e497
Filed
Pursuant to Rule 497
Registration
No. 333-146944
Prospectus Supplement
(To Prospectus dated March 11, 2008)
Calamos Global Total Return
Fund
Up to 3,000,000 Common
Shares
Calamos Global Total Return Fund (the Fund,
we, or our) has entered into a sales
agreement (the sales agreement) with JonesTrading
Institutional Services LLC (JonesTrading) relating
to the common shares of beneficial interest, no par value per
share, (common shares) offered by this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus. In accordance with
the terms of the sales agreement, we may offer and sell up to
3,000,000 of our common shares from time to time through
JonesTrading as our agent for the offer and sale of the common
shares. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the 1940 Act), the Fund may not sell any common
shares at a price below the current net asset value of such
common shares, exclusive of any distributing commission or
discount. The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management
investment company which commenced investment operations in
October 2005. Our investment objective is to provide total
return through a combination of capital appreciation and current
income.
Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol CGO. As of June 16, 2008, the
last reported sale price for our common shares on the New York
Stock Exchange was $16.17 per share.
Sales of our common shares, if any, under this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be made in
negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be
at the market as defined in Rule 415 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act),
including sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange or
sales made to or through a market maker other than on an
exchange.
JonesTrading will be entitled to compensation of 100 to
250 basis points of the gross sales price per share for any
common shares sold under the sales agreement, with the exact
amount of such compensation to be mutually agreed upon by the
Fund and JonesTrading from time to time. In connection with the
sale of the common shares on our behalf, JonesTrading may be
deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of
the 1933 Act and the compensation of JonesTrading may be
deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts.
Investing in our securities involves certain risks. You could
lose some or all of your investment. See Risk
Factors beginning on
page S-10
of this prospectus supplement and page 30 of the
accompanying prospectus. You should consider carefully these
risks together with all of the other information contained in
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus
before making a decision to purchase our securities.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Prospectus Supplement dated July 8, 2008
This prospectus supplement, together with the accompanying
prospectus, sets forth concisely the information that you should
know before investing. You should read the prospectus and
prospectus supplement, which contain important information,
before deciding whether to invest in our securities. You should
retain the prospectus and prospectus supplement for future
reference. A statement of additional information, dated
March 11, 2008, as supplemented from time to time,
containing additional information, has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission) and
is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This
prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the
statement of additional information are part of a
shelf registration statement that we filed with the
Commission. This prospectus supplement describes the specific
details regarding this offering, including the method of
distribution. If information in this prospectus supplement is
inconsistent with the accompanying prospectus or the statement
of additional information, you should rely on this prospectus
supplement. You may request a free copy of the statement of
additional information, the table of contents of which is on
page 62 of the accompanying prospectus, request a free copy
of our annual and semi-annual reports, request other information
or make shareholder inquiries, by calling toll-free
1-800-582-6959
or by writing to the Fund at 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville,
Illinois 60563. The Funds annual and semi-annual reports
also are available on our website at www.calamos.com, which also
provides a link to the Commissions website, as described
below, where the Funds statement of additional information
can be obtained. Information included on our website does not
form part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying
prospectus. You can review and copy documents we have filed at
the Commissions Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information. The
Commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same
information free from the Commissions website
(http://www.sec.gov).
You may also
e-mail
requests for these documents to publicinfo@sec.gov or make a
request in writing to the Commissions Public Reference
Section, Washington, D.C.
20549-0102.
Our securities do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and
are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured
depository institution and are not federally insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board
or any other government agency.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Prospectus
Supplement
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Page
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S-1
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S-3
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S-4
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S-6
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S-7
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S-9
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S-10
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S-10
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S-11
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S-11
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S-11
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Prospectus
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1
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13
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15
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16
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17
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17
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18
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25
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27
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30
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38
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41
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42
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47
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48
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52
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56
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57
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59
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61
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61
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61
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62
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You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus in making your investment decisions. We
have not authorized any other person to provide you with
different or inconsistent information. If anyone provides you
with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely
on it. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of
an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction where the
offer or sale is not permitted. The information appearing in
this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus is
accurate only as of the dates on their covers. Our business,
financial condition and prospects may have changed since such
dates. We will advise investors of any material changes to the
extent required by applicable law.
i
CAUTIONARY
NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the
statement of additional information contain
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements can be identified by the words may,
will, intend, expect,
estimate, continue, plan,
anticipate, and similar terms and the negative of
such terms. Such forward-looking statements may be contained in
this prospectus supplement as well as in the accompanying
prospectus. By their nature, all forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ
materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking
statements. Several factors that could materially affect our
actual results are the performance of the portfolio of
securities we hold, the price at which our shares will trade in
the public markets and other factors discussed in our periodic
filings with the Commission.
Although we believe that the expectations expressed in our
forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could
differ materially from those projected or assumed in our
forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and
results of operations, as well as any forward-looking
statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent
risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the
Risk Factors sections of this prospectus supplement
and the accompanying prospectus. All forward-looking statements
contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus
supplement or the accompanying prospectus are made as of the
date of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying
prospectus, as the case may be. Except for our ongoing
obligations under the federal securities laws, we do not intend,
and we undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking
statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this
prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the
statement of additional information are excluded from the safe
harbor protection provided by section 27A of the
1933 Act.
Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from our expectations include, but are not
limited to, the factors described in the Risk
Factors sections of this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus. We urge you to review carefully those
sections for a more detailed discussion of the risks of an
investment in our securities.
ii
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
The following summary contains basic information about us and
our securities. It is not complete and may not contain all of
the information you may want to consider. You should review the
more detailed information contained in this prospectus
supplement and in the accompanying prospectus and in the
statement of additional information, especially the information
set forth under the heading Risk Factors beginning
on
page S-10
of this prospectus supplement and page 30 of the
accompanying prospectus.
The
Fund
The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment
company, with total managed assets (as such term is defined
below) of approximately $201,397,100 as of May 31, 2008. We
commenced operations in October 2005 following our initial
public offering. Our investment objective is to provide total
return through a combination of capital appreciation and current
income.
Investment
Adviser
Calamos Advisors LLC (the Adviser or
Calamos) serves as our investment adviser. Calamos
is responsible on a day-to-day basis for investment of the
Funds portfolio in accordance with its investment
objective and policies. Calamos makes all investment decisions
for the Fund and places purchase and sale orders for the
Funds portfolio securities. As of May 31, 2008,
Calamos managed approximately $44.6 billion in assets of
individuals and institutions. Calamos is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Calamos Holdings, LLC and an indirect subsidiary
of Calamos Asset Management, Inc., a publicly traded holding
company.
The Fund pays Calamos an annual fee, payable monthly, for its
investment management services equal to 1.00% of the Funds
average weekly managed assets. Managed assets means
the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable
to any leverage that may be outstanding) minus the sum of
accrued liabilities (other than debt representing financial
leverage). See Management of the Fund on
page 38 of the accompanying prospectus.
The principal business address of the Adviser is 2020 Calamos
Court, Naperville, Illinois 60563.
The
Offering
The Fund and Calamos entered into a sales agreement with
JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC
(JonesTrading) relating to the common shares offered
by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
In accordance with the terms of the sales agreement, we may
offer and sell up to 3,000,000 of our common shares from time to
time through JonesTrading as our agent for the offer and sale of
the common shares.
Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol CGO. As of June 16, 2008, the
last reported sale price for our common shares was $16.17.
Sales of our common shares, if any, under this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be made in
negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be
at the market as defined in Rule 415 under the
1933 Act, including sales made directly on the New York
Stock Exchange or sales made to or through a market maker other
than on an exchange. See Plan of Distribution in
this prospectus supplement. Our common shares may not be sold
through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery or
deemed delivery of a prospectus and a prospectus supplement
describing the method and terms of the offering of our
securities. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not sell any common
shares at a price below the current net asset value of such
common shares, exclusive of any distributing commission or
discount.
Recent
Developments
On April 23, 2008, we announced that we had secured an
alternative form of borrowing that enabled us to redeem 100%, or
$59,000,000, of our previously outstanding Auction Rate
Preferred Shares (Preferred Shares or
ARPS) at par.
S-1
The borrowing is in the form of a margin loan. The interest rate
on the committed facility will vary, based on LIBOR plus 0.70%.
The borrowing facility has a 180 day rolling margin
commitment. We may terminate the borrowing on thirty days prior
written notice to the lender. The loan is collateralized with
certain securities of the Funds portfolio, which may be
substituted from time to time. At present, we do not believe the
margin requirements, lending parameters or the collateral and
asset tests associated with the loan will affect our investment
activities in any material way.
Upon completion of the refinancing described above, which the
board of trustees of the Fund has approved, our leverage ratio
did not change materially. The Fund is expected to continue to
satisfy the asset coverage requirements imposed by the 1940 Act.
The following table illustrates the hypothetical effect on the
return to a holder of the Funds common shares of the
leverage obtained by borrowing under the margin loan program
described above. The purpose of this table is to assist you in
understanding the effects of leverage. As the table shows,
leverage generally increases the return to shareholders when
portfolio return is positive and greater than the cost of
leverage and decreases the return when the portfolio return is
negative or less than the cost of leverage. The figures
appearing in the table are hypothetical and actual returns may
be greater or less than those appearing in the table.
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Assumed Portfolio Return (Net of Expenses)
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(10
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)%
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(5
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)%
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0
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%
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5
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%
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10
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%
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Corresponding Common Share Return
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(15.51
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)%
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(8.45
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)%
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(1.39
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)%
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5.67
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%
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12.73
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%
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For further information about leveraging, see Risk
Factors Additional Risks to Common
Shareholders Leverage Risk on page 35 of
the accompanying prospectus.
Use of
Proceeds
Unless otherwise specified in this prospectus supplement, we
currently intend to invest the net proceeds from the sale of our
common shares in this offering in accordance with our investment
objective and policies as described under Investment
Objective and Principal Investment Strategies beginning on
page 18 of the accompanying prospectus, within
approximately three months of receipt of such proceeds. In
addition, we may use sale proceeds to retire all or a portion of
any short-term debt, and for working capital purposes, including
the payment of interest and operating expenses, although there
is currently no intent to issue common shares for this purpose.
S-2
CAPITALIZATION
We may offer and sell up to 3,000,000 of our common shares from
time to time through JonesTrading as our agent for the offer and
sale of the common shares under this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus. There is no guaranty that there
will be any sales of our common shares pursuant to this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The table
below assumes that we will sell 3,000,000 common shares, at a
price of $16.17 per share (the last reported sale price per
share of our common shares on the New York Stock Exchange on
June 16, 2008). Actual sales, if any, of our common shares
under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus
may be less than as set forth in the table below. In addition,
the price per share of any such sale may be greater or less than
$16.17, depending on the market price of our common shares at
the time of any such sale. To the extent that the market price
per share of our common shares on any given day is less than the
net asset value per share on such day, we will instruct
JonesTrading not to make any sales on such day.
The following table sets forth our capitalization at
April 30, 2008:
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on a historical basis;
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on a pro forma as adjusted basis to reflect (1) the assumed
sale of 3,000,000 of our common shares at $16.17 per share
(the last reported sale price for our common shares on the New
York Stock Exchange on June 16, 2008), in an offering under
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus,
(2) the investment of net proceeds assumed from such
offering in accordance with our investment objective and
policies, after deducting the assumed commission of $485,100
(representing an estimated commission paid to JonesTrading of 1%
of the gross sales price per share in connection with sales of
common shares effected by JonesTrading in this offering) and
offering expenses payable by us of $200,000, and (3) the
margin loan of $59,000,000, the proceeds of which were used to
redeem an equal amount of ARPS. See Prospectus Supplement
Summary Recent Developments.
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Actual
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As Adjusted
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Loan
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$
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$
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59,000,000
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Shareholders equity
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Preferred shares, no par value per share, $25,000 stated
value per share, at liquidation value; unlimited shares
authorized, 2,360 shares outstanding (actual) and
no shares outstanding (as adjusted)
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59,000,000
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Common shares, no par value per share, unlimited shares
authorized, 8,006,981 shares outstanding (actual) and
11,006,981 shares outstanding (as adjusted)
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113,591,761
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161,416,661
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Undistributed net investment income (loss)
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(1,952,055
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)
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(1,952,055
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)
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Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments, written
options, and foreign currency transactions
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16,471,567
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16,471,567
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Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments,
written options, and foreign currency transactions
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14,740,814
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14,740,814
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Net assets applicable to common shareholders
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142,852,087
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190,676,987
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Total Capitalization
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$
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201,852,087
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$
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249,676,987
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S-3
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
The information in the following table shows selected data for a
common share outstanding throughout each period listed below.
Except as otherwise noted, the information in this table is
derived from our financial statements audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, whose report on such financial
statements is contained in our 2007 Annual Report and is
included in the statement of additional information, both of
which are available from us. The information as of and for the
six months ended April 30, 2008 appears in our unaudited
interim financial statements for such period, as filed with the
Commission in our most recent shareholder report. See
Available Information in this prospectus supplement.
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October 27,
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Six Months Ended
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2005*
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April 30,
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For the
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through
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(unaudited)
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Year Ended October 31,
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October 31,
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2008
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2007
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2006
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|
2005
|
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Net asset value, beginning of period
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$
|
21.05
|
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$
|
16.31
|
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$
|
14.29
|
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|
$
|
14.32
|
(a)
|
Income from investment operations:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Net investment income (loss)
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|
|
0.43
|
**
|
|
|
0.96
|
**
|
|
|
0.86
|
|
|
|
|
(b)
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Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments,
written options and foreign currency
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|
|
(2.78
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)
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|
|
5.38
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|
|
2.40
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|
|
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|
|
Distributions to preferred shareholders from:
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|
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|
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|
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Net investment income (common share equivalent basis)
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|
|
(0.08
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)
|
|
|
(0.39
|
)
|
|
|
(0.29
|
)
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|
|
|
|
Capital gains (common share equivalent basis)
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(0.09
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)
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(b)
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Total from investment operations
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|
|
(2.52
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)
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|
5.95
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|
|
|
2.97
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|
|
Less distributions to common shareholders from:
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|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
(0.57
|
)
|
|
|
(1.09
|
)
|
|
|
(0.65
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Capital gains
|
|
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
(0.19
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)
|
|
|
|
|
Capital charge resulting from issuance of common and preferred
shares
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.11
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)
|
|
|
(0.03
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)
|
Net asset value, end of period
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|
$
|
17.84
|
|
|
$
|
21.05
|
|
|
$
|
16.31
|
|
|
$
|
14.29
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|
Market value, end of period
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|
$
|
16.62
|
|
|
$
|
19.51
|
|
|
$
|
15.62
|
|
|
$
|
15.00
|
|
Total investment return based on(c):
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Net asset value
|
|
|
(11.84
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)%
|
|
|
38.30
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%
|
|
|
20.77
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%
|
|
|
(0.24
|
)%
|
Market value
|
|
|
(11.38
|
)%
|
|
|
33.84
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%
|
|
|
10.19
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%
|
|
|
0.00
|
%
|
Ratios and supplemental data:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Net assets applicable to common shareholders, end of period
(000s omitted)
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$
|
142,852
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$
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168,551
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|
|
$
|
130,588
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|
|
$
|
114,439
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|
Preferred shares, at redemption value ($25,000 per share
liquidation preference) (000s omitted)
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|
$
|
59,000
|
|
|
$
|
59,000
|
|
|
$
|
59,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Ratios to average net assets applicable to common shareholders:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net expenses(d)(e)
|
|
|
1.70
|
%
|
|
|
1.72
|
%
|
|
|
1.70
|
%
|
|
|
1.33
|
%
|
Gross expenses(d)(e)
|
|
|
1.70
|
%
|
|
|
1.72
|
%
|
|
|
1.70
|
%
|
|
|
3.37
|
%
|
Net investment income (loss)(d)(e)
|
|
|
4.75
|
%
|
|
|
5.37
|
%
|
|
|
5.57
|
%
|
|
|
(1.33
|
)%
|
Preferred share distributions from net investment income(d)
|
|
|
0.90
|
%
|
|
|
2.17
|
%
|
|
|
1.89
|
%
|
|
|
0.00
|
%
|
Net investment income (loss), net of preferred share
distributions from net investment income(d)
|
|
|
3.85
|
%
|
|
|
3.20
|
%
|
|
|
3.68
|
%
|
|
|
0.00
|
%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
49
|
%
|
|
|
85
|
%
|
|
|
32
|
%
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
Average commission rate paid
|
|
$
|
0.0497
|
|
|
$
|
0.0377
|
|
|
$
|
0.0258
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Asset coverage per preferred share, at end of period(f)
|
|
$
|
85,533
|
|
|
$
|
96,423
|
|
|
$
|
80,358
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
S-4
|
|
|
* |
|
Commencement of operations. |
|
** |
|
Net investment income allocated based on average shares method. |
|
(a) |
|
Net of sales load of $0.675 on initial shares issued and
beginning net asset value of $14.325. |
|
(b) |
|
Amount equated to less than $0.005 per common share. |
|
(c) |
|
Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of
common stock on the opening of the first day and a sale on the
closing of the last day of the period reported. Dividends and
distributions are assumed, for purposes of this calculation, to
be reinvested at prices obtained under the Funds dividend
reinvestment plan. Total return is not annualized for periods
less than one year. Brokerage commissions are not reflected. NAV
per share is determined by dividing the value of the Funds
portfolio securities, cash and other assets, less all
liabilities, by the total number of common shares outstanding.
The common share market price is the price the market is willing
to pay for shares of the Fund at a given time. Common share
market price is influenced by a range of factors, including
supply and demand and market conditions. |
|
(d) |
|
Annualized for periods less than one year. |
|
(e) |
|
Does not reflect the effect of dividend payments to the
shareholders of Preferred Shares. |
|
(f) |
|
Calculated by subtracting the Funds total liabilities (not
including Preferred Shares) from the Funds total assets
and dividing this by the number of Preferred Shares outstanding. |
S-5
SUMMARY
OF FUND EXPENSES
The following table and example contain information about the
costs and expenses that an investor in this offering will bear
directly or indirectly. In accordance with Commission
requirements, the table below shows our expenses, including
leverage costs, as a percentage of our average net assets as of
April 30, 2008, and not as a percentage of gross assets or
managed assets. By showing expenses as a percentage of average
net assets, expenses are not expressed as a percentage of all of
the assets we invest. The table and example are based on our
capital structure as of April 30, 2008, except that such
expenses include anticipated expenses to be incurred in
connection with the borrowing under the recently completed
margin loan program described herein. See Prospectus
Supplement Summary Recent Developments. The
table and example reflect interest expense associated with such
borrowing, such borrowing being in the aggregate principal
amount of $59,000,000 utilized entirely to redeem an equal
aggregate liquidation amount of ARPS.
As of April 30, 2008, we had $59,000,000 in ARPS
outstanding, representing 29.2% of managed assets as of that
date. The table and example assume we had no ARPS outstanding as
of April 30, 2008.
Shareholder
Transaction Expense
|
|
|
|
|
Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)
|
|
|
1.00
|
%(1)
|
Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering
price)
|
|
|
.41
|
|
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees(2)
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Net
|
|
|
|
Assets Attributable to
|
|
Annual Expenses
|
|
Common Shareholders
|
|
|
Management Fee(3)
|
|
|
1.40
|
|
Leverage Costs(4)
|
|
|
1.33
|
|
Other Expenses
|
|
|
.19
|
|
Total Annual Expenses
|
|
|
2.92
|
|
Less Fee Reductions(5)
|
|
|
|
|
Net Annual Expenses
|
|
|
2.92
|
|
Example:
The following example illustrates the expenses that common
shareholders would pay on a $1,000 investment in common shares,
assuming (1) net annual expenses of 2.92% of net assets
attributable to common shares in years 1 through 10; (2) a
5% annual return; and (3) all distributions are reinvested
at net asset value:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
3 Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
10 Years
|
|
|
Total Expenses Paid by Common Shareholders(6)
|
|
$
|
30
|
|
|
$
|
90
|
|
|
$
|
154
|
|
|
$
|
324
|
|
The example should not be considered a representation of
future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than
those assumed. Moreover, our actual rate of return may be
greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the
example.
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents the estimated commission with respect to our common
shares being sold in this offering, which we will pay to
JonesTrading in connection with sales of common shares effected
by JonesTrading in this offering. While JonesTrading is entitled
to a commission of 1% to 2.5% of the gross sales price for
common shares sold, with the exact amount to be agreed upon by
the parties, we have assumed, for purposes of this offering,
that JonesTrading will receive a commission of 1% of such gross
sales price. This is the only sales load to be paid in
connection with this offering. There is no guaranty that there
will be any sales of our common shares pursuant to this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Actual
sales of our common shares under this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus, if any, may be less than as set
forth in the table. In addition, the price per share of any such
sale may be greater or less than the price set forth in the
table, depending on the market price of our common shares at the
time of any such sale. |
S-6
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Shareholders will pay a transaction fee plus brokerage charges
if they direct the Plan Agent to sell common shares held in a
Plan account. See Automatic Dividend Reinvestment
Plan on page 50 of the accompanying prospectus. |
|
(3) |
|
The Fund pays Calamos an annual management fee, payable monthly,
for its investment management services equal to 1.00% of the
Funds average weekly managed assets. In accordance with
the requirements of the Commission, the table above shows the
Funds management fee as a percentage of average net
assets. By showing the management fee as a percentage of net
assets, the management fee is not expressed as a percentage of
all of the assets the Fund intends to invest. For purposes of
the table, the management fee has been converted to 1.40% of the
Funds average daily net assets as of April 30, 2008
by dividing the total dollar amount of the management fee by the
Funds average daily net assets (managed assets less
outstanding leverage). |
|
(4) |
|
Reflects interest expense on $59,000,000 in borrowings under our
margin loan and an arrangement fee of .25% of the margin loan. |
|
(5) |
|
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in Calamos
Government Money Market Fund, a series of Calamos Investment
Trust (GMMF). Calamos has contractually agreed to
waive, through February 29, 2009, a portion of its advisory
fee charged to the Fund, in an amount equal to the advisory fee
payable by GMMF to Calamos that is attributable to the
Funds investment in GMMF, based on managed assets. The
amount equated to less than 0.005% of net assets attributable to
common shareholders. |
|
(6) |
|
The example does not include sales load or estimated offering
costs. |
The purpose of the table and the example above is to help
investors understand the fees and expenses that they, as common
shareholders, would bear directly or indirectly. For additional
information with respect to our expenses, see Management
of the Fund on page 38 of the accompanying prospectus.
MARKET
AND NET ASSET VALUE INFORMATION
Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) under the symbol CGO. Our common
shares commenced trading on the NYSE in October 2005.
Our common shares have traded both at a premium and at a
discount in relation to net asset value or NAV. We cannot
predict whether our shares will trade in the future at a premium
or discount to NAV. The provisions of the 1940 Act generally
require that the public offering price of common shares (less
any underwriting commissions and discounts) must equal or exceed
the NAV per share of a companys common stock (calculated
within 48 hours of pricing). Our issuance of common shares
may have an adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for
our common shares by increasing the number of common shares
available, which may put downward pressure on the market price
for our common shares. Shares of common stock of closed-end
investment companies frequently trade at a discount from NAV.
See Risk Factors Additional Risks to Common
Shareholders Market Discount Risk on
page 37 of the accompanying prospectus.
The following table sets forth for each of the periods indicated
the high and low closing market prices for our common shares on
the NYSE, the NAV per share and the premium or discount to NAV
per share at which our common shares were trading. NAV is
determined on the last business day of each month. See Net
Asset Value on page 47 of the accompanying prospectus
for information as to the determination of our NAV.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium/ (Discount)
|
|
|
|
Market Price(1)
|
|
|
Net Asset
|
|
|
to Net Asset Value(3)
|
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
Value(2)
|
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
January 31, 2008
|
|
$
|
19.90
|
|
|
$
|
16.47
|
|
|
$
|
17.90
|
|
|
|
11.17
|
%
|
|
|
(7.99
|
)%
|
April 30, 2008
|
|
|
17.85
|
|
|
|
15.17
|
|
|
|
17.84
|
|
|
|
.06
|
%
|
|
|
(14.97
|
)%
|
Source: Bloomberg Financial and Fund Accounting Records.
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Based on high and low closing market price during the respective
quarter. |
S-7
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Based on the NAV calculated on the close of business on the last
business day of each calendar quarter. |
|
(3) |
|
Based on the Funds computations. |
The last reported sale price, NAV per common share and
percentage premium (discount) to NAV per common share on
June 16, 2008 were $16.17, $17.10 and (5.44)%,
respectively. As of June 16, 2008, we had
8,006,981 common shares outstanding and net assets of
approximately $136,944,468.
The following table provides information about our outstanding
securities as of June 16, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Held by the
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Fund or for
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Title of Class
|
|
Authorized
|
|
|
its Account
|
|
|
Outstanding(1)
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
Unlimited
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
8,006,981
|
|
Preferred Shares
|
|
|
Unlimited
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
As described in Prospectus Supplement Summary
Recent Developments, we redeemed 100%, or $59,000,000, of
our previously outstanding ARPS with the proceeds of a margin
loan. |
S-8
USE OF
PROCEEDS
Sales of our common shares, if any, under this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be made in
negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be
at the market as defined in Rule 415 under the
1933 Act, including sales made directly on the New York Stock
Exchange or sales made to or through a market maker other than
on an exchange. There is no guaranty that there will be any
sales of our common shares pursuant to this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Actual sales, if
any, of our common shares under this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus may be less than as set forth in
this paragraph. In addition, the price per share of any such
sale may be greater or less than the price set forth in this
paragraph, depending on the market price of our common shares at
the time of any such sale. As a result, the actual net proceeds
we receive may be more or less than the amount of net proceeds
estimated in this prospectus supplement. Assuming the sale of
all of our common shares offered under this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus, at the last reported
sale price of $16.17 per share for our common shares on the
New York Stock Exchange as of June 16, 2008, we estimate
that the net proceeds of this offering will be approximately
$47,824,900 after deducting the estimated underwriting discount
and our estimated offering expenses. We currently expect to use
proceeds of this offering to invest in accordance with our
investment objective and policies within approximately three
months of receipt of such proceeds. In addition, we may use
proceeds from the sale of our common shares to retire all or a
portion of any short-term debt we incur in pursuit of our
investment objective and policies, and for working capital
purposes, including the payment of interest and operating
expenses, although there is currently no intent to issue common
shares for this purpose. Pending such use of proceeds, we
anticipate that we will invest the proceeds in securities issued
by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities
or in high quality, short-term or long-term debt obligations.
S-9
RISK
FACTORS
Investing in our common shares involves risk, including the
risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment
or even that you may lose part or all of your investment.
Therefore, before investing in our common shares you should
consider carefully the risk factors described in the
accompanying prospectus.
PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION
Under the sales agreement among the Fund, Calamos and
JonesTrading, upon written instructions from the Fund,
JonesTrading will use its commercially reasonable efforts
consistent with its sales and trading practices, to solicit
offers to purchase the common shares under the terms and subject
to the conditions set forth in the sales agreement.
JonesTradings solicitation will continue until we instruct
JonesTrading to suspend the solicitations and offers. We will
instruct JonesTrading as to the amount of common shares to be
sold by JonesTrading. We may instruct JonesTrading not to sell
common shares if the sales cannot be effected at or above the
price designated by the Fund in any instruction. We or
JonesTrading may suspend the offering of common shares upon
proper notice and subject to other conditions.
JonesTrading will provide written confirmation to the Fund not
later than the opening of the trading day on the New York Stock
Exchange following the trading day on which common shares are
sold under the sales agreement. Each confirmation will include
the number of shares sold on the preceding day, the net proceeds
to us and the compensation payable by the Fund to JonesTrading
in connection with the sales.
We will pay JonesTrading commissions for its services in acting
as agent in the sale of common shares. JonesTrading will be
entitled to compensation of 100 to 250 basis points of the
gross sales price per share of any common shares sold under the
sales agreement, with the exact amount of such compensation to
be mutually agreed upon by the Fund and JonesTrading from time
to time. There is no guaranty that there will be any sales of
our common shares pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus. Actual sales, if any, of our common
shares under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus may be less than as set forth in this paragraph. In
addition, the price per share of any such sale may be greater or
less than the price set forth in this paragraph, depending on
the market price of our common shares at the time of any such
sale. Assuming 3,000,000 of our common shares offered hereby are
sold at a market price of $16.17 per share (the last
reported sale price for our common shares on the New York Stock
Exchange on June 16, 2008), we estimate that the total
expenses for the offering, excluding compensation payable to
JonesTrading under the terms of the sales agreement, would be
approximately $200,000.
Settlement for sales of common shares will occur on the third
trading day following the date on which such sales are made, or
on some other date that is agreed upon by the Fund and
JonesTrading in connection with a particular transaction, in
return for payment of the net proceeds to the Fund. There is no
arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or
similar arrangement.
In connection with the sale of the common shares on our behalf,
JonesTrading may, and will with respect to sales effected in an
at the market offering, be deemed to be an
underwriter within the meaning of the 1933 Act,
and the compensation of JonesTrading may be deemed to be
underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to provide
indemnification and contribution to JonesTrading against certain
civil liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act.
The offering of our common shares pursuant to the sales
agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (1) the sale
of all common shares subject the sales agreement or
(2) termination of the sales agreement. The sales agreement
may be terminated by us in our sole discretion at any time by
giving notice to JonesTrading. In addition, JonesTrading may
terminate the sales agreement under the circumstances specified
in the sales agreement and in its sole discretion at any time
following a period of 12 months from the date of the sales
agreement by giving notice to us.
The principal business address of JonesTrading is 780
Third Avenue,
3rd Floor,
New York, New York 10017.
S-10
LEGAL
MATTERS
Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLP (Bell Boyd),
Chicago, Illinois, which is serving as counsel to the Fund in
connection with the offering, will pass on the legality of the
issuance of the common shares offered hereby.
Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as counsel to Calamos.
Bell Boyd may rely on the opinion of Morris, Nichols,
Arsht & Tunnell LLP, Wilmington, Delaware, with
respect to certain matters of Delaware law.
EXPERTS
The financial statements and financial highlights in the
accompanying statement of additional information have been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report
appearing herein and elsewhere in the Registration Statement.
Such financial statements and financial highlights are included
in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
AVAILABLE
INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange
Act) and the 1940 Act and are required to file reports,
including annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and
other information with the Commission. Our most recent
shareholder report and most recent quarterly schedule of
portfolio holdings filed with the Commission are for the period
ended April 30, 2008. These documents are available on the
Commissions EDGAR system and can be inspected and copied
for a fee at the Commissions public reference room,
100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Additional information about the
operation of the public reference room facilities may be
obtained by calling the Commission at
(202) 551-5850.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do
not contain all of the information in our registration
statement, including amendments, exhibits, and schedules.
Statements in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus about the contents of any contract or other document
are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is
made to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an
exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement being
qualified in all respects by this reference.
Additional information about us can be found in our registration
statement (including amendments, exhibits, and schedules) on
Form N-2
filed with the Commission. The Commission maintains a web site
(http://www.sec.gov)
that contains our registration statement, other documents
incorporated by reference, and other information we have filed
electronically with the Commission, including proxy statements
and reports filed under the Exchange Act.
S-11
Base Prospectus
$75,000,000
Calamos Global Total Return
Fund
Common Shares
Preferred Shares
Debt Securities
Calamos Global Total Return Fund (the Fund,
we or our) is a diversified, closed-end
management investment company which commenced investment
operations in October 2005. Our investment objective is to
provide total return through a combination of capital
appreciation and current income.
We may offer, on an immediate, continuous or delayed basis, up
to $75,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of our common
shares (no par value per share), preferred shares (liquidation
preference of $25,000 per share) or debt securities, which we
refer to in this prospectus collectively as our securities, in
one or more offerings. We may offer our common shares, preferred
shares and debt securities separately or together, in amounts,
at prices and on terms set forth in a prospectus supplement to
this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the related
prospectus supplement carefully before you decide to invest in
any of our securities.
We may offer our securities directly to one or more purchasers,
through agents that we or they designate from time to time, or
to or through underwriters or dealers. The prospectus supplement
relating to the particular offering will identify any agents or
underwriters involved in the sale of our securities, and will
set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or
discount arrangement between us and such agents or underwriters
or among the underwriters or the basis upon which such amount
may be calculated. For more information about the manner in
which we may offer our securities, see Plan of
Distribution. Our securities may not be sold through
agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a prospectus
supplement.
Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol CGO. As of March 6, 2008, the
last reported sale price for our common shares was $16.06.
Investing in our securities involves certain risks. You
could lose some or all of your investment. See Risk
Factors beginning on page 30 of this prospectus. You
should consider carefully these risks together with all of the
other information contained in this prospectus and any
prospectus supplement before making a decision to purchase our
securities.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
Prospectus dated March 11, 2008
This prospectus, together with any prospectus supplement, sets
forth concisely the information that you should know before
investing. You should read the prospectus and prospectus
supplement, which contain important information, before deciding
whether to invest in our securities. You should retain the
prospectus and prospectus supplement for future reference. A
statement of additional information, dated March 11, 2008,
as supplemented from time to time, containing additional
information, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (Commission) and is incorporated by
reference in its entirety into this prospectus. You may request
a free copy of the statement of additional information, the
table of contents of which is on page 62 of this
prospectus, request a free copy of our annual and semi-annual
reports, request other information or make shareholder
inquiries, by calling toll-free
1-800-582-6959
or by writing to the Fund at 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville,
Illinois 60563. The Funds annual and semi-annual reports
also are available on our website at www.calamos.com, which also
provides a link to the Commissions website, as described
below, where the Funds statement of additional information
can be obtained. Information included on our website does not
form part of this prospectus. You can review and copy documents
we have filed at the Commissions Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information. The
Commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same
information free from the Commissions website
(http://www.sec.gov).
You may also
e-mail
requests for these documents to publicinfo@sec.gov or make a
request in writing to the Commissions Public Reference
Section,
Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
Our securities do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and
are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured
depository institution and is not federally insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board
or any other government agency.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
Prospectus Summary
|
|
|
1
|
|
Summary of Fund Expenses
|
|
|
13
|
|
Financial Highlights
|
|
|
15
|
|
Market and Net Asset Value Information
|
|
|
16
|
|
Use of Proceeds
|
|
|
17
|
|
The Fund
|
|
|
17
|
|
Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies
|
|
|
18
|
|
Leverage
|
|
|
25
|
|
Interest Rate Transactions
|
|
|
27
|
|
Risk Factors
|
|
|
30
|
|
Management of the Fund
|
|
|
38
|
|
Closed-End Fund Structure
|
|
|
41
|
|
Certain Federal Income Tax Matters
|
|
|
42
|
|
Net Asset Value
|
|
|
47
|
|
Dividends and Distributions; Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan
|
|
|
48
|
|
Description of Securities
|
|
|
52
|
|
Rating Agency Guidelines
|
|
|
56
|
|
Certain Provisions of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and
Bylaws
|
|
|
57
|
|
Plan of Distribution
|
|
|
59
|
|
Custodian, Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent and
Registrar
|
|
|
61
|
|
Legal Matters
|
|
|
61
|
|
Available Information
|
|
|
61
|
|
Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information
|
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You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any related
prospectus supplement in making your investment decisions. We
have not authorized any other person to provide you with
different or inconsistent information. If anyone provides you
with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely
on it. This prospectus and any prospectus supplement do not
constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy
any securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is
not permitted. The information appearing in this prospectus and
in any prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the dates on
their covers. Our business, financial condition and prospects
may have changed since such dates. We will advise investors of
any material changes to the extent required by applicable
law.
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CAUTIONARY
NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and the
statement of additional information contain
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements can be identified by the words may,
will, intend, expect,
estimate, continue, plan,
anticipate, and similar terms and the negative of
such terms. Such forward-looking statements may be contained in
this prospectus as well as in any accompanying prospectus
supplement. By their nature, all forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ
materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking
statements. Several factors that could materially affect our
actual results are the performance of the portfolio of
securities we hold, the price at which our shares will trade in
the public markets and other factors discussed in our periodic
filings with the Commission.
Although we believe that the expectations expressed in our
forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could
differ materially from those projected or assumed in our
forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and
results of operations, as well as any forward-looking
statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent
risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the
Risk Factors section of this prospectus. All
forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus
supplement are made as of the date of this prospectus or the
accompanying prospectus supplement, as the case may be. Except
for our ongoing obligations under the federal securities laws,
we do not intend, and we undertake no obligation, to update any
forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements
contained in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus
supplement and the statement of additional information are
excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by
section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
1933 Act).
Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from our expectations include, but are not
limited to, the factors described in the Risk
Factors section of this prospectus. We urge you to review
carefully that section for a more detailed discussion of the
risks of an investment in securities.
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PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
The following summary contains basic information about us and
our securities. It is not complete and may not contain all of
the information you may want to consider. You should review the
more detailed information contained in this prospectus and in
any related prospectus supplement and in the statement of
additional information, especially the information set forth
under the heading Risk Factors beginning on
page 33 of this prospectus.
The
Fund
The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment
company. We commenced operations in October 2005 following our
initial public offering. As of the date of this prospectus, we
have $59 million of auction rate cumulative preferred
shares (Preferred Shares) outstanding. Our fiscal
year ends on October 31. Our investment objective is to
provide total return through a combination of capital
appreciation and current income.
Investment
Adviser
Calamos Advisors LLC (the Adviser or
Calamos) serves as our investment adviser. Calamos
is responsible on a day-to-day basis for investment of the
Funds portfolio in accordance with its investment
objective and policies. Calamos makes all investment decisions
for the Fund and places purchase and sale orders for the
Funds portfolio securities. As of December 31, 2007,
Calamos managed approximately $46.2 billion in assets of
individuals and institutions. Calamos is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Calamos Holdings, LLC (Holdings) and
an indirect subsidiary of Calamos Asset Management, Inc., a
publicly traded holding company.
The Fund pays Calamos an annual fee, payable monthly, for its
investment management services equal to 1.00% of the Funds
average weekly managed assets. Managed Assets means
the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable
to any leverage that may be outstanding) minus the sum of
accrued liabilities (other than debt representing financial
leverage). See Management of the Fund.
The principal business address of the Adviser is 2020 Calamos
Court, Naperville, Illinois 60563.
The
Offering
We may offer, on an immediate, continuous or delayed basis, up
to $75,000,000 of our securities on terms to be determined at
the time of the offering. Our securities will be offered at
prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more prospectus
supplements to this prospectus. Preferred shares and debt
securities (collectively, senior securities) may be
auction rate securities, in which case the senior securities
will not be listed on any exchange or automated quotation
system. Rather, investors generally may only buy and sell senior
securities through an auction conducted by an auction agent and
participating broker-dealers.
We may offer our securities directly to one or more purchasers,
through agents that we or they designate from time to time, or
to or through underwriters or dealers. The prospectus supplement
relating to the offering will identify any agents or
underwriters involved in the sale of our securities, and will
set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or
discount arrangement between us and such agents or underwriters
or among underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be
calculated. See Plan of Distribution. Our securities
may not be sold through agents, underwriters or dealers without
delivery of a prospectus supplement describing the method and
terms of the offering of our securities.
Use of
Proceeds
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we intend
to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities
primarily to invest in accordance with our investment objective
and policies within approximately three months of receipt of
such proceeds. We also may use sale proceeds to retire all or a
portion of any short-term debt, and for working capital
purposes, including the payment of interest and operating
expenses, although there is currently no intent to issue
securities primarily for this purpose.
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Dividends
and Distributions on Common Shares
The Fund has made regular monthly distributions to its common
shareholders in amounts ranging from $0.0750 to $0.1150 since
January 2006. Additionally, the Fund made a distribution of
$0.0250 in January 2006. The Fund intends to distribute to
common shareholders all or a portion of its net investment
income monthly and net realized capital gains, if any, at least
annually.
The Fund currently intends to make monthly distributions to
common shareholders at a level rate established by the Board of
Trustees. The rate may be modified by the Board of Trustees from
time to time. Monthly distributions may include net investment
income, net realized short-term capital gain and, if necessary
to maintain a level distribution, return of capital. The Fund
may at times in its discretion pay out less than the entire
amount of net investment income earned in any particular period
and may at times pay out such accumulated undistributed income
in addition to net investment income earned in other periods in
order to permit the Fund to maintain a more stable level of
distributions. As a result, the dividends paid by the Fund to
holders of common shares for any particular period may be more
or less than the amount of net investment income earned by the
Fund during such period. Net realized short-term capital gains
distributed to shareholders will be taxed as ordinary income for
federal income tax purposes. In addition, one distribution per
calendar year may include net realized long-term capital gain
(if any), which will be taxed for federal income tax purposes at
long-term capital gain rates. To the extent the Fund distributes
an amount in excess of the Funds current and accumulated
earnings and profits, such excess, if any, will be treated by a
shareholder for federal income tax purposes as a tax-free return
of capital to the extent of the shareholders adjusted tax
basis in his, her or its shares and thereafter as a gain from
the sale or exchange of such shares. Any such distributions made
by the Fund will reduce the shareholders adjusted tax
basis in his, her or its shares to the extent that the
distribution constitutes a return of capital. To date, however,
none of the Funds distributions have included a return of
capital as determined on a tax basis during any calendar year.
To the extent that the Funds distributions exceed the
Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits, the
distribution payout rate will exceed the yield generated from
the Funds investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund
will realize capital gain in any given year. Pursuant to the
requirements of the 1940 Act and other applicable laws, a notice
would accompany each monthly distribution with respect to the
estimated source of the distribution made. Distributions are
subject to re-characterization for federal income tax purposes
after the end of the fiscal year.
In January 2004, Calamos, on behalf of itself and certain funds
that it manages, filed an exemptive application with the
Commission seeking an order under the 1940 Act facilitating the
implementation of a dividend policy calling for monthly
distributions of a fixed percentage of its net asset value
(Managed Dividend Policy). In March 2007, an amended
and restated exemptive application was filed with the
Commission. If, and when, Calamos, on behalf of itself and other
parties, receives the requested relief, the Fund may, subject to
the determination of its Board of Trustees, implement a Managed
Dividend Policy. Under a Managed Dividend Policy, if, for any
distribution, net investment income and net realized capital
gains were less than the amount of the distribution, the
differences would be distributed from the Funds other
assets. There can be no assurance that the Fund will receive the
requested relief.
Pursuant to the Funds Automatic Dividend Reinvestment
Plan, unless a shareholder is ineligible or elects otherwise,
all dividends and capital gain distributions on common shares
are automatically reinvested in additional common shares of the
Fund. However, an investor can choose to receive dividends and
distributions in cash. Since investors can participate in the
automatic dividend reinvestment plan only if their broker or
nominee participates in our plan, you should contact your broker
or nominee to confirm that you are eligible to participate in
the plan. See Dividends and Distributions; Automatic
Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
Investment
Policies
Primary Investments. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund will invest primarily in a portfolio of
common and preferred stocks, convertible securities and income
producing securities such as investment grade and below
investment grade (high yield/high risk) debt securities. The
Fund, under normal circumstances, will invest at least 50% of
its managed assets in equity securities (including securities
that are convertible into
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equity securities). The Fund may invest up to 100% of its
managed assets in securities of foreign issuers, including debt
and equity securities of corporate issuers and debt securities
of government issuers, in developed and emerging markets. Under
normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 30% of its
managed assets in securities of foreign issuers. The Fund will
invest in the securities of issuers of several different
countries throughout the world, in addition to the United States.
Calamos will dynamically allocate the Funds investments
among multiple asset classes (rather than maintaining a fixed or
static allocation), seeking to obtain an appropriate balance of
risk and reward through all market cycles using multiple
strategies and combining them to seek to achieve favorable risk
adjusted returns. See Investment Objective and Principal
Investment Strategies Principal Investment
Strategies.
The Fund will attempt to keep a consistent balance between risk
and reward over the course of different market cycles, through
various combinations of stocks, bonds,
and/or
convertible securities, to achieve what Calamos believes to be
an appropriate blend for the then current market. As the market
environment changes, portfolio securities may change in an
attempt to achieve a relatively consistent risk level over time.
At some points in a market cycle, one type of security may make
up a substantial portion of the Funds portfolio, while at
other times certain securities may have minimal or no
representation, depending on market conditions. See
Investment Objective and Principal Investment
Strategies Principal Investment Strategies.
The Fund may also seek to generate income from option premiums
by writing (selling) options (with an aggregate notional value
of up to 33% of the value of the Funds managed assets).
The Fund will opportunistically employ a strategy of writing
options. The extent of option writing activity will depend upon
market conditions and Calamos ongoing assessment of the
attractiveness of writing options on the Funds equity
holdings. See Investment Objective and Principal
Investment Strategies Principal Investment
Strategies.
Equity Securities. Equity securities include
common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, and depository
receipts. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at
least 50% of its managed assets in equity securities (including
securities that are convertible into equity securities). The
Fund may invest in preferred stocks and convertible securities
of any rating, including below investment grade. See
High Yield Securities below. An investment in
the equity securities of a company represents a proportionate
ownership interest in that company. Therefore, the Fund
participates in the financial success or failure of any company
in which it has an equity interest. See Investment
Objective and Principal Investment Strategies
Principal Investment Strategies Equity
Securities.
High Yield Securities. The Fund may invest in
high yield securities for either current income or capital
appreciation or both. These securities are rated below
investment grade (i.e., rated Ba or lower by Moodys or BB
or lower by Standard & Poors) or are unrated
securities of comparable quality as determined by Calamos, the
Funds investment adviser. The Fund may invest in high
yield securities of any rating. Non-convertible debt securities
rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as
junk bonds and are considered speculative with
respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. They involve greater risk of loss, are subject to
greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during
periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher rated
debt securities. See Investment Objective and Principal
Investment Strategies Principal Investment
Strategies High Yield Securities.
Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest up to
100% of its managed assets in securities of foreign issuers in
developed and emerging markets, including debt and equity
securities of corporate issuers and debt securities of
government issuers. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will
invest at least 30% of its managed assets in securities of
foreign issuers; however, the Fund anticipates that ordinarily
Calamos investment process will result in the Fund
investing at least 40% of its managed assets in securities of
foreign issuers. The Fund will invest in the securities of
issuers of several different countries throughout the world, in
addition to the United States. A foreign issuer is a foreign
government or a company organized under the laws of a foreign
country. In analyzing the foreign issuers in which the Fund may
invest, Calamos will generally consider a number of factors that
may characterize the issuers economic ties to a particular
foreign country or region. Such factors may include any or all
of the following: the characteristics of the economy in the
principal country or countries in which the issuer sells it
goods and/or
services; the stability of the currency in
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the issuers country of organization; the laws with respect
to international trade and property rights in the issuers
country of organization; and the tax, accounting and regulatory
requirements of the issuers country of organization. See
Investment Objective and Principal Investment
Strategies Principal Investment
Strategies Foreign Securities.
Convertible Securities. The Fund may invest in
convertible securities. A convertible security is a debt
security or preferred stock that is exchangeable for an equity
security (typically of the same issuer) at a predetermined price
(the conversion price). Depending upon the
relationship of the conversion price to the market value of the
underlying security, a convertible security may trade more like
an equity security than a debt instrument. The Fund may invest
in convertible securities of any rating. Securities that are
convertible into equity securities are considered equity
securities for purposes of the Funds policy to invest at
least 50% of its managed assets in equity securities. See
Investment Objective and Principal Investment
Strategies Principal Investment
Strategies Convertible Securities.
Synthetic Convertible Securities. The Fund may
invest in synthetic convertible securities. A
synthetic convertible security is a financial instrument that is
designed to simulate the characteristics of another instrument
(i.e., a convertible security) through the combined features of
a collection of other securities or assets. Calamos may create a
synthetic convertible security by combining separate securities
that possess the two principal characteristics of a true
convertible security, i.e., a fixed-income security
(fixed-income component, which may be a convertible
or non-convertible security) and the right to acquire an equity
security (convertible component). The fixed-income
component is achieved by investing in non-convertible,
fixed-income securities such as bonds, preferred stocks and
money market instruments. The convertible component is achieved
by investing in warrants or options to buy common stock at a
certain exercise price, or options on a stock index.
The Fund may also invest in synthetic convertible securities
created by third parties, typically investment banks. Synthetic
convertible securities created by such parties may be designed
to simulate the characteristics of traditional convertible
securities or may be designed to alter or emphasize a particular
feature. Traditional convertible securities typically offer
stable cash flows with the ability to participate in capital
appreciation of the underlying common stock. Because traditional
convertible securities are exercisable at the option of the
holder, the holder is protected against downside risk. Synthetic
convertible securities may alter these characteristics by
offering enhanced yields in exchange for reduced capital
appreciation or less downside protection, or any combination of
these features. Synthetic convertible instruments may include
structured notes, equity-linked notes, mandatory convertibles
and combinations of securities and instruments, such as a debt
instrument combined with a forward contract. The Funds
holdings of synthetic convertible securities are considered
equity securities for purposes of the Funds policy to
invest at least 50% of its managed assets in equity securities.
If the Fund purchases a synthetic convertible security, a
component of which is an option, such option will not be
considered an option for the purpose of the Funds
limitations on options described below. See Investment
Objective and Principal Investment Strategies
Principal Investment Strategies Synthetic
Convertible Securities.
Options. The Fund may also seek to generate
income from option premiums by writing (selling) options (with
an aggregate notional value of up to 33% of the value of the
Funds managed assets). The Fund may write (sell) call
options (i) on a portion of the equity securities
(including securities that are convertible into equity
securities) in the Funds portfolio and (ii) on
broad-based securities indices (such as the S&P 500 or MSCI
EAFE) or certain ETFs (exchange traded funds) that trade like
common stocks but seek to replicate such market indices. See
Investment Objective and Principal Investment
Strategies Principal Investment
Strategies Options.
Rule 144A Securities. The Fund may invest
without limit in certain securities (Rule 144A
Securities), such as convertible and debt securities, that
are typically purchased in transactions exempt from the
registration requirements of the 1933 Act pursuant to
Rule 144A under that act. Rule 144A Securities may
only be sold to qualified institutional buyers, such as the
Fund. Any resale of these securities must generally be effected
through a sale that is registered under the 1933 Act or
otherwise exempted or excepted from such registration
requirements. Under the supervision of the Funds Board of
Trustees, Calamos will determine whether
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Rule 144A Securities are illiquid. Typically, the Fund
purchases Rule 144A Securities only if Calamos has
determined them to be liquid. If any Rule 144A Security
held by the Fund should become illiquid, the value of the
security may be reduced and a sale of the security may be more
difficult. See Investment Objective and Principal
Investment Strategies Principal Investment
Strategies Rule 144A Securities.
Zero Coupon Securities. The securities in
which the Fund invests may include zero coupon securities, which
are debt obligations that are issued or purchased at a
significant discount from face value. The discount approximates
the total amount of interest the security will accrue and
compound over the period until maturity or the particular
interest payment date at a rate of interest reflecting the
market rate of the security at the time of issuance. Zero coupon
securities do not require the periodic payment of interest.
These investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for
cash to meet debt service, but generally require a higher rate
of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt
of cash. These investments may experience greater volatility in
market value than U.S. government or other securities that
make regular payments of interest. The Fund accrues income on
these investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is
distributable to shareholders and which, because no cash is
received at the time of accrual, may require the liquidation of
other portfolio securities to satisfy the Funds
distribution obligations, in which case the Fund will forego the
opportunity to purchase additional income producing assets with
the liquidation proceeds. Zero coupon U.S. government
securities include STRIPS and CUBES, which are issued by the
U.S. Treasury as component parts of U.S. Treasury
bonds and represent scheduled interest and principal payments on
the bonds. See Investment Objective and Principal
Investment Strategies Principal Investment
Strategies Zero Coupon Securities.
Other Securities. The Fund may invest in other
securities of various types to the extent consistent with its
investment objective. Normally, the Fund invests substantially
all of its assets to meet its investment objective. For
temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may depart from its
principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its
assets in securities with remaining maturities of less than one
year, cash equivalents, or may hold cash. During such periods,
the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
There are no restrictions as to the ratings of debt securities
acquired by the Fund or the portion of the Funds assets
that may be invested in debt securities in a particular ratings
category. See Investment Objective and Principal
Investment Strategies Principal Investment
Strategies.
Use of
Leverage by the Fund
The Fund currently uses, and may in the future use, financial
leverage. On January 6, 2006, the Fund issued Preferred
Shares with an aggregate liquidation preference of $59,000,000.
As of December 31, 2007, the aggregate liquidation
preference of outstanding Preferred Shares represented
approximately 27.39% of the Funds total assets. The Fund
may make further use of financial leverage through the issuance
of additional preferred shares or may borrow money or issue debt
securities. As a non-fundamental policy, the aggregate
liquidation preference of preferred shares and the aggregate
principal amount of debt securities or borrowings may not exceed
38% of the Funds total assets. However, the Board of
Trustees reserves the right to issue preferred shares or debt
securities or borrow to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
See Leverage.
The Fund may not be leveraged at all times and the amount of
leverage, if any, may vary depending upon a variety of factors,
including Calamos outlook for the market and the costs
that the Fund would incur as a result of such leverage. Leverage
involves greater risks to common shareholders. The Funds
leveraging strategy may not be successful. By leveraging its
investment portfolio, the Fund creates an opportunity for
increased net income or capital appreciation. However, the use
of leverage also involves risks, which can be significant. These
risks include the possibility that the value of the assets
acquired with the proceeds of leverage decreases although the
Funds liability to holders of preferred shares or other
types of leverage is fixed, greater volatility in the
Funds net asset value and the market price of the
Funds common shares, and higher expenses. In addition, the
rights of lenders, the holders of preferred shares and the
holders of debt securities issued by the Fund will be senior to
the rights of the holders of common shares with respect to the
payment of dividends or upon liquidation. Holders of preferred
shares have voting rights in addition to, and separate from, the
voting rights of common shareholders. See Description of
Securities Preferred Shares and Certain
Provisions of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and
Bylaws. The holders of preferred
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shares, on the one hand, and the holders of the common shares,
on the other, may have interests that conflict in certain
situations.
Because Calamos management fee is based upon a percentage
of the Funds managed assets, which include assets
attributable to any outstanding leverage, Calamos fee is
higher when the Fund is leveraged and Calamos will have an
incentive to leverage the Fund. See Leverage and
Risk Factors Leverage.
Interest
Rate Transactions
In order to seek to reduce the interest rate risk inherent in
the Funds underlying investments and capital structure,
the Fund, if market conditions are deemed favorable, may enter
into interest rate swap or cap transactions to attempt to
protect itself from increasing dividend or interest expenses on
its leverage. The use of interest rate swaps and caps is a
highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques
and risks different from those associated with ordinary
portfolio security transactions.
In an interest rate swap, the Fund would agree to pay to the
other party to the interest rate swap (which is known as the
counterparty) a fixed rate payment in exchange for
the counterparty agreeing to pay to the Fund a payment at a
variable rate that is expected to approximate the rate on any
variable rate payment obligation on the Funds leverage.
The payment obligations would be based on the notional amount of
the swap.
In an interest rate cap, the Fund would pay a premium to the
counterparty to the interest rate cap and, to the extent that a
specified variable rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed
rate, would receive from the counterparty payments of the
difference based on the notional amount of such cap. Depending
on the state of interest rates in general, the Funds use
of interest rate swap or cap transactions could enhance or harm
the overall performance of the common shares. See Interest
Rate Transactions.
Conflicts
of Interest
Conflicts of interest may arise from the fact that Calamos and
its affiliates carry on substantial investment activities for
other clients, in which we have no interest. Calamos or its
affiliates may have financial incentives to favor certain of
these accounts over us. Any of their proprietary accounts or
other customer accounts may compete with us for specific trades.
Calamos or its affiliates may give advice and recommend
securities to, or buy or sell securities for, other accounts and
customers, which advice or securities recommended may differ
from advice given to, or securities recommended or bought or
sold for, us, even though their investment objectives may be the
same as, or similar to, our objective.
Situations may occur when we could be disadvantaged because of
the investment activities conducted by Calamos and its
affiliates for their other accounts. Such situations may be
based on, among other things, the following: (1) legal or
internal restrictions on the combined size of positions that may
be taken for us or the other accounts, thereby limiting the size
of our position; or (2) the difficulty of liquidating an
investment for us or the other accounts where the market cannot
absorb the sale of the combined position. See Investment
Objective and Principal Investment Strategies
Conflicts of Interest.
Fund Risks
Equity Securities Risk. Equity investments are
subject to greater fluctuations in market value than other asset
classes as a result of such factors as the issuers
business performance, investor perceptions, stock market trends
and general economic conditions. Equity securities are
subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a
companys capital structure in terms of priority to
corporate income and liquidation payments. The Fund may invest
in preferred stocks and convertible securities of any rating,
including below investment grade. See Risk
Factors Fund Risks Equity
Securities Risk.
High Yield Securities Risk. The Fund may
invest in high yield securities of any rating. Investment in
high yield securities involves substantial risk of loss. Below
investment grade non-convertible debt securities or comparable
unrated securities are commonly referred to as junk
bonds and are considered predominantly speculative with
respect to the issuers ability to pay interest and
principal and are susceptible to default or
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decline in market value due to adverse economic and business
developments. The market values for high yield securities tend
to be very volatile, and these securities are less liquid than
investment grade debt securities. For these reasons, your
investment in the Fund is subject to the following specific
risks:
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increased price sensitivity to changing interest rates and to a
deteriorating economic environment;
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greater risk of loss due to default or declining credit quality;
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greater sensitivity to adverse company specific events, which
are more likely to render the issuer unable to make interest
and/or
principal payments; and
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if a negative perception of the high yield market develops, the
price and liquidity of high yield securities may be depressed.
This negative perception could last for a significant period of
time.
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Adverse changes in economic conditions are more likely to lead
to a weakened capacity of a high yield issuer to make principal
payments and interest payments than an investment grade issuer.
The principal amount of high yield securities outstanding has
proliferated in the past decade as an increasing number of
issuers have used high yield securities for corporate financing.
An economic downturn could severely affect the ability of highly
leveraged issuers to service their debt obligations or to repay
their obligations upon maturity.
The secondary market for high yield securities may not be as
liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities,
a factor that may have an adverse effect on the Funds
ability to dispose of a particular security. There are fewer
dealers in the market for high yield securities than for
investment grade obligations. The prices quoted by different
dealers may vary significantly and the spread between the bid
and asked price is generally much larger than for higher quality
instruments. Under adverse market or economic conditions, the
secondary market for high yield securities could contract
further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the
condition of a particular issuer, and these instruments may
become illiquid. As a result, the Fund could find it more
difficult to sell these securities or may be able to sell the
securities only at prices lower than if such securities were
widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated
or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less
than the prices used in calculating the Funds net asset
value. See Risk Factors
Fund Risks High Yield Securities Risk.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in
non-U.S. issuers
may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced to the extent
that the Fund invests a significant portion of its
non-U.S. investments
in one region or in the securities of emerging market issuers.
These risks may include:
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less information about
non-U.S. issuers
or markets may be available due to less rigorous disclosure or
accounting standards or regulatory practices;
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many
non-U.S. markets
are smaller, less liquid and more volatile. In a changing
market, Calamos may not be able to sell the Funds
portfolio securities at times, in amounts and at prices it
considers reasonable;
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the economies of
non-U.S. countries
may grow at slower rates than expected or may experience a
downturn or recession;
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economic, political and social developments may adversely affect
the securities markets, including expropriation and
nationalization;
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the difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a court judgment in
non-U.S. countries;
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restrictions on foreign investments in
non-U.S. jurisdictions;
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|
difficulties in effecting the repatriation of capital invested
in
non-U.S. countries;
|
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|
withholding and other
non-U.S. taxes
may decrease the Funds return; and
|
|
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|
dividend income the Fund receives from foreign securities may
not be eligible for the special tax treatment applicable to
qualified dividend income.
|
7
Based upon the Funds test for determining whether an
issuer is a foreign issuer as described above, it is
possible that an issuer of securities in which the Fund invests
could be organized under the laws of a foreign country, yet
still conduct a substantial portion of its business in the
U.S. or have substantial assets in the U.S. In this
case, such a foreign issuer may be subject to the
market conditions in the U.S. to a greater extent than it
may be subject to the market conditions in the country of its
organization. See Risk Factors
Fund Risks Foreign Securities Risk.
Currency Risk. The value of the securities
denominated or quoted in foreign currencies may be adversely
affected by fluctuations in the relative currency exchange rates
and by exchange control regulations. The Funds investment
performance may be negatively affected by a devaluation of a
currency in which the Funds investments are denominated or
quoted. Further, the Funds investment performance may be
significantly affected, either positively or negatively, by
currency exchange rates because the U.S. dollar value of
securities denominated or quoted in another country will
increase or decrease in response to changes in the value of such
currency in relation to the U.S. dollar. See Risk
Factors Fund Risks Currency
Risk.
Interest Rate Risk. In addition to the risks
discussed above, debt securities, including high yield
securities, are subject to certain risks, including the
following:
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if interest rates go up, the value of debt securities in the
Funds portfolio generally will decline;
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during periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a
security may exercise its option to prepay principal earlier
than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding
securities. This is known as call or prepayment risk. Debt
securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer
to repurchase the security prior to its stated maturity. An
issuer may redeem an obligation if the issuer can refinance the
debt at a lower cost due to declining interest rates or an
improvement in the credit standing of the issuer;
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during periods of rising interest rates, the average life of
certain types of securities may be extended because of slower
than expected principal payments. This may lock in a below
market interest rate, increase the securitys duration (the
estimated period until the security is paid in full) and reduce
the value of the security. This is known as extension risk;
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rising interest rates could result in an increase in the cost of
the Funds leverage and could adversely affect the ability
of the Fund to meet asset coverage requirements with respect to
leverage; and
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market interest rates currently are near historically low levels.
|
See Risk Factors Fund Risks
Interest Rate Risk.
Default Risk. Default risk refers to the risk
that a company that issues a debt security will be unable to
fulfill its obligations to repay principal and interest. The
lower a debt security is rated, the greater the default risk.
See Risk Factors Fund Risks
Default Risk.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund may invest up to 15%
of its managed assets in securities that, at the time of
investment, are illiquid (determined using the Commissions
standard applicable to investment companies,
i.e., securities that cannot be disposed of within
7 days in the ordinary course of business at approximately
the value at which the Fund has valued the securities). The Fund
may also invest without limit in Rule 144A Securities.
Calamos, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, will
determine whether Rule 144A Securities are illiquid (that
is, not readily marketable) and thus subject to the Funds
limit on investing no more than 15% of its managed assets in
illiquid securities. Investments in Rule 144A Securities
could have the effect of increasing the amount of the
Funds assets invested in illiquid securities if qualified
institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase these
Rule 144A Securities. Illiquid securities may be difficult
to dispose of at a fair price at the times when the Fund
believes it is desirable to do so. Investment of the Funds
assets in illiquid securities may restrict the Funds
ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The market
price of illiquid securities generally is more volatile than
that of more liquid securities, which may adversely affect the
price that the Fund pays for or recovers upon the sale of
illiquid securities. Illiquid securities are also more difficult
to value and Calamos judgment may play a greater role in
the valuation process. The risks associated with illiquid
securities may be particularly acute in situations in which the
Funds operations require cash and
8
could result in the Fund borrowing to meet its short-term needs
or incurring losses on the sale of illiquid securities. See
Risk Factors Fund Risks
Liquidity Risk.
Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a
convertible security is influenced by both the yield of
non-convertible securities of comparable issuers and by the
value of the underlying common stock. The value of a convertible
security viewed without regard to its conversion feature (i.e.,
strictly on the basis of its yield) is sometimes referred to as
its investment value. A convertible securitys
investment value tends to decline as prevailing interest rate
levels increase. Conversely, a convertible securitys
investment value increases as prevailing interest rate levels
decline.
However, the convertibles market value tends to reflect
the market price of the common stock of the issuing company when
that stock price is greater than the convertibles
conversion price. The conversion price is defined as
the predetermined price at which the convertible could be
exchanged for the associated stock. As the market price of the
underlying common stock declines, the price of the convertible
security tends to be influenced more by the yield of the
convertible security. Thus, the convertible security may not
decline in price to the same extent as the underlying common
stock. In the event of a liquidation of the issuing company,
holders of convertible securities would be paid before the
companys common stockholders. Consequently, the
issuers convertible securities generally entail less risk
than its common stock.
Synthetic Convertible Securities Risk. The
value of a synthetic convertible security may respond
differently to market fluctuations than a convertible security
because a synthetic convertible security is composed of two or
more separate securities, each with its own market value. In
addition, if the value of the underlying common stock or the
level of the index involved in the convertible component falls
below the exercise price of the warrant or option, the warrant
or option may lose all value. Synthetic convertible securities
created by other parties have the same attributes of a
convertible security, however, the issuer of the synthetic
convertible security assumes the credit risk associated with the
investment, rather than the issuer of the underlying equity
security into which the instrument is convertible. Therefore,
the Fund is subject to the credit risk associated with the party
creating the synthetic convertible security.
Risks Associated with Options. There are
several risks associated with transactions in options. For
example, there are significant differences between the
securities markets and options markets that could result in an
imperfect correlation among these markets, causing a given
transaction not to achieve its objectives. A decision as to
whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of
skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be
unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or
unexpected events. The Funds ability to utilize options
successfully will depend on Calamos ability to predict
pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured.
The Funds ability to close out its position as a purchaser
or seller of an Options Clearing Corporation (OCC)
or exchange listed put or call option is dependent, in part,
upon the liquidity of the option market. Among the possible
reasons for the absence of a liquid option market are:
(i) insufficient trading interest in certain options;
(ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange;
(iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions
imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options
or underlying securities, including reaching daily price limits;
(iv) interruption of the normal operations of the OCC or an
exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange
or OCC to handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision
by one or more exchanges to discontinue the trading of options
(or a particular class or series of options), in which event the
relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease to
exist, although outstanding options on that exchange would
generally continue to be exercisable in accordance with their
terms. If the Fund were unable to close out an option that it
had purchased on a security, it would have to exercise the
option in order to realize any profit or the option would expire
and become worthless. If the Fund were unable to close out a
covered call option that it had written on a security, it would
not be able to sell the underlying security until the option
expired. As the writer of a covered call option on a security,
the Fund foregoes, during the options life, the
opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the
security covering the call option above the sum of the premium
and the exercise price of the call.
The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with
the hours during which the underlying financial instruments are
traded. To the extent that the option markets close before the
markets for the
9
underlying financial instruments, significant price and rate
movements can take place in the underlying markets that would
not have been reflected in the option markets at their closing.
Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing
or guaranty function in an over-the-counter (OTC)
option. As a result, if the counterparty fails to make or take
delivery of the security or other instrument underlying an OTC
option it has entered into with the Fund or fails to make a cash
settlement payment due in accordance with the terms of that
option, the Fund will lose any premium it paid for the option as
well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction. Accordingly,
Calamos must assess the creditworthiness of each such
counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the
counterpartys credit to determine the likelihood that the
terms of the OTC option will be satisfied. The Fund will engage
in OTC option transactions only with U.S. government
securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York as primary dealers or broker/dealers, domestic
or foreign banks or other financial institutions that have
received (or the guarantors of the obligation of which have
received) a short-term credit rating of
A-1 from
Standard & Poors or
P-1 from
Moodys or an equivalent rating from any nationally
recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO)
or, in the case of OTC currency transactions, are determined to
be of equivalent credit quality by Calamos.
The Fund may sell call options on individual securities and
securities indices. All calls sold by the Fund must be
covered. Even though the Fund will receive the
option premium to help protect it against loss, a call option
sold by the Fund exposes the Fund during the term of the option
to possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the
market price of the underlying security or instrument and may
require the Fund to hold a security or instrument that it might
otherwise have sold. The Fund may purchase and sell put options
on individual securities and securities indices. In selling put
options, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to buy
the underlying security at a disadvantageous price above the
market price. See Risk Factors
Fund Risks Risks Associated with Options.
Tax Risk. The Fund may invest in certain
securities, such as certain convertible and high yield
securities, for which the federal income tax treatment may not
be clear or may be subject to re-characterization by the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It could be more
difficult for the Fund to comply with the tax requirements
applicable to regulated investment companies if the tax
characterization of the Funds investments are not clear or
if the tax treatment of the income from such investments were
successfully challenged by the IRS. See Risk
Factors Fund Risks Tax Risk
and Certain Federal Income Tax Matters.
Management Risk. Calamos judgment about
the attractiveness, relative value or potential appreciation of
a particular sector, security or investment strategy may prove
to be incorrect.
Antitakeover Provisions. The Funds
Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws include
provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or
persons to acquire control of the Fund or to change the
composition of its Board of Trustees. Such provisions could
limit the ability of shareholders to sell their shares at a
premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third
party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund. These
provisions include staggered terms of office for the Trustees,
advance notice requirements for shareholder proposals, and
super-majority voting requirements for certain transactions with
affiliates, converting the Fund to an open-end investment
company or a merger, asset sale or similar transaction. Holders
of Preferred Shares will have voting rights in addition to and
separate from the voting rights of common shareholders with
respect to certain of these matters. See Description of
Shares Preferred Shares and Certain
Provisions of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and
By-Laws. The holders of Preferred Shares, on the one hand,
and the holders of the common shares, on the other, may have
interests that conflict in these situations. Risk
Factors Fund Risks Antitakeover
Provisions.
Market Disruption Risk. Certain events have a
disruptive effect on the securities markets, such as terrorist
attacks, war and other geopolitical events, earthquakes, storms
and other disasters. The Fund cannot predict the effects of
similar events in the future on the U.S. economy or any
foreign economy.
10
Additional
Risks to Common Shareholders
Leverage Risk. The Fund has issued Preferred
Shares and may issue additional preferred shares or borrow money
or issue debt securities. The borrowing of money or issuance of
debt securities and preferred shares, including the outstanding
Preferred Shares, represents the leveraging of the Funds
common shares. As a non-fundamental policy, the aggregate
liquidation preference of preferred shares, and the aggregate
principal amount of debt securities or borrowings, may not
exceed 38% of the Funds total assets. Leverage creates
risks which may adversely affect the return for the holders of
common shares, including:
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the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and
market price of the Funds common shares;
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fluctuations in the dividend rates on any preferred shares or in
interest rates on borrowings and short-term debt;
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increased operating costs, which are effectively borne by common
shareholders, may reduce the Funds total return; and
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|
|
the potential for a decline in the value of an investment
acquired with borrowed funds, while the Funds obligations
under such borrowing or preferred shares remain fixed.
|
These risks include the possibility that the value of the assets
acquired with the proceeds of leverage decreases although the
Funds liability to holders of preferred shares or other
types of leverage is fixed, greater volatility in the
Funds net asset value and the market price of the
Funds common shares, and higher expenses. In addition, the
rights of lenders and the holders of Preferred Shares and debt
securities issued by the Fund will be senior to the rights of
the holders of common shares with respect to the payment of
dividends or upon liquidation. Holders of Preferred Shares have
voting rights in addition to and separate from the voting rights
of common shareholders. See Description of
Shares Preferred Shares and Certain
Provisions of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and
By-Laws. The holders of Preferred Shares, on the one hand,
and the holders of the common shares, on the other, may have
interests that conflict in certain situations.
Leverage is a speculative technique that could adversely affect
the returns to common shareholders. Leverage can cause the Fund
to lose money and can magnify the effect of any losses. To the
extent the income or capital appreciation derived from
securities purchased with funds received from leverage exceeds
the cost of leverage, the Funds return will be greater
than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income or
capital appreciation from the securities purchased with such
funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage or if the
Fund incurs capital losses, the return of the Fund will be less
than if leverage had not been used, and therefore the amount
available for distribution to common shareholders as dividends
and other distributions will be reduced or potentially
eliminated.
The Fund will pay, and common shareholders will effectively
bear, any costs and expenses relating to any borrowings and to
the issuance and ongoing maintenance of Preferred Shares or debt
securities. Such costs and expenses include the higher
management fee resulting from the use of any such leverage,
offering
and/or
issuance costs, and interest
and/or
dividend expense and ongoing maintenance. The markets for
auction rate securities have continued to face widening spreads,
reduced demand and, more recently, an increased number of failed
auctions. These conditions may result in higher leverage costs
to common stockholders.
Certain types of borrowings may result in the Fund being subject
to covenants in credit agreements, including those relating to
asset coverage, borrowing base and portfolio composition
requirements and additional covenants that may affect the
Funds ability to pay dividends and distributions on common
shares in certain instances. The Fund may also be required to
pledge its assets to the lenders in connection with certain
types of borrowings. The Fund may be subject to certain
restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one or more
NRSROs which may issue ratings for the preferred shares or
short-term debt instruments issued by the Fund. These guidelines
may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements
that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. See
Risk Factors Leverage.
Interest Rate Transactions Risk. The Fund may
enter into an interest rate swap or cap transaction to attempt
to protect itself from increasing dividend or interest expenses
on its leverage resulting from increasing short-term interest
rates. A decline in interest rates may result in a decline in
the value of the swap or cap,
11
which may result in a decline in the net asset value of the
Fund. See Risk Factors Interest Rate
Transactions Risk.
Market Impact Risk. The sale of our common
shares (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an
adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for our common
shares by increasing the number of shares available, which may
put downward pressure on the market price for our common shares.
These sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell
additional equity securities in the future at a time and price
we deem appropriate.
Dilution Risk. The voting power of current
shareholders will be diluted to the extent that such
shareholders do not purchase shares in any future common share
offerings or do not purchase sufficient shares to maintain their
percentage interest. In addition, if we are unable to invest the
proceeds of such offering as intended, our per share
distribution may decrease (or may consist of return of capital)
and we may not participate in market advances to the same extent
as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned.
Market Discount Risk. The Funds common
shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount relative
to net asset value. Common shares of closed-end investment
companies frequently trade at prices lower than their net asset
value. Depending on the premium of the Funds common
shares, the Funds net asset value may be reduced
immediately following an offering of the Funds common
shares by the offering expenses paid by the Fund, including the
sales load. See Use of Proceeds.
In addition to net asset value, the market price of the
Funds common shares may be affected by such factors as the
Funds use of leverage, dividend stability, portfolio
credit quality, liquidity, market supply and demand of the
common shares and the Funds dividends paid (which are, in
turn, affected by expenses), call protection for portfolio
securities and interest rate movements. See
Leverage, Risk Factors and
Description of Securities. The Funds common
shares are designed primarily for long-term investors, and you
should not purchase common shares if you intend to sell them
shortly after purchase.
See Risk Factors Additional Risks to Common
Shareholders for a more detailed discussion of these risks.
Additional
Risks to Senior Security Holders
Additional
risks of investing in senior securities include the
following:
Interest Rate Risk. To the extent that senior
securities trade through an auction, such securities pay
dividends or interest based on short-term interest rates. If
short-term interest rates rise, dividends or interest on the
auction rate senior securities may rise so that the amount of
dividends or interest due to holders of auction rate senior
securities would exceed the cash flow generated by our portfolio
securities. This might require that we sell portfolio securities
at a time when we would otherwise not do so, which may affect
adversely our future ability to generate cash flow. In addition,
rising market interest rates could impact negatively the value
of our investment portfolio, reducing the amount of assets
serving as asset coverage for the senior securities.
Senior Leverage Risk. Our preferred shares
will be junior in liquidation and with respect to distribution
rights to our debt securities and any other borrowings. Senior
securities representing indebtedness may constitute a
substantial lien and burden on preferred shares by reason of
their prior claim against our income and against our net assets
in liquidation. We may not be permitted to declare dividends or
other distributions with respect to any series of our preferred
shares unless at such time we meet applicable asset coverage
requirements and the payment of principal or interest is not in
default with respect to any borrowings.
Ratings and Asset Coverage Risk. To the extent
that senior securities are rated, a rating does not eliminate or
necessarily mitigate the risks of investing in our senior
securities, and a rating may not fully or accurately reflect all
of the credit and market risks associated with that senior
security. A rating agency could downgrade the rating of our
preferred shares or debt securities, which may make such
securities less liquid at an auction or in the secondary market,
though probably with higher resulting interest rates. If a
rating agency downgrades the rating assigned to a senior
security, we may alter our portfolio or redeem the senior
security. We may voluntarily redeem senior securities under
certain circumstances.
12
Inflation Risk. Inflation is the reduction in
the purchasing power of money resulting from an increase in the
price of goods and services. Inflation risk is the risk that the
inflation adjusted or real value of an investment in
preferred shares or debt securities or the income from that
investment will be worth less in the future. As inflation
occurs, the real value of the preferred shares or debt
securities and the dividend payable to holders of preferred
shares or interest payable on debt securities declines.
Auction Risk. To the extent that senior
securities trade through an auction, there are certain risks
associated with participating in an auction and certain risks if
you try to sell senior securities outside of an auction in the
secondary market. The markets for auction rate securities have
continued to face widening spreads, reduced demand and, more
recently, an increased number of failed auctions. A failed
auction results when there are not enough bidders in the auction
at rates below the maximum rate as prescribed by the terms of
the security. When an auction fails, all holders receive the
maximum rate and may be unable to sell their shares until the
next auction, which may be for an indefinite period of time.
Auction risk will be described in an applicable prospectus
supplement if we issue senior securities pursuant to this
registration statement.
Decline in Net Asset Value Risk. A material
decline in our net asset value (NAV) may impair our
ability to maintain required levels of asset coverage for our
preferred shares or debt securities.
See Risk Factors Additional Risks to Senior
Security Holders for a more detailed discussion of these
risks.
SUMMARY
OF FUND EXPENSES
The following table and example contain information about the
costs and expenses that common shareholders will bear directly
or indirectly. In accordance with Commission requirements, the
table below shows our expenses, including leverage costs, as a
percentage of our average net assets as of October 31,
2007, and not as a percentage of gross assets or managed assets.
By showing expenses as a percentage of average net assets,
expenses are not expressed as a percentage of all of the assets
we invest. The table and example are based on our capital
structure as of October 31, 2007. As of that date, we had
$59 million in senior securities outstanding. Such senior
securities represent 25.93% of total assets as of
October 31, 2007.
Shareholder
Transaction Expense
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Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)
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4.5
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%(1)
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Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering
price)
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(1)
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Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees(2)
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None
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Percentage of Net
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Assets Attributable to
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Annual Expenses
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Common Shareholders
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Management Fee(3)
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1.41
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Leverage Costs(4)
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.11
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Other Expenses
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.20
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Total Annual Expenses
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1.72
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Example:
The following example illustrates the expenses that common
shareholders would pay on a $1,000 investment in common shares,
assuming (1) net annual expenses of 1.72% of net assets
attributable to common shares; (2) a 5% annual return; and
(3) all distributions are reinvested at net asset value:
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Total Expenses Paid by Common Shareholders(5)
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$
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17
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$
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54
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$
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93
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$
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203
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13
The example should not be considered a representation of
future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than
those assumed. Moreover, our actual rate of return may be
greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the
example.
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(1) |
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If the securities to which this prospectus relates are sold to
or through underwriters, the prospectus supplement will set
forth any applicable sales load and the estimated offering
expenses borne by us. |
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(2) |
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Shareholders will pay a transaction fee plus brokerage charges
if they direct the Plan Agent to sell common shares held in a
Plan account. See Automatic Dividend Reinvestment
Plan. |
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(3) |
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The Fund pays Calamos an annual management fee, payable monthly,
for its investment management services equal to 1.00% of the
Funds average weekly managed assets. In accordance with
the requirements of the Commission, the table above shows the
Funds management fee as a percentage of average net
assets. By showing the management fee as a percentage of net
assets, the management fee is not expressed as a percentage of
all of the assets the Fund intends to invest. For purposes of
the table, the management fee has been converted to 1.41% of the
Funds average daily net assets as of October 31, 2007
by dividing the total dollar amount of the management fee by the
Funds average daily net assets (managed assets less
outstanding leverage). |
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(4) |
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Leverage Costs in the table reflect the cost of auction and
rating agency fees on preferred shares, expressed as a
percentage of net assets. The table assumes outstanding
Preferred Shares of $59 million, which reflects leverage in
an amount representing approximately 25.93% of total assets. |
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(5) |
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The example does not include sales load or estimated offering
costs. |
The purpose of the table and the example above is to help
investors understand the fees and expenses that they, as common
shareholders, would bear directly or indirectly. For additional
information with respect to our expenses, see Management
of the Fund.
14
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
The information in this table is derived from our financial
statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, whose
report on such financial statements is contained in our 2007
Annual Report and included in the statement of additional
information, both of which are available from us.
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October 27, 2005*
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For the Year Ended October 31,
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through October 31,
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2007
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2006
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2005
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Net asset value, beginning of period
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$
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16.31
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$
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14.29
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$
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14.32
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(a)
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Income from investment operations:
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Net investment income (loss)
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0.96
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**
|
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0.86
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(b)
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Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments,
written options and foreign currency
|
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5.38
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2.40
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Distributions to preferred shareholders from:
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Net investment income (common share equivalent basis)
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(0.39
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)
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(0.29
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)
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Capital gains (common share equivalent basis)
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(b)
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Total from investment operations
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5.95
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2.97
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Less distributions to common shareholders from:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
(1.09
|
)
|
|
|
(0.65
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Capital gains
|
|
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
(0.19
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Capital charge resulting from issuance of common and preferred
shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.11
|
)
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
Net asset value, end of period
|
|
$
|
21.05
|
|
|
$
|
16.31
|
|
|
$
|
14.29
|
|
Market value, end of period
|
|
$
|
19.51
|
|
|
$
|
15.62
|
|
|
$
|
15.00
|
|
Total investment return based on(c):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value
|
|
|
38.30
|
%
|
|
|
20.77
|
%
|
|
|
(0.24
|
)%
|
Market value
|
|
|
33.84
|
%
|
|
|
10.19
|
%
|
|
|
0.00
|
%
|
Ratios and supplemental data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common shareholders, end of period
(000s omitted)
|
|
$
|
168,551
|
|
|
$
|
130,588
|
|
|
$
|
114,439
|
|
Preferred shares, at redemption value ($25,000 per share
liquidation preference) (000s omitted)
|
|
$
|
59,000
|
|
|
$
|
59,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Ratios to average net assets applicable to common shareholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net expenses(d)(e)
|
|
|
1.72
|
%
|
|
|
1.70
|
%
|
|
|
1.33
|
%
|
Gross expenses(d)(e)
|
|
|
1.72
|
%
|
|
|
1.70
|
%
|
|
|
3.37
|
%
|
Net investment income (loss)(d)(e)
|
|
|
5.37
|
%
|
|
|
5.57
|
%
|
|
|
(1.33
|
)%
|
Preferred share distributions from net investment income
|
|
|
2.17
|
%
|
|
|
1.89
|
%
|
|
|
0.00
|
%
|
Net investment income (loss), net of preferred share
distributions from net investment income
|
|
|
3.20
|
%
|
|
|
3.68
|
%
|
|
|
0.00
|
%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
85
|
%
|
|
|
32
|
%
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
Average commission rate paid
|
|
$
|
0.0377
|
|
|
$
|
0.0258
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Asset coverage per preferred share, at end of period(f)
|
|
$
|
96,423
|
|
|
$
|
80,358
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Commencement of operations. |
|
** |
|
Net investment income allocated based on average shares method. |
|
(a) |
|
Net of sales load of $0.675 on initial shares issued and
beginning net asset value of $14.325. |
|
(b) |
|
Amount equated to less than $0.005 per common share. |
15
|
|
|
(c) |
|
Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of
common shares on the opening of the first day and a sale on the
closing of the last day of the period reported. Dividends and
distributions are assumed, for purposes of this calculation, to
be reinvested at prices obtained under the Funds dividend
reinvestment plan. Total return is not annualized for periods
less than one year. Brokerage commissions are not reflected. NAV
per share is determined by dividing the value of the Funds
portfolio securities, cash and other assets, less all
liabilities, by the total number of common shares outstanding.
The common share market price is the price the market is willing
to pay for shares of the Fund at a given time. Common share
market price is influenced by a range of factors, including
supply and demand and market conditions. |
|
(d) |
|
Annualized for periods less than one year. |
|
(e) |
|
Does not reflect the effect of dividend payments to the
shareholders of Preferred Shares. |
|
(f) |
|
Calculated by subtracting the Funds total liabilities (not
including Preferred Shares) from the Funds total assets
and dividing this by the number of Preferred Shares outstanding. |
MARKET
AND NET ASSET VALUE INFORMATION
Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) under the symbol CGO. Our common
shares commenced trading on the NYSE on October 27, 2005.
Our common shares have traded both at a premium and at a
discount in relation to NAV. We cannot predict whether our
shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to NAV.
The provisions of the 1940 Act generally require that the public
offering price of common shares (less any underwriting
commissions and discounts) must equal or exceed the NAV per
share of a companys common stock (calculated within
48 hours of pricing). Our issuance of common shares may
have an adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for our
common shares by increasing the number of common shares
available, which may put downward pressure on the market price
for our common shares. Shares of common stock of closed-end
investment companies frequently trade at a discount from NAV.
See Risk Factors Additional Risks to Common
Shareholders Market Discount Risk.
The following table sets forth for each of the periods indicated
the high and low closing market prices for our common shares on
the NYSE, the NAV per share and the premium or discount to NAV
per share at which our common shares were trading. NAV is
determined on the last business day of each month. See
Determination of Net Asset Value for information as
to the determination of our NAV.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Discount)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
to Net Asset
|
|
|
|
Market Price(1)
|
|
|
Net Asset
|
|
|
Value(3)
|
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
Value(2)
|
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
October 31, 2005
|
|
|
15.01
|
|
|
|
15.00
|
|
|
|
14.29
|
|
|
|
5.04
|
%
|
|
|
4.97
|
%
|
January 31, 2006
|
|
|
15.01
|
|
|
|
13.22
|
|
|
|
15.50
|
|
|
|
(3.16
|
)%
|
|
|
(14.71
|
)%
|
April 30, 2006
|
|
|
14.70
|
|
|
|
14.10
|
|
|
|
16.51
|
|
|
|
(10.96
|
)%
|
|
|
(14.60
|
)%
|
July 31, 2006
|
|
|
15.01
|
|
|
|
13.78
|
|
|
|
15.57
|
|
|
|
(3.60
|
)%
|
|
|
(11.50
|
)%
|
October 31, 2006
|
|
|
15.88
|
|
|
|
14.94
|
|
|
|
16.31
|
|
|
|
(2.64
|
)%
|
|
|
(8.40
|
)%
|
January 31, 2007
|
|
|
17.35
|
|
|
|
15.61
|
|
|
|
17.31
|
|
|
|
0.23
|
%
|
|
|
(9.82
|
)%
|
April 30, 2007
|
|
|
17.88
|
|
|
|
15.73
|
|
|
|
17.98
|
|
|
|
(0.56
|
)%
|
|
|
(12.51
|
)%
|
July 31, 2007
|
|
|
18.59
|
|
|
|
17.11
|
|
|
|
17.84
|
|
|
|
4.20
|
%
|
|
|
(4.09
|
)%
|
October 31, 2007
|
|
|
19.51
|
|
|
|
14.38
|
|
|
|
21.05
|
|
|
|
(7.32
|
)%
|
|
|
(31.69
|
)%
|
Source: Bloomberg Financial and Fund Accounting Records.
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Based on high and low closing market price during the respective
quarter. |
|
(2) |
|
Based on the NAV calculated on the close of business on the last
business day of each calendar quarter. |
|
(3) |
|
Based on the Funds computations. |
16
The last reported sale price, NAV per common share and
percentage discount to NAV per common share on December 31,
2007 were $19.10, $19.54 and -2.25%, respectively. As of
December 31, 2007, we had 8,006,981 common shares
outstanding and net assets of approximately $215,433,704.
USE OF
PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we will
invest the net proceeds of any sales of securities in accordance
with our investment objective and policies as described under
Investment Objective and Principal Investment
Strategies within approximately three months of receipt of
such proceeds. We may also use proceeds from the sale of our
securities to retire all or a portion of any short-term debt we
incur in pursuit of our investment objective and policies, and
for working capital purposes, including the payment of interest
and operating expenses, although there is currently no intent to
issue securities primarily for this purpose. Such investments
may be delayed if suitable investments are unavailable at the
time or for other reasons. Pending such investment, we
anticipate that we will invest the proceeds in securities issued
by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities
or in high quality, short-term or long-term debt obligations. A
delay in the anticipated use of proceeds could lower returns,
reduce our distribution to common shareholders and reduce the
amount of cash available to make dividend and interest payments
on preferred shares and debt securities, respectively.
THE
FUND
Calamos Global Total Return Fund is a diversified, closed-end
management investment company which commenced investment
operations in October 2005. The Fund was organized under the
laws of the State of Delaware on March 30, 2004, and has
registered under the 1940 Act. On October 31, 2005, the
Fund issued an aggregate of 8,000,000 common shares, no par
value, in an initial public offering and commenced its
operations. The Fund granted the underwriters an option to
purchase up to 1,021,536 additional common shares at the public
offering price less the sales load. The Fund did not issue any
common shares in connection with the over-allotment option. The
net proceeds of the initial public offering were approximately
$114,700,003 after the payment of offering expenses. On
January 6, 2006, the Fund issued Preferred Shares,
liquidation preference $25,000 per share ($59,000,000 in the
aggregate). The Funds common shares are listed on the NYSE
under the symbol CGO. The Funds principal
office is located at 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, Illinois
60563, and its telephone number is
1-800-582-6959.
The following table provides information about our outstanding
securities as of December 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Held by the
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Fund or for
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Title of Class
|
|
Authorized
|
|
|
its Account
|
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
Unlimited
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
8,006,981
|
|
Preferred Shares
|
|
|
Unlimited
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
2,360
|
|
Series T
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
2,360
|
|
The following sets forth information about the Funds
outstanding Preferred Shares as of the dates indicated below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset Coverage per
|
|
|
Average Fair Value
|
|
|
|
Total Liquidation
|
|
|
Share
|
|
|
per $25,000
|
|
|
|
Preference
|
|
|
($25,000 Liquidation
|
|
|
Denomination or
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
|
Preference)
|
|
|
per Share Amount(a)
|
|
|
October 31, 2007
|
|
$
|
59,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
96,423
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
October 31, 2006
|
|
$
|
59,000,000
|
|
|
$
|
80,358
|
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Fair value of the Preferred Shares approximates the liquidation
preference because dividend rates payable on the Preferred
Shares are determined at auctions and fluctuate with changes in
current market interest rates. |
17
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Investment
Objective
The Funds investment objective is to provide total return
through a combination of capital appreciation and current
income. The Funds investment objective may be changed by
its Board of Trustees without a shareholder vote, except that
the Fund will give shareholders at least 60 days
notice of any change to the Funds investment objective.
The Fund makes no assurance that it will realize its objective.
An investment in the Fund may be speculative in that it involves
a high degree of risk and should not constitute a complete
investment program. See Risk Factors.
Principal
Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest primarily in a
portfolio of common and preferred stocks, convertible securities
and income producing securities such as investment grade and
below investment grade (high yield/high risk) debt securities.
The Fund, under normal circumstances, will invest at least 50%
of its managed assets in equity securities (including securities
that are convertible into equity securities). The Fund may
invest up to 100% of its managed assets in securities of foreign
issuers, including debt and equity securities of corporate
issuers and debt securities of government issuers, in developed
and emerging markets. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will
invest at least 30% of its managed assets in securities of
foreign issuers. The Fund will invest in the securities of
issuers of several different countries throughout the world, in
addition to the United States.
Calamos will dynamically allocate the Funds investments
among multiple asset classes (rather than maintaining a fixed or
static allocation), seeking to obtain an appropriate balance of
risk and reward on a long-term basis through all market cycles
using multiple strategies and combining them to seek to achieve
favorable risk adjusted returns.
The Fund will attempt to keep a consistent balance between risk
and reward over the course of different market cycles, through
various combinations of stocks, bonds,
and/or
convertible securities, to achieve what Calamos believes to be
an appropriate blend for the then current market. As the market
environment changes, portfolio securities may change in an
attempt to achieve a relatively consistent risk level over time.
At some points in a market cycle, one type of security may make
up a substantial portion of the Funds portfolio, while at
other times certain securities may have minimal or no
representation, depending on market conditions.
The Fund may also seek to generate income from option premiums
by writing (selling) options (with an aggregate notional value
of up to 33% of the value of the Funds managed assets).
The Fund will opportunistically employ a strategy of writing
options. The extent of option writing activity will depend upon
market conditions and Calamos ongoing assessment of the
attractiveness of writing options on the Funds equity
holdings.
Equity Securities. Equity securities include
common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, and depository
receipts. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at
least 50% of its managed assets in equity securities (including
securities that are convertible into equity securities). The
Fund may invest in preferred stocks and convertible securities
of any rating, including below investment grade. See
High Yield Securities below. An
investment in the equity securities of a company represents a
proportionate ownership interest in that company. Therefore, the
Fund participates in the financial success or failure of any
company in which it has an equity interest.
High Yield Securities. The Fund may invest in
high yield securities for either current income or capital
appreciation or both. The high yield securities in which the
Fund invests are rated below investment grade (i.e., rated Ba or
lower by Moodys or BB or lower by S&Ps) or are
unrated but determined by Calamos to be of comparable quality.
The Fund may invest in high yield securities of any rating.
Non-convertible debt securities rated below investment grade are
commonly referred to as junk bonds and are
considered speculative with respect to the issuers
capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Below investment
grade
18
non-convertible debt securities involve greater risk of loss,
are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid,
especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change,
than higher rated debt securities.
Other Income Securities. The Fund may also
invest in investment grade debt securities. The Funds
investments in investment grade debt securities may have fixed
or variable principal payments and all types of interest rate
and dividend payment and reset terms, including fixed rate,
adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment in
kind and auction rate features.
Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest up to
100% of its managed assets in securities of foreign issuers in
developed and emerging markets, including debt and equity
securities of corporate issuers and debt securities of
government issuers. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will
invest at least 30% of its managed assets in securities of
foreign issuers; however, the Fund anticipates that ordinarily
Calamos investment process will result in the Fund
investing at least 40% of its managed assets in securities of
foreign issuers. The Fund will invest in the securities of
issuers of several different countries throughout the world, in
addition to the United States. A foreign issuer is a foreign
government or a company organized under the laws of a foreign
country. In analyzing the foreign issuers in which the Fund may
invest, Calamos will generally consider a number of factors that
may characterize the issuers economic ties to a particular
foreign country or region. Such factors may include any or all
of the following: the characteristics of the economy in the
principal country or countries in which the issuer sells it
goods and/or
services; the stability of the currency in the issuers
country of organization; the laws with respect to international
trade and property rights in the issuers country of
organization; and the tax, accounting and regulatory
requirements of the issuers country of organization.
Convertible Securities. The Fund may invest in
convertible securities. A convertible security is a debt
security or preferred stock that is exchangeable for an equity
security (typically of the same issuer) at a predetermined price
(the conversion price). Depending upon the
relationship of the conversion price to the market value of the
underlying security, a convertible security may trade more like
an equity security than a debt instrument. The Fund may invest
in convertible securities of any rating including below
investment grade. See High Yield
Securities above. Securities that are convertible into
equity securities are considered equity-securities for purposes
of the Funds policy to invest at least 50% of its managed
assets in equity securities.
Synthetic Convertible Securities. The Fund may
invest in synthetic convertible securities. A
synthetic convertible security is a financial instrument that is
designed to simulate the characteristics of another instrument
(i.e., a convertible security) through the combined features of
a collection of other securities or assets. Calamos may create a
synthetic convertible security by combining separate securities
that possess the two principal characteristics of a true
convertible security, i.e., a fixed-income security
(fixed-income component, which may be a convertible
or non-convertible security) and the right to acquire an equity
security (convertible component). The fixed-income
component is achieved by investing in non-convertible,
fixed-income securities such as bonds, preferred stocks and
money market instruments. The convertible component is achieved
by investing in warrants or options to buy common stock at a
certain exercise price, or options on a stock index. The Fund
may also purchase synthetic convertible securities created by
other parties, typically investment banks, including convertible
structured notes. Convertible structured notes are fixed income
debentures linked to equity. Convertible structured notes have
the attributes of a convertible security; however, the
investment bank that issued the convertible note assumes the
credit risk associated with the investment, rather than the
issuer of the underlying common stock into which the note is
convertible. Different companies may issue the fixed-income and
convertible components, which may be purchased separately and at
different times.
The Fund may also invest in synthetic convertible securities
created by third parties, typically investment banks. Synthetic
convertible securities created by such parties may be designed
to simulate the characteristics of traditional convertible
securities or may be designed to alter or emphasize a particular
feature. Traditional convertible securities typically offer
stable cash flows with the ability to participate in capital
appreciation of the underlying common stock. Because traditional
convertible securities are exercisable at the option of the
holder, the holder is protected against downside risk. Synthetic
convertible securities may alter these
19
characteristics by offering enhanced yields in exchange for
reduced capital appreciation or less downside protection, or any
combination of these features. Synthetic convertible instruments
may include structured notes, equity-linked notes, mandatory
convertibles and combinations of securities and instruments,
such as a debt instrument combined with a forward contract.
Some examples of these securities include:
Preferred equity redeemable cumulative stock (PERCS)
are shares that automatically convert into one ordinary share
upon maturity. They are usually issued at the prevailing share
price, convertible into one ordinary share, with an enhanced
dividend yield. PERCS pay a higher dividend than common shares,
but the equity upside is capped. Above a certain share price,
the conversion ratio will fall as the stock rises, capping the
upside at that level. Below this level, the conversion ratio
remains one-for-one, giving the same downside exposure as the
ordinary shares, excluding the income difference.
Dividend enhanced convertible stock (DECS) are
either preference shares or subordinated bonds. These, like
PERCS, mandatorily convert into ordinary shares at maturity, if
not already converted. DECS give no significant downside
protection and are very equity sensitive with minimal direct
bond characteristics and interest rate exposure. As with PERCS,
some of the upside performance is given away and in return, the
investor receives an enhanced yield over the ordinary shares.
Unlike PERCS, however, the investors upside is not capped.
Instead, the investor trades a zone of flat exposure to the
share price for the enhanced income.
Preferred Redeemable Increased Dividend Equity Security
(PRIDES) are synthetic securities consisting of a
forward contract to purchase the issuers underlying
security and an interest bearing deposit. Interest payments are
made at regular intervals, and conversion into the underlying
security is mandatory at maturity. Similar to convertible
securities, PRIDES allow investors to earn stable cash flows
while still participating in the capital gains of an underlying
stock. This is possible because these products are valued along
the same lines as the underlying security.
The Funds holdings of synthetic convertible securities are
considered equity securities for purposes of the Funds
policy to invest at least 50% of its managed assets in equity
securities. If the Fund purchases a synthetic convertible
instrument, a component of which is an option, such option will
not be considered an option for the purpose of the Funds
limitations on options described below.
Options Strategy. The Fund may seek to
generate income from option premiums by writing (selling)
options (with an aggregate notional value of up to 33% of the
value of the Funds managed assets). The Fund may write
(sell) call options (i) on a portion of the equity
securities (including securities that are convertible into
equity securities) in the Funds portfolio and (ii) on
broad-based securities indices (such as the S&P 500 or MSCI
EAFE) or certain ETFs (exchange traded funds) that trade like
common stocks but seek to replicate such market indices.
In addition, to seek to offset some of the risk of a large
potential decline in the event the overall stock market has a
sizeable short-term or intermediate-term decline, the Fund may
also, to a limited extent, purchase put options on broad-based
securities indices (such as the S&P 500 or MSCI EAFE) or
certain ETFs (exchange-traded funds) that trade like common
stocks but seek to replicate such market indices.
Options in General. A call option, upon
payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the option the
right to buy, and the seller the obligation to sell, the
underlying security, index or other instrument at the exercise
price. A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon
payment of a premium, the right to sell, and the seller the
obligation to buy, the underlying security, index, or other
instrument at the exercise price.
Certain options, known as American style options,
may be exercised at any time during the term of the option.
Other options, known as European style options, may
be exercised only on the expiration date of the option. The Fund
expects that substantially all of the options written by the
Fund will be American style options.
The Fund is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed
options and over-the-counter options (OTC options).
Exchange listed options are issued by a regulated intermediary
such as the OCC, which guarantees
20
the performance of the obligations of the parties to such
options. In addition, the Fund may purchase instruments
structured by broker-dealers or investment banks that package or
possess economic characteristics of options. The discussion
below uses the OCC as an example, but is also applicable to
other financial intermediaries.
With certain exceptions, OCC issued and exchange listed options
generally settle by physical delivery of the underlying
security, although in the future cash settlement may become
available. Index options are cash settled for the net amount, if
any, by which the option is in-the-money (i.e.,
where the value of the underlying instrument exceeds, in the
case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put
option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option
is exercised. Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery
of the underlying instrument through the process of exercising
the option, listed options are closed by entering into
offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in
ownership of the new option.
OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers,
financial institutions or other parties
(Counterparties) through direct bilateral agreement
with the Counterparty. In contrast to exchange listed options,
which generally have standardized terms and performance
mechanics, all the terms of an OTC option, including such terms
as method of settlement, term, exercise price, premium,
guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the parties.
The Fund may sell OTC options (other than OTC currency options)
that are subject to a buy-back provision permitting the Fund to
require the Counterparty to sell the option back to the Fund at
a formula price within seven days. The Fund expects generally to
enter into OTC options that have cash settlement provisions,
although it is not required to do so. The staff of the
Commission currently takes the position that OTC options
purchased by a fund, and portfolio securities
covering the amount of a funds obligation
pursuant to an OTC option sold by it (or the amount of assets
equal to the formula price for the repurchase of the option, if
any, less the amount by which the option is in-the-money) are
illiquid. OTC options purchased by the Fund and any portfolio
securities used to cover obligations pursuant to such options
are not considered illiquid by Calamos for the purposes of the
Funds limitation on investments in illiquid securities.
The Fund may also purchase and sell options on stocks, indices,
rates, credit spreads or currencies. Options on securities
indices and other financial indices are similar to options on a
security or other instrument except that, rather than settling
by physical delivery of the underlying instrument, they settle
by cash settlement, i.e., an option on an index gives the holder
the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of
cash if the closing level of the index upon which the option is
based exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the
case of a put, the exercise price of the option (except if, in
the case of an OTC option, physical delivery is specified). This
amount of cash is equal to the excess of the closing price of
the index over the exercise price of the option, which also may
be multiplied by a formula value. The seller of the option is
obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery
of this amount. The gain or loss on an option on an index
depends on price movements in the instruments making up the
market, market segment, industry or other composite on which the
underlying index is based, rather than price movements in
individual securities, as is the case with respect to options on
securities.
The Fund will write call options and put options only if they
are covered. For example, a call option written by
the Fund will require the Fund to hold the securities subject to
the call (or securities convertible into those securities
without additional consideration) or to segregate cash or liquid
assets sufficient to purchase and deliver the securities if the
call is exercised. A call option sold by the Fund on an index
will require the Fund to own portfolio securities that correlate
with the index or to segregate cash or liquid assets equal to
the excess of the index value over the exercise price on a
current basis. A put option written by the Fund requires the
Fund to segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the exercise
price.
OTC options entered into by the Fund will generally provide for
cash settlement. As a result, when the Fund sells these
instruments it will only segregate an amount of cash or liquid
assets equal to its accrued net obligations, as there is no
requirement for payment or delivery of amounts in excess of the
net amount. Those amounts will equal 100% of the exercise price
in the case of a non cash-settled put, the same as an OCC
guaranteed listed option sold by the Fund, or the in-the-money
amount plus any sell-back formula amount in the case of a
cash-settled put or call. In addition, when the Fund sells a
call option on an index at a time when
21
the in-the-money amount exceeds the exercise price, the Fund
will segregate, until the option expires or is closed out, cash
or cash equivalents equal in value to such excess. OTC options
other than those above may also settle with physical delivery,
or with an election of either physical delivery or cash
settlement and the Fund will segregate an amount of cash or
liquid assets equal to the full value of the option. OTC options
settling with physical delivery, or with an election of either
physical delivery or cash settlement, will be treated the same
as other options settling with physical delivery.
If an option written by the Fund expires, the Fund will
generally realize a short-term capital gain equal to the premium
received at the time the option was written. If an option
purchased by the Fund expires, the Fund realizes a capital loss
equal to the premium paid, which will either be short-term or
long-term depending on the Funds holding period for the
option.
The Fund will generally realize a capital gain from a closing
purchase transaction if the cost of the closing option is less
than the premium received from writing the option, or, if it is
more, the Fund will generally realize a capital loss. If the
premium received from a closing sale transaction is more than
the premium paid to purchase the option, the Fund will generally
realize a capital gain or, if it is less, the Fund will
generally realize a capital loss. The principal factors
affecting the market value of a put or a call option include
supply and demand, interest rates, the current market price of
the underlying security or index in relation to the exercise
price of the option, the volatility of the underlying security
or index, and the time remaining until the expiration date.
A put option purchased by the Fund is an asset of the Fund,
valued initially at the premium paid for the option. The premium
received for an option written by the Fund is recorded as a
deferred credit. The value of an option purchased or written is
marked-to-market daily and is valued at the closing price on the
exchange on which it is traded or, if not traded on an exchange
or no closing price is available, at the mean between the last
bid and asked prices.
Rule 144A Securities. The Fund may invest
without limit in Rule 144A Securities. Calamos, under the
supervision of the Board of Trustees, will consider whether
securities purchased under Rule 144A are illiquid and thus
subject to the Funds limit on investing no more than 15%
of its managed assets in illiquid securities. A determination of
whether a Rule 144A Security is liquid or not is a question
of fact. In making this determination, Calamos will consider the
trading markets for the specific security, taking into account
the unregistered nature of a Rule 144A Security. In
addition, Calamos could consider the (1) frequency of
trades and quotes, (2) number of dealers and potential
purchasers, (3) dealer undertakings to make a market and
(4) nature of a security and of marketplace trades (e.g.,
the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of
soliciting offers and the mechanics of transfer). The liquidity
of Rule 144A Securities will be monitored and, if as a
result of changed conditions, it is determined that a
Rule 144A Security is no longer liquid, the Funds
holdings of illiquid securities would be reviewed to determine
what, if any, steps are required to assure that the Fund does
not invest more than 15% of its managed assets in illiquid
securities. Investing in Rule 144A Securities could have
the effect of increasing the amount of the portfolios
assets invested in illiquid securities if qualified
institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase such securities.
U.S. Government
Securities. U.S. government securities in
which the Fund invests include debt obligations of varying
maturities issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or
guaranteed by an agency or instrumentality of the
U.S. government, including the Federal Housing
Administration, Federal Financing Bank, Farmers Home
Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small
Business Administration, Government National Mortgage
Association, General Services Administration, Central Bank for
Cooperatives, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Home Loan
Banks, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal National
Mortgage Association (FNMA), Maritime
Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, District of Columbia
Armory Board, Student Loan Marketing Association, Resolution
Fund Corporation and various institutions that previously
were or currently are part of the Farm Credit System (which has
been undergoing reorganization since 1987). Some
U.S. government securities, such as U.S. Treasury
bills, Treasury notes and Treasury bonds, which differ only in
their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance, are
supported by the full faith and credit of the United States.
Others are supported by: (i) the right of the issuer to
borrow from the U.S. Treasury, such as securities of the
Federal Home Loan Banks; (ii) the discretionary
22
authority of the U.S. government to purchase the
agencys obligations, such as securities of the FNMA; or
(iii) only the credit of the issuer. No assurance can be
given that the U.S. government will provide financial
support in the future to U.S. government agencies,
authorities or instrumentalities that are not supported by the
full faith and credit of the United States. Securities
guaranteed as to principal and interest by the
U.S. government, its agencies, authorities or
instrumentalities include: (i) securities for which the
payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable
letter of credit issued by the U.S. government or any of
its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities; and
(ii) participations in loans made to
non-U.S. governments
or other entities that are so guaranteed. The secondary market
for certain of these participations is limited and, therefore,
may be regarded as illiquid. U.S. Government securities
include STRIPS and CUBES, which are issued by the
U.S. Treasury as component parts of U.S. Treasury
bonds and represent scheduled interest and principal payments on
the bonds.
Zero Coupon Securities. The securities in
which the Fund invests may include zero coupon securities, which
are debt obligations that are issued or purchased at a
significant discount from face value. The discount approximates
the total amount of interest the security will accrue and
compound over the period until maturity or the particular
interest payment date at a rate of interest reflecting the
market rate of the security at the time of issuance. Zero coupon
securities do not require the periodic payment of interest.
These investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for
cash to meet debt service, but generally require a higher rate
of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt
of cash. These investments may experience greater volatility in
market value than U.S. government or other securities that
make regular payments of interest. The Fund accrues income on
these investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is
distributable to shareholders and which, because no cash is
received at the time of accrual, may require the liquidation of
other portfolio securities to satisfy the Funds
distribution obligations, in which case the Fund will forgo the
opportunity to purchase additional income producing assets with
the liquidation proceeds. Zero coupon U.S. government
securities include STRIPS and CUBES, which are issued by the
U.S. Treasury as component parts of U.S. Treasury
bonds and represent scheduled interest and principal payments on
the bonds.
Other Investment Companies. The Fund may
invest in the securities of other investment companies to the
extent that such investments are consistent with the Funds
investment objective and policies and are permissible under the
1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not acquire the
securities of other domestic or
non-U.S. investment
companies if, as a result, (1) more than 10% of the
Funds total assets would be invested in securities of
other investment companies, (2) such purchase would result
in more than 3% of the total outstanding voting securities of
any one investment company being held by the Fund, or
(3) more than 5% of the Funds total assets would be
invested in any one investment company. These limitations do not
apply to the purchase of shares of money market funds or of any
investment company in connection with a merger, consolidation,
reorganization or acquisition of substantially all the assets of
another investment company.
The Fund, as a holder of the securities of other investment
companies, will bear its pro rata portion of the other
investment companies expenses, including advisory fees.
These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the
Funds own operations.
Temporary Defensive Investments. Under unusual
market or economic conditions or for temporary defensive
purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its total assets in
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or
its instrumentalities or agencies, certificates of deposit,
bankers acceptances and other bank obligations, commercial
paper rated in the highest category by a NRSRO or other fixed
income securities deemed by Calamos to be consistent with a
defensive posture, or may hold cash. The yield on such
securities may be lower than the yield on lower rated fixed
income securities. During such periods, the Fund may not be able
to achieve its investment objective.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into
repurchase agreements with broker-dealers, member banks of the
Federal Reserve System and other financial institutions.
Repurchase agreements are arrangements under which the Fund
purchases securities and the seller agrees to repurchase the
securities within a specific time and at a specific price. The
repurchase price is generally higher than the Funds
purchase price, with the difference being income to the Fund.
The counterpartys obligations under the repurchase
agreement are
23
collateralized with U.S. Treasury
and/or
agency obligations with a market value of not less than 100% of
the obligations, valued daily. Collateral is held by the
Funds custodian in a segregated, safekeeping account for
the benefit of the Fund. Repurchase agreements afford the Fund
an opportunity to earn income on temporarily available cash at
low risk. In the event of commencement of bankruptcy or
insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the
security before repurchase of the security under a repurchase
agreement, the Fund may encounter delay and incur costs before
being able to sell the security. Such a delay may involve loss
of interest or a decline in price of the security. If a court
characterizes a repurchase transaction as a loan and the Fund
has not perfected a security interest in the security, the Fund
may be required to return the security to the sellers
estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As
an unsecured creditor, the Fund would be at risk of losing some
or all of the principal and interest involved in the transaction.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may
lend portfolio securities to registered broker-dealers or other
institutional investors deemed by Calamos to be of good standing
under agreements which require that the loans be secured
continuously by collateral in cash, cash equivalents or
U.S. Treasury bills maintained on a current basis at an
amount at least equal to the market value of the securities
loaned. The Fund continues to receive the equivalent of the
interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities
loaned as well as the benefit of an increase and the detriment
of any decrease in the market value of the securities loaned and
would also receive compensation based on investment of the
collateral. The Fund would not, however, have the right to vote
any securities having voting rights during the existence of the
loan, but could call the loan in anticipation of an important
vote to be taken among holders of the securities or of the
giving or withholding of consent on a material matter affecting
the investment.
As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in
recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral should the
borrower of the securities fail financially. At no time would
the value of the securities loaned exceed
331/3%
of the value of the Funds total assets.
Portfolio Turnover. Although the Fund does not
purchase securities with a view to rapid turnover, there are no
limitations on the length of time that portfolio securities must
be held. Portfolio turnover can occur for a number of reasons,
including calls for redemption, general conditions in the
securities markets, more favorable investment opportunities in
other securities, or other factors relating to the desirability
of holding or changing a portfolio investment. The portfolio
turnover rates may vary greatly from year to year. A high rate
of portfolio turnover in the Fund would result in increased
transaction expense, which must be borne by the Fund. High
portfolio turnover may also result in the realization of capital
gains or losses and, to the extent net short-term capital gains
are realized, any distributions resulting from such gains will
be considered ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.
Conflicts
of Interest
Conflicts of interest may arise from the fact that Calamos and
its affiliates carry on substantial investment activities for
other clients, in which we have no interest, some of which may
have similar investment strategies as us. Calamos or its
affiliates may have financial incentives to favor certain of
such accounts over us. Any of their proprietary accounts and
other customer accounts may compete with us for specific trades.
Calamos or its affiliates may give advice and recommend
securities to, or buy or sell securities for, us which advice or
securities may differ from advice given to, or securities
recommended or bought or sold for, other accounts and customers,
even though their investment objectives may be the same as, or
similar to, our objectives. When two or more clients advised by
Calamos or its affiliates seek to purchase or sell the same
publicly traded securities, the securities actually purchased or
sold will be allocated among the clients on a good faith
equitable basis by Calamos in its discretion and in accordance
with the clients various investment objectives and
Calamos procedures. In some cases, this system may
adversely affect the price or size of the position we may obtain
or sell. In other cases, our ability to participate in volume
transactions may produce better execution for us.
Calamos will evaluate a variety of factors in determining
whether a particular investment opportunity or strategy is
appropriate and feasible for the relevant account at a
particular time, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) the nature of the investment opportunity taken in the
context of the other investments at the
24
time; (2) the liquidity of the investment relative to the
needs of the particular entity or account; (3) the
availability of the opportunity (i.e., size of obtainable
position); (4) the transaction costs involved; and
(5) the investment or regulatory limitations applicable to
the particular entity or account. Because these considerations
may differ when applied to us and relevant accounts under
management in the context of any particular investment
opportunity, our investment activities, on the one hand, and
other managed accounts, on the other hand, may differ
considerably from time to time. In addition, our fees and
expenses will differ from those of the other managed accounts.
Accordingly, investors should be aware that our future
performance and future performance of other accounts of Calamos
may vary.
Situations may occur when we could be disadvantaged because of
the investment activities conducted by Calamos and its
affiliates for its other funds or accounts. Such situations may
be based on, among other things, the following: (1) legal
or internal restrictions on the combined size of positions that
may be taken for us or the other accounts, thereby limiting the
size of our position; (2) the difficulty of liquidating an
investment for us or the other accounts where the market cannot
absorb the sale of the combined position; or (3) limits on
co-investing in negotiated transactions under the 1940 Act, as
discussed further below.
Calamos and its principals, officers, employees, and affiliates
may buy and sell securities or other investments for their own
accounts and may have actual or potential conflicts of interest
with respect to investments made on our behalf. As a result of
differing trading and investment strategies or constraints,
positions may be taken by principals, officers, employees, and
affiliates of Calamos that are the same as, different from, or
made at a different time than positions taken for us.
LEVERAGE
The Fund may issue preferred shares or debt securities or borrow
to increase its assets available for investment. The Fund has
Preferred Shares outstanding with an aggregate liquidation
preference representing approximately 27.39% of the Funds
total assets as of December 31, 2007. As a non-fundamental
policy, the aggregate liquidation of preferred shares and the
aggregate principal amount of debt securities or borrowings may
not exceed 38% of the Funds total assets. However, the
Board of Trustees reserves the right to issue preferred shares
or debt securities or borrow to the extent permitted by the 1940
Act. The Fund generally will not issue preferred shares or debt
securities or borrow unless Calamos expects that the Fund will
achieve a greater return on such leverage than the additional
costs the Fund incurs as a result of such leverage. The Fund
also may borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary
or emergency purposes, including the payment of dividends and
the settlement of securities transactions, which otherwise might
require untimely dispositions of the Funds holdings. When
the Fund leverages its assets, the fees paid to Calamos for
investment management services will be higher than if the Fund
did not leverage because Calamos fees are calculated based
on the Funds managed assets, which include the proceeds of
the issuance of preferred shares or debt securities or any
outstanding borrowings. Consequently, the Fund and Calamos may
have differing interests in determining whether to leverage the
Funds assets. The Funds Board of Trustees monitors
any potential conflicts of interest on an ongoing basis.
The Funds use of leverage is premised upon the expectation
that the Funds leverage costs will be lower than the
return the Fund achieves on its investments with the leverage
proceeds. Such difference in return may result from the
Funds higher credit rating or the short-term nature of its
borrowing compared to the long-term nature of its investments.
Because Calamos seeks to invest the Funds total assets
(including the assets obtained from leverage) in the higher
yielding portfolio investments or portfolio investments with the
potential for capital appreciation, the holders of common shares
will be the beneficiaries of any incremental return. Should the
differential between the underlying assets and cost of leverage
narrow, the incremental return pick up will be
reduced. Furthermore, if long-term interest rates rise without a
corresponding increase in the yield on the Funds portfolio
investments or the Fund otherwise incurs losses on its
investments, the Funds net asset value attributable to its
common shares will reflect the decline in the value of portfolio
holdings resulting therefrom.
25
Leverage creates risks which may adversely affect the return for
the holders of common shares, including:
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the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and
market price of common shares;
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fluctuations in the dividend rates on any preferred shares or in
interest rates on borrowings and short-term debt;
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increased operating costs, which are effectively borne by common
shareholders, may reduce the Funds total return; and
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the potential for a decline in the value of an investment
acquired with borrowed funds, while the Funds obligations
under such borrowing remains fixed.
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Leverage is a speculative technique that could adversely affect
the returns to common shareholders. Leverage can cause the Fund
to lose money and can magnify the effect of any losses. To the
extent the income or capital appreciation derived from
securities purchased with funds received from leverage exceeds
the cost of leverage, the Funds return will be greater
than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income or
capital appreciation from the securities purchased with such
funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage or if the
Fund incurs capital losses, the return of the Fund will be less
than if leverage had not been used, and therefore the amount
available for distribution to common shareholders as dividends
and other distributions will be reduced or potentially
eliminated (or will consist of return of capital).
Calamos may determine to maintain the Funds leveraged
position if it expects that the long-term benefits to the
Funds common shareholders of maintaining the leveraged
position will outweigh the current reduced return. Capital
raised through the issuance of preferred shares or debt
securities or borrowing will be subject to dividend payments or
interest costs that may or may not exceed the income and
appreciation on the assets purchased. The issuance of additional
classes of preferred shares involves offering expenses and other
costs and may limit the Funds freedom to pay dividends on
common shares or to engage in other activities. The Fund also
may be required to maintain minimum average balances in
connection with borrowings or to pay a commitment or other fee
to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would
increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.
The Fund will pay (and common shareholders will bear) any costs
and expenses relating to any borrowings and to the issuance and
ongoing maintenance of preferred shares or debt securities (for
example, distribution-related expenses such as a participation
fee paid at an annual rate of 0.25% of preferred share
liquidation preference to broker-dealers successfully
participating in Preferred Share auctions, the higher management
fee resulting from the use of any such leverage, and interest
and/or
dividend expense and ongoing maintenance). Net asset value will
be reduced immediately following any additional offering of
preferred shares or debt securities by the costs of that
offering paid by the Fund.
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to issue preferred
shares unless immediately after such issuance the Fund has an
asset coverage of at least 200% of the liquidation value of the
aggregate amount of outstanding preferred shares (i.e., such
liquidation value may not exceed 50% of the value of the
Funds total assets). Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may only
issue one class of senior securities representing equity. So
long as preferred shares are outstanding, additional senior
equity securities must rank on a parity with the preferred
shares. In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any
cash dividend or other distribution on its common shares unless,
at the time of such declaration, the net asset value of the
Funds portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of
such dividend or distribution) is at least 200% of such
liquidation value. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted
to incur indebtedness unless immediately after such borrowing
the Fund has an asset coverage of at least 300% of the aggregate
outstanding principal balance of indebtedness (i.e., such
indebtedness may not exceed
331/3%
of the value of the Funds total assets). Under the 1940
Act, the Fund may only issue one class of senior securities
representing indebtedness. Additionally, under the 1940 Act, the
Fund may not declare any dividend or other distribution upon any
class of its shares, or purchase any such shares, unless the
aggregate indebtedness of the Fund has, at the time of the
declaration of any such dividend or distribution or at the time
of any such purchase, an asset coverage of at least 300% after
deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution, or purchase
price, as the case may be.
26
The Fund is subject to certain restrictions on investments
imposed by guidelines of Standard & Poors and
Fitch, which have issued ratings for the Preferred Shares and
may do so for any debt securities or preferred shares issued by
the Fund in the future. These guidelines impose asset coverage
and portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent
than those imposed by the 1940 Act. Certain types of borrowings
may result in the Fund being subject to covenants in credit
agreements, including those relating to asset coverage,
borrowing base and portfolio composition requirements and
additional covenants that may affect the Funds ability to
pay dividends and distributions on common shares in certain
instances. The Fund also may be required to pledge its assets to
the lenders in connection with certain types of borrowings.
Calamos does not anticipate that these covenants or restrictions
will adversely affect its ability to manage the Funds
portfolio in accordance with the Funds investment
objective and policies. Due to these covenants or restrictions,
the Fund may be forced to liquidate investments at times and at
prices that are not favorable to the Fund, or the Fund may be
forced to forgo investments that Calamos otherwise views as
favorable.
The extent to which the Fund employs leverage will depend on
many factors, the most important of which are investment
outlook, market conditions and interest rates. Successful use of
a leveraging strategy depends on Calamos ability to
predict correctly interest rates and market movements. There is
no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful
during any period in which it is employed.
Effects
of Leverage
On January 6, 2006, the Fund issued Preferred Shares with
an aggregate liquidation preference of $59,000,000. The
aggregate liquidation preference of Preferred Shares represented
approximately 27.39% of the Funds total assets
as of December 31, 2007. Asset coverage with respect to the
Preferred Shares was 365.14% as of that date. The dividend rate
payable by the Fund on the Preferred Shares varies based on
auctions normally held every 7 or 28 days. As of
December 31, 2007, a dividend rate of 6.00% per year was in
effect for Series T Preferred Shares.
The following table illustrates the hypothetical effect on the
return to a holder of the Funds common shares of the
leverage obtained by issuing preferred shares with a liquidation
value equal to 33% of the Funds total assets, assuming
hypothetical annual returns of the Funds portfolio of
minus 10% to plus 10% and dividends on preferred shares at an
annual dividend rate of 6.00%. The purpose of the table is to
assist you in understanding the effects of leverage. As the
table shows, leverage generally increases the return to
shareholders when portfolio return is positive and greater than
the cost of leverage and decreases the return when the portfolio
return is negative or less than the cost of leverage. The
figures appearing in the table are hypothetical and actual
returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table.
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Assumed Portfolio Return (Net of Expenses)
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(10
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)%
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(5
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)%
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0
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%
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5
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%
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10
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%
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Corresponding Common Share Return
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(18.00
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)%
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(10.50
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)%
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(3.00
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)%
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4.50
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%
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12.00
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%
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For further information about leveraging, see Risk
Factors Additional Risks to Common
Shareholders Leverage.
INTEREST
RATE TRANSACTIONS
In order to reduce the interest rate risk inherent in the
Funds underlying investments and capital structure, the
Fund, if market conditions are deemed favorable, may enter into
interest rate swap or cap transactions to attempt to protect
itself from increasing dividend or interest expenses on its
leverage and to hedge portfolio securities from interest rate
changes. Interest rate swaps involve the Funds agreement
with the swap counterparty to pay a fixed rate payment in
exchange for the counterparty agreeing to pay the Fund a payment
at a variable rate that is expected to approximate the rate of
any variable rate payment obligation on the Funds
leverage. The payment obligations would be based on the notional
amount of the swap.
The Fund may use an interest rate cap, which would require it to
pay a premium to the counterparty and would entitle it, to the
extent that a specified variable rate index exceeds a
predetermined fixed rate, to receive from the counterparty
payment of the difference based on the notional amount of such
cap. The Fund would
27
use interest rate swaps or caps only with the intent to reduce
or eliminate the risk that an increase in short-term interest
rates could have on common share net earnings as a result of
leverage.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps or caps on a net basis;
that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash
settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the
instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Fund intends to
segregate with its custodian cash or liquid securities having a
value at least equal to the Funds net payment obligations
under any swap transaction, marked-to-market daily.
The use of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized
activity that involves investment techniques and risks different
from those associated with ordinary portfolio security
transactions. Depending on the state of interest rates in
general, the Funds use of interest rate swaps or caps
could enhance or harm the overall performance of the Funds
common shares. To the extent that there is a decline in interest
rates for maturities equal to the remaining maturity on the
Funds fixed rate payment obligation under the interest
rate swap or equal to the remaining term of the interest rate
cap, the value of the swap or cap (which initially has a value
of zero) could decline, and could result in a decline in the net
asset value of the common shares. If, on the other hand, such
rates were to increase, the value of the swap or cap could
increase, and thereby increase the net asset value of the common
shares. As interest rate swaps or caps approach their maturity,
their positive or negative value due to interest rate changes
will approach zero.
In addition, if the short-term interest rates effectively
received by the Fund during the term of an interest rate swap
are lower than the Funds fixed rate of payment on the
swap, the swap will increase the Funds operating expenses
and reduce common share net earnings. For example, if the Fund
were to (A) issue Preferred Shares representing 33% of the
Funds total assets and (B) enter into one or more
interest rate swaps in a notional amount equal to 75% of its
outstanding Preferred Shares under which the Fund would receive
a short-term swap rate of 5.01% and pay a fixed swap rate of
5.35% over the term of the swap, the swap would effectively
increase Fund expenses and reduce Fund common share net earnings
by approximately 0.13% as a percentage of net assets
attributable to common shares and approximately 0.08% as a
percentage of managed assets. If, on the other hand, the
short-term interest rates effectively received by the Fund are
higher than the Funds fixed rate of payment on the
interest rate swap, the swap would enhance common share net
earnings. In either case, the swap would have the effect of
reducing fluctuations in the Funds cost of leverage due to
changes in short-term interest rates during the term of the
swap. The example above is purely for illustrative purposes and
is not predictive of the actual percentage of the Funds
leverage that will be hedged by a swap, the actual fixed rates
that the Fund will pay under the swap (which will depend on
market interest rates for the applicable maturities at the time
the Fund enters into swaps) or the actual short-term rates that
the Fund will receive on any swaps (which fluctuate frequently
during the term of the swap, and may change significantly from
initial levels), or the actual impact such swaps will have on
the Funds expenses and common share net earnings.
Buying interest rate caps could enhance the performance of the
Funds common shares by providing a maximum leverage
expense. Buying interest rate caps could also increase the
operating expenses of the Fund and decrease the net earnings of
the common shares in the event that the premium paid by the Fund
to the counterparty exceeds the additional amount the Fund would
have been required to pay on its preferred shares due to
increases in short-term interest rates during the term of the
cap had it not entered into the cap agreement. The Fund has no
current intention of selling an interest rate swap or cap. The
Fund will monitor any interest rate swaps or caps with a view to
ensuring that it remains in compliance with the federal income
tax requirements for qualification as a regulated investment
company.
Interest rate swaps and caps do not involve the delivery of
securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly,
the risk of loss with respect to interest rate swaps and caps is
limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is
contractually obligated to make. If the counterparty defaults,
the Fund would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts
under the swap or cap to offset the dividend or interest
payments on the Funds leverage. Depending on whether the
Fund would be entitled to receive net payments from the
counterparty on the swap or cap, which in turn would depend on
the general state of short-term
28
interest rates at that point in time, such a default could
negatively impact the performance of the common shares.
The Fund will not enter into an interest rate swap or cap
transaction with any counterparty that Calamos believes does not
have the financial resources to honor its obligation under the
interest rate swap or cap transaction. Further, Calamos will
continually monitor the financial stability of a counterparty to
an interest rate swap or cap transaction in an effort to
proactively protect the Funds investments.
In addition, at the time the interest rate swap or cap
transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a
risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement
transaction or that the terms of the replacement will not be as
favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it
could have a negative impact on the performance of the
Funds common shares.
The Fund may choose or be required to redeem some or all
preferred shares or prepay any borrowings. This redemption or
prepayment would likely result in the Fund seeking to terminate
early all or a portion of any swap or cap transaction. Such
early termination of a swap could result in a termination
payment by or to the Fund. An early termination of a cap could
result in a termination payment to the Fund.
29
RISK
FACTORS
Investing in any of our securities involves risk, including
the risk that you may receive little or no return on your
investment or even that you may lose part or all of your
investment. Therefore, before investing in any of our securities
you should consider carefully the following risks, as well as
any risk factors included in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
Fund Risks
General. The Fund is a diversified, closed-end
management investment company designed primarily as a long-term
investment and not as a trading tool. The Fund invests primarily
in a diversified portfolio of common and preferred stocks,
convertible securities and income-producing securities such as
investment grade and below investment grade debt securities. An
investment in the Funds common shares may be speculative
and it involves a high degree of risk. The Fund should not
constitute a complete investment program. Due to the uncertainty
in all investments, there can be no assurance that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective.
Equity Securities Risk. Equity investments are
subject to greater fluctuations in market value than other asset
classes as a result of such factors as the issuers
business performance, investor perceptions, stock market trends
and general economic conditions. Equity securities are
subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a
companys capital structure in terms of priority to
corporate income and liquidation payments. The Fund may invest
in preferred stocks and convertible securities of any rating,
including below investment grade.
High Yield Securities Risk. The Fund may
invest in high yield securities of any rating. Investment in
high yield securities involves substantial risk of loss. Below
investment grade non-convertible debt securities or comparable
unrated securities are commonly referred to as junk
bonds and are considered predominantly speculative with
respect to the issuers ability to pay interest and
principal and are susceptible to default or decline in market
value due to adverse economic and business developments. The
market values for high yield securities tend to be very
volatile, and these securities are less liquid than investment
grade debt securities. For these reasons, your investment in the
Fund is subject to the following specific risks:
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increased price sensitivity to changing interest rates and to a
deteriorating economic environment;
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greater risk of loss due to default or declining credit quality;
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adverse company specific events are more likely to render the
issuer unable to make interest
and/or
principal payments; and
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if a negative perception of the high yield market develops, the
price and liquidity of high yield securities may be depressed.
This negative perception could last for a significant period of
time.
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Securities rated below investment grade are speculative with
respect to the capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
accordance with the terms of such securities. A rating of C from
Moodys means that the issue so rated can be regarded as
having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing. Standard & Poors assigns a
rating of C to issues that are currently highly vulnerable to
nonpayment, and the C rating may be used to cover a situation in
which a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action
taken, but payments on the obligation are being continued (a C
rating is also assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on
dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently
paying). See the statement of additional information for a
description of Moodys and Standard & Poors
ratings.
Adverse changes in economic conditions are more likely to lead
to a weakened capacity of a high yield issuer to make principal
payments and interest payments than an investment grade issuer.
The principal amount of high yield securities outstanding has
proliferated in the past decade as an increasing number of
issuers have used high yield securities for corporate financing.
An economic downturn could severely affect the ability of highly
leveraged issuers to service their debt obligations or to repay
their obligations upon maturity. Similarly, downturns in
profitability in specific industries could adversely affect the
ability of high yield issuers in those industries to meet their
obligations. The market values of lower quality debt securities
tend to reflect individual developments of the issuer to a
greater extent than do higher quality securities, which
30
react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest
rates. Factors having an adverse impact on the market value of
lower quality securities may have an adverse effect on the
Funds net asset value and the market value of its common
shares. In addition, the Fund may incur additional expenses to
the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in
payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings. In
certain circumstances, the Fund may be required to foreclose on
an issuers assets and take possession of its property or
operations. In such circumstances, the Fund would incur
additional costs in disposing of such assets and potential
liabilities from operating any business acquired.
The secondary market for high yield securities may not be as
liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities,
a factor that may have an adverse effect on the Funds
ability to dispose of a particular security. There are fewer
dealers in the market for high yield securities than for
investment grade obligations. The prices quoted by different
dealers may vary significantly and the spread between the bid
and asked price is generally much larger than for higher quality
instruments. Under adverse market or economic conditions, the
secondary market for high yield securities could contract
further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the
condition of a particular issuer, and these instruments may
become illiquid. As a result, the Fund could find it more
difficult to sell these securities or may be able to sell the
securities only at prices lower than if such securities were
widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated
or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less
than the prices used in calculating the Funds net asset
value.
Since investors generally perceive that there are greater risks
associated with lower quality debt securities of the type in
which the Fund may invest a portion of its assets, the yields
and prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate more than
those for higher rated securities. In the lower quality segments
of the debt securities market, changes in perceptions of
issuers creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and
in a more pronounced manner than do changes in higher quality
segments of the debt securities market, resulting in greater
yield and price volatility.
