UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORMN-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-08476
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Bruce N. Alpert
Gabelli Funds, LLC
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 1-800-422-3554
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: December 31, 2019
FormN-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 Rule30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on FormN-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by FormN-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in FormN-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Annual Report — December 31, 2019
(Y)our Portfolio Management Team
| | |
 | | 
|
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA | | Christopher J. Marangi |
Chief Investment Officer | | Co-Chief Investment Officer |
| | BA, Williams College |
| | MBA, Columbia |
| | Business School |
To Our Shareholders,
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the net asset value (NAV) total return of The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. (the Fund) was 25.9%, compared with a total return of 27.7% for the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) World Index. The total return for the Fund’s publicly traded shares was 26.7%. The Fund’s NAV per share was $7.93, while the price of the publicly traded shares closed at $8.02 on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). See page 2 for additional performance information.
Enclosed are the financial statements, including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2019.
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semiannual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (www.gabelli.com), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report. If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. To elect to receive all future reports on paper free of charge, please contact your financial intermediary, or, if you invest directly with the Fund, you may call800-422-3554 or send an email request to info@gabelli.com.
Comparative Results
Average Annual Returns through December 31, 2019 (a) (Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 1 Year | | 5 Year | | 10 Year | | 15 Year | | Since Inception (11/15/94) |
Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NAV Total Return (b) | | | | 25.86 | % | | | | 6.19 | % | | | | 12.10 | % | | | | 6.11 | % | | | | 8.59 | % |
Investment Total Return (c) | | | | 26.67 | | | | | 6.42 | | | | | 14.02 | | | | | 7.49 | | | | | 9.06 | |
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index | | | | 31.49 | | | | | 11.70 | | | | | 13.56 | | | | | 9.00 | | | | | 10.25 | (d) |
MSCI World Index | | | | 27.67 | | | | | 8.74 | | | | | 9.47 | | | | | 6.92 | | | | | 7.40 | (d) |
| (a) | Returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Investment returns and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate. The Fund’s use of leverage may magnify the volatility of net asset value changes versus funds that do not employ leverage. When shares are sold, they may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data presented. Visit www.gabelli.com for performance information as of the most recent month end. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The Standard & Poor’s 500 and MSCI World Indices are unmanaged indicators of stock market performance. Dividends are considered reinvested except for the MSCI World Index. You cannot invest directly in an index. | |
| (b) | Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in the NAV per share, reinvestment of distributions at NAV on theex-dividend date, and adjustments for rights offerings and are net of expenses. Since inception return is based on an initial NAV of $7.50. | |
| (c) | Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in closing market values on the NYSE, reinvestment of distributions, and adjustments for rights offerings. Since inception return is based on an initial offering price of $7.50. | |
| (d) | From November 30, 1994, the date closest to the Fund’s inception for which data are available. | |
2
Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)
The following table presents portfolio holdings as a percent of total investments as of December 31, 2019:
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
| | | | |
Entertainment | | | 16.9 | % |
U.S. Government Obligations | | | 12.0 | % |
Computer Software and Services | | | 9.5 | % |
Broadcasting | | | 9.0 | % |
Cable | | | 8.6 | % |
Hotels and Gaming | | | 6.2 | % |
Electronics | | | 5.1 | % |
Telecommunications: National | | | 4.5 | % |
Wireless Communications | | | 4.0 | % |
Satellite | | | 3.3 | % |
Telecommunications: Regional | | | 2.7 | % |
Financial Services | | | 2.2 | % |
Real Estate | | | 2.2 | % |
Computer Hardware | | | 2.1 | % |
Consumer Services | | | 1.8 | % |
Business Services | | | 1.6 | % |
Business Services: Advertising | | | 1.5 | % |
| | | | |
Publishing | | | 1.3 | % |
Telecommunications: Long Distance | | | 1.1 | % |
Closed-End Funds | | | 0.9 | % |
Consumer Products | | | 0.8 | % |
Equipment | | | 0.8 | % |
Diversified Industrial | | | 0.7 | % |
Information Technology | | | 0.7 | % |
Food and Beverage | | | 0.3 | % |
Retail | | | 0.2 | % |
Convertible Corporate Bonds | | | 0.0 | %* |
Distribution Companies | | | 0.0 | %* |
Telecommunications | | | 0.0 | %* |
| | | | |
| |
| | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | |
* | Amount represents less than 0.05%. |
The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on FormN-PORT. Shareholders may obtain this information at www.gabelli.com or by calling the Fund at800-GABELLI(800-422-3554). The Fund’s FormN-PORT 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 calling800-SEC-0330.
Proxy Voting
The Fund files FormN-PX with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30, no later than August 31 of each year. A description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies, procedures, and how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling800-GABELLI(800-422-3554); (ii) writing to The Gabelli Funds at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; or (iii) visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
3
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Schedule of Investments — December 31, 2019
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares | | | | | Cost | | | Market Value | |
| | | |
| | | | COMMON STOCKS — 87.0% | | | | | | | | |
| | | | DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES — 52.6% | | | | | |
| | | | Broadcasting — 9.0% | | | | | | | | |
| 10,000 | | | Asahi Broadcasting Group Holdings Corp. | | $ | 42,567 | | | $ | 71,327 | |
| 6,400 | | | Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting Co. Ltd. | | | 46,376 | | | | 36,990 | |
| 16,000 | | | Cogeco Inc. | | | 317,869 | | | | 1,282,538 | |
| 30,000 | | | Corus Entertainment Inc., OTC, Cl. B | | | 105,934 | | | | 122,715 | |
| 155,000 | | | Corus Entertainment Inc., Toronto, Cl. B | | | 650,604 | | | | 635,016 | |
| 34,000 | | | Discovery Inc., Cl. A† | | | 289,684 | | | | 1,113,160 | |
| 176,000 | | | Discovery Inc., Cl. C† | | | 3,753,030 | | | | 5,366,240 | |
| 30,000 | | | Fox Corp., Cl. A | | | 1,246,500 | | | | 1,112,100 | |
| 25,000 | | | Fox Corp., Cl. B | | | 1,008,198 | | | | 910,000 | |
| 81,000 | | | Grupo Radio Centro SAB de CV, Cl. A† | | | 39,884 | | | | 27,118 | |
| 5,000 | | | iHeartMedia Inc., Cl. A† | | | 79,862 | | | | 84,500 | |
| 16,000 | | | Informa plc | | | 176,942 | | | | 181,630 | |
| 350,000 | | | ITV plc | | | 903,888 | | | | 700,056 | |
| 4,550 | | | Lagardere SCA | | | 100,163 | | | | 99,166 | |
| 10,500 | | | Liberty Broadband Corp., Cl. A† | | | 662,168 | | | | 1,307,880 | |
| 30,000 | | | Liberty Broadband Corp., Cl. C† | | | 1,974,079 | | | | 3,772,500 | |
| 17,000 | | | Liberty Media Corp.- Liberty SiriusXM, Cl. A† | | | 396,897 | | | | 821,780 | |
| 91,000 | | | Liberty Media Corp.- Liberty SiriusXM, Cl. C† | | | 3,355,275 | | | | 4,380,740 | |
| 68,566 | | | Media Prima Berhad† | | | 34,965 | | | | 4,693 | |
| 65,000 | | | MSG Networks Inc., Cl. A† | | | 647,436 | | | | 1,131,000 | |
| 36,000 | | | Nippon Television Holdings Inc. | | | 530,748 | | | | 484,396 | |
| 4,650 | | | NRJ Group | | | 20,718 | | | | 34,947 | |
| 3,000 | | | RTL Group SA | | | 107,299 | | | | 147,998 | |
| 34,000 | | | Salem Media Group Inc. | | | 52,200 | | | | 48,960 | |
| 32,000 | | | Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., Cl. A | | | 1,111,170 | | | | 1,066,880 | |
| 22,000 | | | TEGNA Inc. | | | 336,793 | | | | 367,180 | |
| 45,000 | | | Television Broadcasts Ltd. | | | 166,753 | | | | 70,685 | |
| 23,000 | | | Television Francaise 1 | | | 229,511 | | | | 190,914 | |
| 65,000 | | | Tokyo Broadcasting System Holdings Inc. | | | 1,193,219 | | | | 1,116,285 | |
| 240,000 | | | TV Azteca SAB de CV | | | 58,305 | | | | 9,190 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 19,639,037 | | | | 26,698,584 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | Business Services — 1.5% | | | | | | | | |
| 6,000 | | | Carlisle Support Sevices Group Ltd.†(a) | | | 200 | | | | 636 | |
| 50,000 | | | Emerald Expositions Events Inc. | | | 788,798 | | | | 527,500 | |
| 4,000 | | | Fluent Inc.† | | | 32,492 | | | | 10,000 | |
| 6,000 | | | Impellam Group plc† | | | 8,600 | | | | 29,009 | |
| 2,000 | | | Qumu Corp.† | | | 8,366 | | | | 5,220 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares | | | | | Cost | | | Market Value | |
| | | |
| 14,500 | | | S&P Global Inc. | | $ | 2,808,849 | | | $ | 3,959,225 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,647,305 | | | | 4,531,590 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | Cable — 8.6% | | | | | | | | |
| 15,000 | | | Altice Europe NV† | | | 82,571 | | | | 96,713 | |
| 27,000 | | | AMC Networks Inc., Cl. A† | | | 1,818,524 | | | | 1,066,500 | |
| 400 | | | Cable One Inc. | | | 373,227 | | | | 595,388 | |
| 4,000 | | | Charter Communications Inc., Cl. A† | | | 797,612 | | | | 1,940,320 | |
| 36,000 | | | Cogeco Communications Inc. | | | 815,159 | | | | 3,138,270 | |
| 143,000 | | | Comcast Corp., Cl. A | | | 5,310,304 | | | | 6,430,710 | |
| 32,931 | | | Liberty Global plc, Cl. A† | | | 458,982 | | | | 748,851 | |
| 145,177 | | | Liberty Global plc, Cl. C† | | | 4,548,356 | | | | 3,164,133 | |
| 19,400 | | | MultiChoice Group† | | | 133,926 | | | | 161,367 | |
| 104,000 | | | Rogers Communications Inc., New York, Cl. B | | | 4,618,840 | | | | 5,165,680 | |
| 88,000 | | | Shaw Communications Inc., New York, Cl. B | | | 272,829 | | | | 1,785,520 | |
| 4,000 | | | Telenet Group Holding NV | | | 234,227 | | | | 179,742 | |
| 155,000 | | | WideOpenWest Inc.† | | | 1,298,520 | | | | 1,150,100 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 20,763,077 | | | | 25,623,294 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Computer Software and Services — 0.6% | | | | | |
| 5,000 | | | CyrusOne Inc., REIT | | | 267,458 | | | | 327,150 | |
| 165,000 | | | Groupon Inc.† | | | 784,880 | | | | 394,350 | |
| 28,000 | | | SVMK Inc.† | | | 477,669 | | | | 500,360 | |
| 1,000 | | | Tencent Holdings Ltd. | | | 44,193 | | | | 48,201 | |
| 6,000 | | | Zoom Video Communications Inc., Cl. A† | | | 393,596 | | | | 408,240 | |
| 13,000 | | | Zuora Inc., Cl. A† | | | 219,823 | | | | 186,290 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,187,619 | | | | 1,864,591 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | Consumer Services — 1.7% | | | | | | | | |
| 2,232 | | | Expedia Group Inc. | | | 165,607 | | | | 241,368 | |
| 12,300 | | | IAC/InterActiveCorp.† | | | 1,497,590 | | | | 3,064,053 | |
| 39,000 | | | Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings Inc., Cl. A† | | | 439,084 | | | | 286,650 | |
| 160,000 | | | Qurate Retail Inc., Cl. A† | | | 2,014,235 | | | | 1,348,800 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,116,516 | | | | 4,940,871 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Diversified Consumer Services — 0.0% | | | | | |
| 14,000 | | | Monitronics International Inc.† | | | 119,726 | | | | 119,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | Diversified Industrial — 0.7% | | | | | | | | |
| 16,000 | | | Bouygues SA | | | 449,280 | | | | 679,843 | |
| 3,000 | | | Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc. | | | 125,326 | | | | 196,020 | |
| 23,000 | | | Jardine Strategic Holdings Ltd. | | | 595,515 | | | | 704,950 | |
| 6,000 | | | Malaysian Resources Corp. Berhad | | | 4,297 | | | | 1,071 | |
| 50,000 | | | Trine Acquisition Corp.† | | | 500,000 | | | | 521,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,674,418 | | | | 2,103,384 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
4
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares | | | | | Cost | | | Market Value | |
| | |
| | | | COMMON STOCKS (Continued) | | | | | |
| | | | DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES (Continued) | | | | | |
| | | | Entertainment — 9.7% | | | | | | | | |
| 65,000 | | | Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA | | $ | 498,879 | | | $ | 641,615 | |
| 35,000 | | | Gogo Inc.† | | | 201,687 | | | | 224,000 | |
| 355,000 | | | Grupo Televisa SAB, ADR | | | 5,762,405 | | | | 4,164,150 | |
| 18,000 | | | Liberty Media Corp.- Liberty Braves, Cl. A† | | | 397,667 | | | | 533,700 | |
| 99,020 | | | Liberty Media Corp.- Liberty Braves, Cl. C† | | | 1,865,918 | | | | 2,925,051 | |
| 8,000 | | | Liberty Media Corp.- Liberty Formula One, Cl. A† | | | 210,094 | | | | 350,240 | |
| 34,000 | | | Liberty Media Corp.- Liberty Formula One, Cl. C† | | | 890,584 | | | | 1,562,810 | |
| 4,000 | | | M6 Metropole Television SA | | | 35,208 | | | | 75,289 | |
| 28,000 | | | Naspers Ltd., Cl. N | | | 2,621,432 | | | | 4,579,617 | |
| 5,000 | | | Netflix Inc.† | | | 1,355,617 | | | | 1,617,850 | |
| 67,073 | | | Reading International Inc., Cl. A† | | | 1,025,346 | | | | 750,547 | |
| 8,000 | | | Reading International Inc., Cl. B† | | | 85,625 | | | | 216,000 | |
| 4,000 | | | Roku Inc.† | | | 56,000 | | | | 535,600 | |
| 40,000 | | | Sirius XM Holdings Inc. | | | 227,782 | | | | 286,000 | |
| 24,000 | | | Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.† | | | 2,293,739 | | | | 2,938,320 | |
| 24,200 | | | The Madison Square Garden Co., Cl. A† | | | 4,751,660 | | | | 7,119,398 | |
| 550,000 | | | Wow Unlimited Media Inc.†(b)(c) | | | 535,492 | | | | 226,599 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 22,815,135 | | | | 28,746,786 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Equipment — 0.8% | | | | | |
| 3,600 | | | Amphenol Corp., Cl. A | | | 7,014 | | | | 389,628 | |
| 44,000 | | | Corning Inc. | | | 1,208,193 | | | | 1,280,840 | |
| 200 | | | Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd. | | | 7,419 | | | | 5,191 | |
| 6,500 | | | QUALCOMM Inc. | | | 191,784 | | | | 573,495 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 1,414,410 | | | | 2,249,154 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Financial Services — 2.2% | | | | | |
| 15,000 | | | Caribbean Investment Holdings Ltd. | | | 14,944 | | | | 6,656 | |
| 35,500 | | | Kinnevik AB, Cl. A | | | 673,200 | | | | 903,954 | |
| 36,000 | | | Kinnevik AB, Cl. B | | | 1,121,986 | | | | 880,172 | |
