such real estate), including real estate investment trusts (“REITs”); and
|
|
|
|
|
•
|
Companies engaged in energy, natural resources and basic materials businesses and companies engaged in associated businesses. These companies include, but are not limited to, those engaged in businesses such as oil and gas exploration and production, gold and other precious metals, steel and iron ore production, energy services, forest products, chemicals, coal, alternative energy sources and environmental services, as well as related transportation companies and equipment manufacturers.
|
Personal Property Asset Companies. The Fund may invest in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities issued by companies that seek to profit primarily from the ownership, rental, leasing, financing or disposition of “personal property assets” (“Personal Property Asset Companies”). Personal (as opposed to real) property assets include any tangible, movable property or asset. The Fund will typically seek to invest in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities of Personal Property Asset Companies with investment performance that is not highly correlated with traditional market indexes because the personal property asset held by such company is non-correlated with traditional debt or equity markets. Such personal property assets include special situation transportation assets (e.g., railcars, airplanes and ships) and collectibles (e.g., antiques, wine and fine art).
Private Securities. The Income Securities and Common Equity Securities in which the Fund may invest include privately issued securities of both public and private companies (“Private Securities”). Private Securities have additional risk considerations than comparable public securities, including availability of financial information about the issuer and valuation and liquidity issues.
Investment Funds. As an alternative to holding investments directly, the Fund may also obtain investment exposure to Income Securities and Common Equity Securities by investing in other investment companies, including registered investment companies, private investment funds and/or other pooled investment vehicles (collectively, “Investment Funds”). The Fund may invest up to 30% of its total assets in Investment Funds that primarily hold (directly or indirectly) investments in which the Fund may invest directly, of which amount up to 20% of its total assets may be invested in Investment Funds that are registered as investment companies (“Registered Investment Funds”) under the 1940 Act. As used in this Prospectus, “Private Investment Funds” means privately offered Investment Funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” under the 1940 Act, including by operation of Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) thereof. Such funds may be commonly referred to as “hedge funds” or “private equity funds.” The Fund will invest in Private Investment Funds only to the extent permitted by applicable rules, regulations and interpretations of the SEC and NYSE. Investments in other Investment Funds involve operating expenses and fees at the Investment Fund level that are in addition to the expenses and fees borne by the Fund and are borne indirectly by holders of the Fund’s Common Shares.
Synthetic Investments. As an alternative to holding investments directly, the Fund may also obtain investment exposure to Income Securities and Common Equity Securities through the use of customized derivative instruments (including swaps, options, forwards, notional principal contracts or other financial instruments) to replicate, modify or replace the economic attributes associated with an investment in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities (including interests in Investment Funds. The Fund may be exposed to certain additional risks should the Sub-Adviser use derivatives as a means to synthetically implement the Fund’s investment strategies, including a lack of liquidity in such derivative instruments and additional expenses associated with using such derivative instruments.
Portfolio Contents
The Fund’s investment portfolio consists of investments in the following types of securities:
Corporate Bonds. Corporate bonds are debt obligations issued by corporations. Corporate bonds may be either secured or unsecured. Collateral used for secured debt includes, but is not limited to, real property, machinery, equipment, accounts receivable, stocks, bonds or notes. If a bond is unsecured, it is known as a debenture. Bondholders, as creditors, have a prior legal claim over common and preferred stockholders as to both income and assets of the corporation for the principal and interest due them and may have a prior claim over other creditors if liens or mortgages are involved. Interest on corporate bonds may be fixed or floating, or the bonds may be zero coupons. Interest on corporate bonds is typically paid semi-annually and is fully taxable to the bondholder. Corporate bonds contain elements of both interest-rate risk and credit risk. The market value of a corporate bond generally may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates and may also be affected by the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation’s performance and perceptions of the corporation in the marketplace. Corporate bonds usually yield more than government or agency bonds due to the presence of credit risk.
Investment Grade Bonds. The Fund may invest in a wide variety of fixed-income securities rated or determined by the Sub-Adviser to be investment grade quality that are issued by corporations and other non-governmental entities and issuers (“Investment Grade Bonds”). Investment Grade Bonds are subject to market and credit risk. Market risk relates to changes in a security’s value. Investment Grade Bonds have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates and varying degrees of credit quality. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall, and fall when interest rates rise. Longer-term and zero coupon bonds are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes. Credit
risk relates to the ability of the issuer to make payments of principal and interest. The values of Investment Grade Bonds, like those of other fixed-income securities, may be affected by changes in the credit rating or financial condition of an issuer. Investment Grade Bonds are generally considered medium- and high-quality securities. Some, however, may possess speculative characteristics, and may be more sensitive to economic changes and changes in the financial condition of issuers. The market prices of Investment Grade Bonds in the lowest investment grade categories may fluctuate more than higher-quality securities and may decline significantly in periods of general or regional economic difficulty. Investment Grade Bonds in the lowest investment grade categories may be thinly traded, making them difficult to sell promptly at an acceptable price. Investment Grade Bonds include certain investment grade quality mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities, and other hybrid securities and instruments that are treated as debt obligations for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Below-Investment Grade Bonds. The Fund may invest up to 60% of its total assets in a wide variety of fixed-income securities that are rated or determined by the Sub-Adviser to be below-investment grade quality (“Below-Investment Grade Bonds”). The credit quality of most Below-Investment Grade Bonds reflects a greater than average possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of an issuer, or in general economic conditions, or both, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal. The inability (or perceived inability) of issuers to make timely payment of interest and principal would likely make the values of Below-Investment Grade Bonds held by the Fund more volatile and could limit the Fund’s ability to sell such Bonds at favorable prices. In the absence of a liquid trading market for its Below-Investment Grade Bonds, the Fund may have difficulties determining the fair market value of such investments. Below-Investment Grade Bonds include certain investment grade quality mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities, and other hybrid securities and instruments that are treated as debt obligations for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
In addition to pre-existing outstanding debt obligations of below-investment grade issuers, the Fund may also invest in “debtor-in-possession” or “DIP” Loans newly issued in connection with “special situation” restructuring and refinancing transactions. DIP Loans are Loans to a debtor-in-possession in a proceeding under the U.S. bankruptcy code that have been approved by the bankruptcy court. DIP Loans are typically fully secured by a lien on the debtor’s otherwise unencumbered assets or secured by a junior lien on the debtor’s encumbered assets (so long as the Loan is fully secured based on the most recent current valuation or appraisal report of the debtor). DIP Loans are often required to close with certainty and in a rapid manner in order to satisfy existing creditors and to enable the issuer to emerge from bankruptcy or to avoid a bankruptcy proceeding. The Sub-Adviser believes that DIP Loans can offer holders thereof the opportunity to achieve attractive rates of return relative to the risk assumed.
Structured Finance Investments. The Fund may invest in structured finance investments, which are Income Securities and Common Equity Securities typically issued by special purpose vehicles that hold income-producing securities (e.g., mortgage loans, consumer debt payment obligations and other receivables) and other financial assets. Structured finance investments are tailored, or packaged, to meet certain financial goals of investors. Typically, these investments provide investors with capital protection, income generation and/or the opportunity to generate capital growth. The Sub-Adviser believes that structured finance investments provide attractive risk-adjusted returns, frequent sector rotation opportunities and prospects for adding value through security selection. Structured finance investments include:
Mortgage-Related Securities. Mortgage-related securities are a form of derivative collateralized by pools of commercial or residential mortgages. Pools of mortgage loans are assembled as securities for sale to investors by various governmental, government-related and private organizations. These securities may include complex instruments such as collateralized mortgage obligations, REITs (including debt and preferred stock issued by REITs), and other real estate-related securities. The mortgage-related securities in which the Fund may invest include those with fixed, floating or variable interest rates, those with interest rates that change based on multiples of changes in a specified index of interest rates, and those with interest rates that change inversely to changes in interest rates, as well as those that do not bear interest. The Fund may invest in residential and commercial mortgage-related securities issued by governmental entities and private issuers, including subordinated mortgage-related securities. The underlying assets of certain mortgage-related securities may be subject to prepayments, which shorten the weighted average maturity and may lower the return of such securities. See “Investment Objective and Policies – Additional Investment Policies – Mortgage Related Securities” in the Fund’s SAI for additional information regarding various types of mortgage-related securities.
Asset-Backed Securities. Asset-backed securities are a form of derivative issued by governmental entities and private issuers which utilizes securitization techniques similar to those used for mortgage-related securities. The collateral for these securities may include home equity loans, automobile and credit card receivables, boat loans, computer leases, airplane leases, mobile home loans, recreational vehicle loans and hospital account receivables. The Fund may invest in these and other types of asset-backed securities that may be developed in the future. Asset-backed securities are subject to the same risk of prepayment described above with respect to mortgage-related securities. Asset-backed securities may provide the Fund with a less effective security interest in the related collateral than do mortgage-related securities, and thus it is possible that recovery on repossessed collateral might be unavailable or inadequate to support payments on these securities.
Collateralized Debt Obligations. A collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) is an asset-backed security whose underlying collateral is typically a portfolio of bonds, bank loans, other structured finance securities and/or synthetic instruments. Where the underlying collateral is a portfolio of bonds, a CDO is referred to as a collateralized bond obligation (“CBO”). Where the underlying collateral is a portfolio of bank loans, a CDO is referred to as a collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”). Investors in CDOs bear the credit risk of the underlying collateral. Multiple tranches of securities are issued by the CDO, offering investors various maturity and credit risk characteristics. Tranches are categorized as senior, mezzanine, and subordinated/equity, according to their degree of risk. If there are defaults or the CDO’s collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches take precedence over those to subordinated/equity tranches. CDOs are subject to the same risk of prepayment described with respect to certain mortgage-related and asset-backed securities. The value of CDOs may be affected by changes in the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool, the originator of the pool, or the financial institution or fund providing the credit support or enhancement.
Risk-Linked Securities. Risk-linked securities (“RLS”) are a form of derivative issued by insurance companies and insurance-related special purpose vehicles that apply securitization techniques to catastrophic property and casualty damages. RLS are typically debt obligations for which the return of principal and the payment of interest are contingent on the non-occurrence of a pre-defined “trigger event.” Depending on the specific terms and structure of the RLS, this trigger could be the result of a hurricane, earthquake or some other catastrophic event. Insurance companies securitize this risk to transfer to the capital markets the truly catastrophic part of the risk exposure. A typical RLS provides for income and return of capital similar to other fixed-income investments, but would involve full or partial default if losses resulting from a certain catastrophe exceeded a predetermined amount. RLS typically have relatively high yields compared with similarly rated fixed-income securities, and also have low correlation with the returns of traditional securities. The Sub-Adviser believes that inclusion of RLS in the Fund’s portfolio could lead to significant improvement in its overall risk-return profile. Investments in RLS may be linked to a broad range of insurance risks, which can be broken down into three major categories: natural risks (such as hurricanes and earthquakes), weather risks (such as insurance based on a regional average temperature) and non-natural events (such as aerospace and shipping catastrophes). Although property-casualty RLS have been in existence for over a decade, significant developments have started to occur in securitizations done by life insurance companies. In general, life insurance industry securitizations could fall into a number of categories. Some are driven primarily by the desire to transfer risk to the capital markets, such as the transfer of extreme mortality risk (mortality bonds). Others, while also including the element of risk transfer, are driven by other considerations. For example, a securitization could be undertaken to relieve the capital strain on life insurance companies caused by the regulatory requirements of establishing very conservative reserves for some types of products. Another example is the securitization of the stream of future cash flows from a particular block of business, including the securitization of embedded values of life insurance business or securitization for the purpose of funding acquisition costs.
Senior Loans. Senior Loans are floating rate Loans made to corporations and other non-governmental entities and issuers. Senior Loans typically hold the most senior position in the capital structure of the issuing entity, are typically secured with specific collateral and typically have a claim on the assets and/or stock of the borrower that is senior to that held by subordinated debt holders and stockholders of the borrower. The proceeds of Senior Loans primarily are used to finance leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, mergers, acquisitions, stock repurchases, dividends, and, to a lesser extent, to finance internal growth and for other corporate purposes. Senior Loans typically have rates of interest that are redetermined daily, monthly, quarterly or semi-annually by reference to a base lending rate, plus a premium or
credit spread. Base lending rates in common usage today are primarily the London-Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and secondarily the prime rate offered by one or more major U.S. banks (the “Prime Rate”) and the certificate of deposit (“CD”) rate or other base lending rates used by commercial lenders.
Second Lien Loans. Second Lien Loans are Loans made by public and private corporations and other non-governmental entities and issuers for a variety of purposes. Second Lien Loans are second in right of payment to one or more Senior Loans of the related borrower. Second Lien Loans typically are secured by a second priority security interest or lien to or on specified collateral securing the borrower’s obligation under the Loan and typically have similar protections and rights as Senior Loans. Second Lien Loans are not (and by their terms cannot) become subordinate in right of payment to any obligation of the related borrower other than Senior Loans of such borrower. Second Lien Loans, like Senior Loans, typically have adjustable floating rate interest payments. Because Second Lien Loans are second to Senior Loans, they present a greater degree of investment risk but often pay interest at higher rates reflecting this additional risk. Such investments generally are of below-investment grade quality. Other than their subordinated status, Second Lien Loans have many characteristics and risks similar to Senior Loans discussed above. In addition, Second Lien Loans and debt securities of below-investment grade quality share many of the risk characteristics of Non-Investment Grade Bonds.
Mezzanine Investments. The Fund may invest in certain lower grade securities known as “Mezzanine Investments,” which are subordinated debt securities that are generally issued in private placements in connection with an equity security (e.g., with attached warrants) or may be convertible into equity securities. Mezzanine Investments may be issued with or without registration rights. Similar to other lower grade securities, maturities of Mezzanine Investments are typically seven to ten years, but the expected average life is significantly shorter at three to five years. Mezzanine Investments are usually unsecured and subordinated to other obligations of the issuer.
Convertible Securities. Convertible securities include bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks and other securities that entitle the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer. Convertible securities have general characteristics similar to both debt and equity securities. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest or preferred dividends paid or accrued until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to non-convertible debt obligations. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure and, therefore, generally entail less risk than the corporation’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a debt obligation. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund would be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security and convert it to underlying common stock, or would sell the convertible security to a third party, which may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives. The price of a convertible security often reflects variations in the price of the underlying common stock in a way that non-convertible debt may not. The value of a convertible security is a function of (i) its yield in comparison to the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (ii) its worth if converted into the underlying common stock.
Preferred Stocks. Preferred stocks represent the senior residual interest in the assets of an issuer after meeting all claims, with priority to corporate income and liquidation payments over the issuer’s common stock. As such, preferred stock is inherently more risky than the bonds and loans of the issuer, but less risky than its common stock. Preferred stocks often contain provisions that allow for redemption in the event of certain tax or legal changes or at the issuers’ call. Preferred stocks typically do not provide any voting rights, except in cases when dividends are in arrears beyond a certain time period. Preferred stock in some instances is convertible into common stock.
Although they are equity securities, preferred stocks have certain characteristics of both debt and common stock. They are debt-like in that their promised income is contractually fixed. They are common stock-like in that they do not have rights to precipitate bankruptcy proceedings or collection activities in the event of missed payments. Furthermore, they have many of the key characteristics of equity due to their subordinated position in an issuer’s capital structure and because their quality and value are heavily dependent on the profitability of the issuer rather than on any legal claims to specific assets or cash flows. In order to be payable, dividends on preferred stock must be declared by the issuer’s board of directors. In addition, distributions on preferred stock may be subject to deferral and thus may not be automatically payable. Income payments on some preferred stocks are cumulative, causing dividends
and distributions to accrue even if not declared by the board of directors or otherwise made payable. Other preferred stocks are non-cumulative, meaning that skipped dividends and distributions do not continue to accrue. There is no assurance that dividends on preferred stocks in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. If the Fund owns preferred stock that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for U.S. federal income tax purposes while it is not receiving cash payments corresponding to such income. When interest rates fall below the rate payable on an issue of preferred stock or for other reasons, the issuer may redeem the preferred stock, generally after an initial period of call protection in which the stock is not redeemable. Preferred stocks may be significantly less liquid than many other securities, such as U.S. Government securities, corporate bonds and common stock.
U.S. Government Securities. The Fund may invest in debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities including: (1) U.S. Treasury obligations, which differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance, such as U.S. Treasury bills (maturity of one year or less), U.S. Treasury notes (maturity of one to ten years), and U.S. Treasury bonds (generally maturities of greater than ten years), including the principal components or the interest components issued by the U.S. government under the separate trading of registered interest and principal securities program (i.e., “STRIPS”), all of which are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States; and (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, including government guaranteed mortgage-related securities, some of which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, some of which are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. government, and some of which are backed only by the credit of the issuer itself.
Foreign Securities. While the Fund invests primarily in securities of U.S. issuers, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in non-U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities of corporate and governmental issuers located outside the United States, including up to 10% in emerging markets. Foreign securities include securities issued or guaranteed by companies organized under the laws of countries other than the United States and securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, their agencies or instrumentalities and supra-national governmental entities, such as the World Bank. Foreign securities also may be traded on foreign securities exchanges or in over-the-counter capital markets. The value of foreign securities and obligations is affected by changes in currency rates, foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), government policies (in this country or abroad), relations between nations and trading, settlement, custodial and other operational risks. In addition, the costs of investing abroad are generally higher than in the United States, and foreign securities markets may be less liquid, more volatile and less subject to governmental supervision than markets in the United States. Foreign investments also could be affected by other factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards, less publicly available financial and other information and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations.
Since the Fund may invest in securities and obligations that are denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the Fund may be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates (and exchange control regulations) which affect the value of investments in the Fund and the accrued income and appreciation or depreciation of the investments in U.S. dollars. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in that currency and the Fund’s return on such assets as well as any temporary uninvested reserves in bank deposits in foreign currencies. In addition, the Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may seek to fully hedge its exposures to foreign currencies but may, at the discretion of the Sub-Adviser, at any time limit or eliminate foreign currency hedging activity.
Common Stocks and Other Common Equity Securities. The Fund may also invest in common stocks and other Common Equity Securities that the Sub-Adviser believes offer attractive yield and/or capital appreciation potential. Common stock represents the residual ownership interest in the issuer. Holders of common stocks and other Common Equity Securities are entitled to the income and increase in the value of the assets and business of the issuer after all of its debt obligations and obligations to preferred stockholders are satisfied. The Fund may invest in companies of any market capitalization.
