N-CSR 1 d858945dncsr.htm GAMCO NATURAL RESOURCES, GOLD & INCOME TRUST GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number             811-22216                

GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

One Corporate Center

                         Rye, New York 10580-1422                        

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Bruce N. Alpert

Gabelli Funds, LLC

One Corporate Center

                         Rye, New York 10580-1422                        

(Name and address of agent for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end: December 31

Date of reporting period: December 31, 2019

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

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


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Annual Report — December 31, 2019

(Y)our Portfolio Management Team

 

LOGO

Caesar M. P. Bryan Vincent Hugonnard-Roche

To Our Shareholders,

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the net asset value (NAV) total return of the GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust (the Fund) was 19.0%, compared with total returns of 15.7% and 52.9% for the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Buy/Write Index and the Philadelphia Gold & Silver (XAU) Index, respectively. The total return for the Fund’s publicly traded shares was 33.6%. The Fund’s NAV per share was $6.16, while the price of the publicly traded shares closed at $5.96 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 call 800-422-3554 or send an email request to info@gabelli.com.


Comparative Results

 

Average Annual Returns through December 31, 2019 (a) (Unaudited)

 

                       Since  
                       Inception  
     1 Year     3 Year     5 Year     (01/27/11)  

GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

        

NAV Total Return (b)

     19.04     4.39     2.99     (2.38)%   

Investment Total Return (c)

     33.64       6.05       4.65       (2.81)      

CBOE S&P 500 Buy/Write Index

     15.68       7.58       7.00       7.05        

XAU Index

     52.88       11.58       10.10       (5.67)(d)  

Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index

     19.76       7.89       5.75       5.07(d)   

S&P Global Agribusiness Equity Index

     21.78       7.54       4.46       4.68(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 CBOE S&P 500 Buy/Write Index is an unmanaged index designed to reflect the return on a portfolio that consists of a long position in the stocks in the S&P 500 Index and a short position in a S&P 500 (SPX) call option. The XAU Index is an unmanaged indicator of stock market performance of large North American gold and silver companies. The Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index measures the performance of the basic materials sector of the U.S. equity market. The S&P Global Agribusiness Equity Index is designed to provide exposure to twenty-four of the largest publicly traded agribusiness companies, comprised of a mix of Producers, Distributors & Processors, and Equipment & Materials Suppliers companies. Dividends are considered reinvested. You cannot invest directly in an index.

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

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

(d)  From January 31, 2011, the date closest to the Fund’s inception for which data are available.

   

   

    

   


Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)

The following table presents portfolio holdings as a percent of total investments before options written as of December 31, 2019:

GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

 

Long Positions

 

Metals and Mining

     44.0

Energy and Energy Services

     18.9

U.S. Government Obligations

     13.6

Health Care

     6.3

Agriculture

     5.4

Machinery

     5.2

Food and Beverage

     3.9

Specialty Chemicals

     2.7

Exchange Traded Call Options Purchased

     0.0 %* 
  

 

 

 
         100.0
  

 

 

 

 

*

Amount represents less than 0.05%.

Short Positions

 

Call Options Written

     (5.0 )% 

Put Options Written

     (0.0 )%** 
  

 

 

 
             (5.0 )% 
  

 

 

 

 

**

Amount represents greater 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 Form N-PORT. Shareholders may obtain this information at www.gabelli.com or by calling the Fund at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554). The Fund’s Form N-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 calling 800-SEC-0330.

Proxy Voting

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

 

3


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments — December 31, 2019

 

 

                     Market  
Shares             Cost      Value  
     COMMON STOCKS — 85.9%

 

  
     Agriculture — 5.4%      
    77,000     

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.(a)

   $ 3,835,720      $ 3,568,950  
30,500     

Bunge Ltd.(a)

     2,448,709        1,755,275  
74,990     

Nutrien Ltd.(a)

     5,008,378        3,592,771  
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
              11,292,807            8,916,996  
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
    

Energy and Energy Services — 18.9%

 

  
11,400     

Apache Corp.(a)

     934,938        291,726  
13,500     

Baker Hughes Co.(a)

     772,010        346,005  
42,000     

BP plc, ADR(a)

     1,916,959        1,585,080  
15,800     

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.(a)

     441,699        275,078  
26,000     

Chevron Corp.(a)

     3,327,635        3,133,260  
3,100     

Cimarex Energy Co.

     295,921        162,719  
6,000     

Concho Resources Inc.(a)

     765,214        525,420  
6,800     

ConocoPhillips

     462,412        442,204  
6,200     

Devon Energy Corp.(a)

     405,864        161,014  
4,000     

Diamondback Energy Inc.

     414,723        371,440  
61,500     

Eni SpA

     1,180,863        955,164  
13,200     

EOG Resources Inc.(a)

     1,569,729        1,105,632  
60,500     

Exxon Mobil Corp.(a)

     5,423,777        4,221,690  
17,300     

Halliburton Co.(a)

     982,846        423,331  
5,500     

Helmerich & Payne Inc.

     411,910        249,865  
4,700     

Hess Corp.(a)

     322,465        314,007  
6,500     

HollyFrontier Corp.

     464,815        329,615  
56,982     

Kinder Morgan Inc.(a)

     1,275,173        1,206,309  
25,000     

Marathon Oil Corp.

     535,605        339,500  
18,495     

Marathon Petroleum Corp.(a)

     1,289,625        1,114,324  
18,500     

Noble Energy Inc.(a)

     726,242        459,540  
4,098     

Occidental Petroleum Corp.(a)

     191,991        168,879  
12,000     

ONEOK Inc.

     864,240        908,040  
11,500     

Phillips 66(a)

     1,344,982        1,281,215  
4,900     

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.(a)

     963,874        741,713  
110,500     

Royal Dutch Shell plc, Cl. A

     3,758,769        3,271,353  
32,070     

Schlumberger Ltd.(a)

     2,462,173        1,289,214  
21,000     

Suncor Energy Inc.(a)

     840,549        688,800  
15,000     

Sunoco LP

     305,466        459,000  
17,000     

TechnipFMC plc

     566,433        364,480  
39,500     

The Williams Companies
Inc.(a)

     1,791,218        936,940  
36,500     

TOTAL SA, ADR(a)

     2,248,088        2,018,450  
12,300     

Valero Energy Corp.(a)

     1,411,863        1,151,895  
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
          40,670,071        31,292,902  
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
    

Food and Beverage — 3.9%

 

  
79,532     

Mowi ASA

     1,922,166        2,067,272  
15,000     

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.†

     491,025        490,725  
42,000     

Tyson Foods Inc., Cl. A(a)

     3,640,320        3,823,680  
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
          6,053,511        6,381,677  
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
                     Market  
Shares             Cost      Value  
    

Health Care — 6.3%

 

  
13,400     

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.†(a)

   $ 3,649,541      $ 3,499,142  
53,000     

Zoetis Inc.(a)

     6,506,776        7,014,550  
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
              10,156,317            10,513,692  
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
    

Machinery — 5.2%

 

  
    22,500     

AGCO Corp.

     1,736,903        1,738,125  
147,300     

CNH Industrial NV(a)

     1,997,451        1,620,300  
24,300     

Deere & Co.(a)

     4,262,423        4,210,218  
70,000     

Kubota Corp.

     1,440,535        1,111,960  
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
          9,437,312        8,680,603  
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
    

Metals and Mining — 43.5%

 

  
96,700     

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.(a)

     4,142,224        5,957,687  
653,416     

Alamos Gold Inc., Cl. A(a)

     4,962,665        3,933,564  
79,000     

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd.,
ADR(a)

     1,587,991        1,764,860  
715,600     

B2Gold Corp.

     2,565,276        2,869,556  
331,444     

Barrick Gold Corp.(a)

     5,327,237        6,161,544  
475,000     

Belo Sun Mining Corp.†

     360,402        186,554  
28,000     

BHP Group Ltd.,
ADR(a)

     1,492,530        1,531,880  
875,000     

Centamin plc

     1,581,172        1,471,971  
355,000     

Continental Gold Inc.†

     1,093,147        1,462,593  
189,000     

Detour Gold Corp.†

     2,352,790        3,659,050  
58,000     

Endeavour Mining Corp.†

     1,150,455        1,095,637  
225,000     

Evolution Mining Ltd.

     656,849        599,996  
100,000     

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.†

     524,835        408,000  
49,600     

Franco-Nevada Corp.(a)

     4,155,988        5,123,680  
146,274     

Fresnillo plc

     2,914,558        1,240,425  
264,500     

Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd., ADR†

     844,258        960,135  
481,500     

Hochschild Mining plc

     1,654,915        1,167,172  
25,500     

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

     1,233,323        1,123,785  
10,000     

Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corp.

     182,294        189,596  
45,000     

MAG Silver Corp.†(a)

     609,759        532,800  
185,952     

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

     3,885,798        3,947,761  
149,356     

Newmont Goldcorp Corp.(a)

     5,923,428        6,489,518  
67,085     

Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.†

     142,578        28,712  
268,894     

Northern Star Resources Ltd.

     1,949,964        2,134,154  
359,975     

OceanaGold Corp.

     1,294,575        706,893  
116,100     

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.

     1,513,383        1,128,322  
39,100     

Pan American Silver Corp.

