false
0000845611
No
0000845611
2024-07-11
2024-07-11
0000845611
dei:BusinessContactMember
2024-07-11
2024-07-11
0000845611
gcv:CommonStocksMember
2024-07-09
0000845611
gcv:CommonStocksMember
2024-07-09
2024-07-09
0000845611
gcv:SeriesGCumulativePreferredStockMember
2024-07-09
2024-07-09
0000845611
gcv:SeriesGCumulativePreferredStockMember
2024-07-09
0000845611
gcv:CommonStocksMember
2023-10-01
2023-12-31
0000845611
gcv:CommonStocksMember
2024-01-01
2024-03-31
0000845611
gcv:CumulativePreferredStocksMember
2024-07-11
2024-07-11
0000845611
gcv:CommonStocksMember
2024-03-31
2024-03-31
0000845611
gcv:SeriesGCumulativePreferredStockMember
2024-03-31
2024-03-31
0000845611
gcv:SeriesECumulativePreferredStockMember
2024-07-09
2024-07-09
0000845611
gcv:SeriesBCumulativePreferredStockMember
2024-07-09
2024-07-09
0000845611
gcv:SeriesGCumulativePreferredStockMember
2024-03-31
iso4217:USD
xbrli:shares
iso4217:USD
xbrli:shares
xbrli:pure
As
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 11, 2024
Securities
Act File No. 333-
Investment
Company Act File No. 811-05715
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
DC 20549
Form
N-2
(Check
Appropriate Box or Boxes)
☒ |
REGISTRATION
STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 |
☐ |
Pre-Effective
Amendment No. |
☐ |
Post-Effective
Amendment No. |
and/or
☒ |
REGISTRATION
STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 |
☒ |
Amendment
No. 25 |
THE
GABELLI CONVERTIBLE AND INCOME SECURITIES FUND INC.
(Exact
name of Registrant as specified in Charter)
One
Corporate Center
Rye,
New York 10580-1422
(Address
of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant’s
Telephone Number, including Area Code: (800) 422-3554
John
C. Ball
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
One
Corporate Center
Rye,
New York 10580-1422
(914)
921-5100
(Name
and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies
to:
Peter
Goldstein, Esq.
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income
Securities
Fund Inc.
One
Corporate Center
Rye,
New York 10580-1422
(914)
921-5100 |
Kevin
T. Hardy, Esq.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
320
South Canal Street
Chicago,
Illinois 60606-5707
(312)
407-0641 |
Michael
K. Hoffman
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
One
Manhattan West
New
York, New York, 10001
(212)
735-3406 |
Approximate
Date of Commencement of Proposed Public Offering: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
☐ |
Check box if the only securities being registered
on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans. |
☑ |
Check box if any securities being registered
on this Form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities
Act”), other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan. |
☑ |
Check box if this Form is a registration statement
pursuant to General Instruction A.2 or a post-effective amendment thereto. |
☐ |
Check box if this Form is a registration statement
pursuant to General Instruction B or a post-effective amendment thereto that will become effective upon filing with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act. |
☐ |
Check box if this Form is a post-effective amendment
to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction B to register additional securities or additional classes
of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act. |
It
is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
☐ |
when declared effective pursuant to section
8(c) of the Securities Act |
If
appropriate, check the following box:
☐ |
This [post-effective] amendment designates a
new effective date for a previously filed [post-effective amendment] [registration statement]. |
☐ |
This
Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and
the
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is:
______.
|
☐ |
This
Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act
registration
statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is: ______.
|
☐ |
This
Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act
registration
statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is: ______.
|
Check
each box that appropriately characterizes the Registrant:
☑ |
Registered Closed-End
Fund (closed-end company that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”)).
|
☐ |
Business Development
Company (closed-end company that intends or has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment
Company Act. |
☐ |
Interval Fund (Registered
Closed-End Fund or a Business Development Company that makes periodic repurchase offers under Rule 23c-3 under the Investment
Company Act). |
☑ |
A.2 Qualified (qualified
to register securities pursuant to General Instruction A.2 of this Form). |
☐ |
Well-Known Seasoned
Issuer (as defined by Rule 405 under the Securities Act). |
☐ |
Emerging Growth Company
(as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934). |
☐ |
If an Emerging Growth
Company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with
any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. |
☐ |
New Registrant (registered
or regulated under the Investment Company Act for less than 12 calendar months preceding this filing). |
THE
REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL
THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME
EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE
ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
The
information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it
is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer and sale is not permitted.
Subject
to Completion
Preliminary
Prospectus dated July 11, 2024
BASE
PROSPECTUS
dated
, 2024
$125,000,000
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Common
Stock
Preferred
Stock
Notes
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common Stock
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common and Preferred Stock
___________________
Investment
Objective. The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company, incorporated as a Maryland corporation, registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund’s investment objective is to
seek a high level of total return on its assets. We cannot assure you that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The
Fund’s investments are selected by its investment adviser, Gabelli Funds, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”). The
Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. Under normal
circumstances the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in securities that are convertible into or represent the right
to acquire common stock, and in other debt or equity securities that are expected to periodically accrue or generate income for
their holders (the “80% Policy”). The Fund may invest without limit in securities rated below investment grade by
recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable quality, including securities of issuers in default,
which are likely to have the lowest rating; provided, however, that it is expected that not more than 50% of the Fund’s
portfolio will consist of securities rated CCC or lower by S&P or Caa or lower by Moody’s or, if unrated, are of comparable
quality as determined by the Investment Adviser, and the Fund’s investments in securities of issuers in default will be
limited to not more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund. Securities rated below investment grade, which may be preferred shares
or debt, are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Securities that are rated lower
than “BBB” by S&P, or lower than “Baa” by Moody’s or unrated securities considered by the Investment
Adviser to be of comparable quality, are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities.
We
may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings, our common stock and/or fixed rate preferred stock, each with a par value
$0.001 per share (together, “shares”), our promissory notes (“notes”), and/or our subscription rights
to purchase our common stock and/or preferred stock, which we refer to collectively as the “securities.” Securities
may be offered at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus (the “Prospectus”
and, each supplement thereto, a “Prospectus Supplement”). You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus
Supplement carefully before you invest in our securities.
Our
securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through
underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved
in the sale of our securities, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission, or discount arrangement between
us and our agents or underwriters, or among our underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Prospectus
Supplement relating to any sale of preferred stock will set forth the liquidation preference and information about the dividend
period, dividend rate, any call protection or non-call period and other matters. We may offer subscription rights for our common
stock, preferred stock or common and preferred stock. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any offering of subscription rights
will set forth the number of shares (common or preferred) issuable upon the exercise of each right and the other terms of such
rights offering. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale of notes will set forth the principal amount, interest rate, interest
payment dates, maturities, prepayment protections (if any) and other matters. We may not sell any of our securities through agents,
underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the particular offering
of our securities.
Shares
of our common stock (“common shares”) are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the
symbol “GCV”. On July 9, 2024, the last reported sale price of our common shares was $3.65. The net asset value of
the Fund’s common shares at the close of business on July 9, 2024 was $3.62 per common share.
As
of July 9, 2024, the aggregate market value of our common shares held by non-affiliates, or the public float, was approximately
$64.4 million, which was calculated based on 17,651,015 outstanding common shares held by non-affiliates and on a price per share of $3.65,
the closing price of our common shares on July 9, 2024. Pursuant to certain SEC rules, to the extent applicable, in no event
will we sell our securities in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any
12-month period so long as our public float remains below $75.0 million. We have not offered any securities pursuant to the SEC
rules noted above during the 12 calendar months prior to and including the date of this Prospectus.
Shares
of closed-end funds often trade at a discount from net asset value. This creates a risk of loss for an investor purchasing shares
in a public offering.
Investing
in the Fund’s securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” beginning on page 11
and “Additional Fund Information--Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the Fund’s Annual Report for factors
that should be considered before investing in securities of the Fund, including risks related to a leveraged capital structure.
Neither
the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined
if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This
Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of securities by us through agents, underwriters or dealers unless accompanied
by a Prospectus Supplement.
This
Prospectus, together with an applicable Prospectus Supplement, sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that a prospective
investor should know before investing. You should read this Prospectus, together with an applicable Prospectus Supplement, which
contains important information about the Fund, before deciding whether to invest in the securities, and retain it for future reference.
A Statement of Additional Information, dated , 2024, containing additional information about the Fund, has been filed with the
SEC and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. You may request a free copy of our annual and semiannual
reports, request a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information, the table of contents of which is on page 38 of this
Prospectus, or request other information about us and make shareholder inquiries by calling (800) GABELLI (422-3554) or by writing
to the Fund. You may also obtain a copy of the Statement of Additional Information (and other information regarding the Fund)
from the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Our annual and semiannual reports are also available on our website (www.gabelli.com).
The Statement of Additional Information is only updated in connection with an offering and is therefore not available on the Fund’s
website.
Our
securities do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository
institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other
government agency.
You
should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and any applicable Prospectus Supplement.
The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities
in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus
and any applicable Prospectus Supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus or the date of the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY
This
is only a summary. This summary may not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our securities.
You should review the more detailed information contained in this prospectus (this “Prospectus”), including the section
titled “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” beginning on page 11, the applicable prospectus supplement thereto
and the Statement of Additional Information, dated , 2024
(the “SAI”).
|
|
The Fund |
The Gabelli Convertible
and Income Securities Fund Inc. is a closed-end, diversified management investment company incorporated as a Maryland corporation
on December 19, 1988. Prior to March 31, 1995, The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. operated as an open-end,
diversified, management investment company. Throughout this prospectus, we refer to The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities
Fund Inc. as the “Fund” or as “we.” See “The Fund” in the Prospectus. |
|
|
|
The Fund’s
outstanding common stock (“common shares”), par value $.001 per share, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(“NYSE”) under the symbol “GCV.” On July 9, 2024, the last reported sale price of our common shares
was $3.65. The net asset value of the Fund’s common shares at the close of business on July 9, 2024 was $3.62 per common
share. As of July 9, 2024, the net assets of the Fund attributable to its common shares were $70,954,416. As of July 9,
2024, the Fund had outstanding 19,586,184 common shares and 640,000 shares of the Fund’s 5.200% Series G Cumulative Preferred
Stock (“Series G Preferred”), liquidation preference of $10.00 per share. |
|
|
The Offering |
We
may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings, shares of our common and/or fixed rate preferred stock, $0.001
par value per share, our notes, or our subscription rights to purchase our common or fixed rate preferred stock or both,
which we refer to collectively as the “securities.” The securities may be offered at prices and on terms to
be set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a “Prospectus Supplement”). The offering
price per common share of the Fund will not be less than the net asset value per common share at the time we make the
offering, exclusive of any underwriting commissions or discounts, provided that transferable rights offerings that meet
certain conditions may be offered at a price below the then current net asset value per common share of the Fund. See
“Rights Offerings” in the Prospectus. You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement
carefully before you invest in our securities. Our securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through
agents designated from time to time by us, or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the
offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the sale of our shares, and will set forth any
applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters, or among
our underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale
of preferred stock will set forth the liquidation preference and information about the dividend period, dividend rate,
any call protection or non-call period and other matters. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale of notes will
set forth the principal amount, interest rate, interest payment dates, maturities, prepayment protection (if any), and
other matters. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any offering of subscription rights will set forth the number of
common and/or preferred shares issuable upon the exercise of each right and the other terms of such rights offering.
The
aggregate number and amount of securities we may issue pursuant to this registration statement is limited to $125,000,000 of securities.
We may not sell any of our securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing
the method and terms of the particular offering. Furthermore, pursuant to certain SEC rules, in no event will we sell our securities
in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period so long as
our public float remains below $75.0 million. |
Investment Objective and Policies |
The
Fund’s investment objective to seek a high level of total return on its assets. The Fund will seek to achieve this
objective through a combination of current income and capital appreciation by investing primarily in convertible and other
income producing securities.
Under
normal circumstances the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets (taken at current value) in “convertible
securities,” i.e., securities (bonds, debentures, notes, stocks and other similar securities) that are convertible
into common stock or other equity securities, and “income securities,” i.e., nonconvertible debt or equity
securities having a history of regular payments or accrual of income to holders (the “80% Policy”). The 80%
Policy may be changed without shareholder approval. However, the Fund has adopted a policy to provide shareholders with
notice at least sixty days prior to the implementation of any change in the 80% Policy.
The
Fund may invest without limit in securities rated below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or
unrated securities of comparable quality, including securities of issuers in default, which are likely to have the lowest
rating; provided, however, that it is expected that not more than 50% of the Fund’s portfolio will consist of securities
rated CCC or lower by S&P or Caa or lower by Moody’s or, if unrated, are of comparable quality as determined
by the Investment Adviser, and the Fund’s investments in securities of issuers in default will be limited to not
more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund. Securities rated below investment grade, which may be preferred shares or
debt, are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Securities that are rated lower
than “BBB” by S&P, or lower than “Baa” by Moody’s or unrated securities considered by
the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality, are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” or “high
yield” securities. See “Investment Objective and Policies” in the Prospectus.
The
Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, which are generally denominated in foreign
currencies. The Fund may also purchase sponsored American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”) or U.S. denominated
securities of foreign issuers, which will not be included in the Fund’s 25% foreign securities limitation. See “Investment
Objective and Policies” in the Prospectus.
The
Fund has no limit on the amount of its net assets that it may invest in unregistered and otherwise illiquid investments;
however the Fund currently does not intend to invest more than 15% of its total assets in illiquid convertible securities
or income securities.
|
Investment Adviser |
Gabelli Funds, LLC, a New York limited liability
company, with offices at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422, serves as investment adviser to the Fund (the “Investment
Adviser”). The Investment Adviser’s investment philosophy with respect to equity and debt securities is to identify
assets that are selling in the public market at a discount to their private market value. The Investment Adviser defines private
market value as the value informed purchasers are willing to pay to acquire assets with similar characteristics. The Investment
Adviser also normally evaluates an issuer’s free cash flow and long-term earnings trends. Finally, the Investment Adviser
looks for a catalyst, something indigenous to the company, its industry or country that will surface additional value. |
Preferred Shares |
The terms of
each series of preferred shares may be fixed by our Board of Directors (each member, a “Director,” and collectively,
the “Board” or the “Board of Directors”) and may materially limit and/or qualify the rights of holders
of the Fund’s common shares. If the Fund’s Board determines that it may be advantageous to the Fund for the Fund
to utilize additional leverage, the Fund may issue additional series of fixed rate preferred shares in addition to the currently
outstanding 5.20% Series G Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, liquidation preference $10.00 per share
(the “Series G Preferred Shares”). Any fixed rate preferred shares issued by the Fund will pay distributions at
a fixed rate. Leverage creates a greater risk of loss as well as a potential for more gains for the common shares than if
leverage were not used. See “Additional Fund Information—Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Special
Risks to Holders of Common Shares—Leverage Risk” in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders on Form N-CSR
for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 (the “Annual Report”). The Fund may also determine in the future
to issue other forms of senior securities, such as securities representing debt, subject to the limitations of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund may also borrow money, to the extent permitted by the
1940 Act. |
Dividends
and Distributions
|
Preferred
Shares Distributions. As required by the 1940 Act, all preferred shares of the Fund must have the same seniority with
respect to distributions. Accordingly, no complete distribution due for a particular dividend period will be declared
or paid on any series of preferred shares of the Fund for any dividend period, or part thereof, unless full cumulative
dividends and distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates for all series of outstanding preferred
shares of the Fund are declared and paid. If full cumulative distributions due have not been declared and made on all
outstanding preferred shares of the Fund, any distributions on such preferred shares will be made as nearly pro rata as
possible in proportion to the respective amounts of distributions accumulated but unmade on each such series of preferred
shares on the relevant dividend payment date. As used herein, “Governing Documents” means the Fund’s
Charter and bylaws (“Bylaws”).
The
distributions to the Fund’s preferred shareholders for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023, were comprised
of net investment income and short term and long term capital gains. The Fund’s annualized distributions may
in the future contain a return of capital. Shareholders who receive the payment of a distribution consisting of a return
of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving net profits when they are not. Shareholders should not
assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net profit. The composition of each distribution is estimated
based on the earnings of the Fund as of the record date for each distribution. The actual composition of each year’s
distributions will be based on the Fund’s investment activity through the end of the calendar year. In addition,
any amount treated as a tax free return of capital will reduce a shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares,
thereby increasing the shareholder’s potential taxable gain or reducing the potential taxable loss on the sale of
the shares.
Distributions
on fixed rate preferred shares, at the applicable annual rate of the per share liquidation preference, are cumulative
from the original issue date and are payable, when, as and if declared by the Board, out of funds legally available therefor.
Common
Share Distributions. In order to allow its common shareholders to realize a predictable, but not assured, level of
cash flow and some liquidity periodically on their investment without having to sell shares, the Fund has adopted a managed
distribution policy of paying, on a quarterly basis, a minimum annual distribution of 8% of the average net asset value
of the Fund within a calendar year or an amount sufficient to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to maintain its status as a “regulated investment company”
under Subchapter M of the Code (“RIC”) and avoid paying U.S. federal excise tax, whichever is greater. The
average net asset value of the Fund is based on the average net asset values as of the last day of the four preceding
calendar quarters during the year. The Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any taxable income that
it distributes to shareholders, provided that at least 90% of its investment company taxable income for that taxable year
is distributed to its shareholders. See “Taxation” in the Prospectus.
Under
the Fund’s distribution policy, the Fund declares and pays quarterly distributions from net investment income, capital gains,
and paid-in capital. The actual source of the distribution is determined after the end of the year. If the Fund does not generate
sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions
paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return
of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s tax basis in the shares (reducing the basis accordingly) and as capital gains
thereafter. Since a return of capital is considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is
generally not taxable and is treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis, thereby increasing the shareholder’s
potential taxable gain or reducing the potential taxable loss on the sale of the shares. In determining the extent to which a
distribution will be treated as being made from the Fund’s earnings and profits, earnings and profits will be allocated
on a pro rata basis first to distributions with respect to preferred shares, and then to the Fund’s common shares. |
|
Distributions
sourced from paid-in capital should not be considered as the dividend yield or total
return of an investment in the Fund. Shareholders who receive the payment of a distribution
consisting of a return of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving
net profits when they are not. Shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution
from the Fund is net profit.
During
the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023, the Fund made distributions of $0.36 per common share, approximately $0.18 of which
constituted a return of capital. During the fiscal period ended March 31, 2024, the Fund made distribution of $0.24 per common
share, approximately $0.24 of which constituted a return of capital. When the Fund makes distributions consisting of returns of
capital, such distributions may further decrease the Fund’s total assets and, therefore have the likely effect of increasing
the Fund’s expense ratio as the Fund’s fixed expenses will become a larger percentage of the Fund’s average
net assets. In addition, in order to make such distributions, the Fund may have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio
at a time when independent investment judgment may not dictate such action. These effects could have a negative impact on the
prices investors receive when they sell shares of the Fund.
The
Fund’s distribution policy, including its policy to pay quarterly distributions and the annualized amount that the Fund
seeks to distribute, may be modified from time to time by the Board as it deems appropriate, including in light of market and
economic conditions and the Fund’s current, expected and historical earnings and investment performance. Common shareholders
are expected to be notified of any such modifications by press release or in the Fund’s periodic shareholder reports.
Limitations
on Distributions. If at any time the Fund has borrowings outstanding, the Fund will be prohibited from paying any distributions
on any of its common shares (other than in additional shares) and from repurchasing any of its common shares or preferred shares,
unless the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceed 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding
and exceed 200% of the sum of the amount of debt and preferred shares outstanding. In addition, in such circumstances the Fund
will be prohibited from paying any distributions on its preferred shares unless the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary
course liabilities, exceed 200% of the amount of debt outstanding.
|
Indebtedness |
Under applicable
state law and our Charter, we may borrow money without prior approval of holders of common and preferred shares. We may issue
debt securities, including notes, or other evidence of indebtedness and may secure any such notes or borrowings by mortgaging,
pledging or otherwise subjecting as security our assets to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or rating agency guidelines.
Any borrowings, including without limitation any notes, will rank senior to the preferred shares and the common shares. The
Prospectus Supplement will describe the interest payment provisions relating to notes. Interest on notes will be payable when
due as described in the related Prospectus Supplement. If we do not pay interest when due, it will trigger an event of default
and we will be restricted from declaring dividends and making other distributions with respect to our common shares and preferred
shares. |
Use of Proceeds |
The
Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in
high quality short term debt securities and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates
that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s investment
objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is
expected to substantially be completed within three months; however, changes in market
conditions could result in the Fund’s anticipated investment period extending to
as long as six months. This could occur if market conditions are unstable to such an extent
that the Investment Adviser believes market risk is greater than the benefit of making
additional investments at that time. Depending on market conditions and operations, a portion
of the cash held by the Fund, including any proceeds raised from the offering to be identified
in any relevant Prospectus Supplement, may be used to pay distributions in accordance with
the Fund’s distribution policy. Such distribution may include a return of capital
and should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment in
the Fund.
See
“Use of Proceeds” in the Prospectus. |
|
|
Exchange Listing |
The
Fund’s common shares are listed on the NYSE under the trading or “ticker”
symbol “GCV.” The Fund’s common shares have historically traded at a
discount to the Fund’s net asset value. Since the Fund commenced trading on the NYSE,
the Fund’s common shares have traded at a maximum discount to net asset value of
(34.4)% and a maximum premium of 33.9%.
The
Fund’s Series G Preferred Shares were issued in a private placement and are not listed on any exchange. Any series of
fixed rate preferred shares or subscription rights issued in the future pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement by the Fund
would likely be listed on the NYSE.
See
“Description of the Securities” in the Prospectus. |
Risk
Factors and Special Considerations |
Risk
is inherent in all investing and you could lose all or any portion of the amount you invest in our securities. Therefore,
before investing in our securities, you should consider the risks described in this Prospectus, the Fund’s Annual
Report and any Prospectus Supplement carefully. The following is only a summary of certain risks of investing in the Fund
described in more detail in the Fund’s Annual Report and elsewhere in this Prospectus and any applicable Prospectus
Supplement. Before you invest, you should read the full summary of the risks of investing in the Fund, beginning on page
11 this Prospectus under the heading “Risk Factors and Special Considerations,” in any accompanying Prospectus
Supplement and under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Risk Factors and Special Considerations”
in the Fund’s Annual Report.
Risks
related to the Fund’s portfolio investments include risks related to:
● investing
in convertible securities, common stock, preferred stock, fixed-income securities, corporate bonds, non-investment grade securities,
and restricted and illiquid securities;
● investing
in the direct obligations of the government of the United States or its agencies;
● investing
in securities of foreign issuers;
● use
of financial leverage; and
● derivative transactions.
Special
risks to investors in the Fund’s common shares include risks relating to the Fund’s common share distribution
policy, dividends and use of leverage, the common shares’ market price and liquidity, dilution and portfolio turnover.
Special
risks to investors in the Fund’s preferred shares include risks relating to the preferred shares’ market price
and liquidity, distributions on the preferred shares, redemption, reinvestment and subordination.
Special
risks to investors in the Fund’s notes include risks relating to the notes’ liquidity, market price (if traded)
and terms of redemption.
Special
risks to investors in the Fund’s preferred shares and notes include risks relating to common share repurchases,
common share distributions and credit quality ratings.
Special
risks to holders of the Fund’s subscription rights include risks relating to dilution, market price for subscription
rights and the value of the rights.
Other
general risks include risks related to:
● the Fund’s long term investment horizon, management and dependence on key personnel;
● market risks, market disruptions and geopolitical events, economic events and market events, government intervention in the financial
markets, and inflation;
● the anti-takeover provisions in the Fund’s Governing Documents; and
● the
Fund’s status as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. |
Management and
Fees |
Gabelli
Funds, LLC serves as the Fund’s investment adviser and is compensated for its services and its related expenses
at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets including the liquidation value of preferred shares.
Net assets does not include amounts attributable to liabilities constituting indebtedness. Therefore, the Fund will pay
an advisory fee on any assets attributable to leverage it uses. The Investment Adviser is responsible for administration
of the Fund and currently utilizes and pays the fees of a third party administrator. The fee paid by the Fund may be higher
when leverage is utilized, giving the Investment Adviser an incentive to utilize such leverage.
Because
the investment advisory fees are based on a percentage of total assets, which includes assets attributable to the Fund’s
use of leverage and assets from derivative transactions, the Investment Adviser may have a conflict of interest in the
input it provides to the Board regarding whether to use or increase the Fund’s use of leverage and/or derivative
transactions. The Board bases its decision, with input from the Investment Adviser, regarding whether and how much leverage
to use for the Fund on its assessment of whether such use of leverage is in the best interest of the Fund. The Board seeks
to manage the Investment Adviser’s potential conflict of interest by retaining the final decision on these matters
and by periodically reviewing the Fund’s performance and use of leverage.
See
“Management of the Fund—General” in the Prospectus. |
|
|
Repurchase
of Common Shares
|
The Fund is authorized to repurchase up to 500,000
of its common shares in the open market when the common shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more from net asset value
(or such other percentage as the Fund’s Board may determine from time to time). Although the Board has authorized such
repurchases, the Fund is not required to repurchase its common shares. During the six months ended March 31, 2024, the fiscal
period ended September 30, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not repurchase and retire any shares in
the open market. Any such repurchases are subject to certain notice and other requirements under the 1940 Act. See “Repurchase
of Common Shares” in the Prospectus. |
|
|
Anti-Takeover
Provisions |
Certain
provisions of the Fund’s Governing Documents, may be regarded as “anti-takeover” provisions. Pursuant
to these provisions, only one of three classes of directors is elected each year, and the affirmative vote of the holders
of 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund and the vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the holders of
preferred shares voting as a single class are necessary to authorize the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an
open-end investment company. In addition, we are subject to the Maryland Business Combination Act, subject to any applicable
requirements of the 1940 Act.
We
have also adopted measures that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including provisions
of our Charter classifying the Board in three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and authorizing the Board to
classify or reclassify shares of our stock in one or more classes or series and to cause the issuance of additional shares
of our stock without shareholder approval. These provisions, as well as other provisions of our Charter and Bylaws, may
delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our shareholders.
The
overall effect of these provisions is to render more difficult the accomplishment of a merger with, or the assumption of control
by, a principal shareholder. These provisions may have the effect of depriving Fund common shareholders of an opportunity to sell
their shares at a premium to the prevailing market price. The issuance of preferred shares could make it more difficult for the
holders of common shares to avoid the effect of these provisions. See “Certain Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation
Law and Our Charter and Bylaws” in the Prospectus. |
|
|
Custodian |
State Street
Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), located at State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02111, serves as the custodian (the “Custodian”) of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a custody
agreement. Under the custody agreement, the Custodian holds the Fund’s assets in compliance with the 1940 Act. For its
services, the Custodian will receive a monthly fee paid by the fund based upon, among other things, the average value of the
total assets of the Fund, plus certain charges for securities transactions and out of pocket expenses. |
Transfer Agent and Dividend
Disbursing Agent |
Computershare
Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”), whose principal address is 250 Royall Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116,
serves as the Fund’s dividend disbursing agent, as agent under the Fund’s automatic dividend reinvestment and
voluntary cash payment plans and as transfer agent and registrar with respect to the common shares and preferred shares of
the Fund. |
SUMMARY
OF FUND EXPENSES
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Summary of Fund Expenses” in the Fund’s
Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Price
Range of Common Shares
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Summary of Fund Expenses—Market, Net Asset
Value Information and Unresolved Staff Comments” in the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference. The following
table sets forth for the quarters indicated, the high and low sale prices on the NYSE per share of our common shares and the net
asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value per share at which the common shares were trading, expressed as a
percentage of net asset value, at each of the high and low sale prices provided.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
Market Price | |
Corresponding Net Asset Value (“NAV”) Per Share | |
Corresponding Premium or Discount as a % of NAV |
Quarter Ended | |
High | |
Low | |
High | |
Low | |
High | |
Low |
December 31, 2023 | |
$3.74 | |
$3.20 | |
$3.82 | |
$3.61 | |
(2.09)% | |
(11.36)% |
March 31, 2024 | |
$3.81 | |
$3.51 | |
$3.80 | |
$3.81 | |
0.26% | |
(7.87)% |
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
The
information contained under the headings “Financial Highlights” and “Additional Fund Information—Summary
of Fund Expenses—Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each year” in the Annual Report is incorporated
herein by reference. The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance.
The information in this table for the past five years is derived from the Fund’s financial statements audited by , independent
registered public accounting firm for the Fund, whose report on such financial statements, together with the financial statements
of the Fund, are included in the Fund’s Annual Report and are incorporated by reference herein.
SENIOR
SECURITIES
The
information contained under the headings “Financial Highlights” and “Additional Fund Information—Summary
of Fund Expenses—Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each year” in the Annual Report is incorporated
herein by reference. The information contained under such headings in the Annual Report concerning the Fund’s outstanding
senior securities for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the years ended December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021, December
31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is derived from the Fund’s financial statements audited by
, independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, whose report on such financial statements, together with the
financial statements of the Fund, are included in the Annual Report and are incorporated by reference herein.
USE
OF PROCEEDS
The
Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high quality short term debt securities
and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s
investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be
completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the Fund’s anticipated investment period
extending to as long as six months. This could occur if market conditions are unstable to such an extent that the Investment Adviser
believes market risk is greater than the benefit of making additional investments at that time. Depending on market conditions
and operations, a portion of the cash held by the Fund, including any proceeds raised from the offering to be identified in any
relevant Prospectus Supplement, may be used to pay distributions in accordance with the Fund’s distribution policy. Such
distribution may include a return of capital and should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment
in the Fund.
While
it does not currently expect to do so, the Fund may use the net proceeds from the offering to call, redeem or repurchase shares
of its Series G Preferred Shares. The distribution rate on the Series G Preferred Shares is 5.200%. The Series G Preferred Shares
are subject to mandatory redemption by the Fund on June 26, 2025.
THE
FUND
The
Fund was incorporated in Maryland on December 19, 1988, as an open-end, diversified, management investment company and converted
to closed-end status after receiving shareholder approval of its Charter on February 21, 1995 and filing its Charter in Maryland
on March 31, 1995. The Fund’s principal office is located at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Investment
Objective and Policies
The
investment objective of the Fund is to seek a high level of total return on its assets. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment
objective through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. There is no assurance that this objective will be
achieved. It is, however, a fundamental policy of the Fund and cannot be changed without stockholder approval.
Under
normal circumstances the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets (taken at current value) in “convertible
securities,” i.e., securities (bonds, debentures, notes, stocks and other similar securities) that are convertible into
common stock or other equity securities, and “income securities,” i.e., nonconvertible debt or equity securities having
a history of regular payments or accrual of income to holders. Securities received upon conversion of a convertible security will
not be included in the calculation of the percentage of Fund assets invested in convertible securities but may be retained in
the Fund’s portfolio to permit orderly disposition or to establish long-term holding periods for federal income tax purposes.
The Fund expects to continue its practice of focusing on convertible securities to the extent attractive opportunities are available.
We cannot assure you that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund may invest without limit in securities rated
below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable quality, including securities
of issuers in default, which are likely to have the lowest rating; provided, however, that not more than 50% of the Fund’s
portfolio will consist of securities rated CCC or lower by S&P or Caa or lower by Moody’s or, if unrated, are of comparable
quality as determined by the Investment Adviser, and the Fund’s investments in securities of issuers in default will be
limited to not more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund. Securities rated below investment grade, which may be preferred shares
or debt, are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Securities that are rated lower
than “BBB” by S&P, or lower than “Baa” by Moody’s or unrated securities considered by the Investment
Adviser to be of comparable quality, are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities.
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Investment Objectives and Policies” in
the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
RISK
FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Risk Factors and Special Considerations”
in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
HOW
THE FUND MANAGES RISK
Investment
Restrictions
The
Fund has adopted certain investment restrictions as fundamental policies of the Fund. Under the 1940 Act, a fundamental policy
may not be changed without the vote of a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund
(voting together as a single class). In addition, pursuant to the Fund’s Series G Preferred Articles Supplementary, a majority,
as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding preferred shares of the Fund (voting separately as a single class) is also required
to change a fundamental policy. See “Investment Restrictions” in the SAI and “Additional Fund Information—Investment
Restrictions” in the Annual Report. The Fund may become subject to rating agency guidelines that are more limiting than
its current investment restrictions in order to obtain and maintain a desired rating on its preferred shares, if any.
The
Fund’s investment objective is a fundamental policy. Except as expressly listed under “Investment Restrictions”
none of the Fund’s other policies is fundamental, and each may be modified by the Board without shareholder approval.
Interest
Rate Transactions
The
Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions to manage its borrowing costs, as well as to increase income. The use
of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from
those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. In an interest rate swap, the Fund would agree to pay to the other
party to the interest rate swap (which is known as the “counterparty”) periodically a fixed rate payment in exchange
for the counterparty agreeing to pay to the fund periodically a variable rate payment that is intended to approximate the Fund’s
variable rate payment obligation on its borrowings (or the Fund’s potential variable payment obligations on fixed rate preferred
shares that may have certain variable rate features). In an interest rate cap, the Fund would pay a premium to the counterparty
to the interest rate cap and, to the extent that a specified variable rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, would receive
from the counterparty payments of the difference based on the notional amount of such cap. Interest rate swap and cap transactions
introduce additional risk because the Fund would remain obligated to pay interest or preferred shares dividends when due even
if the counterparty defaulted. Depending on the general state of short term interest rates and the returns on the Fund’s
portfolio securities at that point in time, such a default could negatively affect the Fund’s ability to make interest payments
or dividend payments on the preferred shares. In addition, at the time an interest rate swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled
termination date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the
replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it could have a negative impact on the Fund’s
ability to make interest payments or dividend payments on the preferred shares. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates,
the value of the interest rate swap or cap could decline, resulting in a decline in the asset coverage for the borrowings or preferred
shares. A sudden and dramatic decline in interest rates may result in a significant decline in the asset coverage. If the Fund
fails to maintain the required asset coverage on any outstanding borrowings or preferred shares or fails to comply with other
covenants, the Fund may be required to redeem some or all of these shares. Any such prepayment or redemption would likely result
in the Fund seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap or cap transactions. Early termination of a swap could result
in a termination payment by the Fund to the counterparty, while early termination of a cap could result in a termination payment
to the Fund.
The
Fund may enter into equity contract for difference swap transactions, for the purpose of increasing the income of the Fund. In
an equity contract for difference swap, a set of future cash flows is exchanged between two counterparties. One of these cash
flow streams will typically be based on a reference interest rate combined with the performance of a notional value of shares
of a stock. The other will be based on the performance of the shares of a stock. Depending on the general state of short term
interest rates and the returns on the Fund’s portfolio securities at the time a swap transaction reaches its scheduled termination
date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement
will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction.
The
Fund will usually enter into swaps or caps on a net basis; that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash settlement
on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net
amount of the two payments. The Fund intends to segregate or earmark cash or liquid assets having a value at least equal to the
value of the Fund’s net payment obligations under any swap transaction, marked to market daily. The Fund will monitor any
such swap with a view to ensuring that the Fund remains in compliance with all applicable regulatory, investment policy and tax
requirements.
If
the Fund writes (sells) a credit default swap or credit default index swap, then the Fund will, during the term of the swap agreement,
designate on its books and records in connection with such transaction liquid assets or cash with a value at least equal to the
full notional amount of the contract.
Further
information on the investment objective and policies of the Fund is set forth in the SAI.
MANAGEMENT
OF THE FUND
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Management of the Fund” in the Fund’s
Annual Report and under the heading “Proposal: To Elect Five (5) Directors of the Fund” in the Fund’s Proxy
Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
PORTFOLIO
TRANSACTIONS
Principal
transactions are not entered into with affiliates of the Fund. However, G.research may execute portfolio transactions on stock
exchanges and in the OTC markets on an agency basis and may be paid commissions. For a more detailed discussion of the Fund’s
brokerage allocation practices, see “Portfolio Transactions” in the SAI.
DIVIDENDS
AND DISTRIBUTIONS
In
order to allow its common shareholders to realize a predictable, but not assured, level of cash flow and some liquidity periodically
on their investment without having to sell shares, the Fund has adopted a managed distribution policy of paying, on a quarterly
basis, a minimum distribution at an annual rate equal to 8% of the average net asset value of the Fund within a calendar year
on an amount sufficient to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Code to maintain its status as a RIC and avoid
paying U.S. federal excise tax, whichever is greater. The average net asset value of the Fund is based on the average net asset
values as of the last day of the four preceding calendar quarters during the year. As a RIC under the Code, the Fund will not
be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any taxable income that it distributes to shareholders, provided that at least 90% of
its investment company taxable income for that taxable year is distributed to its shareholders. See “Taxation” in
the Prospectus.
Under
the Fund’s distribution policy, the Fund declares and pays quarterly distributions from net investment income, capital gains,
and paid-in capital. The actual source of the distribution is determined after the end of the year. If the Fund does not generate
sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions
paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return
of capital to the extent of the shareholder’s tax basis in the shares (reducing the basis accordingly) and as capital gains
thereafter. Since a return of capital is considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is
generally not taxable and is treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis, thereby increasing the shareholder’s
potential taxable gain or reducing the potential taxable loss on the sale of the shares. In determining the extent to which a
distribution will be treated as being made from the Fund’s earnings and profits, earnings and profits will be allocated
on a pro rata basis first to distributions with respect to preferred shares, and then to the Fund’s common shares.
Distributions
sourced from paid-in capital should not be considered as the dividend yield or total return of an investment in the Fund. Shareholders
who receive the payment of a distribution consisting of a return of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving
net profits when they are not. Shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net profit.
During
the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023, the Fund made distributions of $0.36 per common share, approximately $0.10 of which
constituted a return of capital. When the Fund makes distributions consisting of returns of capital, such distributions may further
decrease the Fund’s total assets and, therefore have the likely effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio as the
Fund’s fixed expenses will become a larger percentage of the Fund’s average net assets. In addition, in order to make
such distributions, the Fund may have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time when independent investment judgment
may not dictate such action. These effects could have a negative impact on the prices investors receive when they sell shares
of the Fund.
The
Fund’s distribution policy, including its policy to pay quarterly distributions and the annualized amount that the Fund
seeks to distribute, may be modified from time to time by the Board as it deems appropriate, including in light of market and
economic conditions and the Fund’s current, expected and historical earnings and investment performance. Common shareholders
are expected to be notified of any such modifications by press release or in the Fund’s periodic shareholder reports.
The
Fund, along with other closed-end registered investment companies advised by the Investment Adviser, is covered by an exemption
from Section 19(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder permitting the Fund to make periodic distributions of long term capital
gains provided that any distribution policy of the Fund with respect to its common shares calls for periodic distributions in
an amount equal to a fixed percentage of the Fund’s average net asset value over a specified period of time or market price
per common share at or about the time of distribution or pay-out of a fixed dollar amount. The Fund’s current policy is
to make quarterly distributions to holders of its common shares. The exemption also permits the Fund to make such distributions
with respect to any preferred shares in accordance with such shares’ terms.
Limitations
on Distributions. If at any time the Fund has borrowings outstanding, the Fund will be prohibited from paying any distributions
on any of its common shares (other than in additional shares) and from repurchasing any of its common shares or preferred shares,
unless the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceed 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding
and exceed 200% of the sum of the amount of debt and preferred shares outstanding. In addition, in such circumstances the Fund
will be prohibited from paying any distributions on its preferred shares unless the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary
course liabilities, exceed 200% of the amount of debt outstanding.
AUTOMATIC
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLANS
Under
the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”), a shareholder
whose shares of common s tock are registered in his or her own name will have all distributions reinvested automatically by Computershare
Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”), which is an agent under the Plan, unless the shareholder elects to receive
cash. Distributions with respect to shares registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other nominee (that is, in “street
name”) will be reinvested by the broker or nominee in additional shares under the Plan, unless the service is not provided
by the broker or nominee or the shareholder elects to receive distributions in cash. Investors who own shares of common stock
registered in street name should consult their broker-dealers for details regarding reinvestment. All distributions to investors
who do not participate in the Plan will be paid by check mailed directly to the record holder by Computershare as dividend-disbursing
agent.
Enrollment
in the Plan
It
is the policy of the Fund to automatically reinvest dividends payable to common shareholders. As a “registered” shareholder
you automatically become a participant in 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 common shares certificates to Computershare
Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”) to be held in their dividend reinvestment account. Registered shareholders wishing
to receive their distributions in cash may submit this request through the Internet, by telephone or in writing to:
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund
c/o
Computershare
P.O.
Box 505000
Louisville,
KY 40233-5000
Telephone:
(800) 336-6983
Website:
www.computershare.com/investor
Shareholders
requesting this cash election must include the shareholder’s name and address as they appear on the Fund’s records.
Shareholders with additional questions regarding the Plan or requesting a copy of the terms of the Plan, may contact Computershare
at the website or telephone number above.
If
your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank, or nominee, you should contact such institution. If such institution is not
participating in the Plan, your account will be credited with a cash dividend. In order to participate in the Plan through such
institution, it may be necessary for you to have your shares taken out of “street name” and re-registered in your
own name. Once registered in your own name your distributions will be automatically reinvested. Certain brokers participate in
the Plan. Shareholders holding shares in “street name” at participating institutions will have dividends automatically
reinvested. Shareholders wishing a cash dividend at such institution must contact their broker to make this change.
The
number of shares of common stocks distributed to participants in the Plan in lieu of cash dividends is determined in the following
manner. Under the Plan, whenever the market price of the Fund’s common shares is equal to or exceeds net asset value at
the time shares are valued for purposes of determining the number of shares equivalent to the cash dividends or capital gains
distribution, participants are issued shares of common stocks valued at the greater of (i) the net asset value as most recently
determined or (ii) 95% of the then current market price of the Fund’s common stocks 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 stocks at the time of valuation exceeds the market price of the common stocks, 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 shares of common stocks 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 stocks
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
Fund’s 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 per share fee (currently $0.02 per share). Per share fees include any applicable brokerage
commissions Computershare is required to pay and fees for such purchases are expected to be less than the usual fees for such
transactions. It is suggested that any voluntary cash payments be sent to Computershare, P.O. Box 6006, Carol Stream, IL 60197-6006
such that Computershare receives such payments approximately two business days before the 1st and 15th of the month. Funds not
received at least two business 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 two business days before such payment is to be
invested.
Shareholders
wishing to liquidate shares held at Computershare may do so through the Internet, in writing or by telephone to the above-mentioned
website, address or telephone number. Include in your request your name, address, and account number. Computershare will sell
such shares through a broker-dealer selected by Computershare within 5 business days of receipt of the request. The sale price
will equal the weighted average price of all shares sold through the Plan on the day of the sale, less applicable fees. Participants
should note that Computershare is unable to accept instructions to sell on a specific date or at a specific price. The cost to
liquidate shares is $2.50 per transaction as well as the per share fee (currently $0.10 per share) Per share fees include any
applicable brokerage commissions Computershare is required to pay and are expected to be less than the usual fees for such transactions.
More
information regarding the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan is available by calling (914)
921-5070 or by writing directly to the Fund.
The
Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan as applied to any voluntary cash payments made and any dividend or distribution
paid subsequent to written notice of the change sent to the members of the Plan at least 30 days before the record date for such
dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by Computershare on at least 30 days written notice to participants
in the Plan.
DESCRIPTION
OF THE SECURITIES
The
following is a brief description of the terms of the Fund’s common and preferred stock, subscription rights, and notes.
This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the Fund’s Governing Documents. For complete
terms of the shares, please refer to the actual terms of such series, which are set forth in the Governing Documents. For complete
terms of the subscription rights, please refer to the actual terms of such subscription rights which will be set forth in the
subscription rights agreement relating to such subscription rights (the “Subscription Rights Agreement”). For complete
terms of the notes, please refer to the actual terms of such notes, which will be set forth in an Indenture relating to such notes
(the “Indenture”).
Common
Shares
The
Fund is authorized to issue 1,000,000,000 shares of capital stock, par value $.001 per share, in multiple classes and series thereof
as determined from time to time by the Board. As of March 31, 2024, 19,474,744 common shares were outstanding. The common shares
of the Fund are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GCV” and began trading March 31, 1995. The Fund’s
common shares have historically traded at a discount to the Fund’s net asset value. Since the Fund commenced trading on
the NYSE, the Fund’s common shares have traded at a maximum discount to net asset value of (32.4)% and a maximum premium
of 33.9%. The average weekly trading volume of the common shares on the NYSE during the period from January 1, 2023 through
September 30, 2023 was 116,956 shares. Though the Fund expects to pay distributions quarterly on the common shares, it is not
obligated to do so. Each share within a particular class or series thereof has equal voting, dividend, distribution and liquidation
rights. All shares, when issued in accordance with the terms of the applicable offering, will be fully paid and non-assessable. The
common shares are not redeemable and have no preemptive, conversion or cumulative voting rights.
Offerings
of shares require approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors. Any additional offerings of shares will require approval by
the Fund’s Board. Any additional offering of common shares will be subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, which provides
that common shares may not be issued at a price below the then current net asset value, exclusive of sales load, except in connection
with an offering to existing holders of common shares or with the consent of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding common
shareholders.
Unlike open-end funds, closed-end funds
like the Fund do not continuously offer shares and do not provide daily redemptions. Rather, if a shareholder determines to buy
additional common shares or sell shares already held, the shareholder may do so by trading through a broker on the NYSE or otherwise.
Shares
of closed-end investment companies often trade on an exchange at prices lower than net asset value. Because the market
value of the common shares may be influenced by such factors as dividend and distribution levels (which are in turn affected by
expenses), dividend and distribution stability, net asset value, market liquidity, relative demand for and supply of such shares
in the market, unrealized gains, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Fund, the
Fund cannot assure you that common shares will trade at a price equal to or higher than net asset value in the future. The common
shares are designed primarily for long term investors and you should not purchase the common shares if you intend to sell them
soon after purchase.
Subject
to the rights of the outstanding preferred shares, the Fund’s common shares vote as a single class on election of Directors
and on additional matters with respect to which the 1940 Act, Maryland law, the Fund’s Charter, Bylaws or resolutions adopted
by the Board provide for a vote of the Fund’s common shares. See “Certain Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation
Law and Our Charter and Bylaws.”
The
Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company and as such its shareholders do not, and will not, have
the right to require the Fund to repurchase their shares. The Fund, however, may repurchase its common shares from time to time
as and when it deems such a repurchase advisable, subject to maintaining required asset coverage for each series of outstanding
preferred shares. The Board has authorized such repurchases to be made when the Fund’s common shares are trading at a discount
from net asset value of 10% or more (or such other percentage as the Board of the Fund may determine from time to time). Pursuant
to the 1940 Act, the Fund may repurchase its common shares on a securities exchange (provided that the Fund has informed its shareholders
within the preceding six months of its intention to repurchase such shares) or pursuant to tenders and may also repurchase shares
privately if the Fund meets certain conditions regarding, among other things, distribution of net income for the preceding fiscal
year, status of the seller, price paid, brokerage commissions, prior notice to shareholders of an intention to purchase shares
and purchasing in a manner and on a basis that does not discriminate unfairly against the other shareholders through their interest
in the Fund.
When
the Fund repurchases its common shares for a price below net asset value, the net asset value of the common shares that remain
outstanding will be enhanced, but this does not necessarily mean that the market price of the outstanding common shares will be
affected, either positively or negatively. The repurchase of common shares will reduce the total assets of the Fund available
for investment and may increase the Fund’s expense ratio. During the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the year
ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not repurchase and retire any shares in the open market.
Book-Entry
The
common shares will initially be held in the name of Cede & Co. as nominee for the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”).
The Fund will treat Cede & Co. as the holder of record of the common shares for all purposes. In accordance with the
procedures of DTC, however, purchasers of common shares will be deemed the beneficial owners of shares of common stock purchased
for purposes of distributions, voting and liquidation rights.
Preferred
Shares
Under
the Fund’s Charter, the Board of Directors has the authority to classify or reclassify the Fund’s 1,000,000,000 authorized
shares of capital stock as preferred shares. The terms of such preferred shares may be fixed by the Board and would materially
limit and/or qualify the rights of the holders of the Fund’s common shares.
As
of March 31, 2024, the Fund had outstanding 640,000 Series G Preferred Shares. Distributions on the Series G Preferred accumulate
at an annual rate of 5.200% of the liquidation preference of $10.00 per share, are cumulative from the date of original issuance
thereof, and are payable quarterly on March 26, June 26, September 26 and December 26 of each year. The Series
G Preferred is subject to mandatory redemption by the Fund on June 26, 2025, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased by the Fund.
The Series G Preferred was issued in a private placement and is not listed on any exchange.
If
the Fund publicly issues additional preferred shares, it will pay dividends to the holders of the preferred shares at a fixed
rate, as described in a Prospectus Supplement accompanying each preferred share offering.
Upon
a liquidation, each holder of the preferred shares will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Fund available for distribution
to shareholders (after payment of claims of the Fund’s creditors but before any distributions with respect to the Fund’s
common shares or any other shares of the Fund ranking junior to the preferred shares as to liquidation payments) an amount per
share equal to such share’s liquidation preference plus any accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned
or declared, excluding interest thereon) to the date of distribution, and such shareholders shall be entitled to no further participation
in any distribution or payment in connection with such liquidation. Each series of the preferred shares will rank on a parity
with any other series of preferred shares of the Fund as to the payment of distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation,
and will be junior to the Fund’s obligations with respect to any outstanding senior securities representing debt. The preferred
shares carry one vote per share on all matters on which such shares are entitled to vote. The preferred shares will, upon issuance,
be fully paid and nonassessable and will have no preemptive, exchange or conversion rights. The Board may by resolution classify
or reclassify any authorized but unissued capital shares of the Fund from time to time by setting or changing the preferences,
conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions or terms or conditions of redemption.
The Fund will not issue any class of shares senior to the preferred shares.
Redemption,
Purchase and Sale of Preferred Shares by the Fund. The terms of any preferred shares are expected to provide that
(i) they are redeemable by the Fund at any time (either after the date of initial issuance, or after some period of time
following initial issuance) in whole or in part at the original purchase price per share plus accumulated dividends per share,
(ii) the Fund may tender for or purchase preferred shares and (iii) the Fund may subsequently resell any shares so tendered
for or purchased. Any redemption or purchase of preferred shares by the Fund will reduce the leverage applicable to the common
shares, while any resale of preferred shares by the Fund will increase that leverage.
Rating
Agency Guidelines. The Series G Preferred Shares are not rated by any rating agency. Upon issuance, any new publicly
issued series of preferred shares may be rated by Moody’s or Fitch, in which case the following description of rating agency
guidelines would become applicable.
The
Fund expects that it would be required under any applicable rating agency guidelines to maintain assets having in the aggregate
a discounted value at least equal to the Basic Maintenance Amount (as defined in the applicable organizational documents for each
series of preferred shares) for its outstanding preferred shares with respect to the separate guidelines Moody’s and Fitch
has each established for determining discounted value. To the extent any particular portfolio holding does not satisfy the applicable
rating agency’s guidelines, all or a portion of such holding’s value will not be included in the calculation of discounted
value (as defined by such rating agency). The Moody’s and Fitch guidelines would also impose certain diversification requirements
and industry concentration limitations on the Fund’s overall portfolio, and apply specified discounts to securities held
by the Fund (except certain money market securities). The “Basic Maintenance Amount” is calculated as set out in the
organizational documents for each series of preferred shares.
The
“Basic Maintenance Amount” is generally equal to (a) the sum of (i) the aggregate liquidation preference
of any preferred shares then outstanding plus (to the extent not included in the liquidation preference of such preferred shares)
an amount equal to the aggregate accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) in respect of such preferred
shares, (ii) the Fund’s other liabilities (excluding dividends and other distributions payable on the Fund’s
common shares) and (iii) any other current liabilities of the Fund (including amounts due and payable by the Fund pursuant
to reverse repurchase agreements and payables for assets purchased) less (b) the value of the Fund’s assets if such
assets are either cash or evidences of indebtedness which mature prior to or on the date of redemption or repurchase of preferred
shares or payment of another liability and are either U.S. government securities or evidences of indebtedness rated at least “Aaa,” “P-1”, “VMIG-1” or “MIG-1” by
Moody’s or “AAA”, “SP-1+” or “A-1+” by S&P and are held by the
Fund for distributions, the redemption or repurchase of preferred shares or the Fund’s liabilities.
If
the Fund does not cure in a timely manner a failure to maintain a discounted value of its portfolio equal to the Basic Maintenance
Amount in accordance with the requirements of any applicable rating agency or agencies then rating the preferred shares at the
request of the Fund, the Fund may, and in certain circumstances would be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares.
The
Fund may, but would not be required to, adopt any modifications to the rating agency guidelines that may be established by Moody’s
and Fitch (or such other rating agency then rating the preferred shares at the request of the Fund) following the issuance of
any such rated preferred shares. Failure to adopt any such modifications, however, may result in a change in the relevant rating
agency’s ratings or a withdrawal of such ratings altogether. In addition, any rating agency providing a rating for the preferred
shares at the request of the Fund may, at any time, change or withdraw any such rating. The Board, without further action by shareholders,
would be expected to be able to amend, alter, add to or repeal any provision of a Articles Supplementary adopted pursuant to rating
agency guidelines if the Board determines that such amendments or modifications are necessary to prevent a reduction in, or the
withdrawal of, a rating of the preferred shares and are in the aggregate in the best interests of the holders of the preferred
shares. Additionally, the Board, without further action by the shareholders, would be expected to be able to amend, alter, add
to or repeal any provision of any Articles Supplementary adopted pursuant to rating agency guidelines if the Board determines
that such amendments or modifications will not in the aggregate adversely affect the rights and preferences of the holders of
any series of the preferred shares, provided that the Fund has received advice from each applicable rating agency that such amendment
or modification is not expected to adversely affect such rating agency’s then-current rating of such series of the Fund’s
preferred shares.
As
described by Moody’s and Fitch, any ratings assigned to the preferred shares are assessments of the capacity and willingness
of the Fund to pay the obligations of each series of the preferred shares. Any ratings on the preferred shares are not recommendations
to purchase, hold or sell shares of any series, inasmuch as the ratings do not comment as to market price or suitability for a
particular investor. The rating agency guidelines also do not address the likelihood that an owner of preferred shares will be
able to sell such shares on an exchange, in an auction or otherwise. Any ratings would be based on current information furnished
to Moody’s and Fitch by the Fund and the Investment Adviser and information obtained from other sources. Any ratings may
be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or the unavailability of, such information.
The
rating agency guidelines would apply to the preferred shares, as the case may be, only so long as such rating agency is rating
such shares at the request of the Fund. The Fund expects that it would pay fees to Moody’s and Fitch for rating any preferred
shares.
Asset
Maintenance Requirements. In addition to the requirements summarized under “—Rating Agency Guidelines”
above, the Fund must also satisfy asset maintenance requirements under the 1940 Act with respect to its preferred shares. Under
the 1940 Act, such debt or additional preferred shares may be issued only if immediately after such issuance the value of the
Fund’s total assets (less ordinary course liabilities) is at least 300% of the amount of any debt outstanding and at least
200% of the amount of any preferred shares and debt outstanding.
The
Fund is and likely will be required under the Articles Supplementary of each series of preferred shares to determine whether it
has, as of the last business day of each March, June, September and December of each year, an “asset coverage” (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of at least 200% (or such higher or lower percentage as may be required at the time under the 1940 Act)
with respect to all outstanding senior securities of the Fund that are debt or stock, including any outstanding preferred shares.
If the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage required under the 1940 Act on such dates and such failure is not cured by a
specific time (generally within 60 calendar days or 49 calendar days), the Fund may, and in certain circumstances will be required
to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares sufficient to satisfy such asset coverage. See “—Redemption Procedures”
below.
Distributions. Holders
of any preferred shares are or will be entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized by the Board and declared by the Fund,
out of funds legally available therefor, cumulative cash distributions, at an annual rate set forth in the applicable Articles
Supplementary or Prospectus Supplement, payable with such frequency as set forth in the applicable Articles Supplementary or Prospectus
Supplement. Such distributions will accumulate from the date on which such shares are issued.