| 4,800 | | | LendingTree Inc.† | | | 1,062,203 | | | | 1,456,512 | |
| 31,000 | | | PayPal Holdings Inc.† | | | 2,435,971 | | | | 3,353,270 | |
| 14,000 | | | Waterloo Investment Holdings Ltd.†(a) | | | 2,009 | | | | 2,940 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 5,310,313 | | | | 6,603,504 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Food and Beverage — 0.3% | | | | | |
| 7,000 | | | Davide Campari-Milano SpA | | | 49,930 | | | | 63,915 | |
| 2,800 | | | Pernod Ricard SA | | | 176,691 | | | | 500,639 | |
| 2,500 | | | Remy Cointreau SA | | | 302,970 | | | | 307,067 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 529,591 | | | | 871,621 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares | | | | | Cost | | | Market Value | |
| | |
| | | | Information Technology — 0.7% | | | | | |
| 26,500 | | | Prosus NV† | | $ | 2,223,449 | | | $ | 1,977,616 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Real Estate — 1.1% | | | | | |
| 12,500 | | | American Tower Corp., REIT | | | 1,705,635 | | | | 2,872,750 | |
| 3,000 | | | Crown Castle International Corp., REIT | | | 314,216 | | | | 426,450 | |
| 15,000 | | | Midway Investments†(a) | | | 96 | | | | 199 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,019,947 | | | | 3,299,399 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Retail — 0.2% | | | | | |
| 200 | | | Amazon.com Inc.† | | | 35,729 | | | | 369,568 | |
| 2,000 | | | Best Buy Co. Inc. | | | 70,450 | | | | 175,600 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 106,179 | | | | 545,168 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Satellite — 3.3% | | | | | |
| 103,374 | | | DISH Network Corp., Cl. A† | | | 4,800,787 | | | | 3,666,676 | |
| 120,000 | | | Dish TV India Ltd., GDR† | | | 113,474 | | | | 12,000 | |
| 64,000 | | | EchoStar Corp., Cl. A† | | | 1,711,144 | | | | 2,771,840 | |
| 50,000 | | | Intelsat SA† | | | 678,491 | | | | 351,500 | |
| 30,000 | | | Iridium Communications Inc.† | | | 241,684 | | | | 739,200 | |
| 72,500 | | | Loral Space & Communications Inc.† | | | 3,013,471 | | | | 2,343,200 | |
| 250,000 | | | PT Indosat Tbk† | | | 52,779 | | | | 52,404 | |
| 3,000 | | | SKY Perfect JSAT Holdings Inc. | | | 15,472 | | | | 13,391 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 10,627,302 | | | | 9,950,211 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| | | | Telecommunications: Long Distance — 1.1% | |
| 58,000 | | | AT&T Inc. | | | 1,916,666 | | | | 2,266,640 | |
| 5,594 | | | BCE Inc., Toronto | | | 250,825 | | | | 259,162 | |
| 150,000 | | | Sprint Corp.† | | | 863,701 | | | | 781,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 3,031,192 | | | | 3,307,302 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Telecommunications: National — 4.5% | | | | | |
| 5,000 | | | China Telecom Corp. Ltd., ADR | | | 126,250 | | | | 205,950 | |
| 5,000 | | | China Unicom Hong Kong Ltd., ADR | | | 38,450 | | | | 46,800 | |
| 50,000 | | | Deutsche Telekom AG, ADR | | | 646,760 | | | | 814,500 | |
| 16,000 | | | Elisa Oyj | | | 155,779 | | | | 883,904 | |
| 3,605 | | | Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA | | | 41,551 | | | | 57,664 | |
| 10,000 | | | Liberty Latin America Ltd., Cl. A† | | | 206,092 | | | | 193,000 | |
| 100,000 | | | Liberty Latin America Ltd., Cl. C† | | | 2,163,426 | | | | 1,946,000 | |
| 1,000 | | | Magyar Telekom Telecommunications plc, ADR | | | 9,280 | | | | 7,497 | |
| 4,000 | | | Maroc Telecom | | | 60,473 | | | | 64,162 | |
| 20,000 | | | Megacable Holdings SAB de CV | | | 83,627 | | | | 81,915 | |
| 20,000 | | | Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. | | | 230,089 | | | | 507,478 | |
| 5,000 | | | Oi SA, ADR† | | | 1,612 | | | | 1,294 | |
| 4,000 | | | Orange SA, ADR | | | 65,705 | | | | 58,360 | |
| 22,000 | | | PLDT Inc., ADR | | | 370,294 | | | | 439,780 | |
| 6,000 | | | PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Persero Tbk, ADR | | | 12,340 | | | | 171,000 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
5
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares | | | | | Cost | | | Market Value | |
| | |
| | | | COMMON STOCKS (Continued) | | | | | |
| | | | DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES (Continued) | | | | | |
| | | | Telecommunications: National (Continued) | |
| 6,000 | | | Rostelecom PJSC, ADR | | $ | 41,408 | | | $ | 45,030 | |
| 22,000 | | | Swisscom AG, ADR | | | 579,192 | | | | 1,162,810 | |
| 6,000 | | | Telecom Argentina SA, ADR | | | 5,820 | | | | 68,100 | |
| 340,000 | | | Telecom Italia SpA† | | | 897,754 | | | | 212,200 | |
| 50,000 | | | Telecom Italia SpA | | | 44,963 | | | | 30,611 | |
| 17,500 | | | Telefonica Brasil SA, ADR | | | 283,641 | | | | 250,600 | |
| 105,710 | | | Telefonica SA, ADR | | | 1,139,289 | | | | 736,799 | |
| 145,000 | | | Telekom Austria AG | | | 1,030,094 | | | | 1,184,072 | |
| 55,000 | | | Telesites SAB de CV† | | | 41,755 | | | | 40,725 | |
| 15,172 | | | Telia Co. AB | | | 42,639 | | | | 65,199 | |
| 2,400 | | | Telstra Corp. Ltd., ADR | | | 30,324 | | | | 29,856 | |
| 100,000 | | | VEON Ltd., ADR | | | 183,016 | | | | 253,000 | |
| 63,500 | | | Verizon Communications Inc. | | | 2,591,305 | | | | 3,898,900 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 11,122,928 | | | | 13,457,206 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Telecommunications: Regional — 2.6% | | | | | |
| 43,000 | | | CenturyLink Inc. | | | 722,386 | | | | 568,030 | |
| 20,000 | | | Cincinnati Bell Inc.† | | | 259,203 | | | | 209,400 | |
| 45,088 | | | GCI Liberty Inc., Cl. A† | | | 2,240,205 | | | | 3,194,485 | |
| 85,500 | | | Telephone & Data Systems Inc. | | | 3,440,688 | | | | 2,174,265 | |
| 40,000 | | | TELUS Corp., New York | | | 517,468 | | | | 1,549,200 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 7,179,950 | | | | 7,695,380 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Wireless Communications — 4.0% | | | | | |
| 55,000 | | | Altice USA Inc., Cl. A† | | | 1,097,118 | | | | 1,503,700 | |
| 55,000 | | | America Movil SAB de CV, Cl. L, ADR | | | 367,164 | | | | 880,000 | |
| 240,000 | | | Jasmine International PCL(a) | | | 5,040 | | | | 40,062 | |
| 53,000 | | | Millicom International Cellular SA, SDR | | | 3,333,260 | | | | 2,538,427 | |
| 80,000 | | | NTT DOCOMO Inc. | | | 1,242,590 | | | | 2,236,805 | |
| 19,000 | | | Orascom Investment Holding, GDR† | | | 29,430 | | | | 2,660 | |
| 60,000 | | | ORBCOMM Inc.† | | | 483,714 | | | | 252,600 | |
| 34,000 | | | SK Telecom Co. Ltd., ADR | | | 761,600 | | | | 785,740 | |
| 4,203 | | | TIM Participacoes SA, ADR | | | 108,533 | | | | 80,319 | |
| 23,000 | | | T-Mobile US Inc.† | | | 1,542,224 | | | | 1,803,660 | |
| 10,000 | | | Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A/S, ADR | | | 123,780 | | | | 58,000 | |
| 30,000 | | | United States Cellular Corp.† | | | 1,107,291 | | | | 1,086,900 | |
| 25,000 | | | Vodafone Group plc, ADR | | | 971,225 | | | | 483,250 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 11,172,969 | | | | 11,752,123 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | TOTAL DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES | | | 129,701,063 | | | | 156,336,784 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| | | | COPYRIGHT/CREATIVITY COMPANIES — 34.4% | |
| | | | Business Services — 0.1% | | | | | |
| 6,000 | | | Scientific Games Corp.† | | | 57,960 | | | | 160,680 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares | | | | | Cost | | | Market Value | |
| | |
| | | | Business Services: Advertising — 1.5% | | | | | |
| 1,000 | | | Boston Omaha Corp., Cl. A† | | $ | 16,970 | | | $ | 21,040 | |
| 270,000 | | | Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc.† | | | 1,318,490 | | | | 772,200 | |
| 1,500 | | | Harte-Hanks Inc.† | | | 5,264 | | | | 5,370 | |
| 13,000 | | | JCDecaux SA | | | 330,623 | | | | 400,718 | |
| 9,400 | | | Lamar Advertising Co., Cl. A, REIT | | | 642,389 | | | | 839,044 | |
| 27,000 | | | National CineMedia Inc. | | | 147,498 | | | | 196,830 | |
| 15,000 | | | Ocean Outdoor Ltd.† | | | 144,925 | | | | 108,000 | |
| 1,500 | | | Publicis Groupe SA | | | 10,478 | | | | 67,908 | |
| 4,000 | | | Ströeer SE & Co. KGaA | | | 89,263 | | | | 323,275 | |
| 10,000 | | | Telaria Inc.† | | | 22,112 | | | | 88,100 | |
| 75,000 | | | The Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. | | | 1,696,342 | | | | 1,732,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,424,354 | | | | 4,554,985 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Computer Hardware — 2.1% | | | | | |
| 21,000 | | | Apple Inc. | | | 3,701,412 | | | | 6,166,650 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Computer Software and Services — 8.9% | | | | | |
| 38,000 | | | Activision Blizzard Inc. | | | 1,971,786 | | | | 2,257,960 | |
| 4,000 | | | Actua Corp.†(a) | | | 0 | | | | 1,780 | |
| 4,800 | | | Alphabet Inc., Cl. A† | | | 4,656,676 | | | | 6,429,072 | |
| 1,300 | | | Alphabet Inc., Cl. C† | | | 973,732 | | | | 1,738,126 | |
| 31,000 | | | comScore Inc.† | | | 298,558 | | | | 153,140 | |
| 60,000 | | | eBay Inc. | | | 1,405,185 | | | | 2,166,600 | |
| 6,000 | | | Electronic Arts Inc.† | | | 646,149 | | | | 645,060 | |
| 39,200 | | | Facebook Inc., Cl. A† | | | 5,215,622 | | | | 8,045,800 | |
| 90,000 | | | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | | | 1,262,543 | | | | 1,427,400 | |
| 165,000 | | | Internap Corp.† | | | 830,710 | | | | 181,500 | |
| 14,000 | | | InterXion Holding NV† | | | 634,218 | | | | 1,173,340 | |
| 10,000 | | | Microsoft Corp. | | | 1,316,071 | | | | 1,577,000 | |
| 7,000 | | | QTS Realty Trust Inc., Cl. A, REIT | | | 233,091 | | | | 379,890 | |
| 300 | | | Red Violet Inc.† | | | 1,920 | | | | 5,553 | |
| 6,000 | | | SoftBank Group Corp. | | | 175,747 | | | | 262,629 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 19,622,008 | | | | 26,444,850 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Consumer Products — 0.8% | | | | | |
| 2,000 | | | Nintendo Co. Ltd. | | | 241,733 | | | | 809,351 | |
| 33,000 | | | Nintendo Co. Ltd., ADR | | | 582,440 | | | | 1,646,700 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 824,173 | | | | 2,456,051 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Consumer Services — 0.1% | | | | | |
| 14 | | | Liq Participacoes SA† | | | 7,586 | | | | 31 | |
| 2,837 | | | Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. | | | 336,043 | | | | 365,292 | |
| 10,000 | | | Spark Networks SE, ADR† | | | 55,886 | | | | 45,300 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 399,515 | | | | 410,623 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Electronics — 5.1% | | | | | |
| 2,000 | | | IMAX Corp.† | | | 10,333 | | | | 40,860 | |
| 5,000 | | | Intel Corp. | | | 105,992 | | | | 299,250 | |
| 3,440 | | | Koninklijke Philips NV | | | 36,704 | | | | 167,872 | |
| 29,036 | | | Micro Focus International plc, ADR | | | 687,234 | | | | 407,375 | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
6
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares | | | | | Cost | | | Market Value | |
| | |
| | | | COMMON STOCKS (Continued) | | | | | |
| | | | COPYRIGHT/CREATIVITY COMPANIES (Continued) | |
| | | | Electronics (Continued) | | | | | | | | |
| 50,000 | | | Resideo Technologies Inc.† | | $ | 785,075 | | | $ | 596,500 | |
| 200,000 | | | Sony Corp., ADR | | | 7,104,582 | | | | 13,600,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 8,729,920 | | | | 15,111,857 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Entertainment — 7.2% | | | | | |
| 79,200 | | | GMM Grammy Public Co. Ltd. | | | 52,488 | | | | 27,234 | |
| 20,000 | | | Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Cl. B† | | | 484,858 | | | | 198,600 | |
| 22,000 | | | Live Nation Entertainment Inc.† | | | 745,404 | | | | 1,572,340 | |
| 11,000 | | | Manchester United plc, Cl. A | | | 200,475 | | | | 219,230 | |
| 17,000 | | | STV Group plc | | | 13,537 | | | | 93,901 | |
| 10,000 | | | Tencent Music Entertainment Group, ADR† | | | 140,864 | | | | 117,400 | |
| 49,000 | | | The Walt Disney Co. | | | 5,156,984 | | | | 7,086,870 | |
| 52,000 | | | Universal Entertainment Corp. | | | 1,351,816 | | | | 1,777,921 | |
| 95,235 | | | ViacomCBS Inc., Cl. A | | | 3,011,029 | | | | 4,273,194 | |
| 69,770 | | | ViacomCBS Inc., Cl. B | | | 3,192,295 | | | | 2,928,247 | |
| 85,000 | | | Vivendi SA | | | 2,045,981 | | | | 2,461,806 | |
| 8,000 | | | World Wrestling Entertainment Inc., Cl. A | | | 412,048 | | | | 518,960 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 16,807,779 | | | | 21,275,703 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Hotels and Gaming — 6.2% | | | | | |
| 90,000 | | | Boyd Gaming Corp. | | | 1,756,393 | | | | 2,694,600 | |
| 1,800 | | | Churchill Downs Inc. | | | 52,401 | | | | 246,960 | |
| 15,000 | | | Full House Resorts Inc.† | | | 49,513 | | | | 50,250 | |
| 14,000 | | | Golden Entertainment Inc.† | | | 150,730 | | | | 269,080 | |
| 4,200 | | | Greek Organization of Football Prognostics SA | | | 45,444 | | | | 54,602 | |
| 18,427 | | | GVC Holdings plc | | | 238,757 | | | | 215,821 | |
| 75,000 | | | International Game Technology plc | | | 1,308,976 | | | | 1,122,750 | |
| 16,000 | | | Las Vegas Sands Corp. | | | 866,605 | | | | 1,104,640 | |
| 180,250 | | | Mandarin Oriental International Ltd. | | | 294,057 | | | | 328,055 | |
| 31,500 | | | Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd., ADR | | | 212,265 | | | | 761,355 | |
| 22,000 | | | MGM China Holdings Ltd. | | | 43,826 | | | | 35,912 | |
| 74,000 | | | MGM Resorts International | | | 2,235,416 | | | | 2,461,980 | |
| 4,000 | | | Penn National Gaming Inc.† | | | 26,016 | | | | 102,240 | |
| 70,700 | | | Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc., REIT | | | 2,908,329 | | | | 6,126,862 | |
| 20,000 | | | Wynn Resorts Ltd. | | | 1,785,899 | | | | 2,777,400 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 11,974,627 | | | | 18,352,507 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Publishing — 1.3% | | | | | |
| 11,000 | | | AH Belo Corp., Cl. A | | | 47,238 | | | | 31,020 | |
| 20,000 | | | Arnoldo Mondadori Editore SpA† | | | 63,826 | | | | 46,214 | |
| 974,000 | | | Bangkok Post plc† | | | 47,100 | | | | 71,537 | |
| 800 | | | Graham Holdings Co., Cl. B | | | 431,961 | | | | 511,192 | |
| 800 | | | John Wiley & Sons Inc., Cl. B | | | 5,692 | | | | 39,364 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares | | | | | Cost | | | Market Value | |
| | | |
| 11,000 | | | Meredith Corp. | | $ | 365,973 | | | $ | 357,170 | |
| 5,263 | | | Nation International Edutainment PCL† | | | 265 | | | | 369 | |
| 1,000,000 | | | Nation Multimedia Group Public Co. Ltd.† | | | 53,346 | | | | 5,675 | |
| 28,000 | | | News Corp., Cl. A | | | 130,834 | | | | 395,920 | |
| 45,000 | | | News Corp., Cl. B | | | 733,183 | | | | 652,950 | |
| 6,779 | | | Novus Holdings Ltd. | | | 3,053 | | | | 1,225 | |
| 235,000 | | | Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. | | | 689,576 | | | | 380,906 | |
| 600 | | | Spir Communication SA†(a) | | | 13,551 | | | | 2,907 | |
| 78,000 | | | The E.W. Scripps Co., Cl. A | | | 1,424,780 | | | | 1,225,380 | |
| 2,000 | | | Wolters Kluwer NV | | | 45,312 | | | | 145,866 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 4,055,690 | | | | 3,867,695 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | Real Estate — 1.1% | | | | | |
