N-CSR 1 d882459dncsr.htm GABELLI DIVIDEND & INCOME TRUST Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number            811-21423                    

The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

One Corporate Center

Rye, New York 10580-1422

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Bruce N. Alpert

Gabelli Funds, LLC

One Corporate Center

Rye, New York 10580-1422

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end:  December 31

Date of reporting period:  December 31, 2019

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

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

 


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Annual Report — December 31, 2019

To Our Shareholders,

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the net asset value (NAV) total return of The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (the Fund) was 22.8%, compared with a total return of 31.5% for the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index. The total return for the Fund’s publicly traded shares was 28.1%. The Fund’s NAV per share was $24.12, while the price of the publicly traded shares closed at $21.95 on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). See below for additional performance information.

Enclosed are the financial statements, including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2019.

Comparative Results

 

Average Annual Returns through December 31, 2019 (a) (Unaudited)     Since
     1 Year   5 Year   10 Year   Inception
(11/28/03)

Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

        

NAV Total Return (b)

     22.82     6.08     10.59     7.86

Investment Total Return (c)

     28.13       6.85       12.38       7.86  

S&P 500 Index

     31.49       11.70       13.56       9.41  

Dow Jones Industrial Average

     25.26       12.54       13.34       9.57  

Nasdaq Composite Index.

     36.74       15.00       16.14       11.18  
  (a)

Returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Investment returns and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate. The Fund’s use of leverage may magnify the volatility of net asset value changes versus funds that do not employ leverage. When shares are sold, they may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data presented. Visit www.gabelli.com for performance information as of the most recent month end. Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index of 30 large capitalization stocks. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite Indices are unmanaged indicators of stock market performance. Dividends are considered reinvested except for the Nasdaq Composite Index. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

 

  (b)

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

 

 

  (c)

Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in closing market values on the NYSE, reinvestment of distributions and adjustment for the spin-off. Since inception return is based on an initial offering price of $20.00.

 

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semiannual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website (www.gabelli.com), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report. If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. To elect to receive all future reports on paper free of charge, please contact your financial intermediary, or, if you invest directly with the Fund, you may call 800-422-3554 or send an email request to info@gabelli.com.


Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)

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

The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

 

Financial Services    17.7%
Food and Beverage    12.2%
Health Care    9.4%
U.S. Government Obligations    4.3%
Energy and Utilities: Oil    3.9%
Computer Software and Services    3.7%
Retail    3.7%
Diversified Industrial    3.7%
Telecommunications    3.5%
Consumer Products    3.4%
Business Services    3.1%
Electronics    2.8%
Aerospace    2.3%
Entertainment    2.3%
Specialty Chemicals    2.2%
Automotive: Parts and Accessories    2.1%
Machinery    2.0%
Environmental Services    1.8%
Energy and Utilities: Integrated    1.6%
Equipment and Supplies    1.5%
Cable and Satellite    1.5%
Energy and Utilities: Natural Gas    1.4%
Building and Construction    1.3%
Metals and Mining      1.0
Energy and Utilities: Services      0.9
Transportation      0.8
Broadcasting      0.8
Aviation: Parts and Services      0.6
Consumer Services      0.6
Real Estate      0.6
Hotels and Gaming      0.6
Automotive      0.6
Computer Hardware      0.5
Communications Equipment      0.4
Energy and Utilities: Electric      0.3
Energy and Utilities: Water      0.3
Energy and Utilities      0.2
Wireless Communications      0.2
Paper and Forest Products      0.1
Semiconductors      0.1
Publishing.      0.0 %* 
Closed-End Funds      0.0 %* 
Agriculture      0.0 %* 
  

 

 

 
     100.0
  

 

 

 

 

*

Amount represents less than 0.05%.

 

 

The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for the first and third quarters of each year on Form N-PORT. Shareholders may obtain this information at www.gabelli.com or by calling the Fund at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554). The Fund’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330.

Proxy Voting

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

 

2


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments — December 31, 2019

 

 

                                                                          
Shares          Cost    

    Market    

Value

 
  

COMMON STOCKS — 95.2%

 
  

Aerospace — 2.3%

   
  252,000     

Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc.†

  $ 3,089,613     $ 11,506,320  
  34,000     

Kaman Corp.

    908,276       2,241,280  
  88,300     

Rockwell Automation Inc.

    3,539,420       17,895,761  
  1,425,000     

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

    10,745,438       12,895,859  
  65,550,000     

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc, Cl. C†

    84,441       86,828  
  52,200     

The Boeing Co.

    4,329,704       17,004,672  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       22,696,892       61,630,720  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Agriculture — 0.0%

 

  5,000     

Corteva Inc.

    156,047       147,800  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Automotive — 0.6%

 

  62,000     

Ford Motor Co.

    829,303       576,600  
  272,000     

Navistar International Corp.†

    7,144,829       7,871,680  
  84,000     

PACCAR Inc.

    3,802,072       6,644,400  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       11,776,204       15,092,680  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Automotive: Parts and Accessories — 2.1%

 

  48,676     

Aptiv plc

    2,917,718       4,622,760  
  214,932     

Dana Inc.

    3,937,422       3,911,762  
  8,225     

Delphi Technologies plc†

    290,097       105,527  
  15,600     

Garrett Motion Inc.†

    179,343       155,844  
  343,000     

Genuine Parts Co.

    21,982,233       36,436,890  
  7,000     

Lear Corp.

    836,304       960,400  
  20,000     

O’Reilly Automotive Inc.†

    4,727,092       8,765,200  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       34,870,209       54,958,383  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Aviation: Parts and Services — 0.6%

 

  74,000     

Arconic Inc.

    1,627,158       2,276,980  
  51,000     

L3Harris Technologies Inc.

    4,559,941       10,091,370  
  31,700     

United Technologies Corp.

    4,523,000       4,747,392  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       10,710,099       17,115,742  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Broadcasting — 0.8%

 

  950,000     

Entercom Communications Corp., Cl. A

    8,583,997       4,408,000  
  15,000     

Liberty Broadband Corp., Cl. C†

    925,261       1,886,250  
  15,000     

Liberty Global plc, Cl. A†

    382,640       341,100  
  310,570     

Liberty Global plc, Cl. C†

    7,123,998       6,768,873  
  12,000     

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty SiriusXM, Cl. A†

    293,384       580,080  
  86,000     

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty SiriusXM, Cl. C†

    3,139,502       4,140,040  
  105,000     

MSG Networks Inc., Cl. A†

    937,315       1,827,000  
  55,000     

Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., Cl. A

    1,927,050       1,833,700  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       23,313,147       21,785,043  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Building and Construction — 1.3%

 

  30,000     

Arcosa Inc.

    866,209       1,336,500  
                                                                          
Shares          Cost    

    Market    

Value

 
  110,000     

Armstrong Flooring Inc.†

  $ 1,550,943     $ 469,700  
  80,000     

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

    1,485,558       5,227,200  
  246,050     

Herc Holdings Inc.†

    8,970,478       12,041,687  
  267,018     

Johnson Controls International plc

    10,830,996       10,870,303  
  11,200     

Sika AG

    1,438,180       2,104,484  
  12,000     

United Rentals Inc.†

    1,451,765       2,001,240  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       26,594,129       34,051,114  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Business Services — 3.1%

 

  25,000     

Aramark

    645,416       1,085,000  
  49,000     

Diebold Nixdorf Inc.†

    415,645       517,440  
  129,546     

Fly Leasing Ltd., ADR†

    1,720,513       2,539,102  
  6,000     

Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd.

    367,864       333,600  
  55,500     

JCDecaux SA

    1,738,980       1,710,757  
  425,000     

Macquarie Infrastructure Corp.

    20,205,122       18,207,000  
  164,500     

Mastercard Inc., Cl. A

    10,619,810       49,118,055  
  50,000     

Stericycle Inc.†

    3,244,063       3,190,500  
  2,000     

Tech Data Corp.†

    288,080       287,200  
  17,000     

The Brink’s Co.

    423,403       1,541,560  
  100,000     

Trine Acquisition Corp.†

    1,000,000       1,043,000  
  23,600     

Visa Inc., Cl. A

    2,278,964       4,434,440  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       42,947,860       84,007,654  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Cable and Satellite — 1.4%

 

  44,000     

AMC Networks Inc., Cl. A†

    1,975,456       1,738,000  
  2,445     

Charter Communications Inc., Cl. A†

    347,387       1,186,021  
  15,000     

Cogeco Inc.

    296,908       1,202,380  
  353,700     

Comcast Corp., Cl. A

    13,395,125       15,905,889  
  209,696     

DISH Network Corp., Cl. A†

    6,604,325       7,437,917  
  66,000     

EchoStar Corp., Cl. A†

    1,559,655       2,858,460  
  24,622     

Liberty Latin America Ltd.,
Cl. A†

    445,199       475,205  
  22,116     

Liberty Latin America Ltd.,
Cl. C†

    568,678       430,377  
  130,000     

Rogers Communications Inc., Cl. B

    3,039,023       6,457,100  
  60,000     

WideOpenWest Inc.†

    493,375       445,200  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       28,725,131       38,136,549  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Communications Equipment — 0.4%

 

  330,000     

Corning Inc.

    4,042,401       9,606,300  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Computer Hardware — 0.5%

 

  46,700     

Apple Inc.

    8,870,439       13,713,455  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Computer Software and Services — 3.7%

 

  11,800     

Adobe Inc.†

    3,186,957       3,891,758  
  5,239     

Alphabet Inc., Cl. A†

    2,805,020       7,017,064  
  16,675     

Alphabet Inc., Cl. C†

    19,840,764       22,294,809  
 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

3


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019

 

 

                                                                          
Shares          Cost    

    Market    

Value

 
  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

 

  

Computer Software and Services (Continued)

 

  5,195     

Amazon.com Inc.†

  $ 9,080,295     $ 9,599,529  
  15,300     

Applied Materials Inc.

    856,604       933,912  
  27,000     

Black Knight Inc.†

    476,577       1,740,960  
  1,276     

Blucora Inc.†

    13,231       33,355  
  15,000     

CyrusOne Inc., REIT

    232,020       981,450  
  35,000     

eBay Inc.

    782,634       1,263,850  
  28,000     

Fidelity National Information Services Inc.

    3,742,747       3,894,520  
  36,800     

Fiserv Inc.†

    3,350,708       4,255,184  
  805,000     

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    10,971,972       12,767,300  
  141,000     

Internap Corp.†

    1,090,960       155,100  
  195,849     

Microsoft Corp.

    12,308,556       30,885,387  
  1,718     

Perspecta Inc.

    31,016       45,424  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       68,770,061       99,759,602  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Consumer Products — 3.4%

 

 
  30,000     

Church & Dwight Co. Inc.

    1,199,580       2,110,200  
  275,000     

Edgewell Personal Care Co.†

    18,201,900       8,514,000  
  287,521     

Energizer Holdings Inc.

    11,816,668       14,439,305  
  100,000     

Hanesbrands Inc.

    476,588       1,485,000  
  18,000     

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    1,474,125       2,475,900  
  42,000     

Newell Brands Inc.

    790,934       807,240  
  18,000     

Philip Morris International Inc.

    1,125,875       1,531,620  
  7,000     

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

    544,312       1,160,180  
  863,000     

Swedish Match AB

    12,293,861       44,484,394  
  4,200     

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc., Cl. A

    729,025       867,468  
  92,000     

The Procter & Gamble Co.

    5,302,867       11,490,800  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       53,955,735       89,366,107  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Consumer Services — 0.6%

 

 
  22,000     

Ashtead Group plc

    423,833       703,473  
  39,400     

Facebook Inc., Cl. A†

    7,546,272       8,086,850  
  52,279     

GCI Liberty Inc., Cl. A†

    2,211,318       3,703,967  
  143,019     

Qurate Retail Inc., Cl. A†

    2,087,831       1,205,650  
  65,000     

ServiceMaster Global Holdings Inc.†

    2,008,238       2,512,900  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       14,277,492       16,212,840  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Diversified Industrial — 3.7%

 

 
  8,000     

Ardagh Group SA

    147,373       156,640  
  92,000     

Bouygues SA

    3,213,947       3,909,097  
  2,000     

Crane Co.

    151,560       172,760  
  39,700     

Eaton Corp. plc

    1,831,921       3,760,384  
  185,000     

General Electric Co.

    2,563,146       2,064,600  
  210,000     

Griffon Corp.

    3,869,191       4,269,300  
  305,613     

Honeywell International Inc.

    29,387,574       54,093,501  
  51,000     

ITT Inc.

    973,582       3,769,410  
                                                                          
Shares          Cost    

    Market    

Value

 
  10,000     

Jardine Strategic Holdings Ltd.

  $ 341,284     $ 306,500  
  10,000     

nVent Electric plc

    140,660       255,800  
  20,000     

Pentair plc

    530,274       917,400  
  4,000     

Sulzer AG

    394,160       446,373  
  36,000     

Terex Corp.

    1,257,611       1,072,080  
  434,000     

Textron Inc.

    12,592,444       19,356,400  
  315,000     

Toray Industries Inc.

    2,373,663       2,148,511  
  36,000     

Trinity Industries Inc.

    739,138       797,400  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       60,507,528       97,496,156  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Electronics — 2.8%

   
  10,000     

Emerson Electric Co.

    594,825       762,600  
  123,400     

Intel Corp.

    3,841,975       7,385,490  
  242,000     

Resideo Technologies Inc.†

    3,174,934       2,887,060  
  551,000     

Sony Corp., ADR

    17,071,973       37,468,000  
  53,000     

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    1,702,237       5,079,520  
  78,500     

Texas Instruments Inc.

    2,352,969       10,070,765  
  35,200     

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

    7,318,074       11,435,424  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       36,056,987       75,088,859  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Energy and Utilities: Electric — 0.3%

 

  11,000     

ALLETE Inc.

    360,106       892,870  
  5,000     

American Electric Power Co. Inc.

    184,350       472,550  
  70,000     

Electric Power Development Co. Ltd.

    1,833,684       1,705,306  
  23,971     

Evergy Inc.

    776,352       1,560,272  
  12,000     

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    468,584       1,079,160  
  60,000     

The AES Corp.

    617,140       1,194,000  
  25,000     

WEC Energy Group Inc.

    1,228,284       2,305,750  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       5,468,500       9,209,908  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Energy and Utilities: Integrated — 1.6%

 

  33,000     

Avangrid Inc.

    1,529,687       1,688,280  
  26,000     

Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc.

    448,302       368,865  
  20,000     

Endesa SA

    506,664       533,707  
  230,000     

Enel SpA

    1,051,884       1,824,520  
  14,000     

Eversource Energy

    1,187,799       1,190,980  
  29,000     

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.

    679,566       1,358,940  
  410,000     

Hera SpA

    822,663       1,793,606  
  10,000     

Hokkaido Electric Power Co. Inc.

    77,930       48,778  
  24,000     

Hokuriku Electric Power Co.†

    340,393       175,823  
  45,000     

Iberdrola SA, ADR

    952,490       1,858,950  
  122,000     

Korea Electric Power Corp., ADR

    1,676,237       1,443,260  
  40,000     

Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc.

    614,508       347,890  
  28,000     

MGE Energy Inc.

    599,144       2,206,960  
  70,500     

NextEra Energy Inc.

    11,291,200       17,072,280  
  35,000     

NextEra Energy Partners LP

    1,533,317       1,842,750  
 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

4


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019

 

 

                                                                          
Shares          Cost    

    Market    

Value

 
  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

 

  

Energy and Utilities: Integrated (Continued)

 

  49,000     

NiSource Inc.

  $ 397,054     $ 1,364,160  
  57,500     

OGE Energy Corp.

    685,360       2,557,025  
  12,000     

Ormat Technologies Inc.

    180,000       894,240  
  30,000     

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

    906,080       1,771,500  
  54,000     

Shikoku Electric Power Co. Inc.

    991,896       535,751  
  50,000     

The Chugoku Electric Power Co. Inc.

    851,464       658,046  
  20,000     

The Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc.

    278,704       232,755  
  45,000     

Tohoku Electric Power Co. Inc.

    663,612       448,116  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       28,265,954       42,217,182  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Energy and Utilities: Natural Gas — 1.4%

 

  20,000     

CNX Resources Corp.†

    206,086       177,000  
  90,000     

Kinder Morgan Inc.