If the Fund invests in high yield securities that are rated C or
below, the Fund will incur significant risk in addition to the
risks associated with investments in high yield securities and
corporate loans. Distressed securities frequently do not produce
income while they are outstanding. The Fund may purchase
distressed securities that are in default or the issuers of
which are in bankruptcy. The Fund may be required to bear
certain extraordinary expenses in order to protect and recover
its investment. The Fund also will be subject to significant
uncertainty as to when and in what manner and for what value the
obligations evidenced by the distressed securities will
eventually be satisfied.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in
non-U.S. issuers
may involve unique risks compared to investing in securities of
U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced to the extent
that the Fund invests a significant portion of its
non-U.S. investments
in one region or in the securities of emerging market issuers.
These risks may include:
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less information about
non-U.S. issuers
or markets may be available due to less rigorous disclosure or
accounting standards or regulatory practices;
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many
non-U.S. markets
are smaller, less liquid and more volatile. In a changing
market, Calamos may not be able to sell the Funds
portfolio securities at times, in amounts and at prices it
considers reasonable;
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the economies of
non-U.S. countries
may grow at slower rates than expected or may experience a
downturn or recession;
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economic, political and social developments may adversely affect
the securities markets, including expropriation and
nationalization;
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the difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a court judgment in
non-U.S. countries;
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restrictions on foreign investments in
non-U.S. jurisdictions;
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difficulties in effecting the repatriation of capital invested
in
non-U.S. countries;
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withholding and other
non-U.S. taxes
may decrease the Funds return; and
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dividend income the Fund receives from foreign securities may
not be eligible for the special tax treatment applicable to
qualified dividend income.
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There may be less publicly available information about
non-U.S. markets
and issuers than is available with respect to
U.S. securities and issuers.
Non-U.S. companies
generally are not subject to accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to
those applicable to U.S. companies. The trading markets for
most
non-U.S. securities
are generally less liquid and subject to greater price
volatility than the markets for comparable securities in the
United States. The markets for securities in certain emerging
markets are in the earliest stages of their development. Even
the markets for relatively widely traded securities in certain
non-U.S. markets,
including emerging market countries, may not be able to absorb,
without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading
volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by
institutional investors in the United States.
Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are
generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute
to increased volatility and reduced liquidity.
Economies and social and political conditions in individual
countries may differ unfavorably from the United States.
Non-U.S. economies
may have less favorable rates of growth of gross domestic
product, rates of inflation, currency valuation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments
positions. Many countries have experienced substantial, and in
some cases extremely high, rates of inflation for many years.
Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had,
and may continue to have, very negative effects on the economies
and securities markets of certain emerging market countries.
Unanticipated political or social developments may also affect
the values of the Funds investments and the availability
to the Fund of additional investments in such countries.
Based upon the Funds test for determining whether an
issuer is a foreign issuer as described above, it is
possible that an issuer of securities in which the Fund invests
could be organized under the laws of a foreign country, yet
still conduct a substantial portion of its business in the
U.S. or have substantial assets in the U.S. In this
case, such a foreign issuer may be subject to the
market conditions in the U.S. to a greater extent than it
may be subject to the market conditions in the country of its
organization.
Currency Risk. The value of the securities
denominated or quoted in foreign currencies may be adversely
affected by fluctuations in the relative currency exchange rates
and by exchange control regulations. The Funds investment
performance may be negatively affected by a devaluation of a
currency in which the Funds investments are denominated or
quoted. Further, the Funds investment performance may be
significantly affected, either positively or negatively, by
currency exchange rates because the U.S. dollar value of
securities denominated or quoted in another currency will
increase or decrease in response to changes in the value of such
currency in relation to the U.S. dollar.
Interest Rate Risk. Fixed income securities,
including high yield securities, are subject to certain common
risks, including the following:
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if interest rates go up, the value of debt securities in the
Funds portfolio generally will decline;
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during periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a
security may exercise its option to prepay principal earlier
than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding
securities. This is known as call or prepayment risk. Debt
securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer
to repurchase the security prior to its stated maturity. An
issuer may redeem an obligation if the issuer can refinance the
debt at a lower cost due to declining interest rates or an
improvement in the credit standing of the issuer;
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during periods of rising interest rates, the average life of
certain types of securities may be extended because of slower
than expected principal payments. This may lock in a below
market interest rate, increase the securitys duration (the
estimated period until the security is paid in full) and reduce
the value of the security. This is known as extension risk;
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rising interest rates could result in an increase in the cost of
the Funds leverage and could adversely affect the ability
of the Fund to meet asset coverage requirements with respect to
leverage; and
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market interest rates currently are at historically low levels.
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Default Risk. Default risk refers to the risk
that a company that issues a debt security will be unable to
fulfill its obligations to repay principal and interest. The
lower a debt security is rated, the greater its default risk.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund may invest up to 15%
of its managed assets in securities that, at the time of
investment, are illiquid (determined using the Commissions
standard applicable to investment companies,
i.e., securities that can not be disposed of within
7 days in the ordinary course of business at approximately
the value at which the Fund has valued the securities). The Fund
may also invest without limit in Rule 144A Securities.
Calamos, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, will
determine whether securities purchased under Rule 144A are
illiquid (that is, not readily marketable) and thus subject to
the Funds limit on investing no more than 15% of its
managed assets in illiquid securities. Investments in
Rule 144A Securities could have the effect of increasing
the amount of the Funds assets invested in illiquid
securities if qualified institutional buyers are unwilling to
purchase these Rule 144A Securities. Illiquid securities
may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price at the times when
the Fund believes it is desirable to do so. Investment of the
Funds assets in illiquid securities may restrict the
Funds ability to take advantage of market opportunities.
The market price of illiquid securities generally is more
volatile than that of more liquid securities, which may
adversely affect the price that the Fund pays for or recovers
upon the sale of illiquid securities. Illiquid securities are
also more difficult to value and Calamos judgment may play
a greater role in the valuation process. The risks associated
with illiquid securities may be particularly acute in situations
in which the Funds operations require cash and could
result in the Fund borrowing to meet its short-term needs or
incurring losses on the sale of illiquid securities.
Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a
convertible security is influenced by both the yield of
non-convertible securities of comparable issuers and by the
value of the underlying common stocks. The value of a
convertible security viewed without regard to its conversion
feature (i.e., strictly on the basis of its yield) is sometimes
referred to as its investment value. A convertible
securitys investment value tends to decline as prevailing
interest rate levels increase. Conversely, a convertible
securitys investment value increases as prevailing
interest rate levels decline.
However, a convertible securitys market value will also be
influenced by its conversion price, which is the
market value of the underlying common stock that would be
obtained if the convertible security were converted. A
convertible securitys conversion price tends to increase
as the price of the underlying common stock increases, and
decrease as the price of the underlying common stock decreases.
As the market price of the underlying common stock declines such
that the conversion price is substantially below the investment
value of the convertible security, the price of the convertible
security tends to be influenced more by the yield of the
convertible security. Thus, the convertible security may not
decline in price to the same extent as the underlying common
stock. If the market price of the underlying common stock
increases to a point where the conversion value approximates or
exceeds the investment value, the price of the convertible
security tends to be influenced more by the market price of the
underlying common stock. In the event of a liquidation of the
issuing company, holders of convertible securities would be paid
before the companys common stockholders. Consequently, an
issuers convertible securities generally entail less risk
than its common stock.
Synthetic Convertible Securities Risk. The
value of a synthetic convertible security may respond
differently to market fluctuations than a convertible security
because a synthetic convertible security is composed of two or
more separate securities, each with its own market value. In
addition, if the value of the underlying common stock or the
level of the index involved in the convertible component falls
below the exercise price of the warrant or option, the warrant
or option may lose all value.
Risks Associated with Options. There are
several risks associated with transactions in options. For
example, there are significant differences between the
securities markets and options markets that could result in an
imperfect correlation among these markets, causing a given
transaction not to achieve its objectives. A
33
decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the
exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived
transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market
behavior or unexpected events. The ability of the Fund to
utilize options successfully will depend on Calamos
ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be
assured.
The Funds ability to close out its position as a purchaser
or seller of an OCC or exchange listed put or call option is
dependent, in part, upon the liquidity of the option market.
Among the possible reasons for the absence of a liquid option
market are: (i) insufficient trading interest in certain
options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an
exchange; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other
restrictions imposed with respect to particular classes or
series of options or underlying securities, including reaching
daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal
operations of the OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the
facilities of an exchange or OCC to handle current trading
volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to
discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or
series of options), in which event the relevant market for that
option on that exchange would cease to exist, although
outstanding options on that exchange would generally continue to
be exercisable in accordance with their terms. If the Fund were
unable to close out an option that it has purchased on a
security, it would have to exercise the option in order to
realize any profit or the option would expire and become
worthless. If the Fund were unable to close out a covered call
option that it had written on a security, it would not be able
to sell the underlying security until the option expired. As the
writer of a covered call option on a security, the Fund
foregoes, during the options life, the opportunity to
profit from increases in the market value of the security
covering the call option above the sum of the premium and the
exercise price of the call.
The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with
the hours during which the underlying financial instruments are
traded. To the extent that the option markets close before the
markets for the underlying financial instruments, significant
price and rate movements can take place in the underlying
markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing
or guaranty function in an OTC option. As a result, if the
Counterparty (as described above under Principal
Investment Strategies Options in General)
fails to make or take delivery of the security or other
instrument underlying an OTC option it has entered into with the
Fund or fails to make a cash settlement payment due in
accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund will lose any
premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated
benefit of the transaction. Accordingly, Calamos must assess the
creditworthiness of each such Counterparty or any guarantor or
credit enhancement of the Counterpartys credit to
determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC option will
be satisfied. The Fund will engage in OTC option transactions
only with U.S. government securities dealers recognized by
the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as primary
dealers or broker/dealers, domestic or foreign banks or
other financial institutions that have received (or the
guarantors of the obligation of which have received) a
short-term credit rating of
A-1 from
S&P or
P-1 from
Moodys or an equivalent rating from any NRSRO or, in the
case of OTC currency transactions, are determined to be of
equivalent credit quality by Calamos.
The Fund may sell options on individual securities and
securities indices. All calls sold by the Fund must be
covered. Even though the Fund will receive the
option premium to help protect it against loss, a call option
sold by the Fund exposes the Fund during the term of the option
to possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the
market price of the underlying security or instrument and may
require the Fund to hold a security or instrument that it might
otherwise have sold. The Fund may purchase and sell put options
on individual securities and securities indices. In selling put
options, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to buy
the underlying security at a disadvantageous price above the
market price.
Tax Risk. The Fund may invest in certain
securities, such as certain convertible and high yield
securities, for which the federal income tax treatment may not
be clear or may be subject to re-characterization by the IRS. It
could be more difficult for the Fund to comply with certain
federal income tax requirements applicable to regulated
investment companies if the tax characterization of the
Funds investments is uncertain or if the tax treatment of
the income from such investments were successfully challenged by
the IRS. See Certain Federal Income Tax Matters.
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Certain of the Funds investment practices are subject to
special and complex federal income tax provisions that may,
among other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise
limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions,
(ii) convert tax-advantaged, long-term capital gains and
qualified dividend income into higher taxed short-term capital
gain or ordinary income, (iii) convert an ordinary loss or
a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is
more limited), (iv) cause the Fund to recognize income or
gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely
affect the timing as to when a purchase or sale of stock or
securities is deemed to occur, and (vi) adversely alter the
characterization of certain complex financial transactions. The
Fund will monitor its transactions and may make certain tax
elections where applicable in order to mitigate the effect of
these provisions, if possible.
Management Risk. Calamos judgment about
the attractiveness, relative value or potential appreciation of
a particular sector, security or investment strategy may prove
to be incorrect.
Antitakeover Provisions. The Funds
Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws include provisions
that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to
acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of its
Board of Trustees. Such provisions could limit the ability of
shareholders to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing
market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to
obtain control of the Fund. These provisions include staggered
terms of office for the Trustees, advance notice requirements
for shareholder proposals, and super-majority voting
requirements for certain transactions with affiliates,
converting the Fund to an open-end investment company or a
merger, asset sale or similar transaction. Holders of preferred
shares have voting rights in addition to and separate from the
voting rights of common shareholders with respect to certain of
these matters. See Description of Shares
Preferred Shares and Certain Provisions of the
Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws. The holders
of preferred shares, on the one hand, and the holders of the
common shares, on the other, may have interests that conflict in
these situations.
Market Disruption Risk. Certain events have a
disruptive effect on the securities markets, such as terrorist
attacks, war and other geopolitical events, earthquakes, storms
and other disasters. The Fund cannot predict the effects of
similar events in the future on the U.S. economy or any
foreign economy.
Additional
Risks to Common Shareholders
Leverage Risk. The Fund has issued Preferred
Shares and may issue additional preferred shares or borrow money
or issue debt securities. The Funds use of leverage
creates risk. As a non-fundamental policy, such preferred
shares, borrowing or debt securities may not exceed 38% of the
Funds total assets. However, the Board of Trustees
reserves the right to issue preferred shares or borrow to the
extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
Leverage creates risks which may adversely affect the return for
the holders of common shares, including:
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the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and
market price of common shares;
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fluctuations in the dividend rates on any preferred shares or in
interest rates on borrowings and short-term debt;
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increased operating costs, which are effectively borne by common
shareholders, may reduce the Funds total return; and
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the potential for a decline in the value of an investment
acquired with borrowed funds, while the Funds obligations
under such borrowing remain fixed.
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The Funds use of leverage is premised upon the expectation
that the Funds preferred share dividends or borrowing cost
will be lower than the return the Fund achieves on its
investments with the proceeds of the issuance of preferred
shares or debt securities or borrowing. Such difference in
return may result from the Funds higher credit rating or
the short-term nature of its borrowing compared to the long-term
nature of its investments. Because Calamos seeks to invest the
Funds total assets (including the assets obtained from
leverage) in the higher yielding portfolio investments or
portfolio investments with the potential for capital
35
appreciation, the holders of common shares will be the
beneficiaries of the incremental return. Should the differential
between the underlying assets and cost of leverage narrow, the
incremental return pick up will be reduced.
Furthermore, if long-term interest rates rise without a
corresponding increase in the yield on the Funds portfolio
investments or the Fund otherwise incurs losses on its
investments, the Funds net asset value attributable to its
common shares will reflect the decline in the value of portfolio
holdings resulting therefrom.
Leverage is a speculative technique that could adversely affect
the returns to common shareholders. Leverage can cause the Fund
to lose money and can magnify the effect of any losses. To the
extent the income or capital appreciation derived from
securities purchased with funds received from leverage exceeds
the cost of leverage, the Funds return will be greater
than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income or
capital appreciation from the securities purchased with such
funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage or if the
Fund incurs capital losses, the return of the Fund will be less
than if leverage had not been used, and therefore the amount
available for distribution to common shareholders as dividends
and other distributions will be reduced or potentially
eliminated.
The Fund will pay, and common shareholders will effectively
bear, any costs and expenses relating to any borrowings and to
the issuance and ongoing maintenance of preferred shares or debt
securities. Such costs and expenses include the higher
management fee resulting from the use of any such leverage,
offering
and/or
issuance costs, and interest
and/or
dividend expense and ongoing maintenance. The markets for
auction rate securities have continued to face widening spreads,
reduced demand and, more recently, an increased number of failed
auctions. When a failed auction occurs, the dividend rate for
the Funds auction rate preferred shares is set at the
maximum rate as determined by the terms of such securities. In
summary, the maximum rate that goes into effect in the event of
a failed auction is determined by a formula equal to the
applicable percentage of a reference rate, which percentage
ranges from 150% to 275%, depending upon the rating then
assigned to the preferred shares. The reference rate is LIBOR
for dividend periods of less than 365 days, and a
U.S. Treasury average index rate for dividend periods of
more than 365 days. These reference rates, and thus the
maximum rate, can fluctuate over time. The formula for
determining the maximum rate will be described in more detail in
an applicable prospectus supplement if the Fund issues senior
securities pursuant to this registration statement. These
conditions may result in higher leverage costs to common
stockholders.
Certain types of borrowings may result in the Fund being subject
to covenants in credit agreements, including those relating to
asset coverage, borrowing base and portfolio composition
requirements and additional covenants that may affect the
Funds ability to pay dividends and distributions on common
shares in certain instances. The Fund may also be required to
pledge its assets to the lenders in connection with certain
types of borrowings. The Fund is subject to certain restrictions
on investments imposed by guidelines of Standard &
Poors and Fitch, which have issued ratings for the
Preferred Shares and may do so for short-term debt instruments
issued by the Fund. These guidelines may impose asset coverage
or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent
than those imposed by the 1940 Act.
If the Funds ability to make dividends and distributions
on its common shares is limited, such limitation could, under
certain circumstances, impair the ability of the Fund to
maintain its qualification for taxation as a regulated
investment company, which would have adverse tax consequences
for common shareholders. To the extent that the Fund is
required, in connection with maintaining 1940 Act asset coverage
requirements or otherwise, or elects to redeem any preferred
shares or debt securities or prepay any borrowings, the Fund may
need to liquidate investments to fund such redemptions or
prepayments. Liquidation at times of adverse economic conditions
may result in capital loss and reduce returns to common
shareholders.
Because Calamos investment management fee is a percentage
of the Funds managed assets, Calamos fee will be
higher if the Fund is leveraged and Calamos will have an
incentive to be more aggressive and leverage the Fund.
Consequently, the Fund and Calamos may have differing interests
in determining whether to leverage the Funds assets. Any
additional use of leverage by the Fund would require approval by
the Board of Trustees of the Fund. In considering whether to
approve the use of additional leverage, the Board would be
presented with all relevant information necessary to make a
determination whether or not additional leverage would be in the
best interests of the Fund, including information regarding any
potential conflicts of interest.
36
Interest Rate Transactions Risk. The Fund may
enter into an interest rate swap or cap transaction to attempt
to protect itself from increasing dividend or interest expenses
on its leverage resulting from increasing short-term interest
rates. A decline in interest rates may result in a decline in
the value of the swap or cap, which may result in a decline in
the net asset value of the Fund.
Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the
Funds use of interest rate swap or cap transactions could
enhance or harm the overall performance of the common shares. To
the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of
the interest rate swap or cap could decline, and could result in
a decline in the net asset value of the common shares. In
addition, if the counterparty to an interest rate swap or cap
defaults, the Fund would not be able to use the anticipated net
receipts under the swap or cap to offset the dividend or
interest payments on the Funds leverage.
Depending on whether the Fund would be entitled to receive net
payments from the counterparty on the swap or cap, which in turn
would depend on the general state of short-term interest rates
at that point in time, such a default could negatively impact
the performance of the common shares. In addition, at the time
an interest rate swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled
termination date, there is a risk that the Fund would not be
able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of
the replacement would not be as favorable as on the expiring
transaction. If either of these events occurs, it could have a
negative impact on the performance of the common shares.
If the Fund fails to maintain a required 200% asset coverage of
the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares or if
the Fund loses its rating on its preferred shares or fails to
maintain other covenants with respect to the preferred shares,
the Fund may be required to redeem some or all of the preferred
shares. Similarly, the Fund could be required to prepay the
principal amount of any debt securities or other borrowings.
Such redemption or prepayment would likely result in the Fund
seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap or cap
transaction. Early termination of a swap could result in a
termination payment by or to the Fund. Early termination of a
cap could result in a termination payment to the Fund. The Fund
intends to segregate with its custodian cash or liquid
securities having a value at least equal to the Funds net
payment obligations under any swap transaction, marked-to-market
daily.
Market Impact Risk. The sale of our common
shares (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an
adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for our common
shares. An increase in the number of common shares available may
put downward pressure on the market price for our common shares.
These sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell
additional equity securities in the future at a time and price
we deem appropriate.
Dilution Risk. The voting power of current
shareholders will be diluted to the extent that current
shareholders do not purchase shares in any future common share
offerings or do not purchase sufficient shares to maintain their
percentage interest. In addition, if we are unable to invest the
proceeds of such offering as intended, our per share
distribution may decrease and we may not participate in market
advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully
invested as planned.
Market Discount Risk. The Funds common
shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount in
relation to net asset value. Shares of closed-end investment
companies frequently trade at a discount from net asset value,
but in some cases trade above net asset value. The risk of the
common shares trading at a discount is a risk separate from the
risk of a decline in the Funds net asset value as a result
of investment activities. The Funds net asset value may be
reduced immediately following this offering by the offering
costs for common shares, including the sales load, which will be
borne entirely by all common shareholders.
Whether shareholders will realize a gain or loss upon the sale
of the Funds common shares depends upon whether the market
value of the shares at the time of sale is above or below the
price the shareholder paid, taking into account transaction
costs for the shares, and is not directly dependent upon the
Funds net asset value. Because the market value of the
Funds common shares will be determined by factors such as
the relative demand for and supply of the shares in the market,
general market conditions and other factors beyond the control
of the Fund, the Fund cannot predict whether its common shares
will trade at, below or above net asset value, or below or above
the public offering price for the common shares.
37
Additional
Risks to Senior Security Holders
Generally, an investment in preferred shares or debt securities
(collectively, senior securities) is subject to the
following risks:
Interest Rate Risk. Auction rate senior
securities pay dividends or interest based on short-term
interest rates. If short-term interest rates rise, dividends or
interest on the auction rate senior securities may rise so that
the amount of dividends or interest due to holders of auction
rate senior securities would exceed the cash flow generated by
our portfolio securities. This might require us to sell
portfolio securities at a time when we would otherwise not do
so, which may affect adversely our future ability to generate
cash flow. In addition, rising market interest rates could
impact negatively the value of our investment portfolio,
reducing the amount of assets serving as asset coverage for the
senior securities.
Senior Leverage Risk. Preferred shares will be
junior in liquidation and with respect to distribution rights to
debt securities and any other borrowings. Senior securities
representing indebtedness may constitute a substantial lien and
burden on preferred shares by reason of their prior claim
against our income and against our net assets in liquidation. We
may not be permitted to declare dividends or other distributions
with respect to any series of preferred shares unless at such
time we meet applicable asset coverage requirements and the
payment of principal or interest is not in default with respect
to any borrowings.
Ratings and Asset Coverage Risk. To the extent
that senior securities are rated, a rating does not eliminate or
necessarily mitigate the risks of investing in our senior
securities, and a rating may not fully or accurately reflect all
of the credit and market risks associated with a security. A
rating agency could downgrade the rating of our shares of
preferred stock or debt securities, which may make such
securities less liquid at an auction or in the secondary market,
though probably with higher resulting interest rates. If a
rating agency downgrades the rating assigned to a senior
security, we may alter our portfolio or redeem the senior
security. We may voluntarily redeem a senior security under
certain circumstances.
Inflation Risk. Inflation is the reduction in
the purchasing power of money resulting from an increase in the
price of goods and services. Inflation risk is the risk that the
inflation adjusted or real value of an investment in
preferred stock or debt securities or the income from that
investment will be worth less in the future. As inflation
occurs, the real value of the preferred stock or debt securities
and the dividend payable to holders of preferred stock or
interest payable to holders of debt securities declines. In an
inflationary period, however, it is expected that, through the
auction process, dividend or interest rates would increase,
tending to offset this risk.
Auction Risk. To the extent that senior
securities trade through an auction, there are certain risks
associated with participating in an auction and certain risks if
you try to sell senior securities outside of an auction in the
secondary market. The markets for auction rate securities have
continued to face widening spreads, reduced demand and, more
recently, an increased number of failed auctions. A failed
auction results when there are not enough bidders in the auction
at rates below the maximum rate as prescribed by the terms of
the security. When an auction fails, all holders receive the
maximum rate and may be unable to sell their shares until the
next auction, which may be for an indefinite period of time.
Auction risk will be described in an applicable prospectus
supplement if we issue senior securities pursuant to this
registration statement.
Decline in Net Asset Value Risk. A material
decline in our NAV may impair our ability to maintain required
levels of asset coverage for our preferred shares or debt
securities.
MANAGEMENT
OF THE FUND
Trustees
and Officers
The Funds Board of Trustees provides broad supervision
over the affairs of the Fund. The officers of the Fund are
responsible for the Funds operations. There are seven
Trustees of the Fund, one of whom is an
38
interested person of the Fund (as defined in the
1940 Act) and six of whom are not interested
persons. The names and business addresses of the trustees
and officers of the Fund and their principal occupations and
other affiliations during the past five years are set forth
under Management of the Fund in the statement of
additional information.
Investment
Adviser
The Funds investments are managed by Calamos, 2020 Calamos
Court, Naperville, IL. On December 31, 2007 Calamos managed
approximately $46.2 billion in assets of individuals and
institutions. Calamos is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings
and indirect subsidiary of Calamos Asset Management, Inc., a
publicly traded holding company whose shares are listed on the
NASDAQ exchange under the ticker symbol CLMS.
Investment
Management Agreement
Subject to the overall authority of the Board of Trustees,
Calamos regularly provides the Fund with investment research,
advice and supervision and furnishes continuously an investment
program for the Fund. In addition, Calamos furnishes for use of
the Fund such office space and facilities as the Fund may
require for its reasonable needs, supervises the business and
affairs of the Fund and provides the following other services on
behalf of the Fund and not provided by persons not a party to
the investment management agreement: (a) preparing or
assisting in the preparation of reports to and meeting materials
for the Trustees; (b) supervising, negotiating contractual
arrangements with, to the extent appropriate, and monitoring the
performance of, accounting agents, custodians, depositories,
transfer agents and pricing agents, accountants, attorneys,
printers, underwriters, brokers and dealers, insurers and other
persons in any capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable to
Fund operations; (c) assisting in the preparation and
making of filings with the Commission and other regulatory and
self-regulatory organizations, including, but not limited to,
preliminary and definitive proxy materials, amendments to the
Funds registration statement on
Form N-2
and semi-annual reports on
Form N-SAR;
(d) overseeing the tabulation of proxies by the Funds
transfer agent; (e) assisting in the preparation and filing
of the Funds federal, state and local tax returns;
(f) assisting in the preparation and filing of the
Funds federal excise tax return pursuant to
Section 4982 of the Code; (g) providing assistance
with investor and public relations matters; (h) monitoring
the valuation of portfolio securities and the calculation of net
asset value; (i) monitoring the registration of shares of
beneficial interest of the Fund under applicable federal and
state securities laws; (j) maintaining or causing to be
maintained for the Fund all books, records and reports and any
other information required under the 1940 Act, to the extent
that such books, records and reports and other information are
not maintained by the Funds custodian or other agents of
the Fund; (k) assisting in establishing the accounting
policies of the Fund; (l) assisting in the resolution of
accounting issues that may arise with respect to the Funds
operations and consulting with the Funds independent
accountants, legal counsel and the Funds other agents as
necessary in connection therewith; (m) reviewing the
Funds bills; (n) assisting the Fund in determining
the amount of dividends and distributions available to be paid
by the Fund to its shareholders, preparing and arranging for the
printing of dividend notices to shareholders, and providing the
transfer and dividend paying agent, the custodian, and the
accounting agent with such information as is required for such
parties to effect the payment of dividends and distributions;
and (o) otherwise assisting the Fund as it may reasonably
request in the conduct of the Funds business, subject to
the direction and control of the Trustees.
Under the investment management agreement, the Fund pays Calamos
a fee based on the average weekly managed assets that is
computed weekly and paid on a monthly basis. The fee paid by the
Fund is at the annual rate of 1.00% of managed assets. Because
the fees paid to Calamos are determined on the basis of the
Funds managed assets, Calamos interest in
determining whether to leverage the Fund may differ from the
interests of the Fund and its common shareholders.
Under the terms of its investment management agreement, except
for the services and facilities provided by Calamos as set forth
therein, the Fund shall assume and pay all expenses for all
other Fund operations and activities and shall reimburse Calamos
for any such expenses incurred by Calamos. The expenses borne by
the Fund shall include, without limitation:
(a) organization expenses of the Fund (including
out-of-pocket expenses, but not including Calamos overhead
or employee costs); (b) fees payable to Calamos;
(c) legal
39
expenses; (d) auditing and accounting expenses;
(e) maintenance of books and records that are required to
be maintained by the Funds custodian or other agents of
the Fund; (f) telephone, telex, facsimile, postage and
other communications expenses; (g) taxes and governmental
fees; (h) fees, dues and expenses incurred by the Fund in
connection with membership in investment company trade
organizations and the expense of attendance at professional
meetings of such organizations; (i) fees and expenses of
accounting agents, custodians, subcustodians, transfer agents,
dividend disbursing agents and registrars; (j) payment for
portfolio pricing or valuation services to pricing agents,
accountants, bankers and other specialists, if any;
(k) expenses of preparing share certificates;
(l) expenses in connection with the issuance, offering,
distribution, sale, redemption or repurchase of securities
issued by the Fund; (m) expenses relating to investor and
public relations provided by parties other than Calamos;
(n) expenses and fees of registering or qualifying shares
of beneficial interest of the Fund for sale; (o) interest
charges, bond premiums and other insurance expenses;
(p) freight, insurance and other charges in connection with
the shipment of the Funds portfolio securities;
(q) the compensation and all expenses (specifically
including travel expenses relating to Fund business) of
Trustees, officers and employees of the Fund who are not
affiliated persons of Calamos; (r) brokerage commissions or
other costs of acquiring or disposing of any portfolio
securities of the Fund; (s) expenses of printing and
distributing reports, notices and dividends to shareholders;
(t) expenses of preparing and setting in type, printing and
mailing prospectuses and statements of additional information of
the Fund and supplements thereto; (u) costs of stationery;
(v) any litigation expenses; (w) indemnification of
Trustees and officers of the Fund; (x) costs of
shareholders and other meetings; (y) interest on
borrowed money, if any; and (z) the fees and other expenses
of listing the Funds shares on the NYSE or any other
national stock exchange.
Portfolio
Managers
Calamos employs a team approach to portfolio management, with
teams led by the Co-Chief Investment Officers (the
Co-CIOs) and comprised generally of the Co-CIOs,
senior strategy analysts, intermediate analysts and junior
analysts. The Co-CIOs and senior strategy analysts are supported
by and lead a team of investment professionals whose valuable
contributions create a synergy of expertise that can be applied
across many different investment strategies.
Portfolio holdings are reviewed and trading activity is
discussed on a regular basis by team members. Team members
generally may make trading decisions guided by the Funds
investment objective and strategy.
While day-to-day management of each portfolio is a team effort,
the Co-CIOs, along with the Director of Fixed Income and certain
of the senior strategy analysts, have joint primary and
supervisory responsibility for the Fund and work with all team
members in developing and executing each respective
portfolios investment program. The Funds portfolio
investment program includes implementation of distinct
strategies, including a fixed income approach which is lead by
the Director of Fixed Income of Calamos. All team leaders are
further identified below.
John P. Calamos, Sr., Co-CIO of Calamos, generally focuses
on the top-down approach of diversification by industry sector
and macro-level investment themes. Nick P. Calamos, Co-CIO of
Calamos, also focuses on the top-down approach of
diversification by industry sector and macro-level investment
themes and, in addition, focuses on the
bottom-up
approach and corresponding research and analysis. Matthew Toms
is Director of Fixed Income. John P. Calamos, Jr., John
Hillenbrand, Steve Klouda, Jeff Scudieri and Jon Vacko are each
senior strategy analysts.
During the past five years, John P. Calamos, Sr. has been
President and Trustee of the Fund and chairman, CEO and Co-CIO
of Calamos and its predecessor company. Nick P. Calamos has been
Vice President of the Fund and Senior Executive Vice President
and Co-CIO of Calamos and its predecessor company. Matthew Toms
joined Calamos in March 2007 as Director of Fixed Income. John
P. Calamos, Jr., Executive Vice President of Calamos,
joined the firm in 1985 and has held various senior investment
positions since that time. John Hillenbrand joined Calamos in
2002 and has been a senior strategy analyst since August 2002.
Steve Klouda joined Calamos in 1994 and has been a senior
strategy analyst since July 2002. Jeff Scudieri joined Calamos
in 1997 and has been a senior strategy analyst since September
2002. Jon Vacko joined Calamos in 2000 and has been a senior
strategy analyst since July 2002.
40
For over 20 years, the Calamos portfolio management team
has managed money for its clients in convertible, high yield and
global strategies. Furthermore, Calamos has extensive experience
investing in foreign markets through its convertible securities
and high yield securities strategies. Such experience has
included investments in established as well as emerging foreign
markets. The Funds statement of additional information
provides additional information about the team leaders,
including other accounts they manage, their ownership in the
Calamos Family of Funds and their compensation.
Fund Accounting
Under the arrangements with State Street to provide fund
accounting services, State Street provides certain
administrative and accounting services to the Fund and such
other funds advised by Calamos that may be part of those
arrangements (the Fund and such other fund are collectively
referred to as the Calamos Funds) as described more
fully in the statement of additional information. For the
services rendered to the Calamos Funds, State Street receives
fees based on the combined managed assets of the Calamos Funds
(Combined Assets). Each fund of the Calamos Funds
pays its pro-rata share of the fees payable to State Street
described below based on relative managed assets of each fund.
State Street receives a fee at the annual rate of .009% for the
first $5.0 billion of Combined Assets, .0075% for the next
$5.0 billion of Combined Assets, .005% for the next
$5.0 billion of Combined Assets and .0035% for the Combined
Assets in excess of $15.0 billion. Because the fees payable
to State Street are based on the managed assets of the Calamos
Funds, the fees increase as the Calamos Funds increase their
leverage.
In addition, Calamos also provides certain other financial
accounting services to the Calamos Funds described more fully in
the statement of additional information. For providing those
services, Calamos receives a fee at the annual rate of .0175% on
the first $1 billion of the daily average net assets of the
Calamos Funds; .0150% on the next $1 billion of the daily
average net assets of the Calamos Funds; and .0110% on the daily
average net assets of the Calamos Funds above $2 billion
(financial accounting service fee). Each fund of the
Calamos Funds will pay its pro-rata share of the financial
accounting service fee to Calamos based on relative net assets
of each fund.
CLOSED-END
FUND STRUCTURE
The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment
company (commonly referred to as a closed-end fund) which
commenced investment operations in October 2005. Closed-end
funds differ from open-end management investment companies
(which are generally referred to as mutual funds) in that
closed-end funds generally list their shares for trading on a
stock exchange and do not redeem their shares at the request of
the shareholder. This means that if you wish to sell your shares
of a closed-end fund you must trade them on the market like any
other stock at the prevailing market price at that time. In a
mutual fund, if the shareholder wishes to sell shares of the
fund, the mutual fund will redeem or buy back the shares at
net asset value. Also, mutual funds generally offer
new shares on a continuous basis to new investors, and
closed-end funds generally do not. The continuous inflows and
outflows of assets in a mutual fund can make it difficult to
manage the funds investments. By comparison, closed-end
funds are generally able to stay more fully invested in
securities that are consistent with their investment objectives
and also have greater flexibility to make certain types of
investments and to use certain investment strategies, such as
financial leverage and investments in illiquid securities.
Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to
their net asset value. To the extent the common shares do trade
at a discount, the Funds Board of Trustees may from time
to time engage in open-market repurchases or tender offers for
shares after balancing the benefit to shareholders of the
increase in the net asset value per share resulting from such
purchases against the decrease in the assets of the Fund and
potential increase in the expense ratio of expenses to assets of
the Fund. The Board of Trustees believes that in addition to the
beneficial effects described above, any such purchases or tender
offers may result in the temporary narrowing of any discount but
will not have any long-term effect on the level of any discount.
We cannot guarantee or assure, however, that the Funds
Board of Trustees will decide to engage in any of these actions.
Nor is there any guarantee or assurance that such actions, if
undertaken, would result in the shares
41
trading at a price equal or close to net asset value per share.
The Board of Trustees might also consider converting the Fund to
an open-end mutual fund, which would also require a vote of the
shareholders of the Fund. Conversion of the Fund to an open-end
mutual fund would require an amendment to the Funds
Declaration of Trust. Such an amendment would require the
favorable vote of the holders of at least 75% of the Funds
outstanding shares (including any preferred shares) entitled to
be voted on the matter, voting as a single class (or a majority
of such shares if the amendment were previously approved,
adopted or authorized by 75% of the total number of Trustees
fixed in accordance with the By-laws), and, assuming preferred
shares are issued, the affirmative vote of a majority of
outstanding preferred shares, voting as a separate class.
CERTAIN
FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
The following is a general summary of certain federal income tax
considerations affecting us and our security holders. This
discussion does not purport to be complete or to deal with all
aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to
shareholders in light of their particular circumstances or who
are subject to special rules, such as banks, thrift institutions
and certain other financial institutions, REITs, regulated
investment companies, insurance companies, brokers and dealers
in securities or currencies, certain securities traders,
tax-exempt investors, individual retirement accounts, certain
tax-deferred accounts, and foreign investors. Tax matters are
very complicated, and the tax consequences of an investment in
and holding of our securities will depend on the particular
facts of each investors situation. Investors are advised
to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the
application to their own circumstances of the general federal
income taxation rules described below and with respect to other
federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences to them before
making an investment in our securities. Unless otherwise noted,
this discussion assumes that investors are U.S. persons and
hold our securities as capital assets. More detailed information
regarding the federal income tax consequences of investing in
our securities is in the statement of additional information.
Pursuant to U.S. Treasury Department Circular 230, we are
informing you that (1) this discussion is not intended to
be used, was not written to be used, and cannot be used, by any
taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the
U.S. federal tax laws, (2) this discussion was written
by us in connection with the registration of our securities and
our promotion or marketing, and (3) each taxpayer should
seek advice based on his, her or its particular circumstances
from an independent tax advisor.
Federal
Income Taxation of the Fund
The Fund has elected to be treated, and intends to qualify each
year, as a regulated investment company under
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the Code), so that it will not pay
U.S. federal income tax on income and capital gains timely
distributed to shareholders. If the Fund qualifies as a
regulated investment company and distributes to its shareholders
at least 90% of the sum of (i) its investment company
taxable income as that term is defined in the Code (which
includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, the
excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term
capital losses and certain net foreign exchange gains, less
certain deductible expenses) without regard to the deduction for
dividends paid, and (ii) the excess of its gross tax-exempt
interest, if any, over certain disallowed deductions, the Fund
will be relieved of U.S. federal income tax on any income
of the Fund, including long-term capital gains, distributed to
shareholders. However, if the Fund retains any investment
company taxable income or net capital gain (i.e., the excess of
net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), it
will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular
corporate federal income tax rates (currently at a maximum rate
of 35%) on the amount retained. The Fund intends to distribute
at least annually all or substantially all of its investment
company taxable income, net tax-exempt interest, and net capital
gain. Under the Code, the Fund will generally be subject to a
nondeductible 4% federal excise tax on its undistributed
ordinary income and capital gains if it fails to meet certain
distribution requirements with respect to each calendar year.
The Fund intends to make distributions in a timely manner in
amounts necessary to avoid the excise tax and accordingly does
not expect to be subject to this tax.
If, for any taxable year, the Fund does not qualify as a
regulated investment company for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, it would be treated in the same manner as a regular
corporation subject to U.S. federal
42
income tax and distributions to its shareholders would not be
deducted by the Fund in computing its taxable income. In such
event, the Funds distributions, to the extent derived from
the Funds current or accumulated earnings and profits,
would generally constitute ordinary dividends, which would
generally be eligible for the dividends received deduction
available to corporate shareholders, and noncorporate
shareholders would generally be able to treat such distributions
as qualified dividend income eligible for reduced
rates of U.S. federal income taxation in taxable years
beginning on or before December 31, 2010.
Certain of the Funds investment practices are subject to
special and complex federal income tax provisions that may,
among other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise
limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions,
(ii) convert tax-advantaged, long-term capital gains and
qualified dividend income into higher taxed short-term capital
gain or ordinary income, (iii) convert an ordinary loss or
a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is
more limited), (iv) cause the Fund to recognize income or
gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely
affect the timing as to when a purchase or sale of stock or
securities is deemed to occur, and (vi) adversely alter the
characterization of certain complex financial transactions. The
Fund will monitor its transactions and may make certain tax
elections where applicable in order to mitigate the effect of
these provisions, if possible.
Dividends, interest and some capital gains received by the Fund
on foreign securities may be subject to foreign tax withholdings
or other foreign taxes. If it meets certain requirements, the
Fund may make an election under the Code to pass through such
taxes to shareholders of the Fund. If such an election is not
made, any foreign taxes paid or accrued by the Fund will
represent an expense of the Fund. If an election is made,
shareholders will generally be able to claim a credit or
deduction on their federal income tax return for, and will be
required to treat as part of the amounts distributed to them,
their pro rata portion of the income taxes paid by the Fund to
foreign countries (which taxes relate primarily to investment
income).
Federal
Income Taxation of Common and Preferred Shares
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Common Share
Distributions. Unless a shareholder is ineligible
to participate or elects otherwise, all distributions will be
automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock of
the Fund pursuant to the Funds Automatic Dividend
Reinvestment Plan (the Plan). For taxpayers subject
to U.S. federal income tax, all dividends will generally be
taxable regardless of whether a shareholder takes them in cash
or they are reinvested pursuant to the Plan in additional shares
of the Fund. Distributions of the Funds investment company
taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for
dividends paid) will generally be taxable at ordinary federal
income tax rates to the extent of the Funds current and
accumulated earnings and profits. However, a portion of such
distributions derived from certain corporate dividends, if any,
may qualify for either the dividends received deduction
available to corporate shareholders under Section 243 of
the Code or the reduced rates of U.S. federal income
taxation for qualified dividend income currently
available to noncorporate shareholders under
Section 1(h)(11) of the Code, provided certain holding
period and other requirements are met at both the Fund and
shareholder levels. The provisions of the Code applicable to
qualified dividend income are currently effective
for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2010.
Distributions of net capital gain, if any, are generally taxable
as long-term capital gains for U.S. federal income tax
purposes without regard to the length of time a shareholder has
held shares of the Fund. A distribution of an amount in excess
of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits,
if any, will be treated by a shareholder as a tax-free return of
capital, which is applied against and reduces the
shareholders basis in his, her or its shares. To the
extent that the amount of any such distribution exceeds the
shareholders basis in his, her or its shares, the excess
will be treated by the shareholder as gain from the sale or
exchange of shares. The U.S. federal income tax status of
all dividends and distributions will be designated by the Fund
and reported to the shareholders annually.
If the Fund retains any net capital gain, the Fund may designate
the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice
to shareholders who, if subject to U.S. federal income tax
on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include
in income as long-term capital gain their proportionate share of
such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to
credit their proportionate share of the federal income tax paid
by the Fund on the undistributed amount against their
U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim
refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. If
such an event occurs, the tax basis of shares owned
43
by a shareholder of the Fund will, for U.S. federal income
tax purposes, generally be increased by the difference between
the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in the
shareholders gross income and the federal income tax
deemed paid by the shareholders.
If a shareholders distributions are automatically
reinvested pursuant to the Plan and the plan agent invests the
distribution in shares acquired on behalf of the shareholder in
open-market purchases, for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, the shareholder will be treated as having received a
taxable distribution in the amount of the cash dividend that the
shareholder would have received if the shareholder had elected
to receive cash. If a shareholders distributions are
automatically reinvested pursuant to the Plan and the plan agent
invests the distribution in newly issued shares of the Fund, the
shareholder will be treated as receiving a taxable distribution
equal to the fair market value of the stock the shareholder
receives.
Dividends declared by the Fund in October, November or December
with a record date in such month that are paid during the
following January will be treated for federal income tax
purposes as paid by the Fund and received by the shareholders on
December 31 of the calendar year in which they were declared.
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Preferred Share
Distributions. Under present law, we are of the
opinion that our preferred shares will constitute equity, and
thus distributions with respect to preferred shares (other than
distributions in redemption of preferred shares subject to
Section 302(b) of the Code) will generally constitute
dividends to the extent of the Funds current or
accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal
income tax purposes. Except in the case of distributions of net
capital gain, such dividends generally will be taxable to
holders at ordinary federal income tax rates but may qualify for
the dividends received deduction available to corporate
shareholders under Section 243 of the Code or the reduced
rates of U.S. federal income taxation under
Section 1(h)(11) of the Code that apply to qualified
dividend income received by noncorporate shareholders.
Distributions designated by the Fund as net capital gain
distributions will be taxable as long-term capital gain
regardless of the length of time a shareholder has held shares
of the Fund. Please see the discussion above on qualified
dividend income, dividends received deductions and net capital
gain.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) currently
requires that a regulated investment company that has two or
more classes of stock allocate to each such class proportionate
amounts of each type of its income (such as ordinary income and
capital gains). Accordingly, the Fund intends to designate
distributions made with respect to preferred shares as ordinary
income, capital gain distributions, dividends qualifying for the
dividends received deduction, if any, and qualified dividend
income, if any, in proportion to the preferred shares
share of total dividends paid during the year. See Federal
Income Tax Matters in the statement of additional
information.
Earnings and profits are generally treated, for federal income
tax purposes, as first being used to pay distributions on the
preferred shares, and then to the extent remaining, if any, to
pay distributions on the common shares. Distributions in excess
of the Funds earnings and profits, if any, will first
reduce a shareholders adjusted tax basis in his or her
preferred shares and, after the adjusted tax basis is reduced to
zero, will constitute capital gains to a shareholder who holds
such shares as a capital asset.
Dividends declared by the Fund in October, November or December
with a record date in such month that are paid during the
following January will be treated for federal income tax
purposes as paid by the Fund and received by the shareholders on
December 31 of the calendar year in which they were declared.
Sale of Shares. Sales and other dispositions
of the Funds shares generally are taxable events for
shareholders that are subject to U.S. federal income tax.
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors with
reference to their individual circumstances to determine whether
any particular transaction in the Funds shares is properly
treated as a sale or exchange for federal income tax purposes,
as the following discussion assumes, and the tax treatment of
any gains or losses recognized in such transactions. Gain or
loss will generally be equal to the difference between the
amount of cash and the fair market value of other property
received and the shareholders adjusted tax basis in the
shares sold or exchanged. Such gain or loss will generally be
characterized as capital gain or loss and will be long-term or
short-term depending on the shareholders holding period in
the shares disposed. However, any loss realized by a shareholder
upon the sale
44
or other disposition of shares with a federal income tax holding
period of six months or less will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as
distributions of long-term capital gain with respect to such
shares. The ability to deduct capital losses may be limited. In
addition, losses on sales or other dispositions of shares may be
disallowed under the wash sale rules in the event
that substantially identical stock or securities are acquired
(including those made pursuant to reinvestment of dividends)
within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before
and ending 30 days after a sale or other disposition of
shares. In such a case, the disallowed portion of any loss
generally would be included in the U.S. federal tax basis
of the shares acquired.
Backup Withholding. The Fund is required in
certain circumstances to withhold federal income tax
(backup withholding) at a current rate of 28% on
reportable payments including dividends, capital gain
distributions, and proceeds of sales or other dispositions of
the Funds shares paid to certain holders of the
Funds shares who do not furnish the Fund with their
correct social security number or other taxpayer identification
number and certain other certifications, or who are otherwise
subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an
additional tax. Any amounts withheld from payments made to a
shareholder may be refunded or credited against such
shareholders U.S. federal income tax liability, if
any, provided that the required information is furnished to the
IRS.
Federal
Income Taxation of Debt Securities
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Holders of Debt
Securities. Under present law, we are of the
opinion that the debt securities will constitute indebtedness of
the Fund for federal income tax purposes, which the discussion
below assumes. We intend to treat all payments made with respect
to the debt securities consistent with this characterization.
Taxation of Interest. Payments or accruals of
interest on debt securities generally will be taxable to you as
ordinary interest income at the time such interest is received
(actually or constructively) or accrued, in accordance with your
regular method of accounting for federal income tax purposes.
Purchase, Sale and Redemption of Debt
Securities. Initially, your tax basis in debt
securities acquired generally will be equal to your cost to
acquire such debt securities. This basis will increase by the
amounts, if any, that you include in income under the rules
governing market discount, and will decrease by the amount of
any amortized premium on such debt securities, as discussed
below. When you sell or exchange any of your debt securities, or
if any of your debt securities are redeemed, you generally will
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the
amount you realize on the transaction (less any accrued and
unpaid interest, which will be subject to federal income tax as
interest in the manner described above) and your tax basis in
the debt securities relinquished.
Except as discussed below with respect to market discount, the
gain or loss that you recognize on the sale, exchange or
redemption of any of your debt securities generally will be
capital gain or loss. Such gain or loss will generally be
long-term capital gain or loss if the disposed debt securities
were held for more than one year and will be short-term capital
gain or loss if the disposed debt securities were held for one
year or less. Net long-term capital gain recognized by a
noncorporate U.S. holder generally will be subject to
federal income tax at a lower rate (currently a maximum rate of
15%, although this rate will increase to 20% for taxable years
beginning after December 31, 2010) than net short-term
capital gain or ordinary income (currently a maximum rate of
35%). For corporate holders, capital gain is generally taxed for
federal income tax purposes at the same rate as ordinary income,
that is, currently at a maximum rate of 35%. A holders
ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.
Amortizable Premium. If you purchase debt
securities at a cost greater than their stated principal amount,
plus accrued interest, you will be considered to have purchased
the debt securities at a premium, and you generally may elect to
amortize this premium as an offset to interest income, using a
constant yield method, over the remaining term of the debt
securities. If you make the election to amortize the premium, it
generally will apply to all debt instruments that you hold at
the beginning of the first taxable year to which the election
applies, as well as any debt instruments that you subsequently
acquire. In addition, you may not revoke the election without
the consent of the IRS. If you elect to amortize the premium,
you will be required
45
to reduce your tax basis in the debt securities by the amount of
the premium amortized during your holding period. If you do not
elect to amortize premium, the amount of premium will be
included in your tax basis in the debt securities. Therefore, if
you do not elect to amortize the premium and you hold the debt
securities to maturity, you generally will be required to treat
the premium as a capital loss when the debt securities are
redeemed.
Market Discount. If you purchase debt
securities at a price that reflects a market
discount, any principal payments on, or any gain that you
realize on the disposition of the debt securities generally will
be treated as ordinary interest income to the extent of the
market discount that accrued on the debt securities during the
time you held such debt securities. Market discount
is defined under the Code as, in general, the excess of the
stated redemption price at maturity over the purchase price of
the debt security, except that if the market discount is less
than 0.25% of the stated redemption price at maturity multiplied
by the number of complete years to maturity, the market discount
is considered to be zero. In addition, you may be required to
defer the deduction of all or a portion of any interest paid on
any indebtedness that you incurred or continued to purchase or
carry the debt securities that were acquired at a market
discount. In general, market discount will be treated as
accruing ratably over the term of the debt securities, or, at
your election, under a constant yield method.
You may elect to include market discount in gross income
currently as it accrues (on either a ratable or constant yield
basis), in lieu of treating a portion of any gain realized on a
sale of the debt securities as ordinary income. If you elect to
include market discount on a current basis, the interest
deduction deferral rule described above will not apply and you
will increase your basis in the debt security by the amount of
market discount you include in gross income. If you do make such
an election, it will apply to all market discount debt
instruments that you acquire on or after the first day of the
first taxable year to which the election applies. This election
may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS.
Information Reporting and Backup
Withholding. In general, information reporting
requirements will apply to payments of principal, interest, and
premium, if any, paid on debt securities and to the proceeds of
the sale of debt securities paid to U.S. holders other than
certain exempt recipients (such as certain corporations).
Information reporting generally will apply to payments of
interest on the debt securities to
non-U.S. Holders
(as defined below) and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with
respect to such payments. Copies of the information returns
reporting such interest payments and any withholding may also be
made available to the tax authorities in the country in which
the
non-U.S. Holder
resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.
In addition, for
non-U.S. Holders,
information reporting will apply to the proceeds of the sale of
debt securities within the United States or conducted through
United States-related financial intermediaries unless the
certification requirements described below have been complied
with and the statement described below in Taxation of
Non-U.S. Holders
has been received (and the payor does not have actual knowledge
or reason to know that the holder is a United States person) or
the holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
We may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, a portion of all payments (including redemption
proceeds) payable to holders of debt securities who fail to
provide us with their correct taxpayer identification number,
who fail to make required certifications or who have been
notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding
(or if we have been so notified). Certain corporate and other
shareholders specified in the Code and the regulations
thereunder are exempt from backup withholding. Backup
withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may
be credited against the holders U.S. federal income
tax liability provided the appropriate information is furnished
to the IRS. If you are a
non-U.S. Holder,
you may have to comply with certification procedures to
establish your
non-U.S. status
in order to avoid backup withholding tax requirements. The
certification procedures required to claim the exemption from
withholding tax on interest income described below will satisfy
these requirements.
Taxation of
Non-U.S. Holders. If
you are a non-resident alien individual or a foreign corporation
(a
non-U.S. Holder),
the payment of interest on the debt securities generally will be
considered portfolio interest and thus generally
will be exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax. This
exemption will apply to you provided that (1) interest paid
on the debt securities is not effectively connected with your
conduct of a
46
trade or business in the United States, (2) you are not a
bank whose receipt of interest on the debt securities is
described in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (3) you
do not actually or constructively own 10 percent or more of
the combined voting power of all classes of the Funds
stock entitled to vote, (4) you are not a controlled
foreign corporation that is related, directly or indirectly, to
the Fund through stock ownership, and (5) you satisfy the
certification requirements described below.
To satisfy the certification requirements, either (1) the
holder of any debt securities must certify, under penalties of
perjury, that such holder is a
non-U.S. person
and must provide such owners name, address and taxpayer
identification number, if any, on IRS
Form W-8BEN,
or (2) a securities clearing organization, bank or other
financial institution that holds customer securities in the
ordinary course of its trade or business and holds the debt
securities on behalf of the holder thereof must certify, under
penalties of perjury, that it has received a valid and properly
executed IRS
Form W-8BEN
from the beneficial holder and comply with certain other
requirements. Special certification rules apply for debt
securities held by a foreign partnership and other
intermediaries.
Interest on debt securities received by a
non-U.S. Holder
that is not excluded from U.S. federal withholding tax
under the portfolio interest exemption as described above
generally will be subject to withholding at a 30% rate, except
where (1) the interest is effectively connected with the
conduct of a U.S. trade or business, in which case the
interest will generally be subject to U.S. income tax on a
net basis as applicable to U.S. holders generally or
(2) a
non-U.S. Holder
can claim the benefits of an applicable income tax treaty to
reduce or eliminate such withholding tax. To claim the benefit
of an income tax treaty or to claim an exemption from
withholding because the interest is effectively connected with a
U.S. trade or business, a
non-U.S. Holder
must timely provide the appropriate, properly executed IRS
forms. These forms may be required to be periodically updated.
Also, a
non-U.S. Holder
who is claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty may be
required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number
and to provide certain documentary evidence issued by foreign
governmental authorities to prove residence in the foreign
country.
Any capital gain that a
non-U.S. Holder
realizes on a sale, exchange or other disposition of debt
securities generally will be exempt from United States federal
income tax, including withholding tax. This exemption will not
apply to you if your gain is effectively connected with your
conduct of a trade or business in the U.S. or you are an
individual holder and are present in the U.S. for a period
or periods aggregating 183 days or more in the taxable year
of the disposition and either your gain is attributable to an
office or other fixed place of business that you maintain in the
U.S. or you have a tax home in the United States.
NET ASSET
VALUE
Net asset value per share is determined no less frequently than
the close of regular session trading on the New York Stock
Exchange (usually 4:00 p.m., Eastern time), on the last
business day in each week, or such other time as the Fund may
determine. Net asset value is calculated by dividing the value
of all of the securities and other assets of the Fund, less its
liabilities (including accrued expenses and indebtedness) and
the aggregate liquidation value of any outstanding preferred
shares, by the total number of common shares outstanding.
Currently, the net asset values of shares of publicly traded
closed-end investment companies investing in debt securities are
published in Barrons, the Monday edition of The Wall
Street Journal and the Monday and Saturday editions of The New
York Times.
The values of the securities in the Fund are based on market
prices from the primary market in which they are traded. As a
general rule, equity securities listed on a U.S. securities
exchange are valued at the last current reported sale price as
of the time of valuation. Securities quoted on the NASDAQ
National Market System are valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing
Price (NOCP), as determined by Nasdaq, or lacking an
NOCP, at the last current reported sale price as of the time of
valuation. Bonds and other fixed-income securities that are
traded over the counter and on an exchange will be valued
according to the broadest and most representative market, and it
is expected this will ordinarily be the over-the-counter market.
The foreign securities held by the Fund are traded on exchanges
throughout the world. Trading on these foreign securities
exchanges is completed at various times throughout the day and
often does not coincide with the close of
47
trading on the NYSE. The value of foreign securities is
generally determined at the close of trading of the exchange on
which the securities are traded or at the close of trading on
the NYSE, whichever is earlier.
If market prices are not readily available or the Funds
valuation methods do not produce a value reflective of the fair
value of the security, securities and other assets are priced at
a fair value determined in accordance with procedures adopted by
the Board of Trustees, which may include a systematic fair
valuation model provided by an independent service provider.
The Fund also may use fair value pricing if the value of a
security it holds has been affected by events occurring before
the Funds pricing time, but after the close of the primary
markets or exchanges on which the security is traded. When fair
value pricing is employed, the prices of portfolio securities
used to calculate the Funds net asset value may differ
from market quotations or official closing prices for the same
securities. This means that the Fund may value those securities
higher or lower than another fund that uses market quotations or
official closing prices.
The fair value pricing procedures recognize that volatility in
the U.S. markets may cause prices of foreign securities
determined at the close of the foreign market or exchange on
which the securities are traded to no longer be reliable when
the Funds net asset value is determined. As a result, at
least some of the Funds foreign securities may be valued
at their fair value in accordance with the fair value pricing
procedures on any day the Fund calculates its net asset value.
Values of foreign securities are translated from local
currencies into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates.
Trading in securities in foreign markets takes place on some
days (including some weekend days and U.S. holidays) when
the NYSE is not open, and does not take place on some days when
the NYSE is open. So, the value of the Funds portfolio may
be affected on days when the Fund does not calculate its net
asset value.
DIVIDENDS
AND DISTRIBUTIONS ON COMMON SHARES;
AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
Dividends
and Distributions on Common Shares
The Fund has made regular monthly distributions to its common
shareholders in an amount ranging from $0.0750 to $0.1150 since
January 2006. Additionally, the Fund made a distribution of
$0.0250 in January 2006. The Fund currently intends to make
monthly distributions to common shareholders at a level rate
established by the Board of Trustees. The rate may be modified
by the Board of Trustees from time to time. Monthly
distributions may include net investment income, net realized
short-term capital gain and, if necessary, return of capital.
Net realized short-term capital gains distributed to common
shareholders will be taxed as ordinary income. In addition, one
distribution per calendar year may include net realized
long-term capital gains. There is no guarantee that the Fund
will realize capital gains in any given year. Pursuant to the
requirements of the 1940 Act and other applicable laws, a notice
would accompany each monthly distribution with respect to the
estimated source of the distribution made. Distributions are
subject to re-characterization for federal income tax purposes
after the end of the fiscal year. The Fund may at times in its
discretion pay out less than the entire amount of net investment
income earned in any particular period and may at times pay out
such accumulated undistributed income in addition to net
investment income earned in other periods in order to permit the
Fund to maintain its level distribution policy. As a result, the
dividend paid by the Fund to holders of common shares for any
particular period may be more or less than the amount of net
investment income earned by the Fund during such period. In
addition, in order to make such distributions, the Fund might
have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time
when independent investment judgment might not dictate such
action.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund is required
to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and
net realized capital gains each year to both reduce its federal
income tax liability and to avoid a potential excise tax.
Accordingly, the Fund intends to distribute all or substantially
all of its net investment income and all net realized capital
gains, if any. Therefore, the Funds final distribution
with
48
respect to each calendar year would include any remaining net
investment income and net realized capital gains, if any,
undistributed during the year.
If, for any calendar year, the Funds total distributions
exceeded net investment income and net realized capital gains
(the Excess), the Excess, distributed from the
Funds assets, would generally be treated as dividend
income to the extent of the Funds current and accumulated
earnings and profits. Thereafter, such Excess would be treated
as a tax-free return of capital up to the amount of the common
shareholders tax basis in his, her or its common shares,
with any amounts exceeding such basis treated as gain from the
sale of common shares. See Certain Federal Income Tax
Matters.
In the event the Fund distributed the Excess, such distribution
would decrease the Funds total assets and, therefore, have
the likely effect of increasing the Funds expense ratio.
There is a risk that the Fund would not eventually realize
capital gains in an amount corresponding to a distribution of
the Excess.
In January 2004, Calamos, on behalf of itself and certain funds,
filed an exemptive application with the Commission seeking an
order under the 1940 Act facilitating the implementation of the
Managed Dividend Policy. In March 2007, an amended and restated
exemptive application was filed with the Commission. If, and
when, Calamos, on behalf of itself and other parties, receives
the requested relief, the Fund may, subject to the determination
of its Board of Trustees, implement a Managed Dividend Policy.
Under a Managed Dividend Policy, the Fund would seek to
distribute a monthly fixed percentage of net asset value to
common shareholders. If, for any distribution, net investment
income and net realized capital gains were less than the amount
of the distribution, the differences would be distributed from
the Funds assets. In addition, in order to make such
distributions, the Fund might have to sell a portion of its
investment portfolio at a time when independent investment
judgment might not dictate such action.
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to incur
indebtedness unless immediately after such incurrence the Fund
has an asset coverage of at least 300% of the aggregate
outstanding principal balance of indebtedness. Additionally,
under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not declare any dividend or
other distribution upon any class of its capital shares, or
purchase any such capital shares, unless the aggregate
indebtedness of the Fund has, at the time of the declaration of
any such dividend or distribution or at the time of any such
purchase, an asset coverage of at least 300% after deducting the
amount of such dividend, distribution, or purchase price, as the
case may be.
While any preferred shares are outstanding, the Fund may not
declare any dividend or other distribution on its common shares,
unless at the time of such declaration, (1) all accumulated
preferred dividends have been paid and (2) the net asset
value of the Funds portfolio (determined after deducting
the amount of such dividend or other distribution) is at least
200% of the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred
shares (expected to be equal to the original purchase price per
share plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon).
In addition to the limitations imposed by the 1940 Act described
above, certain lenders may impose additional restrictions on the
payment of dividends or distributions on common shares in the
event of a default on the Funds borrowings. If the
Funds ability to make distributions on its common shares
is limited, such limitation could, under certain circumstances,
impair the ability of the Fund to maintain its qualification for
federal income taxation as a regulated investment company, which
would have adverse tax consequences for shareholders. See
Leverage and Certain Federal Income Tax
Matters.
See Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan
for information concerning the manner in which dividends and
distributions to common shareholders may be automatically
reinvested in common shares. Dividends and distributions are
taxable to shareholders for federal income tax purposes whether
they are reinvested in shares of the Fund or received in cash.
The yield on the Funds common shares will vary from period
to period depending on factors including, but not limited to,
market conditions, the timing of the Funds investment in
portfolio securities, the securities comprising the Funds
portfolio, changes in interest rates including changes in the
relationship between short-term rates and long-term rates, the
amount and timing of the use of borrowings and other leverage by
the
49
Fund, the effects of leverage on the common shares discussed
above under Leverage, the timing of the investment
of leverage proceeds in portfolio securities, the Funds
net assets and its operating expenses. Consequently, the Fund
cannot guarantee any particular yield on its common shares and
the yield for any given period is not an indication or
representation of future yields on the Funds common shares.
Automatic
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Pursuant to the Plan, unless a shareholder is ineligible or
elects otherwise, all dividend and capital gains distributions
are automatically reinvested by The Bank of New York, as agent
for shareholders in administering the Plan (Plan
Agent), in additional common shares of the Fund.
Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will
receive all dividends and distributions payable in cash paid by
check mailed directly to the shareholder of record (or, if the
shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such
nominee) by Plan Agent, as dividend paying agent. Such
shareholders may elect not to participate in the Plan and to
receive all dividends and distributions in cash by sending
written instructions to Plan Agent, as dividend paying agent, at
the address set forth below. Participation in the Plan is
completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any
time without penalty by giving notice in writing to the Plan
Agent; such termination will be effective with respect to a
particular dividend or distribution if notice is received prior
to the record date for the applicable distribution.
Whenever the Fund declares a dividend or distribution payable
either in shares or in cash, non-participants in the Plan will
receive cash, and participants in the Plan will receive the
equivalent in shares of common shares. The shares are acquired
by the Plan Agent for the participants account, depending
upon the circumstances described below, either (i) through
receipt of additional common shares from the Fund (newly
issued shares) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding
common shares on the open market (open-market
purchases) on the NYSE or elsewhere. If, on the payment
date, the net asset value per share of the common shares is
equal to or less than the market price per common share plus
estimated brokerage commissions (such condition being referred
to herein as market premium), the Plan Agent will
receive newly issued shares from the Fund for each
participants account. The number of newly issued common
shares to be credited to the participants account will be
determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend or
distribution by the greater of (i) the net asset value per
common share on the payment date, or (ii) 95% of the market
price per common share on the payment date.
If, on the payment date, the net asset value per common share
exceeds the market price plus estimated brokerage commissions
(such condition being referred to herein as market
discount), the Plan Agent has until the last business day
before the next date on which the shares trade on an
ex-dividend basis or in no event more than
30 days after the payment date (last purchase
date) to invest the dividend or distribution amount in
shares acquired in open-market purchases. It is contemplated
that the Fund will pay monthly income dividends. Therefore, the
period during which open-market purchases can be made will exist
only from the payment date on the dividend through the date
before the next ex-dividend date, which typically will be
approximately ten days. The weighted average price (including
brokerage commissions) of all common shares purchased by the
Plan Agent as Plan Agent will be the price per common share
allocable to each participant. If, before the Plan Agent has
completed its open-market purchases, the market price of a
common share exceeds the net asset value per share, the average
per share purchase price paid by the Plan Agent may exceed the
net asset value of the Funds shares, resulting in the
acquisition of fewer shares than if the dividend had been paid
in newly issued shares on the payment date. Because of the
foregoing difficulty with respect to open-market purchases, the
Plan provides that if the Plan Agent is unable to invest the
full dividend amount in open-market purchases during the
purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market
premium during the purchase period, the Plan Agent will cease
making open-market purchases and will invest the uninvested
portion of the dividend or distribution amount in newly issued
shares at the close of business on the last purchase date.
The Plan Agent maintains all shareholders accounts in the
Plan and furnishes written confirmation of each acquisition made
for the participants account as soon as practicable, but
in no event later than 60 days after the date thereof.
Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by
the Plan Agent in non-certificated form in the Plan Agents
name or that of its nominee, and each shareholders proxy
will include
50
those shares purchased or received pursuant to the Plan. The
Plan Agent will forward all proxy solicitation materials to
participants and vote proxies for shares held pursuant to the
Plan first in accordance with the instructions of the
participants then with respect to any proxies not returned by
such participant, in the same proportion as the Plan Agent votes
the proxies returned by the participants.