     1,684,131        926,279  
600,000     

Perseus Mining Ltd.†

     1,878,228        488,418  
176,275     

Pretium Resources Inc.†

     1,660,757        1,961,941  
51,000     

Rio Tinto plc, ADR(a)

     3,054,743        3,027,360  
16,400     

Royal Gold Inc.(a)

     1,867,716        2,004,900  
275,000     

Saracen Mineral Holdings Ltd.†

     553,800        638,767  
100,000     

SEMAFO Inc.†

     361,015        207,924  
57,500     

SSR Mining Inc.†

     898,028        1,107,450  
72,000     

Torex Gold Resources Inc.†

     1,579,169        1,137,761  
 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

4


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019

 

 

                  Market  
Shares           Cost     Value  
   

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

 

 
   

Metals and Mining (Continued)

 

 

165,850

   

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.(a)

  $ 4,492,960     $ 4,934,038  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        72,132,941       72,310,683  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
   

Specialty Chemicals — 2.7%

 

 

26,000

   

CF Industries Holdings
Inc.(a)

    1,396,966       1,241,240  

20,000

   

FMC Corp.(a)

    1,970,200       1,996,400  

58,500

   

The Mosaic Co.(a)

    2,896,352       1,265,940  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        6,263,518       4,503,580  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
   

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS

      156,006,477         142,600,133  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
   

RIGHTS — 0.0%

 

 
   

Metals and Mining — 0.0%

 

 

90,000

   

Pan American Silver Corp., CVR†

    20,700       67,500  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
Principal                    
Amount                    
   

CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS — 0.5%

 

   

Metals and Mining — 0.5%

 

 

$    200,000

   

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.
4.650%, 10/31/24(b)(c)

    200,000       225,204  

350,000

   

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

    273,022       272,645  

350,000

   

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

    350,000       364,035  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        823,022       861,884  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
   

TOTAL CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS

    823,022       861,884  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
   

U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 13.6%

 

22,597,000

   

U.S. Treasury Bills,
1.487% to 1.888%††,
01/16/20 to 03/26/20(d)

    22,550,344       22,555,261  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
   

PURCHASED
OPTIONS — 0.0%

    14,853       2,470  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE OPTIONS WRITTEN — 100.0%

  $ 179,415,396       166,087,248  
     

 

 

   

OPTIONS WRITTEN — (5.0)%

   

(Premiums received $6,807,096)

      (8,306,543

Other Assets and Liabilities (Net)

      221,281  
       

 

 

 

PREFERRED STOCK

 

 

(1,173,302 preferred shares outstanding)

 

    (29,332,550
       

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — COMMON STOCK

 

(20,902,112 common shares outstanding)

    $ 128,669,436  
     

 

 

 

NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE

 

($128,669,436 ÷ 20,902,112 shares outstanding)

    $ 6.16  
     

 

 

 

 

(a)

Securities, or a portion thereof, with a value of $80,125,108 were deposited with the broker as collateral for options written.

(b)

At December 31, 2019, the Fund held an investment in a restricted and illiquid security amounting to $225,204 or 0.14% of total investments before options written, which were valued under methods approved by the Board of Trustees as follows:

 

                 12/31/19
Acquisition                Carrying
Principal        Acquisition   Acquisition   Value
Amount   

Issuer

 

Date

 

Cost

 

Per Bond

$200,000   

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., 4.650%, 10/31/24

  09/25/19   $200,000   $1,126.0200
(c)

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.

(d)

At December 31, 2019, $13,005,000 of the principal amount was pledged as collateral for options written.

Non-income producing security.

††

Represents annualized yields at dates of purchase.

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

CVR

Contingent Value Right

 

Geographic Diversification

       % of Total
Investments*
 

Market

Value

Long Positions

        

North America

       79.7 %     $ 132,317,759

Europe

       9.9       16,381,431

Asia/Pacific

       6.0       10,047,869

Latin America

       2.1       3,503,234

South Africa

       1.6       2,724,995

Japan

       0.7       1,111,960
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments — Long Positions

       100.0 %     $ 166,087,248
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Short Positions

        

North America

       (4.8 )%     $ (7,995,771 )

Europe

       (0.1 )       (196,026 )

Asia/Pacific

       (0.1 )       (68,910 )

Japan

       (0.0 )**       (45,836 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments — Short Positions

       (5.0 )%     $ (8,306,543 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

*

Total investments exclude options written.

**

Amount represents greater than (0.05)%.

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

5


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, options purchased outstanding were as follows:

 

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

Exchange Traded Call Options Purchased — 0.0%

                 

Newmont Goldcorp Corp.

     260        USD        1,129,700        USD    55.00        03/20/20      $ 2,470  
                 

 

 

 

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED CALL OPTIONS PURCHASED

 

               $ 2,470  
                 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, options written outstanding were as follows:

 

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

OTC Call Options Written — (3.8)%

                             

AGCO Corp.

   Pershing LLC         75         USD      579,375        USD        67.50      01/17/20    $ 75,300  

AGCO Corp.

   Pershing LLC         75         USD      579,375        USD        80.00      03/20/20      20,480  

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

   Pershing LLC         397         USD      2,445,917        USD        60.00      01/17/20          100,092  

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

   Pershing LLC         390         USD      2,402,790        USD        60.00      02/21/20      148,524  

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

   Pershing LLC         180         USD      1,108,980        USD        60.00      03/20/20      79,690  

Alamos Gold Inc., Cl. A

   Pershing LLC         2,180         USD      1,312,360        USD        7.00      01/17/20      4,698  

Alamos Gold Inc., Cl. A

   Pershing LLC         2,180         USD      1,312,360        USD        6.00      02/21/20      97,545  

Alamos Gold Inc., Cl. A

   Pershing LLC         680         USD      409,360        USD        6.00      03/20/20      37,181  

Alamos Gold Inc., Cl. A

   Pershing LLC         1,500         USD      903,000        USD        6.50      03/20/20      52,176  

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd., ADR

   Pershing LLC         400         USD      893,600        USD        22.00      06/19/20      118,070  

Apache Corp.

   Pershing LLC         57         USD      145,863        USD        25.00      01/17/20      7,756  

Apache Corp.

   Pershing LLC         57         USD      145,863        USD        22.50      03/20/20      23,045  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

   Pershing LLC         250         USD      1,158,750        USD        42.00      01/17/20      110,611  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

   Pershing LLC         250         USD      1,158,750        USD        42.00      02/21/20      110,258  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

   Pershing LLC         250         USD      1,158,750        USD        45.00      03/20/20      58,228  

B2Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC         1,315         USD      527,315        USD        3.50      01/17/20      71,387  

B2Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC         1,700         USD      681,700        USD        3.70      02/21/20      84,995  

B2Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC         700         USD      280,700        USD        3.75      02/21/20      32,866  

B2Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC         2,400         USD      962,400        USD        3.75      03/20/20      130,498  

B2Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC         1,041         USD      417,441        USD        3.75      04/17/20      62,474  

Baker Hughes Co.

   Pershing LLC         70         USD      179,410        USD        23.50      02/21/20      17,131  

Baker Hughes Co.

   Pershing LLC         65         USD      166,595        USD        24.00      03/20/20      15,276  

Barrick Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC         1,000         USD      1,859,000        USD        19.00      01/17/20      27,642  

Barrick Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC         334         USD      620,906        USD        19.50      01/17/20      5,127  

Barrick Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC         717         USD      1,332,903        USD        17.00      02/21/20      134,426  

Barrick Gold Corp.

   Pershing LLC         483         USD      897,897        USD        17.50      02/21/20      72,793  

BHP Group Ltd., ADR

   Pershing LLC         100         USD      547,100        USD        53.00      01/17/20      19,777  

BHP Group Ltd., ADR

   Pershing LLC         90         USD      492,390        USD        47.50      02/21/20      66,621  

BHP Group Ltd., ADR

   Pershing LLC         90         USD      492,390        USD        53.25      03/20/20      20,568  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

6


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019

 

 

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

BP plc, ADR

   Pershing LLC         140         USD      528,360        USD        38.00      01/17/20    $ 5,285  

BP plc, ADR

   Pershing LLC         140         USD      528,360        USD        40.00      02/21/20      2,209  

BP plc, ADR

   Pershing LLC         140         USD      528,360        USD        39.00      03/20/20      7,250  

Bunge Ltd.

   Pershing LLC         150         USD      863,250        USD        60.00      01/17/20      3,489  

Bunge Ltd.

   Pershing LLC         150         USD      863,250        USD        59.00      03/20/20          30,162  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

   Pershing LLC         78         USD      135,798        USD        19.00      01/17/20      588  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

   Pershing LLC         80         USD      139,280        USD        18.00      03/20/20      6,160  

CF Industries Holdings Inc.

   Pershing LLC         130         USD      620,620        USD        47.50      01/17/20      15,151  

CF Industries Holdings Inc.

   Pershing LLC         130         USD      620,620        USD        47.50      03/20/20      36,462  

Chevron Corp.

   Pershing LLC         80         USD      964,080        USD        119.00      01/17/20      21,829  

Chevron Corp.

   Pershing LLC         95         USD      1,144,845        USD        120.00      02/21/20      28,056  

Chevron Corp.

   Pershing LLC         85         USD      1,024,335        USD        120.00      03/20/20      32,793  

Cimarex Energy Co.

   Pershing LLC         15         USD      78,735        USD        50.00      02/21/20      7,141  

Cimarex Energy Co.

   Pershing LLC         16         USD      83,984        USD        52.00      04/17/20      8,232  

CNH Industrial NV

   Pershing LLC         493         USD      542,300        USD        11.00      01/17/20      14,502  

CNH Industrial NV

   Pershing LLC         490         USD      539,000        USD        11.00      02/21/20      25,179  

CNH Industrial NV

   Pershing LLC         490         USD      539,000        USD        11.00      03/20/20      31,318  

Concho Resources Inc.

   Pershing LLC         20         USD      175,140        USD        80.00      04/17/20      23,627  

ConocoPhillips

   Pershing LLC         50         USD      325,150        USD        57.50      01/17/20      38,330  

ConocoPhillips

   Pershing LLC         18         USD      117,054        USD        60.00      02/21/20      10,303  

ConocoPhillips

   Pershing LLC         45         USD      292,635        USD        62.50      03/20/20      20,710  

Deere & Co.

   Pershing LLC         85         USD      1,472,710        USD        170.00      01/17/20      44,633  

Deere & Co.

   Pershing LLC         85         USD      1,472,710        USD        170.00      02/21/20      73,381  

Deere & Co.

   Pershing LLC         85         USD      1,472,710        USD        170.00      03/20/20      85,710  

Devon Energy Corp.

   Pershing LLC         62         USD      161,014        USD        24.00      01/17/20      13,838  

Devon Energy Corp.

   Pershing LLC         63         USD      163,611        USD        22.00      04/17/20      30,230  

Eni SpA

   Morgan Stanley         40         EUR      276,920        EUR        14.25      01/17/20      603  

Eni SpA

   Morgan Stanley         43         EUR      297,689        EUR        14.15      02/21/20      3,887  

Eni SpA

   Morgan Stanley         40         EUR      276,920        EUR        14.13      03/20/20      5,639  

EOG Resources Inc.

   Pershing LLC         15         USD      125,640        USD        70.00      01/17/20      20,220  

EOG Resources Inc.

   Pershing LLC         52         USD      435,552        USD        77.50      01/17/20      32,871  

EOG Resources Inc.

   Pershing LLC         10         USD      83,760        USD        77.50      02/21/20      7,674  

EOG Resources Inc.

