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: 811-21484
EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN CHARTER: |
Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund | |
ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES: |
2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, Illinois 60563-2787 | |
NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE: |
John P. Calamos, Sr., President Calamos Advisors LLC 2020 Calamos Court Naperville, Illinois 60563-2787 |
REGISTRANTS TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (630) 245-7200
DATE OF FISCAL YEAR END: October 31, 2011
DATE OF REPORTING PERIOD: November 1, 2010 through October 31, 2011
Item 1. Report to Shareholders
CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 1 |
Letter to Shareholders
2 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT |
Letter to Shareholders
Our team has identified many companies that we believe are adapting to the global economic environment with innovation. In particular, we are favoring growth companies with geographically diversified revenues, well-recognized global brands, robust distribution networks and experienced management teams. We believe that multinational companies with healthy balance sheets provide more attractive risk and reward characteristics because they are well positioned to capitalize on the significant growth opportunities that exist, for example, those in emerging markets.
From an investment themes standpoint, we continue to favor companies that are positioned to benefit from corporate capital spending, global infrastructure build-out and the growing prosperity of emerging market consumers. This has led us to companies in the information technology, energy, industrials and consumer-oriented sectors. We also have identified companies in the energy and materials sectors that we believe are positioned to benefit from a weaker dollar and from continued government efforts to boost asset values. In contrast, we are cautious about companies that are tied solely to U.S. or European GDP, and those that may be more affected by government debt burdens and a complex regulatory environment, including companies in the financials, health care and utilities sectors.
Moreover, despite some of the uncertainties in the macro environment, we believe equity valuations remain compelling by and large. For example, by some of our measures, many of the growth-oriented equities in this Fund are at multi-decade valuation lows relative to other asset classes.
In selecting high-yield bonds and convertible securities for this Fund, we seek to balance yield and risk considerations. We therefore favor companies that we believe offer reliable debt servicing, respectable balance sheets and good cash flows. As part of our active approach, we subject each investment to our rigorous fundamental credit research. We continue to find many securities that meet our criteria.
Our use of leverage
We have the flexibility to utilize leverage in this Fund. Over the long term, we believe that the judicious use of leverage provides us with opportunities to enhance total return and support the Funds distribution rate. Leverage strategies typically entail borrowing at short-term interest rates and investing the proceeds at higher rates of return. During the reporting period, we believed the prudent use of leverage would be advantageous given the economic environment, specifically the low borrowing costs we were able to secure. Overall, our use of leverage contributed favorably to the returns of the Fund, as the performance of the Funds holdings exceeded the costs of our borrowing activities.
CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 3 |
Letter to Shareholders
4 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT |
The Calamos Closed-End Funds: An Overview
In our closed-end funds, we draw upon decades of investment experience, including a long history of opportunistically blending asset classes in an attempt to capture upside potential while managing downside risk. We launched our first closed-end fund in 2002.
Closed-end funds are long-term investments. Most focus on providing monthly distributions, but there are important differences among individual closed-end funds. Calamos closed-end funds can be grouped into two broad categories: (1) enhanced fixed-income and (2) total return. Funds in both groups provide a monthly distribution stream and invest in a combination of asset classes.
OBJECTIVE: ENHANCED FIXED INCOME | OBJECTIVE: TOTAL RETURN | |
Portfolios Positioned to Pursue High Current Income from Income and Capital Gains |
Portfolios Positioned to Seek Current Income, with Increased Emphasis on Capital Gains Potential | |
Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund (Ticker: CHI) |
Calamos Global Total Return Fund (Ticker: CGO) | |
Invests in high-yield and convertible securities, primarily in U.S. markets | Invests in equities and higher-yielding convertible securities and corporate bonds, in both U.S. and non-U.S. markets | |
Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund (Ticker: CHY) |
Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund (Ticker: CSQ) | |
Invests in high-yield and convertible securities, primarily in U.S. markets | Invests in equities and higher-yielding convertible securities and corporate bonds, primarily in U.S. markets | |
Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund (Ticker: CHW) |
||
Invests in global fixed-income securities, alternative investments and equities |
Our Level Rate Distribution Policy
Closed-end fund investors often look for a steady stream of income. Recognizing this, Calamos closed-end funds have a level rate distribution policy in which we aim to keep monthly income consistent through the disbursement of net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains and, if necessary, return of capital. We set distributions at levels that we believe are sustainable for the long term. Our team is focused on delivering an attractive monthly distribution, while maintaining a long-term focus on risk management. The level of the funds distributions can be greatly influenced by market conditions, including the interest rate environment. The funds distributions will depend on the individual performance of positions the funds hold, our view of the benefits of retaining leverage, fund tax considerations, and maintaining regulatory requirements.
For more information about any of these funds, we encourage you to contact your financial advisor or Calamos Investments at 800.582.6959 (Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Central Time). You can also visit us at www.calamos.com.
For more information on our level rate distribution policy, please see page 36.
CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 5 |
6 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT |
Investment Team Discussion
CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 7 |
Investment Team Discussion
8 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT |
Schedule of Investments October 31, 2011
See accompanying Notes to Schedule of Investments | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 9 |
Schedule of Investments October 31, 2011
10 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | See accompanying Notes to Schedule of Investments |
Schedule of Investments October 31, 2011
See accompanying Notes to Schedule of Investments | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 11 |
Schedule of Investments October 31, 2011
12 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | See accompanying Notes to Schedule of Investments |
Schedule of Investments October 31, 2011
See accompanying Notes to Schedule of Investments | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 13 |
Schedule of Investments October 31, 2011
14 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | See accompanying Notes to Schedule of Investments |
Schedule of Investments October 31, 2011
INTEREST RATE SWAPS
COUNTERPARTY | FIXED RATE (FUND PAYS) |
FLOATING RATE (FUND RECEIVES) |
TERMINATION DATE |
NOTIONAL AMOUNT |
UNREALIZED APPRECIATION/ (DEPRECIATION) |
|||||||||
BNP Paribas, SA | 1.8525% quarterly | 3 month LIBOR | 09/14/12 | $ | 108,100,000 | $ | (1,499,145 | ) | ||||||
BNP Paribas, SA | 2.5350% quarterly | 3 month LIBOR | 03/09/14 | 90,000,000 | (4,446,441 | ) | ||||||||
BNP Paribas, SA | 2.9700% quarterly | 3 month LIBOR | 07/03/14 | 75,000,000 | (4,857,774 | ) | ||||||||
BNP Paribas, SA | 2.0200% quarterly | 3 month LIBOR | 03/09/12 | 60,000,000 | (490,000 | ) | ||||||||
BNP Paribas, SA | 3.3550% quarterly | 3 month LIBOR | 06/09/14 | 60,000,000 | (4,559,537 | ) | ||||||||
BNP Paribas, SA | 2.1350% quarterly | 3 month LIBOR | 07/03/12 | 52,000,000 | (654,687 | ) | ||||||||
BNP Paribas, SA | 2.4700% quarterly | 3 month LIBOR | 06/11/12 | 40,000,000 | (617,250 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||
$ | (17,124,834 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 15 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities October 31, 2011
ASSETS |
||||