There will be no brokerage charges with respect to shares issued
directly by the Fund as a result of dividends or distributions
payable either in shares or in cash. However, each participant
will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with
respect to the Plan Agents open-market purchases in
connection with the reinvestment of dividends or distributions.
If a participant elects to have the Plan Agent sell part or all
of his or her common shares and remit the proceeds, such
participant will be charged his or her pro rata share of
brokerage commissions on the shares sold, plus a $15 transaction
fee.
The automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions will
not relieve participants of any federal, state or local income
tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such
dividends. See Certain Federal Income Tax Matters.
Shareholders participating in the Plan may receive benefits not
available to shareholders not participating in the Plan. If the
market price plus commissions of the Funds shares is
higher than the net asset value, participants in the Plan will
receive shares of the Fund at less than they could otherwise
purchase them and will have shares with a cash value greater
than the value of any cash distribution they would have received
on their shares. If the market price plus commissions is below
the net asset value, participants receive distributions of
shares with a net asset value greater than the value of any cash
distribution they would have received on their shares. However,
there may be insufficient shares available in the market to make
distributions in shares at prices below the net asset value.
Also, since the Fund does not redeem its shares, the price on
resale may be more or less than the net asset value. See
Certain Federal Income Tax Matters for a discussion
of federal income tax consequences of the Plan.
Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are
desirable. Accordingly, the Fund reserves the right to amend or
terminate the Plan if in the judgment of the Board of Trustees
such a change is warranted. The Plan may be terminated by the
Plan Agent or the Fund upon notice in writing mailed to each
participant at least 60 days prior to the effective date of
the termination. Upon any termination, the Plan Agent will cause
a certificate or certificates to be issued for the full shares
held by each participant under the Plan and cash adjustment for
any fraction of a common share at the then current market value
of the common shares to be delivered to him or her. If
preferred, a participant may request the sale of all of the
common shares held by the Plan Agent in his or her Plan account
in order to terminate participation in the Plan. If such
participant elects in advance of such termination to have the
Plan Agent sell part or all of his shares, the Plan Agent is
authorized to deduct from the proceeds a $15.00 fee plus the
brokerage commissions incurred for the transaction. If a
participant has terminated his or her participation in the Plan
but continues to have common shares registered in his or her
name, he or she may re-enroll in the Plan at any time by
notifying the Plan Agent in writing at the address above. The
terms and conditions of the Plan may be amended by the Plan
Agent or the Fund at any time but, except when necessary or
appropriate to comply with applicable law or the rules or
policies of the Commission or any other regulatory authority,
only by mailing to each participant appropriate written notice
at least 30 days prior to the effective date thereof. The
amendment shall be deemed to be accepted by each participant
unless, prior to the effective date thereof, the Plan Agent
receives notice of the termination of the participants
account under the Plan. Any such amendment may include an
appointment by the Plan Agent of a successor Plan Agent, subject
to the prior written approval of the successor Plan Agent by the
Fund. There is no direct service charge to participants in the
Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to
include a service charge payable by the participants.
All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the
Plan Agent at Dividend Reinvestment Department,
P.O. Box 1958, Newark, NJ
07101-9774.
51
DESCRIPTION
OF SECURITIES
The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common
shares, without par value. The Fund is also authorized to issue
preferred shares. The Board of Trustees is authorized to
classify and reclassify any unissued shares into one or more
additional classes or series of shares. As of December 31,
2007, the Fund had 8,006,981 common shares outstanding and 2,360
Preferred Shares outstanding. The Board of Trustees may
establish such series or class from time to time by setting or
changing in any one or more respects the designations,
preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or
terms or conditions of redemption of such shares and pursuant to
such classification or reclassification to increase or decrease
the number of authorized shares of any existing class or series.
The Board of Trustees, without shareholder approval, is
authorized to amend the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and
By-laws to reflect the terms of any such class or series. The
Fund is also authorized to issue other securities, including
debt securities.
Common
Shares
Common shares, when issued and outstanding, will be legally
issued, fully paid and non-assessable. Shareholders are entitled
to share pro rata in the net assets of the Fund available for
distribution to common shareholders upon liquidation of the
Fund. Common shareholders are entitled to one vote for each
share held.
So long as any shares of the Funds preferred shares are
outstanding, holders of common shares will not be entitled to
receive any net income of or other distributions from the Fund
unless all accumulated dividends on preferred shares have been
paid, and unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act)
with respect to preferred shares would be at least 200% after
giving effect to such distributions. See Leverage.
The Fund will send unaudited reports at least semiannually and
audited annual financial statements to all of its shareholders.
Other offerings of common shares, if made, will require approval
of the Board of Trustees and will be subject to the requirement
of the 1940 Act that common shares may not be sold at a price
below the then-current net asset value, exclusive of
underwriting discounts and commissions, except in limited
circumstances including in connection with an offering to
existing shareholders.
Preferred
Shares
On January 6, 2006, the Fund issued Preferred Shares,
liquidation preference of $25,000 per share ($59,000,000 in the
aggregate). As a non-fundamental policy, the Fund may not issue
preferred shares or borrow money and issue debt securities with
an aggregate liquidation preference and aggregate principal
amount exceeding 38% of the Funds total assets. However,
the Board of Trustees reserves the right to issue preferred
shares to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, which currently
limits the aggregate liquidation preference of all outstanding
preferred shares to 50% of the value of the Funds total
assets less the Funds liabilities and indebtedness. The
preferred shares pay dividends at dividend rates based on
auctions normally held every 7 or 28 days. Under the 1940
Act, the Fund may only issue one class of preferred shares. So
long as any preferred shares are outstanding, additional
issuances of preferred shares may not have preference or
priority over the outstanding preferred shares. It is expected
that any additional issuance of preferred shares would be
additional shares of an existing series of preferred shares or
shares of an additional series of preferred shares.
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the holders of preferred
shares will be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating
distribution, which is expected to equal the original purchase
price per preferred share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends,
whether or not declared, before any distribution of assets is
made to holders of common shares. After payment of the full
amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are
entitled, the holders of preferred shares will not be entitled
to any further participation in any distribution of assets by
the Fund.
The 1940 Act requires that the holders of any preferred shares,
voting separately as a single class, have the right to elect at
least two Trustees at all times. The remaining Trustees will be
elected by holders of
52
common shares and preferred shares, voting together as a single
class. In addition, subject to the prior rights, if any, of the
holders of any other class of senior securities outstanding, the
holders of any preferred shares have the right to elect a
majority of the Trustees at any time two years accumulated
dividends on any preferred shares are unpaid. The 1940 Act also
requires that, in addition to any approval by shareholders that
might otherwise be required, the approval of the holders of a
majority of any outstanding preferred shares, voting separately
as a class, would be required to (1) adopt any plan of
reorganization that would adversely affect the preferred shares,
and (2) take any action requiring a vote of security
holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, including,
among other things, changes in the Funds subclassification
as a closed-end investment company or changes in its fundamental
investment restrictions. See Certain Provisions of the
Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws. As a result
of these voting rights, the Funds ability to take any such
actions may be impeded to the extent that there are any
preferred shares outstanding. Except as otherwise indicated in
this prospectus and except as otherwise required by applicable
law, holders of preferred shares have equal voting rights with
holders of common shares (one vote per share, unless otherwise
required by the 1940 Act) and will vote together with holders of
common shares as a single class.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding preferred shares, voting as a separate class, will
be required to amend, alter or repeal any of the preferences,
rights or powers of holders of preferred shares so as to affect
materially and adversely such preferences, rights or powers, or
to increase or decrease the authorized number of preferred
shares. The class vote of holders of preferred shares described
above will in each case be in addition to any other vote
required to authorize the action in question.
The terms of the outstanding preferred shares provide that
(i) they are redeemable by the Fund in whole or in part at
the original purchase price per share plus accrued dividends per
share, (ii) the Fund may tender for or purchase preferred
shares and (iii) the Fund may subsequently resell any
shares so tendered for or purchased. Any redemption or purchase
of preferred shares by the Fund will reduce the leverage
applicable to the common shares, while any resale of shares by
the Fund will increase that leverage.
Debt
Securities
General. Under Delaware law and our Agreement
and Declaration of Trust, we may borrow money, without prior
approval of holders of common and preferred shares. We may issue
debt securities, or other evidence of indebtedness (including
bank borrowings or commercial paper) and may secure any such
notes or borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise
subjecting as security our assets to the extent permitted by the
1940 Act or rating agency guidelines. Any borrowings will rank
senior to preferred shares and the common shares.
Under the 1940 Act, we may only issue one class of senior
securities representing indebtedness, which in the aggregate,
may represent no more than
331/3%
of our total assets. A prospectus supplement and indenture (a
summary of the expected terms of which is attached as
Appendix A to the statement of additional information)
relating to any debt securities will include specific terms
relating to the offering. These terms are expected to include
the following:
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the form and title of the security;
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the aggregate principal amount of the securities;
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the interest rate of the securities;
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the maturity dates on which the principal of the securities will
be payable;
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the frequency with which auctions will be held;
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any changes to or additional events of default or covenants;
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any optional or mandatory redemption provisions;
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any changes in trustees, auction agents, paying agents or
security registrar; and
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any other terms of the securities.
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Interest. Unless otherwise stated in a
prospectus supplement, debt securities will bear interest as
generally determined by the results of an auction for such
securities
and/or by
the Board of Trustees, as more fully described in the related
prospectus supplement. Interest on debt securities shall be
payable when due as described in the related prospectus
supplement. If we do not pay interest when due, it will trigger
an event of default and we will be restricted from declaring
dividends and making other distributions with respect to our
common shares and preferred shares.
Limitations. Under the requirements of the
1940 Act, immediately after issuing any senior securities
representing indebtedness, we must have an asset coverage of at
least 300%. Asset coverage means the ratio which the value of
our total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not
represented by senior securities, bears to the aggregate amount
of senior securities representing indebtedness. Other types of
borrowings also may result in our being subject to similar
covenants in credit agreements.
Events of Default and Acceleration of Maturity of Debt
Securities; Remedies. Unless stated otherwise in
the related prospectus supplement, any one of the following
events are expected to constitute an event of
default for that series under the indenture:
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default in the payment of any interest upon a series of debt
securities when it becomes due and payable and the continuance
of such default for 30 days;
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default in the payment of the principal of, or premium on, a
series of debt securities at its stated maturity;
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default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or
warranty of ours in the indenture, and continuance of such
default or breach for a period of 90 days after written
notice has been given to us by the trustee;
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certain voluntary or involuntary proceedings involving us and
relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws;
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if, on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive
calendar months, the debt securities have a 1940 Act asset
coverage of less than 100%; or
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any other event of default provided with respect to
a series, including a default in the payment of any redemption
price payable on the redemption date.
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Upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, the
holders of a majority in principal amount of a series of
outstanding debt securities or the trustee may declare the
principal amount of that series of debt securities immediately
due and payable upon written notice to us. A default that
relates only to one series of debt securities does not affect
any other series and the holders of such other series of debt
securities are not entitled to receive notice of such a default
under the indenture. Upon an event of default relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws, acceleration of
maturity occurs automatically with respect to all series. At any
time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to a
series of debt securities has been made, and before a judgment
or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained, the
holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of that series, by written notice to us and the
trustee, may rescind and annul the declaration of acceleration
and its consequences if all events of default with respect to
that series of debt securities, other than the non-payment of
the principal of that series of debt securities which has become
due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured
or waived and other conditions have been met.
Liquidation Rights. In the event of
(a) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any
receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case
or proceeding in connection therewith, relative to us or to our
creditors, as such, or to our assets, or (b) any
liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the Fund,
whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving
insolvency or bankruptcy, or (c) any assignment for the
benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and
liabilities of ours, then (after any payments with respect to
any secured creditor of ours outstanding at such time) and in
any such event the holders of debt securities shall be entitled
to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due
on or in respect of all debt securities (including any interest
accruing thereon after the commencement of any
54
such case or proceeding), or provision shall be made for such
payment in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner
satisfactory to the holders of the debt securities, before the
holders of any common or preferred stock of the Fund are
entitled to receive any payment on account of any redemption
proceeds, liquidation preference or dividends from such shares.
The holders of debt securities shall be entitled to receive, for
application to the payment thereof, any payment or distribution
of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or
securities, including any such payment or distribution which may
be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other
indebtedness of ours being subordinated to the payment of the
debt securities, which may be payable or deliverable in respect
of the debt securities in any such case, proceeding,
dissolution, liquidation or other winding up event.
Unsecured creditors of ours may include, without limitation,
service providers including Calamos, custodian, administrator,
auction agent, broker-dealers and the trustee, pursuant to the
terms of various contracts with us. Secured creditors of ours
may include without limitation parties entering into any
interest rate swap, floor or cap transactions, or other similar
transactions with us that create liens, pledges, charges,
security interests, security agreements or other encumbrances on
our assets.
A consolidation, reorganization or merger of the Fund with or
into any other company, or a sale, lease or exchange of all or
substantially all of our assets in consideration for the
issuance of equity securities of another company shall not be
deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Fund.
Voting Rights. Debt securities have no voting
rights, except to the extent required by law or as otherwise
provided in the Indenture relating to the acceleration of
maturity upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of
default. In connection with any other borrowings (if any), the
1940 Act does in certain circumstances grant to the lenders
certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of
interest on or repayment of principal.
Market. Unless otherwise stated in a
prospectus supplement, our debt securities may be bought or sold
at an auction held periodically by submitting orders through a
broker-dealer who has entered into an agreement with us (a
broker-dealer). Our debt securities are not listed
on an exchange or automated quotation system. Debt securities
may be transferred outside of an auction through a
broker-dealer, but we cannot assure you that any such secondary
market will exist or whether it will provide holders of debt
securities with liquidity. The details of the auction process
are further described in the related prospectus supplement.
Book-Entry, Delivery and Form. Unless
otherwise stated in the related prospectus supplement, the debt
securities will be issued in book-entry form and will be
represented by one or more notes in registered global form. The
global notes will be deposited with the trustee as custodian for
The Depository Trust Company (DTC) and
registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of
DTC. DTC will maintain the notes in designated denominations
through its book-entry facilities.
Under the expected terms of the indenture, we and the trustee
may treat the persons in whose names any notes, including the
global notes, are registered as the owners thereof for the
purpose of receiving payments and for any and all other purposes
whatsoever. Therefore, so long as DTC or its nominee is the
registered owner of the global notes, DTC or such nominee will
be considered the sole holder of outstanding notes under the
indenture. We or the trustee may give effect to any written
certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC or
its nominee.
A global note may not be transferred except as a whole by DTC,
its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of
beneficial owners in the global note may be transferred or
exchanged for definitive securities in accordance with the rules
and procedures of DTC. In addition, a global note may be
exchangeable for notes in definitive form if:
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DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a
depository and we do not appoint a successor within 60 days;
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we, at our option, notify the trustee in writing that we elect
to cause the issuance of notes in definitive form under the
indenture; or
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an event of default has occurred and is continuing.
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In each instance, upon surrender by DTC or its nominee of the
global note, notes in definitive form will be issued to each
person that DTC or its nominee identifies as being the
beneficial owner of the related notes.
Under the expected terms of the indenture, the holder of any
global note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any
person, including its participants and persons who may hold
interests through DTC participants, to take any action which a
holder is entitled to take under the indenture.
RATING
AGENCY GUIDELINES
The Rating Agencies, which assign ratings to our senior
securities, impose asset coverage requirements, which may limit
our ability to engage in certain types of transactions and may
limit our ability to take certain actions without confirming
that such action will not impair the ratings. The outstanding
preferred shares are currently rated Aaa and
AAA by Moodys Investor Services Inc.
(Moodys) and Fitch Ratings
(Fitch), respectively. Moodys and Fitch, and
any other agency that may rate our debt securities or preferred
shares in the future, are collectively referred to as the
Rating Agencies.
We may, but are not required to, adopt any modification to the
guidelines that may hereafter be established by any Rating
Agency. Failure to adopt any modifications, however, may result
in a change in the ratings described above or a withdrawal of
ratings altogether. In addition, any Rating Agency may, at any
time, change or withdraw any rating. The Board may, without
shareholder approval, modify, alter or repeal certain of the
definitions and related provisions which have been adopted
pursuant to each Rating Agencys guidelines (Rating
Agency Guidelines) only in the event we receive written
confirmation from the Rating Agency or Agencies that any
amendment, alteration or repeal would not impair the ratings
then assigned to the senior securities.
We are required to satisfy two separate asset maintenance
requirements with respect to outstanding debt securities and
with respect to preferred shares: (1) we must maintain
assets in our portfolio that have a value, discounted in
accordance with guidelines set forth by each Rating Agency, at
least equal to 115% of the aggregate principal
amount/liquidation preference of the debt securities/preferred
stock, respectively, plus specified liabilities, payment
obligations and other amounts (the Basic Maintenance
Amount); and (2) we must satisfy the 1940 Act asset
coverage requirements.
Basic Maintenance Amounts. We must maintain,
as of each valuation date on which senior securities are
outstanding, eligible assets having an aggregate discounted
value at least equal to 115% of the applicable basic maintenance
amount (Basic Maintenance Amount), which is
calculated separately for debt securities and preferred shares
for each Rating Agency that is then rating the senior securities
and so requires. If we fail to maintain eligible assets having
an aggregated discounted value at least equal to 115% of the
applicable Basic Maintenance Amount as of any valuation date and
such failure is not cured, we will be required in certain
circumstances to redeem certain of the senior securities.
The applicable Basic Maintenance Amount is defined in the Rating
Agencys Guidelines. Each Rating Agency may amend the
definition of the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount from time
to time.
The market value of our portfolio securities (used in
calculating the discounted value of eligible assets) is
calculated using readily available market quotations when
appropriate, and in any event, consistent with our valuation
procedures. For the purpose of calculating the applicable Basic
Maintenance Amount, portfolio securities are valued in the same
manner as we calculate our NAV. See Determination of Net
Asset Value.
Each Rating Agencys discount factors, the criteria used to
determine whether the assets held in our portfolio are eligible
assets, and the guidelines for determining the discounted value
of our portfolio holdings for purposes of determining compliance
with the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount are based on Rating
Agency Guidelines established in connection with rating the
senior securities. The discount factor relating to any asset,
the applicable basic maintenance amount requirement, the assets
eligible for inclusion in the calculation of the discounted
value of our portfolio and certain definitions and methods of
calculation relating
56
thereto may be changed from time to time by the applicable
Rating Agency, without our approval, or the approval of our
Board of Trustees or shareholders.
A Rating Agencys Guidelines will apply to the senior
securities only so long as that Rating Agency is rating such
securities. We will pay certain fees to Moodys, Fitch and
any other Rating Agency that may provide a rating for the senior
securities. The ratings assigned to the senior securities are
not recommendations to buy, sell or hold the senior securities.
Such ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal by the
assigning Rating Agency at any time.
1940 Act Asset Coverage. We are also required
to maintain, with respect to senior securities, as of the last
business day on any month in which any senior securities are
outstanding, asset coverage of at least 300% for debt securities
and 200% for preferred stock (or such other percentage as may in
the future be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum
asset coverage for senior securities representing shares of a
closed-end investment company as a condition of declaring
dividends on its common stock). If we fail to maintain the
applicable 1940 Act asset coverage as of the last business day
of any month and such failure is not cured as of the last
business day of the following month (the Asset Coverage
Cure Date), we will be required to redeem certain senior
securities.
Notices. Under the current Rating Agency
Guidelines, in certain circumstances, we are required to deliver
to any Rating Agency which is then rating the senior securities
(1) a certificate with respect to the calculation of the
applicable Basic Maintenance Amount; (2) a certificate with
respect to the calculation of the applicable 1940 Act asset
coverage and the value of our portfolio holdings; and (3) a
letter prepared by our independent accountants regarding the
accuracy of such calculations.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Rating
Agency Guidelines, as they may be amended from time to time by
each Rating Agency will be reflected in a written document and
may be amended by each Rating Agency without the vote, consent
or approval of the Fund, the Board of Trustees or any
shareholder of the Fund.
A copy of the current Rating Agency Guidelines will be provided
to any holder of senior securities promptly upon request made by
such holder to the Fund by writing the Fund at 2020 Calamos
Court, Naperville, Illinois 60563.
CERTAIN
PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT
AND DECLARATION OF TRUST AND BYLAWS
The Funds Agreement and Declaration of Trust includes
provisions that could have the effect of limiting the ability of
other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to
change the composition of its Board of Trustees and could have
the effect of depriving shareholders of an opportunity to sell
their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by
discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the
Fund. These provisions, however, have the advantage of
potentially requiring persons seeking control of the Fund to
negotiate with its management regarding the price to be paid and
facilitating the continuity of the Funds investment
objective and policies. The Board of Trustees of the Fund has
considered these provisions and concluded that they are in the
best interests of the Fund.
The Board of Trustees is divided into three classes. The terms
of the Trustees of the different classes are staggered. A
Trustee may be removed from office with or without cause by a
vote of at least a majority of the then Trustees if such removal
is approved by the holders of at least 75% of the shares
entitled to vote with respect to the election of such Trustee
and present in person or by proxy at a meeting of shareholders
called for such purpose.
In addition, the Agreement and Declaration of Trust requires the
affirmative vote of at least 75% of the outstanding shares
entitled to vote on the matter for the Trust to merge or
consolidate with any other corporation, association, trust or
other organization or to sell, lease or exchange all or
substantially all of the Funds assets; unless such action
has been approved by the affirmative vote of at least 75% of the
Trustees
57
then in office, in which case, the affirmative vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the
matter is required.
In addition, conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment
company would require an amendment to the Funds Agreement
and Declaration of Trust. Such an amendment would require the
favorable vote of a majority of the then Trustees followed by a
favorable vote of the holders of at least 75% of the shares
entitled to vote on the matter, voting as separate classes or
series (or a majority of such shares if the amendment was
previously approved by 75% of the Trustees). Such a vote also
would satisfy a separate requirement in the 1940 Act that the
change be approved by the shareholders.
Under the 1940 Act, shareholders of an open-end investment
company may require the company to redeem their shares of common
stock at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized
by or under the 1940 Act) at their net asset value, less such
redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of
a redemption. If the Fund is converted to an open-end investment
company, it could be required to liquidate portfolio securities
to meet requests for redemption, and the common shares would no
longer be listed on the NYSE. Conversion to an open-end
investment company would also require changes in certain of the
Funds investment policies and restrictions. In addition,
the Fund would be required to redeem all of its outstanding
preferred shares prior to conversion to an open-end investment
company.
In addition, the Agreement and Declaration of Trust requires the
affirmative vote or consent of a majority of the then Trustees
followed by the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at
least 75% of the shares of each affected class or series of the
Fund outstanding, voting separately as a class or series, to
approve certain transactions with a Principal Shareholder,
unless the transaction has been approved by at least 75% of the
Trustees, in which case a majority of the outstanding shares
entitled to vote shall be required. For purposes of these
provisions, a Principal Shareholder refers to any person who,
whether directly or indirectly and whether alone or together
with its affiliates and associates, beneficially owns 5% or more
of the outstanding shares of any class or series of shares of
beneficial interest of the Fund. The 5% holder transactions
subject to these special approval requirements are:
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the merger or consolidation of the Fund or any subsidiary of the
Fund with or into any Principal Shareholder;
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the issuance of any securities of the Fund to any Principal
Shareholder for cash (other than pursuant to any automatic
dividend reinvestment plan); or
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the sale, lease or exchange to the Fund or any subsidiary of the
Fund in exchange for securities of the Fund, of any assets of
any Principal Shareholder, except assets having an aggregate
fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the
purpose of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged
in any series of similar transactions within a
12-month
period.
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The Fund may be terminated by the affirmative vote of not less
than 75% of the Trustees then in office by written notice to the
shareholders.
The Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws provide that
the Board of Trustees has the power, to the exclusion of
shareholders, to make, alter or repeal any of the Bylaws, except
for any Bylaw that requires a vote of the shareholders to be
amended, adopted or repealed by the terms of the Agreement and
Declaration of Trust, Bylaws or applicable law. Neither this
provision of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, nor any of
the foregoing provisions thereof requiring the affirmative vote
of 75% of outstanding shares of the Fund, can be amended or
repealed except by the vote of such required number of shares.
With respect to proposals by shareholders submitted outside the
process of
Rule 14a-8
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
Exchange Act), the Funds Bylaws generally
require that advance notice be given to the Fund in the event a
shareholder desires to nominate a person for election to the
Board of Trustees or to transact any other business at an annual
meeting of shareholders. With respect to an annual meeting
following the first annual meeting of shareholders, notice of
any such nomination or business must be delivered to the
principal executive offices of the Fund not less than 90
calendar days nor more than 120 calendar days prior to the
anniversary date of the mailing of the notice for the prior
years annual meeting
58
(subject to certain exceptions). Any notice by a shareholder
must be accompanied by certain information as provided in the
Bylaws, including information regarding the shares held by the
shareholder and information regarding the candidates
background and qualifications to serve as trustee.
PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION
We may sell our common shares, preferred shares and debt
securities, and certain of our shareholders may sell our common
shares, on an immediate, continuous or delayed basis, in one or
more offerings under this prospectus and any related prospectus
supplement. The aggregate amount of securities that may be
offered by us is limited to $75 million. We may offer our
common shares, preferred shares and debt securities:
(1) directly to one or more purchasers; (2) through
agents; (3) through underwriters; or (4) through
dealers. Each prospectus supplement relating to an offering of
securities will state the terms of the offering, including as
applicable:
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the names of any agents, underwriters or dealers;
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any sales loads or other items constituting underwriters
compensation;
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any discounts, commissions, or fees allowed or paid to dealers
or agents;
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the public offering or purchase price of the offered securities
and the net proceeds we will receive from the sale; provided,
however, that we will not receive any of the proceeds from a
sale of our common stock by any selling shareholder; and
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any securities exchange on which the offered securities may be
listed.
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Direct
Sales
We may sell our common shares, preferred shares and debt
securities, or certain of our shareholders may sell our common
shares, directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional
investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters as
defined in the 1933 Act for any resales of the securities.
In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We,
or any selling shareholder, may use electronic media, including
the Internet, to sell offered securities directly. The terms of
any of those sales will be described in a prospectus supplement.
By
Agents
We may offer our common shares, preferred shares and debt
securities through agents that we or they designate. Any agent
involved in the offer and sale will be named and any commissions
payable by us will be described in the prospectus supplement.
Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the
agents will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of
their appointment.
By
Underwriters
We may offer and sell securities from time to time to one or
more underwriters who would purchase the securities as principal
for resale to the public, either on a firm commitment or best
efforts basis. If we sell securities to underwriters, we will
execute an underwriting agreement with them at the time of the
sale and will name them in the prospectus supplement. In
connection with these sales, the underwriters may be deemed to
have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting
discounts and commissions. The underwriters also may receive
commissions from purchasers of securities for whom they may act
as agent. Unless otherwise stated in the prospectus supplement,
the underwriters will not be obligated to purchase the
securities unless the conditions set forth in the underwriting
agreement are satisfied, and if the underwriters purchase any of
the securities, they will be required to purchase all of the
offered securities. The underwriters may sell the offered
securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive
discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters as
well as from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Any
public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed
or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
59
If a prospectus supplement so indicates, we may grant the
underwriters an option to purchase additional shares of common
stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting
discounts and commissions, within 45 days from the date of
the prospectus supplement, to cover any overallotments.
By
Dealers
We may offer and sell securities from time to time to one or
more dealers who would purchase the securities as principal. The
dealers then may resell the offered securities to the public at
fixed or varying prices to be determined by those dealers at the
time of resale. The names of the dealers and the terms of the
transaction will be set forth in the prospectus supplement.
General
Information
Agents, underwriters or dealers participating in an offering of
securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts
and commission received by them and any profit realized by them
on resale of the offered securities for whom they act as agent
may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under
the 1933 Act.
We may offer to sell securities either at a fixed price or at
prices that may vary, at market prices prevailing at the time of
sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices, or at
negotiated prices.
Ordinarily, each series of offered securities will be a new
issue of securities and will have no established trading market.
To facilitate an offering of common stock in an underwritten
transaction and in accordance with industry practice, the
underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize,
maintain, or otherwise affect the market price of the common
stock or any other security. Those transactions may include
overallotment, entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate
covering transactions, and reclaiming selling concessions
allowed to an underwriter or a dealer.
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An overallotment in connection with an offering creates a short
position in the common stock for the underwriters own
account.
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An underwriter may place a stabilizing bid to purchase the
common stock for the purpose of pegging, fixing, or maintaining
the price of the common stock.
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Underwriters may engage in syndicate covering transactions to
cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the common
stock by bidding for, and purchasing, the common stock or any
other securities in the open market in order to reduce a short
position created in connection with the offering.
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The managing underwriter may impose a penalty bid on a syndicate
member to reclaim a selling concession in connection with an
offering when the common stock originally sold by the syndicate
member is purchased in syndicate covering transactions or
otherwise.
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Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market
price of the securities above independent market levels. The
underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and
may end any of these activities at any time.
Any underwriters to whom the offered securities are sold for
offering and sale may make a market in the offered securities,
but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may
discontinue any market-making at any time without notice. The
offered securities may or may not be listed on a securities
exchange. We cannot assure you that there will be a liquid
trading market for the offered securities.
Under agreements entered into with us, underwriters and agents
may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act, or
to contribution for payments the underwriters or agents may be
required to make.
The underwriters, agents, and their affiliates may engage in
financial or other business transactions with us and our
subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
60
The maximum commission or discount to be received by any member
of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or
independent broker-dealer will not be greater than eight percent
of the initial gross proceeds from the sale of any security
being sold.
The aggregate offering price specified on the cover of this
prospectus relates to the offering of the securities not yet
issued as of the date of this prospectus.
To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, the underwriters may from
time to time act as a broker or dealer and receive fees in
connection with the execution of our portfolio transactions
after the underwriters have ceased to be underwriters and,
subject to certain restrictions, each may act as a broker while
it is an underwriter.
A prospectus and accompanying prospectus supplement in
electronic form may be made available on the websites maintained
by underwriters. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number
of securities for sale to their online brokerage account
holders. Such allocations of securities for internet
distributions will be made on the same basis as other
allocations. In addition, securities may be sold by the
underwriters to securities dealers who resell securities to
online brokerage account holders.
CUSTODIAN,
TRANSFER AGENT, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND
REGISTRAR
The Funds securities and cash are held under a custodian
agreement with The Bank of New York, One Wall Street, New
York, New York 10286. The transfer agent, dividend disbursing
agent and registrar for the Funds shares is also The Bank
of New York.
LEGAL
MATTERS
Vedder Price P.C. (Vedder Price), Chicago, Illinois,
is serving as our special counsel in connection with the
offerings under this prospectus and related prospectus
supplements. Vedder Price is also counsel to Calamos. Morris,
Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, Wilmington, Delaware
(Morris Nichols) will pass on the legality of the
securities to be offered hereby. If certain legal matters in
connection with an offering of securities are passed upon by
counsel for the underwriters of such offering, such matters will
be passed upon by counsel to be identified in a prospectus
supplement. Vedder Price and counsel to the underwriters may
rely on the opinion of Morris Nichols for certain matters of
Delaware law.
AVAILABLE
INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act and the 1940 Act and are required to file reports, including
annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Commission. Our most recent shareholder
report filed with the Commission is for the period ended
October 31, 2007. These documents are available on the
Commissions EDGAR system and can be inspected and copied
for a fee at the Commissions public reference room,
Washington, D.C.
20549-0102.
Additional information about the operation of the public
reference room facilities may be obtained by calling the
Commission at
(202) 551-8090.
This prospectus does not contain all of the information in our
registration statement, including amendments, exhibits, and
schedules. Statements in this prospectus about the contents of
any contract or other document are not necessarily complete and
in each instance reference is made to the copy of the contract
or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects
by this reference.
Additional information about us can be found in our registration
statement (including amendments, exhibits, and schedules) on
Form N-2
filed with the Commission. The Commission maintains a web site
(http://www.sec.gov)
that contains our registration statement, other documents
incorporated by reference, and other information we have filed
electronically with the Commission, including proxy statements
and reports filed under the Exchange Act.
61
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
OF THE
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Use of Proceeds
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S-1
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Investment Objective and Policies
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S-1
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Investment Restrictions
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S-23
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Management of the Fund
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S-25
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Portfolio Transactions
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S-36
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Net Asset Value
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S-38
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Repurchase of Common Shares
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S-38
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Federal Income Tax Matters
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S-39
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Custodian, Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent and
Registrar
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S-50
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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
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S-50
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Additional Information
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S-50
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Additional Information Concerning the Agreement and Declaration
of Trust
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S-50
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Financial Statements
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S-50
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Financial Statements and Report of Independent
Auditors/Accountants
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F-1
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Appendix A Summary of Certain Provisions of the
Indenture and Form of Supplemental Indenture
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A-1
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Appendix A-I
Auction Procedures
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A-I-1
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Appendix B Description of Ratings
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B-1
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62
3,000,000 Common
Shares
Calamos Global Total Return
Fund
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
July 8, 2008
Until August 2, 2008 (25 days after the date of
this prospectus supplement), all dealers that buy, sell or trade
the common shares, whether or not participating in this
offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in
addition to the dealers obligation to deliver a prospectus
when acting as underwriters.
CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Calamos Global Total Return Fund (the Fund) is a diversified, closed-end management
investment company. This Statement of Additional Information relates to the offering, on an
immediate, continuous or delayed basis, of up to $75,000,000 aggregate initial offering price
of common shares, preferred shares (Preferred Shares), and debt securities in
one or more
offerings. This Statement of Additional Information does not constitute a prospectus, but should
be read in conjunction with the prospectus relating thereto dated
March 11, 2008 and any
related prospectus supplement. This Statement of Additional Information does not include all
information that a prospective investor should consider before purchasing any of the Funds
securities, and investors should obtain and read the prospectus and any related prospectus
supplement prior to purchasing such securities. A copy of the prospectus and any related prospectus
supplement may be obtained without charge by calling 1-800-582-6959. You may also obtain a copy of
the prospectus and any related prospectus supplement on the Securities and Exchange Commissions
web site (http://www.sec.gov). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Statement of
Additional Information have the same meanings ascribed to them in the prospectus and any related
prospectus supplement.
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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S-1 |
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S-1 |
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S-23 |
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S-25 |
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S-36 |
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S-38 |
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S-38 |
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S-39 |
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S-50 |
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S-50 |
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S-50 |
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S-50 |
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Financial Statements |
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S-50 |
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Financial Statements and Report of Independent Auditors/Accountants |
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F-1 |
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A-1 |
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A-I-1 |
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B-1 |
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This Statement of
Additional Information is dated March 11, 2008.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Fund will invest the net proceeds of the offering in accordance with the Funds investment
objective and policies as stated below and in the prospectus. It is presently anticipated that the
Fund will invest substantially all of the net proceeds in securities that meet the investment
objective and policies within three months after completion of the offering. Pending such
investment, we anticipate that we will invest the proceeds in
securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or
instrumentalities or in high quality, short-term or long-term debt
obligations. If necessary, the Fund may also purchase, as temporary
investments, securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies that invest primarily in
the types of securities in which the Fund may invest directly.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The prospectus presents the investment objective and the principal investment strategies and
risks of the Fund. This section supplements the disclosure in the Funds prospectus and provides
additional information on the Funds investment policies or restrictions. Restrictions or policies
stated as a maximum percentage of the Funds assets are only applied immediately after a portfolio
investment to which the policy or restriction is applicable (other than the limitations on
borrowing). Accordingly, any later increase or decrease resulting from a change in values, managed
assets or other circumstances will not be considered in determining whether the investment complies
with the Funds restrictions and policies.
Primary Investments
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest primarily in a portfolio of common and
preferred stocks, convertible securities and income producing securities such as investment grade
and below investment grade (high yield/high risk) debt securities. The Fund, under normal
circumstances, will invest at least 50% of its managed assets in equity securities (including
securities that are convertible into equity securities). The Fund may invest up to 100% of its
managed assets in securities of foreign issuers, including debt and equity securities of corporate
issuers and debt securities of government issuers, in developed and emerging markets. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 30% of its managed assets in securities of foreign
issuers. The Fund will invest in the securities of issuers of several different countries
throughout the world, in addition to the United States. Managed assets means the total assets of
the Fund (including any assets attributable to any leverage that may be outstanding) minus the sum
of accrued liabilities (other than debt representing financial leverage). For this purpose, the
liquidation preference on any preferred shares will not constitute a liability.
Foreign Securities
The Fund may invest up to 100% of its managed assets in securities of foreign issuers in
developed and emerging markets, including debt and equity securities of corporate issuers and debt
securities of government issuers. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 30% of
its managed assets in securities of foreign issuers; however, the Fund anticipates that ordinarily
Calamos investment process will result in the Fund investing at least 40% of its managed assets in
securities of foreign issuers. The Fund will invest in the securities of issuers of several
different countries throughout the world, in addition to the United States. A foreign issuer is a
foreign government or a company organized under the laws of a foreign country. For these purposes,
foreign securities includes American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) or securities guaranteed by a
United States person, and foreign securities in the form of European Depositary Receipts (EDRs),
Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) or other securities representing underlying shares of foreign
issuers. Positions in those securities are not
S-1
necessarily denominated in the same currency as the common stocks into which they may be
converted. ADRs are receipts typically issued by an American bank or trust company evidencing
ownership of the underlying securities. EDRs are European receipts listed on the Luxembourg Stock
Exchange evidencing a similar arrangement. GDRs are U.S. dollar-denominated receipts evidencing
ownership of foreign securities. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for the U.S.
securities markets and EDRs and GDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in foreign securities
markets. The Fund may invest in sponsored or unsponsored ADRs. In the case of an unsponsored ADR,
the Fund is likely to bear its proportionate share of the expenses of the depository and it may
have greater difficulty in receiving shareholder communications than it would have with a sponsored
ADR.
To the extent positions in portfolio securities are denominated in foreign currencies, the
Funds investment performance is affected by the strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar against
those currencies. For example, if the dollar falls in value relative to the Japanese yen, the
dollar value of a Japanese stock held in the portfolio will rise even though the price of the stock
remains unchanged. Conversely, if the dollar rises in value relative to the yen, the dollar value
of the Japanese stock will fall. (See discussion of transaction hedging and portfolio hedging
below under Currency Exchange Transactions.)
Investors should understand and consider carefully the risks involved in foreign investing.
Investing in foreign securities, which are generally denominated in foreign currencies, and
utilization of forward foreign currency exchange contracts involve certain considerations
comprising both risks and opportunities not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities.
These considerations include: fluctuations in exchange rates of foreign currencies; possible
imposition of exchange control regulation or currency restrictions that would prevent cash from
being brought back to the United States; less public information with respect to issuers of
securities; less governmental supervision of stock exchanges, securities brokers, and issuers of
securities; lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards; lack of uniform
settlement periods and trading practices; less liquidity and frequently greater price volatility in
foreign markets than in the United States; possible imposition of non-U.S. withholding or other taxes; and sometimes less
advantageous legal, operational and financial protections applicable to foreign sub-custodial
arrangements.
Although the Fund intends to invest in companies and government securities of countries having
stable political environments, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation,
seizure or nationalization of foreign bank deposits or other assets, establishment of exchange
controls, the adoption of foreign government restrictions, or other adverse political, social or
diplomatic developments that could affect investment in these nations.
The Fund may invest in the securities of issuers located in emerging market countries. The
securities markets of emerging countries are substantially smaller, less developed, less liquid and
more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other more developed countries.
Disclosure and regulatory standards in many respects are less stringent than in the U.S. and other
major markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and regulation of emerging markets
and the activities of investors in such markets, and enforcement of existing regulations has been
extremely limited. Economies in individual emerging markets may differ favorably or unfavorably
from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rates of inflation,
currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments
positions. Many emerging market countries have experienced high rates of inflation for many years,
which has had and may continue to have very negative effects on the economies and securities
markets of those countries.
S-2
Currency Exchange Transactions
Currency exchange transactions may be conducted either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the
spot rate for purchasing or selling currency prevailing in the foreign exchange market or through
forward currency exchange contracts (forward contracts). Forward contracts are contractual
agreements to purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified future date (or within a
specified time period) and price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are usually
entered into with banks, foreign exchange dealers and broker-dealers, are not exchange traded, and
are usually for less than one year, but may be renewed.
Forward currency exchange transactions may involve currencies of the different countries in
which the Fund may invest and serve as hedges against possible variations in the exchange rate
between these currencies and the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange transactions are limited to
transaction hedging and portfolio hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio
positions, except to the extent described below under Synthetic Foreign Money Market Positions.
Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of forward contracts with respect to specific
receivables or payables of the Fund accruing in connection with the purchase and sale of its
portfolio securities or the receipt of dividends or interest thereon. Portfolio hedging is the use
of forward contracts with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in a
particular foreign currency. Portfolio hedging allows the Fund to limit or reduce its exposure in
a foreign currency by entering into a forward contract to sell such foreign currency (or another
foreign currency that acts as a proxy for that currency) at a future date for a price payable in
U.S. dollars so that the value of the foreign denominated portfolio securities can be approximately
matched by a foreign denominated liability. The Fund may not engage in portfolio hedging with
respect to the currency of a particular country to an extent greater than the aggregate market
value (at the time of making such sale) of the securities held in its portfolio denominated or
quoted in that particular currency, except that the Fund may hedge all or part of its foreign
currency exposure through the use of a basket of currencies or a proxy currency where such
currencies or currency act as an effective proxy for other currencies. In such a case, the Fund
may enter into a forward contract where the amount of the foreign currency to be sold exceeds the
value of the securities denominated in such currency. The use of this basket hedging technique may
be more efficient and economical than entering into separate forward contracts for each currency
held in the Fund. The Fund may not engage in speculative currency exchange transactions.
If the Fund enters into a forward contract, the Funds custodian will segregate liquid assets
of the Fund having a value equal to the Funds commitment under such forward contract. At the
maturity of the forward contract to deliver a particular currency, the Fund may either sell the
portfolio security related to the contract and make delivery of the currency, or it may retain the
security and either acquire the currency on the spot market or terminate its contractual obligation
to deliver the currency by purchasing an offsetting contract with the same currency trader
obligating it to purchase on the same maturity date the same amount of the currency. It is
impossible to forecast with absolute precision the market value of portfolio securities at the
expiration of a forward contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for the Fund to purchase
additional currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value
of the security is less than the amount of currency the Fund is obligated to deliver and if a
decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the currency. Conversely, it may be
necessary to sell on the spot market some of the currency received upon the sale of the portfolio
security if its market value exceeds the amount of currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.
If the Fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund
will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been movement in forward contract prices.
If the Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward
contract to sell the
S-3
currency. Should forward prices decline during the period between the Funds entering into a
forward contract for the sale of a currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for
the purchase of the currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency
it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward
prices increase, the Fund will suffer a loss to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed
to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell. A default on the contract
would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits or force the Fund to cover its commitments for
purchase or sale of currency, if any, at the current market price.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the
value of a portfolio security traded in that currency or prevent a loss if the value of the
security declines. Hedging transactions also preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the
hedged currency should rise. Moreover, it may not be possible for the Fund to hedge against a
devaluation that is so generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the
currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates. The cost to the Fund of engaging
in currency exchange transactions varies with such factors as the currency involved, the length of
the contract period, and prevailing market conditions.
Equity Securities
Equity securities include common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, and depository
receipts. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 50% of its managed assets in
equity securities (including securities that are convertible into equity securities). An
investment in the equity securities of a company represents a proportionate ownership interest in
that company. Therefore, the Fund participates in the financial success or failure of any company
in which it has an equity interest. Equity investments are subject to greater fluctuations in
market value than other asset classes as a result of such factors as a companys business
performance, investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic conditions. Equity
securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a companys capital structure in
terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation payments.
Preferred stocks involve credit risk, which is the risk that a preferred stock in the Funds
portfolio will decline in price or fail to make dividend payments when due because the issuer of
the security experiences a decline in its financial status. In addition to credit risk,
investments in preferred stocks involve certain other risks. Certain preferred stocks contain
provisions that allow an issuer under certain circumstances to skip distributions (in the case of
non-cumulative preferred stocks) or defer distributions (in the case of cumulative preferred
stocks). If the Fund owns a preferred stock that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be
required to report income for federal income tax purposes while it is not receiving income from
that stock. The Fund must distribute, at least annually, all or substantially all of its net
investment income, including income from such deferred distributions, to shareholders to avoid
federal income and excise taxes. See U.S. Federal Income Tax Matters. Therefore, if the Fund
owns a preferred stock that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may have to dispose of
portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may have to leverage
itself by borrowing the cash, to satisfy distribution requirements. In certain varying
circumstances, an issuer may redeem its preferred stock prior to a specified date in the event of
certain tax or legal changes or at the issuers call. In the event of a redemption, the Fund may
not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return. Preferred stocks typically do
not provide any voting rights, except in cases when dividends are in arrears for a specified number
of periods.
Equity securities of small and medium-sized companies historically have been subject to
greater investment risk than those of large companies. The risks generally associated with small
and medium-sized companies include more limited product lines, markets and financial resources,
lack of management depth or experience, dependency on key personnel and vulnerability to adverse
market and economic
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developments. Accordingly, the prices of small and medium-sized company equity securities
tend to be more volatile than prices of large company stocks. Further, the prices of small and
medium-sized company equity securities are often adversely affected by limited trading volumes and
the lack of publicly available information.
Debt Securities
In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund may invest in convertible and non-convertible
debt securities, including lower-rated securities (i.e., securities rated BB or lower by Standard &
Poors Corporation, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (S&P), or Ba or lower by Moodys
Investor Services, Inc. (Moodys)) and securities that are not rated but are considered by
Calamos to be of similar quality. There are no restrictions as to the ratings of debt securities
acquired by the Fund or the portion of the Funds assets that may be invested in debt securities in
a particular ratings category.
Securities rated BBB or Baa are considered to be medium grade and to have speculative
characteristics. Lower-rated debt securities are predominantly speculative with respect to the
issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Investment in medium- or lower-quality debt
securities involves greater investment risk, including the possibility of issuer default or
bankruptcy. An economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for such securities and
adversely affect the value of such securities. In addition, lower-quality bonds are less sensitive
to interest rate changes than higher-quality instruments and generally are more sensitive to
adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During a period of adverse economic
changes, including a period of rising interest rates, issuers of such bonds may experience
difficulty in servicing their principal and interest payment obligations.
Achievement by the Fund of its investment objective will be more dependent on Calamos credit
analysis than would be the case if the Fund were investing in higher-quality debt securities.
Because the ratings of rating services (which evaluate the safety of principal and interest
payments, not market risks) are used only as preliminary indicators of investment quality, Calamos
employs its own credit research and analysis. These analyses may take into consideration such
quantitative factors as an issuers present and potential liquidity, profitability, internal
capability to generate funds, debt/equity ratio and debt servicing capabilities, and such
qualitative factors as an assessment of management, industry characteristics, accounting
methodology, and foreign business exposure.
Medium- and lower-quality debt securities may be less marketable than higher-quality debt
securities because the market for them is less broad. The market for unrated debt securities is
even narrower. During periods of thin trading in these markets, the spread between bid and asked
prices is likely to increase significantly, and the Fund may have greater difficulty selling its
portfolio securities. The market value of these securities and their liquidity may be affected by
adverse publicity and investor perceptions.
High Yield Securities
The high yield securities in which the Fund may invest are rated below investment grade (i.e.,
rated Ba or lower by Moodys or BB or lower by Standard & Poors) or are unrated but determined by
Calamos to be of comparable quality. Non-convertible debt securities rated below investment grade
or comparable unrated securities are commonly referred to as junk bonds and are considered
speculative with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
Below investment grade non-convertible debt securities or comparable unrated securities are
susceptible to default or decline in market value due to adverse economic and business
developments.
S-5
The market values for high yield securities tend to be very volatile, and these securities are
less liquid than investment grade debt securities. For these reasons, your investment in the Fund
is subject to the following specific risks:
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increased price sensitivity to changing interest rates and to a deteriorating
economic environment; |
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greater risk of loss due to default or declining credit quality; |
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adverse company specific events are more likely to render the issuer unable to make
interest and/or principal payments; and |
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if a negative perception of the high yield market develops, the price and liquidity
of high yield securities may be depressed. This negative perception could last for a
significant period of time. |
Securities rated below investment grade are speculative with respect to the capacity to pay
interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of such securities. A rating of C from
Moodys means that the issue so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing. Standard & Poors assigns a rating of C to issues that are
currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the C rating may be used to cover a situation where
a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on the obligation are
being continued (a C rating is also assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or
sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying). See Appendix C to this Statement of
Additional Information for a description of Moodys and Standard & Poors ratings.
Adverse changes in economic conditions are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of a
high yield issuer to make principal payments and interest payments than an investment grade issuer.
The principal amount of high yield securities outstanding has proliferated in the past decade as
an increasing number of issuers have used high yield securities for corporate financing. An
economic downturn could severely affect the ability of highly leveraged issuers to service their
debt obligations or to repay their obligations upon maturity. Similarly, down-turns in
profitability in specific industries could adversely affect the ability of high yield issuers in
that industry to meet their obligations. The market values of lower quality debt securities tend
to reflect individual developments of the issuer to a greater extent than do higher quality
securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Factors
having an adverse impact on the market value of lower quality securities may have an adverse effect
on the Funds net asset value and the market value of its common shares. In addition, the Fund may
incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in payment
of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings. In certain circumstances, the Fund may be
required to foreclose on an issuers assets and take possession of its property or operations. In
such circumstances, the Fund would incur additional costs in disposing of such assets and potential
liabilities from operating any business acquired.
The secondary market for high yield securities may not be as liquid as the secondary market
for more highly rated securities, a factor which may have an adverse effect on the Funds ability
to dispose of a particular security when necessary to meet its liquidity needs. There are fewer
dealers in the market for high yield securities than investment grade obligations. The prices
quoted by different dealers may vary significantly and the spread between the bid and asked price
is generally much larger than higher quality instruments. Under adverse market or economic
conditions, the secondary market for high yield securities could contract further, independent of
any specific adverse changes in the condition of a
S-6
particular issuer, and these instruments may become illiquid. As a result, the Fund could
find it more difficult to sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at
prices lower than if such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such
lower rated or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the prices used in
calculating the Funds net asset value.
Because investors generally perceive that there are greater risks associated with lower
quality debt securities of the type in which the Fund may invest a portion of its assets, the
yields and prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate more than those for higher rated
securities. In the lower quality segments of the debt securities market, changes in perceptions of
issuers creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner than do
changes in higher quality segments of the debt securities market, resulting in greater yield and
price volatility.
If the Fund invests in high yield securities that are rated C or below, the Fund will incur
significant risk in addition to the risks associated with investments in high yield securities and
corporate loans. Distressed securities frequently do not produce income while they are
outstanding. The Fund may purchase distressed securities that are in default or the issuers of
which are in bankruptcy. The Fund may be required to bear certain extraordinary expenses in order
to protect and recover its investment.
Distressed Securities
The Fund may, but currently does not intend to, invest up to 5% of its total assets in
distressed securities, including corporate loans, which are the subject of bankruptcy proceedings
or otherwise in default as to the repayment of principal and/or payment of interest at the time of
acquisition by the Fund or are rated in the lower rating categories (Ca or lower by Moodys or CC
or lower by Standard & Poors) or which are unrated investments considered by Calamos to be of
comparable quality. Investment in distressed securities is speculative and involves significant
risk. Distressed securities frequently do not produce income while they are outstanding and may
require the Fund to bear certain extraordinary expenses in order to protect and recover its
investment. Therefore, to the extent the Fund seeks capital appreciation through investment in
distressed securities, the Funds ability to achieve current income for its shareholders may be
diminished. The Fund also will be subject to significant uncertainty as to when and in what manner
and for what value the obligations evidenced by the distressed securities will eventually be
satisfied (e.g., through a liquidation of the obligors assets, an exchange offer or plan of
reorganization involving the distressed securities or a payment of some amount in satisfaction of
the obligation). In addition, even if an exchange offer is made or a plan of reorganization is
adopted with respect to distressed securities held by the Fund, there can be no assurance that the
securities or other assets received by the Fund in connection with such exchange offer or plan of
reorganization will not have a lower value or income potential than may have been anticipated when
the investment was made. Moreover, any securities received by the Fund upon completion of an
exchange offer or plan of reorganization may be restricted as to resale. As a result of the Funds
participation in negotiations with respect to any exchange offer or plan of reorganization with
respect to an issuer of distressed securities, the Fund may be restricted from disposing of such
securities.
Loans
The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in loan participations and other direct
claims against a borrower. The corporate loans in which the Fund may invest primarily consist of
direct obligations of a borrower and may include debtor in possession financings pursuant to
Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, obligations of a borrower issued in connection with a
restructuring pursuant to Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, leveraged buy-out loans,
leveraged recapitalization loans, receivables purchase facilities, and privately placed notes. The
Fund may invest in a corporate loan at origination as a co-lender or by acquiring in the secondary
market participations in, assignments of or
S-7
novations of a corporate loan. By purchasing a participation, the Fund acquires some or all
of the interest of a bank or other lending institution in a loan to a corporate or government
borrower. The participations typically will result in the Fund having a contractual relationship
only with the lender not the borrower. The Fund will have the right to receive payments of
principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the
participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the borrower. Many such
loans are secured, although some may be unsecured. Such loans may be in default at the time of
purchase. Loans that are fully secured offer the Fund more protection than an unsecured loan in
the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that
the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the corporate borrowers
obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated. Direct debt instruments may involve a risk
of loss in case of default or insolvency of the borrower and may offer less legal protection to the
Fund in the event of fraud or misrepresentation. In addition, loan participations involve a risk
of insolvency of the lending bank or other financial intermediary. The markets in loans are not
regulated by federal securities laws or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC or the
Commission).
As in the case of other high yield investments, such corporate loans may be rated in the lower
rating categories of the established rating services (Ba or lower by Moodys or BB or lower by
Standard & Poors), or may be unrated investments considered by Calamos to be of comparable
quality. As in the case of other high yield investments, such corporate loans can be expected to
provide higher yields than lower yielding, higher rated fixed income securities, but may be subject
to greater risk of loss of principal and income. There are, however, some significant differences
between corporate loans and high yield bonds. Corporate loan obligations are frequently secured by
pledges of liens and security interests in the assets of the borrower, and the holders of corporate
loans are frequently the beneficiaries of debt service subordination provisions imposed on the
borrowers bondholders. These arrangements are designed to give corporate loan investors
preferential treatment over high yield investors in the event of a deterioration in the credit
quality of the issuer. Even when these arrangements exist, however, there can be no assurance that
the borrowers of the corporate loans will repay principal and/or pay interest in full. Corporate
loans generally bear interest at rates set at a margin above a generally recognized base lending
rate that may fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, in the case of the prime rate of a U.S. bank, or
which may be adjusted on set dates, typically 30 days but generally not more than one year, in the
case of the London Interbank Offered Rate. Consequently, the value of corporate loans held by the
Fund may be expected to fluctuate significantly less than the value of other fixed rate high yield
instruments as a result of changes in the interest rate environment. On the other hand, the
secondary dealer market for certain corporate loans may not be as well developed as the secondary
dealer market for high yield bonds, and therefore presents increased market risk relating to
liquidity and pricing concerns.
Synthetic Foreign Money Market Positions
The Fund may invest in money market instruments denominated in foreign currencies. In
addition to, or in lieu of, such direct investment, the Fund may construct a synthetic foreign
money market position by (a) purchasing a money market instrument denominated in one currency,
generally U.S. dollars, and (b) concurrently entering into a forward contract to deliver a
corresponding amount of that currency in exchange for a different currency on a future date and at
a specified rate of exchange. For example, a synthetic money market position in Japanese yen could
be constructed by purchasing a U.S. dollar money market instrument, and entering concurrently into
a forward contract to deliver a corresponding amount of U.S. dollars in exchange for Japanese yen
on a specified date and at a specified rate of exchange. Because of the availability of a variety
of highly liquid short-term U.S. dollar money market instruments, a synthetic money market position
utilizing such U.S. dollar instruments may offer greater liquidity than direct investment in
foreign currency and a concurrent construction of a synthetic position in such foreign currency, in
terms of both income yield and gain or loss from changes in currency
S-8
exchange rates, in general should be similar, but would not be identical because the
components of the alternative investments would not be identical. The Fund
currently does not intend to invest a significant amount of
its assets in synthetic foreign money market positions.
Debt Obligations of Non-U.S. Governments
An investment in debt obligations of non-U.S. governments and their political subdivisions
(sovereign debt) involves special risks that are not present in corporate debt obligations. The
non-U.S. issuer of the sovereign debt or the non-U.S. governmental authorities that control the
repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and the
Fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. During periods of economic uncertainty,
the market prices of sovereign debt may be more volatile than prices of debt obligations of U.S.
issuers. In the past, certain non-U.S. countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their
debt obligations, withheld payments of principal and interest and declared moratoria on the payment
of principal and interest on their sovereign debt.
A sovereign debtors willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely
manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign
currency reserves, the availability of sufficient non-U.S. currency, the relative size of the debt
service burden, the sovereign debtors policy toward its principal international lenders and local
political constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from
non-U.S. governments, multilateral agencies and other entities to reduce principal and interest
arrearages on their debt. The failure of a sovereign debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve
specified levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the
cancellation of third-party commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further
impair such debtors ability or willingness to service its debts.
Eurodollar Instruments And Samurai And Yankee Bonds
The Fund may invest in Eurodollar instruments and Samurai and Yankee bonds. Eurodollar
instruments are bonds of corporate and government issuers that pay interest and principal in U.S.
dollars but are issued in markets outside the United States, primarily in Europe. Samurai bonds
are yen-denominated bonds sold in Japan by non-Japanese issuers. Yankee bonds are U.S.
dollar-denominated bonds typically issued in the U.S. by non-U.S. governments and their agencies
and non-U.S. banks and corporations. The Fund may also invest in Eurodollar Certificates of
Deposit (ECDs), Eurodollar Time Deposits (ETDs) and Yankee Certificates of Deposit (Yankee
CDs). ECDs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by non-U.S. branches of
domestic banks; ETDs are U.S. dollar-denominated deposits in a non-U.S. branch of a U.S. bank or in
a non-U.S. bank; and Yankee CDs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by a
U.S. branch of a non-U.S. bank and held in the U.S. These investments involve risks that are
different from investments in securities issued by U.S. issuers, including potential unfavorable
political and economic developments, non-U.S. withholding or other taxes, seizure of non-U.S.
deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might
affect payment of principal or interest.
Convertible Securities
Convertible securities include any corporate debt security or preferred stock that may be
converted into underlying shares of common stock. The common stock underlying convertible
securities may be issued by a different entity than the issuer of the convertible securities.
Convertible securities entitle the holder to receive interest payments paid on corporate debt
securities or the dividend preference on a preferred stock until such time as the convertible
security matures or is redeemed or until the holder elects to exercise the conversion privilege.
As a result of the conversion feature, however, the interest rate or dividend preference on a
convertible security is generally less than would be the case if the
S-9
securities were issued in non-convertible form. The value of convertible securities is
influenced by both the yield of non-convertible securities of comparable issuers and by the value
of the underlying common stock. The value of a convertible security viewed without regard to its
conversion feature (i.e., strictly on the basis of its yield) is sometimes referred to as its
investment value. The investment value of the convertible security typically will fluctuate
inversely with changes in prevailing interest rates. However, at the same time, the convertible
security will be influenced by its conversion value, which is the market value of the underlying
common stock that would be obtained if the convertible security were converted. Conversion value
fluctuates directly with the price of the underlying common stock.
If, because of a low price of the common stock, the conversion value is substantially below
the investment value of the convertible security, the price of the convertible security is governed
principally by its investment value. If the conversion value of a convertible security increases
to a point that approximates or exceeds its investment value, the value of the security will be
principally influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security will sell at a premium over
its conversion value to the extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying
common stock while holding a fixed income security. Holders of convertible securities have a claim
on the assets of the issuer prior to the common stockholders, but may be subordinated to holders of
similar non-convertible securities of the same issuer.
Synthetic Convertible Securities
Calamos Advisors, LLC (Calamos) may create a synthetic convertible security by combining
fixed income securities with the right to acquire equity securities. More flexibility is possible
in the assembly of a synthetic convertible security than in the purchase of a convertible security.
Although synthetic convertible securities may be selected where the two components are issued by a
single issuer, thus making the synthetic convertible security similar to the true convertible
security, the character of a synthetic convertible security allows the combination of components
representing distinct issuers, when Calamos believes that such a combination would better promote
the Funds investment objective. A synthetic convertible security also is a more flexible
investment in that its two components may be purchased separately. For example, the Fund may
purchase a warrant for inclusion in a synthetic convertible security but temporarily hold
short-term investments while postponing the purchase of a corresponding bond pending development of
more favorable market conditions.
A holder of a synthetic convertible security faces the risk of a decline in the price of the
security or the level of the index involved in the convertible component, causing a decline in the
value of the call option or warrant purchased to create the synthetic convertible security. Should
the price of the stock fall below the exercise price and remain there throughout the exercise
period, the entire amount paid for the call option or warrant would be lost. Because a synthetic
convertible security includes the fixed-income component as well, the holder of a synthetic
convertible security also faces the risk that interest rates will rise, causing a decline in the
value of the fixed-income instrument.
The Fund may also purchase synthetic convertible securities manufactured by other parties,
including convertible structured notes. Convertible structured notes are fixed income debentures
linked to equity, and are typically issued by investment banks. Convertible structured notes have
the attributes of a convertible security; however, the investment bank that issued the convertible
note assumes the credit risk associated with the investment, rather than the issuer of the
underlying common stock into which the note is convertible.
Lending of Portfolio Securities
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to broker-dealers and banks. Any such loan must be
continuously secured by collateral in cash or cash equivalents maintained on a current basis in an
amount
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at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned by the Fund. The Fund would
continue to receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the
securities loaned, and would also receive an additional return that may be in the form of a fixed
fee or a percentage of the collateral. The Fund may pay reasonable fees to persons unaffiliated
with the Fund for services in arranging these loans. The Fund would have the right to call the
loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice of not more than five business days.
The Fund would not have the right to vote the securities during the existence of the loan but would
call the loan to permit voting of the securities, if, in Calamos judgment, a material event
requiring a shareholder vote would otherwise occur before the loan was repaid. In the event of
bankruptcy or other default of the borrower, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating
the loan collateral or recovering the loaned securities and losses, including (a) possible decline
in the value of the collateral or in the value of the securities loaned during the period while the
Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, (b) possible subnormal levels of income and lack of
access to income during this period, and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
Options on Securities, Indexes and Currencies
The Fund may seek to generate income from option premiums by writing (selling) options (with
an aggregate notional value of up to 33% of the value of the Funds managed assets). The Fund may
write (sell) call options (i) on a portion of the equity securities (including securities that are
convertible into equity securities) in the Funds portfolio and (ii) on broad-based securities
indices (such as the S&P 500 or MSCI EAFE) or certain ETFs (exchange traded funds) that trade like
common stocks but seek to replicate such market indices. The Fund may also write (sell) both put
and call options on certain of the equity securities (including securities that are convertible
into equity securities) in the Funds portfolio where the Fund will own an equity security and
simultaneously, write call options and write put options on that security. This strategy may
produce a considerably higher return than solely writing call options, but involves a higher degree
of risk and potential volatility.
Calamos may also utilize covered put option collars, in which the Fund purchases a put option
and simultaneously sells a put option on the same security at a different strike price. The put
option collars in which the Fund will invest are sometimes referred to as debit spreads and credit
spreads (including strike spreads and time spreads). When the Fund engages in debit spreads the
Fund will pay a higher premium for the put option it purchases than it receives for the put option
it writes. In so doing, the Fund hopes to realize current gains from favorable market price
movements in relation to the exercise price of the option it holds. The Funds maximum potential
profit would be equal to the difference between the two exercise prices, less the net premium paid.
When the Fund engages in credit spreads the Fund will receive more in premiums for the option it
writes than it will pay for the option it purchases. In so doing, the Fund hopes to realize
current gains in the form of premiums. The Funds maximum potential profit would be equal to the
net premium received for the spread. The Funds maximum potential loss would be limited to the
difference between the two exercise prices, less the net premium received.
In addition, to seek to offset some of the risk of a large potential decline in the event the
overall stock market has a sizeable short-term or intermediate-term decline, the Fund may also, to
a limited extent purchase put options on broad-based securities indices (such as the S&P 500 or MSCI
EAFE) or certain ETFs (exchange traded funds) that trade like common stocks but seek to replicate
such market indices.
The Fund may also purchase and sell put options and call options on foreign currencies. The
Fund may purchase agreements, sometimes called cash puts, that may accompany the purchase of a new
issue of bonds from a dealer.
S-11
A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the right to sell,
and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying security, commodity, index, currency or other
instrument at the exercise price. For instance, the Funds purchase of a put option on a security
might be designed to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some cases, a
similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value by giving the Fund the right
to sell such instrument at the option exercise price. A call option, upon payment of a premium,
gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the seller the obligation to sell, the
underlying instrument at the exercise price. The Funds purchase of a call option on a security,
financial future, index, currency or other instrument might be intended to protect the Fund against
an increase in the price of the underlying instrument that it intends to purchase in the future by
fixing the price at which it may purchase such instrument.
Certain options, known as American style options, may be exercised at any time
during the term of the option. Other options, known as European style options, may be exercised only on the expiration date of the option. The Fund expects that substantially
all of the options written by the Fund will be American style options.
The Fund is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed options and over-the-counter
options (OTC options). Exchange listed options are issued by a regulated intermediary such as
the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC), which guarantees the performance of the obligations of
the parties to such options. In addition, the Fund may purchase instruments structured by
broker-dealers or investment banks that package or possess economic characteristics of options.
The discussion below uses the OCC as an example, but is also applicable to other financial
intermediaries.
With certain exceptions, OCC issued and exchange listed options generally settle by physical
delivery of the underlying security or currency, although in the future cash settlement may become
available. Index options and Eurodollar instruments are cash settled for the net amount, if any,
by which the option is in-the-money (i.e., where the value of the underlying instrument exceeds,
in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put option, the exercise price of
the option) at the time the option is exercised. Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery
of the underlying instrument through the process of exercising the option, listed options are
closed by entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in ownership of
the new option.
OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial institutions or other
parties (Counterparties) through direct bilateral agreement with the Counterparty. In contrast
to exchange listed options, which generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, all
the terms of an OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise price,
premium, guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the parties. The Fund may sell OTC
options (other than OTC currency options) that are subject to a buy-back provision permitting the
Fund to require the Counterparty to sell the option back to the Fund at a formula price within
seven days. The Fund expects generally to enter into OTC options that have cash settlement
provisions, although it is not required to do so. The staff of the SEC currently takes the
position that OTC options purchased by a fund, and portfolio securities covering the amount of a
funds obligation pursuant to an OTC option sold by it (or the amount of assets equal to the
formula price for the repurchase of the option, if any, less the amount by which the option is in
the money) are illiquid.
