UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

Form N-2

 

 

 

 

 

and/or

 

 

(Check Appropriate Box or Boxes)

 

 

 

 

THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST 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

 

Bruce N. Alpert

The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc.

One Corporate Center

Rye, New York 10580-1422

(914) 921-5100

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

 

 

 

Copies to:

 

 

 

 

 

Approximate date of proposed public offering:  As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

 

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, as amended, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box.  o

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

 

 

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

 

 

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

 

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.

 

 

CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET

 

 

 

PART C

 

Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the appropriate Item, so numbered, in Part C to this Registration Statement.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED NOVEMBER 6, 2006

 

PROSPECTUS

 

$125,000,000

 

The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc.

 

5,000,000 Shares,  % Series F Cumulative Preferred Stock
(Liquidation Preference $25 Per Share)

 

 

 

 

The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (the “Fund”) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund’s primary investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities consisting of common stock, preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities and warrants and rights to purchase such securities. Income is a secondary investment objective. Gabelli Funds, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) serves as investment adviser to the Fund. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets in equity securities. The Fund was organized as a Maryland corporation on May 20, 1986 and commenced its investment operations on August 21, 1986. An investment in the Fund is not appropriate for all investors. We cannot assure you that the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved.

 

This prospectus describes the Fund’s  % Series F Cumulative Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred”), liquidation preference $25 per share. Distributions on the Series F Preferred are cumulative from their original issue date at the annual rate of  % of the liquidation preference of $25 per share and are payable quarterly on March 26, June 26, September 26, and December 26 of each year, commencing on December 26, 2006.

 

 

 

 

Investing in the Series F Preferred involves risks that are described in the “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” section beginning on page 21 of this prospectus.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          , 2006

 

The Series F Preferred being offered by this prospectus is being offered by the underwriters listed in this prospectus, subject to prior sale, when, as and if accepted by them and subject to certain conditions. The Fund expects that delivery of any Series F Preferred will be made in book-entry form through The Depository Trust Company on or about          , 2006.

 

A preliminary application has been made to list the Series F Preferred on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). Subject to notice of issuance, trading of the Series F Preferred on the NYSE is expected to commence within 30 days from the date of this prospectus. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Series F Preferred. See “Underwriting.”

 

The net proceeds of the offering are estimated at approximately $     , after deduction of the estimated underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by the Fund. The Fund intends to use the net proceeds to redeem shares of the Series B Preferred, of which there are currently 4,950,000 shares outstanding with a liquidation preference of $25 per share. If the amount raised in the offering exceeds the amount of Series B Preferred outstanding, the excess amount will be invested in accordance with the investment objectives and policies of the Fund. The Fund intends to redeem shares of Series B Preferred (and, if there are excess proceeds, invest those proceeds in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies) within three months of the completion of the offering; however, changes in market conditions, including, in particular, factors affecting interest rates and the securities in which the Fund invests, could result in this period being as long as six months. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

The Fund expects that distributions made on the Series F Preferred will consist of (i) long-term capital gain (gain from the sale of a capital asset held longer than 12 months), (ii) qualified dividend income (dividend income from certain domestic and foreign corporations, provided certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the Fund and the shareholder), and (iii) investment company taxable income (other than qualified dividend income, including interest income, short-term capital gain and income from certain hedging and interest rate transactions). For individuals, the maximum federal income tax rate on long-term capital gain is currently 15%, on qualified dividend income is 15%, and on ordinary income (such as distributions from investment company taxable income that are not eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income) is currently 35%. These tax rates are scheduled to apply through 2010. We cannot assure you, however, as to what percentage of future distributions made on the Series F Preferred will consist of long-term capital gain, which is currently taxed at lower rates for individuals than ordinary income, and qualified dividend income, which is currently eligible to be taxed at the lower long-term capital gain rates. For a more detailed discussion, see “Taxation.”

 

In order to be issued, the Series F Preferred must receive a rating of “Aaa” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”). In order to keep this rating, the Fund will be required to maintain a minimum discounted asset coverage with respect to its outstanding Series F Preferred under guidelines established by Moody’s. See “Description of the Series F Preferred—Rating Agency Guidelines.” The Fund is also required to maintain a minimum asset coverage by the 1940 Act. If the Fund fails to maintain any of these minimum asset coverage requirements, the Fund may at its option (and in certain circumstances must) require, in accordance with its charter (together with any amendments or supplements thereto, including any articles supplementary, the “Charter”) and the requirements of the 1940 Act, that some or all of its outstanding preferred stock, including the Series F Preferred, be redeemed. Otherwise, prior to          , 2011 the Series F Preferred will be redeemable at the option of the Fund only to the extent necessary for the Fund to continue to qualify for tax treatment as a regulated investment company. Subject to certain notice and other requirements (including those set forth in Section 23(c) of the 1940 Act), the Fund, at its option, may redeem the Series F Preferred beginning on          , 2011. In the event the Fund redeems the Series F Preferred, such redemption will be for cash at a redemption price equal to $25 per share plus accumulated but unmade distributions (whether or not earned or declared).

 

This prospectus concisely sets forth important information about the Fund that you should know before deciding whether to invest in Series F Preferred. You should read this prospectus and retain it for future reference.

 

The Fund has also filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”), dated          , 2006, which contains additional information about the Fund. The

SAI is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this prospectus. You can review the table of contents of the SAI that is filed with this prospectus. You may request a free copy of the SAI by writing to the Fund at its address at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422 or calling the Fund toll-free at (800) 422-3554. You can also call the toll-free number to request copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, to request other information about the Fund, or to make stockholder inquiries. The SAI and the Fund’s reports are also available at the website http://www.gabelli.com. You may also obtain the SAI and reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants, including the Fund, that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s web site (http://www.sec.gov).

 

The Fund’s Series F Preferred does not represent a deposit or obligation of, and is not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and is not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.

 

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Neither the fund nor the underwriters have 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. Neither the fund nor the underwriters are making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

SUMMARY

Value of Fund assets less liabilities and indebtedness not constituting senior securities				$1,956,775,807
		=				=		389%
Senior securities representing indebtedness plus				$502,492,500
aggregate involuntary liquidation preference of each class of senior security which is stock

 

The table below sets forth selected financial data for the periods presented. The per share operating performance and ratios for the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001, have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, as stated in its report which is incorporated by reference into the SAI. The per share operating performance and ratios for the six months ended June 30, 2006 are unaudited and are as stated in the Fund’s semi-annual report which is incorporated by reference into the SAI. The following information should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes thereto, which are incorporated by reference into the SAI.

 

 

 

 

The net proceeds of the offering are estimated at approximately $     , after deduction of the estimated underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by the Fund. The Fund intends to use the net proceeds to redeem shares of the Series B Preferred, of which there are currently 4,950,000 shares outstanding with a liquidation preference of $25 per share. If the amount raised in the offering exceeds the amount of Series B Preferred outstanding, the excess amount will be invested in accordance with the investment objectives and policies of the Fund. The Fund intends to redeem shares of Series B Preferred (and, if there are excess proceeds, invest those proceeds in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies) within three months of the completion of the offering; however, changes in market conditions, including, in particular, factors affecting interest rates and the securities in which the Fund invests, could result in this period being as long as six months.

 

The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund was organized as a Maryland corporation on May 20, 1986. The Fund commenced its investment operations on August 21, 1986. The Fund’s principal office is located at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422.

 

As of September 30, 2006, the Fund had 167,642,009 shares of common stock outstanding. Pursuant to an amendment to the Fund’s Articles of Incorporation that was approved by stockholders in 2004, the Board may increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock of the Fund or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Fund has authority to issue without stockholder approval. The Fund is currently authorized to issue 252,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share. The common stock currently trades on the NYSE under the symbol “GAB.” Prior to its redemption on June 17, 2003, the Series A Preferred was listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GAB Pr.” The Series B Preferred is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GAB PrB” and Series D Preferred is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GAB PrD”. The Series C and Series E Auction Rate Preferred are not traded on any exchange.

 

The following table provides information about the Fund’s outstanding stock as of September 30, 2006.

 

 

 

 

The following table sets forth the unaudited capitalization of the Fund as of September 30, 2006, and its adjusted capitalization assuming the Series F Preferred offered in this prospectus had been issued.

 

 

 

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund is required to deduct the liquidation preference of its outstanding preferred stock from “net assets,” so long as the senior securities have redemption features that are not solely within the control of the Fund. For all regulatory purposes, the Fund’s preferred stock will be treated as equity (rather than debt).

 

Investment Objectives

 

The Fund’s primary investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities consisting of common stock, preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities and warrants and rights to purchase such securities selected by the Investment Adviser. Income is a secondary investment objective. The investment objectives of long-term growth of capital and income are fundamental policies of the Fund. These fundamental policies and the investment limitations described in the SAI under the caption “Investment Restrictions” cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares of preferred stock voting as a separate class and the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities. Such majority votes require, in each case, the lesser of (i) 67% of the Fund’s applicable shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the Fund’s applicable shares outstanding are represented, whether in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the applicable class.

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets in equity securities. The 80% Policy may be changed without stockholder approval. The Fund will provide stockholders with notice at least 60 days prior to the implementation of any change in the 80% Policy.

The Investment Adviser selects investments on the basis of fundamental value and, accordingly, the Fund typically invests in the securities of companies that are believed by the Investment Adviser to be priced lower than justified in relation to their underlying assets. Other important factors in the selection of investments include favorable price/earnings and debt/equity ratios and strong management.

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its secondary investment objective of income, in part, by investing up to 10% of its total assets in fixed-income securities rated as low as C by Moody’s or D by S&P or may be unrated securities considered to be of equivalent quality. Securities that are rated C by Moody’s are the lowest rated class and can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever obtaining investment-grade standing. Debt rated D by S&P is in default or is expected to default upon maturity of payment date. These debt securities, which are often referred to in the financial press as “junk bonds,” are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions.

 

No assurance can be given that the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved.

 

Investment Methodology of the Fund

 

In selecting securities for the Fund, the Investment Adviser normally will consider the following factors, among others:

 

 

The Investment Adviser’s investment philosophy with respect to equity 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.

 

Certain Investment Practices

 

Foreign Securities.  The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in foreign securities. Among the foreign securities in which the Fund may invest are those issued by companies located in developing countries, which are countries in the initial stages of their industrialization cycles. Investing in the equity and debt markets of developing countries involves exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and less mature, and to political systems that may have less stability, than those of developed countries. The markets of developing countries historically have been more volatile than the markets of the more mature economies of developed countries, but often have provided higher rates of return to investors.

 

The Fund may also invest in the debt securities of foreign governments. Although such investments are not a principal strategy of the Fund, there is no independent limit on its ability to invest in the debt securities of foreign governments.

 

Temporary Defensive Investments.  Subject to the Fund’s investment restrictions, when a temporary defensive period is believed by the Investment Adviser to be warranted (“temporary defensive periods”), the Fund may, without limitation, hold cash or invest its assets in securities of United States government

sponsored instrumentalities, in repurchase agreements in respect of those instruments, and in certain high-grade commercial paper instruments. During temporary defensive periods the Fund may also invest in money market mutual funds that invest primarily in securities of United States government sponsored instrumentalities and repurchase agreements in respect of those instruments. Under current law, in the absence of an exemptive order, such money market mutual funds will not be affiliated with the Investment Adviser. Obligations of certain agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association, are supported by the “full faith and credit” of the United States government; others, such as those of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the United States Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association, are supported by the discretionary authority of the United States government to purchase the agency’s obligations; and still others, such as those of the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. No assurance can be given that the United States government would provide financial support to United States government sponsored instrumentalities if it is not obligated to do so by law. During temporary defensive periods, the Fund may be less likely to achieve its secondary investment objective of income.

 

Lower Rated Securities.  The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in fixed-income securities rated in the lower rating categories of recognized statistical rating agencies, including securities rated as low as C by Moody’s or D by S&P or may be unrated securities considered to be of equivalent quality. Securities that are rated C by Moody’s are the lowest rated class and can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever obtaining investment-grade standing. Debt rated D by S&P is in default or is expected to default upon maturity of payment date.

 

Generally, lower rated securities and unrated securities of comparable quality offer a higher current yield than is offered by higher rated securities, but also (i) will likely have some quality and protective characteristics that, in the judgment of the ratings organizations, are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions and (ii) are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. The market values of certain of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than higher quality bonds. In addition, such lower rated securities and comparable unrated securities generally present a higher degree of credit risk. The risk of loss due to default by these issuers is significantly greater because such lower rated securities and unrated securities of comparable quality generally are unsecured and frequently are subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. In light of these risks, the Investment Adviser, in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issue, whether rated or unrated, will take various factors into consideration, which may include, as applicable, the issuer’s operating history, financial resources, its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, the market support for the facility financed by the issue, the perceived ability and integrity of the issuer’s management and regulatory matters.

 

In addition, the market value of securities in lower rated categories is more volatile than that of higher quality securities, and the markets in which such lower rated or unrated securities are traded are more limited than those in which higher rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its portfolio and calculating its net asset value. Moreover, the lack of a liquid trading market may restrict the availability of securities for the Fund to purchase and may also have the effect of limiting the ability of the Fund to sell securities at their fair value to respond to changes in the economy or the financial markets.

 

Lower rated debt obligations also present risks based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the obligation for redemption (often a feature of fixed income securities), the Fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. Also, in the event of rising interest rates, as the principal values of bonds move inversely with movements in interest rates, the value of the securities held by the Fund may decline proportionately more than a portfolio consisting of higher rated securities. Investments in zero coupon bonds may be more speculative and subject to greater fluctuations in value due to changes in interest rates than bonds that pay interest currently.

As part of its investments in lower grade fixed-income securities, the Fund may invest in securities of issuers in default. The Fund will only make an investment in securities of issuers in default when the Investment Adviser believes that such issuers will honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection and that the value of these securities will appreciate. By investing in the securities of issuers in default, the Fund bears the risk that these issuers will not continue to honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection or that the value of the securities will not appreciate.

 

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures.  On behalf of the Fund, the Investment Adviser may, subject to the Fund’s investment restrictions and guidelines of the Board, purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options thereon which are traded on a commodities exchange or board of trade for certain hedging, yield enhancement and risk management purposes. These futures contracts and related options may be on debt securities, financial indices, securities indices, United States government securities and foreign currencies. A financial futures contract is an agreement to purchase or sell an agreed amount of securities or currencies at a set price for delivery in the future.

 

The Investment Adviser has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act and therefore is not subject to the registration requirements under the Commodity Exchange Act. Accordingly, the Fund’s investments in derivative instruments are not limited by or subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act or otherwise regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Nevertheless, the Fund’s investment restrictions place certain limitations and prohibitions on its ability to purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts. In addition, investment in futures contracts and related options generally will be limited by the rating agency guidelines applicable to any of the Fund’s outstanding preferred stock.

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts.  Subject to guidelines of the Board, the Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to protect the value of its portfolio against future changes in the level of currency exchange rates. The Fund may enter into such contracts on a “spot,” i.e., cash, basis at the rate then prevailing in the currency exchange market or on a forward basis, by entering into a forward contract to purchase or sell currency. A forward contract on foreign currency is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days agreed upon by the parties from the date of the contract at a price set on the date of the contract. The Fund’s dealings in forward contracts generally will be limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio positions. The Fund does not have an independent limitation on its investments in foreign currency futures contracts and options on foreign currency futures contracts.

