nvcsr
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-21529
The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422
 
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Bruce N. Alpert
Gabelli Funds, LLC
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422
 
(Name and address of agent for service)
registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 1-800-422-3554
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: December 31, 2009
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
 
 

 


 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.
(PHOTO OF MARIO J. GABELLI)
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA
The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust
Annual Report — December 31, 2009
To Our Shareholders,
     The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires a fund’s principal executive and financial officers to certify the entire contents of the semi-annual and annual shareholder reports in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Form N-CSR. This certification would cover the portfolio manager’s commentary and subjective opinions if they are attached to or a part of the financial statements. Many of these comments and opinions would be difficult or impossible to certify.
     Because we do not want our portfolio managers to eliminate their opinions and/or restrict their commentary to historical facts, we have separated their commentary from the financial statements and investment portfolio and have sent it to you separately. Both the commentary and the financial statements, including the portfolio of investments, will be available on our website at www.gabelli.com.
     Enclosed are the audited financial statements including the investment portfolio as of December 31, 2009.
Investment Performance
     For the year ended December 31, 2009, The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust’s (the “Fund”) net asset value (“NAV”) total return was 14.9% and the total return for the Fund’s publicly traded shares was 31.3%, compared with gains of 11.9% and 16.4% for the S&P 500 Utilities Index and the Lipper Utility Fund Average, respectively. On December 31, 2009, the Fund’s NAV per share was $19.87, while the price of the publicly traded shares closed at $19.42 on the NYSE Amex.
Sincerely yours,
-s- Bruce N. Alpert
Bruce N. Alpert
President
February 19, 2010
Comparative Results
Average Annual Returns through December 31, 2009 (a) (Unaudited)
                                         
                                    Since
                                    Inception
    Quarter   1 Year   3 Year   5 Year   (05/28/04)
Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust
                                       
NAV Total Return (b)
    5.39 %     14.92 %     (0.88 )%     5.15 %     7.01 %
Investment Total Return (c)
    10.82       31.31       2.44       6.88       6.36  
S&P 500 Index
    6.04       26.47       (5.62 )     0.42       1.98  
S&P 500 Utilities Index
    7.26       11.91       (1.74 )     6.05       9.14  
Lipper Utility Fund Average
    5.76       16.43       (2.80 )     5.43       8.54  
 
(a)   Returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Investment returns and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate. When shares are sold, they may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data presented. Visit www.gabelli.com for performance information as of the most recent month end. Performance returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged indicator of stock market performance. The S&P 500 Utilities Index is an unmanaged indicator of electric and gas utility stock performance. The Lipper Utility Fund Average reflects the average performance of open-end mutual funds classified in this particular category. Dividends are considered reinvested. You cannot invest directly in an index.
 
(b)   Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in NAV per share and reinvestment of distributions at NAV on the ex-dividend date and are net of expenses. Since inception return is based on an initial NAV of $19.06.
 
(c)   Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in closing market values on the NYSE Amex and reinvestment of distributions. Since inception return is based on an initial offering price of $20.00.


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)
The following table presents portfolio holdings as a percent of total investments as of December 31, 2009:
         
Energy and Utilities: Integrated
    45.4 %
Telecommunications
    13.4 %
Cable and Satellite
    6.0 %
Energy and Utilities:
       
Electric Transmission and Distribution
    5.7 %
Energy and Utilities: Natural Gas Integrated
    5.1 %
U.S. Government Obligations
    5.1 %
Energy and Utilities: Natural Gas Utilities
    4.2 %
Energy and Utilities: Oil
    3.5 %
Energy and Utilities: Water
    3.1 %
Wireless Communications
    2.6 %
Aerospace
    1.2 %
Diversified Industrial
    0.8 %
Environmental Services
    0.7 %
Real Estate
    0.5 %
Entertainment
    0.5 %
Independent Power Producers and Energy Traders
    0.5 %
Energy and Utilities: Services
    0.4 %
Energy and Utilities: Alternative Energy
    0.4 %
Metals and Mining
    0.4 %
Transportation
    0.3 %
Business Services
    0.1 %
Building and Construction
    0.1 %
 
       
 
    100.0 %
 
       
     The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, the last of which was filed for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. Shareholders may obtain this information at www.gabelli.com or by calling the Fund at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554). The Fund’s Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
Proxy Voting
     The Fund files Form N-PX with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30th, no later than August 31st of each year. A description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies, procedures, and how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554); (ii) writing to The Gabelli Funds at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; and (iii) visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

2


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2009
                         
                    Market  
Shares         Cost     Value  
       
COMMON STOCKS — 94.3%
               
       
ENERGY AND UTILITIES — 69.8%
               
       
Energy and Utilities: Alternative Energy — 0.4%
               
       
U.S. Companies
               
  7,000    
Ormat Technologies Inc.
  $ 246,346     $ 264,880  
       
 
           
       
Energy and Utilities:
               
       
Electric Transmission and Distribution — 5.7%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  8,775    
National Grid plc, ADR
    401,681       477,185  
  3,500    
Red Electrica Corporacion SA
    168,047       194,776  
       
U.S. Companies
               
  4,000    
CH Energy Group Inc.
    178,779       170,080  
  2,000    
Consolidated Edison Inc.
    86,603       90,860  
  5,000    
Northeast Utilities
    90,818       128,950  
  46,000    
NSTAR
    1,092,818       1,692,800  
  38,000    
Pepco Holdings Inc.
    720,883       640,300  
  1,666    
UIL Holdings Corp.
    53,364       46,781  
       
 
           
       
 
    2,792,993       3,441,732  
       
 
           
       
Energy and Utilities: Integrated — 45.4%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  150,000    
A2A SpA
    276,010       315,237  
  600    
Areva SA
    247,698       300,185  
  9,000    
Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc.
    190,737       214,527  
  152,000    
Datang International Power Generation Co. Ltd., Cl. H
    59,610       65,674  
  2,700    
E.ON AG
    177,041       113,137  
  9,000    
E.ON AG, ADR
    209,576       375,750  
  9,760    
EDP — Energias de Portugal SA, ADR
    262,599       433,832  
  10,000    
Electric Power Development Co. Ltd.
    252,321       283,459  
  1,500    
Emera Inc.
    34,301       35,956  
  10,000    
Endesa SA
    256,647       343,263  
  68,400    
Enel SpA
    434,924       396,876  
  29,000    
Enersis SA, ADR
    172,658       662,940  
  140,000    
Hera SpA
    297,864       324,928  
  10,000    
Hokkaido Electric Power Co. Inc.
    171,210       181,350  
  10,000    
Hokuriku Electric Power Co.
    165,392       217,426  
  14,000    
Huaneng Power International Inc., ADR
    421,063       313,600  
  75,000    
Iberdrola SA
    381,224       717,132  
  12,000    
Iberdrola SA, ADR
    585,151       454,200  
  3,000    
International Power plc
    25,732       14,978  
  28,000    
Korea Electric Power Corp., ADR†
    324,467       407,120  
  10,000    
Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc.
    178,959       205,508  
  4,500    
Oesterreichische Elektrizitaetswirtschafts AG, Cl. A
    209,779       191,658  
  10,000    
Shikoku Electric Power Co. Inc.
    171,759       257,690  
  10,000    
The Chugoku Electric Power Co. Inc.
    170,328       190,584  
  16,000    
The Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc.
    284,747       360,767  
  10,000    
The Tokyo Electric Power Co. Inc.
    220,693       250,711  
  10,000    
Tohoku Electric Power Co. Inc.
    164,025       197,563  
       
U.S. Companies
               
  2,000    
Allegheny Energy Inc.
    47,829       46,960  
  2,000    
ALLETE Inc.
    71,269       65,360  
  20,000    
Ameren Corp.
    872,504       559,000  
  30,000    
American Electric Power Co. Inc.
    943,467       1,043,700  
  1,500    
Avista Corp.
    27,915       32,385  
  9,000    
Black Hills Corp.
    256,232       239,670  
  500    
Cleco Corp.
    9,790       13,665  
  500    
CMS Energy Corp.
    4,875       7,830  
  11,000    
Dominion Resources Inc.
    452,826       428,120  
  50,000    
DPL Inc.
    1,356,035       1,380,000  
  38,000    
Duke Energy Corp.
    535,087       653,980  
  4,000    
El Paso Electric Co.†
    77,953       81,120  
  14,000    
FPL Group Inc.
    654,896       739,480  
  58,000    
Great Plains Energy Inc.
    1,467,679       1,124,620  
  22,000    
Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.
    541,164       459,800  
  29,500    
Integrys Energy Group Inc.
    1,408,474       1,238,705  
  6,800    
Maine & Maritimes Corp.
    201,925       236,640  
  15,000    
MGE Energy Inc.
    487,338       536,100  
  45,000    
NiSource Inc.
    908,189       692,100  
  13,000    
NorthWestern Corp.
    390,834       338,260  
  19,500    
OGE Energy Corp.
    481,891       719,355  
  10,000    
Otter Tail Corp.
    271,063       248,000  
  1,000    
PG&E Corp.
    33,930       44,650  
  16,000    
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.
    650,094       585,280  
  4,200    
PPL Corp.
    117,280       135,702  
  31,000    
Progress Energy Inc.
    1,324,875       1,271,310  
  32,000    
Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.
    1,065,920       1,064,000  
  18,000    
SCANA Corp.
    646,320       678,240  
  1,000    
TECO Energy Inc.
    15,970       16,220  
  30,000    
The AES Corp.†
    272,995       399,300  
  2,000    
The Empire District Electric Co.
    41,522       37,460  
  45,000    
The Southern Co.
    1,322,848       1,499,400  
  15,000    
UniSource Energy Corp.
    369,330       482,850  
  17,000    
Vectren Corp.
    408,701       419,560  
  41,000    
Westar Energy Inc.
    860,569       890,520  
  5,000    
Wisconsin Energy Corp.
    171,276       249,150  
  45,000    
Xcel Energy Inc.
    761,339       954,900  
       
 
           
       
 
    25,878,719       27,439,443  
       
 
           
       
Energy and Utilities: Natural Gas Integrated — 5.1%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  80,000    
Snam Rete Gas SpA
    288,733       397,953  
       
U.S. Companies
               
  50,000    
El Paso Corp.
    428,725       491,500  
  1,000    
Energen Corp.
    30,935       46,800  
  18,000    
National Fuel Gas Co.
    488,706       900,000  
  2,000    
ONEOK Inc.
    51,437       89,140  
  24,000    
Southern Union Co.
    486,282       544,800  
  30,000    
Spectra Energy Corp.
    634,201       615,300  
       