| 5,000 | | | Equinix Inc., REIT | | | 2,103,490 | | | | 2,918,500 | |
| 12,000 | | | Outfront Media Inc., REIT | | | 240,331 | | | | 321,840 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 2,343,821 | | | | 3,240,340 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | TOTAL COPYRIGHT/CREATIVITY COMPANIES | | | 72,941,259 | | | | 102,041,941 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | | | 202,642,322 | | | | 258,378,725 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | CLOSED-END FUNDS — 0.9% | | | | | |
| 130,000 | | | Altaba Inc., Escrow† | | | 484,499 | | | | 2,697,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | PREFERRED STOCKS — 0.1% | | | | | |
| | | | DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES — 0.1% | | | | | |
| | | | Telecommunications: Regional — 0.1% | | | | | |
| 5,500 | | | GCI Liberty Inc., Ser. A, 7.000% | | | 112,525 | | | | 145,640 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | RIGHTS — 0.0% | | | | | |
| | | | DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES — 0.0% | | | | | |
| | | | Broadcasting — 0.0% | | | | | |
| 14,000 | | | Media General Inc., CVR†(a) | | | 0 | | | | 0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | WARRANTS — 0.0% | | | | | |
| | | | DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES — 0.0% | | | | | |
| | | | Real Estate — 0.0% | | | | | |
| 600 | | | Malaysian Resources Corp. Berhad, expire 10/29/27† | | | 0 | | | | 32 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Telecommunications — 0.0% | | | | | |
| 117,647 | | | Jasmine International PCL, expire 07/05/20† | | | 0 | | | | 6,716 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | TOTAL WARRANTS | | | 0 | | | | 6,748 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
7
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Principal Amount | | | | | Cost | | | Market Value | |
| |
| | | | CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS — 0.0% | |
| | | | Distribution Companies — 0.0% | | | | | |
| $ 100,000 | | | Gogo Inc., 6.000%, 05/15/22(c) | | $ | 100,000 | | | $ | 125,544 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| | | | U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 12.0% | |
| 35,649,000 | | | U.S. Treasury Bills, 1.520% to 1.672%††, 01/02/20 to 03/19/20 | | | 35,535,788 | | | | 35,541,397 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0% | | $ | 238,875,134 | | | | 296,895,554 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| Other Assets and Liabilities (Net) | | | | | | | 681,000 | |
| | |
| PREFERRED STOCK | | | | | | | | |
| (4,000,010 preferred shares outstanding) | | | | (100,250,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| NET ASSETS — COMMON STOCK | | | | | | | | |
| (24,898,515 common shares outstanding) | | | $ | 197,326,554 | |
| |
| NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE | | | | | |
| ($197,326,554 ÷ 24,898,515 shares outstanding) | | | $ | 7.93 | |
(a) | Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. |
(b) | At December 31, 2019, the Fund held an investment in a restricted and illiquid security amounting to $226,599 or 0.08% of total investments, which was valued under methods approved by the Board of Directors as follows: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Acquisition Shares | | Issuer | | Acquisition Dates | | | Acquisition Cost | | | 12/31/19 Carrying Value Per Unit | |
550,000 | | Wow Unlimited Media Inc. | |
| 06/05/18- 10/01/19 | | | $ | 535,492 | | | $ | 0.4120 | |
(c) | Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. |
† | Non-income producing security. |
†† | Represents annualized yields at dates of purchase. |
| | |
ADR | | American Depositary Receipt |
CVR | | Contingent Value Right |
GDR | | Global Depositary Receipt |
REIT | | Real Estate Investment Trust |
SDR | | Swedish Depositary Receipt |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Geographic Diversification | | % of Total Investments | | Market Value |
North America | | | | 78.5 | % | | | $ | 233,075,576 | |
Europe | | | | 8.9 | | | | | 26,481,063 | |
Japan | | | | 7.6 | | | | | 22,568,463 | |
Latin America | | | | 1.9 | | | | | 5,648,950 | |
South Africa | | | | 1.6 | | | | | 4,742,208 | |
Asia/Pacific | | | | 1.5 | | | | | 4,312,472 | |
Africa/Middle East | | | | 0.0 | * | | | | 66,822 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | | | 100.0 | % | | | $ | 296,895,554 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
* | Amount represents less than 0.05%. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
8
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2019
| | | | |
Assets: | | | | |
Investments, at value (cost $238,875,134) | | $ | 296,895,554 | |
Foreign currency, at value (cost $148,372) | | | 148,356 | |
Cash | | | 12,333 | |
Receivable for investments sold | | | 2,004,510 | |
Deferred offering expense | | | 136,685 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | | | 293,991 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 1,936 | |
| | | | |
Total Assets | | | 299,493,365 | |
| | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | |
Distributions payable | | | 114,004 | |
Deferred tax liabilities (a) | | | 5,969 | |
Payable for investments purchased | | | 926,925 | |
Payable for investment advisory fees | | | 421,973 | |
Payable for payroll expenses | | | 12,594 | |
Payable for accounting fees | | | 11,250 | |
Payable for preferred offering expenses | | | 271,205 | |
Other accrued expenses | | | 152,891 | |
| | | | |
Total Liabilities | | | 1,916,811 | |
| | | | |
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value: | | | | |
Series C Cumulative Preferred Stock (Auction Rate, $25,000 liquidation value, 1,000 shares authorized with 10 shares issued and outstanding) | | | 250,000 | |
Series E Cumulative Preferred Stock (5.125%, $25 liquidation value, 2,000,000 shares authorized with 2,000,000 shares issued and outstanding) | | | 50,000,000 | |
Series G Cumulative Preferred Stock (5.125%, $25 liquidation value, 2,000,000 shares authorized with 2,000,000 shares issued and outstanding) | | | 50,000,000 | |
| | | | |
Total Preferred Stock | | | 100,250,000 | |
| | | | |
Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders | | $ | 197,326,554 | |
| | | | |
Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Consist of: | | | | |
Paid-in capital | | $ | 143,597,866 | |
Total distributable earnings (a) | | | 53,728,688 | |
| | | | |
Net Assets | | $ | 197,326,554 | |
| | | | |
Net Asset Value per Common Share: | | | | |
($197,326,554 ÷ 24,898,515 shares outstanding at $0.001 par value; 196,750,000 shares authorized) | | | $7.93 | |
(a) | Includes net unrealized depreciation of $5,969 in deferred Thailand capital gains tax during the year ended December 31, 2019. |
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019
| | | | |
Investment Income: | | | | |
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $217,620) | | $ | 3,564,195 | |
Income fromnon-cash dividend | | | 2,796,820 | |
Interest | | | 150,394 | |
| | | | |
Total Investment Income | | | 6,511,409 | |
| | | | |
Expenses: | | | | |
Investment advisory fees | | | 2,668,688 | |
Shareholder communications expenses | | | 154,207 | |
Shareholder services fees | | | 86,383 | |
Audit and legal fees | | | 73,154 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 71,370 | |
Shelf registration expense | | | 50,180 | |
Custodian fees | | | 46,227 | |
Payroll expenses | | | 45,877 | |
Accounting fees | | | 45,000 | |
Tax expense | | | 1,308 | |
Interest expense | | | 352 | |
Auction agent fees (See Note 5) | | | (2,184 | ) |
Miscellaneous expenses | | | 88,146 | |
| | | | |
Total Expenses | | | 3,328,708 | |
| | | | |
Less: | | | | |
Expenses paid indirectly by broker (See Note 3) | | | (2,925 | ) |
| | | | |
Net Expenses | | | 3,325,783 | |
| | | | |
Net Investment Income | | | 3,185,626 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency: | | | | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 19,947,642 | |
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions | | | (4,117 | ) |
| | | | |
Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions | | | 19,943,525 | |
| | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation: | | | | |
on investments(a) | | | 26,104,302 | |
on foreign currency translations | | | 39 | |
| | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations | | | 26,104,341 | |
| | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency | | | 46,047,866 | |
| | | | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | | | 49,233,492 | |
| | | | |
Total Distributions to Preferred Shareholders | | | (3,820,425 | ) |
| | | | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Resulting from Operations | | $ | 45,413,067 | |
| | | | |
(a) | Includes net change of $(4,806) in deferred Thailand capital gains tax on unrealized appreciation during the year ended December 31, 2019. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
9
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2019 | | Year Ended December 31, 2018 |
Operations: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | $ | 3,185,626 | | | | $ | 838,826 | |
Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions | | | | 19,943,525 | | | | | 25,669,469 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations | | | | 26,104,341 | | | | | (57,309,823 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | | | | 49,233,492 | | | | | (30,801,528 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders | | | | (3,820,425 | ) | | | | (3,757,140 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Resulting from Operations | | | | 45,413,067 | | | | | (34,558,668 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Distributions to Common Shareholders: | | | | | | | | | | |
Accumulated earnings | | | | (20,626,172 | ) | | | | (22,000,051 | ) |
Return of capital | | | | (1,128,870 | ) | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total Distributions to Common Shareholders | | | | (21,755,042 | ) | | | | (22,000,051 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Fund Share Transactions: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions | | | | 2,236,670 | | | | | 2,369,418 | |
Offering costs for preferred shares charged topaid-in capital | | | | (1,852,000 | ) | | | | (4,111 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net Increase in Net Assets from Fund Share Transactions | | | | 384,670 | | | | | 2,365,307 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders | | | | 24,042,695 | | | | | (54,193,412 | ) |
| | |
Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders: | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | | 173,283,859 | | | | | 227,477,271 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
End of year | | | $ | 197,326,554 | | | | $ | 173,283,859 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
10
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each year:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Operating Performance: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of year | | | | $ | 7.04 | | | | �� | $ | 9.34 | | | | | $ | 8.13 | | | | | $ | 8.36 | | | | | $ | 9.81 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | 0.13 | (a) | | | | | 0.03 | | | | | | 0.01 | | | | | | 0.05 | | | | | | 0.03 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions | | | | | 1.86 | | | | | | (1.28 | ) | | | | | 2.11 | | | | | | 0.60 | | | | | | (0.49 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total from investment operations | | | | | 1.99 | | | | | | (1.25 | ) | | | | | 2.12 | | | | | | 0.65 | | | | | | (0.46 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders: (b) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | (0.02 | ) | | | | | 0.00 | (c) | | | | | (0.00 | )(c) | | | | | (0.00 | )(c) | | | | | (0.00 | )(c) |
Net realized gain | | | | | (0.13 | ) | | | | | (0.15 | ) | | | | | (0.08 | ) | | | | | (0.05 | ) | | | | | (0.05 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions to preferred shareholders | | | | | (0.15 | ) | | | | | (0.15 | ) | | | | | (0.08 | ) | | | | | (0.05 | ) | | | | | (0.05 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Resulting from Operations | | | | | 1.84 | | | | | | (1.40 | ) | | | | | 2.04 | | | | | | 0.60 | | | | | | (0.51 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions to Common Shareholders: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | | | (0.12 | ) | | | | | (0.01 | ) | | | | | (0.03 | ) | | | | | (0.06 | ) | | | | | (0.03 | ) |
Net realized gain | | | | | (0.71 | ) | | | | | (0.89 | ) | | | | | (0.73 | ) | | | | | (0.74 | ) | | | | | (0.89 | ) |
Return of capital | | | | | (0.05 | ) | | | | | — | | | | | | (0.12 | ) | | | | | (0.03 | ) | | | | | (0.02 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions to common shareholders | | | | | (0.88 | ) | | | | | (0.90 | ) | | | | | (0.88 | ) | | | | | (0.83 | ) | | | | | (0.94 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund Share Transactions: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Increase in net asset value from repurchase of common shares | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 0.00 | (c) | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Increase in net asset value from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions | | | | | 0.00 | (c) | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Increase in net asset value from redemption of preferred shares | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 0.12 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Offering costs and adjustment to offering costs for preferred shares charged topaid-in capital | | | | | (0.07 | ) | | | | | (0.00 | )(c) | | | | | (0.07 | ) | | | | | — | | | | | | (0.00 | )(c) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Fund share transactions | | | | | (0.07 | ) | | | | | (0.00 | )(c) | | | | | 0.05 | | | | | | — | | | | | | (0.00 | )(c) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Asset Value Attributable to Common Shareholders, End of Year | | | | $ | 7.93 | | | | | $ | 7.04 | | | | | $ | 9.34 | | | | | $ | 8.13 | | | | | $ | 8.36 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NAV total return † | | | | | 25.86 | % | | | | | (16.54 | )% | | | | | 26.50 | % | | | | | 7.59 | % | | | | | (5.57 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market value, end of year | | | | $ | 8.02 | | | | | $ | 7.06 | | | | | $ | 9.20 | | | | | $ | 7.24 | | | | | $ | 7.50 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment total return †† | | | | | 26.67 | % | | | | | (14.93 | )% | | | | | 40.21 | % | | | | | 7.97 | % | | | | | (16.33 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares, end of year (in 000’s) | | | | $ | 297,577 | | | | | $ | 243,309 | | | | | $ | 297,503 | | | | | $ | 232,399 | | | | | $ | 238,049 | |
Net assets attributable to common shares, end of year (in 000’s) | | | | $ | 197,327 | | | | | $ | 173,284 | | | | | $ | 227,477 | | | | | $ | 197,623 | | | | | $ | 203,274 | |
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets attributable to common shares before preferred share distributions | | | | | 1.62 | %(a) | | | | | 0.39 | % | | | | | 0.13 | % | | | | | 0.70 | % | | | | | 0.33 | % |
