nvcsr
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-22021
The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Agnes Mullady
Gabelli Funds, LLC
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422
(Name and address of agent for service)
registrants telephone number, including area code: 1-800-422-3554
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: December 31, 2009
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not
later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be
transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR
270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory,
disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission
will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of
information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the
information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary,
Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The OMB has reviewed
this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.
The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust
Annual Report December 31, 2009
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Mario J. Gabelli, CFA
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Kevin V. Dreyer
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Jeff J. Jonas, CFA |
To Our Shareholders,
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires a funds principal executive and financial officers to
certify the entire contents of the semi-annual and annual shareholder reports in a filing with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form N-CSR. This certification would cover
the portfolio managers commentary and subjective opinions if they are attached to or a part
of the financial statements. Many of these comments and opinions would be difficult or
impossible to certify.
Because we do not want our portfolio managers to eliminate their opinions and/or restrict
their commentary to historical facts, we have separated their commentary from the financial
statements and investment portfolio and have sent it to you separately. Both the commentary
and the financial statements, including the portfolio of investments, will be available on our
website at www.gabelli.com.
Enclosed are the audited financial statements including the investment portfolio as of
December 31, 2009.
Investment Performance
For the year ended December 31, 2009, The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx
Trusts (the Fund) net asset value (NAV) total return was 25.0% and the total return
for the Funds publicly traded shares was 33.7%, compared with gains of 19.7% and 14.9% for
the S&P 500 Health Care Index and the S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index, respectively. On
December 31, 2009, the Funds NAV per share was $7.76, while the price of the publicly traded
shares closed at $6.70 on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
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Sincerely yours,
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Agnes Mullady |
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President |
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February 19, 2010
Comparative Results
Average Annual Returns through December 31, 2009 (a) (Unaudited)
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Since |
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Inception |
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Quarter |
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1 Year |
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2 Year |
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(06/28/07) |
Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust |
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NAV Total Return (b) |
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4.72 |
% |
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24.96 |
% |
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(1.29 |
)% |
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(0.64 |
)% |
Investment Total Return (c) |
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12.98 |
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33.73 |
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(2.30 |
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(6.18 |
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S&P 500 Index |
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6.04 |
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26.47 |
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(10.73 |
) |
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(9.23 |
)(d) |
S&P 500 Health Care Index |
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9.09 |
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19.70 |
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(3.88 |
) |
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(2.88 |
) |
S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index |
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5.02 |
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14.89 |
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(1.43 |
) |
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2.22 |
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(a) |
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Returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Investment
returns and the principal value of an investment
will fluctuate. When shares are sold, they may be worth more or less than their original
cost. Current performance may be lower or
higher than the performance data presented. Visit www.gabelli.com for performance
information as of the most recent month end.
Performance returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. Investors
should carefully consider the investment objectives,
risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The S&P 500 Index is an
unmanaged indicator of stock market performance.
The S&P 500 Health Care Index is an unmanaged indicator of health care equipment and
services, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and
life sciences stock performance. The S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index is an unmanaged
indicator of food and staples retailing, food,
beverage and tobacco, and household and personal products stock performance. Dividends
are considered reinvested. You cannot invest
directly in an index. |
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(b) |
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Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in the NAV per share and
reinvestment of distributions at NAV on the ex-dividend
date and are net of expenses. Since inception return is based on an initial NAV of $8.00. |
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(c) |
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Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in closing market values on the
NYSE and reinvestment of distributions. Since
inception return is based on an initial offering price of $8.00. |
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(d) |
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From June 30, 2007, the date closest to the Funds inception for which data is available. |
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)
The following table presents portfolio holdings as a percent of total investments as of
December 31, 2009:
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Food |
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29.9 |
% |
Health Care Equipment and Supplies |
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15.8 |
% |
Health Care Providers and Services |
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13.4 |
% |
Pharmaceuticals |
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11.4 |
% |
Food and Staples Retailing |
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8.6 |
% |
U.S. Government Obligations |
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6.6 |
% |
Beverages |
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6.5 |
% |
Health Care Technology |
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3.2 |
% |
Biotechnology |
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2.7 |
% |
Consumer Services and Supplies |
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0.8 |
% |
Chemicals |
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0.7 |
% |
Telecommunications |
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0.4 |
% |
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100.0 |
% |
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The Fund will file a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first
and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, the last of which was filed for the quarter
ended September 30, 2009. Shareholders may obtain this information at www.gabelli.com or by
calling the Fund at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554). The Funds Form N-Q is available on the SECs
website at www.sec.gov and may also be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room
in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by
calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
Proxy Voting
The Fund files Form N-PX with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended
June 30th, no later than August 31st of each year. A description of the Funds proxy voting
policies, procedures, and how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is
available without charge, upon request, by (i) calling 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554); (ii) writing
to The Gabelli Funds at One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422; and (iii) visiting the SECs
website at www.sec.gov.
2
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2009
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Market |
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Shares |
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Cost |
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Value |
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COMMON STOCKS 93.4% |
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Beverages 6.5% |
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45,000 |
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Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Inc. |
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$ |
1,162,935 |
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$ |
1,273,500 |
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12,000 |
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Hansen Natural Corp. |
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412,587 |
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460,800 |
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46,000 |
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ITO EN Ltd. |
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888,494 |
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689,988 |
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15,000 |
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Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd. |
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48,287 |
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59,108 |
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60,000 |
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Parmalat SpA |
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170,079 |
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167,983 |
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10,000 |
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PepsiAmericas Inc. |
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278,849 |
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292,600 |
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15,000 |
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The Coca-Cola Co. |
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786,241 |
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855,000 |
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10,000 |
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The Pepsi Bottling Group Inc. |
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355,739 |
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375,000 |
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250,000 |
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Vitasoy International Holdings Ltd. |
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115,873 |
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175,407 |
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4,219,084 |
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4,349,386 |
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Biotechnology 2.7% |
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11,500 |
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Biogen Idec Inc. |
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539,116 |
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615,250 |
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7,000 |
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Cephalon Inc. |
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492,220 |
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436,870 |
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12,000 |
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Crucell NV, ADR |
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225,902 |
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242,160 |
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12,000 |
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Gilead Sciences Inc. |
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529,622 |
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519,360 |
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452,000 |
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Neose Technologies Inc. |
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0 |
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4,972 |
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1,786,860 |
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1,818,612 |
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Chemicals 0.7% |
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12,000 |
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International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. |
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571,938 |
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493,680 |
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Consumer Services and Supplies 0.8% |
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18,000 |
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Weight Watchers International Inc. |
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616,179 |
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524,880 |
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Food 29.9% |
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15,000 |
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Cadbury plc, ADR |
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776,312 |
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770,850 |
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40,000 |
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Campbell Soup Co. |
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1,437,303 |
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1,352,000 |
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26,000 |
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Danone |
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1,692,390 |
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1,596,371 |
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75,000 |
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Dean Foods Co. |
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1,491,771 |
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1,353,000 |
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50,000 |
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Del Monte Foods Co. |
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503,345 |
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567,000 |
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18,000 |
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Diamond Foods Inc. |
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427,512 |
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639,720 |
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10,000 |
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Dole Food Co. Inc. |
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118,130 |
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124,100 |
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25,000 |
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Flowers Foods Inc. |
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532,398 |
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594,000 |
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20,000 |
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General Mills Inc. |
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1,136,982 |
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1,416,200 |
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18,000 |
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H.J. Heinz Co. |
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759,640 |
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769,680 |
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17,000 |
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Kellogg Co. |
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861,718 |
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904,400 |
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16,000 |
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Kerry Group plc, Cl. A |
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419,845 |
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503,691 |
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80,000 |
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Kikkoman Corp. |
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938,281 |
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974,070 |
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49,600 |
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Lifeway Foods Inc. |
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504,432 |
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589,248 |
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13,000 |
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MEIJI Holdings Co. Ltd. |
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580,865 |
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489,934 |
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40,000 |
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Nestlé SA |
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1,606,111 |
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1,941,128 |
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6,000 |
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Rock Field Co. Ltd. |
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81,896 |
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78,145 |
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140,000 |
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Smart Balance Inc. |
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957,319 |
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840,000 |
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50,000 |
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The Hain Celestial Group Inc. |
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1,229,093 |
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850,500 |
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15,000 |
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The J.M. Smucker Co. |
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757,913 |
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926,250 |
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130,000 |
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Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding Corp. |
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175,116 |
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321,923 |
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44,000 |
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Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods OJSC, ADR |
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397,009 |
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1,048,520 |
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40,000 |
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YAKULT HONSHA Co. Ltd. |
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963,651 |
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1,206,850 |
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18,349,032 |
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19,857,580 |
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Food and Staples Retailing 8.6% |
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2,500 |
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Chattem Inc. |
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232,137 |
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233,250 |
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6,000 |