    2,598,975       1,905,300  
  412,000     

National Fuel Gas Co.

    14,679,707       19,174,480  
  36,666     

National Grid plc

    574,588       458,629  
  24,750     

National Grid plc, ADR

    1,223,561       1,551,083  
  14,000     

ONEOK Inc.

    660,052       1,059,380  
  58,000     

Sempra Energy

    1,792,617       8,785,840  
  30,000     

South Jersey Industries Inc.

    476,644       989,400  
  42,000     

Southwest Gas Holdings Inc.

    1,103,049       3,190,740  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       23,315,279       37,291,852  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Energy and Utilities: Oil — 3.9%

 

  30,000     

Apache Corp.

    1,878,644       767,700  
  72,000     

BP plc, ADR

    2,342,991       2,717,280  
  15,000     

Chesapeake Energy Corp.†

    84,060       12,384  
  107,222     

Chevron Corp.

    9,335,288       12,921,323  
  180,772     

ConocoPhillips

    9,504,690       11,755,603  
  85,000     

Devon Energy Corp.

    3,954,937       2,207,450  
  140,000     

Eni SpA, ADR

    5,084,692       4,334,400  
  420,000     

Equinor ASA, ADR

    7,414,717       8,362,200  
  79,000     

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    6,457,217       5,512,620  
  22,700     

Hess Corp.

    1,341,390       1,516,587  
  25,000     

KLX Energy Services Holdings Inc.†

    608,664       161,000  
  140,000     

Marathon Oil Corp.

    3,545,583       1,901,200  
  240,000     

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    6,004,440       14,460,000  
  146,837     

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    7,731,583       6,051,153  
  200     

PetroChina Co. Ltd., ADR

    12,118       10,066  
  20,000     

Petroleo Brasileiro SA, ADR

    244,908       318,800  
  128,000     

Phillips 66

    10,180,010       14,260,480  
  192,000     

Repsol SA, ADR

    3,985,070       3,010,560  
  155,000     

Royal Dutch Shell plc, Cl. A, ADR

    7,970,429       9,141,900  
                                                                          
Shares          Cost    

    Market    

Value

 
  84,000     

TOTAL SA, ADR

  $ 3,934,057     $ 4,645,200  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       91,615,488       104,067,906  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Energy and Utilities: Services — 0.9%

 

  100,000     

Baker Hughes Co.

    3,391,632       2,563,000  
  45,000     

Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc.†

    1,114,413       323,550  
  336,145     

Halliburton Co.

    13,809,953       8,225,468  
  55,000     

Oceaneering International Inc.†

    1,108,940       820,050  
  289,045     

Schlumberger Ltd.

    14,203,816       11,619,609  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       33,628,754       23,551,677  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Energy and Utilities: Water — 0.3%

 

  12,000     

American States Water Co.

    150,968       1,039,680  
  11,500     

American Water Works Co. Inc.

    1,212,720       1,412,775  
  18,000     

Aqua America Inc.

    788,146       844,920  
  65,000     

Mueller Water Products Inc.,
Cl. A

    735,010       778,700  
  38,000     

Severn Trent plc

    977,803       1,265,928  
  29,000     

SJW Group

    514,093       2,060,740  
  7,500     

The York Water Co.

    97,904       345,825  
  6,000     

United Utilities Group plc, ADR

    168,600       150,090  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       4,645,244       7,898,658  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Entertainment — 2.3%

   
  136,000     

Discovery Inc., Cl. C†

    3,298,168       4,146,640  
  75,883     

Fox Corp., Cl. A

    2,783,877       2,812,983  
  201,000     

Fox Corp., Cl. B

    7,545,717       7,316,400  
  23,000     

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Braves, Cl. A†

    616,664       681,950  
  8,981     

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Braves, Cl. C†

    137,575       265,299  
  3,300     

Netflix Inc.†

    938,233       1,067,781  
  16,000     

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.†

    157,375       1,958,880  
  37,333     

The Madison Square Garden Co., Cl. A†

    3,097,374       10,982,995  
  68,025     

The Walt Disney Co.

    8,519,441       9,838,456  
  64,800     

ViacomCBS Inc., Cl. A

    3,455,292       2,907,576  
  323,000     

ViacomCBS Inc., Cl. B

    13,500,259       13,556,310  
  175,000     

Vivendi SA

    4,514,249       5,068,424  
  300,000     

Wow Unlimited Media
Inc.†(a)(b)

    345,198       123,599  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       48,909,422       60,727,293  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Environmental Services — 1.8%

 

  190,000     

Republic Services Inc.

    7,034,098       17,029,700  
  23,000     

Veolia Environnement SA

    275,698       611,699  
  87,222     

Waste Connections Inc.

    3,479,586       7,918,885  
 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

5


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019

 

 

                                                                          
Shares          Cost    

    Market    

Value

 
  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

 

  

Environmental Services (Continued)

 

  194,000     

Waste Management Inc.

  $ 7,669,559     $ 22,108,240  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       18,458,941       47,668,524  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Equipment and Supplies — 1.5%

 

  81,202     

CIRCOR International Inc.†

    2,152,800       3,754,780  
  18,300     

Danaher Corp.

    2,162,724       2,808,684  
  116,000     

Flowserve Corp.

    4,808,619       5,773,320  
  164,000     

Graco Inc.

    3,145,928       8,528,000  
  160,000     

Mueller Industries Inc.

    3,483,363       5,080,000  
  598,000     

RPC Inc.

    2,837,635       3,133,520  
  130,000     

Sealed Air Corp.

    3,131,382       5,177,900  
  27,000     

Tenaris SA, ADR

    1,046,222       611,280  
  95,000     

The Timken Co.

    3,565,930       5,349,450  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       26,334,603       40,216,934  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Financial Services — 17.7%

   
  7,000     

Alleghany Corp.†

    2,577,465       5,596,990  
  425,608     

American Express Co.

    32,976,032       52,983,940  
  250,452     

American International Group Inc.

    14,875,820       12,855,701  
  345,000     

Bank of America Corp.

    5,674,655       12,150,900  
  24,000     

Berkshire Hathaway Inc.,
Cl. B†

    3,882,304       5,436,000  
  18,300     

BlackRock Inc.

    2,956,570       9,199,410  
  19,000     

Brookfield Asset Management Inc., Cl. A

    128,980       1,098,200  
  31,000     

Cannae Holdings Inc.†

    332,122       1,152,890  
  95,339     

Citigroup Inc.

    4,699,644       7,616,633  
  75,000     

Cohen & Steers Inc.

    2,967,834       4,707,000  
  24,500     

Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc.

    1,816,861       2,395,610  
  9,000     

EXOR NV

    536,309       697,386  
  50,000     

Fidelity National Financial Inc.

    524,512       2,267,500  
  165,000     

Graf Industrial Corp.†

    1,650,000       1,757,250  
  375,000     

H&R Block Inc.

    8,939,661       8,805,000  
  32,000     

HSBC Holdings plc, ADR

    1,527,213       1,250,880  
  42,249     

Interactive Brokers Group Inc., Cl. A

    1,600,774       1,969,648  
  175,000     

Invesco Ltd.

    3,928,295       3,146,500  
  443,417     

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    26,545,130       61,812,330  
  65,000     

KeyCorp.

    856,314       1,315,600  
  30,000     

Kinnevik AB, Cl. B

    663,872       733,477  
  80,000     

KKR & Co. Inc., Cl. A

    1,793,842       2,333,600  
  445,226     

Legg Mason Inc.

    14,063,728       15,988,066  
  35,000     

M&T Bank Corp.

    2,211,058       5,941,250  
  195,226     

Morgan Stanley

    4,070,224       9,979,953  
  72,000     

National Australia Bank Ltd., ADR

    854,233       617,904  
  140,000     

Navient Corp.

    953,023       1,915,200  
  140,000     

New York Community Bancorp Inc.

    2,290,519       1,682,800  
  96,000     

Northern Trust Corp.

    4,354,024       10,199,040  
                                                                          
Shares          Cost    

    Market    

Value

 
  340,654     

Oaktree Specialty Lending Corp.

  $ 2,155,215     $ 1,859,971  
  193,489     

PayPal Holdings Inc.†

    12,758,290       20,929,705  
  80,000     

Resona Holdings Inc.

    381,969       352,676  
  100,000     

Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp.†

    1,000,000       1,072,500  
  175,000     

SLM Corp.

    772,580       1,559,250  
  241,000     

State Street Corp.

    12,994,040       19,063,100  
  208,000     

T. Rowe Price Group Inc.

    13,798,587       25,342,720  
  737,000     

The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    23,133,391       37,093,210  
  70,000     

The Blackstone Group Inc., Cl. A

    2,731,017       3,915,800  
  16,000     

The Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

    3,306,037       3,678,880  
  135,000     

The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.

    4,467,551       8,203,950  
  229,000     

The PNC Financial Services Group Inc.

    14,887,207       36,555,270  
  96,000     

The Travelers Companies Inc.

    6,632,920       13,147,200  
  39,271     

U.S. Bancorp

    1,394,893       2,328,378  
  67,500     

W. R. Berkley Corp.

    1,793,266       4,664,250  
  558,000     

Waddell & Reed Financial Inc., Cl. A

    10,322,466       9,329,760  
  609,000     

Wells Fargo & Co.

    21,289,757       32,764,200  
  5,500     

Willis Towers Watson plc

    439,269       1,110,670  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       284,509,473       470,578,148  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Food and Beverage — 12.2%

 

  12,000     

Ajinomoto Co. Inc.

    205,201       200,451  
  12,500     

Brown-Forman Corp., Cl. B

    439,792       845,000  
  93,000     

Campbell Soup Co.

    3,191,708       4,596,060  
  1,000,000     

China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd.

    1,245,706       4,042,452  
  61,000     

Chr. Hansen Holding A/S

    2,488,706       4,847,512  
  631,000     

Conagra Brands Inc.

    18,066,564       21,605,440  
  20,700     

Constellation Brands Inc.,
Cl. A

    501,989       3,927,825  
  184,000     

Danone SA

    9,054,717       15,252,496  
  3,800,000     

Davide Campari-Milano SpA

    10,933,747       34,696,579  
  80,000     

Diageo plc, ADR

    10,252,610       13,473,600  
  70,954     

Flowers Foods Inc.

    1,053,433       1,542,540  
  270,000     

General Mills Inc.

    14,262,108       14,461,200  
  18,000     

Heineken Holding NV

    747,987       1,744,476  
  275,000     

ITO EN Ltd.

    6,032,373       13,869,587  
  86,600     

Kellogg Co.

    6,142,302       5,989,256  
  122,000     

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

    1,063,112       3,531,900  
  350,000     

Kikkoman Corp.

    4,145,218       17,297,869  
  90,000     

Lamb Weston Holdings Inc.

    3,264,981       7,742,700  
  95,000     

Maple Leaf Foods Inc.

    1,805,611       1,893,343  
  3,000     

McCormick & Co. Inc., Cl. V

    290,905       513,210  
  90,000     

Molson Coors Beverage Co., Cl. B

    5,616,364       4,851,000  
 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

6


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019

 

 

                                                                          
Shares          Cost    

    Market    

Value

 
  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

 

  

Food and Beverage (Continued)

 

  735,294     

Mondelēz International Inc., Cl. A

  $ 23,627,506     $ 40,499,993  
  30,000     

Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd.

    588,860       1,228,659  
  4,000     

National Beverage Corp.†

    192,857       204,080  
  22,000     

Nestlé SA.

    1,644,475       2,381,856  
  35,000     

Nestlé SA, ADR

    2,563,158       3,789,100  
  160,000     

Nissin Foods Holdings Co. Ltd.

    5,465,019       11,957,112  
  188,800     

PepsiCo Inc.

    17,039,685       25,803,296  
  62,000     

Pernod Ricard SA

    5,311,274       11,085,586  
  43,000     

Post Holdings Inc.†

    3,438,895       4,691,300  
  25,000     

Remy Cointreau SA

    1,396,049       3,070,667  
  18,000     

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

    573,702       752,934  
  457,000     

The Coca-Cola Co.

    14,538,965       25,294,950  
  65,000     

The Hain Celestial Group Inc.†

    1,333,889       1,687,075  
  20,000     

The Kraft Heinz Co.

    577,355       642,600  
  25,000     

Unilever plc, ADR

    800,393       1,429,250  
  263,000     

Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.

    6,475,570       14,595,647  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       186,372,786       326,038,601  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Health Care — 9.3%

   
  78,000     

Abbott Laboratories

    4,801,047       6,775,080  
  20,000     

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc.†

    2,346,406       2,163,000  
  43,000     

Allergan plc

    8,986,790       8,220,310  
  62,000     

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    4,312,952       5,271,240  
  13,500     

Anthem Inc.

    2,683,261       4,077,405  
  125,000     

Bausch Health Cos. Inc.†

    2,849,318       3,740,000  
  45,000     

Baxter International Inc.

    1,893,609       3,762,900  
  12,500     

Becton, Dickinson and Co.

    2,489,778       3,399,625  
  10,000     

Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.,
Cl. A†

    3,150,180       3,700,300  
  207,100     

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    11,061,058       13,293,749  
  45,000     

Cardiovascular Systems Inc.†

    1,274,517       2,186,550  
  13,861     

Charles River Laboratories International Inc.†

    1,554,359       2,117,406  
  5,000     

Chemed Corp.

    323,860       2,196,300  
  40,000     

Cigna Corp.

    7,318,676       8,179,600  
  45,000     

DaVita Inc.†

    2,884,258       3,376,350  
  30,000     

DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.

    1,479,558       1,697,700  
  20,000     

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.†

    3,159,246       4,665,800  
  41,000     

Elanco Animal Health Inc.†

    347,072       1,207,450  
  60,000     

Eli Lilly & Co.

    2,372,981       7,885,800  
  450,000     

Evolent Health Inc., Cl. A†

    6,475,691       4,072,500  
  35,000     

Gerresheimer AG

    2,323,228       2,708,918  
  54,271     

Gilead Sciences Inc.

    4,379,369       3,526,530  
  30,000     

GlaxoSmithKline plc, ADR

    1,358,785       1,409,700  
  35,000     

HCA Healthcare Inc.

    3,420,639       5,173,350  
  25,000     

Henry Schein Inc.†

    1,108,987       1,668,000  
  7,500     

Incyte Corp.†

    712,282       654,900  
                                                                          
Shares          Cost    

    Market    

Value

 
  40,000     

Integer Holdings Corp.†

  $ 1,893,193     $ 3,217,200  
  103,100     

Johnson & Johnson

    9,600,101       15,039,197  
  27,500     

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings†

    3,544,799       4,652,175  
  20,302     

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc.†

    2,624,286       2,117,296  
  20,000     

McKesson Corp.

    3,193,060       2,766,400  
  40,000     

Medtronic plc

    3,351,544       4,538,000  
  268,679     

Merck & Co. Inc.

    12,886,974       24,436,355  
  100,000     

Mylan NV†

    3,905,545       2,010,000  
  50,000     

NeoGenomics Inc.†

    376,071       1,462,500  
  705,000     

Option Care Health Inc.†

    2,049,791       2,629,650  
  45,000     

Orthofix Medical Inc.†

    1,458,930       2,078,100  
  94,000     

Owens & Minor Inc.

    981,606       485,980  
  88,000     

Patterson Cos. Inc.

    2,337,722       1,802,240  
  60,000     

Perrigo Co. plc

    3,318,692       3,099,600  
  75,000     

Personalis Inc.†

    766,479       817,500  
  95,000     

PetIQ Inc.†

    2,786,616       2,379,750  
  524,724     

Pfizer Inc.

    11,294,155       20,558,686  
  35,000     

Ra Pharmaceuticals Inc.†

    1,641,500       1,642,550  
  15,000     

Stryker Corp.

    1,929,225       3,149,100  
  125,850     

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., ADR

    2,433,939       2,483,021  
  25,000     

Tenet Healthcare Corp.†

    502,895       950,750  
  11,600     

The Cooper Companies Inc.

    1,419,419       3,726,964  
  30,000     

The Medicines Co.†

    2,518,671       2,548,200  
  30,400     

UnitedHealth Group Inc.

    6,645,512       8,936,992  
  43,000     

Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc.