The
Fund may also purchase and sell options on securities indices and
other financial indices, which may include purchasing and selling
options on stocks, indices, rates, credit spreads or currencies.
Options on securities indices and other financial indices are similar to options on a security or
other instrument except that, rather than settling by physical delivery of the underlying
instrument, they settle by cash settlement, i.e., an option or an index gives the holder the right
to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the index upon
which the option is based exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put,
the exercise price of the option (except if, in the case of an OTC option, physical delivery is
specified). This amount of cash is equal to the excess of the closing price of the index over the
exercise price of the option, which also may be multiplied by a formula value. The seller of the
option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of this amount. The gain
or loss on an option on an index depends on price movements in the instruments making upon
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the market, market segment industry or other composite on which the underlying index is based,
rather than price movements in individual securities, as is the case with respect to options on
securities.
The Fund will write call options and put options only if they are covered. For example, a
call option written by the Fund will require the Fund to hold the securities subject to the call
(or securities convertible into the needed securities without additional consideration) or to
segregate cash or liquid assets sufficient to purchase and deliver the securities if the call is
exercised. A call option sold by the Fund on an index will require the Fund to own portfolio
securities which correlate with the index or to segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the excess
of the index value over the exercise price on a current basis. A put option written by the Fund
requires the Fund to segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the exercise price.
OTC options entered into by the Fund and OCC issued and exchange listed index options will
generally provide for cash settlement. As a result, when the Fund sells these instruments it will
only segregate an amount of cash or liquid assets equal to its accrued net obligations, as there is
no requirement for payment or delivery of amounts in excess of the net amount. These amounts will
equal 100% of the exercise price in the case of a non cash-settled put, the same as an OCC
guaranteed listed option sold by the Fund, or the in-the-money amount plus any sell-back formula
amount in the case of a cash-settled put or call. In addition, when the Fund sells a call option
on an index at a time when the in-the-money amount exceeds the exercise price, the Fund will
segregate, until the option expires or is closed out, cash or cash equivalents equal in value to
such excess. OCC issued and exchange listed options sold by the Fund other than those above
generally settle with physical delivery, or with an election of either physical delivery or cash
settlement and the Fund will segregate an amount of cash or liquid assets equal to the full value
of the option. OTC options settling with physical delivery, or with an election of either physical
delivery or cash settlement, will be treated the same as other options settling with physical
delivery.
If an option written by the Fund expires, the Fund will generally realize a short-term capital
gain equal to the premium received at the time the option was written. If an option purchased by
the Fund expires, the Fund realizes a capital loss equal to the premium paid, which may be
short-term or long-term depending on the Funds holding period for the option.
Prior to the earlier of exercise or expiration, an option may be closed out by an offsetting
purchase or sale of an option of the same series (type, exchange, underlying security or index,
exercise price and expiration). There can be no assurance, however, that a closing purchase or
sale transaction can be effected when the Fund desires.
The Fund will realize a short-term capital gain from a closing purchase transaction if the
cost of the closing option is less than the premium received from writing the option, or, if it is
more, the Fund will generally realize a short-term capital loss. If the premium received from a
closing sale transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, the Fund will
realize a capital gain or, if it is less, the Fund will realize a capital loss, which in each case
may be long-term or short-term depending on the Funds holding period for the option. The
principal factors affecting the market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand,
interest rates, the current market price of the underlying security or index in relation to the
exercise price of the option, the volatility of the underlying security or index, and the time
remaining until the expiration date.
A put or call option purchased by the Fund is an asset of the Fund, valued initially at the
premium paid for the option. The premium received for an option written by the Fund is recorded as
a deferred credit. The value of an option purchased or written is marked-to-market daily and is
valued at the closing
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price on the exchange on which it is traded or, if not traded on an exchange or no closing
price is available, at the mean between the last bid and asked prices.
Risks Associated with Options
There are several risks associated with transactions in options. For example, there are
significant differences between the securities markets, the currency markets and the options
markets that could result in an imperfect correlation among these markets, causing a given
transaction not to achieve its objectives. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options
involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be
unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events. The ability of the
Fund to utilize options successfully will depend on Calamos ability to predict pertinent market
investments which cannot be assured.
The Funds ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller of an OCC or exchange
listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the liquidity of the option market. Among
the possible reasons for the absence of a liquid option market on an exchange are:
(i) insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by
an exchange; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to
particular classes or series of options or underlying securities including reaching daily price
limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the
facilities of an exchange or OCC to handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or
more exchanges to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options),
in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease to exist, although
outstanding options on that exchange would generally continue to be exercisable in accordance with
their terms. If the Fund were unable to close out an option that it has purchased on a security,
it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit or the option would expire and
become worthless. If the Fund were unable to close out a covered call option that it had written
on a security, it would not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expired. As
the writer of a covered call option on a security, the Fund foregoes, during the options life, the
opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security covering the call option
above the sum of the premium and the exercise price of the call. As the writer of a covered call
option on a foreign currency, the Fund foregoes, during the options life, the opportunity to
profit from currency appreciation.
The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours during which the
underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent that the option markets close before
the markets for the underlying financial instruments, significant price and rate movements can take
place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing or guaranty function in an OTC
option. As a result, if the Counterparty (as described above under Options on Securities, Indexes
and Currencies) fails to make or take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument
underlying an OTC option it has entered into with the Fund or fails to make a cash settlement
payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund will lose any premium it paid for
the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction. Accordingly, Calamos must assess
the creditworthiness of each such Counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the
Counterpartys credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC option will be
satisfied. The Fund will engage in OTC option transactions only with U.S. government securities
dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as primary dealers or broker/dealers,
domestic or foreign banks or other financial institutions which have received (or the guarantors of
the obligation of which have received) a short-term credit rating of A-1 from S&P or P-1 from
Moodys or an equivalent rating from any nationally recognized statistical
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rating organization (NRSRO) or, in the case of OTC currency transactions, are determined to
be of equivalent credit quality by Calamos.
The Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities indices and currencies. All calls
sold by the Fund must be covered. Even though the Fund will receive the option premium to help
protect it against loss, a call sold by the Fund exposes the Fund during the term of the option to
possible loss of opportunity to realize appreciation in the market price of the underlying security
or instrument and may require the Fund to hold a security or instrument which it might otherwise
have sold. As described more fully in the accompanying prospectus, this results in the potential
for net asset value erosion. The Fund may purchase and sell put options on securities indices and
currencies. In selling put options, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to buy the
underlying security at a disadvantageous price above the market price.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
The Fund may use interest rate futures contracts, index futures contracts and foreign currency
futures contracts. An interest rate, index or foreign currency futures contract provides for the
future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified quantity of a financial
instrument or the cash value of an index1 at a specified price and time. A public
market exists in futures contracts covering a number of indexes (including, but not limited to: the
Standard & Poors 500 Index, the Russell 2000 Index, the Value Line Composite Index, and the New
York Stock Exchange Composite Index) as well as financial instruments (including, but not limited
to: U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. Treasury notes, Eurodollar certificates of deposit and foreign
currencies). Other index and financial instrument futures contracts are available and it is
expected that additional futures contracts will be developed and traded.
The Fund may purchase and write call and put futures options. Futures options possess many of
the same characteristics as options on securities, indexes and foreign currencies (discussed
above). A futures option gives the holder the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a
long position (call) or short position (put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at
any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a
long position in the futures contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. In
the case of a put option, the opposite is true. The Fund might, for example, use futures contracts
to hedge against or gain exposure to fluctuations in the general level of stock prices, anticipated
changes in interest rates or currency fluctuations that might adversely affect either the value of
the Funds securities or the price of the securities that the Fund intends to purchase. Although
other techniques could be used to reduce or increase the Funds exposure to stock price, interest
rate and currency fluctuations, the Fund may be able to achieve its desired exposure more
effectively and perhaps at a lower cost by using futures contracts and futures options.
The Fund will only enter into futures contracts and futures options that are standardized and
traded on an exchange, board of trade or similar entity, or quoted on an automated quotation
system.
The
success of any futures transaction depends on Calamos correctly predicting
changes in the level and direction of stock prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and
other factors.
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A futures contract on an index is an agreement pursuant
to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal
to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last
trading day of the contract and the price at which the index contract was
originally written. Although the value of a securities index is a function of
the value of certain specified securities, no physical delivery of those
securities is made. |
S-15
Should those predictions be incorrect, the Funds return might have been better had the
transaction not been attempted; however, in the absence of the ability to use futures contracts,
Calamos might have taken portfolio actions in anticipation of the same market
movements with similar investment results, but, presumably, at greater transaction costs. When a
purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by the Fund, the Fund is required to deposit with
its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) a specified amount of cash or U.S. government
securities or other securities acceptable to the broker (initial margin). The margin required
for a futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and may be modified
during the term of the contract, although the Funds broker may require margin deposits in excess
of the minimum required by the exchange. The initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond
or good faith deposit on the futures contract, which is returned to the Fund upon termination of
the contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. The Fund expects to earn
interest income on its initial margin deposits. A futures contract held by the Fund is valued
daily at the official settlement price of the exchange on which it is traded. Each day the Fund
pays or receives cash, called variation margin, equal to the daily change in value of the futures
contract. This process is known as marking-to-market. Variation margin paid or received by the
Fund does not represent a borrowing or loan by the Fund but is instead settlement between the Fund
and the broker of the amount one would owe the other if the futures contract had expired at the
close of the previous day. In computing net asset value, the Fund will mark-to-market its open
futures positions.
The Fund is also required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to put and call options
on futures contracts written by it. Such margin deposits will vary depending on the nature of the
underlying futures contract (and the related initial margin requirements), the current market value
of the option and other futures positions held by the Fund.
Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying
securities, usually these obligations are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or
sales of matching futures contracts (same exchange, underlying security or index, and delivery
month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund engaging in
the transaction realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss.
Conversely, if an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund engaging
in the transaction realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss.
The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations.
Risks Associated with Futures
There are several risks associated with the use of futures contracts and futures options. A
purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the
futures contract. In trying to increase or reduce market exposure, there can be no guarantee that
there will be a correlation between price movements in the futures contract and in the portfolio
exposure sought. In addition, there are significant differences between the securities and futures
markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between the markets, causing a given
transaction not to achieve its objectives. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends on
circumstances such as: variations in speculative market demand for futures, futures options and the
related securities, including technical influences in futures and futures options trading and
differences between the securities markets and the securities underlying the standard contracts
available for trading. For example, in the case of index futures contracts, the composition of the
index, including the issuers and the weighing of each issue, may differ from the composition of the
Funds portfolio, and, in the case of interest rate futures contracts, the interest rate levels,
maturities and creditworthiness of the issues underlying the futures contract may differ from the
financial instruments held in the Funds portfolio. A decision as to whether, when and how to use
futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived
transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected stock price
or interest rate trends.
S-16
Futures exchanges may limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in certain futures contract
prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price
of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous days settlement price at the
end of the current trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a futures contract
subject to the limit, no more trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The
daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and therefore does not
limit potential losses because the limit may work to prevent the liquidation of unfavorable
positions. For example, futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several
consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of
positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses. Stock index
futures contracts are not normally subject to such daily price change limitations.
There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at a time when the Fund seeks to
close out a futures or futures option position. The Fund would be exposed to possible loss on the
position during the interval of inability to close, and would continue to be required to meet
margin requirements until the position is closed. In addition, many of the contracts discussed
above are relatively new instruments without a significant trading history. As a result, there can
be no assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist.
Limitations on Options and Futures
If other options, futures contracts or futures options of types other than those described
herein are traded in the future, the Fund may also use those investment vehicles, provided the
Board of Trustees determines that their use is consistent with the Funds investment objective.
When purchasing a futures contract or writing a put option on a futures contract, the Fund
must maintain with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) cash or cash equivalents
(including any margin) equal to the market value of such contract. When writing a call option on a
futures contract, the Fund similarly will maintain with its custodian cash or cash equivalents
(including any margin) equal to the amount by which such option is in-the-money until the option
expires or is closed by the Fund.
The Fund may not maintain open short positions in futures contracts, call options written on
futures contracts or call options written on indexes if, in the aggregate, the market value of all
such open positions exceeds the current value of the securities in its portfolio, plus or minus
unrealized gains and losses on the open positions, adjusted for the historical relative volatility
of the relationship between the portfolio and the positions. For this purpose, to the extent the
Fund has written call options on specific securities in its portfolio, the value of those
securities will be deducted from the current market value of the securities portfolio.
The Fund has claimed an exclusion from registration as a commodity pool under the Commodity
Exchange Act (CEA) and, therefore, the Fund and its officers and trustees are not subject to the
registration requirements of the CEA. The Fund reserves the right to engage in transactions
involving futures and options thereon to the extent allowed by Commodity Futures Trading Commission
regulations in effect from time to time and in accordance with the Funds policies.
Warrants
The Fund may invest in warrants. A warrant is a right to purchase common stock at a specific
price (usually at a premium above the market value of the underlying common stock at time of
issuance) during a specified period of time. A warrant may have a life ranging from less than a
year to twenty years or longer, but a warrant becomes worthless unless it is exercised or sold
before expiration. In addition, if the market price of the common stock does not exceed the
warrants exercise price during the life of the
S-17
warrant, the warrant will expire worthless. Warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends
and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage
increase or decrease in the value of a warrant may be greater than the percentage increase or
decrease in the value of the underlying common stock.
Portfolio Turnover
Although the Fund does not purchase securities with a view to rapid turnover, there are no
limitations on the length of time that portfolio securities must be held. Portfolio turnover can
occur for a number of reasons, including calls for redemption, general conditions in the securities
markets, more favorable investment opportunities in other securities, or other factors relating to
the desirability of holding or changing a portfolio investment. The portfolio turnover rates may
vary greatly from year to year. A high rate of portfolio turnover in the Fund would result in
increased transaction expense. High portfolio turnover may also result in the realization of
capital gains or losses and, to the extent net short-term capital gains are realized, any
distributions resulting from such gains will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates for federal
income tax purposes.
Short Sales
The Fund may from time to time sell securities short to enhance income and protect against
market risk by hedging a portion of the equity risk inherent in the Funds portfolio. A short sale
is effected when Calamos believes that the price of a security will decline, and involves the sale
of securities that the Fund does not own, in the hope of purchasing the same securities at a later
date at a lower price. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to close out a short
position (i.e., purchase the same securities) at any particular time or at an acceptable or
advantageous price. To make delivery to the buyer, the Fund must borrow the securities from a
broker-dealer through which the short sale is executed, and the broker-dealer delivers the
securities, on behalf of the Fund, to the buyer. The broker-dealer is entitled to retain the
proceeds from the short sale until the Fund delivers to it the securities sold short. In addition,
the Fund is required to pay to the broker-dealer the amount of any dividends or interest paid on
the securities sold short.
To secure its obligation to deliver to the broker-dealer the securities sold short, the Fund
must segregate an amount of cash or liquid securities with its custodian equal to any excess of the
current market value of the securities sold short over any cash or liquid securities deposited as
collateral with the broker in connection with the short sale (not including the proceeds of the
short sale). As a result of that requirement, the Fund will not gain any leverage merely by
selling short, except to the extent that it earns interest or other income or gains on the
segregated cash or liquid securities while also being subject to the possibility of gain or loss
from the securities sold short.
The Fund is said to have a short position in the securities sold until it delivers to the
broker-dealer the securities sold, at which time the Fund receives the proceeds of the short sale.
The Fund will normally close out a short position by purchasing on the open market and delivering
to the broker-dealer an equal amount of the securities sold short.
The Fund will realize a gain if the price of the securities declines between the date of the
short sale and the date on which the Fund purchases securities to replace the borrowed securities.
On the other hand, the Fund will incur a loss if the price of the securities increases between
those dates. The amount of any gain will be decreased and the amount of any loss increased by any
premium or interest that the Fund may be required to pay in connection with the short sale. It
should be noted that possible losses from short sales differ from those that could arise from a
cash investment in a security in that losses from a
S-18
short sale may be limitless, while the losses from a cash investment in a security cannot
exceed the total amount of the investment in the security.
There is also a risk that securities borrowed by the Fund and delivered to the buyer of the
securities sold short will need to be returned to the broker-dealer on short notice. If the
request for the return of securities occurs at a time when other short sellers of the security are
receiving similar requests, a short squeeze can occur, meaning that the Fund might be compelled,
at the most disadvantageous time, to replace the borrowed securities with securities purchased on
the open market, possibly at prices significantly in excess of the proceeds received earlier.
Rule 10a-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 provides that exchange-traded securities
can be sold short only at a price that is higher than the last trade or the same as the last trade
price if that price is higher than the price of the previous reported trade. The requirements of
Rule 10a-1 can delay, or in some cases prevent, execution of short sales, resulting in opportunity
costs and increased exposure to market action.
The Fund may also make short sales against the box, meaning that at all times when a short
position is open the Fund owns an equal amount of such securities or securities convertible into or
exchangeable, without payment of further consideration, for securities of the same issue as, and in
an amount equal to, the securities sold short. Short sales against the box result in a
constructive sale and require the Fund to recognize any taxable gain unless an exception to the
constructive sale rule applies.
The Fund will not make a short sale of securities (other than a short sale against the box),
if more than 20% of its net assets would be deposited with brokers as collateral or allocated to
segregated accounts in connection with all outstanding short sales (other than short sales against
the box).
In addition to enabling the Fund to hedge against market risk, short sales may afford the Fund
an opportunity to earn additional current income to the extent it is able to enter into
arrangements with broker-dealers through which the short sales are executed to receive income with
respect to the proceeds of the short sales during the period the Funds short positions remain
open. The Fund believes that some broker-dealers may be willing to enter into such arrangements,
but there is no assurance that they will be able to enter into such arrangements to the desired
degree.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars
The Fund may enter into interest rate, currency, index, credit default and other swaps and the
purchase or sale of related caps, floors and collars. The Fund expects to enter into these
transactions primarily as a hedge to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or
portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency fluctuations, as a duration management
technique or to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates
purchasing at a later date. The Fund will not sell interest rate caps or floors where it does not
own securities or other instruments providing the income stream the Fund may be obligated to pay.
Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective
commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate
payments with respect to a notional amount of principal. A currency swap is an agreement to
exchange cash flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value
differential among them and an index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on a notional amount
based on changes in the values of the reference indices. The purchase of a cap entitles the
purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party selling such cap to the
extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate or amount. The purchase of a
floor entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from the party
selling such floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate
or amount. A collar is a
S-19
combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range
of interest rates or values.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps or caps on a net basis, that is, the two payment
streams will be netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the
instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two
payments. The Fund intends to maintain in a segregated account with its custodian cash or liquid
securities having a value at least equal to the Funds net payment obligations under any swap
transaction, marked-to-market daily. Inasmuch as the Fund will segregate assets (or enter into
offsetting positions) to cover its obligations under swaps, Calamos and the Fund believe such
obligations do not constitute senior securities under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940
Act) and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to its borrowing restrictions.
The Fund will not enter into any swap, cap, floor or collar transaction unless, at the time of
entering into such transaction, the Fund believes that the Counterparty has the financial resources
to honor its obligation under the transaction. Further, Calamos will continually monitor the
financial stability of a Counterparty to a swap or cap transaction in an effort to proactively
protect the Funds investments. The use of swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio
security transactions. The Funds use of swaps or caps could enhance or harm the overall
performance on the common shares. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of
the interest rate swap or cap could decline, and could result in a decline in the net asset value
of the common shares. In addition, if short-term interest rates are lower than the Funds fixed
rate of payment on the interest rate swap, the swap will reduce common share net earnings. If, on
the other hand, short-term interest rates are higher than the fixed rate of payment on the interest
rate swap, the swap will enhance common share net earnings. Buying caps could enhance the
performance of the common shares by providing a maximum leverage expense. Buying caps could also
decrease the net earnings of the common shares in the event that the premium paid by the Fund to
the Counterparty exceeds the additional amount the Fund would have been required to pay had it not
entered into the cap agreement. The Fund has no current intention of selling swaps or caps.
Swaps and caps do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or
principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swaps is limited to the net amount of
payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the Counterparty defaults, the Fund
would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the swap or cap to offset the payments
required of the Fund. Depending on whether the Fund would be entitled to receive net payments from
the Counterparty on the swap or cap, such a default could negatively impact the performance of the
common shares.
In addition, at the time the swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date,
there is a risk that the Fund would not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the
terms of the replacement would not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs,
it could have a negative impact on the performance of the Funds common shares.
The Fund may choose or be required to redeem some or all of the preferred shares or prepay any
borrowings. Such redemption or prepayment would likely result in the Fund seeking to terminate
early all or a portion of any swap or cap transaction. Such early termination of a swap could
result in termination payment by or to the Fund. An early termination of a cap could result in a
termination payment to the Fund.
The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and
investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap
S-20
documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid, however, some swaps
may be considered illiquid. The markets for some types of caps, floors and collars are less
liquid.
Structured Products
The Fund may invest in interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of
restructuring the investment characteristics of certain other investments. This type of
restructuring involves the deposit with or purchase by an entity, such as a corporation or trust,
of specified instruments and the issuance by that entity of one or more classes of securities
(structured products) backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. The
term structured products as used herein excludes synthetic convertibles and interest rate
transactions. The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly
issued structured products to create securities with different investment characteristics such as
varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of the payments
made with respect to structured products is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the
underlying instruments. The Fund may invest in structured products, which represent derived
investment positions based on relationships among different markets or asset classes.
The Fund may also invest in other types of structured products, including, among others,
baskets of credit default swaps referencing a portfolio of high-yield securities. A structured
product may be considered to be leveraged to the extent its interest rate varies by a magnitude
that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate. Because they are linked to their
underlying markets or securities, investments in structured products generally are subject to
greater volatility than an investment directly in the underlying market or security. Total return
on the structured product is derived by linking return to one or more characteristics of the
underlying instrument. Because certain structured products of the type in which the Fund may
invest may involve no credit enhancement, the credit risk of those structured products generally
would be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments. The Fund may invest in a class of
structured products that is either subordinated or unsubordinated to the right of payment of
another class. Subordinated structured products typically have higher yields and present greater
risks than unsubordinated structured products. Although the Funds purchase of subordinated
structured products would have similar economic effect to that of borrowing against the underlying
securities, the purchase will not be deemed to be leverage for purposes of the Funds limitations
related to borrowing and leverage.
Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined
in the 1940 Act. As a result, the Funds investments in these structured products may be limited
by the restrictions contained in the 1940 Act. Structured products are typically sold in private
placement transactions, and there currently may be no active trading market for structured
products. As a result, certain structured products in which the Fund invests may be deemed
illiquid. The Fund currently does not intend to invest a significant amount of its assets in structured products.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities and Reverse Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. Although the
payment and interest terms of these securities are established at the time the Fund enters into the
commitment, the securities may be delivered and paid for a month or more after the date of
purchase, when their value may have changed. The Fund makes such commitments only with the
intention of actually acquiring the securities, but may sell the securities before settlement date
if Calamos deems it advisable for investment reasons. The Fund may utilize spot and forward
foreign currency exchange transactions to reduce the risk inherent in fluctuations in the exchange
rate between one currency and another when securities are purchased or sold on a when-issued or
delayed-delivery basis.
S-21
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with banks and securities dealers. A
reverse repurchase agreement is a repurchase agreement in which the Fund is the seller of, rather
than the investor in, securities and agrees to repurchase them at an agreed-upon time and price.
Use of a reverse repurchase agreement may be preferable to a regular sale and later repurchase of
securities because it avoids certain market risks and transaction costs.
At the time when the Fund enters into a binding obligation to purchase securities on a
when-issued basis or enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, liquid securities (cash, U.S.
Government securities or other high-grade debt obligations) of the Fund having a value at least
as great as the purchase price of the securities to be purchased will be segregated on the books of
the Fund and held by the custodian throughout the period of the obligation. The use of these
investment strategies may increase net asset value fluctuation.
Illiquid Securities
The Fund may invest up to 15% of its managed assets in securities that, at the time of
investment, are illiquid (determined using the Commissions standard applicable to investment
companies, i.e., securities that cannot be disposed of within 7 days in the ordinary course of
business at approximately the value at which the Fund has valued the securities). The Fund may
invest without limitation in securities that have not been registered for public sale, but that are
eligible for purchase and sale by certain qualified institutional buyers. Calamos, under the
supervision of the Board of Trustees, will determine whether securities purchased under Rule 144A
are illiquid (that is, not readily marketable) and thus subject to the Funds limit on investing no
more than 15% of its managed assets in illiquid securities. Investments in Rule 144A Securities
could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Funds assets invested in illiquid securities
if qualified institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase these Rule 144A Securities. Illiquid
securities may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price at the times when the Fund believes it is
desirable to do so. The market price of illiquid securities generally is more volatile than that
of more liquid securities, which may adversely affect the price that the Fund pays for or recovers
upon the sale of illiquid securities. Illiquid securities are also more difficult to value and
Calamos judgment may play a greater role in the valuation process. Investment of the Funds
assets in illiquid securities may restrict the Funds ability to take advantage of market
opportunities. The risks associated with illiquid securities may be particularly acute in
situations in which the Funds operations require cash and could result in the Fund borrowing to
meet its short-term needs or incurring losses on the sale of illiquid securities.
The Fund may invest in bonds, corporate loans, convertible securities, preferred stocks and
other securities that lack a secondary trading market or are otherwise considered illiquid.
Liquidity of a security relates to the ability to easily dispose of the security and the price to
be obtained upon disposition of the security, which may be less than would be obtained for a
comparable more liquid security. Such investments may affect the Funds ability to realize the net
asset value in the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation of its assets.
Temporary Defensive Investments
The Fund may make temporary investments without limitation when Calamos determines that a
defensive position is warranted. Such investments may be in money market instruments, consisting
of obligations of, or guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the U.S. Government or its
agencies or instrumentalities; certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances and other obligations
of domestic banks having total assets of at least $500 million and that are regulated by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities; commercial paper rated in the highest category by a
recognized rating agency; and repurchase agreements.
S-22
Repurchase Agreements
As part of its strategy for the temporary investment of cash, the Fund may enter into
repurchase agreements with member banks of the Federal Reserve System or primary dealers (as
designated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York) in such securities. A repurchase agreement
arises when the Fund purchases a security and simultaneously agrees to resell it to the vendor at
an agreed upon future date. The resale price is greater than the purchase price, reflecting an
agreed upon market rate of return that is effective for the period of time the Fund holds the
security and that is not related to the coupon rate on the purchased security. Such agreements
generally have maturities of no more than seven days and could be used to permit the Fund to earn
interest on assets awaiting long-term investment. The Fund requires continuous maintenance by the
custodian for the Funds account in the Federal Reserve/Treasury Book Entry System of collateral in
an amount equal to, or in excess of, the market value of the securities that are the subject of a
repurchase agreement. Repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days are considered
illiquid securities. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase
agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying security and losses,
including: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period while the
Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto; (b) possible subnormal levels of income and lack of
access to income during this period; and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
Real Estate Investment Funds (REITs) and Associated Risk Factors
REITs are pooled investment vehicles which invest primarily in income producing real estate or
real estate related loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage
REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their
assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity
REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value.
Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from
the collection of interest payments. REITs are not subject to federal
income tax on income and gains distributed to shareholders
provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Code. The Fund will indirectly bear
its proportionate share of any management and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests in
addition to the expenses paid by the Fund. Debt securities issued by REITs are, for the most part,
general and unsecured obligations and are subject to risks associated with REITs.
Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with
investing in the real estate industry in general. An equity REIT may be affected by changes in the
value of the underlying properties owned by the REIT. A mortgage REIT may be affected by changes
in interest rates and the ability of the issuers of its portfolio mortgages to repay their
obligations. REITs are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are not diversified. REITs
are generally dependent upon maintaining cash flows to repay borrowings and to make distributions
to shareholders and are subject to the risk of default by lessees or borrowers. REITs whose
underlying assets are concentrated in properties used by a particular industry, such as health
care, are also subject to risks associated with such industry.
REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest
rates decline, the value of a REITs investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise.
Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REITs investment in fixed rate obligations
can be expected to decline. If the REIT invests in adjustable rate mortgage loans the interest
rates on which are reset periodically, yields on a REITs investments in such loans will gradually
align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates. This causes the value of such
investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would
investments in fixed rate obligations.
S-23
REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume
and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities.
Historically REITs have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included
in Standard & Poors 500 Stock Index.
Other Investment Companies
The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies to the extent that such
investments are consistent with the Funds investment objective and policies and permissible under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may
not acquire the securities of other domestic or non-U.S. investment companies if, as a result,
(i) more than 10% of the Funds total assets would be invested in securities of other investment
companies, (ii) such purchase would result in more than 3% of the total outstanding voting
securities of any one investment company being held by the Fund, or (iii) more than 5% of the
Funds total assets would be invested in any one investment company. These limitations do not
apply to the purchase of shares of money market funds or any investment company in connection with
a merger, consolidation, reorganization or acquisition of substantially all the assets of another
investment company.
The Fund, as a holder of the securities of other investment companies, will bear its pro rata
portion of the other investment companies expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are
in addition to the direct expenses of the Funds own operations.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The following are the Funds fundamental investment restrictions. These restrictions may not
be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Funds outstanding voting
securities (which for this purpose and under the 1940 Act means the lesser of (i) 67% of the common
shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding common shares are
represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding common shares). As long as preferred shares
are outstanding, the investment restrictions cannot be changed without the approval of a majority
of the outstanding common and preferred shares, voting together as a class, and the approval of a
majority of the outstanding preferred shares, voting separately by class.
The Fund may not:
|
(1) |
|
Issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act
and the rules and interpretive positions of the Commission thereunder. |
|
|
(2) |
|
Borrow money, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules
and interpretive positions of the Commission thereunder. |
|
|
(3) |
|
Invest in real estate, except that the Fund may invest in
securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein,
securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, securities of
real estate investment funds and mortgage-backed securities. |
|
|
(4) |
|
Make loans, except by the purchase of debt obligations, by
entering into repurchase agreements or through the lending of portfolio
securities and as otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and
interpretive positions of the Commission thereunder. |
S-24
|
(5) |
|
Invest in physical commodities or contracts relating to
physical commodities. |
|
|
(6) |
|
Act as an underwriter, except as it may be deemed to be an
underwriter in a sale of securities held in its portfolio. |
|
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(7) |
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Make any investment inconsistent with the Funds classification
as a diversified investment company under the 1940 Act and the rules and
interpretive positions of the Commission thereunder. |
|
|
(8) |
|
Concentrate its investments in securities of companies in any
particular industry as defined in the 1940 Act and the rules and interpretive
positions of the SEC thereunder. |
All other investment policies of the Fund are considered non-fundamental and may be changed by
the Board of Trustees without prior approval of the Funds outstanding voting shares.
Currently under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to issue preferred shares unless
immediately after such issuance the net asset value of the Funds portfolio is at least 200% of the
liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares (i.e., such liquidation value may not exceed
50% of the value of the Funds total assets). In addition, currently under the 1940 Act, the Fund
is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on its common shares unless, at
the time of such declaration, the net asset value of the Funds portfolio (determined after
deducting the amount of such dividend or distribution) is at least 200% of such liquidation value
plus any senior securities representing indebtedness. Currently under the 1940 Act, the Fund is
not permitted to incur indebtedness unless immediately after such borrowing the Fund has asset
coverage of at least 300% of the aggregate outstanding principal balance of indebtedness (i.e.,
such indebtedness may not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Funds total assets). Additionally,
currently under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not declare any dividend or other distribution upon any
class of its shares, or purchase any such shares, unless the aggregate indebtedness of the Fund
has, at the time of the declaration of any such dividend or distribution or at the time of any such
purchase, an asset coverage of at least 300% after deducting the amount of such dividend,
distribution, or purchase price, as the case may be.
Currently under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to lend money or property to any
person, directly or indirectly, if such person controls or is under common control with the Fund,
except for a loan from the Fund to a company which owns all of the outstanding securities of the
Fund, except directors qualifying shares.
Currently, under interpretive positions of the SEC, the Fund may not have on loan at any time
securities representing more than one third of its total assets.
Currently under the 1940 Act, a senior security does not include any promissory note or
evidence of indebtedness where such loan is for temporary purposes only and in an amount not
exceeding 5% of the value of the total assets of the issuer at the time the loan is made. A loan
is presumed to be for temporary purposes if it is repaid within sixty days and is not extended or
renewed.
Currently, the Fund would be deemed to concentrate in a particular industry if it invested
25% or more of its total assets in that industry.
Currently under the 1940 Act, a diversified company means a management company which meets
the following requirements: at least 75% of the value of its total assets is represented by cash
and cash items (including receivables), government securities, securities of other investment
companies, and
S-25
other securities for the purposes of this calculation limited in respect of any one issuer to
an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the total assets of such management company
and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer.
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in the aggregate in
shares of other investment companies and up to 5% of its total assets in any one investment
company, provided the investment does not represent more than 3% of the voting stock of the
acquired investment company at the time such shares are purchased. These limitations, however, do
not apply to the purchase of shares of money market funds. As a shareholder in any investment
company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment companys expenses, and would
remain subject to payment of the Funds advisory fees and other expenses with respect to assets so
invested. Holders of common shares would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the
extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the securities of other
investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject to the same leverage risks
described herein and in the prospectus. As described in the prospectus in the section entitled
Risks, the net asset value and market value of leveraged shares will be more volatile and the
yield to shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged shares.
In addition, to comply with federal income tax requirements for qualification as a regulated
investment company, the Funds investments will be limited by both an income and an asset test.
See Federal Income Tax Matters.
As a non-fundamental policy, the Fund may not issue preferred shares, borrow money or issue
debt securities in an aggregate amount exceeding 38% of the Funds total assets.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Trustees and Officers
The
Funds Board of Trustees provides broad oversight over the Funds affairs. The officers
of the Fund are responsible for the Funds operations. The Funds Trustees and officers are listed
below, together with their age, positions held with the Fund, term of office and length of service
and principal occupations during the past five years. Asterisks indicates those Trustees who are
interested persons of the Fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and they are referred to as
Interested Trustees. Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund are referred to as
Independent Trustees. Each of the Trustees serves as a Trustee of other investment companies
(17 U. S. registered investment portfolios) for which Calamos serves as investment adviser
(collectively, the Calamos Funds). The address for all Independent and Interested Trustees and
all officers of the Fund is 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, Illinois 60563.
Trustees Who Are Interested Persons of the Fund:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Position(s) with |
|
Portfolios |
|
Principal Occupation(s) and Other |
Name and Age |
|
Fund |
|
Overseen |
|
Directorships |
John P. Calamos, Sr., 67*
|
|
Trustee and
President
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
Chairman, CEO, and Co-Chief
Investment Officer, Calamos
Asset Management, Inc. (CAM),
Calamos Holdings LLC (CHLLC)
and Calamos Advisors LLC and its
predecessor (Calamos
Advisors), and President and
Co-Chief Investment Officer,
Calamos Financial Services LLC
and its predecessor (CFS);
Director, CAM |
S-26
Trustees Who Are Not Interested Persons of the Fund:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Position(s) with |
|
Portfolios |
|
Principal Occupation(s) and Other |
Name and Age |
|
Fund |
|
Overseen |
|
Directorships |
Joe F.
Hanauer, 70
|
|
Trustee
(since inception)
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
Private investor; Director, MAF
Bancorp (bank holding company);
Chairman and Director, Move,
Inc. (internet provider of real
estate information and
products); Director, Combined
Investments, L.P. (investment
management) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weston W. Marsh, 57
|
|
Trustee
(since inception)
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
Of Counsel, Partner, Freeborn & Peters (law firm) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John E. Neal, 57
|
|
Trustee
(since inception)
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
Private investor; Managing
Director, Banc One Capital
Markets, Inc. (investment
banking) (2000-2004); Director,
Focused Health Services (private
disease management company),
Equity Residential
(publicly-owned REIT), Ranir LLC
(oral products company) and CBA
Commercial (commercial mortgage
securitization company);
Partner, Private Perfumery LLC
(private label perfume company)
and Linden LLC (health care
private equity) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William R. Rybak, 56
|
|
Trustee
(since inception)
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
Private investor; formerly
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer, Van
Kampen Investments, Inc. and
subsidiaries (investment
manager); Director, Howe Barnes
Hoefer Arnett, Inc. (investment
services firm) and
PrivateBancorp, Inc. (bank
holding company); Trustee, JNL
Series Trust, JNL Investors
Series Trust, JNL Variable Fund
LLC and JNLNY Variable Fund I
LLC** |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stephen B. Timbers, 63
|
|
Trustee
(since inception)
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
Private investor; formerly Vice
Chairman, Northern Trust
Corporation (bank holding
company); formerly President and
Chief Executive Officer,
Northern Trust Investments, N.
A. (investment manager);
formerly President, Northern
Trust Global Investments, a
division of Northern Trust
Corporation and Executive Vice
President, The Northern Trust
Corporation; formerly, Director,
Northern Trust Securities, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David D. Tripple, 63
|
|
Trustee
(since 2006)
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
Private investor; Trustee,
Century Shares Trust and Century
Small Cap Select Fund*** |
|
|
|
* |
|
Mr. Calamos is an interested person of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act because he is
an affiliate of Calamos Advisors and Calamos Financial Services LLC. |
|
** |
|
Overseeing 94 portfolios in fund complex.
|
|
*** |
|
Overseeing two portfolios in fund complex. |
|
|
The address of the Trustees is 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, Illinois 60563. |
S-27
Officers. The preceding table gives information about Mr. John Calamos, who is president of
the Fund. The following table sets forth each other officers name and age as of the date of this
statement of additional information, position with the Fund and date first appointed to that
position, and principal occupation(s) during the past five years. Each officer serves until his or
her successor is chosen and qualified or until his or her resignation or removal by the board of
trustees.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Occupation(s) and |
Name and Age |
|
Position(s) with Fund |
|
Other Directorships |
Nimish S. Bhatt, 44
|
|
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(since 2008)
|
|
Senior Vice President and
Director of Operations, CAM,
CHLLC, Calamos Advisors and
CFS (since 2004); Treasurer of the Fund (2005-2008); Senior
Vice President, Alternative
Investments and Tax
Services, The BISYS Group,
Inc., prior thereto |
|
|
|
|
|
Nick P. Calamos, 46
|
|
Vice President (since inception)
|
|
Senior Executive Vice
President and Co-Chief
Investment Officer, CAM,
CHLLC, Calamos Advisors and
CFS |
|
|
|
|
|
Patrick H.
Dudasik, 52
|
|
Vice President (since inception)
|
|
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer,
Chief Operating Officer and
Treasurer, CAM and CHLLC
(since 2004), Calamos
Advisors and CFS (2001-2005) |
|
|
|
|
|
Cheryl
L. Hampton, 38
|
|
Treasurer (since 2007)
|
|
Vice President, Calamos Advisors (since March 2007); Tax Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
(1999 2007) |
|
|
|
|
|
Stathy
Darcy, 41
|
|
Secretary (since 2007)
|
|
Vice President and Associate Counsel,
Calamos Advisors (since 2006); prior
thereto, Partner, Chapman and Cutler LLP
(law firm) |
|
|
|
|
|
Mark J. Mickey, 56
|
|
Chief Compliance Officer
(since inception)
|
|
Chief Compliance Officer,
Calamos Funds (since 2005)
and Chief Compliance
Officer, Calamos Advisors
(2005-2006); Director of
Risk Assessment and Internal
Audit, Calamos Advisors
(2003-2005); President, Mark
Mickey Consulting
(2002-2003) |
|
|
|
|
The address of each officer is 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, Illinois 60563. |
The Funds Board of Trustees consists of seven members. In accordance with the Funds
Agreement and Declaration of Trust, the Board of Trustees is divided into three classes of
approximately equal size. The terms of the trustees of the different classes are staggered. The
terms of John P. Calamos, Weston W. Marsh and William R. Rybak will expire at the annual meeting of
shareholders in 2008. The terms of Joe F. Hanauer, John E. Neal and David D. Tripple will expire
at the annual meeting of shareholders in 2009. The term of Stephen B. Timbers will expire at the
annual meeting of shareholders in 2010. Messrs. Rybak and Timbers are the Trustees who represent
the holders of preferred shares. Such classification of the Trustees may prevent the replacement
of a majority of the Trustees for up to a two year period. Each of the Funds officers serves
until his or her successor is chosen and qualified or until his or her resignation or removal by
the Board of Trustees.
Committees of the Board of Trustees. The Funds Board of Trustees currently has four standing
committees:
Executive Committee. Messrs. John Calamos and Stephen B. Timbers are members of the
Executive Committee, which has authority during intervals between meetings of the Board of Trustees
to exercise the powers of the Board, with certain exceptions.
Audit Committee. Stephen B. Timbers, Joe F. Hanauer, John E. Neal, William R. Rybak,
Weston W. Marsh and David D. Tripple, each a non-interested Trustee, serve on the Audit Committee.
S-28
The Audit Committee approves the selection of the independent auditors to the Trustees,
approves services to be rendered by the auditors, monitors the auditors performance, reviews the
results of the Funds audit, determines whether to recommend to the Board that the Funds audited
financial statements be included in the Funds annual report and responds to other matters deemed
appropriate by the Board of Trustees.
Governance Committee. Stephen B. Timbers, Joe F. Hanauer, John E. Neal, William R.
Rybak, Weston W. Marsh and David D. Tripple, each a non-interested Trustee, serve on the Governance
Committee. The Governance Committee oversees the independence and effective functioning of the
Board of Trustees and endeavors to be informed about good practices for fund boards. The members
of the Governance Committee make recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding candidates for
election as non interested Trustees. The Governance Committee will consider shareholder recommendations regarding potential
candidates for nomination as Trustees properly submitted to the Governance Committee for its
consideration. A Fund shareholder who wishes to nominate a candidate to the Funds Board of
Trustees must submit any such recommendation in writing via regular mail to the attention of the
Funds Secretary, at the address of the Funds principal executive offices. The shareholder
recommendation must include:
|
|
|
the number and class of all Fund shares owned beneficially and of record by the
nominating shareholder at the time the recommendation is submitted and the dates on which such shares
were acquired, specifying the number of shares owned beneficially; |
|
|
|
|
a full listing of the proposed candidates education, experience (including knowledge of the investment company industry, experience as a director or senior officer of public or
private
companies, and directorships on other boards of other registered investment companies),
current employment, date of birth, business and residence address, and the names and
addresses of at least three professional references; |
|
|
|
|
information as to whether the candidate is, has been or may be an interested
person (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, Calamos or any of its affiliates, and, if believed
not to be or have been an interested person, information regarding the candidate that will be
sufficient for the Committee to make such determination; |
|
|
|
|
the written and signed consent of the candidate to be named as a nominee and to serve as a Trustee of the Fund, if elected; |
|
|
|
|
a description of all arrangements or understandings between the nominating shareholder, the candidate and/or any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which
the shareholder recommendation is being made, and if none, so specify; |
|
|
|
|
the class or series and number of all shares of the Fund owned of record or
beneficially by the candidate, as reported by the candidate; and |
|
|
|
|
such other information that would be helpful to the Governance Committee in evaluating the candidate. |
The Governance Committee may require the nominating shareholder to furnish other information
it may reasonably require or deem necessary to verify any information furnished pursuant to the
procedures delineated above or to determine the qualifications and eligibility of the candidate
proposed by the nominating shareholder to serve as a Trustee. If the nominating shareholder fails
to provide such additional information in writing within seven days of receipt of a written request
from the Governance Committee, the recommendation of such candidate as a nominee will be deemed not
properly submitted for consideration, and the Governance Committee is not required to consider such
candidate. During periods when the Governance Committee is not actively recruiting new Trustees,
shareholder recommendations will be kept on file until active recruitment is under way. After
consideration of a shareholder recommendation, the Governance Committee may dispose of the
shareholder recommendation.
Dividend Committee. Mr. Calamos serves as the sole member of the dividend committee.
The dividend committee is authorized to declare distributions on the Funds shares including, but
not limited to, regular dividends, special dividends and short- and long-term capital gains
distributions.
Valuation Committee. David D. Tripple, Stephen B. Timbers and Weston W. Marsh, each a
non-interested Trustee, serve on the Valuation Committee. The Valuation Committee oversees the
implementation of the valuation procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The members of the
Valuation Committee make recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding valuation matters
relating to the Fund.
In addition to the above committees, there is a Board of Trustees directed pricing committee
comprised of officers of the Fund and employees of Calamos.
The following table identifies the number of meetings the Board of Trustees and each committee held during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Meetings During Fiscal |
|
|
Year Ended October 31, 2007 |
Board of Trustees |
|
6 |
Executive Committee |
|
0 |
Audit Committee |
|
5 |
Governance Committee |
|
2 |
Dividend Committee |
|
0 |
Valuation Committee |
|
3 |
|
The Funds Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that the Fund will indemnify the
Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with any claim in
which they may be involved because of their offices with the Fund, unless it is determined in the
manner specified in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust that they have not acted in good faith
in the reasonable belief that their actions were in the best interests of the Fund or that such
indemnification would relieve any officer or Trustee of any liability to the Fund or its
shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of
his or her duties.
Compensation of Officers and Trustees. The Fund pays no salaries or compensation to any of
its officers or to the Trustees who are affiliated persons of Calamos. The following table sets
forth certain information with respect to the compensation paid to each Trustee by the Fund and the
Calamos Fund Complex as a group. Compensation from the Fund is for the current calendar year and
is estimated. Total compensation from the Calamos Fund Complex as a group is for the [calendar
year ended December 31, 2007].
|
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|
Estimated Aggregate |
|
Total Compensation From |
Name of Trustee |
|
Compensation From Fund |
|
Calamos Fund Complex(1)* |
John P. Calamos Sr. |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Joe F. Hanauer |
|
$ |
2,284 |
|
|
$ |
131,000 |
|
Weston W. Marsh |
|
$ |
2,552 |
|
|
$ |
146,000 |
|
John E. Neal |
|
$ |
2,695 |
|
|
$ |
154,000 |
|
William R. Rybak |
|
$ |
2,517 |
|
|
$ |
144,000 |
|
Steve B. Timbers |
|
$ |
3,265 |
|
|
$ |
186,000 |
|
David D. Tripple |
|
$ |
2,731 |
|
|
$ |
156,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes fees that may have been deferred during the year pursuant to a deferred
compensation plan with Calamos Investment Trust. Deferred amounts are treated as though such
amounts have been invested and reinvested in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the
Calamos Investment Trust selected by the Trustee. |
S-29
|
|
|
* |
|
The Calamos Fund Complex consists of seven investment companies and each applicable series
thereunder including the Fund, Calamos Investment Trust, Calamos Advisors Trust, Calamos
Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund, Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund, Calamos
Strategic Total Return Fund and Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund. |
The Fund has adopted a deferred compensation plan (the Plan). Under the Plan, a Trustee who
is not an interested person of Calamos and who has elected to participate in the Plan
(participating Trustees) may defer receipt of all or a portion of his compensation from Fund in
order to defer payment of income taxes or for other reasons. The deferred compensation payable to
the participating Trustee is credited to Trustees deferral account as of the business day such
compensation would have been paid to the Trustee. The value of a Trustees deferred compensation
account at any time is equal to what would be the value if the amounts credited to the account had
instead been invested in shares of one or more of the portfolios of Calamos Investment Trust as
designated by the Trustee. Thus, the value of the account increases with contributions to the
account or with increases in the value of the measuring shares, and the value of the account
decreases with withdrawals from the account or with declines in the value of the measuring shares.
If a participating trustee retires, the Trustee may elect to receive payments under the plan in a
lump sum or in equal installments over a period of five years. If a participating Trustee dies,
any amount payable under the Plan will be paid to the Trustees beneficiaries.
Ownership of Shares of the Fund and Other Calamos Funds. The following table indicates the
value of shares that each Trustee beneficially owns in the Fund and the Calamos Fund Complex in the
aggregate. The value of shares of the Calamos Funds is determined on the basis of the net asset
value of the class of shares held as of December 31, 2007. The value of the shares held, are
stated in ranges in accordance with the requirements of the Commission. The table reflects the
Trustees beneficial ownership of shares of the Calamos Fund Complex. Beneficial ownership is
determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC.
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|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities in all Registered |
|
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Investment Companies in the |
Name of Trustee |
|
Securities in the Fund |
|
Calamos Funds |
Interested Trustees: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John P. Calamos |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Interested Trustees: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joe F. Hanauer |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
Weston W. Marsh |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
John E. Neal |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
William R. Rybak |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
Stephen B. Timbers |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
David D. Tripple |
|
$50,001 $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
Code of Ethics. The Fund and Calamos have adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the
1940 Act which is applicable to officers, directors/Trustees and designated employees of Calamos
and CFS. Employees of Calamos and CFS are permitted to make personal securities transactions,
including transactions in securities that the Fund may purchase, sell or hold, subject to
requirements and restrictions set forth in the code of ethics of Calamos and CFS. The code of
ethics contains provisions and requirements designed to identify and address certain conflicts of
interest between personal investment activities of Calamos and CFS employees and the interests of
investment advisory clients such as the Fund. Among other things, the code of ethics prohibits
certain types of transactions absent prior approval, imposes time periods during which personal
transactions may not be made in certain securities, and requires the submission of duplicate broker
confirmations and statements and quarterly reporting of
S-30
securities transactions. Additional restrictions apply to portfolio managers, traders,
research analysts and others involved in the investment advisory process. Exceptions to these and
other provisions of the code of ethics may be granted in particular circumstances after review by
appropriate personnel. Text only versions of the code of ethics can be viewed online or downloaded
from the EDGAR Database on the SECs internet web site at www.sec.gov. You may review and
copy the code of ethics by visiting the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.
Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be
obtained by calling the SEC at 202-551-8090. In addition, copies of the code of ethics may be obtained, after mailing the
appropriate duplicating fee, by writing to the SECs Public Reference Section, Washington,
DC 20549-0102 or by e-mail request at publicinfo@sec.gov.
Proxy Voting Procedures. The Fund has delegated proxy voting responsibilities to Calamos,
subject to the Board of Trustees general oversight. The Fund expects Calamos to vote proxies
related to the Funds portfolio securities for which the Fund has voting authority consistent with
the Funds best economic interests. Calamos has adopted its own Proxy Voting Policies and
Procedures (Policies). The Policies address, among other things, conflicts of interest that may
arise between the interests of the Fund, and the interests of the adviser and its affiliates.
The following is a summary of the Policies used by Calamos in voting proxies.
To assist it in voting proxies, Calamos has established a Committee comprised of members of
its Portfolio Management and Research Departments. The Committee and/or its members will vote
proxies using the following guidelines.
In general, if Calamos believes that a companys management and board have interests
sufficiently aligned with the Funds interest, Calamos will vote in favor of proposals recommended
by a companys board. More specifically, Calamos seeks to ensure that the board of directors of a
company is sufficiently aligned with security holders interests and provides proper oversight of
the companys management. In many cases this may be best accomplished by having a majority of
independent board members. Although Calamos will examine board member elections on a case-by-case
basis, it will generally vote for the election of directors that would result in a board comprised
of a majority of independent directors.
Because of the enormous variety and complexity of transactions that are presented to
shareholders, such as mergers, acquisitions, reincorporations, adoptions of anti-takeover measures
(including adoption of a shareholder rights plan, requiring supermajority voting on particular
issues, adoption of fair price provisions, issuance of blank check preferred stocks and the
creation of a separate class of stock with unequal voting rights), changes to capital structures
(including authorizing additional shares, repurchasing stock or approving a stock split), executive
compensation and option plans, that occur in a variety of industries, companies and market cycles,
it is extremely difficult to foresee exactly what would be in the best interests of the Fund in all
circumstances. Moreover, voting on such proposals involves considerations unique to each
transaction. Accordingly, Calamos will vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals presenting these
transactions.
Finally, Calamos has established procedures to help resolve conflicts of interests that might
arise when voting proxies for the Fund. These procedures provide that the Committee, along with
Calamos Legal and Compliance Departments, will examine conflicts of interests with the Fund of
which Calamos is aware and seek to resolve such conflicts in the best interests of the Fund,
irrespective of any such conflict. If a member of the Committee has a personal conflict of
interest, that member will refrain from voting and the remainder of the Committee will determine
how to vote the proxy solely on the investment
S-31
merits of any proposal. The Committee will then memorialize the conflict and the procedures
used to address the conflict.
The Fund is required to file with the SEC its complete proxy voting record for the
twelve-month period ending June 30, by no later than August 31 of each year. The Funds proxy
voting record for the most recent twelve-month period ending June 30 is available by August 31 of
each year (1) on the SECs website at www.sec.gov and (2) without charge, upon request, by calling
800-582-6959.
You may obtain a copy a Calamos Policies by calling 800.582.6959, by visiting the Funds
website at www.calamos.com, by writing Calamos at: Calamos Investments, Attn: Client Services,
2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, IL 60563, and on the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
Investment Adviser and Investment Management Agreement
Subject to the overall authority of the board of trustees, Calamos provides the Fund with
investment research, advice and supervision and furnishes continuously an investment program for
the Fund. In addition, Calamos furnishes for use of the Fund such office space and facilities as
the Fund may require for its reasonable needs and supervises the business and affairs of the Fund
and provides the following other services on behalf of the Fund and not provided by persons not a
party to the investment management agreement: (i) preparing or assisting in the preparation of
reports to and meeting materials for the Trustees; (ii) supervising, negotiating contractual
arrangements with, to the extent appropriate, and monitoring the performance of, accounting agents,
custodians, depositories, transfer agents and pricing agents, accountants, attorneys, printers,
underwriters, brokers and dealers, insurers and other persons in any capacity deemed to be
necessary or desirable to Fund operations; (iii) assisting in the preparation and making of filings
with the SEC and other regulatory and self-regulatory organizations, including, but not
limited to, preliminary and definitive proxy materials, amendments to the Funds registration
statement on Form N-2 and semi-annual reports on Form N-SAR and Form N-CSR; (iv) overseeing the
tabulation of proxies by the Funds transfer agent; (v) assisting in the preparation and filing of
the Funds federal, state and local tax returns; (vi) assisting in the preparation and filing of
the Funds federal excise tax return pursuant to Section 4982 of the Code; (vii) providing
assistance with investor and public relations matters; (viii) monitoring the valuation of portfolio
securities and the calculation of net asset value; (ix) monitoring the registration of shares of
beneficial interest of the Fund under applicable federal and state securities laws; (x) maintaining
or causing to be maintained for the Fund all books, records and reports and any other information
required under the 1940 Act, to the extent that such books, records and reports and other
information are not maintained by the Funds custodian or other agents of the Fund; (xi) assisting
in establishing the accounting policies of the Fund; (xii) assisting in the resolution of
accounting issues that may arise with respect to the Funds operations and consulting with the
Funds independent accountants, legal counsel and the Funds other agents as necessary in
connection therewith; (xiii) reviewing the Funds bills; (xiv) assisting the Fund in determining
the amount of dividends and distributions available to be paid by the Fund to its shareholders,
preparing and arranging for the printing of dividend notices to shareholders, and providing the
transfer and dividend paying agent, the custodian, and the accounting agent with such information
as is required for such parties to effect the payment of dividends and distributions; and
(xv) otherwise assisting the Fund as it may reasonably request in the conduct of the Funds
business, subject to the direction and control of the Trustees.
Under the investment management agreement, the Fund pays to Calamos a fee based on the average
weekly managed assets that is computed weekly and paid on a monthly basis. The fee paid by the
Fund is at the annual rate of 1.00% of managed assets. Because the management fees paid to
Calamos is based upon a percentage of the Funds managed assets, fees paid to Calamos are higher
when the Fund is leveraged; thus, Calamos will have an incentive to use leverage. Calamos intends
to use leverage only when it believes it will serve the best interests of the Funds shareholders.
Under the terms of its investment management agreement with the Fund, except for the services
and facilities provided by Calamos as set forth therein, the Fund shall assume and pay all expenses
for all other Fund operations and activities and shall reimburse Calamos for any such expenses
incurred by
S-32
Calamos. The expenses borne by the Fund shall include, without limitation: (a) organization
expenses of the Fund (including out-of-pocket expenses, but not including Calamos overhead or
employee costs); (b) fees payable to Calamos; (c) legal expenses; (d) auditing and accounting
expenses; (e) maintenance of books and records that are required to be maintained by the Funds
custodian or other agents of the Fund; (f) telephone, telex, facsimile, postage and other
communications expenses; (g) taxes and governmental fees; (h) fees, dues and expenses incurred by
the Fund in connection with membership in investment company trade organizations and the expense of
attendance at professional meetings of such organizations; (i) fees and expenses of accounting
agents, custodians, subcustodians, transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents and registrars;
(j) payment for portfolio pricing or valuation services to pricing agents, accountants, bankers and
other specialists, if any; (k) expenses of preparing share certificates; (l) expenses in connection
with the issuance, offering, distribution, sale, redemption or repurchase of securities issued by
the Fund; (m) expenses relating to investor and public relations provided by parties other than
Calamos; (n) expenses and fees of registering or qualifying shares of beneficial interest of the
Fund for sale; (o) interest charges, bond premiums and other insurance expenses; (p) freight,
insurance and other charges in connection with the shipment of the Funds portfolio securities;
(q) the compensation and all expenses (specifically including travel expenses relating to Fund
business) of Trustees, officers and employees of the Fund who are not affiliated persons of
Calamos; (r) brokerage commissions or other costs of acquiring or disposing of any portfolio
securities of the Fund; (s) expenses of printing and distributing reports, notices and dividends to
shareholders; (t) expenses of preparing and setting in type, printing and mailing prospectuses and
statements of additional information of the Fund and supplements thereto; (u) costs of stationery;
(v) any litigation expenses; (w) indemnification of Trustees and officers of the Fund; (x) costs of
shareholders and other meetings; (y) interest on borrowed money, if any; and (z) the fees and
other expenses of listing the Funds shares on the New York Stock Exchange or any other national
stock exchange.
For the fiscal years ended October 31,
2005, October 31, 2006, October 31, 2007, the Fund paid $15,685, $1,715,361,
and $2,016,530, respectively, in advisory fees.
The
investment management agreement had an initial term ending August 1, 2006 and continues in
effect from year to year thereafter so long as such continuation is approved at least annually by
(1) the board of trustees or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, and (2) a majority of the trustees who are not interested
persons of any party to the investment management agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on such approval. The investment management agreement may be terminated at
any time, without penalty, by either the Fund or Calamos upon 60 days written notice, and is
automatically terminated in the event of its assignment as defined in the 1940 Act.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees decision to approve the renewal of
the Investment Management Agreement is available in the Funds Annual Report to shareholders for
the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007.
The use of the name Calamos in the name of the Fund is pursuant to licenses granted by
Calamos, and the Fund has agreed to change the names to remove those references if Calamos ceases
to act as investment adviser to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
Calamos employs a team approach to portfolio management, with teams comprised generally of the
Co-Chief Investment Officers (the Co-CIOs), senior strategy analysts, intermediate analysts and
junior analysts. The Co-CIOs, directors and senior strategy analysts are supported by and
lead a team of investment professionals whose valuable contributions create a synergy of expertise
that can be
S-33
applied across many different investment strategies. John P. Calamos, Sr., Co-CIO of Calamos,
generally focuses on the top-down approach of diversification by industry sector and macro-level
investment themes, Nick P. Calamos, Co-CIO of Calamos, also focuses on the top-down approach of
diversification by industry sector and macro-level investment themes and, in addition, focuses on
the bottom-up approach and corresponding research and analysis. John P. Calamos, Jr., John
Hillenbrand, Steve Klouda, Jeff Scudieri and Jon Vacko are each senior strategy analysts, and
Matthew Toms is Director of Fixed Income. The Co-CIOs, directors and senior strategy analysts are
referred to collectively as Team Leaders.
The Team Leaders also have responsibility for the day-to-day management of accounts other than
the Fund. Information regarding these other accounts is set forth below:
The Funds Team Leaders are responsible for managing the Fund and other accounts, including
separate accounts and unregistered funds.
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by Account Type as of October 31, 2007* |
|
|
Registered Investment |
|
Other Pooled Investment |
|
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Companies |
|
Vehicles |
|
Other Accounts |
|
|
Accounts |
|
Assets |
|
Accounts |
|
Assets |
|
Accounts |
|
Assets |
John P. Calamos |
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
35,149,492,739 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
297,610,723 |
|
|
|
22,371 |
|
|
|
11,308,779,683 |
|
Nick P. Calamos |
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
35,149,492,739 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
297,610,723 |
|
|
|
22,371 |
|
|
|
11,308,779,683 |
|
John P. Calamos, Jr. |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
34,678,281,091 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
297,610,723 |
|
|
|
22,371 |
|
|
|
11,308,779,683 |
|
John Hillenbrand |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
33,129,883,529 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
242,155,204 |
|
|
|
22,371 |
|
|
|
11,308,779,683 |
|
Steve Klouda |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
33,129,883,529 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
242,155,204 |
|
|
|
22,371 |
|
|
|
11,308,779,683 |
|
Jeff Scudieri |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
33,129,883,529 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
242,155,204 |
|
|
|
22,371 |
|
|
|
11,308,779,683 |
|
Jon Vacko |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
33,129,883,529 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
242,155,204 |
|
|
|
22,371 |
|
|
|
11,308,779,683 |
|
|
|
|
Number of Accounts Managed and Assets for Which Advisory Fee is Performance Based as of October 31, 2007* |
|
|
Registered Investment |
|
Other Pooled Investment |
|
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Companies |
|
Vehicles |
|
Other Accounts |
|
|
Accounts |
|
Assets |
|
Accounts |
|
Assets |
|
Accounts |
|
Assets |
John P. Calamos |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
565,845,779 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
148,730,762 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Nick P. Calamos |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
565,845,779 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
148,730,762 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
John P. Calamos, Jr. |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
565,845,779 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
148,730,762 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
John Hillenbrand |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
565,845,779 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
93,275,243 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Steve Klouda |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
565,845,779 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
93,275,243 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Jeff Scudieri |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
565,845,779 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
93,275,243 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Jon Vacko |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
565,845,779 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
93,275,243 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Each Team Leader may invest for his own benefit in securities held in brokerage and mutual
fund accounts. The information shown in the table does not include information about those
accounts where the Team Leader or members of his family have beneficial or pecuniary interest
because no advisory relationship exists with Calamos or any of its affiliates. |
|
** |
|
Matthew Toms joined Calamos in March 2007 and information regarding the number of accounts
managed by Mr. Toms is not yet available. |
Other than potential conflicts between investment strategies, the side-by-side management of
both the Fund and other accounts may raise potential conflicts of interest due to the interest held
by Calamos in an account and certain trading practices used by the portfolio managers (e.g.,
cross-trades between the Fund and another account and allocation aggregated trades). Calamos has
developed policies and procedures reasonably designed to mitigate those conflicts. For example,
Calamos will only place cross-trades in securities held by the Fund in accordance with the rules
promulgated under the 1940 Act and has adopted policies designed to ensure the fair allocation of
securities purchased on an aggregated basis.
S-34
The allocation methodology employed by Calamos varies depending on the type of securities
sought to be bought or sold and the type of client or group of clients. Generally, however, orders
are placed first for those clients that have given Calamos brokerage discretion (including the
ability to step out a portion of trades), and then to clients that have directed Calamos to execute
trades through a specific broker. However, if the directed broker allows Calamos to execute with
other brokerage firms, which then book the transaction directly with the directed broker, the order
will be placed as if the client had given Calamos full brokerage discretion. Calamos and its
affiliates frequently use a rotational method of placing and aggregating client orders and will
build and fill a position for a designated client or group of clients before placing orders for
other clients. A client account may not receive an allocation of an order
if: (a) the client
would receive an unmarketable amount of securities based on account size; (b) the client has
precluded Calamos from using a particular broker; (c) the cash balance in the client account will
be insufficient to pay for the securities allocated to it at settlement; (d) current portfolio
attributes make an allocation inappropriate; and (e) account specific guidelines, objectives and
other account specific factors make an allocation inappropriate. Allocation methodology may be
modified when strict adherence to the usual allocation is impractical or leads to inefficient or
undesirable results. Calamos head trader must approve each instance that the usual allocation
methodology is not followed and provide a reasonable basis for such instances and all modifications
must be reported in writing to the Director of Compliance on a monthly basis.
The Team Leaders advise certain accounts under a performance fee arrangement. A performance
fee arrangement may create an incentive for a Team Leader to make investments that are riskier or
more speculative than would be the case in the absence of performance fees. A performance fee
arrangement may result in increased compensation to the Team Leaders from such accounts due to
under-realized appreciation as well as realized gains in the clients account.
As of October 31, 2007, Team Leaders John P. Calamos, Sr., Nick P. Calamos and John P.
Calamos, Jr. receive all of their compensation from Calamos Asset Management, Inc. Each has
entered into employment agreements that provide for compensation in the form of an annual base
salary and a discretionary target bonus, each payable in cash. Their discretionary target bonus is
set at a percentage of the respective base salary, ranging from 300% to 600%, with a maximum annual
bonus opportunity of 150% of the target bonus. For example, the discretionary target bonus for a Team Leader who earns $100,000 would range from $300,000 to $600,000 and the Team Leaders maximum annual bonus opportunity would range from $450,000 to $900,000. Also, due to the ownership and executive management
positions with Calamos and its parent company, additional multiple corporate objectives are
utilized to determine the discretionary target bonus for John P. Calamos, Sr., Nick P. Calamos and
John P. Calamos, Jr. For 2007, the additional corporate objectives were: marketing effectiveness,
as measured by redemption rate compared to an absolute target; advisory fee revenues, measured by
growth in revenues; operating efficiencies, as measured by operating margin percentage compared to
a ranking of the top operating margins of companies in the industry; and stock price performance.
As of October 31, 2007, John Hillenbrand, Steve Klouda, Jeff Scudieri and Jon Vacko, and, as
of March 2007, Matthew Toms, receive all of their compensation from Calamos. They each receive
compensation in the form of an annual base salary and a discretionary target bonus, each payable in
cash. Their discretionary target bonus is set at a percentage of the respective base salary.
The amounts paid to all Team Leaders and the criteria utilized to determine the amounts are
benchmarked against industry specific data provided by third party analytical agencies. The Team
Leaders compensation structure does not differentiate between the funds and other accounts managed
by the Team Leaders, and is determined on an overall basis, taking into consideration the
performance of the various strategies managed by the Team Leaders. Portfolio performance, as
measured by risk-adjusted portfolio performance, is utilized to determine the discretionary target
bonus, as well as overall performance of Calamos.