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Costco Wholesale Corp. |
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347,483 |
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355,020 |
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48,000 |
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CVS Caremark Corp. |
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1,671,539 |
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1,546,080 |
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30,000 |
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Safeway Inc. |
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581,489 |
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638,700 |
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30,000 |
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SUPERVALU Inc. |
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642,705 |
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381,300 |
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Market |
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Shares |
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Cost |
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Value |
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25,000 |
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The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc. |
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$ |
187,324 |
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$ |
294,750 |
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10,000 |
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The Kroger Co. |
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204,000 |
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205,300 |
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1,000 |
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Village Super Market Inc., Cl. A |
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23,378 |
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27,320 |
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10,000 |
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Wal-Mart Stores Inc. |
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458,576 |
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534,500 |
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23,000 |
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Walgreen Co. |
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724,814 |
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844,560 |
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23,000 |
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Whole Foods Market Inc. |
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385,146 |
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631,350 |
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5,458,591 |
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5,692,130 |
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Health Care Equipment and Supplies 15.8% |
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12,000 |
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Baxter International Inc. |
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667,289 |
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704,160 |
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8,000 |
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Becton, Dickinson and Co. |
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530,993 |
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630,880 |
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65,000 |
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Boston Scientific Corp. |
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657,528 |
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585,000 |
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2,000 |
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CareFusion Corp. |
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63,741 |
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50,020 |
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17,000 |
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Covidien plc |
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688,858 |
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814,130 |
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30,000 |
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Cutera Inc. |
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340,244 |
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255,300 |
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30,000 |
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Greatbatch Inc. |
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719,309 |
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576,900 |
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9,400 |
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Henry Schein Inc. |
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|
418,608 |
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|
494,440 |
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|
15,000 |
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Hologic Inc. |
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|
284,551 |
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|
217,500 |
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|
19,000 |
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Inverness Medical Innovations Inc. |
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|
416,343 |
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788,690 |
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|
1,000 |
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IRIS International Inc. |
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|
11,887 |
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|
12,360 |
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|
15,000 |
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Kinetic Concepts Inc. |
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|
824,220 |
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|
564,750 |
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|
5,000 |
|
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Medical Action Industries Inc. |
|
|
89,640 |
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|
|
80,300 |
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|
259,000 |
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Medical Nutrition USA Inc. |
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|
574,322 |
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|
507,640 |
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|
12,000 |
|
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Medtronic Inc. |
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|
604,076 |
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|
527,760 |
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|
42,500 |
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Micrus Endovascular Corp. |
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|
811,222 |
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|
637,925 |
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|
550,000 |
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Northstar Neuroscience Inc. |
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|
0 |
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|
|
11,000 |
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|
16,100 |
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Orthofix International NV |
|
|
493,407 |
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|
|
498,617 |
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|
23,000 |
|
|
St. Jude Medical Inc. |
|
|
939,541 |
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|
|
845,940 |
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
Stryker Corp. |
|
|
197,260 |
|
|
|
201,480 |
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. |
|
|
295,502 |
|
|
|
357,675 |
|
|
82,000 |
|
|
Vascular Solutions Inc. |
|
|
746,207 |
|
|
|
687,980 |
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
Zimmer Holdings Inc. |
|
|
458,041 |
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|
|
472,880 |
|
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|
|
10,832,789 |
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|
10,523,327 |
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Health Care Providers and Services 13.4% |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
Aetna Inc. |
|
|
703,453 |
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|
|
443,800 |
|
|
17,000 |
|
|
Amedisys Inc. |
|
|
651,682 |
|
|
|
825,520 |
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
AmerisourceBergen Corp. |
|
|
386,491 |
|
|
|
469,260 |
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
Chemed Corp. |
|
|
126,720 |
|
|
|
143,910 |
|
|
16,000 |
|
|
CIGNA Corp. |
|
|
489,598 |
|
|
|
564,320 |
|
|
169,600 |
|
|
Continucare Corp. |
|
|
358,318 |
|
|
|
741,152 |
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
Express Scripts Inc. |
|
|
414,609 |
|
|
|
778,050 |
|
|
29,091 |
|
|
Genoptix Inc. |
|
|
841,000 |
|
|
|
1,033,603 |
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
Healthways Inc. |
|
|
620,843 |
|
|
|
458,500 |
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
McKesson Corp. |
|
|
351,998 |
|
|
|
437,500 |
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
Medco Health Solutions Inc. |
|
|
237,634 |
|
|
|
383,460 |
|
|
280,000 |
|
|
Metropolitan Health Networks Inc. |
|
|
489,278 |
|
|
|
557,200 |
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
Omnicare Inc. |
|
|
799,508 |
|
|
|
604,500 |
|
|
13,500 |
|
|
Owens & Minor Inc. |
|
|
501,559 |
|
|
|
579,555 |
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
PSS World Medical Inc. |
|
|
219,891 |
|
|
|
315,980 |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
UnitedHealth Group Inc. |
|
|
769,227 |
|
|
|
609,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,961,809 |
|
|
|
8,945,910 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care Technology 3.2% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
78,000 |
|
|
IMS Health Inc. |
|
|
1,654,106 |
|
|
|
1,642,680 |
|
|
33,000 |
|
|
Starlims Technologies Ltd. |
|
|
458,414 |
|
|
|
458,370 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,112,520 |
|
|
|
2,101,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
3
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
Cost |
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
COMMON STOCKS (Continued) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pharmaceuticals 11.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
Abbott Laboratories |
|
$ |
789,645 |
|
|
$ |
809,850 |
|
|
21,000 |
|
|
Inspire Pharmaceuticals Inc. |
|
|
81,948 |
|
|
|
115,920 |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
Johnson & Johnson |
|
|
2,395,463 |
|
|
|
2,576,400 |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
King Pharmaceuticals Inc. |
|
|
89,350 |
|
|
|
122,700 |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
Mead Johnson Nutrition Co., Cl. A |
|
|
396,474 |
|
|
|
655,500 |
|
|
12,975 |
|
|
Merck & Co. Inc. |
|
|
303,324 |
|
|
|
474,107 |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
Mylan Inc. |
|
|
537,553 |
|
|
|
737,200 |
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
Pain Therapeutics Inc. |
|
|
372,404 |
|
|
|
241,200 |
|
|
24,625 |
|
|
Pfizer Inc. |
|
|
438,169 |
|
|
|
447,929 |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., ADR |
|
|
660,567 |
|
|
|
842,700 |
|
|
14,000 |
|
|
Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. |
|
|
485,683 |
|
|
|
554,540 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,550,580 |
|
|
|
7,578,046 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telecommunications 0.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
3Com Corp. |
|
|
262,175 |
|
|
|
262,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS |
|
|
58,721,557 |
|
|
|
62,147,101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WARRANTS 0.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care Equipment and Supplies 0.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80,907 |
|
|
Radient Pharmaceutical Corp., expire 03/05/11 (a) |
|
|
148,405 |
|
|
|
1,155 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS 6.6% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Treasury Bills 3.8% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,488,000 |
|
|
U.S. Treasury Bills, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.056% to 0.274%,
02/18/10 to 05/20/10 |
|
|
2,487,248 |
|
|
|
2,487,330 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Treasury Cash Management Bills 2.8% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,875,000 |
|
|
U.S. Treasury Cash Management |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bills, 0.101% to 0.162%,
04/01/10 to 06/10/10 |
|
|
1,874,496 |
|
|
|
1,874,704 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS |
|
|
4,361,744 |
|
|
|
4,362,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS 100% |
|
$ |
63,231,706 |
|
|
|
66,510,290 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Assets and Liabilities (Net) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(760,468 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET ASSETS COMMON SHARES
(8,474,459 common shares outstanding) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
65,749,822 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE
($65,749,822 ÷ 8,474,459 shares outstanding) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7.76 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Security fair valued under procedures established by
the Board of Trustees. The procedures may include reviewing
available financial information about the company and
reviewing the valuation of comparable securities and other
factors on a regular basis. At December 31, 2009, the
market value of the fair valued security amounted to $1,155
or 0.00% of total investments. |
|
|
|
Non-income producing security. |
|
|
|
Represents annualized yield at date of purchase. |
|
ADR |
|
American Depositary Receipt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
|
Market |
|
Geographic Diversification |
|
Value |
|
|
Value |
|
North America |
|
|
80.6 |
% |
|
$ |
53,630,346 |
|
Europe |
|
|
12.6 |
|
|
|
8,385,903 |
|
Japan |
|
|
5.3 |
|
|
|
3,498,094 |
|
Latin America |
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
820,540 |
|
Asia/Pacific |
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
175,407 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investments |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
$ |
66,510,290 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
4
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
Investments, at value (cost $63,231,706) |
|
$ |
66,510,290 |
|
Cash |
|
|
148 |
|
Dividends receivable |
|
|
85,925 |
|
Prepaid expense |
|
|
2,774 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
|
66,599,137 |
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
Payable for investments purchased |
|
|
586,960 |
|
Payable for investment advisory fees |
|
|
55,142 |
|
Payable for payroll expenses |
|
|
22,137 |
|
Payable for accounting fees |
|
|
11,250 |
|
Payable for shareholder communications expenses |
|
|
124,986 |
|
Other accrued expenses |
|
|
48,840 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
|
849,315 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets applicable to 8,474,459 shares outstanding |
|
$ |
65,749,822 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets Consist of: |
|
|
|
|
Paid-in capital |
|
$ |
66,805,253 |
|
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and
foreign currency transactions |
|
|
(4,334,560 |
) |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments |
|
|
3,278,584 |
|
Net unrealized appreciation on foreign
currency translations |
|
|
545 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets |
|
$ |
65,749,822 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value per Common Share: |
|
|
|
|
($65,749,822 ÷ 8,474,459 shares outstanding, at $0.001
par value; unlimited number of shares authorized) |
|
$ |
7.76 |
|
|
|
|
|
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the
Year Ended December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Income: |
|
|
|
|
Dividends (net of foreign taxes of $8,765) |
|
$ |
738,352 |
|
Interest |
|
|
8,318 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investment Income |
|
|
746,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
Investment advisory fees |
|
|
566,522 |
|
Shareholder communications expenses |
|
|
232,905 |
|
Payroll expenses |
|
|
88,499 |
|
Legal and audit fees |
|
|
64,565 |
|
Trustees fees |
|
|
60,125 |
|
Shareholder services fees |
|
|
52,918 |
|
Accounting fees |
|
|
41,250 |
|
Custodian fees |
|
|
9,453 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
7 |
|
Miscellaneous expenses |
|
|
40,634 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenses |
|
|
1,156,878 |
|
|
|
|
|
Less: |
|
|
|
|
Advisory fee reduction on unsupervised assets (Note 4) |
|
|
(1,066 |
) |
Custodian fee credits |
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total Reductions and Credits |
|
|
(1,135 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net Expenses |
|
|
1,155,743 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Investment Loss |
|
|
(409,073 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency: |
|
|
|
|
Net realized loss on investments |
|
|
(2,115,791 |
) |
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions |
|
|
(2,022 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net realized loss on investments and foreign
currency transactions |
|
|
(2,117,813 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation: |
|
|
|
|
on investments |
|
|
15,654,893 |
|
on foreign currency translations |
|
|
278 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments
and foreign currency translations |
|
|
15,655,171 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on
Investments and Foreign Currency |
|
|
13,537,358 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting
from Operations |
|
$ |
13,128,285 |
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
5
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment loss |
|
$ |
(409,073 |
) |
|
$ |
(577,283 |
) |
Net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions |
|
|
(2,117,813 |
) |
|
|
(2,211,900 |
) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments
and foreign currency translations |
|
|
15,655,171 |
|
|
|
(12,234,817 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations |
|
|
13,128,285 |
|
|
|
(15,024,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions to Common Shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(97,110 |
) |
Net realized short-term gain |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(326,612 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Distributions to Common Shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(423,722 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets |
|
|
13,128,285 |
|
|
|
(15,447,722 |
) |
Net Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period |
|
|
52,621,537 |
|
|
|
68,069,259 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of
$0 and $0, respectively) |
|
$ |
65,749,822 |
|
|
$ |
52,621,537 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
6
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected data for a common share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
Period Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
December 31, 2007 (a) |
|
Operating Performance: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
|
$ |
6.21 |
|
|
$ |
8.03 |
|
|
$ |
8.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income/(loss) |
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
(0.07 |
) |
|
|
0.02 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
and foreign currency transactions |
|
|
1.60 |
|
|
|
(1.70 |
) |
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total from investment operations |
|
|
1.55 |
|
|
|
(1.77 |
) |
|
|
0.08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions to Common Shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
Net realized short-term gain |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total distributions to common shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period |
|
$ |
7.76 |
|
|
$ |
6.21 |
|
|
$ |
8.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value total return |
|
|
24.96 |
% |
|
|
(22.03 |
)% |
|
|
1.00 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market value, end of period |
|
$ |
6.70 |
|
|
$ |
5.01 |
|
|
$ |
7.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investment return |
|
|
33.73 |
% |
|
|
(28.63 |
)% |
|
|
(10.75 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets end of period (in 000s) |
|
$ |
65,750 |
|
|
$ |
52,622 |
|
|
$ |
68,069 |
|
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net
assets |
|
|
(0.72 |
)% |
|
|
(0.94 |
)% |
|
|
0.56 |
%(b) |
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets |
|
|
2.04 |
% |
|
|
2.41 |
% |
|
|
1.97 |
%(b) |
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
|
55.7 |
% |
|
|
122.0 |
% |
|
|
26.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
Based on net asset value per share at commencement of operations of $8.00 per share, adjusted
for reinvestment of distributions at the net asset value per share on the ex-dividend dates.