    4,341,287       6,436,240  
  122,238     

Zoetis Inc.

    4,451,000       16,178,199  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       177,320,919       247,273,108  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Hotels and Gaming — 0.6%

 

 
  19,000     

Accor SA

    654,124       889,792  
  90,000     

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    469,440       2,694,600  
  20,000     

GVC Holdings plc

    259,138       234,244  
  28,000     

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    1,517,387       1,933,120  
  400,000     

Mandarin Oriental International Ltd.

    680,880       728,000  
  132,000     

MGM Resorts International

    3,676,762       4,391,640  
  35,000     

Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc., REIT

    1,924,030       3,033,100  
  200,000     

William Hill plc

    366,659       499,245  
  7,000     

Wyndham Destinations Inc.

    238,201       361,830  
  6,000     

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc.

    229,308       376,860  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       10,015,929       15,142,431  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Machinery — 2.0%

 

 
  22,000     

Astec Industries Inc.

    790,090       924,000  
  170,000     

CNH Industrial NV, Borsa Italiana

    1,339,904       1,866,854  
  1,290,000     

CNH Industrial NV, New York

    10,375,624       14,190,000  
  91,000     

Deere & Co.

    5,940,746       15,766,660  
 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

7


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019

 

 

                                                                          
Shares          Cost    

    Market    

Value

 
  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

 

  

Machinery (Continued)

 

  258,000     

Xylem Inc.

  $ 11,384,882     $ 20,327,820  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       29,831,246       53,075,334  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Metals and Mining — 1.0%

 

  65,000     

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

    2,061,450       4,004,650  
  30,000     

Alliance Resource Partners LP

    166,123       324,600  
  167,588     

Barrick Gold Corp.

    3,255,274       3,115,461  
  8,000     

BHP Group Ltd., ADR

    217,549       437,680  
  36,000     

Franco-Nevada Corp.

    1,500,629       3,717,408  
  145,000     

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

    1,820,069       1,902,400  
  280,332     

Newmont Goldcorp Corp.

    11,142,703       12,180,425  
  89,200     

TimkenSteel Corp.†

    1,051,747       701,112  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       21,215,544       26,383,736  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Paper and Forest Products — 0.1%

 

  64,000     

International Paper Co.

    2,918,317       2,947,200  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Publishing — 0.0%

   
  600     

Graham Holdings Co., Cl. B

    296,058       383,394  
  35,000     

News Corp., Cl. B

    563,366       507,850  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       859,424       891,244  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Real Estate — 0.6%

   
  16,400     

American Tower Corp., REIT

    2,705,375       3,769,048  
  46,000     

Crown Castle International Corp., REIT

    4,813,372       6,538,900  
  5,000     

Equinix Inc., REIT

    1,978,269       2,918,500  
  10,000     

QTS Realty Trust Inc., Cl. A, REIT

    205,685       542,700  
  60,000     

Weyerhaeuser Co., REIT

    1,969,270       1,812,000  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       11,671,971       15,581,148  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Retail — 3.7%

   
  22,000     

Advance Auto Parts Inc.

    3,183,046       3,523,520  
  95,000     

AutoNation Inc.†

    4,717,464       4,619,850  
  500     

AutoZone Inc.†

    334,361       595,655  
  8,000     

CarMax Inc.†

    548,324       701,360  
  400     

Carvana Co.†

    30,389       36,820  
  15,100     

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    3,824,366       4,438,192  
  225,000     

CVS Health Corp.

    15,785,081       16,715,250  
  244,477     

Hertz Global Holdings Inc.†

    3,995,993       3,850,513  
  123,500     

Ingles Markets Inc., Cl. A

    2,005,377       5,867,485  
  90,000     

Lowe’s Companies Inc.

    2,027,654       10,778,400  
  31,300     

McDonald’s Corp.

    6,095,809       6,185,193  
  6,000     

MSC Industrial Direct Co. Inc., Cl. A

    430,132       470,820  
  30,000     

Murphy USA Inc.†

    1,274,141       3,510,000  
  15,100     

NIKE Inc., Cl. B

    1,363,211       1,529,781  
  25,000     

Rush Enterprises Inc., Cl. B

    599,173       1,142,500  
  257,200     

Sally Beauty Holdings Inc.†

    3,845,754       4,693,900  
  110,000     

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,335,405       4,052,552  
                                                                          
Shares          Cost    

    Market    

Value

 
  50,000     

Starbucks Corp.

  $ 2,816,744     $ 4,396,000  
  25,600     

The Home Depot Inc.

    5,583,806       5,590,528  
  20,000     

The TJX Companies Inc.

    1,183,823       1,221,200  
  25,000     

Tiffany & Co.

    3,338,341       3,341,250  
  160,200     

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.

    6,805,991       9,445,392  
  20,000     

Walmart Inc.

    970,066       2,376,800  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       74,094,451       99,082,961  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Semiconductors — 0.1%

 

 
  11,300     

NVIDIA Corp.

    2,235,823       2,658,890  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Specialty Chemicals — 2.2%

 

  35,000     

Air Products & Chemicals Inc.

    3,307,890       8,224,650  
  60,000     

Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

    2,434,452       4,591,800  
  10,000     

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.†

    251,294       304,000  
  112,900     

Dow Inc.

    6,077,644       6,179,017  
  321,000     

DuPont de Nemours Inc.

    22,545,689       20,608,200  
  450,000     

Ferro Corp.†

    5,184,801       6,673,500  
  55,000     

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

    6,639,643       7,096,100  
  85,000     

Olin Corp.

    1,556,104       1,466,250  
  8,000     

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    538,884       528,720  
  192,359     

Valvoline Inc.

    2,575,777       4,118,406  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       51,112,178       59,790,643  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Telecommunications — 3.4%

 

  158,000     

AT&T Inc.

    4,488,485       6,174,640  
  197,000     

BCE Inc.

    5,306,151       9,130,950  
  490,000     

Deutsche Telekom AG, ADR

    8,321,400       7,982,100  
  195,000     

Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA, ADR

    1,323,723       1,573,650  
  108,900     

Loral Space & Communications Inc.†

    4,329,715       3,519,648  
  50,000     

Orange SA, ADR

    1,066,612       729,500  
  50,000     

Pharol SGPS SA†

    14,182       5,586  
  40,000     

Proximus SA

    1,221,787       1,145,036  
  50,000     

Telefonica SA, ADR

    686,845       348,500  
  295,000     

Telekom Austria AG

    1,968,837       2,408,974  
  23,000     

Telenet Group Holding NV

    1,046,305       1,033,517  
  155,000     

Telephone & Data Systems Inc.

    4,263,904       3,941,650  
  110,000     

Telstra Corp. Ltd., ADR

    2,014,389       1,368,400  
  135,000     

TELUS Corp.

    1,405,698       5,228,550  
  40,000     

T-Mobile US Inc.†

    2,310,516       3,136,800  
  150,000     

VEON Ltd., ADR

    548,352       379,500  
  635,086     

Verizon Communications Inc.

    28,472,434       38,994,280  
  120,000     

Vodafone Group plc, ADR

    2,939,235       2,319,600  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       71,728,570       89,420,881  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Transportation — 0.8%

 

 
  50,000     

Fortress Transportation & Infrastructure Investors LLC

    755,712       977,000  
  237,000     

GATX Corp.

    7,334,784       19,635,450  
 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

8


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019

 

 

                                                                          
Shares          Cost    

    Market    

Value

 
  

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

 

  

Transportation (Continued)

 

  11,500     

Kansas City Southern

  $ 193,081     $ 1,761,340  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
       8,283,577       22,373,790  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Wireless Communications — 0.2%

 

  130,000     

United States Cellular Corp.†

    5,740,722       4,709,900  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS

    1,666,823,476       2,536,966,953  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

CLOSED-END FUNDS — 0.0%

 

  40,000     

Altaba Inc., Escrow†

    55,586       830,000  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS — 0.1%

 

  

Telecommunications — 0.1%

 

  51,000     

Cincinnati Bell Inc., 6.750%, Ser. B

    1,606,244       2,422,500  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

MANDATORY CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES (c) — 0.2%

 

  

Energy and Utilities — 0.2%

 

  126,000     

El Paso Energy Capital Trust I, 4.750%, 03/31/28

    4,555,360       6,483,960  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

PREFERRED STOCKS — 0.1%

 

  

Consumer Services — 0.0%

 

  2,000     

GCI Liberty Inc., Ser. A, 7.000%

    36,491       52,960  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Health Care — 0.1%

   
  133,681     

The Phoenix Companies Inc., 7.450%, 01/15/32

    2,857,139       2,162,290  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS

    2,893,630       2,215,250  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

RIGHTS — 0.0%

   
  

Health Care — 0.0%

   
  76,000     

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., CVR†

    206,800       228,760  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

WARRANTS — 0.0%

 

 
  

Energy and Utilities: Services — 0.0%

 

  3,081     

Weatherford International plc, expire 11/26/23†(d)

    0       0  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
Principal
Amount
                  
  

CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS — 0.1%

 

  

Cable and Satellite — 0.1%

 

  $  1,700,000     

DISH Network Corp. 3.375%, 08/15/26

    1,700,000       1,639,480  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
                                                                          
Principal                Market  
Amount          Cost     Value  
  

CORPORATE BONDS — 0.0%

 

 
  

Equipment and Supplies — 0.0%

 

 
$ 50,000     

Mueller Industries Inc., 6.000%, 03/01/27

  $ 50,000     $ 51,330  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 4.3%

 

  114,121,000     

U.S. Treasury Bills, 1.525% to 1.635%††, 01/09/20 to 05/21/20

    113,780,432       113,790,786  
    

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0%

  $ 1,791,671,528       2,664,629,019  
    

 

 

   
 

Other Assets and Liabilities (Net)

      (3,726,321
 

PREFERRED STOCK
(9,057,939 preferred shares outstanding)


 
    (474,200,475
 

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS — COMMON STOCK
(90,675,669 common shares outstanding)


 
  $ 2,186,702,223  
 

 

 

 
 

NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE
($2,186,702,223 ÷ 90,675,669 shares outstanding)


 
  $ 24.12  
      

 

 

 

 

(a)

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

 

(b)

At December 31, 2019, the Fund held an investment in a restricted and illiquid security amounting to $123,599 or 0.00% of total investments, which was valued under methods approved by the Board of Trustees as follows:

 

                        12/31/19
                        Carrying
                        Value
Acquisition                     Acquisition            Acquisition    Per

Shares

      

Issuer

   Date    Cost    Share
  300,000       

Wow Unlimited Media Inc.

   06/05/18    $345,198    $0.4120
(c)   Mandatory convertible securities are required to be converted on the dates listed; they generally may be converted prior to these dates at the option of the holder.
(d)   Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
  Non-income producing security.
††   Represents annualized yields at dates of purchase.
ADR   American Depositary Receipt
CVR   Contingent Value Right
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust
 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

9


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — December 31, 2019

 

 

     % of Total   Market
Geographic Diversification    Investments   Value

Long Positions

        

North America

       85.0 %     $ 2,265,944,871

Europe

       10.4       278,149,138

Japan

       4.2       110,928,348

Asia/Pacific

       0.4       9,287,862

Latin America

       0.0 *       318,800
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments

       100.0 %     $ 2,664,629,019
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

*

Amount represents less than 0.05%.

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

10


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2019

 

Assets:

  

Investments, at value (cost $1,791,671,528)

   $ 2,664,629,019  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $8,495)

     8,542  

Cash

     111,536  

Dividends and interest receivable

     3,746,367  

Deferred offering expense

     102,839  

Prepaid expenses

     2,902  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     2,668,601,205  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Distributions payable

     288,986  

Payable for investments purchased

     1,365,781  

Payable for investment advisory fees

     5,521,204  

Payable for payroll expenses

     80,604  

Payable for accounting fees

     11,250  

Other accrued expenses

     430,682  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     7,698,507  
  

 

 

 

Cumulative Preferred Shares, each at $0.001 par value:

 

Series A (5.875%, $25 liquidation value, 3,200,000 shares authorized with 3,048,019 shares issued and outstanding)

     76,200,475  

Series B (Auction Market, $25,000 liquidation value, 4,000 shares authorized with 3,600 shares issued and outstanding)

     90,000,000  

Series C (Auction Market, $25,000 liquidation value, 4,800 shares authorized with 4,320 shares issued and outstanding)

     108,000,000  

Series E (Auction Rate, $25,000 liquidation value, 5,400 shares authorized with 2,000 shares issued and outstanding)

     50,000,000  

Series G (5.250%, $25 liquidation value, 4,000,000 shares authorized with 4,000,000 shares issued and outstanding)

     100,000,000  

Series H (5.375%, $25 liquidation value, 2,000,000 shares authorized with 2,000,000 shares issued and outstanding)

     50,000,000  
  

 

 

 

Total Preferred Shares

     474,200,475  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders

   $ 2,186,702,223  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Consist of:

  

Paid-in capital

   $ 1,328,487,552  

Total distributable earnings

     858,214,671  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 2,186,702,223  
  

 

 

 
Net Asset Value per Common Share at $0.001 par value:

 

($2,186,702,223 ÷ 90,675,669 shares outstanding; unlimited number of shares authorized)

     $24.12  

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

Investment Income:

  

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $1,212,652)

   $ 51,249,551  

Interest

     1,092,166  
  

 

 

 

Total Income

     52,341,717  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

  

Investment advisory fees.

     24,346,608  

Shareholder communications expenses

     432,604  

Trustees’ fees

     283,000  

Custodian fees

     270,924  

Payroll expenses

     243,969  

Legal and audit fees

     79,943  

Shelf registration expense

     77,712  

Shareholder services fees

     64,392  

Accounting fees

     45,000  

Interest expense

     9,778  

Auction agent fees (See Note 5)

     (2,644,548

Miscellaneous expenses

     271,638  
  

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     23,481,020  
  

 

 

 

Less:

  

Expenses paid indirectly by broker (See Note 3)

     (16,799
  

 

 

 

Net Expenses

     23,464,221  
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     28,877,496  
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency:

  

Net realized gain on investments

     102,592,921  

Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions

     (12,104
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions

     102,580,817  
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation:

 

on investments

     336,623,212  

on foreign currency translations

     4,217  
  

 

 

 

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

     336,627,429  
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency

     439,208,246  
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     468,085,742  
  

 

 

 

Total Distributions to Preferred Shareholders

     (24,833,499
  

 

 

 

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

   $ 443,252,243  
  

 

 

 
 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

11


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Statements of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders

 

 

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

Operations:

        

Net investment income

     $ 28,877,496     $ 37,346,475

Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions

       102,580,817       97,492,947

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

       336,627,429       (379,831,180 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

       468,085,742       (244,991,758 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Preferred Shareholders

       (24,833,499 )       (24,982,635 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

       443,252,243       (269,974,393 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Common Shareholders:

        

Accumulated earnings

       (106,634,718 )       (107,123,557 )

Return of capital

       (3,082,841 )       (1,687,245 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Distributions to Common Shareholders

       (109,717,559 )       (108,810,802 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Fund Share Transactions:

        

Net increase in net assets from common shares issued in rights offering

       164,864,860      

Offering costs for common shares charged to paid-in capital

       (928,331 )      

Offering costs for preferred shares charged to paid-in capital

       (1,854,595 )      
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets from Fund Share Transactions

       162,081,934      
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

       495,616,618       (378,785,195 )

Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders:

        

Beginning of year

       1,691,085,605       2,069,870,800
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of year

     $ 2,186,702,223     $ 1,691,085,605
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

12


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Financial Highlights

 

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

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Operating Performance:

                                                             

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $ 20.51       $ 25.11       $ 22.30       $ 21.07       $ 23.57  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

       0.35         0.45         0.32         0.36         0.30  

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

       5.25         (3.43       4.09         2.45         (1.39
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

       5.60         (2.98       4.41         2.81         (1.09
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Preferred Shareholders: (a)

                    

Net investment income

       (0.07       (0.08       (0.06       (0.05       (0.06

Net realized gain

       (0.23       (0.22       (0.22       (0.17       (0.12
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions to preferred shareholders

       (0.30       (0.30       (0.28       (0.22       (0.18
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

       5.30         (3.28       4.13         2.59         (1.27
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to Common Shareholders:

                    