Options. As part of its Common Equity Securities strategy, the Fund currently intends to employ a strategy of writing (selling) covered call options and may, from time to time, buy or sell put options on individual Common Equity Securities. In addition to its covered call option strategy, the Fund may, to a lesser extent, pursue a strategy that
includes the sale (writing) of both covered call and put options on indices of securities and sectors of securities. This option strategy is intended to generate current gains from option premiums as a means to enhance distributions payable to the Fund’s Common Shareholders. An option on a security is a contract that gives the holder of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (in the case of a call) or sell to (in the case of a put) the writer of the option the security underlying the option at a specified exercise or “strike” price. The writer of an option on a security has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security. Certain options, known as “American style” options may be exercised at any time during the term of the option. Other options, known as “European style” options, may be exercised only on the expiration date of the option.
If an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes on the expiration date a capital gain equal to the premium received by the Fund at the time the option was written. If an option purchased by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a capital loss equal to the premium paid. Prior to the earlier of exercise or expiration, an exchange-traded option may be closed out by an offsetting purchase or sale of an option of the same series (type, underlying security, exercise price and expiration). There can be no assurance, however, that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund desires. The Fund may sell put or call options it has previously purchased, which could result in a net gain or loss depending on whether the amount realized on the sale is more or less than the premium and other transaction costs paid on the put or call option when purchased. The Fund will realize a capital gain from a closing purchase transaction if the cost of the closing option is less than the premium received from writing the option, or, if it is more, the Fund will realize a capital loss. If the premium received from a closing sale transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, the Fund will realize a capital gain or, if it is less, the Fund will realize a capital loss. Net gains from the Fund’s option strategy will be short-term capital gains which, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, will constitute net investment company taxable income.
The Fund will follow a strategy known as “covered call option writing,” which is a strategy designed to generate current gains from option premiums as a means to enhance distributions payable to the Fund’s Common Shareholders. As the Fund writes covered calls over more of its portfolio, its ability to benefit from capital appreciation becomes more limited.
As part of its strategy, the Fund may not sell “naked” call options on individual securities, i.e., options representing more shares of the stock than are held in the portfolio. A call option written by the Fund on a security is “covered” if the Fund owns the security underlying the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, cash or other assets determined to be liquid by the Sub-Adviser (in accordance with procedures established by the board of trustees) in such amount are segregated by the Fund’s custodian) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held by the Fund. A call option is also covered if the Fund holds a call on the same security as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written, or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the call written, provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in segregated assets determined to be liquid by the Sub-Adviser as described above.
Put options are contracts that give the holder of the option, in return for a premium, the right to sell to the writer of the option the security underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. These strategies may produce a considerably higher return than the Fund’s primary strategy of covered call writing, but involve a higher degree of risk and potential volatility.
The Fund will write (sell) put options on individual securities only if the put option is “covered.” A put option written by the Fund on a security is “covered” if the Fund segregates or earmarks assets determined to be liquid by the Sub-Adviser, as described above, equal to the exercise price. A put option is also covered if the Fund holds a put on the same security as the put written where the exercise price of the put held is (i) equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written, or (ii) less than the exercise price of the put written, provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in segregated or earmarked assets determined to be liquid by the Sub-Adviser, as described above.
The Fund may sell put and call options on indices of securities. Options on an index differ from options on securities because (i) the exercise of an index option requires cash payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities, (ii) the holder of an index option has the right to receive cash upon exercise of the option if the level of the index upon which the option is based is greater, in the case of a call, or less, in the case of a put, than the
exercise price of the option and (iii) index options reflect price-fluctuations in a group of securities or segments of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.
Restricted and Illiquid Securities. The Fund may invest in securities for which there is no readily available trading market or that are otherwise illiquid. Illiquid securities include securities legally restricted as to resale, such as commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A thereunder. Section 4(2) and Rule 144A securities may, however, be treated as liquid by the Investment Adviser pursuant to procedures adopted by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, which require consideration of factors such as trading activity, availability of market quotations and number of dealers willing to purchase the security. If the Fund invests in Rule 144A securities, the level of portfolio illiquidity may be increased to the extent that eligible buyers become uninterested in purchasing such securities.
It may be difficult to sell such securities at a price representing the fair value until such time as such securities may be sold publicly. Where registration is required, a considerable period may elapse between a decision to sell the securities and the time when it would be permitted to sell. Thus, the Fund may not be able to obtain as favorable a price as that prevailing at the time of the decision to sell. The Fund may also acquire securities through private placements under which it may agree to contractual restrictions on the resale of such securities. Such restrictions might prevent their sale at a time when such sale would otherwise be desirable.
TALF Program
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets through participation in the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility program (the “TALF Program”), a program developed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the U.S. Department of the Treasury and operated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (“FRBNY”). Under the TALF Program, the FRBNY may provide loans to the Fund to purchase certain investment-grade, asset-backed securities which must be backed by auto loans, student loans, credit card loans, small business loans or certain commercial mortgage-backed securities. As of November 30, 2010, the Fund’s borrowings under the TALF Program represented 4.3% of the Fund’s Managed Assets (as defined herein).
In order to obtain a loan under the TALF Program, the Fund is required to put up a certain percentage of the purchase price or value of the eligible collateral (called the “haircut”). In addition, it will be required to pay an administrative fee to the New York Fed on the settlement date of each TALF Program loan received by the Fund. The interest rate under the loan will vary and will be determined under the terms of the TALF Program. The term of a loan under the TALF Program will depend on the nature of the eligible collateral, and are currently three years or five years.
The Fund pledges eligible collateral, which consists of either certain eligible asset-backed securities that the Fund currently owns or other asset-backed securities that the Fund purchases with the loan proceeds. Except in limited circumstances, TALF loans by the New York Fed to the Fund are non-recourse, and if the Fund does not repay the loan, the New York Fed may enforce its rights only against the eligible collateral pledged by the Fund and not against any other assets of the Fund. TALF loans are prepayable at the option of the Fund without penalty, and the Fund may satisfy its loan obligation in full at any time by surrendering the eligible collateral to the New York Fed. If the securities constituting eligible collateral default and lose all their value, under the current terms of the TALF Program the New York Fed cannot look to the Fund to cover the principal on the loan. Generally, under the terms of the TALF Program a payment of principal on eligible collateral must be used immediately to reduce the principal amount of the TALF loan in proportion to the haircut (for example, if the original haircut was 10%, 90% of any principal repaid must be immediately paid to the New York Fed).
The risk of leverage to the Fund under the TALF Program is the same risk of leverage that applies to other types of borrowings the Fund may engage in. The Fund will borrow under the TALF Program only if it maintains segregated liquid assets (in addition to any assets pledged as eligible collateral), marked-to-market daily, in an amount equal to the Fund’s outstanding principal and interest under the TALF loan, treating the loans under the TALF Program similar to other financial instruments (such as reverse repurchase agreements) that obligate a fund to “cover” its obligation to purchase or deliver cash or securities at a future time.
The New York Fed reserves the right to reject any request for a loan, in whole or in part, in its sole discretion, even if the Fund meets all requirements of the TALF Program. The Federal Reserve may also change the terms of the TALF Program at its discretion. While the current terms of the TALF Program state that amendments will only apply
to future participations, there is no guarantee that retroactive changes to the TALF Program will not occur. The Fund cannot predict the form any such changes or modifications might take and, if the Fund participates in the TALF Program, such changes may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s assets and the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objectives. Any changes to the TALF Program may, among other things, further limit or expand the types of securities that may be purchased with the proceeds of a TALF Program loan.
Participation in the TALF Program requires the Fund to contract with a primary dealer that will be authorized to act as agent for the Fund. A primary dealer may receive direct or indirect fees for its services. Any such fees incurred will be borne by the Fund. Under the terms of the TALF Program, any interest and principal payments from TALF eligible collateral will be directed first to a custodial account in the name of the primary dealer prior to remittance to the Fund. As a result, the Fund will be subject to the counterparty risk of the primary dealer. Any voting rights held in respect of TALF eligible collateral under a TALF Program loan currently are subject to the consent of the New York Fed, whose consent must be obtained via the primary dealer, which may delay the Fund’s voting ability.
Under certain circumstances, loans under the TALF Program may be become recourse to the Fund, which may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. In connection with any borrowing by the Fund under the TALF Program, the Fund will be required to represent, among other things, that at the time of borrowing the Fund is an eligible borrower and that the collateral is eligible collateral. A determination that the Fund is, at any time, not an eligible borrower (based on the criteria that is applicable at the time of borrowing), or a determination that certain representations made by the Fund under the TALF Program were untrue when made, will cause the loan to become full recourse to the Fund, and the Fund must then repay the loan or surrender the eligible collateral at a time when it may not be advantageous to do so, which may result in losses to the Fund. Additionally, the loan may become recourse to the Fund if certain persons acquire more than 25% of the Fund’s outstanding securities or if the Fund fails to make certain timely filings under the TALF Program. If loans under the TALF Program become recourse against the Fund and the value of the eligible collateral pledged to the New York Fed does not at least equal the amount of principal and interest the Fund owes to the New York Fed under the loan, then the Fund will be required to pay the difference to the New York Fed. In order to make this payment, the Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities during adverse market conditions or at other times it would not otherwise choose to sell such securities. Finally, if the Fund were to surrender its eligible collateral under the terms of the TALF Program, it would lose the amount of the haircut.
Under the terms of its agreement with the Fund, the primary dealer generally disclaims all liability for losses that may occur in connection with the TALF Program, the risk of which is borne by the Fund. Further, the Fund indemnifies for any losses that the primary dealer may incur under the terms of the TALF Program. The primary dealer may terminate its agreement with the Fund at any time. If the Fund is not able to find a replacement primary dealer within the requisite period of time, it may be required to either repay the loan, sell the eligible collateral, or surrender the eligible collateral at a time when it may not be advantageous to do so, which may result in losses to the Fund. Agreements with the primary dealer are subject to amendment by the primary dealer without the Fund’s consent, in order to conform to any future amendments of the TALF Program by the Federal Reserve.
Temporary Defensive Investments
At any time when a temporary defensive posture is believed by the Investment Adviser to be warranted (a “temporary defensive period”), the Fund may, without limitation, hold cash or invest its assets in money market instruments and repurchase agreements in respect of those instruments. The money market instruments in which the Fund may invest are obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities; commercial paper rated A-1 or higher by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody’s; and certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances issued by domestic branches of U.S. banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. During a temporary defensive period, the Fund may also invest in shares of money market mutual funds. Money market mutual funds are investment companies, and the investments in those companies by the Fund are in some cases subject to certain fundamental investment restrictions and applicable law. See “Investment Restrictions” in the Fund’s SAI. As a shareholder in a mutual fund, the Fund will bear its ratable share of its expenses, including management fees, and will remain subject to payment of the fees to the Investment Adviser, with respect to assets so invested. See “Management of the Fund.” The Fund may not achieve its investment objective during a temporary defensive period or be able to sustain its historical distribution levels.
Certain Other Investment Practices
Derivative Transactions . The Fund may, but is not required to, use various strategic transactions in futures, options and other derivative contracts in order to earn income, facilitate portfolio management and mitigate risks. These strategies may be executed through the use of derivative contracts. In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities, equity and fixed-income indices and other instruments, purchase and sell futures contracts and options thereon, and enter into various transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars. In addition, derivative transactions may also include new techniques, instruments or strategies that are permitted as regulatory changes occur. In order to protect the soundness of derivative transactions and outstanding derivative positions, the Sub-Adviser generally requires derivative counterparties to have a minimum credit rating of A from Moody’s (or a comparable rating from another rating agency) and monitors such rating on an ongoing basis. In addition, the Sub-Adviser seeks to allocate derivative transactions to limit exposure to any single counterparty. The Fund has not adopted a maximum percentage limit with respect to derivative investments. However, the maximum level of and types of derivative transactions used by the Fund will be approved by the Board of Trustees and the Board of Trustees will receive regular reports from the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser regarding the Fund’s use of derivative instruments and the effect of derivative transactions on the management of the Fund’s portfolio and the performance of the Fund. For a more complete discussion of the Fund’s investment practices involving transactions in derivatives and certain other investment techniques, see “Investment Objective and Policies—Derivative Instruments” in the Fund’s SAI.
When Issued, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments. The Fund may enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities, including on a “when issued” or “delayed delivery” basis, in excess of customary settlement periods for the type of security involved. In some cases, a forward commitment may be conditioned upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring (i.e., a when, as and if issued security). When such transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time of the commitment, with payment and delivery taking place in the future, generally a month or more after the date of the commitment. While it will only enter into a forward commitment with the intention of actually acquiring the security, the Fund may sell the security before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable. Securities purchased under a forward commitment are subject to market fluctuation, and no interest (or dividends) accrues to the Fund prior to the settlement date. The Fund will segregate with its custodian cash or liquid securities in an aggregate amount at least equal to the amount of its outstanding forward commitments.
Loans of Portfolio Securities. To increase income, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities to securities broker-dealers or financial institutions if (i) the loan is collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and (ii) no loan will cause the value of all loaned securities to exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets. If the borrower fails to maintain the requisite amount of collateral, the loan automatically terminates and the Fund could use the collateral to replace the securities while holding the borrower liable for any excess of replacement cost over the value of the collateral. As with any extension of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases even loss of rights in collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. There can be no assurance that borrowers will not fail financially. On termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to the Fund, and any gain or loss in the market price during the period of the loan would inure to the Fund. If the other party to the loan petitions for bankruptcy or becomes subject to the United States Bankruptcy Code, the law regarding the rights of the Fund is unsettled. As a result, under extreme circumstances, there may be a restriction on the Fund’s ability to sell the collateral and the Fund would suffer a loss. See “Investment Objective and Policies—Loans of Portfolio Securities” in the Fund’s SAI.
Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase agreements may be seen as loans by the Fund collateralized by underlying debt securities. Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, the Fund would acquire an underlying debt obligation for a relatively short period (usually not more than one week) subject to an obligation of the seller to repurchase, and the Fund to resell, the obligation at an agreed price and time. This arrangement results in a fixed rate of return to the Fund that is not subject to market fluctuations during the holding period. The Fund bears a risk of loss in the event that the other party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligations and the Fund is delayed in or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period in which it seeks to assert these rights. The Sub-Adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, reviews the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreements to evaluate these risks and monitors on an ongoing basis the value of the securities subject to
repurchase agreements to ensure that the value is maintained at the required level. The Fund will not enter into repurchase agreements with the Investment Adviser, the Sub-Adviser or their affiliates.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund temporarily transfers possession of a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, the Fund agrees to repurchase the instrument at an agreed upon time (normally within seven days) and price, which reflects an interest payment. The Fund may enter into such agreements when it is able to invest the cash acquired at a rate higher than the cost of the agreement, which would increase earned income. When the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, any fluctuations in the market value of either the instruments transferred to another party or the instruments in which the proceeds may be invested would affect the market value of the Fund’s assets. As a result, such transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of the Fund’s assets. While there is a risk that large fluctuations in the market value of the Fund’s assets could affect net asset value, this risk is not significantly increased by entering into reverse repurchase agreements, in the opinion of the Sub-Adviser. Because reverse repurchase agreements may be considered to be the practical equivalent of borrowing funds, they constitute a form of leverage. Such agreements will be treated as subject to investment restrictions regarding “borrowings.” If the Fund reinvests the proceeds of a reverse repurchase agreement at a rate lower than the cost of the agreement, entering into the agreement will lower the Fund’s cash available for distribution. The Sub-Adviser generally requires counterparties to reverse repurchase transactions to have a minimum credit rating of A from Moody’s (or a comparable rating from another rating agency) and monitors such rating on an ongoing basis.
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund will buy and sell securities to seek to accomplish its investment objective. Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to the Fund, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. The portfolio turnover rate is computed by dividing the lesser of the amount of the securities purchased or securities sold by the average monthly value of securities owned during the year (excluding securities whose maturities at acquisition were one year or less). The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. Higher portfolio turnover may decrease the after-tax return to individual investors in the Fund to the extent it results in a decrease of the long-term capital gains portion of distributions to shareholders. For the fiscal years ended May 31, 2010 and May 31, 2009, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 67% and 58%, respectively.
Investment Restrictions
The Fund has adopted certain other investment limitations designed to limit investment risk. These limitations are fundamental and may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares, as defined in the 1940 Act (and preferred shares, if any, voting together as a single class). See “Investment Restrictions” in the SAI for a complete list of the fundamental investment policies of the Fund.
The Fund may seek to enhance the level of its current distributions by utilizing financial leverage through the issuance of senior securities such as preferred shares (“Preferred Shares”), through borrowing or the issuance of commercial paper or other forms of debt (“Borrowings”), through reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls or similar transactions or through a combination of the foregoing (collectively “Financial Leverage”). The Fund’s total Financial Leverage may vary over time;
however, the aggregate amount of Financial Leverage is not currently expected to exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund’s Managed Assets after such issuance and/or borrowing; however, the Fund may utilize Financial Leverage up to the limits imposed by the
1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may utilize Financial Leverage in the form of Borrowings in an aggregate amount up to 33 1/3% of the Fund’s Managed Assets (including the proceeds of such Financial Leverage) immediately after such
Borrowings. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may utilize Financial Leverage in the form of Preferred Shares in an aggregate amount of up to 50% of the Fund’s total assets (including the proceeds of such Financial Leverage) immediately after such issuance. With respect to Financial Leverage incurred through investments in reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls or similar transactions, the Fund intends to earmark or segregate cash or liquid securities in accordance with applicable interpretations of the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). As a result of such segregation, the Fund’s obligations under such transactions will not be considered senior securities representing indebtedness for
purposes of the 1940 Act. Therefore, the Fund’s ability to utilize Financial Leverage through such transactions will not be limited by the 1940 Act, but will be limited by the Fund’s maximum overall leverage levels approved by the Board of Trustees (currently 33 1/3% of the Fund’s Managed Assets) and may be limited by the availability of cash or liquid securities to earmark or segregate in connection with such transactions. The Fund may also utilize Borrowings in for temporary purposes such as the settlement of transactions as permitted by the 1940 Act. So long as the net rate of return on the Fund’s investments purchased with the proceeds of Financial Leverage exceeds the cost of such Financial Leverage, such excess amounts will be available to pay higher distributions to holders of the Fund’s Common Shares. Any use of Financial Leverage must be approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be implemented or that it will be successful during any period during which it is employed.