Total return for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
|
|
|
Based on market value per share at initial public offering of $8.00 per share, adjusted for
reinvestment of distributions at prices determined under the Funds dividend reinvestment
plan. Total return for a period of less than one year is not annualized. |
|
|
|
Effective in 2008, a change in accounting policy was adopted with regard to the calculation of
the portfolio turnover rate to include cash proceeds due to mergers. Had this policy been adopted
retroactively, the portfolio turnover rate for the period ended December 31, 2007 would have been
60.6%. |
|
(a) |
|
The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust commenced
investment operations on June 28, 2007. |
|
(b) |
|
Annualized. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
7
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization. The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust (the Fund) is a
non-diversified closed-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on
February 20, 2007 and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended (the 1940
Act). Investment operations commenced on June 28, 2007.
The Funds investment objective is long-term growth of capital. Under normal market
conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets in equity securities and income
producing securities of domestic and foreign companies in the healthcare and wellness
industries.
2. Significant Accounting Policies. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting
Standards Codification (ASC) has become the exclusive reference of authoritative U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental
entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal laws are also
sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The ASC has superseded all existing non-SEC
accounting and reporting standards. The Funds financial statements are prepared in accordance with
GAAP, which may require the use of management estimates and assumptions. Actual results could
differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed
by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Security Valuation. Portfolio securities listed or traded on a nationally recognized
securities exchange or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter market for which market quotations
are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a markets official closing
price as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. If there were no
sales that day, the security is valued at the average of the closing bid and asked prices or,
if there were no asked prices quoted on that day, then the security is valued at the closing
bid price on that day. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the security is valued
at the most recently available price or, if the Board of Trustees (the Board) so determines,
by such other method as the Board shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market
value. Portfolio securities traded on more than one national securities exchange or market are
valued according to the broadest and most representative market, as determined by Gabelli
Funds, LLC (the Adviser).
Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the
preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued
pursuant to procedures established by the Board if market conditions change significantly after
the close of the foreign market but prior to the close of business on the day the securities
are being valued. Debt instruments with remaining maturities of sixty days or less that are not
credit impaired are valued at amortized cost, unless the Board determines such amount does not
reflect the securities fair value, in which case these securities will be fair valued as
determined by the Board. Debt instruments having a maturity greater than sixty days for which
market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked
prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the security is valued using the
closing bid price. Futures contracts are valued at the closing settlement price of the exchange
or board of trade on which the applicable contract is traded.
Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are fair
valued as determined by the Board. Fair valuation methodologies and procedures may include, but
are not limited to: analysis and review of available financial and non-financial information
about the company; comparisons with the valuation and changes in valuation of similar
securities, including a comparison of foreign securities with the equivalent U.S. dollar value
ADR securities at the close of the U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that
could be indicative of the value of the security.
The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of the Funds investments
are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:
|
|
|
Level 1 quoted prices in active markets for identical securities; |
|
|
|
|
Level 2 other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar
securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.); and |
|
|
|
|
Level 3 significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds determinations as to the
fair value of investments). |
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of
the risk associated with investing in those securities. The summary of the Funds investments
by inputs used to value the Funds investments as of December 31, 2009 is
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in |
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
(Market Value) |
|
Valuation Inputs |
|
Assets |
|
Level 1 Quoted Prices* |
|
$ |
62,147,101 |
|
Level 2 Other Significant Observable Inputs* |
|
|
4,363,189 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
66,510,290 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Portfolio holdings designated in Level 1 and Level 2 are disclosed individually in the Schedule
of Investment (SOI). Level 2 consists of U.S. Government Obligations and Warrants. Please refer
to the SOI for the industry classifications of the portfolio holdings. |
There were no Level 3 investments at December 31, 2009 or December 31, 2008.
8
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Derivative Financial Instruments.
The Fund may engage in various portfolio investment strategies by investing in a number of
derivative financial instruments for the purpose of increasing the income of the Fund, hedging
against changes in the value of its portfolio securities and in the value of securities it intends
to purchase, or hedging against a specific transaction with respect to either the currency in which
the transaction is denominated or another currency. Investing in certain derivative financial
instruments, including participation in the options, futures, or swap markets, entails certain
execution, liquidity, hedging, tax, and securities, interest, credit, or currency market risks.
Losses may arise if the Advisers prediction of movements in the direction of the securities,
foreign currency, and interest rate markets is inaccurate. Losses may also arise if the
counterparty does not perform its duties under a contract, or that, in the event of default, the
Fund may be delayed in or prevented from obtaining payments or other contractual remedies owed to
it under derivative contracts. The creditworthiness of the counterparties is closely monitored in
order to minimize these risks. Participation in derivative transactions involves investment risks,
transaction costs, and potential losses to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of
these strategies. The consequences of these risks, transaction costs, and losses may have a
negative impact on the Funds ability to pay distributions.
Options. The Fund may purchase or write call or put options on securities or indices for the
purpose of increasing the income of the Fund. As a writer of put options, the Fund receives a
premium at the outset and then bears the risk of unfavorable changes in the price of the financial
instrument underlying the option. The Fund would incur a loss if the price of the underlying
financial instrument decreases between the date the option is written and the date on which the
option is terminated. The Fund would realize a gain, to the extent of the premium, if the price of
the financial instrument increases between those dates. If a written call option is exercised, the
premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether
there has been a realized gain or loss. If a written put option is exercised, the premium reduces
the cost basis of the security.
As a purchaser of put options, the Fund pays a premium for the right to sell to the seller of the
put option the underlying security at a specified price. The seller of the put has the obligation
to purchase the underlying security upon exercise at the exercise price. If the price of the
underlying security declines, the Fund would realize a gain upon sale or exercise. If the price of
the underlying security increases or stays the same, the Fund would realize a loss upon sale or at
the expiration date, but only to the extent of the premium paid.
In the case of call options, these exercise prices are referred to as in-the-money,
at-the-money, and out-of-the-money, respectively. The Fund may write (a) in-the-money call
options when the Adviser
expects that the price of the underlying security will remain stable or decline during the option
period, (b) at-the-money call options when the Adviser expects that the price of the underlying
security will remain stable, decline, or advance moderately during the option period, and (c)
out-of-the-money call options when the Adviser expects that the premiums received from writing the
call option will be greater than the appreciation in the price of the underlying security above the
exercise price. By writing a call option, the Fund limits its opportunity to profit from any
increase in the market value of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option.
Out-of-the-money, at-the-money, and in-the-money put options (the reverse of call options as to the
relation of exercise price to market price) may be utilized in the same market environments that
such call options are used in equivalent transactions. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the
Fund had no investments in options.
Futures Contracts. The Fund may engage in futures contracts for the purpose of hedging against
changes in the value of its portfolio securities and in the value of securities it intends to
purchase. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit with the broker an
amount of cash or cash equivalents equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This is
known as the initial margin. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received by the
Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, which are included
in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and futures contracts. The Fund recognizes a
realized gain or loss when the contract is closed.
There are several risks in connection with the use of futures contracts as a hedging instrument.
The change in value of futures contracts primarily corresponds with the value of their underlying
instruments, which may not correlate with the change in value of the hedged investments. In
addition, there is the risk that the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction
because of an illiquid secondary market. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Fund had no
investments in futures contracts.
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts. The Fund may engage in forward foreign exchange contracts for
the purpose of hedging a specific transaction with respect to either the currency in which the
transaction is denominated or another currency as deemed appropriate by the Adviser. Forward
foreign exchange contracts are valued at the forward rate and are marked-to-market daily. The
change in market value is included in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and
foreign currency translations. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or
loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the
value at the time it was closed.
9
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The use of forward foreign exchange contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the
underlying prices of the Funds portfolio securities, but it does establish a rate of exchange that
can be achieved in the future. Although forward foreign exchange contracts limit the risk of loss
due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also limit any potential gain that might
result should the value of the currency increase. In addition, the Fund could be exposed to risks
if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts. During the
year ended December 31, 2009, the Fund had no investments in forward foreign exchange contracts.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with primary
government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Board, with member banks of the
Federal Reserve System, or with other brokers or dealers that meet credit guidelines
established by the Adviser and reviewed by the Board. Under the terms of a typical repurchase
agreement, the Fund takes possession of an underlying debt obligation subject to an obligation
of the seller to repurchase, and the Fund to resell, the obligation at an agreed-upon price and
time, thereby determining the yield during the Funds holding period. It is the policy of the
Fund to always receive and maintain securities as collateral whose market value, including
accrued interest, is at least equal to 102% of the dollar amount invested by the Fund in each
agreement. The Fund will make payment for such securities only upon physical delivery or upon
evidence of book entry transfer of the collateral to the account of the custodian. To the
extent that any repurchase transaction exceeds one business day, the value of the collateral is
marked-to-market on a daily basis to maintain the adequacy of the collateral. If the seller
defaults and the value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are
commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the Fund
may be delayed or limited. At December 31, 2009, there were no open repurchase agreements.
Investments in other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest, from time to time, in
shares of other investment companies (or entities that would be considered investment companies
but are excluded from the definition pursuant to certain exceptions under the 1940 Act) (the
Acquired Funds) in accordance with the 1940 Act and related rules. As a shareholder in the
Fund, you would bear the pro rata portion of the periodic expenses of the Acquired Funds in
addition to the Funds expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Fund did not hold
any investments in Acquired Funds.
Foreign Currency Translations. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S.
dollars. Foreign currencies, investments, and other assets and liabilities are translated into
U.S. dollars at the current exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities,
income, and expenses are translated at the exchange rate prevailing on the respective dates of
such transactions. Unrealized gains and losses that result from changes in foreign exchange
rates and/or changes in market prices of securities have been included in unrealized
appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations. Net realized
foreign currency gains and losses resulting from changes in exchange rates include foreign
currency gains and losses between trade date and settlement date on investment securities
transactions, foreign currency transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest
and dividends recorded on the books of the Fund and the amounts actually received. The portion
of foreign currency gains and losses related to fluctuation in exchange rates between the
initial trade date and subsequent sale trade date is included in realized gain/loss on
investments.
Foreign Securities. The Fund may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers.
Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks not typically associated with
investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The risks include possible revaluation of currencies,
the inability to repatriate funds, less complete financial information about companies, and
possible future adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities of many
foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those
of securities of comparable U.S. issuers.
Foreign Taxes. The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments,
or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such
taxes and recoveries as applicable, based upon its current interpretation of tax rules and
regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.
Restricted and Illiquid Securities. The Fund may invest without limit in illiquid
securities. Illiquid securities include securities the disposition of which is subject to
substantial legal or contractual restrictions. The sale of illiquid securities often requires
more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling
expenses than does the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges
or in the over-the-counter markets. Restricted securities may sell at a price lower than
similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Securities freely saleable
among qualified institutional investors under special rules adopted by the SEC may be treated
as liquid if they satisfy liquidity standards established by the Board. The continued liquidity
of such securities is not as well assured as that of publicly traded securities, and
accordingly the Board will monitor their liquidity.