Restrictions
on Dividends and Other Distributions for the Preferred Shares. So long as any preferred shares are outstanding, the Fund
may not pay any dividend or distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in common shares or in options, warrants
or rights to subscribe for or purchase common shares) in respect of the common shares or call for redemption, redeem, purchase
or otherwise acquire for consideration any common shares (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of the Fund ranking
junior to the preferred shares as to the payment of dividends or distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation),
unless:
| ● | the
Fund has declared and paid (or provided to the relevant dividend paying agent) all cumulative
distributions on the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares due on or prior to the
date of such common shares dividend or distribution; |
| ● | the
Fund has redeemed the full number of preferred shares to be redeemed pursuant to any
mandatory redemption provision in the Fund’s Governing Documents; and |
| ● | after
making the distribution, the Fund meets applicable asset coverage requirements described
under “Preferred Shares—Rating Agency Guidelines” and “—Asset
Maintenance Requirements.” |
No
complete distribution due for a particular dividend period will be declared or made on any series of preferred shares for any
dividend period, or part thereof, unless full cumulative distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates therefore
for all outstanding series of preferred shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series as to distributions have been
or contemporaneously are declared and made. If full cumulative distributions due have not been made on all outstanding preferred
shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series of preferred shares as to the payment of distributions, any distributions
being paid on the preferred shares will be paid as nearly pro rata as possible in proportion to the respective amounts of distributions
accumulated but unmade on each such series of preferred shares on the relevant dividend payment date. The Fund’s obligation
to make distributions on the preferred shares will be subordinate to its obligations to pay interest and principal, when due,
on any senior securities representing debt.
Mandatory
Redemption Relating to Asset Coverage Requirements. The Fund may, at its option, consistent with the Governing Documents
and the 1940 Act, and in certain circumstances will be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares in the event that:
| ● | the
Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements specified under the 1940 Act on
a quarterly valuation date (generally the last business day of March, June, September
and December) and such failure is not cured on or before a specified period of time,
following such failure; or |
| ● | the
Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements as calculated in accordance with
any applicable rating agency guidelines as of any monthly valuation date (generally the
last business day of each month), and such failure is not cured on or before a specified
period of time after such valuation date. |
The
redemption price for preferred shares subject to mandatory redemption will generally be the liquidation preference, as stated
in the Articles Supplementary for the Series E Preferred or the Prospectus Supplement accompanying the issuance of any series
of preferred shares, plus an amount equal to any accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) to the
date fixed for redemption, plus any applicable redemption premium determined by the Board and included in the Articles Supplementary.
The
number of preferred shares that will be redeemed in the case of a mandatory redemption will equal the minimum number of outstanding
preferred shares, the redemption of which, if such redemption had occurred immediately prior to the opening of business on the
applicable cure date, would have resulted in the relevant asset coverage requirement having been met or, if the required asset
coverage cannot be so restored, all of the preferred shares. In the event that preferred shares are redeemed due to a failure
to satisfy the 1940 Act asset coverage requirements, the Fund may, but is not required to, redeem a sufficient number of preferred
shares so that the Fund’s assets exceed the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act after the redemption by 10% (that
is, 220% asset coverage) or some other amount specified in the Articles Supplementary. In the event that preferred shares are
redeemed due to a failure to satisfy applicable rating agency guidelines, the Fund may, but is not required to, redeem a sufficient
number of preferred shares so that the Fund’s discounted portfolio value (as determined in accordance with the applicable
rating agency guidelines) after redemption exceeds the asset coverage requirements of each applicable rating agency by up to 10%
(that is, 110% rating agency asset coverage) or some other amount specified in the Articles Supplementary.
If
the Fund does not have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is otherwise unable to redeem, all the preferred shares
to be redeemed on any redemption date, the Fund will redeem on such redemption date that number of shares for which it has legally
available funds, or is otherwise able to redeem, from the holders whose shares are to be redeemed ratably on the basis of the
redemption price of such shares, and the remainder of those shares to be redeemed will be redeemed on the earliest practicable
date on which the Fund will have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is otherwise able to redeem, such shares upon
written notice of redemption.
If
fewer than all of the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares are to be redeemed, the Fund, at its discretion and subject to
the limitations of the Governing Documents, the 1940 Act and applicable law, will select the one or more series of preferred shares
from which shares will be redeemed and the amount of preferred shares to be redeemed from each such series. If fewer than all
preferred shares of a series are to be redeemed, such redemption will be made as among the holders of that series pro rata in
accordance with the respective number of shares of such series held by each such holder on the record date for such redemption
(or by such other equitable method as the Fund may determine). If fewer than all the preferred shares held by any holder are to
be redeemed, the notice of redemption mailed to such holder will specify the number of shares to be redeemed from such holder,
which may be expressed as a percentage of shares held on the applicable record date.
Optional
Redemption. Preferred shares are not subject to optional redemption by the Fund until the date, if any, specified in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement, unless such redemption is necessary, in the judgment of the Fund, to maintain the Fund’s
status as a RIC under the Code. Commencing on such date and thereafter, the Fund may at any time redeem such fixed rate preferred
shares in whole or in part for cash at a redemption price per share equal to the initial liquidation preference per share plus
accumulated and unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) to the redemption date plus any premium specified in
or pursuant to the Articles Supplementary. Such redemptions are subject to the notice requirements set forth under “—Redemption
Procedures” and the limitations of the Governing Documents and 1940 Act.
Redemption
Procedures. A notice of redemption with respect to an optional redemption will be given to the holders of record of preferred
shares selected for redemption not less than 15 days (subject to NYSE requirements), nor more than 40 days prior to the date fixed
for redemption. Preferred shareholders may receive shorter notice in the event of a mandatory redemption. Each notice of redemption
will state (i) the redemption date, (ii) the number or percentage of preferred shares to be redeemed (which may be expressed
as a percentage of such shares outstanding), (iii) the CUSIP number(s) of such shares, (iv) the redemption price (specifying
the amount of accumulated distributions to be included therein), (v) the place or places where such shares are to be redeemed,
(vi) that dividends or distributions on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on such redemption date, (vii) the
provision of the Articles Supplementary, as applicable, under which the redemption is being made and (viii) any conditions
precedent to such redemption. No defect in the notice of redemption or in the mailing thereof will affect the validity of the
redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law.
The
holders of any preferred shares will not have the right to redeem any of their shares at their option except to the extent specified
in the Articles Supplementary.
Liquidation
Preference. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs
of the Fund, the holders of preferred shares then outstanding will be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating distribution,
which is expected to equal the original purchase price per preferred share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, whether or not
declared, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of common shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred shares will not be entitled to any further participation in
any distribution of assets by the Fund.
Voting
Rights. Except as otherwise stated in this Prospectus, specified in the Governing Documents or resolved by the Board
or as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of preferred shares shall be entitled to one vote per share held on each matter
submitted to a vote of the shareholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common shares and of any other preferred
shares then outstanding as a single class.
In
connection with the election of the Fund’s Directors, holders of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled to elect two of the Fund’s Directors, and the remaining Directors will be elected by holders
of common shares and holders of preferred shares, voting together as a single class. In addition, if (i) at any time dividends
and distributions on outstanding preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to at least two full years’ dividends and
distributions thereon and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been deposited with the applicable paying agent for
the payment of such accumulated dividends and distributions or (ii) at any time holders of any other series of preferred
shares are entitled to elect a majority of the Directors of the Fund under the 1940 Act or the applicable Articles Supplementary
creating such shares, then the number of Directors constituting the Board automatically will be increased by the smallest number
that, when added to the two Directors elected exclusively by the holders of preferred shares as described above, would then constitute
a simple majority of the Board as so increased by such smallest number. Such additional Directors will be elected by the holders
of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a single class, at a special meeting of shareholders which will be called
as soon as practicable and will be held not less than ten nor more than twenty days after the mailing date of the meeting notice.
If the Fund fails to send such meeting notice or to call such a special meeting, the meeting may be called by any preferred shareholder
on like notice. The terms of office of the persons who are Directors at the time of that election will continue. If the Fund thereafter
pays, or declares and sets apart for payment in full, all dividends and distributions payable on all outstanding preferred shares
for all past dividend periods or the holders of other series of preferred shares are no longer entitled to elect such additional
Directors, the additional voting rights of the holders of the preferred shares as described above will cease, and the terms of
office of all of the additional Directors elected by the holders of the preferred shares (but not of the Directors with respect
to whose election the holders of common shares were entitled to vote or the two Directors the holders of preferred shares have
the right to elect as a separate class in any event) will terminate automatically.
The
1940 Act requires that in addition to any approval by shareholders that might otherwise be required, the approval of the holders
of a majority of any outstanding preferred shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), voting separately as a class, would be required
to (i) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely affect the preferred shares, and (ii) take any action requiring
a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, including, among other things, changes in the Fund’s
subclassification as a closed-end investment company to an open-end company or changes in its fundamental
investment restrictions. As a result of these voting rights, the Fund’s ability to take any such actions may be impeded
to the extent that there are any preferred shares outstanding. Additionally, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding preferred shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), voting as a separate class, will be required to amend, alter
or repeal any of the provisions of the Articles Supplementary so as to in the aggregate adversely affect the rights and preferences
set forth in the Articles Supplementary The class vote of holders of preferred shares described above will in each case be in
addition to any other vote required to authorize the action in question.
The
foregoing voting provisions will not apply to any preferred shares if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which
such vote otherwise would be required will be effected, such shares will have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient
cash or cash equivalents provided to the applicable paying agent to effect such redemption. The holders of preferred shares will
have no preemptive rights or rights to cumulative voting.
Limitation
on Issuance of Preferred Shares. So long as the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, subject to receipt of approval
from the rating agencies of each series of preferred shares outstanding, and subject to compliance with the Fund’s investment
objective, policies and restrictions, the Fund may issue and sell shares of one or more other series of additional preferred shares
provided that the Fund will, immediately after giving effect to the issuance of such additional preferred shares and to its receipt
and application of the proceeds thereof (including, without limitation, to the redemption of preferred shares to be redeemed out
of such proceeds), have an “asset coverage” for all senior securities of the Fund which are stock, as defined in the
1940 Act, of at least 200% of the sum of the liquidation preference of the preferred shares of the Fund then outstanding and all
indebtedness of the Fund constituting senior securities and no such additional preferred shares will have any preference or priority
over any other preferred shares of the Fund upon the distribution of the assets of the Fund or in respect of the payment of dividends
or distributions.
The
Fund will consider from time to time whether to offer additional preferred shares or securities representing indebtedness and
may issue such additional securities if the Board concludes that such an offering would be consistent with the Fund’s Governing
Documents and applicable law, and in the best interest of the Fund and its existing common shareholders.
Tenders
and Repurchases. In addition to the redemption provisions described herein, the Fund may also tender for or purchase
preferred shares (whether in private transactions or on the NYSE American) and the Fund may subsequently resell any shares so
tendered for or purchased, subject to the provisions of the Fund’s Governing Documents and the 1940 Act.
Book
Entry. Preferred shares may be held in the name of Cede & Co. as nominee for DTC. The Fund will treat Cede &
Co. as the holder of record of preferred shares for all purposes. In accordance with the procedures of DTC, however, purchasers
of Preferred Shares will be deemed the beneficial owners of stock purchased for purposes of dividends, voting and liquidation
rights.
Notes
General. Under
Maryland law and our Charter, we may borrow money without prior approval of holders of common and preferred shares. We may issue
debt securities, including notes, or other evidence of indebtedness and may secure any such notes or borrowings by mortgaging,
pledging or otherwise subjecting as security our assets to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or rating agency guidelines. Any
borrowings, including without limitation any notes, will rank senior to the preferred shares and the common shares.
Under
the 1940 Act, we may only issue one class of senior securities representing indebtedness, which in the aggregate, must have asset
coverage immediately after the time of issuance of at least 300%. So long as notes are outstanding, additional debt securities
must rank on a parity with notes with respect to the payment of interest and upon the distribution of our assets.
A
Prospectus Supplement relating to any notes will include specific terms relating to the offering. The terms to be stated in a
Prospectus Supplement will include the following:
| ● | the
form and title of the security; |
| ● | the
aggregate principal amount of the securities; |
| ● | the
interest rate of the securities; |
| ● | whether
the interest rate for the securities will be determined by auction or remarketing; |
| ● | the
maturity dates on which the principal of the securities will be payable; |
| ● | the
frequency with which auctions or remarketings, if any, will be held; |
| ● | any
changes to or additional events of default or covenants; |
| ● | any
minimum period prior to which the securities may not be called; |
| ● | any
optional or mandatory call or redemption provisions; |
| ● | the
credit rating of the notes; |
| ● | if
applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable
to the issuance of the notes; and |
| ● | any
other terms of the securities. |
Interest.
The Prospectus Supplement will describe the interest payment provisions relating to notes. Interest on notes will be payable when
due as described in the related Prospectus Supplement. If we do not pay interest when due, it will trigger an event of default
and we will be restricted from declaring dividends and making other distributions with respect to our common shares and preferred
shares.
Limitations.
Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, immediately after issuing any notes the value of our total assets, less certain ordinary
course liabilities, must equal or exceed 300% of the amount of the notes outstanding. Other types of borrowings also may result
in our being subject to similar covenants in credit agreements.
Additionally,
the 1940 Act requires that we prohibit the declaration of any dividend or distribution (other than a dividend or distribution
paid in Fund common or preferred shares or in options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase Fund common or preferred
shares) in respect of Fund common or preferred shares, or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration
any such fund common or preferred shares, unless the Fund’s notes have asset coverage of at least 300% (200% in the case
of a dividend or distribution on preferred shares) after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution, or acquisition price,
as the case may be. These 1940 Act requirements do not apply to any promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness issued in
consideration of any loan, extension, or renewal thereof, made by a bank or other person and privately arranged, and not intended
to be publicly distributed; however, any such borrowings may result in our being subject to similar covenants in credit agreements.
Moreover, the Indenture related to the notes could contain provisions more restrictive than those required by the 1940 Act, and
any such provisions would be described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Events
of Default and Acceleration of Maturity of Notes. Unless stated otherwise in the related Prospectus Supplement, any one
of the following events will constitute an “event of default” for that series under the Indenture relating to the
notes:
| ● | default
in the payment of any interest upon a series of notes when it becomes due and payable
and the continuance of such default for 30 days; |
| ● | default
in the payment of the principal of, or premium on, a series of notes at its stated maturity; |
| ● | default
in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of ours in the Indenture,
and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after written notice
has been given to us by the trustee; |
| ● | certain
voluntary or involuntary proceedings involving us and relating to bankruptcy, insolvency
or other similar laws; |
| ● | if,
on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months, the notes
have a 1940 Act asset coverage of less than 100%; or |
| ● | any
other “event of default” provided with respect to a series, including a default
in the payment of any redemption price payable on the redemption date. |
Upon
the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, the holders of a majority in principal amount of a series of outstanding
notes or the trustee will be able to declare the principal amount of that series of notes immediately due and payable upon written
notice to us. A default that relates only to one series of notes does not affect any other series and the holders of such other
series of notes will not be entitled to receive notice of such a default under the Indenture. Upon an event of default relating
to bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws, acceleration of maturity will occur automatically with respect to all series.
At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to a series of notes has been made, and before a judgment or decree
for payment of the money due has been obtained, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes of that
series, by written notice to us and the trustee, may rescind and annul the declaration of acceleration and its consequences if
all events of default with respect to that series of notes, other than the non-payment of the principal of that series
of notes which has become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived and other conditions have
been met.
Liquidation
Rights. In the event of (a) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization
or other similar case or proceeding in connection therewith, relative to us or to our creditors, as such, or to our assets, or
(b) any liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of us, whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving
insolvency or bankruptcy, or (c) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and liabilities
of ours, then (after any payments with respect to any secured creditor of ours outstanding at such time) and in any such event
the holders of notes shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of all
notes (including any interest accruing thereon after the commencement of any such case or proceeding), or provision shall be made
for such payment in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to the holders of the notes, before the holders
of any of our common or preferred shares are entitled to receive any payment on account of any redemption proceeds, liquidation
preference or dividends from such shares. The holders of notes shall be entitled to receive, for application to the payment thereof,
any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, including any such payment or distribution
which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness of ours being subordinated to the payment
of the notes, which may be payable or deliverable in respect of the notes in any such case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation
or other winding up event.
Unsecured
creditors of ours may include, without limitation, service providers including the Investment Adviser, the Custodian, administrator,
auction agent, broker-dealers and the trustee, pursuant to the terms of various contracts with us. Secured creditors of ours may
include without limitation parties entering into any interest rate swap, floor or cap transactions, or other similar transactions
with us that create liens, pledges, charges, security interests, security agreements or other encumbrances on our assets.
A
consolidation, reorganization or merger of us with or into any other company, or a sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially
all of our assets in consideration for the issuance of equity securities of another company shall not be deemed to be a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of us.
Voting
Rights. The notes have no voting rights, except as mentioned below and to the extent required by law or as otherwise provided
in the Indenture relating to the acceleration of maturity upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default. In connection
with the notes or certain other borrowings (if any), the 1940 Act does in certain circumstances grant to the note holders or lenders
certain voting rights. The 1940 Act requires that provision is made either (i) that, if on the last business day of each
of twelve consecutive calendar months such notes shall have an asset coverage of less than 100%, the holders of such notes voting
as a class shall be entitled to elect at least a majority of the members of the Fund’s Directors, such voting right to continue
until such notes shall have an asset coverage of 110% or more on the last business day of each of three consecutive calendar months,
or (ii) that, if on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months such notes shall have an asset
coverage of less than 100%, an event of default shall be deemed to have occurred. It is expected that, unless otherwise stated
in the related Prospectus Supplement, provision will be made that, if on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive
calendar months such notes shall have an asset coverage of less than 100%, an event of default shall be deemed to have occurred.
These 1940 Act requirements do not apply to any promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness issued in consideration of any
loan, extension, or renewal thereof, made by a bank or other person and privately arranged, and not intended to be publicly distributed;
however, any such borrowings may result in our being subject to similar covenants in credit agreements. As reflected above, the
Indenture relating to the notes may also grant to the note holders voting rights relating to the acceleration of maturity upon
the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, and any such rights would be described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Market.
Our notes are not likely to be listed on an exchange or automated quotation system. The details on how to buy and sell such notes,
along with the other terms of the notes, will be described in a Prospectus Supplement. We cannot assure you that any market will
exist for our notes or if a market does exist, whether it will provide holders with liquidity.
Book-Entry,
Delivery and Form. Unless otherwise stated in the related Prospectus Supplement, the notes will be issued in book-entry form
and will be represented by one or more notes in registered global form. The global notes will be deposited with the trustee as
custodian for DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. DTC will maintain the notes in designated
denominations through its book-entry facilities.
Under
the terms of the Indenture, we and the trustee may treat the persons in whose names any notes, including the global notes, are
registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Therefore,
so long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of the global notes, DTC or such nominee will be considered the sole holder
of outstanding notes under the Indenture. We or the trustee may give effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization
furnished by DTC or its nominee.
A
global note may not be transferred except as a whole by DTC, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of beneficial
owners in the global note may be transferred or exchanged for definitive securities in accordance with the rules and procedures
of DTC. In addition, a global note may be exchangeable for notes in definitive form if:
| ● | DTC
notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a depository and we do not
appoint a successor within 60 days; |
| ● | we,
at our option, notify the trustee in writing that we elect to cause the issuance of notes
in definitive form under the Indenture; or |
| ● | an
event of default has occurred and is continuing. |
In
each instance, upon surrender by DTC or its nominee of the global note, notes in definitive form will be issued to each person
that DTC or its nominee identifies as being the beneficial owner of the related notes.
Under
the Indenture, the holder of any global note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any person, including its participants
and persons who may hold interests through DTC participants, to take any action which a holder is entitled to take under the Indenture.
Trustee,
Transfer Agent, Registrar, Paying Agent and Redemption Agent. Information regarding the trustee under the Indenture, which
may also act as transfer agent, registrar, paying agent and redemption agent with respect to our notes, will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement.
Subscription
Rights
General. We
may issue subscription rights to holders of our (i) common shares to purchase common and/or preferred shares or (ii) preferred
shares to purchase preferred shares (subject to applicable law). Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with
any other offered security and may or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the subscription rights. In
connection with a subscription rights offering to holders of our common and/or preferred shares, we would distribute certificates
evidencing the subscription rights and a Prospectus Supplement to our common or preferred shareholders, as applicable, as of the
record date that we set for determining the shareholders eligible to receive subscription rights in such subscription rights offering.
The
applicable Prospectus Supplement would describe the following terms of subscription rights in respect of which this Prospectus
is being delivered:
| ● | the
period of time the offering would remain open (which will be open a minimum number of
days such that all record holders would be eligible to participate in the offering and
will not be open longer than 120 days); |
| ● | the
title of such subscription rights; |
| ● | the
exercise price for such subscription rights (or method of calculation thereof); |
| ● | the
number of such subscription rights issued in respect of each common share; |
| ● | the
number of rights required to purchase a single preferred share; |
| ● | the
extent to which such subscription rights are transferable and the market on which they
may be traded if they are transferable; |
| ● | if
applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable
to the issuance or exercise of such subscription rights; |
| ● | the
date on which the right to exercise such subscription rights will commence, and the date
on which such right will expire (subject to any extension); |
| ● | the
extent to which such subscription rights include an over-subscription privilege with
respect to unsubscribed securities and the terms of such over-subscription privilege; |
| ● | any
termination right we may have in connection with such subscription rights offering; and |
| ● | any
other terms of such subscription rights, including exercise, settlement and other procedures
and limitations relating to the transfer and exercise of such subscription rights. |
Exercise
of Subscription Rights. Each subscription right would entitle the holder of the subscription right to purchase for cash
such number of shares at such exercise price as in each case is set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus
supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby, Subscription rights would be exercisable at any time up to the
close of business on the expiration date for such subscription rights set forth in the prospectus supplement. After the close
of business on the expiration date, all unexercised subscription rights would become void.
Subscription
rights would be exercisable as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Upon
expiration of the rights offering and the receipt of payment and the subscription rights certificate properly completed and duly
executed at the corporate trust office of the subscription rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement
we would issue, as soon as practicable, the shares purchased as a result of such exercise. To the extent permissible under applicable
law, we may determine to offer any unsubscribed offered securities directly to persons other than shareholders, to or through
agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common and Preferred Shares. The Fund may issue subscription rights which would entitle holders to
purchase both common and preferred shares in a ratio to be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. In accordance with
the 1940 Act, at least three rights would be required to subscribe for one common share. It is expected that rights to purchase
both common and preferred shares would require holders to purchase an equal number of common and preferred shares, and would not
permit holders to purchase an unequal number of common or preferred shares, or purchase only common shares or only preferred shares.
For example, such an offering might be structured such that three rights would entitle an investor to purchase one common share
and one preferred share, and such investor would not be able to choose to purchase only a common share or only a preferred share
upon the exercise of his, her or its rights.
The
common shares and preferred shares issued pursuant to the exercise of any such rights, however, would at all times be separately
tradeable securities. Such common and preferred shares would not be issued as a “unit” or “combination”
and would not be listed or traded as a “unit” or “combination” on a securities exchange, such as the NYSE,
at any time. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth additional details regarding an offering of subscription rights
to purchase common and preferred shares.
Outstanding
Securities
The
following information regarding the Fund’s authorized and outstanding shares is as of July 9, 2024.
Title
of Class |
Amount
Authorized |
Amount
Held
by
Fund or
for
its Account |
Amount
Outstanding
Exclusive
of
Amount
Held
by
Fund |
Common
Shares |
994,150,000 |
None |
19,586,184 |
Series
E 4.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock |
350,000 |
None |
None |
Series
B 6.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock |
1,995,000 |
None |
None |
Series
G 5.20% Cumulative Preferred Stock |
1,500,000 |
None |
640,000 |
CERTAIN
PROVISIONS OF THE MARYLAND GENERAL CORPORATION LAW AND OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS
The
Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) and our Charter and Bylaws contain provisions that could make it more
difficult for a potential acquiror to acquire us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions are
expected to discourage certain coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire
control of us to negotiate first with the Board of Directors. We believe the benefits of these provisions outweigh the potential
disadvantages of discouraging any such acquisition proposals because, among other things, the negotiation of such proposals may
improve their terms.
Classified
Board of Directors
The
Board of Directors is divided into three classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms. Upon expiration of their current
terms, directors of each class will be elected to serve until the third annual meeting following their election and until their
successors are duly elected and qualify and each year one class of directors will be elected by the shareholders. A classified
board may render a change in control of us or removal of our incumbent management more difficult. We believe, however, that the
longer time required to elect a majority of a classified Board of Directors will help to ensure the continuity and stability of
our management and policies.
Election
of Directors
Our
Bylaws provide that the Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast in the election of Directors.
Number
of Directors; Vacancies; Removal
Our
Charter provides that the number of Directors will be set only by the Board of Directors in accordance with our Bylaws. Our Bylaws
provide that a majority of our entire Board of Directors may at any time increase or decrease the number of Directors. However,
the number of Directors may never be less than the minimum number required by the MGCL or, unless our Bylaws are amended, more
than thirteen. We have elected by provision in our Charter to be subject to the provision of Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL
regarding the filling of vacancies on the Board of Directors. Accordingly, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors
in setting the terms of any class or series of preferred shares, any and all vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled
only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Directors in office, even if the remaining Directors do not constitute
a quorum, and any Director elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which
the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies, subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.
Under
Maryland law, a Director may be removed by the affirmative vote a majority of the votes entitled to be cast and, so long as the
Board of Directors is classified, only for cause.
Action
by Shareholders
Under
the MGCL, shareholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of shareholders or, with respect to the holders
of common shares, unless the charter provides for shareholder action by less than unanimous written consent (which is not the
case for our Charter), by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting. These provisions, combined with the requirements of
our Bylaws regarding the calling of a shareholder-requested special meeting of shareholders discussed below, may have the effect
of delaying consideration of a shareholder proposal until the next annual meeting.
Advance
Notice Provisions for Shareholder Nominations and Shareholder Proposals
Our
Bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of shareholders, nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors
and the proposal of business to be considered by shareholders may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting,
(2) by the Board of Directors or (3) by any shareholder who was a shareholder of record both at the time of notice required
by our Bylaws and at the time of the meeting, is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of the individuals so nominated
or on such other proposed business and has complied with the advance notice requirements of, and provided the information and
certifications required by, our Bylaws. With respect to special meetings of shareholders, only the business specified in our notice
of the meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors at a special meeting
may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting or (2) by the Board of Directors.
Calling
of Special Meetings of Shareholders
Our
Bylaws provide that special meetings of shareholders may be called by the Board of Directors, the chairman of the Board of Directors
and the president of the Fund. Additionally, our Bylaws provide that, subject to the satisfaction of certain procedural and informational
requirements by the shareholders requesting the meeting, a special meeting of shareholders will be called by the secretary of
the corporation upon the written request of shareholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to
be cast at such meeting.
Approval
of Extraordinary Corporate Action; Amendment of Charter and Bylaws
Under
Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, convert, sell all or substantially all
of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business, unless advised
by the board and approved by the affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes
entitled to be cast on the matter. However, a Maryland corporation may provide in its charter for approval of these matters by
a lesser percentage, but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our Charter generally
provides for approval of Charter amendments and extraordinary transactions by the shareholders entitled to cast at least a majority
of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our Charter also provides that certain Charter amendments, including but not limited
to any charter amendment that would make our stock a redeemable security (within the meaning of the 1940 Act) requires the approval
of the shareholders entitled to cast at least 75% of the votes entitled to be cast on such matter and the vote of a majority (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the holders of preferred shares voting as a single class; these voting requirements, which have been
considered and determined to be in the best interests of stockholders by the Board of Directors, are greater than applicable minimum
voting requirements imposed by the 1940 Act and applicable Maryland law. Our Charter and Bylaws provide that the Board of Directors
has the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our Bylaws and to make new Bylaws.
Control
Share Acquisitions
On
February 16, 2023, the Fund elected, by resolution unanimously adopted by the Board of Directors of the Fund in accordance with
Section 3-702(c)(4) of the MGCL, to be subject to the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act (the “Control Share Act”),
effective immediately. The Control Share Act only applies to acquisitions of Fund shares on or after February 16, 2023.
Under
the MGCL, the Control Share Act provides that a holder of control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share
acquisition has no voting rights with respect to those shares except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes
entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares owned by the acquiror, by officers or by directors who are employees of the corporation
are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. Control shares are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all
other shares of stock owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of
voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors
within one of the following ranges of voting power:
| ● | one-tenth
or more but less than one-third;
|
| ● | one-third
or more but less than a majority; or
|
| ● | a
majority or more of all voting power. |
The
requisite shareholder approval must be obtained each time an acquiror crosses one of the thresholds of voting power set forth
above. Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained
shareholder approval. A control share acquisition means the acquisition of issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain
exceptions.
A
person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition may compel the board of directors of the corporation to call
a special meeting of shareholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. The right to
compel the calling of a special meeting is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay
the expenses of the meeting. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any shareholders
meeting.
If
voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required
by the statute, then the corporation may redeem for fair value any or all of the control shares, except those for which voting
rights have previously been approved. The right of the corporation to redeem control shares is subject to certain conditions and
limitations, including, compliance with the 1940 Act. Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights
for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror or of any meeting of shareholders
at which the voting rights of the shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at
a shareholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other shareholders
may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of appraisal rights may not be less than
the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition.
The
Control Share Act does not apply (a) to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party
to the transaction or (b) to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation. In connection with
the Fund’s election to be subject to the Control Share Act, the Fund’s Board of Directors amended the Fund’s
bylaws to exempt the Fund’s preferred stock from the Control Share Act. This exemption applies to the Fund’s outstanding
preferred stock and to any preferred stock it may issue in the future.
The
foregoing is only a summary of the material terms of the Control Share Act. Shareholders should consult their own counsel with
respect to the application of the Control Share Act to any particular circumstance. Some uncertainty around the general application
under the 1940 Act of state control share statutes exists as a result of recent court decisions which have held that control share
provisions in Fund’s governing documents are not consistent with the 1940 Act. Additionally, in some circumstances uncertainty
may also exist in how to enforce the control share restrictions contained in state control share statutes against beneficial owners
who hold their shares through financial intermediaries.
Business
Combinations
Under
Maryland law, “business combinations” between a Maryland corporation and an interested shareholder or an affiliate
of an interested shareholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested shareholder becomes
an interested shareholder (the “Business Combination Act”). These business combinations include a merger, consolidation,
share exchange or, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities.
An interested shareholder is defined as:
| ● | any
person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation’s
outstanding voting stock; or |
| ● | an
affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period
prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting
power of the then outstanding voting stock of the corporation. |
A
person is not an interested shareholder under this statute if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which
the shareholder otherwise would have become an interested shareholder. However, in approving a transaction, the board of directors
may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined
by the board.
After
the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Maryland corporation and an interested shareholder generally must
be recommended by the board of directors of the corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:
| ● | 80%
of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of
the corporation; and |
| ● | two-thirds
of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other
than shares held by the interested shareholder with whom or with whose affiliate the
business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested
shareholder. |
These
super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the corporation’s common shareholders receive a minimum price, as defined
under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested
shareholder for its shares.
The
statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are exempted by the board of directors
before the time that the interested shareholder becomes an interested shareholder. We have elected in our Charter to be subject
to the Business Combination Act. The statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty
of consummating any offer.
Subtitle
8
Subtitle
8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, and at least three independent directors to elect to be subject, by provision in its charter or bylaws
or a resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to any or all of
the following five provisions:
| ● | a
two-thirds vote requirement for removing a director; |
| ● | a
requirement that the number of directors be fixed only by vote of the directors; |
| ● | a
requirement that a vacancy on the board be filled only by the remaining directors and
for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred;
or |
| ● | a
majority requirement for the calling of a special meeting of shareholders. |
We
have elected by a provision in our Charter to be subject to the provisions of Subtitle 8 relating to the filling of vacancies
on the Board of Directors. Through provisions in our Charter and Bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, the Fund already (1) has
a classified board, (2) vests in the Board the exclusive power to fix the number of directorships, subject to limitations
set forth in the Charter and Bylaws, and (3) requires, unless called by the Board of Directors, the chairman of the Board
or our president, the request of shareholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all votes entitled to be cast on a
matter at such meeting to call a special meeting to consider and vote on any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting
of shareholders. In the future, the Board of Directors may elect, without shareholder approval, to adopt one or more of the other
provisions of Subtitle 8.
Limitation
on Liability of Directors and Officers; Indemnification and Advance of Expenses
Maryland
law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers
to the corporation and its shareholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper
benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment
as being material to the cause of action. Our Charter contains such a provision which eliminates directors’ and officers’
liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act.
Our
Charter and Bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act,
to indemnify any present or former director or officer and our Bylaws us obligate us to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland
law (and, in the case of our Bylaws, to the maximum extent permitted by the Securities Act) and subject to the requirements of
the 1940 Act, to indemnify any individual who, while serving as our director or officer and at our request, serves or has served
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or employee benefit plan as a director, officer, partner, trustee
employee, agent or fiduciary, from and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person
may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and to pay or reimburse their reasonable expenses in advance of
final disposition of a proceeding. Our Bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any of our employees or agents.
In accordance with the 1940 Act, we will not indemnify any person for any liability to which such person would be subject by reason
of such person’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct
of his or her office.
Maryland
law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our Charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer
who has been successful in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason
of his or her service in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers,
among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection
with any proceeding to which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their service in those or other
capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving
rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty,
(b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in
the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.
However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of
the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received unless, in either
case, a court orders indemnification, and then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to advance reasonable
expenses to a director or officer in advance of final disposition of a proceeding upon the corporation’s receipt of (a) a
written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct
necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (b) a written undertaking by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay
the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met. The
advancement of expenses is subject to additional limitations pursuant to the 1940 Act.
Preferred
Stock Terms
Further,
unless a higher percentage is provided for under the Charter, the affirmative vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of the Fund’s preferred stock, voting as a separate class,
will be required to approve any plan of reorganization adversely affecting such stock or any action requiring a vote of security
holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, including, among other things, open-ending the Fund and changing the Fund’s
investment objective or changing the investment restrictions described as fundamental policies under “Investment Restrictions”
in the SAI and in the Annual Report.
The
Governing Documents of the Fund are on file with the SEC.
CLOSED-END
FUND STRUCTURE
The
Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company (commonly referred to as a closed-end fund). Closed-end funds
differ from open-end funds (which are generally referred to as mutual funds) in that closed-end funds generally list their common
shares for trading on a stock exchange and do not redeem their common shares at the request of the shareholder. This means that
if you wish to sell your common shares of a closed-end fund you must trade them on the market like any other stock at the prevailing
market price at that time. In an open-end fund, if the shareholder wishes to sell shares of the fund, the open-end fund will redeem
or buy back the shares at net asset value. Also, open-end funds generally offer new shares on a continuous basis to new investors,
and closed-end funds generally do not. The continuous inflows and outflows of assets in an open-end fund can make it difficult
to manage the fund’s investments. By comparison, closed-end funds are generally able to stay more fully invested in securities
that are consistent with their investment objective, to have greater flexibility to make certain types of investments and to use
certain investment strategies such as financial leverage and investments in illiquid securities.
Common
shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount to their net asset value. Because of this possibility and the recognition
that any such discount may not be in the interest of shareholders, the Board might consider from time to time engaging in open-market
repurchases, tender offers for shares or other programs intended to reduce a discount. We cannot guarantee or assure, however,
that the Board will decide to engage in any of these actions. Nor is there any guarantee or assurance that such actions, if undertaken,
would result in the common shares trading at a price equal or close to net asset value per share. We cannot assure you that the
Fund’s common shares will not trade at a discount.
REPURCHASE
OF COMMON SHARES
The
Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company and as such its shareholders do not, and will not, have the right
to require the Fund to repurchase their shares. The Fund, however, may repurchase its common shares from time to time as and when
it deems such a repurchase advisable. The Board of Directors has authorized, but does not require, such repurchases to be made
when the Fund’s common shares are trading at a discount from net asset value of 10% or more (or such other percentage as
the Board of Directors of the Fund may determine from time to time). This authorization is a standing authorization that may be
executed in the discretion of the Fund’s officers. The Fund’s officers are authorized to use the Fund’s general
corporate funds to repurchase common shares. The Fund generally intends to finance common share repurchases with cash on hand,
and while the Fund may incur debt to finance common share repurchases, such debt financing would require further approval of the
Board, and the Fund does not currently intend to incur debt to finance common share repurchases. The Fund has repurchased its
common shares under this authorization. See “Description of the Securities—Common Shares.” Although the Board
of Directors has authorized such repurchases, the Fund is not required to repurchase its common shares, and the Fund’s officers,
in determining whether to repurchase Fund common shares pursuant to this authority, take into account a variety of market and
economic factors including, among other things, trading volume, the magnitude of discount, bid/ask spreads, the Fund’s available
cash position, leverage and expense ratios and any applicable legal or contractual restrictions on such repurchases that may be
applicable at the time. The Board of Directors has not established a limit on the number of shares that could be purchased during
such period. Pursuant to the 1940 Act, the Fund may repurchase its common shares on a securities exchange (provided that the Fund
has informed its shareholders within the preceding six months of its intention to repurchase such shares) or pursuant to tenders
and may also repurchase shares privately if the Fund meets certain conditions regarding, among other things, distribution of net
income for the preceding fiscal year, status of the seller, price paid, brokerage commissions, prior notice to shareholders of
an intention to purchase shares and purchasing in a manner and on a basis that does not discriminate unfairly against the other
shareholders through their interest in the Fund. The Fund has not and will not, unless otherwise set forth in a Prospectus Supplement
and accomplished in accordance with applicable law and positions of the SEC’s staff, repurchase common shares (i) immediately
after the completion of an offering of common shares (i.e., within sixty days of an overallotment option period) or (ii) at a
price that is tied to the initial offering price. See “Plan of Distribution.”
When
the Fund repurchases its common shares for a price below net asset value, the net asset value of the common shares that remain
outstanding shares will be enhanced, but this does not necessarily mean that the market price of the outstanding common shares
will be affected, either positively or negatively. The repurchase of common shares will reduce the total assets of the Fund available
for investment and may increase the Fund’s expense ratio.
RIGHTS
OFFERINGS
The
Fund may in the future, and at its discretion, choose to make offerings of subscription rights to holders of our (i) common shares
to purchase common and/or preferred shares and/or (ii) preferred shares to purchase preferred shares (subject to applicable law).
A future rights offering may be transferable or non-transferable. Any such future rights offering will be made in accordance with
the 1940 Act. Under the laws of Maryland, the Board is authorized to approve rights offerings without obtaining shareholder approval.
The staff of the SEC has interpreted the 1940 Act as not requiring shareholder approval of a transferable rights offering to purchase
common stock at a price below the then current net asset value so long as certain conditions are met, including: (i) a good faith
determination by a fund’s Board that such offering would result in a net benefit to existing shareholders; (ii) the offering
fully protects shareholders’ preemptive rights and does not discriminate among shareholders (except for the possible effect
of not offering fractional rights); (iii) management uses its best efforts to ensure an adequate trading market in the rights
for use by shareholders who do not exercise such rights; and (iv) the ratio of a transferable rights offering does not exceed
one new share for each three rights held.
TAXATION
The
following discussion is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its common and
preferred shareholders. A more complete discussion of the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its shareholders can be found in
the SAI that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. This summary does not discuss the consequences of an investment
in the Fund’s notes or subscription rights to acquire shares of the Fund’s stock. The tax consequences of such an
investment will be discussed in a relevant prospectus supplement.
This
discussion assumes you are a taxable U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and that you hold your shares
as capital assets (generally, for investment). This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Code, Treasury regulations,
judicial authorities, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and other applicable authorities,
all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that
the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to those set forth below. No attempt is made
to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal income tax concerns affecting the Fund and its shareholders (including shareholders
subject to special tax rules and shareholders owning large positions in the Fund), nor does this discussion address any state,
local or foreign tax concerns.
The
discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine
the tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.
Taxation
of the Fund
The
Fund has elected to be treated and has qualified as, and intends to continue to qualify annually as, a RIC under Subchapter M
of the Code. Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things,
| (i) | derive
in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from (a) dividends, interest
(including tax-exempt interest), payments with respect to certain securities
loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies,
or other income (including but not limited to gain from options, futures and forward
contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities
or currencies and (b) net income derived from interests in certain publicly traded
partnerships that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes
and that derive less than 90% of their gross income from the items described in (a) above
(each a “Qualified Publicly Traded Partnership”); and |
| (ii) | diversify
its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (a) at least
50% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash
items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities,
with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater
than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s
total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities
and the securities of other RICs) of (I) any one issuer, (II) any two or more
issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same business
or similar or related trades or businesses or (III) any one or more Qualified Publicly
Traded Partnerships. |
As
a RIC, the Fund generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on income and gains that it distributes each taxable
year to shareholders, provided that it distributes at least 90% of the sum of the Fund’s (i) investment company taxable
income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest, the excess of any net short term capital gain over net long term
capital loss, and other taxable income other than any net capital gain (as defined below) reduced by deductible expenses) determined
without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) net tax-exempt interest income (the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest
income over certain disallowed deductions), if any. The Fund intends to distribute at least annually substantially all of such
income. The Fund will be subject to income tax at regular corporate rates on any investment company taxable income and net capital
gain that it does not distribute to its shareholders.
The
Fund may either distribute or retain for reinvestment all or part of its net capital gain (which consists of the excess of its
net long term capital gain over its net short term capital loss). If any such gain is retained, the Fund will be subject to a
corporate income tax on such retained amount. In that event, the Fund may report the retained amount as undistributed capital
gain in a notice to its shareholders, each of whom (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax
purposes as long term capital gain its share of such undistributed amounts, (ii) will be entitled to credit its proportionate
share of the tax paid by the Fund against its U.S. federal income tax liability and to claim refunds to the extent that the credit
exceeds such liability and (iii) will increase its basis in its shares by the amount of undistributed capital gains included
in the shareholder’s income less the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii).
Amounts
not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4%
federal excise tax at the Fund level. To avoid the tax, the Fund must distribute during each calendar year an amount at least
equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar
year, and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period
generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use the Fund’s fiscal year). In
addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the federal excise tax will be increased or decreased
to reflect any under-distribution or over-distribution, as the case may be, from previous years. For purposes of the excise tax,
the Fund will be deemed to have distributed any income on which it paid U.S. federal income tax. Although the Fund intends to
distribute any income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% federal excise tax, there can
be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund’s ordinary income and capital gains will be distributed to avoid entirely
the imposition of the tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the
foregoing distribution requirement.
Certain
of the Fund’s investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among
other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (ii) convert lower
taxed long term capital gains or qualified dividend income into higher taxed short term capital gains or ordinary income, (iii) convert
an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause the Fund to recognize
income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock
or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and
(vii) produce income that will not qualify as good income for purposes of the 90% annual gross income requirement described
above. These U.S. federal income tax provisions could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders.
If
for any taxable year the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would
be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders.
Taxation
of Shareholders
The
Fund expects to take the position that under present law any preferred shares that it issues will constitute equity rather than
debt of the Fund for U.S. federal income tax purposes. It is possible, however, that the IRS could take a contrary position asserting,
for example, that such preferred shares constitute debt of the Fund. If that position were upheld, distributions on the Fund’s
preferred shares would be considered interest, taxable as ordinary income regardless of the taxable income of the Fund, and other
adverse consequences could result for the Fund or shareholders. The following discussion and the discussion in the SAI assume
that any preferred shares issued by the Fund will be treated as equity.
Distributions
paid to you by the Fund from its investment company taxable income (referred to hereinafter as “ordinary income dividends”)
are generally taxable to you as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits.
Provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met, such distributions (if properly reported by the Fund) may
qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders to the extent that the Fund’s
income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, and (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as qualified
dividend income eligible to be taxed at long term capital gains rates to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend
income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign
corporations. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund’s distributions will be eligible for the dividends
received deduction or for the reduced rates applicable to qualified dividend income.
Distributions
made to you from net capital gain (“capital gain dividends”), including capital gain dividends credited to you but
retained by the Fund, are taxable to you as long term capital gains if they have been properly reported by the Fund, regardless
of the length of time you have owned your Fund shares. Long term capital gain of individuals is generally subject to reduced U.S.
federal income tax rates.
Distributions
in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-free return of capital
to the extent of your adjusted tax basis of your shares and thereafter will be treated as capital gains. The amount of any Fund
distribution that is treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce your adjusted tax basis in your shares, thereby
increasing your potential gain or reducing your potential loss on any subsequent sale or other disposition of your shares. In
determining the extent to which a distribution will be treated as being made from the Fund’s earnings and profits, earnings
and profits will be allocated on a pro rata basis first to distributions with respect to the Fund’s preferred shares, and
then to the Fund’s common shares.
The
IRS currently requires a RIC that has two or more classes of shares outstanding to designate to each such class proportionate
amounts of each type of its income (e.g., ordinary income, capital gain dividends, qualified dividend income) for each tax year
based upon the percentage of total dividends distributed to each class for such year.
Generally,
after the close of its calendar year, the Fund will provide you with a written notice reporting the amount of any qualified dividend
income or capital gain dividends and other distributions.
Except
in the case of a redemption or repurchase (the consequences of which are described in the SAI under “Taxation — Taxation
of Shareholders”), the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund will generally result in capital gain or loss to
you, and will be long term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss
upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares held for six months or less will be treated as long term capital loss to the extent of
any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as undistributed capital gain dividends) by you with respect to
such Fund shares. A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund will be disallowed if other substantially identical
shares are acquired (whether through the automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning
30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of the sale or exchange of the shares. In such case, the basis of the shares
acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
Dividends
and other taxable distributions are taxable to you even if they are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. Dividends and
other distributions paid by the Fund are generally treated as received by a shareholder at the time the dividend or distribution
is made. If, however, the Fund pays you a dividend or makes a distribution in January that was declared in the previous October,
November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such dividend or distribution will
be treated for tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by you on December 31 of the year in which the dividend
or distribution was declared.
The
Fund is required in certain circumstances to withhold, for U.S. backup withholding tax purposes, a portion of the taxable dividends
or distributions and certain other payments paid to non-corporate holders of the Fund’s shares who do not furnish
the Fund (or its agent) with their correct taxpayer identification number (in the case of individuals, generally, their social
security number) and certain certifications, or who are otherwise subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an
additional tax. Any amounts withheld from payments made to you may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax
liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Shareholders
are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal, foreign, state, local income or
other taxes.
CUSTODIAN,
TRANSFER AGENT
AND
DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
State
Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), whose principal address is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln
Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02111, serves as the custodian (the “Custodian”) of the Fund’s assets pursuant
to a custody agreement. Under the custody agreement, the Custodian holds the Fund’s assets in compliance with the 1940 Act.
For its services, the Custodian will receive a monthly fee paid by the Fund based upon, among other things, the average value
of the total assets of the Fund, plus certain charges for securities transactions and out of pocket expenses.
Computershare
Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”), whose principal address is 250 Royall Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116,
serves as the Fund’s dividend disbursing agent, as agent under the Fund’s automatic dividend reinvestment and voluntary
cash payment plans and as transfer agent and registrar with respect to the common shares and preferred shares of the Fund.
Computershare
also would be expected to serve as the Fund’s transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent
with respect to any additional preferred shares.
PLAN
OF DISTRIBUTION
We
may sell our securities through underwriters or dealers, directly to one or more purchasers, through agents, to or through underwriters
or dealers, or through a combination of any such methods of sale. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will identify any underwriter
or agent involved in the offer and sale of our securities, any sales loads, discounts, commissions, fees or other compensation
paid to any underwriter, dealer or agent, the offering price, net proceeds and use of proceeds and the terms of any sale.
The
distribution of our securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which
may be changed, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices, or at negotiated
prices, provided, however, that the offering price per share in the case of common shares, must equal or exceed the net asset
value per share, exclusive of any underwriting commissions or discounts, of our common shares.
We
may sell our securities directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters
as defined in the Securities Act for any resales of the securities. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved.
We may use electronic media, including the Internet, to sell offered securities directly.
In
connection with the sale of our securities, underwriters or agents may receive compensation from us in the form of discounts,
concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell our securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation
in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they
may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of our securities may be deemed to be
underwriters under the Securities Act, and any discounts and commissions they receive from us and any profit realized by them
on the resale of our securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Any such
underwriter or agent will be identified and any such compensation received from us will be described in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. The maximum commission or discount to be received by any Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”)
member or independent broker-dealer will not exceed eight percent. We will not pay any compensation to any underwriter or agent
in the form of warrants, options, consulting or structuring fees or similar arrangements.
If
a Prospectus Supplement so indicates, we may grant the underwriters an option to purchase additional securities at the public
offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, within 45 days from the date of the Prospectus Supplement, to
cover any overallotments.
To
facilitate an offering of securities in an underwritten transaction and in accordance with industry practice, the underwriters
may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the market price of the securities. Those transactions
may include overallotment, entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate covering transactions, and reclaiming selling concessions
allowed to an underwriter or a dealer.
| ● | An
overallotment in connection with an offering creates a short position in the securities
for the underwriter’s own account. |
| ● | An
underwriter may place a stabilizing bid to purchase the shares for the purpose of pegging,
fixing, or maintaining the price of the securities. |
| ● | Underwriters
may engage in syndicate covering transactions to cover overallotments or to stabilize
the price of the securities subject to the offering by bidding for, and purchasing, the
securities or any other securities in the open market in order to reduce a short position
created in connection with the offering. |
| ● | The
managing underwriter may impose a penalty bid on a syndicate member to reclaim a selling
concession in connection with an offering when the securities originally sold by the
syndicate member are purchased in syndicate covering transactions or otherwise. |
Any
of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels. The underwriters
are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.
Any
underwriters to whom the offered securities are sold for offering and sale may make a market in the offered securities, but the
underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making at any time without notice. The offered securities
may or may not be listed on a securities exchange. We cannot assure you that there will be a liquid trading market for the offered
securities.
Any
fixed rate preferred shares sold pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement will likely be listed on the NYSE.
Under
agreements into which we may enter, underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of our securities may
be entitled to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Underwriters,
dealers and agents may engage in transactions with us, or perform services for us, in the ordinary course of business.
If
so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, we will ourselves, or will authorize underwriters or other persons acting
as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase our securities from us pursuant to contracts providing for
payment and delivery on a future date. Institutions with which such contacts may be made include commercial and savings banks,
insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others, but in all cases
such institutions must be approved by us. The obligation of any purchaser under any such contract will be subject to the condition
that the purchase of the securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which
such purchaser is subject. The underwriters and such other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity
or performance of such contracts. Such contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the Prospectus Supplement,
and the Prospectus Supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of such contracts.
To
the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the underwriters may from time to
time act as brokers or dealers and receive fees in connection with the execution of our portfolio transactions after the underwriters
have ceased to be underwriters and, subject to certain restrictions, each may act as a broker while it is an underwriter.
A
Prospectus and accompanying Prospectus Supplement in electronic form may be made available on the websites maintained by underwriters.
The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of securities for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Such allocations
of securities for Internet distributions will be made on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, securities may be sold
by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell securities to online brokerage account holders.
In
order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, our securities offered hereby will be sold in such
jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.
LEGAL
MATTERS
Certain
legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York and Venable LLP, Baltimore,
Maryland in connection with the offering of the securities.
INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
serves
as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund and audits the financial statements of the Fund. is located at
.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
The
Fund is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and
the 1940 Act and in accordance therewith files, or will file, reports and other information with the SEC. Reports, proxy statements
and other information filed by the Fund with the SEC pursuant to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and the
1940 Act can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C.
20549. The SEC maintains a web site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants, including the Fund, that file electronically with the SEC.
The
Fund’s common shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GCV”. Reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning the Fund and filed with the SEC by the Fund will be available for inspection at the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York,
New York 10005, as the case may be.
This
Prospectus constitutes part of a Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the SEC under the Securities Act and the 1940 Act.
This Prospectus omits certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement, and reference is hereby made to the
Registration Statement and related exhibits for further information with respect to the Fund and the securities offered hereby.
Any statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance,
reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the SEC.
Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the
SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations or free of charge through the SEC’s web site (http://www.sec.gov).
INCORPORATION
BY REFERENCE
This
Prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC. We are allowed to “incorporate by reference”
the information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those
documents. We incorporate by reference into this Prospectus the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the
SEC under Rule 30(b)(2) under the 1940 Act and Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and any reports and other
documents subsequently filed by the Fund with the SEC pursuant to Rule 30(b)(2) under the 1940 Act and Section 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of the initial registration statement and prior to the effectiveness of the registration
statement, including any filings on or after the date of this Prospectus from the date of filing (excluding any information furnished,
rather than filed), until we have sold all of the offered securities to which this Prospectus and any accompanying prospectus
supplement relates or the offering is otherwise terminated. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of
this Prospectus. Any statement in a document incorporated by reference into this Prospectus will be deemed to be automatically
modified or superseded to the extent a statement contained in (1) this Prospectus or (2) any other subsequently filed document
that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. The documents incorporated by reference
herein include:
| ● | our annual report on Form N-CSR for the fiscal year ended , filed with the SEC on ; |
To
obtain copies of these filings, see “Additional Information” in this Prospectus. We will also provide without charge
to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of
any and all of the documents that have been or may be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus or the accompanying Prospectus
Supplement. You should direct requests for documents by writing to: Investor Relations
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
One
Corporate Center
Rye,
NY 10580-1422
(914)
921-5070
This
Prospectus is also available on our website at http://www.gabelli.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated
by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus and should not be considered to be part of this prospectus
supplement or accompanying prospectus.
PRIVACY
PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND
The
Fund is committed to maintaining the privacy of its shareholders and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The
following information is provided to help you understand what personal information the Fund collects, how the Fund protects that
information and why, in certain cases, the Fund may share information with select other parties.
Generally,
the Fund does not receive any non-public personal information relating to its shareholders, although certain non-public personal
information of its shareholders may become available to the Fund. The Fund does not disclose any non-public personal information
about its shareholders or former shareholders to anyone, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service shareholder
accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third party administrator).
The
Fund restricts access to non-public personal information about its shareholders to employees of the Fund, the Investment Adviser,
and its affiliates with a legitimate business need for the information. The Fund maintains physical, electronic and procedural
safeguards designed to protect the non-public personal information of its shareholders.
SPECIAL
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Any
projections, forecasts and estimates contained or incorporated by reference herein are forward looking statements and are based
upon certain assumptions. Projections, forecasts and estimates are necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that
some or all of the assumptions underlying any projections, forecasts or estimates will not materialize or will vary significantly
from actual results. Actual results may vary from any projections, forecasts and estimates and the variations may be material.
Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward looking statements include
changes in interest rates, market, financial or legal uncertainties, including changes in tax law, and the timing and frequency
of defaults on underlying investments. Consequently, the inclusion of any projections, forecasts and estimates herein should not
be regarded as a representation by the Fund or any of its affiliates or any other person or entity of the results that will actually
be achieved by the Fund. Neither the Fund nor its affiliates has any obligation to update or otherwise revise any projections,
forecasts and estimates including any revisions to reflect changes in economic conditions or other circumstances arising after
the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, even if the underlying assumptions do not come to fruition.
The Fund acknowledges that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the safe harbor for forward-looking statements under the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 does not apply to investment companies such as the Fund.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
An
SAI dated as of , 2024, has been filed with the SEC and
is incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. An SAI may be obtained without charge by writing to the Fund at its address at
One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422 or by calling the Fund toll-free at (800) GABELLI (422-3554). The Table of
Contents of the SAI is as follows:
|
|
|
Page
|
The
Fund |
1 |
Investment
Policies |
1 |
Investment
Restrictions |
1 |
Management
of the Fund |
1 |
Portfolio
Transactions |
4 |
Portfolio
Turnover |
5 |
Taxation |
5 |
Net
Asset Value |
10 |
Beneficial
Owners |
11 |
General
Information |
11 |
Appendix
A
CORPORATE
BOND RATINGS
MOODY’S
INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
|
|
Aaa |
Obligations rated
Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. |
|
|
Aa |
Obligations rated
Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
|
|
A |
Obligations rated
A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
|
|
Baa |
Obligations rated
Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. |
|
|
Ba |
Obligations rated
Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
|
|
B |
Obligations rated
B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
|
|
Caa |
Obligations rated
Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
|
|
Ca |
Obligations rated
Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. |
|
|
C |
Obligations rated
C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. |
S&P
GLOBAL RATINGS
|
|
AAA |
An obligation
rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its
financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong. |
|
|
AA |
An obligation
rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to
meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong. |
|
|
A |
An obligation
rated ‘A’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions
than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the
obligation is still strong. |
|
|
BBB |
An obligation
rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances
are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
|
|
BB; B; CCC; CC; and C |
Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’,
‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’
indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality
and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions. |
|
|
BB |
An obligation
rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties
or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity
to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
|
|
B |
An obligation
rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently
has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions
will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
|
|
CCC |
An obligation
rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic
conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial,
or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
|
|
CC |
An obligation
rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘CC’ rating is used when a default has
not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time
to default. |
|
|
C |
An obligation
rated ‘C’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative
seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher. |
|
|
D |
An obligation
rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’
rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes
that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of
the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy
petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic
stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring. |
|
|
* |
Ratings from ‘AA’ to ‘CCC’
may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories. |
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Common
Stock
Preferred
Stock
Notes
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common Stock
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common Stock and Preferred Stock
PROSPECTUS
,
2024
Subject
to Completion, Dated July 11, 2024
THE
GABELLI CONVERTIBLE AND INCOME SECURITIES FUND INC.