 
           
       
 
    2,409,019       3,085,493  
       
 
           
       
Energy and Utilities: Natural Gas Utilities — 4.2%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  1,500    
Enagas
    37,053       33,169  
  1,890    
GDF Suez
    62,915       82,054  
  11,454    
GDF Suez, ADR
    362,710       490,231  
  6,867    
GDF Suez, Strips
    0       10  
       
U.S. Companies
               
  14,000    
Atmos Energy Corp.
    344,856       411,600  
  4,050    
Chesapeake Utilities Corp.
    117,706       129,803  
  20,000    
Nicor Inc.
    667,385       842,000  
  5,000    
Piedmont Natural Gas Co. Inc.
    116,790       133,750  
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

3


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 2009
                         
                  Market  
Shares         Cost     Value  
       
COMMON STOCKS (Continued)
               
       
ENERGY AND UTILITIES (Continued)
               
       
Energy and Utilities: Natural Gas Utilities (Continued)
               
       
U.S. Companies (Continued)
               
  10,000    
Southwest Gas Corp.
  $ 250,760     $ 285,300  
  5,000    
The Laclede Group Inc.
    159,165       168,850  
       
 
           
       
 
    2,119,340       2,576,767  
       
 
           
       
Energy and Utilities: Oil — 3.5%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  1,000    
Niko Resources Ltd.
    48,277       94,086  
  3,500    
PetroChina Co. Ltd., ADR
    293,848       416,360  
  12,000    
Petroleo Brasileiro SA, ADR
    375,995       572,160  
  9,000    
Royal Dutch Shell plc, Cl. A, ADR
    460,931       540,990  
       
U.S. Companies
               
  2,000    
Chevron Corp.
    120,100       153,980  
  2,000    
ConocoPhillips
    74,050       102,140  
  2,000    
Devon Energy Corp.
    67,255       147,000  
  1,000    
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    45,500       68,190  
       
 
           
       
 
    1,485,956       2,094,906  
       
 
           
       
Energy and Utilities: Services — 0.4%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  10,000    
ABB Ltd., ADR
    123,092       191,000  
       
U.S. Companies
               
  2,500    
Halliburton Co.
    60,195       75,225  
       
 
           
       
 
    183,287       266,225  
       
 
           
       
Energy and Utilities: Water — 3.1%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  1,500    
Consolidated Water Co. Ltd.
    25,565       21,435  
  49,000    
Severn Trent plc
    860,939       859,510  
  37,090    
United Utilities Group plc
    366,828       296,962  
       
U.S. Companies
               
  8,666    
Aqua America Inc.
    129,735       151,742  
  2,700    
California Water Service Group
    76,295       99,414  
  4,000    
Middlesex Water Co.
    75,033       70,520  
  17,000    
SJW Corp.
    277,304       383,690  
       
 
           
       
 
    1,811,699       1,883,273  
       
 
           
       
Diversified Industrial — 0.8%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  9,000    
Bouygues SA
    300,585       469,953  
       
 
           
       
Environmental Services — 0.7%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  500    
Suez Environnement Co. SA
    0       11,558  
  12,000    
Veolia Environnement
    367,020       397,810  
       
 
           
       
 
    367,020       409,368  
       
 
           
       
Independent Power Producers and Energy Traders — 0.5%
               
       
U.S. Companies
               
  12,000    
NRG Energy Inc.†
    289,986       283,320  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL ENERGY AND UTILITIES
    37,884,950       42,215,360  
       
 
           
       
COMMUNICATIONS — 21.8%
               
       
Cable and Satellite — 6.0%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  10,000    
Cogeco Inc.
    195,069       274,227  
  2,500    
Rogers Communications Inc., Cl. B
    25,532       77,500  
  5,400    
Zon Multimedia Servicos de Telecomunicacoes e Multimedia SGPS SA
    53,052       33,581  
       
U.S. Companies
               
  25,000    
Cablevision Systems Corp., Cl. A
    580,792       645,500  
  50,000    
DIRECTV, Cl. A†
    1,142,530       1,667,500  
  30,000    
DISH Network Corp., Cl. A
    576,046       623,100  
  6,000    
EchoStar Corp., Cl. A†
    150,819       120,840  
  4,580    
Liberty Global Inc., Cl. A†
    86,290       100,348  
  4,000    
Liberty Global Inc., Cl. C†
    72,761       87,400  
       
 
           
       
 
    2,882,891       3,629,996  
       
 
           
       
Telecommunications — 13.3%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  26,000    
BCE Inc.
    534,078       717,860  
  4,000    
Belgacom SA
    127,825       145,190  
  2,102    
Bell Aliant Regional Communications Income Fund (a)(b)
    51,669       56,202  
  26,000    
BT Group plc, ADR
    865,808       565,240  
  38,000    
Deutsche Telekom AG, ADR
    632,643       558,600  
  6,000    
France Telecom SA, ADR
    149,213       151,440  
  8,000    
Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.
    249,141       256,251  
  5,000    
Orascom Telecom Holding SAE, GDR
    132,458       114,950  
  25,000    
Portugal Telecom SGPS SA
    299,870       305,346  
  15,000    
Royal KPN NV, ADR
    114,993       255,750  
  1,500    
Swisscom AG
    478,884       573,638  
  10,000    
Telecom Italia SpA
    32,599       15,597  
  17,000    
Telefonica SA, ADR
    744,598       1,419,840  
  14,000    
Telefonos de Mexico SAB de CV, Cl. L, ADR
    126,939       232,120  
  13,000    
Telekom Austria AG
    196,030       185,429  
  13,000    
Telmex Internacional SAB de CV, ADR
    82,025       230,750  
       
U.S. Companies
               
  31,000    
AT&T Inc.
    897,648       868,930  
  70,000    
Sprint Nextel Corp.†
    239,721       256,200  
  10,000    
Telephone & Data Systems Inc.
    342,725       339,200  
  25,000    
Verizon Communications Inc.
    908,836       828,250  
       
 
           
       
 
    7,207,703       8,076,783  
       
 
           
       
Wireless Communications — 2.5%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies — 2.5%
               
  2,000    
America Movil SAB de CV, Cl. L, ADR
    95,286       93,960  
  12,000    
Millicom International Cellular SA
    767,764       885,240  
  1,600    
Mobile TeleSystems OJSC, ADR
    54,874       78,224  
  6,000    
Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A/S, ADR
    91,501       104,940  
  12,000    
Vimpel-Communications, ADR
    78,900       223,080  
  5,000    
Vodafone Group plc, ADR
    138,000       115,450  
       
 
           
       
 
    1,226,325       1,500,894  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL COMMUNICATIONS
    11,316,919       13,207,673  
       
 
           
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

4


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 2009
                         
                    Market  
Shares         Cost     Value  
       
COMMON STOCKS (Continued)
               
       
OTHER — 2.7%
               
       
Aerospace — 1.2%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies — 1.2%
               
  90,000    
Rolls-Royce Group plc†
  $ 628,651     $ 702,852  
  5,400,000    
Rolls-Royce Group plc, Cl. C†
    8,822       8,722  
       
 
           
       
 
    637,473       711,574  
       
 
           
       
Building and Construction — 0.1%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  400    
Acciona SA
    42,173       52,239  
       
 
           
       
Business Services — 0.1%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  4,000    
Sistema JSFC, GDR† (b)
    100,137       84,000  
       
 
           
       
Entertainment — 0.5%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  11,000    
Vivendi
    335,067       327,917  
       
 
           
       
Metals and Mining — 0.4%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  6,400    
Compania de Minas Buenaventura SA, ADR
    66,939       214,208  
       
 
           
       
Real Estate — 0.2%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  6,000    
Brookfield Asset Management Inc., Cl. A
    149,494       133,080  
       
 
           
       
Transportation — 0.2%
               
       
U.S. Companies
               
  3,500    
GATX Corp.
    91,876       100,625  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL OTHER
    1,423,159       1,623,643  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
    50,625,028       57,046,676  
       
 
           
       
 
               
       
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS — 0.2%
               
       
COMMUNICATIONS — 0.1%
               
       
Telecommunications — 0.1%
               
       
U.S. Companies
               
  2,000    
Cincinnati Bell Inc.,
6.750% Cv. Pfd., Ser. B
    64,126       74,000  
       
 
           
       
 
               
       
OTHER — 0.1%
               
       
Transportation — 0.1%
               
       
U.S. Companies
               
  200    
GATX Corp., $2.50 Cv. Pfd., Ser. A (a)
    26,010       28,750  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS
    90,136       102,750  
       
 
           
       
 
               
       
WARRANTS — 0.1%
               
       
COMMUNICATIONS — 0.1%
               
       
Wireless Communications — 0.1%
               
       
Non U.S. Companies
               
  4,000    
Bharti Airtel Ltd., expire 09/19/13† (b)
    26,369       28,350  
  2,000    
Bharti Airtel Ltd., expire 09/29/14 (b)
    14,981       18,271  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL WARRANTS
    41,350       46,621  
       
 
           
                         
Principal                 Market  
Amount         Cost     Value  
       
CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS — 0.3%
               
       
OTHER — 0.3%
               
       
Real Estate — 0.3%
               
       
U.S. Companies
               
$ 350,000    
Palm Harbor Homes Inc., Cv.,
3.250%, 05/15/24
  $ 327,159     $ 197,750  
       
 
           
       
 
               
       
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 5.1%
               
       
U.S. Treasury Bills — 4.1%
               
  2,491,000    
U.S. Treasury Bills,
0.101% to 0.157%††,
03/11/10 to 05/27/10
    2,489,947       2,490,082  
       
 
           
       
U.S. Treasury Cash Management Bills — 1.0%
               
  595,000    
U.S. Treasury Cash Management Bill,
0.152%††, 06/10/10
    594,600       594,554  
       
 
           
       
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS
    3,084,547       3,084,636  
       
 
           
       
 
               
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0%   $ 54,168,220       60,478,433  
       
 
             
       
 
               
Other Assets and Liabilities (Net)             215,361  
       
 
             
       
 
               
NET ASSETS — COMMON SHARES
(3,054,246 common shares outstanding)
          $ 60,693,794  
       
 
             
       
 
               
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE
($60,693,794 ÷ 3,054,246 shares outstanding)
          $ 19.87  
       
 
             
 
(a)   Security fair valued under procedures established by the Board of Trustees. The procedures may include reviewing available financial information about the company and reviewing the valuation of comparable securities and other factors on a regular basis. At December 31, 2009, the market value of fair valued securities amounted to $84,952 or 0.14% of total investments.
 