10
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Concentration Risks. The Fund will invest a significant portion of its assets in
companies in the healthcare and wellness industries. As a result, the Fund may be more
susceptible to economic, political, and regulatory developments in this particular sector of
the market, positive or negative, and may experience increased volatility to the Funds NAV and
a magnified effect in its total return.
Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Securities transactions are accounted for
on the trade date with realized gain or loss on investments determined by using the identified
cost method.
Interest income (including amortization of premium and accretion of discount) is recorded
on the accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the
effective yield to maturity method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except
for certain dividends which are recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of the dividend.
Custodian Fee Credits and Interest Expense. When cash balances are maintained in the
custody account, the Fund receives credits which are used to offset custodian fees. The gross
expenses paid under the custody arrangement are included in custodian fees in the Statement of
Operations with the corresponding expense offset, if any, shown as custodian fee credits.
When cash balances are overdrawn, the Fund is charged an overdraft fee equal to 110% of the 90
day Treasury Bill rate on outstanding balances. This amount, if any, would be included in
interest expense in the Statement of Operations.
Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the
ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are based on income and capital gains as
determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from income and
capital gains as determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These
differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment
securities and foreign currency transactions held by the Fund, timing differences, write-offs
of net operating loss, and differing characterizations of distributions made by the Fund.
Distributions from net investment income for federal income tax purposes include net realized
gains on foreign currency transactions. These book/tax differences are either temporary or
permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, adjustments are made to the
appropriate capital accounts in the period when the differences arise. Permanent differences
were primarily due to recharacterization of distributions and the write-off of net operating
loss. These reclassifications have no impact on the NAV of the Fund. For the year ended
December 31, 2009, reclassifications were made to decrease accumulated net investment loss by
$409,717 and decrease accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency
transactions by $2,105, with an offsetting adjustment to additional paid in capital.
The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended December 31, 2009 and December
31, 2008 was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Distributions paid from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary income
(inclusive of short-term capital gains) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
423,722 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total distributions paid |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
423,722 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for Income Taxes. The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
Code). It is the policy of the Fund to comply with the requirements of the Code applicable to
regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment
company taxable income and net capital gains. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes
is required.
As of December 31, 2009, the components of accumulated earnings/losses on a tax basis were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated capital loss carryforwards |
|
$ |
(3,501,073 |
) |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and
foreign currency translations |
|
|
2,445,642 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
(1,055,431 |
) |
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2009, the Fund had net capital loss carryforwards for federal income
tax purposes of $3,501,073 which are available to reduce future required distributions of net
capital gains to shareholders. $1,540,875 is available through 2016; and $1,960,198 is
available through 2017.
At December 31, 2009, the difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized
appreciation was primarily due to deferral of losses from wash sales for tax purposes.
11
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following summarizes the tax cost of investments and the related unrealized
appreciation/depreciation at December 31, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Unrealized |
|
Gross Unrealized |
|
Net Unrealized |
|
|
Cost |
|
Appreciation |
|
Depreciation |
|
Appreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments |
|
$ |
64,065,193 |
|
|
$ |
7,201,560 |
|
|
$ |
(4,756,463 |
) |
|
$ |
2,445,097 |
|
The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be 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. Income tax and
related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax expense in the Statement
of Operations if the tax positions were deemed to not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Fund did not incur any income tax, interest, or
penalties. As of December 31, 2009, the Adviser has reviewed all open tax years and concluded
that there was no impact to the Funds net assets or results of operations. Tax years ended
December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2009, remain subject to examination by the Internal
Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. On an ongoing basis, the Adviser will monitor its
tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary.
3. Agreements and Transactions with Affiliates. The Fund has entered into an investment advisory
agreement (the Advisory Agreement) with the Adviser which provides that the Fund will pay the
Adviser a fee, computed weekly and paid monthly, equal on an annual basis to 1.00% of the value of
the Funds average weekly net assets. In accordance with the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser
provides a continuous investment program for the Funds portfolio and oversees the administration
of all aspects of the Funds business and affairs.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Fund paid brokerage commissions on security
trades of $44,673 to Gabelli & Company, Inc. (Gabelli & Company), an affiliate of the
Adviser.
The cost of calculating the Funds NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the
Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. During the year ended December 31, 2009,
the Fund paid or accrued $41,250 to the Adviser in connection with the cost of computing the
Funds NAV.
As per the approval of the Board, the Fund compensates officers of the Fund, who are
employed by the Fund and are not employed by the Adviser (although the officers may receive
incentive based variable compensation from affiliates of the Adviser) and pays its allocated
portion of the cost of the Funds Chief Compliance Officer. For the year ended December 31,
2009, the Fund accrued $88,499 in payroll expenses in the Statement of Operations.
The Fund pays each Trustee who is not considered an affiliated person an annual retainer
of $3,000 plus $1,000 for each Board meeting attended. Each Trustee is reimbursed by the Fund
for any out of pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. In addition, the Audit Committee
Chairman receives an annual fee of $3,000, the Nominating Committee Chairman receives an annual
fee of
$2,000, and the Lead Trustee receives an annual fee of $1,000. A Trustee may receive a
single meeting fee, allocated among the participating funds, for participation in certain
meetings held on behalf of multiple funds. Trustees who are directors or employees of the
Adviser or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the
Fund.
4. Advisory Fee Reduction on Unsupervised Assets. This reduction in the advisory fee paid to the
Adviser relates to certain portfolio holdings, i.e., unsupervised assets, of the Fund with respect
to which the Adviser has transferred dispositive and voting control to the Funds Proxy Voting
Committee. During 2009, the Funds Proxy Voting Committee exercised control and discretion over all
rights to vote or consent with respect to such securities and the Adviser reduced its fee with
respect to such securities by $1,066.
5. Portfolio Securities. Purchases and sales of securities for the year ended December 31, 2009,
other than short-term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $33,909,276 and
$28,745,312, respectively.
6. Capital. The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest
(par value $0.001). The Board has authorized the repurchase of its shares on the open market when
the shares are trading on the NYSE at a discount of 10% or more (or such other percentage as the
Board may determine from time to time) from the NAV of the shares. During the years ended December
31, 2009, and December 31, 2008, the Fund did not have any transactions in shares of beneficial
interest.
12
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. Indemnifications. The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of
indemnifications. The Funds maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the
Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to
be remote.
8. Other Matters. On April 24, 2008, the Adviser entered into an administrative settlement with the
SEC to resolve the SECs inquiry regarding prior frequent trading activity in shares of the GAMCO
Global Growth Fund (the Global Growth Fund) by one investor who was banned from the Global Growth
Fund in August 2002. In the settlement, the SEC found that the Adviser had violated Section 206(2)
of the Investment Advisers Act, Section 17(d) of the 1940 Act, and Rule 17d-1 thereunder, and had
aided and abetted and caused violations of Section 12(d)(1)(B)(i) of the 1940 Act. Under the terms
of the settlement, the Adviser, while neither admitting nor denying the SECs findings and
allegations, agreed, among other things, to pay the previously reserved total of $16 million
(including a $5 million penalty), of which at least $11 million will be distributed to shareholders
of the Global Growth Fund in accordance with a plan developed by an independent distribution
consultant and approved by the independent directors of the Global Growth Fund and the staff of the
SEC, and to cease and desist from future violations of the above referenced federal securities
laws. The settlement will not have a material adverse impact on the Adviser or its ability to
fulfill its obligations under the Advisory Agreement. On the same day, the SEC filed a civil action
against the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser, alleging
violations of certain federal securities laws arising from the same matter. The officer is also an
officer of the Global Growth Fund and other funds in the Gabelli/GAMCO fund complex including the
Fund. The officer denies the allegations and is continuing in his positions with the Adviser and
the funds. The Adviser currently expects that any resolution of the action against the officer will
not have a material adverse impact on the Fund or the Adviser or its ability to fulfill its
obligations under the Advisory Agreement.
9. Subsequent Events. Management has evaluated the impact on the Fund of events occurring
subsequent to December 31, 2009 through February 25, 2010, the date the financial statements were
issued, and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure
in the financial statements.
13
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust:
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of
investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the
financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The
Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust (hereafter referred to as the Trust) at December
31, 2009, the results of its operations for the year then ended, and the changes in its net assets
for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the
periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America. The financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as financial
statements) are the responsibility of the Trusts management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits, which included confirmation of securities at December 31, 2009 by correspondence with the
custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 25, 2010
14
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx
TRUST
ADDITIONAL FUND INFORMATION (Unaudited)
The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Funds
Board of Trustees. Information pertaining to the Trustees and officers of the Fund is set forth
below. The Funds Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the
Funds Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800-GABELLI
(800-422-3554) or by writing to The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust at One
Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422.
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|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Term of |
|
Funds in Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Office and |
|
Complex |
|
|
|
|
Name, Position(s) |
|
Length of |
|
Overseen by |
|
Principal Occupation(s) |
|
Other Directorships |
Address1 and Age |
|
Time Served2 |
|
Trustee |
|
During Past Five Years |
|
Held by Trustee4 |
INTERESTED TRUSTEES3: |
Mario J. Gabelli Trustee
and Chief Investment
Officer Age: 67
|
|
Since 2007***
|
|
26
|
|
Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of
GAMCO Investors, Inc.
and Chief Investment
Officer Value
Portfolios of Gabelli
Funds, LLC and
GAMCO Asset Management
Inc.;
Director/Trustee or
Chief Investment
Officer of other
registered investment
companies in the
Gabelli/GAMCO Funds
complex; Chairman
and Chief Executive
Officer of GGCP, Inc.
|
|
Director of Morgan Group
Holdings, Inc.
(holding company);
Chairman of the Board
of LICT Corp.
(multimedia and
communication
services company);
Director of CIBL,
Inc. (broadcasting and
wireless
communications) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES 5: |
Thomas E. Bratter
Trustee
Age: 70
|
|
Since 2007**
|
|
4
|
|
Director, President, and
Founder of The John
Dewey Academy
(residential college
preparatory therapeutic
high school)
|
|
|
Anthony J. Colavita
Trustee
Age: 74
|
|
Since 2007*
|
|
34
|
|
President of the law firm
of Anthony J.
Colavita, P.C.
|
|
|
James P. Conn
Trustee
Age: 71
|
|
Since 2007**
|
|
18
|
|
Former Managing Director
and Chief Investment
Officer of Financial
Security Assurance
Holdings Ltd.
(insurance holding company)
(1992-1998)
|
|
|
Vincent D. Enright
Trustee
Age: 66
|
|
Since 2007***
|
|
16
|
|
Former Senior Vice
President and Chief
Financial Officer of
KeySpan Corporation
(public utility)
(1994-1998)
|
|
Director of Echo
Therapeutics, Inc.
(therapeutics and
diagnostics) |
Robert C. Kolodny, MD
Trustee
Age: 65
|
|
Since 2007*
|
|
2
|
|
Physician; Principal of KBS
Management LLC
(investment adviser)
since 2006; General
Partner of KBS
Partnership, KBS II
Investment
Partnership, KBS III
Investment
Partnership, KBS IV
Limited Partnership,
KBS New Dimensions,
L.P., KBS Global
Opportunities, L.P. and
KBS VII Limited
Partnership (private
investment
partnerships)
since 1981; Medical
Director and Chairman
of the Board of the
Behavioral Medicine
Institute since 1983
|
|
|
Anthonie C. van Ekris
Trustee
Age: 75
|
|
Since 2007***
|
|
20
|
|
Chairman of BALMAC
International, Inc.