STATEMENT
OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
THE
INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THE FUND MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES
UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE
THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment
company, incorporated as a Maryland corporation, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940
Act”). The Fund’s investment objective is to seek a high level of total return on its assets. The Fund’s investments
are selected by its Investment Adviser, Gabelli Funds, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”). The Fund seeks to achieve its
investment objective through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. Under normal circumstances the Fund will
invest at least 80% of its total assets in securities that are convertible into or represent the right to acquire common stock,
and in other debt or equity securities that are expected to periodically accrue or generate income for their holders (the “80%
Policy”). We cannot assure you that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
This
Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) does not constitute a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction
with the Fund’s prospectus relating thereto dated ,
2024, and as it may be supplemented (the “Prospectus”). This SAI does not include all information that a prospective
investor should consider before investing in the Fund’s securities, and investors should obtain and read the Prospectus
prior to purchasing such securities. This SAI incorporates by reference the entire Prospectus. You may request a free copy of
the Prospectus by calling (800) GABELLI (422-3554) or by writing to the Fund. A copy of the Fund’s Registration Statement,
including the Prospectus and any supplement, may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)
upon payment of the fee prescribed, or inspected at the SEC’s office or via its website (http://www.sec.gov) at no charge.
Capitalized terms used but not defined in this SAI have the meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.
This
Statement of Additional Information is dated , 2024.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
The
Fund
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. is a diversified, closed-end management investment company incorporated under
the laws of the State of Maryland. The Fund was incorporated in Maryland on December 19, 1988 as an open-end, diversified, management
investment company, and converted to closed-end status after receiving shareholder approval of its Charter on February 21, 1995
and filing the Charter in Maryland on March 31, 1995. The Fund’s common stock (“common shares”) is listed on
the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “GCV.”
Investment
Policies
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Investment Policies” in the Fund’s
Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Investment
Restrictions
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Investment Restrictions” in the Fund’s
Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Management
of the Fund
Indemnification
of Officers and Directors; Limitations on Liability
The
Governing Documents provide that the Fund will indemnify its Directors and officers and may indemnify its employees or agents
against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with litigation in which they may be involved because of their positions
with the Fund, to the fullest extent permitted by law. However, nothing in the Governing Documents protects or indemnifies a Director,
officer, employee or agent of the Fund against any liability to which such person would otherwise be subject in the event of such
person’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of
his or her position.
Investment
Advisory and Administrative Arrangements
The
Investment Adviser is a New York limited liability company which serves as an investment adviser to registered investment companies
as well as one fund that trades on the London Stock Exchange and Luxembourg SICAV, with combined aggregate net assets of approximately
$20.5 billion as of March 31, 2024. The Investment Adviser is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act
of 1940, as amended, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GBL”). Mr. Mario J. Gabelli may be
deemed a “controlling person” of the Investment Adviser on the basis of his controlling interest in GBL. Mr. Gabelli
owns a majority of the stock of GGCP, Inc. (“GGCP”) which holds a majority of the capital stock and voting power of
GBL. The Investment Adviser has several affiliates that provide investment advisory services: GAMCO Asset Management Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of GBL, acts as investment adviser for individuals, pension trusts, profit sharing trusts, and endowments, and
as a sub-adviser to certain third party investment funds, which include registered investment companies, having assets under management
of approximately $11.1 billion as of March 31, 2024; Teton Advisors, Inc., and its wholly owned investment adviser, Keeley Teton
Advisers, LLC, with assets under management of approximately $1.4 billion as of March 31, 2024, acts as investment adviser to
The TETON Westwood Funds, the KEELEY Funds, and separately managed accounts; and Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc.
(formerly, Gabelli Securities, Inc.), a wholly owned subsidiary of Associated Capital Group, Inc. (“Associated Capital”),
acts as investment adviser for certain alternative investment products, consisting primarily of risk arbitrage and merchant banking
limited partnerships and offshore companies, with assets under management of approximately $1.5 billion as of March 31, 2024.
Teton Advisors, Inc., was spun off by GBL in March 2009 and is an affiliate of GBL by virtue of Mr. Gabelli’s ownership
of GGCP, the principal shareholder of Teton Advisors, Inc., as of March 31, 2024. Associated Capital was spun off from GBL on
November 30, 2015, and is an affiliate of GBL by virtue of Mr. Gabelli’s ownership of GGCP, the principal shareholder of
Associated Capital.
Affiliates
of the Investment Adviser may, in the ordinary course of their business, acquire for their own account or for the accounts of
their investment advisory clients, significant (and possibly controlling) positions in the securities of companies that may also
be suitable for investment by the Fund. The securities in which the Fund might invest may thereby be limited to some extent. For
instance, many companies in the past several years have adopted so-called “poison pill” or other defensive measures
designed to discourage or prevent the completion of non-negotiated offers for control of the company. Such defensive measures
may have the effect of limiting the shares of the company which might otherwise be acquired by the Fund if the affiliates of the
Investment Adviser or their investment advisory accounts have or acquire a significant position in the same securities. However,
the Investment Adviser does not believe that the investment activities of its affiliates will have a material adverse effect upon
the Fund in seeking to achieve its investment objective. Securities purchased or sold pursuant to contemporaneous orders entered
on behalf of the investment company accounts of the Investment Adviser or the investment advisory accounts managed by its affiliates
for their unaffiliated clients are allocated pursuant to procedures, approved by the Board, believed to be fair and not disadvantageous
to any such accounts. In addition, all such orders are accorded priority of execution over orders entered on behalf of accounts
in which the Investment Adviser or its affiliates have a substantial pecuniary interest. The Investment Adviser may on occasion
give advice or take action with respect to other clients that differs from the actions taken with respect to the Fund. The Fund
may invest in the securities of companies that are investment management clients of GAMCO. In addition, portfolio companies or
their officers or directors may be minority shareholders of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates.
Under
the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser manages the portfolio of the Fund in accordance with its
stated investment objective and policies, makes investment decisions for the Fund, places orders to purchase and sell securities
on behalf of the Fund and manages its other business and affairs, all subject to the supervision and direction of the Fund’s
Board. In addition, under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser oversees the administration of all aspects
of the Fund’s business and affairs and provides, or arranges for others to provide, at the Investment Adviser’s expense,
certain enumerated services, including maintaining the Fund’s books and records, preparing reports to the Fund’s shareholders
and supervising the calculation of the net asset value of the Fund’s shares. Expenses of computing the net asset value of
the Fund, including any equipment or services obtained solely for the purpose of pricing shares or valuing its investment portfolio,
underwriting compensation and reimbursements in connection with sales of the Fund’s securities, the costs of utilizing a
third party to monitor and collect class action settlements on behalf of the Fund, expenses in connection with the preparation
of SEC filings, the fees and expenses of Directors who are not officers or employees of the Investment Adviser of its affiliates,
compensation and other expenses of officers and employees of the Fund (including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer,
Vice President and Ombudsman) as approved by the Directors, charges of the custodian, any sub-custodian and transfer agent and
dividend paying agent, expenses in connection with the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan and the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan,
accounting and pricing costs, membership fees in trade associations, expenses for legal and independent accountants’ services,
costs of printing proxies, share certificates and shareholder reports, fidelity bond coverage for Fund officers and employees,
Directors’ and officers’ errors and omissions insurance coverage, and stock exchange listing fees will be an expense
of the Fund unless the Investment Adviser voluntarily assumes responsibility for such expenses.
The
Advisory Agreement combines investment advisory and administrative responsibilities in one agreement. For services rendered by
the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Fund under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Investment Adviser a fee, computed
daily and paid monthly, equal on an annual basis to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets including the liquidation
value of preferred shares. Net assets does not include amounts attributable to liabilities constituting indebtedness. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Investment Adviser will waive the portion of its investment advisory fee attributable to an amount of assets
of the Fund equal to the aggregate stated value of the applicable series of its currently outstanding preferred shares for any
calendar year in which the net asset value total return of the Fund allocable to the common shares, including distributions and
the advisory fee subject to potential waiver, is less than the stated annual dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each
particular series of currently outstanding preferred shares, prorated during the year such series is issued and the final year
such series is outstanding. The Fund’s total return on the net asset value of the common shares is monitored on a monthly
basis to assess whether the total return on the net asset value of the common shares exceeds the stated dividend rate or corresponding
swap rate of each particular series of currently outstanding preferred shares for the period. The test to confirm the accrual
of the management fee on the assets attributable to each particular series of preferred shares is annual. The Fund will accrue
for the management fee on these assets during the fiscal year if it appears probable that the Fund will incur the management fee
on those additional assets.
Because
the investment advisory fees are based on a percentage of total assets, which includes assets attributable to the Fund’s
use of leverage and assets from derivative transactions, the Investment Adviser may have a conflict of interest in the input it
provides to the Board regarding whether to use or increase the Fund’s use of leverage and/or derivative transactions. The
Board bases its decision, with input from the Investment Adviser, regarding whether and how much leverage to use for the Fund
on its assessment of whether such use of leverage is in the best interest of the Fund. The Board seeks to manage the Investment
Adviser’s potential conflict of interest by retaining the final decision on these matters and by periodically reviewing
the Fund’s performance and use of leverage.
Pursuant
to the Investment Advisory Agreement, for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the years ended December 31, 2022 and
2021, the Investment Adviser earned $719,039, $1,249,125 and $1,610,085, respectively, for advisory and administrative services
rendered to the Fund.
The
Investment Advisory Agreement provides that, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
for its obligations and duties thereunder, the Investment Adviser is not liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or
for any loss suffered by the Fund. As part of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund has agreed that the name “Gabelli”
is the Investment Adviser’s property, and that in the event the Investment Adviser ceases to act as an investment adviser
to the Fund, the Fund will change its name to one not including “Gabelli.”
Additionally,
the Investment Adviser has entered into a sub-administration agreement (the “Sub-Administration Agreement”) with The
Bank of New York Mellon (the “Sub-Administrator”) pursuant to which the Sub-Administrator provides certain administrative
services necessary for the Fund’s operations which do not include the investment and portfolio management services provided
by the Investment Adviser. For these services and the related expenses borne by the Sub-Administrator, the Investment Adviser
pays a prorated monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.0275% of the first $10 billion of the aggregate average net assets of the
Fund and all other funds advised by the Investment Adviser and Teton Advisors, Inc. and administered by the Sub- Administrator,
0.0125% of the aggregate average net assets exceeding $10 billion but less than $15 billion, 0.01% of the aggregate average net
assets in excess of $15 billion and 0.008% of the aggregate average net assets in excess of $20 billion.
Pursuant
to its terms, the Advisory Agreement will remain in effect with respect to the Fund from year to year if approved annually (i)
by the Fund’s Board or by the holders of a majority of its outstanding voting securities and (ii) by a majority of the directors
who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Advisory Agreement, by vote cast
in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The
Advisory Agreement was most recently approved by a majority of the Fund’s Board, including a majority of the Directors who
are not interested persons as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, at an in person meeting of the Board held on May 14, 2024.
A
discussion regarding the basis of the Board’s approval of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund will be available in the annual
report to shareholders for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.
The
Advisory Agreement terminates automatically on its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act) and may be terminated without penalty
on 60 days’ written notice by the Fund’s Board of Directors, by a vote of a majority of the Fund’s shares or
by the Investment Adviser.
Portfolio
Holdings Information
Employees
of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates will often have access to information concerning the portfolio holdings of the Fund.
The Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted policies and procedures that require all employees to safeguard proprietary information
of the Fund, which includes information relating to the Fund’s portfolio holdings as well as portfolio trading activity
of the Investment Adviser with respect to the Fund (collectively, “Portfolio Holdings Information”). In addition,
the Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted policies and procedures providing that Portfolio Holdings Information may not
be disclosed except to the extent that it is (a) made available to the general public by posting on the Fund’s website
or filed as part of a required filing on Form N-PORT or N-CSR or (b) provided to a third party for legitimate business purposes
or regulatory purposes, that has agreed to keep such data confidential under terms approved by the Investment Adviser’s
legal department or outside counsel, as described below. The Investment Adviser will examine each situation under (b) with
a view to determine that release of the information is in the best interest of the Fund and their shareholders and, if a potential
conflict between the Investment Adviser’s interests and the Fund’s interests arises, to have such conflict resolved
by the Chief Compliance Officer or those Directors who are not considered to be “interested persons” (as defined in
the 1940 Act). These policies further provide that no officer of the Fund or employee of the Investment Adviser shall communicate
with the media about the Fund without obtaining the advance consent of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, or
General Counsel of the Investment Adviser.
Under
the foregoing policies, the Fund currently may disclose Portfolio Holdings Information in the circumstances outlined below. Disclosure
generally may be either on a monthly or quarterly basis with no time lag in some cases and with a time lag of up to 60 days in
other cases (with the exception of proxy voting services which require a regular download of data):
(1)
To regulatory authorities in response to requests for such information and with the approval of the Chief Compliance Officer of
the Fund;
(2)
To mutual fund rating and statistical agencies and to persons performing similar functions where there is a legitimate business
purpose for such disclosure and such entity has agreed to keep such data confidential until at least it has been made public by
the Investment Adviser;
(3)
To service providers of the Fund, as necessary for the performance of their services to the Fund and to the Board, where such
entity has agreed to keep such data confidential until at least it has been made public by the Investment Adviser. The Fund’s
current service providers that may receive such information are its administrator, sub-administrator, custodian, independent registered
public accounting firm, legal counsel, and financial printers;
(4)
To firms providing proxy voting and other proxy services provided such entity has agreed to keep such data confidential until
at least it has been made public by the Investment Adviser;
(5)
To certain broker dealers, investment advisers, and other financial intermediaries for purposes of their performing due diligence
on the Fund and not for dissemination of this information to their clients or use of this information to conduct trading for their
clients. Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings Information in these circumstances requires the broker, dealer, investment adviser,
or financial intermediary to agree to keep such information confidential until it has been made public by the Investment Adviser
and is further subject to prior approval of the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund and shall be reported to the Board at the
next quarterly meeting; and
(6)
To consultants for purposes of performing analysis of the Fund, which analysis may be used by the consultant with its clients
or disseminated to the public, provided that such entity shall have agreed to keep such information confidential until at least
it has been made public by the Investment Adviser.
As
of the date of this SAI, the Fund makes information about portfolio securities available to its administrator, sub-administrator,
custodian, and proxy voting services on a daily basis, with no time lag, to its typesetter on a quarterly basis with a ten day
time lag, to its financial printers on a quarterly basis with a forty-five day time lag, and its independent registered public
accounting firm and legal counsel on an as needed basis with no time lag. The names of the Fund’s administrator, custodian,
independent registered public accounting firm, and legal counsel are set forth is the Prospectus. The Fund’s proxy voting
service is Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. Donnelley Financial Solutions and Appatura provide typesetting services for the
Fund and the Fund selects from a number of financial printers who have agreed to keep such information confidential until at least
it has been made public by the Investment Adviser. Other than those arrangements with the Fund’s service providers and proxy
voting service, the Fund has no ongoing arrangements to make available information about the Fund’s portfolio securities
prior to such information being disclosed in a publicly available filing with the SEC that is required to include the information.
Disclosures
made pursuant to a confidentiality agreement are subject to periodic confirmation by the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund
that the recipient has utilized such information solely in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Neither the Fund, nor the
Investment Adviser, nor any of the Investment Adviser’s affiliates will accept on behalf of itself, its affiliates, or the
Fund any compensation or other consideration in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings of the Fund. The Board will
review such arrangements annually with the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer.
Portfolio
Transactions
Subject
to policies established by the Board, the Investment Adviser is responsible for placing purchase and sale orders and the allocation
of brokerage on behalf of the Fund. Transactions in equity securities are in most cases effected on U.S. stock exchanges and involve
the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. In general, there may be no stated commission in the case of securities traded
in OTC markets, but the prices of those securities may include undisclosed commissions or mark-ups. Principal transactions are
not entered into with affiliates of the Fund. However, G.research may execute transactions in the OTC markets on an agency basis
and receive a stated commission therefrom. To the extent consistent with applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and
exemptions adopted by the SEC thereunder, as well as other regulatory requirements, the Board has determined that portfolio transactions
may be executed through G.research and its broker-dealer affiliates if, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, the use of
those broker-dealers is likely to result in price and execution at least as favorable as those of other qualified broker-dealers,
and if, in particular transactions, the affiliated broker-dealers charge the Fund a rate consistent with that charged to comparable
unaffiliated customers in similar transactions and comparable to rates charged by other broker dealers for similar transactions.
The Fund has no obligations to deal with any broker or group of brokers in executing transactions in portfolio securities. In
executing transactions, the Investment Adviser seeks to obtain the best price and execution for the Fund, taking into account
such factors as price, size of order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved and the firm’s
risk in positioning a block of securities. While the Investment Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates,
the Fund does not necessarily pay the lowest commission available. During the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the years
ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Fund paid aggregate brokerage commissions of $5,952, $13,930 and $2,495, respectively.
During the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Fund paid to G.research
brokerage commissions on security trades of $625, $900 and $384, respectively. Such amount represents approximately 11%, 6% and
15% of the Fund’s aggregate brokerage commissions paid during the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the years ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The percentages of the Fund’s aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving
the payment of commissions effected through G.research during the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the years ended December 31,
2022 and 2021 were approximately 22%, 12% and 13%, respectively.
Subject
to obtaining the best price and execution, brokers who provide supplemental research, market and statistical information, or other
services (e.g., wire services) to the Investment Adviser or its affiliates may receive orders for transactions by the Fund. The
term “research, market and statistical information” includes advice as to the value of securities, and advisability
of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities,
and furnishing analyses and reports concerning issues, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy
and the performance of accounts. Information so received will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be
performed by the Investment Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement and the expenses of the Investment Adviser will not
necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental information. Such information may be useful to the Investment
Adviser and its affiliates in providing services to clients other than the Fund, and not all such information is used by the Investment
Adviser in connection with the Fund. Conversely, such information provided to the Investment Adviser and its affiliates by brokers
and dealers through whom other clients of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates effect securities transactions may be useful
to the Investment Adviser in providing services to the Fund.
Although
investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those for the other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser and
its affiliates, investments of the kind made by the Fund may also be made for those other accounts. When the same securities are
purchased for or sold by the Fund and any of such other accounts, it is the policy of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates
to allocate such purchases and sales in a manner deemed fair and equitable over time to all of the accounts, including the Fund.
Portfolio
Turnover
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Risks and Special Considerations—Portfolio
Turnover Risk” in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Taxation
The
following discussion is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its common
and preferred shareholders. This summary does not discuss the consequences of an investment in the Fund’s notes or subscription
rights to acquire shares of the Fund’s stock. The tax consequences of such an investment will be discussed in a relevant
prospectus supplement.
Except
as expressly provided otherwise, this discussion assumes you are a taxable U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal
income tax purposes) and that you hold your shares as capital assets (generally, for investment). The discussion is based upon
current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury regulations, judicial authorities,
published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and other applicable authorities, all of which are
subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that the IRS would
not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to those set forth below. No attempt is made to present a detailed
explanation of all U.S. federal income tax concerns affecting the Fund and its shareholders (including shareholders subject
to special tax rules and shareholders owning a large position in the Fund), nor does this discussion address any state, local,
or foreign tax concerns.
The
discussions set forth here and in the Prospectus do not constitute tax advice. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers
with any specific questions relating to U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxes.
Taxation
of the Fund
The
Fund has elected to be treated and has qualified, and intends to continue to qualify, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.
Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things,
| (i) | derive
in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from (a) dividends, interest
(including tax-exempt interest), payments with respect to certain securities
loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies,
or other income (including but not limited to gain from options, futures and forward
contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities
or currencies and (b) net income derived from interests in certain publicly traded
partnerships that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes
and that derive less than 90% of their gross income from the items described in (a) above
(each a “Qualified Publicly Traded Partnership”); and |
| (ii) | diversify
its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (a) at least
50% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash
items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities,
with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater
than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s
total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities
and the securities of other RICs) of (I) any one issuer, (II) any two or more
issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same business
or similar or related trades or businesses or (III) any one or more Qualified Publicly
Traded Partnerships. |
As
a RIC, the Fund generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on income and gains that it distributes each taxable
year to shareholders, provided that it distributes annually at least 90% of the sum of the Fund’s (i) investment company
taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest, the excess of any net short term capital gain over net
long term capital loss, and other taxable income, other than any net capital gain (as defined below), reduced by deductible expenses)
determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) net tax-exempt interest income (the excess
of its gross tax-exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions). The Fund intends to distribute at least
annually substantially all of such income. The Fund will be subject to income tax at regular corporate rates on any taxable income
or gains that it does not distribute to its shareholders.
Amounts
not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4%
federal excise tax at the Fund level. To avoid the tax, the Fund must distribute during each calendar year an amount at least
equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar
year, and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period
generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use the Fund’s fiscal year). In
addition, the minimum amounts that must be distributed in any year to avoid the federal excise tax will be increased or decreased
to reflect any under-distribution or over-distribution, as the case may be, from previous years. For purposes of the excise tax,
the Fund will be deemed to have distributed any income on which it paid U.S. federal income tax. Although the Fund intends to
distribute any income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% federal excise tax, there can
be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund’s ordinary income and capital gains will be distributed to avoid entirely
the imposition of the tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the
foregoing distribution requirement.
If
the Fund were unable to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement or otherwise were to fail to qualify as a RIC in any year, generally
it would be taxed on all of its taxable income and gains in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and distributions to the
Fund’s shareholders would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. Such distributions would be taxable
to the shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Provided
that certain holding period and other requirements are met, such dividends may be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified
dividend income eligible to be taxed at long term capital gain rates in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for
the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders. To qualify again to be taxed as a RIC in a subsequent
year, the Fund would be required to distribute to its shareholders its earnings and profits attributable to non-RIC years.
In addition, if the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, then, in order to qualify as
a RIC in a subsequent year, the Fund would be required to elect to recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gain (the
excess of aggregate gain, including items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if the Fund had been liquidated)
or, alternatively, to be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of five years. The remainder
of this discussion assumes that the Fund qualifies for taxation as a RIC.
Certain
of the Fund’s investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may,
among other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (ii) convert
lower taxed long term capital gains or qualified dividend income into higher taxed short term capital gains or ordinary income,
(iii) convert an ordinary loss or deduction into capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause
the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a
purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex
financial transactions and (vii) produce income that will not qualify as good income for purposes of the 90% annual gross
income requirement described above. These U.S. federal income tax provisions could therefore affect the amount, timing and character
of distributions to shareholders.
Gain
or loss on the sale of securities by the Fund will generally be long term capital gain or loss if the securities have been held
by the Fund for more than one year. Gain or loss on the sale of securities held for one year or less will be short term capital
gain or loss.
Foreign
currency gain or loss on non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities and on any non-U.S. dollar-denominated futures
contracts, options and forward contracts that are not section 1256 contracts (as defined below) generally will be treated
as ordinary income and loss.
The
premium received by the Fund for writing a call option is not included in income at the time of receipt. If the option expires,
the premium is short term capital gain to the Fund. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction, the difference between the
amount paid to close out its position and the premium received is short term capital gain or loss. If a call option written by
the Fund is exercised, thereby requiring the Fund to sell the underlying security, the premium will increase the amount realized
upon the sale of the security and any resulting gain or loss will be long term or short term, depending upon the holding period
of the security. The Fund does not have control over the exercise of the call options it writes and thus does not control the
timing of such taxable events.
With
respect to a put or call option that is purchased by the Fund, if the option is sold, any resulting gain or loss will be a capital
gain or loss and will be short term or long term, depending upon the holding period for the option. If the option expires, the
resulting loss is a capital loss and is short term or long term, depending upon the holding period for the option. If the option
is exercised, the cost of the option, in the case of a call option, is added to the basis of the purchased security and, in the
case of a put option, reduces the amount realized on the underlying security in determining gain or loss.
The
Fund’s investment in so-called “section 1256 contracts,” such as regulated futures contracts,
most foreign currency forward contracts traded in the interbank market, options on most stock indices and any non-equity options,
are subject to special tax rules. All section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of its taxable year are required
to be marked to their market value, and any unrealized gain or loss on those positions will be included in the Fund’s income
as if each position had been sold for its fair market value at the end of the taxable year, thereby potentially causing the Fund
to recognize gain in advance of a corresponding receipt of cash. The resulting gain or loss will be combined with any gain or
loss realized by the Fund from positions in section 1256 contracts closed during the taxable year. Provided such positions
were held as capital assets and were not part of a “hedging transaction” nor part of a “straddle,” 60%
of the resulting net gain or loss will be treated as long term capital gain or loss, and 40% of such net gain or loss will be
treated as short term capital gain or loss, regardless of the period of time the positions were actually held by the Fund.
Investments
by the Fund in certain “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”) could subject the Fund to U.S. federal
income tax (including interest charges) on certain distributions or dispositions with respect to those investments which cannot
be eliminated by making distributions to shareholders. Elections may be available to the Fund to mitigate the effect of the PFIC
rules, but such elections generally accelerate the recognition of income without the receipt of cash. Dividends paid by PFICs
will not qualify for the reduced tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income, as discussed below under “Taxation of
Shareholders.”
The
Fund may invest in debt obligations purchased at a discount with the result that the Fund may be required to accrue income for
U.S. federal income tax purposes before amounts due under the obligations are paid. The Fund may also invest in securities
rated in the medium to lower rating categories of nationally recognized rating organizations, and in unrated securities (“high
yield securities”). A portion of the interest payments on such high yield securities may be treated as dividends for certain
U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The
Fund may invest in preferred securities or other securities the U.S. federal income tax treatment of which may not be clear or
may be subject to special rules or to recharacterization by the IRS. To the extent the tax treatment of such securities or the
income from such securities differs from the tax treatment expected by the Fund, it could affect the timing or character of income
recognized by the Fund, potentially requiring the Fund to purchase or sell securities, or otherwise change its portfolio, in order
to comply with the tax rules applicable to RICs under the Code.
As
a result of investing in stock of PFICs or securities purchased at a discount or any other investment that produces income that
is not matched by a corresponding cash distribution to the Fund, the Fund could be required to include in current income, income
it has not yet received in cash. Any such income would be treated as income earned by the Fund and therefore would be subject
to the distribution requirements of the Code. This might prevent the Fund from distributing 90% of its investment company taxable
income as is required in order to avoid Fund-level U.S. federal income tax on all of its income, or might prevent the
Fund from distributing enough ordinary income and capital gain net income to avoid the imposition of Fund-level income or excise
taxes. To avoid this result, the Fund may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities at inopportune times or on unfavorable
terms, forgo favorable investments, or take other actions that it would otherwise not take, to be able to make distributions to
its shareholders.
If
the Fund does not meet the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act and the Statements of Preferences, the Fund will be required
to suspend distributions to the holders of the common shares until the asset coverage is restored. Such a suspension of distributions
might prevent the Fund from distributing 90% of its investment company taxable income as is required in order to avoid Fund-level U.S. federal
income taxation on all of its income, or might prevent the Fund from distributing enough income and capital gain net income to
avoid imposition of Fund-level income or excise taxes.
Dividends
or other income (including, in some cases, capital gains) received by the Fund from investments in foreign securities may be subject
to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce
or eliminate such taxes in some cases. If more than 50% of the Fund’s total assets at the close of its taxable year consist
of stock or securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect for U.S. federal income tax purposes to treat foreign income
taxes paid by it as paid by its shareholders. The Fund may qualify for and make this election in some, but not necessarily all,
of its taxable years. If the Fund were to make such an election, shareholders of the Fund would be required to take into account
an amount equal to their pro rata portions of such foreign taxes in computing their taxable income and then treat an amount equal
to those foreign taxes as a U.S. federal income tax deduction or as a foreign tax credit against their U.S. federal income liability.
A taxpayer’s ability to use a foreign tax deduction or credit is subject to limitations under the Code. If the Fund makes
this election, it will furnish its shareholders with a written notice after the close of the taxable year.
Taxation
of Shareholders
Distributions
paid by the Fund from its investment company taxable income generally are taxable as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s
current or accumulated earnings and profits (“ordinary income dividends”). Provided that certain holding period and
other requirements are met, such distributions (if properly reported by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received
deduction available to corporations, but only to the extent that the Fund’s income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations
and (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at long term capital gain
rates to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income
from taxable domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated
in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualifying comprehensive tax treaty with the United States,
or whose stock with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United
States). A qualified foreign corporation does not include a foreign corporation that for the taxable year of the corporation in
which the dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year, is a PFIC. If the Fund lends portfolio securities, the amount received
by the Fund that is the equivalent of the dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned will not be eligible for qualified
dividend income treatment. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund’s distributions will be eligible for
the dividends received deduction or the reduced rates applicable to qualified dividend income.
Properly
reported distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long term capital gain over net short term capital loss) (“capital
gain distributions”), if any, are taxable to shareholders at the reduced rates applicable to long term capital gain, regardless
of how long the shareholder has held the Fund’s shares. Capital gain distributions are not eligible for the dividends received
deduction.
The
Fund may either distribute or retain for reinvestment all or part of its net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long term capital
gain over net short term capital loss). If any such gain is retained, the Fund will be subject to regular corporate income tax
on the retained amount. In that event, the Fund may report the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a notice to its
shareholders, each of whom (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes as long term capital
gain its share of such undistributed amounts, (ii) will be entitled to credit its proportionate share of the tax paid by
the Fund against its U.S. federal income tax liability and to claim refunds to the extent that the credit exceeds such liability
and (iii) will increase its basis in its shares of the Fund by the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the
shareholder’s income less the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii).
Distributions
in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-free return of capital
to the extent of your adjusted tax basis of your shares and thereafter will be treated as capital gains. The amount of any Fund
distribution that is treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce your adjusted tax basis in your shares, thereby
increasing your potential gain or reducing your potential loss on any subsequent sale or other disposition of your shares. In
determining the extent to which a distribution will be treated as being made from the Fund’s earnings and profits, earnings
and profits will be allocated on a pro rata basis first to distributions with respect to the Fund’s preferred shares, and
then to the Fund’s common shares.
The
IRS currently requires that a RIC that has two or more classes of stock allocate to each such class proportionate amounts of each
type of its income (such as ordinary income, capital gains, and qualified dividend income) based upon the percentage of total
dividends paid to each class for the tax year. Accordingly, the Fund intends each year to allocate capital gain dividends, dividends
eligible for the dividends received deduction, and dividends that constitute qualified dividend income, if any, between its common
shares and preferred shares in proportion to the total dividends paid to each class with respect to such tax year.
Dividends
and other taxable distributions are taxable to you even though they are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. Dividends
and other distributions paid by the Fund are generally treated under the Code as paid by the Fund and received by you at the time
the dividend or distribution is made. If, however, the Fund pays you a dividend in January that was declared in the previous October,
November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such dividend will be treated for
U.S. federal income tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by you on December 31 of the year in which the dividend
was declared. In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of the Fund’s taxable year may be “spilled
back” and treated as paid by the Fund (except for purposes of the 4% nondeductible excise tax) during such taxable year.
In such case, you will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually
made.
The
price of shares purchased at any time may reflect the amount of a forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing shares just prior
to the record date for a distribution will receive a distribution which will be taxable to them even though it represents in part
a return of invested capital.
Except
as discussed below in the case of a redemption or repurchase of shares, upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of shares,
a shareholder will generally realize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market
value of other property received and the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares. Such gain or loss will be treated
as long term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange
will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced by substantially identical shares within a 61-day period
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis
of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. In addition, any loss realized by a shareholder on the
sale of Fund shares held by the shareholder for six months or less will be treated for tax purposes as a long term capital loss
to the extent of any capital gain distributions received by the shareholder (or amounts credited to the shareholder as an undistributed
capital gain) with respect to such shares. There are a number of limitations on the use of capital losses under the Code.
In
general, a redemption or repurchase of shares should be treated as a sale or exchange of such shares under section 302 of the
Code, if the distribution of cash (a) is “substantially disproportionate” with respect to the shareholder, (b) results
in a “complete redemption” of the shareholder’s interest, or (c) is “not essentially equivalent to
a dividend” with respect to the shareholder. A “substantially disproportionate” distribution generally requires
a reduction of at least 20% in the shareholder’s proportionate interest in the Fund and also requires the shareholder to
own less than 50% of the voting power of all classes entitled to vote immediately after the redemption or repurchase. A “complete
redemption” of a shareholder’s interest generally requires that all common and preferred shares of the Fund owned
by such shareholder be disposed of. A distribution “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” requires that there
be a “meaningful reduction” in the shareholder’s proportionate interest in the Fund, which should result if
the shareholder has a minimal interest in the Fund, exercises no control over Fund affairs and suffers a reduction in his proportionate
interest in the Fund. In determining whether any of these tests has been met, any common and preferred shares actually owned,
as well as shares considered to be owned by the shareholder by reason of certain constructive ownership rules set forth in section
318 of the Code, generally must be taken into account.
If
the redemption or repurchase of your shares meets any of these three tests for “sale or exchange” treatment, you will
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of other property received
pursuant to the transaction and the adjusted tax basis of the sold shares. If none of the tests described above are met, you may
be treated as having received, in whole or in part, a dividend, return of capital or capital gain, depending on (i) whether
there are sufficient earnings and profits to support a dividend and (ii) your tax basis in the relevant shares. The tax basis
in the sold shares will be transferred to any remaining shares held by you in the Fund. In addition, if the redemption or repurchase
of shares is treated as a “dividend” to a shareholder, a constructive dividend under certain provisions of the Code
may result to a non-selling shareholder whose proportionate interest in the earnings and assets of the Fund has been
increased as a result of such transaction.
Certain
U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a
3.8% Medicare tax on all or a part of their “net investment income,” which includes dividends received from the Fund
and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of the Fund’s stock.
Ordinary
income dividends, capital gain distributions and gain on the sale of Fund shares also may be subject to state, local and foreign
taxes. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific questions about U.S. federal (including
the application of the alternative minimum tax rules), state, local or foreign tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.
A
shareholder that is a nonresident alien individual or a foreign corporation (a “foreign investor”) generally will
be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or possibly a lower rate provided by an applicable tax treaty)
on ordinary income dividends. Assuming applicable disclosure and certification requirements are met, a foreign investor generally
will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain realized in respect of any distributions of net capital
gain (including net capital gain retained by the Fund but credited to shareholders) or upon the sale or other disposition of shares
of the Fund. Different tax consequences may result if the foreign investor is engaged in a trade or business in the United States,
or in the case of an individual, if the foreign investor is present in the United States for 183 days or more during a taxable
year and certain other conditions are met.
Properly
reported ordinary income dividends are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax where they (i) are paid in
respect of a RIC’s “qualified net interest income” (generally, the RIC’s U.S.-source interest income,
other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which the RIC is at least
a 10% shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) are paid in respect of a RIC’s “qualified
short term gains” (generally, the excess of the RIC’s net short term capital gain over the RIC’s net long term
capital loss for such taxable year). Depending on its circumstances, the Fund may report all, some or none of its potentially
eligible dividends as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short term gains, and/or treat such dividends, in whole
or in part, as ineligible for this exemption from withholding. In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a foreign
investor would need to comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including,
in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or substitute Form). In the case of shares held through
an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund reports the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified
short term gain. Foreign investors should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their
accounts. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund’s distributions would qualify for favorable treatment
as qualified net interest income or qualified short term gains.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, withholding is generally required at a rate of 30% on dividends in respect of the Fund’s shares held by or
through certain foreign financial institutions (including investment funds), unless such institution enters into an agreement
with the Secretary of the Treasury to report, on an annual basis, information with respect to shares in, and accounts maintained
by, the institution to the extent such shares or accounts are held by certain U.S. persons or by certain non-U.S. entities that
are wholly or partially owned by U.S. persons and to withhold on certain payments. Accordingly, the entity through which
the Fund’s shares are held will affect the determination of whether such withholding is required. Similarly, dividends in
respect of the Fund’s shares held by an investor that is a non-financial non-U.S. entity will generally
be subject to withholding at a rate of 30%, unless such entity either (i) certifies that such entity does not have any “substantial
United States owners” or (ii) provides certain information regarding the entity’s “substantial United States
owners,” which the Fund or other applicable withholding agent will in turn be required to provide to the Secretary of the
Treasury. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country, or future Treasury regulations
or other guidance, may modify these requirements. Foreign investors are encouraged to consult with their tax advisers regarding
the possible implications of these rules on their investment in the Fund’s shares.
Foreign
investors should consult their tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of investing in the Fund’s shares.
The
Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax on all taxable distributions and redemption proceeds payable to non-corporate shareholders
who fail to provide the Fund (or its agent) with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications,
or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax.
Any amounts withheld may be refunded or credited against such shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any,
provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
THE
FOREGOING IS A GENERAL AND ABBREVIATED SUMMARY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CODE AND TREASURY REGULATIONS PRESENTLY IN EFFECT.
FOR THE COMPLETE PROVISIONS, REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE PERTINENT CODE SECTIONS AND THE TREASURY REGULATIONS PROMULGATED
THEREUNDER. THE DISCUSSION SET FORTH ABOVE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY LEGISLATIVE, JUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION, EITHER PROSPECTIVELY
OR RETROACTIVELY. PERSONS CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SHARES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS REGARDING THE PURCHASE,
OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF SHARES OF THE FUND.
Net
Asset Value
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Net Asset Value” in the Fund’s Annual
Report is incorporated herein by reference.
Beneficial
Owners
As
of July 9, 2024, based upon Schedule 13D/13G filings with the SEC, the following persons were known to the Fund to be beneficial
owners of more than 5% of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
and Address of Beneficial
Owner(s)
|
|
Title of Class
|
|
Amount of Shares and
Nature of Ownership
|
|
Percent of
Class
|
Mario
J. Gabelli and affiliates
One
Corporate Center
Rye,
NY 10580-1422 |
|
Common |
|
1,935,169
(beneficial) (1) |
|
9.9% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regina
Pitaro
One
Corporate Center
Rye,
NY 10580 |
|
Preferred |
|
285,000
(beneficial) |
|
44.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sheila
Ellice Shafran Living Trust
Boca
Raton, FL 33432 |
|
Preferred |
|
150,000
(beneficial) |
|
23.4% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GAMCO
Investors Inc. and affiliates
One
Corporate Center
Rye,
NY 10580 |
|
Preferred |
|
100,000
(beneficial) (2) |
|
15.6% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W.
David Franzel Living Trust
Alexandria,
VA 22304 |
|
Preferred |
|
50,000
(beneficial) |
|
7.8% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (1) | Comprised
of 489,169 shares of Common Stock owned by directly Mario J. Gabelli; 1,100,000 shares
owned by GGCP, Inc. (GGCP), of which Mr. Gabelli is the Chief Executive Officer, a director,
and the controlling shareholder; 328,425 shares owned by Associated Capital Group, Inc.
(ACG), of which Mr. Gabelli is the Executive Chair and controlling shareholder; and 17,575
shares owned by Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (GCIA), a majority owned
subsidiary of Associated Capital Group, Inc. Mr. Gabelli has less than a 100% interest
in each of these entities and disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by these
entities which are in excess of his indirect pecuniary interest. |
| (2) | Comprised
of 100,000 Preferred Stock owned by GAMCO Asset Management Inc. Mr. Gabelli has less
than a 100% interest in this entity and disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares
owned by this entity which are in excess of his indirect pecuniary interest. |
As
of July 9, 2024, the Trustees and executive officers as a group beneficially owned less than 1% of the total common shares outstanding
and less than 1% of the total preferred shares outstanding.
General
Information
Book-Entry-Only
Issuance
The
Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) will act as securities depository for the securities offered pursuant to the Prospectus.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system is based upon information obtained from DTC.
The securities offered hereby initially will be issued only as fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede &
Co. (as nominee for DTC). One or more fully-registered global security certificates initially will be issued, representing in
the aggregate the total number of securities, and deposited with DTC.
DTC
is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning
of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of
the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A
of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among participants
of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry
changes in participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct
DTC participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations.
Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly through other entities.
Purchases
of securities within the DTC system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the securities
on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of a security, a beneficial owner, is in turn to be recorded
on the direct or indirect participants’ records. Beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their
purchases, but beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transactions, as well
as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect participants through which the beneficial owners purchased
securities. Transfers of ownership interests in securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of participants
acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests
in securities, except as provided herein.
DTC
has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the securities being offered pursuant to the Prospectus; DTC’s records
reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts such securities are credited, which may or may not be the
beneficial owners. The participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
Conveyance
of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants, and by direct
participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory
or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Payments
on the securities will be made to DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit direct participants’ accounts on the relevant payment
date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not
receive payments on such payment date. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions
and customary practices and will be the responsibility of such participant and not of DTC or the Fund, subject to any statutory
or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of distributions to DTC is the responsibility of the
Fund, disbursement of such payments to direct participants is the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to
the beneficial owners is the responsibility of direct and indirect participants. Furthermore each beneficial owner must rely on
the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights under the securities.
DTC
may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with respect to the securities at any time by giving reasonable
notice to the Fund. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depository is not obtained, certificates
representing the securities will be printed and delivered.
Proxy
Voting Procedures
The
Fund has adopted the proxy voting procedures of the Investment Adviser and has directed the Investment Adviser to vote all proxies
relating to the Fund’s voting securities in accordance with such procedures. The proxy voting procedures are incorporated
herein by reference to the Fund’s most recently filed Form N-CSR. See “Incorporation By Reference” in the
Prospectus. The proxy voting procedures are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet site
(http://www.sec.gov). Information regarding how the Registrant voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent
12-month period ended June 30 will be available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 800-422-3554, or on the
Registrant’s website at http://www.gabelli.com, and (ii) on the Commission’s website at
http://www.sec.gov.
Code
of Ethics
The
Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted a Code of Ethics. This Code of Ethics sets forth restrictions on the trading activities
of trustees/directors, officers and employees of the Fund, the Investment Adviser and their affiliates. For example, such persons
may not purchase any security for which the Fund has a purchase or sale order pending, or for which such trade is under consideration.
In addition, those trustees/directors, officers and employees that are principally involved in investment decisions for client
accounts are prohibited from purchasing or selling for their own account for a period of seven days a security that has been traded
for a client’s account, unless such trade is executed on more favorable terms for the client’s account and it is determined
that such trade will not adversely affect the client’s account. Short term trading by such trustee/directors, officers and
employees for their own accounts in securities held by a Fund client’s account is also restricted. The above examples are
subject to certain exceptions and they do not represent all of the trading restrictions and policies set forth by the Code of
Ethics. The Code of Ethics is available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
Joint
Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers
The
Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted a Joint Code of Ethics that serves as a code of conduct. The Joint Code of Ethics
sets forth policies to guide the chief executive and senior financial officers in the performance of their duties. The Joint
Code of Ethics is available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s internet site (http://www.sec.gov).
Incorporation
by Reference
As
noted in the Prospectus, we are allowed to “incorporate by reference” the information that we file with the SEC, which
means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference
is considered to be part of the Prospectus, the SAI or the Prospectus Supplement, as applicable, and later information that we
file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information.
PART
C
OTHER
INFORMATION
| Item 25. | Financial
Statements and Exhibits |
Part
A
The
audited financial statements included in the annual report to the Fund’s shareholders for the fiscal year ended (the
“ Annual Report”), together with the report of thereon, are .
The
unaudited financial statements included in the semi-annual report to the Fund’s shareholders for the fiscal period ended
March 31, 2024.
Part
B
None
| (a)(vi) | Articles
Supplementary Creating and Fixing the Rights of Series G Cumulative Preferred Stock (10) |
| (a)(vii) | Articles
Supplementary for the Series [ ] Preferred Stock ** |
| (b)(iii) | Amendment
No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant, dated February 22, 2018 (9) |
| (b)(iv) | Amendment
No. 3 to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant, dated February 22, 2018 (10) |
| (d)(i) | Form
of Subscription Certificate for Shares of Common Stock ** |
| (d)(ii) | Form
of Subscription Certificate for Shares of [ ]% Series Cumulative Preferred Stock ** |
| (d)(iii) | Form
of Subscription Certificate for Shares of Common Stock and [ ]% Series Cumulative Preferred
Shares ** |
| (d)(iv) | Form
of Indenture * |
| (d)(v) | Form
T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee with respect to the Form of Indenture ** |
| (d)(vi) | Form
of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery ** |
| (e) | Automatic
Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan (11) |
| (h)(i) | Form
of Underwriting Agreement ** |
| (h)(ii) | Form
of Dealer Manager Agreement ** |
| (k)(xx) | Form
of Rights Agent Agreement ** |
| (k)(xxi) | Form
of Information Agent Agreement ** |
| (l)(i) | Opinion
and Consent of Venable LLP, special counsel for the Registrant ** |
| (l)(ii) | Opinion
and Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP ** |
| (n) | Consent
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Registrant ** |
| (r) | Code
of Ethics of the Registrant and Investment Advisor (5) |
| ** | To
be filed by Amendment. |
| (1) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos.
333-26644 and 811-05715, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March
31, 1995. |
| (2) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos.
333-224305 and 811-05715, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April
16, 2018. |
| (3) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s
Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos. 333-102494 and 811-05715, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2003. |
| (4) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, File No. 811-05715, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on December 9, 2010. |
| (5) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos.
333-257573 and 811-05715, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June
30, 2021. |
| (6) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos.
333-24541 and 811-05715, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May
9, 1997. |
| (7) | Incorporated
by reference to The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc.’s Post-Effective Amendment No.
4 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2, File No. 333-218771 and 811-08476, as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2019. |
| (8) | Incorporated
by reference to The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust’s Tender Offer Statement
on Schedule TO, File No. 005- 84324, filed on March 17, 2021. |
| (9) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s
Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos. 333-257573 and 811-05715, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 25, 2022. |
| (10) | Incorporated
by reference to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s
Registration Statement on Form N-2, File Nos. 333-257573 and 811-05715, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2023. |
| (11) | Included
in the Prospectus. |
| Item 26. | Marketing
Arrangements |
The
information contained under the heading “Plan of Distribution” in the Prospectus is incorporated by reference, and
any information concerning any underwriters will be contained in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement, if any.
| Item 27. | Other
Expenses of Issuance and Distribution |
The
following table sets forth the estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the offering described in this Registration
Statement:
SEC registration fees | |
$ | 18,450 | |
NYSE listing fee | |
$ | 40,000 | |
Rating Agency fees | |
$ | 75,000 | |
Printing/engraving expenses | |
$ | 175,000 | |
Auditing fees and expenses | |
$ | 55,000 | |
FINRA filing fee | |
$ | 8,000 | |
Legal fees and expenses | |
$ | 400,000 | |
Miscellaneous | |
$ | 78,550 | |
Total | |
$ | 850,000 | |
| Item 28. | Persons
Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant |
None.
| Item 29. | Number
of Holders of Securities as of July 9, 2024 |
Title
of Class
|
|
Number of
Record Holders
|
Common
Shares of Beneficial Interest |
|
211 |
Series
G Cumulative Preferred Stock |
|
9 |
Maryland
law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers
to the corporation and its shareholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper
benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment
as being material to the cause of action. The Registrant’s charter contains such a provision which eliminates directors’
and officers’ liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, subject to the requirements of the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).
The
Registrant’s charter and bylaws obligate the Registrant to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and subject to the
requirements of the 1940 Act to indemnify any present or former director or officer and the Registrant’s bylaws obligate
the Registrant to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and subject to the
requirements of the 1940 Act, to indemnify any individual who, while serving as the Registrant’s director or officer and
at the Registrant’s request, serves or has served another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or
employee benefit plan as a director, officer, partner, trustee employee, agent or fiduciary, from and against any claim or liability
to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her service in any such capacity and
to pay or reimburse their reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The bylaws also permit the Registrant
to indemnify and advance expenses to any of the Registrant’s employees or agents. In accordance with the 1940 Act, the Registrant’s
will not indemnify any person for any liability to which such person would be subject by reason of such person’s willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Maryland
law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which the Registrant’s charter does not) to indemnify
a director or officer who has been successful in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be
made, a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and
former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually
incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their
service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was
material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result of active
and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property
or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the
act or omission was unlawful. However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in
a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly
received unless, in either case, a court orders indemnification, and then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits
a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer in advance of final disposition of a proceeding upon the
corporation’s receipt of (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that
he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (b) a written undertaking
by him or her or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined
that the standard of conduct was not met. The advancement of expenses is subject to additional limitations pursuant to the 1940
Act.
Section 9
of the Registrant’s Investment Advisory Agreement provides as follows:
9.
Indemnity
(a)
The Registrant hereby agrees to indemnify the Adviser and each of the Adviser’s trustees, officers, employees, and agents
(including any individual who serves at the Adviser’s request as director, officer, partner, trustee or the like of another
corporation) and controlling persons (each such person being an “indemnitee”) against any liabilities and expenses,
including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and counsel fees (all as provided
in accordance with applicable corporate law) reasonably incurred by such indemnitee in connection with the defense or disposition
of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or investigative body in
which he may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with which he may be or may have been threatened, while acting
in any capacity set forth above in this paragraph or thereafter by reason of his having acted in any such capacity, except with
respect to any matter as to which he shall have been adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that
his action was in the best interest of the Fund and furthermore, in the case of any criminal proceeding, so long as he had no
reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful, provided, however, that (1) no indemnitee shall be indemnified
hereunder against any liability to the Fund or its shareholders or any expense of such indemnitee arising by reason of (i) willful
misfeasance, (ii) bad faith, (iii) gross negligence, (iv) reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct
of his position (the conduct referred to in such clauses (i) through (v) being sometimes referred to herein as “disabling
conduct”), (2) as to any matter disposed of by settlement or a compromise payment by such indemnitee, pursuant to a consent
decree or otherwise, no indemnification either for said payment or for any other expenses shall be provided unless there has been
a determination that such settlement or compromise is in the best interests of the Fund and that such indemnitee appears to have
acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Fund and did not involve disabling
conduct by such indemnitee and (3) with respect to any action, suit or other proceeding voluntarily prosecuted by any indemnitee
as plaintiff, indemnification shall be mandatory only if the prosecution of such action, suit or other proceeding by such indemnitee
was authorized by a majority of the full Board of the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing the Fund shall not be obligated to provide
any such indemnification to the extent such provision would waive any right which the Fund cannot lawfully waive.
(b)
The Fund will make advance payments in connection with the expenses of defending any action with respect to which indemnification
might be sought hereunder if the Fund receives a written affirmation of the indemnitee’s good faith belief that the standard
of conduct necessary for indemnification has been met and a written undertaking to reimburse the Fund unless it is subsequently
determined that he is entitled to such indemnification and if the trustees of the Fund determine that the facts then known to
them would not preclude indemnification. In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met: (A) the indemnitee
shall provide a security for his undertaking, (B) the Fund shall be insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful
advances, or (C) a majority of a quorum of trustees of the Fund who are neither “interested persons” of the Fund
(as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Act) nor parties to the proceeding (“Disinterested Non-Party Directors”)
or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall determine, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed
to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the indemnitee ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
(c)
All determinations with respect to indemnification hereunder shall be made (1) by a final decision on the merits by a court
or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that such indemnitee is not liable by reason of disabling conduct or, (2) in
the absence of such a decision, by (i) a majority vote of a quorum of the Disinterested Non-party Directors of
the Fund, or (ii) if such a quorum is not obtainable or even, if obtainable, if a majority vote of such quorum so directs,
independent legal counsel in a written opinion.
The
rights accruing to any indemnitee under these provisions shall not exclude any other right to which he may be lawfully entitled.
Other
Underwriter
indemnification provisions to be filed by amendment.
Additionally,
the Registrant and the other funds in the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex jointly maintain, at their own expense, E&O/D&O insurance
policies for the benefit of its directors/trustees, officers and certain affiliated persons. The Registrant pays a pro rata portion
of the premium on such insurance policies.
Insofar
as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion
of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense
of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
| Item 31. | Business
and Other Connections of Investment Adviser |
The
Investment Adviser, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of New York, acts as investment adviser
to the Registrant. The Registrant is fulfilling the requirement of this Item 31 to provide a list of the officers and directors
of the Investment Adviser, together with information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial
nature engaged in by the Investment Adviser or those officers and directors during the past two years, by incorporating by reference
the information contained in the Form ADV of the Investment Adviser filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant
to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Securities and Exchange Commission File No. 801-37706).
| Item 32. | Location
of Accounts and Records |
The
accounts and records of the Registrant are maintained in part at the office of the Investment Adviser at One Corporate Center,
Rye, New York 10580-1422, in part at the offices of the Fund’s custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, State Street
Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, in part at the offices of the Fund’s sub-administrator,
Bank of New York Mellon, at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286, and in part at the offices of the Fund’s transfer
agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., at 150 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02116.
| Item 33. | Management
Services |
Not
applicable.
| a. | to
file, during a period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment
to this Registration Statement: |
| (1) | to
include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; |
| (2) | to
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events after the effective date of the registration
statement (or the most recent post- effective amendment thereof) which, individually
or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume
of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed
that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent
no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation
of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement. |
| (3) | to
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously
disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in
the Registration Statement. |
Provided,
however, that paragraphs a(1), a(2), and a(3) of this section do not apply to the extent the information required to be included
in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant
pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference into the registration statement,
or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
| b. | that
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective
amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
be the initial bona fide offering thereof; |
| c. | to
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering; |
| d. | that,
for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser: |
| (1) | if
the Registrant is subject to Rule 430B: |
| (A) | Each
prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part
of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of
and included in the registration statement; and |
| (B) | Each
prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part
of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant
to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (x), or (xi) for the purpose of providing the information required
by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in
the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first
used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the
offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes
of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be
deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities
in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that
is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated
by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration
statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective
date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or
prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately
prior to such effective date; or |
| (2) | if
the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C: each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)
under the Securities Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering,
other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed
in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration
statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that
no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration
statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into
the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will,
as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede
or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that
was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior
to such date of first use. |
| e. | that
for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act to
any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities: |
The
undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration
statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or
sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser
and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser:
| (1) | any
preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering
required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act; |
| (2) | free
writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned
Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant; |
| (3) | the
portion of any other free writing prospectus or advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under
the Securities Act relating to the offering containing material information about the
undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned
Registrant; and |
| (4) | any
other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant
to the purchaser. |
| 5. | The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report
pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that
is incorporated by reference into the registration statement shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering
of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof. |
| 6. | Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted
to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit
to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it
is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication
of such issue. |
| 7. | Registrant
undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt
delivery, within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any prospectus
or Statement of Additional Information. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Rye, and State of New York, on the
11th day of July, 2024.
|
The Gabelli Convertible and Income
Securities Fund Inc. |
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ John
C. Ball |
|
|
John
C. Ball
President
and Treasurer |
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities indicated and on the 11th day of July, 2024.
|
NAME |
|
TITLE |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
John C. Ball |
|
President
and Treasurer |
|
John C. Ball |
|
(Principal Executive, Financial and Accounting
Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
John Birch |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Anthony S. Colavita |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Thomas H. Dinsmore |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Vincent D. Enright |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Leslie F. Foley |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Daniel D. Harding |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Michael J. Melarkey |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Agnes Mullady |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Christina Peeney |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Werner J. Roeder |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Anthonie C. van Ekris |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
Salvatore J. Zizza |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
John C. Ball |
|
|
|
John
C. Ball |
|
Attorney-in-Fact |
| * | Pursuant
to a Power of Attorney |
EXHIBIT
INDEX
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. N-2
Exhibit
(d)(v)
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Issuer
and
[ ]
Trustee
Indenture
Dated as of [________], 2024
Providing
for the Issuance
of
Debt
Securities
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Reconciliation
and tie between Trust Indenture Act of 1939
and
Indenture, dated as of [_________], 2024
|
|
|
|
|
Trust
Indenture |
|
Indenture |
Act
Section |
|
Section |
§ 310 |
|
(a)(1) |
|
607 |
|
|
(a)(2) |
|
607 |
|
|
(b) |
|
609 |
§ 312 |
|
(c) |
|
701 |
§ 314 |
|
(a) |
|
704 |
|
|
(a)(4) |
|
1005 |
|
|
(c)(1) |
|
102 |
|
|
(c)(2) |
|
102 |
|
|
(e) |
|
102 |
§ 315 |
|
(b) |
|
601 |
§ 316 |
|
(a) (last sentence)
|
|
101 (“Outstanding”) |
|
|
(a)(1)(A)
|
|
502, 512 |
|
|
(a)(1)(B)
|
|
513 |
|
|
(b) |
|
508 |
§ 317 |
|
(a)(1) |
|
503 |
|
|
(a)(2) |
|
504 |
§ 318 |
|
(a) |
|
111 |
|
|
(c) |
|
111 |
|
|
|
NOTE: |
|
This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any
purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture. |
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
|
|
Page |
ARTICLE
I |
|
|
|
DEFINITIONS
AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION |
|
|
|
Section 101.