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares before fees waived/fee reduction(d) | | | | | 1.69 | %(e)(f) | | | | | 1.62 | %(e) | | | | | 1.45 | %(e) | | | | | 1.49 | %(e)(g) | | | | | 1.45 | %(e) |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data (Continued): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares net of advisory fee reduction, if any(h) | | | | | 1.69 | %(e)(f) | | | | | 1.53 | %(e) | | | | | 1.45 | %(e) | | | | | 1.49 | %(e)(g) | | | | | 1.30 | %(e) |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | | | 17.5 | % | | | | | 20.5 | % | | | | | 16.8 | % | | | | | 10.3 | % | | | | | 14.0 | % |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
11
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Financial Highlights (Continued)
Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each year:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | | | 2017 | | | 2016 | | | 2015 | |
Cumulative Preferred Stock: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
6.000% Series B Preferred(i) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liquidation value, end of year (in 000’s) | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 19,775 | | | | | $ | 19,775 | | | | | $ | 19,775 | | | | | $ | 19,775 | |
Total shares outstanding (in 000’s) | | | | | — | | | | | | 791 | | | | | | 791 | | | | | | 791 | | | | | | 791 | |
Liquidation preference per share | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 25.00 | | | | | $ | 25.00 | | | | | $ | 25.00 | | | | | $ | 25.00 | |
Average market value (j) | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 25.81 | | | | | $ | 26.36 | | | | | $ | 26.42 | | | | | $ | 25.80 | |
Asset coverage per share(k) | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 86.86 | | | | | $ | 106.21 | | | | | $ | 167.07 | | | | | $ | 171.13 | |
Series C Auction Rate Preferred | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liquidation value, end of Total shares outstanding (in 000’s) (in 000’s) | | | | $ | 250 | | | | | $ | 250 | | | | | $ | 250 | | | | | $ | 15,000 | | | | | $ | 15,000 | |
Total shares outstanding (in 000’s) | | | | | 0 | (l) | | | | | 0 | (l) | | | | | 0 | (l) | | | | | 1 | | | | | | 1 | |
Liquidation preference per share | | | | $ | 25,000 | | | | | $ | 25,000 | | | | | $ | 25,000 | | | | | $ | 25,000 | | | | | $ | 25,000 | |
Liquidation value (m) | | | | $ | 25,000 | | | | | $ | 25,000 | | | | | $ | 25,000 | | | | | $ | 25,000 | | | | | $ | 25,000 | |
Asset coverage per share(k) | | | | $ | 74,209 | | | | | $ | 86,865 | | | | | $ | 106,212 | | | | | $ | 167,071 | | | | | $ | 171,134 | |
5.125% Series E Preferred | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liquidation value, end of year (in 000’s) | | | | $ | 50,000 | | | | | $ | 50,000 | | | | | $ | 50,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Total shares outstanding (in 000’s) | | | | | 2,000 | | | | | | 2,000 | | | | | | 2,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Liquidation preference per share | | | | $ | 25.00 | | | | | $ | 25.00 | | | | | $ | 25.00 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Average market value(j) | | | | $ | 24.88 | | | | | $ | 23.80 | | | | | $ | 24.98 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Asset coverage per share(k) | | | | $ | 74.21 | | | | | $ | 86.86 | | | | | $ | 106.21 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
5.125% Series G Preferred | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liquidation value, end of year (in 000’s) | | | | $ | 50,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Total shares outstanding (in 000’s) | | | | | 2,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Liquidation preference per share | | | | $ | 25.00 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Average market value(j) | | | | $ | 25.40 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Asset coverage per share(k) | | | | $ | 74.21 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | |
Asset Coverage (n) | | | | | 297 | % | | | | | 347 | % | | | | | 425 | % | | | | | 668 | % | | | | | 685 | % |
† | Based on net asset value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions of net asset value on theex-dividend date, including the effect of shares pursuant to the 2014 rights offering, assuming full subscription by shareholders. |
†† | Based on market value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at prices determined under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan including the effect of shares issued pursuant to the 2014 rights offering, assuming full subscription by shareholders. |
(a) | Includes income resulting from special dividends. Without these dividends, the per share income amount would have been 0.02 and the net investment income ratio would have been 0.20%. |
(b) | Calculated based on average common shares outstanding on the record dates throughout the years. |
(c) | Amount represents less than $0.005 per share. |
(d) | Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares before fee waived/fee reduction for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015 would have been 1.25%, 1.22%, 1.23%, 1.27%, and 1.26%, respectively. |
(e) | The Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015, there was no impact on the expense ratios. |
(f) | Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets includes reversal of auction agent fees from earlier fiscal periods as disclosed on the Statement of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2019, there was no impact to the operating expense ratio to average net assets. See Note 5 for disclosure. |
(g) | During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Fund received a one time reimbursement of custody expenses paid in prior years. Had such reimbursement been included in this period, the annualized expense ratios would have been 1.32% attributable to common shares before fees waived, 1.32% attributable to common shares net of advisory fee reduction, 1.13% including liquidation value of preferred shares before fees waived, and 1.13% including liquidation value of preferred shares net of advisory fee reduction. |
(h) | Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares net of advisory fee reduction for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015 would have been 1.25%, 1.15%, 1.23%, 1.27%, and 1.13%, respectively. |
(i) | The Fund redeemed and retired all its outstanding Series B Preferred Shares on December 26, 2019. |
(j) | Based on weekly prices. |
(k) | Asset coverage per share is calculated by combining all series of preferred shares. |
(l) | Actual number of shares outstanding is 10. |
(m) | Since February 2008, the weekly auctions have failed. Holders that have submitted orders have not been able to sell any or all of their shares in the auctions. |
(n) | Asset coverage is calculated by combining all series of preferred shares. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
12
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements
1. Organization.The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. (the Fund) is anon-diversifiedclosed-end management investment company organized as a Maryland corporation on March 31, 1994 and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). The Fund commenced investment operations on November 15, 1994.
The Fund’s investment objective is long term growth of capital. The Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets, under normal market conditions, in common stock and other securities, including convertible securities, preferred stock, options, and warrants of companies in the telecommunications, media, publishing, and entertainment industries (the 80% Policy). The 80% Policy may be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund will provide shareholders with notice at least sixty days prior to the implementation of any change in the 80% Policy.
2. Significant Accounting Policies.As an investment company, the Fund follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance, which is part of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) that may require the use of management estimates and assumptions in the preparation of its financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
New Accounting Pronouncements.To improve the effectiveness of fair value disclosure requirements, the Financial Accounting Standards Board recently issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU)2018-13, Fair Value Measurement Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (ASU2018-13), which adds, removes, and modifies certain aspects relating to fair value disclosure. ASU2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption of the additions relating to ASU2018-13 is not required, even if early adoption is elected for the removals and modifications under ASU2018-13. Management has early adopted the removals and modifications set forth in ASU2018-13 in these financial statements and has not early adopted the additions set forth in ASU2018-13.
Security Valuation.Portfolio securities listed or traded on a nationally recognized securities exchange or traded in the U.S.over-the-counter market for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a market’s official closing price as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. If there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the average of the closing bid and asked prices or, if there were no asked prices quoted on that day, then the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the security is valued at the most recently available price or, if the Board of Directors (the Board) so determines, by such other method as the Board shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value. Portfolio securities traded on more than one national securities exchange or market are valued according to the broadest and most representative market, as determined by Gabelli Funds, LLC (the Adviser).
Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board if market conditions change significantly after the close of the foreign market, but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. Debt obligations for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the securities are valued using the closing bid price, unless the Board determines such amount does not reflect the securities’ fair value, in which case these securities will be fair valued as determined by the Board. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations. Futures contracts are valued at
13
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
the closing settlement price of the exchange or board of trade on which the applicable contract is traded. OTC futures and options on futures for which market quotations are readily available will be valued by quotations received from a pricing service or, if no quotations are available from a pricing service, by quotations obtained from one or more dealers in the instrument in question by the Adviser.
Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined by the Board. Fair valuation methodologies and procedures may include, but are not limited to: analysis and review of available financial andnon-financial information about the company; comparisons with the valuation and changes in valuation of similar securities, including a comparison of foreign securities with the equivalent U.S. dollar value American Depositary Receipt securities at the close of the U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that could be indicative of the value of the security.
The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:
| ● | | Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities; |
| ● | | Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.); and |
| ● | | Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Board’s determinations as to the fair value of investments). |
A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input both individually and in the aggregate that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The summary of the Fund’s investments in securities by inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2019 is as follows:
14
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Valuation Inputs | | |
| | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | Level 2 Other Significant Observable Inputs | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | Total Market Value at 12/31/19 |
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ASSETS (Market Value): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Copyright/Creativity Companies | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Computer Software and Services | | | $ | 26,443,070 | | | | | — | | | | $ | 1,780 | | | | $ | 26,444,850 | |
Publishing | | | | 3,748,212 | | | | $ | 116,576 | | | | | 2,907 | | | | | 3,867,695 | |
Other Industries (a) | | | | 71,729,396 | | | | | — | | | | | — | | | | | 71,729,396 | |
Distribution Companies | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcasting | | | | 26,671,466 | | | | | 27,118 | | | | | — | | | | | 26,698,584 | |
Business Services | | | | 4,530,954 | | | | | — | | | | | 636 | | | | | 4,531,590 | |
Entertainment | | | | 28,520,187 | | | | | 226,599 | | | | | — | | | | | 28,746,786 | |
Financial Services | | | | 6,600,564 | | | | | — | | | | | 2,940 | | | | | 6,603,504 | |
Real Estate | | | | 3,299,200 | | | | | — | | | | | 199 | | | | | 3,299,399 | |
Telecommunications: National | | | | 13,412,176 | | | | | 45,030 | | | | | — | | | | | 13,457,206 | |
Wireless Communications | | | | 11,712,061 | | | | | — | | | | | 40,062 | | | | | 11,752,123 | |
Other Industries (a) | | | | 61,247,592 | | | | | — | | | | | — | | | | | 61,247,592 | |
Total Common Stocks | | | | 257,914,878 | | | | | 415,323 | | | | | 48,524 | | | | | 258,378,725 | |
Closed-End Funds | | | | — | | | | | 2,697,500 | | | | | — | | | | | 2,697,500 | |
Preferred Stocks (a) | | | | 145,640 | | | | | — | | | | | — | | | | | 145,640 | |
Rights (a) | | | | — | | | | | — | | | | | 0 | | | | | 0 | |
Warrants (a) | | | | 6,748 | | | | | — | | | | | — | | | | | 6,748 | |
Convertible Corporate Bonds (a) | | | | — | | | | | 125,544 | | | | | — | | | | | 125,544 | |
U.S. Government Obligations | | | | — | | | | | 35,541,397 | | | | | — | | | | | 35,541,397 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES – ASSETS | | | $ | 258,067,266 | | | | $ | 38,779,764 | | | | $ | 48,524 | (b) | | | $ | 296,895,554 | |
(a) | Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings. |
(b) | Level 3 securities are valued by the last available closingPrice/Spin-off and Merger/Acquisition Price analysis. At December 31, 2019, the value of these securities was $48,524. The inputs for these securities are not readily available and are derived based on the judgment of the Adviser according to procedures approved by the Board of Directors. |
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund had a transfer from Level 3 to Level 2 of $59,766 or 0.03% of net assets as of December 31, 2018 and from Level 3 to Level 1 of $143,625 or 0.08% of net assets as of December 31, 2018. Transfers from Level 3 to Level 1 are due to an increase in market activity, e.g., frequency of trades, which resulted in an increase in available market inputs to determine the prices. The Fund’s policy is to recognize transfers among Levels as of the beginning of the reporting period.