Investments in securities, at value (cost $2,442,034,680) |
$ | 2,141,911,021 | ||
Receivables: |
||||
Accrued interest and dividends |
13,883,986 | |||
Investments sold |
8,788,824 | |||
Prepaid expenses |
39,225 | |||
Other assets |
235,956 | |||
|
||||
Total assets |
2,164,859,012 | |||
|
||||
LIABILITIES |
||||
Unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps |
17,124,834 | |||
Payables: |
||||
Note payable |
576,000,000 | |||
Investments purchased |
1,574,052 | |||
Affiliates: |
||||
Investment advisory fees |
1,736,880 | |||
Deferred compensation to trustees |
235,956 | |||
Financial accounting fees |
20,011 | |||
Trustees fees and officer compensation |
3,561 | |||
Other accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
283,567 | |||
|
||||
Total liabilities |
596,978,861 | |||
|
||||
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS |
$ | 1,567,880,151 | ||
|
||||
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS |
||||
Common stock, no par value, unlimited shares authorized 154,514,000 shares issued and outstanding |
$ | 2,100,527,141 | ||
Undistributed net investment income (loss) |
(22,943,300 | ) | ||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency transactions and interest rate swaps |
(192,444,598 | ) | ||
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, foreign currency translations and interest rate swaps |
(317,259,092 | ) | ||
|
||||
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS |
$ | 1,567,880,151 | ||
|
||||
Net asset value per common shares based upon 154,514,000 shares issued and outstanding |
$ | 10.15 | ||
|
16 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements |
Statement of Operations Year Ended October 31, 2011
INVESTMENT INCOME |
||||
Interest |
$ | 47,960,966 | ||
Dividends |
54,300,453 | |||
Securities lending income |
301,552 | |||
Dividend taxes withheld |
(810,677 | ) | ||
|
||||
Total investment income |
101,752,294 | |||
|
||||
EXPENSES |
||||
Investment advisory fees |
21,881,324 | |||
Interest expense and related fees |
8,374,090 | |||
Financial accounting fees |
249,381 | |||
Printing and mailing fees |
197,862 | |||
Custodian fees |
138,271 | |||
Registration fees |
136,510 | |||
Accounting fees |
120,915 | |||
Audit fees |
107,480 | |||
Trustees fees and officer compensation |
74,348 | |||
Transfer agent fees |
31,278 | |||
Legal fees |
(27,323 | ) | ||
Other |
142,091 | |||
|
||||
Total expenses |
31,426,227 | |||
|
||||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) |
70,326,067 | |||
|
||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) |
||||
Net realized gain (loss) from: |
||||
Investments, excluding purchased options |
1,385,295 | |||
Purchased options |
(273,908 | ) | ||
Foreign currency transactions |
(37,510 | ) | ||
Interest rate swaps |
(10,575,839 | ) | ||
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on: |
||||
Investments, excluding purchased options |
11,665,747 | |||
Purchased options |
(1,555,742 | ) | ||
Foreign currency translations |
(1,042 | ) | ||
Interest rate swaps |
7,322,439 | |||
|
||||
NET GAIN (LOSS) |
7,929,440 | |||
|
||||
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS |
$ | 78,255,507 | ||
|
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 17 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, | ||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
OPERATIONS |
||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
$ | 70,326,067 | $ | 78,139,439 | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) |
(9,501,962 | ) | (34,543,823 | ) | ||||
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) |
17,431,402 | 189,589,487 | ||||||
|
||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shareholders resulting from operations |
78,255,507 | 233,185,103 | ||||||
|
||||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS FROM |
||||||||
Net investment income |
(77,683,237 | ) | (78,719,537 | ) | ||||
Return of capital |
(19,660,583 | ) | (18,624,283 | ) | ||||
|
||||||||
Net decrease in net assets from distributions to common shareholders |
(97,343,820 | ) | (97,343,820 | ) | ||||
|
||||||||
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS |
(19,088,313 | ) | 135,841,283 | |||||
|
||||||||
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS |
||||||||
Beginning of year |
$ | 1,586,968,464 | $ | 1,451,127,181 | ||||
|
||||||||
End of year |
1,567,880,151 | 1,586,968,464 | ||||||
|
||||||||
Undistributed net investment income (loss) |
$ | (22,943,300 | ) | $ | (29,416,351 | ) |
18 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements |
Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended October 31, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations |
$ | 78,255,507 | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations to net cash used for operating activities: |
||||
Purchase of investment securities |
(738,336,704 | ) | ||
Net proceeds from disposition of short term investments |
25,890,192 | |||
Proceeds from disposition of investment securities |
711,669,214 | |||
Amortization and accretion of fixed-income securities |
(1,286,433 | ) | ||
Net realized gains/losses from investments, excluding purchased options |
(1,385,295 | ) | ||
Net realized gains/losses from purchased options |
273,908 | |||
Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments, excluding purchased options |
(11,665,747 | ) | ||
Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on purchased options |
1,555,742 | |||
Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on interest rate swaps |
(7,322,439 | ) | ||
Net change in assets and liabilities: |
||||
(Increase)/decrease in assets: |
||||
Accrued interest and dividends receivable |
2,940,468 | |||
Prepaid expenses |
(516 | ) | ||
Other assets |
(24,109 | ) | ||
Increase/(decrease) in liabilities: |
||||
Payables to affiliates |
(27,316 | ) | ||
Other accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
(192,652 | ) | ||
|
||||
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities |
$ | 60,343,820 | ||
|
||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||
Distributions to common shareholders |
(97,343,820 | ) | ||
Proceeds from note payable |
37,000,000 | |||
|
||||
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities |
$ | (60,343,820 | ) | |
|
||||
Cash at beginning of year |
$ | | ||
|
||||
Cash at end of year |
$ | | ||
|
||||
Supplemental disclosure |
||||
Cash paid for interest and related fees |
$ | 8,420,458 | ||
|
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 19 |
Note 1 Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Organization. Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund (the Fund) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on December 31, 2003 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) as a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund commenced operations on March 26, 2004. The Funds investment objective is to provide total return through a combination of capital appreciation and current income. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests primarily in common and preferred stocks and income producing securities such as investment grade and below investment grade debt securities.
Fund Valuation. The valuation of the Funds investments is in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by and under the ultimate supervision of the board of trustees.
Fund securities that are traded on U.S. securities exchanges, except option securities, are valued at the last current reported sales price at the time a Fund determines its net asset value (NAV). Securities traded in the over-the-counter market and quoted on The NASDAQ Stock Market are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price, as determined by NASDAQ, or lacking a NASDAQ Official Closing Price, the last current reported sale price on NASDAQ at the time the Fund determines its NAV.
When a last sale or closing price is not available, equity securities, other than option securities, that are traded on a U.S. securities exchange and other equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations in accordance with guidelines adopted by the board of trustees. Each option security traded on a U.S. securities exchange is valued at the mid-point of the consolidated bid/ask quote for the option security, also in accordance with guidelines adopted by the board of trustees. Each over-the-counter option that is not traded through the Options Clearing Corporation is valued based on a quotation provided by the counterparty to such option under the ultimate supervision of the board of trustees.
Fixed income securities, certain convertible preferred securities, and non-exchange traded derivatives are normally valued by independent pricing services or by dealers or brokers who make markets in such securities. Valuations of such fixed income securities, certain convertible preferred securities, and non-exchange traded derivatives consider yield or price of equivalent securities of comparable quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other market data and do not rely exclusively upon exchange or over-the-counter prices.