 

Repurchase Agreements.  The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with banks and non-bank dealers of United States government securities which are listed as reporting dealers of the Federal Reserve Bank and which furnish collateral at least equal in value or market price to the amount of their repurchase obligation. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund purchases a debt security from a seller who undertakes to repurchase the security at a specified resale price on an agreed future date. Repurchase agreements are generally for one business day and generally will not have a duration of longer than one week. The Commission has taken the position that, in economic reality, a repurchase agreement is a loan by a fund to the other party to the transaction secured by securities transferred to the fund. The resale price generally exceeds the purchase price by an amount which reflects an agreed -upon market interest rate for the term of the repurchase agreement. The Fund’s risk is primarily that, if the seller defaults, the proceeds from the disposition of the underlying securities and other collateral for the seller’s obligation may be less than the repurchase price. If the seller becomes insolvent, the Fund might be delayed in or prevented from selling the collateral. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a seller, the Fund will promptly seek to liquidate the collateral. To the extent that the proceeds from any sale of the collateral upon a default in the obligation to repurchase is less than the repurchase price, the Fund will experience a loss. If the financial institution that is a party to the repurchase agreement petitions for bankruptcy or becomes subject to the United States Bankruptcy Code, the law regarding the rights of the Fund is unsettled. As a result, under extreme circumstances, there may be a restriction on the Fund’s ability to sell the collateral and the Fund could suffer a loss.

Loans of Portfolio Securities.  To increase income, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities to securities broker-dealers or financial institutions if (i) the loan is collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and (ii) no loan will cause the value of all loaned securities to exceed 20% of the value of its total assets. If the borrower fails to maintain the requisite amount of collateral, the loan automatically terminates and the Fund could use the collateral to replace the securities while holding the borrower liable for any excess of replacement cost over the value of the collateral. As with any extension of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases even loss of rights in collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially.

 

While these loans of portfolio securities will be made in accordance with guidelines approved by the Fund’s Board, there can be no assurance that borrowers will not fail financially. On termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to the Fund, and any gain or loss in the market price during the loan would inure to the Fund. If the counterparty to the loan petitions for bankruptcy or becomes subject to the United States Bankruptcy Code, the law regarding the Fund’s rights is unsettled. As a result, under these circumstances, there may be a restriction on the Fund’s ability to sell the collateral and it would suffer a loss.

 

Borrowing.  The Fund may borrow money in accordance with its investment restrictions, including as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes. It may not borrow for investment purposes.

 

Leveraging.  As provided in the 1940 Act, and subject to compliance with the Fund’s investment limitations, the Fund may issue senior securities representing stock, such as preferred stock, so long as immediately following such issuance of stock, its total assets exceed 200% of the amount of such stock. The use of leverage magnifies the impact of changes in net asset value. For example, a fund that uses 33% leverage will show a 1.5% increase or decline in net asset value for each 1% increase or decline in the value of its total assets. In addition, if the cost of leverage exceeds the return on the securities acquired with the proceeds of leverage, the use of leverage will diminish, rather than enhance, the return to the Fund. The use of leverage generally increases the volatility of returns to the Fund.

 

Further information on the investment objectives and policies of the Fund is set forth in the SAI.

 

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 respective Articles Supplementary of the Series B, C, D, E, and F Preferred, a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding preferred stock of the Fund (voting separately as a single class) is also required to change a fundamental policy, as defined in the 1940 Act. The Fund’s investment restrictions are more fully discussed under “Investment Restrictions” in the SAI.

 

Portfolio Turnover.  The Fund does not engage in the trading of securities for the purpose of realizing short-term profits, but adjusts its portfolio as it deems advisable in view of prevailing or anticipated market conditions to accomplish its investment objectives. A high rate of portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater brokerage commission expenses than a lower rate, and such expenses must be borne by the Fund and its stockholders. High portfolio turnover may also result in the realization of substantial net short-term capital gains and any distributions resulting from such gains will be taxable at ordinary income rates for United States federal income tax purposes. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005 were 28.6% and 22.4%, respectively. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of sales or purchases of portfolio securities by the average monthly value of a fund’s portfolio securities. For purposes of this calculation, portfolio securities exclude purchases and sales of debt securities having a maturity at the date of purchase of one year or less.

 

Investors should consider the following risk factors and special considerations associated with investing in the Fund:

 

Risks Associated with the Series F Preferred

 

There are a number of risks associated with an investment in the Series F Preferred:

 

The market price for the Series F Preferred will be influenced by changes in interest rates, the perceived credit quality of the Series F Preferred and other factors.

 

A preliminary application has been made to list the Series F Preferred on the NYSE. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Series F Preferred. However, during an initial period which is not expected to exceed 30 days after the date of its issuance, the Series F Preferred will not be listed on any securities exchange. During such 30-day period, the underwriters may make a market in the Series F Preferred; however, they have no obligation to do so. Consequently, the Series F Preferred may be illiquid during such period. No assurances can be provided that listing on any securities exchange or market making by the underwriters will result in the market for Series F Preferred being liquid at any time.

 

The credit rating on the Series F Preferred could be reduced or withdrawn while an investor holds shares, and the credit rating does not eliminate or mitigate the risks of investing in the Series F Preferred. A reduction or withdrawal of the credit rating would likely have an adverse effect on the market value of the Series F Preferred.

 

The Fund may not meet the asset coverage requirements or earn sufficient income from its investments to make distributions on the Series F Preferred.

 

The value of the Fund’s investment portfolio may decline, reducing the asset coverage for the Series F Preferred. Further, if an issuer of a common stock in which the Fund invests experiences financial difficulties or if an issuer’s preferred stock or debt security is downgraded or defaults or if an issuer in which the Fund invests is affected by other adverse market factors, there may be a negative impact on the income received from and/or asset value of the Fund’s investment portfolio. In such circumstances, the Fund may be forced to mandatorily redeem shares of the Series F Preferred.

 

The Fund generally may redeem the Series F Preferred at any time after          , 2011 and may at any time redeem shares of Series F Preferred to meet regulatory or rating agency requirements. The Series F Preferred is subject to redemption under specified circumstances and investors may not be able to reinvest the proceeds of any such redemption in an investment providing the same or a better rate than that of the Series F Preferred. Subject to such circumstances, the Series F Preferred is perpetual.

 

The Series F Preferred is not an obligation of the Fund. The Series F Preferred would be 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 F Preferred for the full redemption price.

 

Leverage Risk.  The Fund uses financial leverage for investment purposes by issuing preferred stock. It is currently anticipated that taking into account the Series F Preferred being offered in this prospectus, the amount of leverage will represent approximately 26% of the Fund’s total assets. If the proposed spin-off of a portion of the Fund’s assets (see “Additional Information”) were to occur, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval, the amount of leverage as a percentage of Fund total assets would increase because the Fund’s managed assets would decrease by the amount contributed to the spin-off fund. The Fund’s leveraged capital structure creates special risks not associated with unleveraged funds having similar investment objectives and policies. These include the possibility of greater loss and the likelihood of higher volatility of the net asset value of the Fund and the asset coverage for the Series F Preferred. Such volatility may increase the likelihood of the Fund having to sell investments in order to meet its obligations to make distributions on the preferred stock, or to redeem preferred stock, when it may be disadvantageous to do so. Also, if the Fund

is utilizing leverage, a decline in net asset value could affect the ability of the Fund to make common stock distributions and such a failure to pay dividends or make distributions could result in the Fund ceasing to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code. See “Taxation.”

 

Because the fee paid to the Investment Adviser will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s net assets, which include for this purpose assets attributable to the aggregate net asset value of the common stock plus assets attributable to any outstanding preferred stock with no deduction for the liquidation preference of any preferred stock, the fee may be higher when leverage in the form of preferred stock is utilized, giving the Investment Adviser an incentive to utilize such leverage. However, the Investment Adviser has agreed to reduce the management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the Existing Preferred and the Series F Preferred during the fiscal year if the total return of the net asset value of the common stock, including distributions and advisory fees subject to reduction for that year, does not exceed the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of preferred stock for the period. In other words, if the effective cost of the leverage for any series of preferred stock exceeds the total return (based on net asset value) on the Fund’s common stock, the Investment Adviser will waive that portion of its management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the leverage for that series of preferred stock to mitigate the negative impact of the leverage on the common stockholder’s total return. This fee waiver is voluntary and may be discontinued at any time. The Fund’s total return on the net asset value of common stock is monitored on a monthly basis to assess whether the total return on the net asset value of the common stock exceeds the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of preferred stock for the period. The test to confirm the accrual of the management fee on the assets attributable to each particular series of preferred stock 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.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Fund’s total return on the net asset value of the common stock exceeded the stated dividend rate or net swap expense of the Series C Auction Rate Preferred and Series E Auction Rate Preferred. Thus, management fees were accrued on these assets. The Fund’s total return on the net asset value of the common stock did not exceed the stated dividend rate or net swap expense of the Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred. Thus, management fees with respect to the liquidation value of those preferred assets were reduced by $2,387,425.

 

Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions.  Restrictions imposed on the declaration and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of the common stock and preferred stock (including the Series F Preferred), both by the 1940 Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies, might impair the Fund’s ability to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. While the Fund intends to redeem its preferred stock (including the Series F Preferred) to the extent necessary to enable the Fund to distribute its income as required to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company under the Code, there can be no assurance that such actions can be effected in time to meet the Code requirements. See “Taxation” in the SAI.

 

Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

Common Stock Distribution Policy Risk.  The Fund has adopted a policy, which may be changed at any time by the Board, of paying a minimum annual distribution of 10% of the average net asset value of the Fund to common stockholders. In the event the Fund does not generate a total return from dividends and interest received and net realized capital gains in an amount equal to or in excess of its stated distribution in a given year, the Fund may return capital as part of such distribution, which may have the effect of decreasing the asset coverage per share with respect to the Series F Preferred (as well as the Existing Preferred). Any return of capital should not be considered by investors as yield or total return on their investment in the Fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the Fund made distributions of $0.85 per share of common stock, none of which constituted a return of capital. The Fund has made distributions of $0.58 per share of common stock for the current year through September 30, 2006. The Fund has made quarterly distributions with respect to its common stock since 1987. A portion of the distributions to holders of common stock during nine of the twenty fiscal years since the Fund’s inception has constituted a return of capital. 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 of the current year’s common stock distributions will be based on the Fund’s investment activity through December 31, 2006.

 

Value Investing Risk.  The Fund invests in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks that the Investment Adviser believes are undervalued or inexpensive relative to other investments. These types of securities may present risks in addition to the general risks associated with investing in common and preferred stocks. These securities generally are selected on the basis of an issuer’s fundamentals relative to current market price. Such securities are subject to the risk of mis-estimation of certain fundamental factors. In addition, during certain time periods market dynamics may strongly favor “growth” stocks of issuers that do not display strong fundamentals relative to market price based upon positive price momentum and other factors. Disciplined adherence to a “value” investment mandate during such periods can result in significant underperformance relative to overall market indices and other managed investment vehicles that pursue growth style investments and/or flexible equity style mandates.

 

Non-Diversified Status.  The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the 1940 Act, which means it is not limited by the 1940 Act as to the proportion of its assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. However, the Fund has in the past conducted and intends to conduct its operations so as to qualify as a “regulated investment company,” or “RIC,” for purposes of the Code, which will relieve it of any liability for federal income tax to the extent its earnings are distributed to stockholders. To qualify as a “regulated investment company,” among other requirements, the Fund will limit its investments so that, with certain exceptions, at the close of each quarter of the taxable year:

 

 

As a non-diversified investment company, the Fund may invest in the securities of individual issuers to a greater degree than a diversified investment company. As a result, the Fund may be more vulnerable to events affecting a single issuer and therefore subject to greater volatility than a fund that is more broadly diversified. Accordingly, an investment in the Fund may present greater risk to an investor than an investment in a diversified company.

 

Market Value and Net Asset Value.  The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. Shares of closed-end funds are bought and sold in the securities markets and may trade at either a premium to or discount from net asset value. Listed shares of closed-end investment companies often trade at discounts from net asset value. This characteristic of stock of a closed-end fund is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that its net asset value will decrease. The Fund cannot predict whether its listed stock will trade at, below or above net asset value. Since inception, the Fund’s shares of common stock have traded at both premiums to and discounts from net asset value. As of September 30, 2006, the shares traded at a premium of 0.69%. Stockholders desiring liquidity may, subject to applicable securities laws, trade their Fund stock on the NYSE or other markets on which such stock may trade at the then-current market value, which may differ from the then-current net asset value. Stockholders will incur brokerage or other transaction costs to sell stock.

 

Industry Concentration Risk.  The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities of a single industry. Should the Fund choose to do so, the net asset value of the Fund will be more susceptible to factors affecting those particular types of companies, which, depending on the particular industry, may include, among others: governmental regulation; inflation; cost increases in raw materials, fuel and other operating expenses;

technological innovations that may render existing products and equipment obsolete; and increasing interest rates resulting in high interest costs on borrowings needed for capital investment, including costs associated with compliance with environmental and other regulations. In such circumstances the Fund’s investments may be subject to greater risk and market fluctuation than a fund that had securities representing a broader range of industries.

 

Special Risks Related to Preferred Securities.  There are special risks associated with the Fund’s investing in preferred securities, including:

 

 

Market Disruption Risk.  Certain events have a disruptive effect on the securities markets, such as terrorist attacks, war and other geopolitical events. The Fund cannot predict the effects of similar events in the future on the U.S. economy. Lower rated securities and securities of issuers with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile than higher rated securities and securities of issuers with larger market capitalizations so that these events and any actions resulting from them may have a greater impact on the prices and volatility of lower rated securities and securities of issuers with smaller market capitalizations than on higher rated securities and securities of issuers with larger market capitalization.

 

Interest Rate Transactions.  The Fund has entered into an interest rate swap transaction with respect to its outstanding Series C Auction Rate Preferred and may enter into an interest rate swap or cap transaction with respect to its outstanding Series E Auction Rate Preferred. The use of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves certain risks to the Fund including, among others, counterparty risk and early termination risk. See “How the Fund Manages Risk—Interest Rate Transactions.”

 

Foreign Securities.  The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve certain considerations and risks not ordinarily

associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to United States companies. Foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies may be subject to less government supervision and regulation than exists in the United States. Dividend and interest income may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may adversely affect the net return on such investments. There may be difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a court judgment abroad and it may be difficult to effect repatriation of capital invested in certain countries. With respect to certain countries, there are also risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of the Fund held in foreign countries. Dividend income the Fund receives from foreign securities may not be eligible for the special tax treatment applicable to qualified dividend income.

 

There may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than a United States company. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume than United States securities markets and some foreign company securities are less liquid than securities of otherwise comparable United States companies. A portfolio of foreign securities may also be adversely affected by fluctuations in the rates of exchange between the currencies of different nations and by exchange control regulations. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures that could cause the Fund to encounter difficulties in purchasing and selling securities on such markets and may result in the Fund missing attractive investment opportunities or experiencing loss. In addition, a portfolio that includes foreign securities can expect to have a higher expense ratio because of the increased transaction costs on non-United States securities markets and the increased costs of maintaining the custody of foreign securities.