(b)   Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At December 31, 2009, the market value of Rule 144A securities amounted to $186,823 or 0.31% of total investments.
 
  Non-income producing security.
 
††   Represents annualized yield at date of purchase.
 
ADR   American Depositary Receipt
 
GDR   Global Depositary Receipt
                 
    % of        
    Market     Market  
Geographic Diversification   Value     Value  
North America
    65.3 %   $ 39,510,297  
Europe
    25.2       15,216,652  
Japan
    3.9       2,359,585  
Latin America
    3.3       2,027,573  
Asia/Pacific
    2.1       1,249,376  
Africa/Middle East
    0.2       114,950  
 
           
Total Investments
    100.0 %   $ 60,478,433  
 
           
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

5


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
December 31, 2009
         
Assets:
       
Investments, at value (cost $54,168,220)
  $ 60,478,433  
Foreign currency, at value (cost $12,579)
    12,609  
Cash
    50,717  
Receivable for investments sold
    4,877  
Dividends and interest receivable
    197,226  
Deferred offering expense
    109,678  
Prepaid expense
    2,662  
 
     
Total Assets
    60,856,202  
 
     
Liabilities:
       
Payable for investment advisory fees
    46,622  
Payable for payroll expenses
    15,261  
Payable for accounting fees
    11,250  
Payable for legal and audit fees
    42,971  
Payable for shareholder communications expenses
    29,574  
Unrealized depreciation on swap contracts
    8,370  
Other accrued expenses
    8,360  
 
     
Total Liabilities
    162,408  
 
     
Net Assets applicable to 3,054,246 shares outstanding
  $ 60,693,794  
 
     
Net Assets Consist of:
       
Paid-in capital
  $ 54,835,256  
Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income
    (8,546 )
Accumulated net realized loss on investments, swap contracts, and foreign currency transactions
    (436,261 )
Net unrealized appreciation on investments
    6,310,213  
Net unrealized depreciation on swap contracts
    (8,370 )
Net unrealized appreciation on foreign currency translations
    1,502  
 
     
Net Assets
  $ 60,693,794  
 
     
Net Asset Value per Common Share:
       
($60,693,794 ÷ 3,054,246 shares outstanding, at $0.001 par value; unlimited number of shares authorized)
  $ 19.87  
 
     
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2009
         
Investment Income:
       
Dividends (net of foreign taxes of $99,990)
  $ 2,317,032  
Interest
    23,455  
 
     
Total Investment Income
    2,340,487  
 
     
Expenses:
       
Investment advisory fees
    513,407  
Shareholder communications expenses
    65,567  
Payroll expenses
    62,052  
Legal and audit fees
    60,385  
Trustees’ fees
    58,824  
Accounting fees
    37,500  
Custodian fees
    32,888  
Shareholder services fees
    12,729  
Interest expense
    146  
Miscellaneous expenses
    28,772  
 
     
Total Expenses
    872,270  
 
     
Net Investment Income
    1,468,217  
 
     
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments, Swap Contracts, and Foreign Currency:
       
Net realized gain on investments
    6,621  
Net realized gain on swap contracts
    192,046  
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions
    2,270  
 
     
Net realized gain on investments, swap contracts, and foreign currency transactions
    200,937  
 
     
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation:
       
on investments
    6,214,918  
on swap contracts
    (29,958 )
on foreign currency translations
    1,595  
 
     
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, swap contracts, and foreign currency translations
    6,186,555  
 
     
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments, Swap Contracts, and Foreign Currency
    6,387,492  
 
     
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
  $ 7,855,709  
 
     
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

6


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
                 
    Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  
Operations:
               
Net investment income
  $ 1,468,217     $ 1,433,176  
Net realized gain on investments, swap contracts, and foreign currency transactions
    200,937       720,643  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, swap contracts, and foreign currency translations
    6,186,555       (19,852,318 )
 
           
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
    7,855,709       (17,698,499 )
 
           
 
               
Distributions to Common Shareholders:
               
Net investment income
    (1,596,871 )     (1,677,946 )
Net realized short-term gain
          (240,202 )
Net realized long-term gain
          (1,222,057 )
Return of capital
    (2,063,796 )     (520,078 )
 
           
Total Distributions to Common Shareholders
    (3,660,667 )     (3,660,283 )
 
           
 
               
Fund Share Transactions:
               
Net increase in net assets from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions
    77,210        
Contribution from Adviser
          1,974  
 
           
Net Increase in Net Assets from Fund Share Transactions
    77,210       1,974  
 
           
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets
    4,272,252       (21,356,808 )
 
               
Net Assets:
               
Beginning of period
    56,421,542       77,778,350  
 
           
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $0 and $0, respectively)
  $ 60,693,794     $ 56,421,542  
 
           
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

7


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected data for a common share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period:
                                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
Operating Performance:
                                       
Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 18.50     $ 25.50     $ 24.52     $ 20.45     $ 21.03  
 
                             
Net investment income
    0.48       0.47       0.45       0.64       0.64  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, swap contracts, and foreign currency transactions
    2.09       (6.27 )     2.06       4.63       0.23  
 
                             
Total from investment operations
    2.57       (5.80 )     2.51       5.27       0.87  
 
                             
 
                                       
Distributions to Common Shareholders:
                                       
Net investment income
    (0.52 )     (0.55 )     (0.30 )     (0.65 )     (0.63 )
Net realized gain
          (0.48 )     (1.23 )     (0.55 )     (0.82 )
Return of capital
    (0.68 )     (0.17 )                  
 
                             
Total distributions to common shareholders
    (1.20 )     (1.20 )     (1.53 )     (1.20 )     (1.45 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Capital Share Transactions:
                                       
Contribution from Adviser
          0.00 *                  
 
                             
Total capital share transactions
          0.00 *                  
 
                             
Net Asset Value, End of Period
  $ 19.87     $ 18.50     $ 25.50     $ 24.52     $ 20.45  
 
                             
NAV total return †
    14.92 %     (23.30 )%     10.46 %     26.66 %     4.2 %
 
                             
Market value, end of period
  $ 19.42     $ 15.90     $ 23.05     $ 22.17     $ 17.76  
 
                             
Total investment return ††
    31.31 %     (26.43 )%     11.29 %     32.83 %     (2.3 )%
 
                             
 
                                       
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:
                                       
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)
  $ 60,694     $ 56,422     $ 77,778     $ 74,807     $ 62,381  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
    2.70 %     2.15 %     1.82 %     2.92 %     2.99 %
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets
    1.61 %     1.54 %     1.55 %     1.66 %     1.56 %
Portfolio turnover rate †††
    9.5 %     24.3 %     16.7 %     21.8 %     21.0 %
 
  Based on net asset value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at the net asset value per share on the ex-dividend dates.
 
††   Based on market value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at prices determined under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan.
 
†††   Effective in 2008, a change in accounting policy was adopted with regard to the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate to include cash proceeds due to mergers. Had this policy been adopted retroactively, the portfolio turnover rate for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, would have been 35.0%, 22.2%, and 37.8%, respectively.
 
*   Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.

8


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization. The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust (the “Fund”) is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 8, 2004 and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Investment operations commenced on May 28, 2004.
     The Fund’s investment objective is to seek a consistent level of after-tax total return over the long term with an emphasis currently on qualified dividends. The Fund will attempt to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in equity securities (including preferred securities) of domestic and foreign companies involved to a substantial extent in providing products, services, or equipment for the generation or distribution of electricity, gas, or water and infrastructure operations, and in equity securities (including preferred securities) of companies in other industries, in each case in such securities that are expected to periodically pay dividends.
2. Significant Accounting Policies. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) has become the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The ASC has superseded all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. The Fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
     Security Valuation. Portfolio securities listed or traded on a nationally recognized securities exchange or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter market for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a market’s official closing price as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. If there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the average of the closing bid and asked prices or, if there were no asked prices quoted on that day, then the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the security is valued at the most recently available price or, if the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) so determines, by such other method as the Board shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value. Portfolio securities traded on more than one national securities exchange or market are valued according to the broadest and most representative market, as determined by Gabelli Funds, LLC (the “Adviser”).
     Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board if market conditions change significantly after the close of the foreign market but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. Debt instruments with remaining maturities of sixty days or less that are not credit impaired are valued at amortized cost, unless the Board determines such amount does not reflect the securities’ fair value, in which case these securities will be fair valued as determined by the Board. Debt instruments having a maturity greater than sixty days for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the security is valued using the closing bid price. Futures contracts are valued at the closing settlement price of the exchange or board of trade on which the applicable contract is traded.
     Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined by the Board. Fair valuation methodologies and procedures may include, but are not limited to: analysis and review of available financial and non-financial information about the company; comparisons with the valuation and changes in valuation of similar securities, including a comparison of foreign securities with the equivalent U.S. dollar value ADR securities at the close of the U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that could be indicative of the value of the security.
     The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:
    Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;
 
    Level 2 — other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.); and
 
    Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s determinations as to the fair value of investments).

9


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
     The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The summary of the Fund’s investments and other financial instruments by inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2009 is as follows:
                         
    Valuation Inputs    
    Level 1   Level 2   Total
    Quoted   Other Significant   Market Value
    Prices   Observable Inputs   at 12/31/09
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:
                       
ASSETS (Market Value):
                       
Common Stocks:
                       
OTHER
                       
Aerospace
                       
Non U.S. Companies
  $ 702,852     $ 8,722     $ 711,574  
COMMUNICATIONS
                       
Telecommunications
                       
Non U.S. Companies
    5,728,001       56,202       5,784,203  
Other Industries (a)
    50,550,899             50,550,899  
 
Total Common Stocks
    56,981,752       64,924       57,046,676  
 
Convertible Preferred Stocks:
                       
COMMUNICATIONS
                       
Telecommunications
                       
U.S. Companies
    74,000             74,000  
OTHER
                       
Transportation
                       
U.S. Companies
          28,750       28,750  
 
Total Convertible Preferred Stocks
    74,000       28,750       102,750  
 
Warrants (a)
          46,621       46,621  
Convertible Corporate Bonds
          197,750       197,750  
U.S. Government Obligations
          3,084,636       3,084,636  
 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
  $ 57,055,752     $ 3,422,681     $ 60,478,433  
 
OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
                       
LIABILITIES (Unrealized Depreciation):*
                       
Contract for Difference Swap Agreements
  $     $ (8,370 )   $ (8,370 )
 
 
(a)   Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.
 