   Pershing LLC         55         USD      460,680        USD        77.50      03/20/20      47,594  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   Pershing LLC         180         USD      1,256,040        USD        70.00      01/17/20      16,252  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   Pershing LLC         27         USD      188,406        USD        72.50      01/17/20      437  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   Pershing LLC         198         USD      1,381,644        USD        70.00      02/21/20      28,838  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   Pershing LLC         200         USD      1,395,600        USD        70.00      03/20/20      38,789  

FMC Corp.

   Pershing LLC         100         USD      998,200        USD        97.50      03/20/20      59,743  

FMC Corp.

   Pershing LLC         100         USD      998,200        USD        95.00      04/17/20      79,338  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

   Pershing LLC         50         USD      516,500        USD        95.00      01/17/20      43,705  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

   Pershing LLC         54         USD      557,820        USD        97.50      01/17/20      34,472  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

   Pershing LLC         108         USD      1,115,640        USD        95.00      02/21/20      101,928  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

   Pershing LLC         54         USD      557,820        USD        100.00      02/21/20      29,877  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

7


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019

 

 

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

Franco-Nevada Corp.

   Pershing LLC         230         USD      2,375,900        USD        100.00      03/20/20    $     145,406  

Halliburton Co.

   Pershing LLC         87         USD      212,889        USD        20.00      01/17/20      39,162  

Halliburton Co.

   Pershing LLC         85         USD      207,995        USD        20.00      02/21/20      39,309  

Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd., ADR

   Pershing LLC         800         USD      290,400        USD        3.25      01/17/20      32,636  

Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd., ADR

   Pershing LLC         1,845         USD      669,735        USD        3.25      03/20/20      109,660  

Helmerich & Payne Inc.

   Pershing LLC         28         USD      127,204        USD        42.00      02/21/20      11,740  

Helmerich & Payne Inc.

   Pershing LLC         28         USD      127,204        USD        43.00      04/17/20      12,982  

Hess Corp.

   Pershing LLC         17         USD      113,577        USD        65.00      02/21/20      7,417  

Hess Corp.

   Pershing LLC         30         USD      200,430        USD        65.00      04/17/20      17,590  

HollyFrontier Corp.

   Pershing LLC         15         USD      76,065        USD        52.00      01/17/20      1,046  

HollyFrontier Corp.

   Pershing LLC         35         USD      177,485        USD        55.00      01/17/20      307  

HollyFrontier Corp.

   Pershing LLC         15         USD      76,065        USD        52.00      03/20/20      3,410  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.

   Pershing LLC         45         USD      1,175,085        USD        270.00      03/20/20      39,708  

Kinder Morgan Inc.

   Pershing LLC         180         USD      381,060        USD        20.50      01/17/20      13,640  

Kinder Morgan Inc.

   Pershing LLC         190         USD      402,230        USD        20.50      02/21/20      14,892  

Kinder Morgan Inc.

   Pershing LLC         200         USD      423,400        USD        20.25      03/20/20      22,303  

Kubota Corp.

   Morgan Stanley         720         JPY      124,272,000        JPY        1,700.00      02/21/20      45,836  

MAG Silver Corp.

   Pershing LLC         225         USD      266,400        USD        12.00      02/21/20      16,741  

Marathon Oil Corp.

   Pershing LLC         118         USD      160,244        USD        13.00      01/17/20      8,957  

Marathon Oil Corp.

   Pershing LLC         132         USD      179,256        USD        13.00      03/20/20      16,331  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

   Pershing LLC         65         USD      391,625        USD        55.00      01/17/20      36,217  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

   Pershing LLC         60         USD      361,500        USD        60.00      02/21/20      17,055  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

   Pershing LLC         60         USD      361,500        USD        60.00      03/20/20      21,181  

Mowi ASA

   Morgan Stanley         40,468         NOK      9,234,798        NOK        207.57      02/21/20      96,664  

Mowi ASA

   Morgan Stanley         40,000         NOK      9,128,000        NOK        222.50      04/17/20      63,346  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

   Morgan Stanley         390         AUD      1,179,866        AUD        38.50      01/17/20      203  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

   Morgan Stanley         390         AUD      1,179,866        AUD        33.00      02/21/20      11,014  

Newcrest Mining Ltd.

   Morgan Stanley         690         AUD      2,087,454        AUD        31.00      03/20/20      57,693  

Newmont Goldcorp Corp.

   Pershing LLC         465         USD      2,020,425        USD        40.00      01/17/20      162,627  

Newmont Goldcorp Corp.

   Pershing LLC         389         USD      1,690,205        USD        38.00      02/21/20      219,612  

Newmont Goldcorp Corp.

   Pershing LLC         410         USD      1,781,450        USD        42.00      02/21/20      96,770  

Newmont Goldcorp Corp.

   Pershing LLC         490         USD      2,129,050        USD        42.00      03/20/20      132,022  

Noble Energy Inc.

   Pershing LLC         93         USD      231,012        USD        22.50      01/17/20      22,953  

Noble Energy Inc.

   Pershing LLC         30         USD      74,520        USD        22.50      02/21/20      8,467  

Noble Energy Inc.

   Pershing LLC         62         USD      154,008        USD        22.50      03/20/20      19,486  

Nutrien Ltd.

   Pershing LLC         250         USD      1,197,750        USD        52.00      01/17/20      512  

Nutrien Ltd.

   Pershing LLC         250         USD      1,197,750        USD        50.00      02/21/20      19,867  

Nutrien Ltd.

   Pershing LLC         250         USD      1,197,750        USD        50.00      03/20/20      27,961  

OceanaGold Corp.

   Morgan Stanley         2,600         CAD      663,000        CAD        3.50      02/21/20      10,011  

ONEOK Inc.

   Pershing LLC         40         USD      302,680        USD        70.00      01/17/20      23,134  

ONEOK Inc.

   Pershing LLC         40         USD      302,680        USD        70.00      02/21/20      22,040  

ONEOK Inc.

   Pershing LLC         40         USD      302,680        USD        72.50      03/20/20      16,492  

Pan American Silver Corp.

   Pershing LLC         160         USD      379,040        USD        19.00      03/20/20      80,735  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

8


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019

 

 

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

Phillips 66

   Pershing LLC         40         USD      445,640        USD        100.00      01/17/20    $ 45,671  

Phillips 66

   Pershing LLC         35         USD      389,935        USD        115.00      02/21/20      5,128  

Phillips 66

   Pershing LLC         40         USD      445,640        USD        113.00      03/20/20      12,719  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

   Pershing LLC         16         USD      242,192        USD        130.00      01/17/20      34,633  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

   Pershing LLC         16         USD      242,192        USD        130.00      02/21/20      36,796  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

   Pershing LLC         17         USD      257,329        USD        150.00      03/20/20      18,063  

Pretium Resources Inc.

   Pershing LLC         550         USD      612,150        USD        16.00      02/21/20      1,558  

Rio Tinto plc, ADR

   Pershing LLC         170         USD      1,009,120        USD        53.00      01/17/20      110,779  

Rio Tinto plc, ADR

   Pershing LLC         170         USD      1,009,120        USD        53.00      02/21/20      116,550  

Rio Tinto plc, ADR

   Pershing LLC         170         USD      1,009,120        USD        60.00      03/20/20      22,500  

Royal Dutch Shell plc, Cl. A

   Morgan Stanley         33         GBP      737,550        GBp        2,350.00      01/17/20      1,014  

Royal Dutch Shell plc, Cl. A

   Morgan Stanley         37         GBP      826,950        GBp        2,300.00      02/21/20      9,228  

Royal Dutch Shell plc, Cl. A

   Morgan Stanley         41         GBP      916,350        GBp        2,300.00      03/20/20      15,646  

Royal Gold Inc.

   Pershing LLC         55         USD      672,375        USD        115.00      03/20/20      61,030  

Schlumberger Ltd.

   Pershing LLC         91         USD      365,820        USD        35.00      01/17/20      48,226  

Schlumberger Ltd.

   Pershing LLC         100         USD      402,000        USD        34.00      02/21/20      60,530  

Schlumberger Ltd.

   Pershing LLC         130         USD      522,600        USD        37.00      03/20/20      52,421  

Suncor Energy Inc.

   Pershing LLC         65         USD      213,200        USD        29.50      01/17/20      21,681  

Suncor Energy Inc.

   Pershing LLC         75         USD      246,000        USD        32.50      02/21/20      8,992  

Suncor Energy Inc.

   Pershing LLC         70         USD      229,600        USD        32.00      03/20/20      10,838  

Sunoco LP

   Pershing LLC         150         USD      459,000        USD        31.00      03/20/20      8,175  

TechnipFMC plc

   Pershing LLC         85         USD      182,240        USD        24.00      01/17/20      142  

TechnipFMC plc

   Pershing LLC         85         USD      182,240        USD        22.00      03/20/20      9,322  

The Mosaic Co.

   Pershing LLC         185         USD      400,340        USD        23.00      02/21/20      12,993  

The Williams Companies Inc.

   Pershing LLC         110         USD      260,920        USD        24.00      01/17/20      2,978  

The Williams Companies Inc.

   Pershing LLC         175         USD      415,100        USD        24.00      02/21/20      11,553  

The Williams Companies Inc.

   Pershing LLC         110         USD      260,920        USD        24.00      03/20/20      7,300  

TOTAL SA, ADR

   Pershing LLC         80         USD      442,400        USD        51.50      01/17/20      25,071  

TOTAL SA, ADR

   Pershing LLC         45         USD      248,850        USD        54.00      01/17/20      4,857  

TOTAL SA, ADR

   Pershing LLC         115         USD      635,950        USD        55.00      02/21/20      13,635  

TOTAL SA, ADR

   Pershing LLC         125         USD      691,250        USD        55.00      03/20/20      19,420  

Tyson Foods Inc., Cl. A

   Pershing LLC         150         USD      1,365,600        USD        83.00      01/17/20      121,540  

Tyson Foods Inc., Cl. A

   Pershing LLC         150         USD      1,365,600        USD        86.00      02/21/20      99,702  

Tyson Foods Inc., Cl. A

   Pershing LLC         120         USD      1,092,480        USD        90.00      03/20/20      55,487  

Valero Energy Corp.

   Pershing LLC         40         USD      374,600        USD        84.00      01/17/20      39,144  

Valero Energy Corp.

   Pershing LLC         43         USD      402,695        USD        84.00      02/21/20      42,006  

Valero Energy Corp.