Net investment income

       (0.29       (0.37       (0.28       (0.31       (0.31

Net realized gain

       (0.99       (0.93       (0.97       (1.01       (0.65

Return of capital

       (0.04       (0.02       (0.07               (0.28
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions to common shareholders

       (1.32       (1.32       (1.32       (1.32       (1.24
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Fund Share Transactions:

                    

Decrease in net asset value from common shares issued in rights offering

       (0.34                                

Increase in net asset value from repurchase of common shares

                               0.00 (b)        0.01  

Offering costs and adjustment to offering costs for common shares charged to paid-in capital

       (0.01                                

Offering costs and adjustment to offering costs for preferred shares charged to paid-in capital

       (0.02               (b)        (0.04        
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total from Fund share transactions

       (0.37       0.00         0.00 (b)        (0.04       0.01  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Attributable to Common Shareholders, End of Year

     $ 24.12       $ 20.51       $ 25.11       $ 22.30       $ 21.07  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

NAV total return †

       22.82       (13.75 )%        19.14       12.70       (5.59 )% 
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Market value, end of year

     $ 21.95       $ 18.30       $ 23.41       $ 20.04       $ 18.46  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investment total return ††

       28.13       (17.10 )%        24.11       16.47       (9.32 )% 
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:

                    

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

     $ 2,660,903       $ 2,197,065       $ 2,629,129       $ 2,397,663       $ 2,198,198  

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

     $ 2,186,702       $ 1,691,086       $ 2,069,871       $ 1,838,405       $ 1,738,940  

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

       1.50       1.87       1.38       1.69       1.60

Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares before fees waived(c)(d)

       1.21 %(e)        1.35       1.38       1.39       1.33

Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares net of advisory fee reduction, if any (c)(f)

       1.21 %(e)        1.13       1.38       1.39       1.09

Portfolio turnover rate

       16.0       10.8       13.3       15.6       8.1

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

13


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

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

 

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Cumulative Preferred Shares:

                                                                 

5.875% Series A Preferred

                        

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

     $ 76,201        $ 76,201        $ 76,201        $ 76,201        $ 76,201  

Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)

       3,048          3,048          3,048          3,048          3,048  

Liquidation preference per share

     $ 25.00        $ 25.00        $ 25.00        $ 25.00        $ 25.00  

Average market value (g)

     $ 26.09        $ 25.66        $ 26.31        $ 26.32        $ 25.63  

Asset coverage per share(h)

     $ 140.28        $ 108.56        $ 117.53        $ 107.18        $ 119.66  

Series B Auction Market Preferred

                        

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

     $ 90,000        $ 90,000        $ 90,000        $ 90,000        $ 90,000  

Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)

       4          4          4          4          4  

Liquidation preference per share

     $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000  

Liquidation value (i)

     $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000  

Asset coverage per share(h)

     $ 140,284        $ 108,555        $ 117,528        $ 107,181        $ 119,660  

Series C Auction Market Preferred

                        

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

     $ 108,000        $ 108,000        $ 108,000        $ 108,000        $ 108,000  

Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)

       4          4          4          4          4  

Liquidation preference per share

     $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000  

Liquidation value (i)

     $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000  

Asset coverage per share(h)

     $ 140,284        $ 108,555        $ 117,528        $ 107,181        $ 119,660  

6.000% Series D Preferred

                        

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

              $ 31,779        $ 63,557        $ 63,557        $ 63,557  

Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)

                1,271          2,542          2,542          2,542  

Liquidation preference per share

              $ 25.00        $ 25.00        $ 25.00        $ 25.00  

Average market value (g)

              $ 25.83        $ 26.57        $ 26.58        $ 25.70  

Asset coverage per share(h)

              $ 108.56        $ 117.53        $ 107.18        $ 119.66  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

14


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

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

 

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018     2017     2016     2015  

Series E Auction Rate Preferred

                                                                     

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

     $ 50,000        $ 100,000        $ 121,500        $ 121,500        $ 121,500  

Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)

       2          4          5          5          5  

Liquidation preference per share

     $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000  

Liquidation value (i)

     $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000        $ 25,000  

Asset coverage per share(h)

     $ 140,284        $ 108,555        $ 117,528        $ 107,181        $ 119,660  

5.250% Series G Preferred

                        

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

     $ 100,000        $ 100,000        $ 100,000        $ 100,000           

Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)

       4,000          4,000          4,000          4,000           

Liquidation preference per share

     $ 25.00        $ 25.00        $ 25.00        $ 25.00           

Average market value (g)

     $ 25.40        $ 24.83        $ 25.29        $ 25.20           

Asset coverage per share(h)

     $ 140.28        $ 108.56        $ 117.53        $ 107.18           

5.375% Series H Preferred (j)

                        

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

     $ 50,000                                      

Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)

       2,000                                      

Liquidation preference per share

     $ 25.00                                      

Average market value (g)

     $ 26.08                                      

Asset coverage per share(h)

     $ 140.28                                      

Asset Coverage (k)

       561        434        470        429        479

 

Based on net asset value per share and reinvestment of distributions at net asset value on the ex-dividend date.

††

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

(a)

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

(b)

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(c)

The Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015, there was no impact on the expense ratios.

(d)

Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares before fee waived for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015 would have been 0.96%, 1.06%, 1.07%, 1.07%, and 1.07%, respectively.

(e)

Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets includes reversal of auction agent fees from earlier periods as disclosed on the Statement of Operations. The ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares and the ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares, excluding the reversal of auction agent fees, were 1.35% and 1.07%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019. See Note 5 for disclosure.

(f)

Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares net of advisory fee reduction for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015 would have been 0.96%, 0.89%, 1.07%, 1.07%, and 0.88%, respectively.

(g)

Based on weekly prices.

(h)

Asset coverage per share is calculated by combining all series of preferred shares.

(i)

Since February 2008, the weekly auctions have failed. Holders that have submitted orders have not been able to sell any or all of their shares in the auctions.

(j)

The 5.375% Series H Preferred was initially issued June 7, 2019.

(k)

Asset coverage is calculated by combining all series of preferred shares.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

15


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements

 

1. Organization. The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (the Fund) currently operates as a diversified closed-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on November 18, 2003 and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). Investment operations commenced on November 28, 2003.

The Fund’s investment objective is to provide a high level of total return on its assets with an emphasis on dividends and income. The Fund will attempt to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in dividend paying securities (such as common and preferred stock) or other income producing securities (such as fixed income debt securities and securities that are convertible into equity securities).

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

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

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

Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board if market conditions change significantly after the close of the foreign market, but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. Debt obligations for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the securities are valued using the closing bid price, unless the Board determines such amount does not reflect the securities’ fair value, in which case these securities will be fair valued as determined by the Board. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations. Futures contracts are valued at

 

16


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

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

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

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

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

 

     Valuation Inputs    
     Level 1
Quoted Prices
  Level 2 Other Significant
Observable Inputs
  Level 3 Significant
Unobservable Inputs
  Total Market Value
at 12/31/19

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:

                

ASSETS (Market Value):

                

Common Stocks:

                

Aerospace

     $ 61,543,892     $ 86,828           $ 61,630,720

Entertainment

       60,603,694       123,599             60,727,293

Financial Services

       469,505,648       1,072,500             470,578,148

Other Industries (a)

       1,944,030,792                   1,944,030,792

Total Common Stocks

       2,535,684,026       1,282,927             2,536,966,953

Closed-End Funds

             830,000             830,000

Convertible Preferred Stocks (a)

       2,422,500                   2,422,500

Mandatory Convertible Securities (a)

       6,483,960                   6,483,960

Preferred Stocks (a)

       52,960       2,162,290             2,215,250

Rights (a)

       228,760                   228,760

Warrants (a)

                 $ 0       0

Convertible Corporate Bonds (a)

             1,639,480             1,639,480

Corporate Bonds (a)

             51,330             51,330

U.S. Government Obligations

             113,790,786             113,790,786

TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES – ASSETS

     $ 2,544,872,206     $ 119,756,813     $ 0     $ 2,664,629,019

 

(a)

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

 

17


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

During the year ended 2019, the Fund did not have transfers into or out of Level 3.

Additional Information to Evaluate Qualitative Information.

General. The Fund uses recognized industry pricing services – approved by the Board and unaffiliated with the Adviser – to value most of its securities, and uses broker quotes provided by market makers of securities not valued by these and other recognized pricing sources. Several different pricing feeds are received to value domestic equity securities, international equity securities, preferred equity securities, and fixed income securities. The data within these feeds are ultimately sourced from major stock exchanges and trading systems where these securities trade. The prices supplied by external sources are checked by obtaining quotations or actual transaction prices from market participants. If a price obtained from the pricing source is deemed unreliable, prices will be sought from another pricing service or from a broker/dealer that trades that security or similar securities.

Fair Valuation. Fair valued securities may be common or preferred equities, warrants, options, rights, or fixed income obligations. Where appropriate, Level 3 securities are those for which market quotations are not available, such as securities not traded for several days, or for which current bids are not available, or which are restricted as to transfer. Among the factors to be considered to fair value a security are recent prices of comparable securities that are publicly traded, reliable prices of securities not publicly traded, the use of valuation models, current analyst reports, valuing the income or cash flow of the issuer, or cost if the preceding factors do not apply. A significant change in the unobservable inputs could result in a lower or higher value in Level 3 securities. The circumstances of Level 3 securities are frequently monitored to determine if fair valuation measures continue to apply.

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

Securities Sold Short. The Fund may enter into short sale transactions. Short selling involves selling securities that may or may not be owned and, at times, borrowing the same securities for delivery to the purchaser, with an obligation to replace such borrowed securities at a later date. The proceeds received from short sales are recorded as liabilities and the Fund records an unrealized gain or loss to the extent of the difference between the proceeds received and the value of an open short position on the day of determination. The Fund records a realized gain or loss when the short position is closed out. By entering into a short sale, the Fund bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security sold short. Dividends on short sales are recorded as an expense by the Fund on the ex-dividend date and interest expense is recorded on the accrual basis. The broker retains collateral for the value of the open positions, which is adjusted periodically as the value of the position fluctuates.

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

 

18


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

Foreign Currency Translations. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currencies, investments, and other assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated at the exchange rate prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Unrealized gains and losses that result from changes in foreign exchange rates and/or changes in market prices of securities have been included in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency translations. Net realized foreign currency gains and losses resulting from changes in exchange rates include foreign currency gains and losses between trade date and settlement date on investment securities transactions, foreign currency transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the books of the Fund and the amounts actually received. The portion of foreign currency gains and losses related to fluctuation in exchange rates between the initial purchase trade date and subsequent sale trade date is included in realized gain/(loss) on investments.

Foreign Securities. The Fund may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The risks include possible revaluation of currencies, the inability to repatriate funds, less complete financial information about companies, and possible future adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers.

Foreign Taxes. The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments, or currency repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable, based upon its current interpretation of tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.

Restricted Securities. The Fund is not subject to an independent limitation on the amount it may invest in securities for which the markets are restricted. Restricted securities include securities whose disposition is subject to substantial legal or contractual restrictions. The sale of restricted securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Restricted securities may sell at a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Securities freely saleable among qualified institutional investors under special rules adopted by the SEC may be treated as liquid if they satisfy liquidity standards established by the Board. The continued liquidity of such securities is not as well assured as that of publicly traded securities, and, accordingly, the Board will monitor their liquidity. For the restricted securities the Fund held at December 31, 2019, refer to the Schedule of Investments.

Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date with realized gain/(loss) on investments determined by using the identified cost method. Interest income (including amortization of premium and accretion of discount) is recorded on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield to maturity method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except for certain dividends from foreign securities that are recorded as soon after the ex-dividend date as the Fund becomes aware of such dividends.

Custodian Fee Credits. When cash balances are maintained in the custody account, the Fund receives credits which are used to offset custodian fees. The gross expenses paid under the custody arrangement are included in custodian fees in the Statement of Operations with the corresponding expense offset, if any, shown as “Custodian fee credits.”

 

19


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The characterization of distributions are based on income and capital gains as determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from income and capital gains as determined under GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities held by the Fund, timing differences, and differing characterizations of distributions made by the Fund. Distributions from net investment income for federal income tax purposes include net realized gains on foreign currency transactions. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, adjustments are made to the appropriate capital accounts in the period when the differences arise. Permanent differences were primarily due to the tax treatment of reclassification of capital gains on investments in passive foreign investment companies and reversal of prior year real estate investment trust capital gain. These reclassifications have no impact on the NAV of the Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2019, reclassifications were made to decrease paid-in capital by $75,176, with an offsetting adjustment to total distributable earnings.

Under the Fund’s current common share distribution policy, the Fund declares and pays monthly distributions from net investment income, capital gains, and paid-in capital. The actual source of the distribution is determined after the end of the calendar year. Pursuant to this policy, distributions during the year may be made in excess of required distributions. To the extent such distributions are made from current earnings and profits, they are considered ordinary income or long term capital gains. Distributions sourced from paid-in capital should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment in the Fund. The Board will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s NAV and the financial market environment. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board at any time.

Distributions to shareholders of the Fund’s 5.875% Series A Preferred Shares, Series B Auction Market Preferred Shares, Series C Auction Market Preferred Shares, Series E Auction Rate Preferred Shares, 5.250% Series G Preferred Shares, and 5.375% Series H Preferred Shares (Preferred Shares) are recorded on a daily basis and are determined as described in Note 5.

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

 

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

Distributions paid from:

                 

Ordinary income (inclusive of short term capital gains)

   $ 27,072,100        $ 6,304,653        $ 30,323,004        $ 7,071,727  

Net long term capital gains

     79,562,618          18,528,846          76,800,553          17,910,908  

Return of capital

     3,082,841                   1,687,245           
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

   $ 109,717,559        $ 24,833,499        $ 108,810,802        $ 24,982,635  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

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

 

20


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

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

 

Net Unrealized Appreciation

   $ 858,503,657  

Other temporary differences*

     (288,986
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 858,214,671  
  

 

 

 

 

*

Other temporary differences are due to preferred share class distributions payable.

At December 31, 2019, the temporary differences between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation on investments were primarily due to the deferral of losses from wash sales for tax purposes.

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

 

          Gross    Gross     
          Unrealized    Unrealized    Net Unrealized
     Cost    Appreciation    Depreciation    Appreciation

Investments

     $ 1,806,126,877      $ 953,256,567      $ (94,754,425 )      $ 858,502,142

The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed not to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund did not incur any income tax, interest, or penalty. As of December 31, 2019, the Adviser has reviewed all open tax years and concluded that there was no impact to the Fund’s net assets or results of operations. The Fund’s federal and state tax returns for the prior three years remain open, subject to examination. On an ongoing basis, the Adviser will monitor the Fund’s tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary.

3. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions. The Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement (the Advisory Agreement) with the Adviser which provides that the Fund will pay the Adviser a fee, computed weekly and paid monthly, equal on an annual basis to 1.00% of the value of the Fund’s average weekly net assets including the liquidation value of preferred shares. In accordance with the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides a continuous investment program for the Fund’s portfolio and oversees the administration of all aspects of the Fund’s business and affairs.

The Adviser has agreed to reduce the management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the Series A, Series B, Series C, and Series E Preferred Shares if the total return of the NAV of the common shares of the Fund, including distributions and advisory fee subject to reduction, does not exceed the stated dividend rate of each particular series of the Preferred Shares for the year. The Fund’s total return on the NAV of the common shares is monitored on a monthly basis to assess whether the total return on the NAV of the common shares exceeds the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of Preferred Shares for the period. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund’s total return on the NAV of the common shares exceeded the stated dividend rate on each of the outstanding Preferred Shares. Thus, advisory fees with respect to the liquidation value of the Preferred Shares were accrued. Advisory fees were also accrued on the Series G and Series H Preferred Shares.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund paid $130,655 in brokerage commissions on security trades to G.research, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser.

 

21


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. The amount of such expenses paid through this directed brokerage arrangement during this period was $16,799.

The cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. Under the sub-administration agreement with Bank of New York Mellon, the fees paid include the cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV. The Fund reimburses the Adviser for this service. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund accrued $45,000 in accounting fees in the Statement of Operations.

As per the approval of the Board, the Fund compensates officers of the Fund, who are employed by the Fund and are not employed by the Adviser (although the officers may receive incentive based variable compensation from affiliates of the Adviser). During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund accrued $243,969 in payroll expenses in the Statement of Operations.