*   Other financial instruments are derivatives, such as futures, forwards, and swaps which are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation of the instrument.
     There were no Level 3 investments held at December 31, 2008 or December 31, 2009.
Derivative Financial Instruments.
The Fund may engage in various portfolio investment strategies by investing in a number of derivative financial instruments for the purpose of increasing the income of the Fund, hedging against changes in the value of its portfolio securities and in the value of securities it intends to purchase, or hedging against a specific transaction with respect to either the currency in which the transaction is denominated or another currency. Investing in certain derivative financial instruments, including participation in the options, futures, or swap markets, entails certain execution, liquidity, hedging, tax, and securities, interest, credit, or currency market risks. Losses may arise if the Adviser’s prediction of movements in the direction of the securities, foreign currency, and interest rate markets is inaccurate. Losses may also arise if the counterparty does not perform its duties under a contract, or that, in the event of default, the Fund may be delayed in or prevented from obtaining payments or other contractual remedies owed to it under derivative contracts. The creditworthiness of the counterparties is closely monitored in order to minimize these risks. Participation in derivative transactions involves investment risks, transaction costs, and potential losses to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. The consequences of these risks, transaction costs, and losses may have a negative impact on the Fund’s ability to pay distributions.
Swap Agreements. The Fund may enter into equity and contract for difference swap transactions for the purpose of increasing the income of the Fund. The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. In a swap, a set of future cash flows is exchanged between two counterparties. One of these cash flow streams will typically be based on a reference interest rate combined with the performance of a notional value of shares of a stock. The other will be based on the performance of the shares of a stock. Depending on the general state of short-term interest rates and the returns on the Fund’s portfolio securities at the time a swap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction.
Unrealized gains related to swaps are reported as an asset and unrealized losses are reported as a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The change in value of swaps, including the accrual of periodic amounts of interest to be paid or received on swaps, is reported as unrealized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations. A realized gain or loss is recorded upon payment or receipt of a periodic payment or termination of swap agreements.

10


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Fund has entered into equity contract for difference swap agreements with The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Details of the swaps at December 31, 2009 are as follows:
                                         
Notional   Equity Security   Interest Rate/   Termination   Net Unrealized
Amount   Received   Equity Security Paid   Date   Depreciation
 
          Market Value
Appreciation on:
  One Month LIBOR plus
90 bps plus Market Value
Depreciation on:
               
$398,597
  (50,000 Shares)   Rolls-Royce Group plc   Rolls-Royce Group plc     6/25/10     $ (8,337 )
4,877
  (3,000,000 Shares)   Rolls-Royce Group plc, Cl. C   Rolls-Royce Group plc, Cl. C     6/25/10       (33 )
 
                                     
 
                                  $ (8,370 )
 
                                     
The Fund increased the volume of activity in equity contract for difference swap agreements during the year ended December 31, 2009 with an average notional amount of approximately $300,593.
As of December 31, 2009, the value of equity contract for difference swap agreements that were held with equity risk exposure can be found in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities under Liabilities, Unrealized depreciation on swap contracts.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, the effect of equity contract for difference swap agreements with equity risk exposure can be found in the Statement of Operations under Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments, Swap Contracts, and Foreign Currency, Net realized gain on swap contracts and Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on swap contracts.
Futures Contracts. The Fund may engage in futures contracts for the purpose of hedging against changes in the value of its portfolio securities and in the value of securities it intends to purchase. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or cash equivalents equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This is known as the “initial margin.” Subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, which are included in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and futures contracts. The Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed.
There are several risks in connection with the use of futures contracts as a hedging instrument. The change in value of futures contracts primarily corresponds with the value of their underlying instruments, which may not correlate with the change in value of the hedged investments. In addition, there is the risk that the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Fund had no investments in futures contracts.
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts. The Fund may engage in forward foreign exchange contracts for the purpose of hedging a specific transaction with respect to either the currency in which the transaction is denominated or another currency as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Forward foreign exchange contracts are valued at the forward rate and are marked-to-market daily. The change in market value is included in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
The use of forward foreign exchange contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the Fund’s portfolio securities, but it does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. Although forward foreign exchange contracts limit the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the currency increase. In addition, the Fund could be exposed to risks if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Fund had no investments in forward foreign exchange contracts.
     Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with primary government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Board, with member banks of the Federal Reserve System, or with other brokers or dealers that meet credit guidelines established by the Adviser and reviewed by the Board. Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, the Fund takes possession of an underlying debt obligation subject to an obligation of the seller to repurchase, and the Fund to resell, the obligation at an agreed-upon price and time, thereby determining the yield during the Fund’s holding period. It is the policy of the Fund to always receive and maintain securities as collateral whose market value, including accrued interest, is at least equal to 102% of the dollar amount invested by the Fund in each agreement. The Fund will make payment for such securities only upon physical delivery or upon evidence of book entry transfer of the collateral to the account of the custodian. To the extent that any repurchase transaction exceeds one business day, the value of the collateral is marked-to-market on a daily basis to maintain the adequacy of the collateral. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited. At December 31, 2009, there were no open repurchase agreements.

11


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
     Securities Sold Short. The Fund may enter into short sale transactions. Short selling involves selling securities that may or may not be owned and, at times, borrowing the same securities for delivery to the purchaser, with an obligation to replace such borrowed securities at a later date. The proceeds received from short sales are recorded as liabilities and the Fund records an unrealized gain or loss to the extent of the difference between the proceeds received and the value of an open short position on the day of determination. The Fund records a realized gain or loss when the short position is closed out. By entering into a short sale, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security sold short. Dividends on short sales are recorded as an expense by the Fund on the ex-dividend date and interest expense is recorded on the accrual basis. The Fund did not hold any short positions as of December 31, 2009.
     Foreign Currency Translations. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments, and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated at the exchange rate prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Unrealized gains and losses that result from changes in foreign exchange rates and/or changes in market prices of securities have been included in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations. Net realized foreign currency gains and losses resulting from changes in exchange rates include foreign currency gains and losses between trade date and settlement date on investment securities transactions, foreign currency transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the books of the Fund and the amounts actually received. The portion of foreign currency gains and losses related to fluctuation in exchange rates between the initial trade date and subsequent sale trade date is included in realized gain/loss on investments.
     Foreign Securities. The Fund may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The risks include possible revaluation of currencies, the inability to repatriate funds, less complete financial information about companies, and possible future adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of securities of comparable U.S. issuers.
     Foreign Taxes. The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments, or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable, based upon its current interpretation of tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.
     Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date with realized gain or loss on investments determined by using the identified cost method. Interest income (including amortization of premium and accretion of discount) is recorded on the accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield to maturity method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except for certain dividends which are recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend.
     Custodian Fee Credits and Interest Expense. When cash balances are maintained in the custody account, the Fund receives credits which are used to offset custodian fees. The gross expenses paid under the custody arrangement are included in custodian fees in the Statement of Operations with the corresponding expense offset, if any, shown as “custodian fee credits.” When cash balances are overdrawn, the Fund is charged an overdraft fee of 2.00% above the federal funds rate on outstanding balances. This amount, if any, would be included in “interest expense” in the Statement of Operations.
     Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are based on income and capital gains as determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from income and capital gains as determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities and foreign currency transactions held by the Fund, timing differences, and differing characterizations of distributions made by the Fund. Distributions from net investment income for federal income tax purposes include net realized gains on foreign currency transactions. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, adjustments are made to the appropriate capital accounts in the period when the differences arise. Permanent differences were primarily due to recharacterization of distributions and swap payments. These reclassifications have no impact on the NAV of the Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2009, reclassifications were made to decrease accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income by $158,373 and to increase accumulated net realized loss on investments, swap contracts, and foreign currency transactions by $158,361, with an offsetting adjustment to paid-in capital.

12


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
     The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 was as follows:
                 
    Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  
    Common     Common  
Distributions paid from:
               
Ordinary income (inclusive of short-term capital gains)
  $ 1,596,871     $ 1,918,148  
Net long-term capital gains
          1,222,057  
Return of capital
    2,063,796       520,078  
 
           
Total distributions paid
  $ 3,660,667     $ 3,660,283  
 
           
     Provision for Income Taxes. The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). It is the policy of the Fund to comply with the requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment company taxable income and net capital gains. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.
     At December 31, 2009, the components of accumulated earnings/losses on a tax basis were as follows:
         
Accumulated capital loss carryforwards
  $ (375,535 )
Net unrealized appreciation on investments, swap contracts and foreign currency translations
    6,226,215  
Other temporary differences*
    7,858  
 
     
Total
  $ 5,858,538  
 
     
 
*   Other temporary differences are primarily due to swap accrual adjustments, and income from investments in hybrid securities, and taxable bond premiums.
     At December 31, 2009, the Fund had net capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of $375,535, which are available to reduce future required distributions of net capital gains to shareholders through 2017.
     At December 31, 2009, the difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation was primarily due to deferral of losses from wash sales for tax purposes and mark-to-market adjustments on passive foreign investment companies and swap investments.
    The following summarizes the tax cost of investments and the related unrealized appreciation/depreciation at December 31, 2009:
                                 
            Gross   Gross   Net Unrealized
            Unrealized   Unrealized   Appreciation/
    Cost   Appreciation   Depreciation   Depreciation
Investments
  $ 54,245,351     $ 9,031,789     $ (2,798,707 )   $ 6,233,082  
     The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed to not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Fund did not incur any income tax, interest, or penalties. As of December 31, 2009, the Adviser has reviewed all open tax years and concluded that there was no impact to the Fund’s net assets or results of operations. Tax years ended December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2009, remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. On an ongoing basis, the Adviser will monitor its tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary.
3. Agreements and Transactions with Affiliates. The Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser which provides that the Fund will pay the Adviser a fee, computed weekly and paid monthly, equal on an annual basis to 0.90% (prior to May 28, 2009, the Advisory fees was 1.00%) of the value of the Fund’s average weekly total assets. In accordance with the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides a continuous investment program for the Fund’s portfolio and oversees the administration of all aspects of the Fund’s business and affairs.
     During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Fund paid brokerage commissions on security trades of $9,650 to Gabelli & Company, Inc. (“Gabelli & Company”), an affiliate of the Adviser.
     The cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Fund paid or accrued $37,500 to the Adviser in connection with the cost of computing the Fund’s NAV.