   Pershing LLC         40         USD      374,600        USD        95.00      03/20/20      13,735  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

   Pershing LLC         774         USD      2,302,650        USD        30.00      01/17/20      50,124  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

   Pershing LLC         435         USD      1,294,125        USD        29.00      02/21/20      77,322  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

   Pershing LLC         450         USD      1,338,750        USD        29.00      03/20/20      100,219  

Zoetis Inc.

   Pershing LLC         180         USD      2,382,300        USD        127.00      03/20/20      161,974  
                             

 

 

 

TOTAL OTC CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN

                           $ 6,309,507  
                             

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

9


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019

 

 

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

Exchange Traded Call Options Written — (1.2)%

                    

AGCO Corp.

     75        USD      579,375      USD      80.00        02/21/20      $ 14,025  

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd., ADR

     390        USD      871,260      USD      23.00        04/17/20        76,830  

Concho Resources Inc.

     20        USD      175,140      USD      70.00        01/17/20        35,400  

Concho Resources Inc.

     20        USD      175,140      USD      65.00        03/20/20        46,900  

Continental Gold Inc.

     1,420        CAD      759,700      CAD      5.50        01/17/20        1,094  

Detour Gold Corp.

     770        CAD      1,935,780      CAD      22.50        01/17/20            168,700  

Detour Gold Corp.

     566        CAD      1,422,924      CAD      23.00        02/21/20        125,531  

Diamondback Energy Inc.

     20        USD      185,720      USD      95.00        01/17/20        3,400  

Diamondback Energy Inc.

     20        USD      185,720      USD      80.00        03/20/20        30,000  

Endeavour Mining Corp.

     150        CAD      367,950      CAD      28.00        01/17/20        1,675  

Endeavour Mining Corp.

     130        CAD      318,890      CAD      27.00        02/21/20        8,009  

Endeavour Mining Corp.

     150        CAD      367,950      CAD      30.00        04/17/20        8,952  

EOG Resources Inc.

     10        USD      83,760      USD      85.00        01/17/20        1,420  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.

     45        USD      1,175,085      USD      280.00        01/17/20        1,350  

IDEXX Laboratories Inc.

     45        USD      1,175,085      USD      260.00        02/21/20        50,400  

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

     75        USD      330,525      USD      50.00        01/17/20        1,125  

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

     180        USD      793,260      USD      50.00        04/17/20        34,200  

MAG Silver Corp.

     225        USD      266,400      USD      12.50        02/21/20        11,250  

OceanaGold Corp.

     700        CAD      178,500      CAD      3.50        01/17/20        2,156  

OceanaGold Corp.

     1,400        CAD      357,000      CAD      4.00        01/17/20        1,617  

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.

     387        CAD      488,394      CAD      12.00        01/17/20        22,352  

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.

     387        CAD      488,394      CAD      12.00        02/21/20        31,293  

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.

     387        CAD      488,394      CAD      12.00        03/20/20        37,998  

Pan American Silver Corp.

     175        USD      414,575      USD      18.00        01/17/20        103,075  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.

     50        USD      163,575      USD      32.00        01/17/20        6,000  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.

     50        USD      163,575      USD      32.00        02/21/20        10,000  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.

     50        USD      163,575      USD      32.00        03/20/20        11,625  

Pretium Resources Inc.

     175        USD      194,775      USD      8.00        01/17/20        56,000  

Pretium Resources Inc.

     440        USD      489,720      USD      15.00        01/17/20        2,200  

Pretium Resources Inc.

     400        USD      445,200      USD      12.00        03/20/20        26,000  

Royal Gold Inc.

     5        USD      61,125      USD      115.00        01/17/20        3,850  

Royal Gold Inc.

     40        USD      489,000      USD      120.00        01/17/20        15,680  

Royal Gold Inc.

     50        USD      611,250      USD      115.00        02/21/20        47,350  

SEMAFO Inc.

     500        CAD      135,000      CAD      5.00        01/17/20        1,155  

SEMAFO Inc.

     500        CAD      135,000      CAD      5.00        04/17/20        2,118  

SSR Mining Inc.

     220        USD      423,720      USD      19.00        01/17/20        16,940  

SSR Mining Inc.

     220        USD      423,720      USD      15.00        03/20/20        101,200  

The Mosaic Co.

     185        USD      400,340      USD      32.00        01/17/20        740  

The Mosaic Co.

     200        USD      432,800      USD      23.00        03/20/20        18,800  

Torex Gold Resources Inc.

     470        CAD      964,440      CAD      21.00        01/17/20        16,287  

Torex Gold Resources Inc.

     250        CAD      513,000      CAD      20.00        04/17/20        41,392  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     365        USD      1,068,720      USD      27.00        01/17/20        89,425  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

10


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019

 

 

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

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     561          USD        1,642,608        USD        28.00        02/21/20      $ 111,078  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     348          USD        1,018,944        USD        27.00        03/20/20        107,184  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     595          USD        1,742,160        USD        28.00        03/20/20        138,040  

Zoetis Inc.

     170          USD        2,249,950        USD        130.00        01/17/20        56,610  

Zoetis Inc.

     180          USD        2,382,300        USD        120.00        02/21/20        243,000  
                    

 

 

 

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN

                     $ 1,941,426  
                    

 

 

 

Exchange Traded Put Options Written — (0.0)%

                    

Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF

     400          USD        2,401,600        USD        55.00        01/17/20      $ 800  

Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF

     420          USD        2,521,680        USD        55.50        02/21/20        9,870  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     1,850          USD        5,416,800        USD        24.50        01/17/20        7,400  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     900          USD        2,635,200        USD        24.00        02/21/20        2,700  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     900          USD        2,635,200        USD        25.00        02/21/20        5,400  

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

     1,840          USD        5,387,520        USD        25.00        03/20/20        29,440  
                    

 

 

 

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN

                     $ 55,610  
                    

 

 

 

TOTAL OPTIONS WRITTEN

                     $ 8,306,543  
                    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

11


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2019

 

 

Assets:

  

Investments, at value (cost $179,415,396)

   $ 166,087,248  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $243)

     242  

Cash

     1,334,748  

Deposit at brokers

     1,456,028  

Dividends and interest receivable

     190,069  

Deferred offering expense

     154,060  

Prepaid expenses

     1,678  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     169,224,073  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Options written, at value (premiums received $6,807,096)

     8,306,543  

Payable to brokers

     2,578,139  

Distributions payable

     21,185  

Payable for investment advisory fees

     131,126  

Payable for payroll expenses

     26,460  

Payable for accounting fees

     11,250  

Other accrued expenses

     147,384  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     11,222,087  
  

 

 

 

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

  

Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares (5.200%, $25 liquidation value, 1,173,302 shares outstanding)

     29,332,550  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders

   $ 128,669,436  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Consist of:

  

Paid-in capital

   $ 256,144,700  

Total accumulated loss

     (127,475,264
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 128,669,436  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value per Common Share:

  

($128,669,436 ÷ 20,902,112 shares outstanding at $0.001 par value; unlimited number of shares authorized)

   $ 6.16  

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

 

Investment Income:

  

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $145,357)

   $ 2,081,332  

Interest

     634,869  
  

 

 

 

Total Investment Income

     2,716,201  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

  

Investment advisory fees

     1,549,183  

Payroll expenses

     113,366  

Shareholder communications expenses

     99,454  

Legal and audit fees

     93,944  

Trustees’ fees

     75,500  

Accounting fees

     45,000  

Dividend expense on securities sold short

     36,294  

Shareholder services fees

     30,382  

Custodian fees

     24,240  

Interest expense

     105  

Service fees for securities sold short (See Note 2)

     1,992  

Miscellaneous expenses

     85,025  
  

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     2,154,485  
  

 

 

 

Less:

  

Expenses paid indirectly by broker
(See Note 3)

     (2,270
  

 

 

 

Net Expenses

     2,152,215  
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     563,986  
  

 

 

 

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

  

Net realized loss on investments

     (5,205,796

Net realized loss on securities sold short

     (354,409

Net realized loss on written options

     (2,557,336

Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions

     (13,990
  

 

 

 

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

     (8,131,531
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation:

  

on investments

     32,317,530  

on written options

     (1,539,446

on foreign currency translations

     2,294  
  

 

 

 

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

     30,780,378  
  

 

 

 

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

     22,648,847  
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     23,212,833  
  

 

 

 

Total Distributions to Preferred Shareholders

     (1,525,110
  

 

 

 

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

   $ 21,687,723  
  

 

 

 
 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

12


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Statement of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders

 

 

     Year Ended   Year Ended
     December 31, 2019   December 31, 2018

Operations:

        

Net investment income

     $ 563,986     $ 1,264,458

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

       (8,131,531 )       6,823,687

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

       30,780,378       (23,241,883 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

       23,212,833       (15,153,738 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Preferred Shareholders:

        

Accumulated earnings

       (979,208 )       (1,247,890 )

Return of capital

       (545,902 )       (311,810 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Distributions to Preferred Shareholders

       (1,525,110 )       (1,559,700 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

       21,687,723       (16,713,438 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Common Shareholders:

        

Return of capital

       (12,537,566 )       (12,538,506 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Distributions to Common Shareholders

       (12,537,566 )       (12,538,506 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Fund Share Transactions:

        

Net increase in net assets from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions

       43,666      

Net increase in net assets from repurchase of preferred shares

       24,115       49,793

Net decrease from repurchase of common shares

       (14,314 )      
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets from Fund Share Transactions

       53,467       49,793
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

       9,203,624       (29,202,151 )

Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders:

        

Beginning of year

       119,465,812       148,667,963
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of year

     $ 128,669,436     $ 119,465,812
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

13


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Financial Highlights

 

 

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

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Operating Performance:

                                                                                    

Net asset value, beginning of year

    $ 5.72       $ 7.11       $ 7.14       $ 6.49       $ 8.75  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

      0.03         0.06         0.05         0.01         0.02  

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

      1.08         (0.78       0.59         1.47         (1.44
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

      1.11         (0.72       0.64         1.48         (1.42
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Preferred Shareholders: (a)

                   

Net investment income

      (0.05       (0.06       (0.01                

Return of capital

      (0.02       (0.01                        
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions to preferred shareholders

      (0.07       (0.07       (0.01                
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Common Shareholders:

                   

Net investment income

                      (0.06       (0.03       (0.01

Return of capital

      (0.60       (0.60       (0.54       (0.81       (0.83
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions to common shareholders