15
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
The following table reconciles Level 3 investments for the Fund for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Balance as of 12/31/18 | | Accrued discounts/ (premiums) | | Realized gain/ (loss)† | | Change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation)† | | Purchases | | Proceeds received | | Transfers into Level 3 | | Transfers out of Level 3 | | Balance as of 12/31/19 | | Net change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation during the period on Level 3 investments still held at 12/31/19† |
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ASSETS (Market Value): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks (a) | | | $ | 1,155,254 | | | | | — | | | | $ | 280,857 | | | | $ | (259,075 | ) | | | $ | 200 | | | | $ | (925,321 | ) | | | | — | | | | $ | (203,391 | ) | | | $ | 48,524 | | | | $ | 9,034 | |
Rights (a) | | | | 0 | | | | | — | | | | | — | | | | | — | | | | | — | | | | | — | | | | | — | | | | | — | | | | | 0 | | | | | — | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES | | | $ | 1,155,254 | | | | | — | | | | $ | 280,857 | | | | $ | (259,075 | ) | | | $ | 200 | | | | $ | (925,321 | ) | | | | — | | | | $ | (203,391 | ) | | | $ | 48,524 | | | | $ | 9,034 | |
(a) | Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings. |
† | Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments is included in the related amounts in the Statement of Operations. |
Additional Information to Evaluate Qualitative Information.
General.The Fund uses recognized industry pricing services – approved by the Board and unaffiliated with the Adviser – to value most of its securities, and uses broker quotes provided by market makers of securities not valued by these and other recognized pricing sources. Several different pricing feeds are received to value domestic equity securities, international equity securities, preferred equity securities, and fixed income securities. The data within these feeds are ultimately sourced from major stock exchanges and trading systems where these securities trade. The prices supplied by external sources are checked by obtaining quotations or actual transaction prices from market participants. If a price obtained from the pricing source is deemed unreliable, prices will be sought from another pricing service or from a broker/dealer that trades that security or similar securities.
Fair Valuation.Fair valued securities may be common or preferred equities, warrants, options, rights, or fixed income obligations. Where appropriate, Level 3 securities are those for which market quotations are not available, such as securities not traded for several days, or for which current bids are not available, or which are restricted as to transfer. Among the factors to be considered to fair value a security are recent prices of comparable securities that are publicly traded, reliable prices of securities not publicly traded, the use of valuation models, current analyst reports, valuing the income or cash flow of the issuer, or cost if the preceding factors do not apply. A significant change in the unobservable inputs could result in a lower or higher value in Level 3 securities. The circumstances of Level 3 securities are frequently monitored to determine if fair valuation measures continue to apply.
The Adviser reports quarterly to the Board the results of the application of fair valuation policies and procedures. These may include backtesting the prices realized in subsequent trades of these fair valued securities to fair values previously recognized.
16
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
Investments in Other Investment Companies.The Fund may invest, from time to time, in shares of other investment companies (or entities that would be considered investment companies but are excluded from the definition pursuant to certain exceptions under the 1940 Act) (the Acquired Funds) in accordance with the 1940 Act and related rules. Shareholders in the Fund would bear the pro rata portion of the periodic expenses of the Acquired Funds in addition to the Fund’s expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund’s pro rata portion of the periodic expenses charged by the Acquired Funds was approximately 2 basis points.
Foreign Currency Translations.The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments, and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated at the exchange rate prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Unrealized gains and losses that result from changes in foreign exchange rates and/or changes in market prices of securities have been included in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations. Net realized foreign currency gains and losses resulting from changes in exchange rates include foreign currency gains and losses between trade date and settlement date on investment securities transactions, foreign currency transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the books of the Fund and the amounts actually received. The portion of foreign currency gains and losses related to fluctuation in exchange rates between the initial purchase trade date and subsequent sale trade date is included in realized gain/(loss) on investments.
Foreign Securities.The Fund may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The risks include possible revaluation of currencies, the inability to repatriate funds, less complete financial information about companies, and possible future adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers.
Foreign Taxes.The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments, or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable, based upon its current interpretation of tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.
Restricted Securities.The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities for which the markets are restricted. Restricted securities include securities whose disposition is subject to substantial legal or contractual restrictions. The sale of restricted securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in theover-the-counter markets. Restricted securities may sell at a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Securities freely saleable among qualified institutional investors under special rules adopted by the SEC may be treated as liquid if they satisfy liquidity standards established by the Board. The continued liquidity of such securities is not as well assured as that of publicly traded securities, and, accordingly, the Board will monitor their liquidity. For restricted securities the Fund held as of December 31, 2019, refer to the Schedule of Investments.
Securities Transactions and Investment Income.Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date with realized gain/(loss) on investments determined by using the identified cost method. Interest income (including amortization of premium and accretion of discount) is recorded on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield to maturity method. Dividend income is recorded on
17
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
theex-dividend date, except for certain dividends from foreign securities that are recorded as soon after theex-dividend date as the Fund becomes aware of such dividends.
Distributions to Shareholders.Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on theex-dividend date. The characterization of distributions to shareholders is based on income and capital gains as determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from income and capital gains as determined under GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities and foreign currency transactions held by the Fund, timing differences, and differing characterizations of distributions made by the Fund. Distributions from net investment income for federal income tax purposes include net realized gains on foreign currency transactions. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, adjustments are made to the appropriate capital accounts in the period when the differences arise. Permanent differences were primarily due to disallowed expenses, reversal of prior year’s Real Estate Investment Trust adjustments, and reclassification of capital gain on the sale of investments considered passive foreign investment companies. These reclassifications have no impact on the NAV of the Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2019, reclassifications were made to decreasepaid-in capital by $50,180, with an offsetting adjustment to total distributable earnings.
Distributions to shareholders of the Fund’s Series C Cumulative Preferred Stock (Series C Preferred), 5.125% Series E Cumulative Preferred Stock (Series E Preferred) and 5.125% Series G Preferred Stock (Series G Preferred), are accrued on a daily basis and are determined as described in Note 5.
Under the Fund’s current distribution policy related to common shares, the Fund declares and pays quarterly distributions from net investment income, capital gains, andpaid-in capital. The actual source of the distribution is determined after the end of the calendar year. Pursuant to this policy, distributions during the year may be made in excess of required distributions. To the extent such distributions are made from current earnings and profits, they are considered ordinary income or long term capital gains. Distributions sourced frompaid-in capital should not be considered the current yield or the total return from an investment in the Fund.
The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2019 | | | Year Ended December 31, 2018 | |
| | Common | | | Preferred | | | Common | | | Preferred | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income (inclusive of short term capital gains) | | $ | 3,952,388 | | | $ | 732,070 | | | $ | 944,154 | | | $ | 161,242 | |
Long term capital gains | | | 16,673,784 | | | | 3,088,355 | | | | 21,055,897 | | | | 3,595,898 | |
Return of capital | | | 1,128,870 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 21,755,042 | | | $ | 3,820,425 | | | $ | 22,000,051 | | | $ | 3,757,140 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund paid excise tax of $1,308.
18
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
As of December 31, 2019, the components of accumulated earnings/losses on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translations | | $ | 53,842,692 | |
Other temporary differences* | | | (114,004 | ) |
| | | | |
Total | | $ | 53,728,688 | |
| | | | |
* | Other temporary differences were due to current year dividends payable. |
At December 31, 2019, the differences between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation on investments were primarily due to deferral of losses from wash sales for tax purposes and investments no longer considered passive foreign investment companies.
The following summarizes the tax cost of investments and the related net unrealized appreciation at December 31, 2019:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Cost | | Gross Unrealized Appreciation | | Gross Unrealized Depreciation | | Net Unrealized Appreciation |
Investments | | $243,046,997 | | $80,870,952 | | $(27,022,395) | | $53,848,557 |
The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are“more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed not to meet themore-likely-than-not threshold. Except as disclosed above, for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund did not incur any income tax, interest, or penalties. As of December 31, 2019, the Adviser has reviewed all open tax years and concluded that there was no impact to the Fund’s net assets or results of operations. The Fund’s federal and state tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open, subject to examination. On an ongoing basis, the Adviser will monitor the Fund’s tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary
3. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions.The Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement (the Advisory Agreement) with the Adviser which provides that the Fund will pay the Adviser a fee, computed weekly and paid monthly, equal on an annual basis to 1.00% of the value of the Fund’s average weekly net assets including the liquidation value of preferred stock. 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.
The Adviser has agreed to reduce the management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the Series C Preferred Stock if the total return of the NAV of the common shares of the Fund, including distributions and advisory fee subject to reduction, does not exceed the stated dividend rate on each particular series of the Preferred Stock for the year. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund’s total return on the NAV of the common shares exceeded the stated dividend rates of each particular series of Series C Preferred Stock. Thus, advisory fees with respect to the liquidation value of the Preferred Stock were accrued.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund paid $27,048 in brokerage commissions on security trades to G.research, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser.
19
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. The amount of such expenses paid through this directed brokerage arrangement during this period was $2,925.
The cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. Under thesub-administration agreement with Bank of New York Mellon, the fees paid include the cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV. The Fund reimburses the Adviser for this service. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund accrued $45,000 in accounting fees in the Statement of Operations.
As per the approval of the Board, the Fund compensates officers of the Fund, who are employed by the Fund and are not employed by the Adviser (although officers may receive incentive based variable compensation from affiliates of the Adviser). During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund accrued $45,877 in payroll expenses in the Statement of Operations.
The Fund pays each Director who is not considered an affiliated person an annual retainer of $6,000 plus $500 for each Board meeting attended and each Director is reimbursed by the Fund for any out of pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. All Board committee members receive $1,000 per meeting attended. The Audit Committee Chairman receives an annual fee of $3,000, the Nominating Committee Chairman and the Lead Director each receives an annual fee of $2,000. A Director may receive a single meeting fee, allocated among the participating funds, for participation in certain meetings held on behalf of multiple funds. Directors who are directors or employees of the Adviser or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Fund.
4. Portfolio Securities.Purchases and sales of securities during the year ended December 31, 2019, other than short term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated to $45,346,699 and $62,018,742, respectively.
5. Capital.The Fund’s Articles of Incorporation permit the Fund to issue 196,750,000 shares of common stock (par value $0.001). The Board has authorized the repurchase of up to 1,950,000 common shares on the open market when the shares are trading at a discount of 5% or more (or such other percentage as the Board may determine from time to time) from the NAV of the shares. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, the Fund did not repurchase any of its common shares.
Transactions in common stock were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2019 | | | Year Ended December 31, 2018 | |
| | Shares | | | Amount | | | Shares | | | Amount | |
Net increase in net assets from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions | | | 280,650 | | | $ | 2,236,670 | | | | 274,246 | | | $ | 2,369,418 | |
The Fund has an effective shelf registration authorizing the offering of an additional $400 million of common or preferred shares. As of December 31, 2019, the Fund has approximately $300 million available for issuance under the current shelf registration.
The Fund’s Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 3,001,000 shares of $0.001 par value Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock is senior to the common stock and results in the financial leveraging of
20
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
the common stock. Such leveraging tends to magnify both the risks and opportunities to common shareholders. Dividends on shares of the Preferred Stock are cumulative. The Fund is required by the 1940 Act and by the Articles Supplementary to meet certain asset coverage tests with respect to the Preferred Stock. If the Fund fails to meet these requirements and does not correct such failure, the Fund may be required to redeem, in part or in full, the Series C, Series E and Series G Preferred at redemption prices of $25,000, $25 and $25, respectively, per share plus an amount equal to the accumulated and unpaid dividends whether or not declared on such shares in order to meet these requirements. Additionally, failure to meet the foregoing asset coverage requirements could restrict the Fund’s ability to pay dividends to common shareholders and could lead to sales of portfolio securities at inopportune times. The income received on the Fund’s assets may vary in a manner unrelated to the fixed and variable rates, which could have either a beneficial or detrimental impact on net investment income and gains available to common shareholders.
The Fund has the authority to purchase its auction rate preferred shares through negotiated private transactions. The Fund is not obligated to purchase any dollar amount or number of auction rate preferred shares, and the timing and amount of any auction rate preferred shares purchased will depend on market conditions, share price, capital availability, and other factors. The Fund is not soliciting holders to sell these shares nor recommending that holders offer them to the Fund. Any offers can be accepted or rejected in the Fund’s discretion.
For Series C Preferred Stock, the dividend rates, as set by the auction process that is generally held every seven days, are expected to vary with short term interest rates. Since February 2008, the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock subject to bid orders by potential holders has been less than the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock subject to sell orders. Holders that have submitted sell orders have not been able to sell any or all of the Series C Preferred Stock for which they have submitted sell orders. Therefore the weekly auctions have failed, and the dividend rate has been the maximum rate, which is 175% of the “AA” Financial Composite Commercial Paper Rate on the day of such auction. Existing Series C shareholders may submit an order to hold, bid, or sell such shares on each auction date, or trade their shares in the secondary market.
In earlier fiscal years, the Fund recorded auction agent fees based on estimated costs of the weekly auctions. As recent auctions have failed, these accruals of estimated fees were reversed.
The Fund may redeem at any time, in whole or in part, the Series C Preferred Stock at its redemption price. In addition, the Board has authorized the repurchase of the Series E and Series G Preferred Stock in the open market at prices less than the $25 liquidation value per share. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund did not repurchase or redeem any shares of Series E or Series G Preferred Stock. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund redeemed and retired all of the remaining shares of Series B Preferred Stock.
On December 20, 2019, the Fund issued 2,000,000 shares of Series G Preferred receiving $48,148,000, after the deduction of estimated offering expenses of $277,000 and underwriting fees of $1,575,000. The Series G Preferred has an annual dividend rate of 5.125%, is perpetual, noncallable for five years, and has a liquidation preference of $25 per share. Distributions are to be paid quarterly beginning on March 26, 2020.