13


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
     As per the approval of the Board, the Fund compensates officers of the Fund, who are employed by the Fund and are not employed by the Adviser (although the officers may receive incentive based variable compensation from affiliates of the Adviser) and pays its allocated portion of the cost of the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer. For the year ended December 31, 2009 the Fund paid or accrued $62,052 in payroll expenses in the Statement of Operations.
     The Fund pays each Trustee who is not considered an affiliated person an annual retainer of $3,000 plus $1,000 for each Board meeting attended and each Trustee is reimbursed by the Fund for any out of pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. All Board committee members receive $500 per meeting attended. In addition, the Audit Committee Chairman receives an annual fee of $3,000, the Nominating Committee Chairman receives an annual fee of $2,000, and the Lead Trustee receives an annual fee of $1,000. A Trustee may receive a single meeting fee, allocated among the participating funds, for participation in certain meetings held on behalf of multiple funds. Trustees who are directors or employees of the Adviser or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Fund.
4. Portfolio Securities. Purchases and sales of securities for the year ended December 31, 2009, other than short-term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $4,897,988 and $4,354,622, respectively.
     Sales of U.S. Government obligations for the year ended December 31, 2009, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $1,150,000.
5. Capital. The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest (par value $0.001). The Board has authorized the repurchase of its shares on the open market when the shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more (or such other percentage as the Board may determine from time to time) from the NAV of the shares. During the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009, the Fund did not repurchase any common shares of beneficial interest in the open market.
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
                 
    Year Ended
    December 31, 2009
    Shares   Amount
Net increase from shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions
    4,010     $ 77,210  
A shelf registration authorizing the offering of preferred shares was declared effective by the SEC on March 19, 2008.
6. Industry Concentration. Because the Fund primarily invests in common stocks and other securities of foreign and domestic companies in the utility industry, its portfolio may be subject to greater risk and market fluctuations than a portfolio of securities representing a broad range of investments.
7. Indemnifications. The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
8. Other Matters. On April 24, 2008, the Adviser entered into an administrative settlement with the SEC to resolve the SEC’s inquiry regarding prior frequent trading activity in shares of the GAMCO Global Growth Fund (the “Global Growth Fund”) by one investor who was banned from the Global Growth Fund in August 2002. In the settlement, the SEC found that the Adviser had violated Section 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act, Section 17(d) of the 1940 Act, and Rule 17d-1 thereunder, and had aided and abetted and caused violations of Section 12(d)(1)(B)(i) of the 1940 Act. Under the terms of the settlement, the Adviser, while neither admitting nor denying the SEC’s findings and allegations, agreed, among other things, to pay the previously reserved total of $16 million (including a $5 million penalty), of which at least $11 million will be distributed to shareholders of the Global Growth Fund in accordance with a plan developed by an independent distribution consultant and approved by the independent directors of the Global Growth Fund and the staff of the SEC, and to cease and desist from future violations of the above referenced federal securities laws. The settlement will not have a material adverse impact on the Adviser or its ability to fulfill its obligations under the Advisory Agreement. On the same day, the SEC filed a civil action against the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, alleging violations of certain federal securities laws arising from the same matter. The officer is also an officer of the Global Growth Fund and other funds in the Gabelli/GAMCO fund complex including the Fund. The officer denies the allegations and is continuing in his positions with the Adviser and the funds. The Adviser currently expects that any resolution of the action against the officer will not have a material adverse impact on the Fund or the Adviser or its ability to fulfill its obligations under the Advisory Agreement.
9. Subsequent Events. Management has evaluated the impact on the Fund of events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2009 through February 25, 2010, the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

14


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust:
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust (hereafter referred to as the “Trust”) at December 31, 2009, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at December 31, 2009 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 25, 2010

15


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
ADDITIONAL FUND INFORMATION (Unaudited)
     The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Information pertaining to the Trustees and officers of the Fund is set forth below. The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554) or by writing to The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422.
                     
        Number of        
    Term of   Funds in Fund        
Name, Position(s)   Office and   Complex        
Address1   Length of   Overseen by   Principal Occupation(s)   Other Directorships
and Age   Time Served2   Trustee   During Past Five Years   Held by Trustee4
INTERESTED TRUSTEE3:
                   
Salvatore M. Salibello
Trustee
Age: 64
  Since 2004***     3     Certified Public Accountant and Managing Partner of the public accounting firm of Salibello & Broder LLP since 1978  
 
                   
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES5:
                   
Anthony J. Colavita
Trustee
Age: 74
  Since 2004**     34     President of the law firm of Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.  
 
                   
James P. Conn
Trustee
Age: 71
  Since 2004***     18     Former Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. (insurance holding company) (1992-1998)  
 
                   
Mario d’Urso
Trustee
Age: 69
  Since 2004*     5     Chairman of Mittel Capital Markets S.p.A. since 2001; Senator in the Italian Parliament (1996-2001)  
 
                   
Vincent D. Enright
Trustee
Age: 66
  Since 2004*     16     Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of KeySpan Corporation (public utility) (1994-1998)   Director of Echo Therapeutics, Inc. (therapeutics and diagnostics)
 
                   
Michael J. Melarkey
Trustee
Age: 60
  Since 2004*     5     Partner in the law firm of Avansino, Melarkey, Knobel & Mulligan   Director of Southwest Gas Corporation (natural gas utility)
 
                   
Salvatore J. Zizza
Trustee
Age: 64
  Since 2004**     28     Chairman of Zizza & Co., Ltd. (consulting)   Director of Hollis-Eden Pharmaceuticals (biotechnology); Director of Trans-Lux Corporation (business services)

16


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
ADDITIONAL FUND INFORMATION (Continued) (Unaudited)
         
    Term of    
Name, Position(s)   Office and    
Address1   Length of   Principal Occupation(s)
and Age   Time Served2   During Past Five Years
OFFICERS:
       
 
       
Bruce N. Alpert
President
Age: 58
  Since 2004   Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 1988 and an officer of all of the registered investment companies in the Gabelli/GAMCO Funds complex. Director and President of Teton Advisors, Inc. 1998 through 2008; Chairman of Teton Advisors, Inc. since 2008; Senior Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2008
 
       
David I. Schachter
Vice President
Age: 56
  Since 2004   Vice President of The Gabelli Utility Trust since 1999, The Gabelli Global Deal Fund since 2006, and The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust since 2007; Vice President of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 1996
 
       
Agnes Mullady
Treasurer and Secretary
Age: 51
  Since 2006   Senior Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc since 2009; Vice President of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 2007; Officer of all of the registered investment companies in the Gabelli/GAMCO Funds complex; Senior Vice President of U.S. Trust Company, N.A. and Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Excelsior Funds from 2004 through 2005
 
       
Peter D. Goldstein
Chief Compliance Officer
Age: 56
  Since 2004   Director of Regulatory Affairs at GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2004; Chief Compliance Officer of all of the registered investment companies in the Gabelli/GAMCO Funds complex
 
1   Address: One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422, unless otherwise noted.
 
2   The Fund’s Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, each class having a term of three years. Each year the term of office of one class expires and the successor or successors elected to such class serve for a three year term. The three year term for each class expires as follows:
 
*   — Term expires at the Fund’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
 
**   — Term expires at the Fund’s 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
 
***   — Term expires at the Fund’s 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
 
    Each officer will hold office for an indefinite term until the date he or she resigns or retires or until his or her successor is elected and qualified.
 
3   “Interested person” of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act. Mr. Salibello may be considered an “interested person” of the Fund as a result of being a partner in an accounting firm that provides professional services to affiliates of the investment adviser.
 
4   This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (i.e. public companies) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
 
5   Trustees who are not interested persons are considered “Independent” Trustees.

17


 

THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
INCOME TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)
December 31, 2009
Cash Dividends and Distributions
                                                         
                    Total Amount     Ordinary     Long-Term             Dividend  
    Payable     Record     Paid     Investment     Capital     Return of     Reinvestment  
    Date     Date     Per Share (a)     Income (a)     Gains (a)     Capital (a)(c)     Price  
Common Shares
                                                       
 
    01/23/09       01/15/09     $ 0.10000     $ 0.04420     $     $ 0.05580     $ 15.7163  
 
    02/20/09       02/12/09       0.10000       0.04420             0.05580       14.0178  
 
    03/24/09       03/17/09       0.10000       0.04420             0.05580       14.2709  
 
    04/23/09       04/16/09       0.10000       0.04420             0.05580       14.4074  
 
    05/21/09       05/14/09       0.10000       0.04420             0.05580       15.7555  
 
    06/23/09       06/16/09       0.10000       0.04420             0.05580       16.2338  
 
    07/24/09       07/17/09       0.10000       0.04420             0.05580       17.3991  
 
    08/24/09       08/17/09       0.10000       0.04420             0.05580       17.8282  
 
    09/23/09       09/16/09       0.10000       0.04420             0.05580       17.8368  
 
    10/23/09       10/16/09       0.10000       0.04420             0.05580       18.7749  
 
    11/20/09       11/13/09       0.10000       0.04420             0.05580       18.9307  
 
    12/17/09       12/14/09       0.10000       0.04420             0.05580       19.7000  
 
                                               
 
                  $ 1.20000     $ 0.53040     $     $ 0.66960          
 
                                               
     A Form 1099-DIV has been mailed to all shareholders of record for the distributions mentioned above, setting forth specific amounts to be included in the 2009 tax returns. Ordinary income distributions include net investment income and realized net short-term capital gains. Ordinary income is reported in box 1a of Form 1099-DIV.
Corporate Dividends Received Deduction, Qualified Dividend Income, and U.S. Treasury Securities Income
     The Fund paid to common shareholders an ordinary income dividend of $0.5304 per share in 2009. For the year ended December 31, 2009, 96.94% of the ordinary dividend qualified for the dividends received deduction available to corporations, and 100% of the ordinary income distribution was qualified dividend income. The percentage of ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund during 2009 derived from U.S. Treasury securities was 0.14%. Such income is exempt from state and local tax in all states. However, many states, including New York and California, allow a tax exemption for a portion of the income earned only if a mutual fund has invested at least 50% of its assets at the end of each quarter of its fiscal year in U.S. Government securities. The Fund did not meet this strict requirement in 2009. The percentage of U.S. Government securities held as of December 31, 2009 was 5.08%.
Historical Distribution Summary
Common Shares
                                                 
            Short-Term   Long-Term                   Adjustment
    Investment   Capital   Capital   Return of   Total   to
    Income (b)   Gains (b)   Gains   Capital (c)   Distributions (a)   Cost Basis (d)
2009
  $ 0.53040                 $ 0.66960     $ 1.20000     $ 0.66960  
2008
    0.63471     $ 0.07875     $ 0.40064       0.08590       1.20000       0.08590  
2007
    0.30220       0.28180       0.94600             1.53000        
2006
    0.56420       0.09180       0.54400             1.20000        
2005
    0.63370       0.15660       0.65970             1.45000        
2004
    0.26099       0.07758             0.26143       0.60000       0.26143  
 
(a)   Total amounts may differ due to rounding.
 