Trading on European and Far Eastern exchanges and over-the-counter markets is typically completed at various times before the close of business on each day on which the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open. Each security trading on these exchanges or over-the-counter markets may be valued utilizing a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent pricing service approved by the board of trustees. The valuation of each security that meets certain criteria in relation to the valuation model is systematically adjusted to reflect the impact of movement in the U.S. market after the foreign markets close. Securities that do not meet the criteria, or that are principally traded in other foreign markets, are valued as of the last reported sale price at the time the Fund determines its NAV, or when reliable market prices or quotations are not readily available, at the mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations as of the close of the appropriate exchange or other designated time. Trading of foreign securities may not take place on every NYSE business day. In addition, trading may take place in various foreign markets on Saturdays or on other days when the NYSE is not open and on which the Funds NAV is not calculated.
If the pricing committee determines that the valuation of a security in accordance with the methods described above is not reflective of a fair value for such security, the security is valued at a fair value by the pricing committee, under the ultimate supervision of the board of trustees, following the guidelines and/or procedures adopted by the board of trustees.
The Fund also may use fair value pricing, pursuant to guidelines adopted by the board of trustees and under the ultimate supervision of the board of trustees, if trading in the security is halted or if the value of a security it holds is materially affected by events occurring before the Funds pricing time but after the close of the primary market or exchange on which the security is listed. Those procedures may utilize valuations furnished by pricing services approved by the board of trustees, which may be based on market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships between securities that are generally recognized by institutional traders, a computerized matrix system, or appraisals derived from information concerning the securities or similar securities received from recognized dealers in those securities.
When fair value pricing of securities is employed, the prices of securities used by a Fund to calculate its NAV may differ from market quotations or official closing prices. In light of the judgment involved in fair valuations, there can be no assurance that a fair value assigned to a particular security is accurate.
20 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT |
Notes to Financial Statements
Investment Transactions. Investment transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Net realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income is recognized using the accrual method and includes accretion of original issue and market discount and amortization of premium. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recorded as soon as the information becomes available after the ex-dividend date.
Foreign Currency Translation. Values of investments and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using a rate quoted by a major bank or dealer in the particular currency market, as reported by a recognized quotation dissemination service.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.
Reported net realized foreign currency gains or losses arise from disposition of foreign currency, the difference in the foreign exchange rates between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the ex-date or accrual date and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes (due to the changes in the exchange rate) in the value of foreign currency and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies held at period end.
Allocation of Expenses Among Funds. Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged to the Fund; certain other common expenses of Calamos Advisors Trust, Calamos Investment Trust, Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund, Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund, Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund, Calamos Global Total Return Fund and Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund are allocated proportionately among each fund to which the expenses relate in relation to the net assets of each fund or on another reasonable basis.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Income Taxes. No provision has been made for U.S. income taxes because the Funds policy is to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and distribute to shareholders substantially all of the Funds taxable income and net realized gains.
Dividends and distributions paid to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains is determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. To the extent these book/tax differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments for foreign currency transactions, contingent payment debt instruments and methods of amortizing and accreting for fixed income securities. The financial statements are not adjusted for temporary differences.
The Fund recognized no liability for uncertain tax positions. A reconciliation is not provided as the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized benefits are zero, with no interim additions, reductions or settlements. Tax years 2007 2010 remain subject to examination by the U.S. and the State of Illinois tax jurisdictions.
Indemnifications. Under the Funds organizational documents, the Fund is obligated to indemnify its officers and trustees against certain liabilities incurred by them by reason of having been an officer or trustee of the Fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications to other parties. The Funds maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. Currently, the Funds management expects the risk of material loss in connection to a potential claim to be remote.
Note 2 Investment Adviser and Transactions With Affiliates Or Certain Other Parties
Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with Calamos Advisors LLC (Calamos Advisors), the Fund pays an annual fee, payable monthly, equal to 1.00% based on the average weekly managed assets. Managed assets means a funds total assets
CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 21 |
Notes to Financial Statements
(including any assets attributable to any leverage that may be outstanding) minus total liabilities (other than debt representing financial leverage).
Pursuant to a financial accounting services agreement, during the year the Fund paid Calamos Advisors a fee for financial accounting services payable monthly at the annual rate of 0.0175% on the first $1 billion of combined assets, 0.0150% on the next $1 billion of combined assets and 0.0110% on combined assets above $2 billion (for purposes of this calculation combined assets means the sum of the total average daily net assets of Calamos Investment Trust, Calamos Advisors Trust, and the total average weekly managed assets of Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund, Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund, Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund, Calamos Global Total Return Fund and Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund). Financial accounting services include, but are not limited to, the following: managing expenses and expense payment processing; monitoring the calculation of expense accrual amounts; calculating, tracking and reporting tax adjustments on all assets; and monitoring trustee deferred compensation plan accruals and valuations. The Fund pays its pro rata share of the financial accounting services fee payable to Calamos Advisors based on its relative portion of combined assets used in calculating the fee.
The Fund reimburses Calamos Advisors for a portion of compensation paid to the Funds Chief Compliance Officer. This compensation is reported as part of Trustees fees and officer compensation expense on the Statement of Operations.
A trustee and certain officers of the Fund are also officers and directors of Calamos Advisors. Such trustee and officers serve without direct compensation from the Fund.
The Fund has adopted a deferred compensation plan (the Plan). Under the Plan, a trustee who is not an interested person (as defined in the 1940 Act) and has elected to participate in the Plan (a participating trustee) may defer receipt of all or a portion of his compensation from the Fund. The deferred compensation payable to the participating trustee is credited to the trustees deferral account as of the business day such compensation would have been paid to the participating trustee. The value of amounts deferred for a participating trustee is determined by reference to the change in value of Class I shares of one or more funds of Calamos Investment Trust designated by the participant. The value of the account increases with contributions to the account or with increases in the value of the measuring shares, and the value of the account decreases with withdrawals from the account or with declines in the value of the measuring shares. Deferred compensation of $235,956 is included in Other assets on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at October 31, 2011. The Funds obligation to make payments under the Plan is a general obligation of the Fund and is included in Payable for deferred compensation to trustees on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at October 31, 2011.
Note 3 Investments
The cost of purchases and proceeds from sale of long-term investments for the year ended October 31, 2011 were as follows:
Cost of purchases | $ | 644,842,610 | ||
Proceeds from sales | 622,187,077 |
The following information is presented on a federal income tax basis as of October 31, 2011. Differences between the cost basis under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and federal income tax purposes are primarily due to temporary differences.
The cost basis of investments for federal income tax purposes at October 31, 2011 was as follows:
Cost basis of investments | $ | 2,556,509,755 | ||
|
|
|||
Gross unrealized appreciation | 73,710,033 | |||
Gross unrealized depreciation | (488,308,767 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | $ | (414,598,734 | ) | |
|
|
22 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT |
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 4 Income Taxes
For the year ended October 31, 2011, the Fund recorded the following permanent reclassifications to reflect tax character. The results of operations and net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.
Paid-in capital | $ | (41,408,769 | ) | |
Undistributed net investment income/(loss) | 33,490,804 | |||
Accumulated net realized gain/(loss) on investments | 7,917,965 |
The Fund intends to make monthly distributions from its income available for distribution, which consists of the Funds dividends and interest income after payment of Fund expenses, and net realized gains on stock investments. At least annually, the Fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net realized capital gains, if any. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The Fund distinguishes between distributions on a tax basis and a financial reporting basis. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that only distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits be reported in the financial statements as a return of capital. Permanent differences between book and tax accounting relating to distributions are reclassified to paid-in-capital. For tax purposes, distributions from short-term capital gains are considered to be from ordinary income. Distributions in any year may include a return of capital component.