      (0.60       (0.60       (0.60       (0.84       (0.84
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Fund Share Transactions:

                   

Increase in net asset value from common share transactions

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

Increase in net asset value from repurchase of common shares

      0.00 (b)                                 

Increase in net asset value from repurchase of preferred shares

      0.00 (b)        0.00 (b)                         

Offering costs for preferred shares charged to paid-in capital

                      (0.06                
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total fund share transactions

      0.00 (b)        0.00 (b)        (0.06       0.01         0.00 (b) 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

    $ 6.16       $ 5.72       $ 7.11       $ 7.14       $ 6.49  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

NAV total return†

      19.04       (11.75 )%        8.29       23.53       (17.57 )% 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Market value, end of year

    $ 5.96       $ 4.95       $ 6.71       $ 6.67       $ 5.73  
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investment total return††

      33.64       (18.56 )%        9.59       31.52       (19.98 )% 
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:

                   

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

    $ 158,002       $ 149,051       $ 178,668                  

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

    $ 128,669       $ 119,466       $ 148,668       $ 149,032       $ 135,914  

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets attributable to common shares before preferred distributions

      0.45       0.93       0.74       0.20       0.21

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

      1.72       1.68       1.38       1.37 %(f)        1.36

Portfolio turnover rate

      108.6       166.9       237.9       183.0       58.0

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

14


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

 

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

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Cumulative Preferred Shares:

                                                                                    

5.200% Series A Preferred(g)

                   

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

    $ 29,333       $ 29,585       $ 30,000                  

Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)

      1,173         1,183         1,200                  

Liquidation preference per share

    $ 25.00       $ 25.00       $ 25.00                  

Average market value(h)

    $ 24.66       $ 23.56       $ 24.92                  

Asset coverage per share

    $ 134.66       $ 125.95       $ 148.89                  

Asset Coverage

      539       504       596                

 

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

††

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

(a)

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

(b)

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(c)

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.

(d)

Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, would have been 1.39%, 1.38%, and 1.33%, respectively.

(e)

Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares excluding interest and dividend expense and service fees on securities sold short for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016 was 1.69%, 1.67%, 1.36%, and 1.36%, respectively, and 1.36%, 1.37%, and 1.31% including liquidation value of preferred shares for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the effect on the expense ratios was minimal.

(f)

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the ratio of operating expenses to average net assets excluded dividend expense and service fees on securities sold short. Including dividend expense and service fees on securities sold short, for the year ended December 31, 2016, the ratio of operating expenses to average net assets would have been 1.39%.

(g)

The 5.200% Series A was issued October 26, 2017.

(h)

Based on weekly prices.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

15


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements

 

1. Organization. The GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust (the Fund) is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on June 26, 2008 and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). Investment operations commenced on January 27, 2011.

The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide a high level of current income from interest, dividends, and option premiums. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is to seek capital appreciation consistent with the Fund’s strategy and its primary objective. The Fund will attempt to achieve its objectives, under normal market conditions, by investing at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies principally engaged in the natural resources and gold industries. As part of its investment strategy, the Fund intends to generate current income from short term gains through an option strategy of writing (selling) covered call options of the equity securities in its portfolio. The Fund may invest in the securities of companies located anywhere in the world.

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

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

New Accounting Pronouncements. To improve the effectiveness of fair value disclosure requirements, the Financial Accounting Standards Board recently issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (ASU 2018-13), which adds, removes, and modifies certain aspects relating to fair value disclosure. ASU 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption of the additions relating to ASU 2018-13 is not required, even if early adoption is elected for the removals and modifications under ASU 2018-13. Management has early adopted the removals and modifications set forth in ASU 2018-13 in these financial statements and has not early adopted the additions set forth in ASU 2018-13.

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

 

16


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

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 the closing settlement price of the exchange or board of trade on which the applicable contract is traded. OTC futures and options on futures for which market quotations are readily available will be valued by quotations received from a pricing service or, if no quotations are available from a pricing service, by quotations obtained from one or more dealers in the instrument in question by the Adviser.

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

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

17


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input both individually and in the aggregate that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The summary of the Fund’s investments in securities and other financial instruments by inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2019 is as follows:

 

     Valuation Inputs
     Level 1
Quoted Prices
  Level 2 Other Significant
Observable Inputs
  Total Market Value
at 12/31/19

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:

            

ASSETS (Market Value):

            

Common Stocks

            

Metals and Mining

     $ 68,362,922     $ 3,947,761     $ 72,310,683

Other Industries (a)

       70,289,450             70,289,450

Total Common Stocks

       138,652,372       3,947,761       142,600,133

Rights (a)

             67,500       67,500

Convertible Corporate Bonds (a)

             861,884       861,884

U.S. Government Obligations

             22,555,261       22,555,261

Exchange Traded Call Options Purchased

             2,470       2,470

TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES

     $ 138,652,372     $ 27,434,876     $ 166,087,248

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:

            

LIABILITIES (Market Value):

            

EQUITY CONTRACTS:

            

Call Options Written

     $ (1,792,572 )     $ (6,458,361 )     $ (8,250,933 )

Put Options Written

       (38,340 )       (17,270 )       (55,610 )

TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES – LIABILITIES

     $ (1,830,912 )     $ (6,475,631 )     $ (8,306,543 )

 

(a)

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

The Fund held no level 3 investments at December 31, 2019 or 2018.

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 ids 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

 

18


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

3 securities. The circumstances of Level 3 securities are frequently monitored to determine if fair valuation measures continue to apply.

The Adviser reports quarterly to the Board the results of the application of fair valuation policies and procedures. These may include backtesting the prices realized in subsequent trades of these fair valued securities to fair values previously recognized.

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

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

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

The Fund’s derivative contracts held at December 31, 2019, if any, are not accounted for as hedging instruments under GAAP and are disclosed in the Schedule of Investments together with the related counterparty.

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

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

 

19


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

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

If a written call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether there has been a realized gain or loss. If a written put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the security. In the case of call options, the exercise prices are referred to as “in-the-money,” “at-the-money,” and “out-of-the-money,” respectively. The Fund may write (a) in-the-money call options when the Adviser expects that the price of the underlying security will remain stable or decline during the option period, (b) at-the-money call options when the Adviser expects that the price of the underlying security will remain stable, decline, or advance moderately during the option period, and (c) out-of-the-money call options when the Adviser expects that the premiums received from writing the call option will be greater than the appreciation in the price of the underlying security above the exercise price. By writing a call option, the Fund limits its opportunity to profit from any increase in the market value of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option. Out-of-the-money, at-the-money, and in-the-money put options (the reverse of call options as to the relation of exercise price to market price) may be utilized in the same market environments that such call options are used in equivalent transactions. Option positions at December 31, 2019 are reflected within the Schedule of Investments.

The Fund’s volume of activity in equity options contracts during the year ended December 31, 2019 had an average monthly market value of approximately $9,545,794.

At December 31, 2019, the Fund’s derivative liabilities (by type) were as follows:

 

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

Liabilities

        

OTC Equity Written Options

     $6,309,507               $6,309,507  

 

20


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

The following table presents the Fund’s derivative liabilities by counterparty net of the related collateral segregated by the Fund as of December 31, 2019:

 

          Net Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of     
          Assets and Liabilities     
     Net Amounts of               
     Liabilities Presented in               
     the Statement of Assets    Securities Pledged    Cash Collateral     
     and Liabilities    as Collateral    Pledged    Net Amount

Counterparty

                   

Pershing LLC

     $ 5,988,723      $ (5,988,723)                

Morgan Stanley

       320,784        (320,784)                
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     $ 6,309,507      $ (6,309,507)                
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, the value of options purchased that were held with equity risk exposure can be found in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities under Assets, within investments at value. The value of equity options written can be found in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, under Liabilities, Options written, at value. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the effect of options purchased with equity risk exposure can be found in the Statement of Operations, under Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments, Securities Sold Short, Written Options, and Foreign Currency, within Net realized loss on investments and Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments. The effect of equity options written can be found in the Statement of Operations under Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss) on Investments, Securities Sold Short, Written Options, and Foreign Currency, within Net realized loss on written options, and Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on written options.

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

 

21


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

instruments than in the past, and these limitations may have a negative impact on the ability of the Adviser to manage the Fund, and on the Fund’s performance.

Securities Sold Short. The Fund may enter into short sale transactions. Short selling involves selling securities that may or may not be owned and, at times, borrowing the same securities for delivery to the purchaser, with an obligation to replace such borrowed securities at a later date. The proceeds received from short sales are recorded as liabilities and the Fund records an unrealized gain or loss to the extent of the difference between the proceeds received and the value of an open short position on the day of determination. The Fund records a realized gain or loss when the short position is closed out. By entering into a short sale, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security sold short. Dividends on short sales are recorded as an expense by the Fund on the ex-dividend date and interest expense is recorded on the accrual basis. The broker retains collateral for the value of the open positions, which is adjusted periodically as the value of the position fluctuates. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund incurred $1,992 in service fees related to its investment positions sold short and held by the broker. These amounts are included in the Statement of Operations under Expenses, Service fees for securities sold short.

Investments in Other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest, from time to time, in shares of other investment companies (or entities that would be considered investment companies but are excluded from the definition pursuant to certain exceptions under the 1940 Act) (the Acquired Funds) in accordance with the 1940 Act and related rules. Shareholders in the Fund would bear the pro rata portion of the periodic expenses of the Acquired Funds in addition to the Fund’s expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund’s pro rata portion of the periodic expenses charged by the Acquired Funds was less than 1 basis point.

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.

 

22


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

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

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

Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are based on income and capital gains as determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from income and capital gains as determined under GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities and foreign currency transactions held by the Fund, timing differences, and differing characterizations of distributions made by the Fund. Distributions from net investment income for federal income tax purposes include net realized gains on foreign currency transactions. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, adjustments are made to the appropriate capital accounts in the period when the differences arise. Permanent differences were primarily due to the tax treatment of currency gains and losses, capital dividends on securities sold short, and reclassification of capital gain on investments in 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 decrease paid-in capital by $52, with an offsetting adjustment to total accumulated loss.

The Fund declares and pays monthly distributions from net investment income, capital gains, and paid-in capital. The actual source of the distribution is determined after the end of the year. Distributions during the year may be made in excess of required distributions. Distributions sourced from paid-in capital should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment in the Fund. The Board will continue to monitor the

 

23


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s NAV and the financial market environment. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board at any time.