(b)   Taxable as ordinary income for Federal tax purposes.
 
(c)   Non-taxable.
 
(d)   Decrease in cost basis.
     All designations are based on financial information available as of the date of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Fund to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.

The Annual Meeting of The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust’s shareholders will be held on Monday, May 17, 2010 at the Greenwich Library in Greenwich, Connecticut.

18


 

(GRAPHIC)
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
THE GABELLI GLOBAL UTILITY & INCOME TRUST
One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422
 
Trustees
Anthony J. Colavita
President,
Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.
 
James P. Conn
Former Managing Director &
Chief Investment Officer,
Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd.
 
Mario d’Urso
Former Italian Senator
 
Vincent D. Enright
Former Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer,
KeySpan Corp.
 
Michael J. Melarkey
Attorney-at-Law,
Avansino, Melarkey, Knobel & Mulligan
 
Salvatore M. Salibello
Certified Public Accountant,
Salibello & Broder LLP
 
Salvatore J. Zizza
Chairman, Zizza & Co., Ltd.
 
Officers
Bruce N. Alpert
President
 
Peter D. Goldstein
Chief Compliance Officer
 
Agnes Mullady
Treasurer & Secretary
 
David I. Schachter
Vice President & Ombudsman
 
Investment Adviser
Gabelli Funds, LLC
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422
 
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
 
Counsel
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP
 
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
 
Stock Exchange Listing
         
    Common
NYSE Amex—Symbol:
  GLU
Shares Outstanding:
    3,054,246  
The Net Asset Value per share appears in the Publicly Traded Funds column, under the heading “Specialized Equity Funds,” in Monday’s The Wall Street Journal. It is also listed in Barron’s Mutual Funds/Closed End Funds section under the heading “Specialized Equity Funds.”
The Net Asset Value per share may be obtained each day by calling (914) 921-5070 or visiting www.gabelli.com.

For general information about the Gabelli Funds, call 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554), fax us at 914-921-5118, visit Gabelli Funds’ Internet homepage at: www.gabelli.com, or e-mail us at: closedend@gabelli.com

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that the Fund may, from time to time, purchase its common shares in the open market when the Fund’s shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more from the net asset value of the shares.


 

(GRAPHIC)


 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.
  (a)   The registrant, as of the end of the period covered by this report, has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.
 
  (c)   There have been no amendments, during the period covered by this report, to a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics description.
 
  (d)   The registrant has not granted any waivers, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this item’s instructions.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
As of the end of the period covered by the report, the registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that Vincent D. Enright is qualified to serve as an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee and that he is “independent,” as defined by Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Audit Fees
  (a)   The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years are $52,750 for 2008 and $44,400 for 2009.
Audit-Related Fees
  (b)   The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item are $0 for 2008 and $0 for 2009.

 


 

Tax Fees
  (c)   The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning are $4,000 for 2008 and $4,000 for 2009. Tax fees represent tax compliance services provided in connection with the review of the Registrant’s tax returns.
All Other Fees
  (d)   The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item are $0 for 2008 and $0 for 2009.
  (e)(1)    Disclose the audit committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
 
      Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. The Audit Committee (“Committee”) of the registrant is responsible for pre-approving (i) all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm to the registrant and (ii) all permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm to the Adviser, Gabelli Funds, LLC, and any affiliate of Gabelli Funds, LLC (“Gabelli”) that provides services to the registrant (a “Covered Services Provider”) if the independent registered public accounting firm’s engagement related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant. The Committee may delegate its responsibility to pre-approve any such audit and permissible non-audit services to the Chairperson of the Committee, and the Chairperson must report to the Committee, at its next regularly scheduled meeting after the Chairperson’s pre-approval of such services, his or her decision(s). The Committee may also establish detailed pre-approval policies and procedures for pre-approval of such services in accordance with applicable laws, including the delegation of some or all of the Committee’s pre-approval responsibilities to the other persons (other than Gabelli or the registrant’s officers). Pre-approval by the Committee of any permissible non-audit services is not required so long as: (i) the permissible non-audit services were not recognized by the registrant at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (ii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee and approved by the Committee or Chairperson prior to the completion of the audit.
 
  (e)(2)    The percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X are as follows:
  (b)   N/A
 
  (c)   100%
 
  (d)   N/A
  (f)   The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees was zero percent (0%).

 


 

  (g)   The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant was $0 for 2008 and $0 for 2009.
 
  (h)   The registrant’s audit committee of the board of directors has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed registrants.
The registrant has a separately designated audit committee consisting of the following members: Anthony J. Colavita, Vincent D. Enright, and Salvatore J. Zizza.
Item 6. Investments.
(a)   Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.
 
(b)   Not applicable.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
The Proxy Voting Policies are attached herewith.

 


 

The Voting of Proxies on Behalf of Clients
     Rules 204(4)-2 and 204-2 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and Rule 30b1-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 require investment advisers to adopt written policies and procedures governing the voting of proxies on behalf of their clients.
     These procedures will be used by GAMCO Asset Management Inc., Gabelli Funds, LLC, Gabelli Securities, Inc., and Teton Advisors, Inc. (collectively, the “Advisers”) to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities held by their clients, including the procedures that the Advisers use when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of the shareholders of an investment company managed by one of the Advisers, on the one hand, and those of the Advisers; the principal underwriter; or any affiliated person of the investment company, the Advisers, or the principal underwriter. These procedures will not apply where the Advisers do not have voting discretion or where the Advisers have agreed to with a client to vote the client’s proxies in accordance with specific guidelines or procedures supplied by the client (to the extent permitted by ERISA).
I. Proxy Voting Committee
     The Proxy Voting Committee was originally formed in April 1989 for the purpose of formulating guidelines and reviewing proxy statements within the parameters set by the substantive proxy voting guidelines originally published in 1988 and updated periodically, a copy of which are appended as Exhibit A. The Committee will include representatives of Research, Administration, Legal, and the Advisers. Additional or replacement members of the Committee will be nominated by the Chairman and voted upon by the entire Committee.
     Meetings are held as needed basis to form views on the manner in which the Advisers should vote proxies on behalf of their clients.
     In general, the Director of Proxy Voting Services, using the Proxy Guidelines, recommendations of Institutional Shareholder Corporate Governance Service (“ISS”), other third-party services and the analysts of Gabelli & Company, Inc., will determine how to vote on each issue. For non-controversial matters, the Director of Proxy Voting Services may vote the proxy if the vote is (1) consistent with the recommendations of the issuer’s Board of Directors and not contrary to the Proxy Guidelines; (2) consistent with the recommendations of the issuer’s Board of Directors and is a non-controversial issue not covered by the Proxy Guidelines; or (3) the vote is contrary to the recommendations of the Board of Directors but is consistent with the Proxy Guidelines. In those instances, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Chairman of the Committee may sign and date the proxy statement indicating how each issue will be voted.
     All matters identified by the Chairman of the Committee, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Legal Department as controversial, taking into account the

 


 

recommendations of ISS or other third party services and the analysts of Gabelli & Company, Inc., will be presented to the Proxy Voting Committee. If the Chairman of the Committee, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Legal Department has identified the matter as one that (1) is controversial; (2) would benefit from deliberation by the Proxy Voting Committee; or (3) may give rise to a conflict of interest between the Advisers and their clients, the Chairman of the Committee will initially determine what vote to recommend that the Advisers should cast and the matter will go before the Committee.
  A.   Conflicts of Interest.
 
      The Advisers have implemented these proxy voting procedures in order to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing their proxy voting decisions. By following the Proxy Guidelines, as well as the recommendations of ISS, other third-party services and the analysts of Gabelli & Company, the Advisers are able to avoid, wherever possible, the influence of potential conflicts of interest. Nevertheless, circumstances may arise in which one or more of the Advisers are faced with a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest in connection with its vote. In general, a conflict of interest may arise when an Adviser knowingly does business with an issuer, and may appear to have a material conflict between its own interests and the interests of the shareholders of an investment company managed by one of the Advisers regarding how the proxy is to be voted. A conflict also may exist when an Adviser has actual knowledge of a material business arrangement between an issuer and an affiliate of the Adviser.
 
      In practical terms, a conflict of interest may arise, for example, when a proxy is voted for a company that is a client of one of the Advisers, such as GAMCO Asset Management Inc. A conflict also may arise when a client of one of the Advisers has made a shareholder proposal in a proxy to be voted upon by one or more of the Advisers. The Director of Proxy Voting Services, together with the Legal Department, will scrutinize all proxies for these or other situations that may give rise to a conflict of interest with respect to the voting of proxies.
 
  B.   Operation of Proxy Voting Committee
 
      For matters submitted to the Committee, each member of the Committee will receive, prior to the meeting, a copy of the proxy statement, any relevant third party research, a summary of any views provided by the Chief Investment Officer and any recommendations by Gabelli & Company, Inc. analysts. The Chief Investment Officer or the Gabelli & Company, Inc. analysts may be invited to present their viewpoints. If the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Legal Department believe that the matter before the committee is one with respect to which a conflict of interest may exist between the Advisers and their clients, counsel will

 


 

      provide an opinion to the Committee concerning the conflict. If the matter is one in which the interests of the clients of one or more of Advisers may diverge, counsel will so advise and the Committee may make different recommendations as to different clients. For any matters where the recommendation may trigger appraisal rights, counsel will provide an opinion concerning the likely risks and merits of such an appraisal action.
     Each matter submitted to the Committee will be determined by the vote of a majority of the members present at the meeting. Should the vote concerning one or more recommendations be tied in a vote of the Committee, the Chairman of the Committee will cast the deciding vote. The Committee will notify the proxy department of its decisions and the proxies will be voted accordingly.
     Although the Proxy Guidelines express the normal preferences for the voting of any shares not covered by a contrary investment guideline provided by the client, the Committee is not bound by the preferences set forth in the Proxy Guidelines and will review each matter on its own merits. Written minutes of all Proxy Voting Committee meetings will be maintained. The Advisers subscribe to ISS, which supplies current information on companies, matters being voted on, regulations, trends in proxy voting and information on corporate governance issues.
     If the vote cast either by the analyst or as a result of the deliberations of the Proxy Voting Committee runs contrary to the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the issuer, the matter will be referred to legal counsel to determine whether an amendment to the most recently filed Schedule 13D is appropriate.
II. Social Issues and Other Client Guidelines
     If a client has provided special instructions relating to the voting of proxies, they should be noted in the client’s account file and forwarded to the proxy department. This is the responsibility of the investment professional or sales assistant for the client. In accordance with Department of Labor guidelines, the Advisers’ policy is to vote on behalf of ERISA accounts in the best interest of the plan participants with regard to social issues that carry an economic impact. Where an account is not governed by ERISA, the Advisers will vote shares held on behalf of the client in a manner consistent with any individual investment/voting guidelines provided by the client. Otherwise the Advisers will abstain with respect to those shares.
III. Client Retention of Voting Rights
     If a client chooses to retain the right to vote proxies or if there is any change in voting authority, the following should be notified by the investment professional or sales assistant for the client.
  -   Operations
 