 

The Fund also may purchase sponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) or United States dollar denominated securities of foreign issuers. ADRs are receipts issued by United States banks or trust companies in respect of securities of foreign issuers held on deposit for use in the United States securities markets. While ADRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted, many of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.

 

Smaller Companies.  The Fund may invest in smaller companies which may benefit from the development of new products and services. These smaller companies may present greater opportunities for capital appreciation, and may also involve greater investment risk than larger, more established companies. For example, smaller companies may have more limited product lines, market or financial resources and their securities may trade less frequently and in lower volume than the securities of larger, more established companies. As a result, the prices of the securities of such smaller companies may fluctuate to a greater degree than the prices of securities of other issuers.

 

Investment Companies.  The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies to the extent permitted by law. To the extent the Fund invests in the common equity of investment companies, the Fund will bear its ratable share of any such investment company’s expenses, including management fees. The Fund will also remain obligated to pay management fees to the Investment Adviser with respect to the assets invested in the securities of other investment companies. In these circumstances holders of the Fund’s common stock will be subject to duplicative investment expenses.

 

Lower Rated Securities.  The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in fixed-income securities rated in the lower rating categories of recognized statistical rating agencies. These high yield securities, also sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” generally pay a premium above the yields of United States government securities or debt securities of investment grade issuers because they are subject to greater risks than these securities. These risks, which reflect their speculative character, include the following:

 

 

 

The market value of lower rated securities may be more volatile than the market value of higher rated securities and generally tends to reflect the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short-term market developments to a greater extent than more highly rated securities, which primarily reflect fluctuations in general levels of interest rates.

 

Ratings are relative and subjective, and are not absolute standards of quality. Securities ratings are based largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and the rating agencies’ analysis at the time of rating. Consequently, the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer’s current financial condition.

 

As a part of its investment in lower rated fixed-income securities, the Fund may invest in the securities of issuers in default. The Fund will invest in securities of issuers in default only when the Investment Adviser believes that such issuers will honor their obligations and emerge from bankruptcy protection and that the value of such issuers’ securities will appreciate. By investing in the securities of issuers in default, the Fund bears the risk that these issuers will not continue to honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection or that the value of these securities will not appreciate.

 

Special Risks of Derivative Transactions.  Participation in the options or futures markets and in currency exchange transactions involves investment risks and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. If the Investment Adviser’s prediction of movements in the direction of the securities, foreign currency or interest rate markets is inaccurate, the consequences to the Fund may leave it in a worse position than if such strategies were not used. Risks inherent in the use of options, foreign currency, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, securities indices and foreign currencies include:

 

 

Futures Transactions.  Futures and options on futures entail certain risks, including but not limited to the following:

 

 

 

For a further description, see “Investment Objectives and Policies—Investment Practices” in the SAI.

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts.  The use of forward currency contracts may involve certain risks, including the failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations under the contract and that the use of forward contracts may not serve as a complete hedge because of an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the contracts and the prices of the currencies hedged or used for cover. For a further description of such investments, see “Investment Objectives and Policies—Investment Practices” in the SAI.

 

Counterparty Risk.  The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to the derivative contracts purchased by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceedings. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.

 

Loans of Portfolio Securities.  Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and the Fund’s investment restrictions, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities to securities broker-dealers or financial institutions, provided that such loans are callable at any time by the Fund (subject to notice provisions described in the SAI) and are at all times secured by cash or cash equivalents, which are maintained in a segregated account pursuant to applicable regulations and that are at least equal to the market value, determined daily, of the loaned securities. The advantage of such loans is that the Fund continues to receive the income on the loaned securities while at the same time earning interest on the cash amounts deposited as collateral, which will be invested in short-term obligations. The Fund will not lend its portfolio securities if such loans are not permitted by the laws or regulations of any state in which its shares are qualified for sale. The Fund’s loans of portfolio securities will be collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

 

For a further description of such loans of portfolio securities, see “Investment Objective and Policies—Certain Investment Practices—Loans of Portfolio Securities.”

 

Management Risk.  The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. The Investment Adviser will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results.

 

Dependence on Key Personnel.  Mario J. Gabelli serves as the Fund’s portfolio manager. The Investment Adviser is dependent upon the expertise of Mr. Gabelli in providing advisory services with respect to the Fund’s investments. If the Investment Adviser were to lose the services of Mr. Gabelli, its ability to service the Fund could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that a suitable replacement could be found for Mr. Gabelli in the event of his death, resignation, retirement or inability to act on behalf of the Investment Adviser.

 

Anti-takeover Provisions of the Fund’s Charter and By-Laws.  The Fund’s Charter and By- Laws include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or convert the Fund to an open-end fund. See “Anti-Takeover Provisions of the Fund’s Charter and By-Laws.”

 

Status as A Regulated Investment Company.  The Fund has qualified, and intends to remain qualified, for federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company. Qualification requires, among other things, compliance by the Fund with certain distribution requirements. Statutory limitations on distributions on the common stock if the Fund fails to satisfy the 1940 Act’s asset coverage requirements could jeopardize the Fund’s ability to meet such distribution requirements. The Fund presently intends, however, to purchase or redeem preferred stock to the extent necessary in order to maintain compliance with such asset coverage requirements. See “Taxation” for a more complete discussion of these and other federal income tax considerations.

 

Investment Restrictions

 

The Fund has adopted certain investment limitations, some of which are fundamental policies of the Fund, designed to limit investment risk and maintain portfolio diversification. 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 Articles Supplementary of each of the series of preferred stock, a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding shares of preferred stock of the Fund (voting separately as a single class) is also required to change a fundamental policy. The Fund may become subject to guidelines that are more limiting than its current investment restrictions in order to obtain and maintain ratings from Moody’s and S&P on its preferred stock.

 

Interest Rate Transactions

 

The Fund has entered into an interest rate swap transaction with respect to its outstanding Series C Auction Rate Preferred. The Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions with respect to all or a portion of its outstanding Series E Auction Rate Preferred. Through these transactions the Fund may, for example, obtain the equivalent of a fixed rate for a series of the Auction Rate Preferred that is lower than the Fund would have to pay if it issued fixed rate preferred stock.

 

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 a series of the Auction Rate Preferred. 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 preferred stock dividends or distributions when due in accordance with the Articles Supplementary of the relevant series of the Auction Rate Preferred 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 dividend or distribution payments on the Auction Rate Preferred. 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 dividend or distribution payments on the Auction Rate Preferred. 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 Auction Rate Preferred. A sudden and dramatic decline in interest rates may result in a significant decline in the asset coverage. Under the Articles Supplementary for each series of the preferred stock (including the Series F Preferred ), if the Fund fails to maintain the required asset coverage on the outstanding preferred stock or fails to comply with other covenants, the Fund may, at its option (and in certain circumstances will be required to), mandatorily redeem some or all of these shares. The Fund generally may redeem either or both series of the Auction Rate Preferred, in whole or in part, at its option at any time (usually on a dividend or distribution payment date), other than during a non-call period. Such redemption would likely result in the Fund seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap or cap transaction. Early termination of a swap could result in a termination payment by the Fund to the counterparty, while early termination of a cap could result in a termination payment to the Fund.

 

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 cash or liquid securities 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.

 

The Board (who, with its officers, are described in the SAI) has overall responsibility for the management of the Fund. The Board decides upon matters of general policy and reviews the actions of the Investment Adviser.

 

Investment Management

 

Gabelli Funds, LLC, located at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (described below in “—Advisory Agreement”). The Investment Adviser was organized in 1999 and is the successor to Gabelli Funds, Inc., which was organized in 1980. As of June 30, 2006, the Investment Adviser acted as registered investment adviser to 27 management investment companies with aggregate net assets of $13.5 billion. The Investment Adviser, together with other affiliated investment advisers, had assets under management totaling approximately $26.8 billion as of June 30, 2006. GAMCO Asset Management Inc., an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, acts as investment adviser for individuals, pension trusts, profit sharing trusts and endowments, and as a sub-adviser to management investment companies having aggregate assets of $12.3 billion under management as of June 30, 2006. Gabelli Securities, Inc., an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, acts as investment adviser for investment partnerships and entities having aggregate assets of approximately $500 million under management as of June 30, 2006. Gabelli Fixed Income LLC, an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, acts as investment adviser for separate accounts having aggregate assets of approximately $55 million under management as of June 30, 2006. Gabelli Advisers, Inc., an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, acts as investment manager to the Westwood Funds having aggregate assets of approximately $400 million under management as of June 30, 2006.

 

The Investment Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc., a New York corporation whose Class A Common Stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GBL.” Mr. Mario J. Gabelli may be deemed a “controlling person” of the Investment Adviser on the basis of his ownership of a majority of the stock of GGCP, Inc., which owns a majority of the capital stock of GAMCO Investors, Inc.

 

The Investment Adviser has sole investment discretion for the Fund’s assets under the supervision of the Fund’s Board and in accordance with the Fund’s stated policies. The Investment Adviser will select investments for the Fund and will place purchase and sale orders on behalf of the Fund.

 

The Investment Adviser is obligated to pay expenses associated with providing the services contemplated by the Advisory Agreement, including compensation of and office space for its officers and employees connected with investment and economic research, trading and investment management and administration of the Fund (but excluding costs associated with the calculation of the net asset value), and the fees of all Directors of the Fund who are affiliated with the Investment Adviser. The Fund pays all other expenses incurred in its operation including, among other things, offering expenses, expenses for legal and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm services, rating agency fees, costs of printing proxies, stock certificates and stockholder reports, charges of the custodian, any subcustodian, auction agent, transfer agent(s) and dividend disbursing agent expenses in connection with its respective automatic dividend reinvestment and voluntary cash purchase plan, Commission fees, fees and expenses of unaffiliated directors, accounting and pricing costs, including costs of calculating the net asset value of the Fund, membership fees in trade associations, fidelity bond coverage for its officers and employees, directors’ and officers’ errors and omission insurance coverage, interest, brokerage costs, taxes, stock exchange listing fees and expenses, expenses of

qualifying its shares for sale in various states, litigation and other extraordinary or non-recurring expenses, and other expenses properly payable by the Fund.

 

Advisory Agreement

 

Under the terms of the Fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”), the Investment Adviser manages the portfolio of the Fund in accordance with its stated investment objectives and policies, makes investment decisions for the Fund, places orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Fund and manages the Fund’s other business and affairs, all subject to the supervision and direction of its Board. In addition, under the 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 its stockholders and supervising the calculation of the net asset value of its stock. All expenses of computing the Fund’s net asset value, including any equipment or services obtained solely for the purpose of pricing shares of stock or valuing the Fund’s investment portfolio, will be an expense of the Fund under the Advisory Agreement unless the Investment Adviser voluntarily assumes responsibility for such expense. During fiscal 2005, the Fund reimbursed the Investment Adviser $45,000 in connection with the cost of computing the Fund’s net asset value.

 

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 weekly and paid monthly at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets plus the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred stock. The Investment Adviser has agreed to reduce the management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the Existing Preferred and the Series F Preferred during the fiscal year if the total return of the net asset value of the common stock, including distributions and management fees subject to reduction for that year, does not exceed the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of preferred stock for the period. In other words, if the effective cost of the leverage for any series of preferred stock exceeds the total return (based on net asset value) on the Fund’s common stock, the Investment Adviser will waive that portion of its management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the leverage for that series of preferred stock to mitigate the negative impact of the leverage on the common stockholder’s total return. This fee waiver is voluntary and may be discontinued at any time. The Fund’s total return on the net asset value of its common stock is monitored on a monthly basis to assess whether the total return on the net asset value of its common stock exceeds the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of outstanding preferred stock for the period. The test to confirm the accrual of the management fee on the assets attributable to each particular series of preferred stock 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 assets.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Fund’s total return on the net asset value of the common stock exceeded the stated dividend rate or net swap expense of the Series C Auction Rate Preferred and Series E Auction Rate Preferred. Thus, management fees were accrued on these assets. The Fund’s total return on the net asset value of the common stock did not exceed the stated dividend rate or net swap expense of the Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred. Thus, management fees with respect to the liquidation value of those preferred assets were reduced by $2,387,425.

 

The Advisory Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of 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 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.”

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 the Fund’s 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.

 

A discussion regarding the basis of the Board’s approval of the Advisory Agreement is available in the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

 

Selection of Securities Brokers

 

The Advisory Agreement contains provisions relating to the selection of securities brokers to effect the portfolio transactions of the Fund. Under those provisions, the Investment Adviser may (i) direct Fund portfolio brokerage to Gabelli & Company, Inc. or other broker-dealer affiliates of the Investment Adviser and (ii) pay commissions to brokers other than Gabelli & Company, Inc. that are higher than might be charged by another qualified broker to obtain brokerage and/or research services considered by the Investment Adviser to be useful or desirable for its investment management of the Fund and/or its other advisory accounts or those of any investment adviser affiliated with it. The SAI contains further information about the Advisory Agreement, including a more complete description of the advisory and expense arrangements, exculpatory and brokerage provisions, as well as information on the brokerage practices of the Fund.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Mario J. Gabelli is currently and has been responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund since its formation. Mr. Gabelli has served as Chief Investment Officer—Value Portfolios of the Investment Adviser and its predecessor since 1980. Mr. Gabelli also serves as Portfolio Manager for several other funds in the Gabelli fund family. Because of the diverse nature of Mr. Gabelli’s responsibilities, he will devote less than all of his time to the day-to-day management of the Fund. Over the past five years, Mr. Gabelli has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of GAMCO Investors, Inc.; Chief Investment Officer—Value Portfolios of GAMCO Asset Management Inc; Vice Chairman of the Board of LGL Group, Inc. (until 2004), a diversified manufacturing company; and Chairman of the Board of Lynch Interactive Corporation, a multimedia and communications services company.

 

Additionally, as of September 30, 2006, Mr. Caesar M.P. Bryan managed approximately $93 million of the Fund’s assets. Mr. Bryan has been a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager with GAMCO Asset Management Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc.) and Portfolio Manager of the GAMCO Gold Fund, Inc. since May 1994 and the GAMCO International Growth Fund, Inc. since June 1995, Co-Portfolio Manager of the GAMCO Global Opportunity Fund since May 1998, Gold Companies Portfolio Manager of the Gabelli Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust since March 2005, and a member of the GAMCO Global Growth Fund portfolio management team since September 2000.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers and the Portfolio Managers’ ownership of securities in the Fund.

 

Sub-Administrator

 

PFPC, Inc. (“PFPC”), located at 400 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware, 19809, serves as the Fund’s sub-administrator. For these services and the related expenses borne by PFPC, 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 administered by PFPC, 0.0125% of the aggregate average net assets exceeding $10 billion, and 0.01% of the aggregate average net assets in excess of $15 billion.

Regulatory Matters

 

The Fund received the following information from the Investment Adviser.