The Fund pays each Trustee who is not considered an affiliated person an annual retainer of $18,000 plus $2,000 for each Board meeting attended. Each Trustee is reimbursed by the Fund for any out of pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. All Board committee members receive $1,000 per meeting attended, the Audit Committee Chairman receives an annual fee of $3,000, and the Nominating Committee Chairman and the Lead Trustee each receives an annual fee of $2,000. A Trustee may receive a single meeting fee, allocated among the participating funds, for participation in certain meetings held on behalf of multiple funds. Trustees who are directors or employees of the Adviser or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Fund.

4. Portfolio Securities. Purchases and sales of securities during the year ended December 31, 2019, other than short term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $381,073,100, and $432,675,250, respectively.

5. Capital. The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest (par value $0.001). The Board has authorized the repurchase and retirement of its common shares on the open market when the shares are trading at a discount of 7.5% or more (or such other percentage as the Board may determine from time to time) from the NAV of the shares. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Fund did not repurchase any common shares.

The Fund has an effective shelf registration initially authorizing the offering of an additional $500 million of common or preferred shares or notes under the current shelf registration. As of December 31, 2019, after considering the common shares rights offering, the Fund has approximately $335 million available for issue under the current shelf registration.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund completed a rights offering whereby one transferable right was issued for each common share held as of October 7, 2019. Ten rights were required to purchase one additional common share at the subscription price of $20.00. On November 21, 2019, the Fund issued 8,243,243 common shares receiving net proceeds of $163,936,529, after the deduction of estimated offering expenses of $548,000 and solicitation fees of $380,331. The NAV of the Fund was reduced by $(0.34) per share on the day the additional common shares were issued due to the additional common shares being issued below NAV.

 

22


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

On June 7, 2019, the Fund issued 2,000,000 shares of Series H Preferred, receiving $48,145,405 after the deduction of estimated offering expenses of $279,595 and underwriting fees of $1,575,000. The liquidation value of the Series H Preferred is $25 per share. The Series H Preferred has an annual dividend rate of 5.375%. The Series H Preferred is noncallable before June 7, 2024.

The Fund’s Declaration of Trust, as amended, authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of $0.001 par value Preferred Shares. The Preferred Shares are senior to the common shares and result in the financial leveraging of the common shares. Such leveraging tends to magnify both the risks and opportunities to common shareholders. Dividends on the Preferred Shares are cumulative. The Fund is required by the 1940 Act and by the Statements of Preferences to meet certain asset coverage tests with respect to the Preferred Shares. If the Fund fails to meet these requirements and does not correct such failure, the Fund may be required to redeem, in part or in full, the Series A, Series B, Series C, Series E, Series G, and Series H Preferred Shares at redemption prices of $25, $25,000, $25,000, $25,000, $25, and $25, respectively, per share plus an amount equal to the accumulated and unpaid dividends whether or not declared on such shares in order to meet these requirements. Additionally, failure to meet the foregoing asset coverage requirements could restrict the Fund’s ability to pay dividends to common shareholders and could lead to sales of portfolio securities at inopportune times. The income received on the Fund’s assets may vary in a manner unrelated to the fixed and variable rates, which could have either a beneficial or detrimental impact on net investment income and gains available to common shareholders.

For Series B, Series C, and Series E Preferred Shares, the dividend rates, as set by the auction process that is generally held every seven days, are expected to vary with short term interest rates. Since February 2008, the number of Series B, Series C, and Series E Preferred Shares subject to bid orders by potential holders has been less than the number of shares of Series B, Series C, and Series E Preferred Shares subject to sell orders. Holders that have submitted sell orders have not been able to sell any or all of the Series B, Series C, and Series E Preferred Shares for which they have submitted sell orders. Therefore the weekly auctions have failed, and the dividend rate has been the maximum rate. The current maximum rate for Series B, Series C, and Series E Preferred Shares is 150, 150, and 250 basis points, respectively, greater than the seven day ICE LIBOR rate on the date of such auction. Existing Series B, Series C, and Series E Preferred shareholders may submit an order to hold, bid, or sell such shares on each auction date, or trade their shares in the secondary market. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Fund redeemed and retired 2,000 and 860 shares of its outstanding Series E Auction Rate Preferred Shares at the liquidation value of $50,000,000 and $21,500,000, respectively. There were no redemptions of Series B or Series C Preferred Shares during the year ended December 31, 2019.

In earlier fiscal years, the Fund recorded auction agent fees based on estimated costs of the weekly auctions. As recent auctions have failed, these accruals of estimated fees were reversed.

The Fund may redeem in whole or in part the 5.875% Series A Preferred Shares at the redemption price at any time. Commencing July 1, 2021 and June 10, 2024 and at any time thereafter, the Fund, at its option, may redeem the 5.250% Series G Cumulative Preferred Shares and the 5.375% Series H Cumulative Preferred Shares, respectively, in whole or in part at the redemption price. The Board has authorized the repurchase of Series A, Series G, and Series H Preferred Shares in the open market at prices less than the $25 liquidation value per share. On December 26, 2019, the Fund redeemed and retired 1,271,148 shares of the Series D

 

23


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

 

 

Preferred Stock at the liquidation value of $25 per share plus accrued interest and accrued and unpaid dividends. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Fund did not repurchase any Series A or Series G Preferred Shares.

The Fund has the authority to purchase its auction rate and auction market preferred shares through negotiated private transactions. The Fund is not obligated to purchase any dollar amount or number of auction rate or auction market preferred shares, and the timing and amount of any auction rate or auction market preferred shares purchased will depend on market conditions, share price, capital availability, and other factors. The Fund is not soliciting holders to sell these shares nor recommending that holders offer them to the Fund. Any offers can be accepted or rejected in the Fund’s discretion.

The following table summarizes Cumulative Preferred Share information:

 

               Number of Shares              Dividend   Accrued
               Outstanding at    Net    2019 Dividend    Rate at   Dividend at
Series    Issue Date    Authorized    12/31/19    Proceeds    Rate Range    12/31/19   12/31/19

A 5.875%

   October 12, 2004        3,200,000        3,048,019      $ 77,280,971    Fixed Rate        5.875 %     $ 62,177

B Auction Market

   October 12, 2004        4,000        3,600        98,858,617    3.076% to 3.925%        3.109 %       45,996

C Auction Market

   October 12, 2004        4,800        4,320        118,630,341    3.070% to 3.916%        3.109 %       36,797

E Auction Rate

   November 3, 2005        5,400        2,000        133,379,387    4.033% to 6.067%        4.109 %       33,773

G 5.250%

   July 1, 2016        4,000,000        4,000,000        96,634,565    Fixed Rate        5.250 %       72,917

H 5.375%

   June 7, 2019        2,000,000        2,000,000        48,145,405    Fixed Rate        5.375 %       37,326

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

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

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

 

24


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of

The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust:

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (the “Fund”) as of December 31, 2019, the related statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019, the statement of changes in net assets attributable to common shareholders for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2019 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2019, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets attributable to common shareholders for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2019 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York

February 27, 2020

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 1986.

 

25


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Unaudited)

 

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

 

Name, Position(s)    Term of Office    Number of Funds          
Address1    and Length of    in Fund Complex    Principal Occupation(s)    Other Directorships

and Age

  

Time Served2

  

Overseen by Trustee

  

During Past Five Years

  

Held by Trustee3

INTERESTED TRUSTEES4:

        

Mario J. Gabelli, CFA

Chairman and Chief Investment Officer

Age: 77

   Since 2003***    33    Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer– Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Chief Investment Officer– Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management Inc.; Director/ Trustee or Chief Investment Officer of other registered investment companies within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Chief Executive Officer of GGCP, Inc.; Executive Chairman of Associated Capital Group, Inc.    Director of Morgan Group Holdings, Inc. (holding company) (2001-2019); Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of LICT Corp. (multimedia and communication services company); Director of CIBL, Inc. (broadcasting and wireless communications); Director of ICTC Group Inc. (communications) (2013-2018)

Edward T. Tokar

Trustee

Age: 72

   Since 2003**    2    Private investor; Senior Managing Director of Beacon Trust Company (trust services) (2004-2016); Chief Executive Officer of Allied Capital Management LLC (1977- 2004); Vice President of Honeywell International Inc. (1977-2004)    Trustee of William & Mary Business School Foundation; Director of CH Energy Group (energy services) (2009-2013); Director, Teton Advisors, Inc. (financial services) (2008-2010)
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES5:         

Anthony J. Colavita6,9

Trustee

Age: 84

   Since 2003*    20   

President of the law firm of

Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.

  

James P. Conn6

Trustee

Age: 81

   Since 2003**    24    Former Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. (1992-1998)   

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.7

Trustee

Age: 80

   Since 2003*    12    Co-Chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates; Former President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Gaming Association (1995-2013); Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee (1983- 1989)    Director of First Republic Bank (banking); Director of Eldorado Resorts, Inc. (casino entertainment company)

Michael J. Melarkey

Trustee

Age: 70

   Since 2003***    21    Of Counsel in the law firm of McDonald Carano Wilson LLP; Partner in the law firm of Avansino, Melarkey, Knobel, Mulligan & McKenzie (1980-2015)    Chairman of Southwest Gas Corporation (natural gas utility)

Kuni Nakamura

Trustee

Age: 51

   Since 2018***    33    President of Advanced Polymer, Inc. (chemical manufacturing company); President of KEN Enterprises, Inc. (real estate)   

Salvatore M. Salibello

Trustee

Age: 74

   Since 2003**    6    Senior Partner of Bright Side Consulting (consulting); Certified Public Accountant and Managing Partner of the certified public accounting firm of Salibello & Broder LLP (1978-2012); Partner of BDO Seidman, LLP (2012-2013)    Director of Nine West, Inc. (consumer products) (2002-2014)

Anthonie C. van Ekris7

Trustee

Age: 85

   Since 2003*    23    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BALMAC International, Inc. (global import/export company)   

Susan V. Watson

Trustee

Age: 67

   Since 2017***    1    Executive Search Associate with Spencer Stuart (2010- 2016); President of Investor Relations Association (1998- 2000)   

Salvatore J. Zizza8

Trustee

Age: 74

   Since 2003*    31    President of Zizza & Associates Corp. (private holding company); President of Bergen Cove Realty Inc.; Chairman of Harbor Diversified, Inc. (pharmaceuticals) (2009-2018); Chairman of BAM (semiconductor and aerospace manufacturing) (2000-2018); Chairman of Metropolitan Paper Recycling Inc. (recycling) (2005-2014)    Director and Chairman of Trans-Lux Corporation (business services); Director and Chairman of Harbor Diversified Inc. (pharmaceuticals) (2009-2018)

 

26


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1

and Age

  

Term of Office

and Length of

Time Served2

       

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

OFFICERS:

              

Bruce N. Alpert

President

Age: 68

   Since 2003       Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 1988; Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Senior Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2008

John C. Ball

Treasurer

Age: 43

   Since 2017       Treasurer of funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2017; Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of AMG Funds, 2014-2017; Vice President of State Street Corporation, 2007-2014

Agnes Mullady

Vice President

Age: 61

   Since 2006       Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2006; President and Chief Operating Officer of the Fund Division of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 2015; Chief Executive Officer of G.distributors, LLC since 2010; Senior Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2009; Vice President of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 2007; Executive Vice President of Associated Capital Group, Inc. since 2016

Andrea R. Mango

Secretary and Vice President

Age: 47

   Since 2013       Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2016; Counsel of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 2013; Secretary of registered investment companies within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2013; Vice President of closed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2014

Richard J. Walz

Chief Compliance Officer

Age: 60

   Since 2013       Chief Compliance Officer of registered investment companies within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex since 2013

 

27


The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

Additional Fund Information (Continued) (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Name, Position(s)
Address1

and Age

  

Term of Office

and Length of

Time Served2

       

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

Carter W. Austin

Vice President and Ombudsman

Age: 53

   Since 2003       Vice President and/or Ombudsman of closed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (since 2015) and Vice President (1996-2015) of Gabelli Funds, LLC

Laurissa M. Martire

Vice President and Ombudsman

Age: 43

   Since 2011       Vice President and/or Ombudsman of closed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex; Senior Vice President (since 2019) and other positions (2003-2019) of GAMCO Investors, Inc.

David I. Schachter

Vice President

Age: 66

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

 

1 

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

 

2 

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

 

  *

Term expires at the Fund’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

 

  **

Term expires at the Fund’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

 

  ***

Term expires at the Fund’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

 

  

For officers, includes time served in prior officer positions with the Fund. Each officer will hold office for an indefinite term until the date he or she resigns or retires or until his or her successor is elected and qualified.

 

3 

This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, i.e., public companies, or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.

 

4 

“Interested person” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act. Mr. Gabelli is considered an “interested person” because of his affiliation with Gabelli Funds, LLC which acts as the Fund’s investment adviser. Mr. Tokar is considered an “interested person” because of his son’s employment by an affiliate of the investment adviser.

 

5 

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

 

6 

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

 

7 

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

 

8 

Mr. Zizza is an independent director of Gabelli International Ltd., which may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and/or affiliates and in that event would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund’s Adviser. On September 9, 2015, Mr. Zizza entered into a settlement with the SEC to resolve an inquiry relating to an alleged violation regarding the making of false statements or omissions to the accountants of a company concerning a related party transaction. The company in question is not an affiliate of, nor has any connection to, the Fund. Under the terms of the settlement, Mr. Zizza, without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings and allegation, paid $150,000 and agreed to cease and desist committing or causing any future violations of Rule 13b2-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Board has discussed this matter and has determined that it does not disqualify Mr. Zizza from serving as an Independent Trustee.

 

9 

Mr. Colavita’s father, Anthony J. Colavita, serve as a director of other funds in the Fund Complex.

 

28


THE GABELLI DIVIDEND & INCOME TRUST

INCOME TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)

December 31, 2019

Cash Dividends and Distributions

 

            Ordinary           Long Term                    Total Amount        Dividend  
      Payable                     Record                     Investment           Capital             Return of              Paid        Reinvestment    

       Date      

    Date     Income(a)     Gains     Capital(b)      Per Share(c)      Price  
 

Common Shares

       
                      01/24/19       01/16/19       $    0.02721       $    0.07979       $0.00300        $    0.11000        $20.20340  
      02/21/19       02/13/19       0.02721       0.07979       0.00300        0.11000        21.47370  
  03/22/19       03/15/19       0.02721       0.07979       0.00300        0.11000        21.06170  
  04/23/19       04/15/19       0.02721       0.07979       0.00300        0.11000        21.75990  
  05/23/19       05/16/19       0.02721       0.07979       0.00300        0.11000        21.22760  
  06/21/19       06/14/19       0.02721       0.07979       0.00300        0.11000        21.78590  
  07/24/19       07/17/19       0.02721       0.07979       0.00300        0.11000        22.16180  
  08/23/19       08/16/19       0.02721       0.07979       0.00300        0.11000        20.63680  
  09/23/19       09/16/19       0.02721       0.07979       0.00300        0.11000        21.59610  
  10/24/19       10/17/19       0.02721       0.07979       0.00300        0.11000        20.71760  
  11/21/19       11/14/19       0.02721       0.07979       0.00300        0.11000        20.72380  
  12/20/19       12/13/19       0.02721       0.07979       0.00300        0.11000        21.84880  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    
      $    0.32652       $    0.95748       $0.03600        $    1.32000     
 

5.875% Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares

       
  03/26/19       03/19/19       $0.0933651       $0.2738224              $0.3671875     
  06/26/19       06/19/19       0.0933651       0.2738224              0.3671875     
  09/26/19       09/19/19       0.0933651       0.2738224              0.3671875     
  12/26/19       12/18/19       0.0933651       0.2738224              0.3671875     
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    
      $0.3734604       $1.0952896              $1.4687500     
 

6.000% Series D Cumulative Preferred Shares

       
  03/26/19       03/19/19       $0.09535       $    0.27965              $    0.37500     
  06/26/19       06/19/19       0.09535       0.27965              0.37500     
  09/26/19       09/19/19       0.09535       0.27965              0.37500     
  12/26/19       12/18/19       0.09535       0.27965              0.37500     
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    
      $    0.38140       $    1.11860              $    1.50000     
 

5.250% Series G Cumulative Preferred Shares

       
  03/26/19       03/19/19       $0.0834320       $0.2446930              $0.3281250     
  06/26/19       06/19/19       0.0834320       0.2446930              0.3281250     
  09/26/19       09/19/19       0.0834320       0.2446930              0.3281250     
  12/26/19       12/18/19       0.0834320       0.2446930              0.3281250     
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    
      $0.3337280       $0.9787720              $1.3125000     
 

5.375% Series H Cumulative Preferred Shares

       
  09/26/19       09/19/19       $0.1034521       $0.3034055              $0.4068576     
  12/26/19       12/18/19       0.0854192       0.2505183          0.3359375     
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    
      $0.1888713       $0.5539238              $0.7427951     

Series B and C Auction Market Cumulative and Series E Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Shares

Auction Market and Auction Rate Preferred Shares pay dividends weekly based on the maximum rate. The distributions derived from long term capital gains for the Series B, Series C, or Series E Auction Preferred Shares were $18,528,846 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

A Form 1099-DIV has been mailed to all shareholders of record for the distributions mentioned above, setting forth specific amounts to be included in the 2019 tax returns. Ordinary income distributions include net investment income and realized net short term capital gains, if any. Ordinary income is reported in box 1a of Form 1099-DIV. Capital gain distributions are reported in box 2a of Form 1099-DIV. The long term gain distributions on common shares for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $79,562,618.