  -   Legal Department

 


 

  -   Proxy Department
 
  -   Investment professional assigned to the account
     In the event that the Board of Directors (or a Committee thereof) of one or more of the investment companies managed by one of the Advisers has retained direct voting control over any security, the Proxy Voting Department will provide each Board Member (or Committee member) with a copy of the proxy statement together with any other relevant information including recommendations of ISS or other third-party services.
IV. Voting Records
     The Proxy Voting Department will retain a record of matters voted upon by the Advisers for their clients. The Advisers will supply information on how an account voted its proxies upon request.
     A letter is sent to the custodians for all clients for which the Advisers have voting responsibility instructing them to forward all proxy materials to:
[Adviser name]
Attn: Proxy Voting Department
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1433
The sales assistant sends the letters to the custodians along with the trading/DTC instructions. Proxy voting records will be retained in compliance with Rule 204-2 under the Investment Advisers Act.
V. Voting Procedures
1. Custodian banks, outside brokerage firms and clearing firms are responsible for forwarding proxies directly to the Advisers.
Proxies are received in one of two forms:
  Shareholder Vote Authorization Forms (“VAFs”) — Issued by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) VAFs must be voted through the issuing institution causing a time lag. Broadridge is an outside service contracted by the various institutions to issue proxy materials.
  Proxy cards which may be voted directly.
2. Upon receipt of the proxy, the number of shares each form represents is logged into the proxy system according to security.
3. In the case of a discrepancy such as an incorrect number of shares, an improperly signed or dated card, wrong class of security, etc., the issuing custodian is notified by phone. A corrected proxy is requested. Any arrangements are made to insure that a

 


 

proper proxy is received in time to be voted (overnight delivery, fax, etc.). When securities are out on loan on record date, the custodian is requested to supply written verification.
4. Upon receipt of instructions from the proxy committee (see Administrative), the votes are cast and recorded for each account on an individual basis.
Records have been maintained on the Proxy Edge system. The system is backed up regularly.
Proxy Edge records include:
Security Name and Cusip Number
Date and Type of Meeting (Annual, Special, Contest)
Client Name
Adviser or Fund Account Number
Directors’ Recommendation
How GAMCO voted for the client on each issue
5. VAFs are kept alphabetically by security. Records for the current proxy season are located in the Proxy Voting Department office. In preparation for the upcoming season, files are transferred to an offsite storage facility during January/February.
6. Shareholder Vote Authorization Forms issued by Broadridge are always sent directly to a specific individual at Broadridge.
7. If a proxy card or VAF is received too late to be voted in the conventional matter, every attempt is made to vote on one of the following manners:
  VAFs can be faxed to Broadridge up until the time of the meeting. This is followed up by mailing the original form.
  When a solicitor has been retained, the solicitor is called. At the solicitor’s direction, the proxy is faxed.
8. In the case of a proxy contest, records are maintained for each opposing entity.
9. Voting in Person
a) At times it may be necessary to vote the shares in person. In this case, a “legal proxy” is obtained in the following manner:
  Banks and brokerage firms using the services at Broadridge:
     The back of the VAF is stamped indicating that we wish to vote in person. The forms are then sent overnight to Broadridge. Broadridge issues individual legal proxies and

 


 

sends them back via overnight (or the Adviser can pay messenger charges). A lead-time of at least two weeks prior to the meeting is needed to do this. Alternatively, the procedures detailed below for banks not using Broadridge may be implemented.
  Banks and brokerage firms issuing proxies directly:
     The bank is called and/or faxed and a legal proxy is requested.
All legal proxies should appoint:
“Representative of [Adviser name] with full power of substitution.”
b) The legal proxies are given to the person attending the meeting along with the following supplemental material:
  A limited Power of Attorney appointing the attendee an Adviser representative.
  A list of all shares being voted by custodian only. Client names and account numbers are not included. This list must be presented, along with the proxies, to the Inspectors of Elections and/or tabulator at least one-half hour prior to the scheduled start of the meeting. The tabulator must “qualify” the votes (i.e. determine if the vote have previously been cast, if the votes have been rescinded, etc. vote have previously been cast, etc.).
  A sample ERISA and Individual contract.
  A sample of the annual authorization to vote proxies form.
  A copy of our most recent Schedule 13D filing (if applicable).

 


 

Appendix A
Proxy Guidelines
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy of GAMCO Investors, Inc. to vote in the best economic interests of our clients. As we state in our Magna Carta of Shareholders Rights, established in May 1988, we are neither for nor against management. We are for shareholders.
At our first proxy committee meeting in 1989, it was decided that each proxy statement should be evaluated on its own merits within the framework first established by our Magna Carta of Shareholders Rights. The attached guidelines serve to enhance that broad framework.
We do not consider any issue routine. We take into consideration all of our research on the company, its directors, and their short and long-term goals for the company. In cases where issues that we generally do not approve of are combined with other issues, the negative aspects of the issues will be factored into the evaluation of the overall proposals but will not necessitate a vote in opposition to the overall proposals.

 


 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The advisers do not consider the election of the Board of Directors a routine issue. Each slate of directors is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Factors taken into consideration include:
  Historical responsiveness to shareholders
      This may include such areas as:
  -   Paying greenmail
 
  -   Failure to adopt shareholder resolutions receiving a majority of shareholder votes
  Qualifications
 
  Nominating committee in place
 
  Number of outside directors on the board
 
  Attendance at meetings
 
  Overall performance
SELECTION OF AUDITORS
In general, we support the Board of Directors’ recommendation for auditors.
BLANK CHECK PREFERRED STOCK
We oppose the issuance of blank check preferred stock.
Blank check preferred stock allows the company to issue stock and establish dividends, voting rights, etc. without further shareholder approval.
CLASSIFIED BOARD
A classified board is one where the directors are divided into classes with overlapping terms. A different class is elected at each annual meeting.
While a classified board promotes continuity of directors facilitating long range planning, we feel directors should be accountable to shareholders on an annual basis. We will look

 


 

at this proposal on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the board’s historical responsiveness to the rights of shareholders.
Where a classified board is in place we will generally not support attempts to change to an annually elected board.
When an annually elected board is in place, we generally will not support attempts to classify the board.
INCREASE AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK
The request to increase the amount of outstanding shares is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Factors taken into consideration include:
  Future use of additional shares
  -   Stock split
 
  -   Stock option or other executive compensation plan
 
  -   Finance growth of company/strengthen balance sheet
 
  -   Aid in restructuring
 
  -   Improve credit rating
 
  -   Implement a poison pill or other takeover defense
  Amount of stock currently authorized but not yet issued or reserved for stock option plans
 
  Amount of additional stock to be authorized and its dilutive effect
We will support this proposal if a detailed and verifiable plan for the use of the additional shares is contained in the proxy statement.
CONFIDENTIAL BALLOT
We support the idea that a shareholder’s identity and vote should be treated with confidentiality.
However, we look at this issue on a case-by-case basis.
In order to promote confidentiality in the voting process, we endorse the use of independent Inspectors of Election.

 


 

CUMULATIVE VOTING
In general, we support cumulative voting.
Cumulative voting is a process by which a shareholder may multiply the number of directors being elected by the number of shares held on record date and cast the total number for one candidate or allocate the voting among two or more candidates.
Where cumulative voting is in place, we will vote against any proposal to rescind this shareholder right.
Cumulative voting may result in a minority block of stock gaining representation on the board. When a proposal is made to institute cumulative voting, the proposal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. While we feel that each board member should represent all shareholders, cumulative voting provides minority shareholders an opportunity to have their views represented.
DIRECTOR LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
We support efforts to attract the best possible directors by limiting the liability and increasing the indemnification of directors, except in the case of insider dealing.
EQUAL ACCESS TO THE PROXY
The SEC’s rules provide for shareholder resolutions. However, the resolutions are limited in scope and there is a 500 word limit on proponents’ written arguments. Management has no such limitations. While we support equal access to the proxy, we would look at such variables as length of time required to respond, percentage of ownership, etc.
FAIR PRICE PROVISIONS
Charter provisions requiring a bidder to pay all shareholders a fair price are intended to prevent two-tier tender offers that may be abusive. Typically, these provisions do not apply to board-approved transactions.

 


 

We support fair price provisions because we feel all shareholders should be entitled to receive the same benefits.
Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
GOLDEN PARACHUTES
Golden parachutes are severance payments to top executives who are terminated or demoted after a takeover.
We support any proposal that would assure management of its own welfare so that they may continue to make decisions in the best interest of the company and shareholders even if the decision results in them losing their job. We do not, however, support excessive golden parachutes. Therefore, each proposal will be decided on a case-by- case basis.
Note: Congress has imposed a tax on any parachute that is more than three times the executive’s average annual compensation.
ANTI-GREENMAIL PROPOSALS
We do not support greenmail. An offer extended to one shareholder should be extended to all shareholders equally across the board.
LIMIT SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS TO CALL SPECIAL MEETINGS
We support the right of shareholders to call a special meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF NONFINANCIAL EFFECTS OF A MERGER
This proposal releases the directors from only looking at the financial effects of a merger and allows them the opportunity to consider the merger’s effects on employees, the community, and consumers.