The Fund has entered into a committed facility agreement with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. (“BNP Paribas”) pursuant to which the Fund may borrow up to $30 million. As of November 30, 2010, outstanding Borrowings under the committed facility agreement were approximately $22.4 million, which represented approximately 9.0% of the Fund’s Managed Assets as of such date. The Fund invests a portion of its Managed Assets through participation in the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility program (the “TALF Program”), a program developed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the U.S. Department of the Treasury and operated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (“FRBNY”). Under the TALF Program, the FRBNY may provide loans to the Fund to purchase certain investment-grade, asset-backed securities which must be backed by auto loans, student loans, credit card loans, small business loans or certain commercial mortgage-backed securities. As of November 30, 2010, the Fund’s borrowings under the TALF Program represented approximately 4.3% of the Fund’s Managed Assets. In addition, as of November 30, 2010, the Fund had reverse repurchase agreements outstanding representing Financial Leverage equal to approximately 15.1% of the Fund’s Managed Assets. As of May 31, 2010, the Fund’s total Financial Leverage represented approximately 28.4% of the Fund’s Managed Assets.
Borrowing
As noted above, the Fund is authorized to borrow or issue debt securities for financial leveraging purposes and for temporary purposes such as the settlement of transactions. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund generally is not permitted to issue commercial paper or notes or engage in other Borrowings unless, immediately after the Borrowing, the value of the Fund’s total assets less liabilities other than the principal amount represented by commercial paper, notes or other Borrowings, is at least 300% of such principal amount. In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on the Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the value of the Fund’s total assets, less liabilities other than the principal amount represented by Borrowings, is at least 300% of such principal amount after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution. If the Fund borrows, the Fund intends, to the extent possible, to prepay all or a portion of the principal amount of any outstanding commercial paper, notes or other Borrowings to the extent necessary to maintain the required asset coverage.
The terms of any such Borrowings may require the Fund to pay a fee to maintain a line of credit, such as a commitment fee, or to maintain minimum average balances with a lender. Any such requirements would increase the cost of such Borrowings over the stated interest rate. Such lenders would have the right to receive interest on and repayment of principal of any such Borrowings, which right will be senior to those of the Common Shareholders. Any such Borrowings may contain provisions limiting certain activities of the Fund, including the payment of dividends to Common Shareholders in certain circumstances. Any Borrowings will likely be ranked senior or equal to all other existing and future Borrowings of the Fund.
Certain types of Borrowings subject the Fund to covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverage and portfolio composition requirements. Certain Borrowings issued by the Fund also may subject the Fund to certain restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one or more rating agencies, which may issue ratings for such Borrowings. Such guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will impede the Sub-Adviser from managing the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.
The 1940 Act grants to the holders of senior securities representing indebtedness issued by the Fund, under certain circumstances, certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on or repayment of principal. Failure to maintain certain asset coverage requirements could result in an event of default and entitle the debt holders to elect a majority of the Board of Trustees.
The Fund has entered into a committed facility agreement with BNP Paribas, dated as of November 20, 2008, amended August 5, 2009, pursuant to which the Fund may borrow up to $30 million. Borrowings under the committed facility are collateralized with portfolio securities which are held in a segregated account for the benefit of BNP Paribas at the Fund’s custodian, which collateral exceeds the amount borrowed. Interest payable by the Fund on Borrowings under the committed facility agreement is based on the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 85 basis points. An unused commitment fee of 0.75% is charged on the difference between the $30,000,000 committed facility and the amount borrowed. The Fund’s Borrowings under the committed facility are collateralized by portfolio assets which are maintained by the Fund in a separate account with the Fund’s custodian for the benefit of the lender. Securities deposited in the collateral account may be rehypothecated by BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. In the event of a default by the Fund under the committed facility, the lender has the right to sell such collateral assets to satisfy the Fund’s obligation to the lender. The amounts drawn under the committed facility may vary over time and such amounts will be reported in the Fund’s audited and unaudited financial statements contained in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. On November 30, 2010, outstanding Borrowings under the committed facility agreement were approximately $22.4 million.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Borrowings may be made by the Fund through reverse repurchase agreements under which the Fund sells portfolio securities to financial institutions such as banks and broker-dealers and agrees to repurchase them at a particular date and price. Such agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act. The Fund may utilize reverse repurchase agreements when it is anticipated that the interest income to be earned from the investment of the proceeds of the transaction is greater than the interest expense of the transaction.
Dollar Roll Transactions
Borrowings may be made by the Fund through dollar roll transactions. A dollar roll transaction involves a sale by the Fund of a mortgage-backed or other security concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to repurchase a similar security at a later date at an agreed-upon price. The securities that are repurchased will bear the same interest rate and stated maturity as those sold, but pools of mortgages collateralizing those securities may have different prepayment histories than those sold. During the period between the sale and repurchase, the Fund will not be entitled to receive interest and principal payments on the securities sold. Proceeds of the sale will be invested in additional instruments for the Fund, and the income from these investments will generate income for the Fund. If such income does not exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of the Fund compared with what the performance would have been without the use of dollar rolls.
Effects of Financial Leverage
Assuming the Fund’s total Financial Leverage represented approximately 28.4% of the Fund’s Managed Assets and interest costs to the Fund at a combined average annual rate of 1.99% with respect to such Financial Leverage, then the incremental income generated by the Fund’s portfolio (net of estimated expenses including expenses related to the Financial Leverage) must exceed approximately .56% to cover such interest expense. Of course, these numbers are merely estimates used for illustration. The amount of Financial Leverage used by the Fund as well as actual interest expenses on such Financial Leverage will vary.
The following table is furnished pursuant to requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). It is designed to illustrate the effect of leverage on Common Share total return, assuming investment portfolio total returns (comprised of income, net expenses and changes in the value of investments held in the Fund’s portfolio) of -10%, -5%, 0%, 5% and 10%. These assumed investment portfolio returns are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily indicative of what the Fund’s investment portfolio returns will be. The table further assumes Financial Leverage representing approximately 28.4% of the Fund’s Managed Assets and interest costs to the Fund at a combined average annual rate of 1.99% with respect to such Financial Leverage.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumed portfolio total return (net of expenses)
|
(10.00)%
|
(5.00)%
|
0.00%
|
5.00%
|
10.00%
|
Common Share total return
|
(14.75)%
|
(7.77)%
|
(.79)%
|
6.19%
|
13.17%
|
Common Share total return is composed of two elements—the Common Share dividends paid by the Fund (the amount of which is largely determined by the Fund’s net investment income after paying the carrying cost of
Financial Leverage) and realized and unrealized gains or losses on the value of the securities the Fund owns. As required by SEC rules, the table assumes that the Fund is more likely to suffer capital loss than to enjoy capital appreciation. For example, to assume a total return of 0%, the Fund must assume that the net investment income it receives on its investments is entirely offset by losses on the value of those investments. This table reflects the hypothetical performance of the Fund’s portfolio and not the performance of the Fund’s Common Shares, the value of which will be determined by market and other factors.
During the time in which the Fund is utilizing Financial Leverage, the amount of the fees paid to the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not utilize Financial Leverage because the fees paid will be calculated based on the Fund’s Managed Assets, which may create a conflict of interest between the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser and the Common Shareholders. In order to manage this conflict of interest, the Board of Trustees will receive regular reports from the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser regarding the Fund’s use of Financial Leverage and the effect of Financial Leverage on the management of the Fund’s portfolio and the performance of the Fund. Because the Financial Leverage costs will be borne by the Fund at a specified rate, only the Fund’s Common Shareholders will bear the cost of the Fund’s fees and expenses.
Interest Rate Transactions
In connection with the Fund’s use of Financial Leverage, the Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions. Interest rate swaps involve the Fund’s agreement with the swap counterparty to pay a fixed-rate payment in exchange for the counterparty’s paying the Fund a variable rate payment that is intended to approximate all or a portion of the Fund’s variable-rate payment obligation on the Fund’s Financial Leverage. The payment obligation would be based on the notional amount of the swap, which will not exceed the amount of the Fund’s Financial Leverage.
The Fund may use an interest rate cap, which would require it to pay a premium to the cap counterparty and would entitle it, to the extent that a specified variable-rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, to receive payment from the counterparty of the difference based on the notional amount. The Fund would use interest rate swaps or caps only with the intent to reduce or eliminate the risk that an increase in short-term interest rates could have on Common Share net earnings as a result of leverage.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps or caps on a net basis; that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund’s receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Fund intends to segregate cash or liquid securities having a value at least equal to the Fund’s net payment obligations under any swap transaction, marked to market daily. The Fund will treat such amounts as illiquid.
The use of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the Fund’s use of interest rate instruments could enhance or harm the overall performance of the Common Shares. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the net amount receivable by the Fund under the interest rate swap or cap could decline and could thus result in a decline in the net asset value of the Common Shares. In addition, if short-term interest rates are lower than the Fund’s fixed rate of payment on the interest rate swap, the swap will reduce Common Share net earnings if the Fund must make net payments to the counterparty. If, on the other hand, short-term interest rates are higher than the fixed rate of payment on the interest rate swap, the swap will enhance Common Share net earnings if the Fund receives net payments from the counterparty. Buying interest rate caps could enhance the performance of the Common Shares by limiting the Fund’s maximum leverage expense. Buying interest rate caps could also decrease the net earnings of the Common Shares if the premium paid by the Fund to the counterparty exceeds the additional cost of the Financial Leverage that the Fund would have been required to pay had it not entered into the cap agreement.
Interest rate swaps and caps do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to interest rate swaps is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the swap or cap to offset the costs of the Financial Leverage. Depending on whether the Fund would be entitled to receive net payments from the counterparty on the swap or cap, which in turn would depend
on the general state of short-term interest rates at that point in time, such a default could negatively impact the performance of the Common Shares.
Although this will not guarantee that the counterparty does not default, the Fund will not enter into an interest rate swap or cap transaction with any counterparty that the Sub-Adviser believes does not have the financial resources to honor its obligation under the interest rate swap or cap transaction. Further, the Sub-Adviser will regularly monitor the financial stability of a counterparty to an interest rate swap or cap transaction in an effort to proactively protect the Fund’s investments.
In addition, at the time the interest rate swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it could have a negative impact on the performance of the Common Shares.
The Fund may choose or be required to redeem some or all Fund Preferred Shares or prepay any Borrowings. Such a redemption or prepayment would likely result in the Fund’s seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap or cap transaction. Such early termination of a swap could result in a termination payment by or to the Fund. An early termination of a cap could result in a termination payment to the Fund. There may also be penalties associated with early termination.
Investors should consider the following risk factors and special considerations associated with investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested.
Not a Complete Investment Program
The Fund is intended for investors seeking current income and capital appreciation. The Fund is not meant to provide a vehicle for those who wish to play short-term swings in the stock market. An investment in the Common Shares of the Fund should not be considered a complete investment program. Each Common Shareholder should take into account the Fund’s investment objective as well as the Common Shareholder’s other investments when considering an investment in the Fund.
Investment and Market Risk
An investment in Common Shares of the Fund is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested. An investment in the Common Shares of the Fund represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund. The value of those securities may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. The value of the securities owned by the Fund will affect the value of the Common Shares. At any point in time, your Common Shares may be worth less than your original investment, including the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.
Management Risk
The Fund is subject to management risk because it has an actively managed portfolio. The Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results.
Income Risk
The income investors receive from the Fund is based primarily on the interest it earns from its investments in Income Securities, which can vary widely over the short and long-term. If prevailing market interest rates drop, investors’ income from the Fund could drop as well. The Fund’s income could also be affected adversely when prevailing short-term interest rates increase and the Fund is utilizing leverage, although this risk is mitigated to the extent the Fund’s investments include floating-rate obligations.
Dividend Risk
Dividends on common stock and other Common Equity Securities which the Fund may hold are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of an issuer’s board of directors. There is no guarantee that the issuers of the equity
securities in which the Fund invests will declare dividends in the future or that, if declared, they will remain at current levels or increase over time. The dividend income from the Fund’s investment in Common Equity Securities will be influenced by both general economic activity and issuer-specific factors. In the event of adverse changes in economic conditions or adverse events effecting a specific industry or issuer, the issuers of the Common Equity Securities held by the Fund may reduce the dividends paid on such securities.
Income Securities Risk
In addition to the risks discussed above, Income Securities, including high-yield bonds, are subject to certain risks, including:
Issuer Risk. The value of Income Securities may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services.
Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that one or more debt obligations in the Fund’s portfolio will decline in price, or fail to pay interest or principal when due, because the issuer of the obligation experiences a decline in its financial status.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that Income Securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of Income Securities generally will fall. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of Income Securities may be extended because of slower than expected prepayments. This may lock in a below market yield, increase the security’s duration and reduce the value of the security. Investments in Income Securities with long-term maturities may experience significant price declines if long-term interest rates increase.
Reinvestment Risk. Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from the Fund’s portfolio will decline if the Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called Income Securities at market interest rates that are below the Fund portfolio’s current earnings rate. A decline in income could affect the Common Shares’ market price or the overall return of the Fund.
Prepayment Risk. During periods of declining interest rates, borrowers may exercise their option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is known as call or prepayment risk. Income Securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer to repurchase the security prior to its stated maturity. An issuer may redeem an obligation if the issuer can refinance the debt at a lower cost due to declining interest rates or an improvement in the credit standing of the issuer.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund may invest without limitation in Income Securities for which there is no readily available trading market or which are otherwise illiquid, including certain high-yield bonds. The Fund may not be able to readily dispose of illiquid securities and obligations at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell such securities and obligations if they were more widely traded and, as a result of such illiquidity, the Fund may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions if necessary to raise cash to meet its obligations. In addition, limited liquidity could affect the market price of Income Securities, thereby adversely affecting the Fund’s net asset value and ability to make distributions.
Valuation of Certain Income Securities. The Sub-Adviser normally uses an independent pricing service to value most Income Securities held by the Fund. The Sub-Adviser may use the fair value method to value investments if market quotations for them are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, or if events occurring after the close of a securities market and before the Fund values its assets would materially affect net asset value. Because the secondary markets for certain investments may be limited, they may be difficult to value. Where market quotations are not readily available, valuation may require more research than for more liquid investments. In addition, elements of judgment may play a greater role in valuation in such cases than for investments with a more active secondary market because there is less reliable objective data available.
Duration and Maturity Risk. The Fund has no set policy regarding portfolio maturity or duration. Holding long duration and long maturity investments will expose the Fund to certain magnified risks. These risks include interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risks as discussed above.
Below-Investment Grade Securities Risk
The Fund may invest in Income Securities rated below-investment grade or, if unrated, determined by the Sub-Adviser to be of comparable credit quality, which are commonly referred to as “high-yield” or “junk” bonds. Investment in securities of below-investment grade quality involves substantial risk of loss. Income Securities of below-investment grade quality are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due and therefore involve a greater risk of default or decline in market value due to adverse economic and issuer-specific developments. Income Securities of below-investment grade quality display increased price sensitivity to changing interest rates and to a deteriorating economic environment. The market values for Income Securities of below-investment grade quality tend to be more volatile and such securities tend to be less liquid than investment grade debt securities.
Structured Finance Investments Risk
The Fund’s structured finance investments may include residential and commercial mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities issued by governmental entities and private issuers. Holders of structured finance investments bear risks of the underlying investments, index or reference obligation and are subject to counterparty risk. The Fund may have the right to receive payments only from the structured product, and generally does not have direct rights against the issuer or the entity that sold the assets to be securitized. While certain structured finance investments enable the investor to acquire interests in a pool of securities without the brokerage and other expenses associated with directly holding the same securities, investors in structured finance investments generally pay their share of the structured product’s administrative and other expenses. Although it is difficult to predict whether the prices of indices and securities underlying structured finance investments will rise or fall, these prices (and, therefore, the prices of structured finance investments) will be influenced by the same types of political and economic events that affect issuers of securities and capital markets generally. If the issuer of a structured product uses shorter term financing to purchase longer term securities, the issuer may be forced to sell its securities at below market prices if it experiences difficulty in obtaining short-term financing, which may adversely affect the value of the structured finance investment owned by the Fund.
The Fund may invest in structured finance products collateralized by low grade or defaulted loans or securities. Investments in such structured finance products are subject to the risks associated with below investment grade securities. Such securities are characterized by high risk. It is likely that an economic recession could severely disrupt the market for such securities and may have an adverse impact on the value of such securities.
Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. The risks associated with mortgage-backed securities include: (1) credit risk associated with the performance of the underlying mortgage properties and of the borrowers owning these properties; (2) adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, which are more likely to have an adverse impact on mortgage-backed securities secured by loans on certain types of commercial properties than on those secured by loans on residential properties; (3) prepayment risk, which can lead to significant fluctuations in the value of the mortgage-backed security; (4) loss of all or part of the premium, if any, paid; and (5) decline in the market value of the security, whether resulting from changes in interest rates, prepayments on the underlying mortgage collateral or perceptions of the credit risk associated with the underlying mortgage collateral.
Mortgage-backed securities represent an interest in a pool of mortgages. When market interest rates decline, more mortgages are refinanced and the securities are paid off earlier than expected. Prepayments may also occur on a scheduled basis or due to foreclosure. When market interest rates increase, the market values of mortgage-backed securities decline. At the same time, however, mortgage refinancings and prepayments slow, which lengthens the effective maturities of these securities. As a result, the negative effect of the rate increase on the market value of mortgage-backed securities is usually more pronounced than it is for other types of debt securities. In addition, due to increased instability in the credit markets, the market for some mortgage-backed securities has experienced reduced liquidity and greater volatility with respect to the value of such securities, making it more difficult to value such securities. The Fund may invest in sub-prime mortgages or mortgage-backed securities that are backed by sub-prime mortgages.
Moreover, the relationship between prepayments and interest rates may give some high-yielding mortgage-related and asset-backed securities less potential for growth in value than conventional bonds with comparable maturities. In addition, in periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayments tends to increase. During such periods, the
reinvestment of prepayment proceeds by the Fund will generally be at lower rates than the rates that were carried by the obligations that have been prepaid. Because of these and other reasons, mortgage-related and asset-backed security’s total return and maturity may be difficult to predict precisely. To the extent that the Fund purchases mortgage-related and asset-backed securities at a premium, prepayments (which may be made without penalty) may result in loss of the Fund’s principal investment to the extent of premium paid.
Mortgage-backed securities generally are classified as either commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) or residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), each of which are subject to certain specific risks.