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

In 2019, the Fund paid to common, 5.875% Series A, 6.000% Series D, 5.250% Series G, and 5.375% Series H Cumulative Preferred shareholders ordinary income dividends of $0.32652, $0.37346, $0.38140, $0.33373, and $0.18887 per share, respectively. The Fund paid weekly distributions to Series B, C, and E preferred shareholders at varying rates throughout the year, including ordinary income dividends totaling $212.87, $213.30, and $251.56 per share, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2019, 100% of the ordinary dividend qualified for the dividends received deduction available to corporations and 100% of the ordinary income distribution was deemed qualified dividend income, 100% of the ordinary income distribution was qualified short term capital gain, and 2.08% of the ordinary income distribution was deemed qualified interest income. The percentage of U.S. Treasury securities held as of December 31, 2019 was 4.3%.

 

29


THE GABELLI DIVIDEND & INCOME TRUST

INCOME TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited) (Continued)

December 31, 2019

 

Historical Distribution Summary

 

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

Common Shares

                 

2019

     $    0.29580        $    0.03072        $    0.95748        $0.03600        $    1.32000        $0.03600  

2018

     0.36840               0.93120        0.02040        1.32000        0.02040  

2017

     0.28190               0.96370        0.07440        1.32000        0.07440  

2016

     0.30600        0.00840        1.00560               1.32000         

2015

     0.30852        0.02780        0.62160        0.28208        1.24000        0.28208  

2014(e)

     0.38937        0.06471        1.90232        0.02360        2.38000        0.02360  

2013

     0.31020        0.00550        0.71430               1.03000         

2012

     0.37632        0.30588               0.27780        0.96000        0.27780  

2011

     0.26832        0.13452               0.49716        0.90000        0.49716  

2010

     0.16120                      0.59880        0.76000        0.59880  

5.875% Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares

 

              

2019

     $0.3383752        $0.0350852        $1.0952896               $1.4687500         

2018

     0.4158524               1.0528976               1.4687500     

2017

     0.33224               1.13651               1.46875         

2016

     0.34045        0.00930        1.11900               1.46875         

2015

     0.47310        0.04264        0.95301               1.46875         

2014

     0.24271        0.04031        1.18573               1.46875         

2013

     0.44235        0.00795        1.01845               1.46875         

2012

     0.81025        0.65850                      1.46875         

2011

     0.97821        0.49054                      1.46875         

2010

     1.46875                             1.46875         

6.000% Series D Cumulative Preferred Shares

 

              

2019

     $    0.34556        $    0.03584        $    1.11860               $    1.50000         

2018

     0.42472               1.07528               1.50000     

2017

     0.33930               1.16070               1.50000         

2016

     0.34768        0.00952        1.14280               1.50000         

2015

     0.48316        0.04356        0.97328               1.50000         

2014

     0.24788        0.04116        1.21096               1.50000         

2013

     0.45176        0.00812        1.04012               1.50000         

2012

     0.82760        0.67240                      1.50000         

2011

     0.99920        0.50080                      1.50000         

2010

     1.50000                             1.50000         

5.250% Series G Cumulative Preferred Shares

 

              

2019

     $0.3023760        $0.0313520        $0.9787720               $1.3125000         

2018

     0.3716128               0.9408872               1.3125000         

2017

     0.29689               1.01561               1.31250         

2016

     0.14789        0.00404        0.48609               0.63802         

5.375% Series H Cumulative Preferred Shares

 

              

2019

     $0.1711274        $0.0177439        $0.5539238               $0.7427951         

 

 

30


THE GABELLI DIVIDEND & INCOME TRUST

INCOME TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited) (Continued)

December 31, 2019

 

Historical Distribution Summary

 

                                                                                                                                                                              
            Short Term      Long Term                
     Investment      Capital      Capital      Return of      Total  
     Income(a)      Gains(a)      Gains      Capital(b)      Distributions(c)  

Auction Market/Rate Cumulative

              

Preferred Shares

              

2019 Class B Shares

     $212.87165        $  22.07221        $689.04614               $   923.99000  

2019 Class C Shares

     213.29786        22.11640        690.42574               925.84000  

2019 Class E Shares

     251.55758        26.08347        814.26895               1,091.91000  

2018 Class B Shares

     247.46148               626.54852               874.01000  

2018 Class C Shares

     242.70483               614.50517               857.21000  

2018 Class E Shares

     341.12203               863.68797               1,204.81000  

2017 Class B Shares

     146.74851               499.55149               646.30000  

2017 Class C Shares

     147.18673               501.04327               648.23000  

2017 Class E Shares

     204.25358               695.30642               899.56000  

2016 Class B Shares

     113.64000        3.11000        373.52000               490.27000  

2016 Class C Shares

     113.83000        3.11000        374.13000               491.07000  

2016 Class E Shares

     172.25000        4.71000        566.16000               743.12000  

2015 Class B Shares

     135.24823        12.19058        272.44119               419.88000  

2015 Class C Shares

     135.44794        12.20858        272.84348               420.50000  

2015 Class E Shares

     216.66839        19.52938        436.45223               672.65000  

2014 Class B Shares

     67.75947        11.25488        331.03565               410.05000  

2014 Class C Shares

     69.08641        11.47528        337.51831               418.08000  

2014 Class E Shares

     109.54380        18.19527        535.17093               662.91000  

2013 Class B Shares

     125.97838        2.26456        290.04706               418.29000  

2013 Class C Shares

     126.00248        2.26499        290.10253               418.37000  

2013 Class E Shares

     206.03966        3.70373        474.37661               684.12000  

2012 Class B Shares

     221.40190        179.93810                      401.34000  

2012 Class C Shares

     216.87831        176.26169                      393.14000  

2012 Class E Shares

     299.97988        243.80012                      543.78000  

2011 Class B Shares

     243.86841        122.29159                      366.16000  

2011 Class C Shares

     243.76851        122.24149                      366.01000  

2011 Class E Shares

     285.90068        143.36932                      429.27000  

2010 Class B Shares

     381.65000                             381.65000  

2010 Class C Shares

     381.65000                             381.65000  

2010 Class E Shares

     444.84000                             444.84000  

2009 Class B Shares

     388.12000                             388.12000  

2009 Class C Shares

     388.02000                             388.02000  

2009 Class E Shares

     451.10000                             451.10000  

 

(a) Taxable as ordinary income for Federal tax purposes.

(b) Non-taxable.

(c) Total amounts may differ due to rounding.

(d) Decrease in cost basis.

(e) Includes the spin-off of the Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap Value Trust (GGZ). On June 23, 2014, the Fund distributed shares of GGZ valued at $12.00 per share. Common shareholders of GDV received one share of GGZ for every ten shares owned of GDV.

 

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

The Net Asset Value per share appears in the Publicly Traded Funds column, under the heading “General Equity Funds,” in Monday’s The Wall Street Journal. It is also listed in Barron’s Mutual Funds/Closed End Funds section under the heading “General Equity Funds.”

The Net Asset Value per share may be obtained each day by calling (914) 921-5070 or visiting www.gabelli.com.

The NASDAQ symbol for the Net Asset Value is “XGDVX.”

 

31


THE GABELLI DIVIDEND & INCOME TRUST

ANNUAL APPROVAL OF CONTINUANCE OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited)

During the six months ended December 31, 2019, the Board of Trustees of the Trust approved the continuation of the investment advisory agreement with the Adviser for the Trust on the basis of the recommendation by the trustees (the Independent Board Members) who are not interested persons of the Trust. The following paragraphs summarize the material information and factors considered by the Independent Board Members as well as their conclusions relative to such factors.

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

Investment Performance. The Independent Board Members reviewed the performance of the Fund over the one, three, and five year periods (as of September 30, 2019) against a peer group of thirteen other comparable funds prepared by the Adviser (the “Adviser Peer Group”) and against a larger peer group of 23 closed-end funds constituting the Fund’s Lipper category (Objective Equity Funds) (the “Lipper Peer Group”). The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund’s performance was in the fourth quartile for the one, three, and five year periods for the Adviser Peer Group, and in the third quartile for the one, three, and five year periods for the Lipper Peer Group.

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

Economies of Scale. The Independent Board Members discussed the major elements of the Adviser’s cost structure, the relationship of those elements to potential economies of scale and reviewed data provided by the Adviser. The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund was a closed-end fund trading at a discount to net asset value and accordingly unlikely to achieve growth of the type that might lead to economies of scale that the shareholders would not participate in.

Sharing of Economies Scale. The Independent Board Members noted that the investment management fee schedule for the Fund does not take into account any potential economies of scale.

Service and Cost Comparisons. The Independent Board Members compared the expense ratios of the investment management fee, other expenses, and total expenses of the Fund with similar expense ratios of the Adviser Peer Group and the Lipper Peer Group. The Independent Board Members noted that the Adviser’s management fee includes substantially all administrative services of the Fund as well as investment advisory services. The Independent Board Members noted that the Fund was larger than average within each peer group and that its expense ratios were either roughly average or above average within each peer group. The Independent Board Members also noted that the management fee structure was the same as that in effect for most of the Gabelli funds. The Independent Board Members were presented with, but did not attach significance to, information comparing the management fee with the fee for other types of accounts managed by an affiliate of the Adviser.

Conclusions. The Independent Board Members concluded that the Fund enjoyed highly experienced portfolio management services, good ancillary services, and an acceptable performance record. The Independent Board Members also concluded that the Fund’s expense ratios and the profitability to the Adviser of managing the Fund were reasonable, and that economies of scale were not a significant factor in their thinking. The Independent

 

32


THE GABELLI DIVIDEND & INCOME TRUST

ANNUAL APPROVAL OF CONTINUANCE OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Board Members did not view the potential profitability of ancillary services as material to their decision. On the basis of the foregoing and without assigning particular weight to any single conclusion, the Independent Board Members determined to recommend continuation of the Advisory Agreement to the full Board.

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

 

33


AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT

AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLANS

Under the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”), a Shareholder whose shares of common stock are registered in his or her own name will have all distributions reinvested automatically by Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”), which is an agent under the Plan, unless the shareholder elects to receive cash. Distributions with respect to shares registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other nominee (that is, in “street name”) will be reinvested by the broker or nominee in additional shares under the Plan, unless the service is not provided by the broker or nominee or the shareholder elects to receive distributions in cash. Investors who own shares of common stock registered in street name should consult their broker-dealers for details regarding reinvestment. All distributions to investors who do not participate in the Plan will be paid by check mailed directly to the record holder by Computershare as dividend-disbursing agent.

Enrollment in the Plan

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

The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

c/o Computershare

P.O. Box 505000

Louisville, KY 40233-5000

Telephone: (800) 336-6983

Website: www.computershare.com/investor

Shareholders requesting this cash election must include the shareholder’s name and address as they appear on the Fund’s records. Shareholders with additional questions regarding the Plan or requesting a copy of the terms of the Plan, may contact Computershare at the website or telephone number above.

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

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

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

Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan

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

Participants in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan have the option of making additional cash payments to Computershare for investments in the Fund’s shares at the then current market price. shareholders may send an amount from $250 to $10,000. Computershare will use these funds to purchase shares in the open market on or about the 1st and 15th of each month. Computershare will charge each shareholder who participates $0.75, plus a per share fee (currently $0.02 per share). Per share fees include any applicable brokerage commissions Computershare is required to pay and fees for such purchases are expected to be less than the usual fees for such transactions. It is suggested that any voluntary cash payments be sent to Computershare, P.O. Box 6006, Carol Stream, IL 60197-6006 such that Computershare receives such payments approximately two business days before the 1st and 15th of the month. Funds not received at least two business days before the investment date shall be held for investment

 

34


AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT

AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLANS

(Continued)

 

until the next purchase date. A payment may be withdrawn without charge if notice is received by Computershare at least two business days before such payment is to be invested.

Shareholders wishing to liquidate shares held at Computershare may do so through the Internet, in writing or by telephone to the above-mentioned website, address or telephone number. Include in your request your name, address, and account number. Computershare will sell such shares through a broker-dealer selected by Computershare within 5 business days of receipt of the request. The sale price will equal the weighted average price of all shares sold through the Plan on the day of the sale, less applicable fees . Participants should note that Computershare is unable to accept instructions to sell on a specific date or at a specific price. The cost to liquidate shares is $2.50 per transaction as well as the per share fee (currently $0.10 per share) Per share fees include any applicable brokerage commissions Computershare is required to pay and are expected to be less than the usual fees for such transactions.

More information regarding the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan is available by calling (914) 921-5070 or by writing directly to the Fund.

The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan as applied to any voluntary cash payments made and any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the change sent to the members of the Plan at least 30 days before the record date for such dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by Computershare on at least 30 days written notice to participants in the Plan.

 

35


    

THE GABELLI DIVIDEND & INCOME TRUST

AND YOUR PERSONAL PRIVACY

Who are we?

The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust is a closed-end management investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940. We are managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, which is affiliated with GAMCO Investors, Inc., a publicly held company that has subsidiaries that provide investment advisory services for a variety of clients.

What kind of non-public information do we collect about you if you become a Fund shareholder?

When you purchase shares of the Fund on the New York Stock Exchange, you have the option of registering directly with our transfer agent in order, for example, to participate in our dividend reinvestment plan.

 

 

Information you give us on your application form. This could include your name, address, telephone number, social security number, bank account number, and other information.

 

 

 

Information about your transactions with us. This would include information about the shares that you buy or sell; it may also include information about whether you sell or exercise rights that we have issued from time to time. If we hire someone else to provide services — like a transfer agent — we will also have information about the transactions that you conduct through them.

 

What information do we disclose and to whom do we disclose it?

We do not disclose any non-public personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone other than our affiliates, our service providers who need to know such information, and as otherwise permitted by law. If you want to find out what the law permits, you can read the privacy rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. They are in volume 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 248. The Commission often posts information about its regulations on its website, www.sec.gov.

What do we do to protect your personal information?

We restrict access to non-public personal information about you to the people who need to know that information in order to provide services to you or the Fund and to ensure that we are complying with the laws governing the securities business. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to keep your personal information confidential.




THE GABELLI DIVIDEND & INCOME TRUST

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

Portfolio Management Team Biographies

 

LOGO  

Mario J. Gabelli, CFA, is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer - Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. that he founded in 1977, and Chief Investment Officer - Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management Inc. He is also Executive Chairman of Associated Capital Group, Inc. Mr. Gabelli is a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University and holds an MBA degree from Columbia Business School and Honorary Doctorates from Fordham University and Roger Williams University.

LOGO  

Christopher J. Marangi joined Gabelli in 2003 as a research analyst. Currently he is a Managing Director and Co-Chief Investment Officer for GAMCO Investors, Inc.’s Value team. In addition, he serves as a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC and manages several funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex. Mr. Marangi graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Political Economy from Williams College and holds an MBA degree with honors from Columbia Business School.