 

Over the past several years, the staff of the Commission (the “Staff”), the staff of the New York Attorney General’s office (the “NYAG”) and officials of other states have been conducting industry-wide inquiries into, and bringing enforcement and other proceedings regarding, trading abuses involving open-end investment companies. The Investment Adviser and its affiliates have received information requests and subpoenas from the Staff and the NYAG in connection with these inquiries and have been complying with these requests for documents and testimony. The Investment Adviser has implemented additional compliance policies and procedures in response to recent industry initiatives and its internal reviews of its mutual fund practices in a variety of areas. The Investment Adviser has not found any information that it believes would be material to the ability of the Investment Adviser to fulfill its obligations under the Advisory Agreement. More specifically, the Investment Adviser has found no evidence of arrangements for trading in the Gabelli mutual funds after the 4:00 p.m. pricing time and no evidence of improper short-term trading in these funds by its investment professionals or senior executives. The Investment Adviser did find that one investor, who had been engaged in short-term trading in one of the Gabelli mutual funds (the prospectus of which did not at that time impose limits on short-term trading) and who had subsequently made an investment in a hedge fund managed by an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, was banned from the mutual fund only after certain other investors were banned. The Investment Adviser believes that this relationship was not material to the Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser also found that certain discussions took place in 2002 and 2003 between the Investment Adviser’s staff and personnel of an investment advisor regarding possible frequent trading in certain Gabelli domestic equity funds. In June 2006, the Investment Adviser began discussions with the Staff regarding a possible resolution of their inquiry. Since these discussions are ongoing, the Investment Adviser cannot determine whether they will ultimately result in a settlement of this matter and, if so, what the terms of the settlement might be. There can be no assurance that any resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse impact on the Investment Adviser or on its ability to fulfill its obligations under the Advisory Agreement.

 

The Investment Adviser was informed by the Staff that they may recommend to the Commission that the Investment Adviser be held accountable for the actions of two of the seven closed-end funds managed by the Investment Adviser relating to Section 19(a) and Rule 19a-1 of the 1940 Act. These provisions require registered investment companies to provide written statements to shareholders when a distribution is made from a source other than net investment income. While the two funds sent annual statements containing the required information and Form 1099-DIV statements as required by the IRS, the funds did not send written statements to shareholders with each distribution in 2002 and 2003. The closed-end funds managed by the Investment Adviser changed their notification procedures in 2004 and the Investment Adviser believes that all of the funds have been in compliance with Section 19(a) and Rule 19a-1 of the 1940 Act since that time. The Staff’s notice to the Investment Adviser did not relate to the Fund. The Staff indicated that they may recommend to the Commission that administrative remedies be sought, including a monetary penalty. The Investment Adviser cannot predict whether an administrative proceeding will be instituted and, if so, what the ultimate resolution might be. The Investment Adviser currently expects that any resolution of this matter will not have a material effect on the Investment Adviser’s ability to fulfill its obligations under the Advisory Agreement. If the Commission were to revoke the exemptive order that the Fund relies upon to make distributions of capital gains more frequently than annually, the Board may consider whether to modify or possibly eliminate the Fund’s current distribution policy.

 

Principal transactions are not entered into with affiliates of the Fund. However, Gabelli & Company, Inc., an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, may execute portfolio transactions on stock exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets on an agency basis and receive a stated commission therefore. For a more detailed discussion of the Fund’s brokerage allocation practices, see “Portfolio Transactions” in the SAI.

 

The Fund has a policy, which may be modified at any time by the Board, of paying a minimum annual distribution of 10% of the average net asset value of the Fund to common stockholders. The Fund’s current quarterly distribution level is $0.19 per share. The Board paid a distribution of $0.20 per share for the third quarter of 2006, consisting of the $0.19 per share quarterly distribution plus an additional $0.01 per share. Each year the Fund pays an adjusting distribution in the fourth quarter of an amount sufficient to pay 10% of the average net asset value of the Fund, as of the last day of the four preceding calendar quarters, or to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Code, whichever is greater. Each quarter, the Board reviews the amount of any potential distribution and the income, capital gain or capital available. This policy permits common stockholders to realize a predictable, but not assured, level of cash flow and some liquidity periodically with respect to their shares of common stock without having to sell their shares. The Fund may retain for reinvestment, and pay the resulting federal income taxes on, its net capital gain, if any, although the Fund reserves the authority to distribute its net capital gain in any year. However, to avoid paying income tax at the corporate level, the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain.

 

If, for any calendar year, the total quarterly distributions and the amount of distributions on any preferred stock issued by the Fund exceed investment company taxable income and net capital gain, the excess will generally be treated as a tax-free return of capital up to the amount of a stockholder’s tax basis in the stock. Any distributions to the holders of preferred stock which constitute tax-free return of capital will reduce a stockholder’s tax basis in such preferred stock, thereby increasing such stockholder’s potential gain or reducing his or her potential loss on the sale of the preferred stock. Any amounts distributed to a preferred stockholder in excess of the basis in the preferred stock will generally be taxable to the stockholder as capital gain.

 

In the event the Fund distributes amounts in excess of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain, such distributions will decrease the Fund’s total assets and, therefore, have the likely effect of increasing its 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 might have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time when independent investment judgment might not dictate such action.

 

The Fund, along with other closed-end registered investment companies advised by the Investment Adviser, has obtained an exemption from Section 19(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder permitting it to make periodic distributions of long-term capital gains provided that any distribution policy of the Fund with respect to its common stock calls for periodic (e.g., quarterly or semi-annually, but in no event more frequently than monthly) 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 share of common stock at or about the time of distribution or payment of a fixed dollar amount. The exemption also permits the Fund to make distributions with respect to its preferred stock in accordance with such stock’s terms.

 

The Fund offers by this prospectus $125,000,000 of Series F Preferred. The following is a brief description of the terms of the Series F Preferred. This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the Fund’s Charter, including the provisions of the Articles Supplementary establishing the Series F Preferred. For complete terms of the Series F Preferred, including definitions of terms used in this prospectus, please refer to the actual terms of the Series F Preferred, which are set forth in the Articles Supplementary.

 

General

 

Under its Charter, the Fund is authorized to issue up to 270,000,000 shares of capital stock. As of November 6, 2006, 18,000,000 shares of the Fund’s capital stock have been classified by the Board as

preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. Up to 7,000,000 authorized and unissued shares of the Fund, previously classified as common stock, par value $0.001 per share, may be reclassified and authorized for issuance as Series F Preferred prior to the completion of this offering. No fractional shares of Series F Preferred will be issued. The Board reserves the right to issue additional shares of preferred stock, including Series F Preferred, from time to time, subject to the restrictions in the Fund’s Charter and the 1940 Act.

 

If and when issued, the Series F Preferred will have a liquidation preference of $25 per share. Upon a liquidation, each holder of Series F Preferred will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Fund available for distribution to stockholders (after payment of claims of the Fund’s creditors but before any distributions with respect to common stock or any other shares of the Fund ranking junior to the Series F Preferred 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 stockholders shall be entitled to no further participation in any distribution or payment in connection with such liquidation. The Series F Preferred will rank on a parity with any other series of preferred stock (including the Existing Preferred) of the Fund as to the payment of distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation. The Series F Preferred carries one vote per share on all matters on which such stock is entitled to vote. The Series F Preferred 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 stock senior to the Series F Preferred.

 

Rating Agency Guidelines

 

Upon issuance, the Series F Preferred will be rated “Aaa” by Moody’s. The Fund is required under Moody’s guidelines to maintain assets having in the aggregate a discounted value at least equal to the Basic Maintenance Amount (as defined below) for its outstanding preferred stock, including any outstanding Series F Preferred, with respect to the guidelines Moody’s has 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 guidelines 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,” if Moody’s is then rating the Fund, is equal to (i) the sum of (a) the aggregate liquidation preference of any preferred stock then outstanding plus (to the extent not included in the liquidation preference of such preferred stock) an amount equal to the aggregate accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) in respect of such preferred stock, (b) the total principal of any debt (plus accrued and projected interest), (c) certain Fund expenses and (d) certain other current liabilities (excluding any unmade distributions on the shares of common stock) less (ii) the Fund’s (a) cash and (b) assets consisting of indebtedness which (y) mature prior to or on the date of redemption or repurchase of the preferred stock and are United States 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 (z) is held by the Fund for distributions, the redemption or repurchase of preferred stock or the Fund’s liabilities.

 

If the Fund does not timely cure a failure to maintain a discounted value of its portfolio equal to the Basic Maintenance Amount in accordance with the requirements of the applicable rating agency or agencies then rating the Series F Preferred at the request of the Fund, the Fund may, and in certain circumstances will be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred stock, including the Series F Preferred, as described below under “—Redemption.”

 

The Fund may, but is not required to, adopt any modifications to the rating agency guidelines that may hereafter be established by Moody’s (or such other rating agency then rating the Series F Preferred at the request of the Fund). 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 Series F Preferred at the request of the Fund may, at any time, change or withdraw any such rating. The Board, without further action by the stockholders, may amend, alter, add to or repeal certain of the definitions and related provisions that have been adopted by the Fund pursuant to the rating agency guidelines if the Board determines that such modification is necessary to prevent a reduction in rating of the preferred stock by Moody’s, is in the best interests of the holders of common stock and is not adverse to the holders of preferred stock in view of advice to the Fund by Moody’s (or such other rating agency then rating the Series F Preferred at the request of the Fund), and that such modification would not adversely affect, as the case may be, Moody’s then current rating of the Series F Preferred.

 

As described by Moody’s, the rating assigned to the Series F Preferred is an assessment of the capacity and willingness of the Fund to pay the obligations of the Series F Preferred. The rating on the Series F Preferred is not a recommendation to purchase, hold or sell shares of Series F Preferred, inasmuch as the rating does 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 Series F Preferred will be able to sell such shares on an exchange or otherwise. The rating is based on current information furnished to Moody’s by the Fund and the Investment Adviser and information obtained from other sources. The rating may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or the unavailability of, such information.

 

The Moody’s guidelines will apply to the Series F Preferred only so long as Moody’s is rating such stock at the request of the Fund. The Fund will pay fees to Moody’s for rating the Series F Preferred.

 

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 stock. The 1940 Act requirements are summarized below.

 

The Fund will be required under the Series F Articles Supplementary 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 stock, including any outstanding Series F Preferred. If the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage required under the 1940 Act on such dates and such failure is not cured within 60 calendar days, in the case of the Series F Preferred, the Fund may, and in certain circumstances will be required to, mandatorily redeem the number of shares of preferred stock sufficient to satisfy such asset coverage. See “—Redemption” below.

 

The Fund estimates that if the stock offered hereby had been issued and sold as of September 30, 2006, the asset coverage under the 1940 Act would have been approximately 389% immediately following such issuance (and after giving effect to the deduction of the estimated underwriting discounts of $3,937,500 and estimated offering expenses for such stock of $500,000). The asset coverage would have been computed as follows:

 

 

Distributions on the Series F Preferred

 

Upon issuance of the Series F Preferred (if issued), holders of shares of Series F Preferred will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board out of funds legally available therefor, cumulative cash distributions, at the annual rate of  % (computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) of the liquidation preference of $25 per share, payable quarterly on March 26, June 26, September 26 and December 26 of each year or, if any such day is not a business day, the immediately succeeding business

day. Such distributions will commence on December 26, 2006 and will be payable to the persons in whose names the shares of Series F Preferred are registered at the close of business on the fifth preceding business day.

 

Distributions on the shares of Series F Preferred will accumulate from the date on which such shares are issued.

 

Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions for the Series F Preferred

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not (i) declare any dividend and distribution (except a dividend payable in stock of the issuer) or other distributions upon any of its outstanding shares of common stock, or purchase any such shares of common stock, if, at the time of the declaration, distribution or purchase, as applicable (and after giving effect thereto), asset coverage with respect to the Fund’s outstanding senior securities representing stock, including the Series F Preferred, would be less than 200%.

 

So long as any Series F Preferred is outstanding, the Fund may not pay any dividend or distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in common stock or in options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase common stock) in respect of the common stock or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any common stock (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of the Fund ranking junior to the Series F Preferred as to the payment of dividends or distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation), unless:

 

 

No full distribution will be declared or made on the Series F Preferred for any dividend period, or part thereof, unless full cumulative distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates therefor for all outstanding series of preferred stock of the Fund ranking on a parity with the Series F Preferred as to distributions have been or contemporaneously are declared and made. If full cumulative distributions due have not been made on all outstanding preferred stock of the Fund ranking on a parity with the Series F Preferred as to the payment of distributions, any distributions being paid on the preferred stock (including the Series F Preferred) 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 stock on the relevant dividend payment date. While the Fund’s investment restrictions currently do not permit the Fund to borrow money for investment purposes, the Fund’s obligation to make distributions on the Series F Preferred will be subordinate to its obligations to pay interest and principal, when due, on any of the Fund’s senior securities representing debt.

 

Redemption

 

Mandatory Redemption Relating to Asset Coverage Requirements.  The Fund may, at its option, consistent with its Charter and the 1940 Act, and in certain circumstances will be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred stock (including, at its discretion the Series F Preferred) in the event that:

 

 

The redemption price for the Series F Preferred subject to mandatory redemption will be $25 per share plus an amount equal to any accumulated but unmade distributions (whether or not earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption.

 

The number of shares of preferred stock that will be redeemed in the case of a mandatory redemption will equal the minimum number of outstanding shares of preferred stock, 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 shares of preferred stock. In the event that shares of preferred stock 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 shares of preferred stock 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). In the event that shares of preferred stock 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 shares of preferred stock 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).

 

If the Fund does not have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is otherwise unable to redeem, all the shares of preferred stock 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 shares of the Fund’s outstanding preferred stock are to be redeemed, the Fund, at its discretion, and subject to the limitations of the Charter, the 1940 Act and Maryland law, will select the one or more series of preferred stock from which shares will be redeemed and the amount of preferred stock to be redeemed from each such series. If fewer than all of the shares of a series of preferred stock 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 shares of the preferred stock 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 of the Series F Preferred.  Prior to          , 2011 the shares of Series F Preferred are not subject to optional redemption by the Fund unless such redemption is necessary, in the judgment of the Fund, to maintain the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company under the Code. Commencing on          , 2011 and thereafter, the Fund may at any time redeem shares of Series F Preferred in whole or in part for cash at a redemption price per share equal to $25 per share plus accumulated and unmade distributions (whether or not earned or declared) to the redemption date. Such redemptions are subject to the notice requirements set forth below under “—Redemption Procedures” and the limitations of the Charter, the 1940 Act and Maryland Law.

 

Redemption Procedures.  A notice of redemption with respect to an optional redemption by the Fund will be given to the holders of record of preferred stock 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 stockholders 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 shares of preferred stock 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 distributions on the shares to be redeemed will cease to

accumulate on such redemption date, (vii) the provision of the Series F Articles Supplementary 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 Series F Preferred will not have the right to redeem any of their shares at their option.

 

Liquidation Rights

 

Upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Fund (whether voluntary or involuntary), holders of Series F Preferred then outstanding will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Fund available for distribution to stockholders, after satisfying claims of creditors but before any distribution or payment of assets is made to holders of the common stock or any other class of stock of the Fund ranking junior to the Series F Preferred as to liquidation payments, a liquidation distribution in the amount of $25 per share, plus an amount equal to all unmade distributions accumulated to and including the date fixed for such distribution or payment (whether or not earned or declared by the Fund but excluding interest thereon), and such holders will be entitled to no further participation in any distribution or payment in connection with any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up. If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, whether voluntary or involuntary, the assets of the Fund available for distribution among the holders of all outstanding shares of preferred stock of the Fund ranking on a parity with the Series F Preferred as to payment upon liquidation will be insufficient to permit the payment in full to such holders of the Series F Preferred and other parity preferred stock of the amounts due upon liquidation with respect to such shares, then such available assets will be distributed among the holders of the Series F Preferred and such other parity preferred stock ratably in proportion to the respective preferential amounts to which they are entitled. Unless and until the liquidation payments due to holders of the Series F Preferred and such other parity preferred stock have been paid in full, no dividends or distributions will be made to holders of the common stock or any other stock of the Fund ranking junior to the Series F Preferred and other parity preferred stock as to liquidation and junior to any senior securities representing debt.