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Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. The market for CMBS developed more recently and, in terms of total outstanding principal amount of issues, is relatively small compared to the market for residential single-family mortgage-related securities. CMBS are subject to particular risks, including lack of standardized terms, shorter maturities than residential mortgage loans and payment of all or substantially all of the principal only at maturity rather than regular amortization of principal. In addition, commercial lending generally is viewed as exposing the lender to a greater risk of loss than one-to-four family residential lending. Commercial lending, for example, typically involves larger loans to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers than residential one-to-four family mortgage loans. In addition, the repayment of loans secured by income producing properties typically is dependent upon the successful operation of the related real estate project and the cash flow generated therefrom. Net operating income of an income-producing property can be affected by, among other things: tenant mix, success of tenant businesses, property management decisions, property location and condition, competition from comparable types of properties, changes in laws that increase operating expense or limit rents that may be charged, any need to address environmental contamination at the property, the occurrence of any uninsured casualty at the property, changes in national, regional or local economic conditions and/or specific industry segments, declines in regional or local real estate values, declines in regional or local rental or occupancy rates, increases in interest rates, real estate tax rates and other operating expenses, change in governmental rules, regulations and fiscal policies, including environmental legislation, acts of God, terrorism, social unrest and civil disturbances. Consequently, adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances are more likely to have an adverse impact on mortgage-related securities secured by loans on commercial properties than on those secured by loans on residential properties. Additional risks may be presented by the type and use of a particular commercial property. Special risks are presented by hospitals, nursing homes, hospitality properties and certain other property types. Commercial property values and net operating income are subject to volatility, which may result in net operating income becoming insufficient to cover debt service on the related mortgage loan. The exercise of remedies and successful realization of liquidation proceeds relating to CMBS may be highly dependent on the performance of the servicer or special servicer. There may be a limited number of special servicers available, particularly those that do not have conflicts of interest.
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Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. Credit-related risk on RMBS arises from losses due to delinquencies and defaults by the borrowers in payments on the underlying mortgage loans and breaches by originators and servicers of their obligations under the underlying documentation pursuant to which the RMBS are issued. The rate of delinquencies and defaults on residential mortgage loans and the aggregate amount of the resulting losses will be affected by a number of factors, including general economic conditions, particularly those in the area where the related mortgaged property is located, the level of the borrower’s equity in the mortgaged property and the individual financial circumstances of the borrower. If a residential mortgage loan is in default, foreclosure on the related residential property may be a lengthy and difficult process involving significant legal and other expenses. The net proceeds obtained by the holder on a residential mortgage loan following the foreclosure on the related property may be less than the total amount that remains due on the loan. The prospect of incurring a loss upon the foreclosure of the related property may lead the holder of the residential mortgage loan to restructure the residential mortgage loan or otherwise delay the foreclosure process.
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Sub-Prime Mortgage Market Risk. The residential mortgage market in the United States has experienced difficulties that may adversely affect the performance and market value of certain mortgages and mortgage-related securities. Delinquencies and losses on residential mortgage loans (especially sub-prime and second-line mortgage loans) generally have increased recently and may continue to increase, and a decline in or flattening of housing values (as has recently been experienced and may continue to be experienced in many housing markets) may exacerbate such delinquencies and losses. Borrowers with adjustable rate mortgage loans are more sensitive
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to changes in interest rates, which affect their monthly mortgage payments, and may be unable to secure replacement mortgages at comparably low interest rates. Also, a number of residential mortgage loan originators have recently experienced serious financial difficulties or bankruptcy. Largely due to the foregoing, reduced investor demand for mortgage loans and mortgage-related securities and increased investor yield requirements have caused limited liquidity in the secondary market for mortgage-related securities, which can adversely affect the market value of mortgage-related securities. It is possible that such limited liquidity in such secondary markets could continue or worsen. If the economy of the United States deteriorates further, the incidence of mortgage foreclosures, especially sub-prime mortgages, may increase, which may adversely affect the value of any mortgage-backed securities owned by the Fund.
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The significance of the mortgage crisis and loan defaults in residential mortgage loan sectors led to the enactment in July 2008 of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, a wide-ranging housing rescue bill that offers up to $300 billion in assistance to troubled homeowners and emergency assistance to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, companies that operate under federal charter and play a vital role in providing financing for the housing markets. The above-mentioned housing bill could potentially have a material adverse effect on the Funds’ investment as the bill, among other things, (1) allows approximately 400,000 homeowners to refinance into affordable, government-backed loans through a program run by the Federal Housing Authority (“FHA”), a division of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) and (2) provides approximately $180 million for “pre-foreclosure” housing counseling and legal services for distressed borrowers. In addition, the mortgage crisis has led public advocacy groups to demand, and governmental officials to propose and consider, a variety of other “bailout” and “rescue” plans that could potentially have a material adverse effect on the Funds’ investments. Certain borrowers may also seek relief through the “FHA Secure” refinancing option that gives homeowners with non-FHA adjustable rate mortgages, current or delinquent and regardless of reset status, the ability to refinance into a FHA-insured mortgage. The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009, which was enacted on May 20, 2009, provides a safe harbor for servicers entering into “qualified loss mitigation plans” with respect to residential mortgages originated before the act was enacted. By protecting servicers from certain liabilities, this safe harbor may encourage loan modifications and reduce the likelihood that investors in securitizations will be paid on a timely basis or will be paid in full. In addition to the above, a variety of other plans and proposals from federal and state regulatory agencies have been presented. Law, legislation or other government regulation, promulgated in furtherance of a “bailout” or “rescue” plan to address the crisis and distress in the residential mortgage loan sector, may result in a reduction of available transactional opportunities for the Fund, or an increase in the cost associated with such transactions. Any such law, legislation or regulation may adversely affect the market value of non-agency RMBS.
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A number of originators and servicers of residential and commercial mortgage loans, including some of the largest originators and servicers in the residential and commercial mortgage loan market, have experienced serious financial difficulties, including some that are now subject to federal insolvency proceedings. Such difficulties may affect the performance of non-agency RMBS and CMBS backed by mortgage loans. There can be no assurance that originators and servicers of mortgage loans will not continue to experience serious financial difficulties or experience such difficulties in the future, including becoming subject to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, or that underwriting procedures and policies and protections against fraud will be sufficient in the future to prevent such financial difficulties or significant levels of default or delinquency on mortgage loans.
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Asset-Backed Securities Risk. ABS involve certain risks in addition to those presented by mortgage-backed securities. Therefore, there is the possibility that recoveries on the underlying collateral may not, in some cases, be available to support payments on these securities. ABS do not have the benefit of the same security interest in the underlying collateral as mortgage-backed securities and are more dependent on the borrower’s ability to pay and may provide the Fund with a less effective security interest in the related collateral than do mortgage-related securities. The collateral underlying ABS may constitute assets related to a wide range of industries and sectors. The collateral underlying ABS may constitute assets related to a wide range of industries and sectors. For example, ABS can be collateralized with credit card and automobile receivables. Credit card receivables are generally unsecured, and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. Most issuers of automobile receivables permit the servicers to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If the servicer were to sell these obligations to another party, there is a risk that the purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the
holders of the related automobile receivables. In addition, because of the large number of vehicles involved in a typical issuance and technical requirements under state laws, the trustee for the holders of the automobile receivables may not have an effective security interest in all of the obligations backing such receivables. If the economy of the United States deteriorates, defaults on securities backed by credit card, automobile and other receivables may increase, which may adversely affect the value of any ABS owned by the Fund. In addition, these securities may provide the Fund with a less effective security interest in the related collateral than do mortgage-related securities. Therefore, there is the possibility that recoveries on the underlying collateral may not, in some cases, be available to support payments on these securities.
The Credit CARD Act of 2009 imposes new regulations on the ability of credit card issuers to adjust the interest rates and exercise various other rights with respect to indebtedness extended through credit cards. The Fund and the Sub-Adviser cannot predict what effect, if any, such regulations might have on the market for ABS and such regulations may adversely affect the value of ABS owned by the Fund.
The United States automobile manufacturers have recently reported reduced sales and the potential inability to meet their financing needs. As a result, certain automobile manufacturers have been granted access to emergency loans from the U.S. Government and have experienced bankruptcy. As a result of these events, the value of securities backed by receivables from the sale or lease of automobiles may be adversely affected.
Risks Associated with CDOs. The credit quality of CDO securities depends primarily upon the quality of the underlying assets and the level of credit support and/or enhancement provided. The underlying assets (e.g., debt obligations) of a CDO are subject to prepayments, which shorten the weighted average maturity and may lower the return of the securities issued by the CDO. If the credit support or enhancement is exhausted, losses or delays in payment may result if the required payments of principal and interest are not made. The value of CDO securities also may change because of changes in market value, that is changes in the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool, the originator of the pool, or the financial institution or fund providing the credit support or enhancement.
Risks Associated with Risk-Linked Securities. RLS are a form of derivative issued by insurance companies and insurance-related special purpose vehicles that apply securitization techniques to catastrophic property and casualty damages. Unlike other insurable low-severity, high-probability events (such as auto collision coverage), the insurance risk of which can be diversified by writing large numbers of similar policies, the holders of a typical RLS are exposed to the risks from high-severity, low-probability events such as that posed by major earthquakes or hurricanes. RLS represent a method of reinsurance, by which insurance companies transfer their own portfolio risk to other reinsurance companies and, in the case of RLS, to the capital markets. A typical RLS provides for income and return of capital similar to other fixed-income investments, but involves full or partial default if losses resulting from a certain catastrophe exceeded a predetermined amount. In essence, investors invest funds in RLS and if a catastrophe occurs that “triggers” the RLS, investors may lose some or all of the capital invested. In the case of an event, the funds are paid to the bond sponsor — an insurer, reinsurer or corporation — to cover losses. In return, the bond sponsors pay interest to investors for this catastrophe protection. RLS can be structured to pay-off on three types of variables—insurance-industry catastrophe loss indicies, insure-specific catastrophe losses and parametric indices based on the physical characteristics of catastrophic events. Such variables are difficult to predict or model, and the risk and potential return profiles of RLS may be difficult to assess. Catastrophe-related RLS have been in use since the 1990s, and the securitization and risk-transfer aspects of such RLS are beginning to be employed in other insurance and risk-related areas. The RLS market is thus in the early stages of development. No active trading market may exist for certain RLS, which may impair the ability of the Fund to realize full value in the event of the need to liquidate such assets.
Risks Associated with Structured Notes. Investments in structured notes involve risks, including credit risk and market risk. Where the Fund’s investments in structured notes are based upon the movement of one or more factors, including currency exchange rates, interest rates, referenced bonds and stock indices, depending on the factor used and the use of multipliers or deflators, changes in interest rates and movement of the factor may cause significant price fluctuations. Additionally, changes in the reference instrument or security may cause the interest rate on the structured note to be reduced to zero, and any further changes in the reference instrument may then reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Structured notes may be less liquid than other types of securities and more volatile than the reference instrument or security underlying the note.
Senior Loans Risk
The risks associated with Senior Loans of below-investment grade quality are similar to the risks of other lower grade Income Securities, although Senior Loans are typically senior and secured in contrast to subordinated and unsecured Income Securities. Senior Loans’ higher standing has historically resulted in generally higher recoveries in the event of a corporate reorganization. In addition, because their interest payments are adjusted for changes in short-term interest rates, investments in Senior Loans generally have less interest rate risk than other lower grade Income Securities, which may have fixed interest rates. The Fund’s investments in Senior Loans are typically below-investment grade and are considered speculative because of the credit risk of their issuers. Such companies are more likely to default on their payments of interest and principal owed to the Fund, and such defaults could reduce the Fund’s net asset value and income distributions. An economic downturn generally leads to a higher non-payment rate, and a debt obligation may lose significant value before a default occurs. Moreover, any specific collateral used to secure a Senior Loan may decline in value or become illiquid, which would adversely affect the Senior Loan’s value.
Economic and other events (whether real or perceived) can reduce the demand for certain Senior Loans or Senior Loans generally, which may reduce market prices and cause the Fund’s net asset value per share to fall. The frequency and magnitude of such changes cannot be predicted.
Loans and other debt instruments are also subject to the risk of price declines due to increases in prevailing interest rates, although floating-rate debt instruments are substantially less exposed to this risk than fixed-rate debt instruments. Interest rate changes may also increase prepayments of debt obligations and require the Fund to invest assets at lower yields. No active trading market may exist for certain Senior Loans, which may impair the ability of the Fund to realize full value in the event of the need to liquidate such assets. Adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of some actively traded Senior Loans.
Second Lien Loans Risk
Second Lien Loans are subject to the same risks associated with investment in Senior Loans and other lower grade Income Securities. However, Second Lien Loans are second in right of payment to Senior Loans and therefore are subject to the additional risk that the cash flow of the borrower and any property securing the Loan may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments after giving effect to the senior secured obligations of the borrower. Second Lien Loans are expected to have greater price volatility and exposure to losses upon default than Senior Loans and may be less liquid. There is also a possibility that originators will not be able to sell participations in Second Lien Loans, which would create greater credit risk exposure.
Mezzanine Investments Risk
Mezzanine Investments are subject to the same risks associated with investment in Senior Loans, Second Lien Loans and other lower grade Income Securities. However, Mezzanine Investments may rank lower in right of payment than any outstanding Senior Loans and Second Lien Loans of the borrower, or may be unsecured (i.e., not backed by a security interest in any specific collateral), and are subject to the additional risk that the cash flow of the borrower and available assets may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments after giving effect to any higher ranking obligations of the borrower. Mezzanine Investments are expected to have greater price volatility and exposure to losses upon default than Senior Loans and Second Lien Loans and may be less liquid.
Convertible Securities Risk
Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. As with all Income Securities, the market values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. However, when the market price of the common stock underlying a convertible security exceeds the conversion price, the convertible security tends to reflect the market price of the underlying common stock. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, the convertible security tends to trade increasingly on a yield basis and thus may not decline in price to the same extent as the underlying common stock. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in an issuer’s capital structure and consequently entail less risk than the issuer’s common stock.
Preferred Stock Risks
Preferred stock represents the senior residual interest in the assets of an issuer after meeting all claims, with priority to corporate income and liquidation payments over the issuer’s common stock. As such, preferred stock is
inherently more risky than the bonds and other debt instruments of the issuer, but less risky than its common stock. Certain preferred stocks contain provisions that allow an issuer under certain conditions to skip (in the case of “non-cumulative” preferred stocks) or defer (in the case of “cumulative” preferred stocks) dividend payments. Preferred stocks often contain provisions that allow for redemption in the event of certain tax or legal changes or at the issuer’s call. Preferred stocks typically do not provide any voting rights, except in cases when dividends are in arrears beyond a certain time period. There is no assurance that dividends on preferred stocks in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. If the Fund owns preferred stock that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for U.S. federal income tax purposes while it is not receiving cash payments corresponding to such income. When interest rates fall below the rate payable on an issue of preferred stock or for other reasons, the issuer may redeem the preferred stock, generally after an initial period of call protection in which the stock is not redeemable. Preferred stocks may be significantly less liquid than many other securities, such as U.S. Government securities, corporate debt and common stock.
Foreign Securities Risk
The Fund may invest in non-U.S. dollar-denominated Income Securities of foreign issuers. Investing in foreign issuers may involve certain risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers due to increased exposure to foreign economic, political and legal developments, including favorable or unfavorable changes in currency exchange rates, exchange control regulations (including currency blockage), expropriation or nationalization of assets, imposition of withholding taxes on payments, and possible difficulty in obtaining and enforcing judgments against foreign entities. Furthermore, issuers of foreign securities and obligations are subject to different, often less comprehensive, accounting, reporting and disclosure requirements than domestic issuers. The securities and obligations of some foreign companies and foreign markets are less liquid and at times more volatile than comparable U.S. securities, obligations and markets. Foreign brokerage commissions and other fees are also generally higher than in the United States. The laws of some foreign countries may limit the Fund’s ability to invest in securities and obligations of certain issuers located in these foreign countries. There are also special tax considerations which apply to securities and obligations of foreign issuers and securities and obligations principally traded overseas. These risks may be more pronounced to the extent that the Fund invests a significant amount of its assets in companies located in one region and to the extent that the Fund invests in securities of issuers in emerging markets. The Fund may also invest in U.S. dollar-denominated Income Securities of foreign issuers, which are subject to many of the risks described above regarding Income Securities of foreign issuers denominated in foreign currencies.
Emerging Markets Risk
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in Income Securities the issuers of which are located in countries considered to be emerging markets, and investments in such securities are considered speculative. Heightened risks of investing in emerging markets government debt include: smaller market capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; and potential restrictions on repatriation of investment income and capital. Furthermore, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or creation of government monopolies. The currencies of emerging market countries may experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar, and devaluation may occur subsequent to investments in these currencies by the Fund. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries.
Foreign Currency Risk
The value of securities denominated or quoted in foreign currencies may be adversely affected by fluctuations in the relative currency exchange rates and by exchange control regulations. The Fund’s investment performance may be negatively affected by a devaluation of a currency in which the Fund’s investments are denominated or quoted. Further, the Fund’s investment performance may be significantly affected, either positively or negatively, by currency exchange rates because the U.S. dollar value of securities denominated or quoted in another currency will increase or decrease in response to changes in the value of such currency in relation to the U.S. dollar. Finally, the Fund’s distributions are paid in U.S. dollars, and to the extent the Fund’s assets are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, there is a risk that the value of any distribution from such assets may decrease if the currency in which such assets or distributions are denominated falls in relation to the value of the U.S. dollar. The Fund expects initially
to seek to hedge its exposures to foreign currencies but may, at the discretion of the Investment Adviser, at any time limit or eliminate foreign currency hedging activity. To the extent the Fund does not hedge (or is unsuccessful in seeking to hedge) its foreign currency risk, the value of the Fund’s assets and income could be adversely affected by currency exchange rate movements.
Common Equity Securities Risk
The Fund may invest up to 50% of its total assets in Common Equity Securities. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common stock held by the Fund. Also, the prices of equity securities are sensitive to general movements in the stock market, so a drop in the stock market may depress the prices of equity securities to which the Fund has exposure. Common Equity Securities’ prices fluctuate for a number of reasons, including changes in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer, the general condition of the relevant stock market, and broader domestic and international political and economic events. In addition, Common Equity Securities’ prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. At times, stock markets can be volatile and stock prices can change substantially. While broad market measures of Common Equity Securities have historically generated higher average returns than Income Securities, Common Equity Securities have also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. Common Equity Securities in which the Fund may invest are structurally subordinated to preferred stock, bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and are therefore inherently more risky than preferred stock or debt instruments of such issuers.
Risks Associated with the Fund’s Covered Call Option Strategy
The ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective is partially dependent on the successful implementation of its option strategy. Risks that may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to successfully implement its option strategy include the following:
Risks Associated with Options on Securities. There are several risks associated with transactions in options on securities used in connection with the Fund’s option strategy. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events.