Definitions |
|
1 |
Section 102.
Compliance Certificates and Opinions |
|
7 |
Section 103.
Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee |
|
8 |
Section 104.
Acts of Holders |
|
8 |
Section 105.
Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company |
|
9 |
Section 106.
Notice to Holders; Waiver |
|
9 |
Section 107.
Effect of Headings and Table of Contents |
|
10 |
Section 108.
Successors and Assigns |
|
10 |
Section 109.
Separability Clause |
|
10 |
Section 110.
Benefits of Indenture |
|
10 |
Section 111.
Governing Law |
|
10 |
Section 112.
Legal Holidays |
|
11 |
Section 113.
Submission to Jurisdiction |
|
11 |
Section 114.
Waiver of Jury Trial |
|
11 |
Section 115.
Force Majeure |
|
11 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE
II |
|
|
|
SECURITIES
FORMS |
|
|
|
Section 201.
Forms of Securities |
|
11 |
Section 202.
Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication |
|
12 |
Section 203.
Securities Issuable in Global Form |
|
12 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE
III |
|
|
|
THE SECURITIES |
|
|
|
Section 301.
Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series |
|
12 |
Section 302.
Denominations |
|
15 |
Section 303.
Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating |
|
15 |
Section 304.
Temporary Securities |
|
17 |
Section 305.
Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange |
|
18 |
Section 306.
Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities |
|
20 |
Section 307.
Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved; Optional Interest Reset |
|
21 |
Section 308.
Optional Extension of Maturity |
|
23 |
Section 309.
Persons Deemed Owners |
|
23 |
Section 310.
Cancellation |
|
24 |
Section 311.
Computation of Interest |
|
24 |
Section 312.
Currency and Manner of Payments in Respect of Securities |
|
24 |
Section 313.
Appointment and Resignation of Successor Exchange Rate Agent |
|
26 |
Section 314.
CUSIP Numbers |
|
27 |
ARTICLE
IV |
|
|
|
SATISFACTION
AND DISCHARGE |
|
|
|
Section 401.
Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture |
|
27 |
Section 402.
Application of Trust Funds |
|
28 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE
V |
|
|
|
REMEDIES |
|
|
|
Section 501.
Events of Default |
|
28 |
Section 502.
Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment |
|
29 |
Section 503.
Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee |
|
30 |
Section 504.
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim |
|
30 |
Section 505.
Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities or Coupons |
|
31 |
Section 506.
Application of Money Collected |
|
31 |
Section 507.
Limitation on Suits |
|
31 |
Section 508.
Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest |
|
32 |
Section 509.
Restoration of Rights and Remedies |
|
32 |
Section 510.
Rights and Remedies Cumulative |
|
32 |
Section 511.
Delay or Omission Not Waiver |
|
32 |
Section 512.
Control by Holders of Securities |
|
32 |
Section 513.
Waiver of Past Defaults |
|
32 |
Section 514.
Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws |
|
33 |
Section 515.
Undertaking for Costs |
|
33 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE
VI |
|
|
|
THE TRUSTEE |
|
|
|
Section 601.
Notice of Defaults |
|
33 |
Section 602.
Certain Rights of Trustee |
|
33 |
Section 603.
Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities |
|
35 |
Section 604.
May Hold Securities |
|
35 |
Section 605.
Money Held in Trust |
|
35 |
Section 606.
Compensation and Reimbursement and Indemnification of Trustee |
|
35 |
Section 607.
Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility |
|
36 |
Section 608.
Disqualification; Conflicting Interests |
|
36 |
Section 609.
Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor |
|
36 |
Section 610.
Acceptance of Appointment by Successor |
|
37 |
Section 611.
Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business |
|
38 |
Section 612.
Appointment of Authenticating Agent |
|
38 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE
VII |
|
|
|
HOLDERS’
LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY |
|
|
|
Section 701.
Disclosure of Names and Addresses of Holders |
|
40 |
Section 702.
Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders |
|
40 |
Section 703.
Reports by Trustee |
|
40 |
Section 704.
Reports by Company |
|
40 |
Section 705.
Calculation of Original Issue Discount |
|
41 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE
VIII |
|
|
|
CONSOLIDATION,
MERGER, CONVEYANCE OR TRANSFER |
|
|
|
Section 801.
Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms |
|
41 |
Section 802.
Successor Person Substituted |
|
41 |
ARTICLE
IX |
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL
INDENTURES |
|
|
|
Section 901.
Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders |
|
41 |
Section 902.
Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders |
|
42 |
Section 903.
Execution of Supplemental Indentures |
|
43 |
Section 904.
Effect of Supplemental Indentures |
|
43 |
Section 905.
Conformity with Trust Indenture Act |
|
44 |
Section 906.
Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures |
|
44 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE
X |
|
|
|
COVENANTS |
|
|
|
Section 1001.
Payment of Principal, Premium, if any, and Interest |
|
44 |
Section 1002.
Maintenance of Office or Agency |
|
44 |
Section 1003.
Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust |
|
45 |
Section 1004.
Additional Amounts |
|
46 |
Section 1005.
Statement as to Compliance |
|
46 |
Section 1006.
Limitations on Liens |
|
47 |
Section 1007.
Waiver of Certain Covenants |
|
47 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE
XI |
|
|
|
REDEMPTION
OF SECURITIES |
|
|
|
Section 1101.
Applicability of Article |
|
48 |
Section 1102.
Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee |
|
48 |
Section 1103.
Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed |
|
48 |
Section 1104.
Notice of Redemption |
|
48 |
Section 1105.
Deposit of Redemption Price |
|
49 |
Section 1106.
Securities Payable on Redemption Date |
|
49 |
Section 1107.
Securities Redeemed in Part |
|
50 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE
XII |
|
|
|
SINKING
FUNDS |
|
|
|
Section 1201.
Applicability of Article |
|
50 |
Section 1202.
Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities |
|
50 |
Section 1203.
Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund |
|
51 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE
XIII |
|
|
|
REPAYMENT
AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS |
|
|
|
Section 1301.
Applicability of Article |
|
51 |
Section 1302.
Repayment of Securities |
|
51 |
Section 1303.
Exercise of Option |
|
51 |
Section 1304.
When Securities Presented for Repayment Become Due and Payable |
|
52 |
Section 1305.
Securities Repaid in Part |
|
52 |
ARTICLE
XIV |
|
|
|
DEFEASANCE
AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE |
|
|
|
Section 1401.
Applicability of Article; Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance |
|
53 |
Section 1402.
Defeasance and Discharge |
|
53 |
Section 1403.
Covenant Defeasance |
|
53 |
Section 1404.
Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance |
|
53 |
Section 1405.
Deposited Money and Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions |
|
54 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE
XV |
|
|
|
MEETINGS
OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES |
|
|
|
Section 1501.
Purposes for Which Meetings May Be Called |
|
55 |
Section 1502.
Call, Notice and Place of Meetings |
|
55 |
Section 1503.
Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings |
|
56 |
Section 1504.
Quorum; Action |
|
56 |
Section 1505.
Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings |
|
57 |
Section 1506.
Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings |
|
57 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE
XVI |
|
|
|
SUBORDINATION
OF SECURITIES |
|
|
|
Section 1601.
Agreement to Subordinate |
|
57 |
Section 1602.
Distribution on Dissolution, Liquidation and Reorganization; Subrogation of Subordinated Securities |
|
58 |
Section 1603.
No Payment on Subordinated Securities in Event of Default on Senior Indebtedness |
|
59 |
Section 1604.
Payments on Subordinated Securities Permitted |
|
59 |
Section 1605.
Authorization of Holders to Trustee to Effect Subordination |
|
59 |
Section 1606.
Notices to Trustee |
|
59 |
Section 1607.
Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness |
|
60 |
Section 1608.
Modifications of Terms of Senior Indebtedness |
|
60 |
Section 1609.
Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent |
|
60 |
Section 1610.
Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness |
|
60 |
EXHIBIT A-1: |
|
FORM OF CERTIFICATE
TO BE GIVEN BY PERSON ENTITLED TO RECEIVE BEARER SECURITY OR TO
OBTAIN INTEREST PAYABLE PRIOR TO THE EXCHANGE DATE |
|
|
|
EXHIBIT A-2: |
|
FORM OF CERTIFICATE
TO BE GIVEN BY [ ] IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE OF A PORTION OF A TEMPORARY
GLOBAL SECURITY OR TO OBTAIN INTEREST PAYABLE PRIOR TO THE EXCHANGE DATE |
INDENTURE,
dated as of [_________], 2024, between The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.,
a Maryland corporation (hereinafter called the “Company”), having its principal office at One Corporate Center,
Rye, New York 10580, and [ ], as Trustee (hereinafter called the “Trustee”), having its Corporate Trust Office
at [ ].
RECITALS
OF THE COMPANY
The
Company deems it necessary to issue from time to time for its lawful purposes debt securities (hereinafter called the “Securities”)
evidencing its unsecured indebtedness, which may or may not be convertible into or exchangeable for any securities of any Person
(including the Company), and has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from
time to time of the Securities, to be issued in one or more series, unlimited as to principal amount, to bear such rates of interest,
to mature at such times and to have such other provisions as shall be fixed as hereinafter provided.
This
Indenture (as defined herein) is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, that are required to
be part of this Indenture and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.
All
things necessary to make this Indenture a valid and legally binding agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have
been done.
NOW,
THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:
For
and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders (as defined herein) thereof, it is mutually
covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities and coupons, or of a series thereof,
as follows:
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
Section 101.
Definitions.
For
all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) the
terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article, and include the plural as well as the singular
and, pursuant to Section 301, any such item may, with respect to any particular series of Securities, be amended or modified
or specified as being inapplicable;
(2) all
other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act (as defined herein), either directly or by reference therein,
have the meanings assigned to them therein, and the terms “cash transaction” and “self-liquidating paper,”
as used in Section 311 of the Trust Indenture Act, shall have the meanings assigned to them in the rules of the Commission
(as defined herein) adopted under the Trust Indenture Act;
(3) all
accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States of America; and
(4) the
words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture
as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.
Certain
terms, used principally in Article Three, Article Five, Article Six and Article Ten, are defined in those
Articles.
“Act,”
when used with respect to any Holder of a Security, has the meaning specified in Section 104.
“Additional
Amounts” means any additional amounts which are required by a Security or by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, under
circumstances specified therein, to be paid by the Company in respect of certain taxes imposed on certain Holders and which are
owing to such Holders.
“Affiliate”
of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect
common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to
any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through
the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled”
have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
“Authenticating
Agent” means any authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 612 to act on behalf of the
Trustee to authenticate Securities of one or more series.
“Authorized
Newspaper” means a newspaper, in the English language or in an official language of the country of publication, customarily
published on each Business Day, whether or not published on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, and of general circulation in each
place in connection with which the term is used or in the financial community of each such place. Where successive publications
are required to be made in Authorized Newspapers, the successive publications may be made in the same or in different newspapers
in the same city meeting the foregoing requirements and in each case on any Business Day.
“Bearer
Security” means any Security established pursuant to Section 201 which is payable to bearer.
“Board
of Trustees” means the board of trustees of the Company, the executive committee or any committee of that board duly
authorized to act hereunder.
“Board
Resolution” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have
been duly adopted by the Board of Trustees (or by a committee of the Board of Trustees to the extent that any such other committee
has been authorized by the Board of Trustees to establish or approve the matters contemplated) and to be in full force and effect
on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Business
Day,” when used with respect to any Place of Payment or any other particular location referred to in this Indenture
or in the Securities, means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, each Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment or particular
location are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
“Commission”
means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any
time after execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the
Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties on such date.
“Common
Depositary” has the meaning specified in Section 304.
“Company”
means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Person shall have
become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor
corporation.
“Company
Request” and “Company Order” mean, respectively, a written request or order signed in the name of
the Company by the Chairman, the President or a Vice President, and by the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating Officer,
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Conversion
Date” has the meaning specified in Section 312(d).
“Conversion
Event” means the cessation of use of (i) a Foreign Currency both by the government of the country which issued
such currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international
banking community, (ii) the ECU both within the European Monetary System and for the settlement of transactions by public
institutions of or within the European Communities or (iii) any currency unit (or composite currency) other than the ECU
for the purposes for which it was established.
“Corporate
Trust Office” means the principal office of the Trustee at which, at any particular time, its corporate trust business
shall be administered, which office at the date hereof is located at [ ], Attn:
Corporate Trust Administration or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and
the Company, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee
may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company).
“corporation”
includes corporations, associations, companies and business trusts.
“coupon”
means any interest coupon appertaining to a Bearer Security.
“Currency”
means any currency or currencies, composite currency or currency unit or currency units, including, without limitation, the ECU,
issued by the government of one or more countries or by any reorganized confederation or association of such governments.
“Default”
means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.
“Defaulted
Interest” has the meaning specified in Section 307.
“Dollar”
or “$” means a dollar or other equivalent unit in such coin or currency of the United States of America as
at the time shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.
“ECU”
means the European Currency Unit as defined and revised from time to time by the Council of the European Communities.
“Election
Date” has the meaning specified in Section 312(h).
“European
Communities” means the European Union, the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Atomic Energy Community.
“European
Monetary System” means the European Monetary System established by the Resolution of December 5, 1978 of the Council
of the European Communities.
“Event
of Default” has the meaning specified in Article Five.
“Exchange
Act” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission
thereunder and any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
“Exchange
Date” has the meaning specified in Section 304.
“Exchange
Rate Agent,” with respect to Securities of or within any series, means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any
Securities pursuant to Section 301, a New York Clearing House bank designated pursuant to Section 301 or Section 313.
“Exchange
Rate Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate setting forth (i) the applicable Market Exchange Rate or
the applicable bid quotation and (ii) the Dollar or Foreign Currency amounts of principal (and premium, if any) and interest,
if any (on an aggregate basis and on the basis of a Security having the lowest denomination principal amount determined in accordance
with Section 302 in the relevant Currency), payable with respect to a Security of any series on the basis of such Market
Exchange Rate or the applicable bid quotation signed by the Chief Financial Officer or any Vice President of the Company.
“Foreign
Currency” means any Currency, including, without limitation, the ECU issued by the government of one or more countries
other than the United States of America or by any recognized confederation or association of such governments.
“Government
Obligations” means securities which are (i) direct obligations of the United States of America or the government
which issued the Foreign Currency in which the Securities of a particular series are payable, for the payment of which its full
faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality
of the United States of America or such government which issued the Foreign Currency in which the Securities of such series are
payable, the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States
of America or such other government, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof,
and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such Government
Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such Government Obligation held by such custodian for the
account of the holder of a depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make
any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect
of the Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the Government Obligation evidenced by such
depository receipt.
“Holder”
means, in the case of a Registered Security, the Person in whose name a Security is registered in the Security Register and, in
the case of a Bearer Security, the bearer thereof and, when used with respect to any coupon, shall mean the bearer thereof.
“Indenture”
means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures
supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, and shall include the terms of particular series
of Securities established as contemplated by Section 301; provided, however, that, if at any time more than
one Person is acting as Trustee under this instrument, “Indenture” shall mean, with respect to any one or more series
of Securities for which such Person is Trustee, this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented
or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof and shall include
the terms of the or those particular series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee established as contemplated by Section 301,
exclusive, however, of any provisions or terms which relate solely to other series of Securities for which such Person is not
Trustee, regardless of when such terms or provisions were adopted, and exclusive of any provisions or terms adopted by means of
one or more indentures supplemental hereto executed and delivered after such Person had become such Trustee but to which such
Person, as such Trustee, was not a party.
“Indexed
Security” means a Security as to which all or certain interest payments and/or the principal amount payable at Maturity
are determined by reference to prices, changes in prices, or differences between prices, of securities, Currencies, intangibles,
goods, articles or commodities or by such other objective price, economic or other measures as are specified in Section 301
hereof.
“Interest,”
when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest
payable after Maturity, and, when used with respect to a Security which provides for the payment of Additional Amounts pursuant
to Section 1004, includes such Additional Amounts.
“Interest
Payment Date,” when used with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such
Security.
“Junior
Subordinated Security” or “Junior Subordinated Securities” means any Security or Securities designated
pursuant to Section 301 as a Junior Subordinated Security.
“Junior
Subordinated Indebtedness” means the principal of (and premium, if any) and unpaid interest on (a) indebtedness
of the Company (including indebtedness of others guaranteed by the Company), whether outstanding on the date hereof or thereafter
created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, for money borrowed, which in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant
to which the same is outstanding it is provided that such indebtedness ranks junior in right of payment to the Company’s
Senior Indebtedness and Senior Subordinated Indebtedness and equally and pari passu in right of payment to any other Junior
Subordinated Indebtedness, (b) Junior Subordinated Securities, and (c) renewals, extensions, modifications and refinancings
of any such indebtedness.
“Market
Exchange Rate” means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, (i) for
any conversion involving a currency unit on the one hand and Dollars or any Foreign Currency on the other, the exchange rate between
the relevant currency unit and Dollars or such Foreign Currency calculated by the method specified pursuant to Section 301
for the Securities of the relevant series, (ii) for any conversion of Dollars into any Foreign Currency, the noon buying
rate for such Foreign Currency for cable transfers quoted in New York City as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York and (iii) for any conversion of one Foreign Currency into Dollars or another Foreign Currency, the spot
rate at noon local time in the relevant market at which, in accordance with normal banking procedures, the Dollars or Foreign
Currency into which conversion is being made could be purchased with the Foreign Currency from which conversion is being made
from major banks located in either New York City, London or any other principal market for Dollars or such purchased Foreign Currency,
in each case determined by the Exchange Rate Agent. Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301,
in the event of the unavailability of any of the exchange rates provided for in the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii),
the Exchange Rate Agent shall use, in its sole discretion and without liability on its part, such quotation of the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York as of the most recent available date, or quotations from one or more major banks in New York City, London or
other principal market for such currency or currency unit in question, or such other quotations as the Exchange Rate Agent shall
deem appropriate. Unless otherwise specified by the Exchange Rate Agent, if there is more than one market for dealing in any currency
or currency unit by reason of foreign exchange regulations or otherwise, the market to be used in respect of such currency or
currency unit shall be that upon which a nonresident issuer of securities designated in such currency or currency unit would purchase
such currency or currency unit in order to make payments in respect of such securities.
“Maturity,”
when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal
becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, notice
of redemption, notice of option to elect repayment, notice of exchange or conversion or otherwise.
“Notice
of Default” has the meaning provided in Section 501.
“Officers’
Certificate” means a certificate signed by the Chairman, the President or any Vice President and by the Chief Financial
Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Opinion
of Counsel” means a written opinion, satisfactory to the Trustee, of counsel, who may be counsel for the Company or
who may be an employee of or other counsel for the Company.
“Original
Issue Discount Security” means any Security which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be
due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502.
“Outstanding,”
when used with respect to Securities or any series of Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Securities or all
Securities of such series, as the case may be, theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:
(i)
Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
(ii)
Securities, or portions thereof, for whose payment or redemption or repayment at the option of the Holder money in the necessary
amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and
segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities and any
coupons appertaining thereto, provided that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been
duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;
(iii)
Securities, except to the extent provided in Sections 1402 and 1403, with respect to which the Company has effected defeasance
and/or covenant defeasance as provided in Article Fourteen; and
(iv)
Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section 306 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been
authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which there shall have been
presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities are held by a protected purchaser in whose hands such Securities
are valid obligations of the Company;
provided,
however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given
any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder or are present at a meeting of Holders for
quorum purposes, and for the purpose of making the calculations required by TIA Section 313, (i) the principal amount
of an Original Issue Discount Security that may be counted in making such determination or calculation and that shall be deemed
to be Outstanding for such purpose shall be equal to the amount of principal thereof that would be (or shall have been declared
to be) due and payable, at the time of such determination, upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant
to Section 502, (ii) the principal amount of any Security denominated in a Foreign Currency that may be counted in making
such determination or calculation and that shall be deemed Outstanding for such purpose shall be equal to the Dollar equivalent,
determined as of the date such Security is originally issued by the Company as set forth in an Exchange Rate Officer’s Certificate
delivered to the Trustee, of the principal amount (or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security or Indexed Security,
the Dollar equivalent as of such date of original issuance of the amount determined as provided in clause (i) above or (iii) below,
respectively) of such Security, (iii) the principal amount of any Indexed Security that may be counted in making such determination
or calculation and that shall be deemed outstanding for such purpose shall be equal to the principal face amount of such Indexed
Security at original issuance, unless otherwise provided with respect to such Security pursuant to Section 301, and (iv) Securities
owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be
disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in making such
calculation or in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver or upon any such
determination as to the presence of a quorum, only Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be
so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if
the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities
and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other
obligor.
“Paying
Agent” means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any,
on any Securities or coupons on behalf of the Company.
“Person”
means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, limited liability company, trust,
unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity.
“Place
of Payment,” when used with respect to the Securities of or within any series, means the place or places where the principal
of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Securities are payable as specified and as contemplated by Sections 301
and 1002.
“Predecessor
Security” of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that
evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under
Section 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security or a Security to which a mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
Security or the Security to which the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains.
“Redemption
Date,” when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, in whole or in part, means the date fixed for such redemption
by or pursuant to this Indenture.
“Redemption
Price,” when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant
to this Indenture.
“Registered
Security” means any Security which is registered in the Security Register.
“Regular
Record Date” for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Registered Securities of or within any series
means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301, whether or not a Business Day.
“Repayment
Date” means, when used with respect to any Security to be repaid at the option of the Holder, means the date fixed for
such repayment by or pursuant to this Indenture.
“Repayment
Price” means, when used with respect to any Security to be repaid at the option of the Holder, means the price at which
it is to be repaid by or pursuant to this Indenture.
“Responsible
Officer,” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee
including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer
of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the persons who at the time shall be such officers,
respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such person’s knowledge of and familiarity with
the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
“Security”
or “Securities” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and, more particularly, means
any Security or Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture; provided, however, that, if at any
time there is more than one Person acting as Trustee under this Indenture, “Securities” with respect to the Indenture
as to which such Person is Trustee shall have the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and shall more particularly
mean Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, exclusive, however, of Securities of any series as to which
such Person is not Trustee.
“Security
Register” and “Security Registrar” have the respective meanings specified in Section 305.
“Senior
Indebtedness” means the principal of (and premium, if any) and unpaid interest on (a) indebtedness of the Company (including
indebtedness of others guaranteed by the Company), whether outstanding on the date hereof or thereafter created, incurred, assumed
or guaranteed, for money borrowed, unless in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding
it is provided that such indebtedness is not senior or prior in right of payment to Subordinated Indebtedness, (b) Senior
Securities, and (c) renewals, extensions, modifications and refinancings of any such indebtedness.
“Senior
Security” or “Senior Securities” means any Security or Securities designated pursuant to Section 301
as a Senior Security.
“Senior
Subordinated Indebtedness” means the principal of (and premium, if any) and unpaid interest on (a) indebtedness
of the Company (including indebtedness of others guaranteed by the Company), whether outstanding on the date hereof or thereafter
created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, for money borrowed, which in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant
to which the same is outstanding it is provided that such indebtedness ranks junior in right of payment to the Company’s
Senior Indebtedness, equally and pari passu in right of payment with all other Senior Subordinated Indebtedness and senior
in right of payment to any Junior Subordinated Indebtedness, (b) Senior Subordinated Securities, and (c) renewals, extensions,
modifications and refinancings of any such indebtedness.
“Senior
Subordinated Security” or “Senior Subordinated Securities” means any Security or Securities designated
pursuant to Section 301 as a Senior Subordinated Security.
“Special
Record Date” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Registered Securities of or within any series means a
date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.
“Stated
Maturity,” when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means
the date specified in such Security or a coupon representing such installment of interest as the fixed date on which the principal
of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable, as such date may be extended pursuant to the
provisions of Section 308.
“Subordinated
Indebtedness” means any Senior Subordinated Indebtedness or Junior Subordinated Indebtedness.
“Subsidiary”
means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity
of which a majority of the outstanding shares or other interests having voting power is at the time directly or indirectly owned
or controlled by such Person or one or more of the Subsidiaries of such Person. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references
to Subsidiary or Subsidiaries under this Indenture shall refer to Subsidiaries of the Company.
“Trust
Indenture Act” or “TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as in force at the date
as of which this Indenture was executed, except as provided in Section 905.
“Trustee”
means the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Trustee shall have
become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Trustee” shall mean or include
each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder; provided, however, that if at any time there is more than one such
Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean only the Trustee with respect to
Securities of that series.
“United
States” means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, the United States
of America (including the states and the District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its
jurisdiction.
“United
States person” means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, any individual
who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under
the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia (other than a partnership that is not treated as
a United States Person under any applicable Treasury regulations), any estate the income of which is subject to United States
federal income taxation regardless of its source, or any trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary
supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial
decisions of the trust. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, to the extent provided in the Treasury regulations, certain trusts
in existence on August 20, 1996, and treated as United States persons prior to such date that elect to continue to be treated
as United States Persons, will also be United States persons.
“Valuation
Date” has the meaning specified in Section 312(c).
“Yield
to Maturity” means the yield to maturity, computed at the time of issuance of a Security (or, if applicable, at the
most recent redetermination of interest on such Security) and as set forth in such Security in accordance with generally accepted
United States bond yield computation principles.
Section 102.
Compliance Certificates and Opinions.
Upon
any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company
shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for
in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion
of such counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application
or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to
such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
Every
certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than pursuant
to Section 1005) shall include:
(1)
a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such condition or covenant and the definitions herein
relating thereto;
(2)
a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained
in such certificate or opinion are based;
(3)
a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary
to enable such individual to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such condition or covenant has been complied with;
and
(4)
a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
Section 103.
Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.
In
any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary
that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered
by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion as to some matters and one or more other such Persons
as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
Any
certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon an Opinion of Counsel,
or a certificate or representations by counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know,
that the opinion, certificate or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are
erroneous. Any such Opinion of Counsel or certificate or representations may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters,
upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information as
to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care
should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations as to such matters are erroneous.
Where
any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions
or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.
Section 104.
Acts of Holders.
(a) Any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken
by Holders of the Outstanding Securities of all series or one or more series, as the case may be, may be embodied in and evidenced
by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agents duly appointed in writing.
If Securities of a series are issuable as Bearer Securities, any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver
or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders of Securities of such series may, alternatively, be
embodied in and evidenced by the record of Holders of Securities of such series voting in favor thereof, either in person or by
proxies duly appointed in writing, at any meeting of Holders of Securities of such series duly called and held in accordance with
the provisions of Article Fifteen, or a combination of such instruments and any such record. Except as herein otherwise expressly
provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments or record or both are delivered to the Trustee
and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments and any such record (and the action
embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such
instrument or instruments or so voting at any such meeting. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing
any such agent, or of the holding by any Person of a Security, shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and conclusive
in favor of the Trustee and the Company and any agent of the Trustee or the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.
The record of any meeting of Holders of Securities shall be proved in the manner provided in Section 1506.
(b) The
fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of
such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying
that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him or her the execution thereof. Where such execution
is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient
proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing
the same, may also be proved in any other manner that the Trustee deems reasonably sufficient.
(c) The
ownership of Registered Securities shall be proved by the Security Register.
(d) The
ownership of Bearer Securities may be proved by the production of such Bearer Securities or by a certificate executed, as depositary,
by any trust company, bank, banker or other depositary, wherever situated, if such certificate shall be deemed by the Trustee
to be satisfactory, showing that at the date therein mentioned such Person had on deposit with such depositary, or exhibited to
it, the Bearer Securities therein described; or such facts may be proved by the certificate or affidavit of the Person holding
such Bearer Securities, if such certificate or affidavit is deemed by the Trustee to be satisfactory. The Trustee and the Company
may assume that such ownership of any Bearer Security continues until (1) another certificate or affidavit bearing a later
date issued in respect of the same Bearer Security is produced, or (2) such Bearer Security is produced to the Trustee by
some other Person, or (3) such Bearer Security is surrendered in exchange for a Registered Security, or (4) such Bearer
Security is no longer Outstanding. The ownership of Bearer Securities may also be proved in any other manner that the Trustee
deems reasonably sufficient.
(e) If
the Company shall solicit from the Holders of Registered Securities any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other Act, the Company may, at its option, in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, fix in advance a record date for the
determination of Holders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act,
but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. Notwithstanding TIA Section 316(c), such record date shall be the record
date specified in or pursuant to such Board Resolution, which shall be a date not earlier than the date 30 days prior to
the first solicitation of Holders generally in connection therewith and not later than the date such solicitation is completed.
If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act may be given
before or after such record date, but only the Holders of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed
to be Holders for the purposes of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of Outstanding Securities have authorized
or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for that purpose
the Outstanding Securities shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or
consent by the Holders on such record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions
of this Indenture not later than eleven months after the record date.
(f) Any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every
future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange
therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee, any Security Registrar,
any Paying Agent, any Authenticating Agent or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made
upon such Security.
Section 105.
Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.
Any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by
this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,
(1)
the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished, filed or
mailed, first-class postage prepaid in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporate Trust
Administration, or
(2)
the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly
provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to it at the address of its principal
office specified in the first paragraph of this Indenture, to the attention of its [Secretary] or at any other address previously
furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.
Section 106.
Notice to Holders; Waiver.
Where
this Indenture provides for notice of any event to Holders of Registered Securities by the Company or the Trustee, such notice
shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid,
to each such Holder affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date,
and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders of Registered
Securities is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular
Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders of Registered Securities or the sufficiency of
any notice to Holders of Bearer Securities given as provided herein. Any notice mailed to a Holder in the manner herein prescribed
shall be conclusively deemed to have been received by such Holder, whether or not such Holder actually receives such notice.
If
by reason of the suspension of or irregularities in regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable
to give such notice by mail, then such notification to Holders of Registered Securities as shall be made with the approval of
the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification to such Holders for every purpose hereunder.
Except
as otherwise expressly provided herein or otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, where
this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of Bearer Securities of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given if published
in an Authorized Newspaper in The City of New York and in such other city or cities as may be specified in such Securities on
a Business Day, such publication to be not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for
the giving of such notice. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date of such publication or, if published
more than once, on the date of the first such publication.
If
by reason of the suspension of publication of any Authorized Newspaper or Authorized Newspapers or by reason of any other cause
it shall be impracticable to publish any notice to Holders of Bearer Securities as provided above, then such notification to Holders
of Bearer Securities as shall be given with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute sufficient notice to such Holders for
every purpose hereunder. Neither the failure to give notice by publication to Holders of Bearer Securities as provided above,
nor any defect in any notice so published, shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders of Bearer
Securities or the sufficiency of any notice to Holders of Registered Securities given as provided herein.
Any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver required or permitted under this Indenture shall be in the
English language, except that any published notice may be in an official language of the country of publication.
Where
this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such
notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders
shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance
upon such waiver.
Section 107.
Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.
The
Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
Section 108.
Successors and Assigns.
All
covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
Section 109.
Separability Clause.
In
case any provision in this Indenture or in any Security or coupon shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality
and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
Section 110.
Benefits of Indenture.
Nothing
in this Indenture or in the Securities or coupons, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto,
any Security Registrar, any Paying Agent, any Authenticating Agent and their successors hereunder and the Holders any benefit
or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.
Section 111.
Governing Law.
This
Indenture and the Securities and coupons shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York
without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. This Indenture is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that
are required to be part of this Indenture and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.
Section 112.
Legal Holidays.
In
any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date, sinking fund payment date, Stated Maturity or Maturity
of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture
or any Security or coupon other than a provision in the Securities of any series which specifically states that such provision
shall apply in lieu of this Section), payment of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, need not be made at such
Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force
and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date or sinking fund payment date, or at the Stated
Maturity or Maturity; provided that no interest shall accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such
Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date, sinking fund payment date, Stated Maturity or Maturity, as the case may
be.
Section 113.
Submission to Jurisdiction.
The
Company hereby irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York state or federal court sitting in The City
of New York in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Indenture and the Securities of any series, and the
Company hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such
New York state or federal court. The Company hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense
of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding.
Section 114.
Waiver of Jury Trial.
EACH
OF THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT
TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED
HEREBY.
Section 115.
Force Majeure.
In
no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising
out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages,
accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions,
loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee
shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon
as practicable under the circumstances.
ARTICLE
II
SECURITIES
FORMS
Section 201.
Forms of Securities.
The
Registered Securities, if any, of each series and the Bearer Securities, if any, of each series and related coupons, the temporary
global Securities of each series, if any, and the permanent global Securities of each series, if any, to be endorsed thereon shall
be in substantially the forms as shall be established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto or approved from time to time
by or pursuant to a Board Resolution in accordance with Section 301, shall have such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions
and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture or any indenture supplemental hereto, and may have such letters,
numbers or other marks of identification or designation and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as the Company may deem
appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, or as may be required to comply with any law or
with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange on which the Securities
may be listed, or to conform to usage.
Unless
otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, Bearer Securities shall have interest coupons attached.
The
definitive Securities and coupons shall be printed, lithographed or engraved or produced by any combination of these methods on
a steel engraved border or steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing
such Securities or coupons, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities or coupons.
Section 202.
Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.
Subject
to Section 611, the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:
This
is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
[ ],
as Trustee
By:
_________________________
Authorized Officer
Date:______________
Section 203.
Securities Issuable in Global Form.
If
Securities of or within a series are issuable in global form, as specified as contemplated by Section 301, then, notwithstanding
clause (8) of Section 301 and the provisions of Section 302, any such Security shall represent such of the Outstanding
Securities of such series as shall be specified therein and may provide that it shall represent the aggregate amount of Outstanding
Securities of such series from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities of such series
represented thereby may from time to time be increased or decreased to reflect exchanges. Any endorsement of a Security in global
form to reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, of Outstanding Securities represented thereby shall be
made by the Trustee or the Security Registrar in such manner and upon instructions given by such Person or Persons as shall be
specified therein or in the Company Order to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 303 or 304. Subject to the provisions
of Section 303 and, if applicable, Section 304, the Trustee or the Security Registrar shall deliver and redeliver any
Security in permanent global form in the manner and upon instructions given by the Person or Persons specified therein or in the
applicable Company Order. If a Company Order pursuant to Section 303 or 304 has been, or simultaneously is, delivered, any
instructions by the Company with respect to endorsement, delivery or redelivery of a Security in global form shall be in writing.
The
provisions of the last sentence of Section 303 shall apply to any Security represented by a Security in global form if such
Security was never issued and sold by the Company and the Company delivers to the Trustee or the Security Registrar the Security
in global form together with written instructions with regard to the reduction in the principal amount of Securities represented
thereby, together with the written statement contemplated by the last sentence of Section 303.
Notwithstanding
the provisions of Section 307, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, payment of principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any Security in permanent global form shall be made to the Person or Persons specified
therein.
Notwithstanding
the provisions of Section 309 and except as provided in the preceding paragraph, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of
the Company and the Trustee shall treat as the Holder of such principal amount of Outstanding Securities represented by a permanent
global Security (i) in the case of a permanent global Security in registered form, the Holder of such permanent global Security
in registered form, or (ii) in the case of a permanent global Security in bearer form, [ ].
ARTICLE
III
THE
SECURITIES
Section 301.
Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.
The
aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
The
Securities may be issued in one or more series and shall be designated as Senior Securities, Senior Subordinated Securities or
Junior Subordinated Securities. Senior Securities are unsubordinated, shall rank equally and pari passu with all of the
Company’s Senior Indebtedness and senior to all Subordinated Securities. Senior Subordinated Securities shall rank junior
to the Company’s Senior Indebtedness, equally and pari passu with all other Senior Subordinated Indebtedness and
senior to any Junior Subordinated Indebtedness. Junior Subordinated Securities shall rank junior to the Company’s Senior
Indebtedness and any Senior Subordinated Indebtedness and equally and pari passu with all other Junior Subordinated Indebtedness.
There shall be established in one or more Board Resolutions or pursuant to authority granted by one or more Board Resolutions
and, subject to Section 303, set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officers’ Certificate, or established
in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series, any or all of the following,
as applicable (each of which (except for the matters set forth in clauses (1), (2) and (15) below), if so provided,
may be determined from time to time by the Company with respect to unissued Securities of the series when issued from time to
time):
(1)
the title of the Securities of the series including CUSIP numbers (which shall distinguish the Securities of such series from
all other series of Securities);
(2)
any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered under this
Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu
of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906, 1107 or 1305, and except for any Securities which,
pursuant to Section 303, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder);
(3)
the date or dates, or the method by which such date or dates will be determined or extended, on which the principal of the Securities
of the series shall be payable;
(4)
the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, or the method by which such rate or rates
shall be determined, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue or the method by which such date or dates shall be
determined, the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest will be payable and the Regular Record Date, if any, for the interest
payable on any Registered Security on any Interest Payment Date, or the method by which such date shall be determined, and the
basis upon which such interest shall be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;
(5)
the place or places, if any, other than or in addition to the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, where the principal
of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on Securities of the series shall be payable, any Registered Securities of the
series may be surrendered for registration of transfer, Securities of the series may be surrendered for exchange, where Securities
of that series that are convertible or exchangeable may be surrendered for conversion or exchange, as applicable, and where notices
or demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of the series and this Indenture may be served;
(6)
the period or periods within which, or the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which, the Currency or Currencies in
which, and other terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option
of the Company, if the Company is to have the option;
(7)
the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, repay or purchase Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous
provision or at the option of a Holder thereof, and the period or periods within which or the date or dates on which, the price
or prices at which, the Currency or Currencies in which, and other terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series shall
be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
(8)
if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denomination or denominations in which any Registered
Securities of the series shall be issuable and, if other than denominations of $5,000, the denomination or denominations in which
any Bearer Securities of the series shall be issuable;
(9)
if other than the Trustee, the identity of each Security Registrar and/or Paying Agent;
(10)
if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of the series that shall be payable
upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502, upon redemption of the Securities of the
series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity, upon surrender for repayment at the option of the Holder, or which the
Trustee shall be entitled to claim pursuant to Section 504 or the method by which such portion shall be determined;
(11)
if other than Dollars, the Currency or Currencies in which payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any,
on the Securities of the series shall be made or in which the Securities of the series shall be denominated and the particular
provisions applicable thereto in accordance with, in addition to or in lieu of any of the provisions of Section 312;
(12)
whether the amount of payments of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities of the series may be
determined with reference to an index, formula or other method (which index, formula or method may be based, without limitation,
on one or more Currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices), and the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;
(13)
whether the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities of the series are to be payable, at the election
of the Company or a Holder thereof, in one or more Currencies other than that in which such Securities are denominated or stated
to be payable, the period or periods within which (including the Election Date), and the terms and conditions upon which, such
election may be made, and the time and manner of determining the exchange rate between the Currency or Currencies in which such
Securities are denominated or stated to be payable and the Currency or Currencies in which such Securities are to be paid, in
each case in accordance with, in addition to or in lieu of any of the provisions of Section 312;
(14)
provisions, if any, granting special rights to the Holders of Securities of the series upon the occurrence of such events as may
be specified;
(15)
any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or covenants (including any deletions from, modifications
of or additions to any of the provisions of Section 1007) of the Company with respect to Securities of the series, whether or
not such Events of Default or covenants are consistent with the Events of Default or covenants set forth herein;
(16)
whether Securities of the series are to be issuable as Registered Securities, Bearer Securities (with or without coupons) or both,
any restrictions applicable to the offer, sale or delivery of Bearer Securities and the terms upon which Bearer Securities of
the series may be exchanged for Registered Securities of the series and vice versa (if permitted by applicable laws and regulations),
whether any Securities of the series are to be issuable initially in temporary global form with or without coupons and whether
any Securities of the series are to be issuable in permanent global form with or without coupons and, if so, whether beneficial
owners of interests in any such permanent global Security may exchange such interests for Securities of such series in certificated
form and of like tenor of any authorized form and denomination and the circumstances under which any such exchanges may occur,
if other than in the manner provided in Section 305, whether Registered Securities of the series may be exchanged for Bearer
Securities of the series (if permitted by applicable laws and regulations), whether Bearer Securities of the series may be exchanged
for Registered Securities of the series, and the circumstances under which and the place or places where such exchanges may be
made and if Securities of the series are to be issuable as a global Security, the identity of the depository for such series;
(17)
the date as of which any Bearer Securities of the series and any temporary global Security representing Outstanding Securities
of the series shall be dated if other than the date of original issuance of the first Security of the series to be issued;
(18)
the Person to whom any interest on any Registered Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name
such Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such
interest, the manner in which, or the Person to whom, any interest on any Bearer Security of the series shall be payable, if otherwise
than upon presentation and surrender of the coupons appertaining thereto as they severally mature, and the extent to which, or
the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary global Security on an Interest Payment Date will be paid if other than
in the manner provided in Section 304; and the extent to which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a permanent
global Security on an Interest Payment Date will be paid if other than in the manner provided in Section 307;
(19)
the applicability, if any, of Sections 1402 and/or 1403 to the Securities of the series and any provisions in modification
of, in addition to or in lieu of any of the provisions of Article Fourteen;
(20)
if the Securities of such series are to be issuable in definitive form (whether upon original issue or upon exchange of a temporary
Security of such series) only upon receipt of certain certificates or other documents or satisfaction of other conditions, then
the form and/or terms of such certificates, documents or conditions;
(21)
whether, under what circumstances and the Currency in which, the Company will pay Additional Amounts as contemplated by Section 1004
on the Securities of the series to any Holder who is not a United States Person (including any modification to the definition
of such term) in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether the Company will have the option to
redeem such Securities rather than pay such Additional Amounts (and the terms of any such option);
(22)
the designation of the initial Exchange Rate Agent, if any;
(23)
if the Securities of the series are to be issued upon the exercise of warrants, the time, manner and place for such Securities
to be authenticated and delivered;
(24)
if the Securities of the series are to be convertible into or exchangeable for any securities of any Person (including the Company),
the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be so convertible or exchangeable;
(25)
any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture or the requirements
of the Trust Indenture Act); and
(26)
the guarantors, if any, of the Securities of the series, and the extent of the guarantees (including provisions relating to seniority,
subordination, and the release of the guarantors), if any, and any additions or changes to permit or facilitate guarantees of
such Securities.
All
Securities of any one series and the coupons appertaining to any Bearer Securities of such series shall be substantially identical
except, in the case of Registered Securities, as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to the
Board Resolution referred to above (subject to Section 303) and set forth in the Officers’ Certificate referred to
above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto. All Securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time and,
unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened, without the consent of the Holders, for issuances of additional Securities
of such series.
If
any of the terms of the Securities of any series are established by action taken pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions, a
copy of an appropriate record of such action(s) shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and
delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers’ Certificate setting forth the terms of the Securities
of such series.
Section 302.
Denominations.
The
Securities of each series shall be issuable in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 301. With
respect to Securities of any series denominated in Dollars, in the absence of any such provisions with respect to the Securities
of any series, the Registered Securities of such series, other than Registered Securities issued in global form (which may be
of any denomination) shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, and the Bearer Securities
of such series, other than Bearer Securities issued in global form (which may be of any denomination), shall be issuable in a
denomination of $5,000.
Section 303.
Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
The
Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman, [the Chief Executive
Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, or] its President or one of its Vice Presidents, under its corporate seal reproduced thereon,
and attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities and
coupons may be manual or facsimile signatures of the present or any future such authorized officer and may be imprinted or otherwise
reproduced on the Securities.
Securities
or coupons bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall
bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication
and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities or coupons.
At
any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series,
together with any coupon appertaining thereto, executed by the Company, to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company
Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate
and deliver such Securities; provided, however, that, in connection with its original issuance, no Bearer Security
shall be mailed or otherwise delivered to any location in the United States; and provided further that, unless
otherwise specified with respect to any series of Securities pursuant to Section 301, a Bearer Security may be delivered
in connection with its original issuance only if the Person entitled to receive such Bearer Security shall have furnished a certificate
in the form set forth in Exhibit A-1 to this Indenture or such other certificate as may be specified with respect to any
series of Securities pursuant to Section 301, dated no earlier than 15 days prior to the earlier of the date on which
such Bearer Security is delivered and the date on which any temporary Security first becomes exchangeable for such Bearer Security
in accordance with the terms of such temporary Security and this Indenture. If any Security shall be represented by a permanent
global Bearer Security, then, for purposes of this Section and Section 304, the notation of a beneficial owner’s interest
therein upon original issuance of such Security or upon exchange of a portion of a temporary global Security shall be deemed to
be delivery in connection with its original issuance of such beneficial owner’s interest in such permanent global Security.
Except as permitted by Section 306, the Trustee shall not authenticate and deliver any Bearer Security unless all appurtenant
coupons for interest then matured have been detached and cancelled. If all the Securities of any series are not to be issued at
one time and if the Board Resolution or supplemental indenture establishing such series shall so permit, such Company Order may
set forth procedures acceptable to the Trustee for the issuance of such Securities and determining the terms of particular Securities
of such series, such as interest rate, maturity date, date of issuance and date from which interest shall accrue. In authenticating
such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee
shall receive, and (subject to TIA Section 315(a) through 315(d)) shall be fully protected in relying upon,
(a) an
Opinion of Counsel stating,
(i)
that the form or forms of such Securities and any coupons have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
(ii)
that the terms of such Securities and any coupons have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and
(iii)
that such Securities, together with any coupons appertaining thereto, when completed by appropriate insertions and executed and
delivered by the Company to the Trustee for authentication in accordance with this Indenture, authenticated and delivered by the
Trustee in accordance with this Indenture and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such
Opinion of Counsel, will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their
terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other similar laws of general applicability relating to
or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights, to general equitable principles and to such other qualifications as such
counsel shall conclude do not materially affect the rights of Holders of such Securities and any coupons.
(b) an
Officers’ Certificate stating, to the best of the knowledge of the signers of such certificate, that no Event of Default
with respect to any of the Securities shall have occurred and be continuing;
(c) a
copy of the Board Resolutions pursuant to which the terms and form of the Securities were established; and
(d) an
executed supplemental indenture, if any.
Notwithstanding
the provisions of Section 301 and of this Section 303, if all the Securities of any series are not to be issued at one
time, it shall not be necessary to deliver an Officers’ Certificate otherwise required pursuant to Section 301 or the
Company Order, Opinion of Counsel or Officers’ Certificate otherwise required pursuant to the preceding paragraph at the
time of issuance of each Security of such series, but such order, opinion and certificates, with appropriate modifications to
cover such future issuances, shall be delivered at or before the time of issuance of the first Security of such series.
If
such form or terms have been so established, the Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of
such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties, obligations or immunities under
the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. Notwithstanding
the generality of the foregoing, the Trustee will not be required to authenticate Securities denominated in a Foreign Currency
if the Trustee reasonably believes that it would be unable to perform its duties with respect to such Securities.
Each
Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
No
Security or coupon shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there
appears on such Security or Security to which such coupon appertains a certificate of authentication substantially in the form
provided for herein duly executed by the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent by manual signature of an authorized signatory, and
such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated
and delivered hereunder and is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall
have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security
to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 310 together with a written statement (which need not comply with
Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) stating that such Security has never been issued and sold
by the Company, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered
hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
Section 304.
Temporary Securities.
(a) Pending
the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate
and deliver, temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized
denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued, in registered form, or,
if authorized, in bearer form with one or more coupons or without coupons, and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions
and other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as conclusively evidenced by their execution of
such Securities. In the case of Securities of any series, such temporary Securities may be in global form.
Except
in the case of temporary Securities in global form (which shall be exchanged in accordance with Section 304(b) or as otherwise
provided in or pursuant to a Board Resolution), if temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive
Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series,
the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary
Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the
Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series (accompanied by any non-matured
coupons appertaining thereto), the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a
like principal amount and like tenor of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations; provided,
however, that no definitive Bearer Security shall be delivered in exchange for a temporary Registered Security; and provided further
that a definitive Bearer Security shall be delivered in exchange for a temporary Bearer Security only in compliance with the
conditions set forth in Section 303. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be
entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series.
(b) Unless
otherwise provided in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, this Section 304(b) shall govern the exchange of temporary Securities
issued in global form. If temporary Securities of any series are issued in global form, any such temporary global Security shall,
unless otherwise provided therein, be delivered to the London office of a depositary or common depositary (the “Common Depositary”),
for the benefit of [ ], for credit to the respective accounts of the beneficial
owners of such Securities (or to such other accounts as they may direct).
Without
unnecessary delay but in any event not later than the date specified in, or determined pursuant to the terms of, any such temporary
global Security (the “Exchange Date”), the Company shall deliver to the Trustee definitive Securities, in aggregate
principal amount equal to the principal amount of such temporary global Security, executed by the Company. On or after the Exchange
Date, such temporary global Security shall be surrendered by the Common Depositary to the Trustee, as the Company’s agent
for such purpose, or to the Security Registrar, to be exchanged, in whole or from time to time in part, for definitive Securities
without charge, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for each portion of such temporary global Security,
an equal aggregate principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations and of like tenor
as the portion of such temporary global Security to be exchanged. The definitive Securities to be delivered in exchange for any
such temporary global Security shall be in bearer form, registered form, permanent global bearer form or permanent global registered
form, or any combination thereof, as specified as contemplated by Section 301, and, if any combination thereof is so specified,
as requested by the beneficial owner thereof; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified in such temporary
global Security, upon such presentation by the Common Depositary, such temporary global Security is accompanied by a certificate
dated the Exchange Date or a subsequent date and signed by [ ] as to the portion of such
temporary global Security held for its account then to be exchanged and a certificate dated the Exchange Date or a subsequent
date and signed by [ ] as to the portion of such temporary global Security held for its account
then to be exchanged, each in the form set forth in Exhibit A-2 to this Indenture or in such other form as may be established
pursuant to Section 301; and provided further that definitive Bearer Securities shall be delivered in
exchange for a portion of a temporary global Security only in compliance with the requirements of Section 303.
Unless
otherwise specified in such temporary global Security, the interest of a beneficial owner of Securities of a series in a temporary
global Security shall be exchanged for definitive Securities of the same series and of like tenor following the Exchange Date
when the account holder instructs [ ], as the case may be, to request such exchange
on his behalf and delivers to [ ], as the case may be, a certificate in the form
set forth in Exhibit A-1 to this Indenture (or in such other form as may be established pursuant to Section 301), dated
no earlier than 15 days prior to the Exchange Date, copies of which certificate shall be available from the offices of [ ],
the Trustee, any Authenticating Agent appointed for such series of Securities and each Paying Agent. Unless otherwise specified
in such temporary global Security, any such exchange shall be made free of charge to the beneficial owners of such temporary global
Security, except that a Person receiving definitive Securities must bear the cost of insurance, postage, transportation and the
like unless such Person takes delivery of such definitive Securities in person at the offices of [ ].
Definitive Securities in bearer form to be delivered in exchange for any portion of a temporary global Security shall be delivered
only outside the United States.
Until
exchanged in full as hereinabove provided, the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same
benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of the same series and of like tenor authenticated and delivered hereunder,
except that, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, interest payable on a temporary global Security on
an Interest Payment Date for Securities of such series occurring prior to the applicable Exchange Date shall be payable to [ ]
on such Interest Payment Date upon delivery by [ ] to the Trustee or the applicable
Paying Agent of a certificate or certificates in the form set forth in Exhibit A-2 to this Indenture (or in such other forms
as may be established pursuant to Section 301), for credit without further interest on or after such Interest Payment Date
to the respective accounts of Persons who are the beneficial owners of such temporary global Security on such Interest Payment
Date and who have each delivered to [ ], as the case may be, a certificate dated
no earlier than 15 days prior to the Interest Payment Date occurring prior to such Exchange Date in the form set forth as
Exhibit A-1 to this Indenture (or in such other forms as may be established pursuant to Section 301). Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary herein contained, the certifications made pursuant to this paragraph shall satisfy the certification
requirements of the preceding two paragraphs of this Section 304(b) and of the third paragraph of Section 303 of this Indenture
and the interests of the Persons who are the beneficial owners of the temporary global Security with respect to which such certification
was made will be exchanged for definitive Securities of the same series and of like tenor on the Exchange Date or the date of
certification if such date occurs after the Exchange Date, without further act or deed by such beneficial owners. Except as otherwise
provided in this paragraph, no payments of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, owing with respect to a beneficial
interest in a temporary global Security will be made unless and until such interest in such temporary global Security shall have
been exchanged for an interest in a definitive Security. Any interest so received by [ ]
and not paid as herein provided shall be returned to the Trustee or the applicable Paying Agent immediately prior to the expiration
of two years after such Interest Payment Date in order to be repaid to the Company.
Section 305.
Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.
The
Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or in any office or agency of the Company in a Place
of Payment a register for each series of Securities (the registers maintained in such office or in any such office or agency of
the Company in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes referred to collectively as the “Security Register”) in which,
subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Registered Securities
and of transfers of Registered Securities. The Security Register shall be in written form or any other form capable of being converted
into written form within a reasonable time. The Trustee, at its Corporate Trust Office, is hereby initially appointed “Security
Registrar” for the purpose of registering Registered Securities and transfers of Registered Securities on such Security
Register as herein provided, and for facilitating exchanges of temporary global Securities for permanent global Securities or
definitive Securities, or both, or of permanent global Securities for definitive Securities, or both, as herein provided. In the
event that the Trustee shall cease to be Security Registrar, it shall have the right to examine the Security Register at all reasonable
times.
Upon
surrender for registration of transfer of any Registered Security of any series at any office or agency of the Company in a Place
of Payment for that series, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated
transferee or transferees, one or more new Registered Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of a
like aggregate principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding and containing identical terms and provisions.
At
the option of the Holder, Registered Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Registered Securities of the same series,
of any authorized denomination or denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount, containing identical terms and provisions,
upon surrender of the Registered Securities to be exchanged at any such office or agency. Whenever any Registered Securities are
so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Registered Securities
which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive. Unless otherwise specified with respect to any series of Securities
as contemplated by Section 301, Bearer Securities may not be issued in exchange for Registered Securities.
If
(but only if) permitted by the applicable Board Resolution and (subject to Section 303) set forth in the applicable Officers’
Certificate, or in any indenture supplemental hereto, delivered as contemplated by Section 301, at the option of the Holder,
Bearer Securities of any series may be exchanged for Registered Securities of the same series of any authorized denominations
and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor, upon surrender of the Bearer Securities to be exchanged at any such office
or agency, with all unmatured coupons and all matured coupons in default thereto appertaining. If the Holder of a Bearer Security
is unable to produce any such unmatured coupon or coupons or matured coupon or coupons in default, any such permitted exchange
may be effected if the Bearer Securities are accompanied by payment in funds acceptable to the Company in an amount equal to the
face amount of such missing coupon or coupons, or the surrender of such missing coupon or coupons may be waived by the Company
and the Trustee if there is furnished to them such security or indemnity as they may require to save each of them and any Paying
Agent harmless. If thereafter the Holder of such Security shall surrender to any Paying Agent any such missing coupon in respect
of which such a payment shall have been made, such Holder shall be entitled to receive the amount of such payment; provided,
however, that, except as otherwise provided in Section 1002, interest represented by coupons shall be payable only
upon presentation and surrender of those coupons at an office or agency located outside the United States. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in case a Bearer Security of any series is surrendered at any such office or agency in a permitted exchange for a Registered
Security of the same series and like tenor after the close of business at such office or agency on (i) any Regular Record
Date and before the opening of business at such office or agency on the relevant Interest Payment Date, or (ii) any Special
Record Date and before the opening of business at such office or agency on the related proposed date for payment of Defaulted
Interest, such Bearer Security shall be surrendered without the coupon relating to such Interest Payment Date or proposed date
for payment, as the case may be, and interest or Defaulted Interest, as the case may be, will not be payable on such Interest
Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, in respect of the Registered Security issued in exchange for such
Bearer Security, but will be payable only to the Holder of such coupon when due in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.