S-35
All Team Leaders are eligible to receive annual equity awards under a long-term incentive
compensation program. With respect to John P. Calamos, Sr., Nick P. Calamos and John P.
Calamos, Jr., the target annual equity awards are set at a percentage of base salary. With respect
to John Hillenbrand, Steve Klouda, Jeff Scudieri, Matthew Toms and Jon Vacko, the target annual
equity awards are each set at a percentage of the respective base salaries.
Historically, the annual equity awards granted under the long-term incentive compensation
program have been comprised of stock options and restricted stock units. The stock options and
restricted stock units issued to date have vested annually in one-third installments beginning in
the fourth year after the grant date and each award has been subject to accelerated vesting under
certain conditions. Unless terminated early, the stock options have a ten-year term.
At October 31, 2007, each portfolio manager beneficially owned (as determined pursuant to
Rule 16a-1a(a)(2) under the 1934 Act) shares of the Fund having value within the indicated dollar
ranges.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund |
John P. Calamos |
|
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Nick P. Calamos |
|
|
None |
|
John P. Calamos, Jr. |
|
|
None |
|
John Hillenbrand |
|
|
None |
|
Steve Klouda |
|
|
None |
|
Jeff Scudieri |
|
|
None |
|
Matthew Toms |
|
|
None |
|
Jon Vacko |
|
|
None |
|
Fund Accountant
Under the arrangements with State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street) to provide
fund accounting services, State Street provides certain administrative and accounting services
including providing daily reconciliation of cash, trades and positions; maintaining general ledger
and capital stock accounts; preparing daily trial balance; calculating net asset value; providing
selected general ledger reports; preferred share compliance; calculating total returns; and
providing monthly distribution analysis to the Fund and such other funds advised by Calamos that
may be part of those arrangements (the Fund and such other funds are collectively referred to as
the Calamos Funds). For the services rendered to the Calamos Funds, State Street receives fees
based on the combined managed assets of the Calamos Funds (Combined Assets). State Street
receives a fee at the annual rate of 0.009% for the first $5.0 billion of Combined Assets, 0.0075%
for the next $5.0 billion of Combined Assets, 0.005% for the next $5.0 billion of Combined Assets
and 0.0035% for the Combined Assets in excess of $15.0 billion. Each fund of the Calamos Funds
pays its pro-rata share of the fees payable to State Street described below based on relative
managed assets of each fund.
Calamos, and not State Street, will provide the following financial accounting services to
Calamos Funds: management of expenses and expense payment processing; monitor the calculation of
expense accrual amounts for any fund and make any necessary modifications; coordinate any expense
reimbursement calculations and payment; calculate yields on the funds in accordance with rules and
regulations of the SEC; calculate net investment income dividends and capital gains
distributions; calculate, track and report tax adjustments on all assets of each fund, including
but not limited to contingent debt and preferred trust obligations; prepare excise tax and fiscal
year distributions schedules; prepare tax information required for financial statement footnotes;
prepare state and federal income tax returns; prepare specialized calculations of amortization on
convertible securities; prepare year-end dividend disclosure information; calculate trustee
deferred compensation plan accruals and valuations;
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and prepare Form 1099 information statements for Board members and service providers. For
providing those financial accounting services, Calamos will receive a fee payable monthly at the
annual rate of 0.0175% on the first $1 billion of the average daily net assets of the Calamos
Funds; 0.0150% on the next $1 billion of the average daily net assets of the Calamos Funds; and
0.0110% on the average daily net assets of the Calamos Funds above $2 billion (financial
accounting service fee). Each fund of the Calamos Funds will pay its pro-rata share of the
financial accounting service fee payable to Calamos based on relative managed assets of each fund.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund effected on stock exchanges involve the payment
of negotiated brokerage commissions. There is generally no stated commission in the case of
securities traded in the over-the-counter markets, but the price paid by the Fund usually includes
an undisclosed dealer commission or mark-up. In underwritten offerings, the price paid by the Fund
includes a disclosed, fixed commission or discount retained by the underwriter or dealer.
In executing portfolio transactions, Calamos uses its best efforts to obtain for the Fund the
most favorable combination of price and execution available. In seeking the most favorable
combination of price and execution, Calamos considers all factors it deems relevant, including
price, the size of the transaction, the nature of the market for the security, the amount of
commission, the timing of the transaction taking into account market prices and trends, the
execution capability of the broker-dealer and the quality of service rendered by the broker-dealer
in other transactions.
The Trustees have determined that portfolio transactions for the Fund may be executed through
CFS, an affiliate of Calamos, if, in the judgment of Calamos,
the use of CFS is likely to result in prices and execution at least as favorable to the Funds as
those available from other qualified brokers and if, in such transactions, CFS charges the Fund
commission rates consistent with those charged by CFS to comparable unaffiliated customers in
similar transactions. The Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not
interested trustees, has adopted procedures that are reasonably designed to provide that any
commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to CFS are consistent with the foregoing standard.
The Fund will not effect principal transactions with CFS.
Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. and subject to seeking the most favorable combination of net price and execution available
and such other policies as the Trustees may determine, Calamos may consider sales of shares of the
Fund as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for that
Fund.
In allocating the Funds portfolio brokerage transactions to unaffiliated broker-dealers,
Calamos may take into consideration the research, analytical, statistical and other information and
services provided by the broker-dealer, such as general economic reports and information, reports
or analyses of particular companies or industry groups, market timing and technical information,
and the availability of the brokerage firms analysts for consultation. Although Calamos believes
these services have substantial value, they are considered supplemental to Calamos own efforts in
the performance of its duties under the management agreement. As permitted by Section 28(e) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (1934 Act), Calamos may cause the Fund to pay a broker-dealer
that provides brokerage and research services an amount of commission for effecting a securities
transaction for the Fund in excess of the commission that another broker-dealer would have charged
for effecting that transaction if the amount is believed by Calamos to be reasonable in relation to
the value of the overall quality of the brokerage and research services provided. Other clients of
Calamos may indirectly benefit from the provision of these
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services to Calamos, and the Fund may indirectly benefit from services provided to Calamos as
a result of transactions for other clients.
The
Fund paid $0, $0, and $0 in aggregate brokerage commissions for the fiscal years ended October 31,
2005, October 31, 2006, and October 31, 2007, including $0, $0, and $0 to CFS,
which represented 0%, 0% and 0% of the Funds aggregate brokerage fees paid for
the respective fiscal year, and 0%, 0%, and 0% of the Funds aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving brokerage
commissions for the respective fiscal year.
Portfolio Turnover
Our annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. Although we cannot
accurately predict our annual portfolio turnover rate, it is not expected to exceed 100% under
normal circumstances. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2005,
October 31, 2006, and October 31, 2007 the portfolio turnover rate
was 0%, 32%, and 85%, respectively.
However, portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in the execution of investment
decisions for us. A higher turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions
and other transactional expenses that are borne by us. High portfolio
turnover also may result in the realization of capital gains or losses and, to the extent net short-term
capital gains are realized, any distributions resulting from such gains will be considered ordinary income for
federal income tax purposes. See Federal Income Tax Matters.
NET ASSET VALUE
Net asset value per share is determined as of the close of regular session trading on the New
York Stock Exchange (usually 4:00 p.m., Eastern time), on the last business day in each week. Net
asset value is calculated by dividing the value of all of the securities and other assets of the
Fund, less its liabilities (including accrued expenses and indebtedness) and the aggregate
liquidation value of any outstanding preferred shares, by the total number of common shares
outstanding. Currently, the net asset values of shares of publicly traded closed-end investment
companies investing in debt securities are published in Barrons, the Monday edition of The Wall
Street Journal and the Monday and Saturday editions of The New York Times.
The values of the securities in the Fund are based on market prices from the primary market in
which they are traded. As a general rule, equity securities listed on a U.S. securities exchange
are valued at the last current reported sale price as of the time of valuation. Securities quoted
on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (the NOCP),
as determined by NASDAQ, or lacking an NOCP, at the last current reported sale price as of the time
of valuation. Bonds and other fixed-income securities that are traded over the counter and on an
exchange will be valued according to the broadest and most representative market, and it is
expected this will ordinarily be the over-the-counter market. The foreign securities held by the
Fund are traded on exchanges throughout the world. Trading on these foreign securities exchanges
is completed at various times throughout the day and often does not coincide with the close of
trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The value of foreign securities is determined at the close
of trading of the exchange on which the securities are traded or at the close of trading on the New
York Stock Exchange, whichever is earlier. If market prices are not readily available or the
Funds valuation methods do not produce a value reflective of the fair value of the security,
securities and other assets are priced at a fair value as determined by the Board of Trustees or a
committee thereof, subject to the Board of Trustees responsibility for any such valuation.
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REPURCHASE OF COMMON SHARES
The Fund is a closed-end investment company and as such its shareholders will not have the
right to cause the Fund to redeem their shares. Instead, the Funds common shares trade in the
open market at a price that is a function of several factors, including dividend levels (which are
in turn affected by expenses), net asset value, call protection, dividend stability, relative
demand for and supply of such shares in the market, general market and economic conditions and
other factors. Because shares of a closed-end investment company may frequently trade at prices
lower than net asset value, the Funds Board of Trustees may consider action that might be taken to
reduce or eliminate any material discount from net asset value in respect of common shares, which
may include the repurchase of such shares in the open market or in private transactions, the making
of a tender offer for such shares, or the conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company.
The Board of Trustees may decide not to take any of these actions. In addition, there can be no
assurance that share repurchases or tender offers, if undertaken, will reduce market discount.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time when the Funds preferred shares are outstanding,
the Fund may not purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its common shares unless (1) all
accumulated preferred shares dividends have been paid and (2) at the time of such purchase,
redemption or acquisition, the net asset value of the Funds portfolio (determined after deducting
the acquisition price of the common shares) is at least 200% of the liquidation value of the
outstanding preferred shares (expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus any
accrued and unpaid dividends thereon). Any service fees incurred in connection with any tender
offer made by the Fund will be borne by the Fund and will not reduce the stated consideration to be
paid to tendering shareholders.
Subject to its investment restrictions, the Fund may borrow to finance the repurchase of
shares or to make a tender offer. Interest on any borrowings to finance share repurchase
transactions or the accumulation of cash by the Fund in anticipation of share repurchases or
tenders will reduce the Funds net income. Any share repurchase, tender offer or borrowing that
might be approved by the Funds Board of Trustees would have to
comply with the 1934 Act, the
1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Although the decision to take action in response to a discount from net asset value will be
made by the Board of Trustees at the time it considers such issue, it is not currently anticipated
that the Board of Trustees would authorize repurchases of common shares or a tender offer for such
shares if: (1) such transactions, if consummated, would (a) result in the delisting of the common
shares from the New York Stock Exchange, or (b) impair the Funds status as a regulated investment
company under the Code (which would make the Fund a taxable entity, causing the Funds income to be
taxed at the corporate level in addition to the taxation of shareholders who receive dividends from
the Fund) or as a registered closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act; (2) the Fund would
not be able to liquidate portfolio securities in an orderly manner and consistent with the Funds
investment objective and policies in order to repurchase shares; or (3) there is, in the boards
judgment, any (a) material legal action or proceeding instituted or threatened challenging such
transactions or otherwise materially adversely affecting the Fund, (b) general suspension of or
limitation on prices for trading securities on the New York Stock Exchange, (c) declaration of a
banking moratorium by federal or state authorities or any suspension of payment by United States or
New York banks, (d) material limitation affecting the Fund or the issuers of its portfolio
securities by federal or state authorities on the extension of credit by lending institutions or on
the exchange of foreign currency, (e) commencement of war, armed hostilities or other international
or national calamity directly or indirectly involving the United States, or (f) other event or
condition which would have a material adverse effect (including any adverse tax effect) on the Fund
or its shareholders if shares were repurchased.
S-39
The repurchase by the Fund of its shares at prices below net asset value will result in an
increase in the net asset value of those shares that remain outstanding. However, there can be no
assurance that share repurchases or tender offers at or below net asset value will result in the
Funds shares trading at a price equal to their net asset value. Nevertheless, the fact that the
Funds shares may be the subject of repurchase or tender offers from time to time, or that the Fund
may be converted to an open-end investment company, may reduce any spread between market price and
net asset value that might otherwise exist.
In addition, a purchase by the Fund of its common shares will decrease the Funds total
managed assets which would likely have the effect of increasing the Funds expense ratio. Any
purchase by the Fund of its common shares at a time when preferred shares are outstanding will
increase the leverage applicable to the outstanding common shares then remaining.
Before deciding whether to take any action if the common shares trade below net asset value,
the Funds Board of Trustees would likely consider all relevant factors, including the extent and
duration of the discount, the liquidity of the Funds portfolio, the impact of any action that
might be taken on the Fund or its shareholders and market considerations. Based on these
considerations, even if the Funds shares should trade at a discount, the Board of Trustees may
determine that, in the interest of the Fund and its shareholders, no action should be taken.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
The following is a summary discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences that may
be relevant to a shareholder that acquires, holds and/or disposes of the Funds securities. This
discussion only addresses certain U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders who hold their
shares as capital assets and does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that
may be relevant to particular shareholders in light of their individual circumstances. This
discussion also does not address the tax consequences to shareholders who are subject to special
rules, including, without limitation, financial institutions,
regulated investment companies, insurance companies, brokers and dealers in
securities or foreign currencies, certain securities traders, foreign holders, persons who hold their shares as or in a hedge
against currency risk, a constructive sale, or conversion transaction, holders who are subject to
the alternative minimum tax, or tax-exempt or tax-deferred plans, accounts, or entities. In
addition, the discussion does not address any state, local, or foreign tax consequences. The
discussion reflects applicable tax laws of the United States as of the date of this Statement of
Additional Information, which tax laws may be changed or subject to new interpretations by the
courts or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) retroactively or prospectively. No attempt is made
to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal income tax concerns affecting the Fund and
its shareholders, and the discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. INVESTORS
ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS TO DETERMINE THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF
INVESTING IN THE FUND, INCLUDING THE APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES
TO THEM AND THE EFFECT OF POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAX LAWS.
Pursuant to U.S. Treasury Department Circular 230, we are informing you that (1) this discussion is not intended to be used, was not written to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the U.S. federal tax laws, (2) this discussion was written by us in connection with the registration of our securities and our promotion or marketing, and (3) each taxpayer should seek advice based on his, her or its particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
Federal Income Taxation of the Fund
The Fund has elected to be treated, and intends to qualify each year, as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Code), so that it will not pay U.S. federal income tax on investment company taxable income
(determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and net capital gains timely
distributed to shareholders. If the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company and
distributes to its shareholders at least 90% of the sum of (i) its investment company taxable
income as that term is defined in the Code (which includes, among
S-40
other things, dividends, taxable interest, and the excess of any net short-term capital gains
over net long-term capital losses, less certain deductible expenses) without regard to the
deduction for dividends paid and (ii) the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest, if any, over
certain disallowed deductions, the Fund will be relieved of U.S. federal income tax on any income
of the Fund, including long-term capital gains, distributed to shareholders. However, if the Fund
retains any investment company taxable income or net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net
long-term capital gain over the sum of net short-term capital loss and any capital loss
carryforward), it will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates on the
amount retained. The Fund intends to distribute at least annually, all or substantially all of its
investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt interest, if any, and net capital gain.
If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company for U.S.
federal income tax purposes, it would be treated in the same manner as a regular corporation
subject to U.S. federal income tax and distributions to its shareholders would not be deductible by
the Fund in computing its taxable income. In such event, the Funds distributions, to the extent
derived from the Funds current or accumulated earnings and profits, would generally constitute
ordinary dividends, which would generally be eligible for the dividends received deduction
available to corporate shareholders under Section 243 of the Code, and noncorporate shareholders of
the Fund would generally be able to treat such distributions as qualified dividend income
eligible for reduced rates of federal income taxation in taxable years beginning on or before
December 31, 2010 under Section 1(h)(11) of the Code, as described below.
Under the Code, the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax on its
undistributed ordinary income for a calendar year and its capital gains for the one-year period
generally ending on October 31 of such calendar year if it fails to meet certain distribution
requirements with respect to that year. The Fund intends to make distributions in a timely manner
and in an amount sufficient to avoid such tax and accordingly does not expect to be subject to this
excise tax.
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, the Fund
must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from
(i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other
disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from
options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such
stock, securities or currencies and (ii) net income derived from interests in certain publicly
traded partnerships that derive less than 90% of their gross income from the items described in (i)
above (each, a Qualified Publicly Traded Partnership) (the 90% income test). For purposes of
the 90% income test, the character of income earned by certain entities in which the Fund invests
that are not treated as corporations (e.g., partnerships other than Qualified Publicly Traded
Partnerships) for U.S. federal income tax purposes will generally pass through to the Fund.
Consequently, the Fund may be required to limit its equity
investments in certain such entities.
In addition to the 90% income test, the Fund must also diversify its holdings (the asset
test) so that, at the end of each quarter of its taxable year (i) at least 50% of the market value
of the Funds total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities,
securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities, with such other securities
of any one issuer limited for the purposes of this calculation to an amount not greater in value
than 5% of the value of the Funds total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested
in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other regulated
investment companies) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers controlled by the Fund and
engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses or in the securities of one or more
Qualified Publicly Traded Partnerships.
S-41
Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by the Fund in connection with certain transactions
involving foreign currency-denominated debt securities, certain options and futures contracts
relating to foreign currency, foreign currency forward contracts, foreign currencies, or payables
or receivables denominated in a foreign currency are subject to Section 988 of the Code, which
generally causes such gains and losses to be treated as ordinary income and losses and may affect
the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders.
If the Fund acquires any equity interest (generally including not only stock but also an
option to acquire stock such as is inherent in a convertible bond) in certain foreign corporations
that receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest,
dividends, certain rents and royalties, or capital gains) or that hold at least 50% of their assets
in investments held for the production of such passive income (passive foreign investment
companies), the Fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and additional interest charges
on excess distributions received from such companies or on gain from the sale of equity interests
in such companies, even if all income or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed
to its shareholders. These investments could also result in the
treatment as ordinary income of associated gains on a sale of the
investment. The Fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any
credit or deduction for such tax. Tax elections may generally be available that would ameliorate
these adverse tax consequences, but any such election could require the Fund to recognize taxable
income or gain (which would be subject to the distribution requirements described above) without
the concurrent receipt of cash. The Fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in passive foreign
investment companies to limit its U.S. federal income tax liability or maximize its return from
these investments.
If the Fund invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred
interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with
market discount if the Fund elects to include market discount in income currently), the Fund must
accrue income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the
receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, the Fund must distribute, at least annually,
all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income, including such accrued income,
to shareholders to avoid U.S. federal income and excise taxes. Therefore, the Fund may have to
dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may
have to leverage itself by borrowing the cash, to satisfy distribution requirements.
The Fund may acquire market discount bonds. A market discount bond is a security acquired in the secondary market at a price below its redemption value (or its adjusted issue price if it is also an original issue discount bond). If the Fund invests in a market discount bond, it will be required to treat any gain recognized on the disposition of such market discount bond as ordinary income
(instead of capital gain) to the extent of the accrued market discount, unless the Fund
elects to include the market discount in income as it accrues as discussed above.
Such market discount will not constitute qualified dividend income.
The Fund may invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are
unrated, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or who are in default.
Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for
the Fund. The U.S. federal income tax laws are not entirely clear about issues such as when the
Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what
extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities and how payments received on
obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income. These and other related
issues will be addressed by the Fund when, as and if it invests in such securities, in order to
seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated
investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise taxes.
The Fund may engage in various transactions utilizing options, futures contracts, forward
contracts, hedge instruments, straddles, swaps and other similar transactions. Such transactions
may be subject to special provisions of the Code that, among other things, affect the character of
any income realized by the Fund from such investments, accelerate recognition of income to the
Fund, defer Fund losses, affect the holding period of the Funds securities, affect whether
distributions will be eligible for the dividends received deduction or be treated as qualified
dividend income and affect the determination
S-42
of whether capital gain and loss is characterized as long-term or short-term capital gain or
loss. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to
shareholders. These provisions may also require the Fund to mark-to-market certain types of the
positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out), which may cause the Fund
to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to
satisfy the distribution requirements for avoiding U.S. federal income and excise taxes. The Fund
will monitor its transactions and will make the appropriate entries in its books and records when
it acquires an option, futures contract, forward contract, hedge instrument, swap or other similar
investment, and if the Fund deems it advisable, will make appropriate elections in order to
mitigate the effect of these rules, prevent disqualification of the Fund as a regulated investment
company and minimize the imposition of U.S. federal income and excise taxes.
The Funds transactions in broad based equity index futures contracts, exchange traded options
on such indices and certain other futures contracts are generally considered Section 1256
contracts for federal income tax purposes. Any unrealized gains or losses on such Section 1256
contracts are treated as though they were realized at the end of each taxable year. The resulting
gain or loss is treated as sixty percent long-term capital gain or loss and forty percent
short-term capital gain or loss. Gain or loss recognized on actual sales of Section 1256 contracts
is treated in the same manner. As noted below, distributions of net short-term capital gain are
taxable to shareholders as ordinary income while distributions of net long-term capital gain are
taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long the shareholder has held
shares of the Fund.
The Funds entry into a short sale transaction, an option or certain other contracts could be
treated as the constructive sale of an appreciated financial position, causing the Fund to realize
gain, but not loss, on the position.
The Fund may invest in REITs that hold residual interests in real estate mortgage investment
conduits (REMICs). Under a notice issued by the IRS, a portion of the Funds income from a REIT
that is attributable to the REITs residual interest in a REMIC (referred to in the Code as an
excess inclusion) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in all events. This notice also
provides that excess inclusion income of a regulated investment company, such as the Fund, will be
allocated to shareholders of the regulated investment company in proportion to the dividends
received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related
REMIC residual interest directly. In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders
(i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift
institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income to entities (including a
qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or other
tax-exempt entity) subject to federal income tax on unrelated business income, thereby potentially
requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be
required to file a federal income tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and
(iii) in the case of a foreign shareholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal
withholding tax. In addition, if at any time during any taxable year a disqualified organization
(as defined in the Code) is a record holder of a share in a regulated investment company, then the
regulated investment company will be subject to a tax equal to that portion of its excess inclusion
income for the taxable year that is allocable to the disqualified organization, multiplied by the
highest federal income tax rate imposed on corporations. The Fund does not intend to invest in
REITs in which a substantial portion of the assets will consist of residual interests in REMICs.
The Fund may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries, including
taxes on interest, dividends and capital gains with respect to its investments in those countries,
which would, if imposed, reduce the yield on or return from those investments. Tax treaties
between certain
S-43
countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes in
some cases.
If, however, more than 50% of the value of the Funds total assets at the close of any taxable year consists of
stock or securities in foreign corporations, and the Fund distributes at least 90% of its investment company taxable
income and net tax exempt interest, the Fund may file an election with the IRS pursuant to which shareholders of the
Fund will be required to (i) include in gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) their pro
rata share of foreign income taxes paid by the Fund even though not actually received, (ii) treat their respective
pro rata share as foreign income taxes paid by them, and (iii) deduct such pro rata share in computing their U.S.
federal taxable income, or, alternatively, use it as a foreign tax credit, subject to applicable limitations,
against their U.S. federal income tax liability. Tax-exempt shareholders will not ordinarily benefit from this
election relating to foreign taxes. Each year, the Fund will notify each shareholder of the amount of (i) the
shareholders pro rata share of foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, if any, and (ii) the portion of the
Funds dividends which represents income from foreign countries, if the Fund qualifies to pass along such credit.
Common Shares and Preferred Shares
Common Share Distributions. Unless a shareholder is ineligible to participate or elects
otherwise, all distributions on common shares will be automatically reinvested in additional common shares of the
Fund pursuant to the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the
Dividend Reinvestment Plan). For U.S. federal income tax
purposes, dividends are generally taxable whether a shareholder takes them in cash or they are
reinvested pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan in additional shares of the Fund.
Distributions of investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction
for dividends paid), which includes dividends, taxable interest, net
short-term capital gain in
excess of net long-term capital loss and certain net foreign exchange gains, are, except as
discussed below, taxable as ordinary income to the extent of the Funds current and accumulated
earnings and profits. A portion of such dividends may qualify for the dividends received deduction
available to corporations under Section 243 of the Code and the reduced rate of taxation under Section 1(h)(11)
of the Code that applies to qualified dividend income received by noncorporate shareholders. For taxable
years beginning on or before December 31, 2010, qualified dividend income
received by noncorporate shareholders is taxed at rates equivalent to
long-term capital gain tax
rates, which currently reach a maximum of 15%. Qualified dividend income generally includes
dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from foreign corporations that meet certain
specified criteria, although dividends paid by REITs will not
generally be eligible for treatment as
qualified dividend income. The Fund generally can pass the tax treatment of qualified dividend
income it receives through to Fund shareholders. For the Fund to receive qualified dividend income,
the Fund must meet certain holding period and other requirements with respect to the stock on which
the otherwise qualified dividend is paid. In addition, the Fund cannot be obligated to make
payments (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) with respect to substantially similar or related
property. The same provisions, including the holding period requirements, apply to each
shareholders investment in the Fund for the dividends received by the shareholder to be eligible
for such treatment. The provisions of the Code applicable to qualified dividend income and the 15%
maximum individual tax rate on long-term capital gains are currently
effective for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2010.
Thereafter, unless Congress enacts legislation providing otherwise, qualified dividend income will no longer be taxed at the rates applicable to long-term
capital gains, but rather will be taxed at ordinary federal income tax rates, which reach a current
maximum rate of 35%. Distributions of net
capital gain, if any, are taxable as long term capital gains for U.S. federal income tax purposes
without regard to the length of time the shareholder has held shares of the Fund. A distribution of
an amount in excess of the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits, if any, will be
treated by a shareholder as a tax-free return of capital which is applied against and reduces the
shareholders basis in his or her shares. To the extent that the amount of any such distribution
exceeds the shareholders basis in his or her shares, the excess will be treated by the shareholder
as gain from the sale or exchange of shares. The U.S. federal income tax status of all
distributions will be designated by the Fund and reported to the shareholders annually.
If the Fund retains any net capital gain, the Fund may designate the retained amount as
undistributed capital gains in a notice to shareholders who, if subject to U.S. federal income tax
on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in
income, as long-term capital gain,
their proportionate share of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their
proportionate share of the federal income tax paid by the Fund on the undistributed amount against
their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit
exceeds such liabilities. For U.S. federal
S-44
income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be
increased by the difference between the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in the
shareholders gross income and the federal income tax deemed paid by the shareholder.
If
a shareholders distributions are automatically reinvested
pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and the
plan agent invests the distribution in shares acquired on behalf of the shareholder in open-market
purchases, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the shareholder will be treated as having received
a taxable distribution in the amount of the cash dividend that the shareholder would have received
if the shareholder had elected to receive cash. If a shareholders distributions are automatically
reinvested pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and the plan agent invests the distribution in newly issued shares
of the Fund, the shareholder will be treated as receiving a taxable distribution equal to the fair
market value of the shares the shareholder receives.
At the time of an investors purchase of the Funds shares, a portion of the purchase price
may be attributable to realized or unrealized appreciation in the Funds portfolio or undistributed
taxable income of the Fund. Consequently, subsequent distributions by the Fund with respect to
these shares from such appreciation or income may be taxable to such investor even if the net asset
value of the investors shares is, as a result of the distributions, reduced below the investors
cost for such shares and the distributions economically represent a return of a portion of the
investment.
Any dividend declared by the Fund in October, November or December with a record date in such
a month and paid during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes
as paid by the Fund and received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which it is
declared.
Preferred Share Distributions. Under present law and based in part on the fact that there is
no express or implied agreement between or among a broker-dealer or any other party, and the Fund
or any owners of preferred shares, that the broker-dealer or any other party will guarantee or
otherwise arrange to ensure that an owner of preferred shares will be able to sell his or her
shares, it is anticipated that the preferred shares will constitute stock of the Fund for federal
income tax purposes, and thus distributions with respect to the preferred shares (other than
distributions in redemption of the preferred shares subject to Section 302(b) of the Code) will
generally constitute dividends to the extent of the Funds current or accumulated earnings and
profits, as calculated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Except in the case of net capital
gain distributions, such dividends generally will be taxable at ordinary income tax rates to
holders of preferred shares but may qualify for the dividends received deduction available to
corporate shareholders under Section 243 of the Code and the reduced rates of federal income
taxation that apply to qualified dividend income received by noncorporate shareholders under
Section 1(h)(11) of the Code. Distributions designated by the Fund as net capital gain
distributions will be taxable as long-term capital gain regardless of the length of time a
shareholder has held shares of the Fund. Please see the discussion above on qualified dividend
income, dividends received deductions and net capital gain.
The character of the Funds income will not affect the amount of dividends to which the
holders of preferred shares are entitled to receive. Holders of preferred shares are entitled to
receive only the amount of dividends as determined by periodic auctions. For U.S. federal income
tax purposes, however, the IRS requires that a regulated investment company that has two or more
classes of shares allocate to each such class proportionate amounts of each type of its income
(such as ordinary income and net capital gain) for each tax year. Accordingly, the Fund intends to
designate distributions made with respect to the common shares and preferred shares as consisting
of particular types of income (e.g., net capital gain and ordinary income), in accordance with each
class proportionate share of the total dividends paid to both classes. Thus, each year the Fund
will designate dividends qualifying for the corporate dividends
S-45
received deduction, qualified dividend income, ordinary income and net capital gains in a
manner that allocates such income between the preferred shares and common shares in proportion to
the total dividends made to each class with respect to such taxable year, or otherwise as required
by applicable law. In addition, solely for the purpose of satisfying the 90% distribution requirement and the
distribution requirement for avoiding income taxes, certain distributions made after the close of a taxable year of
the Fund may be spilled back and treated as paid during such taxable year. In such case, shareholders will
be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distribution was actually made. The IRS
has ruled privately that dividends paid following the close of the taxable year that are treated for federal income tax
purposes as derived from income from the prior year will be treated as dividends paid in the prior year for
purposes of determining the proportionate share of a particular type of income for each class. Accordingly, the Fund intends
to treat any such dividends that are paid following the close of a taxable year as paid in the prior year for
purposes of determining a class proportionate share of a particular type of income. However, the private ruling is
not binding on the IRS, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will respect such treatment. Each shareholder will be
notified of the allocation within 60 days after the
end of the year.
Although the Fund is required to distribute annually at least 90% of its investment company
taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), the Fund is not
required to distribute net capital gains to the shareholders. The Fund may retain and reinvest
such gains and pay federal income taxes on such gains (the net undistributed capital gain).
Please see the discussion above on undistributed capital gains. However, it is unclear whether a portion of the net undistributed capital gain would have to be
allocated to the preferred shares for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Until and unless the Fund
receives acceptable guidance from the IRS or an opinion of counsel as to the allocation of the net
undistributed capital gain between the common shares and the preferred shares, the Fund intends to
distribute its net capital gain for any year during which it has preferred shares outstanding. Such
distribution will affect the tax character but not the amount of dividends to which holders of
preferred shares are entitled.
Although dividends generally
will be treated as distributed when paid, dividends declared in October, November or December with a record date in such
months, and paid in January of the following year, will be treated as having been distributed by the Fund and received by
the shareholders on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.
Earnings and profits are generally treated, for federal income tax purposes, as first being
used to pay distributions on preferred shares, and then to the extent remaining, if any, to pay
distributions on the common shares. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings
and profits of the Fund are treated first as return of capital to the extent of the shareholders
basis in the shares and, after the adjusted basis is reduced to zero, will be treated as capital
gain to a shareholder who holds such shares as a capital asset.
If the Fund utilizes leverage through borrowings, or otherwise, asset coverage limitations
imposed by the 1940 Act as well as additional restrictions that may be imposed by certain lenders
on the payment of dividends or distributions potentially could limit or eliminate the Funds
ability to make distributions on its common shares and/or preferred shares until the asset coverage
is restored. These limitations could prevent the Fund from distributing at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income as is required under the Code and therefore might jeopardize the
Funds qualification as a regulated investment company and/or might subject the Fund to a
nondeductible 4% federal excise tax. Upon any failure to meet the asset coverage requirements
imposed by the 1940 Act, the Fund may, in its sole discretion and to the extent permitted under the
1940 Act, purchase or redeem preferred shares in order to maintain or restore the requisite asset
coverage and avoid the adverse consequences to the Fund and its shareholders of failing to meet the
distribution requirements. There can be no assurance, however, that any such action would achieve
these objectives. The Fund will endeavor to avoid restrictions on its ability to distribute
dividends.
Sales of Fund Shares. Sales and other dispositions of the Funds shares are taxable events
for shareholders that are subject to federal income tax. Selling shareholders will generally
recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount received for such
shares and their adjusted
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tax basis in the shares sold. If such shares are held as a capital asset at the time of sale,
the gain or loss will generally be a long-term capital gain or loss
if the shares have been held for more than one year and, if not held
for such period, a short-term capital gain or loss. Similarly, a redemption (including a
redemption by the Fund resulting from liquidation of the Fund), if any, of all of the shares
(common and preferred) actually and constructively held by a shareholder generally will give rise
to capital gain or loss under Section 302(b) of the Code if the shareholder does not own (and is
not regarded under certain federal income tax law rules of constructive ownership as owning) any
common or preferred shares of the Fund and provided that the redemption proceeds do not represent
declared but unpaid dividends. Other redemptions may also give rise to capital gain or loss, if
several conditions imposed by Section 302(b) of the Code are satisfied.
Any loss realized by a shareholder upon the sale or other disposition of shares with a tax
holding period of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of
any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain with respect to such shares. Losses
on sales or other dispositions of shares may be disallowed under wash sale rules in the event of
other investments in the Fund (including those made pursuant to reinvestment of dividends) or other
substantially identical stock or securities within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and
ending 30 days after a sale or other disposition of shares. In such a case, the disallowed portion
of any loss generally would be included in the U.S. federal income tax basis of the shares
acquired. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their individual
circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in the Funds shares is properly
treated as a sale for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the tax treatment of any gains or losses
recognized in such transactions.
Federal Income Tax Withholding. Federal law requires that the Fund withhold, as backup
withholding, 28% of reportable payments, including dividends, capital gain distributions and the
proceeds of sales or other dispositions of the Funds shares paid to shareholders who have not
complied with IRS regulations. In order to avoid this withholding requirement, shareholders must
certify on their account applications, or on a separate IRS Form W-9, that the social security
number or other taxpayer identification number they provide is their correct number and that they
are not currently subject to backup withholding, or that they are exempt from backup withholding.
The Fund may nevertheless be required to backup withhold if it receives notice from the IRS or a
broker that the number provided is incorrect or backup withholding is
applicable.
Other Matters. Treasury regulations provide that if a shareholder recognizes a loss with
respect to shares of $2 million or more in a single taxable year (or $4 million or more in any
combination of taxable years) for a shareholder who is an individual, S corporation or trust or $10
million or more for a corporate shareholder in any single taxable year (or $20 million or more in
any combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form
8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting
requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not
excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to
shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies. The fact that a loss is reportable
under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayers treatment
of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the
applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
The description of certain federal income tax provisions above relates only to U.S. federal
income tax consequences for shareholders who are U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens or resident aliens or
U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates who are subject to U.S. federal income tax on a
net income basis). Investors other than U.S. persons, including non-resident alien individuals,
may be subject to different U.S. federal income tax treatment. With respect to such persons, the
Fund must generally withhold U.S. federal withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or, if the Fund
receives certain certifications
S-47
from such non-U.S. shareholder, such lower rate as prescribed by an applicable tax treaty) on
amounts treated as ordinary dividends from the Fund. However, effective for taxable years of the
Fund beginning before January 1, 2008, the Fund will generally not be required to withhold tax on
any amounts paid to a non-U.S. person with respect to dividends attributable to qualified
short-term gain (i.e., the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss)
designated as such by the Fund and dividends attributable to certain U.S. source interest income
that would not be subject to federal withholding tax if earned directly by a non-U.S. person,
provided such amounts are properly designated by the Fund. SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN
TAX ADVISORS ON THESE MATTERS AND ON ANY SPECIFIC QUESTION OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN
AND OTHER APPLICABLE TAX LAWS BEFORE MAKING AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND.
Debt Securities
Under
present law, it is anticipated that our debt securities will constitute indebtedness
for federal income tax purposes, which the discussion below assumes. We intend to treat all
payments made with respect to the debt securities consistent with this characterization.
Payments or accruals of interest on debt securities generally will be taxable to you as
ordinary interest income at the time such interest is received (actually or constructively) or
accrued, in accordance with your regular method of accounting for federal income tax purposes.
Initially, your tax basis in debt securities acquired generally will be equal to your cost to
acquire such debt securities. This basis will increase by the amounts, if any, that you include in
income under the rules governing market discount, and will decrease by the amount of any amortized
premium on such debt securities, as discussed below. When you sell or exchange any of your debt
securities, or if any of your debt securities are redeemed, you generally will recognize gain or
loss equal to the difference between the amount you realize on the transaction (less any accrued
and unpaid interest, which will be subject to federal income tax as interest in the manner described above) and
your tax basis in the debt securities relinquished.
Except as discussed below with respect to market discount, the gain or loss that you recognize
on the sale, exchange or redemption of any of your debt securities generally will be capital gain
or loss. Such gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the disposed debt
securities were held for more than one year and will be short-term capital gain or loss if the
disposed debt securities were held for one year or less. Net long-term capital gain recognized by
a noncorporate U.S. holder generally will be subject to federal income tax at a lower rate
(currently a maximum rate of 15%, although this rate will increase to
20% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010) than net
short-term capital gain or ordinary income (currently a maximum rate of 35%). For corporate
holders, capital gain is generally taxed for federal income tax
purposes at the same rate as ordinary income, that is, currently at
a maximum rate of 35%. A holders ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.
If you purchase debt securities at a cost greater than their stated principal amount, plus
accrued interest, you will be considered to have purchased the debt securities at a premium, and
you generally may elect to amortize this premium as an offset to interest income, using a constant
yield method, over the remaining term of the debt securities. If you make the election to amortize
the premium, it generally will apply to all debt instruments that you
hold at the beginning of the first taxable year to which the election
applies, as well as any debt instruments that you subsequently acquire. In addition, you may not
revoke the election without the consent of the IRS. If you elect to amortize the premium, you will
be required to reduce your tax basis in the debt securities by the amount of the premium amortized
during your holding period. If you do not elect to amortize premium, the amount of premium will be
included in your tax basis in the debt securities. Therefore, if you do not elect to amortize the
premium and you hold the debt securities to maturity, you generally will be required to treat the
premium as a capital loss when the debt securities are redeemed.
S-48
If you purchase debt securities at a price that reflects a market discount, any principal
payments on, or any gain that you realize on the disposition of, the debt securities generally will
be treated as ordinary interest income to the extent of the market discount that accrued on the
debt securities during the time you held such debt securities. Market discount is defined under
the Code as, in general, the excess of the stated redemption price at maturity
over the purchase price of the debt security, except that if the market discount is less than 0.25%
of the stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by the number of complete years to maturity,
the market discount is considered to be zero. In addition, you may be required to defer the
deduction of all or a portion of any interest paid on any indebtedness that you incurred or
continued to purchase or carry the debt securities that were acquired at a market discount. In
general, market discount will be treated as accruing ratably over the term of the debt securities,
or, at your election, under a constant yield method.
You may elect to include market discount in gross income currently as it accrues (on either a
ratable or constant yield basis), in lieu of treating a portion of any gain realized on a sale of
the debt securities as ordinary income. If you elect to include market discount on a current
basis, the interest deduction deferral rule described above will not apply and you will increase
your basis in the debt security by the amount of market discount you include in gross income. If
you do make such an election, it will apply to all market discount debt instruments that you
acquire on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies. This
election may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. In general, information reporting requirements
will apply to payments of principal, interest, and premium, if any, paid on debt securities and to
the proceeds of the sale of debt securities paid to U.S. holders other than certain exempt
recipients (such as certain corporations). Information reporting generally will apply to payments
of interest on the debt securities to non-U.S. Holders (as defined below) and the amount of tax, if
any, withheld with respect to such payments. Copies of the information returns reporting such
interest payments and any withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the
country in which the non-U.S. Holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax
treaty. In addition, for non-U.S. Holders, information reporting will apply to the proceeds of the
sale of debt securities within the United States or conducted through United States-related
financial intermediaries unless the certification requirements described below have been complied
with and the statement described below in Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders has been received (and the
payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the holder is a United States person)
or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
We may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a portion of all
payments (including redemption proceeds) payable to holders of debt securities who fail to provide
us with their correct taxpayer identification number, who fail to make required certifications or
who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding (or if we have been
so notified). Certain corporate and other shareholders specified in the Code and
the regulations thereunder are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an
additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the holders U.S. federal income tax
liability provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS. If you are a non-U.S.
Holder, you may have to comply with certification procedures to establish your non-U.S. status in
order to avoid backup withholding tax requirements. The certification procedures required to claim
the exemption from withholding tax on interest income described below will satisfy these
requirements.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders. If you are a non-resident alien individual or a foreign
corporation (a non-U.S. Holder), the payment of interest on the debt securities generally will be
considered portfolio interest and thus generally will be exempt from United States federal
withholding tax. This
S-49
exemption will apply to you provided that (1) interest paid on the debt securities is not
effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States, (2) you are
not a bank whose receipt of interest on the debt securities is described in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of
the Internal Revenue Code, (3) you do not actually or constructively own 10 percent or more of the
combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote, (4) you are not a controlled
foreign corporation that is related, directly or indirectly, to us through stock ownership, and
(5) you satisfy the certification requirements described below.
To satisfy the certification requirements, either (1) the holder of any debt securities must
certify, under penalties of perjury, that such holder is a non-U.S. person and must provide such
owners name, address and taxpayer identification number, if any, on IRS Form W-8BEN, or (2) a
securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that holds customer
securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business and holds the debt securities on behalf
of the holder thereof must certify, under penalties of perjury, that it has received a valid and
properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN from the beneficial holder and comply with certain other
requirements. Special certification rules apply for debt securities held by a foreign partnership
and other intermediaries.
Interest on debt securities received by a non-U.S. Holder that is not excluded from U.S.
federal withholding tax under the portfolio interest exemption as described above generally will be
subject to withholding at a 30% rate, except where (1) the interest is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S.
trade or business, in which case the interest will be subject to U.S. income tax on a net basis as applicable to U.S.
holders generally or (2) a non-U.S. Holder can claim the benefits of an
applicable income tax treaty to reduce or eliminate such withholding
tax. To claim the benefit of an income tax treaty or to claim an exemption from withholding because the interest is
effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, a non-U.S. Holder must timely provide the appropriate, properly
executed IRS forms. These forms may be required to be periodically updated. Also, a non-U.S. Holder who is claiming
the benefits of an income tax treaty may be required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and to provide
certain documentary evidence issued by foreign governmental authorities to prove residence in the foreign country.
Any capital gain that a non-U.S. Holder realizes on a sale, exchange or other disposition of
debt securities generally will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax, including
withholding tax. This exemption will not apply to you if your gain is effectively connected with
your conduct of a trade or business in the U.S. or you are an individual holder and are present in
the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and either your gain is
attributable to an office or other fixed place of business that you maintain in the U.S. or you
have a tax home in the United States.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The Funds securities and cash are held under a custodian agreement with The Bank of New York,
One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286. The transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and
registrar for the Funds shares is also The Bank of New York.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Deloitte
& Touche LLP, 111 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as our independent registered public accounting firm. Deloitte
& Touche LLP provides
audit and audit-related services, and consultation in
connection with the review of our filing with the SEC.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A
Registration Statement on Form N-2, including amendments thereto,
relating to the securities
offered hereby, has been filed by the Fund with the SEC, Washington, D.C. The prospectus,
prospectus supplement and this Statement of Additional Information do not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement, including any exhibits and schedules thereto.
For further information with
S-50
respect to
the Fund and the securities offered hereby, reference is made to the Registration
Statement. Statements contained in the prospectus, prospectus supplement and this Statement of
Additional Information as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not
necessarily complete and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified in
all respects by such reference. A copy of the Registration Statement may be inspected without
charge at the SECs principal office in Washington, D.C., and copies of all or any part thereof may
be obtained from the SEC upon the payment of certain fees prescribed by the SEC.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE AGREEMENT
AND DECLARATION OF TRUST
The Funds Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that the Funds Trustees shall have the
power to cause each shareholder to pay directly, in advance or arrears, for charges of the Funds
custodian or transfer, shareholder servicing or similar agent, an amount fixed from time to time by
the Trustees, by setting off such charges due from such shareholder from declared but unpaid
dividends owed such shareholder and/or by reducing the number of shares in the account of such
shareholder by that number of full and/or fractional shares which represents the outstanding amount
of such charges due from such shareholder. The Fund has no present intention of relying on this
provision of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and would only do so if consistent with the
1940 Act or the rules and regulations or interpretations of the SEC thereunder.
S-51
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
Calamos Global Total Return Fund
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of
investments, of CALAMOS Global
Total Return Fund (the Fund) as of October 31, 2007, and the related statement of operations for
the year then ended, the statements
of changes in net assets for each of the two years then ended, and the financial highlights for
each of the two years then ended
and for the period from October 27, 2005 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2005.
These financial statements and
financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial
statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements
and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor
were we engaged to perform, an
audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of
internal control over financial reporting as a
basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the
purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness of the Funds internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no
such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. Our procedures
included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2007, by correspondence with the Funds
custodian and brokers.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial
position of the Fund as of October 31, 2007, the results of its operations for the year then ended,
the changes in its net assets for each
of the two years then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the two years then ended and
for the period from October 27,
2005 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2005, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
Chicago, Illinois
December 14, 2007
F-1
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2007 |
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
Investments, at value* (cost $185,586,321) |
|
$ |
240,348,357 |
|
Investments in affiliated fund (cost $1,952,459) |
|
|
1,952,459 |
|
Cash with custodian (interest bearing) |
|
|
1,134 |
|
Accrued interest and dividends receivable |
|
|
2,012,157 |
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
8,635 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
17,669 |
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
244,340,411 |
|
|
LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
Options written, at value (premium $2,344,844) |
|
|
3,130,475 |
|
Cash collateral for securities on loan |
|
|
13,371,000 |
|
Affiliates: |
|
|
|
|
Investment advisory fees |
|
|
186,319 |
|
Financial accounting fees |
|
|
2,130 |
|
Deferred compensation to Trustees |
|
|
17,669 |
|
Trustee fees and officer compensation |
|
|
257 |
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
|
|
73,762 |
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
16,781,612 |
|
|
PREFERRED SHARES |
|
|
|
|
$25,000 liquidation value per share applicable to 2,360 shares, including dividends payable |
|
|
59,008,196 |
|
|
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS |
|
$ |
168,550,603 |
|
|
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS |
|
|
|
|
Common stock, no par value, unlimited shares authorized 8,006,981 shares issued and outstanding |
|
$ |
113,591,761 |
|
Undistributed net investment income (loss) |
|
|
(206,348 |
) |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments, written options, and foreign currency transactions |
|
|
1,166,189 |
|
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, written options, and foreign currency translations |
|
|
53,999,001 |
|
|
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS |
|
$ |
168,550,603 |
|
|
Net asset value per common share based on 8,006,981 shares issued and outstanding |
|
$ |
21.05 |
|
|
*Including securities on loan with a value of $13,457,659.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-2
Statement of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended October 31, 2007 |
|
INVESTMENT INCOME |
|
|
|
|
Interest |
|
$ |
6,068,902 |
|
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $92,485) |
|
|
3,959,321 |
|
Dividends from affiliates |
|
|
63,656 |
|
Securities lending income |
|
|
25,793 |
|
|
Total investment income |
|
|
10,117,672 |
|
|
EXPENSES |
|
|
|
|
Investment advisory fees |
|
|
2,016,530 |
|
Financial accounting fees |
|
|
22,829 |
|
Auction agent and rating agency fees |
|
|
165,167 |
|
Audit and legal fees |
|
|
45,739 |
|
Custodian fees |
|
|
48,366 |
|
Printing and mailing fees |
|
|
42,526 |
|
Transfer agent fees |
|
|
30,401 |
|
Registration fees |
|
|
24,386 |
|
Trustees fees and officer compensation |
|
|
19,851 |
|
Accounting fees |
|
|
10,587 |
|
Investor support services |
|
|
7,717 |
|
Other |
|
|
26,182 |
|
|
Total expenses |
|
|
2,460,281 |
|
Less expense reductions |
|
|
(8,309 |
) |
|
Net expenses |
|
|
2,451,972 |
|
|
NET INVESTMENT INCOME(LOSS) |
|
|
7,665,700 |
|
|
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS,
WRITTEN OPTIONS, AND FOREIGN CURRENCY |
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain (loss) from: |
|
|
|
|
Investments |
|
|
9,396,512 |
|
Written options |
|
|
(3,797,667 |
) |
Foreign currency transactions |
|
|
49,472 |
|
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on: |
|
|
|
|
Investments |
|
|
36,380,232 |
|
Written options |
|
|
1,015,939 |
|
Foreign currency translations |
|
|
17,564 |
|
|
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS, WRITTEN OPTIONS, AND FOREIGN CURRENCY |
|
|
43,062,052 |
|
|
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS |
|
|
50,727,752 |
|
|
DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS FROM |
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
(3,095,387 |
) |
Capital gains |
|
|
(21,448 |
) |
|
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS |
|
$ |
47,610,917 |
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-3
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended October 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
OPERATIONS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss) |
|
$ |
7,665,700 |
|
|
$ |
6,878,195 |
|
Net realized gain (loss) from investments, written options, and foreign currency transactions |
|
|
5,648,317 |
|
|
|
2,569,858 |
|
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, written options, and foreign currency translations |
|
|
37,413,735 |
|
|
|
16,585,266 |
|
Distributions to preferred shareholders from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
(3,095,387 |
) |
|
|
(2,331,114 |
) |
Capital gains |
|
|
(21,448 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shareholders resulting from operations |
|
|
47,610,917 |
|
|
|
23,702,205 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS FROM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
(8,697,994 |
) |
|
|
(5,173,457 |
) |
Capital gains |
|
|
(950,430 |
) |
|
|
(1,532,399 |
) |
|
Net decrease in net assets from distributions to common shareholders |
|
|
(9,648,424 |
) |
|
|
(6,705,856 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering costs on preferred shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(847,169 |
) |
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(847,169 |
) |
|
TOTAL
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS |
|
|
37,962,493 |
|
|
|
16,149,180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of year |
|
$ |
130,588,110 |
|
|
$ |
114,438,930 |
|
|
End of year |
|
|
168,550,603 |
|
|
|
130,588,110 |
|
|
Undistributed net investment income (loss) |
|
$ |
(206,348 |
) |
|
$ |
481,284 |
|
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-4
Notes to Financial Statements
NOTE 1 ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization. CALAMOS Global Total Return Fund (the ''Fund) was organized as a Delaware statutory
trust on March 30, 2004 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act)
as a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund commenced operations on
October 27, 2005.
The Funds investment objective is to provide total return through a combination of capital
appreciation and current income.
Portfolio Valuation. Calamos Advisors LLC, the Funds investment adviser (Calamos Advisors),
overseas the valuation of the Funds portfolio securities in accordance with policies and
procedures on the valuation of securities adopted by and under the ultimate supervision of the
Board of Trustees.
Portfolio securities that are traded on U.S. securities exchanges, except option securities, are
valued at the last current reported sales price at the time as of which a Fund determines its net
asset value (NAV). Securities traded in the over-the-counter (''OTC) market and quoted on The
NASDAQ Stock Market are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (''NOCP), as determined by
NASDAQ, or lacking a NOCP, the last current reported sale price on NASDAQ at the time as of which a
Fund determines its NAV.
When a most recent last sale or closing price is not available, portfolio securities, other than
option securities, that are traded on a U.S. securities exchange and other securities traded in the
OTC market are valued at the mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations in accordance
with guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees. Each option security traded on a U.S. securities
exchange is valued at the mid-point of the consolidated bid/ask quote for the option security, also
in accordance with guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees. Each OTC option that is not traded
through the Options Clearing Corporation is valued based on a quotation provided by the
counterparty to such option under the ultimate supervision of the Board of Trustees.
Trading in securities on European and Far Eastern securities exchanges and OTC markets is typically
completed at various times before the close of business on each day on which the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE) is open. Each security trading on these exchanges or OTC markets is evaluated
utilizing a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent pricing service approved by
the Board of Trustees. The valuation of each security that meets certain criteria in relation to
the valuation model is systematically adjusted to reflect the impact of movement in the U.S. market
after the foreign markets close. Securities that do not meet the criteria, or that are principally
traded in other foreign markets, are valued as of the last current sale price at the time as of
which the Fund determines its NAV, or when reliable market prices or quotations are not readily
available, at the mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations as of the close of the
appropriate exchange or other designated time, in accordance with guidelines adopted by the Board
of Trustees. Trading of foreign securities may not take place on every NYSE business day. In
addition, trading may take place in various foreign markets on Saturdays or on other days when the
NYSE is not open and on which the Funds NAV is not calculated.
If the pricing committee determines that the valuation of a security in accordance with the methods
described above is not reflective of a fair value for such security, the security, including any
thinly-traded security, below investment grade bond or synthetic convertible instrument, is valued
at a fair value by the pricing committee, under the ultimate supervision of the Board of Trustees,
following the guidelines and/or procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees.
The Fund also may use fair value pricing, pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees and under the ultimate supervision of the Board of Trustees, if the value of a foreign
security it holds is materially affected by events occurring before the Funds pricing time but
after the close of the primary markets or exchanges on which the security is traded. Those
procedures may utilize valuations furnished by pricing services approved by the Board of Trustees,
which may be based on market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships
between securities that are generally recognized by institutional traders, a computerized matrix
system, or appraisals derived from information concerning the securities or similar securities
received from recognized dealers in those securities.
When fair value pricing of securities is employed, the prices of securities used by the Fund to
calculate its NAV may differ from market quotations or official closing prices. In light of the
judgment involved in fair valuations, there can be no assurance that a fair value assigned to a
particular security is accurate.
F-5
Notes to Financial Statements
Investment Transactions. Short-term and long-term investment transactions are recorded on a trade
date basis as of October 31, 2007. Net realized gains and losses from investment transactions are
reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income is recognized using the accrual method and
includes accretion of original issue and market discount and amortization of premium. Dividend
income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities
are recorded as soon as the information becomes available.
Foreign Currency Translation. Values of investments and other assets and liabilities denominated in
foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using a rate quoted by a major bank or dealer
in the particular currency market, as reported by a recognized quotation dissemination service.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in
foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices
of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or
loss from investments.
Recorded net realized foreign currency gains or losses arise from disposition of foreign currency,
the difference in the foreign exchange rates between the trade and settlement dates on securities
transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding
taxes recorded on the ex-date or accrual date and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts
actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes (due
to the changes in the exchange rate) in the value of foreign currency and other assets and
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies held at period end.
Option Transactions. For hedging and investment purposes, the Fund may purchase or write (sell) put
and call options. One of the risks associated with purchasing an option is that the Fund pays a
premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Fund bears the risk of loss of
premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. Put and
call options purchased are accounted for in the same manner as portfolio securities. The cost of
securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by premiums paid. The
proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid.
When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded as
a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current value of the option written. Premiums
received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Fund on the expiration
date as realized gains from written options. The difference between the premium and the amount paid
on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a
realized gain, or, if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase
transaction, as a realized loss. If a written call option is exercised, the premium is added to the
proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Fund has
realized a gain or loss. If a written put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis
of the securities purchased by the Fund. The Fund as writer of an option bears the market risk of
an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option.
Allocation of Expenses Among Funds. Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged to the
Fund; certain other expenses of Calamos Investment Trust, Calamos Advisors Trust, Calamos
Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund, Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund, Calamos
Strategic Total Return Fund, Calamos Global Total Return Fund and Calamos Global Dynamic Income
Fund are allocated proportionately among each fund in relation to the net assets of each fund or on
another reasonable basis.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ
from those estimates.
Income Taxes. No provision has been made for U.S. income taxes because the Funds policy is to
continue to qualify as regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the Code), and distribute to shareholders substantially all of its taxable income and
net realized gains.
F-6
Notes to Financial Statements
Dividends and distributions paid to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount
of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains is
determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles. To the extent these book/tax differences are permanent in nature,
such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis
treatment. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments for foreign currency
transactions, contingent payment debt instruments and methods of amortizing and accreting on fixed
income securities. The financial statements are not adjusted for temporary differences.
Indemnifications. Under the Funds organizational documents, the Fund is obligated to indemnify its
officers and trustees against certain liabilities incurred by them by reason of having been an
officer or trustee of the Fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Fund
may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications to other parties. The Funds maximum
exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made
against the Fund that have not yet occurred. Currently, the Funds management expects the risk of
material loss in connection to a potential claim to be remote.
New Accounting Pronouncements. On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
released FASB Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48). FIN 48 provides guidance
for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the
financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken in the course of
preparing the Funds tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are more-likely-than-not
of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax benefits of positions not deemed to meet
the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax expense in the current year. Adoption
of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to
all open tax years as of the effective date. At this time, management is evaluating the
implications of FIN 48, and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
In addition, in September 2006, the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value
Measurements (SFAS 157), was issued and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15,
2007. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands
disclosures about fair value measurements. Management is currently evaluating the impact the
adoption of SFAS 157 will have on the Funds financial statements, and their disclosures and its
impact has not yet been determined.
NOTE 2 INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES OR CERTAIN OTHER PARTIES
Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with Calamos Advisors LLC (Calamos Advisors), the
Fund pays an annual fee, payable monthly, equal to 1.00% based on the average weekly managed
assets. Calamos Advisors has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee charged to
the Fund on the Funds investments in the Calamos Government Money Market Fund (GMMF, an
affiliated fund and a series of Calamos Investments Trust), equal to the advisory fee attributable
to the Funds investment in GMMF, based on daily net assets. For the year ended October 31, 2007,
the total advisory fee waived pursuant to such agreement was $2,477 and is included in the
statement of operations under the caption Less expense reduction.
Pursuant to a financial accounting services agreement, the Fund also pays Calamos Advisors a fee
for financial accounting services payable monthly at the annual rate of 0.0175% on the first $1
billion of combined assets; 0.0150% on the next $1 billion of combined assets and 0.0110% on
combined assets above $2 billion (for purposes of this calculation combined assets means the sum
of the total average daily net assets of Calamos Investment Trust and Calamos Advisors Trust, and
the total average weekly managed assets of Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund, Calamos
Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund, Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund, Calamos Global
Total Return Fund and Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund). Managed assets means the Funds total
assets (including any assets attributable to any leverage that may be outstanding) minus total
liabilities (other than debt representing financial leverage). Financial accounting services
include, but are not limited to, the following: managing expenses and expenses payment processing;
monitoring the calculation of expense accrual amounts; calculating, tracking and reporting tax
adjustments on all assets; and monitoring trustee deferred compensation plan accruals and
valuations. The Fund pays its pro rata share of the financial accounting services fee to Calamos
Advisors based on the Funds respective managed assets and/or net assets used in calculating the
fee.
F-7
Notes to Financial Statements
The Fund reimburses Calamos Advisors for a portion of compensation paid to the Funds Chief
Compliance Officer. This compensation is reported as part of Trustees fee and officer
compensation expenses on the Statement of Operations. Included in the statement of operations under
the caption Less expense reduction are expense offsets of $5,832, arising from credits on cash
balances maintained on deposit with the Funds custodian.
Certain officers and trustees of the Fund are also officers and directors of Calamos Financial
Services LLC (CFS) and Calamos Advisors. All such officers and affiliated trustees serve without
direct compensation from the Fund, except for the Chief Compliance Officer as described above.
The Fund has adopted a deferred compensation plan (the Plan). Under the Plan, a trustee who is not
an interested person (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund and has elected to participate in
the Plan (a participating trustee) may defer receipt of all or a portion of his compensation from
the Fund. The deferred compensation payable to the participating trustee is credited to the
trustees deferral account as of the business day such compensation would have been paid to the
participating trustee. The value of amount deferred for a participating trustee is determined by
reference to the change in value of Class I shares of one or more funds of Calamos Investment Trust
designated by the participant. The value of the account increases with contributions to the account
or with increases in the value of the measuring shares, and the value of the account decreases with
withdrawals from the account or with declines in the value of the measuring shares. Deferred
compensation investments of $17,669 is included in Other assets on the Statement of Assets and
Liabilities at October 31, 2007. The Funds obligation to make payments under the Plan is a general
obligation of the Fund and is included in Payable for deferred compensation to Trustees on the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities at October 31, 2007.
NOTE 3 INVESTMENTS
Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term investments, for the year ended October
31, 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases |
|
$ |
171,519,737 |
|
Proceeds from sales |
|
$ |
179,153,867 |
|
The following information is presented on a Federal income tax basis as of October 31, 2007.
Differences between the cost basis under U.S. generally accepted accounting principals and federal
income tax purposes are primarily due to timing differences.
The cost basis of investments for Federal income tax purposes at October 31, 2007 was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Gross basis of investments |
|
$ |
187,685,356 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gross unrealized appreciation |
|
|
57,484,707 |
|
Gross unrealized depreciation |
|
|
(2,869,247 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
|
$ |
54,615,460 |
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE 4 INCOME TAXES
For the year ended October 31, 2007, the Fund recorded the following permanent reclassifications to
reflect tax character. Results of operations and net assets were not affected by these
reclassifications.
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-in capital |
|
$ |
|
|
Undistributed net investment income (loss) |
|
|
3,440,049 |
|
Accumulated net realized gain/(loss) on investments, written options and foreign currency transactions |
|
|
(3,440,049 |
) |
Distributions during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2006 and October 31, 2007 were characterized
for Federal income tax purposes as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
Distributions paid from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary income |
|
$ |
11,287,255 |
|
|
$ |
8,980,754 |
|
Long-term capital gains |
|
|
1,526,024 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-8
Notes to Financial Statements
As of October 31, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings/(loss) on a tax basis were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Undistributed ordinary income |
|
$ |
|
|
Undistributed capital gains |
|
|
1,129,096 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total undistributed earnings |
|
|
1,129,096 |
|
Accumulated capital and other losses |
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized gains/(losses) |
|
|
53,852,425 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total accumulated earnings/(losses) |
|
|
54,981,521 |
|
Other |
|
|
(22,679 |
) |
Paid-in capital |
|
|
113,591,761 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common shareholders |
|
$ |
168,550,603 |
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE 5
COMMON SHARES
There are unlimited common shares of beneficial interest authorized and 8,006,981 shares
outstanding at October 31, 2007. Calamos Advisors owned 7,915 of the outstanding shares at October
31, 2007. Transactions in common shares were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended |
|
For the Year Ended |
|
|
October 31, 2007 |
|
October 31, 2006 |
|
Beginning shares |
|
|
8,006,981 |
|
|
|
8,006,981 |
|
Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ending shares |
|
|
8,006,981 |
|
|
|
8,006,981 |
|
|
|
|
NOTE 6
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS
The Fund may engage in portfolio hedging with respect to changes in currency exchange rates by
entering into foreign currency contracts to purchase or sell currencies. A forward foreign currency
contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated
forward rate. Risks associated with such contracts include, among other things, movement in the
value of the foreign currency relative to U.S. dollar and the ability of the counterparty to
perform. The net unrealized gain, if any, represents the credit risk to the Fund on a forward
foreign currency contract. The contracts are valued daily at forward foreign exchange rates and an
unrealized gain or loss is recorded. The Fund realizes a gain or loss when a position is closed or
upon settlement of the contracts. There were no open forward currency contracts at October 31,
2007.
NOTE 7 PREFERRED SHARES
There are unlimited shares of Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Shares (Preferred Shares)
authorized. The Preferred Shares have rights as determined by the Board of Trustees. The 2,360
shares of Preferred Shares outstanding consist of one series, 2,360 shares of T. The Preferred
Shares have a liquidation value of $25,000 per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends,
whether or not declared.
Dividends on the Preferred Shares are cumulative at a rate typically reset every seven or
twenty-eight days based on the results of an auction. Dividend rates ranged from 4.90% to 6.25% for
the year ended October 31, 2007. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not declare dividends or make
other distributions on its common shares or purchase any such shares if, at the time of the
declaration, distribution or purchase, asset coverage with respect to the outstanding Preferred
Shares would be less than 200%.
The Preferred Shares are redeemable at the Funds option, in whole or in part, on any dividend
payment date at $25,000 per share plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends. The Preferred Shares
are also subject to mandatory redemption at $25,000 per share plus any accumulated but unpaid
dividends, whether or not declared, if certain requirements relating to the composition of the
assets and liabilities of the Fund as set forth in the Statement of Preferences are not satisfied.
F-9
Notes to Financial Statements
The holders of Preferred Shares have voting rights equal to the holders of common shares (one vote
per share) and will vote together with holders of common shares as a single class except on matters
affecting only the holders of Preferred Shares or only the holders of common shares, when the
respective classes vote alone.
NOTE 8
WRITTEN OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may engage in option transactions and in doing so achieve the similar objectives to what
it would achieve through the sale or purchase of individual securities. For the fiscal year ended
October, 31, 2007, the Fund had the following transactions in options written:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Premiums |
|
|
|
Contracts |
|
|
Received |
|
|
|
Options outstanding at October 31, 2006 |
|
|
7,550 |
|
|
$ |
1,441,680 |
|
Options written |
|
|
24,300 |
|
|
|
5,960,197 |
|
Options closed |
|
|
(22,598 |
) |
|
|
(4,669,986 |
) |
Options expired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options exercised |
|
|
(2,252 |
) |
|
|
(387,047 |
) |
|
|
Options outstanding at October 31, 2007 |
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,344,844 |
|
|
|
|
NOTE 9
SECURITIES LENDING
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Fund loaned one or more of its securities to
broker-dealers and banks. Any such loan must be continuously secured by collateral in cash or cash
equivalents maintained on a current basis in an amount at least equal to the market value of the
securities loaned by the Fund. The Fund continues to receive the equivalent of the interest or
dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and also receives an additional return that
may be in the form of a fixed fee or a percentage of the collateral. The Fund may pay reasonable
fees to persons unaffiliated with the Fund for services in arranging these loans. The Fund has the
right to call the loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice of not less than five
business days. The Fund does not have the right to vote the securities during the existence of the
loan but could call the loan in an attempt to permit voting of the securities in certain
circumstances. Upon return of the securities loaned, the cash or cash equivalent collateral will be
returned to the borrower. In the event of bankruptcy or other default of the borrower, the Fund
could experience both delays in liquidating the loan collateral or recovering the loaned securities
and losses, including (a) possible decline in the value of the collateral or in the value of the
securities loaned during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, (b)
possible subnormal levels of income and lack of access to income during this period, and (c) the
expenses of enforcing its rights. The market value of the loaned securities is determined at the
close of business of the Fund and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund the
next day. In an effort to reduce these risks, the Funds security lending agent monitors and
reports to Calamos Advisors on the creditworthiness of the firms to which the Fund lends
securities. At October 31, 2007, the Fund had securities valued at $13,457,659 on loan to
broker-dealers and banks and $13,371,000 in cash or
cash equivalent collateral.