(commodities and
futures trading)
|
|
|
Salvatore J. Zizza
Trustee
Age: 64
|
|
Since 2007*
|
|
28
|
|
Chairman of Zizza & Co.,
Ltd. (consulting)
|
|
Director of Hollis-Eden
Pharmaceuticals
(biotechnology)
Director of Trans-Lux
Corporation (business
services) |
15
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
ADDITIONAL FUND INFORMATION (Continued) (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Term of |
|
|
Name, Position(s) |
|
Office and |
|
|
Address1 |
|
Length of |
|
Principal Occupation(s) |
and Age |
|
Time Served2 |
|
During Past Five Years |
OFFICERS: |
|
|
|
|
|
Bruce N. Alpert
Secretary
Age: 58
|
|
Since 2007
|
|
Executive Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer
of Gabelli Funds, LLC since
1988 and an
officer of all of the
registered investment
companies in the
Gabelli/GAMCO Funds
complex. Director
and President of Teton
Advisors, Inc. 1998 through
2008; Chairman of Teton
Advisors, Inc.
since 2008; Senior Vice
President of GAMCO
Investors, Inc. since 2008 |
|
Carter W. Austin
Vice President
Age: 43
|
|
Since 2007
|
|
Vice President of The
Gabelli Equity Trust Inc.
since 2000, Vice President
of The Gabelli
Dividend & Income
Trust since 2003, The
Gabelli Global Gold,
Natural Resources & Income
Trust since 2005,
The Gabelli Global Deal
Fund since 2006; Vice
President of Gabelli Funds,
LLC since 1996 |
|
Peter D. Goldstein
Chief Compliance Officer
Age: 56
|
|
Since 2007
|
|
Director of Regulatory
Affairs at GAMCO Investors,
Inc. since 2004; Chief
Compliance Officer
of all of the registered
investment companies in the
Gabelli/GAMCO Funds complex |
|
Agnes Mullady
President and Treasurer
Age: 51
|
|
Since 2006
|
|
Senior Vice President of
GAMCO Investors, Inc. since
2009; Vice President of
Gabelli Funds, LLC
since 2007;
Officer of all of the
registered investment
companies in the
Gabelli/GAMCO Funds
complex; Senior
Vice President of U.S.
Trust Company, N.A. and
Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer of
Excelsior Funds from
2004 through 2005; Chief
Financial Officer of AMIC
Distribution Partners
from 2002 through
2004 |
|
David I. Schachter
Vice President
Age: 56
|
|
Since 2007
|
|
Vice President of The
Gabelli Utility Trust since
1999, The Gabelli Global
Utility & Income Trust
since 2004, The Gabelli
Global Deal Fund since
2006; Vice President of
Gabelli & Company,
Inc. since 1999 |
|
Adam E. Tokar
Assistant Vice President
& Ombudsman
Age: 29
|
|
Since 2007
|
|
Assistant Vice President of
the Fund since 2007;
Portfolio Administrator
for GAMCO Asset
Management, Inc. 2003
through 2006 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Address: One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422, unless otherwise noted. |
|
2 |
|
The Funds Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, each class having a term
of three years. Each year the term of
office of one class expires and the successor or successors elected to such class serve for
a three year term. The three year term for each class expires as follows: |
|
* |
|
Term expires at the Funds 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until
their successors are duly elected and qualified. |
|
|
** |
|
Term expires at the Funds 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until
their successors are duly elected and qualified. |
|
|
*** |
|
Term expires at the Funds 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until
their successors are duly elected and qualified. |
|
|
|
|
|
Each officer will hold office for an indefinite term until the date he or she resigns or
retires or until his or her successor is elected and qualified. |
|
3 |
|
Interested person of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act. Mr. Gabelli is
considered an interested person of the Fund because of his affiliation with Gabelli
Funds, LLC which acts as the Funds investment adviser. |
|
4 |
|
This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (i.e. public companies) or other
investment companies registered under the 1940 Act. |
|
5 |
|
Trustees who are not interested persons are considered Independent Trustees. |
Certifications
The Funds Chief Executive Officer has certified to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
that, as of June 12, 2009, she was not aware of any violation by the Fund of applicable NYSE
corporate governance listing standards. The Fund reports to the SEC on Form N-CSR which
contains certifications by the Funds principal executive officer and principal financial
officer that relate to the Funds disclosure in such reports and that are required by Rule
30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act.
16
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
INCOME TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)
December 31, 2009
Historical Distribution Summary
Common Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-Term |
|
|
|
|
Investment |
|
Capital |
|
Total |
|
|
Income (a) |
|
Gains (a) |
|
Distributions |
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
$ |
0.0114 |
|
|
$ |
0.0386 |
|
|
$ |
0.0500 |
|
2007 |
|
|
0.0115 |
|
|
|
0.0385 |
|
|
|
0.0500 |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Taxable as ordinary income for federal tax purposes. |
All designations are based on financial information available as of the date of this
annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of
the Fund to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code and the
regulations thereunder.
The Annual Meeting of The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trusts shareholders
will be held on Monday, May 17, 2010 at the Greenwich Library in Greenwich, Connecticut.
17
AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLANS
Enrollment in the Plan
It is the policy of The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust (the Fund) to
automatically reinvest dividends. As a registered shareholder you automatically become a
participant in the Funds Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the Plan). The Plan
authorizes the Fund to credit common shares to participants upon an income dividend or a
capital gains distribution regardless of whether the shares are trading at a discount or a
premium to net asset value. All distributions to shareholders whose shares are registered in
their own names will be automatically reinvested pursuant to the Plan in additional shares of
the Fund. Plan participants may send their shares certificates to Computershare Trust Company,
N.A. (Computershare) to be held in their dividend reinvestment account. Registered
shareholders wishing to receive their distribution in cash must submit this request in writing
to:
The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust
c/o Computershare
P.O. Box 43010
Providence, RI 02940-3010
Shareholders requesting this cash election must include the
shareholders name and address as they appear on the share certificate. Shareholders with
additional questions regarding the Plan, or requesting a copy of the terms of the Plan, may
contact Computershare at (800) 336-6983.
If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank, or nominee, you should contact
such institution. If such institution is not participating in the Plan, your account will be
credited with a cash dividend. In order to participate in the Plan through such institution,
it may be necessary for you to have your shares taken out of street name and re-registered
in your own name. Once registered in your own name your dividends will be automatically
reinvested. Certain brokers participate in the Plan. Shareholders holding shares in street
name at participating institutions will have dividends automatically reinvested. Shareholders
wishing a cash dividend at such institution must contact their broker to make this change.
The number of common shares distributed to participants in the Plan in lieu of cash
dividends is determined in the following manner. Under the Plan, whenever the market price of
the Funds common shares is equal to or exceeds net asset value at the time shares are valued
for purposes of determining the number of shares equivalent to the cash dividends or capital
gains distribution, participants are issued common shares valued at the greater of (i) the net
asset value as most recently determined or (ii) 95% of the then current market price of the
Funds common shares. The valuation date is the dividend or distribution payment date or, if
that date is not a New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) trading day, the next trading day. If the
net asset value of the common shares at the time of valuation exceeds the market price of the
common shares, participants will receive shares from the Fund valued at market price. If the
Fund should declare a dividend or capital gains distribution payable only in cash,
Computershare will buy common shares in the open market, or on the NYSE or elsewhere, for the
participants accounts, except that Computershare will endeavor to terminate purchases in the
open market and cause the Fund to issue shares at net asset value if, following the
commencement of such purchases, the market value of the common shares exceeds the then current
net asset value.
The automatic reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions will not relieve
participants of any income tax which may be payable on such distributions. A participant in
the Plan will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received, on a dividend
payment date, a dividend or distribution in an amount equal to the cash the participant could
have received instead of shares.
Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan
The Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan is yet another vehicle for our shareholders to increase
their investment in the Fund. In order to participate in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan,
shareholders must have their shares registered in their own name.
Participants in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan have the option of making additional
cash payments to Computershare for investments in the Funds shares at the then current market
price. Shareholders may send an amount from $250 to $10,000. Computershare will use these
funds to purchase shares in the open market on or about the 1st and 15th of each month.
Computershare will charge each shareholder who participates $0.75, plus a pro rata share of
the brokerage commissions.
Brokerage charges for such purchases are expected to be less than the usual brokerage
charge for such transactions. It is suggested that any voluntary cash payments be sent to
Computershare, P.O. Box 43010, Providence, RI 029403010 such that Computershare receives
such payments approximately 10 days before the 1st and 15th of the month. Funds not received
at least five days before the investment date shall be held for investment until the next
purchase date. A payment may be withdrawn without charge if notice is received by
Computershare at least 48 hours before such payment is to be invested.
Shareholders wishing to liquidate shares held at Computershare must do so in writing or
by telephone. Please submit your request to the above mentioned address or telephone number.
Include in your request your name, address, and account number. The cost to liquidate shares
is $2.50 per transaction as well as the brokerage commission incurred. Brokerage charges are
expected to be less than the usual brokerage charge for such transactions.
For more information regarding the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Voluntary Cash Purchase
Plan, brochures are available by calling (914) 921-5070 or by writing directly to the Fund.
The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plans as applied to any voluntary
cash payments made and any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the
change sent to the members of the Plan at least 90 days before the record date for such
dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by Computershare on at
least 90 days written notice to participants in the Plan.
18
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trustees |
|
Officers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer,
GAMCO Investors, Inc.
|
|
Bruce N. Alpert
Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Thomas E. Bratter
President & Founder, John Dewey Academy
|
|
Carter W. Austin
Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony J. Colavita
President,
Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.
|
|
Peter D. Goldstein Chief Compliance Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James P. Conn
Former Managing Director &
Chief Investment Officer,
Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd.
|
|
Agnes Mullady President & Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vincent D. Enright
Former Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer,
KeySpan Corp.
|
|
David I. Schachter Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert C. Kolodny, MD
Physician, Principal of KBS Management LLC
|
|
Adam E. Tokar Assistant Vice President & Ombudsman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthonie C. van Ekris
Chairman, BALMAC International, Inc.
|
|
Investment Adviser
Gabelli Funds, LLC
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salvatore J. Zizza
Chairman, Zizza & Co., Ltd.
|
|
Custodian
The Bank of New York Mellon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Counsel
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Exchange Listing
|
|
Common
|
|
|
NYSESymbol:
|
|
GRX
|
|
|
Shares Outstanding:
|
|
|
8,474,459 |
|
The Net Asset Value per share appears in the Publicly Traded Funds column, under the heading
Specialized Equity Funds, in Mondays The Wall Street Journal. It is also listed in Barrons
Mutual Funds/Closed End Funds section under the heading Specialized Equity Funds.
The Net Asset Value per share may be obtained each day by calling (914) 921-5070 or visiting
www.gabelli.com.
For general information about the Gabelli Funds, call 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554), fax us at
914-921-5118, visit Gabelli Funds Internet homepage at: www.gabelli.com, or e-mail us at:
closedend@gabelli.com
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, that the Fund may, from time to time, purchase its common shares in the open market when
the Funds shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more from the net asset value of the shares.