Distributions were characterized for federal income tax purposes as follows:
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2011 |
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2010 |
|||||||
Distributions paid from: | ||||||||
Ordinary income | $ | 77,683,237 | $ | 78,719,537 | ||||
Long-term capital gains | | | ||||||
Return of capital | 19,660,583 | 18,624,283 |
As of October 31, 2011, the components of accumulated earnings/(loss) on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income | $ | | ||
Undistributed capital gains | | |||
|
|
|||
Total undistributed earnings | | |||
Accumulated capital and other losses | (100,713,182 | ) | ||
Net unrealized gains/(losses) | (431,734,167 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Total accumulated earnings/(losses) | (532,447,349 | ) | ||
Other | (199,641 | ) | ||
Paid-in capital | 2,100,527,141 | |||
|
|
|||
Net assets applicable to common shareholders | $ | 1,567,880,151 |
As of October 31, 2011, the Fund had capital loss carryforwards which, if not used, will expire as follows:
2017 | $ | (70,914,887) | ||
2018 | (29,798,295) |
Note 5 Common Shares
There are unlimited common shares of beneficial interest authorized and 154,514,000 shares outstanding at October 31, 2011. Calamos Advisors owned 26,531 of the outstanding shares at October 31, 2011. Transactions in common shares were as follows:
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2011 |
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2010 |
|||||||
Beginning shares | 154,514,000 | 154,514,000 | ||||||
Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions | | | ||||||
|
|
|||||||
Ending shares | 154,514,000 | 154,514,000 | ||||||
|
|
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the 1940 Act that the Fund may from time to time purchase its shares of common stock in the open market.
CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 23 |
Notes to Financial Statements
The Fund also may offer and sell common shares from time to time at an offering price equal to or in excess of the net asset value per share of the Funds common shares at the time such common shares are initially sold.
Note 6 Derivative Instruments
Foreign Currency Risk. The Fund may engage in portfolio hedging with respect to changes in currency exchange rates by entering into forward foreign currency contracts to purchase or sell currencies. A forward foreign currency contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. Risks associated with such contracts include, among other things, movement in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar and the ability of the counterparty to perform. The net unrealized gain, if any, represents the credit risk to the Fund on a forward foreign currency contract. The contracts are valued daily at forward foreign exchange rates. There were no open forward foreign currency contracts at October 31, 2011.
Equity Risk. The Fund engages in option transactions and in doing so achieves similar objectives to what it would achieve through the sale or purchase of individual securities. A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the seller of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying security, index or other instrument at the exercise price. A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the right to sell, and the seller the obligation to buy, the underlying security, index, or other instrument at the exercise price.
To seek to offset some of the risk of a potential decline in value of certain long positions, the Fund may also purchase put options on individual securities, broad-based securities indexes or certain exchange traded funds (ETFs). The Fund may also seek to generate income from option premiums by writing (selling) options on a portion of the equity securities (including securities that are convertible into equity securities) in the Funds portfolio, on broad-based securities indexes, or certain ETFs.
When a Fund purchases an option, it pays a premium and an amount equal to that premium is recorded as an asset. When a Fund writes an option, it receives a premium and an amount equal to that premium is recorded as a liability. The asset or liability is adjusted daily to reflect the current market value of the option. If an option expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain or loss to the extent of the premium received or paid. If an option is exercised, the premium received or paid is recorded as an adjustment to the proceeds from the sale or the cost basis of the purchase. The difference between the premium and the amount received or paid on a closing purchase or sale transaction is also treated as a realized gain or loss. The cost of securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid. Gain or loss on written options and purchased options is presented separately as net realized gain or loss on written options and net realized gain or loss on purchased options, respectively.
As of October 31, 2011, the Fund had outstanding purchased options and/or written options as listed on the Schedule of Investments.
Interest Rate Risk. The Fund engages in interest rate swaps primarily to hedge the interest rate risk on the Funds borrowings (see Note 7 Borrowings). An interest rate swap is a contract that involves the exchange of one type of interest rate for another type of interest rate. If interest rates rise, resulting in a diminution in the value of the Funds portfolio, the Fund would receive payments under the swap that would offset, in whole or in part, such diminution in value; if interest rates fall, the Fund would likely lose money on the swap transaction. Unrealized gains are reported as an asset, and unrealized losses are reported as a liability on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The change in value of swaps, including accruals of periodic amounts of interest to be paid or received on swaps, is reported as change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on interest rate swaps in the Statement of Operations. A realized gain or loss is recorded in net realized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps in the Statement of Operations upon payment or receipt of a periodic payment or termination of the swap agreements. Swap agreements are stated at fair value. Notional principal amounts are used to express the extent of involvement in these transactions, but the amounts potentially subject to credit risk are much smaller. In connection with these contracts, securities may be identified as collateral in accordance with the terms of the respective swap contracts in the event of default or bankruptcy of the Fund.
Premiums paid to or by a Fund are accrued daily and included in realized gain (loss) when paid on swaps in the accompanying Statement of Operations. The contracts are marked-to-market daily based upon third party vendor valuations and changes in value are recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation). Gains or losses are realized upon early termination of the contract. Risks may exceed amounts recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. These risks include changes in the returns of the underlying
24 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT |
Notes to Financial Statements
instruments, failure of the counterparties to perform under the contracts terms, counterpartys creditworthiness, and the possible lack of liquidity with respect to the contracts.
As of October 31, 2011, the Fund had outstanding interest rate swap agreements as listed on the Schedule of Investments.
Below are the types of derivatives in the Fund by gross value as of October 31, 2011:
ASSETS | LIABILITIES | |||||||||||
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES LOCATION |
VALUE | STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES LOCATION |
VALUE | |||||||||
Derivative Type: |
||||||||||||
Equity Purchased Options |
Investments in securities |
$13,742,900 | ||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps |
Unrealized appreciation on swaps |
| Unrealized depreciation on swaps | $17,124,834 |
Volume of Derivative Activity for the Twelve Months Ended October 31, 2011*
Equity: | ||||
Purchased Options |
16,940 |
* | Activity during the period is measured by opened number of contracts for options and opened notional amount for swap contracts. |
Note 7 Borrowings
The Fund, with the approval of its board of trustees, including its independent trustees, has entered into a financing package that includes a Committed Facility Agreement (the Agreement) with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. (as successor to Bank of America N.A.) (BNP) that allows the Fund to borrow up to $735,000,000, and a Lending Agreement, as defined below. Borrowings under the Agreement are secured by assets of the Fund that are held with the Funds custodian in a separate account (the pledged collateral). Interest is charged at the quarterly LIBOR (London Inter-bank Offered Rate) plus .65% on the amount borrowed and .55% on the undrawn balance. For the year ended October 31, 2011, the average borrowings under the Agreement and the average interest rate were $557,654,795 and 1.08%, respectively. As of October 31, 2011, the amount of such outstanding borrowings was $576,000,000. The interest rate applicable to the borrowings on October 31, 2011 was 1.08%.