Risks Associated with Covered Call and Put Options. As the writer of a covered call option, the Fund forgoes, during the option’s life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security covering the call option above the sum of the premium and the strike price of the call, but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. As the Fund writes covered calls over more of its portfolio, its ability to benefit from capital appreciation becomes more limited. The writer of an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying security at the exercise price.
When the Fund writes covered put options, it bears the risk of loss if the value of the underlying stock declines below the exercise price minus the put premium. If the option is exercised, the Fund could incur a loss if it is required to purchase the stock underlying the put option at a price greater than the market price of the stock at the time of exercise plus the put premium the Fund received when it wrote the option. While the Fund’s potential gain in writing a covered put option is limited to distributions earned on the liquid assets securing the put option plus the premium received from the purchaser of the put option, the Fund risks a loss equal to the entire exercise price of the option minus the put premium.
Exchange-Listed Option Risk. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out an option position on an options exchange. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more
exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options). If trading were discontinued, the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist. However, outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms. If the Fund were unable to close out a covered call option that it had written on a security, it would not be able to sell the underlying security unless the option expired without exercise.
The hours of trading for options on an exchange may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. Call options are marked to market daily and their value will be affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the underlying common stocks, an increase in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the stock market and the underlying common stocks and the remaining time to the options’ expiration. Additionally, the exercise price of an option may be adjusted downward before the option’s expiration as a result of the occurrence of certain corporate events affecting the underlying equity security, such as extraordinary dividends, stock splits, merger or other extraordinary distributions or events. A reduction in the exercise price of an option would reduce the Fund’s capital appreciation potential on the underlying security.
OTC Option Risk. The Fund may write (sell) OTC options. Options written by the Fund with respect to non-U.S. securities, indices or sectors generally will be OTC options. OTC options differ from exchange-listed options in that they are two-party contracts, with exercise price, premium and other terms negotiated between buyer and seller, and generally do not have as much market liquidity as exchange-listed options. The counterparties to these transactions typically will be major international banks, broker-dealers and financial institutions. The Fund may be required to treat as illiquid securities being used to cover certain written OTC options. The OTC options written by the Fund will not be issued, guaranteed or cleared by the Options Clearing Corporation. In addition, the Fund’s ability to terminate the OTC options may be more limited than with exchange-traded options. Banks, broker-dealers or other financial institutions participating in such transaction may fail to settle a transaction in accordance with the terms of the option as written. In the event of default or insolvency of the counterparty, the Fund may be unable to liquidate an OTC option position.
Risks of Real Property Asset Companies
The Fund may invest in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities issued by Real Property Asset Companies.
Real Estate Risks. Because of the Fund’s ability to make indirect investments in real estate and in the securities of companies in the real estate industry, it is subject to risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate. These risks include:
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declines in the value of real estate;
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general and local economic conditions;
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unavailability of mortgage funds;
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overbuilding;
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extended vacancies of properties;
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increased competition;
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increases in property taxes and operating expenses;
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changes in zoning laws;
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losses due to costs of cleaning up environmental problems and contamination;
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limitations on, or unavailability of, insurance on economic terms;
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liability to third parties for damages resulting from environmental problems;
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casualty or condemnation losses;
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limitations on rents;
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changes in neighborhood values and the appeal of properties to tenants;
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changes in valuation due to the impact of terrorist incidents on a particular property or area, or on a segment of the economy; and
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changes in interest rates.
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National Resources and Commodities Risks. Because of the Fund’s ability to make indirect investments in natural resources and physical commodities, and in Real Property Asset Companies engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, gold and other precious metals, steel and iron ore production, energy services, forest products, chemicals, coal, alternative energy sources and environmental services, as well as related transportation companies and equipment manufacturers, the Fund is subject to risks associated with special risks, which include:
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Supply and Demand Risk. A decrease in the production of a physical commodity or a decrease in the volume of such commodity available for transportation, mining, processing, storage or distribution may adversely impact the financial performance of an energy, natural resources, basic materials or an associated company that devotes a portion of its business to that commodity. Production declines and volume decreases could be caused by various factors, including catastrophic events affecting production, depletion of resources, labor difficulties, environmental proceedings, increased regulations, equipment failures and unexpected maintenance problems, import supply disruption, governmental expropriation, political upheaval or conflicts or increased competition from alternative energy sources or commodity prices. Alternatively, a sustained decline in demand for such commodities could also adversely affect the financial performance of energy, natural resources, basic materials or associated companies. Factors that could lead to a decline in demand include economic recession or other adverse economic conditions, higher taxes on commodities or increased governmental regulations, increases in fuel economy, consumer shifts to the use of alternative commodities or fuel sources, changes in commodity prices, or weather.
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Depletion and Exploration Risk. Many energy, natural resources, basic materials and associated companies are engaged in the production of one or more physical commodities or are engaged in transporting, storing, distributing and processing these items on behalf of shippers. To maintain or grow their revenues, these companies or their customers need to maintain or expand their reserves through exploration of new sources of supply, through the development of existing sources, through acquisitions or through long-term contracts to acquire reserves. The financial performance of energy, natural resources, basic materials and associated companies may be adversely affected if they, or the companies to whom they provide the service, are unable to cost-effectively acquire additional reserves sufficient to replace the natural decline.
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Operational and Geological Risk. Energy, natural resources, basic materials companies and associated companies are subject to specific operational and geological risks in addition to normal business and management risks. Some examples of operational risks include mine rock falls, underground explosions and pit wall failures. Geological risk would include faulting of the ore body and misinterpretation of geotechnical data.
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Regulatory Risk. Energy, natural resources, basic materials and associated companies are subject to significant federal, state and local government regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including how facilities are constructed, maintained and operated, environmental and safety controls, and the prices they may charge for the products and services they provide. Various governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them, and violators are subject to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the operations and financial performance of energy, natural resources and basic materials companies.
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Commodity Pricing Risk. The operations and financial performance of energy, natural resources and basic materials companies may be directly affected by commodity prices, especially those energy, natural resources, basic materials and associated companies that own the underlying commodity. Commodity prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in market and economic conditions, the impact of weather on demand, levels of domestic production and imported commodities, energy conservation, domestic and foreign governmental regulation and taxation, the availability of local, intrastate and interstate transportation systems, governmental expropriation and political upheaval and conflicts. Volatility of commodity prices, which may lead to a reduction in production or supply, may also negatively impact the performance of energy, natural resources, basic materials and associated companies that are solely involved in the transportation, processing, storing, distribution or marketing of commodities. Volatility of commodity prices may also make it more difficult for energy, natural resources, basic materials and associated companies to
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raise capital to the extent the market perceives that their performance may be directly or indirectly tied to commodity prices.
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Precious Metals Pricing Risk. The Fund may invest in companies that have a material exposure to precious metals, such as gold, silver and platinum and precious metals related instruments and securities. The price of precious metals can fluctuate widely and is affected by numerous factors beyond the Fund’s control including: global or regional political, economic or financial events and situations; investors’ expectations with respect to the future rates of inflation and movements in world equity, financial and property markets; global supply and demand for specific precious metals, which is influenced by such factors as mine production and net forward selling activities by precious metals producers, central bank purchases and sales, jewelry demand and the supply of recycled jewelry, net investment demand and industrial demand, net of recycling; interest rates and currency exchange rates, particularly the strength of and confidence in the U.S. dollar; and investment and trading activities of hedge funds, commodity funds and other speculators. The Fund does not intend to hold physical precious metals
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Risks of Personal Property Asset Companies
The Fund may invest in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities issued by Personal Property Asset Companies. Personal (as opposed to real) property includes any tangible, movable property or asset. The Fund will typically seek to invest in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities of Personal Property Asset Companies that are associated with personal property assets with investment performance that is not highly correlated with traditional market indexes, such as special situation transportation assets (e.g., railcars, airplanes and ships) and collectibles (e.g., antiques, wine and fine art).
Special Situation Transportation Assets Risks. The risks of special situation transportation assets include:
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Cyclicality of Supply and Demand for Transportation Assets. The transportation asset leasing and sales industry has periodically experienced cycles of oversupply and undersupply of railcars, aircraft and ships.The oversupply of a specific type of transportation asset in the market is likely to depress the values of that type of transportation asset. The supply and demand of transportation assets is affected by various cyclical factors that are not under the Fund’s control, including: (i) passenger and cargo demand; (ii) commercial demand for certain types of transportation assets, (iii) fuel costs and general economic conditions affecting lessees’ operations; (iv) government regulation, including operating restrictions; (v) interest rates; (vi) the availability of credit; (vii) manufacturer production level; (viii) retirement and obsolescence of certain classes of transportation assets; (ix) re-introduction into service of transportation assets previously in storage; and (x) traffic control infrastructure constraints.
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Risk of Decline in Value of Transportation Assets and Rental Values. In addition to factors linked to the railway, aviation and shipping industries, other factors that may affect the value of transportation assets, and thus of the Personal Property Asset Companies in which the Fund invests, include: (i) manufacturers merging or exiting the industry or ceasing to produce specific types of transportation asset; (ii) the particular maintenance and operating history of the transportation assets; (iii) the number of operators using that type of transportation asset; (iv) whether the railcar, aircraft or ship is subject to a lease; (v) any regulatory and legal requirements that must be satisfied before the transportation asset can be operated, sold or re-leased, (vi) compatibility of parts and layout of the transportation asset among operators of particular asset; and (vii) any renegotiation of a lease on less favorable terms.
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Technological Risks. The availability for sale or lease of new, technologically advanced transportation assets and the imposition of stringent noise, emissions or environmental regulations may make certain types of transportation assets less desirable in the marketplace and therefore may adversely affect the owners’ ability to lease or sell such transportation assets. Consequently, the owner will have to lease or sell many of the transportation assets close to the end of their useful economic life. The owners’ ability to manage these technological risks by modifying or selling transportation assets will likely be limited.
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Risks Relating to Leases of Transportation Assets. Owner/lessors of transportation assets will typically require lessees of assets to maintain customary and appropriate insurance. There can be no assurance that the lessees’ insurance will cover all types of claims that may be asserted against the owner, which could adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investment in the Personal Property Asset Company owning such transportation asset. Personal Property Asset Companies will be subject to credit risk of the lessees’ ability to
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the provisions of the lease of the transportation asset. The Personal Property Asset Company will need to re-lease or sell transportation assets as the current leases expire in order to continue to generate revenues. The ability to re-lease or sell transportation assets will depend on general market and competitive conditions. Some of the competitors of the Personal Property Asset Company may have greater access to financial resources and may have greater operational flexibility. If the Personal Property Asset Company is not able to re-lease a transportation asset, it may need to attempt to sell the aircraft to provide funds for its investors, including the Fund.
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Collectible Assests Risks. The risks of collectible assets include:
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Valuation of Collectible Assets. The market for collectible assets as a financial investment is in the early stages of development. Collectible assets are typically bought and sold through auction houses, and estimates of prices of collectible assets at auction are imprecise. Accordingly, collectible assets are difficult to value.
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Liquidity of Collectible Assets. There are relatively few auction houses in comparison to brokers and dealers of traditional financial assets. The ability to sell collectible assets is dependent on the demand for particular classes of collectible assets, which demand has been volatile and erratic in the past. There is no assurance that collectible assets can be sold within a particular timeframe or at the price at which such collectible assets are valued, which may impair the ability of the Fund to realize full value of Personal Property Asset Companies in the event of the need to liquidate such assets.
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Authenticity of Collectible Assets. The value of collectible assets often depends on its rarity or scarcity, or of its attribution as the product of a particular artisan. Collectible Assets are subject to forgery and to the inabilities to assess the authenticity of the collectible asset, which may significantly impair the value of the collectible asset.
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High Transaction and Related Costs. Collectible assets are typically bought and sold through auction houses, which typically charge commissions to the purchaser and to the seller which may exceed 20% of the sale price of the collectible asset. In addition, holding collectible assets entails storage and insurance costs, which may be substantial.
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Private Securities Risk
The Income Securities and Common Equity Securities in which the Fund may invest include privately issued securities of both public and private companies. Private Securities have additional risk considerations than investments in comparable public investments. Whenever the Fund invests in companies that do not publicly report financial and other material information, it assumes a greater degree of investment risk and reliance upon the Sub-Adviser’s ability to obtain and evaluate applicable information concerning such companies’ creditworthiness and other investment considerations. Certain Private Securities may be illiquid. Because there is often no readily available trading market for Private Securities, the Fund may not be able to readily dispose of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell them if they were more widely traded. Private Securities are also more difficult to value. Valuation may require more research, and elements of judgment may play a greater role in the valuation of Private Securities as compared to public securities because there is less reliable objective data available. Private Securities that are debt securities generally are of below-investment grade quality, frequently are unrated and present many of the same risks as investing in below-investment grade public debt securities. Investing in private debt instruments is a highly specialized investment practice that depends more heavily on independent credit analysis than investments in other types of obligations.
Investment Funds Risk
As an alternative to holding investments directly, the Fund may also obtain investment exposure to Income Securities and Common Equity Securities by investing up to 30% of its total assets in Investment Funds, of which amount up to 20% of its total assets may be invested in Registered Investment Funds. Investments in Investment Funds present certain special considerations and risks not present in making direct investments in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities. Investments in Investment Funds involve operating expenses and fees that are in addition to the expenses and fees borne by the Fund. Such expenses and fees attributable to the Fund’s investment in another Investment Fund are borne indirectly by Common Shareholders. Accordingly, investment in such entities involves expense and fee layering. Fees charged by other Investment Funds in which the Fund invests may be similar to the fees charged by the Fund and can include asset-based management fees and administrative fees payable to such
entities’ advisers and managers, thus resulting in duplicative fees. To the extent management fees of Investment Funds are based on total gross assets, it may create an incentive for such entities’ managers to employ financial leverage, thereby adding additional expense and increasing volatility and risk. Fees payable to advisers and managers of Investment Funds may include performance-based incentive fees calculated as a percentage of profits. Such incentive fees directly reduce the return that otherwise would have been earned by investors over the applicable period. A performance-based fee arrangement may create incentives for an adviser or manager to take greater investment risks in the hope of earning a higher profit participation. Investments in Investment Funds frequently expose the Fund to an additional layer of financial leverage. Investments in Investment Funds expose the Fund to additional management risk. The success of the Fund’s investments in Investment Funds will depend in large part on the investment skills and implementation abilities of the advisers or managers of such entities. Decisions made by the advisers or managers of such entities may cause the Fund to incur losses or to miss profit opportunities. While the Sub-Adviser will seek to evaluate managers of Investment Funds and where possible independently evaluate the underlying assets, a substantial degree of reliance on such entities’ managers is nevertheless present with such investments.
Private Investment Funds Risk
In addition to those risks described above with respect to all Investment Funds, investing in Private Investment Funds may pose additional risks to the Fund. Certain Private Investment Funds in which the Fund participates may involve capital call provisions under which the Fund is obligated to make additional investments at specified levels even if it would otherwise choose not to. Investments in Private Investment Funds may have very limited liquidity. Often there will be no secondary market for such investments and the ability to redeem or otherwise withdraw from a Private Investment Fund may be prohibited during the term of the Private Investment Fund or, if permitted, may be infrequent. Certain Private Investment Funds may be subject to “lock-up” periods of a year or more. The valuation of investments in Private Investment Funds often will be based upon valuations provided by the adviser or manager and it may not always be possible to effectively assess the accuracy of such valuations, particularly if the fund holds substantial investments the values of which are determined by the adviser or manager based upon a fair valuation methodology. Incentive fee considerations may cause conflicts in the fair valuation of investment holdings by a Private Investment Fund’s adviser or manager.
The amount of management fees and incentive allocations varies among Private Investment Funds, but the management fees are generally expected to be between 1%-2.5%, on an annual basis, of the total assets managed by a Private Investment Fund manager, and the performance allocations are generally expected to be between 15%-25% of the net capital appreciation (if any) in the assets managed by a Private Investment Fund manager. Interests in Private Investment Funds will generally be valued in accordance with accepted methods for securities and instruments included in the Private Investment Fund. These valuations may be provided by the manager of the Private Investment Fund to the Fund based on interim unaudited financial statements. Accordingly, these figures may be subject to an upward or downward adjustment following the auditing of such financial records, which will be reflected in the net asset value calculation of the Fund’s Common Shares at the time of such adjustment.
Private Investment Funds in which the Fund invests may employ a number of investment techniques, including short sales, investment in non-investment grade or nonmarketable securities, uncovered option transactions, forward transactions, futures and options on futures transactions, foreign currency transactions and highly concentrated portfolios, among others, which could, under certain circumstances, magnify the impact of any negative market, sector or investment development. As the Fund may not, on a day-to-day basis, be privy to the precise holdings of any Private Investment Fund in which it invests, the Fund may inadvertently be exposed to concentration risk if it invests in a number of Private Investment Funds which have overlapping strategies and accumulate large positions in the same or related instruments without the Sub-Adviser’s knowledge.
The Fund may be exposed to increased leverage risk, as the Private Investment Funds in which it invests may borrow and may utilize various lines of credit, reverse repurchase agreements, “dollar” rolls, issuance of debt securities, swaps, forward purchases and other forms of leverage. The Fund will not have the ability to direct or influence the management of the Private Investment Funds in which it invests, so the returns of on such investments will primarily depend on the performance of the Private Investment Funds’ managers and could suffer substantial adverse effects by the unfavorable performance of such managers. Some of the Private Investment Funds may provide very limited information with respect to their operation and performance to the Fund, thereby severely limiting the Fund’s ability to verify initially or on a continuing basis any representations made by the Private Investment Funds or
the investment strategies being employed. This may result in significant losses to the Fund based on investment strategies and positions employed by the Private Investment Funds or other actions of which the Sub-Adviser has limited or no knowledge.
Certain of the managers of Private Investment Funds may engage in other forms of related and unrelated activities in addition to advising a Private Investment Fund. They may also make investments in securities for their own account. Activities such as these could detract from the time a manager devotes to the affairs of a Private Investment Fund. In addition, certain of the managers may engage affiliated entities to furnish brokerage services to Private Investment Funds and may themselves provide market-making services, including those of counterparty in securities and OTC transactions. As a result, in such instance the choice of broker, market maker or counterparty and the level of commissions or other fees paid for such services (including the size of any mark-up imposed by a counterparty) may not have been made at arm’s length.
The Fund’s interest in a Private Investment Fund is valued at an amount equal to the Fund’s capital account in the limited partnership or other entity which issued such interest, as determined pursuant to the instrument governing such issuance. As a general matter, the governing instruments of the Private Investment Funds in which the Fund invests provide that any securities or investments which are illiquid, not traded on an exchange or in an established market or for which no value can be readily determined, will be assigned such fair value as the respective investment managers may determine in their judgment based on various factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, aggregate dealer quotes or independent appraisals. Such valuations may not be indicative of what actual fair market value would be in an active, liquid or established market. Valuations may be provided by the managers of a Private Investment Fund to the Fund based on interim unaudited financial statements. These figures may be subject to a subsequent upward or downward adjustment following the auditing of such financial records.