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
|
(a) |
|
The registrant, as of the end of the period covered by this report, has adopted a code
of ethics that applies to the registrants principal executive officer, principal financial
officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar
functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a
third party. |
|
|
(c) |
|
There have been no amendments, during the period covered by this report, to a provision
of the code of ethics that applies to the registrants principal executive officer,
principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons
performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the
registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics
description. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The registrant has not granted any waivers, including an implicit waiver, from a
provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrants principal executive
officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or
persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed
by the registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth in
paragraph (b) of this items instructions. |
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
As of the end of the period covered by the report, the registrants Board of Trustees has
determined that Vincent D. Enright is qualified to serve as an audit committee financial expert
serving on its audit committee and that he is independent, as defined by Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Audit Fees
|
(a) |
|
The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional
services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrants annual
financial statements or services
that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory
filings or engagements for those fiscal years are $31,900 for 2008 and $30,400 for 2009. |
Audit-Related Fees
|
(b) |
|
The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and
related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance
of the audit of the registrants financial statements and are not reported under paragraph
(a) of this Item are $0 for 2008 and $0 for 2009. |
Tax Fees
|
(c) |
|
The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional
services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax
planning are $3,250 for 2008 and $3,250 for 2009. Tax fees represent tax compliance
services provided in connection with the review of the Registrants tax returns. |
All Other Fees
|
(d) |
|
The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and
services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in
paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item are $0 for 2008 and $0 for 2009. |
|
|
(e)(1) |
|
Disclose the audit committees pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph
(c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. |
|
|
|
|
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. The Audit Committee (Committee) of the registrant
is responsible for pre-approving (i) all audit and permissible non-audit services to be
provided by the independent registered public accounting firm to the registrant and (ii) all
permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public
accounting firm to the Adviser, Gabelli Funds, LLC, and any affiliate of Gabelli Funds, LLC
(Gabelli) that provides services to the registrant (a Covered Services Provider) if the
independent registered public accounting firms engagement related directly to the
operations and financial reporting of the registrant. The Committee may delegate its
responsibility to pre-approve any such audit and permissible non-audit services to the
Chairperson of the Committee, and the Chairperson must report to the Committee, at its next
regularly scheduled meeting after the Chairpersons pre-approval of such services, his or
her decision(s). The Committee may also establish detailed pre-approval policies and
procedures for pre-approval of such services in accordance with applicable laws, including
the delegation of some or all of the Committees pre-approval responsibilities to the other
persons (other than Gabelli or the registrants officers). Pre-approval by the Committee of
any permissible non-audit services is not required so long as: (i) the permissible non-audit
services were not recognized by the registrant at the time of the engagement to be non-audit
services; and (ii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee and
approved by the Committee or Chairperson prior to the completion of the audit. |
|
|
(e)(2) |
|
The percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item
that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of
Regulation S-X are as follows: |
|
(f) |
|
The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountants engagement to audit the
registrants financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to
work performed by persons other than the principal accountants full-time, permanent
employees was zero percent (0%). |
|
(g) |
|
The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrants accountant for services
rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrants investment adviser (not
including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted
with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by,
or under common control with the
adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal
years of the registrant was $0 for 2008 and $0 for 2009. |
|
|
(h) |
|
The registrants audit committee of the board of directors has considered whether the
provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrants investment adviser
(not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is
subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling,
controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing
services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of
Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountants
independence. |
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed registrants.
The registrant has a separately designated audit committee consisting of the following
members: Anthony J. Colavita, Vincent D. Enright, and Salvatore J. Zizza.
Item 6. Investments.
(a) |
|
Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the
reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this
form. |
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment
Companies.
The Proxy Voting Policies are attached herewith.
The Voting of Proxies on Behalf of Clients
Rules 204(4)-2 and 204-2 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and Rule 30b1-4 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 require investment advisers to adopt written policies and procedures
governing the voting of proxies on behalf of their clients.
These procedures will be used by GAMCO Asset Management Inc., Gabelli Funds, LLC, Gabelli
Securities, Inc., and Teton Advisors, Inc. (collectively, the Advisers) to determine how to vote
proxies relating to portfolio securities held by their clients, including the procedures that the
Advisers use when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of the shareholders of an
investment company managed by one of the Advisers, on the one hand, and those of the Advisers; the
principal underwriter; or any affiliated person of the investment company, the Advisers, or the
principal underwriter. These procedures will not apply where the Advisers do not have voting
discretion or where the Advisers have agreed to with a client to vote the clients proxies in
accordance with specific guidelines or procedures supplied by the client (to the extent permitted
by ERISA).
I. Proxy Voting Committee
The Proxy Voting Committee was originally formed in April 1989 for the purpose of formulating
guidelines and reviewing proxy statements within the parameters set by the substantive proxy voting
guidelines originally published in 1988 and updated periodically, a copy of which are appended as
Exhibit A. The Committee will include representatives of Research, Administration, Legal, and the
Advisers. Additional or replacement members of the Committee will be nominated by the Chairman and
voted upon by the entire Committee.
Meetings are held as needed basis to form views on the manner in which the Advisers should
vote proxies on behalf of their clients.
In general, the Director of Proxy Voting Services, using the Proxy Guidelines, recommendations
of Institutional Shareholder Corporate Governance Service (ISS), other third-party services and
the
analysts of Gabelli & Company, Inc., will determine how to vote on each issue. For
non-controversial matters, the Director of Proxy Voting Services may vote the proxy if the vote is
(1) consistent with the recommendations of the issuers Board of Directors and not contrary to the
Proxy Guidelines; (2) consistent with the recommendations of the issuers Board of Directors and is
a non-controversial issue not covered by the Proxy Guidelines; or (3) the vote is contrary to the
recommendations of the Board of Directors but is consistent with the Proxy Guidelines. In those
instances, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Chairman of the Committee may sign and date
the proxy statement indicating how each issue will be voted.
All matters identified by the Chairman of the Committee, the Director of Proxy Voting Services
or the Legal Department as controversial, taking into account the
recommendations of ISS or other
third party services and the analysts of Gabelli & Company, Inc., will be presented to the Proxy
Voting Committee. If the Chairman of the Committee, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the
Legal Department has identified the matter as one that (1) is controversial; (2) would benefit from
deliberation by the Proxy Voting Committee; or (3) may give rise to a conflict of interest between
the Advisers and their clients, the Chairman of the Committee will initially determine what vote to
recommend that the Advisers should cast and the matter will go before the Committee.
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A. |
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Conflicts of Interest. |
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The Advisers have implemented these proxy voting procedures in order to prevent
conflicts of interest from influencing their proxy voting decisions. By following
the Proxy Guidelines, as well as the recommendations of ISS, other third-party
services and the analysts of Gabelli & Company, the Advisers are able to avoid,
wherever possible, the influence of potential conflicts of interest. Nevertheless,
circumstances may arise in which one or more of the Advisers are faced with a
conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest in connection with
its vote. In general, a conflict of interest may arise when an Adviser knowingly
does business with an issuer, and may appear to have a material conflict between its
own interests and the interests of the shareholders of an investment company managed
by one of the Advisers regarding how the proxy is to be voted. A conflict also may
exist when an Adviser has actual knowledge of a material business arrangement between
an issuer and an affiliate of the Adviser. |
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In practical terms, a conflict of interest may arise, for example, when a proxy is
voted for a company that is a client of one of the Advisers, such as GAMCO Asset
Management Inc. A conflict also may arise when a client of one of the Advisers has
made a shareholder proposal in a proxy to be voted upon by one or more of the
Advisers. The Director of Proxy Voting Services, together with the Legal Department,
will scrutinize all
proxies for these or other situations that may give rise to a conflict of interest
with respect to the voting of proxies. |
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B. |
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Operation of Proxy Voting Committee |
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For matters submitted to the Committee, each member of the Committee will receive,
prior to the meeting, a copy of the proxy statement, any relevant third party
research, a summary of any views provided by the Chief Investment Officer and any
recommendations by Gabelli & Company, Inc. analysts. The Chief Investment Officer or
the Gabelli & Company, Inc. analysts may be invited to present their viewpoints. If
the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Legal Department believe that the matter
before the committee is one with respect to which a conflict of interest may exist
between the Advisers and their clients, counsel will |
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provide an opinion to the
Committee concerning the conflict. If the matter is one in which the interests of
the clients of one or more of Advisers may diverge, counsel will so advise and the
Committee may make different recommendations as to different clients. For any
matters where the recommendation may
trigger appraisal rights, counsel will provide an opinion concerning the likely risks
and merits of such an appraisal action. |
Each matter submitted to the Committee will be determined by the vote of a majority of the
members present at the meeting. Should the vote concerning one or more recommendations be tied in
a vote of the Committee, the Chairman of the Committee will cast the deciding vote. The Committee
will notify the proxy department of its decisions and the proxies will be voted accordingly.
Although the Proxy Guidelines express the normal preferences for the voting of any shares not
covered by a contrary investment guideline provided by the client, the Committee is not bound by
the preferences set forth in the Proxy Guidelines and will review each matter on its own merits.
Written minutes of all Proxy Voting Committee meetings will be maintained. The Advisers subscribe
to ISS, which supplies current information on companies, matters being voted on, regulations,
trends in proxy voting and information on corporate governance issues.
If the vote cast either by the analyst or as a result of the deliberations of the Proxy Voting
Committee runs contrary to the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the issuer, the matter
will be referred to legal counsel to determine whether an amendment to the most recently filed
Schedule 13D is appropriate.
II. Social Issues and Other Client Guidelines
If a client has provided special instructions relating to the voting of proxies, they should
be noted in the clients account file and forwarded to the proxy department. This is the
responsibility of the investment professional or sales assistant for the client. In accordance
with Department of Labor guidelines, the Advisers policy is to vote on behalf of ERISA accounts in
the best interest of the plan participants with regard to social issues that carry an economic
impact. Where an account is not governed by ERISA, the Advisers will vote shares held on behalf of
the client in a manner consistent with any individual investment/voting guidelines provided by the
client. Otherwise the Advisers will abstain with respect to those shares.
III. Client Retention of Voting Rights
If a client chooses to retain the right to vote proxies or if there is any change in voting
authority, the following should be notified by the investment professional or sales assistant for
the client.
- Operations
- Legal Department
- Proxy Department
- Investment professional assigned to the account
In the event that the Board of Directors (or a Committee thereof) of one or more of the
investment companies managed by one of the Advisers has retained direct voting control over any
security, the Proxy Voting Department will provide each Board Member (or Committee member) with a
copy of the proxy statement together with any other relevant information including recommendations
of ISS or other third-party services.
IV. Voting Records
The Proxy Voting Department will retain a record of matters voted upon by the Advisers for
their clients. The Advisers will supply information on how an account voted its proxies upon
request.
A letter is sent to the custodians for all clients for which the Advisers have voting
responsibility instructing them to forward all proxy materials to:
[Adviser name]
Attn: Proxy Voting Department
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1433
The sales assistant sends the letters to the custodians along with the trading/DTC instructions.
Proxy voting records will be retained in compliance with Rule 204-2 under the Investment Advisers
Act.