Whenever
any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the
Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, any permanent global Security shall be exchangeable
only as provided in this paragraph. If any beneficial owner of an interest in a permanent global Security is entitled to exchange
such interest for Securities of such series and of like tenor and principal amount of another authorized form and denomination,
as specified as contemplated by Section 301 and provided that any applicable notice provided in the permanent global
Security shall have been given, then without unnecessary delay but in any event not later than the earliest date on which such
interest may be so exchanged, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee definitive Securities in aggregate principal amount equal
to the principal amount of such beneficial owner’s interest in such permanent global Security, executed by the Company.
On or after the earliest date on which such interests may be so exchanged, such permanent global Security shall be surrendered
by the Common Depositary or such other depositary as shall be specified in the Company Order with respect thereto to the Trustee,
as the Company’s agent for such purpose, or to the Security Registrar, to be exchanged, in whole or from time to time in
part, for definitive Securities of the same series without charge and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange
for each portion of such permanent global Security, an equal aggregate principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series
of authorized denominations and of like tenor as the portion of such permanent global Security to be exchanged which, unless the
Securities of the series are not issuable both as Bearer Securities and as Registered Securities, in which case the definitive
Securities exchanged for the permanent global Security shall be issuable only in the form in which the Securities are issuable,
as specified as contemplated by Section 301, shall be in the form of Bearer Securities or Registered Securities, or any combination
thereof, as shall be specified by the beneficial owner thereof; provided, however, that no such exchanges may occur
during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any selection of Securities to be redeemed and ending
on the relevant Redemption Date if the Security for which exchange is requested may be among those selected for redemption; and
provided further that no Bearer Security delivered in exchange for a portion of a permanent global Security
shall be mailed or otherwise delivered to any location in the United States. If a Registered Security is issued in exchange for
any portion of a permanent global Security after the close of business at the office or agency where such exchange occurs on (i) any
Regular Record Date and before the opening of business at such office or agency on the relevant Interest Payment Date, or (ii) any
Special Record Date and before the opening of business at such office or agency on the related proposed date for payment of Defaulted
Interest, interest or Defaulted Interest, as the case may be, will not be payable on such Interest Payment Date or proposed date
for payment, as the case may be, in respect of such Registered Security, but will be payable on such Interest Payment Date or
proposed date for payment, as the case may be, only to the Person to whom interest in respect of such portion of such permanent
global Security is payable in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.
All
Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be valid obligations of the Company, evidencing
the same debt and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of
transfer or exchange.
Every
Registered Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company
or the Security Registrar or any transfer agent) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorney or any transfer agent
duly authorized in writing.
No
service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company or the Trustee may require
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration
of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 906, 1107 or 1305 not involving any
transfer.
The
Company shall not be required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Security if such Security may be among
those selected for redemption during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before selection of the Securities
to be redeemed under Section 1103 and ending at the close of business on (A) if such Securities are issuable only as
Registered Securities, the day of the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption and (B) if such Securities are issuable
as Bearer Securities, the day of the first publication of the relevant notice of redemption or, if such Securities are also issuable
as Registered Securities and there is no publication, the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption, or (ii) to register
the transfer of or exchange any Registered Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except, in the case of any
Registered Security to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be redeemed, or (iii) to exchange any Bearer Security
so selected for redemption except that such a Bearer Security may be exchanged for a Registered Security of that series and like
tenor, provided that such Registered Security shall be simultaneously surrendered for redemption, or (iv) to issue,
register the transfer of or exchange any Security which has been surrendered for repayment at the option of the Holder, except
the portion, if any, of such Security not to be so repaid.
Section 306.
Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
If
any mutilated Security or a Security with a mutilated coupon appertaining to it is surrendered to the Trustee or the Company,
together with, in proper cases, such security or indemnity as may be required by the Company or the Trustee to save each of them
or any agent of either of them harmless, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange
therefor a new Security of the same series and principal amount, containing identical terms and provisions and bearing a number
not contemporaneously outstanding, with coupons corresponding to the coupons, if any, appertaining to the surrendered Security.
If
there shall be delivered to the Company and to the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or
theft of any Security or coupon, and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and
any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security or coupon
has been acquired by a protected purchaser, the Company shall, subject to the following paragraph, execute and upon its request
the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security or in exchange for the Security
to which a destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains (with all appurtenant coupons not destroyed, lost or stolen), a new Security
of the same series and principal amount, containing identical terms and provisions and bearing a number not contemporaneously
outstanding, with coupons corresponding to the coupons, if any, appertaining to such destroyed, lost or stolen Security or to
the Security to which such destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains.
Notwithstanding
the provisions of the previous two paragraphs, in case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security or coupon has become
or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, with coupons corresponding
to the coupons, if any, appertaining to such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security or to the Security to which such mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains, pay such Security or coupon, as the case may be; provided, however,
that payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on Bearer Securities shall, except as otherwise provided
in Section 1002, be payable only at an office or agency located outside the United States and, unless otherwise specified
as contemplated by Section 301, any interest on Bearer Securities shall be payable only upon presentation and surrender of
the coupons appertaining thereto.
Upon
the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax
or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of
the Trustee) connected therewith.
Every
new Security of any series with its coupons, if any, issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen
Security, or in exchange for a Security to which a destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains, shall constitute an original additional
contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security and its coupons, if any, or the destroyed,
lost or stolen coupon shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture
equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that series and their coupons, if any, duly issued hereunder.
The
provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect
to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities or coupons.
Section 307.
Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved; Optional Interest Reset.
(a) Except
as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 301, interest,
if any, on any Registered Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date
shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of
business on the Regular Record Date for such interest at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose pursuant
to Section 1002; provided, however, that each installment of interest, if any, on any Registered Security may
at the Company’s option be paid by (i) mailing a check for such interest, payable to or upon the written order of the
Person entitled thereto pursuant to Section 309, to the address of such Person as it appears on the Security Register or
(ii) transfer to an account maintained by the payee located in the United States.
Unless
otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to the Securities of any series, payment of interest, if any,
may be made, in the case of a Bearer Security, by transfer to an account maintained by the payee with a bank located outside the
United States.
Unless
otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301, every permanent global Security will provide that interest, if any, payable
on any Interest Payment Date will be paid to each of [ ] with respect to that portion
of such permanent global Security held for its account by the Common Depositary, for the purpose of permitting each of [ ]
to credit the interest, if any, received by it in respect of such permanent global Security to the accounts of the beneficial
owners thereof.
In
case a Bearer Security of any series is surrendered in exchange for a Registered Security of such series after the close of business
(at an office or agency in a Place of Payment for such series) on any Regular Record Date and before the opening of business (at
such office or agency) on the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, such Bearer Security shall be surrendered without the coupon
relating to such Interest Payment Date and interest will not be payable on such Interest Payment Date in respect of the Registered
Security issued in exchange for such Bearer Security, but will be payable only to the Holder of such coupon when due in accordance
with the provisions of this Indenture.
Except
as otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 301, any interest
on any Registered Security of any series that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment
Date (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered Holder thereof on
the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company,
at its election in each case, as provided in clause (1) or (2) below:
(1)
The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Registered Securities of such
series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment
of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the
amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Registered Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment
(which shall not be less than 20 days after such notice is received by the Trustee), and at the same time the Company shall
deposit with the Trustee an amount of money in the Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise
specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as provided in Sections 312(b),
312(d) and 312(e)) equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements
satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit on or prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be
held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee
shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less
than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of
the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name
and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record
Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder of Registered Securities of such series at his address
as it appears in the Security Register not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment
of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been mailed as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall
be paid to the Persons in whose names the Registered Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are
registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following clause
(2). In case a Bearer Security of any series is surrendered at the office or agency in a Place of Payment for such series in exchange
for a Registered Security of such series after the close of business at such office or agency on any Special Record Date and before
the opening of business at such office or agency on the related proposed date for payment of Defaulted Interest, such Bearer Security
shall be surrendered without the coupon relating to such proposed date of payment and Defaulted Interest will not be payable on
such proposed date of payment in respect of the Registered Security issued in exchange for such Bearer Security, but will be payable
only to the Holder of such coupon when due in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.
(2)
The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Registered Securities of any series in any other lawful manner not
inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as
may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this
clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
(b) The
provisions of this Section 307(b) may be made applicable to any series of Securities pursuant to Section 301 (with such modifications,
additions or substitutions as may be specified pursuant to such Section 301). The interest rate (or the spread or spread
multiplier used to calculate such interest rate, if applicable) on any Security of such series may be reset by the Company on
the date or dates specified on the face of such Security (each an “Optional Reset Date”). The Company may exercise
such option with respect to such Security by notifying the Trustee of such exercise at least 45 but not more than 60 days
prior to an Optional Reset Date for such Security. Not later than 40 days prior to each Optional Reset Date, the Trustee
shall transmit, in the manner provided for in Section 106, to the Holder of any such Security a notice (the “Reset
Notice”) indicating whether the Company has elected to reset the interest rate (or the spread or spread multiplier used
to calculate such interest rate, if applicable), and if so (i) such new interest rate (or such new spread or spread multiplier,
if applicable) and (ii) the provisions, if any, for redemption during the period from such Optional Reset Date to the next Optional
Reset Date or if there is no such next Optional Reset Date, to the Stated Maturity of such Security (each such period a “Subsequent
Interest Period”), including the date or dates on which or the period or periods during which and the price or prices at
which such redemption may occur during the Subsequent Interest Period.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, not later than 20 days prior to the Optional Reset Date, the Company may, at its option, revoke the interest
rate (or the spread or spread multiplier used to calculate such interest rate, if applicable) provided for in the Reset Notice
and establish a higher interest rate (or a spread or spread multiplier providing for a higher interest rate, if applicable) for
the Subsequent Interest Period by causing the Trustee to transmit, in the manner provided for in Section 106, notice of such
higher interest rate (or such higher spread or spread multiplier providing for a higher interest rate, if applicable) to the Holder
of such Security. Such notice shall be irrevocable. All Securities with respect to which the interest rate (or the spread or spread
multiplier used to calculate such interest rate, if applicable) is reset on an Optional Reset Date, and with respect to which
the Holders of such Securities have not tendered such Securities for repayment (or have validly revoked any such tender) pursuant
to the next succeeding paragraph, will bear such higher interest rate (or such higher spread or spread multiplier providing for
a higher interest rate, if applicable).
The
Holder of any such Security will have the option to elect repayment by the Company of the principal of such Security on each Optional
Reset Date at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus interest accrued to such Optional Reset Date. In order to obtain
repayment on an Optional Reset Date, the Holder must follow the procedures set forth in Article Thirteen for repayment at
the option of Holders except that the period for delivery or notification to the Trustee shall be at least 25 but not more than
35 days prior to such Optional Reset Date and except that, if the Holder has tendered any Security for repayment pursuant
to the Reset Notice, the Holder may, by written notice to the Trustee, revoke such tender or repayment until the close of business
on the tenth day before such Optional Reset Date.
Subject
to the foregoing provisions of this Section and Section 305, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration
of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and
to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.
Section 308.
Optional Extension of Maturity.
The
provisions of this Section 308 may be made applicable to any series of Securities pursuant to Section 301 (with such
modifications, additions or substitutions as may be specified pursuant to such Section 301). The Stated Maturity of any Security
of such series may be extended at the option of the Company for the period or periods specified on the face of such Security (each
an “Extension Period”) up to but not beyond the date (the “Final Maturity”) set forth on the face of such
Security. The Company may exercise such option with respect to any Security by notifying the Trustee of such exercise at least
45 but not more than 60 days prior to the Stated Maturity of such Security in effect prior to the exercise of such option
(the “Original Stated Maturity”). If the Company exercises such option, the Trustee shall transmit, in the manner
provided for in Section 106, to the Holder of such Security not later than 40 days prior to the Original Stated Maturity
a notice (the “Extension Notice”), prepared by the Company, indicating (i) the election of the Company to extend
the Stated Maturity, (ii) the new Stated Maturity, (iii) the interest rate (or spread, spread multiplier or other formula
to calculate such interest rate, if applicable), if any, applicable to the Extension Period and (iv) the provisions, if any,
for redemption during such Extension Period. Upon the Trustee’s transmittal of the Extension Notice, the Stated Maturity
of such Security shall be extended automatically and, except as modified by the Extension Notice and as described in the next
paragraph, such Security will have the same terms as prior to the transmittal of such Extension Notice.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, not later than 20 days before the Original Stated Maturity of such Security, the Company may, at its option,
revoke the interest rate (or spread, spread multiplier or other formula to calculate such interest rate, if applicable) provided
for in the Extension Notice and establish a higher interest rate (or spread, spread multiplier or other formula to calculate such
higher interest rate, if applicable) for the Extension Period by causing the Trustee to transmit, in the manner provided for in
Section 106, notice of such higher interest rate (or spread, spread multiplier or other formula to calculate such interest
rate, if applicable) to the Holder of such Security. Such notice shall be irrevocable. All Securities with respect to which the
Stated Maturity is extended will bear such higher interest rate.
If
the Company extends the Stated Maturity of any Security, the Holder will have the option to elect repayment of such Security by
the Company on the Original Stated Maturity at a price equal to the principal amount thereof, plus interest accrued to such date.
In order to obtain repayment on the Original Stated Maturity once the Company has extended the Stated Maturity thereof, the Holder
must follow the procedures set forth in Article Thirteen for repayment at the option of Holders, except that the period for
delivery or notification to the Trustee shall be at least 25 but not more than 35 days prior to the Original Stated Maturity and
except that, if the Holder has tendered any Security for repayment pursuant to an Extension Notice, the Holder may by written
notice to the Trustee revoke such tender for repayment until the close of business on the tenth day before the Original Stated
Maturity.
Section 309.
Persons Deemed Owners.
Prior
to due presentment of a Registered Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company
or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Registered Security is registered as the owner of such Registered Security
for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Sections 305 and 307) interest,
if any, on such Registered Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Registered Security be overdue,
and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
Title
to any Bearer Security and any coupons appertaining thereto shall pass by delivery. The Company, the Trustee and any agent of
the Company or the Trustee may treat the bearer of any Bearer Security and the bearer of any coupon as the absolute owner of such
Security or coupon for the purpose of receiving payment thereof or on account thereof and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether
or not such Security or coupon be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall
be affected by notice to the contrary.
None
of the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the Security Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect
of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Security in global form or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, with respect to any global temporary or permanent Security, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee,
or any agent of the Company or the Trustee, from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished
by any depositary, as a Holder, with respect to such global Security or impair, as between such depositary and owners of beneficial
interests in such global Security, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of such depositary
(or its nominee) as Holder of such global Security.
Section 310.
Cancellation.
All
Securities and coupons surrendered for payment, redemption, repayment at the option of the Holder, registration of transfer or
exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered
to the Trustee, and any such Securities and coupons and Securities and coupons surrendered directly to the Trustee for any such
purpose shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities
previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver
to the Trustee (or to any other Person for delivery to the Trustee) for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder
which the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. If the
Company shall so acquire any of the Securities, however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of
the indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the same are surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation. No
Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as
expressly permitted by this Indenture. Cancelled Securities and coupons held by the Trustee shall be cancelled by the Trustee
in accordance with its customary procedures, unless by a Company Order the Company directs the Trustee to deliver a certificate
of such cancellation to the Company or to return them to the Company.
Section 311.
Computation of Interest.
Except
as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to Securities of any series, interest, if any, on the
Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
Section 312.
Currency and Manner of Payments in Respect of Securities.
(a) Unless
otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, with respect to Registered Securities of any
series not permitting the election provided for in paragraph (b) below or the Holders of which have not made the election
provided for in paragraph (b) below, and with respect to Bearer Securities of any series, except as provided in paragraph
(d) below, payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any Registered or Bearer Security of such
series will be made in the Currency in which such Registered Security or Bearer Security, as the case may be, is payable. The
provisions of this Section 312 may be modified or superseded with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301.
(b) It
may be provided pursuant to Section 301 with respect to Registered Securities of any series that Holders shall have the option,
subject to paragraphs (d) and (e) below, to receive payments of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any,
on such Registered Securities in any of the Currencies which may be designated for such election by delivering to the Trustee
for such series of Registered Securities a written election with signature guarantees and in the applicable form established pursuant
to Section 301, not later than the close of business on the Election Date immediately preceding the applicable payment date.
If a Holder so elects to receive such payments in any such Currency, such election will remain in effect for such Holder or any
transferee of such Holder until changed by such Holder or such transferee by written notice to the Trustee for such series of
Registered Securities (but any such change must be made not later than the close of business on the Election Date immediately
preceding the next payment date to be effective for the payment to be made on such payment date and no such change of election
may be made with respect to payments to be made on any Registered Security of such series with respect to which an Event of Default
has occurred or with respect to which the Company has deposited funds pursuant to Article Four or Fourteen or with respect
to which a notice of redemption has been given by the Company or a notice of option to elect repayment has been sent by such Holder
or such transferee). Any Holder of any such Registered Security who shall not have delivered any such election to the Trustee
of such series of Registered Securities not later than the close of business on the applicable Election Date will be paid the
amount due on the applicable payment date in the relevant Currency as provided in Section 312(a). The Trustee for each such
series of Registered Securities shall notify the Exchange Rate Agent as soon as practicable after the Election Date of the aggregate
principal amount of Registered Securities for which Holders have made such written election.
(c) Unless
otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, if the election referred to in paragraph (b) above has been provided for
pursuant to Section 301, then, unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, not later than the fourth Business
Day after the Election Date for each payment date for Registered Securities of any series, the Exchange Rate Agent will deliver
to the Company a written notice specifying the Currency in which Registered Securities of such series are payable, the respective
aggregate amounts of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Registered Securities to be paid on such
payment date, specifying the amounts in such Currency so payable in respect of the Registered Securities as to which the Holders
of Registered Securities denominated in any Currency shall have elected to be paid in another Currency as provided in paragraph
(b) above. If the election referred to in paragraph (b) above has been provided for pursuant to Section 301 and
if at least one Holder has made such election, then, unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, on the second Business
Day preceding such payment date the Company will deliver to the Trustee for such series of Registered Securities an Exchange Rate
Officer’s Certificate in respect of the Dollar or Foreign Currency or Currencies payments to be made on such payment date.
Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, the Dollar or Foreign Currency or Currencies amount receivable by Holders
of Registered Securities who have elected payment in a Currency as provided in paragraph (b) above shall be determined by
the Company on the basis of the applicable Market Exchange Rate in effect on the second Business Day (the “Valuation Date”)
immediately preceding each payment date, and such determination shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest
error.
(d) If
a Conversion Event occurs with respect to a Foreign Currency in which any of the Securities are denominated or payable other than
pursuant to an election provided for pursuant to paragraph (b) above, then with respect to each date for the payment of principal
of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any on the applicable Securities denominated or payable in such Foreign Currency occurring
after the last date on which such Foreign Currency was used (the “Conversion Date”), the Dollar shall be the currency
of payment for use on each such payment date. Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, the Dollar amount to be
paid by the Company to the Trustee of each such series of Securities and by such Trustee or any Paying Agent to the Holders of
such Securities with respect to such payment date shall be, in the case of a Foreign Currency other than a currency unit, the
Dollar Equivalent of the Foreign Currency or, in the case of a currency unit, the Dollar Equivalent of the Currency Unit, in each
case as determined by the Exchange Rate Agent in the manner provided in paragraph (f) or (g) below.
(e) Unless
otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, if the Holder of a Registered Security denominated in any Currency shall have
elected to be paid in another Currency as provided in paragraph (b) above, and a Conversion Event occurs with respect to
such elected Currency, such Holder shall receive payment in the Currency in which payment would have been made in the absence
of such election; and if a Conversion Event occurs with respect to the Currency in which payment would have been made in the absence
of such election, such Holder shall receive payment in Dollars as provided in paragraph (d) of this Section 312.
(f) The
“Dollar Equivalent of the Foreign Currency” shall be determined by the Exchange Rate Agent and shall be obtained for
each subsequent payment date by converting the specified Foreign Currency into Dollars at the Market Exchange Rate on the Conversion
Date.
(g) The
“Dollar Equivalent of the Currency Unit” shall be determined by the Exchange Rate Agent and subject to the provisions
of paragraph (h) below shall be the sum of each amount obtained by converting the Specified Amount of each Component Currency
into Dollars at the Market Exchange Rate for such Component Currency on the Valuation Date with respect to each payment.
(h) For
purposes of this Section 312, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
A
“Component Currency” shall mean any currency which, on the Conversion Date, was a component currency of the
relevant currency unit, including, but not limited to, the ECU.
A
“Specified Amount” of a Component Currency shall mean the number of units of such Component Currency or fractions
thereof which were represented in the relevant currency unit, including, but not limited to, the ECU, on the Conversion Date.
If after the Conversion Date the official unit of any Component Currency is altered by way of combination or subdivision, the
Specified Amount of such Component Currency shall be divided or multiplied in the same proportion. If after the Conversion Date
two or more Component Currencies are consolidated into a single currency, the respective Specified Amounts of such Component Currencies
shall be replaced by an amount in such single currency equal to the sum of the respective Specified Amounts of such consolidated
Component Currencies expressed in such single currency, and such amount shall thereafter be a Specified Amount and such single
currency shall thereafter be a Component Currency. If after the Conversion Date any Component Currency shall be divided into two
or more currencies, the Specified Amount of such Component Currency shall be replaced by amounts of such two or more currencies,
having an aggregate Dollar Equivalent value at the Market Exchange Rate on the date of such replacement equal to the Dollar Equivalent
of the Specified Amount of such former Component Currency at the Market Exchange Rate immediately before such division, and such
amounts shall thereafter be Specified Amounts and such currencies shall thereafter be Component Currencies. If, after the Conversion
Date of the relevant currency unit, including, but not limited to, the ECU, a Conversion Event (other than any event referred
to above in this definition of “Specified Amount”) occurs with respect to any Component Currency of such currency
unit and is continuing on the applicable Valuation Date, the Specified Amount of such Component Currency shall, for purposes of
calculating the Dollar Equivalent of the Currency Unit, be converted into Dollars at the Market Exchange Rate in effect on the
Conversion Date of such Component Currency.
An
“Election Date” shall mean the Regular Record Date for the applicable series of Registered Securities or at
least 16 days prior to Maturity, as the case may be, or such other prior date for any series of Registered Securities as
specified pursuant to clause 13 of Section 301 by which the written election referred to in Section 312(b) may be made.
All
decisions and determinations of the Exchange Rate Agent regarding the Dollar Equivalent of the Foreign Currency, the Dollar Equivalent
of the Currency Unit, the Market Exchange Rate and changes in the Specified Amounts as specified above shall be in its sole discretion
and shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive for all purposes and irrevocably binding upon the Company, the Trustee
for the appropriate series of Securities and all Holders of such Securities denominated or payable in the relevant Currency. The
Exchange Rate Agent shall promptly give written notice to the Company and the Trustee for the appropriate series of Securities
of any such decision or determination.
In
the event that the Company determines in good faith that a Conversion Event has occurred with respect to a Foreign Currency, the
Company will immediately give written notice thereof to the Trustee of the appropriate series of Securities and to the Exchange
Rate Agent (and such Trustee will promptly thereafter give notice in the manner provided in Section 106 to the affected Holders)
specifying the Conversion Date. In the event the Company so determines that a Conversion Event has occurred with respect to the
ECU or any other currency unit in which Securities are denominated or payable, the Company will immediately give written notice
thereof to the Trustee of the appropriate series of Securities and to the Exchange Rate Agent (and such Trustee will promptly
thereafter give notice in the manner provided in Section 106 to the affected Holders) specifying the Conversion Date and
the Specified Amount of each Component Currency on the Conversion Date. In the event the Company determines in good faith that
any subsequent change in any Component Currency as set forth in the definition of Specified Amount above has occurred, the Company
will similarly give written notice to the Trustee of the appropriate series of Securities and to the Exchange Rate Agent.
The
Trustee of the appropriate series of Securities shall be fully justified and protected in relying and acting upon information
received by it from the Company and the Exchange Rate Agent and shall not otherwise have any duty or obligation to determine the
accuracy or validity of such information independent of the Company or the Exchange Rate Agent.
Section 313.
Appointment and Resignation of Successor Exchange Rate Agent.
(a) Unless
otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, if and so long as the Securities of any series (i) are denominated in a
Foreign Currency or (ii) may be payable in a Foreign Currency, or so long as it is required under any other provision of
this Indenture, then the Company will maintain with respect to each such series of Securities, or as so required, at least one
Exchange Rate Agent. The Company will cause the Exchange Rate Agent to make the necessary foreign exchange determinations at the
time and in the manner specified pursuant to Section 301 for the purpose of determining the applicable rate of exchange and,
if applicable, for the purpose of converting the issued Foreign Currency into the applicable payment Currency for the payment
of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, pursuant to Section 312.
(b) No
resignation of the Exchange Rate Agent and no appointment of a successor Exchange Rate Agent pursuant to this Section shall become
effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Exchange Rate Agent as evidenced by a written instrument delivered
to the Company and the Trustee of the appropriate series of Securities accepting such appointment executed by the successor Exchange
Rate Agent.
(c) If
the Exchange Rate Agent shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of the
Exchange Rate Agent for any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by or pursuant to a Board
Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Exchange Rate Agent or Exchange Rate Agents with respect to the Securities of that
or those series (it being understood that any such successor Exchange Rate Agent may be appointed with respect to the Securities
of one or more or all of such series and that, unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, at any time there shall
only be one Exchange Rate Agent with respect to the Securities of any particular series that are originally issued by the Company
on the same date and that are initially denominated and/or payable in the same Currency).
Section 314.
CUSIP Numbers.
The
Company in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall
indicate the respective “CUSIP” numbers of the Securities in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that
any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities
or as contained in any notice of redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on
the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company shall
advise the Trustee as promptly as practicable in writing of any change in the CUSIP numbers.
ARTICLE
IV
SATISFACTION
AND DISCHARGE
Section 401.
Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.
Except
as set forth below, this Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect with respect to any series of Securities
specified in such Company Request (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities of
such series expressly provided for herein or pursuant hereto, any surviving rights of tender for repayment at the option of the
Holders and any right to receive Additional Amounts, as provided in Section 1004), and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company
Order, and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture
as to such series when
(1) either
(A)
all Securities of such series theretofore authenticated and delivered and all coupons, if any, appertaining thereto (other than
(i) coupons appertaining to Bearer Securities surrendered for exchange for Registered Securities and maturing after such
exchange, whose surrender is not required or has been waived as provided in Section 305, (ii) Securities and coupons
of such series which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306,
(iii) coupons appertaining to Securities called for redemption and maturing after the relevant Redemption Date, whose surrender
has been waived as provided in Section 1106, and (iv) Securities and coupons of such series for whose payment money
has theretofore been deposited in trust with the Trustee or any Paying Agent or segregated and held in trust by the Company and
thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been delivered to the Trustee
for cancellation; or
(B)
all Securities of such series and, in the case of (i) or (ii) below, any coupons appertaining thereto not theretofore
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation
(i) have
become due and payable, or
(ii) will
become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or
(iii) if
redeemable at the option of the Company, are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the
Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company, and the Company,
in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust
funds in trust for such purpose, solely for the benefit of the Holders, an amount in the Currency in which the Securities of such
series are payable, sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities and such coupons not theretofore
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, to the date of such deposit
(in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
(2)
the Company has irrevocably paid or caused to be irrevocably paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and
(3)
the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to such series have been complied
with.
Notwithstanding
the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee under
Section 606, the obligations of the Company to any Authenticating Agent under Section 612 and, if money shall have been
deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under
Section 402 and the last paragraph of Section 1003 shall survive any termination of this Indenture.
Section 402.
Application of Trust Funds.
Subject
to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401
shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities, the coupons and this Indenture,
to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee
may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, for whose payment
such money has been deposited with or received by the Trustee, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to
the extent required by law.
ARTICLE
V
REMEDIES
Section 501.
Events of Default.
“Event
of Default,” wherever used herein with respect to any particular series of Securities, means any one of the following events
(whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether or not it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation
of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental
body), unless it is either inapplicable to a particular series or is specifically deleted or modified in or pursuant to the supplemental
indenture or a Board Resolution establishing such series of Securities or is in the form of Security for such series:
(1)
default in the payment of any interest upon any Security of that series or of any coupon appertaining thereto, when such interest
or coupon becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or
(2)
default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) any Security of that series when it becomes due and payable at
its Maturity; or
(3)
default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of any Security of that series; or
(4)
default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or agreement of the Company in this Indenture with respect to any Security
of that series (other than a covenant or agreement a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section
specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of a series of Securities
other than that series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by
registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring
it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder;
(5)
the Company, pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:
(A)
commences a voluntary case or proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law,
(B)
consents to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or files a petition or answer or consent
seeking reorganization or relief against it,
(C)
consents to the entry of a decree or order for relief against it in an involuntary case or proceeding,
(D)
consents to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a Custodian of the Company or for all
or substantially all of its property, or
(E)
makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or admits in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become
due or takes any corporate action in furtherance of any such action; or
(6) a
court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(A)
is for relief against the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding, or
(B)
adjudges the Company bankrupt or insolvent, or approves as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment
or composition of or in respect of the Company, or
(C)
appoints a Custodian of the Company or for all or substantially all of its property, or
(D)
orders the winding up or liquidation of the Company,
and
the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of
90 consecutive days; or
(7)
any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that series.
The
term “Bankruptcy Law” means title 11, U.S. Code or any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization
or other similar law. The term “Custodian” means any custodian, receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, sequestrator
or other similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
Section 502.
Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
If
an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then and in every
such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series may
declare the principal (or, if any Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities or Indexed Securities, such portion of the
principal as may be specified in the terms thereof) of all the Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, by
a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by the Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal
or specified portion thereof shall become immediately due and payable.
At
any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment
or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter provided in this Article, the Holders of
a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee,
may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:
(1)
the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay in the Currency in which the Securities of such series
are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series and except, if applicable,
as provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)):
(A)
all overdue installments of interest, if any, on all Outstanding Securities of that series and any related coupons,
(B)
the principal of (and premium, if any) all Outstanding Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by such
declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities,
(C)
to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue installments of interest at the rate or rates borne
by or provided for in such Securities, and
(D)
all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
Trustee, its agents and counsel; and
(2)
all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other than the nonpayment of the principal of (or premium, if
any) or interest on Securities of that series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured
or waived as provided in Section 513.
No
such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.
Section 503.
Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.
The
Company covenants that if:
(1)
default is made in the payment of any installment of interest on any Security of any series and any related coupon when such interest
becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or
(2)
default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) any Security of any series at its Maturity,
then
the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of Securities of such series
and coupons, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities and coupons for principal (and premium, if any) and interest,
if any, with interest upon any overdue principal (and premium, if any) and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall
be legally enforceable, upon any overdue installments of interest, if any, at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such
Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection,
including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.
If
the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust,
may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute such proceeding to judgment
or final decree, and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon Securities of such series and collect
the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor
upon such Securities of such series, wherever situated.
If
an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed
to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series and any related coupons by such appropriate
judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific
enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce
any other proper remedy.
Section 504.
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
In
case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition
or other judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Company or
of such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities of any series shall
then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have
made any demand on the Company for the payment of any overdue principal, premium or interest) shall be entitled and empowered,
by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:
(i)
to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal (or in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities or Indexed Securities,
such portion of the principal as may be provided for in the terms thereof) (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, owing and
unpaid in respect of the Securities and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have
the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee,
its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding, and
(ii)
to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and
any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator (or other similar official) in any such judicial proceeding
is hereby authorized by each Holder of Securities of such series and coupons to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the
event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount
due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee, their
agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee under Section 606.
Subject
to Article Eight and Section 902 and unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301, nothing herein contained
shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder of a Security or
coupon any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or coupons or the rights of
any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder of a Security or coupon in any such
proceeding.
Section 505.
Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities or Coupons.
All
rights of action and claims under this Indenture or any of the Securities or coupons may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee
without the possession of any of the Securities or coupons or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any
such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery
of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities and coupons in respect of which such
judgment has been recovered.
Section 506.
Application of Money Collected.
Any
money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by
the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, upon
presentation of the Securities or coupons, or both, as the case may be, and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially
paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST:
To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee under Section 606;
SECOND:
To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon the Securities and coupons for principal (and premium, if any) and interest,
if any, in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority
of any kind, according to the aggregate amounts due and payable on such Securities and coupons for principal (and premium, if
any) and interest, if any, respectively; and
THIRD:
To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company.
Section 507.
Limitation on Suits.
No
Holder of any Security of any series or any related coupon shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise,
with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
(1)
such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities
of that series;
(2)
the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written request
to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;
(3)
such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities
to be incurred in compliance with such request;
(4)
the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such
proceeding; and
(5)
no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of
a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series;
it
being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or
by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to
obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture,
except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all such Holders.
Section 508.
Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest.
Notwithstanding
any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security or coupon shall have the right which is absolute and unconditional
to receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Sections 305 and 307) interest, if any, on such
Security or payment of such coupon on the Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Security or coupon (or, in the case
of redemption, on the Redemption Date or, in the case of repayment at the option of the Holders on the Repayment Date) and to
institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.
Section 509.
Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
If
the Trustee or any Holder of a Security or coupon has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture
and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such
Holder, then and in every such case the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of Securities and coupons shall, subject to any determination
in such proceeding, be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies
of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.
Section 510.
Rights and Remedies Cumulative.
Except
as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities or coupons
in the last paragraph of Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders
of Securities or coupons is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent
permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at
law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the
concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
Section 511.
Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
No
delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Security or coupon to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any
Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence
therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to
time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders of Securities or coupons, as the case may be.
Section 512.
Control by Holders of Securities.
The
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time,
method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred
on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series, provided that
(1)
such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture,
(2)
the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction, and
(3)
the Trustee need not take any action which might involve it in personal liability or be unjustly prejudicial to the Holders of
Securities of such series not consenting.
Section 513.
Waiver of Past Defaults.
Subject
to Section 502, the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may
on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series and any related coupons waive any past default hereunder with respect
to Securities of such series and its consequences, except a default
(1)
in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Security of such series or any related coupons,
or
(2)
in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of
the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.
Upon
any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured,
for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default or
impair any right consequent thereon.
Section 514.
Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws.
The
Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner
whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter
in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully
do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede
the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though
no such law had been enacted.
Section 515.
Undertaking for Costs.
In
any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken
or omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking
to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorney’s
fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses
made by the party litigant. This Section 515 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 508
hereof, or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the then Outstanding Securities, or to any action, suit or
proceeding instituted by any Holder of Securities of any series for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or premium,
if any, or the interest on, any of the Securities of such series, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Securities.
ARTICLE
VI
THE
TRUSTEE
Section 601.
Notice of Defaults.
Within
90 days after the occurrence of any Default hereunder with respect to the Securities of any series, the Trustee shall transmit
in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), notice of such Default hereunder known to the Trustee, unless
such Default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that, except in the case of a Default in the payment
of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Security of such series, or in the payment of any sinking
or purchase fund installment with respect to the Securities of such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such
notice if and so long as the board of trustees, the executive committee or a trust committee of trustees and/or Responsible Officers
of the Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the Holders of the Securities
and coupons of such series; and provided further that in the case of any Default or breach of the character
specified in Section 501 (4) with respect to the Securities and coupons of such series, no such notice to Holders shall
be given until at least 60 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purposes of this Section, the term “default”
means any event which is. or after notice or lapse of time would become an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such
series.
Section 602.
Certain Rights of Trustee.
(a) Except
during the continuance of an Event of Default,
(1)
the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied
covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(2)
in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness
of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of
this Indenture; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to
be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to
the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts
stated therein).
(b) In
case an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it
by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under
the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.
(c) No
provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent
failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that
(1)
this Subsection shall not be construed to limit the effect of Subsection (a) of this Section;
(2)
the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it shall be proved
that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(3)
the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with
the direction of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, determined as provided
in Sections 101, 104 and 512, relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available
to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture with respect to the Securities
of such series; and
(4)
no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability
in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable
grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured
to it.
(d) Whether
or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of
or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section.
(e) Subject
to the provisions of TIA Section 315(a) through 315(d):
(1)
The Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate,
statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon or other paper
or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
(2)
Any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order
and any resolution of the Board of Trustees may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution.
(3)
Whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior
to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may,
in the absence of bad faith on its part, conclusively rely upon a Board Resolution, an Opinion of Counsel or an Officers’
Certificate.
(4)
The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and
complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in
reliance thereon.
(5)
The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request
or direction of any of the Holders of Securities of any series or any related coupons pursuant to this Indenture, unless such
Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities
which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
(6)
The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement,
instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon or other paper or document,
but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit,
and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled, upon reasonable notice
and at reasonable times during normal business hours, to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or
by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Company and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason
of such inquiry or investigation.
(7)
The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through
agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney
appointed with due care by it hereunder.
(8)
The Trustee shall not deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has
actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the
Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture.
(9)
The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to
be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder and each agent,
custodian and other person employed to act hereunder.
(10)
The permissive rights of the Trustee enumerated herein shall not be construed as duties.
(11)
The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered, or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and reasonably believed
by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.
(12)
In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever
(including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such
loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.
(13)
The Trustee may request that the Company deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers
authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture.
The
Trustee shall not be required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of
any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing
that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
Section 603.
Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.
The
recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, and in any coupons
shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility
for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities
or coupons, except that the Trustee represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture, authenticate
the Securities and perform its obligations hereunder and that the statements made by it in a Statement of Eligibility on Form
T-1 supplied to the Company are true and accurate, subject to the qualifications set forth therein. Neither the Trustee nor any
Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.
Section 604.
May Hold Securities.
The
Trustee, any Paying Agent, Security Registrar, Authenticating Agent or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any
other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and coupons and, subject to TIA Sections 310(b) and 311, may otherwise
deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Paying Agent, Security Registrar, Authenticating
Agent or such other agent.
Section 605.
Money Held in Trust.
Money
held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee
shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed with the Company.
Section 606.
Compensation and Reimbursement and Indemnification of Trustee.
The
Company agrees:
(1)
To pay to the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee from time to time such compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder
as has been agreed upon from time to time in writing (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard
to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust).
(2)
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse each of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee upon its request for
all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee in accordance with
any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel),
except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith.
(3)
To indemnify each of the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, damage, claims, liability
or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its own part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration
of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by
the Company, or any Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers
or duties hereunder, or in connection with enforcing the provisions of this Section, except those determined to have been caused
by its own negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it
may seek indemnity. The Company shall defend the claim and the Trustee shall cooperate in the defense. The Trustee may have one
separate counsel of its selection and the Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. The Company need
not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
As
security for the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Section, the Trustee shall have a claim prior to the
Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the payment of
principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on particular Securities or any coupons.
When
the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with an Event of Default specified in Section 501 occurs, the
expenses (including the reasonable charges and expenses of its counsel) and compensation for such services are intended to constitute
expenses of administration under Title 11, U.S. Code, or any similar Federal, State or analogous foreign law for the relief of
debtors.
The
provisions of this Section 606 shall survive the resignation or removal of the Trustee and the satisfaction, termination
or discharge of this Indenture.
Section 607.
Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.
There
shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be eligible to act as Trustee under TIA Section 310(a)(1) and shall
have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually,
pursuant to law or to the requirements of Federal, State, Territorial or District of Columbia supervising or examining authority,
then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined
capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to
be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter
specified in this Article.
Section 608.
Disqualification; Conflicting Interests.
If
the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either
eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture
Act and this Indenture.
Section 609.
Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.
(a) No
resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective
until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 610.
(b) The
Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company.
(c) The
Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by (i) the Company, by an Officers’
Certificate delivered to the Trustee, provided that contemporaneously therewith (x) the Company immediately appoints
a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series meeting the requirements of Section 607 hereof and (y) the
terms of Section 610 hereof are complied with in respect of such appointment (the Trustee being removed hereby agreeing to
execute the instrument contemplated by Section 10(b) hereof, if applicable, under such circumstances) and provided further
that no Default with respect to such Securities shall have occurred and then be continuing at such time, or (ii) Act of the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.
(d) If
at any time:
(1)
the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of TIA Section 310(b) after written request therefor by the Company or by
any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months (or, if it is a shorter period,
the period since the initial issuance of the Securities of such series), or
(2)
the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 607 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company
or by any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months (or, if it is a shorter period,
the period since the initial issuance of the Securities of such series), or
(3)
the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its
property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for
the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,
then,
in any such case, (i) the Company by or pursuant to a Board Resolution may remove the Trustee and appoint a successor Trustee
with respect to all Securities, or (ii) subject to TIA Section 315(e), any Holder of a Security who has been a bona
fide Holder of a Security for at least six months (or, if it is a shorter period, the period since the initial issuance of the
Securities of such series) may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction
for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.
(e) If
an instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the
giving of a notice of resignation or the delivery of an Act of removal, the Trustee resigning or being removed may petition any
court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(f) If
the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any
cause with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, shall promptly
appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such
successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there
shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series). If, within one year after such resignation,
removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall
be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to
the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment,
become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee
appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by
the Company or the Holders of Securities and accepted appointment in the manner hereinafter provided, any Holder of a Security
who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others
similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to Securities
of such series.
(g) The
Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and
each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series in the manner provided for notices to the
Holders of Securities in Section 106. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities
of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.
Section 610.
Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.
(a) In
case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee shall execute,
acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the
resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed
or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on request of
the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument
transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee, and shall duly assign, transfer
and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder, subject nevertheless to
its claim, if any, provided for in Section 606.
(b) In
case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the
Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and
deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall
contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee
all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which
the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities,
shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties
of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring
shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture
as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being
understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such trustees co-trustees of the same trust
and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder
administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or
removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without
any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee
with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request
of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee
all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which
the appointment of such successor Trustee relates. Whenever there is a successor Trustee with respect to one or more (but less
than all) series of securities issued pursuant to this Indenture, the terms “Indenture” and “Securities”
shall have the meanings specified in the provisos to the respective definition of those terms in Section 101 which contemplate
such situation.
(c) Upon
request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting
in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of
this Section, as the case may be.
(d) No
successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified
and eligible under this Article.
Section 611.
Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.
Any
corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting
from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially
all of the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation
shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act
on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities or coupons shall have been authenticated, but not delivered,
by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such
authentication and deliver the Securities or coupons so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself
authenticated such Securities or coupons. In case any Securities or coupons shall not have been authenticated by such predecessor
Trustee, any such successor Trustee may authenticate and deliver such Securities or coupons, in either its own name or that of
its predecessor Trustee, with the full force and effect which this Indenture provides for the certificate of authentication of
the Trustee; provided, however, that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee
or to authenticate Securities in the name of any predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors by merger,
conversion or consolidation.
Section 612.
Appointment of Authenticating Agent.
At
any time when any of the Securities remain Outstanding, the Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents (which may be
an Affiliate or Affiliates of the Company) with respect to one or more series of Securities which shall be authorized to act on
behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon original issue or upon exchange, registration of transfer
or partial redemption thereof, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be
valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Any such appointment shall be evidenced by
an instrument in writing signed by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, a copy of which instrument shall be promptly furnished
to the Company. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or
the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf
of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating
Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and, except as may otherwise be provided pursuant to Section 301,
shall at all times be a bank or trust company or corporation organized and doing business and in good standing under the laws
of the United States of America or of any State or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating
Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal
or State authorities. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or the requirements
of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of
such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition
so published. In case at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this
Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.
Any
corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation
resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation
succeeding to the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating
Agent, provided such corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper
or further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.
An
Authenticating Agent for any series of Securities may at any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the Trustee
for such series and to the Company. The Trustee for any series of Securities may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating
Agent by giving written notice of termination to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of
resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance
with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee for such series may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable
to the Company and shall promptly give written notice of such appointment to all Holders of Securities of the series with respect
to which such Authenticating Agent will serve in the manner set forth in Section 106. Any successor Authenticating Agent
upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder,
with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent herein. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed
unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.
The
Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation, including reimbursement of its reasonable
expenses, for its services under this Section.
If
an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed
thereon, in addition to or in lieu of the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternate certificate of authentication
substantially in the following form:
This
is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
|
[ ],
as Trustee |
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
as
Authenticating Agent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Authorized
Officer |
|
If
all of the Securities of a series may not be originally issued at one time, and the Trustee does not have an office capable of
authenticating Securities upon original issuance located in a Place of Payment where the Company wishes to have Securities of
such series authenticated upon original issuance, the Trustee, if so requested by the Company in writing (which writing need not
comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel), shall appoint in accordance with this Section
an Authenticating Agent (which, if so requested by the Company, shall be an Affiliate of the Company) having an office in a Place
of Payment designated by the Company with respect to such series of Securities, provided that the terms and conditions
of such appointment are acceptable to the Trustee.
ARTICLE
VII
HOLDERS’
LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY
Section 701.
Disclosure of Names and Addresses of Holders.
Every
Holder of Securities or coupons, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company
nor the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent nor any Paying Agent nor any Security Registrar nor any agent of any of them shall
be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any information as to the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities
in accordance with TIA Section 312, regardless of the source from which such information was derived, and that the Trustee
shall not be held accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under TIA Section 312(b).
Section 702.
Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.
(a) The
Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the
most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the
Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 701
upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
(b) The
rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities,
and the corresponding rights and duties of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act.
(c) Every
Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor
the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of information as to names and
addresses of Holders made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act.
Section 703.
Reports by Trustee.
Within
60 days after May 15 of each year commencing with the first May 15 after the first issuance of Securities pursuant
to this Indenture, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Securities as provided in TIA Section 313(c) a brief report
dated as of such May 15 which meets the requirements of TIA Section 313(a).
A
copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange,
if any, upon which the Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee,
in writing, of the listing or delisting of the Securities on any stock exchange.
Section 704.
Reports by Company.
The
Company will:
(1)
file with the Trustee, within 30 days after the Company is required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual
reports and of the information, documents, and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission
may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company may be required to file with the Commission pursuant
to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; or, if the Company is not required to file information, documents or
reports pursuant to either of such Sections, then it will file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and
regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents and
reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act in respect of a security listed and registered on
a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations;
(2)
file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission,
such additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants
of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations; and
The
Trustee shall transmit to the Holders of Securities, within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, in the manner
and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be
filed by the Company pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Section as may be required by rules and regulations
prescribed from time to time by the Commission.
Delivery
of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of
such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained
therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to
rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).
Section 705.
Calculation of Original Issue Discount.
The
Company shall file with the Trustee promptly at the end of each calendar year a written notice specifying the amount of original
issue discount (including daily rates and accrual periods), if any, accrued on Outstanding Securities as of the end of such year.
ARTICLE
VIII
CONSOLIDATION,
MERGER, CONVEYANCE OR TRANSFER
Section 801.
Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.
The
Company shall not consolidate with or merge with or into any other corporation or convey or transfer its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to any Person, unless:
(1)
either the Company shall be the continuing corporation, or the corporation (if other than the Company) formed by such consolidation
or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer the properties and assets of the Company
substantially as an entirety shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee,
in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any,
on all the Securities and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;
(2)
immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have happened and be continuing;
(3)
if as a result thereof any property or assets of the Company or a Subsidiary would become subject to any mortgage, lien, pledge,
charge or other encumbrance not permitted by (1) through (10) of Section 1006, compliance shall be effected with
the first clause of Section 1006; and
(4)
the Company and the successor Person have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each
stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer and such supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that
all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.
Section 802.
Successor Person Substituted.
Upon
any consolidation or merger, or any conveyance or transfer of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety
in accordance with Section 801, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged
or the successor Person to which such conveyance or transfer is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise
every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor had been named as the Company
herein; and in the event of any such conveyance or transfer, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants
under this Indenture and the Securities and coupons and may be dissolved and liquidated.
ARTICLE
IX
SUPPLEMENTAL
INDENTURES
Section 901.
Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.
Without
the consent of any Holders of Securities or coupons, the Company, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the
Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form reasonably satisfactory
to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:
(1)
to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company
herein and in the Securities contained; or
(2)
to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities or any coupon appertaining
thereto (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are
expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company;
or
(3)
to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such Events
of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such Events of Default are expressly
being included solely for the benefit of such series); provided, however, that in respect of any such additional
Events of Default such supplemental indenture may provide for a particular period of grace after default (which period may be
shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other defaults) or may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such default
or may limit the remedies available to the Trustee upon such default or may limit the right of the Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of that or those series of Securities to which such additional Events of Default apply to waive such default;
or
(4)
to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to provide that Bearer Securities may be registrable as to principal,
to change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal of or any premium or interest on Bearer Securities, to permit
Bearer Securities to be issued in exchange for Registered Securities, to permit Bearer Securities to be issued in exchange for
Bearer Securities of other authorized denominations or to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in uncertificated form;
provided that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series or any
related coupons in any material respect; or
(5)
to change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture; provided that any such change or elimination shall become effective
only when there is no Security Outstanding of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture which is
entitled to the benefit of such provision; or
(6)
to secure the Securities pursuant to the requirements of Section 801 or 1006, or otherwise; or
(7)
to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series and any related coupons as permitted by Sections 201 and 301,
including the provisions and procedures relating to Securities convertible into or exchangeable for any securities of any Person
(including the Company), or to authorize the issuance of additional Securities of a series previously authorized or to add to
the conditions, limitations or restrictions on the authorized amount, terms or purposes of issue, authentication or delivery of
the Securities of any series, as herein set forth, or other conditions, limitations or restrictions thereafter to be observed;
or
(8)
to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one
or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate
the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee; or
(9)
to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision contained herein or in any indenture supplemental hereto which
may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained herein or in any supplemental indenture or to conform the
terms hereof, as amended and supplemented, that are applicable to the Securities of any series to the description of the terms
of such Securities in the offering memorandum, prospectus supplement or other offering document applicable to such Securities
at the time of initial sale thereof;
(10)
to supplement any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance
and discharge of any series of Securities pursuant to Sections 401, 1402 and 1403; provided that any such action shall
not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of such series and any related coupons or any other series of
Securities in any material respect;
(11)
to add guarantors or co-obligors with respect to any series of Securities or to release guarantors from their guarantees of Securities
in accordance with the terms of the applicable series of Securities; or
(12)
to make any change in any series of Securities that does not adversely affect in any material respect the rights of the Holders
of such Securities.
Section 902.
Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.
With
the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of all Outstanding Securities affected by
such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by
or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose
of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture which affects such
series of Securities or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of such series of Securities and any related coupons
under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder
of each Outstanding Security affected thereby:
(1)
change the Stated Maturity of the principal of (or premium, if any) or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Security,
subject to the provisions of Section 308; or the terms of any sinking fund with respect to any Security; or reduce the principal
amount thereof or the rate of interest (or change the manner of calculating the rate of interest, thereon, or any premium payable
upon the redemption thereof, or change any obligation of the Company to pay Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 1004 (except
as contemplated by Section 801(1) and permitted by Section 901(1)), or reduce the portion of the principal of an Original
Issue Discount Security or Indexed Security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof
pursuant to Section 502, or upon the redemption thereof or the amount thereof provable in bankruptcy pursuant to Section 504,
or adversely affect any right of repayment at the option of the Holder of any Security, or change any Place of Payment where,
or the Currency in which, any Security or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for
the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption or repayment at the
option of the Holder, on or after the Redemption Date or the Repayment Date, as the case may be), or adversely affect any right
to convert or exchange any Security as may be provided pursuant to Section 301 herein, or
(2)
reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required
for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver with respect to such series (of
compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this
Indenture, or reduce the requirements of Section 1504 for quorum or voting, or
(3)
modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 513 or Section 1007, except to increase any such percentage or
to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each
Outstanding Security affected thereby; provided, however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent
of any Holder of a Security or coupon with respect to changes in the references to “the Trustee” and concomitant changes
in this Section, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 610(b) and 901(8).
It
shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture,
but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.
A
supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been
included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies the rights of the Holders of
Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this
Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.
The
Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Persons entitled to consent to
any indenture supplemental hereto. If a record date is fixed, the Holders on such record date, or their duly designated proxies,
and only such Persons, shall be entitled to consent to such supplemental indenture, whether or not such Holders remain Holders
after such record date; provided, that unless such consent shall have become effective by virtue of the requisite percentage
having been obtained prior to the date which is 90 days after such record date, any such consent previously given shall automatically
and without further action by any Holder be cancelled and of no further effect.
Section 903.
Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
In
executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modification
thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, in addition
to the documents required by Section 102 of this Indenture, an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate stating
that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not
be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities
under this Indenture or otherwise.
Section 904.
Effect of Supplemental Indentures.
Upon
the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and
such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or
thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder and of any coupon appertaining thereto shall be bound thereby.
Section 905.
Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.
Every
supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then
in effect.
Section 906.
Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.
Securities
of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may bear
a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall
so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such
supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange
for Outstanding Securities of such series.
ARTICLE
X
COVENANTS
Section 1001.
Payment of Principal, Premium, if any, and Interest.
The
Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of the Holders of each series of Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto
that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities of that series
in accordance with the terms of such series of Securities, any coupons appertaining thereto and this Indenture. Any interest due
on Bearer Securities on or before Maturity, other than Additional Amounts, if any, payable as provided in Section 1004 in
respect of principal of (or premium, if any) such a Security, shall be payable only upon presentation and surrender of the several
coupons for such interest installments as are evidenced thereby as they severally mature. Unless otherwise specified with respect
to Securities of any series pursuant to Section 301, at the option of the Company, all payments of principal may be paid
by check to the registered Holder of the Registered Security or other person entitled thereto against surrender of such Security.
Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Securities, any interest due on Bearer
Securities on or before Maturity shall be payable only upon presentation and surrender of the several coupons for such interest
installments as are evidenced thereby as they severally mature.
Section 1002.
Maintenance of Office or Agency.
If
Securities of a series are issuable only as Registered Securities, the Company shall maintain in each Place of Payment for any
series of Securities an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities
of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, where Securities of that series that are convertible
or exchangeable may be surrendered for conversion or exchange, as applicable, and where notices and demands to or upon the Company
in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served. If Securities of a series are issuable as Bearer
Securities, the Company will maintain (A) in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, an office or agency where any
Registered Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where any Registered Securities of that series
may be surrendered for registration of transfer, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for exchange, where Securities
of that series that are convertible or exchangeable may be surrendered for conversion or exchange, as applicable, and where notices
and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served and where Bearer
Securities of that series and related coupons may be presented or surrendered for payment in the circumstances described in the
following paragraph (and not otherwise), (B) subject to any laws or regulations applicable thereto, in a Place of Payment
for that series which is located outside the United States, an office or agency where Securities of that series and related coupons
may be presented and surrendered for payment (including payment of any Additional Amounts payable on Securities of that series
pursuant to Section 1004); provided, however, that if the Securities of that series are listed on the Luxembourg
Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange located outside the United States and such stock exchange shall so require, the Company
will maintain a Paying Agent for the Securities of that series in Luxembourg or any other required city located outside the United
States, as the case may be, so long as the Securities of that series are listed on such exchange, and (C) subject to any
laws or regulations applicable thereto, in a Place of Payment for that series located outside the United States an office or agency
where any Registered Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer, where Securities of that series
may be surrendered for exchange, where Securities of that series that are convertible or exchangeable may be surrendered for conversion
or exchange, as applicable and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and
this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the
location, of each such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency
in respect of any series of Securities or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders,
notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, except that Bearer Securities of that
series and the related coupons may be presented and surrendered for payment (including payment of any Additional Amounts payable
on Bearer Securities of that series pursuant to Section 1004) at the offices specified in the Security, in London, England,
and the Company hereby appoints the same as its agent to receive such respective presentations, surrenders, notices and demands,
and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
Unless
otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, no payment of principal, premium or interest
on Bearer Securities shall be made at any office or agency of the Company in the United States or by check mailed to any address
in the United States or by transfer to any account maintained with a financial institution located in the United States; provided,
however, that, if the Securities of a series are denominated and payable in Dollars, payment of principal of (and premium,
if any) and interest, if any, on any Bearer Security (including payment of any Additional Amounts payable on Bearer Securities
of that series pursuant to Section 1004) shall be made at the office of the Company’s Paying Agent in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, if (but only if) payment in Dollars of the full amount of such principal, premium, if any, interest
or Additional Amounts, as the case may be, at all offices or agencies outside the United States maintained for such purpose by
the Company in accordance with this Indenture, is illegal or effectively precluded by exchange controls or other similar restrictions.