The Lending Agreement is a separate side-agreement between the Fund and BNP pursuant to which BNP may borrow a portion of the pledged collateral (the Lent Securities) in an amount not to exceed the outstanding borrowings owed by the Fund to BNP under the Agreement. The Lending Agreement is intended to permit the Fund to significantly reduce the cost of its borrowings under the Agreement. BNP may re-register the Lent Securities in its own name or in another name other than the Fund, and may pledge, re-pledge, sell, lend or otherwise transfer or use the Lent Securities with all attendant rights of ownership. (It is the Funds understanding that BNP will perform due diligence to determine the creditworthiness of any party that borrows Lent Securities from BNP.) The Fund may designate any security within the pledged collateral as ineligible to be a Lent Security, provided there are eligible securities within the pledged collateral in an amount equal to the outstanding borrowing owed by the Fund. During the period in which the Lent Securities are outstanding, BNP must remit payment to the Fund equal to the amount of all dividends, interest or other distributions earned or made by the Lent Securities.
Under the terms of the Lending Agreement, the Lent Securities are marked to market daily, and if the value of the Lent Securities exceeds the value of the then-outstanding borrowings owed by the Fund to BNP under the Agreement (the Current Borrowings), BNP must, on that day, either (1) return Lent Securities to the Funds custodian in an amount sufficient to cause the value of the outstanding Lent Securities to equal the Current Borrowings; or (2) post cash collateral with the Funds custodian equal to the difference between the value of the Lent Securities and the value of the Current Borrowings. If BNP fails to perform either of these actions as required, the Fund will recall securities, as discussed below, in an amount sufficient to cause the value of the outstanding Lent Securities to equal the Current Borrowings. The Fund can recall any of the Lent Securities and BNP shall, to the extent commercially possible, return such security or equivalent security to the Funds custodian no later than three business days after such request. If the Fund recalls a Lent Security pursuant to the Lending Agreement, and BNP fails to return the Lent Securities or equivalent securities in a timely fashion, BNP shall remain liable to the Funds custodian for the ultimate delivery of such Lent Securities, or equivalent securities, and for any buy-in costs that the executing broker for the sales transaction may impose with respect to the failure to deliver. The Fund shall also have the right to apply and set-off an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the then-current fair value of such Lent Securities against the Current Borrowings.
CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 25 |
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 8 Synthetic Convertible Securities
The Fund may establish a synthetic convertible instrument by combining separate securities that possess the economic characteristics similar to a convertible security, i.e., fixed-income securities (fixed-income component), which may be a convertible or non-convertible security and the right to acquire equity securities (convertible component). The fixed-income component is achieved by investing in fixed income securities such as bonds, preferred stocks, and money market instruments. The convertible component is achieved by investing in warrants or purchased options to buy common stock at a certain exercise price, or options on a stock index. In establishing a synthetic instrument, the Fund may pool a basket of fixed-income securities and a basket of warrants or purchased options that produce the economic characteristics similar to a convertible security. Within each basket of fixed-income securities and warrants or options, different companies may issue the fixed-income and convertible components, which may be purchased separately and at different times.
The Fund may also purchase synthetic securities created by other parties, typically investment banks, including convertible structured notes. Convertible structured notes are fixed-income debentures linked to equity. Convertible structured notes have the attributes of a convertible security; however, the investment bank that issued the convertible note assumes the credit risk associated with the investment, rather than the issuer of the underlying common stock into which the note is convertible. Purchasing synthetic convertible securities may offer more flexibility than purchasing a convertible security.
Note 9 Structured Equity-Linked Securities
The Fund may also invest in structured equity-linked securities created by third parties, typically investment banks. Structured equity-linked securities created by such parties may be designed to simulate the characteristics of traditional convertible securities or may be designed to alter or emphasize a particular feature. Traditional convertible securities typically offer stable cash flows with the ability to participate in capital appreciation of the underlying common stock. Because traditional convertible securities are exercisable at the option of the holder, the holder is protected against downside risk. Structured equity-linked securities may alter these characteristics by offering enhanced yields in exchange for reduced capital appreciation or less downside protection, or any combination of these features. Structured equity-linked instruments may include structured notes, equity-linked notes, mandatory convertibles and combinations of securities and instruments, such as a debt instrument combined with a forward foreign currency contract. Income received from these securities is recorded as dividends on the Statement of Operations.
Note 10 Fair Value Measurements
Various inputs are used to determine the value of the Funds investments. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels as follows:
| Level 1 Prices are determined using inputs from unadjusted quoted prices from active markets (including securities actively traded on a securities exchange) for identical assets. |
| Level 2 Prices are determined using significant observable market inputs other than unadjusted quoted prices, including quoted prices of similar securities, fair value adjustments to quoted foreign securities, interest rates, credit risk, prepayment speeds, and other relevant data. |
| Level 3 Prices reflect unobservable market inputs (including the Funds own judgments about assumptions market participants would use in determining fair value) when observable inputs are unavailable. |
Debt securities are valued based upon evaluated prices received from an independent pricing service or from a dealer or broker who makes markets in such securities. Pricing services utilize various observable market data and as such, debt securities are generally categorized as Level 2. The levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity of the Funds investments. Transfers between the levels for investment securities or other financial instruments are measured at the end of the reporting period and no significant transfers between levels occurred during the period.
26 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT |
Notes to Financial Statements
The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Funds holdings at fair value:
STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND | ||||||||||||||||
LEVEL 1 | LEVEL 2 | LEVEL 3 | TOTAL | |||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate Bonds |
$ | | $ | 386,234,777 | $ | | $ | 386,234,777 | ||||||||
Convertible Bonds |
180,931,452 | 180,931,452 | ||||||||||||||
U.S. Government and Agency Securities |
17,392,032 | 17,392,032 | ||||||||||||||
Sovereign Bonds |
22,557,102 | 22,557,102 | ||||||||||||||
Synthetic Convertible Securities (Corporate Bonds) |
69,648,208 | 69,648,208 | ||||||||||||||
Synthetic Convertible Securities (U.S. Government and Agency Securities) |
3,183,722 | 3,183,722 | ||||||||||||||
Synthetic Convertible Securities (Sovereign Bonds) |
4,132,367 | 4,132,367 | ||||||||||||||
Synthetic Convertible Securities (Purchased Options) |
13,742,900 | 13,742,900 | ||||||||||||||
Convertible Preferred Stocks |
98,405,112 | 51,345,313 | 149,750,425 | |||||||||||||
Structured Equity-Linked Securities |
53,971,648 | 53,971,648 | ||||||||||||||
Common Stocks |
1,158,945,365 | 51,313,795 | 1,210,259,160 | |||||||||||||
Rights |
247,486 | 247,486 | ||||||||||||||
Warrants |
2,349,996 | 2,349,996 | ||||||||||||||
Short Term Investment |
27,509,746 | 27,509,746 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,300,953,119 | $ | 840,957,902 | $ | | $ | 2,141,911,021 | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps |
$ | | $ | 17,124,834 | $ | | $ | 17,124,834 | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Total | $ | | $ | 17,124,834 | $ | | $ | 17,124,834 | ||||||||
|
|
CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 27 |
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period were as follows:
Year Ended October 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$10.27 | $9.39 | $7.92 | $16.92 | $15.71 | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Income from investment operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss)** |
0.46 | 0.51 | 0.51 | 0.73 | 0.86 | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
0.05 | 1.00 | 1.82 | (8.26 | ) | 1.89 | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions to preferred shareholders from: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (common share equivalent basis) |
| | (0.01 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.32 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized gains (common share equivalent basis) |
| | | (0.08 | ) | (0.05 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
0.51 | 1.51 | 2.32 | (7.74 | ) | 2.38 | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Less distributions to common shareholders from: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
(0.50 | ) | (0.51 | ) | (0.59 | ) | (1.12 | ) | (1.01 | ) | ||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized gains |
| | | (0.14 | ) | (0.16 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Return of capital |