LOGO  

Kevin V. Dreyer joined Gabelli in 2005 as a research analyst covering companies within the consumer sector. Currently he is a Managing Director and Co-Chief Investment Officer for GAMCO Investors, Inc.’s Value team. In addition, he serves as a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC and manages several funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex. Mr. Dreyer received a BSE from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA degree from Columbia Business School.


LOGO  

Sarah Donnelly joined Gabelli in 1999 as a junior research analyst working with the consumer staples and media analysts. Currently she is a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC, a Senior Vice President, and the Food, Household, and Personal Care products research analyst for Gabelli & Company. In 2013, she was named the Health & Wellness research platform leader. Ms. Donnelly received a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and minor in History from Fordham University.

LOGO  

Robert D. Leininger, CFA, joined GAMCO Investors, Inc. in 1993 as an equity analyst. Subsequently, he was a partner and portfolio manager at Rorer Asset Management before rejoining GAMCO in 2010 where he currently serves as a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC. Mr. Leininger is a magna cum laude graduate of Amherst College with a degree in Economics and holds an MBA degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

LOGO  

Jeffrey J. Jonas, CFA, joined Gabelli in 2003 as a research analyst focusing on companies across the healthcare industry. In 2006, he began serving as a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC and manages several funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex. Mr. Jonas was a Presidential Scholar at Boston College, where he received a BS in Finance and Management Information Systems.

LOGO  

Brian C. Sponheimer is a portfolio manager and research analyst, responsible for coverage of automotive, trucking, and machinery stocks. In 2010, 2011, and 2016, Mr. Sponheimer was recognized by various financial publications, including the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times, as a “Best on the Street” analyst. He began his business career in institutional equities at CIBC World Markets in New York and Boston. Mr. Sponheimer graduated cum laude from Harvard University with a BA in Government and received an MBA in Finance and Economics from Columbia Business School.


LOGO  

Regina M. Pitaro is a Managing Director and Head of Institutional Marketing at GAMCO Investors, Inc. Ms. Pitaro joined the firm in 1984 and coordinates the organization’s focus with consultants and plan sponsors. She also serves as a Managing Director and Director of GAMCO Asset Management, Inc., and serves as a portfolio manager for Gabelli Funds, LLC. Ms. Pitaro holds an MBA in Finance from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business, a Master’s degree in Anthropology from Loyola University of Chicago, and a Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University.

LOGO  

Howard F. Ward, CFA, joined Gabelli Funds in 1995 and currently serves as GAMCO’s Chief Investment Officer of Growth Equities as well as a Gabelli Funds, LLC portfolio manager for several funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex. Prior to joining Gabelli, Mr. Ward served as Managing Director and Lead Portfolio Manager for several Scudder mutual funds. He also was an Investment Officer in the Institutional Investment Department with Brown Brothers, Harriman & Co. Mr. Ward received his BA in Economics from Northwestern University.{}

 

 

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

The Net Asset Value per share appears in the Publicly Traded Funds column, under the heading “General Equity Funds,” in Monday’s The Wall Street Journal. It is also listed in Barron’s Mutual Funds/Closed End Funds section under the heading “General Equity Funds.”

The Net Asset Value per share may be obtained each day by calling (914) 921-5070 or visiting www.gabelli.com.

The NASDAQ symbol for the Net Asset Value is “XGDVX.”

 

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that the Fund may from time to time purchase its common shares in the open market when the Fund’s shares are trading at a discount of 7.5% or more from the net asset value of the shares. The Fund may also from time to time purchase its preferred shares in the open market when the preferred shares are trading at a discount to the liquidation value.


THE GABELLI DIVIDEND & INCOME TRUST

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

 

t

800-GABELLI (800-422-3554)

f

914-921-5118

e

info@gabelli.com

  

GABELLI.COM

 

 

 

TRUSTEES

Mario J. Gabelli, CFA

Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer,

GAMCO Investors, Inc.

Executive Chairman,

Associated Capital Group, Inc.

Anthony J. Colavita

President,

Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.

James P. Conn

Former Managing Director &

Chief Investment Officer,

Financial Security Assurance

Holdings Ltd.

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.

Former President &

Chief Executive Officer,

American Gaming Association

Michael J. Melarkey

Of Counsel,

McDonald Carano Wilson LLP

Kuni Nakamura

President,

Advanced Polymer, Inc.

Salvatore M. Salibello

Senior Partner,

Bright Side Consulting

Edward T. Tokar

Former Chief Executive

Officer of Allied

Capital Management, LLC, &

Vice President of Honeywell International, Inc.

Anthonie C. van Ekris

Chairman,

BALMAC International, Inc.

Susan V. Watson

Former President,

Investor Relations Association

 

Salvatore J. Zizza

Chairman,

Zizza & Associates Corp.

OFFICERS

Bruce N. Alpert

President

John C. Ball

Treasurer

Agnes Mullady

Vice President

Andrea R. Mango

Secretary &

Vice President

Richard J. Walz

Chief Compliance Officer

Carter W. Austin

Vice President & Ombudsman

Laurissa M. Martire

Vice President & Ombudsman

David I. Schachter

Vice President

INVESTMENT ADVISER

Gabelli Funds, LLC

One Corporate Center

Rye, New York 10580-1422

CUSTODIAN

State Street Bank and Trust

Company

COUNSEL

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &

Flom LLP

TRANSFER AGENT AND

REGISTRAR

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

 

 

 

GDV Q4/2019

LOGO

 


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

  (a)

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

 

  (c)

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

 

  (d)

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

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

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

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Audit Fees

 

  (a)

The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years are $49,012 for 2018 and $49,012 for 2019.

Audit-Related Fees

 

  (b)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item are $0 for 2018 and $0 for 2019.


Tax Fees

 

  (c)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning are $4,750 for 2018 and $4,920 for 2019. Tax fees represent tax compliance services provided in connection with the review of the Registrant’s tax returns.

All Other Fees

 

  (d)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item are $7,500 for 2018 and $32,500 for 2019. All other fees represent services provided in review of registration statement.

 

  (e)(1)

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

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

 

  (e)(2)

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

(b) N/A

(c) 0%

(d) 0%

 

  (f)

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


  (g)

The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant was $0 for 2018 and $32,500 for 2019.

 

  (h)

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

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

  (a)

The registrant has a separately designated audit committee consisting of the following members: Anthony J. Colavita, Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., Salvatore M. Salibello, and Salvatore J. Zizza.

 

  (b)

Not applicable

Item 6. Investments.

 

(a)

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

 

(b)

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

 

Item 7.

Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

The Proxy Voting Policies are attached herewith.


SECTION HH

The Voting of Proxies on Behalf of Clients

(This section pertains to all affiliated SEC registered investment advisers)

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

These procedures will be used by GAMCO Asset Management Inc., Gabelli Funds, LLC, Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc., and Teton Advisors, Inc. (collectively, the “Advisers”) to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities held by their clients, including the procedures that the Advisers use when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of the shareholders of an investment company managed by one of the Advisers, on the one hand, and those of the Advisers; the principal underwriter; or any affiliated person of the investment company, the Advisers, or the principal underwriter. These procedures will not apply where the Advisers do not have voting discretion or where the Advisers have agreed to with a client to vote the client’s proxies in accordance with specific guidelines or procedures supplied by the client (to the extent permitted by ERISA).

 

  I.

Proxy Voting Committee

The Proxy Voting Committee was originally formed in April 1989 for the purpose of formulating guidelines and reviewing proxy statements within the parameters set by the substantive proxy voting guidelines originally published in 1988 and updated periodically, a copy of which are appended as Exhibit A. The Committee will include representatives of Research, Administration, Legal, and the Advisers. Additional or replacement members of the Committee will be nominated by the Chairman and voted upon by the entire Committee.

Meetings are held on an as needed basis to form views on the manner in which the Advisers should vote proxies on behalf of their clients.

In general, the Director of Proxy Voting Services, using the Proxy Guidelines, and the analysts of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GBL”), will determine how to vote on each issue. For non-controversial matters, the Director of Proxy Voting Services may vote the proxy if the vote is: (1) consistent with the recommendations of the issuer’s Board of Directors and not contrary to the Proxy Guidelines; (2) consistent with the recommendations of the issuer’s Board of Directors and is a non-controversial issue not covered by the Proxy Guidelines; or (3) the vote is contrary to the recommendations of the Board of Directors but is consistent with the Proxy Guidelines. In those instances, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Chairman of the Committee may sign and date the proxy statement indicating how each issue will be voted.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

 

 

   HH-1    INTERNAL USE ONLY


All matters identified by the Chairman of the Committee, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Legal Department as controversial, taking into account the recommendations of the analysts of GBL, will be presented to the Proxy Voting Committee. If the Chairman of the Committee, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Legal Department has identified the matter as one that (1) is controversial; (2) would benefit from deliberation by the Proxy Voting Committee; or (3) may give rise to a conflict of interest between the Advisers and their clients, the Chairman of the Committee will initially determine what vote to recommend that the Advisers should cast and the matter will go before the Committee.

 

  A.

Conflicts of Interest.

The Advisers have implemented these proxy voting procedures in order to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing their proxy voting decisions. By following the Proxy Guidelines and the analysts of GBL, the Advisers are able to avoid, wherever possible, the influence of potential conflicts of interest. Nevertheless, circumstances may arise in which one or more of the Advisers are faced with a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest in connection with its vote. In general, a conflict of interest may arise when an Adviser knowingly does business with an issuer, and may appear to have a material conflict between its own interests and the interests of the shareholders of an investment company managed by one of the Advisers regarding how the proxy is to be voted. A conflict also may exist when an Adviser has actual knowledge of a material business arrangement between an issuer and an affiliate of the Adviser.

In practical terms, a conflict of interest may arise, for example, when a proxy is voted for a company that is a client of one of the Advisers, such as GAMCO Asset Management Inc. A conflict also may arise when a client of one of the Advisers has made a shareholder proposal in a proxy to be voted upon by one or more of the Advisers. The Director of Proxy Voting Services, together with the Legal Department, will scrutinize all proxies for these or other situations that may give rise to a conflict of interest with respect to the voting of proxies.

 

  B.

Operation of Proxy Voting Committee

For matters submitted to the Committee, each member of the Committee will receive, prior to the meeting, a copy of the proxy statement, a summary of any views provided by the Chief Investment Officer and any recommendations by GBL analysts. The Chief Investment Officer or the GBL analysts may be invited to present their viewpoints. If the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Legal Department believe that the matter before the committee is one with respect to which a conflict of interest may exist between the Advisers and their clients, counsel may provide an

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

 

 

   HH-2    INTERNAL USE ONLY


opinion to the Committee concerning the conflict. If the matter is one in which the interests of the clients of one or more of the Advisers may diverge, counsel may so advise and the Committee may make different recommendations as to different clients. For any matters where the recommendation may trigger appraisal rights, counsel may provide an opinion concerning the likely risks and merits of such an appraisal action.

Each matter submitted to the Committee will be determined by the vote of a majority of the members present at the meeting. Should the vote concerning one or more recommendations be tied in a vote of the Committee, the Chairman of the Committee will cast the deciding vote. The Committee will notify the proxy department of its decisions and the proxies will be voted accordingly.

Although the Proxy Guidelines express the normal preferences for the voting of any shares not covered by a contrary investment guideline provided by the client, the Committee is not bound by the preferences set forth in the Proxy Guidelines and will review each matter on its own merits.    The Advisers subscribe to Institutional Shareholder Services Inc (“ISS”) and Glass Lewis & Co., LLC (“Glass Lewis”), which supply current information on companies, matters being voted on, regulations, trends in proxy voting and information on corporate governance issues. The information provided by ISS and GL is for informational purposes only.

If the vote cast either by the analyst or as a result of the deliberations of the Proxy Voting Committee runs contrary to the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the issuer, the matter may be referred to legal counsel to determine whether an amendment to the most recently filed Schedule 13D is appropriate.

 

  II.

Social Issues and Other Client Guidelines

If a client has provided and the Advisers have accepted special instructions relating to the voting of proxies, they should be noted in the client’s account file and forwarded to the proxy department. This is the responsibility of the investment professional or sales assistant for the client. In accordance with Department of Labor guidelines, the Advisers’ policy is to vote on behalf of ERISA accounts in the best interest of the plan participants with regard to social issues that carry an economic impact. Where an account is not governed by ERISA, the Advisers will vote shares held on behalf of the client in a manner consistent with any individual investment/voting guidelines provided by the client. Otherwise the Advisers may abstain with respect to those shares.

Specific to the Gabelli ESG Fund, the Proxy Voting Committee will rely on the advice of the portfolio managers of the Gabelli ESG Fund to provide voting recommendations on the securities held in the portfolio.

 

  III.

Client Retention of Voting Rights

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

 

 

   HH-3    INTERNAL USE ONLY


If a client chooses to retain the right to vote proxies or if there is any change in voting authority, the following should be notified by the investment professional or sales assistant for the client.

- Operations

- Proxy Department

- Investment professional assigned to the account

In the event that the Board of Directors (or a Committee thereof) of one or more of the investment companies managed by one of the Advisers has retained direct voting control over any security, the Proxy Voting Department will provide each Board Member (or Committee member) with a copy of the proxy statement together with any other relevant information.

 

  IV.

Proxies of Certain Non-U.S. Issuers

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

In addition, voting proxies of issuers in non-U.S. markets may also give rise to a number of administrative issues or give rise to circumstances under which voting would impose a cost (real or implied) on its client which may cause the Advisers to abstain from voting such proxies. For example, the Advisers may receive the notices for shareholder meetings without adequate time to consider the proposals in the proxy or after the cut-off date for voting. Other markets require the Advisers to provide local agents with power of attorney prior to implementing their respective voting instructions on the proxy. Other markets may require disclosure of certain ownership information in excess of what is required to vote in the U.S. market. Although it is the Advisers’ policies to vote the proxies for its clients for which they have proxy voting authority, in the case of issuers in non-U.S. markets, we vote client proxies on a best efforts basis.

 

  V.

Voting Records

The Proxy Voting Department will retain a record of matters voted upon by the Advisers for their clients. The Advisers will supply information on how they voted a client’s proxy upon request from the client.

The complete voting records for each registered investment company (the “Fund”) that is managed by the Advisers will be filed on Form N-PX for the twelve months ended June 30th, no later than August 31st of each year. A description of the

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

 

 

   HH-4    INTERNAL USE ONLY


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

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

VI.    Voting Procedures

1.    Custodian banks, outside brokerage firms and clearing firms are responsible for forwarding proxies directly to the Advisers.

Proxies are received in one of two forms:

 

   

Shareholder Vote Instruction Forms (“VIFs”) - Issued by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”). Broadridge is an outside service contracted by the various institutions to issue proxy materials.

   

Proxy cards which may be voted directly.

2. Upon receipt of the proxy, the number of shares each form represents is logged into the proxy system, electronically or manually, according to security.

3. Upon receipt of instructions from the proxy committee, the votes are cast and recorded for each account.

Records have been maintained on the ProxyEdge system.

ProxyEdge records include:

Security Name and CUSIP Number

Date and Type of Meeting (Annual, Special, Contest)

Directors’ Recommendation (if any)

How the Adviser voted for the client on item

4. VIFs are kept alphabetically by security. Records for the current proxy season are located in the Proxy Voting Department office. In preparation for the upcoming season, files are transferred to an offsite storage facility during January/February.

5. If a proxy card or VIF is received too late to be voted in the conventional matter, every attempt is made to vote including:

 

   

When a solicitor has been retained, the solicitor is called. At the solicitor’s direction, the proxy is faxed or sent electronically.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

 

 

   HH-5    INTERNAL USE ONLY


   

In some circumstances VIFs can be faxed or sent electronically to Broadridge up until the time of the meeting.

6. In the case of a proxy contest, records are maintained for each opposing entity.

7. Voting in Person

a) At times it may be necessary to vote the shares in person. In this case, a “legal proxy” is obtained in the following manner:

 

 

Banks and brokerage firms using the services at Broadridge:

 

Broadridge is notified that we wish to vote in person. Broadridge issues individual legal proxies and sends them back via email or overnight (or the Adviser can pay messenger charges). A lead-time of at least two weeks prior to the meeting is needed to do this. Alternatively, the procedures detailed below for banks not using Broadridge may be implemented.