21
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
The following table summarizes Cumulative Preferred Stock information:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series | | Issue Date | | | Authorized | | | Number of Shares Outstanding at 12/31/19 | | | Net Proceeds | | | 2019 Dividend Rate Range | | Dividend Rate at 12/31/19 | | Accrued Dividends at 12/31/19 | |
C Auction Rate | | | March 31, 2003 | | | | 1,000 | | | | 10 | | | $ | 24,547,465 | | | 2.678% to 4.360% | | 2.801% | | | 115 | |
E 5.125% | | | September 26, 2017 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 48,192,240 | | | Fixed Rate | | 5.125% | | | 35,590 | |
G 5.125% | | | December 20, 2019 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 48,148,000 | | | Fixed Rate | | 5.125% | | | 78,299 | |
The holders of Preferred Stock generally are entitled to one vote per share held on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common stock as a single class. The holders of Preferred Stock voting together as a single class also have the right currently to elect two Directors and under certain circumstances are entitled to elect a majority of the Board. In addition, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of all outstanding shares of the preferred stock, voting as a single class, will be required to approve any plan of reorganization adversely affecting the preferred stock, and the approval oftwo-thirds of each class, voting separately, of the Fund’s outstanding voting stock must approve the conversion of the Fund from aclosed-end to anopen-end investment company. The approval of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding preferred stock and a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities are required to approve certain other actions, including changes in the Fund’s investment objectives or fundamental investment policies.
6. Industry Concentration.Because the Fund primarily invests in common stocks and other securities of foreign and domestic companies in the telecommunications, media, publishing, and entertainment industries, its portfolio may be subject to greater risk and market fluctuations than a portfolio of securities representing a broad range of investments.
7. Indemnifications.The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Fund’s existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.
8. Subsequent Events.Management has evaluated the impact on the Fund of all subsequent events occurring through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.
22
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. (the “Fund”) as of December 31, 2019, the related statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019, the statement of changes in net assets attributable to common shareholders for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2019 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2019, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets attributable to common shareholders for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2019 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 27, 2020
We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 1986.
23
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Additional Fund Information (Unaudited)
The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Fund’s Board of Directors. Information pertaining to the Directors and officers of the Fund is set forth below. The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Fund’s Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling800-GABELLI(800-422-3554) or by writing to The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Name, Position(s) Address1 and Age | | Term of Office and Length of Time Served2 | | Number of Funds in Fund Complex Overseen by Director | | | | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | | Other Directorships Held by Director3 |
| | | | |
INTERESTED DIRECTORS4: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA Chairman and Chief Investment Officer Age: 77 | | Since 1994*** | | 33 | | | | Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer– Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Chief Investment Officer– Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management Inc.; Director/Trustee or Chief Investment Officer of other registered investment companies within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Chief Executive Officer of GGCP, Inc.; Executive Chairman of Associated Capital Group, Inc. | | Director of Morgan Group Holdings, Inc. (holding company) (2001-2019); Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of LICT Corp. (multimedia and communication services company); Director of CIBL, Inc. (broadcasting and wireless communications); Director of ICTC Group Inc. (communications) (2013- 2018) |
| | | | | |
Christopher J. Marangi Director and Portfolio Manager Age: 45 | | Since 2013*** | | 1 | | | | Managing Director andCo-Chief Investment Officer of the Value team of GAMCO Investors, Inc.; Portfolio Manager for Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management Inc. | | — |
| | | | |
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS5: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
John Birch6 Director Age: 68 | | Since 2019** | | 4 | | | | Partner, The Cardinal Partners Global; Chief Operating Officer of Sentinel Asset Management and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer of Sentinel Group Funds (2005-2015) | | — |
| | | | | |
Anthony J. Colavita7 Director Age: 84 | | Since 2001*** | | 20 | | | | President of the law firm of Anthony J. Colavita, P.C. | | — |
| | | | | |
James P. Conn7 Director Age: 81 | | Since 1994** | | 24 | | | | Former Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. (1992-1998) | | — |
24
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | |
Name, Position(s) Address1 and Age | | Term of Office and Length of Time Served2 | | Number of Funds in Fund Complex Overseen by Director | | | | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | | Other Directorships Held by Director3 |
| | | | | |
Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr.6 Director Age: 80 | | Since 1999* | | 12 | | | | Co-Chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates; Former President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Gaming Association (1995- 2013); Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee (1983-1989) | | Director of First Republic Bank (banking); Director of Eldorado Resorts, Inc. (casino entertainment company) |
| | | | | |
Kuni Nakamura Director Age: 51 | | Since 2012** | | 33 | | | | President of Advanced Polymer, Inc. (chemical manufacturing company); President of KEN Enterprises, Inc. (real estate) | | — |
| | | | | |
Werner J. Roeder Director Age: 79 | | Since 1999* | | 21 | | | | Retired physician; Former Vice President of Medical Affairs (Medical Director) of New York Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital (1999-2014) | | — |
| | | | | |
Salvatore J. Zizza8 Director Age: 74 | | Since 1994* | | 31 | | | | President of Zizza & Associates Corp. (private holding company); President of Bergen Cove Realty Inc.; Chairman of Harbor Diversified, Inc. (pharmaceuticals) (2009-2018); Chairman of BAM (semiconductor and aerospace manufacturing)(2000-2018); Chairman of Metropolitan Paper Recycling Inc. (recycling) (2005-2014) | | Director and Chairman ofTrans-Lux Corporation (business services); Director and Chairman of Harbor Diversified Inc. (pharmaceuticals) (2009-2018) |
| | | | | |
Daniel E. Zucchi Director Age: 79 | | Since 2019* | | 3 | | | | President of Zucchi Inc. (general business consulting); Senior Vice President of Hearst Corp. (1984-1995) | | Cypress Care LLC (health care) (2001-2009) |
25
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)
| | | | | | |
Name, Position(s) Address1 and Age | | Term of Office and Length of Time Served2 | | | | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
| | | |
OFFICERS: | | | | | | |
| | | |
Bruce N. Alpert President Age: 68 | | Since 1994 | | | | Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 1988; Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Senior Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2008 |
| | | |
John C. Ball Treasurer Age: 43 | | Since 2017 | | | | Treasurer of funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2017; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of AMG Funds, 2014-2017; Vice President of State Street Corporation, 2007-2014 |
| | | |
Agnes Mullady Vice President Age: 61 | | Since 2006 | | | | Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2006; President and Chief Operating Officer of the Fund Division of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 2015; Chief Executive Officer of G.distributors, LLC since 2010; Senior Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2009; Vice President of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 2007; Executive Vice President of Associated Capital Group, Inc. since 2016 |
| | | |
Andrea R. Mango Secretary and Vice President Age: 47 | | Since 2013 | | | | Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2016; Counsel of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 2013; Secretary of registered investment companies within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2013; Vice President ofclosed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2014 |
26
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)
| | | | | | |
Name, Position(s) Address1 and Age | | Term of Office and Length of Time Served2 | | | | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
| | | |
Richard J. Walz Chief Compliance Officer Age: 60 | | Since 2013 | | | | Chief Compliance Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli/ GAMCO Fund Complex since 2013 |
| | | |
Carter W. Austin Vice President and Ombudsman Age: 53 | | Since 2010 | | | | Vice President and/or Ombudsman ofclosed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (since 2015) and Vice President (1996-2015) of Gabelli Funds, LLC |
| | | |
Laurissa M. Martire Vice President and Ombudsman Age: 43 | | Since 2004 | | | | Vice President and/or Ombudsman ofclosed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (since 2019) and other positions (2003-2019) of GAMCO Investors, Inc. |
1 | Address: One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422, unless otherwise noted. |
2 | The Fund’s Board of Directors 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 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. |
| ** | Term expires at the Fund’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. |
| *** | Term expires at the Fund’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. |
| For officers, includes time served in prior officer positions with the Fund. Each officer will hold office for an indefinite term until the date he or she resigns or retires or until his or her successor is elected and qualified. |
3 | This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, i.e., public companies, or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act. |
4 | “Interested person” of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act. Messrs. Gabelli and Marangi are considered “interested persons” because of their affiliation with Gabelli Funds, LLC, which acts as the Fund’s investment adviser. |
5 | Directors who are not interested persons are considered “Independent” Directors. |
6 | Mr. Fahrenkopf’s daughter, Lesle. F. Foley, serves as a director of other funds in the Fund Complex, and Mr. Birch is a director of Gabelli Merger Plus+ Trust Plc and GAMCO International SICAV, which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and, in that event, would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser. |
7 | This Director is elected solely by and represents the stockholders of the preferred stock issued by this Fund. |
8 | Mr. Zizza is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and in that event would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser. On September 9, 2015, Mr. Zizza entered into a settlement with the SEC to resolve an inquiry relating to an alleged violation regarding the making of false statements or omissions to the accountants of a company concerning a related party transaction. The company in question is not an affiliate of, nor has any connection to, the Fund. Under the terms of the settlement, Mr. Zizza, without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings and allegation, paid $150,000 and agreed to cease and desist committing or causing any future violations of Rule13b2-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Board has discussed this matter and has determined that it does not disqualify Mr. Zizza from serving as an Independent Director. |
27
THE GABELLI MULTIMEDIA TRUST INC.
INCOME TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)
December 31, 2019
Cash Dividends and Distributions
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Payable Date | | | Record Date | | | Ordinary Investment Income(a) | | | Short- Term Capital Gains(a) | | | Long Term Capital Gains | | | Return of Capital(b) | | | Total Amount Paid Per Share(c) | | | Dividend Reinvestment Price | |
Common Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 03/22/19 | | | | 03/15/19 | | | $ | 0.02780 | | | $ | 0.01090 | | | $ | 0.16910 | | | $ | 0.01220 | | | | $0.22000 | | | | $8.03700 | |
| | | 06/21/19 | | | | 06/14/19 | | | | 0.02860 | | | | 0.01120 | | | | 0.16800 | | | | 0.01220 | | | | 0.22000 | | | | 8.01000 | |
| | | 09/23/19 | | | | 09/16/19 | | | | 0.02860 | | | | 0.01120 | | | | 0.16800 | | | | 0.01220 | | | | 0.22000 | | | | 7.94200 | |
| | | 12/20/19 | | | | 12/13/19 | | | | 0.02860 | | | | 0.01120 | | | | 0.16800 | | | | 0.01220 | | | | 0.22000 | | | | 7.89000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | 0.11360 | | | $ | 0.04450 | | | $ | 0.67310 | | | $ | 0.04880 | | | | $0.88000 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
6.000% Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 03/26/19 | | | | 03/19/19 | | | $ | 0.05032 | | | $ | 0.01973 | | | $ | 0.30495 | | | | — | | | | $0.37500 | | | | | |
| | | 06/26/19 | | | | 06/19/19 | | | | 0.05155 | | | | 0.02021 | | | | 0.30324 | | | | — | | | | 0.37500 | | | | | |
| | | 09/26/19 | | | | 09/19/19 | | | | 0.05155 | | | | 0.02021 | | | | 0.30324 | | | | — | | | | 0.37500 | | | | | |
| | | 12/26/19 | | | | 12/18/19 | | | | 0.05155 | | | | 0.02021 | | | | 0.30324 | | | | — | | | | 0.37500 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | 0.20497 | | | $ | 0.08036 | | | $ | 1.21467 | | | | — | | | | $1.50000 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
5.125% Series E Cumulative Preferred Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 03/26/19 | | | | 03/19/19 | | | $ | 0.0429791 | | | $ | 0.0168514 | | | $ | 0.2604820 | | | | — | | | | $0.32031 | | | | | |
| | | 06/26/19 | | | | 06/19/19 | | | | 0.0440314 | | | | 0.0172640 | | | | 0.2590171 | | | | — | | | | 0.32031 | | | | | |
| | | 09/26/19 | | | | 09/19/19 | | | | 0.0440314 | | | | 0.0172640 | | | | 0.2590171 | | | | — | | | | 0.32031 | | | | | |
| | | 12/26/19 | | | | 12/18/19 | | | | 0.0440314 | | | | 0.0172640 | | | | 0.2590171 | | | | — | | | | 0.32031 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | 0.1750733 | | | $ | 0.0686434 | | | $ | 1.0375333 | | | | — | | | | $1.28125 | | | | | |
Series C Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock
Auction Rate Preferred Stock pays dividends weekly based on the maximum rate.
A Form1099-DIV has been mailed to all shareholders of record for the distributions mentioned above, setting forth specific amounts to be included in your 2019 tax returns. Ordinary income distributions include net investment income and realized net short term capital gains, if any. Ordinary income is reported in box 1a of Form1099-DIV. Capital gain distributions are reported in box 2a of Form1099-DIV. The long term gain distributions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were $19,762,139 or the maximum allowable.
Corporate Dividends Received Deduction, Qualified Dividend Income, and U.S. Government Securities Income
The Fund paid to common, 6.000% Series B Cumulative Preferred, and 5.125% Series E Cumulative Preferred shareholders ordinary income dividends, including short term capital gains, of $0.1581, $0.2853, and $0.2437, respectively, per share in 2019. The Fund paid weekly distributions to Series C Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred shareholders at varying rates throughout the year, including an ordinary income dividend totaling $129.95 per share in 2019. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, 33.83% of the ordinary dividend qualified for the dividends received deduction available to corporations, 71.77% of the ordinary income distribution was deemed qualified dividend income, 2.60% of the ordinary income distribution was qualified interest income. The Fund designates 100% of the short term capital gain dividends distributed during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as qualified short term gain pursuant to the American Jobs creation Act of 2004. The percentage of ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund during 2019 derived from U.S. Treasury securities was 1.11%. 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 the Fund’s fiscal year in U.S. Government securities. The Fund did not meet this strict requirement in 2019. The percentage of U.S. Government securities held as of December 31, 2019 was 12.0%.
28
THE GABELLI MULTIMEDIA TRUST INC.