 


 

As a fiduciary, we are obligated to vote in the best economic interests of our clients. In general, this proposal does not allow us to do that. Therefore, we generally cannot support this proposal.
Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
MERGERS, BUYOUTS, SPIN-OFFS, RESTRUCTURINGS
Each of the above is considered on a case-by-case basis. According to the Department of Labor, we are not required to vote for a proposal simply because the offering price is at a premium to the current market price. We may take into consideration the long term interests of the shareholders.
MILITARY ISSUES
Shareholder proposals regarding military production must be evaluated on a purely economic set of criteria for our ERISA clients. As such, decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
In voting on this proposal for our non-ERISA clients, we will vote according to the client’s direction when applicable. Where no direction has been given, we will vote in the best economic interests of our clients. It is not our duty to impose our social judgment on others.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Shareholder proposals requesting the signing of the MacBride principles for the purpose of countering the discrimination of Catholics in hiring practices must be evaluated on a purely economic set of criteria for our ERISA clients. As such, decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
In voting on this proposal for our non-ERISA clients, we will vote according to client direction when applicable. Where no direction has been given, we will vote in the best economic interests of our clients. It is not our duty to impose our social judgment on others.

 


 

OPT OUT OF STATE ANTI-TAKEOVER LAW
This shareholder proposal requests that a company opt out of the coverage of the state’s takeover statutes. Example: Delaware law requires that a buyer must acquire at least 85% of the company’s stock before the buyer can exercise control unless the board approves.
We consider this on a case-by-case basis. Our decision will be based on the following:
  State of Incorporation
 
  Management history of responsiveness to shareholders
 
  Other mitigating factors
POISON PILL
In general, we do not endorse poison pills.
In certain cases where management has a history of being responsive to the needs of shareholders and the stock is very liquid, we will reconsider this position.
REINCORPORATION
Generally, we support reincorporation for well-defined business reasons. We oppose reincorporation if proposed solely for the purpose of reincorporating in a state with more stringent anti-takeover statutes that may negatively impact the value of the stock.
STOCK OPTION PLANS
Stock option plans are an excellent way to attract, hold and motivate directors and employees. However, each stock option plan must be evaluated on its own merits, taking into consideration the following:
  Dilution of voting power or earnings per share by more than 10%
 
  Kind of stock to be awarded, to whom, when and how much
 
  Method of payment

 


 

  Amount of stock already authorized but not yet issued under existing stock option plans
SUPERMAJORITY VOTE REQUIREMENTS
Supermajority vote requirements in a company’s charter or bylaws require a level of voting approval in excess of a simple majority of the outstanding shares. In general, we oppose supermajority-voting requirements. Supermajority requirements often exceed the average level of shareholder participation. We support proposals’ approvals by a simple majority of the shares voting.
LIMIT SHAREHOLDERS RIGHT TO ACT BY WRITTEN CONSENT
Written consent allows shareholders to initiate and carry on a shareholder action without having to wait until the next annual meeting or to call a special meeting. It permits action to be taken by the written consent of the same percentage of the shares that would be required to effect proposed action at a shareholder meeting.
Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Mr. Mario J. Gabelli, CFA, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust, (the Fund). Mr. Gabelli has served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer -Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. and its affiliates since their organization.
MANAGEMENT OF OTHER ACCOUNTS

 


 

The table below shows the number of other accounts managed by Mario J. Gabelli and the total assets in each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other paid investment vehicles and other accounts. For each category, the table also shows the number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on account performance.
                                     
                        No. of   Total Assets
                        Accounts   in Accounts
                        where   where
Name of Portfolio       Total           Advisory Fee   Advisory Fee
Manager or   Type of   No. of Accounts   Total   is Based on   is Based on
Team Member   Accounts   Managed   Assets   Performance   Performance
1. Mario J. Gabelli  
Registered Investment Companies:
    22       12.9B       6       3.9B  
   
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:
    15       382.9M       14       349.9M  
   
Other Accounts:
    1,840       10.6B       6       1.2B  
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
As reflected above, Mr. Gabelli manages accounts in addition to the Fund. Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a Portfolio Manager also has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other accounts. These potential conflicts include:
ALLOCATION OF LIMITED TIME AND ATTENTION. As indicated above, Mr. Gabelli manages multiple accounts. As a result, he will not be able to devote all of his time to management of the Fund. Mr. Gabelli, therefore, may not be able to formulate as complete a strategy or identify equally attractive investment opportunities for each of those accounts as might be the case if he were to devote all of his attention to the management of only the Fund.
ALLOCATION OF LIMITED INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES. As indicated above, Mr. Gabelli manages managed accounts with investment strategies and/or policies that are similar to the Fund. In these cases, if the he identifies an investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple accounts, a Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity because the opportunity may be allocated among all or many of these accounts or other accounts managed primarily by other Portfolio Managers of the Adviser, and their affiliates. In addition, in the event Mr. Gabelli determines to purchase a security for more than one account in an aggregate amount that may influence the market price of the security, accounts that purchased or sold the security first may receive a more favorable price than accounts that made subsequent transactions.
SELECTION OF BROKER/DEALERS. Because of Mr. Gabelli’s position with the Distributor and his indirect majority ownership interest in the Distributor, he may have an incentive to use the Distributor to execute portfolio transactions for a Fund.
PURSUIT OF DIFFERING STRATEGIES. At times, Mr. Gabelli may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the accounts for which he exercises investment responsibility, or may decide that certain of the funds or accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, he may execute differing or opposite transactions for one or more accounts which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment of one or more other accounts.

 


 

VARIATION IN COMPENSATION. A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to Mr. Gabelli differ among the accounts that he manages. If the structure of the Adviser’s management fee or the Portfolio Manager’s compensation differs among accounts (such as where certain accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based management fees), the Portfolio Manager may be motivated to favor certain accounts over others. The Portfolio Manager also may be motivated to favor accounts in which he has an investment interest, or in which the Adviser, or their affiliates have investment interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain assets under management or to enhance a Portfolio Manager’s performance record or to derive other rewards, financial or otherwise, could influence the Portfolio Manager in affording preferential treatment to those accounts that could most significantly benefit the Portfolio Manager. For example, as reflected above, if Mr. Gabelli manages accounts which have performance fee arrangements, certain portions of his compensation will depend on the achievement of performance milestones on those accounts. Mr. Gabelli could be incented to afford preferential treatment to those accounts and thereby by subject to a potential conflict of interest.
The Adviser, and the Funds have adopted compliance policies and procedures that are designed to address the various conflicts of interest that may arise for the Adviser and their staff members. However, there is no guarantee that such policies and procedures will be able to detect and prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may arise.
COMPENSATION STRUCTURE FOR MARIO J. GABELLI
Mr. Gabelli receives incentive-based variable compensation based on a percentage of net revenues received by the Adviser for managing the Fund. Net revenues are determined by deducting from gross investment management fees the firm’s expenses (other than Mr. Gabelli’s compensation) allocable to this Fund. Five closed-end registered investment companies managed by Mr. Gabelli have arrangements whereby the Adviser will only receive its investment advisory fee attributable to the liquidation value of outstanding preferred stock (and Mr. Gabelli would only receive his percentage of such advisory fee) if certain performance levels are met. Additionally, he receives similar incentive based variable compensation for managing other accounts within the firm and its affiliates. This method of compensation is based on the premise that superior long-term performance in managing a portfolio should be rewarded with higher compensation as a result of growth of assets through appreciation and net investment activity. The level of compensation is not determined with specific reference to the performance of any account against any specific benchmark. One of the other registered investment companies managed by Mr. Gabelli has a performance (fulcrum) fee arrangement for which his compensation is adjusted up or down based on the performance of the investment company relative to an index. Mr. Gabelli manages other accounts with performance fees. Compensation for managing these accounts has two components. One component is based on a percentage of net revenues to the investment adviser for managing the account. The second component is based on absolute performance of the account, with respect to which a percentage of such performance fee is paid to Mr. Gabelli. As an executive officer of the Adviser’s parent company, GBL, Mr. Gabelli also receives ten percent of the net operating profits of the parent company. He receives no base salary, no annual bonus, and no stock options.
OWNERSHIP OF SHARES IN THE FUND
Mario Gabelli owned over $1,000,000 of shares of the Fund as of December 31, 2009.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
REGISTRANT PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 


 

                 
            (c) Total Number of   (d) Maximum Number (or
            Shares (or Units)   Approximate Dollar Value) of
    (a) Total Number of       Purchased as Part of   Shares (or Units) that May
    Shares (or Units)   (b) Average Price Paid   Publicly Announced   Yet Be Purchased Under the
Period   Purchased   per Share (or Unit)   Plans or Programs   Plans or Programs
Month #1
07/01/09
through
07/31/09
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – 3,050,236

Preferred – N/A
Month #2
08/01/09
through
08/31/09
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – 3,050,236

Preferred – N/A
Month #3
09/01/09
through
09/30/09
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – 3,050,236

Preferred – N/A
Month #4
10/01/09
through
10/31/09
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – 3,052,144

Preferred – N/A
Month #5
11/01/09
through
11/30/09
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – 3,052,144

Preferred – N/A
Month #6
12/01/09
through
12/31/09
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – 3,054,246

Preferred – N/A
Total
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred – N/A
  N/A
Footnote columns (c) and (d) of the table, by disclosing the following information in the aggregate for all plans or programs publicly announced:
a.   The date each plan or program was announced – The notice of the potential repurchase of common and preferred shares occurs quarterly in the Fund’s quarterly report in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
 
b.   The dollar amount (or share or unit amount) approved – Any or all common shares outstanding may be repurchased when the Fund’s common shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more from the net asset value of the shares.
 
    Any or all preferred shares outstanding may be repurchased when the Fund’s preferred shares are trading at a discount to the liquidation value of $25.00.
 
c.   The expiration date (if any) of each plan or program – The Fund’s repurchase plans are ongoing.
 
d.   Each plan or program that has expired during the period covered by the table – The Fund’s repurchase plans are ongoing.

 


 

e.   Each plan or program the registrant has determined to terminate prior to expiration, or under which the registrant does not intend to make further purchases. – The Fund’s repurchase plans are ongoing.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board of Trustees, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
  (a)   The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).
 
  (b)   There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the registrant’s second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Exhibits.
  (a)(1)     Code of ethics, or any amendment thereto, that is the subject of disclosure required by Item 2 is attached hereto.
 
  (a)(2)    Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.
 
  (a)(3)    Not applicable.
 
  (b)   Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

 


 

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
(registrant)
  The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust    
 
By (Signature and Title)*
  /s/ Bruce N. Alpert    
 
 
 
Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer
   
Date 3/5/10
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
         
By (Signature and Title)*
  /s/ Bruce N. Alpert    
 
 
 
Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer
   
Date 3/5/10
         
By (Signature and Title)*
  /s/ Agnes Mullady    
 
 
 
Agnes Mullady, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer
   
Date 3/5/10
 
*   Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.