Distributions to shareholders of the Fund’s 5.200% Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares (Series A Preferred) are accrued on a daily basis and are determined as described in Note 5.

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:

 

     Year Ended      Year Ended  
     December 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
     Common      Preferred      Common      Preferred  

Distributions paid from:

           

Ordinary income

          $ 979,208             $ 1,247,890  

Return of capital

   $ 12,537,566        545,902      $ 12,538,506        311,810  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

   $ 12,537,566      $ 1,525,110      $ 12,538,506      $ 1,559,700  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Provision for Income Taxes. The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). It is the policy of the Fund to comply with the requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment company taxable income and net capital gains. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.

As of December 31, 2019, the components of accumulated earnings/losses on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Accumulated capital loss carryforwards

   $ (100,439,114

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

     (26,994,756

Other temporary diffferences*

     (41,394
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ (127,475,264
  

 

 

 

 

*

Other temporary differences are primarily due to adjustments on preferred share class distribution payables and disallowed expenses from underlying partnerships.

At December 31, 2019, the Fund had net long term capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes which are available to reduce future required distributions of net capital gains to shareholders for an unlimited period. These capital losses will retain their character as short term or long term capital losses.

 

Short term capital loss carryforward with no expiration

   $ 110,481  

Long term capital loss carryforward with no expiration

     100,328,633  
  

 

 

 

Total long term capital loss carryforward post-effective with no expiration

   $ 100,439,114  
  

 

 

 

At December 31, 2019, the temporary differences between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation/depreciation were primarily due to deferral of losses from wash sales for tax purposes and mark-to market adjustments on investments in passive foreign investment companies.

 

24


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

The following summarizes the tax cost of investments, written options, and the related net unrealized depreciation at December 31, 2019:

 

              Gross      Gross       
       Cost/      Unrealized      Unrealized      Net Unrealized
       Premiums      Appreciation      Depreciation      Depreciation

Investments and derivative instruments

     $184,775,737      $8,587,190      $(35,582,222)      $(26,995,032)

The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed not to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. During the year ended December 31, 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 shares. In accordance with the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides a continuous investment program for the Fund’s portfolio and oversees the administration of all aspects of the Fund’s business and affairs.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund paid $33,902 in brokerage commissions on security trades to G.research, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser.

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 $2,270.

The cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. Under the sub-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 the officers may receive incentive based variable compensation from affiliates of the Adviser). During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund accrued $113,366 in Payroll expenses in the Statement of Operations.

The Fund pays each Trustee who is not considered an affiliated person an annual retainer of $3,000 plus $1,000 for each Board meeting attended. Each Trustee is reimbursed by the Fund for any out of pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. All Board committee members receive $500 per meeting attended, the Audit Committee Chairman receives an annual fee of $3,000, the Nominating Committee Chairman and the Lead

 

25


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

Trustee each receives an annual fee of $2,000. A Trustee may receive a single meeting fee, allocated among the participating funds, for participation in certain meetings held on behalf of multiple funds. Trustees who are directors or employees of the Adviser or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Fund.

4. Portfolio Securities. Purchases and sales of securities during the year ended December 31, 2019, other than short term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $151,093,776 and $158,437,116, respectively.

5. Capital. The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest (par value $0.001). The Board has authorized the repurchase of its shares in the open market when the shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more (or such other percentage as the Board may determine from time to time) from the NAV of the shares. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund repurchased and retired 2,800 of its common shares at an investment of $14,314 and an average discount of approximately 13.96% from its NAV. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund did not repurchase any common shares.

Transactions in common shares of beneficial interest for the years ended December 31, 2019:

 

     Year Ended
     December 31, 2019
     Shares   Amount

Net increase in net assets from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions

       7,402     $ 43,666

Net decrease from repurchase of common shares

       (2,800 )       (14,314 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase

       4,602     $ 29,352
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, after considering the Series A Preferred offering, the Fund has approximately $170 million available for issuance of common or preferred shares under the current shelf registration.

The Fund’s Declaration of Trust, as amended, authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of $0.001 par value Preferred Shares. On October 26, 2017, the Fund issued 1,200,000 shares of 5.200% Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares (Series A Preferred), receiving $28,851,132, after the deduction of offering expenses of $203,868 and underwriting fees of $945,000. The liquidation value of the Series A Preferred is $25 per share. The Series A Preferred has an annual dividend rate of 5.200%. The Series A Preferred is non callable before October 26, 2022. The Board has authorized the repurchase of the Series A Preferred in the open market at prices less than $25 liquidation value per share. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Fund repurchased and retired 10,098 and 16,600 of the Series A Preferred shares in the open market at an investment of $228,335 and $365,207 and an average discount of approximately 9.59% and 12.04% from its liquidation preference, respectively. At December 31, 2019, 1,173,302 shares were outstanding and accrued dividends amounted to $21,185.

The Series A Preferred is senior to the common shares and results in the financial leveraging of the common shares. Such leveraging tends to magnify both the risks and opportunities to common shareholders. Dividends on the Series A Preferred are cumulative. The Fund is required by the 1940 Act and by the Statement of Preferences to meet certain asset coverage tests with respect to the Series A Preferred. If the Fund fails to meet these requirements and does not correct such failure, the Fund may be required to redeem, in part or in full, the Series A Preferred at the redemption price of $25 per share plus an amount equal to the accumulated and unpaid dividends whether or not declared on such shares in order to meet the requirements. Additionally,

 

26


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

failure to meet the foregoing asset coverage requirements could restrict the Fund’s ability to pay dividends to common shareholders and could lead to sales of portfolio securities at inopportune times. The income received on the Fund’s assets may vary in a manner unrelated to the fixed rate, which could have either a beneficial or detrimental impact on net investment income and gains available to common shareholders.

The holders of Preferred Shares generally are entitled to one vote per share held on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common shares as a single class. The holders of Preferred Shares voting together as a single class also have the right currently to elect two Trustees and, under certain circumstances, are entitled to elect a majority of the Board of Trustees. In addition, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of all outstanding shares of the Preferred Shares, voting as a single class, will be required to approve any plan of reorganization adversely affecting the Preferred Shares, and the approval of two-thirds of each class, voting separately, of the Fund’s outstanding voting shares must approve the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company. The approval of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding Preferred Shares and a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities are required to approve certain other actions, including changes in the Fund’s investment objectives or fundamental investment policies.

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

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

 

27


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of

GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust:

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust (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.

 

28


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited)

 

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

 

Name, Position(s)   Term of Office   Number of Funds        
Address1   and Length of   in Fund Complex   Principal Occupation(s)   Other Directorships
and Age   Time Served2   Overseen by Trustee   During Past Five Years   Held by Trustee3
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES4:        
Anthony S. Colavita5   Since 2018**   18   Attorney, Anthony S. Colavita, P.C.  
Trustee        
Age: 58        

James P. Conn

Trustee

Age: 81

  Since 2008***   24   Former Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. (1992-1998)  

Vincent D. Enright

Trustee

Age: 76

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

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.5

Trustee

Age: 80

  Since 2008**   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)

William F. Heitmann

Trustee

Age: 70

  Since 2011**   4   Managing Director and Senior Advisor of Perlmutter Investment Company (real estate); Senior Vice President of Finance, Verizon Communications, and President, Verizon Investment Management (1971-2011)   Director and Audit Chair of Syncreon (contract logistics provider)

Michael J. Melarkey

Trustee

Age: 70

  Since 2008*   21   Of Counsel in the law firm of McDonald Carano Wilson LLP; Partner in the law firm of Avansino, Melarkey, Knobel, Mulligan & McKenzie (1980-2015)   Chairman of Southwest Gas Corporation (natural gas utility)

Kuni Nakamura6

Trustee

Age: 51

  Since 2008***   33   President of Advanced Polymer, Inc. (chemical manufacturing company); President of KEN Enterprises, Inc. (real estate)  

Anthonie C. van Ekris5

Trustee

Age: 85

  Since 2008*   23   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BALMAC International, Inc. (global import/ export company)  

Salvatore J. Zizza6,7

Trustee

Age: 74

  Since 2008**   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 of Trans- Lux Corporation (business services); Director and Chairman of Harbor Diversified Inc. (pharmaceuticals) (2009-2018)

 

29


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Position(s)    Term of Office       
Address1    and Length of      Principal Occupation(s)
and Age    Time Served2      During Past Five Years

OFFICERS:

       

Bruce N. Alpert

President

Age: 68

   Since 2011      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 2011      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 of closed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2014

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

 

30


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Position(s)    Term of Office     
Address1    and Length of    Principal Occupation(s)
and Age    Time Served2    During Past Five Years

Molly A.F. Marion

Vice President and

Ombudsman

Age: 65

   Since 2011    Vice President and/or Ombudsman of closed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2012

David I. Schachter

Vice President and

Ombudsman

Age: 66

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

Carter W. Austin

Vice President

Age: 53

   Since 2011    Vice President and/or Ombudsman of closed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (since 2015) and Vice President (1996-2015) of Gabelli Funds, LLC

 

1

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

2

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

  *

Term expires at the Fund’s 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

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

5

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

6

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

7

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 Rule 13b2-2 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 Trustee.

 

31


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)

At its meeting on November 14, 2019, the Board of Trustees (Board) of the Fund approved the continuation of the investment advisory agreement with the Adviser for the Fund on the basis of the recommendation by the trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund (the Independent Board Members). The following paragraphs summarize the material information and factors considered by the Independent Board Members as well as their conclusions relative to such factors.

Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Independent Board Members considered information regarding the portfolio managers, the depth of the analyst pool available to the Adviser, and the portfolio managers, the scope of supervisory, administrative, shareholder and other services supervised or provided by the Adviser and the absence of significant service problems reported to the Board. The Independent Board Members noted the experience, length of service, and reputation of the portfolio managers.

Investment Performance. The Independent Board Members reviewed the performance of the Fund for the one, three, and five year periods (as of September 30, 2019) against a peer group of eight other comparable funds prepared by the Adviser (the “Adviser Peer Group”) and against a larger peer group of 35 closed-end funds constituting the Fund’s Lipper category (Options Arbitrage/Options Strategies and Sector Equity Closed-End Funds) (the “Lipper Peer Group”). The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s performance was in the second quartile for the one year period against both the Adviser Peer Group and the Lipper Peer Group and lowest quartile for the three and five year periods measured against both the Adviser Peer Group and the Lipper Peer Group. However, the Independent Board Members also noted that the Fund’s option writing strategy had performed well recently. In this regard, the Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s underperformance relative to available peers in the Adviser Peer Group and the Lipper Peer Group was attributable to its particular sector focus and the challenging market environment for the natural resources and precious metals sectors over the applicable measurement periods.