V. Voting Procedures
1. Custodian banks, outside brokerage firms and clearing firms are responsible for forwarding
proxies directly to the Advisers.
Proxies are received in one of two forms:
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Shareholder Vote Authorization Forms (VAFs) Issued by Broadridge Financial Solutions,
Inc. (Broadridge) VAFs must be voted through the issuing institution causing a time lag.
Broadridge is an outside service contracted by the various institutions to issue proxy
materials. |
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Proxy cards which may be voted directly. |
2. Upon receipt of the proxy, the number of shares each form represents is logged into the proxy
system according to security.
3. In the case of a discrepancy such as an incorrect number of shares, an improperly signed
or dated card, wrong class of security, etc., the issuing custodian is notified by phone. A
corrected proxy is requested. Any arrangements are made to insure that a
proper proxy is received
in time to be voted (overnight delivery, fax, etc.). When securities are out on loan on record
date, the custodian is requested to supply written verification.
4. Upon receipt of instructions from the proxy committee (see Administrative), the votes are cast
and recorded for each account on an individual basis.
Records have been maintained on the Proxy Edge system. The system is backed up regularly.
Proxy Edge records include:
Security Name and Cusip Number
Date and Type of Meeting (Annual, Special, Contest)
Client Name
Adviser or Fund Account Number
Directors Recommendation
How GAMCO voted for the client on each issue
5. VAFs are kept alphabetically by security. Records for the current proxy season are located in
the Proxy Voting Department office. In preparation for the upcoming season, files are transferred
to an offsite storage facility during January/February.
6. Shareholder Vote Authorization Forms issued by Broadridge are always sent directly to a
specific individual at Broadridge.
7. If a proxy card or VAF is received too late to be voted in the conventional matter, every
attempt is made to vote on one of the following manners:
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VAFs can be faxed to Broadridge up until the time of the meeting. This is followed up by
mailing the original form. |
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When a solicitor has been retained, the solicitor is called. At the solicitors direction,
the proxy is faxed. |
8. In the case of a proxy contest, records are maintained for each opposing entity.
9. Voting in Person
a) At times it may be necessary to vote the shares in person. In this case, a legal proxy is
obtained in the following manner:
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Banks and brokerage firms using the services at Broadridge: |
The back of the VAF is stamped indicating that we wish to vote in person. The forms are then
sent overnight to Broadridge. Broadridge issues individual legal proxies and
sends them back via
overnight (or the Adviser can pay messenger charges). A lead-time of at least two weeks prior to
the meeting is needed to do this. Alternatively, the procedures detailed below for banks not using
Broadridge may be implemented.
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Banks and brokerage firms issuing proxies directly: |
The bank is called and/or faxed and a legal proxy is requested.
All legal proxies should appoint:
Representative of [Adviser name] with full power of substitution.
b) The legal proxies are given to the person attending the meeting along with the following
supplemental material:
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A limited Power of Attorney appointing the attendee an Adviser representative. |
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A list of all shares being voted by custodian only. Client names and account numbers are
not included. This list must be presented, along with the proxies, to the Inspectors of
Elections and/or tabulator at least one-half hour prior to the scheduled start of the meeting.
The tabulator must qualify the votes (i.e. determine if the vote have previously been cast,
if the votes have been rescinded, etc. vote have previously been cast, etc.). |
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A sample ERISA and Individual contract. |
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A sample of the annual authorization to vote proxies form. |
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A copy of our most recent Schedule 13D filing (if applicable). |
Appendix A
Proxy Guidelines
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy of GAMCO Investors, Inc. to vote in the best economic interests of our clients.
As we state in our Magna Carta of Shareholders Rights, established in May 1988, we are neither for
nor against management. We are for shareholders.
At our first proxy committee meeting in 1989, it was decided that each proxy statement should be
evaluated on its own merits within the framework first established by our Magna Carta of
Shareholders Rights. The attached guidelines serve to enhance that broad framework.
We do not consider any issue routine. We take into consideration all of our research on the
company, its directors, and their short and long-term goals for the company. In cases where issues
that we generally
do not approve of are combined with other issues, the negative aspects of the issues will be
factored into the evaluation of the overall proposals but will not necessitate a vote in opposition
to the overall proposals.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The advisers do not consider the election of the Board of Directors a routine issue. Each slate of
directors is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Factors taken into consideration include:
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Historical responsiveness to shareholders |
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This may include such areas as: |
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- Paying greenmail |
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- Failure to adopt shareholder resolutions receiving a majority of shareholder votes |
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Nominating committee in place |
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Number of outside directors on the board |
SELECTION OF AUDITORS
In general, we support the Board of Directors recommendation for auditors.
BLANK CHECK PREFERRED STOCK
We oppose the issuance of blank check preferred stock.
Blank check preferred stock allows the company to issue stock and establish dividends, voting
rights, etc. without further shareholder approval.
CLASSIFIED BOARD
A classified board is one where the directors are divided into classes with overlapping terms. A
different class is elected at each annual meeting.
While a classified board promotes continuity of directors facilitating long range planning, we feel
directors should be accountable to shareholders on an annual basis. We will look
at this proposal
on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the boards historical responsiveness to the
rights of shareholders.
Where a classified board is in place we will generally not support attempts to change to an
annually elected board.
When an annually elected board is in place, we generally will not support attempts to classify the
board.
INCREASE AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK
The request to increase the amount of outstanding shares is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Factors taken into consideration include:
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Future use of additional shares |
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- Stock split |
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- Stock option or other executive compensation plan |
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- Finance growth of company/strengthen balance sheet |
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- Aid in restructuring |
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- Improve credit rating |
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- Implement a poison pill or other takeover defense |
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Amount of stock currently authorized but not yet issued or reserved for stock option plans |
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Amount of additional stock to be authorized and its dilutive effect |
We will support this proposal if a detailed and verifiable plan for the use of the additional
shares is contained in the proxy statement.
CONFIDENTIAL BALLOT
We support the idea that a shareholders identity and vote should be treated with confidentiality.
However, we look at this issue on a case-by-case basis.
In order to promote confidentiality in the voting process, we endorse the use of independent
Inspectors of Election.
CUMULATIVE VOTING
In general, we support cumulative voting.
Cumulative voting is a process by which a shareholder may multiply the number of directors being
elected by the number of shares held on record date and cast the total number for one candidate or
allocate the voting among two or more candidates.
Where cumulative voting is in place, we will vote against any proposal to rescind this shareholder
right.
Cumulative voting may result in a minority block of stock gaining representation on the board.
When a proposal is made to institute cumulative voting, the proposal will be reviewed on a
case-by-case basis. While we feel that each board member should represent all shareholders,
cumulative voting provides minority shareholders an opportunity to have their views represented.
DIRECTOR LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
We support efforts to attract the best possible directors by limiting the liability and increasing
the indemnification of directors, except in the case of insider dealing.
EQUAL ACCESS TO THE PROXY
The SECs rules provide for shareholder resolutions. However, the resolutions are limited in scope
and there is a 500 word limit on proponents written arguments. Management has no such
limitations. While we support equal access to the proxy, we would look at such variables as length
of time required to respond, percentage of ownership, etc.
FAIR PRICE PROVISIONS
Charter provisions requiring a bidder to pay all shareholders a fair price are intended to prevent
two-tier tender offers that may be abusive. Typically, these provisions do not apply to
board-approved transactions.
We support fair price provisions because we feel all shareholders should be entitled to receive the
same benefits.
Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
GOLDEN PARACHUTES
Golden parachutes are severance payments to top executives who are terminated or demoted after a
takeover.
We support any proposal that would assure management of its own welfare so that they may continue
to make decisions in the best interest of the company and shareholders even if the decision results
in them losing their job. We do not, however, support excessive golden parachutes. Therefore,
each proposal will be decided on a case-by- case basis.
Note: Congress has imposed a tax on any parachute that is more than three times the executives
average annual compensation.
ANTI-GREENMAIL PROPOSALS
We do not support greenmail. An offer extended to one shareholder should be extended to all
shareholders equally across the board.
LIMIT SHAREHOLDERS RIGHTS TO CALL SPECIAL MEETINGS
We support the right of shareholders to call a special meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF NONFINANCIAL EFFECTS OF A MERGER
This proposal releases the directors from only looking at the financial effects of a merger and
allows them the opportunity to consider the mergers effects on employees, the community, and
consumers.
As a fiduciary, we are obligated to vote in the best economic interests of our clients. In
general, this proposal does not allow us to do that. Therefore, we generally cannot support this
proposal.
Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
MERGERS, BUYOUTS, SPIN-OFFS, RESTRUCTURINGS
Each of the above is considered on a case-by-case basis. According to the Department of Labor, we
are not required to vote for a proposal simply because the offering price is at a premium to the
current market price. We may take into consideration the long term interests of the shareholders.
MILITARY ISSUES
Shareholder proposals regarding military production must be evaluated on a purely economic set of
criteria for our ERISA clients. As such, decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
In voting on this proposal for our non-ERISA clients, we will vote according to the clients
direction when applicable. Where no direction has been given, we will vote in the best economic
interests of our clients. It is not our duty to impose our social judgment on others.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Shareholder proposals requesting the signing of the MacBride principles for the purpose of
countering the discrimination of Catholics in hiring practices must be evaluated on a purely
economic set of criteria for our ERISA clients. As such, decisions will be made on a case-by-case
basis.
In voting on this proposal for our non-ERISA clients, we will vote according to client direction
when applicable. Where no direction has been given, we will vote in the best economic interests of
our clients. It is not our duty to impose our social judgment on others.
OPT OUT OF STATE ANTI-TAKEOVER LAW
This shareholder proposal requests that a company opt out of the coverage of the states takeover
statutes. Example: Delaware law requires that a buyer must acquire at least 85% of the companys
stock before the buyer can exercise control unless the board approves.
We consider this on a case-by-case basis. Our decision will be based on the following:
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Management history of responsiveness to shareholders |
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Other mitigating factors |
POISON PILL
In general, we do not endorse poison pills.
In certain cases where management has a history of being responsive to the needs of shareholders
and the stock is very liquid, we will reconsider this position.
REINCORPORATION
Generally, we support reincorporation for well-defined business reasons. We oppose reincorporation
if proposed solely for the purpose of reincorporating in a state with more stringent anti-takeover
statutes that may negatively impact the value of the stock.
STOCK OPTION PLANS
Stock option plans are an excellent way to attract, hold and motivate directors and employees.
However, each stock option plan must be evaluated on its own merits, taking into consideration the
following:
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Dilution of voting power or earnings per share by more than 10% |
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Kind of stock to be awarded, to whom, when and how much |
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Amount of stock already authorized but not yet issued under existing stock option plans |
SUPERMAJORITY VOTE REQUIREMENTS
Supermajority vote requirements in a companys charter or bylaws require a level of voting approval
in excess of a simple majority of the outstanding shares. In general, we oppose
supermajority-voting requirements. Supermajority requirements often exceed the average level of
shareholder participation. We support proposals approvals by a simple majority of the shares
voting.
LIMIT SHAREHOLDERS RIGHT TO ACT BY WRITTEN CONSENT
Written consent allows shareholders to initiate and carry on a shareholder action without having to
wait until the next annual meeting or to call a special meeting. It permits action to be taken by
the written consent of the same percentage of the shares that would be required to effect proposed
action at a shareholder meeting.
Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Mr. Mario J. Gabelli, CFA, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of Gabelli
Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust, (the Trust). Mr. Gabelli has served as Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer -Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. and its
affiliates since their organization.
Kevin V. Dreyer joined Gabelli & Company, Inc. in 2005 as a research analyst upon earning an MBA
from Columbia Business School. Mr. Dryer previously worked as an investment banking analyst at
Banc of America Securities following his graduation from the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Jeffrey J. Jonas, CFA joined Gabelli & Company, Inc. in 2003 as a research analyst. Prior to
his appointment as Associated Portfolio Manager of the Healthcare Trust, Mr. Jonas served as
co-portfolio manager of GAMCO Medical Opportunities LP. Mr. Jonas was a Presidential Scholar at
Boston College where he received a BS in finance and management information systems.
MANAGEMENT OF OTHER ACCOUNTS
The table below shows the number of other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the total
assets in each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other paid investment
vehicles and other
accounts. For each category, the table also shows the number of accounts and the total assets in
the accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on account performance.
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No. of |
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Total Assets |
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Accounts |
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in Accounts |
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where |
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where |
Name of Portfolio |
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Total |
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Advisory Fee |
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Advisory Fee |
Manager or |
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Type of |
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No. of Accounts |
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Total |
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is Based on |
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is Based on |
Team Member |
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Accounts |
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Managed |
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Assets |
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Performance |
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Performance |
1. Mario J. Gabelli |
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Registered Investment Companies: |
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22 |
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12.8 |
B |
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6 |
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3.9 |
B |
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Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: |
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15 |
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382.9 |
M |
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14 |
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349.9 |
M |
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Other Accounts: |
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1,840 |
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10.6 |
B |
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6 |
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1.2 |
B |
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2. Kevin Dreyer |
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Registered Investment Companies: |
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2 |
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2.1 |
B |
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0 |
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0 |
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Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: |
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0 |
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0 |
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0 |
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0 |
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Other Accounts: |
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1 |
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1.0 |
K |
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0 |
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0 |
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3. Jeff Jonas |
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Registered Investment Companies: |
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0 |
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0 |
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0 |
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0 |
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Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: |
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0 |
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0 |
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0 |
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0 |
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Other Accounts: |
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1 |
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488.1 |
K |
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0 |
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0 |
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POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a Portfolio Manager also has day-to-day
management responsibilities with respect to one or more other accounts. These potential conflicts
include:
ALLOCATION OF LIMITED TIME AND ATTENTION. Because the portfolio managers manage many accounts,
they may not be able to formulate as complete a strategy or identify equally attractive investment
opportunities for each of those accounts as might be the case if they were to devote all of their
attention to the management of only a few accounts.
ALLOCATION OF LIMITED INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES. If the portfolio managers identify an investment
opportunity that may be suitable for multiple accounts, the Fund may not be able to take full
advantage of that opportunity because the opportunity may be allocated among all or many of these
accounts or other accounts managed primarily by other portfolio managers of the Adviser, and their
affiliates.
PURSUIT OF DIFFERING STRATEGIES. At times, the portfolio managers may determine that an investment
opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the accounts for which they exercises investment
responsibility, or may decide that certain of these accounts should take differing positions with
respect to a particular security. In these cases, the portfolio managers may execute differing or
opposite transactions for one or more accounts which may affect the market price of the security or
the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment of one or more of their accounts.
VARIATION IN COMPENSATION. A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits
available to the portfolio manager differ among the accounts that they manage. If the structure of
the Advisers management fee or the portfolio managers compensation differs among accounts (such
as where certain accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based management fees), the
portfolio managers may be motivated to favor certain accounts over others. The portfolio managers
also may be motivated to favor accounts in which
they have an investment interest, or in which the Adviser, or its affiliates have investment
interests. In Mr. Gabellis case, the Advisers compensation and expenses for the Fund are
marginally greater as a percentage of assets than for certain other accounts and are less than for
certain other accounts managed by Mr. Gabelli, while his personal compensation structure varies
with near-term performance to a greater degree in certain performance fee based accounts than with
on-performance based accounts. In addition, he has investment interests in several of the funds
managed by the Adviser and its affiliates.
The Adviser, and the Funds have adopted compliance policies and procedures that are designed to
address the various conflicts of interest that may arise for the Adviser and their staff members.
However, there is no guarantee that such policies and procedures will be able to detect and prevent
every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may arise.
COMPENSATION STRUCTURE FOR MARIO J. GABELLI
Mr. Gabelli receives incentive-based variable compensation based on a percentage of net revenues
received by the Adviser for managing the Trust. Net revenues are determined by deducting from gross
investment management fees the firms expenses (other than Mr. Gabellis compensation) allocable to
this Trust. Five closed-end registered investment companies (including this Trust) managed by Mr.
Gabelli have arrangements whereby the Adviser will only receive its investment advisory fee
attributable to the liquidation value of outstanding preferred stock (and Mr. Gabelli would only
receive his percentage of such advisory fee) if certain performance levels are met. Additionally,
he receives similar incentive based variable compensation for managing other accounts within the
firm and its affiliates. This method of compensation is based on the premise that superior
long-term performance
in managing a portfolio should be rewarded with higher compensation as a result of growth of assets
through appreciation and net investment activity. The level of compensation is not determined with
specific reference to the performance of any account against any specific benchmark. One of the
other registered investment companies managed by Mr. Gabelli has a performance (fulcrum) fee
arrangement for which his compensation is adjusted up or down based on the performance of the
investment company relative to an index. Mr. Gabelli manages other accounts with performance fees.
Compensation for managing these accounts has two components. One component is based on a
percentage of net revenues to the investment adviser for managing the account. The second
component is based on absolute performance of the account, with respect to which a percentage of
such performance fee is paid to Mr. Gabelli. As an executive officer of the Advisers parent
company, GBL, Mr. Gabelli also receives ten percent of the net operating profits of the parent
company. He receives no base salary, no annual bonus, and no stock options.
COMPENSATION STRUCTURE FOR PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF THE ADVISER OTHER THAN MARIO GABELLI
The compensation of the Portfolio Managers for the Fund is structure to enable the Adviser to
attract and retain highly qualified professionals in a competitive environment. The Portfolio
Managers receive a compensation package that includes a minimum draw or base salary, equity-based
incentive compensation via awards of stock options, and incentive-based variable compensation based
on a percentage of net revenue received by the Adviser for managing a Fund to the extent that the
amount exceeds a minimum level of compensation. Net revenues are determined by deducting from
gross investment management fees certain of the firms expenses (other than the respective
Portfolio Managers compensation) allocable to the respective Fund (the incentive-based variable
compensation for managing other accounts is also based on a percentage of net revenues to the
investment adviser
for managing the account). This method of compensation is based on the premise that superior
long-term performance in managing a portfolio should be rewarded with higher compensation as a
result of growth of assets through appreciation and net investment activity. The level of
equity-based incentive and incentive-based variable compensation is based on an evaluation by the
Advisers parent, GBL, of quantitative and qualitative performance evaluation criteria. This
evaluation takes into account, in a broad sense, the performance of the accounts managed by the
Portfolio Manager, but the level of compensation is not determined with specific reference to the
performance of any account against any specific benchmark. Generally, greater consideration is
given to the performance of larger accounts and to longer term performance over smaller accounts
and short-term performance.
OWNERSHIP OF SHARES IN THE FUND
Mario Gabelli, Kevin Dreyer, and Jeff Jonas owned $500,001 to $1,000,000, $0 and $10,001-$50,000,
respectively, of shares of the Trust as of December 31, 2009.
(b) Not applicable.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated
Purchasers.
REGISTRANT PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
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(c) Total Number of |
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(d) Maximum Number (or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares (or Units) |
|
Approximate Dollar Value) of |
|
|
(a) Total Number of |
|
|
|
Purchased as Part of |
|
Shares (or Units) that May |
|
|
Shares (or Units) |
|
(b) Average Price Paid |
|
Publicly Announced |
|
Yet Be Purchased Under the |
Period |
|
Purchased |
|
per Share (or Unit) |
|
Plans or Programs |
|
Plans or Programs |
Month #1
07/01/09 through
07/31/09
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common 8,474,459
Preferred N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month #2
08/01/09 through
08/31/09
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common 8,474,459
Preferred N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) Total Number of |
|
(d) Maximum Number (or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares (or Units) |
|
Approximate Dollar Value) of |
|
|
(a) Total Number of |
|
|
|
Purchased as Part of |
|
Shares (or Units) that May |
|
|
Shares (or Units) |
|
(b) Average Price Paid |
|
Publicly Announced |
|
Yet Be Purchased Under the |
Period |
|
Purchased |
|
per Share (or Unit) |
|
Plans or Programs |
|
Plans or Programs |
Month #3
09/01/09 through
09/30/09
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common 8,474,459
Preferred N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month #4
10/01/09 through
10/31/09
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common 8,474,459
Preferred N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month #5
11/01/09 through
11/30/09
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common 8,474,459
Preferred N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month #6
12/01/09 through
12/31/09
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common 8,474,459
Preferred N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
Common N/A
Preferred N/A
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
Footnote columns (c) and (d) of the table, by disclosing the following information in the
aggregate for all plans or programs publicly announced: |
|
a. |
|
The date each plan or program was announced The notice of the potential repurchase of
common and preferred shares occurs quarterly in the Funds quarterly report in accordance with
Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. |
|
b. |
|
The dollar amount (or share or unit amount) approved Any or all common shares outstanding
may be repurchased when the Funds common shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more from
the net asset value of the shares. |
|
|
|
Any or all preferred shares outstanding may be repurchased when the Funds preferred shares
are trading at a discount to the liquidation value of $25.00. |
|
c. |
|
The expiration date (if any) of each plan or program The Funds repurchase plans are
ongoing. |
|
d. |
|
Each plan or program that has expired during the period covered by the table The Funds
repurchase plans are ongoing. |
|
e. |
|
Each plan or program the registrant has determined to terminate prior to expiration, or under
which the registrant does not intend to make further purchases. The Funds repurchase plans
are ongoing. |
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend
nominees to the registrants Board of Trustees, where those changes were implemented after the
registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of
Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR
240.14a-101)), or this Item.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
|
(a) |
|
The registrants principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons
performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrants disclosure controls and
procedures (as
defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940
Act) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date
of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their
evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17
CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)). |
|
|
(b) |
|
There were no changes in the registrants internal control over financial reporting (as
defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the
registrants second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control
over financial reporting. |
Item 12. Exhibits.
|
(a)(1) |
|
Code of ethics, or any amendment thereto, that is the subject of disclosure required by
Item 2 is attached hereto. |
|
|
(a)(2) |
|
Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto. |
|
|
(a)(3) |
|
Not applicable. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
|
|
(registrant)
|
|
The Gabelli Healthcare &
WellnessRx
Trust |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By (Signature and Title)*
|
|
/s/ Agnes Mullady |
|
|
|
|
Agnes Mullady, Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer
|
|
|
Date 3/5/10
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act
of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
By (Signature and Title)*
|
|
/s/ Agnes Mullady |
|
|
|
|
Agnes Mullady, Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer
|
|
|
Date 3/5/10
|
|
|
* |
|
Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature. |