 

 

Banks and brokerage firms issuing proxies directly:

 

The bank is called and/or faxed and a legal proxy is requested.

All legal proxies should appoint:

“Representative of [Adviser name] with full power of substitution.”

b) The legal proxies are given to the person attending the meeting along with the limited power of attorney.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

 

 

   HH-6    INTERNAL USE ONLY


Appendix A

Proxy Guidelines

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

General Policy Statement

It is the policy of GAMCO Investors, Inc, and its affiliated advisers (collectively “the Advisers”) to vote in the best economic interests of our clients. As we state in our Magna Carta of Shareholders Rights, established in May 1988, we are neither for nor against management. We are for shareholders.

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

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

Board of Directors

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

Factors taken into consideration include:

 

 

Historical responsiveness to shareholders

This may include such areas as:

-Paying greenmail

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

 

Qualifications

 

Nominating committee in place

 

Number of outside directors on the board

 

Attendance at meetings

 

Overall performance

Selection of Auditors

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

 

 

   HH-7    INTERNAL USE ONLY


In general, we support the Board of Directors’ recommendation for auditors.

Blank Check Preferred Stock

We oppose the issuance of blank check preferred stock.

Blank check preferred stock allows the company to issue stock and establish dividends, voting rights, etc. without further shareholder approval.

Classified Board

A classified board is one where the directors are divided into classes with overlapping terms. A different class is elected at each annual meeting.

While a classified board promotes continuity of directors facilitating long range planning, we feel directors should be accountable to shareholders on an annual basis. We will look at this proposal on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the board’s historical responsiveness to the rights of shareholders.

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

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

Increase Authorized Common Stock

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

Factors taken into consideration include:

 

 

Future use of additional shares

-Stock split

-Stock option or other executive compensation plan

-Finance growth of company/strengthen balance sheet

-Aid in restructuring

-Improve credit rating

-Implement a poison pill or other takeover defense

 

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

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

 

 

   HH-8    INTERNAL USE ONLY


 

Amount of additional stock to be authorized and its dilutive effect

We will support this proposal if a detailed and verifiable plan for the use of the additional shares is contained in the proxy statement.

Confidential Ballot

We support the idea that a shareholder’s identity and vote should be treated with confidentiality.

However, we look at this issue on a case-by-case basis.

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

Cumulative Voting

In general, we support cumulative voting.

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

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

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

Director Liability and Indemnification

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

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

 

 

   HH-9    INTERNAL USE ONLY


Equal Access to the Proxy

The SEC’s rules provide for shareholder resolutions. However, the resolutions are limited in scope and there is a 500 word limit on proponents’ written arguments. Management has no such limitations. While we support equal access to the proxy, we would look at such variables as length of time required to respond, percentage of ownership, etc.

Fair Price Provisions

Charter provisions requiring a bidder to pay all shareholders a fair price are intended to prevent two-tier tender offers that may be abusive. Typically, these provisions do not apply to board-approved transactions.

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

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Golden Parachutes

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

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

Anti-Greenmail Proposals

We do not support greenmail. An offer extended to one shareholder should be extended to all shareholders equally across the board.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

 

 

   HH-10    INTERNAL USE ONLY


Limit Shareholders’ Rights to Call Special Meetings

We support the right of shareholders to call a special meeting.

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Consideration of Nonfinancial Effects of a Merger

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

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

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Mergers, Buyouts, Spin-Offs, Restructurings

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

Military Issues

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

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

Northern Ireland

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

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

 

 

   HH-11    INTERNAL USE ONLY


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

Opt Out of State Anti-Takeover Law

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

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

 

 

State of Incorporation

 

Management history of responsiveness to shareholders

 

Other mitigating factors

Poison Pill

In general, we do not endorse poison pills.

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

Reincorporation

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

Stock Incentive Plans

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

Method of payment.

 

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

 

The successful steps taken by management to maximize shareholder value.

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

 

 

   HH-12    INTERNAL USE ONLY


Supermajority Vote Requirements

Supermajority vote requirements in a company’s charter or bylaws require a level of voting approval in excess of a simple majority of the outstanding shares. In general, we oppose supermajority-voting requirements. Supermajority requirements often exceed the average level of shareholder participation. We support proposals’ approvals by a simple majority of the shares voting.

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Limit Shareholders Right to Act by Written Consent

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

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

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

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

Proxy Access

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

 

Revised: October 23, 2019

 

 

   HH-13   

INTERNAL USE ONLY


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

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

Mario J. Gabelli, CFA, Robert D. Leininger, CFA, Kevin V. Dreyer, Jeffrey J. Jonas, CFA, Christopher J. Marangi, Howard F. Ward, Regina M. Pitaro, and Sarah Donnelly serve as Portfolio Managers of The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

Mario J. Gabelli, CFA, is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer – Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. that he founded in 1977, and Chief Investment Officer – Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management Inc. He is also Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Associated Capital Group, Inc. Mr. Gabelli is a summa cum laude graduate of Fordham University and holds an MBA degree from Columbia Business School, and Honorary Doctorates from Fordham University and Roger Williams University.

Robert D. Leininger, CFA, joined GAMCO Investors, Inc. in 1993 as an equity analyst. Subsequently, he was a partner and portfolio manager at Rorer Asset Management before rejoining GAMCO in 2010 where he currently serves as a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC. Mr. Leininger is a magna cum laude graduate of Amherst College with a degree in Economics and holds an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Kevin V. Dreyer joined Gabelli in 2005 as a research analyst covering companies within the consumer sector. He currently serves as Co-Chief Investment Officer of GAMCO Investors, Inc.’s Value team and a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC. He manages several funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex. Mr. Dreyer received a BSE from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Jeffrey J. Jonas, CFA, joined Gabelli in 2003 as a research analyst focusing on companies across the healthcare industry. In 2006, he began serving as a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC and manages several funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex. Mr. Jonas was a Presidential Scholar at Boston College, where he received a BS in Finance and Management Information Systems.

Christopher J. Marangi joined Gabelli in 2003 as a research analyst. He currently serves as Co-Chief Investment Officer of GAMCO Investors, Inc.’s Value team and a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC. He manages several funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex. Mr. Marangi graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Political Economy from Williams College and holds an MBA with honors from Columbia Business School.

Sarah Donnelly joined Gabelli in 1999 as a junior research analyst working with the consumer staples and media analysts. Currently she is a Portfolio Manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC, a Senior Vice President and the Food, Household and Personal Care products research analyst for Gabelli & Company. In 2013, she was named the Health &Wellness research platform leader. Ms. Donnelly received a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and minor in History from Fordham University.

Brian C. Sponheimer is a portfolio manager and research analyst, responsible for coverage of automotive, trucking, and machinery stocks. In 2010, 2011, and 2016, Brian was recognized by various


financial publications, including the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times, as a “Best on the Street” analyst. He began his business career in institutional equities at CIBC World Markets in New York and Boston. Brian graduated cum laude from Harvard University with a B.A. in Government and received an M.B.A in Finance and Economics from Columbia Business School.

Regina M. Pitaro is a Managing Director and Head of Institutional Marketing at GAMCO Investors, Inc. Ms. Pitaro joined the firm in 1984 and coordinates the organization’s focus with consultants and plan sponsors. She also serves as a Managing Director and Director of GAMCO Asset Management, Inc., and also serves as a portfolio manager for Gabelli Funds, LLC. Ms. Pitaro holds an MBA in Finance from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business, a Master’s degree in Anthropology from Loyola University of Chicago, and a Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University.

Howard F. Ward, CFA, joined Gabelli Funds in 1995 and currently serves as GAMCO’s Chief Investment Officer of Growth Equities as well as a Gabelli Funds, LLC portfolio manager for several funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Fund Complex. Prior to joining Gabelli, Mr. Ward served as Managing Director and Lead Portfolio Manager for several Scudder mutual funds. He also was an Investment Officer in the Institutional Investment Department with Brown Brothers, Harriman & Co. Mr. Ward received his BA in Economics from Northwestern University.

MANAGEMENT OF OTHER ACCOUNTS

The table below shows the number of other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers and the total assets in each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other paid investment vehicles and other accounts as of December 31, 2019. For each category, the table also shows the number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on account performance.

 

  Name of Portfolio   Manager    Type of Accounts   

Total

No. of

Accounts

Managed

  

Total

Assets

  

No. of

Accounts

where

Advisory

Fee is Based

on

Performance

  

Total Assets

in Accounts where

Advisory

Fee is Based

on

Performance

Mario J. Gabelli, CFA    Registered Investment Companies:    24   

$17.1

billion

   4    $2.9 billion
     Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:    11   

$1.1

billion

   8   

$904.3

million

    

Other

Accounts:

 

  

985

  

$8.1

billion

   1   

$238.5

million


Robert D. Leininger    Registered Investment Companies:    3   

$2.0

billion

   1   

$2.0 billion

 

     Other Pooled                    
     Investment Vehicles:    0    $0    0    $0
    

Other

Accounts:

 

   179   

$316.4

million

   0    $0
                     
Kevin V. Dreyer    Registered Investment Companies:    5   

$4.4

billion

   1    $2.0 billion
     Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:    1   

$56.3

million

   0    $0
    

Other

Accounts:

 

   295   

$1.8

billion

   0    $0
                          
Jeffrey J. Jonas, CFA    Registered Investment Companies:    3   

$2.4

billion

   0    $0
     Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:    1   

$5.9

million

   1    $5.9 million
    

Other

Accounts:

 

   77   

$144.8

million

   0    $0
                     
Christopher J. Marangi    Registered Investment Companies:    7   

$5.1

billion

   2    $2.3 billion
     Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:    1   

$56.3

million

   0    $0
    

Other

Accounts:

 

   301   

$1.6

billion

   0    $0
                     
Sarah Donnelly    Registered Investment Companies:    3   

$1.0

billion

   0    $0
     Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:    0    $0    0    $0
    

Other

Accounts:

 

   16   

$13.6

million

   0    $0


Brian C. Sponheimer    Registered Investment    1    $2.3     0    $0
     Companies:         billion          
     Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:    1   

$3.0

million

   1    $3.0 million
    

Other

Accounts:

 

   8   

$1.3

million

   0    $0
                             
Regina M. Pitaro    Registered Investment Companies:    0    $0    0    $0
     Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:    0    $0    0    $0
    

Other

Accounts:

 

   41   

$161.7

million

   0    $0
                             
Howard F. Ward    Registered Investment Companies:    2   

$1.2

billion

   0    $0
     Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:    0    $0    0    $0
    

Other

Accounts:

 

   21   

$174.9

million

   0    $0

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

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

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

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


SELECTION OF BROKER/DEALERS. Because of Mr. Gabelli’s indirect majority ownership interest in G.research, LLC, he may have an incentive to use G.research to execute portfolio transactions for a fund.

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

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

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

COMPENSATION STRUCTURE FOR MARIO J. GABELLI

Mr. Gabelli receives incentive-based variable compensation based on a percentage of net revenues received by the Adviser for managing the Trust. Net revenues are determined by deducting from gross investment management fees the firm’s expenses (other than Mr. Gabelli’s compensation) allocable to this Trust. Four closed-end registered investment companies (including this Trust) managed by Mr. Gabelli have arrangements whereby the Adviser will only receive its investment advisory fee attributable to the liquidation value of outstanding preferred stock (and Mr. Gabelli would only receive his percentage of such advisory fee) if certain performance levels are met. Additionally, he receives similar incentive based variable compensation for managing other accounts within the firm and its affiliates. This method of compensation is based on the premise that superior long-term performance in managing a portfolio should be rewarded with higher compensation as a result of growth of assets through appreciation and net investment activity. The level of compensation is not determined with specific reference to the performance of any account against any specific benchmark. One of the other closed-end registered investment companies managed by Mr. Gabelli has a performance (fulcrum) fee arrangement for which his compensation is adjusted up or down based on the performance of the investment company relative to an index. Mr. Gabelli manages other accounts with performance fees.


Compensation for managing these accounts has two components. One component is based on a percentage of net revenues to the investment adviser for managing the account. The second component is based on absolute performance of the account, with respect to which a percentage of such performance fee is paid to Mr. Gabelli. As an executive officer of the Adviser’s parent company, GBL, Mr. Gabelli also receives ten percent of the net operating profits of the parent company. He receives no base salary, no annual bonus, and no stock options. Mr. Gabelli may also enter into and has entered into agreements to defer or waive his compensation.

COMPENSATION STRUCTURE FOR THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OTHER THAN MR. GABELLI

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

OWNERSHIP OF SHARES IN THE FUND

Mario J. Gabelli, Robert D Leininger, Kevin V. Dreyer, Jeffrey J. Jonas, Christopher J. Marangi, Sarah Donnelly, Brian Sponheimer, Regina Pitaro, and Howard F. Ward each owned over $1 million, $100,001-$500,000, $10,001-$50,000, $100,001-$500,000, $10,001-$50,000, $0, $0, $0, and $0, respectively, of shares of the Trust as of December 31, 2019.

 

(b)

Not applicable.


Item 9.

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

REGISTRANT PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

         

Period

 

 

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

 

 

(b) Average Price Paid
per Share (or Unit)

 

 

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

Plans or Programs

 

 

(d) Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar Value)
of Shares (or Units) that May

Yet be Purchased Under the

Plans or Programs

 

Month #1
07/01/2019 through 07/31/2019

 

 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 

Common – 82,432,426

Preferred Series A – 3,049,019

Preferred Series D – 1,271,148

Preferred Series G – 4,000,000

Preferred Series H – 2,000,000

 

Month #2
08/01/2019 through 08/31/2019

 

 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 

Common – 82,432,426

Preferred Series A – 3,049,019

Preferred Series D – 1,271,148

Preferred Series G – 4,000,000

Preferred Series H – 2,000,000

 

Month #3
09/01/2019 through 09/30/2019

 

 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 

Common – 82,432,426

Preferred Series A – 3,049,019

Preferred Series D – 1,271,148

Preferred Series G – 4,000,000

Preferred Series H – 2,000,000

 

Month #4
10/01/2019 through 10/31/2019

 

 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 

 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 

Common – 82,432,426

Preferred Series A – 3,049,019

Preferred Series D – 1,271,148

Preferred Series G – 4,000,000

Preferred Series H – 2,000,000

 


Month #5
11/01/2019 through 11/30/2019

 

  Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A
  Common – 90,675,669

Preferred Series A – 3,049,019

Preferred Series D – 1,271,148
 


Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 


Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 


Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

 


Preferred Series G – 4,000,000

Preferred Series H – 2,000,000

 

Month #6
12/01/2019 through 12/31/2019

 

  Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A
 

Common – 90,675,669

Preferred Series A – 3,049,019

Preferred Series D – 0

Preferred Series G – 4,000,000

Preferred Series H – 2,000,000

 

Total

 

 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A

 

  Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A
  Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series D – N/A

Preferred Series G – N/A

Preferred Series H – N/A
 

N/A

 

Footnote columns (c) and (d) of the table, by disclosing the following information in the aggregate for all plans or programs publicly announced:

 

a.

The date each plan or program was announced – The notice of the potential repurchase of common and preferred shares occurs semiannually in the Fund’s shareholder reports in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

b.

The dollar amount (or share or unit amount) approved – Any or all common shares outstanding may be repurchased when the Fund’s common shares are trading at a discount of 7.5% or more from the net asset value of the shares. Any or all preferred Series A, Series D, Series G, and Series H shares outstanding may be repurchased when the respective preferred shares are trading at a discount to the liquidation values.

c.

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

d.

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

e.

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

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

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


Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

  (a)

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

 

  (b)

There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d))) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12.

Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

  (a)

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

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

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

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

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

 

  (b)

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


Item 13. Exhibits.

 

  (a)(1)

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

 

  (a)(2)

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

 

  (a)(3)

Not applicable.

 

  (a)(4)

Not applicable.

 

  (b)

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


SIGNATURES

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

 

(Registrant)

 

                               The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

 

By (Signature and Title)*

 

        /s/ Bruce N. Alpert

          Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer

 

Date

 

                                           March 6, 2020

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By (Signature and Title)*

 

        /s/ Bruce N. Alpert

 

        Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer

 

Date

 

                                           March 6, 2020

 

By (Signature and Title)*

 

        /s/ John C. Ball

          John C. Ball, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

Date

 

                                           March 6, 2020

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.