Profitability. The Independent Board Members reviewed summary data regarding the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser.

Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members discussed the major elements of the Adviser’s cost structure, the relationship of those elements to potential economies of scale and reviewed data provided by the Adviser. The Independent Board Members noted that the investment management fee schedule for the Fund does not take into account any potential economies of scale that may develop.

Service and Cost Comparisons. The Independent Board Members compared the expense ratios of the investment advisory fee, other expenses, and total expenses of the Fund to similar expense ratios of the Adviser Peer Group and the Lipper Peer Group. The Independent Board Members noted that the advisory fee includes substantially all administrative services of the Fund as well as investment advisory services of the Adviser. The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund was smaller than average within the peer groups and that its expense ratios were higher than the average within each peer group. The Independent Board Members also noted that the advisory fee structure was the same as that in effect for most of the Gabelli funds. The Board recognized that the Adviser and its affiliates did not manage other accounts with similar strategies that had fees lower than those charged for the Fund.

Conclusions. The Independent Board Members concluded that the Fund enjoyed highly experienced portfolio management services and good ancillary services and that its recent performance measured against the limited universe of other funds that invest in one or more of its sectors and utilize a covered call options writing strategy

 

32


GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Advisory Agreement (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

was acceptable. The Independent Board Members concluded that the Fund’s expense ratios and the profitability to the Adviser of managing the Fund were reasonable, and that economies of scale were not a significant factor in their thinking. The Independent Board Members did not view the potential profitability of ancillary services as material to their decision. On the basis of the foregoing and without assigning particular weight to any single conclusion, the Independent Board Members determined to recommend continuation of the Advisory Agreement to the full Board.

Based on a consideration of all these factors in their totality, the Board Members, including all of the Independent Board Members, determined that the Fund’s advisory fee was fair and reasonable with respect to the quality of services provided and in light of other factors described above that the Board deemed relevant. Accordingly, the Board determined to approve the continuation of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement. The Board Members based their decision on the evaluation of all these factors and did not consider any one factor as all-important or controlling.

 

33


GAMCO NATURAL RESOURCES, GOLD & INCOME TRUST

INCOME TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)

December 31, 2019

 

Cash Dividends and Distributions

 

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

Common Shares

 

     01/24/19          01/16/19                   $0.05000          $0.05000          $5.46050  
     02/21/19          02/13/19                   0.05000          0.05000          5.71200  
     03/22/19          03/15/19                   0.05000          0.05000          5.61050  
     04/23/19          04/15/19                   0.05000          0.05000          5.56910  
     05/23/19          05/16/19                   0.05000          0.05000          5.47130  
     06/21/19          06/14/19                   0.05000          0.05000          5.71720  
     07/24/19          07/17/19                   0.05000          0.05000          5.88510  
     08/23/19          08/16/19                   0.05000          0.05000          5.72830  
     09/23/19          09/16/19                   0.05000          0.05000          5.99300  
     10/24/19          10/17/19                   0.05000          0.05000          5.90000  
     11/21/19          11/14/19                   0.05000          0.05000          5.76650  
     12/20/19          12/13/19                   0.05000          0.05000          6.00060  
            

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      
                        $0.60000          $0.60000       

5.2000% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock

 

     03/26/19          03/19/19          $0.22720          $0.09780          $0.32500       
     06/26/19          06/19/19          0.22720          0.09780          0.32500       
     09/26/19          09/19/19          0.22720          0.09780          0.32500       
     12/26/19          12/18/19          0.22720          0.09780          0.32500       
            

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      
               $0.90880          $0.39120          $1.30000       

A Form 1099-DIV has been mailed to all shareholders of record which sets forth specific amounts to be included in your 2019 tax returns. Ordinary distributions may include net investment income, realized net short term capital gains, and foreign tax paid. Ordinary income is reported in box 1a of Form 1099-DIV. Capital gain distributions are reported in box 2a of Form 1099-DIV.

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

In 2019, the Fund paid to preferred shareholders ordinary income dividend of $0.90880 per share. For 2019, 98.20% of the ordinary dividend qualified for the dividend received deduction available to corporations, 100% of the ordinary income distribution was deemed qualified dividend income, and 18.56% of ordinary income distribution was qualified interest income. The percentage of ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund during 2019 derived from U.S. Government securities was 11.01%. Such income is exempt from state and local taxes in all states. However, many states, including New York and California, allow a tax exemption for a portion of the income earned only if a mutual fund has invested at least 50% of its assets at the end of each quarter of its fiscal year in U.S. Government securities. The Fund did not meet this strict requirement in 2019. The percentage of U.S. Government securities held as of December 31, 2019 was 13.58% of total investments.

 

34


GAMCO NATURAL RESOURCES, GOLD & INCOME TRUST

INCOME TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited) (Continued)

December 31, 2019

 

Historical Distribution Summary

 

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

Common Shares

                   

2019

                          $0.60000              $0.60000        $0.60000  

2018

                          0.60000              0.60000        0.60000  

2017

     $0.06360                      0.53640              0.60000        0.53640  

2016

     0.02400                      0.81600              0.84000        0.81600  

2015

     0.01200                      0.82800              0.84000        0.82800  

2014

     0.02280                      1.05720              1.08000        1.05720  

2013

     0.07110                      1.42890        $(0.01020     1.48980        1.42890  

2012

     0.12030        $1.04790        $0.04380        0.46800        (0.01740     1.66260        0.46800  

2011

     0.04770        0.86670               0.34560              1.26000        0.34560  

5.2000% Cumulative Preferred Stock

                   

2019

     $0.98880                      $0.39120        $(0.08000     $1.30000        $0.39120  

2018

     1.04000                      0.26000              1.30000        0.26000  

2017

     0.21667                                   0.21667         

 

(a)

Non-taxable.

(b)

Taxable as ordinary income for Federal tax purposes.

(c)

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

(d)

Total amounts may differ due to rounding.

(e)

Decrease in cost basis.

 

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

 

35


AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT

AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLANS

Enrollment in the Plan

It is the policy of GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust to automatically reinvest dividends payable to common shareholders. As a “registered” shareholder you automatically become a participant in the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the Plan). The Plan authorizes the Fund to credit common shares to participants upon an income dividend or a capital gains distribution regardless of whether the shares are trading at a discount or a premium to net asset value. All distributions to shareholders whose shares are registered in their own names will be automatically reinvested pursuant to the Plan in additional shares of the Fund. Plan participants may send their share certificates to American Stock Transfer (AST) to be held in their dividend reinvestment account. Registered shareholders wishing to receive their distributions in cash must submit this request in writing to:

GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust

c/o American Stock Transfer

6201 15th Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11219

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

If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank, or nominee, you should contact such institution. If such institution is not participating in the Plan, your account will be credited with a cash dividend. In order to participate in the Plan through such institution, it may be necessary for you to have your shares taken out of “street name” and re-registered in your own name. Once registered in your own name your distributions will be automatically reinvested. Certain brokers participate in the Plan. Shareholders holding shares in “street name” at participating institutions will have dividends automatically reinvested. Shareholders wishing a cash dividend at such institution must contact their broker to make this change.

The number of common shares distributed to participants in the Plan in lieu of cash dividends is determined in the following manner. Under the Plan, whenever the market price of the Fund’s common shares is equal to or exceeds net asset value at the time shares are valued for purposes of determining the number of shares equivalent to the cash dividends or capital gains distribution, participants are issued common shares valued at the greater of (i) the net asset value as most recently determined or (ii) 95% of the then current market price of the Fund’s common shares. The valuation date is the dividend or distribution payment date or, if that date is not a NYSE Amex trading day, the next trading day. If the net asset value of the common shares at the time of valuation exceeds the market price of the common shares, participants will receive common shares from the Fund valued at market price. If the Fund should declare a dividend or capital gains distribution payable only in cash, AST will buy common shares in the open market, or on the NYSE Amex, or elsewhere, for the participants’ accounts, except that AST will endeavor to terminate purchases in the open market and cause the Fund to issue shares at net asset value if, following the commencement of such purchases, the market value of the common shares exceeds the then current net asset value.

The automatic reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions will not relieve participants of any income tax which may be payable on such distributions. A participant in the Plan will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received, on a dividend payment date, a dividend or distribution in an amount equal to the cash the participant could have received instead of shares.

Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan

The Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan is yet another vehicle for our shareholders to increase their investment in the Fund. In order to participate in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan, shareholders must have their shares registered in their own name.

Participants in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan have the option of making additional cash payments to AST for investments in the Fund’s common shares at the then current market price. Shareholders may send an amount from $250 to $10,000. AST will use these funds to purchase shares in the open market on or about the 1st and 15th of each month. AST will charge each shareholder who participates $0.75 per share, plus a pro rata share of the brokerage commissions. Brokerage charges for such purchases are expected to be less than the usual brokerage charge for such transactions. It is suggested that any voluntary cash payments be sent to American Stock Transfer, 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219 such that AST receives such payments approximately 10 days before the investment date. Funds not received at least five days before the investment date shall be held for investment until the next purchase date. A payment may be withdrawn without charge if notice is received by AST at least 48 hours before such payment is to be invested.

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

For more information regarding the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan, brochures are available by calling (914) 921-5070 or by writing directly to the Fund.

The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan as applied to any voluntary cash payments made and any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the change sent to the members of the Plan at least 90 days before the record date for such dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by AST on at least 90 days written notice to participants in the Plan.

 

36


GAMCO NATURAL RESOURCES, GOLD & INCOME TRUST

AND YOUR PERSONAL PRIVACY

Who are we?

The GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust (the “Fund”) is a closed-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, that is affiliated with GAMCO Investors, Inc. GAMCO Investors, Inc. is a publicly held company that has subsidiaries that provide investment advisory services for a variety of clients.

What kind of non-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 any non-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 to non-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.


 

 

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GAMCO NATURAL RESOURCES, GOLD & INCOME TRUST

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

Portfolio Management Team Biographies

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

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

 

 

 

We have separated the portfolio managers’ commentary from the financial statements and investment portfolio due to corporate governance regulations stipulated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We have done this to ensure that the content of the portfolio managers’ commentary is unrestricted. Both the commentary and the financial statements, including the portfolio of investments, will be available on our website at www.gabeli.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 “XGNTX.”