NOTE
10 SYNTHETIC CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
The Fund
may establish a synthetic convertible instrument by combining separate securities that
possess the economic characteristics similar to a convertible security, i.e., fixed-income
securities (fixed-income component, which may be a convertible or non-convertible security) and
the right to acquire equity securities (convertible component). The fixed-income component is
achieved by investing in fixed income securities such as bonds, preferred stocks and money market
instruments. The convertible component is achieved by investing in warrants or options to buy
common stock at a certain exercise price, or options on a stock index. In establishing a synthetic
instrument, the Fund may pool a basket of fixed-income securities and a basket of warrants or
options that produce the economic characteristics similar to a convertible security. Within each
basket of fixed-income securities and warrants or options, different companies may issue the
fixed-income and convertible components, which may be purchased separately and at different times.
F-10
Notes to Financial Statements
The Fund may also purchase synthetic securities created by other parties, typically investment
banks, including convertible structured notes. Convertible structured notes are fixed-income
debentures linked to equity. Convertible structured notes have the attributes of a convertible
security; however, the investment bank that issued the convertible note assumes the credit risk
associated with the investment, rather than the issuer of the underlying common stock into which
the note is convertible. Purchasing synthetic convertible securities may offer more flexibility
than purchasing a convertible security.
F-11
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each period were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 27, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005* |
|
|
For the |
|
through |
|
|
Year Ended October 31, |
|
October 31, |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
|
$ |
16.31 |
|
|
$ |
14.29 |
|
|
$ |
14.32 |
(a) |
|
Income from investment operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss) |
|
|
0.96 |
** |
|
|
0.86 |
|
|
|
|
(b) |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments, written options
and foreign currency |
|
|
5.38 |
|
|
|
2.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions to preferred shareholders from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (common share equivalent basis) |
|
|
(0.39 |
) |
|
|
(0.29 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital gains (common share equivalent basis) |
|
|
|
b |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations |
|
|
5.95 |
|
|
|
2.97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less distributions to common shareholders from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
(1.09 |
) |
|
|
(0.65 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital gains |
|
|
(0.12 |
) |
|
|
(0.19 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital charge resulting from issuance of common and preferred shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
Net asset value, end of period |
|
$ |
21.05 |
|
|
$ |
16.31 |
|
|
$ |
14.29 |
|
|
Market value, end of period |
|
$ |
19.51 |
|
|
$ |
15.62 |
|
|
$ |
15.00 |
|
|
Total investment return based on(c): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value |
|
|
38.30 |
% |
|
|
20.77 |
% |
|
|
(0.24 |
)% |
Market value |
|
|
33.84 |
% |
|
|
10.19 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
Ratios and supplemental data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common shareholders, end of period (000s omitted) |
|
$ |
168,551 |
|
|
$ |
130,588 |
|
|
$ |
114,439 |
|
|
Preferred shares, at redemption value ($25,000 per share liquidation
preference) (000s omitted) |
|
$ |
59,000 |
|
|
$ |
59,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Ratios to average net assets applicable to common shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net expenses(d)(e) |
|
|
1.72 |
% |
|
|
1.70 |
% |
|
|
1.33 |
% |
|
Gross expenses(d)(e) |
|
|
1.72 |
% |
|
|
1.70 |
% |
|
|
3.37 |
% |
|
Net investment income (loss)(d)(e) |
|
|
5.37 |
% |
|
|
5.57 |
% |
|
|
(1.33 |
)% |
|
Preferred share distributions from net investment income |
|
|
2.17 |
% |
|
|
1.89 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
Net investment income (loss), net of preferred share distributions from net investment income |
|
|
3.20 |
% |
|
|
3.68 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% |
|
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
|
85 |
% |
|
|
32 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
Average commission rate paid |
|
$ |
0.0377 |
|
|
$ |
0.0258 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Asset coverage per preferred share, at end of period(f) |
|
$ |
96,423 |
|
|
$ |
80,358 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Commencement of operations. |
|
** |
|
Net investment income allocated based on average shares method. |
|
(a) |
|
Net of sales load of $0.675 on initial shares issued and
beginning net asset value of $14.325. |
|
(b) |
|
Amount equated to less
than $0.005 per common share. |
|
(c) |
|
Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common shares on the opening of
the first day and a sale on the closing of the last day of the period reported. Dividends and
distributions are assumed, for purposes of this calculation, to be reinvested at prices obtained
under the Funds dividend reinvestment plan. Total return is not annualized for periods less than
one year. Brokerage commissions are not reflected. NAV per share is determined by dividing the
value of the Funds portfolio securities, cash and other assets, less all liabilities, by the total
number of common shares outstanding. The common share market price is the price the market is
willing to pay for shares of the Fund at a given time. Common share market price is influenced by a
range of factors, including supply and demand and market conditions. |
|
(d) |
|
Annualized for periods less than one year. |
|
(e) |
|
Does not reflect the effect of dividend payments to the shareholders of Preferred Shares. |
|
(f) |
|
Calculated by subtracting the Funds total liabilities (not including Preferred Shares)
from the Funds total assets and dividing this by the number of Preferred Shares outstanding. |
F-12
Schedule of Investments
OCTOBER 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRINCIPAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AMOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
VALUE |
|
|
CORPORATE BONDS (28.3%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer Discretionary (14.1%) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.^
7.625%, 03/15/17 |
|
$ |
1,410,000 |
|
|
2,060,000 |
|
|
|
|
DIRECTV Financing Company,
Inc.~
8.375%, 03/15/13 |
|
|
2,163,000 |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Expedia, Inc.~
7.456%, 08/15/18 |
|
|
1,033,693 |
|
|
1,600,000 |
|
|
|
|
Ford Motor Company~
9.875%, 08/10/11 |
|
|
1,598,811 |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
General Motors Corp.^
7.200%, 01/15/11 |
|
|
960,000 |
|
|
1,875,000 |
|
|
|
|
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company~
7.857%, 08/15/11 |
|
|
1,950,000 |
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Hanes Brands, Inc.~
8.784%, 12/15/14 |
|
|
2,020,000 |
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Idearc, Inc.~
8.000%, 11/15/16 |
|
|
2,015,000 |
|
|
440,000 |
|
|
|
|
Jarden Corp.~
7.500%, 05/01/17 |
|
|
420,200 |
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Liberty Media Corp.~
8.250%, 02/01/30 |
|
|
1,976,040 |
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Mandalay Resort Group~
7.625%, 07/15/13 |
|
|
1,995,000 |
|
|
2,325,000 |
|
|
|
|
NCL Holding, ASA~
10.625%, 07/15/14 |
|
|
2,365,688 |
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.~
7.500%, 10/15/27 |
|
|
1,900,012 |
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Service Corp. International~
7.500%, 04/01/27 |
|
|
1,880,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,687,444 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer Staples (2.1%) |
|
|
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
Del Monte Foods Company~
8.625%, 12/15/12 |
|
|
1,537,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pilgrims Pride Corp. |
|
|
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
8.375%, 05/01/17^ |
|
|
1,518,750 |
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
|
7.625%, 05/01/15~ |
|
|
505,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,561,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Energy (0.5%) |
|
|
|
|
|
750,000 |
|
|
|
|
Petróleo Brasileiro, SA~
8.375%, 12/10/18 |
|
|
885,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financials (0.8%) |
|
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
|
E*TRADE Financial Corp.~
7.875%, 12/01/15 |
|
|
460,000 |
|
|
920,000 |
|
|
|
|
Leucadia National Corp.~
8.125%, 09/15/15 |
|
|
932,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,392,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care (1.7%) |
|
|
|
|
|
1,800,000 |
|
|
|
|
HCA, Inc.*
9.250%, 11/15/16 |
|
|
1,899,000 |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Tenet Healthcare Corp.~
9.250%, 02/01/15 |
|
|
885,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,784,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industrials (1.0%) |
|
|
|
|
|
1,800,000 |
|
|
|
|
H&E Equipment Service, Inc.~
8.375%, 07/15/16 |
|
|
1,755,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Information Technology (2.8%) |
|
|
|
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
|
Avago Technologies~
11.875%, 12/01/15 |
|
|
1,012,500 |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
iPayment, Inc.~
9.750%, 05/15/14 |
|
|
965,000 |
|
|
2,700,000 |
|
|
|
|
SunGard Data Systems, Inc.~
9.125%, 08/15/13 |
|
|
2,767,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,745,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Materials (2.6%) |
|
|
|
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
|
Ineos Group Holdings, PLC*
7.875%, 02/15/16 |
|
|
1,205,917 |
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Mosaic Company~*
7.625%, 12/01/16 |
|
|
2,165,000 |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Polyone Corp.
8.875%, 05/01/12 |
|
|
1,040,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,410,917 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telecommunication Services (2.7%) |
|
|
|
|
|
1,700,000 |
|
|
|
|
Citizens Communications Company~
9.000%, 08/15/31 |
|
|
1,757,375 |
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Leap Wireless International, Inc.~
9.375%, 11/01/14 |
|
|
1,995,000 |
|
|
750,000 |
|
|
|
|
Windstream Corp.~
8.625%, 08/01/16 |
|
|
806,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,558,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $47,917,608) |
|
|
47,779,886 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONVERTIBLE BONDS (15.2%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer Discretionary (5.4%) |
|
|
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Amazon.com, Inc.~
4.750%, 02/01/09 |
|
|
1,192,500 |
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
Ford Motor Company~
4.250%, 12/15/36 |
|
|
1,803,750 |
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
General Motors Corp.~
6.250% 07/15/33 |
|
|
1,542,000 |
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
Intralot SA
2.250%, 12/20/13 |
|
|
2,498,747 |
|
|
850,000 |
|
|
|
|
Punch Taverns Redwood Jersey
Company Ltd.
5.000%, 12/14/10 |
|
|
2,047,842 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,084,839 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care (1.1%) |
|
|
|
|
|
1,700,000 |
|
|
|
|
Wyeth~
4.886%, 01/15/24 |
|
|
1,822,842 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Schedule of Investments.
F-13
Schedule of Investments
OCTOBER 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRINCIPAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
AMOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
VALUE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industrials (2.7%) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,700,000 |
|
|
|
|
MTU Aero Engines Holdings, AG
2.750%, 02/01/12 |
|
$ |
2,699,545 |
|
|
1,175,000 |
|
|
|
|
Quanta Services, Inc.~*
3.750%, 04/30/26 |
|
|
1,863,844 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,563,389 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Information Technology (3.6%) |
|
|
|
|
|
3,300,000 |
|
|
|
|
Business Objects, SA
2.250%, 01/01/27 |
|
|
2,409,226 |
|
|
2,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
Intel Corp.^~
2.950%, 12/15/35 |
|
|
2,681,250 |
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
|
VeriSign, Inc.~*
3.250%, 08/15/37 |
|
|
1,078,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,169,351 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telecommunication Services (0.5%) |
|
|
|
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
|
NII Holdings, Inc.*
3.125%, 06/15/12 |
|
|
835,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utilities (1.9%) |
|
|
|
|
|
1,550,000 |
|
|
|
|
International Power, PLC
3.250%, 07/20/13 |
|
|
3,139,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE BONDS
(Cost $22,679,858) |
|
|
25,615,496 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SYNTHETIC CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES (5.1%) |
Sovereign Bonds (3.4%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer Discretionary (3.4%) |
|
|
|
|
|
1,800,000 |
|
|
|
|
Deutschland Republic Treasury
4.500%, 07/04/09 |
|
|
2,621,596 |
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
United Kingdom Treasury
5.750%, 12/07/09 |
|
|
3,159,802 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL SOVEREIGN BONDS |
|
|
5,781,398 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER OF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONTRACTS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
VALUE |
|
|
Options (1.7%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer Discretionary (0.1%) |
|
|
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
|
Garmin, Ltd.#
Call, 01/17/09, Strike $100.00 |
|
|
195,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industrials (0.2%) |
|
|
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
|
Alliant Techsystems, Inc.#
Call, 01/17/09, Strike $110.00 |
|
|
140,850 |
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
|
Honeywell International, Inc.#
Call, 01/17/09, Strike $55.00 |
|
|
183,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
324,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Information Technology (1.4%) |
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
|
Apple, Inc.#
Call, 01/17/09, Strike $130.00 |
|
|
752,500 |
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
|
Cisco Systems, Inc.#
Call, 01/17/09, Strike $30.00 |
|
$ |
166,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
|
Google, Inc.#
Call, 01/17/09, Strike $520.00 |
|
|
828,625 |
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
|
Research In Motion, Ltd.#
Call, 01/17/09, Strike $73.30 |
|
|
548,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,295,488 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL OPTIONS |
|
|
2,815,138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL SYNTHETIC
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
(Cost $6,940,621) |
|
|
8,596,536 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER OF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHARES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
VALUE |
|
|
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS (8.1%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financials (1.8%) |
|
|
|
|
|
32,000 |
|
|
|
|
MetLife, Inc.~
6.375% |
|
|
1,072,640 |
|
|
1,100 |
|
|
|
|
Swiss Re
6.000% |
|
|
997,264 |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
Washington Mutual, Inc.~
5.375% |
|
|
885,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,954,904 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care (2.5%) |
|
|
|
|
|
16,000 |
|
|
|
|
Schering-Plough Corp.~
6.000% |
|
|
4,260,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Materials (3.8%) |
|
|
|
|
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
|
Cia Vale do Rio Doce~
5.500% |
|
|
2,489,480 |
|
|
450 |
|
|
|
|
Givaudan SA
5.375% |
|
|
3,972,851 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,462,331 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED STOCKS
(Cost $13,230,138) |
|
|
13,677,235 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMMON STOCKS (77.5%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer Discretionary (6.8%) |
|
|
|
|
|
135,000 |
|
|
|
|
Esprit Holdings, Ltd. |
|
|
2,254,678 |
|
|
53,000 |
|
|
|
|
Hennes & Mauritz AB |
|
|
3,541,429 |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
Industria de Diseno Textil, SA |
|
|
1,495,374 |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
Nike, Inc.~ |
|
|
1,325,200 |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
Volkswagen, AG |
|
|
2,858,583 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,475,264 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer Staples (11.7%) |
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
British American Tobacco, PLC |
|
|
3,809,757 |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
Coca-Cola Company~ |
|
|
2,470,400 |
|
|
44,000 |
|
|
|
|
Heineken, NV |
|
|
3,088,679 |
|
|
32,000 |
|
|
|
|
InBev, NV |
|
$ |
3,028,713 |
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
|
Nestle Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
3,233,173 |
|
See accompanying Notes to Schedule of Investments.
F-14
Schedule of Investments
OCTOBER 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER OF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHARES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
VALUE |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
Reynolds American, Inc.^ |
|
$ |
2,577,200 |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
Woolworths, Ltd. |
|
|
1,567,083 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,775,005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Energy (7.8%) |
|
|
|
|
|
16,000 |
|
|
|
|
Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd. |
|
|
1,330,609 |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
Chevron Corp.~ |
|
|
2,745,300 |
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
ENI S.p.A. |
|
|
1,095,398 |
|
|
170,000 |
|
|
|
|
Nippon Oil Corp. |
|
|
1,505,637 |
|
|
24,800 |
|
|
|
|
PetroChina Company, Ltd.^~ |
|
|
6,512,480 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,189,424 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financials (18.0%) |
|
|
|
|
|
105,000 |
|
|
|
|
Australian Stock Exchange, Ltd. |
|
|
5,661,884 |
|
|
33,120 |
|
|
|
|
EFG Eurobank Ergasias |
|
|
1,292,385 |
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
|
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.~ |
|
|
1,735,440 |
|
|
380,000 |
|
|
|
|
Henderson Group, PLC |
|
|
1,486,282 |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
JPMorgan Chase & Company~ |
|
|
1,880,000 |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
Manulife Financial Corp.^ |
|
|
1,855,600 |
|
|
52,000 |
|
|
|
|
Power Financial Corp. |
|
|
2,318,023 |
|
|
135,000 |
|
|
|
|
QBE Insurance Group, Ltd. |
|
|
4,131,345 |
|
|
916,000 |
|
|
|
|
Singapore Exchange, Ltd. |
|
|
10,037,164 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,398,123 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care (9.0%) |
|
|
|
|
|
22,000 |
|
|
|
|
Alcon, Inc.^~ |
|
|
3,348,620 |
|
|
43,000 |
|
|
|
|
Astellas Pharma, Inc. |
|
|
1,908,831 |
|
|
63,000 |
|
|
|
|
CSL, Ltd. |
|
|
2,141,753 |
|
|
21,000 |
|
|
|
|
Johnson & Johnson~ |
|
|
1,368,570 |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
|
Merck & Company, Inc.~ |
|
|
3,495,600 |
|
|
72,000 |
|
|
|
|
Pfizer, Inc.~ |
|
|
1,771,920 |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
|
Roche Holding, AG |
|
|
1,024,819 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,060,113 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industrials (1.4%) |
|
|
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
Leighton Holdings, Ltd. |
|
|
2,341,717 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Information Technology (19.7%) |
|
|
|
|
|
37,000 |
|
|
|
|
Canon, Inc. |
|
|
1,872,178 |
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
|
Infosys Technologies, Ltd.~ |
|
|
4,584,600 |
|
|
68,000 |
|
|
|
|
Microsoft Corp.~ |
|
|
2,503,080 |
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
|
Nintendo Company, Ltd. |
|
|
8,256,023 |
|
|
225,000 |
|
|
|
|
Nokia Corp. |
|
|
8,935,979 |
|
|
37,000 |
|
|
|
|
SAP, AG |
|
|
2,000,720 |
|
|
17,000 |
|
|
|
|
TDK Corp. |
|
|
1,395,183 |
|
|
185,000 |
|
|
|
|
Toshiba Corp. |
|
|
1,566,632 |
|
|
240,000 |
|
|
|
|
Vtech Holdings, Ltd. |
|
|
2,049,380 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,163,775 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telecommunication Services (3.1%) |
|
|
|
|
|
38,000 |
|
|
|
|
America Movil, S.A. de C.V.~ |
|
$ |
2,484,820 |
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
|
BT Group, PLC# |
|
|
2,718,892 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,203,712 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $80,851,087) |
|
|
130,607,133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WARRANTS (0.1%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer Discretionary (0.1%) |
|
|
|
|
|
36,362 |
|
|
|
|
Expedia, Inc.#
05/07/12, Strike $24.46
(Cost $72,179) |
|
|
253,443 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER OF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONTRACTS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
VALUE |
|
|
PUT OPTIONS (0.3%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financials (0.3%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPDR Trust Series 1# |
|
|
|
|
|
1,235 |
|
|
|
|
Put, 03/22/08, Strike $144.00 |
|
|
444,600 |
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
|
Put, 11/17/07, Strike $138.00 |
|
|
1,763 |
|
|
230 |
|
|
|
|
Put, 11/07/07, Strike $137.00 |
|
|
1,265 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL OPTIONS
(Cost $523,830) |
|
|
447,628 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER OF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHARES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
VALUE |
|
|
INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATED FUND (1.2%) |
|
1,952,459 |
|
|
|
|
Calamos Government Money Market
Fund Class I Shares 3
4.711%
(Cost $1,952,459) |
|
|
1,952,459 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INVESTMENTS OF CASH COLLATERAL FOR
SECURITIES ON LOAN (7.9%) |
|
13,371,000 |
|
|
|
|
Bank of New York Institutional
Cash Reserve Fund
current rate 5.158%
(Cost $13,371,000) |
|
|
13,371,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (143.7%)
(Cost $187,538,780) |
|
|
242,300,816 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PAYABLE UPON RETURN OF SECURITIES ON LOAN (-7.9%) |
|
|
(13,371,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES, LESS OTHER ASSETS (-0.8%) |
|
|
(1,371,017 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PREFERRED SHARES AT REDEMPTION VALUE INCLUDING
DIVIDENDS PAYABLE (-35.0%) |
|
|
(59,008,196 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON
SHAREHOLDERS (100.0%) |
|
$ |
168,550,603 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Schedule of Investments.
F-15
Schedule of Investments
OCTOBER 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER OF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONTRACTS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
VALUE |
|
|
WRITTEN OPTIONS (-1.9%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financials (-1.9%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund# |
|
|
|
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
|
Call, 12/22/07, Strike $85.00 |
|
$ |
(517,500 |
) |
|
1,360 |
|
|
|
|
Call, 12/22/07, Strike $83.00 |
|
|
(666,400 |
) |
|
1,350 |
|
|
|
|
Call, 12/22/07, Strike $84.00 |
|
|
(567,000 |
) |
|
1,200 |
|
|
|
|
Call, 03/22/08, Strike $85.00 |
|
|
(552,000 |
) |
|
540 |
|
|
|
|
Call, 12/22/07, Strike $80.00 |
|
|
(399,600 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPDR Trust Series 1# |
|
|
|
|
|
400 |
|
|
|
|
Call, 12/22/07, Strike $158.00 |
|
|
(102,000 |
) |
|
250 |
|
|
|
|
Call, 11/17/07, Strike $159.00 |
|
|
(11,750 |
) |
|
115 |
|
|
|
|
Call, 03/22/08, Strike $152.00 |
|
|
(113,850 |
) |
|
100 |
|
|
|
|
Call, 12/22/07, Strike $157.00 |
|
|
(30,500 |
) |
|
100 |
|
|
|
|
Call, 03/22/08, Strike $150.00 |
|
|
(112,500 |
) |
|
85 |
|
|
|
|
Call, 03/22/08, Strike $157.00 |
|
|
(57,375 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL WRITTEN OPTIONS
(Premium $2,344,844) |
|
|
(3,130,475 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
|
|
|
Note: Value for Securities denominated in foreign
currencies is shown in U.S. dollars. The principal amount
for such securities are shown in the respective foreign
currency. The date shown on options represents the
expiration date of the option contract. The option
contract may be exercised at any date on or before the
date shown. |
|
^ |
|
Security, or portion of security, is on loan. |
|
~ |
|
Security, or portion of security, is held in a
segregated account as collateral for written options
aggregating a total market value of $86,650,848. |
|
|
|
Variable rate or step bond security. The rate
shown is the rate in effect at October 31, 2007. |
|
* |
|
Securities issued and sold pursuant to a Rule 144A
transaction are excepted from the registration
requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. These securities may only be sold to
qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), such as the
Fund. Any resale of these securities must generally
be effected through a sale that is registered under
the Act or otherwise exempted or excepted from such
registration requirements. At October 31, 2007 the
value of 144A securities that could not be exchanged
to the registered form is $6,348,792 or 3.8% of net
assets. |
|
# |
|
Non-income producing security. |
|
W |
|
Investment in an affiliated fund. During the period
from November 1, 2006, through October 31, 2007, the
fund had net purchases of $1,952,459, and received
$63,656 in dividend payments from the affiliated
fund. As of October 31, 2006, the Fund had no
holdings of the affiliated fund. |
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-16
Schedule of Investments
OCTOBER 31, 2007
COUNTRY ALLOCATION AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
Country |
|
% of Portfolio |
United States |
|
|
38.3 |
% |
Japan |
|
|
7.4 |
|
United Kingdom |
|
|
7.3 |
|
Australia |
|
|
7.1 |
|
Switzerland |
|
|
5.6 |
|
Singapore |
|
|
4.5 |
|
Finland |
|
|
4.0 |
|
Germany |
|
|
3.4 |
|
Bermuda |
|
|
3.0 |
|
China |
|
|
2.9 |
|
Canada |
|
|
2.7 |
|
India |
|
|
2.0 |
|
Greece |
|
|
1.7 |
|
Sweden |
|
|
1.6 |
|
Brazil |
|
|
1.5 |
|
Netherlands |
|
|
1.4 |
|
Belgium |
|
|
1.3 |
|
Mexico |
|
|
1.1 |
|
France |
|
|
1.1 |
|
Liberia |
|
|
0.8 |
|
Spain |
|
|
0.7 |
|
Italy |
|
|
0.5 |
|
Cayman Islands |
|
|
0.1 |
|
Total: |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
Country allocations vary over time.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-17
APPENDIX A
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE
AND FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
The following is a summary of certain provisions of the indenture (the Original Indenture)
and the supplemental indenture (Supplemental Indenture) that the Fund expects to enter into in
connection with the issuance of debt securities. This summary does not purport to be complete and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to the indenture, a copy of which will be filed with the
Commission in connection with an offering of debt securities by the Fund.
DEFINITIONS
AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate on any date means (i) the interest equivalent of
(1) the 7-day rate, in the case of a Rate Period which is 7 days or shorter, (2) the 30-day rate,
in the case of a Rate Period which is a Standard Rate Period greater than 7 days but fewer than or
equal to 31 days, or (3) the 180-day rate, in the case of all other Rate Periods, on financial
commercial paper on behalf of issuers whose corporate bonds are rated AA by S&P, or the
equivalent of such rating by another nationally recognized rating agency, as announced by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the close of business on the Business Day immediately
preceding such date; or (ii) if the Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not make available such a
rate, then the arithmetic average of the interest equivalent of such rates on financial commercial
paper placed on behalf of such issuers, as quoted on a discount basis or otherwise by the
Commercial Paper Dealers to the Auction Agent for the close of business on the Business Day
immediately preceding such date (rounded to the next highest .001 of 1%). If any Commercial Paper
Dealer does not quote a rate required to determine the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate, such
rate shall be determined on the basis of the quotations (or quotation) furnished by the remaining
Commercial Paper Dealers (or Dealer), if any, or, if there are no such Commercial Paper Dealers, a
nationally recognized dealer in commercial paper of such issues then making such quotations
selected by the Issuer. For purposes of this definition, (A) Commercial Paper Dealers shall mean
(1) and ; (2) in lieu of any thereof, its respective Affiliate or
successor; and (3) in the event that any of the foregoing shall cease to quote rates for financial
commercial paper of issuers of the sort described above, in substitution therefor, a nationally
recognized dealer in financial commercial paper of such issuers then making such quotations
selected by the Issuer, and (B) interest equivalent of a rate stated on a discount basis for
financial commercial paper of a given number of days maturity shall mean a number equal to the
quotient (rounded upward to the next higher one-thousandth of 1%) of (1) such rate expressed as a
decimal, divided by (2) the difference between (x) 1.00 and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which
shall be the product of such rate expressed as a decimal, multiplied by the number of days in which
such commercial paper shall mature and the denominator of which shall be 360.
Affiliate means any person controlled by, in control of or under common control with the
Issuer; provided that no Broker-Dealer controlled by, in control of or under common control with
the Issuer shall be deemed to be an Affiliate nor shall any corporation or any person controlled
by, in control of or under common control with such corporation one of the directors or executive
officers of which is also a Director of the Issuer be deemed to be an Affiliate solely because such
director or executive officer is also a Director of the Issuer.
Agent Member means a member of or participant in the Securities Depository that will act on
behalf of a Bidder.
All Hold Rate means 80% of the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate.
A-1
Applicable Rate means the rate determined in accordance with the procedures in
Section 2.02(c)(i) of this Supplemental Indenture.
Auction means each periodic implementation of the Auction Procedures.
Auction Agent means unless and until another commercial bank, trust company, or
other financial institution appointed by a resolution of the Board of Directors enters into an
agreement with the Issuer to follow the Auction Procedures for the purpose of determining the
Applicable Rate.
Auction Agreement means the agreement between the Auction Agent and the Issuer pursuant to
which the Auction Agent agrees to follow the procedures specified in
Appendix A-I to this
Supplemental Indenture, as such agreement may from time to time be amended or supplemented.
Auction Date means the first Business Day next preceding the first day of a Rate Period for
each series of Notes.
Auction Desk means the business unit of a Broker-Dealer that fulfills the responsibilities
of the Broker-Dealer under a Broker-Dealer Agreement, including soliciting Bids for the
Notes, and units of the Broker-Dealer which are not separated by information
controls appropriate to control, limit and monitor the inappropriate dissemination of information
about Bids.
Auction Period means with respect to the Notes, either a Standard Auction
Period or a Special Auction Period, as applicable.
Auction
Procedures means the procedures for conducting Auctions set forth in Appendix A-I
hereto.
Auction Rate means for each series of Notes for each Auction Period, (i) if
Sufficient Clearing Bids exist, the Winning Bid Rate, provided, however, if all of the
Notes are the subject of Submitted Hold Orders, the All Hold Rate for such series of
Notes and (ii) if Sufficient Clearing Bids do not exist, the Maximum Rate for such
series of Notes.
Authorized Denomination means $25,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
Available Notes means for each series of Notes on each Auction
Date, the number of Units of Notes of such series that are not the subject of
Submitted Hold Orders.
Beneficial Owner, with respect to each series of Notes, means a customer of a
Broker-Dealer who is listed on the records of that Broker-Dealer (or, if applicable, the Auction
Agent) as a holder of such series of Notes.
Bid
shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-I hereto.
Bidder means each Beneficial Owner, Potential Beneficial Owner and Broker Dealer who places
an Order.
Board of Directors or Board means the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any duly
authorized committee thereof as permitted by applicable law.
A-2
Broker-Dealer means any broker-dealer or broker-dealers, or other entity permitted by law to
perform the function required of a Broker-Dealer by the Auction Procedures, that has been selected
by the Issuer and that is a party to a Broker-Dealer Agreement with the Auction Agent.
Broker-Dealer Agreement means an agreement between the Auction Agent and a Broker-Dealer,
pursuant to which such Broker-Dealer agrees to follow the Auction Procedures.
Broker-Dealer Deadline means, with respect to an Order, the internal deadline established by
the Broker-Dealer through which the Order was placed after which it will not accept Orders or any
change in any Order previously placed with such Broker-Dealer; provided, however, that nothing
shall prevent the Broker-Dealer from correcting Clerical Errors by the Broker-Dealer with respect
to Orders from Bidders after the Broker-Dealer Deadline pursuant to the provisions herein. Any
Broker-Dealer may change the time or times of its Broker-Dealer Deadline as it relates to such
Broker-Dealer by giving notice not less than two Business Days prior to the date such change is to
take effect to Bidders who place Orders through such Broker-Dealer.
Business Day means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and which
is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks in the City of New York, New York are
authorized or obligated by law to close, days on which the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is not
open for business, days on which banking institutions or trust companies located in the state in
which the operations of the Auction Agent are conducted are authorized or required to be closed by
law, regulation or executive order of the state in which the Auction Agent conducts operations with
respect to the Notes.
Clerical Error means a clerical error in the processing of an Order, and includes, but is
not limited to, the following: (i) a transmission error, including but not limited to, an Order
sent to the wrong address or number, failure to transmit certain pages or illegible transmission,
(ii) failure to transmit an Order received from one or more Existing Holders or Potential
Beneficial Owners (including Orders from the Broker-Dealer which were not originated by the Auction
Desk) prior to the Broker-Dealer Deadline or generated by the Broker-Dealers Auction Desk for its
own account prior to the Submission Deadline or (iii) a typographical error. Determining whether
an error is a Clerical Error is within the reasonable judgment of the Broker-Dealer, provided
that the Broker-Dealer has a record of the correct Order that shows it was so received or so
generated prior to the Broker-Dealer Deadline or the Submission Deadline, as applicable.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Commercial Paper Dealers has the meaning set forth in the definition of AA Composite
Commercial Paper Rate.
Commission means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Default Rate means the Reference Rate multiplied by three (3).
Deposit Securities means cash and any obligations or securities, including short term money
market instruments that are Eligible Assets, rated at least ___, ___or ___by ___, except that,
such obligations or securities shall be considered Deposit Securities only if they are also rated
at least P-2 by Moodys.
Discount Factor means the Moodys Discount Factor (if Moodys is then rating the
Notes), ___Discount Factor (if ___is then rating the Notes) or an
Other Rating Agency Discount Factor, whichever is applicable.
A-3
Discounted Value means the quotient of the Market Value of an Eligible Asset divided by the
applicable Discount Factor, provided that with respect to an Eligible Asset that is currently
callable, Discounted Value will be equal to the quotient as calculated above or the call price,
whichever is lower, and that with respect to an Eligible Asset that is prepayable, Discounted Value
will be equal to the quotient as calculated above or the par value, whichever is lower.
Eligible Assets means Moodys Eligible Assets or ___s Eligible Assets (if Moodys or ___
are then rating the Notes) and/or Other Rating Agency Eligible Assets, whichever is
applicable.
Error Correction Deadline means one hour after the Auction Agent completes the dissemination
of the results of the Auction to Broker-Dealers without regard to the time of receipt of such
results by any Broker-Dealer; provided, however, in no event shall the Error Correction Deadline
extend past 4:00 p.m., New York City time unless the Auction Agent experiences technological
failure or force majeure in disseminating the Auction results which causes a delay in dissemination
past 3:00 p.m., New York City time.
Existing Holder, with respect to Notes of a series, shall mean a
Broker-Dealer (or any such other Person as may be permitted by the Issuer) that is listed on the
records of the Auction Agent as a holder of Notes of such series.
___ means ___Ratings and its successors at law.
___Discount Factor means the discount factors set forth in the ___Guidelines for use in
calculating the Discounted Value of the Issuers assets in connection with ___s ratings of
Notes.
____Eligible Asset means assets of the Issuer set forth in the ___Guidelines as eligible
for inclusion in calculating the Discounted Value of the Issuers assets in connection with ___s
ratings of Notes.
___Guidelines mean the guidelines provided by ___, as may be amended from time to time,
in connection with ___s ratings of Notes.
Hold
Order shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-I hereto or an Order deemed to
have been submitted as provided in paragraph (c) of
Section 1 of Appendix A-I hereto.
Holder means, with respect to Notes, the registered holder of notes of each
series of Notes as the same appears on the books or records of the Issuer.
Index means on any Auction Date with respect to Notes in any Auction Period
of 35 days or less the applicable LIBOR rate. The Index with respect to Notes in
any Auction Period of more than 35 days shall be the rate on United States Treasury Securities
having a maturity which most closely approximates the length of the Auction Period as last
published in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as may be mutually agreed upon by the
Trustee and the Broker-Dealers. If either rate is unavailable, the Index shall be an index or rate
agreed to by all Broker-Dealers and consented to by the Issuer. For the purpose of this definition
an Auction Period of 35 days or less means a 35-day Auction Period or shorter Auction Period, i.e.,
a 35-day Auction Period which is extended because of a holiday would still be considered an Auction
Period of 35 days or less.
A-4
Interest Payment Date when used with respect to any Notes, means the date on
which an installment of interest on such Notes shall be due and payable which
generally shall be the day next following an Auction Date.
LIBOR means, for purposes of determining the Reference Rate, (i) the rate for deposits in
U.S. dollars for the designated Rate Period, which appears on display page 3750 of Moneylines
Telerate Service (Telerate Page 3750) (or such other page as may replace that page on that
service, or such other service as may be selected by Lehman Brothers Inc. or its successors) as of
11:00 a.m., London time, on the day that is the Business Day on the Auction Date or, if the Auction
Date is not a Business Day, the Business Day preceding the Auction Date (the LIBOR Determination
Date), or (ii) if such rate does not appear on Telerate Page 3750 or such other page as may
replace such Telerate Page 3750, (A) shall determine the arithmetic mean of the
offered quotations of the reference banks to leading banks in the London interbank market for
deposits in U.S. dollars for the designated Rate Period in an amount determined by
by reference to requests for quotations as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such date
made by to the reference banks, (B) if at least two of the reference banks provide
such quotations, LIBOR shall equal such arithmetic mean of such quotations, (C) if only one or none
of the reference banks provide such quotations, LIBOR shall be deemed to be the arithmetic mean of
the offered quotations that leading banks in The City of New York, New York selected by
(after obtaining the Issuers approval) are quoting on the relevant LIBOR
Determination Date for deposits in U.S. dollars for the designated Rate Period in an amount
determined by (after obtaining the Issuers approval) that is representative of a
single transaction in such market at such time by reference to the principal London office of
leading banks in the London interbank market; provided, however, that if is not a
Broker-Dealer or does not quote a rate required to determine LIBOR, LIBOR will be determined on the
basis of the quotation or quotations furnished by any other Broker-Dealer selected by the Issuer to
provide such rate or rates not being supplied by ; provided further, that if
and/or a substitute Broker-Dealer are required but unable to determine a rate in
accordance with at least one of the procedures provided above, LIBOR shall be the most recently
determinable LIBOR. If the number of Rate Period days shall be (i) 7 or more but fewer than 21
days, such rate shall be the seven-day LIBOR rate; (ii) more than 21 but fewer than 49 days, such
rate shall be one-month LIBOR rate; (iii) 49 or more but fewer than 77 days, such rate shall be the
two-month LIBOR rate; (iv) 77 or more but fewer than 112 days, such rate shall be the three-month
LIBOR rate; (v) 112 or more but fewer than 140 days, such rate shall be the four-month LIBOR rate;
(vi) 140 or more but fewer than 168 days, such rate shall be the five-month LIBOR rate; (vii) 168
or more but fewer 189 days, such rate shall be the six-month LIBOR rate; (viii) 189 or more but
fewer than 217 days, such rate shall be the seven-month LIBOR rate; (ix) 217 or more but fewer than
252 days, such rate shall be the eight-month LIBOR rate; (x) 252 or more but fewer than 287 days,
such rate shall be the nine-month LIBOR rate; (xi) 287 or more but fewer than 315 days, such rate
shall be the ten-month LIBOR rate; (xii) 315 or more but fewer than 343 days, such rate shall be
the eleven-month LIBOR rate; and (xiii) 343 or more days but fewer than 365 days, such rate shall
be the twelve-month LIBOR rate.
Market Value means the market value of an asset of the Issuer determined as follows: For
equity securities, the value obtained from readily available market quotations. If an equity
security is not traded on an exchange or not available from a Board-approved pricing service, the
value obtained from written broker-dealer quotations. For fixed-income securities, the value
obtained from readily available market quotations based on the last sale price of a security on the
day the Issuer values its assets or the market value obtained from a pricing service or the value
obtained from a direct written broker-dealer quotation from a dealer who has made a market in the
security. Market Value for other securities will mean the value obtained pursuant to the
Issuers valuation procedures. If the market value of a security cannot be obtained, or the
Issuers investment adviser determines that the value of a security as so
A-5
obtained does not represent the fair value of a security, fair value for that security shall be
determined pursuant to the valuation procedures adopted by the Board of Directors.
Maximum Rate means, on any date on which the Applicable Rate is determined, the rate equal
to the applicable percentage of the Reference Rate, subject to upward but not downward adjustment
in the discretion of the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, provided
that immediately following any such increase the Issuer would be in compliance with the
Notes Basic Maintenance Amount.
Minimum Rate means, on any Auction Date with respect to a Rate Period of days or fewer,
70% of the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate at the close of business on the Business Day next
preceding such Auction Date. There shall be no Minimum Rate on any Auction Date with respect to a
Rate Period of more than the Standard Rate Period.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its successors at
law.
Moodys Discount Factor means the discount factors set forth in the Moodys Guidelines for
use in calculating the Discounted Value of the Issuers assets in connection with Moodys ratings
of Notes.
Moodys Eligible Assets means assets of the Issuer set forth in the Moodys Guidelines as
eligible for inclusion in calculating the Discounted Value of the Issuers assets in connection
with Moodys ratings of Notes.
Moodys Guidelines mean the guidelines provided by Moodys, as may be amended from time to
time, in connection with Moodys ratings of Notes.
1940 Act Notes Asset Coverage means asset coverage, as determined in
accordance with Section 18(h) of the Investment Company Act, of at least 300% with respect to all
outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness of the Issuer, including all Outstanding
Notes (or such other asset coverage as may in the future be specified in or under
the Investment Company Act as the minimum asset coverage for senior securities representing
indebtedness of a closed-end investment company as a condition of declaring dividends on its common
stock), determined on the basis of values calculated as of a time within 48 hours next preceding
the time of such determination.
Notes means Securities of the Issuer ranking on a parity with the Notes that
may be issued from time to time pursuant to the Indenture.
Order means a Hold Order, Bid or Sell Order.
Original Issue Date means, with respect to the Notes, .
Other Rating Agency means each rating agency, if any, other than Moodys or then
providing a rating for the Notes pursuant to the request of the Issuer.
Other Rating Agency Discount Factor means the discount factors set forth in the Other Rating
Agency Guidelines of each Other Rating Agency for use in calculating the Discounted Value of the
Issuers assets in connection with the Other Rating Agencys rating of Notes.
A-6
Other Rating Agency Eligible Assets means assets of the Issuer set forth in the Other Rating
Agency Guidelines of each Other Rating Agency as eligible for inclusion in calculating the
Discounted Value of the Issuers assets in connection with the Other Rating Agencys rating of
Notes.
Other Rating Agency Guidelines mean the guidelines provided by each Other Rating Agency, as
may be amended from time to time, in connection with the Other Rating Agencys rating of
Notes.
Outstanding or outstanding means, as of any date, Notes theretofore issued
by the Issuer except, without duplication, (i) any Notes theretofore canceled,
redeemed or repurchased by the Issuer, or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or with respect
to which the Issuer has given notice of redemption and irrevocably deposited with the Paying Agent
sufficient funds to redeem such Notes and (ii) any Notes represented
by any certificate in lieu of which a new certificate has been executed and delivered by the
Issuer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) in connection with any Auction, any series of
Notes as to which the Issuer or any person known to the Auction Agent to be an
Affiliate of the Issuer shall be the Existing Holder thereof shall be disregarded and deemed not to
be Outstanding; and (B) for purposes of determining the Notes Basic Maintenance
Amount, Notes held by the Issuer shall be disregarded and not deemed Outstanding but
Notes held by any Affiliate of the Issuer shall be deemed Outstanding.
Paying Agent means ___unless and until another entity appointed by a resolution of
the Board of Directors enters into an agreement with the Issuer to serve as paying agent, transfer
agent, registrar, and redemption agent with respect to the Notes, which Paying Agent
may be the same as the Trustee or the Auction Agent.
Person or person means and includes an individual, a partnership, a trust, a company, an
unincorporated association, a joint venture or other entity or a government or any agency or
political subdivision thereof.
Potential Beneficial Owner, with respect to a series of Notes, shall mean a
customer of a Broker-Dealer that is not a Beneficial Owner of Notes of such series
but that wishes to purchase Notes of such series, or that is a Beneficial Owner of
Notes of such series that wishes to purchase additional Notes of such
series; provided, however, that for purposes of conducting an Auction, the Auction Agent may
consider a Broker-Dealer acting on behalf of its customer as a Potential Beneficial Owner.
Potential Holder, with respect to Notes of such series, shall mean a
Broker-Dealer (or any such other person as may be permitted by the Issuer) that is not an Existing
Holder of Notes of such series or that is an Existing Holder of Notes
of such series that wishes to become the Existing Holder of additional Notes of such
series; provided, however, that for purposes of conducting an Auction, the Auction Agent may
consider a Broker-Dealer acting on behalf of its customer as a Potential Holder.
Rate Period means, with respect to a series of Notes, the period commencing
on the Original Issue Date thereof and ending on the date specified for such series on the Original
Issue Date thereof and thereafter, as to such series, the period commencing on the day following
each Rate Period for such series and ending on the day established for such series by the Issuer.
Rating Agency means each of (if is then rating
Notes), Moodys (if
Moodys is then rating Notes) and any Other Rating Agency.
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Rating Agency Guidelines mean Guidelines (if is then rating
Notes),
Moodys Guidelines (if Moodys is then rating Notes) and any Other Rating Agency
Guidelines.
Redemption Date, when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed, means the
date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to the Indenture.
Redemption Price, when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed, means
the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to the Indenture.
Reference Rate means, with respect to the determination of the Maximum Rate and Default
Rate, the greater of (i) the applicable AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate (for a Rate Period of
fewer than 184 days) or the applicable Treasury Index Rate (for a Rate Period of 184 days or more),
or (ii) the applicable LIBOR Rate.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
Securities Depository means The Depository Trust Company and its successors and assigns or
any successor securities depository selected by the Issuer that agrees to follow the procedures
required to be followed by such securities depository in connection with the Notes
Series .
Sell
Order shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-I hereto.
Special Auction Period means an Auction Period that is not a Standard Auction Period.
Special Rate Period means a Rate Period that is not a Standard Rate Period.
Specific Redemption Provisions means, with respect to any Special Rate Period of more than
one year, either, or any combination of a period (a Non-Call Period) determined by the Board of
Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, during which the Notes subject
to such Special Rate Period are not subject to redemption at the option of the Issuer consisting of
a number of whole years as determined by the Board of Directors after consultation with the
Broker-Dealers, during each year of which the Notes subject to such Special Rate
Period shall be redeemable at the Issuers option and/or in connection with any mandatory
redemption at a price equal to the principal amount plus accrued but unpaid interest plus a premium
expressed as a percentage or percentages of $25,000 or expressed as a formula using specified
variables as determined by the Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers.
Standard Auction Period means an Auction Period of days.
Standard Rate Period means a Rate Period of days.
Stated Maturity with respect to Notes Series , shall mean
.
Submission Deadline means 1:00 P.M., New York City time, on any Auction Date or such other
time on such date as shall be specified by the Auction Agent from time to time pursuant to the
Auction Agreement as the time by which the Broker-Dealers are required to submit Orders to the
Auction Agent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Auction Agent will follow the Securities
Industry and Financial Markets Associations Early Market Close Recommendations for shortened
trading days for the bond markets (the SIFMA Recommendation) unless the Auction Agent is
instructed otherwise in writing by the Issuer. In the event of a SIFMA Recommendation with respect
to an Auction Date, the Submission Deadline will be 11:30 A.M., instead of 1:00 P.M., New York City
time.
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Submitted
Bid shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-I hereto.
Submitted
Hold Order shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-I hereto.
Submitted
Order shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-I hereto.
Submitted
Sell Order shall have the meaning specified in Appendix A-I hereto.
Sufficient Clearing Bids means for each series of Notes, an Auction for which
the number of Units of Notes of such series that are the subject of Submitted Bids
by Potential Beneficial Owners specifying one or more rates not higher than the Maximum Rate is not
less than the number of Units of Notes of such series that are the subject of
Submitted Sell Orders and of Submitted Bids by Existing Holders specifying rates higher than the
Maximum Rate.
Notes Basic Maintenance Amount as of any Valuation Date has the meaning set
forth in the Rating Agency Guidelines.
Notes Series means the Series
Notes or any other Notes
hereinafter designated as Series ___of the Notes.
Treasury Index Rate means the average yield to maturity for actively traded marketable U.S.
Treasury fixed interest rate securities having the same number of 30-day periods to maturity as the
length of the applicable Rate Period, determined, to the extent necessary, by linear interpolation
based upon the yield for such securities having the next shorter and next longer number of 30-day
periods to maturity treating all Rate Periods with a length greater than the longest maturity for
such securities as having a length equal to such longest maturity, in all cases based upon data set
forth in the most recent weekly statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (currently in H.15(519)); provided, however, if the most recent such
statistical release shall not have been published during the 15 days preceding the date of
computation, the foregoing computations shall be based upon the average of comparable data as
quoted to the Issuer by at least three recognized dealers in U.S. Government securities selected by
the Issuer.
Trustee means ___or such other person who is named as a trustee pursuant to the
terms of the Indenture.
Unit means, with respect to each series of Notes, the principal amount of the
minimum Authorized Denomination of the Notes.
Valuation Date means every Friday, or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding
Business Day; provided, however, that the first Valuation Date may occur on any other date
established by the Issuer; provided, further, however, that such first Valuation Date shall be not
more than one week from the date on which Notes Series initially are issued.
Winning Bid Rate means for each series of Notes, the lowest rate specified in
any Submitted Bid of such series of Notes which if selected by the Auction Agent as
the Applicable Rate would cause the number of Units of Notes of such series that are
the subject of Submitted Bids specifying a rate not greater than such rate to be not less than the
number of Units of Available Notes of such series.
A-9
NOTE DETAILS, FORM OF NOTES AND REDEMPTION OF NOTES
Interest
(a) The Holders of any series of Notes shall be entitled to receive interest
payments on their Notes at the Applicable Rate, determined as set forth in paragraph
(c) of this Section 2.02, and no more, payable on the respective dates determined as set forth in
paragraph (b) of this Section 2.02. Interest on the Outstanding Notes of any series
issued on the Original Issue Date shall accumulate from the Original Issue Date.
(b) (i) Interest shall be payable, subject to subparagraph (b)(ii) of this Section 2.02, on
each series of Notes, with respect to any Rate Period on the first Business Day
following the last day of such Rate Period; provided, however, if the Rate Period is greater than
30 days then on a monthly basis on the first Business Day of each month within such Rate Period,
not including the initial Rate Period, and on the Business Day following the last day of such Rate
Period.
(ii) If a day for payment of interest resulting from the application of subparagraph
(b)(i) above is not a Business Day, then the Interest Payment Date shall be the first
Business Day following such day for payment of interest in the case of a series of
Notes designated as Series .
(iii) The Issuer shall pay to the Paying Agent not later than 3:00 p.m., New York City
time, on the Business Day next preceding each Interest Payment Date for each series of
Notes, an aggregate amount of funds available on the next Business Day in the
City of New York, New York, equal to the interest to be paid to all Holders of such
Notes on such Interest Payment Date. The Issuer shall not be required to
establish any reserves for the payment of interest.
(iv) All moneys paid to the Paying Agent for the payment of interest shall be held in
trust for the payment of such interest by the Paying Agent for the benefit of the Holders
specified in subparagraph (b)(v) of this Section 2.02. Any moneys paid to the Paying Agent
in accordance with the foregoing but not applied by the Paying Agent to the payment of
interest, including interest earned on such moneys, will, to the extent permitted by law, be
repaid to the Issuer at the end of 90 days from the date on which such moneys were to have
been so applied.
(v) Each interest payment on a series of Notes shall be paid on the
Interest Payment Date therefor to the Holders of that series as their names appear on the
security ledger or security records of the Issuer on the Business Day next preceding such
Interest Payment Date. Interest in arrears for any past Rate Period may be declared and
paid at any time, without reference to any regular Interest Payment Date, to the Holders as
their names appear on the books or records of the Issuer on such date, not exceeding 15 days
preceding the payment date thereof, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors. No interest
will be payable in respect of any Interest Payment or payments which may be in arrears.
(c) (i) The interest rate on Outstanding Notes of each series during the period
from and after the Original Issue Date to and including the last day of the initial Rate Period
therefor shall be equal to %. For each subsequent Rate Period with respect to the
Notes Outstanding thereafter, the interest rate shall be equal to the rate per annum that results
from an Auction; provided, however, that if an Auction for any subsequent Rate Period of a series
of Notes is not held for any reason or if Sufficient Clearing Bids have not been
made in an Auction (other than as a result of all series of Notes being the subject
of Submitted
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Hold Orders), then the interest rate on a series of Notes for any such Rate
Period shall be the Maximum Rate (except during a Default Period (as defined below) when the
interest rate shall be the Default Rate, as set forth in Section 2.02(c)(ii) below). The All Hold
Rate will apply automatically following an Auction in which all of the Outstanding series of
Notes are subject (or are deemed to be subject) to Hold Orders. The rate per annum
at which interest is payable on a series of Notes as determined pursuant to this
Section 2(c)(i) shall be the Applicable Rate. For Standard Rate Periods or shorter periods only,
the Applicable Rate resulting from an Auction will not be less than the Minimum Rate.
(ii) Subject to the cure provisions below, a Default Period with respect to a
particular series will commence on any date the Issuer fails to deposit irrevocably in trust
in same-day funds, with the Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York City time, (A) the full
amount of any redemption price (the Redemption Price) payable on the date fixed for
redemption (the Redemption Date) (a Redemption Default, which shall constitute an Event
of Default pursuant to Section 5.1(7) of the Original Indenture) or (B) the full amount of
any accrued interest on that series payable on the Interest Payment Date (an Interest
Default and together with a Redemption Default, hereinafter referred to as Default).
Subject to the cure provisions of Section 2(c)(iii) below, a Default Period with respect to
an Interest Default or a Redemption Default shall end on the Business Day on which, by 12:00
noon, New York City time, all unpaid interest and any unpaid Redemption Price shall have
been deposited irrevocably in trust in same-day funds with the Paying Agent. In the case of
an Interest Default, the Applicable Rate for each Rate Period commencing during a Default
Period will be equal to the Default Rate, and each subsequent Rate Period commencing after
the beginning of a Default Period shall be a Standard Rate Period; provided, however, that
the commencement of a Default Period will not by itself cause the commencement of a new Rate
Period. No Auction shall be held during a Default Period with respect to an Interest
Default applicable to that series of Notes.
(iii) No Default Period with respect to an Interest Default or Redemption Default shall
be deemed to commence if the amount of any interest or any Redemption Price due (if such
default is not solely due to the willful failure of the Issuer) is deposited irrevocably in
trust, in same-day funds with the Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York City time within
three Business Days after the applicable Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, together
with an amount equal to the Default Rate applied to the amount of such non-payment based on
the actual number of days comprising such period divided by 360 for each series. The
Default Rate shall be equal to the Reference Rate multiplied by three (3).
(iv) The amount of interest per Unit of Notes payable on each Interest
Payment Date of each Rate Period of less than one (1) year (or in respect of interest on
another date in connection with a redemption during such Rate Period) shall be computed by
multiplying the Applicable Rate (or the Default Rate) for such Rate Period (or a portion
thereof) by a fraction, the numerator of which will be the number of days in such Rate
Period (or portion thereof) that such Notes were outstanding and for which
the Applicable Rate or the Default Rate was applicable and the denominator of which will be
360, multiplying the amount so obtained by $25,000, and rounding the amount so obtained to
the nearest cent. During any Rate Period of one (1) year or more, the amount of interest
per Unit of Notes payable on any Interest Payment Date (or in respect of
interest on another date in connection with a redemption during such Rate Period) shall be
computed as described in the preceding sentence.
(d) Any Interest Payment made on any series of Notes shall first be credited
against the earliest accrued but unpaid interest due with respect to such series.
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Redemption
(a) (i) After the initial Rate Period, subject to the provisions of this Section 2.03 and to
the extent permitted under the Investment Company Act, the Issuer may, at its option, redeem in
whole or in part out of funds legally available therefor a series of Notes herein
designated as (A) having a Rate Period of one year or less, on the Business Day after the last day
of such Rate Period by delivering a notice of redemption not less than 15 days and not more than
40 days prior to the date fixed for such redemption, at a redemption price equal to the aggregate
principal amount, plus an amount equal to accrued but unpaid interest thereon (whether or not
earned) to the date fixed for redemption (Redemption Price), or (B) having a Rate Period of more
than one year, on any Business Day prior to the end of the relevant Rate Period by delivering a
notice of redemption not less than 15 days and not more than 40 days prior to the date fixed for
such redemption, at the Redemption Price, plus a redemption premium, if any, determined by the
Board of Directors after consultation with the Broker-Dealers and set forth in any applicable
Specific Redemption Provisions at the time of the designation of such Rate Period as set forth in
Section 2.04 hereof; provided, however, that during a Rate Period of more than one year no series
of Notes will be subject to optional redemption except in accordance with any
Specific Redemption Provisions approved by the Board of Directors after consultation with the
Broker-Dealers at the time of the designation of such Rate Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Issuer shall not give a notice of or effect any redemption pursuant to this
Section 2.03(a)(i) unless, on the date on which the Issuer intends to give such notice and on the
date of redemption (a) the Issuer has available certain Deposit Securities with maturity or tender
dates not later than the day preceding the applicable redemption date and having a value not less
than the amount (including any applicable premium) due to Holders of a series of
Notes by reason of the redemption of such Notes on such date fixed for the
redemption and (b) the Issuer would have Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at
least equal the Notes Basic Maintenance Amount immediately subsequent to such
redemption, if such redemption were to occur on such date, it being understood that the provisions
of paragraph (d) of this Section 2.03 shall be applicable in such circumstances in the event the
Issuer makes the deposit and takes the other action required thereby.
(ii) If the Issuer fails to maintain, as of any Valuation Date, Eligible Assets with an
aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the Notes Basic Maintenance
Amount or, as of the last Business Day of any month, the 1940 Act Notes Asset
Coverage, and such failure is not cured within ten Business Days following such Valuation
Date in the case of a failure to maintain the Notes Basic Maintenance Amount
or on the last Business Day of the following month in the case of a failure to maintain the
1940 Act Notes Asset Coverage as of such last Business Day (each an Asset
Coverage Cure Date), the Notes will be subject to mandatory redemption out
of funds legally available therefor. The aggregate principal amount of Notes
to be redeemed in such circumstances will be equal to the lesser of (A) the minimum
principal amount of Notes the redemption of which, if deemed to have occurred
immediately prior to the opening of business on the relevant Asset Coverage Cure Date, would
result in the Issuer having Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least
equal to the Notes Basic Maintenance Amount, or sufficient to satisfy 1940
Act Notes Asset Coverage, as the case may be, in either case as of the
relevant Asset Coverage Cure Date (provided that, if there is no such minimum principal
amount of Notes the redemption of which would have such result, all
Notes then Outstanding will be redeemed), and (B) the maximum principal
amount of Notes that can be redeemed out of funds expected to be available
therefor on the Mandatory Redemption Date at the Mandatory Redemption Price set forth in
subparagraph (a)(iii) of this Section 2.03.
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(iii) In determining the Notes required to be redeemed in accordance
with the foregoing Section 2.03(a)(ii), the Issuer shall allocate the aggregate principal
amount of Notes required to be redeemed to satisfy the Notes
Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act Notes Asset Coverage, as the case
may be, pro rata among the Holders of Notes in proportion to the aggregate
principal amount of Notes they hold, by lot or by such other method as the
Issuer shall deem equitable, subject to the further provisions of this subparagraph (iii).
The Issuer shall effect any required mandatory redemption pursuant to subparagraph (a)(ii)
of this Section 2.03 no later than 40 days after the Asset Coverage Cure Date (the
Mandatory Redemption Date), except that if the Issuer does not have funds legally
available for the redemption of, or is not otherwise legally permitted to redeem, the
aggregate principal amount of Notes which would be required to be redeemed by
the Issuer under clause (A) of subparagraph (a)(ii) of this Section 2.03 if sufficient funds
were available, or the Issuer otherwise is unable to effect such redemption on or prior to
such Mandatory Redemption Date, the Issuer shall redeem those Notes, and
other Notes, on the earliest practicable date on which the Issuer will have such funds
available, upon notice pursuant to Section 2.03(b) to record owners of the
Notes to be redeemed and the Paying Agent. The Issuer will deposit with the Paying Agent
funds sufficient to redeem the specified aggregate principal amount of Notes
with respect to a redemption required under subparagraph (a)(ii) of this Section 2.03, by
1:00 p.m., New York City time, of the Business Day immediately preceding the Mandatory
Redemption Date. If fewer than all of the Outstanding Notes are to be
redeemed pursuant to this Section 2.03(a)(iii), the aggregate principal amount of
Notes to be redeemed shall be redeemed pro rata from the Holders of such
Notes in proportion to the aggregate principal amount of such
Notes held by such Holders, by lot or by such other method as the Issuer shall deem fair and
equitable, subject, however, to the terms of any applicable Specific Redemption Provisions.
Mandatory Redemption Price means the Redemption Price plus (in the case of a Rate Period
of one year or more only) a redemption premium, if any, determined by the Board of Directors
after consultation with the Broker-Dealers and set forth in any applicable Specific
Redemption Provisions.
(b) In the event of a redemption pursuant to Section 2.03(a), the Issuer will file a notice of
its intention to redeem with the Commission so as to provide at least the minimum notice required
under Rule 23c-2 under the Investment Company Act or any successor provision. In addition, the
Issuer shall deliver a notice of redemption to the Auction Agent and the Trustee (the Notice of
Redemption) containing the information set forth below (i) in the case of an optional redemption
pursuant to subparagraph (a)(i) above, at least three Business Days prior to the giving of notice
to the Holders and (ii) in the case of a mandatory redemption pursuant to subparagraph (a)(ii)
above, on or prior to the 30th day preceding the Mandatory Redemption Date. The Trustee will use
its reasonable efforts to provide notice to each Holder of Notes called for
redemption by electronic or other reasonable means not later than the close of business on the
Business Day immediately following the day on which the Trustee determines the Notes
to be redeemed (or, during a Default Period with respect to such Notes, not later
than the close of business on the Business Day immediately following the day on which the Trustee
receives Notice of Redemption from the Issuer). The Trustee shall confirm such notice in writing
not later than the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the date fixed for
redemption by providing the Notice of Redemption to each Holder of Notes called for
redemption, the Paying Agent (if different from the Trustee) and the Securities Depository. Notice
of Redemption will be addressed to the registered owners of each series of Notes at
their addresses appearing on the books or records of the Issuer. Such Notice of Redemption will
set forth (i) the date fixed for redemption, (ii) the principal amount and identity of
Notes to be redeemed, (iii) the redemption price (specifying the amount of accrued
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interest to be included therein and any redemption premium, if any), (iv) that interest on the
Notes to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such date fixed for redemption,
(v) applicable cusip number(s) and (vi) the provision under which redemption shall be made. No
defect in the Notice of Redemption or in the transmittal or mailing thereof will affect the
validity of the redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law. If fewer than all
Notes held by any Holder are to be redeemed, the Notice of Redemption mailed to such
Holder shall also specify the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed from such
Holder.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Section 2.03, no
Notes may be redeemed unless all interest on the Outstanding Notes and all Notes of
the Issuer ranking on a parity with the Notes, have been or are being
contemporaneously paid or set aside for payment; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not
prevent the purchase or acquisition of all Outstanding Notes pursuant to the
successful completion of an otherwise lawful purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to,
and accepted by, Holders of all Outstanding Notes.
(d) Upon the deposit of funds sufficient to redeem any Notes with the Paying
Agent and the giving of the Notice of Redemption to the Trustee under paragraph (b) of this
Section 2.03, interest on such Notes shall cease to accrue and such
Notes shall no longer be deemed to be Outstanding for any purpose (including, without limitation,
for purposes of calculating whether the Issuer has maintained the requisite Notes
Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act Notes Asset Coverage), and all rights of
the Holder of the Notes so called for redemption shall cease and terminate, except
the right of such Holder to receive the redemption price specified herein, but without any interest
or other additional amount. Such redemption price shall be paid by the Paying Agent to the nominee
of the Securities Depository. The Issuer shall be entitled to receive from the Paying Agent,
promptly after the date fixed for redemption, any cash deposited with the Paying Agent in excess of
(i) the aggregate redemption price of the Notes called for redemption on such date
and (ii) such other amounts, if any, to which Holders of the Notes called for
redemption may be entitled. Any funds so deposited that are unclaimed at the end of two years from
such redemption date shall, to the extent permitted by law, be paid to the Issuer, after which time
the Holders of Notes so called for redemption may look only to the Issuer for
payment of the redemption price and all other amounts, if any, to which they may be entitled. The
Issuer shall be entitled to receive, from time to time after the date fixed for redemption, any
interest earned on the funds so deposited.
(e) To the extent that any redemption for which Notice of Redemption has been given is not
made by reason of the absence of legally available funds therefor, or is otherwise prohibited, such
redemption shall be made as soon as practicable to the extent such funds become legally available
or such redemption is no longer otherwise prohibited. Failure to redeem any series of
Notes shall be deemed to exist at any time after the date specified for redemption
in a Notice of Redemption when the Issuer shall have failed, for any reason whatsoever, to deposit
in trust with the Paying Agent the redemption price with respect to any Notes for
which such Notice of Redemption has been given. Notwithstanding the fact that the Issuer may not
have redeemed any Notes for which a Notice of Redemption has been given, interest
may be paid on a series of Notes and shall include those Notes for
which Notice of Redemption has been given but for which deposit of funds has not been made.
(f) All moneys paid to the Paying Agent for payment of the redemption price of any
Notes called for redemption shall be held in trust by the Paying Agent for the
benefit of Holders of Notes to be redeemed.
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(g) So long as any Notes are held of record by the nominee of the Securities
Depository, the redemption price for such Notes will be paid on the date fixed for
redemption to the nominee of the Securities Depository for distribution to Agent Members for
distribution to the persons for whom they are acting as agent.
(h) Except for the provisions described above, nothing contained herein limits any right of
the Issuer to purchase or otherwise acquire any Notes outside of an Auction at any
price, whether higher or lower than the price that would be paid in connection with an optional or
mandatory redemption, so long as, at the time of any such purchase, there is no arrearage in the
payment of interest on, or the mandatory or optional redemption price with respect to, any series
of Notes for which Notice of Redemption has been given and the Issuer is in
compliance with the 1940 Act Notes Asset Coverage and has Eligible Assets with an
aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the Notes Basic Maintenance Amount
after giving effect to such purchase or acquisition on the date thereof. If fewer than all the
Outstanding Notes of any series are redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Issuer,
the Issuer shall give notice of such transaction to the Trustee, in accordance with the procedures
agreed upon by the Board of Directors.
(i) The Board of Directors may, without further consent of the holders of the
Notes or the holders of shares of capital stock of the Issuer, authorize, create or issue any class
or series of Notes, including other series of Notes, ranking prior to or on a parity
with the Notes to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act, if, upon
issuance, either (A) the net proceeds from the sale of such Notes (or such portion thereof needed
to redeem or repurchase the Outstanding Notes) are deposited with the Trustee in
accordance with Section 2.03(d), Notice of Redemption as contemplated by Section 2.03(b) has been
delivered prior thereto or is sent promptly thereafter, and such proceeds are used to redeem all
Outstanding Notes or (B) the Issuer would meet the 1940 Act Notes
Asset Coverage, the Notes Basic Maintenance Amount and the requirements of
Section 2.08 hereof.
(j) If any Notes are to be redeemed and such Notes are held by
the Securities Depository, the Issuer shall include in the notice of redemption delivered to the
Securities Depository: (i) under an item entitled Publication Date for Securities Depository
Purposes, the Interest Payment Date prior to the Redemption Date, and (ii) an instruction to the
Securities Depository to (x) determine on such Publication Date after the Auction held on the
immediately preceding Auction Date has settled, the Depository participants whose Securities
Depository positions will be redeemed and the principal amount of such Notes to be
redeemed from each such position (the Securities Depository Redemption Information), and
(y) notify the Auction Agent immediately after such determination of (A) the positions of the
Depository Participants in such Notes immediately prior to such Auction settlement,
(B) the positions of the Depository Participants in such Notes immediately following
such Auction settlement and (C) the Securities Depository Redemption Information. Publication
Date shall mean three Business Days after the Auction Date next preceding such Redemption Date.