(0.13 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.26 | ) | | | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Total distributions |
(0.63 | ) | (0.63 | ) | (0.85 | ) | (1.26 | ) | (1.17 | ) | ||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Capital charge resulting from issuance of common and preferred shares and related offering costs |
| | | (a) | | (a) | | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Premiums from shares sold in at the market offerings |
| | | | | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$10.15 | $10.27 | $9.39 | $7.92 | $16.92 | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Market value, end of period |
$8.69 | $9.06 | $8.11 | $6.94 | $14.70 | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Total investment return based on:(b) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value |
5.84% | 17.61% | 34.79% | (47.73 | )% | 16.33% | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Market value |
2.72% | 20.13% | 32.85% | (47.28 | )% | 6.49% | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000) |
$1,567,880 | $1,586,968 | $1,451,127 | $1,223,443 | $2,615,012 | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, at redemption value ($25,000 per share liquidation preference) |
$ | $ | $ | $200,000 | $1,080,000 | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Ratios to average net assets applicable to common shareholders: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net expenses(c) |
1.93% | 2.24% | 2.81% | 2.35% | 1.61% | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Gross expenses prior to expense reductions and earnings credits(c) |
1.93% | 2.24% | 2.81% | 2.35% | 1.62% | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Net expenses, excluding interest expense |
1.41% | 1.46% | 1.69% | 1.72% | 1.61% | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss)(c) |
4.31% | 5.16% | 6.56% | 5.43% | 5.30% | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred share distributions |
% | % | 0.09% | 0.97% | 1.95% | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss), net of preferred share distributions from net investment income |
4.31% | 5.16% | 6.47% | 4.46% | 3.35% | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
30% | 25% | 11% | 53% | 48% | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Average commission rate paid |
$ | $0.0113 | $0.0159 | $0.0495 | $0.0283 | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Asset coverage per preferred share, at end of period(d) |
$ | $ | $ | $177,949 | $85,552 | |||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Asset coverage per $1,000 of loan outstanding(e) |
$3,722 | $3,944 | $3,692 | $3,694 | $ | |||||||||||||||
|
** | Net investment income allocated based on average shares method. |
(a) | Amount equated to less than $0.005 per common share. |
(b) | Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock on the opening of the first day and a sale on the closing of the last day of the period reported. Dividends and distributions are assumed, for purposes of this calculation, to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Funds dividend reinvestment plan. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year. Brokerage commissions are not reflected. NAV per share is determined by dividing the value of the Funds portfolio securities, cash and other assets, less all liabilities, by the total number of common shares outstanding. The common share market price is the price the market is willing to pay for shares of the Fund at a given time. Common share market price is influenced by a range of factors, including supply and demand and market conditions. |
(c) | Does not reflect the effect of dividend payments to Preferred Shareholders. |
(d) | Calculated by subtracting the Funds total liabilities (not including Preferred Shares) from the Funds total assets and dividing this by the number of Preferred Shares outstanding. |
(e) | Calculated by subtracting the Funds total liabilities (not including Note payable) and preferred shares from the Funds total assets and dividing this by the amount of note payable outstanding, and by multiplying the result by 1,000. |
28 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund (the Fund) as of October 31, 2011, the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2011, by correspondence with the Funds custodian and brokers; where replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of October 31, 2011, the results of its operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Chicago, Illinois
December 16, 2011
CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 29 |
Trustee Approval of Management Agreement (Unaudited)
The Board of Trustees of the Fund oversees the management of the Fund, and, as required by law, determines annually whether to continue the Funds management agreement with Calamos Advisors under which Calamos Advisors serves as the investment manager and administrator for the Fund. The Independent Trustees, who comprise more than 80% of the Board, have never been affiliated with Calamos Advisors.
In connection with their most recent consideration regarding the continuation of the management agreement, the Trustees received and reviewed a substantial amount of information provided by Calamos Advisors in response to detailed requests of the Independent Trustees and their independent legal counsel. In the course of their consideration of the agreement, the Independent Trustees were advised by their counsel and, in addition to meeting with management of Calamos Advisors, they met separately in executive session with their counsel.
At a meeting held on June 30, 2011, based on their evaluation of the information referred to above and other information, the Trustees determined that the overall arrangements between the Fund and Calamos Advisors were fair and reasonable in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Calamos Advisors and its affiliates, the fees charged for those services and other matters that the Trustees considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. At that meeting, the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuation of the management agreement through July 31, 2012, subject to possible earlier termination as provided in the agreement.
In connection with its consideration of the management agreement, the Board considered, among other things: (i) the nature, quality and extent of the Advisers services, (ii) the investment performance of the Fund as well as performance information for comparable funds and other comparable clients of the advisor, (iii) the fees and other expenses paid by the Fund as well as expense information for comparable funds and for other comparable clients of the Adviser, (iv) the profitability of the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Fund, (v) the extent to which economies of scale may apply, and (vi) other benefits to the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund. In the Boards deliberations, no single factor was responsible for the Boards decision to approve continuation of the management agreements.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. The Boards consideration of the nature, extent and quality of the Advisers services to the Fund took into account the knowledge gained from the Boards meetings with the Adviser throughout the prior year. In addition, the Board considered: the Advisers long-term history of managing the Fund; the consistency of investment approach; the background and experience of the Advisers investment personnel responsible for managing the Fund; the Advisers performance as administrator of the Fund, including, among other things, in the areas of brokerage selection, trade execution, compliance and shareholder communications; and frequent favorable recognition of the Adviser in the media and in industry publications. The Board also reviewed the Advisers resources and key personnel involved in providing investment management services to the Fund, including the time that investment personnel devote to the Fund and the investment results produced by the Advisers in-house research. The Board noted the personal investments that the Advisers key investment personnel have made in the Fund, which further aligns the interests of the Adviser and its personnel with those of the Funds shareholders. In addition, the Board considered compliance reports about the Adviser from the Funds Chief Compliance Officer. The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund were appropriate and consistent with the management agreements and that the Fund was likely to continue to benefit from services provided under its management agreement with the Adviser.
Investment Performance of the Fund. The Board considered the Funds investment performance over various time periods, including how the Fund performed compared to the median performance of a group of comparable funds (the Funds Universe Median) selected by Lipper, Inc., an independent data service provider. The performance periods considered by the Board ended on March 31, 2011. Where available, the Board considered one-, three-, five- and ten-year performance.
The Board considered the Funds net asset value performance, noting that the Fund underperformed its Universe Median during the one- and three-year periods. The Fund performed at the Universe Median for the five-year period.
For the reasons noted above, the Board concluded that continuation of the management agreement for the Fund was in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.
Costs of Services Provided and Profits Realized by the Adviser. Using information provided by Lipper, the Board evaluated the Funds actual management fee rate compared to the median management fee rate for other mutual funds similar in size, character and
30 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT |
Trustee Approval of Management Agreement (Unaudited)
investment strategy (the Funds Expense Group), and the Funds total expense ratio compared to the median total expense ratio of the Funds Expense Group.
The Board considered that the Funds management fee rate and total expense ratio are higher than the respective medians of the Funds Expense Group. The Board, in its consideration of expenses, also took into account its review of the Funds performance.