INCOME TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited) (Continued)
December 31, 2019
Historical Distribution Summary
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Investment Income(a) | | | Short Term Capital Gains(a) | | | Long Term Capital Gains | | | Non-Taxable Return of Capital(b) | | | Total Distributions(c) | | | Adjustment to Cost Basis(d) | |
Common Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2019 | | | $ 0.11360 | | | | $ 0.04450 | | | | $ 0.67310 | | | | $0.04880 | | | | $ 0.88000 | | | | $0.04880 | |
2018 | | | 0.01105 | | | | 0.02757 | | | | 0.86138 | | | | — | | | | 0.90000 | | | | — | |
2017 | | | 0.03060 | | | | 0.00300 | | | | 0.72872 | | | | 0.11768 | | | | 0.88000 | | | | 0.11768 | |
2016 | | | 0.06168 | | | | 0.00268 | | | | 0.73753 | | | | 0.02811 | | | | 0.83000 | | | | 0.02811 | |
2015 | | | 0.03269 | | | | 0.02999 | | | | 0.85399 | | | | 0.02333 | | | | 0.94000 | | | | 0.02333 | |
2014(e) | | | 0.01978 | | | | 0.00107 | | | | 0.88350 | | | | 0.14565 | | | | 1.05000 | | | | 0.14565 | |
2013 | | | 0.05193 | | | | 0.10631 | | | | 0.76176 | | | | — | | | | 0.92000 | | | | — | |
2012 | | | 0.07460 | | | | 0.07484 | | | | — | | | | 0.65056 | | | | 0.80000 | | | | 0.65056 | |
2011(f) | | | — | | | | 0.24320 | | | | — | | | | 0.62680 | | | | 0.87000 | | | | 0.62680 | |
2010 | | | — | | | | 0.05670 | | | | — | | | | 0.54330 | | | | 0.60000 | | | | 0.54330 | |
| | | | | |
6.00% Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2019 | | | $ 0.20497 | | | | $ 0.08036 | | | | $ 1.21467 | | | | — | | | | $ 1.50000 | | | | — | |
2018 | | | 0.01840 | | | | 0.04600 | | | | 1.43560 | | | | — | | | | 1.50000 | | | | — | |
2017 | | | 0.06023 | | | | 0.00586 | | | | 1.43390 | | | | — | | | | 1.50000 | | | | — | |
2016 | | | 0.11520 | | | | 0.00520 | | | | 1.37960 | | | | — | | | | 1.50000 | | | | — | |
2015 | | | 0.05350 | | | | 0.04908 | | | | 1.39742 | | | | — | | | | 1.50000 | | | | — | |
2014 | | | 0.03280 | | | | 0.00160 | | | | 1.46560 | | | | — | | | | 1.50000 | | | | — | |
2013 | | | 0.08480 | | | | 0.17320 | | | | 1.24200 | | | | — | | | | 1.50000 | | | | — | |
2012 | | | 0.74880 | | | | 0.75120 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1.50000 | | | | — | |
2011 | | | — | | | | 1.50000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1.50000 | | | | — | |
2010 | | | — | | | | 1.50000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1.50000 | | | | — | |
| | | | | |
Series C Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2019 | | | $129.95266 | | | | $ 50.95236 | | | | $770.25498 | | | | — | | | | $951.16000 | | | | — | |
2018 | | | 10.16619 | | | | 25.32982 | | | | 791.50399 | | | | — | | | | 827.00000 | | | | — | |
2017 | | | 17.61700 | | | | 1.71529 | | | | 419.38771 | | | | — | | | | 438.72000 | | | | — | |
2016 | | | 13.43109 | | | | 0.58542 | | | | 160.60349 | | | | — | | | | 174.62000 | | | | — | |
2015 | | | 1.55581 | | | | 1.42712 | | | | 40.63707 | | | | — | | | | 43.62000 | | | | — | |
2014 | | | 0.68296 | | | | 0.03701 | | | | 30.51003 | | | | — | | | | 31.23000 | | | | — | |
2013 | | | 1.74961 | | | | 3.58224 | | | | 25.66814 | | | | — | | | | 30.99999 | | | | — | |
2012 | | | 18.59116 | | | | 18.65884 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 37.25000 | | | | — | |
2011 | | | — | | | | 37.21000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 37.21000 | | | | — | |
2010 | | | — | | | | 66.47000 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 66.47000 | | | | — | |
| | | | | |
5.125% Series E Cumulative Preferred Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2019 | | | $0.1750733 | | | | $0.0686434 | | | | $1.0375333 | | | | — | | | | $1.2812500 | | | | — | |
2018 | | | 0.0157504 | | | | 0.0392428 | | | | 1.2262568 | | | | — | | | | 1.2812500 | | | | — | |
2017 | | | 0.0128600 | | | | 0.0012500 | | | | 0.3062000 | | | | — | | | | 0.3203100 | | | | — | |
(a) Taxable as ordinary income.
(b)Non-taxable.
(c) Total amounts may differ due to rounding.
(d) Decrease in cost basis
(e) On June 17, 2014, the Fund also distributed Rights equivalent to $0.45 per common share based upon full subscription of all issued shares.
(f) On March 29, 2011, the Fund also distributed Rights equivalent to $0.76 per common share based upon full subscription of all issued shares.
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.
29
THE GABELLI MULTIMEDIA TRUST INC.
AND YOUR PERSONAL PRIVACY
Who are we?
The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. (the “Fund”) is aclosed-end management investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940. We are managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, which is affiliated with GAMCO Investors, Inc., a publicly held company that has subsidiaries that provide investment advisory services for a variety of clients.
What kind ofnon-public information do we collect about you if you become a Fund shareholder?
When you purchase shares of the Fund on the New York Stock Exchange, you have the option of registering directly with our transfer agent in order, for example, to participate in our dividend reinvestment plan.
| ● | | Information you give us on your application form.This could include your name, address, telephone number, social security number, bank account number, and other information. | |
| ● | | Information about your transactions with us.This would include information about the shares that you buy or sell; it may also include information about whether you sell or exercise rights that we have issued from time to time. If we hire someone else to provide services — like a transfer agent — we will also have information about the transactions that you conduct through them. | |
What information do we disclose and to whom do we disclose it?
We do not disclose anynon-public personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone other than our affiliates, our service providers who need to know such information, and as otherwise permitted by law. If you want to find out what the law permits, you can read the privacy rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. They are in volume 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 248. The Commission often posts information about its regulations on its website, www.sec.gov.
What do we do to protect your personal information?
We restrict access tonon-public personal information about you to the people who need to know that information in order to provide services to you or the Fund and to ensure that we are complying with the laws governing the securities business. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to keep your personal information confidential.
THE GABELLI MULTIMEDIA TRUST INC.
One Corporate Center
Rye, NY 10580-1422
Portfolio Management Team Biographies
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA,is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer - Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. that he founded in 1977, and Chief Investment Officer - Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management Inc. He is also Executive Chairman of Associated Capital Group, Inc. Mr. Gabelli is a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University and holds an MBA degree from Columbia Business School and Honorary Doctorates from Fordham University and Roger Williams University.
Christopher J. Marangijoined Gabelli in 2003 as a research analyst. Currently he is a Managing Director andCo-Chief Investment Officer for GAMCO Investors, Inc.’s Value team. In addition, he serves as a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC and manages several funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex. Mr. Marangi graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Political Economy from Williams College and holds an MBA degree with honors from Columbia Business School.
We have separated the portfolio managers’ commentary from the financial statements and investment portfolio due to corporate governance regulations stipulated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We have done this to ensure that the content of the portfolio managers’ commentary is unrestricted. Both the commentary and the financial statements, including the portfolio of investments, will be available on our website at www.gabelli.com.
The Net Asset Value per share appears in the Publicly Traded Funds column, under the heading “Specialized Equity Funds,” in Monday’s The Wall Street Journal. It is also listed in Barron’s Mutual Funds/Closed End Funds section under the heading “Specialized Equity Funds.”
The Net Asset Value per share may be obtained each day by calling (914)921-5070 or visiting www.gabelli.com.
The NASDAQ symbol for the Net Asset Value is “XGGTX.”
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that the Fund may from time to time, purchase its common shares in the open market when the Fund’s shares are trading at a discount of 5% or more from the net asset value of the shares. The Fund may also, from time to time, purchase its preferred shares in the open market when the preferred shares are trading at a discount to the liquidation value.
THE GABELLI MULTIMEDIA TRUST INC.
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422
t 800-GABELLI(800-422-3554)
f 914-921-5118
e info@gabelli.com
GABELLI.COM
DIRECTORS
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA
Chairman &
Chief Executive Officer,
GAMCO Investors, Inc.
Executive Chairman,
Associated Capital Group Inc.
John Birch
Partner,
The Cardinal Partners Global
Anthony J. Colavita
President,
Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.
James P. Conn
Former Managing Director &
Chief Investment Officer,
Financial Security Assurance
Holdings Ltd.
Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.
Former President &
Chief Executive Officer,
American Gaming Association
Christopher J. Marangi
Managing Director,
GAMCO Investors, Inc.
Kuni Nakamura
President,
Advanced Polymer, Inc.
Werner J. Roeder
Former Medical Director,
Lawrence Hospital
Salvatore J. Zizza
Chairman,
Zizza & Associates Corp.
Daniel E. Zucchi
President,
Daniel E. Zucchi Associates
OFFICERS
Bruce N. Alpert
President
John C. Ball
Treasurer
Agnes Mullady
Vice President
Andrea R. Mango
Secretary & Vice President
Richard J. Walz
Chief Compliance Officer
Carter W. Austin
Vice President & Ombudsman
Laurissa M. Martire
Vice President & Ombudsman
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Gabelli Funds, LLC
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422
CUSTODIAN
State Street Bank and Trust
Company
COUNSEL
Paul Hastings LLP
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
GGT Q4/2019

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 Directors has determined that Kuni Nakamura 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 FormN-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 $44,166 for 2018 and $44,166 for 2019. |
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 2018 and $0 for 2019. |
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 $4,100 for 2018 and $4,250 for 2019. 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 2018 and $38,500 for 2019. All other fees represent services provided in review of registration statement. |
| (e)(1) | Disclose the audit committee’spre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule2-01 of RegulationS-X. |
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. The Audit Committee (“Committee”) of the registrant is responsible forpre-approving (i) all audit and permissiblenon-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm to the registrant and (ii) all permissiblenon-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 topre-approve any such audit and permissiblenon-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’spre-approval of such services, his or her decision(s). The Committee may also establish detailedpre-approval policies and procedures forpre-approval of such services in accordance with applicable laws, including the delegation of some or all of the Committee’spre-approval responsibilities to the other persons (other than Gabelli or the registrant’s officers).Pre-approval by the Committee of any permissiblenon-audit services is not required so long as: (i) the permissiblenon-audit services were not recognized by the registrant at the time of the engagement to benon-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 Rule2-01 of RegulationS-X are as follows: |
(b) N/A
(c) 0%
(d) 0%
| (f) | The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees was less than fifty percent. |
| (g) | The aggregatenon-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including anysub-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 2018 and $38,500 for 2019. |
| (h) | The registrant’s audit committee of the board of directors has considered whether the provision ofnon-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including anysub-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 notpre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule2-01 of RegulationS-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence. |
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
| (a) | The registrant has a separately designated audit committee consisting of the following members: Kuni Nakamura, Werner J. Roeder, 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 due to no such divestments during the semi-annual period covered since the previous FormN-CSR filing. |
Item 7. | Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures forClosed-End Management Investment Companies. |
The Proxy Voting Policies are attached herewith.
SECTION HH
The Voting of Proxies on Behalf of Clients
(This section pertains to all affiliated SEC registered investment advisers)
Rule206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and Rule30b1-4 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 & Company Investment Advisers, 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 on an as needed basis to form views on the manner in which the Advisers should vote proxies on behalf of their clients.
In general, the Director of Proxy Voting Services, using the Proxy Guidelines, and the analysts of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GBL”), will determine how to vote on each issue. Fornon-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 anon-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.
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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 the analysts of GBL, 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.
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 and the analysts of GBL, 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, a summary of any views provided by the Chief Investment Officer and any recommendations by GBL analysts. The Chief Investment Officer or the GBL 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 may provide an
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opinion to the Committee concerning the conflict. If the matter is one in which the interests of the clients of one or more of the Advisers may diverge, counsel may so advise and the Committee may make different recommendations as to different clients. For any matters where the recommendation may trigger appraisal rights, counsel may 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. The Advisers subscribe to Institutional Shareholder Services Inc (“ISS”) and Glass Lewis & Co., LLC (“Glass Lewis”), which supply current information on companies, matters being voted on, regulations, trends in proxy voting and information on corporate governance issues. The information provided by ISS and GL is for informational purposes only.
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 may 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 and the Advisers have accepted special instructions relating to the voting of proxies, they should be noted in the client’s account file and forwarded to the proxy 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 may abstain with respect to those shares.
Specific to the Gabelli ESG Fund, the Proxy Voting Committee will rely on the advice of the portfolio managers of the Gabelli ESG Fund to provide voting recommendations on the securities held in the portfolio.
III. Client Retention of Voting Rights
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If a client chooses to retain the right to vote proxies or if there is any change in voting authority, the following should be notified by the investment professional or sales assistant for the client.
- Operations
- Proxy Department
- Investment professional assigned to the account
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.
IV. Proxies of CertainNon-U.S. Issuers
Proxy voting in certain countries requires “share-blocking.” Shareholders wishing to vote their proxies must deposit their shares shortly before the date of the meeting with a designated depository. During the period in which the shares are held with a depository, shares that will be voted at the meeting cannot be sold until the meeting has taken place and the shares are returned to the clients’ custodian. Absent a compelling reason to the contrary, the Advisers believe that the benefit to the client of exercising the vote is outweighed by the cost of voting and therefore, the Advisers will not typically vote the securities ofnon-U.S. issuers that require share-blocking.
In addition, voting proxies of issuers innon-U.S. markets may also give rise to a number of administrative issues or give rise to circumstances under which voting would impose a cost (real or implied) on its client which may cause the Advisers to abstain from voting such proxies. For example, the Advisers may receive the notices for shareholder meetings without adequate time to consider the proposals in the proxy or after thecut-off date for voting. Other markets require the Advisers to provide local agents with power of attorney prior to implementing their respective voting instructions on the proxy. Other markets may require disclosure of certain ownership information in excess of what is required to vote in the U.S. market. Although it is the Advisers’ policies to vote the proxies for its clients for which they have proxy voting authority, in the case of issuers innon-U.S. markets, we vote client proxies on a best efforts basis.
V. 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 they voted a client’s proxy upon request from the client.
The complete voting records for each registered investment company (the “Fund”) that is managed by the Advisers will be filed on FormN-PX for the twelve months ended June 30th, no later than August 31st of each year. A description of the
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Fund’s proxy voting policies, procedures, and how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling800-GABELLI(800-422-3554); (ii) writing to Gabelli Funds, LLC at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; or (iii) visiting the SEC’s website atwww.sec.gov.