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


GAMCO NATURAL RESOURCES, GOLD

& INCOME TRUST

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

t  800-GABELLI (800-422-3554)

f  914-921-5118

e  info@gabelli.com

    GABELLI.COM

 

 

 

TRUSTEES

Anthony S. Colavita

Attorney,

Anthony S. Colavita, P.C.

James P. Conn

Former Managing Director &

Chief Investment Officer,

Financial Security Assurance

Holdings Ltd.

Vincent D. Enright

Former Senior Vice President &

Chief Financial Officer,

KeySpan Corp.

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.

Former President &

Chief Executive Officer,

American Gaming Association

William F. Heitmann

Former Senior Vice President

of Finance,

Verizon Communications, Inc.

Michael J. Melarkey

Of Counsel,

McDonald Carano Wilson LLP

Kuni Nakamura

President,

Advanced Polymer, Inc.

Anthonie C. van Ekris

Chairman,

BALMAC International, Inc.

Salvatore J. Zizza

Chairman,

Zizza & Associates Corp.

 

OFFICERS

Bruce N. Alpert

President

John C. Ball

Treasurer

Agnes Mullady

Vice President

Andrea R. Mango

Secretary & Vice President

Richard J. Walz

Chief Compliance Officer

Molly A.F. Marion

Vice President & Ombudsman

David I. Schachter

Vice President & Ombudsman

Carter W. Austin

Vice President

INVESTMENT ADVISER

Gabelli Funds, LLC

One Corporate Center

Rye, New York 10580-1422

CUSTODIAN

The Bank of New York Mellon

COUNSEL

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &

Flom LLP

TRANSFER AGENT AND

REGISTRAR

American Stock Transfer and

Trust Company

 

 

 

 

 

GNT Q4/2019

LOGO

 


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

  (a)

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

 

  (c)

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

 

  (d)

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

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

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

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Audit Fees

 

  (a)

The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years are $38,636 for 2018 and $38,636 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. Audit-related fees represent services provided in the preparation of Preferred Shares Reports.


Tax Fees

 

  (c)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning are $55,370 for 2018 and $55,550 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 $0 for 2019. All other fees represent services provided in review of registration statements and performing strategic analysis work.

 

(e)(1)

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

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

 

(e)(2)

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

(b) N/A

(c) 0%

(d) N/A

 

  (f)

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


  (g)

The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant was $0 for 2018 and $0 for 2019.

 

  (h)

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

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

  (a)

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

 

  (d)

Not applicable

Item 6. Investments.

 

(a)

Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

(b)

Not applicable due to no such divestments during the semi-annual period covered since the previous Form N-CSR filing.

 

Item 7.

Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-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)

Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and Rule 30b1-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 require investment advisers to adopt written policies and procedures governing the voting of proxies on behalf of their clients.

These procedures will be used by GAMCO Asset Management Inc., Gabelli Funds, LLC, Gabelli & 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. For non-controversial matters, the Director of Proxy Voting Services may vote the proxy if the vote is: (1) consistent with the recommendations of the issuer’s Board of Directors and not contrary to the Proxy Guidelines; (2) consistent with the recommendations of the issuer’s Board of Directors and is a non-controversial issue not covered by the Proxy Guidelines; or (3) the vote is contrary to the recommendations of the Board of Directors but is consistent with the Proxy Guidelines. In those instances, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Chairman of the Committee may sign and date the proxy statement indicating how each issue will be voted.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

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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.

 

  A.

Conflicts of Interest.

The Advisers have implemented these proxy voting procedures in order to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing their proxy voting decisions. By following the Proxy Guidelines 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

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

INTERNAL USE ONLY

HH-2


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

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

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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 Certain Non-U.S. Issuers

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

In addition, voting proxies of issuers in non-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 the cut-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 in non-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 Form N-PX for the twelve months ended June 30th, no later than August 31st of each year. A description of the

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

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HH-4


Fund’s proxy voting policies, procedures, and how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554); (ii) writing to Gabelli Funds, LLC at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; or (iii) visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

The Advisers’ proxy voting records will be retained in compliance with Rule 204-2 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.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

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HH-6


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 neither for nor against management. We are for shareholders.

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

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

Board of Directors

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

Factors taken into consideration include:

 

 

Historical responsiveness to shareholders

This may include such areas as:

-Paying greenmail

-Failure to adopt shareholder resolutions receiving a majority of shareholder votes

 

Qualifications

 

Nominating committee in place

 

Number of outside directors on the board

 

Attendance at meetings

 

Overall performance

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 a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the board’s historical responsiveness to the rights of shareholders.

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

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

Increase Authorized Common Stock

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

Factors taken into consideration include:

 

 

Future use of additional shares

-Stock split

-Stock option or other executive compensation plan

-Finance growth of company/strengthen balance sheet

-Aid in restructuring

-Improve credit rating

-Implement a poison pill or other takeover defense

 

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

 

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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 a case-by-case basis.

In order to promote confidentiality in the voting process, we endorse the use of independent Inspectors of Election.

Cumulative Voting

In general, we support cumulative voting.

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

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

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

Director Liability and Indemnification

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

 

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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 prevent two-tier tender offers that may be abusive. Typically, these provisions do not apply to board-approved transactions.

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

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Golden Parachutes

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

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

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 a case-by-case basis.

Consideration of Nonfinancial Effects of a Merger

This proposal releases the directors from only looking at the financial effects of a merger and allows them the opportunity to consider the merger’s effects on employees, the community, and consumers.

As a fiduciary, we are obligated to vote in the best economic interests of our clients. In general, this proposal does not allow us to do that. Therefore, we generally cannot support this proposal.

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Mergers, Buyouts, Spin-Offs, Restructurings

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

Military Issues

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

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

Northern Ireland

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

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

INTERNAL USE ONLY

HH-11


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

Opt Out of State Anti-Takeover Law

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

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

 

 

State of Incorporation

 

Management history of responsiveness to shareholders

 

Other mitigating factors

Poison Pill

In general, we do not endorse poison pills.

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

Reincorporation

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

Stock Incentive Plans

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

Method of payment.

 

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

 

The successful steps taken by management to maximize shareholder value.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

INTERNAL USE ONLY

HH-12


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 a case-by-case basis.

Limit Shareholders Right to Act by Written Consent

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

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

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

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

Proxy Access

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

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

INTERNAL USE ONLY

HH-13


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

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

A portfolio team manages The GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust, (the Fund). The individuals listed below are those who are primarily responsible for the day to day management of the Fund.

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

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

MANAGEMENT OF OTHER ACCOUNTS

The table below shows the number of other accounts managed by each Portfolio Manager and the total assets in each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other paid investment vehicles and other accounts as of December 31, 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.

 

    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

Caesar M.P. Bryan

   Registered
Investment
Companies:
   5    $1.2 billion    0    $0
     Other Pooled        
Investment
Vehicles:
   0    $0    0    $0
     Other Accounts:    21    $135.2

million

   0    $0
                          

    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

Vincent Hugonnard-Roche    Registered
Investment
Companies:
   1        $759.0 million        0    $0
     Other Pooled
Investment
Vehicles:
   0    $0    0    $0
     Other Accounts:    6    $1.7

million

   0    $0

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

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

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


ALLOCATION OF LIMITED INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES. As indicated above, the Portfolio Managers manage accounts with investment strategies and/or policies that are similar to the Fund. In these cases, if the Portfolio Manager identifies an investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple accounts, the Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity because the opportunity may be allocated among all or many of these accounts or other accounts managed primarily by other Portfolio Managers of the Adviser, and their affiliates. In addition, in the event a Portfolio Manager determines to purchase a security for more than one account in an aggregate amount that may influence the market price of the security, accounts that purchased or sold the security first may receive a more favorable price than accounts that made subsequent transactions.

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

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

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

COMPENSATION STRUCTURE FOR THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

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


OWNERSHIP OF SHARES IN THE FUND

Caesar M.P. Bryan, Vincent Hugonnard-Roche each owned $1 - $10,000 and $1 - $10,000, respectively, of shares of the Trust as of December 31, 2019.

(b)         Not applicable.

 

Item 9.

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

REGISTRANT PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period

 

 

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

 

 

(b) Average Price Paid

per Share (or Unit)

 

 

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

Plans or Programs

 

  

(d) Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar Value)
of Shares (or Units) that May
Yet be Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs

 

Month #1

              

07/01/2019

 

Common – N/A

 

Common – N/A

 

Common – N/A

  

Common – 20,894,710

through 07/31/2019

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

   Preferred Series A – 1,173,302
                  

Month #2

              

08/01/2019

 

Common – N/A

 

Common – N/A

 

Common – N/A

  

Common – 20,894,710

through 08/31/2019

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

  

Preferred Series A – 1,173,302

                  

Month #3

              

09/01/2019

 

Common – N/A

 

Common – N/A

 

Common – N/A

  

Common – 20,894,710

through 09/30/2019

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

  

Preferred Series A – 1,173,302

                  

Month #4

              

10/01/2019

 

Common – N/A

 

Common – N/A

 

Common – N/A

  

Common – 20,902,112

through 10/31/2019

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

  

Preferred Series A – 1,173,302

                  

Month #5

              

11/01/2019

 

Common – N/A

 

Common – N/A

 

Common – N/A

  

Common – 20,902,112

through 11/30/2019

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

  

Preferred Series A – 1,173,302

                  

Month #6

              

12/01/2019

 

Common – N/A

 

Common – N/A

 

Common – N/A

  

Common – 20,902,112

through 12/31/2019

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

  

Preferred Series A – 1,173,302

                  
   

Common – N/A

 

Common – N/A

 

Common – N/A

    
         

Total

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

 

Preferred Series A – N/A

 

Preferred Series A – 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 10% or more from the net asset value of the shares. Any or all preferred shares outstanding may be repurchased when the Fund’s preferred shares are trading at a discount to the liquidation value of $25.00.

  c.

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

  d.

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

  e.

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

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

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

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

  (a)

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

 

  (b)

There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d))) that occurred during the 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 for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

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

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


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

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

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

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

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

  (a)(1)

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

 

  (a)(2)

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

 

  (a)(3)

Not applicable.

 

  (a)(4)

Not applicable.

 

  (b)

Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

(Registrant)                               GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust             

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.