The Board also reviewed the Advisers management fee rates for its institutional separate accounts and for its sub-advised funds (for which the Adviser provides portfolio management services only). The Board took into account the Advisers assertion that although, generally, the rates of fees paid by institutional clients were lower than the rates of fees paid by the Fund, the differences reflected the Advisers greater level of responsibilities and significantly broader scope of services regarding the Fund, and the more extensive regulatory obligations and risks associated with managing the Fund.
The Board also considered the Advisers costs in serving as the Funds investment adviser and manager, including costs associated with technology, infrastructure and compliance necessary to manage the Fund. The Board reviewed the Advisers methodology for allocating costs among the Advisers lines of business. The Board also considered information regarding the structure of the Advisers compensation program for portfolio managers, analysts and certain other employees and the relationship of such compensation to the attraction and retention of quality personnel. Finally, the Board reviewed information on the profitability of the Adviser in serving as the Funds investment manager and of the Adviser and its affiliates in all of their relationships with the Fund, as well as an explanation of the methodology utilized in allocating various expenses among the Fund and the Advisers other business units. Data was provided to the Board with respect to profitability, both on a pre- and post-marketing cost basis. The Board also reviewed the annual report of the Advisers parent company and discussed its corporate structure.
After its review of all the matters addressed, including those outlined above, the Board concluded that the rate of management fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser, in light of the nature and quality of the services provided, was reasonable and in the best interests of the Funds shareholders.
Economies of Scale and Fee Levels Reflecting Those Economies. In reviewing the Funds fees and expenses, the Trustees examined the potential benefits of economies of scale and whether any economies of scale should be reflected in the Funds fee structure. They noted that the Fund is a closed-end fund, and has therefore had a relatively stable asset base since commencement of operations and that there do not appear to have been any significant economies of scale realized since that time.
Other Benefits Derived from the Relationship with the Fund. The Board also considered other benefits that accrue to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Fund. The Board concluded that, other than the services to be provided by the Adviser and its affiliates pursuant to their agreements with the Fund and the fees payable by the Fund therefore, the Fund and the Adviser may potentially benefit from their relationship with each other in other ways. The Board also considered the Advisers use of a portion of the commissions paid by the Fund on their portfolio brokerage transactions to obtain research products and services benefiting the Fund and/or other clients of the Adviser and concluded, based on reports from the Funds Chief Compliance Officer, that the Advisers use of soft commission dollars to obtain research products and services was consistent with regulatory requirements.
After full consideration of the above factors as well as other factors that were instructive in their consideration, the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the continuation of the management agreement with the Adviser was in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.
CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 31 |
We are providing this information as required by the Internal Revenue Code (Code). The amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in this report due to differences between tax and financial reporting requirements. In January 2012, shareholders will receive Form 1099-DIV which will include their share of qualified dividends and capital gains distributed during the calendar year 2011. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their individual income tax returns.
Under Section 854(b)(2) of the Code, the Fund hereby designates $46,056,080 or the maximum amount allowable under the Code, as qualified dividends for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011.
Under Section 854(b)(2) of the Code, the Fund hereby designates 70.05% of the ordinary income dividends as income qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011.
32 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT |
Trustees & Officers (Unaudited)
The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the investment management agreement between the Fund and Calamos Advisors, is the responsibility of its board of trustees. Each trustee elected will hold office for the terms noted below or until such trustees earlier resignation, death or removal; however, each trustee who is not an interested person of the Fund shall retire as a trustee at the end of the calendar year in which the trustee attains the age of 72 years.
The following table sets forth each trustees name, age at October 31, 2011, position(s) with the Fund, number of portfolios in the Calamos Fund Complex overseen, principal occupation(s) during the past five years and other directorships held, and date first elected or appointed.
NAME AND AGE | POSITIONS(S) WITH FUND | PORTFOLIOS IN FUND COMPLEX^ OVERSEEN |
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS | |||
Trustees who are interested persons of the Fund: | ||||||
John P. Calamos, Sr., 71* | Trustee and President (since 1988) Term Expires 2014 |
19 | Chairman, CEO, and Co-Chief Investment Officer, Calamos Asset Management, Inc. (CAM), Calamos Holdings LLC (CHLLC) and Calamos Advisors LLC and its predecessor (Calamos Advisors), and President and Co-Chief Investment Officer, Calamos Financial Services LLC and its predecessor (CFS); Director, CAM | |||
Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund: | ||||||
Weston W. Marsh, 61 | Trustee (since 2002) Term Expires 2013 |
19 | Of Counsel and, until December 31, 2005, Partner, Freeborn & Peters LLP (law firm) | |||
John E. Neal, 61 | Trustee (since 2001) Term Expires 2012 |
19 | Private investor; Director, Equity Residential (publicly-owned REIT) and Creation Investments (private international microfinance company); Partner, Linden LLC (health care private equity) | |||
William R. Rybak, 60 | Trustee (since 2002) Term Expires 2014 |
19 | Private investor; Director, Christian Brothers Investment Services, Inc. (since February 2010); formerly, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Van Kampen Investments, Inc. and subsidiaries (investment manager); Trustee, JNL Series Trust, JNL Investors Series Trust and JNL Variable Fund LLC** | |||
Stephen B. Timbers, 67 | Trustee (since 2004) and Lead Independent Trustee (since 2005) Term Expires 2013 |
19 | Private investor | |||
David D. Tripple, 67 | Trustee (since 2006) Term Expires 2012 |
19 | Private investor; Trustee, Century Growth Opportunities Fund (since 2010), Century Shares Trust and Century Small Cap Select Fund (since January 2004)*** |
* | Mr. Calamos is an interested person of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act because he is an officer of the Fund and an affiliate of Calamos Advisors and CFS. Mr. Calamos is the uncle of Nick P. Calamos, Vice President of the Fund. |
** | Overseeing 104 portfolios in fund complex. |
*** | Overseeing three portfolios in fund complex. |
^ | The Fund Complex consists of CALAMOS Investment Trust, CALAMOS Advisors Trust, CALAMOS Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund, CALAMOS Convertible and High Income Fund, CALAMOS Strategic Total Return Fund, CALAMOS Global Total Return Fund and CALAMOS Global Dynamic Income Fund. |
The address of each trustee is 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, Illinois 60563.
CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 33 |
Trustees & Officers (Unaudited)
Officers. The preceding table gives information about John P. Calamos, Sr., who is president of the Fund. The following table sets forth each other officers name, age at October 31, 2011, position with the Fund and date first appointed to that position, and principal occupation(s) during the past five years. Each officer serves until his or her successor is chosen and qualified or until his or her resignation or removal by the board of trustees.
NAME AND AGE | POSITION(S) WITH FUND | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS | ||
Nimish S. Bhatt, 48 | Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (since 2007) | Senior Vice President (since 2004), Chief Financial Officer (since May 2011), Director of Operations, CAM, CHLLC, Calamos Advisors and CFS (since 2004) | ||
James J. Boyne, 45 | Vice President (since 2008) and Assistant Secretary (since 2010) |
President of Distribution and Operations, CAM, Calamos Advisors and CFS (since 2009); prior thereto, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Calamos Advisors (since 2008); Chief Operating Officer Distribution, CFS (since 2008); prior thereto, Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Executive Managing Director of McDonnell Investment Management, LLC (2001-2008) | ||
Nick P. Calamos, 50 | Vice President (since 1992) | President of Investments and Co-Chief Investment Officer, CAM, CHLLC, Calamos Advisors and CFS | ||
J. Christopher Jackson, 60 | Vice President and Secretary (since 2010) | Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, CAM, CHLLC, Calamos Advisors and CFS (since 2010); Director, U.S. Head of Retail Legal and Co-Global Head of Retail Legal of Deutsche Bank AG (2006-2010); prior thereto, Director, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Hansberger Global Investors, Inc. (1996-2006) | ||
Mark J. Mickey, 60 | Chief Compliance Officer (since 2005) | Chief Compliance Officer, Calamos Funds (since 2005) and Chief Compliance Officer, Calamos Advisors (2005-2006) |
The address of each officer is 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, Illinois 60563.