 

Voting Rights

 

Except as otherwise stated in this prospectus, specified in the Fund’s Charter or resolved by the Board or as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of the Series F Preferred shall be entitled to one vote per share held on each matter submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of shares of common stock and of any other preferred stock then outstanding as a single class.

 

In connection with the election of the Fund’s directors (each, a “Director”), holders of the outstanding shares of Series F Preferred and the other series of preferred stock, voting together as a single class, will be entitled at all times to elect two of the Fund’s Directors, and the remaining directors will be elected by holders of shares of common stock and holders of Series F Preferred, and other series of preferred stock, voting together as a single class. In addition, if (i) at any time dividends and distributions on outstanding shares of Series F Preferred and/or any other preferred stock 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 stock 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 the Series F Preferred and other series of preferred stock 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 shares of Series F Preferred and the other series of preferred stock, voting together as a single class, at a special meeting of stockholders 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 stockholder 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 shares of preferred stock for all past dividend periods or the holders of other series of preferred stock are no longer entitled to elect such additional directors, the additional voting rights of the holders of the preferred stock as described above will cease, and the terms of office of all of the additional Directors elected by the holders of the preferred stock (but not of the Directors with respect to whose election the holders of shares of common stock were entitled to vote or the two Directors the holders of shares of preferred stock have the right to elect as a separate class in any event) will terminate automatically.

 

So long as shares of Series F Preferred are outstanding, the Fund will not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the shares of preferred stock outstanding at the time (including the Series F Preferred), and present and voting on such matter, voting separately as one class, amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the Fund’s Charter whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially adversely affect any of the rights, preferences or powers expressly set forth in the Charter with respect to such shares of preferred stock, unless the Fund obtains written confirmation from Moody’s, or any such other rating agency then rating the Series F Preferred that such amendment, alteration or repeal would not impair the rating then assigned by such rating agency to the Series F Preferred, in which case the vote or consent of the holders of the Series F Preferred is not required. Also, to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, in the event shares of more than one series of preferred stock are outstanding, the Fund will not approve any of the actions set forth in the preceding sentence which materially adversely affect the rights, preferences or powers expressly set forth in the Charter with respect to such shares of a series of preferred stock differently than those of a holder of shares of any other series of preferred stock without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of preferred stock of each series materially adversely affected and outstanding at such time (each such materially adversely affected series voting separately as a class to the extent its rights are affected differently). For purposes of this paragraph, no matter shall be deemed to adversely affect any right, preference or power unless such matter (i) adversely alters or abolishes any preferential right of such series; (ii) creates, adversely alters or abolishes any right in respect of redemption of such series; or (iii) creates or adversely alters (other than to abolish) any restriction on transfer applicable to such series.

 

Under the Charter and applicable provisions of the 1940 Act or Maryland law, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of the preferred stock (including the Series F Preferred), voting together as a single class, will be required to approve any plan of reorganization adversely affecting the preferred stock. The approval of 662/3% of each class, voting separately, of the Fund’s outstanding voting stock is required to authorize the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company. The approval of a majority (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund’s outstanding preferred stock and a majority (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities are required to approve any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act (other than a conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to open-end investment company), including, among other things, changes in the Fund’s investment objectives or changes in the investment restrictions described as fundamental policies under “Investment Objectives and Policies” in this prospectus and the SAI, “How the Fund Manages Risk—Investment Restrictions” in this prospectus and “Investment Restrictions” in the SAI. For purposes of this paragraph, except as otherwise required under the 1940 Act, the majority of the outstanding preferred stock means, in accordance with Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act, the vote, at the annual or a special meeting of the stockholders of the Fund duly called (i) of 662/3% or more of the shares of preferred stock present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of preferred stock are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of preferred stock, whichever is less. The class vote of holders of shares of the preferred stock described above in each case will be in addition to a separate vote of the requisite percentage of common stock, and any other preferred stock, voting together as a single class, that may be necessary to authorize the action in question.

The calculation of the elements and definitions of certain terms of the rating agency guidelines may be modified by action of the Board without further action by the stockholders if the Board determines that such modification is necessary to prevent a reduction in rating of the shares of preferred stock by Moody’s (or such other rating agency then rating the Series F Preferred at the request of the Fund), as the case may be, or is in the best interests of the holders of shares of common stock and is not adverse to the holders of preferred stock in view of advice to the Fund by the relevant rating agencies that such modification would not adversely affect its then-current rating of the preferred stock.

 

The foregoing voting provisions will not apply to any Series F Preferred if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote otherwise would be required will be effected, such stock 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 Series F Preferred will have no preemptive rights or rights to cumulative voting.

 

Limitation on Issuance of Preferred Stock

 

So long as the Fund has preferred stock outstanding, subject to receipt of approval from the rating agencies of each series of preferred stock outstanding, and subject to compliance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions, the Fund may issue and sell shares of one or more other series of additional preferred stock provided that the Fund will, immediately after giving effect to the issuance of such additional preferred stock and to its receipt and application of the proceeds thereof (including, without limitation, to the redemption of preferred stock 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 shares of preferred stock of the Fund then outstanding and all indebtedness of the Fund constituting senior securities and no such additional preferred stock will have any preference or priority over any other preferred stock of the Fund upon the distribution of the assets of the Fund or in respect of the payment of dividends or distributions.

 

The Fund does not currently intend to offer additional shares of preferred stock. However, the Fund will monitor market conditions, including, among other things, interest rates and the asset levels of the Fund, and will consider from time to time whether to offer additional preferred stock 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 Charter and applicable law, and in the best interest of existing common stockholders.

 

Repurchase of the Series F Preferred

 

The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company and, as such, holders of the Series F Preferred do not and will not have the right to require the Fund to repurchase their preferred stock. The Fund, however, may repurchase Series F Preferred when it is deemed advisable by the Board in compliance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and regulations thereunder and other applicable requirements. Unlike a redemption of the Series F Preferred, where stockholders are subject to the redemption terms, in a repurchase offer the Fund is purchasing stock on an exchange or otherwise (through private transactions or tender offers) soliciting repurchases, and stockholders may choose whether or not to sell.

 

This prospectus will serve as notice that the Fund may from time to time purchase shares of Series F Preferred when such shares are trading below the $25 per share liquidation preference.

 

Book-Entry

 

Shares of the Series F Preferred will initially be held in the name of Cede & Co. as nominee for DTC. The Fund will treat Cede & Co. as the holder of record of the Series F Preferred for all purposes. In accordance with the procedures of DTC, however, purchasers of the Series F Preferred will be deemed the beneficial owners of stock purchased for purposes of dividends and distributions, voting and liquidation rights.

Certificates for Series F Preferred will not be issued. Purchasers of the Series F Preferred may establish direct (registered) ownership of their shares by contacting the Transfer Agent.

 

Common Stock

 

Pursuant to an amendment to the Fund’s Articles of Incorporation that was approved by stockholders in 2004, the Board may increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock of the Fund or the number of shares of any class or series that the Fund has authority to issue without stockholder approval. The Fund is currently authorized to issue 252,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share. Holders of the Fund’s common stock are entitled to one vote per share held. Holders of shares of common stock are entitled to share equally in distributions authorized by the Board payable to the holders of such shares and in the net assets of the Fund available on liquidation for distribution to holders of such shares. The shares of common stock have noncumulative voting rights and no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights, and are not redeemable. In the event of liquidation, each share of common stock is entitled to its proportion of the Fund’s assets after payment of debts and expenses and the amounts payable to holders of the Fund preferred stock ranking senior to the shares of common stock as described below.

 

The Fund’s outstanding common stock is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GAB”. The average weekly trading volume of the common stock on the NYSE during the period from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005 was 523,176 shares. The average weekly trading volume of the common stock on the NYSE during the period from January 1, 2006 through September 30, 2006 was 1.02 million shares. The Fund’s shares of common stock have traded in the market at both premiums to and discounts from net asset value.

 

The Fund may repurchase shares of its common stock from time to time as and when it deems such repurchase advisable, subject to maintaining required asset coverage for each series of outstanding preferred stock. The Board has adopted a policy to authorize such repurchases when the shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more from net asset value. The policy does not limit the amount of common stock that can be repurchased. The percentage of the discount from net asset value at which share repurchases will be authorized may be changed at any time by the Board. Through September 30, 2006, the Fund has not repurchased shares of its common stock under this authorization.

 

Stockholders whose common stock is registered in their own name will have all distributions reinvested pursuant to the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) unless they specifically elect to opt out of the Plan. For a more detailed discussion of the Plan, see “Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan” in the SAI.

 

Preferred Stock

 

As of November 6, 2006, 18,000,000 shares of the Fund’s capital stock have been classified by the Board as preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. Up to 7,000,000 authorized and unissued shares of the Fund, previously classified as common stock, par value $0.001 per share, may be reclassified and authorized for issuance as Series F Preferred prior to the completion of this offering. The terms of each series of preferred stock may be fixed by the Board and may materially limit and/or qualify the rights of the holders of the Fund’s common stock. As of September 30, 2006, the Fund had 4,950,000 outstanding shares of Series B Preferred, 5,200 outstanding shares of Series C Auction Rate Preferred, 2,949,700 outstanding shares of Series D Preferred and 2,000 outstanding shares of Series E Auction Rate Preferred, which, along with the Series F Preferred being issued in connection with this prospectus, are senior securities of the Fund.

 

Distributions on the Series B Preferred accumulate at an annual rate of 7.20% of the liquidation preference of $25 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 Fund is required to meet

similar asset coverage requirements with respect to the Series B Preferred as are described in this prospectus for the Series F Preferred. The Series B Preferred is rated “Aaa” by Moody’s. The Fund’s outstanding Series B Preferred became redeemable at the liquidation preference plus accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) at the option of the Fund beginning June 20, 2006. The Series B Preferred is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GAB PrB”.

 

Distributions on the Series C Auction Rate Preferred accumulate at a variable rate set at a weekly auction. The Fund is required to meet certain asset coverage requirements with respect to the Series C Auction Rate Preferred. The Series C Auction Rate Preferred is rated “Aaa” by Moody’s and “AAA” by S&P. The liquidation preference of the Series C Auction Rate Preferred is $25,000. The Fund generally may redeem the outstanding Series C Auction Rate Preferred, in whole or in part, at any time other than during a non-call period. The Series C Auction Rate Preferred is not traded on any exchange.

 

Distributions on the Series D Preferred accumulate at an annual rate of 5.875% of the liquidation preference of $25 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 Fund is required to meet similar asset coverage requirements with respect to the Series D Preferred as are described in this prospectus for the Series F Preferred. The Series D Preferred is rated “Aaa” by Moody’s. The Fund’s outstanding Series D Preferred is redeemable at the liquidation preference plus accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) at the option of the Fund beginning October 7, 2008. The Series D Preferred is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GAB PrD”.

 

Distributions on the Series E Auction Rate Preferred accumulate at a variable rate set at a weekly auction. The Fund is required to meet certain asset coverage requirements with respect to the Series E Auction Rate Preferred. The Series E Auction Rate Preferred is rated “Aaa” by Moody’s and “AAA” by S&P. The liquidation preference of the Series E Auction Rate Preferred is $25,000. The Fund generally may redeem the outstanding Series E Auction Rate Preferred, in whole or in part, at any time other than during a non-call period. The Series E Auction Rate Preferred is not traded on any exchange.

 

The following table shows (i) the classes of capital stock authorized, (ii) the number of shares authorized in each class and (iii) the number of shares outstanding in each class as of September 30, 2006.

 

 

 

 

For a description of the terms and limitations of the Series F Preferred with respect to liquidation rights, dividends and distributions, the rights of holders of the Fund’s preferred stock to receive distributions, and selection of Directors to the Fund’s Board, see “Description of the Series F Preferred.”

 

The following discussion is a brief summary of certain United States federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its stockholders. The discussion reflects applicable tax laws of the United States as of the date of this prospectus, which tax laws may be changed or subject to new interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) retroactively or prospectively. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all United States federal, state, local and foreign tax concerns affecting the Fund and

its stockholders (including stockholders owning large positions in the Fund), and 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, and intends to continue to qualify, as a regulated investment company 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 United States 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 value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, United States government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies 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, (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in the securities of (I) any one issuer (other than United States government securities and the securities of other regulated investment companies), (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.

 

The Fund’s investments in partnerships, including in Qualified Publicly Traded Partnerships, may result in the Fund being subject to state, local or foreign income, franchise or withholding tax liabilities.

 

As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally is not subject to United States federal income tax on income and gains that it distributes each taxable year to stockholders, if it distributes at least 90% of the sum of the Fund’s (i) investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest and the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses 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 and distributions paid and (ii) its net tax-exempt interest (the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest over certain disallowed deductions). The Fund intends to distribute at least annually substantially all of such income.

 

Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% 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, (ii) 98% 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), and (iii) certain undistributed amounts from previous years on which the Fund paid no United States federal income tax. While the Fund intends to distribute any income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund’s taxable 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 for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to stockholders.

 

The Fund has a policy, which may be modified at any time by its Board, of paying a minimum annual distribution of 10% of the average net asset value of the Fund, paid quarterly, to holders of shares of common

stock. In the event that the Fund’s investment company taxable income and net capital gain exceed the total of its quarterly distributions and the total amount of distributions on any preferred stock issued by the Fund, in order to avoid paying income tax at the corporate level, the Fund intends to pay such excess once a year. If, for any calendar year, the total quarterly distributions and the total amount of distributions on any preferred stock issued by the Fund exceed both current earnings and profits and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will generally be treated as a tax-free return of capital up to the amount of a stockholder’s tax basis in the stock. The amount treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce a stockholder’s tax basis in the stock, thereby increasing such stockholder’s potential gain or reducing the potential loss on the sale of the stock. Any amounts distributed to a stockholder in excess of the basis in the stock will be taxable to the stockholder as capital gain. The Fund’s distribution policy may cause it to make taxable distributions to stockholders in excess of the minimum amounts of such taxable distributions it would be required to make in order to avoid liability for federal income tax. In certain situations, this excess distribution may cause stockholders to be liable for taxes for which they would not otherwise be liable if the Fund paid only that amount required to avoid liability for federal income tax.

 

Taxation of Stockholders

 

Based in part on the Fund’s inability to voluntarily redeem the Series F Preferred until          , 2011 the Fund intends to take the position that under present law the Series F Preferred will constitute equity, rather than debt of the Fund for Federal income tax purposes. It is possible, however, that the IRS could take a contrary position asserting, for example, that the Series F Preferred constitutes debt of the Fund. The Fund believes this position, if asserted, would be unlikely to prevail. If that position were upheld, distributions on the Series F Preferred would be considered interest, taxable as ordinary income regardless of the taxable income of the Fund. The following discussion assumes the Series F Preferred is treated as equity.