The
Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series
may be presented or surrendered for any or all of such purposes, and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided,
however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an
office or agency in accordance with the requirements set forth above for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company
will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any
such other office or agency. Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301 with respect
to a series of Securities, the Company hereby designates as a Place of Payment for each series of Securities the office or agency
of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, and initially appoints the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office
as Paying Agent in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York and as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders,
notices and demands.
Unless
otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, if and so long as the Securities of any series
(i) are denominated in a currency other than Dollars or (ii) may be payable in a currency other than Dollars, or so
long as it is required under any other provision of the Indenture, then the Company will maintain with respect to each such series
of Securities, or as so required, at least one Exchange Rate Agent.
Section 1003.
Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust.
If
the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of any Securities and any related coupons,
it will, on or before each due date of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any of the Securities of
that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum in the Currency in which the Securities
of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series and except,
if applicable, as provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) and
interest, if any, on Securities of such series so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed
of as herein provided, and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.
Whenever
the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of Securities and any related coupons, it will, on or before each
due date of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying
Agent a sum (in the Currency or Currencies described in the preceding paragraph) sufficient to pay the principal (or premium,
if any) or interest, if any, so becoming due, such sum of money to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to
such principal, premium or interest and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee
of its action or failure so to act.
The
Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose,
pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums of money held in trust by the Company or such
Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company
or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all
further liability with respect to such sums.
Except
as otherwise provided in the Securities of any series, any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held
by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Security of any
series, or any coupon appertaining thereto, and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or interest has
become due and payable shall be paid to the Company upon Company Request, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged
from such trust; and the Holder of such Security or any coupon appertaining thereto shall thereafter, as an unsecured general
creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to
such money held in trust, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however,
that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause
to be published once, in an Authorized Newspaper, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein,
which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining
will be repaid to the Company.
Section 1004.
Additional Amounts.
If
the Securities of a series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, the Company will pay to the Holder of any Security of
such series or any coupon appertaining thereto such Additional Amounts as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301.
Whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest,
if any, on any Security of any series or payment of any related coupon or the net proceeds received on the sale or exchange of
any Security of any series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional Amounts provided for
by the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 301 to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are,
were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to such terms and express mention of the payment of Additional Amounts (if
applicable) in any provisions hereof shall not be construed as excluding Additional Amounts in those provisions hereof where such
express mention is not made.
Except
as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, if the Securities of a series provide for the payment of Additional
Amounts, at least 10 days prior to the first Interest Payment Date with respect to that series of Securities (or if the Securities
of that series will not bear interest prior to Maturity, the first day on which a payment of principal premium is made), and at
least 10 days prior to each date of payment of principal, premium or interest if there has been any change with respect to
the matters set forth in the below-mentioned Officers’ Certificate, the Company will furnish the Trustee and the Company’s
principal Paying Agent or Paying Agents, if other than the Trustee, with an Officers’ Certificate instructing the Trustee
and such Paying Agent or Paying Agents whether such payment of principal, premium or interest on the Securities of that series
shall be made to Holders of Securities of that series or any related coupons who are not United States persons without withholding
for or on account of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge described in the Securities of that series. If any such
withholding shall be required, then such Officers’ Certificate shall specify by country the amount, if any, required to
be withheld on such payments to such Holders of Securities of that series or related coupons and the Company will pay to the Trustee
or such Paying Agent the Additional Amounts required by the terms of such Securities. In the event that the Trustee or any Paying
Agent, as the case may be, shall not so receive the above-mentioned certificate, then the Trustee or such Paying Agent shall be
entitled (i) to assume that no such withholding or deduction is required with respect to any payment of principal or interest
with respect to any Securities of a series or related coupons until it shall have received a certificate advising otherwise and
(ii) to make all payments of principal and interest with respect to the Securities of a series or related coupons without
withholding or deductions until otherwise advised. The Company covenants to indemnify the Trustee and any Paying Agent for, and
to hold them harmless against, any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense reasonably incurred without negligence or bad faith
on their part arising out of or in connection with actions taken or omitted by any of them in reliance on any Officers’
Certificate furnished pursuant to this Section or in reliance on the Company’s not furnishing such an Officers’ Certificate.
Section 1005.
Statement as to Compliance.
The
Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year ending after the date hereof so long
as any Security is Outstanding hereunder, a brief certificate from the principal executive officer, principal financial officer
or principal accounting officer of the Company as to his or her knowledge of the Company’s compliance with all conditions
and covenants under this Indenture. For purposes of this Section 1005, such compliance shall be determined without regard
to any period of grace or requirement of notice under this Indenture.
The
Company will, so long as any series of Securities are Outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, as promptly as practicable upon any
officer listed in (a) above becoming aware of any Default, Event of Default or default in the performance of any covenant,
agreement or condition contained in this Indenture, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default, Event of Default,
default or event of default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto and the status thereof.
Section 1006.
Limitations on Liens.
Except
as hereinbelow in this Section provided, the Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, at any time pledge or otherwise
subject to any lien any of its property or assets, or any of the property or assets of a Subsidiary, without thereby expressly
securing the due and punctual payment of the principal of and the interest on each and all of the Senior Securities equally and
ratably with any and all other obligations and indebtedness secured by such pledge or other lien, so long as any such other obligations
and indebtedness shall be so secured, and the Company covenants that if and when any such pledge or other lien is created, each
and all of the Senior Securities will be so secured thereby; provided, however, that this restriction shall not
apply to:
(1)
the giving of any lien or charge on fixed assets or other physical properties hereafter acquired to secure all or part of the
purchase price thereof or the acquiring hereafter of such assets or properties subject to any existing lien or charge securing
indebtedness (whether or not assumed);
(2)
easements, liens, franchises or other minor encumbrances on or over any real property which do not materially detract from the
value of such property or its use in the business of the Company or a Subsidiary;
(3)
any deposit or pledge of assets (i) with any surety company or clerk of any court, or in escrow, as collateral in connection
with, or in lieu of, any bond on appeal from any judgment or decree against the Company or a Subsidiary, or in connection with
other proceedings or actions at law or in equity by or against the Company or a Subsidiary, or (ii) as security for the performance
of any contract or undertaking not directly or indirectly related to the borrowing of money or the securing of indebtedness, if
made in the ordinary course of business, or (iii) with any governmental agency, which deposit or pledge is required or permitted
to qualify the Company or a Subsidiary to conduct business, to maintain self-insurance, or to obtain the benefits of any law pertaining
to workmen’s compensation, unemployment insurance, old age pensions, social security, or similar matters, or (iv) made
in the ordinary course of business to obtain the release of mechanics’, workmen’s, repairmen’s, warehousemen’s
or similar liens, or the release of property in the possession of a common carrier;
(4)
mortgages and pledges, liens or charges by a Subsidiary as security for indebtedness owed to the Company;
(5)
liens for taxes and governmental charges not yet due or contested by appropriate proceeding in good faith;
(6)
mortgages, pledges, liens or charges existing on property acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary through the exercise of rights
arising out of defaults on receivables acquired in the ordinary course of business;
(7)
judgment liens, so long as the finality of such judgment is being contested in good faith and execution thereon is stayed;
(8)
any claim in favor of the Trustee or any predecessor, pursuant to Section 607;
(9)
any pledge or lien (other than directly or indirectly to secure borrowed money) if, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate
principal sums secured by pledges or liens otherwise within the restrictions in this Section 1006 contained do not exceed
$500,000; and
(10)
any transaction characterized as a sale of receivables (retail or wholesale) but reflected as secured indebtedness on a balance
sheet in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles then in effect.
Section 1007.
Waiver of Certain Covenants.
The
Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any covenant or condition set forth in Section 1006, and, as specified
pursuant to Section 301(15) for Securities of any series, in any covenants of the Company added to Article Ten pursuant
to Section 301(14) or Section 301(15) in connection with the Securities of a series, if before or after the time for such
compliance the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of all Outstanding Securities of such series, by Act
of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such covenant or condition,
but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such covenant or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such
waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such covenant or
condition shall remain in full force and effect.
ARTICLE
XI
REDEMPTION
OF SECURITIES
Section 1101.
Applicability of Article.
Securities
of any series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except
as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article.
Section 1102.
Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.
The
election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by or pursuant to a Board Resolution. In case of any redemption
at the election of the Company of less than all of the Securities of any series, the Company shall, at least 30 days prior
to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee
in writing of such Redemption Date and of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed, and, if applicable,
of the tenor of the Securities to be redeemed, and shall deliver to the Trustee such documentation and records as shall enable
the Trustee to select the Securities to be redeemed pursuant to Section 1103. In the case of any redemption of Securities
of any series prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere
in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers’ Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction.
Section 1103.
Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.
If
less than all the Securities of any series issued on the same day with the same terms are to be redeemed, the particular Securities
to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities
of such series issued on such date with the same terms not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall
deem fair and appropriate; provided that such method complies with the rules of any national securities exchange or quotation
system on which the Securities are listed, and may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum
authorized denomination for Securities of that series or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Securities
of such series of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series; provided,
however, that no such partial redemption shall reduce the portion of the principal amount of a Security not redeemed to
less than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of such series.
The
Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and the Security Registrar (if other than itself) in writing of the Securities selected
for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.
For
all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities
shall relate, in the case of any Security redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such
Security which has been or is to be redeemed.
Section 1104.
Notice of Redemption.
Notice
of redemption shall be given in the manner provided in Section 106, not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days
prior to the Redemption Date, unless a shorter period is specified by the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 301,
to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, but failure to give such notice in the manner herein provided to the Holder of any
Security designated for redemption as a whole or in part, or any defect in the notice to any such Holder, shall not affect the
validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other such Security or portion thereof.
Any
notice that is mailed to the Holders of Registered Securities in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to
have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives the notice.
All
notices of redemption shall state:
(1)
the Redemption Date,
(2)
the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date payable as provided in Section 1106,
(3)
if less than all Outstanding Securities of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption,
the principal amount) of the particular Security or Securities to be redeemed,
(4)
in case any Security is to be redeemed in part only, the notice which relates to such Security shall state that on and after the
Redemption Date, upon surrender of such Security, the Holder will receive, without a charge, a new Security or Securities of authorized
denominations for the principal amount thereof remaining unredeemed,
(5)
that on the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date payable as provided in
Section 1106 will become due and payable upon each such Security, or the portion thereof, to be redeemed and, if applicable,
that interest thereon shall cease to accrue on and after said date,
(6)
the Place or Places of Payment where such Securities, together in the case of Bearer Securities with all coupons appertaining
thereto, if any, maturing after the Redemption Date, are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest,
if any,
(7)
that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case,
(8)
that, unless otherwise specified in such notice, Bearer Securities of any series, if any, surrendered for redemption must be accompanied
by all coupons maturing subsequent to the Redemption Date or the amount of any such missing coupon or coupons will be deducted
from the Redemption Price, unless security or indemnity satisfactory to the Company, the Trustee for such series and any Paying
Agent is furnished,
(9)
if Bearer Securities of any series are to be redeemed and any Registered Securities of such series are not to be redeemed, and
if such Bearer Securities may be exchanged for Registered Securities not subject to redemption on this Redemption Date pursuant
to Section 305 or otherwise, the last date, as determined by the Company, on which such exchanges may be made, and
(10)
the CUSIP number of such Security, if any.
A
notice of redemption published as contemplated by Section 106 need not identify particular Registered Securities to be redeemed.
Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s request and provision
to the Trustee of the redemption information, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.
Section 1105.
Deposit of Redemption Price.
On
or prior to 10:00 am, New York City time, on any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying
Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, which it may not do in the case of a sinking fund payment under Article Twelve,
segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money in the Currency in which the Securities of such
series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series and except, if
applicable, as provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) sufficient to pay on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price
of, and (unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301) accrued interest on, all the Securities or portions thereof
which are to be redeemed on that date.
Section 1106.
Securities Payable on Redemption Date.
Notice
of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable
at the Redemption Price therein specified in the Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise
specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as provided in Sections 312(b),
312(d) and 312(e)) (together with accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date), and from and after such date (unless the
Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any) such Securities shall if the same were
interest-bearing cease to bear interest and the coupons for such interest appertaining to any Bearer Securities so to be redeemed,
except to the extent provided below, shall be void. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said
notice, together with all coupons, if any, appertaining thereto maturing after the Redemption Date, such Security shall be paid
by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date; provided, however,
that installments of interest on Bearer Securities whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable
only at an office or agency located outside the United States (except as otherwise provided in Section 1002) and, unless
otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, only upon presentation and surrender of coupons for such interest; and
provided further that, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, installments of interest on Registered
Securities whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or
one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their
terms and the provisions of Section 307.
If
any Bearer Security surrendered for redemption shall not be accompanied by all appurtenant coupons maturing after the Redemption
Date, such Security may be paid after deducting from the Redemption Price an amount equal to the face amount of all such missing
coupons, or the surrender of such missing coupon or coupons may be waived by the Company and the Trustee if there be furnished
to them such security or indemnity as they may require to save each of them and any Paying Agent harmless. If thereafter the Holder
of such Security shall surrender to the Trustee or any Paying Agent any such missing coupon in respect of which a deduction shall
have been made from the Redemption Price, such Holder shall be entitled to receive the amount so deducted; provided, however,
that interest represented by coupons shall be payable only at an office or agency located outside the United States (except as
otherwise provided in Section 1002) and, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, only upon presentation
and surrender of those coupons.
If
any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the Redemption Price shall, until
paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate of interest set forth in such Security or, in the case of an Original
Issue Discount Security, at the Yield to Maturity of such Security.
Section 1107.
Securities Redeemed in Part.
Any
Registered Security which is to be redeemed only in part (pursuant to the provisions of this Article or of Article Twelve)
shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a
written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or such
Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing) and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver
to the Holder of such Security without service charge a new Security or Securities of the same series and of like tenor, of any
authorized denomination as requested by such Holder in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed
portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered. If a temporary global Security or permanent global Security is so surrendered,
such new Security so issued shall be a new temporary global Security or permanent global Security, respectively. However, if less
than all the Securities of any series with differing issue dates, interest rates and stated maturities are to be redeemed, the
Company in its sole discretion shall select the particular Securities to be redeemed and shall notify the Trustee in writing thereof
at least 45 days prior to the relevant redemption date.
ARTICLE
XII
SINKING
FUNDS
Section 1201.
Applicability of Article.
The
provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of a series except as otherwise
specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series.
The
minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “mandatory
sinking fund payment,” and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of such Securities of
any series is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment.” If provided for by the terms of any Securities
of any series, the cash amount of any mandatory sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 1202.
Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of Securities
of such series.
Section 1202.
Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.
The
Company may, at its option, in satisfaction of all or any part of any mandatory sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities
of a series, (1) deliver Outstanding Securities of such series (other than any previously called for redemption) together
in the case of any Bearer Securities of such series with all unmatured coupons appertaining thereto and (2) apply as a credit
Securities of such series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities
or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, as provided for
by the terms of such Securities; provided that such Securities so delivered or applied as a credit have not been previously
so credited. Such Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the applicable Redemption Price
specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such mandatory sinking fund
payment shall be reduced accordingly.
Section 1203.
Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.
Not
less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for Securities of any series, the Company will deliver to the Trustee
an Officers’ Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment for that series pursuant
to the terms of that series, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash in the Currency in which
the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series
and except, if applicable, as provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) and the portion thereof, if any, which is to
be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities of that series pursuant to Section 1202, and the optional amount, if
any, to be added in cash to the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities
to be so delivered and credited. If such Officers’ Certificate shall specify an optional amount to be added in cash to the
next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, the Company shall thereupon be obligated to pay the amount therein specified. Not
less than 30 days before each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon
such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given
in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 1104. Such notice having been duly given,
the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 1106 and 1107.
ARTICLE
XIII
REPAYMENT
AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS
Section 1301.
Applicability of Article.
Repayment
of Securities of any series before their Stated Maturity at the option of Holders thereof shall be made in accordance with the
terms of such Securities and (except as otherwise specified by the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 301)
in accordance with this Article.
Section 1302.
Repayment of Securities.
Securities
of any series subject to repayment in whole or in part at the option of the Holders thereof will, unless otherwise provided in
the terms of such Securities, be repaid at the Repayment Price thereof, together with interest, if any, thereon accrued to the
Repayment Date specified in or pursuant to the terms of such Securities. The Company covenants that on or before 10:00 am, New
York City time, on the Repayment Date it will deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as
its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money in the Currency in which
the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such
series and except, if applicable, as provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) sufficient to pay the Repayment Price
of, and (unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301) accrued interest on, all the Securities or portions thereof,
as the case may be, to be repaid on such date.
Section 1303.
Exercise of Option.
Securities
of any series subject to repayment at the option of the Holders thereof will contain an “Option to Elect Repayment”
form on the reverse of such Securities. To be repaid at the option of the Holder, any Security so providing for such repayment,
with the “Option to Elect Repayment” form on the reverse of such Security duly completed by the Holder (or by the
Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing), must be received by the Company at the Place of Payment therefor specified
in the terms of such Security (or at such other place or places of which the Company shall from time to time notify the Holders
of such Securities) not earlier than 45 days nor later than 30 days prior to the Repayment Date. If less than the entire
Repayment Price of such Security is to be repaid in accordance with the terms of such Security, the portion of the Repayment Price
of such Security to be repaid, in increments of the minimum denomination for Securities of such series, and the denomination or
denominations of the Security or Securities to be issued to the Holder for the portion of such Security surrendered that is not
to be repaid, must be specified. Any Security providing for repayment at the option of the Holder thereof may not be repaid in
part if, following such repayment, the unpaid principal amount of such Security would be less than the minimum authorized denomination
of Securities of the series of which such Security to be repaid is a part. Except as otherwise may be provided by the terms of
any Security providing for repayment at the option of the Holder thereof, exercise of the repayment option by the Holder shall
be irrevocable unless waived by the Company.
Section 1304.
When Securities Presented for Repayment Become Due and Payable.
If
Securities of any series providing for repayment at the option of the Holders thereof shall have been surrendered as provided
in this Article and as provided by or pursuant to the terms of such Securities, such Securities or the portions thereof, as the
case may be, to be repaid shall become due and payable and shall be paid by the Company on the Repayment Date therein specified,
and on and after such Repayment Date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of such Securities on such Repayment Date)
such Securities shall, if the same were interest-bearing, cease to bear interest and the coupons for such interest appertaining
to any Bearer Securities so to be repaid, except to the extent provided below, shall be void. Upon surrender of any such Security
for repayment in accordance with such provisions, together with all coupons, if any, appertaining thereto maturing after the Repayment
Date, the Repayment Price of such Security so to be repaid shall be paid by the Company, together with accrued interest, if any,
to the Repayment Date; provided, however, that coupons whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Repayment Date
shall be payable only at an office or agency located outside the United States (except as otherwise provided in Section 1002)
and, unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, only upon presentation and surrender of such coupons; and provided further
that installments of interest on Registered Securities, whose Stated Maturity is prior to (or, if specified pursuant to Section 301,
on) the Repayment Date shall be payable (but without interest thereon, unless the Company shall default in the payment thereof)
to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant
Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307.
If
any Bearer Security surrendered for repayment shall not be accompanied by all appurtenant coupons maturing after the Repayment
Date, such Security may be paid after deducting from the amount payable therefor as provided in Section 1302 an amount equal
to the face amount of all such missing coupons, or the surrender of such missing coupon or coupons may be waived by the Company
and the Trustee if there be furnished to them such security or indemnity as they may require to save each of them and any Paying
Agent harmless. If thereafter the Holder of such Security shall surrender to the Trustee or any Paying Agent any such missing
coupon in respect of which a deduction shall have been made as provided in the preceding sentence, such Holder shall be entitled
to receive the amount so deducted; provided, however, that interest represented by coupons shall be payable only
at an office or agency located outside the United States (except as otherwise provided in Section 1002) and, unless otherwise
specified as contemplated by Section 301, only upon presentation and surrender of those coupons.
If
any Security surrendered for repayment shall not be so repaid upon surrender thereof, the Repayment Price shall, until paid, bear
interest from the Repayment Date at the rate of interest set forth in such Security or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount
Security, at the Yield to Maturity of such Security.
Section 1305.
Securities Repaid in Part.
Upon
surrender of any Registered Security which is to be repaid in part only, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate
and deliver to the Holder of such Security, without service charge and at the expense of the Company, a new Registered Security
or Securities of the same series, and of like tenor, of any authorized denomination specified by the Holder, in an aggregate principal
amount equal to and in exchange for the portion of the principal of such Security so surrendered which is not to be repaid. If
a temporary global Security or permanent global Security is so surrendered, such new Security so issued shall be a new temporary
global Security or a new permanent global Security, respectively.
ARTICLE
XIV
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
Section 1401.
Applicability of Article; Company’s Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
If
pursuant to Section 301 provision is made for either or both of (a) defeasance of the Securities of or within a series
under Section 1402 or (b) covenant defeasance of the Securities of or within a series under Section 1403, then
the provisions of such Section or Sections, as the case may be, together with the other provisions of this Article (with such
modifications thereto as may be specified pursuant to Section 301 with respect to any Securities), shall be applicable to
such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto, and the Company may at its option by Board Resolution, at any time, with
respect to such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto, elect to have either Section 1402 (if applicable) or Section 1403
(if applicable) be applied to such Outstanding Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto upon compliance with the conditions
set forth below in this Article.
Section 1402.
Defeasance and Discharge.
Upon
the Company’s exercise of the above option applicable to this Section with respect to any Securities of or within a series,
the Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to such Outstanding Securities and any coupons
appertaining thereto on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 1404 are satisfied (hereinafter, “defeasance”).
For this purpose, such defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented
by such Outstanding Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto, which shall thereafter be deemed to be “Outstanding”
only for the purposes of Section 1405 and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in clauses (A) and (B) of
this Section, and to have satisfied all its other obligations under such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto and this
Indenture insofar as such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the
Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following which shall survive until otherwise
terminated or discharged hereunder: (A) the rights of Holders of such Outstanding Securities and any coupons appertaining
thereto to receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 1404 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments
in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto
when such payments are due, (B) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 305,
306, 1002 and 1003 and with respect to the payment of Additional Amounts, if any, on such Securities as contemplated by Section 1004,
(C) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (D) this Article. Subject to compliance
with this Article Fourteen, the Company may exercise its option under this Section notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option
under Section 1403 with respect to such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto. Following a defeasance, payment
of such Securities may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default.
Section 1403.
Covenant Defeasance.
Upon
the Company’s exercise of the above option applicable to this Section with respect to any Securities of or within a series,
the Company shall be released from its obligations under Section 1006, and, if specified pursuant to Section 301, its
obligations under any other covenant, with respect to such Outstanding Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto on and
after the date the conditions set forth in Section 1404 are satisfied (hereinafter, “covenant defeasance”), and
such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto shall thereafter be deemed to be not “Outstanding” for the purposes
of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or Act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with Section 1006,
or such other covenant, but shall continue to be deemed “Outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder. For this purpose,
such covenant defeasance means that, with respect to such Outstanding Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto, the Company
may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such Section
or such other covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such Section or such
other covenant or by reason of reference in any such Section or such other covenant to any other provision herein or in any other
document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 501(4) or 501(7)
or otherwise, as the case may be, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities and any
coupons appertaining thereto shall be unaffected thereby. Following a covenant defeasance, payment of such Securities may not
be accelerated because of an Event of Default solely by reference to such Sections specified above in this Section 1503.
Section 1404.
Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
The
following shall be the conditions to application of either Section 1402 or Section 1403 to any Outstanding Securities of
or within a series and any coupons appertaining thereto:
(a) The
Company shall have irrevocably deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying
the requirements of Section 607 who shall agree to comply with the provisions of this Article Fourteen applicable to
it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for the benefit
of, and dedicated solely to, the Holders of such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto, (1) an amount (in such
Currency in which such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity), or (2) Government
Obligations applicable to such Securities and coupons appertaining thereto (determined on the basis of the Currency in which such
Securities and coupons appertaining thereto are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity) which through the scheduled payment
of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due
date of any payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Securities and any coupons appertaining
thereto, money in an amount, or (3) a combination thereof in an amount, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized
firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge,
and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, (i) the principal of (and premium,
if any) and interest, if any, on such Outstanding Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto on the Stated Maturity of such
principal or installment of principal or interest and (ii) any mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments applicable
to such Outstanding Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance
with the terms of this Indenture and of such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto.
(b) Such
defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture
or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.
(c) No
Default or Event of Default with respect to such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto shall have occurred and be continuing
on the date of such deposit or, insofar as Sections 501(5) and 501(6) are concerned, at any time during the period ending
on the 91st day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the
expiration of such period).
(d) In
the case of an election under Section 1402, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating
that (i) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (ii) since
the date of execution of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case to the
effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Outstanding Securities and any coupons appertaining
thereto will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject
to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance
had not occurred.
(e) In
the case of an election under Section 1403, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the
effect that the Holders of such Outstanding Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto will not recognize income, gain or
loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the
same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such covenant defeasance had not occurred.
(f) The
Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
precedent to either the defeasance under Section 1402 or the covenant defeasance under Section 1403 (as the case may
be) have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that either (i) as a result of a deposit pursuant to
subsection (a) above and the related exercise of the Company’s option under Section 1402 or Section 1403 (as the
case may be), registration is not required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, by the Company, with respect
to the trust funds representing such deposit or by the trustee for such trust funds or (ii) all necessary registrations under
said Act have been effected.
(g) Notwithstanding
any other provisions of this Section, such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall be effected in compliance with any additional
or substitute terms, conditions or limitations which may be imposed on the Company in connection therewith pursuant to Section 301.
Section 1405.
Deposited Money and Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.
Subject
to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money and Government Obligations (or other property as may be
provided pursuant to Section 301) (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee,
collectively for purposes of this Section 1405, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 1404 in respect of any
Outstanding Securities of any series and any coupons appertaining thereto shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in
accordance with the provisions of such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto and this Indenture, to the payment, either
directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the
Holders of such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal
(and premium, if any) and interest, if any, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required
by law.
Unless
otherwise specified with respect to any Security pursuant to Section 301, if, after a deposit referred to in Section 1404(a)
has been made, (a) the Holder of a Security in respect of which such deposit was made is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant
to Section 312(b) or the terms of such Security to receive payment in a Currency other than that in which the deposit pursuant
to Section 1404(a) has been made in respect of such Security, or (b) a Conversion Event occurs as contemplated in Section
312(d) or 312(e) or by the terms of any Security in respect of which the deposit pursuant to Section 1404(a) has been made, the
indebtedness represented by such Security and any coupons appertaining thereto shall be deemed to have been, and will be, fully
discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Security
as the same becomes due out of the proceeds yielded by converting (from time to time as specified below in the case of any such
election) the amount or other property deposited in respect of such Security into the Currency in which such Security becomes
payable as a result of such election or Conversion Event based on the applicable Market Exchange Rate for such Currency in effect
on the second Business Day prior to each payment date, except, with respect to a Conversion Event, for such Currency in effect
(as nearly as feasible) at the time of the Conversion Event.
The
Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the money or Government
Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 1404 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax,
fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of such Outstanding Securities and any coupons appertaining
thereto.
Anything
in this Article to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company
Request any money or Government Obligations (or other property and any proceeds therefrom) held by it as provided in Section 1404
which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof
delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect a defeasance
or covenant defeasance, as applicable, in accordance with this Article.
ARTICLE
XV
MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
Section 1501.
Purposes for Which Meetings May Be Called.
If
Securities of a series are issuable as Bearer Securities, a meeting of Holders of Securities of such series may be called at any
time and from time to time pursuant to this Article to make, give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice,
consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders of Securities of such series.
Section 1502.
Call, Notice and Place of Meetings.
(a) The
Trustee may at any time call a meeting of Holders of Securities of any series for any purpose specified in Section 1501,
to be held at such time and at such place in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York or in London as the Trustee shall
determine. Notice of every meeting of Holders of Securities of any series, setting forth the time and the place of such meeting
and in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting, shall be given, in the manner provided in Section 106,
not less than 21 nor more than 180 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting.
(b) In
case at any time the Company, pursuant to a Board Resolution, or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of any series shall have requested the Trustee to call a meeting of the Holders of Securities of such series for any
purpose specified in Section 1501, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken
at the meeting, and the Trustee shall not have made the first publication or mailing of the notice of such meeting within 21 days
after receipt of such request or shall not thereafter proceed to cause the meeting to be held as provided herein, then the Company
or the Holders of Securities of such series in the amount above specified, as the case may be, may determine the time and the
place in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York or in London for such meeting and may call such meeting for such purposes
by giving notice thereof as provided in subsection (a) of this Section.
Section 1503.
Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings.
To
be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series, a Person shall be (1) a Holder of one or more
Outstanding Securities of such series, or (2) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy for a Holder or Holders
of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series by such Holder or Holders. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present
or to speak at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their
counsel, any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the Company and its counsel.
Section 1504.
Quorum; Action.
The
Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series shall constitute a quorum for
a meeting of Holders of Securities of such series; provided, however, that if any action is to be taken at such
meeting with respect to a consent, waiver, request, demand, notice, authorization, direction or other action which this Indenture
expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Holders of not less than a specified percentage in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of a series, the Persons entitled to vote such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of such series shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum within 30 minutes of the time appointed for any
such meeting, the meeting shall, if convened at the request of Holders of Securities of such series, be dissolved. In any other
case the meeting may be adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior
to the adjournment of such meeting. In the absence of a quorum at any such adjourned meeting, such adjourned meeting may be further
adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of
such adjourned meeting. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall be given as provided in Section 1502(a),
except that such notice need be given only once not less than five days prior to the date on which the meeting is scheduled to
be reconvened. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall state expressly the percentage, as provided above, of
the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series which shall constitute a quorum.
Except
as limited by the proviso to Section 902, any resolution presented to a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which
a quorum is present as aforesaid may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of that series; provided, however, that, except as limited by the proviso to Section 902,
any resolution with respect to any consent, waiver, request, demand, notice, authorization, direction or other action which this
Indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority,
in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or an adjourned meeting duly reconvened
and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid by the affirmative vote of the Holders of such specified percentage in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series.
Any
resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series duly held in accordance with this Section
shall be binding on all the Holders of Securities of such series and the related coupons, whether or not present or represented
at the meeting.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing provisions of this Section 1504, if any action is to be taken at a meeting of Holders of Securities of any
series with respect to any consent, waiver, request, demand, notice, authorization, direction or other action that this Indenture
expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Holders of a specified percentage in principal amount of all Outstanding
Securities affected thereby, or of the Holders of such series and one or more additional series:
(i)
there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for such meeting; and
(ii)
the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series that vote in favor of such consent, waiver, request, demand,
notice, authorization, direction or other action shall be taken into account in determining whether such request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action has been made, given or taken under this Indenture.
Section 1505.
Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings.
(a) Notwithstanding
any other provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting
of Holders of Securities of a series in regard to proof of the holding of Securities of such series and of the appointment of
proxies and in regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the submission and examination of proxies, certificates
and other evidence of the right to vote, and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as it shall deem appropriate.
Except as otherwise permitted or required by any such regulations, the holding of Securities shall be proved in the manner specified
in Section 104 and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 104 or by having
the signature of the Person executing the proxy witnessed or guaranteed by any trust company, bank or banker authorized by Section 104
to certify to the holding of Bearer Securities. Such regulations may provide that written instruments appointing proxies, regular
on their face, may be presumed valid and genuine without the proof specified in Section 104 or other proof.
(b) The
Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing appoint a temporary chairman of the meeting, unless the meeting shall have been called
by the Company or by Holders of Securities as provided in Section 1502(b), in which case the Company or the Holders of Securities
of the series calling the meeting, as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a temporary chairman. A permanent chairman
and a permanent secretary of the meeting shall be elected by vote of the Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities of such series represented at the meeting.
(c) At
any meeting of Holders, each Holder of a Security of such series or proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each $1,000 principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series held or represented by such Holder; provided, however, that no vote shall
be cast or counted at any meeting in respect of any Security challenged as not Outstanding and ruled by the chairman of the meeting
to be not Outstanding. The chairman of the meeting shall have no right to vote, except as a Holder of a Security of such series
or proxy.
(d) Any
meeting of Holders of Securities of any series duly called pursuant to Section 1502 at which a quorum is present may be adjourned
from time to time by Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series represented
at the meeting, and the meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice.
Section 1506.
Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings.
The
vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be by written ballots on which
shall be subscribed the signatures of the Holders of Securities of such series or of their representatives by proxy and the principal
amounts and serial numbers of the Outstanding Securities of such series held or represented by them. The permanent chairman of
the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution
and who shall make and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified written reports in duplicate of all votes cast at
the meeting. A record, at least in duplicate, of the proceedings of each meeting of Holders of Securities of any Series shall
be prepared by the secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said record the original reports of the inspectors
of votes on any vote by ballot taken thereat and affidavits by one or more persons having knowledge of the fact, setting forth
a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was given as provided in Section 1502 and, if applicable,
Section 1504. Each copy shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and secretary of the meeting
and one such copy shall be delivered to the Company and another to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the latter to have
attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters
therein stated.
ARTICLE
XVI
SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES
Section 1601.
Agreement to Subordinate.
The
Company, for itself, its successors and assigns, covenants and agrees, and each Holder of Senior Subordinated Securities by his
acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if
any, on each and all of the Senior Subordinated Securities is hereby expressly subordinated, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter
set forth, in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness.
The
Company, for itself, its successors and assigns, covenants and agrees, and each Holder of Junior Subordinated Securities by his
acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if
any, on each and all of the Junior Subordinated Securities is hereby expressly subordinated, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter
set forth, in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness and Senior Subordinated Indebtedness.
Section 1602.
Distribution on Dissolution, Liquidation and Reorganization; Subrogation of Subordinated Securities.
Upon
any distribution of assets of the Company upon any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization of the Company, whether
in bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or receivership proceedings or upon an assignment for the benefit of creditors or any
other marshalling of the assets and liabilities of the Company or otherwise (subject to the power of a court of competent jurisdiction
to make other equitable provision reflecting the rights conferred in this Indenture upon the Senior Indebtedness and the holders
thereof with respect to the Securities and the holders thereof by a lawful plan of reorganization under applicable bankruptcy
law):
(a) the
holders of all Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive payment in full of the principal thereof (and premium, if any)
and interest due thereon before the Holders of the Subordinated Securities are entitled to receive any payment upon the principal
(or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on indebtedness evidenced by the Subordinated Securities; and
(b) the
holders of all Senior Subordinated Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive payment in full of the principal thereof (and premium,
if any) and interest due thereon before the Holders of the Junior Subordinated Securities are entitled to receive any payment
upon the principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on indebtedness evidenced by the Junior Subordinated Securities;
and
(c) any
payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, to which the
Holders of the Securities or the Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of this Article Sixteen shall be paid
by the liquidating trustee or agent or other person making such payment or distribution, whether a trustee in bankruptcy, a receiver
or liquidating trustee or otherwise, directly to the holders of Senior Indebtedness or their representative or representatives
or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture under which any instruments evidencing any of such Senior Indebtedness may have
been issued, ratably according to the aggregate amounts remaining unpaid on account of the principal of (and premium, if any)
and interest on the Senior Indebtedness held or represented by each, to the extent necessary to make payment in full of all Senior
Indebtedness remaining unpaid, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness;
and
(d) in
the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character,
whether in cash, property or securities, shall be received by the Trustee or the Holders of the Subordinated Securities before
all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full, such payment or distribution shall be paid over, upon written notice to the Trustee,
to the holder of such Senior Indebtedness or their representative or representatives or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture
under which any instrument evidencing any of such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, ratably as aforesaid, for application
to payment of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid until all such Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid in full, after
giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness.
Subject
to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, the Holders of the Subordinated Securities shall be subrogated to the rights
of the holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of cash, property or securities of the Company applicable
to Senior Indebtedness until the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Subordinated Securities shall
be paid in full and no such payments or distributions to the Holders of the Subordinated Securities of cash, property or securities
otherwise distributable to the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall, as between the Company, its creditors other than the holders
of Senior Indebtedness, and the Holders of the Subordinated Securities be deemed to be a payment by the Company to or on account
of the Subordinated Securities. It is understood that the provisions of this Article Sixteen are and are intended solely
for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders of the Subordinated Securities, on the one hand, and the holders
of the Senior Indebtedness, on the other hand. Nothing contained in this Article Sixteen or elsewhere in this Indenture or
in the Subordinated Securities is intended to or shall impair, as between the Company, its creditors other than the holders of
Senior Indebtedness, and the Holders of the Subordinated Securities, the obligation of the Company, which is unconditional and
absolute, to pay to the Holders of the Subordinated Securities the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on
the Subordinated Securities as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms, or to affect the
relative rights of the Holders of the Subordinated Securities and creditors of the Company other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness,
nor shall anything herein or in the Subordinated Securities prevent the Trustee or the Holder of any Subordinated Security from
exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under this Indenture, subject to the rights, if any,
under this Article Sixteen of the holders of Senior Indebtedness in respect of cash, property or securities of the Company
received upon the exercise of any such remedy. Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article Sixteen,
the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 601, shall be entitled to rely upon a certificate of the liquidating trustee
or agent or other person making any distribution to the Trustee for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate
in such distribution, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or payable
thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article Sixteen.
If
the Trustee or any Holder of Subordinated Securities does not file a proper claim or proof of debt in the form required in any
proceeding referred to above prior to 30 days before the expiration of the time to file such claim in such proceeding, then
the holder of any Senior Indebtedness is hereby authorized, and has the right, to file an appropriate claim or claims for or on
behalf of such Holder of Subordinated Securities.
With
respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, the Trustee undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants or obligations
as are specifically set forth in this Article and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to holders of Senior Indebtedness
shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. The Trustee does not owe any fiduciary duties to the holders of Securities
other than Securities issued under this Indenture.
Section 1603.
No Payment on Subordinated Securities in Event of Default on Senior Indebtedness.
No
payment by the Company on account of principal (or premium, if any), sinking funds or interest, if any, on the Subordinated Securities
shall be made unless full payment of amounts then due for principal (premium, if any), sinking funds and interest on Senior Indebtedness
has been made or duly provided for in money or money’s worth.
Section 1604.
Payments on Subordinated Securities Permitted.
Nothing
contained in this Indenture or in any of the Subordinated Securities shall (a) affect the obligation of the Company to make, or
prevent the Company from making, at any time except as provided in Sections 1602 and 1603, payments of principal of (or premium,
if any) or interest, if any, on the Subordinated Securities or (b) prevent the application by the Trustee of any moneys deposited
with it hereunder to the payment of or on account of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Subordinated
Securities, unless the Trustee shall have received at its Corporate Trust Office written notice of any event prohibiting the making
of such payment more than three Business Days prior to the date fixed for such payment.
Section 1605.
Authorization of Holders to Trustee to Effect Subordination.
Each
Holder of Subordinated Securities by his acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such action
as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination as provided in this Article Sixteen and appoints the Trustee
his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.
Section 1606.
Notices to Trustee.
Notwithstanding
the provisions of this Article or any other provisions of this Indenture, neither the Trustee nor any Paying Agent (other than
the Company) shall be charged with knowledge of the existence of any Senior Indebtedness or of any event which would prohibit
the making of any payment of moneys to or by the Trustee or such Paying Agent, unless and until the Trustee or such Paying Agent
shall have received (in the case of the Trustee, at its Corporate Trust Office) written notice thereof from the Company or from
the holder of any Senior Indebtedness or from the trustee for any such holder, together with proof satisfactory to the Trustee
of such holding of Senior Indebtedness or of the authority of such trustee; provided, however, that if at least
three Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms hereof any such moneys may become payable for any purpose (including,
without limitation, the payment of either the principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Subordinated Security)
the Trustee shall not have received with respect to such moneys the notice provided for in this Section 1606, then, anything
herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such moneys and to
apply the same to the purpose for which they were received, and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary, which may
be received by it within three Business Days prior to such date. The Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely on the delivery
to it of a written notice by a Person representing himself to be a holder of Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee on behalf of such
holder) to establish that such a notice has been given by a holder of Senior Indebtedness or a trustee on behalf of any such holder.
In the event that the Trustee determines in good faith that further evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person
as a holder of Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article Sixteen, the Trustee
may request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Indebtedness
held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other
facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article Sixteen and, if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee
may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment.
Section 1607.
Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness.
The
Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article Sixteen in respect of any
Senior Indebtedness at any time held by it to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness and nothing in Section 613
or elsewhere in this Indenture shall be construed to deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.
Nothing
in this Article Sixteen shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 606.
Section 1608.
Modifications of Terms of Senior Indebtedness.
Any
renewal or extension of the time of payment of any Senior Indebtedness or the exercise by the holders of Senior Indebtedness of
any of their rights under any instrument creating or evidencing Senior Indebtedness, including, without limitation, the waiver
of default thereunder, may be made or done all without notice to or assent from the Holders of the Subordinated Securities or
the Trustee.
No
compromise, alteration, amendment, modification, extension, renewal or other change of, or waiver, consent or other action in
respect of, any liability or obligation under or in respect of, or of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of any indenture
or other instrument under which any Senior Indebtedness is outstanding or of such Senior Indebtedness, whether or not such release
is in accordance with the provisions of any applicable document, shall in any way alter or affect any of the provisions of this
Article Sixteen or of the Subordinated Securities relating to the subordination thereof.
Section 1609.
Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent.
Upon
any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article Sixteen, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities
shall be entitled to rely upon any order or decree entered by any court of competent jurisdiction in which such insolvency, bankruptcy,
receivership, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution, winding up or similar case or proceeding is pending, or a certificate
of the trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, custodian, receiver, assignee for the benefit of creditors, agent or other
person making such payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or to the Holders of Subordinated Securities, for the purpose
of ascertaining the persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and other
indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all
other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article Sixteen.
Section 1610.
Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness.
The
Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Indebtedness and shall not be liable to any such
holders if the Trustee shall in good faith mistakenly pay over or distribute to Holders of Securities or to the Company or to
any other person cash, property or securities to which any holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled by virtue of this
Article or otherwise. With respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, the Trustee undertakes to perform or to observe only
such of its covenants or obligations as are specifically set forth in this Article and no implied covenants or obligations with
respect to holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee.
*
* * * *
This
Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all
such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Indenture.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, as of the day and year first above written.
|
|
|
|
|
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. |
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
Title: |
[Chief Financial Officer] |
|
|
[ ],
as Trustee |
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
Title: |
|
EXHIBIT
A
FORMS
OF CERTIFICATION
EXHIBIT
A-1
FORM
OF CERTIFICATE TO BE GIVEN BY PERSON ENTITLED
TO RECEIVE BEARER SECURITY OR TO OBTAIN INTEREST
PAYABLE PRIOR TO THE EXCHANGE DATE
CERTIFICATE
[Insert
title or sufficient description of Securities
to be delivered]
This
is to certify that, as of the date hereof, and except as set forth below, the above-captioned Securities held by you for our account
(i) are owned by person(s) that are not citizens or residents of the United States, domestic partnerships, domestic corporations
or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source (“United
States person(s)”), (ii) are owned by United States person(s) that are (a) foreign branches of United States financial
institutions (financial institutions, as defined in United States Treasury Regulations Section 1.165-12(c)(1)(v) are herein
referred to as “financial institutions”) purchasing for their own account or for resale, or (b) United States
person(s) who acquired the Securities through foreign branches of United States financial institutions and who hold the Securities
through such United States financial institutions on the date hereof (and in either case (a) or (b), each such United States
financial institution hereby agrees, on its own behalf or through its agent, that you may advise The Gabelli Convertible and Income
Securities Fund Inc. or its agent that such financial institution will comply with the requirements of Section 165(j)(3)(A),
(B) or (C) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder), or (iii) are
owned by United States or foreign financial institution(s) for purposes of resale during the restricted period (as defined in
United States Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7)), and, in addition, if the owner is a United States or foreign
financial institution described in clause (iii) above (whether or not also described in clause (i) or (ii)), this is
to further certify that such financial institution has not acquired the Securities for purposes of resale directly or indirectly
to a United States person or to a person within the United States or its possessions.
As
used herein, “United States” means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia);
and its “possessions” include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern
Mariana Islands.
We
undertake to advise you promptly by tested telex on or prior to the date on which you intend to submit your certification relating
to the above-captioned Securities held by you for our account in accordance with your Operating Procedures if any applicable statement
herein is not correct on such date, and in the absence of any such notification it may be assumed that this certification applies
as of such date.
This
certificate excepts and does not relate to [U.S.$] ____________ of such interest in the above-captioned Securities in respect
of which we are not able to certify and as to which we understand an exchange for an interest in a Permanent Global Security or
an exchange for and delivery of definitive Securities (or, if relevant, collection of any interest) cannot be made until we do
so certify.
We
understand that this certificate may be required in connection with certain tax legislation in the United States. If administrative
or legal proceedings are commenced or threatened in connection with which this certificate is or would be relevant, we irrevocably
authorize you to produce this certificate or a copy thereof to any interested party in such proceedings.
Dated:
, 20
[To
be dated no earlier than the 15th day prior to (i) the
Exchange
Date or (ii) the relevant Interest Payment
Date
occurring prior to the Exchange Date, as
applicable]
|
[Name of Person Making Certification] |
|
|
|
|
|
(Authorized
Signatory) |
|
|
Name: |
|
|
Title: |
|
EXHIBIT
A-2
FORM
OF CERTIFICATE TO BE GIVEN BY [ ]
IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE OF
A PORTION OF A TEMPORARY GLOBAL SECURITY
OR TO OBTAIN INTEREST PAYABLE PRIOR
TO THE EXCHANGE DATE
CERTIFICATE
[Insert
title or sufficient description of Securities
to be delivered]
This
is to certify that, based solely on written certifications that we have received in writing, by tested telex or by electronic
transmission from each of the persons appearing in our records as persons entitled to a portion of the principal amount set forth
below (our “Member Organizations”) substantially in the form attached hereto, as of the date hereof, [U.S.$] principal
amount of the above-captioned Securities (i) is owned by person(s) that are not citizens or residents of the United States,
domestic partnerships, domestic corporations or any estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States Federal income
taxation regardless of its source (“United States person(s)”), (ii) is owned by United States person(s) that
are (a) foreign branches of United States financial institutions (financial institutions, as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations
Section 1.165-12(c)(1)(v) are herein referred to as “financial institutions”) purchasing for their own account
or for resale, or (b) United States person(s) who acquired the Securities through foreign branches of United States financial
institutions and who hold the Securities through such United States financial institutions on the date hereof (and in either case
(a) or (b), each such financial institution has agreed, on its own behalf or through its agent, that we may advise The Gabelli
Dividend & Income Trust or its agent that such financial institution will comply with the requirements of Section 165(j)(3)(A),
(B) or (C) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder), or (iii) is owned
by United States or foreign financial institution(s) for purposes of resale during the restricted period (as defined in United
States Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7)), and, to the further effect, that financial institutions described
in clause (iii) above (whether or not also described in clause (i) or (ii)) have certified that they have not acquired the
Securities for purposes of resale directly or indirectly to a United States person or to a person within the United States or
its possessions.
As
used herein, “United States” means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia);
and its “possessions” include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern
Mariana Islands.
We
further certify that (i) we are not making available herewith for exchange (or, if relevant, collection of any interest)
any portion of the temporary global Security representing the above-captioned Securities excepted in the above-referenced certificates
of Member Organizations and (ii) as of the date hereof we have not received any notification from any of our Member Organizations
to the effect that the statements made by such Member Organizations with respect to any portion of the part submitted herewith
for exchange (or, if relevant, collection of any interest) are no longer true and cannot be relied upon as of the date hereof.
We
understand that this certification is required in connection with certain tax legislation in the United States. If administrative
or legal proceedings are commenced or threatened in connection with which this certificate is or would be relevant, we irrevocably
authorize you to produce this certificate or a copy thereof to any interested party in such proceedings.
Dated: ,
20
[To
be dated no earlier than the Exchange
Date
or the relevant Interest Payment
Date
occurring prior to the Exchange
Date,
as applicable]
|
[ ],
as Operator of the [ ] |
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
Title: |
|
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. N-2
Exhibit
(t)(i)
POWER
OF ATTORNEY
Each
of the undersigned Directors do constitute and appoint each of Peter Goldstein and John C. Ball as his or her true and lawful
attorney-in-fact to execute and sign a Registration Statement on Form N-2 under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, of The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. (the “Fund”), and all
amendments and supplements thereto, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any other regulatory
authority having jurisdiction over the offer and sale of securities issued by the Fund, and to file any and all exhibits and other
documents requisite in connection therewith, granting unto said attorneys and each of them, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with the foregoing as fully to all intents
and purposes as the undersigned Trustees themselves might or could do.
This
Power of Attorney may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but which taken together
shall constitute one instrument.
(Remainder
of page intentionally left blank)
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned Directors have executed this Power of Attorney as of the 11th day of July, 2024.
|
Signature |
Title |
|
|
|
|
/s/
John
Birch |
Director |
|
John
Birch |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Anthony
S. Colavita |
Director |
|
Anthony
S. Colavita |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Thomas
H. Dinsmore |
Director |
|
Thomas
H. Dinsmore |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Vincent
D. Enright |
Director |
|
Vincent
D. Enright |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Leslie
F. Foley |
Director |
|
Leslie
F. Foley |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Daniel
D. Harding |
Director |
|
Daniel
D. Harding |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Michael
J. Melarkey |
Director |
|
Michael
J. Melarkey |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Agnes
Mullady |
Director |
|
Agnes
Mullady |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Christina
Peeney |
Director |
|
Christina
Peeney |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Werner
J. Roeder |
Director |
|
Werner
J. Roeder |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Anthonie
C. van Ekris |
Director |
|
Anthonie
C. van Ekris |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
Salvatore
J. Zizza |
Director |
|
Salvatore
J. Zizza |
|
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. N-2
Exhibit
(t)(ii)
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT |
Filed Pursuant
to Rule 424(b)(2) |
(To Prospectus dated
, 2024) |
Registration
Statement No. 333- |
Shares
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Common
Stock
We
are offering for sale shares of our common stock. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”)
under the symbol “GCV”. On , the last reported sale price of our common stock was $ .
You
should review the information set forth under “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the accompanying Prospectus
before investing in our common shares.
|
|
Per Share
|
|
Total (1)
|
Public
offering price |
|
$ |
|
$ |
Underwriting
discounts and commissions |
|
$ |
|
$ |
Proceeds,
before expenses, to us |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| (1) | The
aggregate expenses of the offering are estimated to be $ ,
which represents approximately $ per
share. |
[The
underwriters may also purchase up to an additional
common shares from us at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-allotments, if
any, within 45 days after the date of this Prospectus Supplement. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full, the
total proceeds, before expenses, to the Fund would be $ and the total underwriting
discounts and commissions would be $ . The common shares will be ready for delivery
on or about , .]
You
should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in our common shares
and retain it for future reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus contain important information about
us. Material that has been incorporated by reference and other information about us can be obtained from us by calling 800-GABELLI
(422-3554) or from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website (http://www.sec.gov).
Neither
the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus Supplement
is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
,
You
should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying
Prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different
or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction
in which the offer or sale is not permitted.
In
this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, “Fund,” “us,”
“our” and “we” refer to The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. This Prospectus Supplement
also includes trademarks owned by other persons.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Prospectus
Supplement
|
Page |
Table
of Fees and Expenses |
P-3 |
Use
of Proceeds |
P-4 |
Price
Range of Common Shares |
P-4 |
Plan
of Distribution |
P-4 |
Legal
Matters |
P-4 |
Table
of Fees and Expenses
The
following tables are intended to assist you in understanding the various costs and expenses directly or indirectly associated
with investing in our common shares as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares. Amounts are for the current fiscal
year after giving effect to anticipated net proceeds of the offering, assuming that we incur the estimated offering expenses,
including preferred share offering expenses.
Shareholder
Transaction Expenses
Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price) | |
|
[ | ]% |
Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering price) | |
|
[ | ]% |
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan Fees | |
|
| |
Purchase Transaction | |
$ |
0.75 | (1) |
Sale Transaction | |
$ |
2.50 | (1) |
| |
|
| |
| |
Percentage of Net Assets
Attributable to Common Shares
|
Annual Expenses | |
|
| |
Management Fees | |
|
| %(2) |
Interest on Borrowed Funds | |
|
None | (3) |
Other Expenses | |
|
| %(4) |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | |
|
| % |
Dividends on Preferred Shares | |
|
| % |
Total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred Shares | |
|
| %(2) |
|
(1) | Shareholders
participating in the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan do not incur any
additional fees. Shareholders participating in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan would
pay $0.75 plus their pro rata share of brokerage commissions for transactions to purchase
shares and $2.50 plus their pro rata share of brokerage commissions per transaction to
sell shares. See “Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan.” |
| (2) | The
Investment Adviser’s fee is 1.00% annually of the Fund’s average daily net
assets, including the liquidation value of preferred shares. Consequently, if the Fund
has preferred shares or notes outstanding, all else being equal and assuming no application
of any voluntary fee waivers, the investment management fees and other expenses as a
percentage of net assets attributable to common shares will be higher than if the Fund
does not utilize a leveraged capital structure. See “Management of the Fund”
in the attached Prospectus. |
| (3) | The
Fund has no current intention of borrowing from a lender or issuing notes during the
one year following the date of this Prospectus. |
| (4) | “Other
Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current year assuming completion
of the proposed issuances. |
Example
The
following example illustrates the expenses you would pay on a $1,000 investment in common shares, assuming a 5% annual portfolio
total return.*
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
3 Years
|
|
5 Years
|
|
10 Years
|
|
|
Total
Expenses Incurred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses . The example assumes that the amounts set
forth in the Annual Expenses table are accurate and that all distributions are reinvested at net asset value. Actual expenses
may be greater or less than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical
5% return shown in the example.
Use
of Proceeds
We
estimate the total net proceeds of the offering to be $ based on the public offering price of $ per share and after deducting
underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
The
Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high quality short term debt securities
and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s
investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be
completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the Fund’s anticipated investment period
extending to as long as six months. This could occur if market conditions are unstable to such an extent that the Investment Adviser
believes market risk is greater than the benefit of making additional investments at that time. Depending on market conditions
and operations, a portion of the cash held by the Fund, including any proceeds raised from the offering to be identified in any
relevant Prospectus Supplement, may be used to pay distributions in accordance with the Fund’s distribution policy. Such
distribution may include a return of capital and should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment
in the Fund. See “Use of Proceeds” in the Prospectus.
Price
Range of Common Shares
The
following table sets forth for the quarters indicated, the high and low sale prices on the NYSE per share of our common shares
and the net asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value per share at which the common shares were trading, expressed
as a percentage of net asset value, at each of the high and low sale prices provided.
|
|
Market Price
|
|
Corresponding Net Asset
Value (“NAV”) Per Share
|
|
Corresponding Premium or
Discount as a % of NAV
|
Quarter
Ended
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
December
31, 2021 |
|
$7.05 |
|
$6.01 |
|
$6.47 |
|
$6.34 |
|
11.19% |
|
(7.11)% |
March
31, 2022 |
|
$6.85 |
|
$5.72
|
|
$6.28
|
|
$5.43
|
|
9.08% |
|
5.43% |
June
30, 2022 |
|
$6.44
|
|
$5.09
|
|
$5.64
|
|
$4.33
|
|
17.55% |
|
14.18% |
September
30, 2022 |
|
$5.87
|
|
$4.86
|
|
$4.92
|
|
$4.29
|
|
19.31% |
|
13.29% |
December
31, 2022 |
|
$5.40
|
|
$4.73
|
|
$4.40
|
|
$4.14
|
|
22.73% |
|
14.25% |
March
31, 2023 |
|
$5.26
|
|
$4.22
|
|
$4.51
|
|
$4.10
|
|
16.63% |
|
2.93% |
June
30, 2023 |
|
$4.51
|
|
$4.25
|
|
$4.18
|
|
$4.09
|
|
7.89% |
|
3.91% |
September
30, 2023 |
|
$4.34
|
|
$3.68
|
|
$4.17
|
|
$3.88
|
|
4.08% |
|
(5.15)% |
December
31, 2023 |
|
$3.74 |
|
$3.20 |
|
$3.82 |
|
$3.61 |
|
(2.09)% |
|
(11.36)% |
March
31, 2024 |
|
$3.81 |
|
$3.51 |
|
$3.80 |
|
$3.81 |
|
0.26% |
|
(7.87)% |
The
last reported price for our common shares on [ ], 2024 was $[ ] per share. As of [ ], 2024, the net asset value per share of the
Fund’s common shares was $[ ]. Accordingly, the Fund’s common shares traded at a [discount] to net asset value of
[ ]% on [ ], 2024.