Synthetic Investments Risk
As an alternative to holding investments directly, the Fund may also obtain investment exposure to Income Securities and Common Equity Securities through the use of customized derivative instruments (including swaps, options, forwards, notional principal contracts or other financial instruments) to replicate, modify or replace the economic attributes associated with an investment in Income Securities and Common Equity Securities (including interests in Investment Funds). The Fund may be exposed to certain additional risks to the extent the Sub-Adviser use derivatives as a means to synthetically implement the Fund’s investment strategies. If the Fund enters into a derivative instrument whereby it agrees to receive the return of a security or financial instrument or a basket of securities or financial instruments, it will typically contract to receive such returns for a predetermined period of time. During such period, the Fund may not have the ability to increase or decrease its exposure. In addition, such customized derivative instruments will likely be highly illiquid, and it is possible that the Fund will not be able to terminate such derivative instruments prior to their expiration date or that the penalties associated with such a termination might impact the Fund’s performance in a material adverse manner. Furthermore, derivative instruments typically contain provisions giving the counterparty the right to terminate the contract upon the occurrence of certain events. Such events may include a decline in the value of the reference securities and material violations of the terms of the contract or the portfolio guidelines as well as other events determined by the counterparty. If a termination were to occur, the Fund’s return could be adversely affected as it would lose the benefit of the indirect exposure to the reference securities and it may incur significant termination expenses.
In the event the Fund seeks to participate in Investment Funds (including Private Investment Funds) through the use of such synthetic derivative instruments, the Fund will not acquire any voting interests or other shareholder rights that would be acquired with a direct investment in the underlying Investment Fund. Accordingly, the Fund will not participate in matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders. In addition, the Fund may not receive all of the information and reports to shareholders that the Fund would receive with a direct investment in such Investment Fund. Further, the Fund will pay the counterparty to any such customized derivative instrument structuring fees and ongoing transaction fees, which will reduce the investment performance of the Fund. Finally, certain tax aspects of such customized derivative instruments are uncertain and a Common Shareholder’s return could be adversely affected by an adverse tax ruling.
Inflation/Deflation Risk
Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Common Shares and distributions can decline. In addition, during any periods of rising inflation, the dividend rates or borrowing costs associated with the Fund’s use of Financial Leverage would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to Common Shareholders. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time—the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse affect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer default more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio.
Market Discount Risk
The Fund’s Common Shares have a limited trading history and have traded both at a premium and at a discount in relation to NAV. The Fund cannot predict whether the Common Shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to NAV. The Fund’s Common Shares have recently traded at a premium to NAV per share, which may not be sustainable. If the Common Shares are trading at a premium to net asset value at the time you purchase Common Shares, the NAV per share of the Common Shares purchased will be less than the purchase price paid. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from NAV, but in some cases have traded above NAV. The risk of the Common Shares trading at a discount is a risk separate from the risk of a decline in the Fund’s NAV as a result of the Fund’s investment activities. The Fund’s NAV will be reduced immediately following an offering of the Common Shares due to the costs of such offering, which will be borne entirely by the Fund. The sale of Common Shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an adverse effect on prices of Common Shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of Common Shares available may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent of Common Shareholders to permit the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below the Fund’s then current NAV, subject to certain conditions, and such sales of Common Shares at price below NAV, if any, may increase downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. These sales, if any, also might make it more difficult for the Fund to sell additional Common Shares in the future at a time and price it deems appropriate.
Whether a Common Shareholder will realize a gain or loss upon the sale of Common Shares depends upon whether the market value of the Common Shares at the time of sale is above or below the price the Common Shareholder paid, taking into account transaction costs for the Common Shares, and is not directly dependent upon the Fund’s NAV. Because the market value of the Common Shares will be determined by factors such as the relative demand for and supply of the shares in the market, general market conditions and other factors outside the Fund’s control, the Fund cannot predict whether the Common Shares will trade at, below or above NAV, or at, below or above the public offering price for the Common Shares. Common Shares of the Fund are designed primarily for long-term investors; investors in Common Shares should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes.
Dilution Risk
The voting power of current Common Shareholders will be diluted to the extent that current Common Shareholders do not purchase Common Shares in any future offerings of Common Shares or do not purchase sufficient Common Shares to maintain their percentage interest. If the Fund is unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as intended, the Fund’s per Common Share distribution may decrease and the Fund may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned. If the Fund sells Common Shares at a price below NAV pursuant to the consent of Common Shareholders, shareholders will experience a dilution of the aggregate NAV per Common Share because the sale price will be less than the Fund’s then-current NAV per Common Share. Similarly, were the expenses of the offering to exceed the amount by which the sale price exceeded the Fund’s then current NAV per Common Share, shareholders would experience a dilution of the aggregate NAV per Common Share. This dilution will be experienced by all shareholders, irrespective of whether they purchase Common Shares in any such offering. See “Description of Capital Structure—Common Shares—Issuance of Additional Common Shares.”
Financial Leverage Risk
Although the use of Financial Leverage by the Fund may create an opportunity for increased after-tax total return for the Common Shares, it also results in additional risks and can magnify the effect of any losses. If the income and gains earned on securities purchased with Financial Leverage proceeds are greater than the cost of Financial Leverage,
the Fund’s return will be greater than if Financial Leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income or gains from the securities purchased with such proceeds does not cover the cost of Financial Leverage, the return to the Fund will be less than if Financial Leverage had not been used.
Financial Leverage involves risks and special considerations for shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of and dividends on the Common Shares than a comparable portfolio without leverage; the risk that fluctuations in interest rates on Borrowings or in the dividend rates on any Preferred Shares that the Fund must pay will reduce the return to the Common Shareholders; and the effect of Financial Leverage in a declining market, which is likely to cause a greater decline in the net asset value of the Common Shares than if the Fund were not leveraged, which may result in a greater decline in the market price of the Common Shares.
It is also possible that the Fund will be required to sell assets, possibly at a loss, in order to redeem or meet payment obligations on any Financial Leverage. Such a sale would reduce the Fund’s net asset value and also make it difficult for the net asset value to recover. The Fund in its best judgment nevertheless may determine to continue to use Financial Leverage if it expects that the benefits to the Fund’s shareholders of maintaining the leveraged position will outweigh the current reduced return.
Because the fees received by the Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser are based on the Managed Assets of the Fund (including the proceeds of any Financial Leverage), the Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser have a financial incentive for the Fund to utilize Financial Leverage, which may create a conflict of interest between the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser on the one hand and the Common Shareholders on the other. In order to manage this conflict of interest, the Board of Trustees will receive regular reports from the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser regarding the Fund’s use of Financial Leverage and the effect of Financial Leverage on the management of the Fund’s portfolio and the performance of the Fund. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be implemented or that it will be successful during any period during which it is employed.
The Fund may enter into a swap or cap transaction to attempt to protect itself from increasing dividend or interest expenses resulting from increasing short-term interest rates. A decline in interest rates may result in a decline in net amounts receivable by the Fund from the counterparty under the swap or cap (or an increase in the net amounts payable by the Fund to the counterparty under the swap), which may result in a decline in the net asset value of the Fund. See “Use of Financial Leverage—Interest Rate Transactions.”
Financial leverage may also be achieved through the purchase of certain derivative instruments. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments exposes the Fund to special risks. See “Investment Objective and Policies—Certain Other Investment Practices—Derivative Transactions” and “—Derivative Transactions Risk” below.
Recent economic and market events have contributed to severe market volatility and caused severe liquidity strains in the credit markets. If dislocations in the credit markets continue, the Fund’s leverage costs may increase and there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to renew or replace existing leverage on favorable terms or at all. If the cost of leverage is no longer favorable, or if the Fund is otherwise required to reduce its leverage, the Fund may not be able to maintain distributions on Common Shares at historical levels and Common Shareholders will bear any costs associated with selling portfolio securities.
Derivative Transactions Risks
Participation in options, futures and other derivative transactions involves investment risks and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of such strategies. If the Sub-Adviser’s prediction of movements in the direction of the securities and interest rate markets is inaccurate, the consequences to the Fund may leave the Fund in a worse position than if it had not used such strategies. Positions in derivatives (such as options, swaps, and futures and forward contracts and options thereon) may subject the Fund to substantial loss of principal in relation to the Fund’s investment amount. The Fund also will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to the derivative positions held by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.
Portfolio Turnover Risk
The Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in the execution of investment decisions for the Fund. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund. High portfolio turnover may result in an increased realization of net short-term capital gains by the Fund which, when distributed to Common Shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. Additionally, in a declining market, portfolio turnover may create realized capital losses. See “Taxation.”
Risk Associated with Recent Market Developments
Global and domestic financial markets have experienced periods of unprecedented turmoil. Instability in the credit markets has made it more difficult for a number of issuers to obtain financings or refinancings for their investment or lending activities or operations. There is a risk that such issuers will be unable to successfully complete such financings or refinancings. In particular, because of the conditions in the credit markets, issuers of debt securities may be subject to increased cost for debt, tightening underwriting standards and reduced liquidity for loans they make, securities they purchase and securities they issue. There is also a risk that developments in sectors of the credit markets in which the Fund does not invest may adversely affect the liquidity and the value of securities in sectors of the credit markets in which the Fund does invest, including securities owned by the Fund.
The debt and equity capital markets in the United States have been negatively impacted by significant write-offs in the financial services sector relating to sub-prime mortgages and the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated market, among other things. These events, along with the deterioration of the housing market, the failure of major financial institutions and the resulting United States federal government actions led to worsening general economic conditions, which materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial firms in particular. These events adversely affected the willingness of some lenders to extend credit, which may make it more difficult for issuers of Senior Loans to finance their operations. Such market conditions may increase the volatility of the value of securities owned by the Fund, may make it more difficult for the Fund to accurately value its securities or to sell its securities on a timely basis and may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to borrow for investment purposes and increase the cost of such borrowings, which would reduce returns to the Common Shareholders. These developments adversely affected the broader economy, and may continue to do so, which in turn may adversely affect the ability of issuers of securities owned by the Fund to make payments of principal and interest when due, lead to lower credit ratings and increased defaults. Such developments could, in turn, reduce the value of securities owned by the Fund and adversely affect the net asset value of the Fund’s Common Shares. In addition, the prolonged continuation or further deterioration of current market conditions could adversely impact the Fund’s portfolio.
Recently, markets have witnessed more stabilized economic activity as expectations for an economic recovery increased. However, risks to a robust resumption of growth persist. A return to unfavorable economic conditions or sustained economic slowdown could adversely impact the Fund’s portfolio. Financial market conditions, as well as various social, political, and psychological tensions in the United States and around the world, have contributed to increased market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets; and may cause further economic uncertainties or deterioration in the United States and worldwide. Furthermore, volatile financial markets can expose the Fund to greater market and liquidity risk and potential difficulty in valuing portfolio instruments held by the Fund. The Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser do not know how long the financial markets will continue to be affected by these events and cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the U.S. and global economies and securities markets in the Fund’s portfolio. The Investment Advisor and the Sub-Adviser intend to monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund’s portfolio in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund’s investment objective, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so. Given the risks described above, an investment in Common Shares may not be appropriate for all prospective investors. A prospective investor should carefully consider his or her ability to assume these risks before making an investment in the Fund.
Risk Associated with Government Intervention in Financial Markets
The instability in the financial markets discussed above has led the U.S. Government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that have experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases a lack of liquidity. Federal, state, and other governments, their
regulatory agencies, or self regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which was signed into law in July 2010, is has resulted in a significant revision of the U.S. financial regulatory framework. The Dodd-Frank Act covers a broad range of topics, including, among many others, a reorganization of federal financial regulators; a process designed to ensure financial system stability and the resolution of potentially insolvent financial firms; new rules for derivatives trading; the creation of a consumer financial protection watchdog; the registration and regulation of managers of private funds; the regulation of credit rating agencies; and new federal requirements for residential mortgage loans. The regulation of various types of derivative instruments pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act may adversely affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests that utilize derivatives strategies for hedging or other purposes. The ultimate impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, and any resulting regulation, is not yet certain and issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may also be affected by the new legislation and regulation in ways that are currently unforeseeable.
Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such a program may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the Fund’s portfolio holdings.
Legislation Risk
At any time after the date of this Prospectus, legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Fund or the issuers of such assets. Changing approaches to regulation may have a negative impact on the Fund entities in which the Fund invests. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. There can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
TALF, TARP, PPIP and Other Government Programs Risks
In response to the financial crises affecting the banking system and the financial markets, the United States government, the Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and other governmental and regulatory bodies have taken action in an attempt to stabilize the financial markets.
The TALF Program and the Legacy Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility program (“Legacy TALF Program”) are operated by the established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) and the U.S. Treasury as a credit facility designed to restore liquidity to the market for asset-backed securities and operated by the FRBNY.
Pursuant to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”), the Troubled Asset Relief Program (the “TARP”) was established. The purpose of this legislation was to stabilize financial markets and institutions in light of the financial crisis affecting the United States. In connection with the TARP, the Treasury announced the creation of the Financial Stability Plan in early 2009. The Financial Stability Plan outlined a series of key initiatives to help restore the United States economy, one of which was the creation of the Public-Private Investment Program (“PPIP”). The PPIP is designed to encourage the transfer of eligible assets, which include certain illiquid real estate-related assets issued prior to 2009 (which may be rated below investment grade, have no readily available trading market (or otherwise be considered illiquid), may be difficult to value and may be backed in part by non-performing mortgages), from banks and other financial institutions in an effort to restart the market for these assets and support the flow of credit and other capital into the broader economy.
Other such programs may be sponsored, established or operated by U.S. or non U.S. governments from time to time. It is unclear what effect these programs, and their eventual termination, may have on the markets for credit securities in which the fund may invest over the near- and long-term. Such programs may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the Fund’s portfolio holdings.
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets through participation in the TALF Program. Under the TALF Program, the FRBNY may provide loans to the Fund to purchase certain investment-grade, asset-backed securities which must be backed by auto loans, student loans, credit card loans, small business loans or certain commercial mortgage-backed securities. The Fund may seek to participate in other government programs from time to time. Participation in such programs may expose the Fund to additional risks and may limit the Fund’s ability to engage in
certain of the investment strategies or transactions described in this Prospectus or in the SAI. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to participate in any such program.
Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk
Continuing U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, instability in the Middle East and terrorist attacks in the United States and around the world may result in market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets and may cause further economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide. The Fund does not know how long the securities markets may be affected by these events and cannot predict the effects of the occupation or similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
The Fund’s Certificate of Trust, Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws (the “Governing Documents”) include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or convert the Fund to an open-end fund. These provisions could have the effect of depriving the Common Shareholders of opportunities to sell their Common Shares at a premium over the then-current market price of the Common Shares. See “Anti-Takeover and Other Provisions in the Fund’s Governing Documents.”
Trustees and Officers
The Board of Trustees is broadly responsible for the management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed by the Investment Adviser. The names and business addresses of the Trustees and officers of the Fund and their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years are set forth under “Management of the Fund” in the SAI.
The Investment Adviser
Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guggenheim Funds Services Group, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, acts as the Fund’s Investment Adviser pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Fund and the Investment Adviser (the “Advisory Agreement”). The Investment Adviser is a registered investment adviser and acts as investment adviser to a number of closed-end and open-end investment companies. The Investment Adviser is a Delaware limited liability company, with its principal offices located at 2455 Corporate West Drive, Lisle, Illinois 60532.
Guggenheim Partners is a diversified financial services firm with wealth management, capital markets, investment management and proprietary investing businesses, whose clients are a mix of individuals, family offices, endowments, foundations, insurance companies and other institutions that have entrusted Guggenheim Partners with the supervision of more than $100 billion of assets as of December 31, 2010. Guggenheim is headquartered in Chicago and New York with a global network of offices throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser is responsible for the management of the Fund, furnishes offices, necessary facilities and equipment on behalf of the Fund, oversees the activities of the Fund’s Sub-Adviser, provides personnel, including certain officers required for the Fund’s administrative management, and pays the compensation of all officers and Trustees of the Fund who are its affiliates.
As compensation for its services, the Fund pays the Investment Adviser a fee, payable monthly, in an annual amount equal to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily Managed Assets (from which the Investment Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser’s fee as described under “—The Sub-Adviser” below). “Managed Assets” of the Fund means the total assets of the Fund, including the assets attributable to the proceeds from any borrowings or other forms of Financial Leverage, minus liabilities, other than liabilities related to any Financial Leverage.
A discussion regarding the basis for the most recent approval of the Advisory Agreement by the Board of Trustees will be available in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders for the period ending May 31, 2011.
In addition to the fees of the Investment Adviser, the Fund pays all other costs and expenses of its operations, including compensation of its Trustees (other than those affiliated with the Investment Adviser), custodial expenses, transfer agency and dividend disbursing expenses, legal fees, expenses of the Fund’s independent registered public
accounting firm, expenses of repurchasing shares, listing expenses, expenses of preparing, printing and distributing prospectuses, stockholder reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to governmental agencies, and taxes, if any.
In 2009 the SEC conducted examinations of the Investment Adviser and in 2010 reported to the Investment Adviser that the SEC believed that certain deficiencies existed in procedures and disclosure relating to the management of a liquidated closed-end fund advised by the Investment Adviser and sub-advised by a third-party sub-adviser. In April 2010, the SEC initiated an investigation of this liquidated closed-end fund and issued a subpoena to the Investment Adviser, who has responded to this request for information and continue to cooperate with this investigation. Based on current knowledge, the Investment Adviser believes that this matter will be resolved without a material adverse effect to its financial condition, although there can be no assurance that this assessment will reflect the ultimate outcome of the pending matter.
The Sub-Adviser
Guggenheim Partners Asset Management, LLC, an affiliate of Guggenheim Partners, acts as the Fund’s Sub-Adviser pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement among the Fund, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”). The Sub-Adviser is a Delaware limited liability company, with its principal offices located at 100 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90401.
Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser, under the supervision of the Fund’s Board of Trustees, is responsible for the management of the Fund’s portfolio of securities and provides certain facilities and personnel related to such management. As compensation for the Sub-Adviser’s services, the Investment Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser a fee, payable monthly, in an annual amount equal to 0.50% of the Fund’s average daily Managed Assets.
A discussion regarding the basis for the most recent approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement by the Board of Trustees will be available in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders for the period ending May 31, 2011.