 

Distributions paid to you by the Fund from its investment company taxable income which includes the excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses (together referred to hereinafter as “ordinary income dividends”) are generally taxable to you as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s earnings and profits. Such distributions (if designated by the Fund) may, however, qualify (provided holding periods and other requirements are met by both the Fund and the stockholder) (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate stockholders to the extent that the Fund’s income consists of dividend income from United States corporations, and (ii) for taxable years through December 31, 2010, as qualified dividend income eligible for the reduced maximum Federal rate to individuals of generally 15% (currently 5% for individuals in lower tax brackets) to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualified 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). Distributions made to you from an excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses (“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 designated by the Fund, regardless of the length of time you have owned Fund stock. The maximum Federal tax rate on net long-term capital gain of individuals is reduced generally from 20% to 15% (currently 5% for individuals in lower brackets) for such gain realized before January 1, 2011. Distributions in excess of the Fund’s earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of your stock and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to you (assuming the stock is held as a capital asset). Generally, not later than 60 days after the close of its taxable year, the Fund will provide you with a written notice designating the amount of any qualified dividend income or capital gain dividends and other distributions.

 

Upon the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of Series F Preferred stock, you will generally realize a taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between (1) the amount of cash and the fair market value of other property received and (2) your adjusted tax basis in the stock. Such gain or loss will generally be a capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the stock has been held for more than one

year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of Fund stock 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 an undistributed capital gain dividend) by you. A loss realized on a sale or exchange of stock of the Fund will be disallowed if other substantially identical Fund stock is 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 that the stock is disposed of. In such case, the basis of the stock acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gains of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income.

 

If the Fund pays you a dividend or makes a distribution in January that was declared in the previous October, November or December to stockholders 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 backup withhold on taxable dividends or distributions and certain other payments paid to non-corporate holders of the Fund’s stock who do not furnish the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number (in the case of individuals, 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 United States 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 the provisions of the code and the treasury regulations in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Fund and its stockholders. These provisions are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. A more complete discussion of the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its stockholders can be found in the SAI that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Stockholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to United States federal, foreign, state, local income or other taxes.

 

The Fund presently has provisions in its Charter and By-Laws which could have the effect of limiting, in each case:

 

 

These provisions may be regarded as “anti-takeover” provisions. The Board of the Fund is divided into three classes, each having a term of three years. Each year the term of one class of Directors will expire. Accordingly, only those Directors in one class may be changed in any one year, and it would require a minimum of two years to change a majority of the Board. Such system of electing Directors may have the effect of maintaining the continuity of management and, thus, make it more difficult for the stockholders of the Fund to change the majority of Directors. A Director of the Fund may be removed only for cause and by a vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast for the election of Directors.

 

In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of 662/3% of the Fund’s outstanding shares of each class (voting separately) is required to authorize the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company or generally to authorize any of the following transactions:

 

 

 

if such person or entity is directly, or indirectly through affiliates, the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of capital stock of the Fund. However, such vote would not be required when, under certain conditions, the Board approves the transaction. 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, changing the Fund’s subclassification as a closed-end investment company, changing the Fund’s investment objectives or changing its fundamental investment restrictions.

 

Maryland corporations that are subject to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and have at least three outside directors, such as the Fund, may by board resolution elect to become subject to certain corporate governance provisions set forth in the Maryland corporate law, even if such provisions are inconsistent with the corporation’s charter and by-laws. Accordingly, notwithstanding the Fund’s Charter or By-Laws, under Maryland law the Board may elect by resolution to, among other things:

 

 

The Board may make any of the foregoing elections without amending the Fund’s Charter or By-Laws and without stockholder approval. Though a corporation’s charter or a resolution by its board may prohibit its directors from making the elections set forth above, the Fund’s Board currently is not prohibited from making any such elections.

 

The provisions of the Charter and By-Laws and Maryland law described above could have the effect of depriving the owners of stock in the Fund of opportunities to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices, by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund in a tender offer or similar transaction. The overall effect of these provisions is to render more difficult the accomplishment of a merger or the assumption of control by a principal stockholder. The Board has determined that the foregoing voting requirements, which are generally greater than the minimum requirements under Maryland law and the 1940 Act, are in the best interests of the stockholders generally.

 

The Charter and By-Laws of the Fund are on file with the Commission.

 

Mellon Trust of New England, N.A., located at 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, Massachusetts 02149, serves as 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

receives a monthly fee based upon the month end value of the total assets of the Fund, plus certain charges for securities transactions.

 

Computershare, located at 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021, serves as the Fund’s dividend disbursing agent, as agent under the Fund’s Plan and as transfer agent and registrar with respect to the common stock of the Fund.

 

Along with the Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred, Computershare will also serve as the Fund’s transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent with respect to the Series F Preferred.

 

The Bank of New York, located at 100 Church Street, New York, New York 10286, serves as the auction agent, transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent with respect to the Series C Auction Rate Preferred and the Series E Auction Rate Preferred.

 

Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated are acting as joint book-running managers and, together with A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. and Gabelli and Company, Inc., are acting as representatives of the underwriters named below.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus, each underwriter named below has agreed to purchase, and the Fund has agreed to sell to that underwriter, the number of shares of Series F Preferred set forth opposite the underwriter’s name.

 

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the shares included in this offering are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all of the Series F Preferred shares, if they purchase any such shares.

 

The following table shows the sales load that the Fund will pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering.

 

 

The underwriters propose to initially offer some of the Series F Preferred directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and some of the Series F Preferred to certain dealers at the public offering price less a concession not in excess of $0.50 per share. The sales load that the Fund will pay of $      per share is equal to     % of the initial offering price. The underwriters may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of $      per share of Series F Preferred on sales to other dealers. After the initial offering, the public offering price and concession may be changed. Investors must pay for any Series F Preferred purchased in the initial public offering on or before          , 2006.

 

Prior to the offering, there has been no public market for the Series F Preferred. A preliminary application has been made to list the Series F Preferred on the NYSE. However, during an initial period that is not expected to exceed 30 days after the date of this prospectus, the Series F Preferred will not be listed on any securities exchange. During such 30-day period, the underwriters intend to make a market in the Series F Preferred; however, they have no obligation to do so. Consequently, an investment in the Series F Preferred may be illiquid during such period.

 

In connection with the offering, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, on behalf of the underwriters, may purchase and sell the Series F Preferred in the open market. These transactions may include syndicate covering and stabilizing transactions. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the Series F Preferred in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases of shares made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the shares while the offering is in progress.

The underwriters may impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated repurchase shares of Series F Preferred originally sold by that syndicate member in order to cover syndicate short positions or make stabilizing purchases.

 

Any of these activities may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of Series F Preferred. They may also cause the price of Series F Preferred to be higher than the price that would otherwise exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the NYSE or in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise. If the underwriters commence any of these transactions, they may discontinue them at any time.

 

We estimate that total expenses for this offering (excluding underwriting discounts) will be $500,000.

 

The Fund anticipates that, from time to time, certain underwriters may act as brokers or dealers in connection with the Fund’s execution of the Fund’s portfolio transactions after they have ceased to be underwriters and, subject to certain restrictions, may act as brokers while they are underwriters.

 

Certain underwriters have performed investment banking and advisory services for the Fund and the Investment Adviser from time to time, for which they have received customary fees and expenses. The underwriters and their affiliates may from time to time engage in transactions with, and perform services for, the Fund and the Investment Adviser in the ordinary course of their business. An affiliate of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is the counterparty to the Fund in an interest rate swap transaction with an aggregate notional value of $130 million.

 

Gabelli & Company, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gabelli Securities, Inc., which is a majority-owned subsidiary of the parent company of the Investment Adviser, which is, in turn, indirectly majority-owned by Mario J. Gabelli. As a result of these relationships, Mr. Gabelli, the Fund’s Chairman and Chief Investment Officer, may be deemed to be a “controlling person” of Gabelli & Company, Inc.

 

In the underwriting agreement, the Fund and the Investment Adviser have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make for any of those liabilities.

 

A prospectus in electronic format may be available on the websites maintained by one or more of the underwriters. The representatives may agree to allocate a number of shares of Series F Preferred to underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. The representatives will allocate shares of Series F Preferred to underwriters that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, Series F Preferred may be sold by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell Series F Preferred to online brokerage account holders.

 

The principal business address of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013. The principal business address of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated is 4 World Financial Center, New York, New York 10080. The principal business address of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. is One North Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63101. The principal business address of Gabelli & Company, Inc. is One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422.

 

Certain legal matters will be passed on by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019, counsel to the Fund in connection with the offering of the Series F Preferred, and by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, LLP, 425 Lexington Avenue New York, New York 10017, counsel to the underwriters. Counsel for the Fund and for the underwriters will rely, as to certain matters of Maryland law, on Venable LLP, 1800 Mercantile Bank and Trust Building, 2 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

 

The audited financial statements of the Fund as of December 31, 2005, have been incorporated by reference into the SAI in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is incorporated by reference into the SAI. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is located at 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017.

 

The Board has approved, subject to shareholder and other regulatory approvals, the contribution of a portion of the Fund’s assets to a newly formed non-diversified, closed-end investment company, The Gabelli Global Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust (the “Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust”). All of the Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust’s common stock would then be distributed to the common stockholders of the Fund.

 

The Fund would contribute to the Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust approximately $60 million to $100 million of its cash and/or securities and would then distribute all of the shares of the Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust pro rata to the common stockholders of the Fund. The Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust will seek to have its shares listed on the NYSE.

 

The transaction is expected to be voted upon at the Fund’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders in May 2007. The Board will determine the amount of capital to be distributed, the number of shares to be distributed, and the record and distribution dates, which will be announced at a later time. The distribution will be made only by means of a prospectus. The transaction will not be concluded unless shareholder approval has been obtained and all required regulatory approvals, including by the Commission or its staff, have been obtained.

 

* * *

 

The Fund is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the 1940 Act and in accordance therewith files reports and other information with the Commission. Reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the Fund with the Commission pursuant to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the 1940 Act can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The Commission 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 Commission.

 

The Fund’s common stock, Series B Preferred and Series D Preferred are listed on the NYSE. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Fund and filed with the Commission by the Fund will be available for inspection at the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

 

This prospectus constitutes part of a Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 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 preferred stock 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 Commission. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the Commission upon payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations or free of charge through the Commission’s web site (http://www.sec.gov).

 

The Fund is committed to maintaining the privacy of its stockholders 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 stockholders, although certain non-public personal information of its stockholders may become available to the Fund. The Fund does not disclose any non-public personal information about its stockholders or former stockholders to anyone, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service stockholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third party administrator).

 

The Fund restricts access to non-public personal information about its stockholders to employees of the Fund’s 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 stockholders.

 

 

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations in connection with this offering other than those contained in this prospectus in connection with the offer contained herein, and, if given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the underwriters. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale made hereunder will, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Fund since the date hereof or that the information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to its date. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities to which it relates. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstance in which such an offer or solicitation is unlawful.

 

Aaa Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as “gilt edge.” Interest payments are protected by a large or exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

 

Aa Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present that make the long-term risk appear somewhat larger than in Aaa Securities.

 

A Bonds that are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present that suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.

 

Baa Bonds that are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present, but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.

 

Ba Bonds that are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

 

B Bonds that are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small. Moody’s applies numerical modifiers (1, 2, and 3) with respect to the bonds rated Aa through B. The modifier 1 indicates that the company ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the company ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

 

Caa Bonds that are rated Caa are of poor standing. These issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.

 

Ca Bonds that are rated Ca represent obligations that are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

 

C Bonds that are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

STANDARD & POOR’S RATINGS SERVICES

 

AAA—This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal. AA Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differs from AAA issues only in small degree.

 

A—Principal and interest payments on bonds in this category are regarded as safe. Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.

 

BBB—This is the lowest investment grade. Debt rated BBB has an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories.

 

Speculative Grade—Debt rated BB, CCC, CC, and C are regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation, and C the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions. Debt rated C 1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid and debt rated D is in payment default.

 

In July 1994, S&P initiated an “r” symbol to its ratings. The “r” symbol is attached to derivatives, hybrids and certain other obligations that S&P believes may experience high variability in expected returns due to noncredit risks created by the terms of the obligations.

 

AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major categories.

 

“NR” indicates that no public rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.

 

 

 

 

The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc.

 

5,000,000 Shares,  % Series F Cumulative Preferred Stock

 

(Liquidation Preference $25 Per Share)

 

PROSPECTUS

 

          , 2006

 

 

Citigroup

Merrill Lynch & Co.

A.G. Edwards

Gabelli & Company, Inc.

 

 

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.

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (the “Fund”) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund’s primary investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities consisting of common stock, preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities and warrants and rights to purchase such securities. Income is a secondary investment objective. The Fund commenced investment operations on August 21, 1986. Gabelli Funds, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) serves as investment adviser to the Fund.

 

This Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) is not a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the Fund dated          , 2006 (the “Prospectus”). Investors should obtain and read the Prospectus prior to purchasing the  % Series F Cumulative Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred”). A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained, without charge, by calling the Fund at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554) or (914) 921-5100. This SAI incorporates by reference the entire Prospectus.

 

The Prospectus and this SAI omit certain of the information contained in the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. The registration statement may be obtained from the Commission upon payment of the fee prescribed, or inspected at the Commission’s office or via its website (http://www.sec.gov) at no charge.

 

This Statement of Additional Information is dated          , 2006.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations in connection with this offering other than those contained in this prospectus in connection with the offer contained herein, and, if given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the underwriters. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale made hereunder will, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Fund since the date hereof or that the information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to its date. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities to which it relates. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstance in which such an offer or solicitation is unlawful.

 

The Prospectus and this SAI omit certain information contained in the registration statement filed with the Commission, Washington D.C. The registration statement may be obtained from the Commission upon payment of the fee prescribed, or inspected at the Commission’s office at no charge. This Statement of Additional Information is dated          , 2006.

 

The Fund was incorporated in Maryland on May 20, 1986 and is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The common stock of the Fund is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “GAB.” The Fund’s 7.20% Tax Advantaged Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred”) is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GAB PrB”. The Fund’s 5.875% Series D Cumulative Preferred Stock (the “Series D Preferred”) is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GAB PrD”.

 

Investment Objectives

 

The Fund’s primary investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities consisting of common stock, preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities and warrants and rights to purchase such securities selected by the Investment Adviser. Income is a secondary investment objective. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets in equity securities. See “Investment Objectives and Policies” in the Prospectus.

 

Investment Practices

 

Special Situations.  Although the Fund typically invests in the securities of companies on the basis of fundamental value, the Fund from time to time may, as a non-principal investment strategy, invest in companies that are determined by the Investment Adviser to possess “special situation” characteristics. In general, a special situation company is a company whose securities are expected to increase in value solely by reason of a development particularly or uniquely applicable to the company. Developments that may create special situations include, among others, a liquidation, reorganization, recapitalization or merger, material litigation, technological breakthrough or new management or management policies. The principal risk associated with investments in special situation companies is that the anticipated development thought to create the special situation may not occur and the investment therefore may not appreciate in value or may decline in value.