Plan
of Distribution
[To
be provided.]
Legal
Matters
Certain
legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York and Venable LLP, Baltimore,
Maryland in connection with the offering of securities.
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Common
Stock
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
,
2024
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. N-2
Exhibit
(t)(iii)
Filed
Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration
Statement No. 333-
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
(To
Prospectus dated , 2024)
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
We
are offering for sale shares of our Series Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series Preferred Shares”).
Our common stock (“common shares”) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol
“GCV”. On , the last reported sale price of our common shares was $ .
You
should review the information set forth under “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the accompanying Prospectus
before investing in our preferred shares.
|
|
Per Share
|
|
Total
|
Public
offering price |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting
discounts and commissions |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds,
before expenses, to the Fund(1) |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| (1) | The
aggregate expenses of the offering (excluding underwriting discount) are estimated to
be $ . |
The
Underwriters are expected to deliver the Series
Preferred in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or about .
You
should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying
Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell
these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in
this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus Supplement
and the accompanying Prospectus, respectively. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have
changed since those dates. In this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, “Fund,”
“us,” “our” and “we” refer to The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. This
Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons.
,
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Prospectus
Supplement
|
Page |
TERMS
OF THE SERIES PREFERRED
STOCK |
Q-3 |
USE
OF PROCEEDS |
Q-3 |
CAPITALIZATION |
Q-3 |
ASSET
COVERAGE RATIO |
Q-3 |
SPECIAL
CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE SERIES
PREFERRED |
Q-4 |
TAXATION |
Q-4 |
UNDERWRITING |
Q-4 |
LEGAL
MATTERS |
Q-4 |
TERMS
OF THE SERIES PREFERRED STOCK
Dividend Rate |
The dividend
rate [for the initial dividend period](1) will be %. |
|
|
Dividend Payment
Rate |
[Dividends will
be paid when, as and if declared on ,
,
and
,
commencing .
The payment date for the initial dividend period will be .(1)] |
|
|
Liquidation Preference |
$
per share |
|
|
[Non-Call Period |
The shares may
not be called for redemption at the option of the Fund prior to .] |
|
|
[Stock Exchange
Listing] |
|
| (1) | Applicable
only if the preferred shares being offered will have different rates over time. |
USE
OF PROCEEDS
We
estimate the total net proceeds of the offering to be $ , based on the public offering
price of $ per share and
after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
The
Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high quality short term debt securities
and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s
investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be
completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the Fund’s anticipated investment period
extending to as long as six months. This could occur if market conditions are unstable to such an extent that the Investment Adviser
believes market risk is greater than the benefit of making additional investments at that time. Depending on market conditions
and operations, a portion of the cash held by the Fund, including any proceeds raised from the offering to be identified in any
relevant Prospectus Supplement, may be used to pay distributions in accordance with the Fund’s distribution policy. Such
distribution may include a return of capital and should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment
in the Fund. See “Use of Proceeds” in the Prospectus.
CAPITALIZATION
[To
be provided.]
ASSET
COVERAGE RATIO
As
provided in the 1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions, the Fund may issue debt and/or preferred shares with the condition
that immediately after issuance the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceed 300% of the amount
of the debt outstanding and exceed 200% of the sum of the amount of debt and preferred shares outstanding. The Fund’s preferred
shares and notes, in aggregate, are expected to have an initial asset coverage on the date of issuance of approximately %.
SPECIAL
CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE SERIES PREFERRED
Reinvestment
Risk. The Fund may at any time redeem shares of Series
Preferred Shares to the extent necessary to meet regulatory asset coverage requirements. For example, if the value of the Fund’s
investment portfolio declines, thereby reducing the asset coverage for the Series
Preferred Shares, the Fund may be obligated under the terms of the Series
Preferred Shares to redeem shares of the Series Preferred Shares. Investors may not be able to reinvest the proceeds of any redemption
in an investment providing the same or a better rate than that of the Series
Preferred Shares.
Distribution
Risk. The Fund may not meet the asset coverage requirements or earn sufficient income from its investments to make distributions
on the Series Preferred Shares.
Redemption Risk. The
Series Preferred Shares are not
a debt obligation of the Fund. The Series Preferred Shares are junior in respect of distributions and liquidation preference to
any indebtedness incurred by the Fund. Although unlikely, precipitous declines in the value of the Fund’s assets could result
in the Fund having insufficient assets to redeem all of the Series
Preferred Shares for the full redemption price.
TAXATION
[To
be provided.]
UNDERWRITING
[To
be provided.]
LEGAL
MATTERS
Certain
legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York and Venable LLP, Baltimore,
Maryland in connection with the offering of the securities.
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Preferred
Stock
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
,
2024
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. N-2
Exhibit
(t)(iv)
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration Statement No. 333-
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
(To
Prospectus dated , 2024)
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Notes
[Specify Title]
We
are offering for sale promissory notes. Our common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under
the symbol “GCV”. On , the last reported sale price of our common stock was $ .
|
|
Per
Note
|
|
Total
(1)
|
Public
offering price |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting
discounts and commissions |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds,
before expenses, to us |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| (1) | The
aggregate expenses of the offering are estimated to be $ ,
which represents approximately $ per
note. |
The
notes will be ready for delivery on or about , .
You
should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in our notes and retain
it for future reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus contain important information about us. Material
that has been incorporated by reference and other information about us can be obtained from us by calling 800-GABELLI (422-3554)
or from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website (http://www.sec.gov).
Neither
the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus Supplement
is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
,
You
should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying
Prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different
or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction
in which the offer or sale is not permitted.
In
this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, “Fund,” “us,”
“our” and “we” refer to The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities
Fund Inc. This Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Prospectus
Supplement
|
Page |
TERMS
OF THE NOTES |
R-3 |
USE
OF PROCEEDS |
R-3 |
CAPITALIZATION |
R-3 |
ASSET
COVERAGE RATIO |
R-3 |
SPECIAL
CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE NOTES |
R-4 |
TAXATION |
R-4 |
UNDERWRITING |
R-4 |
LEGAL
MATTERS |
R-4 |
TERMS
OF THE NOTES
|
|
Principal Amount |
The principal
amount of the notes is $ in the aggregate. |
|
|
Maturity |
The principal
amount of the notes will become due and payable on ,
. |
|
|
Interest Rate |
The interest
rate will be %. |
|
|
Frequency of payment |
Interest will
be paid commencing . |
|
|
Prepayment Protections |
|
|
|
[Stock Exchange
Listing] |
|
|
|
Rating |
It is a condition
of issuance that the notes be rated
by . |
USE
OF PROCEEDS
We
estimate the total net proceeds of the offering to be $ , based on the public offering
price of $ per note and after deduction of the underwriting discounts and commissions
and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
The
Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high quality short term debt securities
and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s
investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be
completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the Fund’s anticipated investment period
extending to as long as six months. This could occur if market conditions are unstable to such an extent that the Investment Adviser
believes market risk is greater than the benefit of making additional investments at that time. Depending on market conditions
and operations, a portion of the cash held by the Fund, including any proceeds raised from the offering to be identified in any
relevant Prospectus Supplement, may be used to pay distributions in accordance with the Fund’s distribution policy. Such
distribution may include a return of capital and should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment
in the Fund. See “Use of Proceeds” in the Prospectus.
CAPITALIZATION
[To
be provided.]
ASSET
COVERAGE RATIO
As
provided in the 1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions, the Fund may issue debt and/or preferred shares with the condition
that immediately after issuance the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceed 300% of the amount
of the debt outstanding and exceed 200% of the sum of the amount of debt and preferred shares outstanding. The Fund’s notes
are expected to have an initial asset coverage on the date of issuance of approximately %.
SPECIAL
CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE NOTES
Liquidity
Risk. An investment in our notes is subject to special risks. Our notes are not likely to be listed on an exchange or automated
quotation system. We cannot assure you that any market will exist for our notes or if a market does exist, whether it will provide
holders with liquidity. Broker-dealers that maintain a secondary trading market for the notes are not required to maintain this
market, and the Fund is not required to redeem notes if an attempted secondary market sale fails because of a lack of buyers.
To the extent that our notes trade, they may trade at a price either higher or lower than their principal amount depending on
interest rates, the rating (if any) on such notes and other factors.
Reinvestment
Risk. The Fund may at any time redeem notes to the extent necessary to meet regulatory asset coverage requirements. For example,
if the value of the Fund’s investment portfolio declines, thereby reducing the asset coverage for the notes, the Fund may
be obligated under the terms of the notes to redeem the notes. Investors may not be able to reinvest the proceeds of any redemption
in an investment providing the same or a better rate than that of the notes.
Distribution
Risk. The Fund may not meet the asset coverage requirements or earn sufficient income from its investments to make interest
payments on the notes.
Redemption Risk.
Although unlikely, precipitous declines in the value of the Fund’s assets could result in the Fund having insufficient
assets to redeem all of the notes for the full redemption price.
TAXATION
[To
be provided.]
UNDERWRITING
[To
be provided.]
LEGAL
MATTERS
Certain
legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York and Venable LLP, Baltimore,
Maryland in connection with the offering of the securities.
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Notes
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
,
2024
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. N-2
Exhibit
(t)(v)
Filed
Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration
Statement No. 333-
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
(To
Prospectus dated , 2024)
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common Stock
We
are issuing subscription rights to our common stockholders to purchase our common stock. Our common stock are traded on the NYSE
under the symbol “GCV.” The last reported sale price for our common stock on , was $ per share.
You
should review the information set forth under “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the accompanying Prospectus
before investing in our common shares.
|
|
Per Share
|
|
Total (1)
|
Subscription
price of Common Shares |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting
discounts and commissions |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds,
before expenses, to us |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| (1) | The
aggregate expenses of the offering are estimated to be $ ,
which represents approximately $ per
share. |
You
should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in our common shares
and retain it for future reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus contain important information about
us. Material that has been incorporated by reference and other information about us can be obtained from us by calling 800-GABELLI
(422-3554) or from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website (http://www.sec.gov).
Neither
the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus Supplement
is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
SHAREHOLDERS
WHO DO NOT EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS MAY, AT THE COMPLETION OF THE OFFERING, OWN A SMALLER PROPORTIONAL INTEREST IN THE FUND THAN
IF THEY EXERCISED THEIR RIGHTS. AS A RESULT OF THE OFFERING YOU MAY EXPERIENCE DILUTION [OR ACCRETION] OF THE AGGREGATE NET ASSET
VALUE OF YOUR COMMON SHARES DEPENDING UPON WHETHER THE FUND’S NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE IS ABOVE [OR BELOW] THE SUBSCRIPTION
PRICE ON THE EXPIRATION DATE. ,
The
common shares are expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or about ,
2024. If the offer is extended, the common shares are expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository
Trust Company on or about , 2024.
The
date of this Prospectus Supplement is , 2024
You
should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying
Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell
these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained
in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus
Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, respectively. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects
may have changed since those dates. In this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated,
“Fund,” “us,” “our” and “we” refer to The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities
Fund Inc. This Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Prospectus
Supplement
|
Page
|
SUMMARY
OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING |
S-3 |
DESCRIPTION
OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING |
S-3 |
TABLE
OF FEES AND EXPENSES |
S-4 |
USE
OF PROCEEDS |
S-5 |
CAPITALIZATION
|
S-5 |
PRICE
RANGE OF COMMON SHARES |
S-6 |
SPECIAL
CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE RIGHTS |
S-6 |
RIGHTS
OFFERING |
S-7 |
TAXATION
|
S-7 |
LEGAL
MATTERS |
S-7 |
SUMMARY
OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING
|
|
Terms of the Offer |
[To be provided.] |
|
|
Amount Available for Primary Subscription |
$[ ] |
|
|
Title |
Subscription Rights to Purchase Common Shares |
|
|
Subscription Price |
Rights may be exercised at a price of $ per
common share (the “Subscription Price”). See “Terms of the Offer.” |
|
|
Record Date |
Rights will be issued to holders of record of
the Fund’s Common Shares on , 2024 (the
“Record Date”). See “Terms of the Offer.” |
|
|
Number of Rights Issued |
Right will be issued in respect of each Common Share of the Fund outstanding on the Record Date. See “Terms of the
Offer.” |
|
|
Number of Rights Required to Purchase One
Common Share |
A holder of Rights may purchase
common shares of the Fund for every
Rights exercised. The number of Rights to be issued to a shareholder on the Record Date will be rounded up to the nearest
number of Rights evenly divisible by . See
“Terms of the Offer.” |
|
|
Over-Subscription Privilege |
[To be provided.] |
|
|
Transfer of Rights |
[To be provided.] |
|
|
Subscription Period |
The Rights may be exercised at any time after
issuance and prior to expiration of the Rights, which will be 5:00 PM Eastern Time on ,
2024 (the “Expiration Date”) (the “Subscription Period”). See “Terms of the Offer”
and “Method of Exercise of Rights.” |
|
|
Offer Expenses |
The expenses of the Offer are expected to be
approximately $[ ]. See “Use of Proceeds.” |
|
|
Sale of Rights |
[To be provided.] |
|
|
Use of Proceeds |
The
Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be approximately $[ ].
This figure is based on the Subscription Price per share of $ and assumes
all new common shares offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately $[ ]
are paid.
The
Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high quality short term debt
securities and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance
with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which
is expected to substantially be completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the
Fund’s anticipated investment period extending to as long as six months. This could occur if market conditions are
unstable to such an extent that the Investment Adviser believes market risk is greater than the benefit of making additional
investments at that time. Depending on market conditions and operations, a portion of the cash held by the Fund, including
any proceeds raised from the offering to be identified in any relevant Prospectus Supplement, may be used to pay distributions
in accordance with the Fund’s distribution policy. Such distribution may include a return of capital and should
not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment in the Fund. See “Use of Proceeds”
in the Prospectus.
See
“Use of Proceeds.” |
|
|
ERISA |
See “Employee Plan Considerations.” |
|
|
Rights Agent |
[To be provided.] |
DESCRIPTION
OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING
[To
be provided.]
TABLE
OF FEES AND EXPENSES
The
following tables are intended to assist you in understanding the various costs and expenses directly or indirectly associated
with investing in our common shares as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares. Amounts are for the current fiscal
year after giving effect to anticipated net proceeds of the offering, assuming that we incur the estimated offering expenses.
Shareholder
Transaction Expenses
Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price) | |
| [ | ]% |
Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering price) | |
| [ | ]% |
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan Fees | |
| | |
Purchase Transaction | |
$ | 0.75 | (1) |
Sale Transaction | |
$ | 2.50 | (1) |
| |
| | |
| |
Percentage of Net Assets
Attributable to Common Shares
|
Annual Expenses | |
| | |
Management Fees | |
| | %(2) |
Interest on Borrowed Funds | |
| None | (3) |
Other Expenses | |
| | %(4) |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | |
| | % |
Dividends on Preferred Shares | |
| | % |
Total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred Shares | |
| | %(2) |
| (1) | Shareholders
participating in the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan do not incur any
additional fees. Shareholders participating in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan would
pay $0.75 plus their pro rata share of brokerage commissions for transactions to purchase
shares and $2.50 plus their pro rata share of brokerage commissions per transaction to
sell shares. See “Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan.” |
| (2) | The
Investment Adviser’s fee is 1.00% annually of the Fund’s average daily net
assets, including the liquidation value of preferred shares. Consequently, if the Fund
has preferred shares or notes outstanding, all else being equal and assuming no application
of any voluntary fee waivers, the investment management fees and other expenses as a
percentage of net assets attributable to common shares will be higher than if the Fund
does not utilize a leveraged capital structure. See “Management of the Fund”
in the attached Prospectus. |
| (3) | The
Fund has no current intention of borrowing from a lender or issuing notes during the
one year following the date of this Prospectus. |
| (4) | “Other
Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current year assuming completion
of the proposed issuances. |
Example
The
following example illustrates the expenses (including the maximum estimated sales load of $[ ]
and estimated offering expenses of $[ ] from the issuance of $[ ]
million in common shares) you would pay on a $1,000 investment in common shares, assuming a 5% annual portfolio total return.*
The actual amounts in connection with any offering will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement if applicable.
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
3 Years
|
|
5 Years
|
|
10 Years
|
|
Total
Expenses Incurred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| * | The
example should not be considered a representation of future expenses. The example
assumes that the amounts set forth in the Annual Expenses table are accurate and that
all distributions are reinvested at net asset value. Actual expenses may be greater or
less than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater
or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example. |
USE
OF PROCEEDS
The
Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be $[ ], based on the Subscription
Price per share of $[ ], assuming all new shares of Common Shares offered are sold
and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately $[ ] are
paid and after deduction of the underwriting discounts and commissions.
The
Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high quality short term debt securities
and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s
investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be
completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the Fund’s anticipated investment period
extending to as long as six months. This could occur if market conditions are unstable to such an extent that the Investment Adviser
believes market risk is greater than the benefit of making additional investments at that time. Depending on market conditions
and operations, a portion of the cash held by the Fund, including any proceeds raised from the offering to be identified in any
relevant Prospectus Supplement, may be used to pay distributions in accordance with the Fund’s distribution policy. Such
distribution may include a return of capital and should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment
in the Fund. See “Use of Proceeds” in the Prospectus.
CAPITALIZATION
[To
be provided.]
PRICE
RANGE OF COMMON SHARES
The
following table sets forth for the quarters indicated, the high and low sale prices on the NYSE per share of our common shares
and the net asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value per share at which the common shares were trading, expressed
as a percentage of net asset value, at each of the high and low sale prices provided.
|
|
Market Price
|
|
Corresponding Net Asset
Value (“NAV”) Per Share
|
|
Corresponding Premium or
Discount as a % of NAV
|
Quarter
Ended
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
December
31, 2021 |
|
$7.05
|
|
$6.01 |
|
$6.47 |
|
$6.34 |
|
11.19% |
|
(7.11)% |
March
31, 2022 |
|
$6.85
|
|
$5.72
|
|
$6.28
|
|
$5.43
|
|
9.08% |
|
5.43% |
June
30, 2022 |
|
$6.44
|
|
$5.09
|
|
$5.64
|
|
$4.33
|
|
17.55% |
|
14.18% |
September
30, 2022 |
|
$5.87
|
|
$4.86
|
|
$4.92
|
|
$4.29
|
|
19.31% |
|
13.29% |
December
31, 2022 |
|
$5.40
|
|
$4.73
|
|
$4.40
|
|
$4.14
|
|
22.73% |
|
14.25% |
March
31, 2023 |
|
$5.26
|
|
$4.22
|
|
$4.51
|
|
$4.10
|
|
16.63% |
|
2.93% |
June
30, 2023 |
|
$4.51
|
|
$4.25
|
|
$4.18
|
|
$4.09
|
|
7.89% |
|
3.91% |
September
30, 2023 |
|
$4.34
|
|
$3.68
|
|
$4.17
|
|
$3.88
|
|
4.08% |
|
(5.15)% |
December
31, 2023 |
|
$3.74 |
|
$3.20 |
|
$3.82 |
|
$3.61 |
|
(2.09)% |
|
(11.36)% |
March
31, 2024 |
|
$3.81 |
|
$3.51 |
|
$3.80 |
|
$3.81 |
|
0.26% |
|
(7.87)% |
The
last reported price for our common shares on [ ], 2024 was $[ ] per share. As of [ ], 2024, the net asset value per share of the
Fund’s common shares was $[ ]. Accordingly, the Fund’s common shares traded at a [discount] to net asset value of
[ ]% on [ ], 2024.
SPECIAL
CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE RIGHTS
Dilution.
As with any security, the price of the Fund’s Common Shares fluctuates with market conditions and other factors. [The Common
Shares are currently trading at a [premium] to their net asset value.] However, shares of closed-end investment companies frequently
trade at a discount from their net asset values. This characteristic is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s
net asset value could decrease as a result of its investment activities and may be greater for shareholders expecting to sell
their Common Shares in a relatively short period of time following completion of this Rights offering. The net asset value of
the Common Shares will be reduced immediately following this Rights offering as a result of the accrual of certain offering costs.
If
you do not exercise all of your Rights, you may own a smaller proportional interest in the Fund when the Rights offering is over.
In addition, you will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value per share of your Common Shares if you
do not participate in the Rights offering and will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share whether or not you
exercise your Rights, if the Subscription Price is below the Fund’s net asset value per Common Share on the Expiration Date,
because:
| • | the
offered Common Shares are being sold at less than their current net asset value; |
| • | you
will indirectly bear the expenses of the Rights offering; and |
| • | the
number of Common Shares outstanding after the Rights offering will have increased proportionately
more than the increase in the amount of the Fund’s net assets. |
[On
the other hand, if the Subscription Price is above the Fund’s net asset value per share on the Expiration Date, you may
experience an immediate accretion of the aggregate net asset value per share of your Common Shares even if you do not exercise
your Rights and an immediate increase in the net asset value per share of your Common Shares whether or not you participate in
the offering, because:
| • | the
offered Common Shares are being sold at more than their current net asset value after
deducting the expenses of the Rights offering; and |
| • | the
number of Common Shares outstanding after the Rights offering will have increased proportionately
less than the increase in the amount of the Fund’s net assets.] |
[Furthermore,
if you do not participate in the Over-Subscription Privilege, if it is available, your percentage ownership may also be diluted.]
The Fund cannot state precisely the amount of any dilution because it is not known at this time what the net asset value per share
will be on the Expiration Date or what proportion of the Rights will be exercised. The impact of the Rights offering on net asset
value per share is shown by the following examples, assuming a $[●] Subscription Price:
[Scenario
1: (assumes net asset value per share is above subscription price)(1) |
NAV |
$ |
[●] |
Subscription
Price |
$ |
[●] |
Reduction
in NAV($)(2) |
$ |
[●] |
Reduction
in NAV(%) |
|
[●]%] |
Scenario
2: (assumes net asset value per share is below subscription price)(1) |
NAV |
$ |
[●] |
Subscription
Price |
$ |
[●] |
Increase
in NAV($)(2) |
$ |
[●] |
Increase
in NAV(%) |
|
[●]% |
| (1) | [Both
examples assume the full Primary Subscription and Secondary Over-Subscription Privilege
are exercised.] Actual amounts may vary due to rounding. |
| (2) | Assumes
$[●] in estimated offering expenses. |
If
you do not wish to exercise your Rights, you should consider selling them as set forth in this Prospectus Supplement. Any cash
you receive from selling your Rights may serve as partial compensation for any possible dilution of your interest in the Fund.
The Fund cannot give assurance, however, that a market for the Rights will develop or that the Rights will have any marketable
value.
[The
Fund’s largest shareholders could increase their percentage ownership in the Fund through the exercise of the Primary Subscription
and Over-Subscription Privilege.]
[Additional
risks to be provided]
RIGHTS
OFFERING
This
rights offering will be made in accordance with the 1940 Act. Under the laws of Maryland, the Board is authorized to approve rights
offerings without obtaining shareholder approval. The staff of the SEC has interpreted the 1940 Act as not requiring shareholder
approval of a transferable rights offering to purchase common stock at a price below the then current net asset value so long
as certain conditions are met, including: (i) a good faith determination by a fund’s Board that such offering would result
in a net benefit to existing shareholders; (ii) the offering fully protects shareholders’ preemptive rights and does not
discriminate among shareholders (except for the possible effect of not offering fractional rights); (iii) management uses its
best efforts to ensure an adequate trading market in the rights for use by shareholders who do not exercise such rights; and (iv)
the ratio of a transferable rights offering does not exceed one new share for each three rights held.
TAXATION
[To
be provided.]
LEGAL
MATTERS
Certain
legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York and Venable LLP, Baltimore,
Maryland in connection with the offering of the securities.
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Common Shares
Issuable
Upon Exercise of Rights to
Subscribe
for Such Common Shares
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
,
2024
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. N-2
Exhibit
(t)(vi)
Filed
Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration
Statement No. 333-
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
(To
Prospectus dated , 2024)
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Rights for
Shares
Subscription
Rights to Purchase % Series [ ]
[ ] Preferred Shares
We
are issuing subscription rights to our [common] [preferred] shareholders to purchase our % Series [ ] [ ] Preferred Shares. Our
common shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GCV.” The last reported sale price for our common shares on
, was $ per share.
You
should review the information set forth under “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the accompanying Prospectus
before investing in our preferred shares.
|
|
Per Share
|
|
Total (1)
|
Subscription
price of Preferred Shares |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
Underwriting
discounts and commissions |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds,
before expenses, to us |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| (1) | The
aggregate expenses of the offering are estimated to be $ ,
which represents approximately $ per
share. |
You
should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in our preferred shares
and retain it for future reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus contain important information about
us. Material that has been incorporated by reference and other information about us can be obtained from us by calling 800-GABELLI
(422-3554) or from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website (http://www.sec.gov).
Neither
the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus Supplement
is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
,
The
preferred shares are expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or about ,
2024. If the offer is extended, the preferred shares are expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository
Trust Company on or about , 2024.
The
date of this Prospectus Supplement is , 2024
You
should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying
Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell
these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained
in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus
Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, respectively. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects
may have changed since those dates. In this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated,
“Fund,” “us,” “our” and “we” refer to The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities
Fund Inc. This Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Prospectus
Supplement
|
Page
|
SUMMARY
OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING |
T-3 |
TERMS
OF THE SERIES PREFERRED SHARES |
T-3 |
DESCRIPTION
OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING |
T-4 |
USE
OF PROCEEDS |
T-4 |
CAPITALIZATION |
T-4 |
ASSET
COVERAGE RATIO |
T-4 |
SPECIAL
CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE RIGHTS |
T-4 |
TAXATION |
T-4 |
UNDERWRITING |
T-5 |
LEGAL
MATTERS |
T-5 |
SUMMARY
OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING
|
|
Terms of the Offer |
[To be provided.] |
|
|
Amount Available for Primary Subscription |
$[ ] |
|
|
Title |
Subscription Rights to Purchase Series [ ]
Preferred Shares |
|
|
Exercise Price |
Rights may be exercised at a price of $ per
preferred share (the “Subscription Price”). See “Terms of the Offer.” |
|
|
Record Date |
Rights will be issued to holders of record of
the Fund’s [common][preferred] shares on ,
2024 (the “Record Date”). See “Terms of the Offer.” |
|
|
Number of Rights Issued |
Right[s] will be issued in respect of each [common][preferred] share of the Fund outstanding on the Record Date. See “Terms
of the Offer.” |
|
|
Number of Rights Required to Purchase One
Preferred Share |
A holder of Rights may purchase
preferred share of the Fund for every
Rights exercised. The number of Rights to be issued to a shareholder on the Record Date will be rounded up to the nearest
number of Rights evenly divisible by . See
“Terms of the Offer.” |
|
|
Over-Subscription Privilege |
[To be provided.] |
|
|
Transfer of Rights |
[To be provided.] |
|
|
Exercise Period |
The Rights may be exercised at any time after
issuance and prior to expiration of the Rights, which will be 5:00 PM Eastern Time on ,
2024 (the “Expiration Date”) (the “Subscription Period”). See “Terms of the Offer”
and “Method of Exercise of Rights.” |
|
|
Offer Expenses |
The expenses of the Offer are expected to be
approximately $[ ]. See “Use of Proceeds.” |
|
|
Sale of Rights |
[To be provided.] |
|
|
Use of Proceeds |
The
Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be approximately $[ ].
This figure is based on the Exercise Price per share of $ and assumes
all new shares of Series [ ]
Preferred Shares offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately $[ ]
are paid.
The
Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high quality short term debt
securities and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance
with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which
is expected to substantially be completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the
Fund’s anticipated investment period extending to as long as six months. This could occur if market conditions are
unstable to such an extent that the Investment Adviser believes market risk is greater than the benefit of making additional
investments at that time. Depending on market conditions and operations, a portion of the cash held by the Fund, including
any proceeds raised from the offering to be identified in any relevant Prospectus Supplement, may be used to pay distributions
in accordance with the Fund’s distribution policy. Such distribution may include a return of capital and should
not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment in the Fund. See “Use of Proceeds”
in the Prospectus.
See
“Use of Proceeds.” |
|
|
ERISA |
See “Employee Plan Considerations.” |
|
|
Rights Agent |
[To be provided.] |
TERMS
OF THE SERIES PREFERRED SHARES
|
|
Dividend Rate |
The dividend
rate [for the initial dividend period](1) will be %. |
Dividend Payment
Rate |
[Dividends will
be paid when, as and if declared on ,
,
,
and ,
commencing .
The payment date for the initial dividend period will be .(1)] |
|
|
Liquidation Preference |
$
per share |
|
|
[Non-Call Period |
The shares may
not be called for redemption at the option of the Fund prior to .] |
|
|
[Stock Exchange
Listing] |
|
(1) Applicable only if the preferred
shares being offered will have different rates over time. |
DESCRIPTION
OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING
[To
be provided.]
USE
OF PROCEEDS
The
Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be $[ ], based on the Subscription
Price per share of $[ ], assuming all new shares of Series [ ]
Preferred Shares offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately $[ ]
are paid and after deduction of the underwriting discounts and commissions.
The
Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high quality short term debt securities
and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s
investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be
completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the Fund’s anticipated investment period
extending to as long as six months. This could occur if market conditions are unstable to such an extent that the Investment Adviser
believes market risk is greater than the benefit of making additional investments at that time. Depending on market conditions
and operations, a portion of the cash held by the Fund, including any proceeds raised from the offering to be identified in any
relevant Prospectus Supplement, may be used to pay distributions in accordance with the Fund’s distribution policy. Such
distribution may include a return of capital and should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment
in the Fund. See “Use of Proceeds” in the Prospectus.
CAPITALIZATION
[To
be provided.]
ASSET
COVERAGE RATIO
As
provided in the 1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions, the Fund may issue debt and/or preferred shares with the condition
that immediately after issuance the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceed 300% of the amount
of the debt outstanding and exceed 200% of the sum of the amount of debt and preferred shares outstanding. The Fund’s preferred
shares and notes, in aggregate, are expected to have an initial asset coverage on the date of issuance of approximately [ ]%.
SPECIAL
CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE RIGHTS
[To
be provided.]
TAXATION
[To
be provided.]
UNDERWRITING
[To
be provided.]
LEGAL
MATTERS
Certain
legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York and Venable LLP, Baltimore,
Maryland in connection with the offering of the securities.
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Preferred
Shares
Issuance
Upon Exercise of Rights to subscribe for such Preferred Shares
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
,
2024
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. N-2
Exhibit
(t)(vii)
Filed
Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration
Statement No. 333-
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
(To
Prospectus dated , 2024)
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Rights
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common Shares and Preferred Shares
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. (the “Fund,” “we,” “us” or “our”)
is issuing subscription rights (the “Rights”) to our common stockholders to purchase additional shares of common stock
(the “common shares”) and [ ] preferred stock (the “preferred shares”). The Rights may only be exercised
to purchase an equal number of common shares and preferred shares and may not be exercised to purchase only common shares or preferred
shares or an unequal number of common shares and preferred shares.
Our
common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “GCV”. On [ ], 2024,
the last reported sale price per share of our common stock was $[ ]. On [ ], 2024, the last reported net asset value per share
of our common stock was $[ ].
An
investment in the Fund is not appropriate for all investors. We cannot assure you that the Fund’s investment objective will
be achieved. You should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in the
Fund and retain it for future reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus contain important information
about us. Material that has been incorporated by reference and other information about us can be obtained from us by calling 800-GABELLI
(422-3554) or from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website (http://www.sec.gov). For additional
information all holders of rights should contact the Information Agent, [ ].
Investing
in common shares and preferred shares through Rights involves certain risks. You should review the information set forth under
“Risk Factors and Special Considerations” in the accompanying Prospectus as well as in the “Special Risks of
the Offering and the Preferred Shares” section of this Prospectus Supplement before investing in the common shares and preferred
shares.
|
|
Per Share
|
|
Total (1)
|
Subscription
price per common share to holders exercising Rights (1) |
|
$ |
|
$ |
Subscription
price per preferred share to holders exercising Rights (1) |
|
$ |
|
$ |
Underwriting
discounts and commissions (2) |
|
$ |
|
$ |
Proceeds,
before expenses, to the Fund (3) |
|
$ |
|
$ |
| (1) | The
Rights may only be exercised to purchase an equal number of common shares and preferred
shares and may not be exercised to purchase only common shares or preferred shares or
an unequal number of common shares and preferred shares. |
| (2) | Based
on a Dealer Manager solicitation fee of $[ ]
per common share issued. |
| (3) | The
aggregate expenses of the offering (excluding underwriting discounts and commissions)
are estimated to be $[ ]. |
NEITHER
THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
SHAREHOLDERS
WHO DO NOT EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS MAY, AT THE COMPLETION OF THE OFFERING, OWN A SMALLER PROPORTIONAL INTEREST IN THE FUND THAN
IF THEY EXERCISED THEIR RIGHTS. AS A RESULT OF THE OFFERING YOU MAY EXPERIENCE DILUTION [OR ACCRETION] OF THE AGGREGATE NET ASSET
VALUE OF YOUR COMMON SHARES DEPENDING UPON WHETHER THE FUND’S NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE IS ABOVE [OR BELOW] THE SUBSCRIPTION
PRICE ON THE EXPIRATION DATE.
The
common shares and preferred shares are expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company
on or about [ ], 2024. If the offer is extended, the common
shares and preferred shares are expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or
about [ ], 2024.
The
date of this Prospectus Supplement is [ ], 2024
You
should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying
Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell
these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained
in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus
Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, respectively. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects
may have changed since those dates. In this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated,
“Fund,” “us,” “our” and “we” refer to The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities
Fund Inc. This Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Prospectus
Supplement
|
Page
|
SUMMARY
OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING |
U-3 |
TERMS
OF THE SERIES PREFERRED SHARES |
U-4 |
DESCRIPTION
OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING |
U-4 |
TABLE
OF FEES AND EXPENSES |
U-4 |
USE
OF PROCEEDS |
U-5 |
CAPITALIZATION |
U-5 |
PRICE
RANGE OF COMMON SHARES |
U-5 |
ASSET
COVERAGE RATIO |
U-6 |
SPECIAL
CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE RIGHTS |
U-6 |
UNDERWRITING
|
U-7 |
RIGHTS
OFFERING |
U-7 |
TAXATION |
U-7 |
LEGAL
MATTERS |
U-7 |
SUMMARY
OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING
|
|
Terms of the Offer |
[To be provided.] |
|
|
Amount Available for Primary Subscription |
$[ ] |
|
|
Title |
Subscription Rights to Purchase Common Shares
and Preferred Shares |
|
|
Subscription Price |
Rights may be exercised at a price of $ per
common share and $ per preferred share (the “Subscription Price”).
See “Terms of the Offer.” |
|
|
Record Date |
Rights will be issued to holders of record of
the Fund’s [common][preferred] shares on ,
2024 (the “Record Date”). See “Terms of the Offer.” |
|
|
Number of Rights Issued |
Rights will be issued in respect of each [common][preferred] share of the Fund outstanding on the Record Date. See “Terms
of the Offer.” |
|
|
Number of Rights Required to Purchase One
Common Share and One Preferred Share |
A holder of Rights
may purchase one common share and one preferred share for every [ ] Rights
exercised. [The number of Rights issued to a shareholder will be rounded up to the nearest number of Rights evenly divisible
by [ .] A holder of Rights may only purchase an equal number of common shares
and preferred shares and may not exercise any Rights so as to purchase only common shares or preferred or an unequal number
of common shares and preferred shares. See “Description of the Rights Offering—Terms of the Rights Offering”. |
|
|
Over-Subscription Privilege |
[To be provided.] |
|
|
Transfer of Rights |
[To be provided.] |
|
|
Subscription Period |
The Rights may be exercised at any time after
issuance and prior to expiration of the Rights, which will be 5:00 PM Eastern Time on ,
2024 (the “Expiration Date”) (the “Subscription Period”). See “Terms of the Offer”
and “Method of Exercise of Rights.” |
|
|
Offer Expenses |
The expenses of the Offer are expected to be
approximately $[ ]. See “Use of Proceeds.” |
|
|
Sale of Rights |
[To be provided.] |
|
|
Use of Proceeds |
The
Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be approximately $[ ].
This figure is based on the Subscription Price per share of $ and assumes
all new common shares and preferred shares offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately
$[ ] are paid.
The
Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high quality short term debt
securities and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance
with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which
is expected to substantially be completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the
Fund’s anticipated investment period extending to as long as six months. This could occur if market conditions are
unstable to such an extent that the Investment Adviser believes market risk is greater than the benefit of making additional
investments at that time. Depending on market conditions and operations, a portion of the cash held by the Fund, including
any proceeds raised from the offering to be identified in any relevant Prospectus Supplement, may be used to pay distributions
in accordance with the Fund’s distribution policy. Such distribution may include a return of capital and should
not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment in the Fund. See “Use of Proceeds”
in the Prospectus.
See
“Use of Proceeds.” |
|
|
ERISA |
See “Employee Plan Considerations.” |
|
|
Rights Agent |
[To be provided.] |
TERMS
OF THE series PREFERRED SHARES
Dividend Rate |
The dividend
rate for the [initial dividend period](1) will be %. |
|
|
Dividend Payment
Rate |
[Dividends will be paid when, as and if
declared on
,
,
, and
, commencing
. The
payment date for the initial dividend period will be .(1)] |
|
|
Liquidation Preference |
$
per share |
|
|
[Non-Call Period |
The shares may
not be called for redemption at the option of the Fund prior to .] |
|
|
[Stock Exchange
Listing] |
|
(1) Applicable only if the preferred
shares being offered will have different rates over time. |
DESCRIPTION
OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING
[To
be provided.]
TABLE
OF FEES AND EXPENSES
The
following tables are intended to assist you in understanding the various costs and expenses directly or indirectly associated
with investing in our common shares as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares. Amounts are for the current fiscal
year after giving effect to anticipated net proceeds of the offering, assuming that we incur the estimated offering expenses.
Shareholder
Transaction Expenses
Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price) | |
| [ | ]% |
Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering price) | |
| [ | ]% |
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan Fees | |
| | |
Purchase Transaction | |
$ | 0.75 | (1) |
Sale Transaction | |
$ | 2.50 | (1) |
| |
| | |
| |
Percentage of Net Assets
Attributable to Common Shares
|
Annual Expenses | |
| | |
Management Fees | |
| | %(2) |
Interest on Borrowed Funds | |
| None | (3) |
Other Expenses | |
| | %(4) |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | |
| | % |
Dividends on Preferred Shares | |
| | % |
Total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred Shares | |
| | %(2) |
| (1) | Shareholders
participating in the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan do not incur any
additional fees. Shareholders participating in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan would
pay $0.75 plus their pro rata share of brokerage commissions for transactions to purchase
shares and $2.50 plus their pro rata share of brokerage commissions per transaction to
sell shares. See “Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan.” |
| (2) | The
Investment Adviser’s fee is 1.00% annually of the Fund’s average daily net
assets, including the liquidation value of preferred shares. Consequently, if the Fund
has preferred shares or notes outstanding, all else being equal and assuming no application
of any voluntary fee waivers, the investment management fees and other expenses as a
percentage of net assets attributable to common shares will be higher than if the Fund
does not utilize a leveraged capital structure. See “Management of the Fund”
in the attached Prospectus. |
| (3) | The
Fund has no current intention of borrowing from a lender or issuing notes during the
one year following the date of this Prospectus. |
| (4) | “Other
Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current year assuming completion
of the proposed issuances. |
Example
The
following example illustrates the expenses (including the maximum estimated sales load of $[ ]
and estimated offering expenses of $[ ] from the issuance of $[ ]
million in common shares) you would pay on a $1,000 investment in common shares, assuming a 5% annual portfolio total return.*
The actual amounts in connection with any offering will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement if applicable.
|
|
|
1 Year
|
|
3 Years
|
|
5 Years
|
|
10 Years
|
|
Total
Expenses Incurred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| * | The
example should not be considered a representation of future expenses. The example
assumes that the amounts set forth in the Annual Expenses table are accurate and that
all distributions are reinvested at net asset value. Actual expenses may be greater or
less than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater
or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example. |
USE
OF PROCEEDS
The
Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be $[ ], based on the Subscription
Price of $[ ] per common share and $[ ]
per preferred share, assuming all new common shares and preferred shares offered are sold and that the expenses related to the
Offer estimated at approximately $[ ] are paid and after deduction of the underwriting
discounts and commissions.
The
Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high quality short term debt securities
and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund’s
investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be
completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the Fund’s anticipated investment period
extending to as long as six months. This could occur if market conditions are unstable to such an extent that the Investment Adviser
believes market risk is greater than the benefit of making additional investments at that time. Depending on market conditions
and operations, a portion of the cash held by the Fund, including any proceeds raised from the offering to be identified in any
relevant Prospectus Supplement, may be used to pay distributions in accordance with the Fund’s distribution policy. Such
distribution may include a return of capital and should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment
in the Fund. See “Use of Proceeds” in the Prospectus.
CAPITALIZATION
[To
be provided.]
PRICE
RANGE OF COMMON SHARES
The
following table sets forth for the quarters indicated, the high and low sale prices on the NYSE per share of our common shares
and the net asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value per share at which the common shares were trading, expressed
as a percentage of net asset value, at each of the high and low sale prices provided.
|
|
Market Price
|
|
Corresponding Net Asset
Value (“NAV”) Per Share
|
|
Corresponding Premium or
Discount as a % of NAV
|
Quarter
Ended
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
|
High
|
|
Low
|
December
31, 2021 |
|
$7.05
|
|
$6.01 |
|
$6.47 |
|
$6.34 |
|
11.19% |
|
(7.11)% |
March
31, 2022 |
|
$6.85
|
|
$5.72
|
|
$6.28
|
|
$5.43
|
|
9.08% |
|
5.43% |
June
30, 2022 |
|
$6.44
|
|
$5.09
|
|
$5.64
|
|
$4.33
|
|
17.55% |
|
14.18% |
September
30, 2022 |
|
$5.87
|
|
$4.86
|
|
$4.92
|
|
$4.29
|
|
19.31% |
|
13.29% |
December
31, 2022 |
|
$5.40
|
|
$4.73
|
|
$4.40
|
|
$4.14
|
|
22.73% |
|
14.25% |
March
31, 2023 |
|
$5.26
|
|
$4.22
|
|
$4.51
|
|
$4.10
|
|
16.63% |
|
2.93% |
June
30, 2023 |
|
$4.51
|
|
$4.25
|
|
$4.18
|
|
$4.09
|
|
7.89% |
|
3.91% |
September
30, 2023 |
|
$4.34
|
|
$3.68
|
|
$4.17
|
|
$3.88
|
|
4.08% |
|
(5.15)% |
December
31, 2023 |
|
$3.74 |
|
$3.20 |
|
$3.82 |
|
$3.61 |
|
(2.09)% |
|
(11.36)% |
March
31, 2024 |
|
$3.81 |
|
$3.51 |
|
$3.80 |
|
$3.81 |
|
0.26% |
|
(7.87)% |
The
last reported price for our common shares on [ ], 2024 was $[ ] per share. As of [ ], 2024, the net asset value per share of the
Fund’s common shares was $[ ]. Accordingly, the Fund’s common shares traded at a [discount] to net asset value of
[ ]% on [ ], 2024.
ASSET
COVERAGE RATIO
As
provided in the 1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions, the Fund may issue debt and/or preferred shares with the condition
that immediately after issuance the value of its total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceed 300% of the amount
of the debt outstanding and exceed 200% of the sum of the amount of debt and preferred shares outstanding. The Fund’s preferred
shares and notes, in aggregate, are expected to have an initial asset coverage on the date of issuance of approximately [ ]%.
SPECIAL
CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE RIGHTS
Dilution.
As with any security, the price of the Fund’s Common Shares fluctuates with market conditions and other factors. [The Common
Shares are currently trading at a [premium] to their net asset value.] However, shares of closed-end investment companies frequently
trade at a discount from their net asset values. This characteristic is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s
net asset value could decrease as a result of its investment activities and may be greater for shareholders expecting to sell
their Common Shares in a relatively short period of time following completion of this Rights offering. The net asset value of
the Common Shares will be reduced immediately following this Rights offering as a result of the accrual of certain offering costs.
If
you do not exercise all of your Rights, you may own a smaller proportional interest in the Fund when the Rights offering is over.
In addition, you will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value per share of your Common Shares if you
do not participate in the Rights offering and will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share whether or not you
exercise your Rights, if the Subscription Price is below the Fund’s net asset value per Common Share on the Expiration Date,
because:
| • | the
offered Common Shares are being sold at less than their current net asset value; |
| • | you
will indirectly bear the expenses of the Rights offering; and |
| • | the
number of Common Shares outstanding after the Rights offering will have increased proportionately
more than the increase in the amount of the Fund’s net assets. |
[On
the other hand, if the Subscription Price is above the Fund’s net asset value per share on the Expiration Date, you may
experience an immediate accretion of the aggregate net asset value per share of your Common Shares even if you do not exercise
your Rights and an immediate increase in the net asset value per share of your Common Shares whether or not you participate in
the offering, because:
| • | the
offered Common Shares are being sold at more than their current net asset value after
deducting the expenses of the Rights offering; and |
| • | the
number of Common Shares outstanding after the Rights offering will have increased proportionately
less than the increase in the amount of the Fund’s net assets.] |
[Furthermore,
if you do not participate in the Over-Subscription Privilege, if it is available, your percentage ownership may also be diluted.]
The Fund cannot state precisely the amount of any dilution because it is not known at this time what the net asset value per share
will be on the Expiration Date or what proportion of the Rights will be exercised. The impact of the Rights offering on net asset
value per share is shown by the following examples, assuming a $[●] Subscription Price:
[Scenario
1: (assumes net asset value per share is above subscription price)(1) |
NAV |
$ |
[●] |
Subscription
Price |
$ |
[●] |
Reduction
in NAV($)(2) |
$ |
[●] |
Reduction
in NAV(%) |
|
[●]%] |
Scenario
2: (assumes net asset value per share is below subscription price)(1) |
NAV |
$ |
[●] |
Subscription
Price |
$ |
[●] |
Increase
in NAV($)(2) |
$ |
[●] |
Increase
in NAV(%) |
|
[●]% |
| (1) | [Both
examples assume the full Primary Subscription and Secondary Over-Subscription Privilege
are exercised.] Actual amounts may vary due to rounding. |
| (2) | Assumes
$[●] in estimated offering expenses. |
If
you do not wish to exercise your Rights, you should consider selling them as set forth in this Prospectus Supplement. Any cash
you receive from selling your Rights may serve as partial compensation for any possible dilution of your interest in the Fund.
The Fund cannot give assurance, however, that a market for the Rights will develop or that the Rights will have any marketable
value.
[The
Fund’s largest shareholders could increase their percentage ownership in the Fund through the exercise of the Primary Subscription
and Over-Subscription Privilege.]
[Additional
risks to be provided]
underwriting
[To
be provided.]
RIGHTS
OFFERING
This
rights offering will be made in accordance with the 1940 Act. Under the laws of Maryland, the Board is authorized to approve rights
offerings without obtaining shareholder approval. The staff of the SEC has interpreted the 1940 Act as not requiring shareholder
approval of a transferable rights offering to purchase common stock at a price below the then current net asset value so long
as certain conditions are met, including: (i) a good faith determination by a fund’s Board that such offering would result
in a net benefit to existing shareholders; (ii) the offering fully protects shareholders’ preemptive rights and does not
discriminate among shareholders (except for the possible effect of not offering fractional rights); (iii) management uses its
best efforts to ensure an adequate trading market in the rights for use by shareholders who do not exercise such rights; and (iv)
the ratio of a transferable rights offering does not exceed one new share for each three rights held.
TAXATION
[To
be provided.]
LEGAL
MATTERS
Certain
legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York and Venable LLP, Baltimore,
Maryland in connection with the offering of the securities.
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
Common Shares and Preferred Shares
Issuable
Upon Exercise of Rights to
Subscribe
for Such Common Shares and Preferred Shares
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
,
2024
The Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc. N-2
Exhibit
(s)
Calculation
of Filing Fee Tables
FORM
N-2
(Form
Type)
GABELLI
CONVERTIBLE & INCOME SECURITIES FUND INC
(Exact
Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Table
1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities
|
Security
Type |
Security
Class
Title |
Fee
Calculation
or Carry
Forward
Rule |
Amount
Registered |
Proposed
Maximum
Offering
Price Per
Unit |
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price |
Fee
Rate |
Amount
of
Registration
Fee |
Carry
Forward
Form
Type |
Carry
Forward
File
Number |
Carry
Forward
Initial
effective
date |
Filing
Fee
Previously
Paid In
Connection
with
Unsold
Securities
to be
Carried
Forward |
|
Carry
Forward Securities |
|
Carry
Forward Securities |
Equity |
Common
Shares(2) |
Rule
415(a)(6) |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
N-2 |
|
|
333-257573 |
August
13, 2021 |
(1) |
|
|
Carry
Forward Securities |
Equity |
Preferred
Shares(2) |
Rule
415(a)(6) |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
N-2 |
|
|
333-257573 |
August
13, 2021 |
(1) |
|
|
Carry
Forward Securities |
Debt |
Debt
Securities (3) |
Rule
415(a)(6) |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
N-2 |
|
|
333-257573 |
August
13, 2021 |
(1) |
|
|
Carry
Forward Securities |
Other |
Subscription
Rights(4) |
Rule
415(a)(6) |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
N-2 |
|
|
333-257573 |
August
13, 2021 |
(1) |
|
|
Carry
Forward Securities |
Other |
Unallocated
(Universal) Shelf |
Rule
415(a)(6) |
|
|
$125,000,000(1)(5) |
|
|
N-2 |
|
|
333-257573 |
August
13, 2021 |
$13,637.50 |
|
Total
Offering Amounts |
|
$125,000,000(5) |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Fees Previously Paid |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Fee Offsets |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Fee Due |
|
|
|
$0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Included
as part of Unallocated (Universal) Shelf. Pursuant to Rule 415(a)(6) under the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant is carrying
forward $125,000,000 aggregate principal offering price of unsold securities (the “Unsold Securities”) that were
previously registered for sale under a Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-257573) initially filed on June 30,
2021, as amended on August 11, 2021, declared effective on August 13, 2021, and further amended on August 25, 2022 and March
16, 2023 (the “Prior Registration Statement”). The Registrant previously paid filing fees in the aggregate of
$13,637.50 relating to the securities registered on the Prior Registration Statement. Pursuant to Rule 415(a)(6) under the
Securities Act, the filing fees previously paid with respect to the Unsold Securities will continue to be applied to such
Unsold Securities. Pursuant to Rule 415(a)(6) under the Securities Act, the offering of Unsold Securities under the Prior
Registration Statement will be deemed terminated as of the date of effectiveness of this Registration Statement. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2) |
There is being registered
hereunder an indeterminate number of common shares and preferred shares as may be sold, from time to time. |
|
(3) |
There is being registered
hereunder an indeterminate principal amount of debt securities as may be sold, from time to time. Debt securities may be issued
at an original issue discount or at a premium. |
|
(4) |
There is being registered
hereunder an indeterminate number of subscription rights as may be sold, from time to time, representing rights to purchase
common shares and/or preferred shares. |
|
(5) |
Pursuant to General
Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3, in no event will we sell securities in a public primary offering pursuant to this prospectus
with a value exceeding more than one-third of our “Public Float” (the market value of our common stock held by
our non-affiliates) in any 12-months period so long as our Public Float remains below $75,000,000. |
v3.24.2
N-2 - $ / shares
|
|
|
|
3 Months Ended |
Jul. 11, 2024 |
Jul. 09, 2024 |
Mar. 31, 2024 |
Mar. 31, 2024 |
Dec. 31, 2023 |
Cover [Abstract] |
|
|
|
|
|
Entity Central Index Key |
0000845611
|
|
|
|
|
Amendment Flag |
false
|
|
|
|
|
Entity Inv Company Type |
N-2
|
|
|
|
|
Document Type |
N-2
|
|
|
|
|
Document Registration Statement |
true
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Company Act Registration |
true
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Company Registration Amendment |
true
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Company Registration Amendment Number |
25
|
|
|
|
|
Entity Registrant Name |
THE
GABELLI CONVERTIBLE AND INCOME SECURITIES FUND INC.
|
|
|
|
|
Entity Address, Address Line One |
One
Corporate Center
|
|
|
|
|
Entity Address, City or Town |
Rye
|
|
|
|
|
Entity Address, State or Province |
NY
|
|
|
|
|
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code |
10580-1422
|
|
|
|
|
City Area Code |
(800)
|
|
|
|
|
Local Phone Number |
422-3554
|
|
|
|
|
Approximate Date of Commencement of Proposed Sale to Public |
From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend or Interest Reinvestment Plan Only |
false
|
|
|
|
|
Delayed or Continuous Offering |
true
|
|
|
|
|
Primary Shelf [Flag] |
true
|
|
|
|
|
Effective Upon Filing, 462(e) |
false
|
|
|
|
|
Additional Securities Effective, 413(b) |
false
|
|
|
|
|
Effective when Declared, Section 8(c) |
false
|
|
|
|
|
New Effective Date for Previous Filing |
false
|
|
|
|
|
Additional Securities. 462(b) |
false
|
|
|
|
|
No Substantive Changes, 462(c) |
false
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibits Only, 462(d) |
false
|
|
|
|
|
Registered Closed-End Fund [Flag] |
true
|
|
|
|
|
Business Development Company [Flag] |
false
|
|
|
|
|
Interval Fund [Flag] |
false
|
|
|
|
|
Primary Shelf Qualified [Flag] |
true
|
|
|
|
|
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer |
No
|
|
|
|
|
Entity Emerging Growth Company |
false
|
|
|
|
|
New CEF or BDC Registrant [Flag] |
false
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Securities, Note [Text Block] |
SENIOR
SECURITIES
The
information contained under the headings “Financial Highlights” and “Additional Fund Information—Summary
of Fund Expenses—Selected data for a common share outstanding throughout each year” in the Annual Report is incorporated
herein by reference. The information contained under such headings in the Annual Report concerning the Fund’s outstanding
senior securities for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the years ended December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021, December
31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is derived from the Fund’s financial statements audited by
, independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, whose report on such financial statements, together with the
financial statements of the Fund, are included in the Annual Report and are incorporated by reference herein.
|
|
|
|
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Objectives and Practices [Text Block] |
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Investment
Objective and Policies
The
investment objective of the Fund is to seek a high level of total return on its assets. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment
objective through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. There is no assurance that this objective will be
achieved. It is, however, a fundamental policy of the Fund and cannot be changed without stockholder approval.
Under
normal circumstances the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets (taken at current value) in “convertible
securities,” i.e., securities (bonds, debentures, notes, stocks and other similar securities) that are convertible into
common stock or other equity securities, and “income securities,” i.e., nonconvertible debt or equity securities having
a history of regular payments or accrual of income to holders. Securities received upon conversion of a convertible security will
not be included in the calculation of the percentage of Fund assets invested in convertible securities but may be retained in
the Fund’s portfolio to permit orderly disposition or to establish long-term holding periods for federal income tax purposes.
The Fund expects to continue its practice of focusing on convertible securities to the extent attractive opportunities are available.
We cannot assure you that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund may invest without limit in securities rated
below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable quality, including securities
of issuers in default, which are likely to have the lowest rating; provided, however, that not more than 50% of the Fund’s
portfolio will consist of securities rated CCC or lower by S&P or Caa or lower by Moody’s or, if unrated, are of comparable
quality as determined by the Investment Adviser, and the Fund’s investments in securities of issuers in default will be
limited to not more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund. Securities rated below investment grade, which may be preferred shares
or debt, are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Securities that are rated lower
than “BBB” by S&P, or lower than “Baa” by Moody’s or unrated securities considered by the Investment
Adviser to be of comparable quality, are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities.
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Investment Objectives and Policies” in
the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
|
|
|
|
|
Risk Factors [Table Text Block] |
RISK
FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Risk Factors and Special Considerations”
in the Fund’s Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.
HOW
THE FUND MANAGES RISK
Investment
Restrictions
The
Fund has adopted certain investment restrictions as fundamental policies of the Fund. Under the 1940 Act, a fundamental policy
may not be changed without the vote of a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund
(voting together as a single class). In addition, pursuant to the Fund’s Series G Preferred Articles Supplementary, a majority,
as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding preferred shares of the Fund (voting separately as a single class) is also required
to change a fundamental policy. See “Investment Restrictions” in the SAI and “Additional Fund Information—Investment
Restrictions” in the Annual Report. The Fund may become subject to rating agency guidelines that are more limiting than
its current investment restrictions in order to obtain and maintain a desired rating on its preferred shares, if any.