Portfolio Management
The Sub-Adviser’s investment process is a collaborative effort between its Portfolio Construction Group, which utilizes tools such as Guggenheim Partners’ Dynamic Financial Analysis Model to determine allocation of assets among a variety of sectors, and its Sector Specialists, who are responsible for security selection within these sectors and for implementing securities transactions, including the structuring of certain securities directly with the issuer or with investment banks and dealers involved in the origination of such securities. The Sub-Adviser’s personnel with responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio are:
B. Scott Minerd, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Executive Officer. Since 2001, Mr. Minerd has served as Chief Investment Officer of the Sub-Adviser, guiding the investment strategies of the sector portfolio managers. He was formerly a Managing Director with Credit Suisse First Boston in charge of trading and risk management for the Fixed Income Credit Trading Group. In this position, he was responsible for the corporate bond, preferred stock, money markets, U.S. government agency and sovereign debt, derivatives securities, structured debt and interest-rate swaps trading business units. Previously, Mr. Minerd was Morgan Stanley’s London-based European Capital Markets Products Trading and Risk Manager responsible for Eurobonds, Euro-MTNs, domestic European Bonds, FRNs, derivative securities and money market products in 12 European currencies and Asian markets. Mr. Minerd has also held capital markets positions with Merrill Lynch and Continental Bank and was a Certified Public Accountant working for Price Waterhouse. Mr. Minerd holds a BS degree in Economics from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and has completed graduate work at both the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Anne Bookwalter Walsh, Senior Managing Director . Ms. Walsh joined Guggenheim Partners and the Sub-Adviser in 2007. As a senior member of the Sub-Adviser’s Portfolio Construction Group, she will assist with the development of the Fund’s asset allocation strategies. Prior to joining Guggenheim Partners, she was Senior Vice President and the Chief Investment Officer for Reinsurance Group of America, where she was employed from 2000 to 2007. Prior to that role, Ms. Walsh served as Vice President and Senior Investment Consultant for Zurich Scudder Investments. Earlier, she held roles at Lincoln Investment Management and American Bankers Insurance Group. Ms. Walsh received her BSBA and MBA from Auburn University and her JD from the University of Miami School of Law. She is a CFA Charter holder, a Fellow of the Life Management Institute and a member of the CFA Institute.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities of the Fund.
The net asset value of the Common Shares is calculated by subtracting the Fund’s total liabilities (including from Borrowings) and the liquidation preference of any outstanding Preferred Shares from total assets (the market value of the securities the Fund holds plus cash and other assets). The per share net asset value is calculated by dividing its net asset value by the number of Common Shares outstanding and rounding the result to the nearest full cent. The Fund calculates its net asset value as of the close of business, usually 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, every day on which the NYSE is open. Information that becomes known to the Fund or its agent after the Fund’s net asset value has been calculated on a particular day will not be used to retroactively adjust the price of a security or the Fund’s net asset value determined earlier that day.
The Fund values equity securities at the last reported sale price on the principal exchange or in the principal OTC market in which such securities are traded, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the day the securities are being valued or, if there are no sales, at the mean between the last available bid and asked prices on that day. Securities traded primarily on the Nasdaq Stock Market are normally valued by the Fund at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (“NOCP”) provided by Nasdaq each business day. The NOCP is the most recently reported price as of 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, unless that price is outside the range of the “inside” bid and asked prices (i.e., the bid and asked prices that dealers quote to each other when trading for their own accounts); in that case, Nasdaq will adjust the price to equal the inside bid or asked price, whichever is closer. Because of delays in reporting trades, the NOCP may not be based on the price of the last trade to occur before the market closes. The Fund values debt securities at the last available bid price for such securities or, if such prices are not available, at prices for securities of comparable maturity, quality, and type. The Fund values exchange-traded options and other derivative contracts at the mean of the best bid and asked prices at the close on those exchanges on which they are traded.
The Fund’s securities traded primarily in foreign markets may be traded in such markets on days that the NYSE is closed. As a result, the net asset value of the Fund may be significantly affected on days when Common Shareholders have no ability to trade the Common Shares on the NYSE.
The Fund values certain of its securities on the basis of bid quotations from independent pricing services or principal market makers, or, if quotations are not available, by a method that the Board of Trustees believes accurately reflects fair value. The Fund periodically verifies valuations provided by the pricing services. Short-term securities with remaining maturities of less than 60 days may be valued at cost which, when combined with interest earned, approximates market value.
Any swap transaction that the Fund enters into may, depending on the applicable interest rate environment, have a positive or negative value for purposes of calculating net asset value. Any cap transaction that the Fund enters into may, depending on the applicable interest rate environment, have no value or a positive value. In addition, accrued payments to the Fund under such transactions will be assets of the Fund and accrued payments by the Fund will be liabilities of the Fund.
The Fund values securities for which market quotations are not readily available, including restricted securities, by valuation guidelines that the Trustees of the Fund believe accurately reflects fair value. Under the valuation guidelines, interests in Investment Funds and other securities for which reliable market quotes are readily available generally will be valued at the mean of such bid and ask quotes and all other interests in Investment Funds (including Private Investment Funds) will be valued at fair value in good faith following procedures established by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. In general, these procedures provide that the value of any interests held by the Fund in an Investment Fund for which reliable market quotes are not readily available will be valued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the respective partnership agreement, investment advisory agreement or similar agreement governing each investment partnership, managed account or other pooled investment vehicle in which the Fund invests. The Fund may rely solely on the valuations provided by Investment Funds with respect to the investments such Investment Funds have made. Generally, Investment Funds provide information to investors as to the value of their interests on a limited periodic basis, such as quarterly, monthly or weekly. The Fund calculates its net asset value on a daily basis. The value of the Fund’s interest in a Investment Fund on days other than those that such value is
provided by the Investment Fund will be valued by the Fund at their fair value, pursuant to procedures established and periodically reviewed by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Fair value represents a good faith approximation of the value of an asset at the time such approximation is made. Valuations provided by Investment Funds may be subject to subsequent adjustments by the Fund to reflect changes in market conditions and other events subsequent to the determination of net capital appreciation, net capital depreciation, net assets and other accounting items of the Fund. Year-end net capital calculations are audited by the Fund’s independent auditors and may be revised as a result of such audit. Such revisions may also result from adjustments in valuations provided by Investment Funds.
The Fund intends to pay substantially all of its net investment income, if any, to Common Shareholders through monthly distributions. In addition, the Fund intends to distribute any net long-term capital gains to Common Shareholders as long-term capital gain dividends at least annually. The Fund expects that dividends paid on the Common Shares will consist of (i) investment company taxable income taxed as ordinary income, which includes, among other things, ordinary income, short-term capital gain (for example, premiums earned in connection with the Fund’s covered call option strategy) and income from certain hedging and interest rate transactions, (ii) qualified dividend income and (iii) long-term capital gain (gain from the sale of a capital asset held longer than one year). To the extent the Fund receives dividends with respect to its investments in Common Equity Securities that consist of qualified dividend income (income from domestic and certain foreign corporations), a portion of the Fund’s distributions to its Common Shareholders may consist of qualified dividend income. For individuals, the maximum U.S. federal income tax rate on qualified dividend income is currently 15%, on long-term capital gains is currently 15% and on other types of income, including income from premiums from the Fund’s covered call option strategy, is currently 35%. These tax rates are scheduled to apply through 2012. Thereafter, higher tax rates will apply unless further legislative action is taken by Congress. The Fund cannot assure you, however, as to what percentage of the dividends paid on the Common Shares, if any, will consist of qualified dividend income or long-term capital gains, which are taxed at lower rates for individuals than ordinary income.
Pursuant to the requirements of the 1940 Act, in the event the Fund makes distributions from sources other than income, a notice will accompany each monthly distribution with respect to the estimated source of the distribution made. Such notices will describe the portion, if any, of the monthly dividend which, in the Fund’s good faith judgment, constitutes long-term capital gain, short-term capital gain, investment company taxable income or a return of capital. The actual character of such dividend distributions for U.S. federal income tax purposes, however, will only be determined finally by the Fund at the close of its fiscal year, based on the Fund’s full year performance and its actual net investment company taxable income and net capital gains for the year, which may result in a recharacterization of amounts distributed during such fiscal year from the characterization in the monthly estimates.
The Fund expects that over time it will distribute all of its investment company taxable income. The investment company taxable income of the Fund will consist of all dividend and interest income accrued on portfolio assets, short-term capital gain (for example, premiums earned in connection with the Fund’s covered call option strategy) and income from certain hedging and interest rate transactions, less all expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the Fund will be accrued each day.
To permit the Fund to maintain more stable monthly distributions, the Fund may initially distribute less than the entire amount of the net investment income earned in a particular period. The undistributed net investment income may be available to supplement future distributions. As a result, the distributions paid by the Fund for any particular monthly period may be more or less than the amount of net investment income actually earned by the Fund during the period, and the Fund may have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio to make a distribution at a time when independent investment judgment might not dictate such action. Undistributed net investment income is included in the Common Shares’ net asset value, and, correspondingly, distributions from net investment income will reduce the Common Shares’ net asset value.
If you hold your Common Shares in your own name or if you hold your Common Shares with a brokerage firm that participates in the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”), unless you elect to receive cash, all dividends and distributions that are declared by the Fund will be automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares of the Fund pursuant to the Plan. If you hold your Common Shares with a brokerage firm that does not participate in the Plan, you will not be able to participate in the Plan and any dividend reinvestment may be effected
on different terms than those described above. Consult your financial adviser for more information. See “Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
Under the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan, a shareholder whose Common Shares are registered in his or her own name will have all distributions reinvested automatically by The Bank of New York Mellon, which is agent under the Plan, unless the shareholder elects to receive cash. Distributions with respect to Common Shares registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other nominee (that is, in “street name”) will be reinvested by the broker or nominee in additional Common Shares under the Plan, unless the service is not provided by the broker or nominee or the shareholder elects to receive distributions in cash. Investors who own Common Shares registered in street name should consult their broker-dealers for details regarding reinvestment. All distributions to investors who do not participate in the Plan will be paid by check mailed directly to the record holder by The Bank of New York Mellon as dividend disbursing agent.
Under the Plan, whenever the market price of the Common Shares is equal to or exceeds net asset value at the time Common Shares are valued for purposes of determining the number of Common Shares equivalent to the cash dividend or capital gains distribution, participants in the Plan are issued new Common Shares from the Fund, valued at the greater of (i) the net asset value as most recently determined or (ii) 95% of the then-current market price of the Common Shares. The valuation date is the dividend or distribution payment date or, if that date is not a NYSE trading day, the next preceding trading day. If the net asset value of the Common Shares at the time of valuation exceeds the market price of the Common Shares, the Plan agent will buy the Common Shares for such Plan in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for the participants’ accounts, except that the Plan agent will endeavor to terminate purchases in the open market and cause the Fund to issue Common Shares at the greater of net asset value or 95% of market value if, following the commencement of such purchases, the market value of the Common Shares exceeds net asset value. If the Fund should declare a distribution or capital gains distribution payable only in cash, the Plan agent will buy the Common Shares for such Plan in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for the participants’ accounts. There is no charge from the Fund for reinvestment of dividends or distributions in Common Shares pursuant to the Plan; however, all participants will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred by the Plan agent when it makes open-market purchases.
The Plan agent maintains all shareholder accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmations of all transactions in the account, including information needed by shareholders for personal and tax records. Common Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan agent in noncertificated form in the name of the participant.
In the case of shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees, which hold Common Shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of Common Shares certified from time to time by the shareholder as representing the total amount registered in the shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners who participate in the Plan.
The automatic reinvestment of dividends and other distributions will not relieve participants of an income tax that may be payable or required to be withheld on such dividends or distributions.
Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are desirable. Accordingly, the Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate its 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 such Plan at least 90 days before the record date for such dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by the Plan agent on at least 90 days written notice to the participants in such Plan. All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to BNY Mellon Shareowner Services, PO Box 358015, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15252-8015, phone number: (866) 488-3559.
The following is a brief description of the terms of the Common Shares, Borrowings and Preferred Shares which may be issued by the Fund. This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the Fund’s Governing Documents.
Common Shares
The Fund is an unincorporated statutory trust organized under the laws of Delaware pursuant to a Certificate of Trust, dated as of November 13, 2006. Pursuant to the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated as of November 13, 2006, the Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per share. Each Common Share, when issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of this offering, will be fully paid and non-assessable, except that the Board of Trustees shall have the power to cause shareholders to pay expenses of the Fund by setting off charges due from shareholders from declared but unpaid dividends or distributions owed the shareholders and/or by reducing the number of Common Shares owned by each respective shareholder. All Common Shares are equal as to dividends, assets and voting privileges and have no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights. The Fund will send annual and semi-annual reports, including financial statements, to all holders of its shares.
Listing and Symbol. The Fund’s Common Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GOF.”
Voting Rights. Until any Preferred Shares are issued, holders of the Common Shares will vote as a single class to elect the Fund’s Board of Trustees and on additional matters with respect to which the 1940 Act mandates a vote by the Fund’s shareholders. If Preferred Shares are issued, holders of Preferred Shares will have a right to elect two of the Fund’s Trustees, and will have certain other voting rights. See “Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Fund’s Governing Documents.”
Book-Entry. The Common Shares will be held in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee for the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”). The Fund will treat Cede & Co. as the holder of record of the Common Shares for all purposes. In accordance with the procedures of DTC, however, purchasers of Common Shares will be deemed the beneficial owners of Common Shares purchased for purposes of dividends, voting and liquidation rights.
Issuance of Additional Common Shares. The provisions of the 1940 Act generally require that the public offering price (less underwriting commissions and discounts) of common shares sold by a closed-end investment company must equal or exceed the NAV of such company’s common shares (calculated within 48 hours of the pricing of such offering), unless such sale is made with the consent of a majority of its common shareholders. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent of Common Shareholders to permit the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below the Fund’s then-current NAV, subject to certain conditions. If such consent is obtained, the Fund may, contemporaneous with and in no event more than one year following the receipt of such consent, sell Common Shares at price below NAV in accordance with any conditions adopted in connection with the giving of such consent. Additional information regarding any consent of Common Shareholders obtained by the Fund and the applicable conditions imposed on the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below NAV will be disclosed in the Prospectus Supplement relating to any such offering of Common Shares at a price below NAV. Until such consent of Common Shareholders, if any, is obtained, the Fund may not sell Common Shares at a price below NAV. Because the Fund’s advisory fee and sub-advisory fee are based upon average Managed Assets, the Investment Adviser’s and the Sub-Adviser’s interests in recommending the issuance and sale of Common Shares at a price below NAV may conflict with the interests of the Fund and its Common Shareholders.
Borrowings
The Fund is permitted, without prior approval of the Common Shareholders, to borrow money. The Fund may issue notes or other evidence of indebtedness (including bank borrowings or commercial paper) and may secure any such Borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting the Fund’s assets as security. In connection with such Borrowings, the Fund may be required to maintain minimum average balances with the lender or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit. Any such requirements will increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.
Limitations. Borrowings by the Fund are subject to certain limitations under the 1940 Act, including the amount of asset coverage required. In addition, agreements related to the Borrowings may also impose certain requirements, which may be more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. See “Use of Financial Leverage” and “Risks—Financial Leverage Risk.”
Distribution Preference. The rights of lenders to the Fund to receive interest on, and repayment of, principal of any such Borrowings will be senior to those of the Common Shareholders, and the terms of any such Borrowings may
contain provisions which limit certain activities of the Fund, including the payment of dividends to Common Shareholders in certain circumstances.
Voting Rights. The 1940 Act does (in certain circumstances) grant to the lenders to the Fund certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on, or repayment of, principal. Any Borrowings will likely be ranked senior or equal to all other existing and future borrowings of the Fund.
Preferred Shares
The Fund’s Governing Documents provide that the Board of Trustees may authorize and issue preferred shares with rights as determined by the Board of Trustees, by action of the Board of Trustees without prior approval of the holders of the Common Shares. Common Shareholders have no preemptive right to purchase any preferred shares that might be issued. Any such preferred share offering would be subject to the limits imposed by the 1940 Act, which currently limits the aggregate liquidation preference of all outstanding preferred shares to 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets less liabilities and indebtedness of the Fund. Any preferred shares issued by the Fund would have special voting rights and a liquidation preference over the Common Shares. If the Fund issues and has preferred shares outstanding, the Common Shareholders will not be entitled to receive any distributions from the Fund unless all accrued dividends on preferred shares have been paid, unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to preferred shares would be at least 200% after giving effect to the distributions and unless certain other requirements imposed by any rating agencies rating the preferred shares have been met. Issuance of preferred shares would constitute financial leverage and would entail special risks to the Common Shareholders. The Fund has no present intention to issue preferred shares.
Capitalization
The following table provides information about the outstanding securities of the Fund as of November 30, 2010:
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Title of Class
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Amount Authorized
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Amount Held by the Fund or for its Account
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Amount Outstanding
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Common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share
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Unlimited
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0
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9,268,340
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FUND’S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
The Fund presently has provisions in its Governing Documents which could have the effect of limiting, in each case, (i) the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund, (ii) the Fund’s freedom to engage in certain transactions or (iii) the ability of the Fund’s Trustees or shareholders to amend the Governing Documents or effectuate changes in the Fund’s management. These provisions of the Governing Documents of the Fund may be regarded as “anti-takeover” provisions. The Board of Trustees is divided into two classes, with the terms of one class expiring at each annual meeting of shareholders. At each annual meeting, one class of Trustees is elected to a two-year term. This provision could delay for up to one year the replacement of a majority of the Board of Trustees. A Trustee may be removed from office by the action of a majority of the remaining Trustees followed by a vote of the holders of at least 75% of the shares then entitled to vote for the election of the respective Trustee.
In addition, the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust requires the favorable vote of a majority of the Fund’s Board of Trustees followed by the favorable vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of each affected class or series of the Fund, voting separately as a class or series, to approve, adopt or authorize certain transactions with 5% or greater holders of a class or series of shares and their associates, unless the transaction has been approved by at least 80% of the Trustees, in which case “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required. For purposes of these provisions, a 5% or greater holder of a class or series of shares (a “Principal Shareholder”) refers to any person who, whether directly or indirectly and whether alone or together with its affiliates and associates, beneficially owns 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund.
The 5% holder transactions subject to these special approval requirements are:
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the merger or consolidation of the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund with or into any Principal Shareholder;
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the issuance of any securities of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder for cash (other than pursuant of any automatic dividend reinvestment plan);
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the sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder, except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purpose of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period; or
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the sale, lease or exchange to the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund, in exchange for securities of the Fund, of any assets of any Principal Shareholder, except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for purposes of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period.