 

Options.  The Fund may, subject to guidelines of the Board of Directors (the “Board”), purchase or sell (i.e., write) options on securities, securities indices and foreign currencies which are listed on a national securities exchange or in the United States over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets as a means of achieving additional return or of hedging the value of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Fund may write covered call options on common stocks that it owns or has an immediate right to acquire through conversion or exchange of other securities in an amount not to exceed 25% of total assets or invest up to 10% of its total assets in the purchase of put options on common stocks that the Fund owns or may acquire through the conversion or exchange of other securities that it owns.

 

A call option is a contract that gives the holder of the option the right to buy from the writer (seller) of the call option, in return for a premium paid, the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. The writer of the call option has the obligation, upon exercise of the option, to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price during the option period.

 

A put option is the reverse of a call option, giving the holder the right, in return for a premium, to sell the underlying security or currency to the writer, at a specified price, and obligating the writer to purchase the underlying security or currency from the holder at that price. The writer of the put, who receives the premium, has the obligation to buy the underlying security or currency upon exercise, at the exercise price during the option period.

If the Fund has written an option, it may terminate its obligation by effecting a closing purchase transaction. This is accomplished by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written. There can be no assurance that a closing purchase transaction can be effected when the Fund so desires.

 

An exchange-traded option may be closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for an option of the same series. Although the Fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option.

 

A call option is “covered” if the Fund owns the underlying instrument covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that instrument without additional cash consideration upon conversion or exchange of another instrument held in its portfolio (or for additional cash consideration held in a segregated account by its custodian). A call option is also covered if the Fund holds a call on the same instrument as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the call written if the difference is maintained by the Fund in cash, U.S. Government Obligations (as defined under “Investment Restrictions”) or other high-grade short-term obligations in a segregated account with its custodian. A put option is “covered” if the Fund maintains cash or other high grade short-term obligations with a value equal to the exercise price in a segregated account with its custodian, or else holds a put on the same instrument as the put written where the exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written. If the Fund has written an option, it may terminate its obligation by effecting a closing purchase transaction. This is accomplished by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written. However, once the Fund has been assigned an exercise notice, the Fund will be unable to effect a closing purchase transaction. Similarly, if the Fund is the holder of an option it may liquidate its position by effecting a closing sale transaction. This is accomplished by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased. There can be no assurance that either a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund so desires.

 

The Fund will realize a profit from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the premium received from writing the option or is more than the premium paid to purchase the option; the Fund will realize a loss from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is more than the premium received from writing the option or is less than the premium paid to purchase the option. Since call option prices generally reflect increases in the price of the underlying security, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option may also be wholly or partially offset by unrealized appreciation of the underlying security. Other principal factors affecting the market value of a put or call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market price and price volatility of the underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date. Gains and losses on investments in options depend, in part, on the ability of the Investment Adviser to predict correctly the effect of these factors. The use of options cannot serve as a complete hedge since the price movement of securities underlying the options will not necessarily follow the price movements of the portfolio securities subject to the hedge.

 

An option position may be closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for an option of the same series or in a private transaction. Although the Fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option. In such event it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, so the Fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur brokerage commissions upon the exercise of call options and upon the subsequent disposition of underlying securities for the exercise of put options. If the Fund, as a covered call option writer, is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or until the Fund delivers the underlying security upon exercise or otherwise covers the position.

 

In addition to options on securities, the Fund may also purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices. A stock index reflects in a single number the market value of many different stocks.

Relative values are assigned to the stocks included in an index and the index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the stocks. The options give the holder the right to receive a cash settlement during the term of the option based on the difference between the exercise price and the value of the index. By writing a put or call option on a securities index, the Fund is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of this amount. The Fund may offset its position in the stock index options prior to expiration by entering into a closing transaction on an exchange, or it may let the option expire unexercised.

 

The Fund may also buy or sell put and call options on foreign currencies. A put option on a foreign currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell a foreign currency at the exercise price until the option expires. A call option on a foreign currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to purchase the currency at the exercise price until the option expires. Currency options traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to position limits which may limit the ability of the Fund to reduce foreign currency risk using such options. Over-the-counter options differ from exchange-traded options in that they are two-party contracts with price and other terms negotiated between buyer and seller and generally do not have as much market liquidity as exchange-traded options. Over-the-counter options are illiquid securities.

 

Use of options on securities indices entails the risk that trading in the options may be interrupted if trading in certain securities included in the index is interrupted. The Fund will not purchase these options unless the Investment Adviser is satisfied with the development, depth and liquidity of the market and the Investment Adviser believes the options can be closed out.

 

Price movements in the portfolio of the Fund may not correlate precisely with the movements in the level of an index and, therefore, the use of options on indexes cannot serve as a complete hedge and will depend, in part, on the ability of the Investment Adviser to predict correctly movements in the direction of the stock market generally or of a particular industry. Because options on securities indexes require settlement in cash, the Fund may be forced to liquidate portfolio securities to meet settlement obligations.

 

Although the Investment Adviser will attempt to take appropriate measures to minimize the risks relating to the Fund’s writing of put and call options, there can be no assurance that the Fund will succeed in any option writing program it undertakes.

 

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures.  A “sale” of a futures contract (or a “short” futures position) means the assumption of a contractual obligation to deliver the assets underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future time. A “purchase” of a futures contract (or a “long” futures position) means the assumption of a contractual obligation to acquire the assets underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future time. Certain futures contracts, including stock and bond index futures, are settled on a net cash payment basis rather than by the sale and delivery of the assets underlying the futures contracts. No consideration will be paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Fund will be required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or cash equivalents equal to approximately 1% to 10% of the contract amount (this amount is subject to change by the exchange or board of trade on which the contract is traded and brokers or members of such board of trade may charge a higher amount). This amount is known as “initial margin” and is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract. Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin,” to and from the broker will be made daily as the price of the index or security underlying the futures contracts fluctuates. At any time prior to the expiration of a futures contract, the Fund may close the position by taking an opposite position, which will operate to terminate its existing position in the contract.

 

An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option. Upon exercise of an option, the delivery of the futures positions by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer’s futures margin account attributable to that contract, which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. The potential loss related to the purchase of an option on futures contracts is limited to the premium paid for the option (plus transaction costs). Because the value of the option purchased is fixed at the

point of sale, there are no daily cash payments by the purchaser to reflect changes in the value of the underlying contract; however, the value of the option does change daily and that change would be reflected in the net assets of the Fund.

 

Futures and options on futures entail certain risks, including but not limited to the following: no assurance that futures contracts or options on futures can be offset at favorable prices, possible reduction of the yield of the Fund due to the use of hedging, possible reduction in value of both the securities hedged and the hedging instrument, possible lack of liquidity due to daily limits on price fluctuations, imperfect correlation between the contracts and the securities being hedged, losses from investing in futures transactions that are potentially unlimited and the segregation requirements described below.

 

In the event the Fund sells a put option or enters into long futures contracts, under current interpretations of the 1940 Act, an amount of cash, obligations of the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities or other liquid securities equal to the market value of the contract must be deposited and maintained in a segregated account with the custodian of the Fund to collateralize the positions, thereby ensuring that the use of the contract is unleveraged. For short positions in futures contracts and sales of call options, the Fund may establish a segregated account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) with cash or liquid securities that, when added to amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant or a broker as margin, equal the market value of the instruments or currency underlying the futures contract or call option or the market price at which the short positions were established.

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts and Options Thereon.  The Fund may purchase or sell interest rate futures contracts to take advantage of, or to protect the Fund, against fluctuations in interest rates affecting the value of debt securities which the Fund holds or intends to acquire. For example, if interest rates are expected to increase, the Fund might sell futures contracts on debt securities the values of which historically have a high degree of positive correlation to the values of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Such a sale would have an effect similar to selling an equivalent value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. If interest rates increase, the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities will decline, but the value of the futures contracts to the Fund will increase at approximately an equivalent rate, thereby keeping the net asset value of the Fund from declining as much as it otherwise would have. The Fund could accomplish similar results by selling debt securities with longer maturities and investing in debt securities with shorter maturities when interest rates are expected to increase. However, since the futures market may be more liquid than the cash market, the use of futures contracts as a risk management technique allows the Fund to maintain a defensive position without having to sell its portfolio securities.

 

Similarly, the Fund may purchase interest rate futures contracts when it is expected that interest rates may decline. The purchase of futures contracts for this purpose constitutes a hedge against increases in the price of debt securities (caused by declining interest rates) which the Fund intends to acquire. Since fluctuation in the value of appropriately selected futures contracts should approximate those of the debt securities that will be purchased, the Fund can take advantage of the anticipated rise in the cost of the debt securities without actually buying them. Subsequently, the Fund can make its intended purchase of the debt securities in the cash market and concurrently liquidate its futures position. To the extent the Fund enters into futures contracts for this purpose, it will maintain, in a segregated asset account with the Fund’s custodian, assets sufficient to cover the Fund’s obligations with respect to such futures contracts, which will consist of cash or other liquid securities from its portfolio in an amount equal to the difference between the fluctuating market value of such futures contracts and the aggregate value of the initial margin deposited by the Fund with its custodian with respect to such futures contracts.

 

The purchase of a call option on a futures contract is similar in some respects to the purchase of a call option on an individual security. Depending on the pricing of the option compared to either the price of the futures contract upon which it is based or the price of the underlying debt securities, it may or may not be less risky than ownership of the futures contract or underlying debt securities. As with the purchase of futures contracts, when the Fund is not fully invested it may purchase a call option on a futures contract to hedge against a market advance due to declining interest rates.

The purchase of a put option on a futures contract is similar to the purchase of protective put options on portfolio securities. The Fund will purchase a put option on a futures contract to hedge the Fund’s portfolio against the risk of rising interest rates and consequent reduction in the value of portfolio securities.

 

The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against declining prices of the securities which are deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration of the option is below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium, which provides a partial hedge against any decline that may have occurred in the Fund’s portfolio holdings. The writing of a put option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against increasing prices of the securities that are deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration of the option is higher than the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium, which provides a partial hedge against any increase in the price of debt securities that the Fund intends to purchase. If a put or call option the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will incur a loss which will be reduced by the amount of the premium it received. Depending on the degree of correlation between changes in the value of its portfolio securities and changes in the value of its futures positions, the Fund’s losses from options on futures it has written may to some extent be reduced or increased by changes in the value of its portfolio securities.

 

Currency Futures and Options Thereon.  Generally, foreign currency futures contracts and options thereon are similar to the interest rate futures contracts and options thereon discussed previously. By entering into currency futures and options thereon, the Fund will seek to establish the rate at which it will be entitled to exchange U.S. dollars for another currency at a future time. By selling currency futures, the Fund will seek to establish the number of dollars it will receive at delivery for a certain amount of a foreign currency. In this way, whenever the Fund anticipates a decline in the value of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar, the Fund can attempt to “lock in” the U.S. dollar value of some or all of the securities held in its portfolio that are denominated in that currency. By purchasing currency futures, the Fund can establish the number of dollars it will be required to pay for a specified amount of a foreign currency in a future month. Thus, if the Fund intends to buy securities in the future and expects the U.S. dollar to decline against the relevant foreign currency during the period before the purchase is effected, the Fund can attempt to lock in the price in U.S. dollars of the securities it intends to acquire.

 

The purchase of options on currency futures will allow the Fund, for the price of the premium and related transaction costs it must pay for the option, to decide whether or not to buy (in the case of a call option) or to sell (in the case of a put option) a futures contract at a specified price at any time during the period before the option expires. If the Investment Adviser, in purchasing an option, has been correct in its judgment concerning the direction in which the price of a foreign currency would move as against the U.S. dollar, the Fund may exercise the option and thereby take a futures position to hedge against the risk it had correctly anticipated or close out the option position at a gain that will offset, to some extent, currency exchange losses otherwise suffered by the Fund. If exchange rates move in a way the Fund did not anticipate, however, the Fund will have incurred the expense of the option without obtaining the expected benefit; any such movement in exchange rates may also thereby reduce, rather than enhance, the Fund’s profits on its underlying securities transactions.

 

Securities Index Futures Contracts and Options Thereon.  Purchases or sales of securities index futures contracts are used for hedging purposes to attempt to protect the Fund’s current or intended investments from broad fluctuations in stock or bond prices. For example, the Fund may sell securities index futures contracts in anticipation of or during a market decline to attempt to offset the decrease in market value of the Fund’s securities portfolio that might otherwise result. If such decline occurs, the loss in value of portfolio securities may be offset, in whole or part, by gains on the futures position. When the Fund is not fully invested in the securities market and anticipates a significant market advance, it may purchase securities index futures contracts in order to gain rapid market exposure that may, in part or entirely, offset increases in the cost of securities that the Fund intends to purchase. As such purchases are made, the corresponding positions in securities index futures contracts will be closed out. The Fund may write put and call options on securities index futures contracts for hedging purposes.

 

Limitations on the Purchase and Sale of Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts.  The Investment Adviser has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under

the Commodity Exchange Act and therefore is not subject to registration under the Commodity Exchange Act. Accordingly, the Fund’s investments in derivative instruments described in the Prospectus and this SAI are not limited by or subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act or otherwise regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Nevertheless, the Fund’s investment restrictions place certain limitations and prohibitions on the Fund’s ability to purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts. See “Investment Restrictions.” Under these restrictions, the Fund may not enter into futures contracts or options on futures contracts unless (i) the aggregate initial margins and premiums do not exceed 5% of the fair market value of the Fund’s total assets and (ii) the aggregate market value of the Fund’s outstanding futures contracts and the market value of the currencies and futures contracts subject to outstanding options written by the Fund, as the case may be, do not exceed 50% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets. In addition, investment in futures contracts and related options generally will be limited by the Rating Agency Guidelines (as defined in the Glossary) applicable to any of the Fund’s Outstanding Preferred Stock (as defined in the Glossary).

 

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts.  The Fund may engage in currency transactions other than on futures exchanges to protect against future changes in the level of future currency exchange rates. The Fund will conduct such currency exchange transactions either on a spot, i.e., cash, basis at the rate then prevailing in the currency exchange market or on a forward basis, by entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell currency. A forward contract on foreign currency involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days agreed upon by the parties from the date of the contract, at a price set on the date of the contract. The risk of shifting of a forward currency contract will be substantially the same as a futures contract having similar terms. The Fund’s dealing in forward currency exchange will be limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of forward currency with respect to specific receivables or payables of the Fund generally arising in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities and accruals of interest receivable and Fund expenses. Position hedging is the forward sale of currency with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in that currency or in a currency bearing a high degree of positive correlation to the value of that currency.

 

The Fund may not position hedge with respect to a particular currency for an amount greater than the aggregate market value (determined at the time of making any sale of forward currency) of the securities held in its portfolio denominated or quoted in, or currently convertible into, such currency. If the Fund enters into a position hedging transaction, the Fund’s custodian or subcustodian will place cash or other liquid securities in a segregated account of the Fund in an amount equal to the value of the Fund’s total assets committed to the consummation of the given forward contract. If the value of the securities placed in the segregated account declines, additional cash or securities will be placed in the account so that the value of the account will, at all times, equal the amount of the Fund’s commitment with respect to the forward contract.