The
Fund’s investment objective is a fundamental policy. Except as expressly listed under “Investment Restrictions”
none of the Fund’s other policies is fundamental, and each may be modified by the Board without shareholder approval.
Interest
Rate Transactions
The
Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions to manage its borrowing costs, as well as to increase income. The use
of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from
those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. In an interest rate swap, the Fund would agree to pay to the other
party to the interest rate swap (which is known as the “counterparty”) periodically a fixed rate payment in exchange
for the counterparty agreeing to pay to the fund periodically a variable rate payment that is intended to approximate the Fund’s
variable rate payment obligation on its borrowings (or the Fund’s potential variable payment obligations on fixed rate preferred
shares that may have certain variable rate features). In an interest rate cap, the Fund would pay a premium to the counterparty
to the interest rate cap and, to the extent that a specified variable rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, would receive
from the counterparty payments of the difference based on the notional amount of such cap. Interest rate swap and cap transactions
introduce additional risk because the Fund would remain obligated to pay interest or preferred shares dividends when due even
if the counterparty defaulted. Depending on the general state of short term interest rates and the returns on the Fund’s
portfolio securities at that point in time, such a default could negatively affect the Fund’s ability to make interest payments
or dividend payments on the preferred shares. In addition, at the time an interest rate swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled
termination date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the
replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it could have a negative impact on the Fund’s
ability to make interest payments or dividend payments on the preferred shares. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates,
the value of the interest rate swap or cap could decline, resulting in a decline in the asset coverage for the borrowings or preferred
shares. A sudden and dramatic decline in interest rates may result in a significant decline in the asset coverage. If the Fund
fails to maintain the required asset coverage on any outstanding borrowings or preferred shares or fails to comply with other
covenants, the Fund may be required to redeem some or all of these shares. Any such prepayment or redemption would likely result
in the Fund seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap or cap transactions. Early termination of a swap could result
in a termination payment by the Fund to the counterparty, while early termination of a cap could result in a termination payment
to the Fund.
The
Fund may enter into equity contract for difference swap transactions, for the purpose of increasing the income of the Fund. In
an equity contract for difference swap, a set of future cash flows is exchanged between two counterparties. One of these cash
flow streams will typically be based on a reference interest rate combined with the performance of a notional value of shares
of a stock. The other will be based on the performance of the shares of a stock. Depending on the general state of short term
interest rates and the returns on the Fund’s portfolio securities at the time a swap transaction reaches its scheduled termination
date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement
will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction.
The
Fund will usually enter into swaps or caps on a net basis; that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash settlement
on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net
amount of the two payments. The Fund intends to segregate or earmark cash or liquid assets having a value at least equal to the
value of the Fund’s net payment obligations under any swap transaction, marked to market daily. The Fund will monitor any
such swap with a view to ensuring that the Fund remains in compliance with all applicable regulatory, investment policy and tax
requirements.
If
the Fund writes (sells) a credit default swap or credit default index swap, then the Fund will, during the term of the swap agreement,
designate on its books and records in connection with such transaction liquid assets or cash with a value at least equal to the
full notional amount of the contract.
Further
information on the investment objective and policies of the Fund is set forth in the SAI.
|
|
|
|
|
Share Price [Table Text Block] |
Price
Range of Common Shares
The
information contained under the heading “Additional Fund Information—Summary of Fund Expenses—Market, Net Asset
Value Information and Unresolved Staff Comments” in the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference. The following
table sets forth for the quarters indicated, the high and low sale prices on the NYSE per share of our common shares and the net
asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value per share at which the common shares were trading, expressed as a
percentage of net asset value, at each of the high and low sale prices provided.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
Market Price | |
Corresponding Net Asset Value (“NAV”) Per Share | |
Corresponding Premium or Discount as a % of NAV |
Quarter Ended | |
High | |
Low | |
High | |
Low | |
High | |
Low |
December 31, 2023 | |
$3.74 | |
$3.20 | |
$3.82 | |
$3.61 | |
(2.09)% | |
(11.36)% |
March 31, 2024 | |
$3.81 | |
$3.51 | |
$3.80 | |
$3.81 | |
0.26% | |
(7.87)% |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Stock [Table Text Block] |
Common
Shares
The
Fund is authorized to issue 1,000,000,000 shares of capital stock, par value $.001 per share, in multiple classes and series thereof
as determined from time to time by the Board. As of March 31, 2024, 19,474,744 common shares were outstanding. The common shares
of the Fund are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GCV” and began trading March 31, 1995. The Fund’s
common shares have historically traded at a discount to the Fund’s net asset value. Since the Fund commenced trading on
the NYSE, the Fund’s common shares have traded at a maximum discount to net asset value of (32.4)% and a maximum premium
of 33.9%. The average weekly trading volume of the common shares on the NYSE during the period from January 1, 2023 through
September 30, 2023 was 116,956 shares. Though the Fund expects to pay distributions quarterly on the common shares, it is not
obligated to do so. Each share within a particular class or series thereof has equal voting, dividend, distribution and liquidation
rights. All shares, when issued in accordance with the terms of the applicable offering, will be fully paid and non-assessable. The
common shares are not redeemable and have no preemptive, conversion or cumulative voting rights.
Offerings
of shares require approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors. Any additional offerings of shares will require approval by
the Fund’s Board. Any additional offering of common shares will be subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, which provides
that common shares may not be issued at a price below the then current net asset value, exclusive of sales load, except in connection
with an offering to existing holders of common shares or with the consent of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding common
shareholders.
Unlike open-end funds, closed-end funds
like the Fund do not continuously offer shares and do not provide daily redemptions. Rather, if a shareholder determines to buy
additional common shares or sell shares already held, the shareholder may do so by trading through a broker on the NYSE or otherwise.
Shares
of closed-end investment companies often trade on an exchange at prices lower than net asset value. Because the market
value of the common shares may be influenced by such factors as dividend and distribution levels (which are in turn affected by
expenses), dividend and distribution stability, net asset value, market liquidity, relative demand for and supply of such shares
in the market, unrealized gains, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Fund, the
Fund cannot assure you that common shares will trade at a price equal to or higher than net asset value in the future. The common
shares are designed primarily for long term investors and you should not purchase the common shares if you intend to sell them
soon after purchase.
Subject
to the rights of the outstanding preferred shares, the Fund’s common shares vote as a single class on election of Directors
and on additional matters with respect to which the 1940 Act, Maryland law, the Fund’s Charter, Bylaws or resolutions adopted
by the Board provide for a vote of the Fund’s common shares. See “Certain Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation
Law and Our Charter and Bylaws.”
The
Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company and as such its shareholders do not, and will not, have
the right to require the Fund to repurchase their shares. The Fund, however, may repurchase its common shares from time to time
as and when it deems such a repurchase advisable, subject to maintaining required asset coverage for each series of outstanding
preferred shares. The Board has authorized such repurchases to be made when the Fund’s common shares are trading at a discount
from net asset value of 10% or more (or such other percentage as the Board of the Fund may determine from time to time). Pursuant
to the 1940 Act, the Fund may repurchase its common shares on a securities exchange (provided that the Fund has informed its shareholders
within the preceding six months of its intention to repurchase such shares) or pursuant to tenders and may also repurchase shares
privately if the Fund meets certain conditions regarding, among other things, distribution of net income for the preceding fiscal
year, status of the seller, price paid, brokerage commissions, prior notice to shareholders of an intention to purchase shares
and purchasing in a manner and on a basis that does not discriminate unfairly against the other shareholders through their interest
in the Fund.
When
the Fund repurchases its common shares for a price below net asset value, the net asset value of the common shares that remain
outstanding will be enhanced, but this does not necessarily mean that the market price of the outstanding common shares will be
affected, either positively or negatively. The repurchase of common shares will reduce the total assets of the Fund available
for investment and may increase the Fund’s expense ratio. During the fiscal period ended September 30, 2023 and the year
ended December 31, 2022, the Fund did not repurchase and retire any shares in the open market.
Book-Entry
The
common shares will initially be held in the name of Cede & Co. as nominee for the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”).
The Fund will treat Cede & Co. as the holder of record of the common shares for all purposes. In accordance with the
procedures of DTC, however, purchasers of common shares will be deemed the beneficial owners of shares of common stock purchased
for purposes of distributions, voting and liquidation rights.
Preferred
Shares
Under
the Fund’s Charter, the Board of Directors has the authority to classify or reclassify the Fund’s 1,000,000,000 authorized
shares of capital stock as preferred shares. The terms of such preferred shares may be fixed by the Board and would materially
limit and/or qualify the rights of the holders of the Fund’s common shares.
As
of March 31, 2024, the Fund had outstanding 640,000 Series G Preferred Shares. Distributions on the Series G Preferred accumulate
at an annual rate of 5.200% of the liquidation preference of $10.00 per share, are cumulative from the date of original issuance
thereof, and are payable quarterly on March 26, June 26, September 26 and December 26 of each year. The Series
G Preferred is subject to mandatory redemption by the Fund on June 26, 2025, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased by the Fund.
The Series G Preferred was issued in a private placement and is not listed on any exchange.
If
the Fund publicly issues additional preferred shares, it will pay dividends to the holders of the preferred shares at a fixed
rate, as described in a Prospectus Supplement accompanying each preferred share offering.
Upon
a liquidation, each holder of the preferred shares will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Fund available for distribution
to shareholders (after payment of claims of the Fund’s creditors but before any distributions with respect to the Fund’s
common shares or any other shares of the Fund ranking junior to the preferred shares as to liquidation payments) an amount per
share equal to such share’s liquidation preference plus any accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned
or declared, excluding interest thereon) to the date of distribution, and such shareholders shall be entitled to no further participation
in any distribution or payment in connection with such liquidation. Each series of the preferred shares will rank on a parity
with any other series of preferred shares of the Fund as to the payment of distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation,
and will be junior to the Fund’s obligations with respect to any outstanding senior securities representing debt. The preferred
shares carry one vote per share on all matters on which such shares are entitled to vote. The preferred shares will, upon issuance,
be fully paid and nonassessable and will have no preemptive, exchange or conversion rights. The Board may by resolution classify
or reclassify any authorized but unissued capital shares of the Fund from time to time by setting or changing the preferences,
conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions or terms or conditions of redemption.
The Fund will not issue any class of shares senior to the preferred shares.
Redemption,
Purchase and Sale of Preferred Shares by the Fund. The terms of any preferred shares are expected to provide that
(i) they are redeemable by the Fund at any time (either after the date of initial issuance, or after some period of time
following initial issuance) in whole or in part at the original purchase price per share plus accumulated dividends per share,
(ii) the Fund may tender for or purchase preferred shares and (iii) the Fund may subsequently resell any shares so tendered
for or purchased. Any redemption or purchase of preferred shares by the Fund will reduce the leverage applicable to the common
shares, while any resale of preferred shares by the Fund will increase that leverage.
Rating
Agency Guidelines. The Series G Preferred Shares are not rated by any rating agency. Upon issuance, any new publicly
issued series of preferred shares may be rated by Moody’s or Fitch, in which case the following description of rating agency
guidelines would become applicable.
The
Fund expects that it would be required under any applicable rating agency guidelines to maintain assets having in the aggregate
a discounted value at least equal to the Basic Maintenance Amount (as defined in the applicable organizational documents for each
series of preferred shares) for its outstanding preferred shares with respect to the separate guidelines Moody’s and Fitch
has each established for determining discounted value. To the extent any particular portfolio holding does not satisfy the applicable
rating agency’s guidelines, all or a portion of such holding’s value will not be included in the calculation of discounted
value (as defined by such rating agency). The Moody’s and Fitch guidelines would also impose certain diversification requirements
and industry concentration limitations on the Fund’s overall portfolio, and apply specified discounts to securities held
by the Fund (except certain money market securities). The “Basic Maintenance Amount” is calculated as set out in the
organizational documents for each series of preferred shares.
The
“Basic Maintenance Amount” is generally equal to (a) the sum of (i) the aggregate liquidation preference
of any preferred shares then outstanding plus (to the extent not included in the liquidation preference of such preferred shares)
an amount equal to the aggregate accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) in respect of such preferred
shares, (ii) the Fund’s other liabilities (excluding dividends and other distributions payable on the Fund’s
common shares) and (iii) any other current liabilities of the Fund (including amounts due and payable by the Fund pursuant
to reverse repurchase agreements and payables for assets purchased) less (b) the value of the Fund’s assets if such
assets are either cash or evidences of indebtedness which mature prior to or on the date of redemption or repurchase of preferred
shares or payment of another liability and are either U.S. government securities or evidences of indebtedness rated at least “Aaa,” “P-1”, “VMIG-1” or “MIG-1” by
Moody’s or “AAA”, “SP-1+” or “A-1+” by S&P and are held by the
Fund for distributions, the redemption or repurchase of preferred shares or the Fund’s liabilities.
If
the Fund does not cure in a timely manner a failure to maintain a discounted value of its portfolio equal to the Basic Maintenance
Amount in accordance with the requirements of any applicable rating agency or agencies then rating the preferred shares at the
request of the Fund, the Fund may, and in certain circumstances would be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares.
The
Fund may, but would not be required to, adopt any modifications to the rating agency guidelines that may be established by Moody’s
and Fitch (or such other rating agency then rating the preferred shares at the request of the Fund) following the issuance of
any such rated preferred shares. Failure to adopt any such modifications, however, may result in a change in the relevant rating
agency’s ratings or a withdrawal of such ratings altogether. In addition, any rating agency providing a rating for the preferred
shares at the request of the Fund may, at any time, change or withdraw any such rating. The Board, without further action by shareholders,
would be expected to be able to amend, alter, add to or repeal any provision of a Articles Supplementary adopted pursuant to rating
agency guidelines if the Board determines that such amendments or modifications are necessary to prevent a reduction in, or the
withdrawal of, a rating of the preferred shares and are in the aggregate in the best interests of the holders of the preferred
shares. Additionally, the Board, without further action by the shareholders, would be expected to be able to amend, alter, add
to or repeal any provision of any Articles Supplementary adopted pursuant to rating agency guidelines if the Board determines
that such amendments or modifications will not in the aggregate adversely affect the rights and preferences of the holders of
any series of the preferred shares, provided that the Fund has received advice from each applicable rating agency that such amendment
or modification is not expected to adversely affect such rating agency’s then-current rating of such series of the Fund’s
preferred shares.
As
described by Moody’s and Fitch, any ratings assigned to the preferred shares are assessments of the capacity and willingness
of the Fund to pay the obligations of each series of the preferred shares. Any ratings on the preferred shares are not recommendations
to purchase, hold or sell shares of any series, inasmuch as the ratings do not comment as to market price or suitability for a
particular investor. The rating agency guidelines also do not address the likelihood that an owner of preferred shares will be
able to sell such shares on an exchange, in an auction or otherwise. Any ratings would be based on current information furnished
to Moody’s and Fitch by the Fund and the Investment Adviser and information obtained from other sources. Any ratings may
be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or the unavailability of, such information.
The
rating agency guidelines would apply to the preferred shares, as the case may be, only so long as such rating agency is rating
such shares at the request of the Fund. The Fund expects that it would pay fees to Moody’s and Fitch for rating any preferred
shares.
Asset
Maintenance Requirements. In addition to the requirements summarized under “—Rating Agency Guidelines”
above, the Fund must also satisfy asset maintenance requirements under the 1940 Act with respect to its preferred shares. Under
the 1940 Act, such debt or additional preferred shares may be issued only if immediately after such issuance the value of the
Fund’s total assets (less ordinary course liabilities) is at least 300% of the amount of any debt outstanding and at least
200% of the amount of any preferred shares and debt outstanding.
The
Fund is and likely will be required under the Articles Supplementary of each series of preferred shares to determine whether it
has, as of the last business day of each March, June, September and December of each year, an “asset coverage” (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of at least 200% (or such higher or lower percentage as may be required at the time under the 1940 Act)
with respect to all outstanding senior securities of the Fund that are debt or stock, including any outstanding preferred shares.
If the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage required under the 1940 Act on such dates and such failure is not cured by a
specific time (generally within 60 calendar days or 49 calendar days), the Fund may, and in certain circumstances will be required
to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares sufficient to satisfy such asset coverage. See “—Redemption Procedures”
below.
Distributions. Holders
of any preferred shares are or will be entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized by the Board and declared by the Fund,
out of funds legally available therefor, cumulative cash distributions, at an annual rate set forth in the applicable Articles
Supplementary or Prospectus Supplement, payable with such frequency as set forth in the applicable Articles Supplementary or Prospectus
Supplement. Such distributions will accumulate from the date on which such shares are issued.
Restrictions
on Dividends and Other Distributions for the Preferred Shares. So long as any preferred shares are outstanding, the Fund
may not pay any dividend or distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in common shares or in options, warrants
or rights to subscribe for or purchase common shares) in respect of the common shares or call for redemption, redeem, purchase
or otherwise acquire for consideration any common shares (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of the Fund ranking
junior to the preferred shares as to the payment of dividends or distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation),
unless:
| ● | the
Fund has declared and paid (or provided to the relevant dividend paying agent) all cumulative
distributions on the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares due on or prior to the
date of such common shares dividend or distribution; |
| ● | the
Fund has redeemed the full number of preferred shares to be redeemed pursuant to any
mandatory redemption provision in the Fund’s Governing Documents; and |
| ● | after
making the distribution, the Fund meets applicable asset coverage requirements described
under “Preferred Shares—Rating Agency Guidelines” and “—Asset
Maintenance Requirements.” |
No
complete distribution due for a particular dividend period will be declared or made on any series of preferred shares for any
dividend period, or part thereof, unless full cumulative distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates therefore
for all outstanding series of preferred shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series as to distributions have been
or contemporaneously are declared and made. If full cumulative distributions due have not been made on all outstanding preferred
shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series of preferred shares as to the payment of distributions, any distributions
being paid on the preferred shares will be paid as nearly pro rata as possible in proportion to the respective amounts of distributions
accumulated but unmade on each such series of preferred shares on the relevant dividend payment date. The Fund’s obligation
to make distributions on the preferred shares will be subordinate to its obligations to pay interest and principal, when due,
on any senior securities representing debt.
Mandatory
Redemption Relating to Asset Coverage Requirements. The Fund may, at its option, consistent with the Governing Documents
and the 1940 Act, and in certain circumstances will be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares in the event that:
| ● | the
Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements specified under the 1940 Act on
a quarterly valuation date (generally the last business day of March, June, September
and December) and such failure is not cured on or before a specified period of time,
following such failure; or |
| ● | the
Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements as calculated in accordance with
any applicable rating agency guidelines as of any monthly valuation date (generally the
last business day of each month), and such failure is not cured on or before a specified
period of time after such valuation date. |
The
redemption price for preferred shares subject to mandatory redemption will generally be the liquidation preference, as stated
in the Articles Supplementary for the Series E Preferred or the Prospectus Supplement accompanying the issuance of any series
of preferred shares, plus an amount equal to any accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) to the
date fixed for redemption, plus any applicable redemption premium determined by the Board and included in the Articles Supplementary.
The
number of preferred shares that will be redeemed in the case of a mandatory redemption will equal the minimum number of outstanding
preferred shares, the redemption of which, if such redemption had occurred immediately prior to the opening of business on the
applicable cure date, would have resulted in the relevant asset coverage requirement having been met or, if the required asset
coverage cannot be so restored, all of the preferred shares. In the event that preferred shares are redeemed due to a failure
to satisfy the 1940 Act asset coverage requirements, the Fund may, but is not required to, redeem a sufficient number of preferred
shares so that the Fund’s assets exceed the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act after the redemption by 10% (that
is, 220% asset coverage) or some other amount specified in the Articles Supplementary. In the event that preferred shares are
redeemed due to a failure to satisfy applicable rating agency guidelines, the Fund may, but is not required to, redeem a sufficient
number of preferred shares so that the Fund’s discounted portfolio value (as determined in accordance with the applicable
rating agency guidelines) after redemption exceeds the asset coverage requirements of each applicable rating agency by up to 10%
(that is, 110% rating agency asset coverage) or some other amount specified in the Articles Supplementary.
If
the Fund does not have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is otherwise unable to redeem, all the preferred shares
to be redeemed on any redemption date, the Fund will redeem on such redemption date that number of shares for which it has legally
available funds, or is otherwise able to redeem, from the holders whose shares are to be redeemed ratably on the basis of the
redemption price of such shares, and the remainder of those shares to be redeemed will be redeemed on the earliest practicable
date on which the Fund will have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is otherwise able to redeem, such shares upon
written notice of redemption.
If
fewer than all of the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares are to be redeemed, the Fund, at its discretion and subject to
the limitations of the Governing Documents, the 1940 Act and applicable law, will select the one or more series of preferred shares
from which shares will be redeemed and the amount of preferred shares to be redeemed from each such series. If fewer than all
preferred shares of a series are to be redeemed, such redemption will be made as among the holders of that series pro rata in
accordance with the respective number of shares of such series held by each such holder on the record date for such redemption
(or by such other equitable method as the Fund may determine). If fewer than all the preferred shares held by any holder are to
be redeemed, the notice of redemption mailed to such holder will specify the number of shares to be redeemed from such holder,
which may be expressed as a percentage of shares held on the applicable record date.
Optional
Redemption. Preferred shares are not subject to optional redemption by the Fund until the date, if any, specified in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement, unless such redemption is necessary, in the judgment of the Fund, to maintain the Fund’s
status as a RIC under the Code. Commencing on such date and thereafter, the Fund may at any time redeem such fixed rate preferred
shares in whole or in part for cash at a redemption price per share equal to the initial liquidation preference per share plus
accumulated and unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) to the redemption date plus any premium specified in
or pursuant to the Articles Supplementary. Such redemptions are subject to the notice requirements set forth under “—Redemption
Procedures” and the limitations of the Governing Documents and 1940 Act.
Redemption
Procedures. A notice of redemption with respect to an optional redemption will be given to the holders of record of preferred
shares selected for redemption not less than 15 days (subject to NYSE requirements), nor more than 40 days prior to the date fixed
for redemption. Preferred shareholders may receive shorter notice in the event of a mandatory redemption. Each notice of redemption
will state (i) the redemption date, (ii) the number or percentage of preferred shares to be redeemed (which may be expressed
as a percentage of such shares outstanding), (iii) the CUSIP number(s) of such shares, (iv) the redemption price (specifying
the amount of accumulated distributions to be included therein), (v) the place or places where such shares are to be redeemed,
(vi) that dividends or distributions on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on such redemption date, (vii) the
provision of the Articles Supplementary, as applicable, under which the redemption is being made and (viii) any conditions
precedent to such redemption. No defect in the notice of redemption or in the mailing thereof will affect the validity of the
redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law.
The
holders of any preferred shares will not have the right to redeem any of their shares at their option except to the extent specified
in the Articles Supplementary.
Liquidation
Preference. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs
of the Fund, the holders of preferred shares then outstanding will be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating distribution,
which is expected to equal the original purchase price per preferred share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, whether or not
declared, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of common shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred shares will not be entitled to any further participation in
any distribution of assets by the Fund.
Voting
Rights. Except as otherwise stated in this Prospectus, specified in the Governing Documents or resolved by the Board
or as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of preferred shares shall be entitled to one vote per share held on each matter
submitted to a vote of the shareholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common shares and of any other preferred
shares then outstanding as a single class.
In
connection with the election of the Fund’s Directors, holders of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled to elect two of the Fund’s Directors, and the remaining Directors will be elected by holders
of common shares and holders of preferred shares, voting together as a single class. In addition, if (i) at any time dividends
and distributions on outstanding preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to at least two full years’ dividends and
distributions thereon and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been deposited with the applicable paying agent for
the payment of such accumulated dividends and distributions or (ii) at any time holders of any other series of preferred
shares are entitled to elect a majority of the Directors of the Fund under the 1940 Act or the applicable Articles Supplementary
creating such shares, then the number of Directors constituting the Board automatically will be increased by the smallest number
that, when added to the two Directors elected exclusively by the holders of preferred shares as described above, would then constitute
a simple majority of the Board as so increased by such smallest number. Such additional Directors will be elected by the holders
of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a single class, at a special meeting of shareholders which will be called
as soon as practicable and will be held not less than ten nor more than twenty days after the mailing date of the meeting notice.
If the Fund fails to send such meeting notice or to call such a special meeting, the meeting may be called by any preferred shareholder
on like notice. The terms of office of the persons who are Directors at the time of that election will continue. If the Fund thereafter
pays, or declares and sets apart for payment in full, all dividends and distributions payable on all outstanding preferred shares
for all past dividend periods or the holders of other series of preferred shares are no longer entitled to elect such additional
Directors, the additional voting rights of the holders of the preferred shares as described above will cease, and the terms of
office of all of the additional Directors elected by the holders of the preferred shares (but not of the Directors with respect
to whose election the holders of common shares were entitled to vote or the two Directors the holders of preferred shares have
the right to elect as a separate class in any event) will terminate automatically.
The
1940 Act requires that in addition to any approval by shareholders that might otherwise be required, the approval of the holders
of a majority of any outstanding preferred shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), voting separately as a class, would be required
to (i) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely affect the preferred shares, and (ii) take any action requiring
a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, including, among other things, changes in the Fund’s
subclassification as a closed-end investment company to an open-end company or changes in its fundamental
investment restrictions. As a result of these voting rights, the Fund’s ability to take any such actions may be impeded
to the extent that there are any preferred shares outstanding. Additionally, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding preferred shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), voting as a separate class, will be required to amend, alter
or repeal any of the provisions of the Articles Supplementary so as to in the aggregate adversely affect the rights and preferences
set forth in the Articles Supplementary The class vote of holders of preferred shares described above will in each case be in
addition to any other vote required to authorize the action in question.
The
foregoing voting provisions will not apply to any preferred shares if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which
such vote otherwise would be required will be effected, such shares will have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient
cash or cash equivalents provided to the applicable paying agent to effect such redemption. The holders of preferred shares will
have no preemptive rights or rights to cumulative voting.
Limitation
on Issuance of Preferred Shares. So long as the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, subject to receipt of approval
from the rating agencies of each series of preferred shares outstanding, and subject to compliance with the Fund’s investment
objective, policies and restrictions, the Fund may issue and sell shares of one or more other series of additional preferred shares
provided that the Fund will, immediately after giving effect to the issuance of such additional preferred shares and to its receipt
and application of the proceeds thereof (including, without limitation, to the redemption of preferred shares to be redeemed out
of such proceeds), have an “asset coverage” for all senior securities of the Fund which are stock, as defined in the
1940 Act, of at least 200% of the sum of the liquidation preference of the preferred shares of the Fund then outstanding and all
indebtedness of the Fund constituting senior securities and no such additional preferred shares will have any preference or priority
over any other preferred shares of the Fund upon the distribution of the assets of the Fund or in respect of the payment of dividends
or distributions.
The
Fund will consider from time to time whether to offer additional preferred shares or securities representing indebtedness and
may issue such additional securities if the Board concludes that such an offering would be consistent with the Fund’s Governing
Documents and applicable law, and in the best interest of the Fund and its existing common shareholders.
Tenders
and Repurchases. In addition to the redemption provisions described herein, the Fund may also tender for or purchase
preferred shares (whether in private transactions or on the NYSE American) and the Fund may subsequently resell any shares so
tendered for or purchased, subject to the provisions of the Fund’s Governing Documents and the 1940 Act.
Book
Entry. Preferred shares may be held in the name of Cede & Co. as nominee for DTC. The Fund will treat Cede &
Co. as the holder of record of preferred shares for all purposes. In accordance with the procedures of DTC, however, purchasers
of Preferred Shares will be deemed the beneficial owners of stock purchased for purposes of dividends, voting and liquidation
rights.
|
|
|
|
|
Other Securities [Table Text Block] |
Notes
General. Under
Maryland law and our Charter, we may borrow money without prior approval of holders of common and preferred shares. We may issue
debt securities, including notes, or other evidence of indebtedness and may secure any such notes or borrowings by mortgaging,
pledging or otherwise subjecting as security our assets to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or rating agency guidelines. Any
borrowings, including without limitation any notes, will rank senior to the preferred shares and the common shares.
Under
the 1940 Act, we may only issue one class of senior securities representing indebtedness, which in the aggregate, must have asset
coverage immediately after the time of issuance of at least 300%. So long as notes are outstanding, additional debt securities
must rank on a parity with notes with respect to the payment of interest and upon the distribution of our assets.
A
Prospectus Supplement relating to any notes will include specific terms relating to the offering. The terms to be stated in a
Prospectus Supplement will include the following:
| ● | the
form and title of the security; |
| ● | the
aggregate principal amount of the securities; |
| ● | the
interest rate of the securities; |
| ● | whether
the interest rate for the securities will be determined by auction or remarketing; |
| ● | the
maturity dates on which the principal of the securities will be payable; |
| ● | the
frequency with which auctions or remarketings, if any, will be held; |
| ● | any
changes to or additional events of default or covenants; |
| ● | any
minimum period prior to which the securities may not be called; |
| ● | any
optional or mandatory call or redemption provisions; |
| ● | the
credit rating of the notes; |
| ● | if
applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable
to the issuance of the notes; and |
| ● | any
other terms of the securities. |
Interest.
The Prospectus Supplement will describe the interest payment provisions relating to notes. Interest on notes will be payable when
due as described in the related Prospectus Supplement. If we do not pay interest when due, it will trigger an event of default
and we will be restricted from declaring dividends and making other distributions with respect to our common shares and preferred
shares.
Limitations.
Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, immediately after issuing any notes the value of our total assets, less certain ordinary
course liabilities, must equal or exceed 300% of the amount of the notes outstanding. Other types of borrowings also may result
in our being subject to similar covenants in credit agreements.
Additionally,
the 1940 Act requires that we prohibit the declaration of any dividend or distribution (other than a dividend or distribution
paid in Fund common or preferred shares or in options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase Fund common or preferred
shares) in respect of Fund common or preferred shares, or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration
any such fund common or preferred shares, unless the Fund’s notes have asset coverage of at least 300% (200% in the case
of a dividend or distribution on preferred shares) after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution, or acquisition price,
as the case may be. These 1940 Act requirements do not apply to any promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness issued in
consideration of any loan, extension, or renewal thereof, made by a bank or other person and privately arranged, and not intended
to be publicly distributed; however, any such borrowings may result in our being subject to similar covenants in credit agreements.
Moreover, the Indenture related to the notes could contain provisions more restrictive than those required by the 1940 Act, and
any such provisions would be described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Events
of Default and Acceleration of Maturity of Notes. Unless stated otherwise in the related Prospectus Supplement, any one
of the following events will constitute an “event of default” for that series under the Indenture relating to the
notes:
| ● | default
in the payment of any interest upon a series of notes when it becomes due and payable
and the continuance of such default for 30 days; |
| ● | default
in the payment of the principal of, or premium on, a series of notes at its stated maturity; |
| ● | default
in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of ours in the Indenture,
and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after written notice
has been given to us by the trustee; |
| ● | certain
voluntary or involuntary proceedings involving us and relating to bankruptcy, insolvency
or other similar laws; |
| ● | if,
on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months, the notes
have a 1940 Act asset coverage of less than 100%; or |
| ● | any
other “event of default” provided with respect to a series, including a default
in the payment of any redemption price payable on the redemption date. |
Upon
the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, the holders of a majority in principal amount of a series of outstanding
notes or the trustee will be able to declare the principal amount of that series of notes immediately due and payable upon written
notice to us. A default that relates only to one series of notes does not affect any other series and the holders of such other
series of notes will not be entitled to receive notice of such a default under the Indenture. Upon an event of default relating
to bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws, acceleration of maturity will occur automatically with respect to all series.
At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to a series of notes has been made, and before a judgment or decree
for payment of the money due has been obtained, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes of that
series, by written notice to us and the trustee, may rescind and annul the declaration of acceleration and its consequences if
all events of default with respect to that series of notes, other than the non-payment of the principal of that series
of notes which has become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived and other conditions have
been met.
Liquidation
Rights. In the event of (a) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization
or other similar case or proceeding in connection therewith, relative to us or to our creditors, as such, or to our assets, or
(b) any liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of us, whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving
insolvency or bankruptcy, or (c) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and liabilities
of ours, then (after any payments with respect to any secured creditor of ours outstanding at such time) and in any such event
the holders of notes shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of all
notes (including any interest accruing thereon after the commencement of any such case or proceeding), or provision shall be made
for such payment in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to the holders of the notes, before the holders
of any of our common or preferred shares are entitled to receive any payment on account of any redemption proceeds, liquidation
preference or dividends from such shares. The holders of notes shall be entitled to receive, for application to the payment thereof,
any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, including any such payment or distribution
which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness of ours being subordinated to the payment
of the notes, which may be payable or deliverable in respect of the notes in any such case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation
or other winding up event.
Unsecured
creditors of ours may include, without limitation, service providers including the Investment Adviser, the Custodian, administrator,
auction agent, broker-dealers and the trustee, pursuant to the terms of various contracts with us. Secured creditors of ours may
include without limitation parties entering into any interest rate swap, floor or cap transactions, or other similar transactions
with us that create liens, pledges, charges, security interests, security agreements or other encumbrances on our assets.
A
consolidation, reorganization or merger of us with or into any other company, or a sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially
all of our assets in consideration for the issuance of equity securities of another company shall not be deemed to be a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of us.
Voting
Rights. The notes have no voting rights, except as mentioned below and to the extent required by law or as otherwise provided
in the Indenture relating to the acceleration of maturity upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default. In connection
with the notes or certain other borrowings (if any), the 1940 Act does in certain circumstances grant to the note holders or lenders
certain voting rights. The 1940 Act requires that provision is made either (i) that, if on the last business day of each
of twelve consecutive calendar months such notes shall have an asset coverage of less than 100%, the holders of such notes voting
as a class shall be entitled to elect at least a majority of the members of the Fund’s Directors, such voting right to continue
until such notes shall have an asset coverage of 110% or more on the last business day of each of three consecutive calendar months,
or (ii) that, if on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months such notes shall have an asset
coverage of less than 100%, an event of default shall be deemed to have occurred. It is expected that, unless otherwise stated
in the related Prospectus Supplement, provision will be made that, if on the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive
calendar months such notes shall have an asset coverage of less than 100%, an event of default shall be deemed to have occurred.
These 1940 Act requirements do not apply to any promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness issued in consideration of any
loan, extension, or renewal thereof, made by a bank or other person and privately arranged, and not intended to be publicly distributed;
however, any such borrowings may result in our being subject to similar covenants in credit agreements. As reflected above, the
Indenture relating to the notes may also grant to the note holders voting rights relating to the acceleration of maturity upon
the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, and any such rights would be described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Market.
Our notes are not likely to be listed on an exchange or automated quotation system. The details on how to buy and sell such notes,
along with the other terms of the notes, will be described in a Prospectus Supplement. We cannot assure you that any market will
exist for our notes or if a market does exist, whether it will provide holders with liquidity.
Book-Entry,
Delivery and Form. Unless otherwise stated in the related Prospectus Supplement, the notes will be issued in book-entry form
and will be represented by one or more notes in registered global form. The global notes will be deposited with the trustee as
custodian for DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. DTC will maintain the notes in designated
denominations through its book-entry facilities.
Under
the terms of the Indenture, we and the trustee may treat the persons in whose names any notes, including the global notes, are
registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Therefore,
so long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of the global notes, DTC or such nominee will be considered the sole holder
of outstanding notes under the Indenture. We or the trustee may give effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization
furnished by DTC or its nominee.
A
global note may not be transferred except as a whole by DTC, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of beneficial
owners in the global note may be transferred or exchanged for definitive securities in accordance with the rules and procedures
of DTC. In addition, a global note may be exchangeable for notes in definitive form if:
| ● | DTC
notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a depository and we do not
appoint a successor within 60 days; |
| ● | we,
at our option, notify the trustee in writing that we elect to cause the issuance of notes
in definitive form under the Indenture; or |
| ● | an
event of default has occurred and is continuing. |
In
each instance, upon surrender by DTC or its nominee of the global note, notes in definitive form will be issued to each person
that DTC or its nominee identifies as being the beneficial owner of the related notes.
Under
the Indenture, the holder of any global note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any person, including its participants
and persons who may hold interests through DTC participants, to take any action which a holder is entitled to take under the Indenture.
Trustee,
Transfer Agent, Registrar, Paying Agent and Redemption Agent. Information regarding the trustee under the Indenture, which
may also act as transfer agent, registrar, paying agent and redemption agent with respect to our notes, will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement.
Subscription
Rights
General. We
may issue subscription rights to holders of our (i) common shares to purchase common and/or preferred shares or (ii) preferred
shares to purchase preferred shares (subject to applicable law). Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with
any other offered security and may or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the subscription rights. In
connection with a subscription rights offering to holders of our common and/or preferred shares, we would distribute certificates
evidencing the subscription rights and a Prospectus Supplement to our common or preferred shareholders, as applicable, as of the
record date that we set for determining the shareholders eligible to receive subscription rights in such subscription rights offering.
The
applicable Prospectus Supplement would describe the following terms of subscription rights in respect of which this Prospectus
is being delivered:
| ● | the
period of time the offering would remain open (which will be open a minimum number of
days such that all record holders would be eligible to participate in the offering and
will not be open longer than 120 days); |
| ● | the
title of such subscription rights; |
| ● | the
exercise price for such subscription rights (or method of calculation thereof); |
| ● | the
number of such subscription rights issued in respect of each common share; |
| ● | the
number of rights required to purchase a single preferred share; |
| ● | the
extent to which such subscription rights are transferable and the market on which they
may be traded if they are transferable; |
| ● | if
applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable
to the issuance or exercise of such subscription rights; |
| ● | the
date on which the right to exercise such subscription rights will commence, and the date
on which such right will expire (subject to any extension); |
| ● | the
extent to which such subscription rights include an over-subscription privilege with
respect to unsubscribed securities and the terms of such over-subscription privilege; |
| ● | any
termination right we may have in connection with such subscription rights offering; and |
| ● | any
other terms of such subscription rights, including exercise, settlement and other procedures
and limitations relating to the transfer and exercise of such subscription rights. |
Exercise
of Subscription Rights. Each subscription right would entitle the holder of the subscription right to purchase for cash
such number of shares at such exercise price as in each case is set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus
supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby, Subscription rights would be exercisable at any time up to the
close of business on the expiration date for such subscription rights set forth in the prospectus supplement. After the close
of business on the expiration date, all unexercised subscription rights would become void.
Subscription
rights would be exercisable as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Upon
expiration of the rights offering and the receipt of payment and the subscription rights certificate properly completed and duly
executed at the corporate trust office of the subscription rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement
we would issue, as soon as practicable, the shares purchased as a result of such exercise. To the extent permissible under applicable
law, we may determine to offer any unsubscribed offered securities directly to persons other than shareholders, to or through
agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common and Preferred Shares. The Fund may issue subscription rights which would entitle holders to
purchase both common and preferred shares in a ratio to be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. In accordance with
the 1940 Act, at least three rights would be required to subscribe for one common share. It is expected that rights to purchase
both common and preferred shares would require holders to purchase an equal number of common and preferred shares, and would not
permit holders to purchase an unequal number of common or preferred shares, or purchase only common shares or only preferred shares.
For example, such an offering might be structured such that three rights would entitle an investor to purchase one common share
and one preferred share, and such investor would not be able to choose to purchase only a common share or only a preferred share
upon the exercise of his, her or its rights.
The
common shares and preferred shares issued pursuant to the exercise of any such rights, however, would at all times be separately
tradeable securities. Such common and preferred shares would not be issued as a “unit” or “combination”
and would not be listed or traded as a “unit” or “combination” on a securities exchange, such as the NYSE,
at any time. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth additional details regarding an offering of subscription rights
to purchase common and preferred shares.
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Securities [Table Text Block] |
Outstanding
Securities
The
following information regarding the Fund’s authorized and outstanding shares is as of July 9, 2024.
Title
of Class |
Amount
Authorized |
Amount
Held
by
Fund or
for
its Account |
Amount
Outstanding
Exclusive
of
Amount
Held
by
Fund |
Common
Shares |
994,150,000 |
None |
19,586,184 |
Series
E 4.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock |
350,000 |
None |
None |
Series
B 6.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock |
1,995,000 |
None |
None |
Series
G 5.20% Cumulative Preferred Stock |
1,500,000 |
None |
640,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Business Contact [Member] |
|
|
|
|
|
Cover [Abstract] |
|
|
|
|
|
Entity Address, Address Line One |
The
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
Entity Address, Address Line Two |
One
Corporate Center
|
|
|
|
|
Entity Address, City or Town |
Rye
|
|
|
|
|
Entity Address, State or Province |
NY
|
|
|
|
|
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code |
10580-1422
|
|
|
|
|
City Area Code |
(914)
|
|
|
|
|
Local Phone Number |
921-5100
|
|
|
|
|
Contact Personnel Name |
John
C. Ball
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stocks [Member] |
|
|
|
|
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
|
|
|
|
Lowest Price or Bid |
|
|
|
$ 3.51
|
$ 3.20
|
Highest Price or Bid |
|
|
|
3.81
|
3.74
|
Lowest Price or Bid, NAV |
|
|
|
3.81
|
3.61
|
Highest Price or Bid, NAV |
|
|
|
$ 3.80
|
$ 3.82
|
Highest Price or Bid, Premium (Discount) to NAV [Percent] |
|
|
|
0.26%
|
(2.09%)
|
Lowest Price or Bid, Premium (Discount) to NAV [Percent] |
|
|
|
(7.87%)
|
(11.36%)
|
Share Price |
|
$ 3.65
|
|
|
|
NAV Per Share |
|
$ 3.62
|
|
|
|
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Title [Text Block] |
|
Common
Shares
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Authorized [Shares] |
|
994,150,000
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Held [Shares] |
|
0
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares] |
|
19,586,184
|
19,474,744
|
|
|
Series G Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member] |
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Stock Liquidating Preference |
|
$ 10.00
|
$ 10.00
|
$ 10.00
|
|
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Title [Text Block] |
|
Series
G 5.20% Cumulative Preferred Stock
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Authorized [Shares] |
|
1,500,000
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Held [Shares] |
|
0
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares] |
|
640,000
|
640,000
|
|
|
Cumulative Preferred Stocks [Member] |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |
|
|
|
|
|
Security Voting Rights [Text Block] |
Voting
Rights. Except as otherwise stated in this Prospectus, specified in the Governing Documents or resolved by the Board
or as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of preferred shares shall be entitled to one vote per share held on each matter
submitted to a vote of the shareholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common shares and of any other preferred
shares then outstanding as a single class.
In
connection with the election of the Fund’s Directors, holders of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled to elect two of the Fund’s Directors, and the remaining Directors will be elected by holders
of common shares and holders of preferred shares, voting together as a single class. In addition, if (i) at any time dividends
and distributions on outstanding preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to at least two full years’ dividends and
distributions thereon and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been deposited with the applicable paying agent for
the payment of such accumulated dividends and distributions or (ii) at any time holders of any other series of preferred
shares are entitled to elect a majority of the Directors of the Fund under the 1940 Act or the applicable Articles Supplementary
creating such shares, then the number of Directors constituting the Board automatically will be increased by the smallest number
that, when added to the two Directors elected exclusively by the holders of preferred shares as described above, would then constitute
a simple majority of the Board as so increased by such smallest number. Such additional Directors will be elected by the holders
of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a single class, at a special meeting of shareholders which will be called
as soon as practicable and will be held not less than ten nor more than twenty days after the mailing date of the meeting notice.
If the Fund fails to send such meeting notice or to call such a special meeting, the meeting may be called by any preferred shareholder
on like notice. The terms of office of the persons who are Directors at the time of that election will continue. If the Fund thereafter
pays, or declares and sets apart for payment in full, all dividends and distributions payable on all outstanding preferred shares
for all past dividend periods or the holders of other series of preferred shares are no longer entitled to elect such additional
Directors, the additional voting rights of the holders of the preferred shares as described above will cease, and the terms of
office of all of the additional Directors elected by the holders of the preferred shares (but not of the Directors with respect
to whose election the holders of common shares were entitled to vote or the two Directors the holders of preferred shares have
the right to elect as a separate class in any event) will terminate automatically.
The
1940 Act requires that in addition to any approval by shareholders that might otherwise be required, the approval of the holders
of a majority of any outstanding preferred shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), voting separately as a class, would be required
to (i) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely affect the preferred shares, and (ii) take any action requiring
a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, including, among other things, changes in the Fund’s
subclassification as a closed-end investment company to an open-end company or changes in its fundamental
investment restrictions. As a result of these voting rights, the Fund’s ability to take any such actions may be impeded
to the extent that there are any preferred shares outstanding. Additionally, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding preferred shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), voting as a separate class, will be required to amend, alter
or repeal any of the provisions of the Articles Supplementary so as to in the aggregate adversely affect the rights and preferences
set forth in the Articles Supplementary The class vote of holders of preferred shares described above will in each case be in
addition to any other vote required to authorize the action in question.
The
foregoing voting provisions will not apply to any preferred shares if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which
such vote otherwise would be required will be effected, such shares will have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient
cash or cash equivalents provided to the applicable paying agent to effect such redemption. The holders of preferred shares will
have no preemptive rights or rights to cumulative voting.
|
|
|
|
|
Security Liquidation Rights [Text Block] |
Liquidation
Preference. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs
of the Fund, the holders of preferred shares then outstanding will be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating distribution,
which is expected to equal the original purchase price per preferred share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, whether or not
declared, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of common shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred shares will not be entitled to any further participation in
any distribution of assets by the Fund.
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Stock Restrictions, Other [Text Block] |
Restrictions
on Dividends and Other Distributions for the Preferred Shares. So long as any preferred shares are outstanding, the Fund
may not pay any dividend or distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in common shares or in options, warrants
or rights to subscribe for or purchase common shares) in respect of the common shares or call for redemption, redeem, purchase
or otherwise acquire for consideration any common shares (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of the Fund ranking
junior to the preferred shares as to the payment of dividends or distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation),
unless:
| ● | the
Fund has declared and paid (or provided to the relevant dividend paying agent) all cumulative
distributions on the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares due on or prior to the
date of such common shares dividend or distribution; |
| ● | the
Fund has redeemed the full number of preferred shares to be redeemed pursuant to any
mandatory redemption provision in the Fund’s Governing Documents; and |
| ● | after
making the distribution, the Fund meets applicable asset coverage requirements described
under “Preferred Shares—Rating Agency Guidelines” and “—Asset
Maintenance Requirements.” |
No
complete distribution due for a particular dividend period will be declared or made on any series of preferred shares for any
dividend period, or part thereof, unless full cumulative distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates therefore
for all outstanding series of preferred shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series as to distributions have been
or contemporaneously are declared and made. If full cumulative distributions due have not been made on all outstanding preferred
shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series of preferred shares as to the payment of distributions, any distributions
being paid on the preferred shares will be paid as nearly pro rata as possible in proportion to the respective amounts of distributions
accumulated but unmade on each such series of preferred shares on the relevant dividend payment date. The Fund’s obligation
to make distributions on the preferred shares will be subordinate to its obligations to pay interest and principal, when due,
on any senior securities representing debt.
|
|
|
|
|
Series E Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member] |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Title [Text Block] |
|
Series
E 4.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Authorized [Shares] |
|
350,000
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Held [Shares] |
|
0
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares] |
|
0
|
|
|
|
Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member] |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Title [Text Block] |
|
Series
B 6.00% Cumulative Preferred Stock
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Authorized [Shares] |
|
1,995,000
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Held [Shares] |
|
0
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares] |
|
0
|
|
|
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2
+ Details
Name: |
cef_BusinessDevelopmentCompanyFlag |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 10
+ Details
Name: |
cef_CapitalStockLongTermDebtAndOtherSecuritiesAbstract |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:stringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 10 -Subsection 1 -Paragraph a
+ Details
Name: |
cef_CapitalStockTableTextBlock |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:textBlockItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 4
+ Details
Name: |
cef_FinancialHighlightsAbstract |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:stringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 8
+ Details
Name: |
cef_GeneralDescriptionOfRegistrantAbstract |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:stringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 8 -Subsection 5 -Paragraph b
+ Details
Name: |
cef_HighestPriceOrBid |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:perShareItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 8 -Subsection 5 -Paragraph b -Subparagraph Instruction 4
+ Details
Name: |
cef_HighestPriceOrBidNav |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:perShareItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 8 -Subsection 5 -Paragraph b -Subparagraph Instructions 4, 5
+ Details
Name: |
cef_HighestPriceOrBidPremiumDiscountToNavPercent |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:percentItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2
+ Details
Name: |
cef_IntervalFundFlag |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 8 -Subsection 2 -Paragraph b, d
+ Details
Name: |
cef_InvestmentObjectivesAndPracticesTextBlock |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:textBlockItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 8 -Subsection 5 -Paragraph b
+ Details
Name: |
cef_LowestPriceOrBid |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:perShareItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 8 -Subsection 5 -Paragraph b -Subparagraph Instruction 4
+ Details
Name: |
cef_LowestPriceOrBidNav |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:perShareItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 8 -Subsection 5 -Paragraph b -Subparagraph Instructions 4, 5
+ Details
Name: |
cef_LowestPriceOrBidPremiumDiscountToNavPercent |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:percentItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2
+ Details
Name: |
cef_NewCefOrBdcRegistrantFlag |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 10 -Subsection 3
+ Details
Name: |
cef_OtherSecuritiesTableTextBlock |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:textBlockItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 10 -Subsection 5
+ Details
Name: |
cef_OutstandingSecuritiesTableTextBlock |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:textBlockItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 10 -Subsection 5 -Paragraph 2
+ Details
Name: |
cef_OutstandingSecurityAuthorizedShares |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:sharesItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 10 -Subsection 5 -Paragraph 3
+ Details
Name: |
cef_OutstandingSecurityHeldShares |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:sharesItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 10 -Subsection 5 -Paragraph 4
+ Details
Name: |
cef_OutstandingSecurityNotHeldShares |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:sharesItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 10 -Subsection 5 -Paragraph 1
+ Details
Name: |
cef_OutstandingSecurityTitleTextBlock |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:textBlockItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 10 -Subsection 1 -Paragraph b -Subparagraph 2
+ Details
Name: |
cef_PreferredStockRestrictionsOtherTextBlock |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:textBlockItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2
+ Details
Name: |
cef_PrimaryShelfFlag |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2
+ Details
Name: |
cef_PrimaryShelfQualifiedFlag |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2
+ Details
Name: |
cef_RegisteredClosedEndFundFlag |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 8 -Subsection 3 -Paragraph a
+ Details
Name: |
cef_RiskFactorsTableTextBlock |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:textBlockItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 10 -Subsection 1 -Paragraph a -Subparagraph 3
+ Details
Name: |
cef_SecurityLiquidationRightsTextBlock |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:textBlockItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 10 -Subsection 1 -Paragraph a -Subparagraph 2
+ Details
Name: |
cef_SecurityVotingRightsTextBlock |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:textBlockItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 4 -Subsection 3 -Paragraph Instruction 1
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 4 -Subsection 1 -Paragraph Instruction 2
+ Details
Name: |
cef_SeniorSecuritiesNoteTextBlock |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:textBlockItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 8 -Subsection 5 -Paragraph b -Subparagraph 4
+ Details
Name: |
cef_SharePriceTableTextBlock |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:textBlockItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Securities Act -Number 230 -Section 462 -Subsection b
+ Details
Name: |
dei_AdditionalSecurities462b |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Securities Act -Number 230 -Section 413 -Subsection b
+ Details
Name: |
dei_AdditionalSecuritiesEffective413b |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionBoolean flag that is true when the XBRL content amends previously-filed or accepted submission.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_AmendmentFlag |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionThe approximate date of a commencement of a proposed sale of securities to the public. This element is disclosed in S-1, S-3, S-4, S-11, F-1, F-3 and F-10 filings.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_ApproximateDateOfCommencementOfProposedSaleToThePublic |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:dateOrAsapItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form S-3
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form F-3
+ Details
Name: |
dei_DelayedOrContinuousOffering |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form S-3
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form F-3
+ Details
Name: |
dei_DividendOrInterestReinvestmentPlanOnly |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionBoolean flag that is true only for a form used as a registration statement.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Number 240 -Section 12
+ Details
Name: |
dei_DocumentRegistrationStatement |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionThe type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, 485BPOS, etc). The document type is limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type, or the word 'Other'.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_DocumentType |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:submissionTypeItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Securities Act -Number 230 -Section 462 -Subsection e
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EffectiveUponFiling462e |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Securities Act -Section 8 -Subsection c
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EffectiveWhenDeclaredSection8c |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionAddress Line 1 such as Attn, Building Name, Street Name
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1 |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionAddress Line 2 such as Street or Suite number
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2 |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- Definition
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionCode for the postal or zip code
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionName of the state or province.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:stateOrProvinceItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionA unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Number 240 -Section 12 -Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityCentralIndexKey |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:centralIndexKeyItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionIndicate if registrant meets the emerging growth company criteria.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Number 240 -Section 12 -Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionOne of: N-1A (Mutual Fund), N-1 (Open-End Separate Account with No Variable Annuities), N-2 (Closed-End Investment Company), N-3 (Separate Account Registered as Open-End Management Investment Company), N-4 (Variable Annuity UIT Separate Account), N-5 (Small Business Investment Company), N-6 (Variable Life UIT Separate Account), S-1 or S-3 (Face Amount Certificate Company), S-6 (UIT, Non-Insurance Product).
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-T -Number 232 -Section 313
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityInvCompanyType |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:invCompanyType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionThe exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Number 240 -Section 12 -Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityRegistrantName |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionIndicate 'Yes' or 'No' if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Is used on Form Type: 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, 20-F, 6-K, 10-K/A, 10-Q/A, 20-F/A, 6-K/A, N-CSR, N-Q, N-1A.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Securities Act -Number 230 -Section 405
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:yesNoItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Securities Act -Number 230 -Section 462 -Subsection d
+ Details
Name: |
dei_ExhibitsOnly462d |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Investment Company Act -Number 270
+ Details
Name: |
dei_InvestmentCompanyActRegistration |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Investment Company Act -Number 270
+ Details
Name: |
dei_InvestmentCompanyRegistrationAmendment |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Investment Company Act -Number 270
+ Details
Name: |
dei_InvestmentCompanyRegistrationAmendmentNumber |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:sequenceNumberItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionLocal phone number for entity.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_LocalPhoneNumber |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-3
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-4
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-6
+ Details
Name: |
dei_NewEffectiveDateForPreviousFiling |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Securities Act -Number 230 -Section 462 -Subsection c
+ Details
Name: |
dei_NoSubstantiveChanges462c |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionNet asset value per share or per unit of investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share. Includes, but is not limited to, by unit, membership interest, or other ownership interest. Investment includes, but is not limited to, investment in certain hedge funds, venture capital funds, private equity funds, real estate partnerships or funds. Excludes fair value disclosure.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 830 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 12 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479168/946-830-55-12
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477796/946-210-45-4
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 205 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478494/946-205-50-7
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 205 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph (h) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478494/946-205-50-7
Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 505 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478448/946-505-50-1
Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04(19)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479170/946-210-S99-1
Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-05(4)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479170/946-210-S99-2
+ Details
Name: |
us-gaap_NetAssetValuePerShare |
Namespace Prefix: |
us-gaap_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:perShareItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
instant |
|
X |
- DefinitionThe per share liquidation preference (or restrictions) of nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) that has a preference in involuntary liquidation considerably in excess of the par or stated value of the shares. The liquidation preference is the difference between the preference in liquidation and the par or stated values of the share.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(28)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(d)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1
Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481112/505-10-50-3
Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481112/505-10-50-4
Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (h) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481112/505-10-50-13
+ Details
Name: |
us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference |
Namespace Prefix: |
us-gaap_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:perShareItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
instant |
|
X |
- DefinitionPrice of a single share of a number of saleable stocks of a company.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
us-gaap_SharePrice |
Namespace Prefix: |
us-gaap_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:perShareItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
instant |
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=gcv_CommonStocksMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=gcv_SeriesGCumulativePreferredStockMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=gcv_CumulativePreferredStocksMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=gcv_SeriesECumulativePreferredStockMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=gcv_SeriesBCumulativePreferredStockMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
Gabelli Converitble and ... (NYSE:GCV)
Historical Stock Chart
From Oct 2024 to Oct 2024
Gabelli Converitble and ... (NYSE:GCV)
Historical Stock Chart
From Oct 2023 to Oct 2024