Designation of Rate Period
The initial Rate Period for each series of Notes is as set forth under
Designation in Section 2.01(a) above. The Issuer will designate the duration of subsequent Rate
Periods of each series of Notes; provided, however, that no such designation is
necessary for a Standard Rate Period and, provided further, that any designation of a Special Rate
Period shall be effective only if (i) notice thereof shall have been given as provided herein,
(ii) any failure to pay
A-15
in a timely manner to the Trustee the full amount of any interest on, or the redemption price
of, Notes shall have been cured as provided above, (iii) Sufficient Clearing Bids
shall have existed in an Auction held on the Auction Date immediately preceding the first day of
such proposed Special Rate Period, (iv) if the Issuer shall have mailed a Notice of Redemption with
respect to any Notes, the redemption price with respect to such Notes
shall have been deposited with the Paying Agent, and (v) in the case of the designation of a
Special Rate Period, the Issuer has confirmed that as of the Auction Date next preceding the first
day of such Special Rate Period, it has Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least
equal to the Notes Basic Maintenance Amount, and the Issuer has consulted with the
Broker-Dealers and has provided notice of such designation and otherwise complied with the Rating
Agency Guidelines.
If the Issuer proposes to designate any Special Rate Period, not fewer than 7 (or two Business
Days in the event the duration of the Rate Period prior to such Special Rate Period is fewer than
8 days) nor more than 30 Business Days prior to the first day of such Special Rate Period, notice
shall be (i) made by press release and (ii) communicated by the Issuer by telephonic or other means
to the Trustee and confirmed in writing promptly thereafter. Each such notice shall state (A) that
the Issuer proposes to exercise its option to designate a succeeding Special Rate Period,
specifying the first and last days thereof and (B) that the Issuer will by 3:00 p.m., New York City
time, on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of such Special Rate Period, notify
the Auction Agent and the Trustee, who will promptly notify the Broker-Dealers, of either (x) its
determination, subject to certain conditions, to proceed with such Special Rate Period, subject to
the terms of any Specific Redemption Provisions, or (y) its determination not to proceed with such
Special Rate Period, in which latter event the succeeding Rate Period shall be a Standard Rate
Period.
No later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding the
first day of any proposed Special Rate Period, the Issuer shall deliver to the Auction Agent and
Trustee, who will promptly deliver to the Broker-Dealers and Existing Holders, either:
(i) a notice stating (A) that the Issuer has determined to designate the next
succeeding Rate Period as a Special Rate Period, specifying the first and last days thereof
and (B) the terms of any Specific Redemption Provisions; or
(ii) a notice stating that the Issuer has determined not to exercise its option to
designate a Special Rate Period.
If the Issuer fails to deliver either such notice with respect to any designation of any proposed
Special Rate Period to the Auction Agent or is unable to make the confirmation provided in
clause (v) of Paragraph (a) of this Section 2.04 by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second
Business Day next preceding the first day of such proposed Special Rate Period, the Issuer shall be
deemed to have delivered a notice to the Auction Agent with respect to such Rate Period to the
effect set forth in clause (ii) above, thereby resulting in a Standard Rate Period.
Restrictions on Transfer
Notes may be transferred only (a) pursuant to an order placed in an Auction,
(b) to or through a Broker-Dealer or (c) to the Issuer or any Affiliate. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, a transfer other than pursuant to an Auction will not be effective unless the selling
Existing Holder or the Agent Member of such Existing Holder, in the case of an Existing Holder
whose Notes are listed in its own name on the books of the Auction Agent, or the
Broker-Dealer or Agent Member of such Broker-Dealer, in the case of a transfer between persons
holding Notes through different Broker-Dealers, advises the Auction Agent of such
transfer. The certificates representing the
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Notes issued to the Securities Depository will bear legends
with respect to the
restrictions described above and stop-transfer instructions will be issued to the Transfer Agent
and/or Registrar.
1940 Act Notes Asset Coverage
The Issuer shall maintain, as of the last Business Day of each month in which any
Notes are Outstanding, asset coverage with respect to the
Notes which
is equal to or greater than the 1940 Act Notes Asset Coverage; provided, however,
that Section 2.03(a)(ii) shall be the sole remedy in the event the Issuer fails to do so.
Notes Basic Maintenance Amount
So long as the Notes are
Outstanding and any Rating Agency is then rating the
Notes, the Issuer shall maintain, as of each Valuation Date, Eligible Assets having
an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater than the Notes Basic Maintenance
Amount; provided, however, that Section 2.03(a)(ii) shall be the sole remedy in the event the
Issuer fails to do so.
Certain Other Restrictions
For so long as any Notes are
Outstanding and any Rating Agency is then rating
the Notes, the Issuer will not engage in certain proscribed transactions set forth
in the Rating Agency Guidelines, unless it has received written confirmation from each such Rating
Agency that proscribes the applicable transaction in its Rating Agency Guidelines that any such
action would not impair the rating then assigned by such Rating Agency to a series of
Notes.
For so long as any Notes are
Outstanding, the Issuer will not declare, pay or
set apart for payment any dividend or other distribution (other than a dividend or distribution
paid in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase, common shares or
other shares of capital stock of the Issuer) upon any class of shares of capital stock of the
Issuer, unless, in every such case, immediately after such transaction, the 1940 Act
Notes Asset Coverage would be achieved after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution,
or purchase price, as the case may be; provided, however, that dividends may be declared upon any
preferred shares of capital stock of the Issuer if the Notes and any other senior
securities representing indebtedness of the Issuer have an asset coverage of at least 200% at the
time of declaration thereof, after deducting the amount of such dividend.
A declaration of a dividend or other distribution on or purchase or redemption of any common
or preferred shares of capital stock of the Issuer is prohibited (i) at any time that an Event of
Default under the Indenture has occurred and is continuing, (ii) if after giving effect to such
declaration, the Issuer would not have Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least
equal to the Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act
Notes
Asset Coverage, or (iii) the Issuer has not redeemed the full amount of Notes
required to be redeemed by any provisions for mandatory redemption contained herein.
Compliance Procedures for Asset Maintenance Tests
For so long as any Notes are
Outstanding and any Rating Agency is then rating
such Notes:
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(a) As of each Valuation Date, the Issuer shall determine in accordance with the procedures
specified herein (i) the Market Value of each Eligible Asset owned by the Issuer on that date,
(ii) the Discounted Value of each such Eligible Asset using the Discount Factors, (iii) whether the
Notes Basic Maintenance Amount is met as of that date, (iv) the value of the total
assets of the Issuer, less all liabilities, and (v) whether the 1940 Act Notes Asset
Coverage is met as of that date.
(b) Upon any failure to maintain the required
Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or
1940 Act Notes Asset Coverage on any Valuation Date, the Issuer may use reasonable
commercial efforts (including, without limitation, altering the composition of its portfolio,
purchasing Notes outside of an Auction or in the event of a failure to file a Rating
Agency Certificate (as defined below) on a timely basis, submitting the requisite Rating Agency
Certificate) to re-attain (or certify in the case of a failure to file on a timely basis, as the
case may be) the required Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or 1940 Act
Notes Asset Coverage on or prior to the Asset Coverage Cure Date.
(c) Compliance with the
Notes Basic Maintenance Amount and 1940 Act
Notes Asset Coverage tests shall be determined with reference to those
Notes which are deemed to be Outstanding hereunder.
(d) The Issuer shall deliver to each Rating Agency which is then rating
Notes
and any other party specified in the Rating Agency Guidelines all certificates that are set forth
in the respective Rating Agency Guidelines regarding 1940 Act Notes Asset Coverage,
Notes Basic Maintenance Amount and/or related calculations at such times and
containing such information as set forth in the respective Rating Agency Guidelines (each, a
Rating Agency Certificate).
(e) In the event that any Rating Agency Certificate is not delivered within the time periods
set forth in the Rating Agency Guidelines, the Issuer shall be deemed to have failed to maintain
the Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act
Notes Asset
Coverage, as the case may be, on such Valuation Date for purposes of Section 2.09(b). In the event
that any Rating Agency Certificate with respect to an applicable Asset Coverage Cure Date is not
delivered within the time periods set forth in the Rating Agency Guidelines, the Issuer shall be
deemed to have failed to have Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to
the Notes Basic Maintenance Amount or to meet the 1940
Notes Asset
Coverage, as the case may be, as of the related Valuation Date, and such failure shall be deemed
not to have been cured as of such Asset Coverage Cure Date for purposes of the mandatory redemption
provisions.
Delivery of Notes
Upon the execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture, the Issuer shall execute and
deliver to the Trustee and the Trustee shall authenticate the Notes and deliver them
to The Depository Trust Company and as hereinafter in this Section provided.
Prior to the delivery by the Trustee of any of the
Notes, there shall have been
filed with or delivered to the Trustee the following:
(a) A resolution duly adopted by the Issuer, certified by the Secretary or other Authorized
Officer thereof, authorizing the execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture and the
issuance of the Notes.
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(b) Duly executed copies of this Supplemental Indenture and a copy of the Indenture.
(c) Rating letters from each Rating Agency rating the
Notes.
(d) An Opinion of Counsel and an Officers Certificate pursuant to Sections 3.3 and 9.3 of the
Original Indenture.
Trustees Authentication Certificate
The Trustees authentication certificate upon the
Notes shall be substantially
in the forms provided in Appendix hereto. No
Note shall be secured hereby or
entitled to the benefit hereof, or shall be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless a
certificate of authentication, substantially in such form, has been duly executed by the Trustee;
and such certificate of the Trustee upon any Note shall be conclusive evidence and
the only competent evidence that such Bond has been authenticated and delivered hereunder. The
Trustees certificate of authentication shall be deemed to have been duly executed by it if
manually signed by an authorized officer of the Trustee, but it shall not be necessary that the
same person sign the certificate of authentication on all of the Notes issued
hereunder.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES
Events of Default
An Event of Default means any one of the following events set forth below (whatever the
reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by
operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or
regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
(a) default in the payment of any interest upon a series of
Notes when it
becomes due and payable and the continuance of such default for thirty (30) days; or
(b) default in the payment of the principal of, or any premium on, a series of
Notes at its Stated Maturity; or
(c) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in the
Indenture, and continuance of such default or breach for a period of ninety (90) days after there
has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee a written notice
specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a
Notice of Default; or
(d) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for
relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal
or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or order
adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any
applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee,
trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its
property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such
decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of
60 consecutive days; or
(e) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable
Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case
or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a
decree
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or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any
applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the
commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of
a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or
State law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking
possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar
official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an
assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay
its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in
furtherance of any such action; or
(f) if, pursuant to Section 18(a)(1)(c)(ii) of the 1940 Act on the last business day of each
of twenty-four (24) consecutive calendar months, the 1940 Act Notes Asset Coverage
is less than 100%; or
(g) any other Event of Default provided with respect to a series of
Notes,
including a default in the payment of any Redemption Price payable on the date fixed for
redemption.
Unless otherwise noted, an Event of Default that relates only to one series of
Notes will not affect any other series.
Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment
If an Event of Default with respect to
Notes of a series at the time
Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the holders of not
less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Notes of that series may
declare the principal amount of all the Notes of that series to be due and payable
immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by holders), and
upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) shall become immediately due
and payable. If an Event of Default specified in paragraphs (d) and (e) above with respect to
Notes of any series at the time Outstanding occurs, the principal amount of all the
Notes of that series shall automatically, and without any declaration or other
action on the part of the Trustee or any holder, become immediately due and payable.
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to
Notes of
any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been
obtained by the Trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Notes of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind
and annul such declaration and its consequences if:
(a) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay
(i) all overdue interest on all
Notes of that series,
(ii) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any
Notes of that series
which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and any interest
thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Notes,
(iii) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue
interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Notes,
(iv) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee and the reasonable compensation,
expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel; and
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(b) all Events of Default with respect to
Notes of that series, other than the
non-payment of the principal of Notes of that series which have become due solely by
such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.
Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee
The Company covenants that if:
(a) default is made in the payment of any interest on any
Notes when such
interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 90 days, or
(b) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any
Notes at the Maturity thereof, the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to
it, for the benefit of the holders of such Notes, the whole amount then due and
payable on such Notes for principal and any premium and interest and, to the extent
that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal and
premium and on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such
Notes, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover
the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.
If an Event of Default with respect to
Notes of any series occurs and is
continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the
rights of the holders of Notes of such series by such appropriate judicial
proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights,
whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in the Indenture or in aid of the
exercise of any power granted in the Indenture, or to enforce any other proper remedy.
Application of Money Collected
Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture relating to an
Event of Default shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee
and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal or any premium or interest,
upon presentation of the Notes and the notation thereon of the payment if only
partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under the Indenture;
and
SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and any premium
and interest on the Notes in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money
has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts
due and payable on such Notes for principal and any premium and interest,
respectively.
Limitation On Suits
No holder of any Notes of any
series shall have any right to institute any
proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the Indenture, or for the appointment of a
receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless
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(a) such holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of
Default with respect to the Notes of that series;
(b) the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Notes of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute
proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;
(c) such holder or holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it
against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;
(d) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity
has failed to institute any such proceeding; and
(e) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during
such 60-day period by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Notes of that series;
it being understood and intended that no one or more of such holders shall have any right in any
manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of the Indenture to affect, disturb
or prejudice the rights of any other of such holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or
preference over any other of such holders or to enforce any right under the Indenture, except in
the manner provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such holders.
Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest
Notwithstanding any other provision in the Indenture, the holder of any
Notes
shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of
and any premium and (subject to the provisions of any supplemental indenture) interest on such
Notes on the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such
Notes
(or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date), and to institute suit for the enforcement
of any such payment and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such holder.
Restoration of Rights and Remedies
If the Trustee or any holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy
under the Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has
been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such holder, then and in every such case, subject to
any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the holders shall be restored
severally and respectively to their former positions and thereafter all rights and remedies of the
Trustee and the holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.
Rights and Remedies Cumulative
Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Notes, no right or remedy conferred upon or reserved to
the Trustee or to the holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every
right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every
other right and remedy given or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The
assertion or employment of any right or remedy, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent
assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
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Control By Holders
The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Notes of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on
the Trustee, with respect to the Notes of such series, provided that
(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with the Indenture, and
(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not
inconsistent with such direction.
Waiver of Past Defaults
The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Notes of any series may on behalf of the holders of all the Notes of such series
waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default
(1) in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any
Notes
of such series, or
(2) in respect of a covenant or provision which cannot be modified or amended without the
consent of the holder of each Outstanding Notes of such series affected.
Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom
shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of the Indenture; but no such waiver shall
extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE
The Indenture shall upon request of the Company cease to be of further effect (except as to
any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of any Notes expressly
provided for herein or in the terms of such security), and the Trustee, at the expense of the
Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of the
Indenture, when
(a) Either:
(i) all Notes
theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than
(1) securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or
paid as provided in the Indenture; and (2) Notes for whose payment money has
theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and
thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in the
Indenture) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(ii) all such
Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation have become due and payable, or will become due and payable at their Stated
Maturity within one year, or are to be called for redemption within one year under
arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the
Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company, and the Company, in the case of
this subsection (ii) has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds
in trust money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such
securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal and any
premium and interest to the date of such deposit (in
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the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or
Redemption Date, as the case may be;
(b) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Trust;
and
(c) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the
satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture have been complied with.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture, the obligations of the Company to
the Trustee under the Indenture and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant
to subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (a) above, the obligations of the Trustee under certain
provisions of the Indenture shall survive.
THE TRUSTEE
Certain Duties and Responsibilities
(1) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default,
(A) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are
specifically set forth in the Indenture and as required by the Trust Indenture Act, and no
implied covenants or obligations shall be read into the Indenture against the Trustee; and
(B) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to
the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon
certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of the
Indenture; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision of
the Indenture are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be
under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the
requirements of the Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of
mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).
(2) In case an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise
such of the rights and powers vested in it by the Indenture, and use the same degree of care and
skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the
conduct of his or her own affairs.
(3) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, or
consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit)
irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and
regardless of the form of action.
(4) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the
performance of its obligations arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond
its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or
terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and
interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and
hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are
consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as
practicable under the circumstances.
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(5) No provision of the Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for
its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except
that:
(A) this Subsection shall not be construed to limit the effect of Subsection (1)(A) of
this Section;
(B) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a
Responsible Officer, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in
ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(C) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be
taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Outstanding securities of any series, determined as provided in the
Indenture, relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the
Trustee, under the Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series; and
(D) no provision of the Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own
funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties, or
in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for
believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability
is not reasonably assured to it.
Notice of Defaults
If a default occurs hereunder with respect to
Notes of any series, the Trustee
shall give the Holders of Notes of such series notice of such default as and to the
extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act; provided, however, that in the case of any default with
respect to Notes of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at
least 90 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose hereof, the term default means any
event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with
respect to Notes of such series.
Certain Rights of Trustee
Subject to the provisions under Certain Duties and Responsibilities above:
(a) the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from
acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request,
direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or
document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or
parties;
(b) any request or direction of the Company shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company
Request or Company Order, and any resolution of the Board of Directors shall be sufficiently
evidenced by a Board Resolution;
(c) whenever in the administration of the Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a
matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the
Trustee may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers Certificate;
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(d) the Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the written advice of such
counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in
respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in good faith and in reliance thereon;
(e) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in
it by the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders pursuant to the Indenture,
unless such holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory
to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with
such request or direction;
(f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated
in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction,
consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document,
but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts
or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or
investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company,
personally or by agent or attorney;
(g) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers or perform any duties hereunder either
directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any
misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it
hereunder;
(h) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by
it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights
or powers conferred upon it by the Indenture;
(i) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any default or Event of Default unless a
Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any
event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of
the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and the Indenture;
(j) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee,
including its rights to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee
in each of its capacities hereunder; and
(k) the Trustee may request that the Company deliver an Officers Certificate setting forth
the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified
actions pursuant to the Indenture, which Officers Certificate may be signed by any person
authorized to sign an Officers Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any
such certificate previously delivered and not superceded.
Compensation and Reimbursement
The Company agrees:
(a) to pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation as shall be agreed in writing
between the parties for all services rendered by it (which compensation shall not be limited by any
provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(b) except as otherwise expressly provided, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all
reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with
any provision of the Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and
disbursements of
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its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be
attributable to its negligence or bad faith; and
(c) to indemnify each of the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee for, and to hold it harmless
against, any and all losses, liabilities, damages, claims or expenses including taxes (other than
taxes imposed on the income of the Trustee) incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part,
arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts
hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim (whether asserted
by the Company, a holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or
performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.
When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with an Event of Default,
the expenses (including the reasonable charges and expenses of its counsel) and the compensation
for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any applicable Federal
or State bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law.
The provisions hereof shall survive the termination of the Indenture.
Conflicting Interests
If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust
Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the
manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and the Indenture.
To the extent not prohibited by the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a
conflicting interest by virtue of being a trustee under the Indenture with respect to
Notes of more than one series.
Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor
No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee shall
become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with
the applicable requirements.
The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the
Notes of one or more
series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a
successor Trustee shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 60 days after the giving of
such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition, at the expense of the Company, any
court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the
Notes of such series.
The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the
Notes of any series
by Act of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Notes of
such series, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a
successor Trustee shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of a
notice of removal pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee being removed may petition, at the
expense of the Company, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor
Trustee with respect to the Notes of such series.
If at any time:
(a) the Trustee shall fail to comply after written request therefor by the Company or by any
holder who has been a bona fide holder of Notes for at least six months, or
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(b) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible and shall fail to resign after written request
therefor by the Company or by any such holder, or
(c) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent
or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take
charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation,
conservation or liquidation, then, in any such case, (i) the Company by a Board Resolution may
remove the Trustee with respect to all Notes, or (ii) any holder who has been a bona
fide holder of Notes for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all
others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the
Trustee with respect to all Notes and the appointment of a successor Trustee or
Trustees.
If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall
occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Notes of one or
more series, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or
Trustees with respect to the Notes of that or those series (it being understood that
any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Notes of one or more
or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the
Notes of any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable requirements.
If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such
vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Notes of any series shall be
appointed by Act of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Notes of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so
appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the
applicable requirements, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Notes of
such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company.
If no successor Trustee with respect to the
Notes of any series shall have been
so appointed by the Company or the holders and accepted appointment in the manner required, any
holder who has been a bona fide holder of Notes of such series for at least six
months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Notes of
such series.
The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect
to the Notes of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect
to the Notes of any series to all holders of
Notes of such series in
the manner provided. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to
the Notes of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.
Acceptance of Appointment by Successor
In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all
Notes, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the
Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the
resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee,
without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers,
trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor
Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an
instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring
Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and
money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.
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In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the
Notes of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor
Trustee with respect to the Notes of one or more series shall execute and deliver a
supplemental indenture wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which
(1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to,
and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring
Trustee with respect to the Notes of that or those series to which the appointment
of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all
Notes, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to
confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the
Notes of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall
continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions
of the Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the
trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing in the Indenture shall
constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee
of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered
by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the
resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided
therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become
vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the
Notes of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee
relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly
assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring
Trustee hereunder with respect to the Notes of that or those series to which the
appointment of such successor Trustee relates.
Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments
for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights,
powers and trusts referred to in the first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be.
No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such
successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible.
Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be
consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which
the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the
corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided
such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible, without the execution or filing of any
paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any
Notes shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any
successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such
authentication and deliver the Notes so authenticated with the same effect as if
such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Notes.
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only On Certain Terms
The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or
lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, and the Company shall
not permit any Person to consolidate with or merge into the Company, unless:
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(a) in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey,
transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the Person
formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by
conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as
an entirety shall be a corporation, partnership or trust, shall be organized and validly existing
under the laws of any domestic or foreign jurisdiction and shall expressly assume, by an indenture
supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee,
the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on all the
Notes and the performance or observance of every covenant of the Indenture on the
part of the Company to be performed or observed;
(b) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any indebtedness which
becomes an obligation of the Company or any subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having
been incurred by the Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no Event of
Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of
Default, shall have happened and be continuing;
(c) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a
supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture
comply and that all conditions precedent in the Indenture provided for relating to such transaction
have been complied with.
Successor Substituted
Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other Person or
any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an
entirety, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or
to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and
may exercise every right and power of, the Company under the Indenture with the same effect as if
such successor Person had been named as the Company in the Indenture, and thereafter, except in the
case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under
the Indenture and the Notes.
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
Defeasance and Discharge
Upon the Companys exercise of its option (if any) to have the provisions of the Indenture
relating to Defeasance applied to any Notes or any series of
Notes,
as the case may be, the Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations, with
respect to such Notes as provided in the Indenture on and after the date the
conditions set forth are satisfied (hereinafter called Defeasance). For this purpose, such
Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire
indebtedness represented by such Notes and to have satisfied all its other
obligations under such Notes and the Indenture insofar as such
Notes
are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments
acknowledging the same), subject to the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or
discharged hereunder: (1) the rights of holders of such Notes to receive, solely
from the trust fund, payments in respect of the principal of and any premium and interest on such
Notes when payments are due, (2) the Companys obligations with respect to such
Notes, (3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee.
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Covenant Defeasance
Upon the Companys exercise of its option (if any) to have provisions of the Indenture
relating to Covenant Defeasance applied to any Notes or any series of
Notes, as the case may be, (1) the Company shall be released from its obligations under certain
provisions of the Indenture for the benefit of the holders of such Notes and (2) the
occurrence of any event specified in the Indenture, and any such covenants provided pursuant to
certain provisions of the Indenture shall be deemed not to be or result in an Event of Default, in
each case with respect to such Notes as provided in the Indenture on and after the
date the conditions are satisfied (hereinafter called Covenant Defeasance). For this purpose,
such Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to such Notes, the Company may
omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set
forth in any such specified section of the Indenture, whether directly or indirectly by reason of
any reference elsewhere in the Indenture, or by reason of any reference in any such section or
article of the Indenture to any other provision in the Indenture or in any other document, but the
remainder of the Indenture and such Notes shall be unaffected thereby.
Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance
(a) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee
(or another trustee which satisfies the requirements and agrees to comply with the provisions of
the relevant Article of the Indenture applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of
making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the
benefits of the holders of such Notes, (i) money in an amount, or (ii) U.S.
Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect
thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of
any payment, money in an amount, or (iii) such other obligations or arrangements as may be
specified with respect to such Notes, or (iv) a combination thereof, in each case
sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants
expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and
which shall be applied by the Trustee (or any such other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge,
the principal of and any premium and interest on such Notes on the respective Stated
Maturities, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and such Notes. As used
in the Indenture, U.S. Government Obligation means (x) any security which is (i) a direct
obligation of the United States of America for the payment of which the full faith and credit of
the United States of America is pledged or (ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised
by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the payment of which
is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of
America, which, in either case (i) or (ii), is not callable or redeemable at the option of the
Company thereof, and (y) any depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of
the Notes Act) as custodian with respect to any U.S. Government Obligation which is
specified in Clause (x) above and held by such bank for the account of the holder of such
depositary receipt, or with respect to any specific payment of principal of or interest on any U.S.
Government Obligation which is so specified and held, provided that (except as required by law)
such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of
such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government
Obligation or the specific payment of principal or interest evidenced by such depositary receipt.
(b) In the event of an election to have Defeasance and Discharge apply to any
Notes or any series of Notes, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered
to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (i) the Company has received from, or there has
been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (ii) since the date of this instrument,
A-31
there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case (i) or (ii)
to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of such
Notes will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of
the deposit, Defeasance and discharge to be effected with respect to such Notes and
will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times
as would be the case if such deposit, Defeasance and discharge were not to occur.
(c) In the event of an election to have Covenant Defeasance apply to any
Notes
or any series of Notes, as the case may be, the Company shall have delivered to the
Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the holders of such Notes will not
recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and Covenant
Defeasance to be effected with respect to such Notes and will be subject to Federal
income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if
such deposit and Covenant Defeasance were not to occur.
(d) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers Certificate to the effect
that neither such Notes nor any other
Notes of the same series, if
then listed on any Notes exchange, will be delisted as a result of such deposit.
(e) No event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of
Default with respect to such Notes or any other
Notes shall have
occurred and be continuing at the time of such deposit or, with regard to any such event specified,
at any time on or prior to the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that
this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until after such 90th day).
(f) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting
interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act (assuming all Notes are in
default within the meaning of such Act).
(g) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or
constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by
which it is bound.
(h) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in the trust arising from such
deposit constituting an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act unless
such trust shall be registered under the Investment Company Act or exempt from registration
thereunder.
(i) No event or condition shall exist that would prevent the Company from making payments of
the principal of (and any premium) or interest on the Notes of such series on the
date of such deposit or at any time on or prior to the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it
being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until after such 90th day).
(j) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such Defeasance or Covenant
Defeasance have been complied with.
(k) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel substantially to the
effect that (i) the trust funds deposited pursuant hereto will not be subject to any rights of any
holders of indebtedness or equity of the Company, and (ii) after the 90th day following the
deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors rights generally, except that if a
court were to rule under any such law in any case or
A-32
proceeding that the trust funds remained property of the Company, no opinion is given as to
the effect of such laws on the trust funds except the following: (A) assuming such trust funds
remained in the possession of the trustee with whom such funds were deposited prior to such court
ruling to the extent not paid to holders of such Notes, such trustee would hold, for
the benefit of such holders, a valid and perfected security interest in such trust funds that is
not avoidable in bankruptcy or otherwise and (B) such holders would be entitled to receive adequate
protection of their interests in such trust funds if such trust funds were used.
A-33
APPENDIX A-I
AUCTION PROCEDURES
1. Orders by Existing Holders and Potential Beneficial Owners. (a) Prior to the
Broker-Dealer Deadline for each Series of ___Notes on each Auction Date:
(i) each Existing Holder may submit to a Broker-Dealer, in writing or by such other
method as shall be reasonably acceptable to such Broker-Dealer, one or more Orders as to:
(A) the principal amount of ___Notes, if any, of the series held
by the Existing Holder which the Existing Holder commits to continue to hold for the
next succeeding Auction Period without regard to the Applicable Rate for such
Auction Period;
(B) the principal amount of ___Notes, if any, of the series held
by the Existing Holder which the Existing Holder commits to continue to hold for the
next succeeding Auction Period if the Applicable Rate for ___Notes for
the next succeeding Auction Period is not less than the rate per annum specified in
such Bid (and if the Auction Rate is less than such specified rate, the effect of
the Order shall be as set forth in paragraph (b)(i)(A) of this Section); and/or
(C) the principal amount of ___Notes, if any, of the series held
by the Existing Holder which the Existing Holder offers to sell on the first
Business Day of the next succeeding Auction Period without regard to the Applicable
Rate for ___Notes for the next succeeding Auction Period; and
(ii) each Potential Beneficial Owner may submit to a Broker-Dealer, in writing or by
such other method as shall be reasonably acceptable to such Broker-Dealer, an Order as to
the principal amount of outstanding ___Notes of a series which each such
Potential Beneficial Owner offers to purchase if the Applicable Rate for the _
Notes of such series for the next succeeding Rate Period is not less than the rate per annum
then specified by such Potential Beneficial Owner.
For the purposes of the Auction Procedures, an Order containing the information referred to in
clause (i)(A) of this paragraph (a) is referred to as a Hold Order, an Order containing the
information referred to in clause (i)(B) or (ii) of this paragraph (a) is referred to as a Bid,
and an Order containing the information referred to in clause (i)(C) of this paragraph (a) is
referred to as a Sell Order.
No Auction Desk of a Broker-Dealer shall accept as an Order a submission (whether received
from an Existing Holder or a Potential Beneficial Owner or generated by the Broker-Dealer for its
own account) which does not conform to the requirements of the Auction Procedures, including, but
not limited to, submissions which are not in Authorized Denominations, specify a rate which
contains more than three figures to the right of the decimal point or specify an amount greater
than the amount of outstanding ___Notes. No Auction Desk of a Broker-Dealer shall
accept a Bid or Sell Order which is conditioned on being filled in whole or a Bid which does not
specify a specific interest rate.
(b) (i) A Bid by an Existing Holder shall constitute an offer to sell on the first Business
Day of the next succeeding Auction Period:
A-I-1
(A) the principal amount of outstanding ___Notes specified in the
Bid if the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Auction Period shall be less than
the rate specified in such Bid; or
(B) the principal amount or a lesser principal amount of outstanding
___Notes to be determined as described in clause (v) of paragraph (a)
of Section 5 of this Appendix A-I if the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding
Auction Period shall be equal to such specified rate; or
(C) a lesser principal amount of outstanding ___Notes be
determined as described in clause (iv) of paragraph (b) of Section 5 of this
Appendix A-I if the rate specified therein shall be higher than the Maximum Rate and
Sufficient Clearing Bids do not exist.
(ii) A Sell Order by an Existing Holder shall constitute an offer to sell:
(A) the principal amount of outstanding ___Notes of the series
specified in the Sell Order; or
(B) the principal amount or a lesser principal amount of outstanding
___Notes of the series as set forth in clause (iv) of paragraph (b) of
Section 5 of this Appendix A-I if Sufficient Clearing Bids for ___Notes
of the series do not exist;
(iii) A Bid by a Potential Holder of ___Notes shall constitute an offer to
purchase:
(A) the principal amount of outstanding ___Notes of the series
specified in the Bid if the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Auction Period
shall be higher than the rate specified therein; or
(B) the principal amount or a lesser principal amount of outstanding
___Notes of the series as set forth in clause (vi) of paragraph (a) of
Section 5 of this Appendix A-I if the Applicable Rate for the ___Notes
determined on the Auction Date shall be equal to the rate specified therein.
(C) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding:
(1) if an Order or Orders covering all of the ___Notes of
a particular series held by any Existing Holder is not submitted to the
Broker-Dealer prior to the Broker-Dealer Deadline, such Broker-Dealer shall
deem a Hold Order to have been submitted on behalf of the Existing Holder
covering the principal amount of outstanding ___Notes of the
series held by the Existing Holder and not subject to Orders submitted to
the Auction Agent; provided, however, that if there is a conversion from one
Auction Period to a longer Auction Period and Orders have not been submitted
to such Broker-Dealer prior to the Broker-Dealer Deadline covering the
aggregate principal amount of ___Notes of a particular series
to be converted held by such Existing Holder, such Broker-Dealer shall deem
a Sell Order to have been submitted on behalf of the Existing Holder
covering the
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principal amount of
Notes to be converted held by the
Existing Holder and not subject to Orders submitted to such Broker-Dealer;
(2) for purposes of any Auction, any Order by an Existing Holder or
Potential Holder shall be revocable until the Broker-Dealer Deadline, and
after the Broker-Dealer Deadline all such Orders shall be irrevocable except
as provided in Sections 2(e)(ii) and 2(f); and
(3) for purposes of any Auction, any
___Notes sold or
purchased pursuant to clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of paragraph (b) of this
Section 1 shall be sold or purchased at a price equal to 100% of the
principal amount thereof.
2. Submission of Orders by Broker-Dealers to Auction Agent.
(a) Each Broker-Dealer shall submit to the Auction Agent in writing, or by such other
electronic means, as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Auction Agent, prior to the Submission
Deadline on each Auction Date, all Orders accepted by such Broker-Dealer in accordance with Section
1 above and specifying with respect to each Order or aggregation of Orders pursuant to paragraph
(b) of this Section 2:
(i) the name of the Broker-Dealer;
(ii) the number of Bidders placing Orders, if requested by the Auction Agent;
(iii) the aggregate number of Units of
___Notes of the series, if any,
that are the subject of the Order;
(iv) to the extent that the Bidder is an Existing Holder of
___Notes of
the series:
(A) the number of Units of
___Notes, if any, of the series subject
to any Hold Order placed by the Existing Holder;
(B) the number of Units of
___Notes, if any, of the series subject
to any Bid placed by the Existing Holder and the rate specified in the Bid; and
(C) the number of Units of
___Notes, if any, of the series subject
to any Sell Order placed by the Existing Holder; and
(v) to the extent the Bidder is a Potential Holder of
___Notes of the
series, the rate specified in such Bid.
(b) If more than one Bid is submitted to a Broker-Dealer on behalf of any single Potential
Beneficial Owner, the Broker-Dealer shall aggregate each Bid on behalf of such Potential Beneficial
Owner submitted with the same rate and consider such Bids as a single Bid and shall consider each
Bid submitted with a different rate a separate Bid with the rate and the number of Units of
___Notes of the series specified therein.
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A Broker-Dealer may aggregate the Orders of different Potential Beneficial Owners with those
of other Potential Beneficial Owners on whose behalf the Broker-Dealer is submitting Orders and may
aggregate the Orders of different Existing Holders with other Existing Holders on whose behalf the
Broker-Dealer is submitting Orders; provided, however, Bids may only be aggregated if the interest
rates on the Bids are the same.
(c) None of the Company, the Trustee or the Auction Agent shall be responsible for the failure
of any Broker-Dealer to submit an Order to the Auction Agent on behalf of any Beneficial Owner,
Potential Beneficial Owner, Existing Holder or Potential Holder.
(d) Nothing contained herein shall preclude a Broker-Dealer from placing an Order for some or
all of the ___Notes of a series for its own account.
(e) Until the Submission Deadline, a Broker-Dealer may withdraw or modify any Order previously
submitted to the Auction Agent (i) for any reason if the Order was generated by the Auction Desk of
the Broker-Dealer for the account of the Broker-Dealer or (ii) to correct a Clerical Error in the
case of any other Order, including Orders from the Broker-Dealer which were not originated by the
Auction Desk.
(f) After the Submission Deadline, and prior to the Error Correction Deadline, a Broker-Dealer
may:
(i) submit to the Auction Agent an Order received from an Existing Holder, Potential
Beneficial Owner or a Broker-Dealer which is not an Order generated by the Auction Desk, in
each case prior to the Broker-Dealer Deadline, or an Order generated by the Broker-Dealers
Auction Desk for its own account prior to the Submission Deadline (provided that in each
case the Broker-Dealer has a record of such Order and the time when such Order was received
or generated) and not submitted to the Auction Agent prior to the Submission Deadline as a
result of (A) an event of force majeure or a technological failure which made delivery prior
to the Submission Deadline impossible or, under the conditions then prevailing,
impracticable or (B) a clerical error on the part of the Broker-Dealer; or
(ii) modify or withdraw an Order received from an Existing Holder or a Potential
Beneficial Owner or generated by the Broker-Dealer (whether generated by the Broker-Dealers
Auction Desk or elsewhere within the Broker-Dealer) for its own account and submitted to the
Auction Agent prior to the Submission Deadline or pursuant to clause (i) above, if the
Broker-Dealer determines that such Order contained a Clerical Error on the part of the
Broker-Dealer.
In the event a Broker-Dealer makes a submission, modification or withdrawal pursuant to this
Section 2(f) and the Auction Agent has already run the Auction, the Auction Agent shall rerun the
Auction, taking into account such submission, modification or withdrawal. Each submission,
modification or withdrawal of an Order submitted pursuant to this Section 2(f) by a Broker-Dealer
after the Submission Deadline and prior to the Error Correction Deadline shall constitute a
representation by the Broker-Dealer that (A) in the case of a newly submitted Order or portion
thereof or revised Order, the failure to submit such Order prior to the Submission Deadline
resulted from an event described in clause (i) above and such Order was received from an Existing
Holder or Potential Beneficial Owner or is an Order received from the Broker-Dealer that was not
originated by the Auction Desk, in each case, prior to the Broker-Dealer Deadline, or generated
internally by such Broker-Dealers Auction Desk for its own account prior to the Submission
Deadline or (B) in the case of a modified or withdrawn Order, such Order was received from an
Existing Holder, a Potential Beneficial Owner or the Broker-Dealer which was not
A-I-4
originated by the Auction Desk prior to the Broker-Dealer Deadline, or generated internally by
such Broker-Dealers Auction Desk for its own account prior to the Submission Deadline and such
Order as submitted to the Auction Agent contained a Clerical Error on the part of the Broker-Dealer
and that such Order has been modified or withdrawn solely to effect a correction of such Clerical
Error, and in the case of either (A) or (B), as applicable, the Broker-Dealer has a record of such
Order and the time when such Order was received or generated. The Auction Agent shall be entitled
to rely conclusively (and shall have no liability for relying) on such representation for any and
all purposes of the Auction Procedures.
(g) If after the Auction Agent announces the results of an Auction, a Broker-Dealer becomes
aware that an error was made by the Auction Agent, the Broker-Dealer shall communicate such
awareness to the Auction Agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time on the Auction Date. If the
Auction Agent determines there has been such an error (as a result of either a communication from a
Broker-Dealer or its own discovery) prior to 3:00 p.m., New York City time on the first day of the
next applicable Auction Period with respect to such Auction, the Auction Agent shall correct the
error and notify each Broker-Dealer that submitted Bids or held a position in the _
Notes of the series subject to such Auction of the corrected results.
(h) Nothing contained herein shall preclude the Auction Agent from:
(i) advising a Broker-Dealer prior to the Submission Deadline that it has not received
Sufficient Clearing Bids for ___Notes of the series, provided, however, that if
the Auction Agent so advises any Broker-Dealer, it shall so advise all Broker-Dealers; or
(ii) verifying the Orders of a Broker-Dealer prior to the Submission Deadline,
provided, however, that if the Auction Agent verifies the Orders of any Broker-Dealer, it
shall verify the Orders of all Broker-Dealers requesting such verification.
3. Treatment of Orders by the Auction Agent. Anything herein to the contrary
notwithstanding:
(a) If the Auction Agent receives an Order which does not conform to the requirements of the
Auction Procedures, the Auction Agent may contact the Broker-Dealer submitting such Order until one
hour after the Submission Deadline and inform such Broker-Dealer that it may resubmit such Order so
that it conforms to the requirements of the Auction Procedures. Upon being so informed, such
Broker-Dealer may correct and resubmit to the Auction Agent any such Order that, solely as a result
of a Clerical Error on the part of such Broker-Dealer, did not conform to the requirements of the
Auction Procedures when previously submitted to the Auction Agent. Any such resubmission by a
Broker-Dealer shall constitute a representation by such Broker-Dealer that the failure of such
Order to have so conformed was solely as a result of a Clerical Error on the part of such
Broker-Dealer. If the Auction Agent has not received a corrected conforming Order within one hour
and fifteen minutes of the Submission Deadline, the Auction Agent shall, if and to the extent
applicable, adjust or apply such Order, as the case may be, in conformity with the provisions of
subsections (b), (c) or (d) of this Section 3 and, if the Auction Agent is unable to so adjust or
apply such Order, the Auction Agent shall reject such Order.
(b) If any rate specified in any Bid contains more than three figures to the right of the
decimal point, the Auction Agent shall round the rate up to the next highest one thousandth of one
percent (0.001%).
(c) If one or more Orders covering in the aggregate more than the number of Units of
___Notes of a particular series are submitted by a Broker-Dealer to the Auction Agent,
such Orders shall be considered valid as follows:
A-I-5
(i) all Hold Orders for
___Notes of a series shall be considered Hold
Orders, but only up to and including in the aggregate the number of Units of outstanding
___Notes of the series for which such Broker-Dealer is the Broker-Dealer of
record;
(ii) (A) any Bid of a Broker-Dealer shall be considered valid as a Bid of an Existing
Holder up to and including the excess of the number of Units of outstanding _
Notes of such series for which such Broker-Dealer is the Broker-Dealer of record over the
number of Units of ___Notes of such series subject to any Hold Orders referred
to in clause (i) above;
(B) subject to subclause (A), all Bids of a Broker-Dealer with the same rate
shall be aggregated and considered a single Bid of an Existing Holder up to and
including the excess of the number of Units of ___Notes of the series
for which such Broker-Dealer is the Broker-Dealer of record over the number of Units
of ___Notes of such series for which the Broker-Dealer is the
Broker-Dealer of record subject to any Hold Orders referred to in clause (i) above;
(C) subject to subclause (A), if more than one Bid with different rates is
submitted by a Broker-Dealer, such Bids shall be considered Bids of an Existing
Holder in the ascending order of their respective rates up to the amount of excess
of the number of Units of ___Notes of the series for which such
Broker-Dealer is the Broker-Dealer of record over the number of Units of
___Notes of such Series for which such Broker-Dealer is the
Broker-Dealer of record subject to any Hold Orders referred to in clause (i) above;
(D) the number of Units, if any, of outstanding
___Notes of the
series subject to Bids not considered to be Bids for which such Broker-Dealer is the
Broker-Dealer of record under this clause (ii) shall be treated as the subject of a
Bid for ___Notes of the series by a Potential Beneficial Owner; and
(iii) all Sell Orders shall be considered Sell Orders, but only up to and including the
number of Units of ___Notes of such series equal to the excess of the number of
Units of ___Notes of such series for which such Broker-Dealer is the
Broker-Dealer of record over the sum of the number of Units of ___Notes of such
series subject to Hold Orders referred to in clause (i) above and the number of Units of
___Notes of such series considered to be subject to Bids for which such
Broker-Dealer is the Broker-Dealer of record pursuant to clause (ii) above.
(d) If an Order is for other than an integral number of Units, then the Auction Agent shall
round the number down to the nearest number of whole Units, and the Auction Agent shall conduct the
Auction Procedures as if such Order had been submitted in such number of Units.
(e) If the Auction Agent has been notified by the Trustee or the Company that any portion of
an Order by a Broker-Dealer relates to a ___Note of a series that has been called for
redemption on or prior to the Interest Payment Date next succeeding such Auction, the Order shall
be invalid with respect to such portion and the Auction Agent shall conduct the Auction Procedures
as if such portion of such Order had not been submitted.
(f) No
___Note of a series which the Auction Agent has been notified by the
Trustee or the Company has been called for redemption on or prior to the Interest Payment
A-I-6
Date next succeeding such Auction shall be included in the calculation of Available
___Notes for such Auction.
(g) If an Order or Orders covering all of the
___Notes of a particular series is
not submitted by a Broker-Dealer of record prior to the Submission Deadline, the Auction Agent
shall deem a Hold Order to have been submitted on behalf of such Broker-Dealer covering the number
of Units of ___Notes for which such Broker-Dealer is the Broker-Dealer of record and
not subject to Orders submitted to the Auction Agent; provided, however, that if there is a
conversion from one Auction Period to a longer Auction Period and Orders have not been submitted by
such Broker-Dealer prior to the Submission Deadline covering the number of Units of _
Notes of a particular series to be converted for which such Broker-Dealer is the Broker-Dealer of
record, the Auction Agent shall deem a Sell Order to have been submitted on behalf of such
Broker-Dealer covering the number of Units of ___Notes to be converted for which such
Broker-Dealer is the Broker-Dealer of record not subject to Orders submitted by such Broker-Dealer.
4. Determination of Applicable Rate. (a) If requested by the Trustee or a
Broker-Dealer, not later than 10:30 a.m., New York City time (or such other time as may be agreed
to by the Auction Agent and all Broker-Dealers), on each Auction Date for each series of
___Notes, the Auction Agent shall advise such Broker-Dealer (and thereafter confirm to
the Trustee, if requested) the All Hold Rate. Such advice, and confirmation, shall be made by
telephone or other electronic means acceptable to the Auction Agent.
(b) Promptly after the Submission Deadline for the
___Notes of a series on each
Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall assemble all Orders submitted or deemed submitted to it by
the Broker-Dealers (each such Order as submitted or deemed submitted by a Broker-Dealer being
hereinafter referred to as a Submitted Hold Order, a Submitted Bid or a Submitted Sell Order,
as the case may be, and collectively as a Submitted Order) and shall determine (i) the Available
___Notes, (ii) whether there are Sufficient Clearing Bids, and (iii) the Applicable
Rate.
(c) In the event the Auction Agent shall fail to calculate or, for any reason, fails to
provide the Auction Rate on the Auction Date, for any Auction Period (i) if the preceding Auction
Period was a period of 35 days or less, (A) a new Auction Period shall be established for the same
length of time as the preceding Auction Period, if the failure to make such calculation was because
there was not at the time a duly appointed and acting Auction Agent or Broker-Dealer, and the
Applicable Rate for the new Auction Period shall be the percentage of the Index set forth in
Section 4(f) below if the Index is ascertainable on such date (by the Auction Agent, if there is at
the time an Auction Agent, or the Trustee, if at the time there is no Auction Agent) or, (B) if the
failure to make such calculation was for any other reason or if the Index is not ascertainable on
such date, the prior Auction Period shall be extended for seven days and the Applicable Rate for
the period as so extended shall be the same as the Applicable Rate for the Auction Period prior to
the extension, and (ii) if the preceding Auction Period was a period of greater than 35 days, (A) a
new Auction Period shall be established for a period that ends on the seventh day following the day
that was the last day of the preceding Auction Period, (or if such seventh day is not followed by a
Business Day then to the next succeeding day which is followed by a Business Day) if the failure to
make such calculation was because there was not at the time a duly appointed and acting Auction
Agent or Broker-Dealer, and the Applicable Rate for the new Auction Period shall be the percentage
of the Index set forth in Section 4(f) below if the Index is ascertainable on such date (by the
Auction Agent, if there is at the time an Auction Agent, or the Trustee, if at the time there is no
Auction Agent) or, (B) if the failure to make such calculation was for any other reason or if the
Index is not ascertainable on such date, the prior Auction Period shall be extended to the seventh
day following the day that would have been the last day of the preceding Auction Period (or if such
seventh day is not followed by a Business Day then to the next succeeding day that is followed by a
Business Day) and the
A-I-7
Applicable Rate for the period as so extended shall be the same as the Applicable Rate for the
Auction Period prior to the extension. In the event a new Auction Period is established as set
forth in clause (ii) (A) above, an Auction shall be held on the last Business Day of the new
Auction Period to determine an Auction Rate for an Auction Period beginning on the Business Day
immediately following the last day of the new Auction Period and ending on the date on which the
Auction Period otherwise would have ended had there been no new Auction Period or Auction Periods
subsequent to the last Auction Period for which a Winning Bid Rate had been determined. In the
event an Auction Period is extended as set forth in clause (i) (B) or (ii) (B) above, an Auction
shall be held on the last Business Day of the Auction Period as so extended to determine an Auction
Rate for an Auction Period beginning on the Business Day immediately following the last day of the
extended Auction Period and ending on the date on which the Auction Period otherwise would have
ended had there been no extension of the prior Auction Period.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither new nor extended Auction Periods shall total more than
35 days in the aggregate. If at the end of the 35 days the Auction Agent fails to calculate or
provide the Auction Rate, or there is not at the time a duly appointed and acting Auction Agent or
Broker-Dealer, the Applicable Rate shall be the Maximum Rate.
(d) In the event of a failed conversion from an Auction Period to any other period or in the
event of a failure to change the length of the current Auction Period due to the lack of Sufficient
Clearing Bids at the Auction on the Auction Date for the first new Auction Period, the Applicable
Rate for the next Auction Period shall be the Maximum Rate and the Auction Period shall be a
seven-day Auction Period.
(e) If the
___Notes are no longer maintained in book-entry-only form by the
Securities Depository, then the Auctions shall cease and the Applicable Rate shall be the Maximum
Rate.
(f) The percentage of the Index in Section 4(c) is 100%.
5. Allocation of
___Notes. (a) In the event of Sufficient Clearing Bids
for the ___Notes of a series subject to the further provisions of paragraphs (c) and
(d) of this Section 5. Submitted Orders for ___Notes of the series shall be accepted
or rejected as follows in the following order of priority:
(i) the Submitted Hold Order of each Existing Holder shall be accepted, thus requiring
each such Existing Holder to continue to hold the ___Notes that are the subject
of such Submitted Hold Order;
(ii) the Submitted Sell Order of each Existing Holder shall be accepted and the
Submitted Bids of each Existing Holder specifying any rate that is higher than the Winning
Bid Rate shall be rejected, thus requiring each Existing Holder to sell the _
Notes that are the subject of such Submitted Sell Order or Submitted Bid;
(iii) the Submitted Bid of each Existing Holder specifying any rate that is lower than
the Winning Bid Rate shall be accepted, thus requiring each such Existing Holder to continue
to hold the ___Notes that are the subject of the Submitted Bid;
(iv) the Submitted Bid of each Potential Holder specifying any rate that is lower than
the Winning Bid Rate for ___Notes of the series shall be accepted, thus
requiring each such Potential Holder to purchase the ___Notes that are the
subject of the Submitted Bid;
A-I-8
(v) the Submitted Bid of each Existing Holder specifying a rate that is equal to the
Winning Bid Rate shall be accepted, thus requiring each such Existing Holder to continue to
hold the ___Notes of the series that are the subject of the Submitted Bid, but
only up to and including the number of Units of ___Notes of such series
obtained by multiplying (A) the aggregate number of Units of ___Notes which are
not the subject of Submitted Hold Orders described in clause (i) of this paragraph (a) or of
Submitted Bids described in clauses (iii) and (iv) of this paragraph (a) by (B) a fraction,
the numerator of which shall be the number of Units of ___Notes held by such
Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Bid and the denominator of which shall be the
aggregate number of Units of ___Notes subject to such Submitted Bids made by
all such Existing Holders that specified a rate equal to the Winning Bid Rate, and the
remainder, if any, of such Submitted Bid shall be rejected, thus requiring each such
Existing Holder to sell any excess amount of ___Notes;
(vi) the Submitted Bid of each Potential Holder specifying a rate that is equal to the
Winning Bid Rate shall be accepted, thus requiring each such Potential Holder to purchase
the ___Notes of the series that are the subject of such Submitted Bid, but only
in an amount equal to the number of Units of ___Notes of such series obtained
by multiplying (A) the aggregate number of Units of Outstanding ___Notes which
are not the subject of Submitted Hold Orders described in clause (i) of this paragraph (a)
or of Submitted Bids described in clauses (iii), (iv) or (v) of this paragraph (a) by (B) a
fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of Units of ___Notes
subject to such Submitted Bid and the denominator of which shall be the sum of the aggregate
number of Units of ___Notes subject to such Submitted Bids made by all such
Potential Holders that specified a rate equal to the Winning Bid Rate, and the remainder of
such Submitted Bid shall be rejected; and
(vii) the Submitted Bid of each Potential Holder specifying any rate that is higher
than the Winning Bid Rate shall be rejected.
(b) In the event there are not Sufficient Clearing Bids for the
___Notes of a
series, Submitted Orders for the ___Notes of the series shall be accepted or rejected
as follows in the following order of priority:
(i) the Submitted Hold Order of each Existing Holder shall be accepted, thus requiring
each such Existing Holder to continue to hold the ___Notes that are the subject
of such Submitted Hold Order;
(ii) the Submitted Bid of each Existing Holder specifying any rate that is not higher
than the Maximum Rate shall be accepted, thus requiring each such Existing Holder to
continue to hold the ___Notes that are the subject of such Submitted Bid;
(iii) the Submitted Bids specifying any rate that is not higher than the Maximum Rate
for the ___Notes shall be accepted, thus requiring each such Potential Holder
to purchase the ___Notes that are the subject of such Submitted Bid; and
(iv) the Submitted Sell Orders of each Existing Holder shall be accepted as Submitted
Sell Orders and the Submitted Bids of each Existing Holder specifying any rate that is
higher than the Maximum Rate shall be deemed to be and shall be accepted as Submitted Sell
Orders, in both cases only up to and including the number of Units of ___Notes
of
A-I-9
such series obtained by multiplying (A) the number of Units of
Notes
subject to Submitted Bids described in clause (iii) of this paragraph (b) by (B) a fraction,
the numerator of which shall be the number of Units of Notes held by such
Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Sell Order or such Submitted Bid deemed to be a
Submitted Sell Order and the denominator of which shall be the number of Units of
Notes subject to all such Submitted Sell Orders and such Submitted Bids
deemed to be Submitted Sell Orders, and the remainder of each such Submitted Sell Order or
Submitted Bid shall be deemed to be and shall be accepted as a Hold Order and each such
Existing Holder shall be required to continue to hold such excess amount of _
Notes; and
(v) the Submitted Bid of each Potential Holder specifying any rate that is higher than
the Maximum Rate shall be rejected.
6. Notice of Applicable Rate. (a) On each Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall
notify each Broker-Dealer that participated in the Auction held on such Auction Date by electronic
means acceptable to the Auction Agent and the applicable Broker-Dealer of the following, with
respect to the ___Notes of a series for which an Auction was held on such Auction
Date:
(i) the Applicable Rate determined on such Auction Date for the succeeding Auction
Period;
(ii) whether Sufficient Clearing Bids existed for the determination of the Winning Bid
Rate;
(iii) if such Broker-Dealer submitted a Bid or a Sell Order on behalf of an Existing
Holder, whether such Bid or Sell Order was accepted or rejected and the number of Units of
___Notes of the series, if any, to be sold by such Existing Holder;
(iv) if such Broker-Dealer submitted a Bid on behalf of a Potential Holder, whether
such Bid was accepted or rejected and the number of Units of ___Notes of the
series, if any, to be purchased by such Potential Holder;
(v) if the aggregate number of Units of
___Notes of a series to be sold by
all Existing Holders on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer submitted Bids or Sell Orders is
different from the aggregate number of Units of ___Notes of such series to be
purchased by all Potential Holders on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer submitted a Bid, the
name or names of one or more Broker-Dealers (and the Agent Member, if any, of each such
other Broker-Dealer) and the number of Units of ___Notes of such series to be
(A) purchased from one or more Existing Holders on whose behalf such other Broker-Dealers
submitted Bids or Sell Orders or (B) sold to one or more Potential Holders on whose behalf
such Broker-Dealer submitted Bids; and
(vi) the immediately succeeding Auction Date.
(b) On each Auction Date, with respect to each series of
___Notes for which an
Auction was held on such Auction Date, each Broker-Dealer that submitted an Order on behalf of any
Existing Holder or Potential Holder shall: (i) if requested by an Existing Holder or a Potential
Holder advise such Existing Holder or Potential Holder on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer submitted
an Order as to (A) the Applicable Rate determined on such Auction Date, (B) whether any Bid or Sell
Order submitted on behalf of each such Owner was accepted or rejected and (C) the immediately
succeeding Auction Date; (ii) instruct each Potential Holder on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer
A-I-10
submitted a Bid that was accepted, in whole or in part, to instruct such Potential Holders
Agent Member to pay to such Broker-Dealer (or its Agent Member) through the Securities Depository
the amount necessary to purchase the number of Units of ___Notes of such series to be
purchased pursuant to such Bid against receipt of such ___Notes; and (iii) instruct
each Existing Holder on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer submitted a Sell Order that was accepted or
a Bid that was rejected in whole or in part, to instruct such Existing Holders Agent Member to
deliver to such Broker-Dealer (or its Agent Member) through the Securities Depository the number of
Units of ___Notes of the series to be sold pursuant to such Bid or Sell Order against
payment therefor.
(c) The Auction Agent shall give notice of the Auction Rate to the Company and the Trustee by
mutually acceptable electronic means and the Trustee shall promptly give notice of such Auction
Rate to the Securities Depository.
7. Miscellaneous
Provisions Regarding Auctions. (a) In this Appendix A-I, each
reference to the purchase, sale or holding of ___Notes shall refer to beneficial
interests in ___Notes, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(b) During an auction Rate Period with respect to each series of ___Notes, the
provisions of the Indenture and the definitions contained therein and described in this Appendix
A-I, including without limitation the definitions of All Hold Rate, Interest Payment Date, Maximum
Rate, and Applicable Rate, may be amended pursuant to the Indenture by obtaining the consent of the
majority of the owners of the affected Outstanding ___Notes of a series bearing
interest at the Applicable Rate as follows. If on the first Auction Date occurring at least 20
days after the date on which the Trustee mailed notice of such proposed amendment to the registered
owners of the affected Outstanding ___Notes of the series, (i) the Applicable Rate
which is determined on such date is the Winning Bid Rate or the All Hold Rate and (ii) there is
delivered to the Company and the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that such amendment
shall not adversely affect the validity of the ___Notes of the series or any exemption
from federal income tax to which the interest on the ___Notes of the series would
otherwise be entitled, the proposed amendment shall be deemed to have been consented to by the
owners of all affected Outstanding ___Notes of the series bearing interest at the
Applicable Rate.
(c) If the Securities Depository notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to
continue as registered owner of the ___Notes of a series or if at any time the
Securities Depository shall no longer be registered or in good standing under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or other applicable statute or regulation and a successor to the
Securities Depository is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company receives
notice or becomes aware of such condition, as the case may be, the Auctions shall cease and the
Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver certificates representing the
___Notes of the series. Such ___Notes shall be registered in such names
and Authorized Denominations as the Securities Depository, pursuant to instructions from the Agent
Members or otherwise, shall instruct the Company and the Trustee.
(d) During an Auction Period, so long as the ownership of the ___Notes of a
series is maintained in book-entry form by the Securities Depository, an Existing Holder or a
Beneficial Owner may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of a ___Note only pursuant to
a Bid or Sell Order in accordance with the Auction Procedures or to or through a Broker-Dealer,
provided that (i) in the case of all transfers other than pursuant to Auctions such Existing Holder
or its Broker-Dealer or its Agent Member advises the Auction Agent of such transfer and (ii) a
sale, transfer or other disposition of ___Notes of the series from a customer of a
Broker-Dealer who is listed on
A-I-11
the records of that Broker-Dealer as the holder of such
___Notes to that
Broker-Dealer or another customer of that Broker-Dealer shall not be deemed to be a sale, transfer
or other disposition for purposes of this paragraph if such Broker-Dealer remains the Existing
Holder of the ___Notes so sold, transferred or disposed or immediately after such
sale, transfer or disposition.
8. Changes in Auction Period or Auction Date.
(a) Changes in Auction Period.
(i) During any Auction Period, the Issuer, may, from time to time on the Interest
Payment Date immediately following the end of any Auction Period, change the length of the
Auction Period with respect to all of the ___Notes of a series in order to
accommodate economic and financial factors that may affect or be relevant to the length of
the Auction Period and the rate of ___Notes of such series. The Company shall
initiate the change in the length of the Auction Period by giving written notice to the
Trustee, Auction Agent, the Broker-Dealers and the Securities Depository that the Auction
Period shall change if the conditions described herein are satisfied and the proposed
effective date of the change, at least 10 Business Days prior to the Auction Date for such
Auction Period.
(ii) Any such changed Auction Period shall be for a period of one day, seven-days,
28-days, 35-days, three months, six months and shall be for all of the ___Notes
of such series.
(iii) The change in length of the Auction Period shall take effect only if Sufficient
Clearing Bids exist at the Auction on the Auction Date for such new Auction Period. For
purposes of the Auction for such new Auction Period only, except to the extent such Existing
Holder submits an Order with respect to such ___Notes each Existing Holder
shall be deemed to have submitted Sell Orders with respect to all of its _
Notes of such series if the change is to a longer Auction Period and a Hold Order if the
change is to a shorter Auction Period. If there are not Sufficient Clearing Bids for the
first Auction Period, the Auction Rate for the new Auction Period shall be the Maximum Rate,
and the Auction Period shall be a seven-day Auction Period.
(b) Changes in Auction Date. During any Auction Period, the Auction Agent, at the direction
of the Company, may specify an earlier or later Auction Date (but in no event more than five
Business Days earlier or later) than the Auction Date that would otherwise be determined in
accordance with the definition of Auction Date in order to conform with then current market
practice with respect to similar securities or to accommodate economic and financial factors that
may affect or be relevant to the day of the week constituting an Auction Date and the rate of the
___Notes of the series. The Auction Agent shall provide notice of the Companys
direction to specify an earlier Auction Date for an Auction Period by means of a written notice
delivered at least 45 days prior to the proposed changed Auction Date to the Company, the
Broker-Dealers and the Securities Depository. In the event that Auction Agent is instructed to
specify an earlier Auction Date, the days of the week on which an Auction Period begins and ends
and the Interest Payment Date shall be adjusted accordingly.
(c) Changes Resulting from Unscheduled Holidays. If, in the opinion of the Auction Agent and
the Broker-Dealers, there is insufficient notice of an unscheduled holiday to allow the efficient
implementation of the Auction Procedures set forth herein, the Auction Agent and the Broker-Dealers
may, as they deem appropriate, and after providing notice to the Company, set a different Auction
Date and adjust any Interest Payment Dates and Auction Periods affected by such unscheduled
holiday. In the event there is not agreement among the Broker-Dealers, the Auction Agent shall set
the different Auction
A-I-12
Date and make such adjustments as directed by a majority of the Broker-Dealers (based on the
number of Units for which a Broker-Dealer is listed as the Broker-Dealer in the Existing Holder
registry maintained by the Auction Agent pursuant to Section 2.2 of the Auction Agreement), and, if
there is not a majority so directing, the Auction Date shall be moved to the next succeeding
Business Day following the scheduled Auction Date, and the Interest Payment Date and the Auction
Period shall be adjusted accordingly.
9. Index.
(a) If for any reason on any Auction Date the Index shall not be determined as provided in
Appendix A-I Auction Procedures, the Index shall be the Index for the prior Business Day.
(b) The
determination of the Index as provided in the Indenture and Appendix A-I
Auction Procedures shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company, the Trustee, the
Broker-Dealers, the Auction Agent and the holders of the .
A-I-13
APPENDIX
B DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS(1)
Moodys Prime Rating System
Moodys short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor senior financial
obligations and contracts. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding one
year, unless explicitly noted.
Moodys employs the following designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate the
relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
Prime-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability
for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be
evidenced by many of the following characteristics:
Leading market positions in well-established industries. High rates of return on funds
employed. Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset
protection. Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash
generation. Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of
alternate liquidity.
Prime-2: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to
repay senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the
characteristics cited above, but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while
sound, may be more subject to variation than is the case for Prime-1 securities. Capitalization
characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample
alternate liquidity is maintained.
Prime-3: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and
market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result
in changes in the level of debt-protection measurements and may require relatively high financial
leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Not Prime: Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
In addition, in certain countries the prime rating may be modified by the issuers or
guarantors senior unsecured long-term debt rating.
Moodys Debt Ratings
Aaa: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best
quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as gilt
edged. Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and
principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as
can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
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The ratings indicated herein are believed to be the
most recent ratings available at the date of this prospectus for the securities
listed. Ratings are generally given to securities at the time of issuance.
While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they
undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do not necessarily
represent ratings which will be given to these securities on the date of the
funds fiscal year-end. |
B-1
Aa: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by
all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high-grade
bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large
as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may
be other elements present which make the long-term risk in Aa-rated securities appear somewhat
larger than those securities rated Aaa.
A: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a
susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.
Baa: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade
obligations (i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments and
principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking
or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding
investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative
elements; their future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest and
principal payments may be very moderate, and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad
times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other
terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues
may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds,
and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.
Moodys assigns ratings to individual debt securities issued from medium-term note (MTN)
programs, in addition to indicating ratings to MTN programs themselves. Notes issued under MTN
programs with such indicated ratings are rated at issuance at the rating applicable to all pari
passu notes issued under the same program, at the programs relevant indicated rating, provided
such notes do not exhibit any of the characteristics listed below. For notes with any of the
following characteristics, the rating of the individual note may differ from the indicated rating
of the program:
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Notes containing features which link the cash flow and/or market value to the
credit performance of any third party or parties. |
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Notes allowing for negative coupons, or negative principal. |
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Notes containing any provision which could obligate the investor to make any
additional payments. |
B-2
Market participants must determine whether any particular note is rated, and if so, at what
rating level.
Note: Moodys applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating classification
from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its
generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates
a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
Standard & Poors Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings
A-1: A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by Standard &
Poors. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong.
Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that
the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2: A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating
categories. However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
satisfactory.
A-3: A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters.
However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B: A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligors
inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
C: A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation.
D: A short-term obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is
used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace
period has not expired, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made during
such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the
taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
Standard & Poors Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings
Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
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Likelihood of payment-capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its
financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation; |
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Nature of and provisions of the obligation; |
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Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event
of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and
other laws affecting creditors rights. |
The issue rating definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As such, they pertain to
senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior
obligations, to reflect the
B-3
lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation applies when an entity
has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating
company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of junior debt, the rating may
not conform exactly with the category definition.
AAA: An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poors.
The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA: An obligation rated AA differs from the highest rated obligations only in small
degree. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A: An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories.
However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB: An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened
capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such
obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed
by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB: An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative
issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial,
or economic conditions which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.
B: An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB,
but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligors capacity or
willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC: An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent
upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions,
the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC: An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C: A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated C is currently highly
vulnerable to nonpayment. The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy
petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being
continued. A C also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking
fund payments, but that is currently paying.
D: An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not
expired, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made during such grace
period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a
similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
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Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of
a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
r: This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit
risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns which are not addressed
in the credit rating.
N.R.: This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient
information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poors does not rate a particular
obligation as a matter of policy.
Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks
Country risk considerations are a standard part of Standard & Poors analysis for credit
ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An
obligors capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay
obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign governments own relatively lower capacity
to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in
the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings are also
distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks
make them different for the same issuer.
B-5