 

At or before the maturity of a forward sale contract, the Fund may either sell a portfolio security and make delivery of the currency, or retain the security and offset its contractual obligations to deliver the currency by purchasing a second contract pursuant to which the Fund will obtain, on the same maturity date, the same amount of the currency which it is obligated to deliver. If the Fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund, at the time of execution of the offsetting transaction, will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that movement has occurred in forward contract prices. Should forward prices decline during the period between the Fund’s entering into a forward contract for the sale of a currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase is less than the price of the currency it has agreed to sell. Should forward prices increase, the Fund will suffer a loss to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell. Closing out forward purchase contracts involves similar offsetting transactions.

 

The cost to the Fund of engaging in currency transactions varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward transactions in currency exchange are usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The use of foreign currency contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the

securities, but it does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. In addition, although forward currency contracts limit the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also limit any potential gain that might result if the value of the currency increases.

 

If a decline in any currency is generally anticipated by the Investment Adviser, the Fund may not be able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the level to which the currency is anticipated to decline.

 

Special Risk Considerations Relating to Futures and Options Thereon.  The Fund’s ability to establish and close out positions in futures contracts and options thereon will be subject to the development and maintenance of liquid markets. Although the Fund generally will purchase or sell only those futures contracts and options thereon for which there appears to be a liquid market, there is no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract or option thereon at any particular time.

 

In the event no liquid market exists for a particular futures contract or option thereon in which the Fund maintains a position, it will not be possible to effect a closing transaction in that contract or to do so at a satisfactory price and the Fund would have to either make or take delivery under the futures contract or, in the case of a written option, wait to sell the underlying securities until the option expires or is exercised or, in the case of a purchased option, exercise the option. In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon which the Fund has written and which the Fund is unable to close, the Fund would be required to maintain margin deposits on the futures contract or option thereon and to make variation margin payments until the contract is closed.

 

Successful use of futures contracts and options thereon and forward contracts by the Fund is subject to the ability of the Investment Adviser to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest and foreign currency rates. If the Investment Adviser’s expectations are not met, the Fund will be in a worse position than if a hedging strategy had not been pursued. For example, if the Fund has hedged against the possibility of an increase in interest rates that would adversely affect the price of securities in its portfolio and the price of such securities increases instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of its securities because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it may have to sell securities to meet the requirements. These sales may be, but will not necessarily be, at increased prices which reflect the rising market. The Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so.

 

Additional Risks of Foreign Options, Futures Contracts, Options on Futures Contracts and Forward Contracts.  Options, futures contracts and options thereon and forward contracts on securities and currencies may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the U.S., may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the U.S. of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund’s ability to act upon economic events occurring in the foreign markets during non-business hours in the U.S., (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the U.S. and (v) lesser trading volume.

 

Exchanges on which options, futures and options on futures are traded may impose limits on the positions that the Fund may take in certain circumstances.

 

Risks of Currency Transactions.  Currency transactions are also subject to risks different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can be adversely affected by government exchange controls, limitations or restrictions on repatriation of currency, and manipulation, or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These forms of governmental action can result in losses to the Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or monies in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring transaction costs.

When Issued, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments.  The Fund may enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities, including on a “when issued” or “delayed delivery” basis, in excess of customary settlement periods for the type of security involved. In some cases, a forward commitment may be conditioned upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring, i.e., a when, as and if issued security. When such transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time of the commitment, with payment and delivery taking place in the future, generally a month or more after the date of the commitment. While it will only enter into a forward commitment with the intention of actually acquiring the security, the Fund may sell the security before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable.

 

Securities purchased under a forward commitment are subject to market fluctuation, and no interest (or dividends) accrues to the Fund prior to the settlement date. The Fund will segregate with its custodian cash or liquid securities in an aggregate amount at least equal to the amount of its outstanding forward commitments.

 

Restricted and Illiquid Securities.  The Fund may invest up to a total of 10% of its net assets in securities that are subject to restrictions on resale and securities the markets for which are illiquid, including repurchase agreements with more than seven days to maturity. Illiquid securities include securities the disposition of which is subject to substantial legal or contractual restrictions. The sale of illiquid securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than does the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Restricted securities may sell at a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Unseasoned issuers are companies (including predecessors) that have operated less than three years. The continued liquidity of such securities may not be as well assured as that of publicly traded securities, and accordingly the Board will monitor their liquidity. The Board will review pertinent factors such as trading activity, reliability of price information and trading patterns of comparable securities in determining whether to treat any such security as liquid for purposes of the foregoing 10% test. To the extent the Board treats such securities as liquid, temporary impairments to trading patterns of such securities may adversely affect the Fund’s liquidity.

 

In accordance with pronouncements of the Commission, the Fund may invest in restricted securities that can be traded among qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), without registration and may treat them as liquid for purposes of the foregoing 10% test if such securities are found to be liquid. The Board has adopted guidelines and delegated to the Investment Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board, the function of determining and monitoring the liquidity of particular Rule 144A securities.

 

The Fund operates under the following restrictions that constitute fundamental policies under the 1940 Act and that, except as otherwise noted, cannot be changed without the affirmative 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 Articles Supplementary, the affirmative vote of a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding preferred stock of the Fund (voting separately as a single class) is also required to change a fundamental policy, as defined in the 1940 Act. For purposes of the preferred stock voting rights described in the foregoing sentence, except as otherwise required under the 1940 Act, the majority of the outstanding preferred stock means, in accordance with Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act, the vote of (i) of 67% or more of the shares of preferred stock present at the stockholders meeting called for such vote, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding preferred stock are present or represented by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding preferred stock, whichever is less. Except as otherwise noted, all percentage limitations set forth below apply immediately after a purchase or initial investment and any subsequent change in any applicable percentage resulting from market fluctuations does not require any action. The Fund may not:

 

1. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of issuers in any particular industry. This restriction does not apply to investments in direct

obligations of the United States or by its agencies or instrumentalities that are entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States and that, other than United States Treasury Bills, provide for the periodic payment of interest and the full payment of principal at maturity or call for redemption (“U.S. Government Obligations”).

 

2. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except in connection with a merger, consolidation, acquisition or reorganization, if more than 10% of the market value of the total assets of the Fund would be invested in securities of other investment companies, more than 5% of the market value of the total assets of the Fund would be invested in the securities of any one investment company or the Fund would own more than 3% of any other investment company’s securities, provided, however, this restriction shall not apply to securities of any investment company organized by the Fund that are to be distributed pro rata as a dividend to its stockholders.

 

3. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts except that the Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts and related options thereon if immediately thereafter (i) no more than 5% of its total assets are invested in margins and premiums and (ii) the aggregate market value of its outstanding futures contracts and market value of the currencies and futures contracts subject to outstanding options written by the Fund does not exceed 50% of the market value of its total assets. The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, provided that the Fund may invest in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein.

 

4. Purchase any securities on margin or make short sales, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities.

 

5. Make loans of money, except by the purchase of a portion of publicly distributed debt obligations in which the Fund may invest, and repurchase agreements with respect to those obligations, consistent with its investment objectives and policies. The Fund reserves the authority to make loans of its portfolio securities to financial intermediaries in an aggregate amount not exceeding 20% of its total assets. Any such loans may only be made upon approval of, and subject to any conditions imposed by, the Board. Because these loans would at all times be fully collateralized, the risk of loss in the event of default of the borrower should be slight.

 

6. Borrow money, except that the Fund may borrow from banks and other financial institutions on an unsecured basis, in an amount not exceeding 10% of its total assets, to finance the repurchase of its stock. The Fund also may borrow money on a secured basis from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes. Temporary borrowings may not exceed 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund at the time the loan is made. The Fund may pledge up to 10% of the lesser of the cost or value of its total assets to secure temporary borrowings. The Fund will not borrow for investment purposes. Immediately after any borrowing, the Fund will maintain asset coverage of not less than 300% with respect to all borrowings. While the borrowing of the Fund exceeds 5% of its respective total assets, the Fund will make no further purchases of securities, although this limitation will not apply to repurchase transactions as described above.

 

7. Issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted by applicable law.

 

8. Underwrite securities of other issuers except insofar as the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act in selling portfolio securities; provided, however, this restriction shall not apply to securities of any investment company organized by the Fund that are to be distributed pro rata as a dividend to its stockholders.

 

9. Invest more than 10% of its total assets in illiquid securities, such as repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days, or securities that at the time of purchase have legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

Directors and Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of its Board, and the day-to-day operations are conducted through or under the direction of its officers.

 

The names and business addresses of the Directors and principal officers of the Fund are set forth in the following table, together with their positions and their principal occupations during the past five years and, in the case of the Directors, their positions with certain other organizations and companies. Directors who are “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined by the 1940 Act, are listed under the caption “Interested Directors.”

 

Directors

 

 

Officers

 

 

 

 

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF STOCK HELD IN THE FUND AND
THE FUND COMPLEX FOR EACH DIRECTOR

 

Set forth in the table below is the dollar range of equity securities in the Fund beneficially owned by each Director and the aggregate dollar range of equity securities in the Fund complex beneficially owned by each Director. “Beneficial Ownership” is determined in accordance with Section 16a-1(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”).

 

 

 

A. None

B. $1-$10,000

C. $10,001-$50,000

D. $50,001-$100,000

E. Over $100,000

All shares were valued as of December 31, 2005.

 

 

Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee is composed of three of the Fund’s independent (as such term is defined by the NYSE’s listing standards (the “NYSE Listing Standards”)) Directors, namely, Messrs. Colavita, Pustorino and Zizza. Each member of the Audit Committee has been determined by the Board to be financially literate. The role of the Fund’s Audit Committee is to assist the Board in its oversight of (i) the quality and integrity of the Fund’s financial statement reporting process and the independent audit and reviews thereof; (ii) the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain of its service providers; (iii) the Fund’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;

and (iv) the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, independence and performance. The Audit Committee also is required to prepare an audit committee report pursuant to the rules of the Commission for inclusion in the Fund’s annual proxy statement. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to the Audit Committee Charter (the “Audit Charter”) that was most recently reviewed and approved by the Board on February 15, 2006.

 

Pursuant to the Audit Charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for conferring with the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing annual financial statements, approving the selection of the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and overseeing the Fund’s internal controls. The Audit Charter also contains provisions relating to the pre-approval by the Audit Committee of certain non-audit services to be provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to the Fund and to the Investment Adviser and certain of its affiliates. The Audit Committee advises the full Board with respect to accounting, auditing and financial matters affecting the Fund. As set forth in the Audit Charter, management is responsible for maintaining appropriate systems for accounting and internal control, and the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for planning and carrying out proper audits and reviews. The independent registered public accounting firm is ultimately accountable to the Board and to the Audit Committee, as representatives of shareholders. The independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund reports directly to the Audit Committee.

 

In performing its oversight function, at a meeting held on February 13, 2006, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management of the Fund and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the audited financial statements of the Fund as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, and discussed the audit of such financial statements with the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

In addition, the Audit Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the accounting principles applied by the Fund and such other matters brought to the attention of the Audit Committee by the independent registered public accounting firm required by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61, Communications with Audit Committees, as currently modified or supplemented. The Audit Committee also received from the independent registered public accounting firm the written disclosures and statements required by the Commission’s independence rules, delineating relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Fund and discussed the impact that any such relationships might have on the objectivity and independence of the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

As set forth above, and as more fully set forth in the Audit Charter, the Audit Committee has significant duties and powers in its oversight role with respect to the Fund’s financial reporting procedures, internal control systems and the independent audit process.

 

The members of the Audit Committee are not, and do not represent themselves to be, professionally engaged in the practice of auditing or accounting and are not employed by the Fund for accounting, financial management, or internal control purposes. Moreover, the Audit Committee relies on and makes no independent verification of the facts presented to it or representations made by management or independent verification of the facts presented to it or representations made by management or the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. Accordingly, the Audit Committee’s oversight does not provide an independent basis to determine that management has maintained appropriate accounting and/or financial reporting principles and policies, or internal controls and procedures, designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, the Audit Committee’s considerations and discussions referred to above do not provide assurance that the audit of the Fund’s financial statements has been carried out in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) or that the financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (United States).

 

The Audit Committee met twice during the year ended December 31, 2005.

Nominating Committee

 

The Board has a Nominating Committee composed of three independent (as such term is defined by the NYSE Listing Standards) Directors, namely, Messrs. Colavita, Ferrara and Zizza. The Nominating Committee met once during the year ended December 31, 2005. The Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying and recommending to the Board individuals believed to be qualified to become Board members in the event that a position is vacated or created. The Nominating Committee will consider Director candidates recommended by shareholders. In considering candidates submitted by shareholders, the Nominating Committee will take into consideration the needs of the Board, the qualifications of the candidate and the interests of shareholders. The Nominating Committee may also take into consideration the number of shares held by the recommending shareholder and the length of time that such shares have been held. To recommend a candidate for consideration by the Nominating Committee, a shareholder must submit the recommendation in writing and must include the following information:

 

 

The shareholder’s recommendation and information described above must be sent to James E. McKee, the Fund’s Secretary, c/o Gabelli Funds, LLC, and must be received by the Secretary no less than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the Fund’s most recent annual meeting of stockholders or, if the meeting has moved by more than 30 days, a reasonable amount of time before the meeting.

 

The Nominating Committee believes that the minimum qualifications for serving as a Director of the Fund are that the individual demonstrate, by significant accomplishment in his or her field, an ability to make a meaningful contribution to the Board’S oversight of the business and affairs of the Fund and have an impeccable record and reputation for honest and ethical conduct in both his or her professional and personal activities. In addition, the Nominating Committee examines a candidate’s specific experiences and skills, time availability in light of other commitments, potential conflicts of interest and independence from management and the Fund. The Nominating Committee also seeks to have the Board represent a diversity of backgrounds and experience.

 

The Fund’s Nominating Committee adopted a charter on May 12, 2004, and amended the charter on November 17, 2004. The charter can be found on the Fund’s website at http://www.gabelli.com.

 

Proxy Voting Committee

 

The Fund also has a Proxy Voting Committee, which, if so determined by the Board, is authorized to exercise voting power and/or dispositive power over specific securities held in the Fund’s portfolio for such period as the Board may determine. The Directors serving on the Proxy Voting Committee are Messrs. Conn, Ferrara and Pustorino.

 

Remuneration of Directors and Officers

 

The Fund pays each Director who is not affiliated with the Investment Adviser or its affiliates a fee of $12,000 per year plus $1,500 per meeting attended in person, $1,000 per Committee meeting attended in person, and $500 per telephonic meeting, together with the Director’s actual out-of-pocket expenses relating to his attendance at such meetings. In addition, the Audit Committee Chairman receives an annual fee of $3,000, the Proxy Voting Committee Chairman receives an annual fee of $1,500, and the Nominating Committee Chairman receives an annual fee of $2,000. The aggregate remuneration (not including out-of-pocket expenses) paid by the Fund to such Directors during the year ended December 31, 2005 amounted to

$139,991. During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Directors of the Fund met seven times, three of which were special meetings of Directors. Each Director then serving in such capacity attended at least 75% of the meetings of Directors and of any Committee of which he is a member.

 

The following table shows certain compensation information for the Directors and Officers of the Fund for the year ended December 31, 2005. Officers of the Fund who are employed by the Investment Adviser receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Fund.

 

COMPENSATION TABLE FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005