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To convert the Fund to an open-end investment company, the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust requires the favorable vote of a majority of the Board of the Trustees followed by the favorable vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of each affected class or series of shares of the Fund, voting separately as a class or series, unless such amendment has been approved by at least 80% of the Trustees, in which case “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required. The foregoing vote would satisfy a separate requirement in the 1940 Act that any conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company be approved by the shareholders. If approved in the foregoing manner, conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company could not occur until 90 days after the shareholders’ meeting at which such conversion was approved and would also require at least 30 days’ prior notice to all shareholders.
To liquidate the Fund, the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust requires the favorable vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees followed by the favorable vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of each affected class or series of the Fund, voting separately as a class or series, unless such liquidation has been approved by at least 80% of Trustees, in which case “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required.
For the purposes of calculating “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” under the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, each class and series of the Fund shall vote together as a single class, except to the extent required by the 1940 Act or the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust with respect to any class or series of shares. If a separate vote is required, the applicable proportion of shares of the class or series, voting as a separate class or series, also will be required.
The Board of Trustees has determined that provisions with respect to the Board of Trustees and the shareholder voting requirements described above, which voting requirements are greater than the minimum requirements under Delaware law or the 1940 Act, are in the best interest of shareholders generally. Reference should be made to the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust on file with the SEC for the full text of these provisions. See “Additional Information.”
Closed-end funds differ from open-end management investment companies (commonly referred to as mutual funds) in that closed-end funds generally list their shares for trading on a securities exchange and do not redeem their shares at the option of the shareholder. By comparison, mutual funds issue securities redeemable at net asset value at the option of the shareholder and typically engage in a continuous offering of their shares. Mutual funds are subject to continuous asset in-flows and out-flows that can complicate portfolio management, whereas closed-end funds generally can stay more fully invested in securities consistent with the closed-end fund’s investment objective and policies. In addition, in comparison to open-end funds, closed-end funds have greater flexibility in their ability to make certain types of investments, including investments in illiquid securities.
However, shares of closed-end investment companies listed for trading on a securities exchange frequently trade at a discount from net asset value, but in some cases trade at a premium. The market price may be affected by trading volume of the shares, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the closed-end fund. The foregoing factors may result in the market price of the Common Shares being greater than, less than or
equal to net asset value. The Board of Trustees has reviewed the structure of the Fund in light of its investment objective and policies and has determined that the closed-end structure is in the best interests of the shareholders. Investors should assume, therefore, that it is highly unlikely that the Board would vote to convert the Fund to an open-end investment company.
Repurchase of Common Shares
The Board of Trustees will review periodically the trading range and activity of the Fund’s shares with respect to its net asset value and the Board may take certain actions to seek to reduce or eliminate any such discount. Such actions may include open market repurchases or tender offers for the Common Shares at net asset value. There can be no assurance that the Board will decide to undertake any of these actions or that, if undertaken, such actions would result in the Common Shares trading at a price equal to or close to net asset value per Common Share.
Conversion to Open-End Fund
To convert the Fund to an open-end investment company, the Declaration of Trust requires the favorable vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees followed by the favorable vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of each affected class or series of shares of the Fund, voting separately as a class or series, unless such amendment has been approved by at least 80% of the Trustees, in which case “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required. The foregoing vote would satisfy a separate requirement in the 1940 Act that any conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company be approved by the shareholders. If approved in the foregoing manner, conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company could not occur until 90 days after the shareholders’ meeting at which such conversion was approved and would also require at least 30 days’ prior notice to all shareholders.
In the event of conversion, the Common Shares would cease to be listed on the NYSE or other national securities exchange or market system. The Board of Trustees believes, however, that the closed-end structure is desirable, given the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. Investors should assume, therefore, that it is unlikely that the Board of Trustees would vote to convert the Fund to an open-end investment company. Shareholders of an open-end investment company may require the company to redeem their shares at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act) at their net asset value, less such redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of a redemption. The Fund would expect to pay all such redemption requests in cash, but intends to reserve the right to pay redemption requests in a combination of cash or securities. If such partial payment in securities were made, investors may incur brokerage costs in converting such securities to cash. If the Fund were converted to an open-end fund, it is likely that new Common Shares would be sold at net asset value plus a sales load.
The following discussion is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Fund’s Common Shares. A more complete discussion of the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its Common Shareholders can be found in the SAI that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Except as otherwise noted, this discussion assumes you are a taxable U.S. person and that you hold your Common Shares as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, assets held for investments). This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the regulations promulgated thereunder and judicial and administrative authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), possibly with retroactive effect. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal tax concerns affecting the Fund and its Common Shareholders (including Common Shareholders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law). No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax aspects set forth below.
The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice and potential investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the specific U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.
Taxation of the Fund
The Fund has elected and intends to continue to be treated and to qualify annually as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code. Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things, meet certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements.
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(i)
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The Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from the following sources: (a) dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest), payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gain from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or foreign currencies; and (b) interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined in the Code). Generally, a qualified publicly traded partnership includes a partnership the interests of which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof).
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(ii)
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The Fund must diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities and the securities of other RICs) of (I) any one issuer, (II) any two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses or (III) any one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined in the Code).
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(iii)
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The Fund must distribute in each taxable year at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (generally, its ordinary income and the excess of any net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss).
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As long as the Fund qualifies as a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that it distributes its investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains. The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of such income each year. The Fund will be subject to income tax at regular corporate rates on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute to its Common Shareholders.
The Fund will either distribute or retain for reinvestment all or part of its net capital gain (which consists of the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss). If any such gain is retained, the Fund will be subject to a corporate income tax (currently at a maximum rate of 35%) on such retained amount. In that event, the Fund expects to designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a notice to its Common Shareholders, each of whom, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes as long-term capital gain its share of such undistributed amounts, (ii) will be entitled to credit its proportionate share of the tax paid by the Fund against its U.S. federal income tax liability and to claim refunds to the extent that the credit exceeds such liability and (iii) will increase its basis in its Common Shares by an amount equal to 65% of the amount of undistributed capital gain included in such Common Shareholder’s gross income.
The Code imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the Fund to the extent the Fund does not distribute by the end of any calendar year at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gain or loss) for the calendar year and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain in excess of its capital loss (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year. In addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any under-distribution or over-distribution, as the case may be, from the previous year. While the Fund intends to distribute any income and capital gain in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% nondeductible excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund’s taxable income and capital gain will be distributed to entirely avoid the imposition of the excise tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the excise tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.
Certain of the Fund’s investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions,
(ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital gains or “qualified dividend income” into higher taxed short-term capital gains or ordinary income, (iii) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (vii) produce income that will not be “qualified” income for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described above. These U.S. federal income tax provisions could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to Common Shareholders. The Fund intends to structure and monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections and may be required to dispose of securities to mitigate the effect of these provisions and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC (which may adversely affect the net after-tax return to the Fund).
If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to Common Shareholders, and such distributions will be taxable to the Common Shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such dividends, however, would be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of U.S. Common Shareholders taxed as individuals with respect to taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012 and (ii) for the dividends-received deduction in the case of U.S. Common Shareholders taxed as corporations. The Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay taxes and make distributions (which could be subject to interest charges) before requalifying for taxation as a RIC.
Taxation of Common Shareholders
Distributions . Distributions paid to you by the Fund from its net capital gain, which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss, if any, that the Fund properly designates as capital gains dividends (“capital gain dividends”) are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held your Common Shares. All other dividends paid to you by the Fund (including dividends from short-term capital gains) from its current or accumulated earnings and profits (“ordinary income dividends”) are generally subject to tax as ordinary income.
In the case of corporate shareholders, ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund generally will be eligible for the dividends received deduction to the extent that the Fund’s income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations and certain holding period requirements are satisfied. Special rules apply to ordinary income dividends paid to individuals with respect to taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012. If you are an individual, any such ordinary income dividend that you receive from the Fund generally will be eligible for taxation at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains (currently at a maximum rate of 15%) to the extent that (i) the ordinary income dividend is attributable to “qualified dividend income” (i.e., generally dividends paid by U.S. corporations and certain foreign corporations) received by the Fund, (ii) the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other requirements with respect to the stock on which such qualified dividend income was paid and (iii) you satisfy certain holding period and other requirements with respect to your Common Shares. The reduced rates for “qualified dividend income” are not applicable to dividends paid by a foreign corporation that is a PFIC. Qualified dividend income eligible for these special rules are not actually treated as capital gains, however, and thus will not be included in the computation of your net capital gain and generally cannot be used to offset any capital losses. In general, you may include as qualified dividend income only that portion of the dividends that may be and are so designated by the Fund as qualified dividend income. Dividend income from PFICs and, in general, dividend income from REITs is not eligible for the reduced rate for qualified dividend income and is taxed as ordinary income. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund’s distributions will qualify for favorable treatment as qualified dividend income.
Any distributions you receive that are in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your adjusted tax basis in your Common Shares, and thereafter as capital gain from the sale of Common Shares. The amount of any Fund distribution that is treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce your adjusted tax basis in your Common Shares, thereby increasing your potential gain or reducing your potential loss on any subsequent sale or other disposition of your Common Shares.
Dividends and other taxable distributions are taxable to you even if they are reinvested in additional Common Shares of the Fund. Dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund are generally treated as received by you at the time the dividend or distribution is made. If, however, the Fund pays you a dividend in January that was declared in the previous October, November or December and you were the Common Shareholder of record on a specified date in
one of such months, then such dividend will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by you on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.
The Fund will send you information after the end of each year setting forth the amount and tax status of any distributions paid to you by the Fund.
Sale of Common Shares. The sale or other disposition of Common Shares of the Fund will generally result in capital gain or loss to you and will be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held such Common Shares for more than one year. Any loss upon the sale or other disposition of Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain) by you with respect to such Common Shares. Any loss you recognize on a sale or other disposition of Common Shares will be disallowed if you acquire other Common Shares (whether through the automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after your sale or exchange of the Common Shares. In such case, your tax basis in the Common Shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
Current U.S. federal income tax law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gain of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gain is currently taxed at rates applicable to ordinary income (currently at a maximum of 35%) while long-term capital gain generally is taxed at a maximum rate of 15% with respect to taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012 (20% thereafter).
Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal backup withholding tax purposes, a portion of the dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds payable to non-corporate Common Shareholders who fail to provide the Fund (or its agent) with their correct taxpayer identification number (in the case of individuals, generally, their social security number) or to make required certifications, or who are otherwise subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amount withheld may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that you furnish the required information to the IRS.
The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the provisions of the Code and the Treasury regulations in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Fund and its Common Shareholders. These provisions are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. A more complete discussion of the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its Common Shareholders can be found in the Statement of Additional Information that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Common Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income or other taxes.
The Fund may sell up to $100,000,000 in aggregate initial offering price of Common Shares from time to time under this Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement (1) directly to one or more purchases; (2) through agents; (3) through underwriters; (4) through dealers; or (5) pursuant to the Plan. Each Prospectus Supplement relating to an offering of Common Shares will state the terms of the offering, including:
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the names of any agents, underwriters or dealers
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any sales loads or other items constituting underwriters’ compensation;
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any discounts, commissions, or fees allowed or paid to dealers or agents;
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the public offering or purchase price of the offered Common Shares and the net proceeds the Fund will receive from the sale; and
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any securities exchange on which the offered Common Shares may be listed.
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Direct Sales
The Fund may sell Common Shares directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act for any resales of the securities. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. The Fund may use electronic media, including the internet, to sell offered securities directly. The Fund will describe the terms of any of those sales in a Prospectus Supplement.
By Agents
The Fund may offer Common Shares through agents that the Fund may designate. The Fund will name any agent involved in the offer and sale and describe any commissions payable by the Fund in the Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the agents will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of their appointment.
By Underwriters
The Fund may offer and sell Common Shares from time to time to one or more underwriters who would purchase the Common Shares as principal for resale to the public, either on a firm commitment or best efforts basis. If the Fund sells Common Shares to underwriters, the Fund will execute an underwriting agreement with them at the time of the sale and will name them in the Prospectus Supplement. In connection with these sales, the underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from the Fund in the form of underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters also may receive commissions from purchasers of Common Shares for whom they may act as agent. Unless otherwise stated in the Prospectus Supplement, the underwriters will not be obligated to purchase the Common Shares unless the conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement are satisfied, and if the underwriters purchase any of the Common Shares, they will be required to purchase all of the offered Common Shares. The underwriters may sell the offered Common Shares to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters as well as from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
If a Prospectus Supplement so indicates, the Fund may grant the underwriters an option to purchase additional Common Shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, within 45 days from the date of the Prospectus Supplement, to cover any overallotments.
By Dealers
The Fund may offer and sell Common Shares from time to time to one or more dealers who would purchase the securities as principal. The dealers then may resell the offered Common Shares to the public at fixed or varying prices to be determined by those dealers at the time of resale. The Fund will set forth the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction in the Prospectus Supplement.
General Information
Agents, underwriters, or dealers participating in an offering of Common Shares may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commission received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the
offered Common Shares for whom they act as agent, may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securties Act.
The Fund may offer to sell securities either at a fixed price or at prices that may vary, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
To facilitate an offering of Common Shares in an underwritten transaction and in accordance with industry practice, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the market price of the Common Shares or any other security. Those transactions may include overallotment, entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate covering transactions, and reclaiming selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer.
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An overallotment in connection with an offering creates a short position in the common stock for the underwriter’s own account.
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An underwriter may place a stabilizing bid to purchase the Common Shares for the purpose of pegging, fixing, or maintaining the price of the Common Shares.
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Underwriters may engage in syndicate covering transactions to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the Common Shares by bidding for, and purchasing, the Common Shares or any other securities in the open market in order to reduce a short position created in connection with the offering.
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The managing underwriter may impose a penalty bid on a syndicate member to reclaim a selling concession in connection with an offering when the Common Shares originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in syndicate covering transactions or otherwise.
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Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the Common Shares above independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.
Any underwriters to whom the offered Common Shares are sold for offering and sale may make a market in the offered Common Shares, but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making at any time without notice. There can be no assurance that there will be a liquid trading market for the offered Common Shares.
Under agreements entered into with the Fund, underwriters and agents may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution for payments the underwriters or agents may be required to make.
The underwriters, agents, and their affiliates may engage in financial or other business transactions with the Fund in the ordinary course of business.
Pursuant to a requirement of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, the maximum commission or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer may not be greater than eight percent (8%) of the gross proceeds received by the Fund for the sale of any securities being registered pursuant to SEC Rule 415 under the Securities Act.
The aggregate offering price specified on the cover of this Prospectus relates to the offering of the Common Shares not yet issued as of the date of this Prospectus.
To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the underwriters may from time to time act as a broker or dealer and receive fees in connection with the execution of portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund after the underwriters have ceased to be underwriters and, subject to certain restrictions, each may act as a broker while it is an underwriter.
A Prospectus and accompanying Prospectus Supplement in electronic form may be made available on the websites maintained by underwriters. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of Common Shares for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Such allocations of Common Shares for internet distributions will be made on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, Common Shares may be sold by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell Common Shares to online brokerage account holders.
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan
The Fund may issue and sell Common Shares pursuant to the Plan.
AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon serves as the custodian of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a custody agreement. Under the custody agreement, the custodian holds the Fund’s assets in compliance with the 1940 Act. For its services, the custodian will receive a monthly fee based upon, among other things, the average value of the total assets of the Fund, plus certain charges for securities transactions. The Bank of New York Mellon serves as the Fund’s dividend disbursing agent, Plan Agent under the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan, transfer agent and registrar for the Common Shares of the Fund. The Bank of New York Mellon is located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286.
Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC serves as administrator to the Fund. Pursuant to an administration agreement, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC is responsible for: (1) coordinating with the custodian and transfer agent and monitoring the services they provide to the Fund, (2) coordinating with and monitoring any other third parties furnishing services to the Fund, (3) supervising the maintenance by third parties of such books and records of the Funds as may be required by applicable federal or state law, (4) preparing or supervising the preparation by third parties of all federal, state and local tax returns and reports of the Fund required by applicable law, (5) preparing and, after approval by the Fund, filing and arranging for the distribution of proxy materials and periodic reports to shareholders of the Fund as required by applicable law, (6) preparing and, after approval by the Fund, arranging for the filing of such registration statements and other documents with the SEC and other federal and state regulatory authorities as may be required by applicable law, (7) reviewing and submitting to the officers of the Fund for their approval invoices or other requests for payment of the Fund’s expenses and instructing the custodian to issue checks in payment thereof and (8) taking such other action with respect to the Fund as may be necessary in the opinion of the administrator to perform its duties under the Administration Agreement. For the services, the Fund pays Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC a fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, at the annualized rate of .0275% of the average daily Managed Assets of the Fund, reduced on assets over $200 million.
Certain legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York (“Skadden”), as special counsel to the Fund in connection with the offering of the Common Shares. If certain legal matters in connection with an offering of Common Shares are passed upon by counsel for the underwriters of such offering, that counsel will be named in the Prospectus Supplement related to that offering.
Ernst & Young LLP, 155 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, is the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund and is expected to render an opinion annually on the financial statements of the Fund.
This Prospectus constitutes part of a Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the SEC under the Securities Act, and the 1940 Act. This Prospectus omits certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement, and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits for further information with respect to the Fund and the Common Shares offered hereby. Any statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations or free of charge through the SEC web site (http://www.sec.gov).
The Fund is committed to maintaining the privacy of its shareholders and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information the Fund collects, how the Fund protects that information and why, in certain cases, the Fund may share information with select other parties.
Generally, the Fund does not receive any non-public personal information relating to its shareholders, although certain non-public personal information of its shareholders may become available to the Fund. The Fund does not disclose any non-public personal information about its shareholders or former shareholders to anyone, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service shareholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third party administrator).
The Fund restricts access to non-public personal information about its shareholders to employees of the Fund’s Investment Adviser and its delegates and affiliates with a legitimate business need for the information. The Fund maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to protect the non-public personal information of its shareholders.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Page
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The Fund
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B-2
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Investment Objective and Policies
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B-2
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Investment Restrictions
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B-14
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Management of the Fund
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B-16
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Portfolio Transactions
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B-27
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U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
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B-28
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General Information
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B-35
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Financial Statements and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
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B-36
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Appendix A: Description of Securities Ratings of Investments
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A-1
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Appendix B: Proxy Voting Procedures
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BB-1
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$100,000,000
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund
Common Shares
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PROSPECTUS
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, 2011