The Advisers’ proxy voting records will be retained in compliance with Rule204-2 under the Investment Advisers Act.
VI. Voting Procedures
1. Custodian banks, outside brokerage firms and clearing firms are responsible for forwarding proxies directly to the Advisers.
Proxies are received in one of two forms:
| ● | | Shareholder Vote Instruction Forms (“VIFs”) - Issued by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”). Broadridge is an outside service contracted by the various institutions to issue proxy materials. |
| ● | | Proxy cards which may be voted directly. |
2. Upon receipt of the proxy, the number of shares each form represents is logged into the proxy system, electronically or manually, according to security.
3. Upon receipt of instructions from the proxy committee, the votes are cast and recorded for each account.
Records have been maintained on the ProxyEdge system.
ProxyEdge records include:
Security Name and CUSIP Number
Date and Type of Meeting (Annual, Special, Contest)
Directors’ Recommendation (if any)
How the Adviser voted for the client on item
4. VIFs are kept alphabetically by security. Records for the current proxy season are located in the Proxy Voting Department office. In preparation for the upcoming season, files are transferred to an offsite storage facility during January/February.
5. If a proxy card or VIF is received too late to be voted in the conventional matter, every attempt is made to vote including:
| ● | | When a solicitor has been retained, the solicitor is called. At the solicitor’s direction, the proxy is faxed or sent electronically. |
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| ● | | In some circumstances VIFs can be faxed or sent electronically to Broadridge up until the time of the meeting. |
6. In the case of a proxy contest, records are maintained for each opposing entity.
7. Voting in Person
a) At times it may be necessary to vote the shares in person. In this case, a “legal proxy” is obtained in the following manner:
● | | Banks and brokerage firms using the services at Broadridge: |
Broadridge is notified that we wish to vote in person. Broadridge issues individual legal proxies and sends them back via email or overnight (or the Adviser can pay messenger charges). A lead-time of at least two weeks prior to the meeting is needed to do this. Alternatively, the procedures detailed below for banks not using Broadridge may be implemented.
● | | Banks and brokerage firms issuing proxies directly: |
The bank is called and/or faxed and a legal proxy is requested.
All legal proxies should appoint:
“Representative of [Adviser name] with full power of substitution.”
b) The legal proxies are given to the person attending the meeting along with the limited power of attorney.
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Appendix A
Proxy Guidelines
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
General Policy Statement
It is the policy of GAMCO Investors, Inc, and its affiliated advisers (collectively “the Advisers”) to vote in the best economic interests of our clients. As we state in our Magna Carta of Shareholders Rights, established in May 1988, we are neitherfor noragainst management. We are for shareholders.
At our first proxy committee meeting in 1989, it was decided that each proxy statement should be evaluated on its own merits within the framework first established by our Magna Carta of Shareholders Rights. The attached guidelines serve to enhance that broad framework.
We do not consider any issue routine. We take into consideration all of our research on the company, its directors, and their short and long-term goals for the company. In cases where issues that we generally do not approve of are combined with other issues, the negative aspects of the issues will be factored into the evaluation of the overall proposals but will not necessitate a vote in opposition to the overall proposals.
Board of Directors
We do not consider the election of the Board of Directors a routine issue. Each slate of directors is evaluated on acase-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
● | | Nominating committee in place |
● | | Number of outside directors on the board |
Selection of Auditors
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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 acase-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 acase-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 |
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● | | 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 acase-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 acase-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.
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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 preventtwo-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 acase-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 acase-by- case basis.
Anti-Greenmail Proposals
We do not support greenmail. An offer extended to one shareholder should be extended to all shareholders equally across the board.
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Limit Shareholders’ Rights to Call Special Meetings
We support the right of shareholders to call a special meeting.
Reviewed on acase-by-case basis.
Consideration of Nonfinancial Effects of a Merger
This proposal releases the directors from only looking at the financial effects of a merger and allows them the opportunity to consider the merger’s effects on employees, the community, and consumers.
As a fiduciary, we are obligated to vote in the best economic interests of our clients. In general, this proposal does not allow us to do that. Therefore, we generally cannot support this proposal.
Reviewed on acase-by-case basis.
Mergers, Buyouts, Spin-Offs, Restructurings
Each of the above is considered on acase-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 acase-by-case basis.
In voting on this proposal for ournon-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 acase-by-case basis.
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In voting on this proposal for ournon-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 acase-by-case basis. Our decision will be based on the following:
● | | 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 Incentive Plans
Director and Employee Stock incentive plans are an excellent way to attract, hold and motivate directors and employees. However, each incentive plan must be evaluated on its own merits, taking into consideration the following:
● | | Dilution of voting power or earnings per share by more than 10%. |
● | | Kind of stock to be awarded, to whom, when and how much. |
● | | Amount of stock already authorized but not yet issued under existing stock plans. |
● | | The successful steps taken by management to maximize shareholder value. |
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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.
Reviewed on acase-by-case basis.
Limit Shareholders Right to Act by Written Consent
Written consent allows shareholders to initiate and carry on a shareholder action without having to wait until the next annual meeting or to call a special meeting. It permits action to be taken by the written consent of the same percentage of the shares that would be required to effect proposed action at a shareholder meeting.
Reviewed on acase-by-case basis.
“Say-on-Pay” /“Say-When-on-Pay” /“Say-on-Golden-Parachutes”
Required under the Dodd-Frank Act; these proposals arenon-binding advisory votes on executive compensation. We will generally vote with the Board of Directors’ recommendation(s) on advisory votes on executive compensation(“Say-on-Pay”), advisory votes on the frequency of voting on executive compensation(“Say-When-on-Pay”) and advisory votes relating to extraordinary transaction executive compensation(“Say-on-Golden-Parachutes”). In those instances when we believe that it is in our clients’ best interest, we may abstain or vote against executive compensation and/or the frequency of votes on executive compensation and/or extraordinary transaction executive compensation advisory votes.
Proxy Access
Proxy access is a tool used to attempt to promote board accountability by requiring that a company’s proxy materials contain not only the names of management nominees, but also any candidates nominated by long-term shareholders holding at least a certain stake in the company. We will review proposals regarding proxy access on acase-by-case basis taking into account the provisions of the proposal, the company’s current governance structure, the successful steps taken by management to maximize shareholder value, as well as other applicable factors.
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Item 8. Portfolio Managers ofClosed-End Management Investment Companies.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA, is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer – Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. that he founded in 1977, and Chief Investment Officer – Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management Inc. He is also Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Associated Capital Group, Inc. Mr. Gabelli is a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University and holds an MBA degree from Columbia Business School, and Honorary Doctorates from Fordham University and Roger Williams University.
Christopher J. Marangi joined Gabelli in 2003 as a research analyst. He currently serves asCo-Chief Investment Officer of GAMCO Investors, Inc.’s Value team and a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC. He manages several funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex. Mr. Marangi graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Political Economy from Williams College and holds an MBA with honors from Columbia Business School.
MANAGEMENT OF OTHER ACCOUNTS
The table below shows the number of other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the total assets in each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other paid investment vehicles and other accounts as of December 31, 2019. 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.
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Name of Portfolio Manager | | Type of Accounts | | Total No. of Accounts Managed | | Total Assets | | No. of Accounts where Advisory Fee is Based on Performance | | Total Assets in Accounts where Advisory Fee is Based on Performance |
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA | | Registered Investment Companies: | | 24 | | $19.5
billion | | 4 | | $ 5.3 billion |
| | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: | | 11 | | $1.1 billion | | 8 | | $ 904.3 million |
| | Other Accounts: | | 985 | | $8.1 billion | | 1 | | $ 238.5 million |
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Christopher J. Marangi | | Registered Investment Companies: | | 7 | | $ 7.4 billion | | 2 | | $ 4.6 billion |
| | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: | | 1 | | $ 56.3 million | | 0 | | $0 |
| | Other Accounts: | | 301 | | $1.6 billion | | 0 | | $0 |
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a Portfolio Manager also hasday-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other accounts. These potential conflicts include:
ALLOCATION OF LIMITED TIME AND ATTENTION. Because the portfolio managers manage many accounts, they 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 they were to devote all of their attention to the management of only a few accounts.
ALLOCATION OF LIMITED INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES. If the portfolio managers identify an investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple accounts, the Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity because the opportunity may be allocated among all or many of these accounts or other accounts managed primarily by other portfolio managers of the Adviser, and their affiliates.
SELECTION OF BROKER/DEALERS. Because of Mr. Gabelli’s indirect majority ownership interest in G.research, LLC, he may have an incentive to use G.research to execute portfolio transactions for a Fund.
PURSUIT OF DIFFERING STRATEGIES. At times, the portfolio managers may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the accounts for which they exercises investment
responsibility, or may decide that certain of these accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, the portfolio managers 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 of their accounts.
VARIATION IN COMPENSATION. A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to the portfolio manager differ among the accounts that they manage. 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 managers may be motivated to favor certain accounts over others. The portfolio managers also may be motivated to favor accounts in which they have an investment interest, or in which the Adviser, or its affiliates have investment interests. In Mr. Gabelli’s case, the Adviser’s compensation and expenses for the Fund are marginally greater as a percentage of assets than for certain other accounts and are less than for certain other accounts managed by Mr. Gabelli, while his personal compensation structure varies with near-term performance to a greater degree in certain performance fee based accounts than withon-performance based accounts. In addition, he has investment interests in several of the funds managed by the Adviser and its affiliates.
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. Fourclosed-end registered investment companies (including this Fund) 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 otherclosed-end 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.
COMPENSATION STRUCTURE FOR PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF THE ADVISER OTHER THAN MARIO GABELLI
The compensation of the Portfolio Managers for the Fund is structure to enable the Adviser to attract and retain highly qualified professionals in a competitive environment. The Portfolio Managers receive a compensation package that includes a minimum draw or base salary, equity-based incentive compensation via awards of restricted stock, and incentive-based variable compensation based on a percentage of net revenue received by the Adviser for managing a Fund to the extent that the amount exceeds a minimum level of compensation. Net revenues are determined by deducting from gross investment management fees certain of the firm’s expenses
(other than the respective Portfolio Manager’s compensation) allocable to the respective Fund (the incentive-based variable compensation for managing other accounts is also based on a percentage of net revenues to the investment adviser for managing the account). This method of compensation is based on the premise that superior long-term performance in managing a portfolio should be rewarded with higher compensation as a result of growth of assets through appreciation and net investment activity. The level of equity-based incentive and incentive-based variable compensation is based on an evaluation by the Adviser’s parent, GBL, of quantitative and qualitative performance evaluation criteria. This evaluation takes into account, in a broad sense, the performance of the accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager, but the level of compensation is not determined with specific reference to the performance of any account against any specific benchmark. Generally, greater consideration is given to the performance of larger accounts and to longer term performance over smaller accounts and short-term performance.
OWNERSHIP OF SHARES IN THE FUND
Mario J. Gabelli and Christopher J. Marangi each owned over $1 million and $1 - $10,000, respectively, of shares of the Trust as of December 31, 2019.
(b) Not applicable.
Item 9. | Purchases of Equity Securities byClosed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. |
REGISTRANT PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
| | | | | | | | |
Period | | (a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased | | (b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) | | (c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | | (d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs |
Month #1 07/01/2019 through 07/31/2019 | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A | | Common – 24,755,815 Preferred Series B – 791,014 Preferred Series E – 2,000,000 |
Month #2 08/01/2019 through 08/31/2019 | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A | | Common – 24,755,815 Preferred Series B – 791,014 Preferred Series E – 2,000,000 |
| | | | | | | | |
Month #3 09/01/2019 through 09/30/2019 | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A | | Common – 24,826,733 Preferred Series B – 791,014 Preferred Series E – 2,000,000 |
Month #4 10/01/2019 through 10/31/2019 | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A | | Common – 24,826,733 Preferred Series B – 791,014 Preferred Series E – 2,000,000 |
Month #5 11/01/2019 through 11/30/2019 | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A | | Common – 24,826,733 Preferred Series B – 791,014 Preferred Series E – 2,000,000 |
Month #6 12/01/2019 through 12/31/2019 | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A Preferred Series G – N/A | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A Preferred Series G – N/A | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A Preferred Series G – N/A | | Common – 24,898,515 Preferred Series B – 0 Preferred Series E – 2,000,000 Preferred Series G – 2,000,000 |
Total | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A Preferred Series G – N/A | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A Preferred Series G – N/A | | Common – N/A Preferred Series B – N/A Preferred Series E – N/A Preferred Series G – 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 semiannually in the Fund’s shareholder reports 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 5% or more from the net asset value of the shares. Any or all preferred shares outstanding may be repurchased when the Fund’s preferred shares are trading at a discount to the liquidation values. |
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 Directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of RegulationS-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR240.14a-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 Rule30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR270.30a-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 Rule30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR270.30a-3(b)) and Rules13a-15(b) or15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR240.13a-15(b) or240.15d-15(b)). |
| (b) | There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR270.30a-3(d))) that occurred during 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. | Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities forClosed-End Management Investment Companies. |
| (a) | If the registrant is aclosed-end management investment company, provide the following dollar amounts of income and fees/compensation related to the securities lending activities of the registrant during its most recent fiscal year: |
(1) Gross income from securities lending activities; $0
(2) All fees and/or compensation for each of the following securities lending activities and related services: any share of revenue generated by the securities lending program paid to the securities lending agent(s) (“revenue split”); fees paid for cash collateral management services (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split; administrative fees that are not included in the revenue split; fees for indemnification that are not included in the revenue split; rebates paid to borrowers; and any other fees relating to the securities lending program that are not included in the revenue split, including a description of those other fees; $0
(3) The aggregate fees/compensation disclosed pursuant to paragraph (2); $0 and
(4) Net income from securities lending activities (i.e., the dollar amount in paragraph (1) minus the dollar amount in paragraph (3)). $0
| (b) | If the registrant is aclosed-end management investment company, describe the services provided to the registrant by the securities lending agent in the registrant’s most recent fiscal year. N/A |
Item 13. Exhibits.
| (a)(1) | Code of ethics, or any amendment thereto, that is the subject of disclosure required by Item 2 is attached hereto. |
| (a)(2) | Certifications pursuant to Rule30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto. |
| (b) | Certifications pursuant to Rule30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Bruce N. Alpert
Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer
Date March 6, 2020
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 March 6, 2020
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ John C. Ball
John C. Ball, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer
Date March 6, 2020
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.