Results of Annual Meeting
The Fund held its annual meeting of shareholders on June 30, 2011. The purpose of the annual meeting was to elect two Trustees to the Funds board of trustees for a three year term, or until the trustees successor is duly elected and qualified, and to conduct any other lawful business of the Fund. Mr. John P. Calamos, Sr. and Mr. William R. Rybak were nominated for reelection as Trustees, and were elected as such by a plurality vote as follows:
TRUSTEE NOMINEE | VOTES FOR | VOTES WITHHELD | BROKER NON-VOTES AND ABSTENTIONS |
|||||||||
John P. Calamos, Sr. | 140,807,303 | 4,641,389 | 0 | |||||||||
William R. Rybak | 140,916,903 | 4,531,789 | 0 |
Messrs. Marsh, Neal, Timbers and Tripples terms of office as Trustees continued after the meeting.
34 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT |
What is a Closed-End Fund?
A closed-end fund is a publicly traded investment company that raises its initial investment capital through the issuance of a fixed number of shares to investors in a public offering. Shares of a closed-end fund are listed on a stock exchange or traded in the over-the-counter market. Like all investment companies, a closed-end fund is professionally managed and offers investors a unique investment solution based on its investment objective approved by the funds Board of Directors.
Potential Advantages of Closed-End Fund Investing
| Defined Asset Pool Allows Efficient Portfolio ManagementAlthough closed-end fund shares trade actively on a securities exchange, this doesnt affect the closed-end fund manager because there are no new investors buying into or selling out of the funds portfolio. |
| More Flexibility in the Timing and Price of TradesInvestors can purchase and sell shares of closed-end funds throughout the trading day, just like the shares of other publicly traded securities. |
| Lower Expense RatiosThe expense ratios of closed-end funds are oftentimes less than those of mutual funds. Over time, a lower expense ratio could enhance investment performance. |
| Closed-End Structure Makes Sense for Less-Liquid Asset ClassesA closed-end structure makes sense for investors considering less-liquid asset classes, such as high-yield bonds or micro-cap stocks. |
| Ability to Put Leverage to WorkClosed-end funds may issue senior securities (such as preferred shares or debentures) or borrow money to leverage their investment positions. |
| No Minimum Investment Requirements |
OPEN-END MUTUAL FUNDS VERSUS CLOSED-END FUNDS
OPEN-END FUND |
CLOSED-END FUND | |
Issues new shares on an ongoing basis | Generally issues a fixed number of shares | |
Issues common equity shares | Can issue common equity shares and senior securities such as preferred shares and bonds | |
Sold at NAV plus any sales charge | Price determined by the marketplace | |
Sold through the funds distributor | Traded in the secondary market | |
Fund redeems shares at NAV calculated at the close of business day | Fund does not redeem shares | |
CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 35 |
Level Rate Distribution Policy
Using a Level Rate Distribution Policy to Promote Dependable Income and Total Return
The goal of the level rate distribution policy is to provide investors a predictable, though not assured, level of cash flow, which can either serve as a stable income stream or, through reinvestment, contribute significantly to long-term total return.
We understand the importance that investors place on the stability of dividends and their ability to contribute to long-term total return, which is why we have instituted a level rate distribution policy for the Fund. Under the policy, monthly distributions paid may include net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains and, if necessary, return of capital. In addition, a limited number of distributions per calendar year may include net realized long-term capital gains. There is no guarantee that the Fund will realize capital gains in any given year. Distributions are subject to re-characterization for tax purposes after the end of the fiscal year. All shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for distributions via Form 1099-DIV.
Distributions from the Fund are generally subject to Federal income taxes. For purposes of maintaining the level rate distribution policy, the Fund may realize short-term capital gains on securities that, if sold at a later date, would have resulted in long-term capital gains. Maintenance of a level rate distribution policy may increase transaction and tax costs associated with the Fund.
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Maximizing Investment with an Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan
The Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan offers a simple, cost-efficient and convenient way to reinvest your dividends and capital gains distributions in additional shares of the Fund, allowing you to increase your investment in the Fund.
Potential Benefits
| Compounded Growth: By automatically reinvesting with the Plan, you gain the potential to allow your dividends and capital gains to compound over time. |
| Potential for Lower Commission Costs: Additional shares are purchased in large blocks, with brokerage commissions shared among all plan participants. There is no cost to enroll in the Plan. |
| Convenience: After enrollment, the Plan is automatic and includes detailed statements for participants. Participants can terminate their enrollment at any time. |
Pursuant to the Plan, unless a shareholder is ineligible or elects otherwise, all dividend and capital gains on common shares distributions are automatically reinvested by BNY Mellon Asset Servicing, as agent for shareholders in administering the Plan (Plan Agent), in additional common shares of the Fund. Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all dividends and distributions payable in cash paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record (or, if the shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee) by Plan Agent, as dividend paying agent. Shareholders may elect not to participate in the Plan and to receive all dividends and distributions in cash by sending written instructions to Plan Agent, as dividend paying agent, at: Dividend Reinvestment Department, P.O. Box 1958, Newark, New Jersey 07101-9774. Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by giving notice in writing to the Plan Agent; such termination will be effective with respect to a particular dividend or distribution if notice is received prior to the record date for the applicable distribution.
36 | CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT |
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan
The shares are acquired by the Plan Agent for the participants account either (i) through receipt of additional common shares from the Fund (newly issued shares) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding common shares on the open market (open-market purchases) on the NYSE or elsewhere. If, on the payment date, the net asset value per share of the common shares is equal to or less than the market price per common share plus estimated brokerage commissions (a market premium), the Plan Agent will receive newly issued shares from the Fund for each participants account. The number of newly issued common shares to be credited to the participants account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend or distribution by the greater of (i) the net asset value per common share on the payment date, or (ii) 95% of the market price per common share on the payment date.
If, on the payment date, the net asset value per common share exceeds the market price plus estimated brokerage commissions (a market discount), the Plan Agent has a limited period of time to invest the dividend or distribution amount in shares acquired in open-market purchases. The weighted average price (including brokerage commissions) of all common shares purchased by the Plan Agent as Plan Agent will be the price per common share allocable to each participant. If, the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full dividend amount in open-market purchases during the purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Agent will cease making open-market purchases and will invest the uninvested portion of the dividend or distribution amount in newly issued shares at the close of business on the last purchase date.
The automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions will not relieve participants of any federal, state or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such dividends even though no cash is received by participants.
There are no brokerage charges with respect to shares issued directly by the Fund as a result of dividends or distributions payable either in shares or in cash. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agents open-market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends or distributions. If a participant elects to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of his or her common shares and remit the proceeds, such participant will be charged his or her pro rata share of brokerage commissions on the shares sold, plus a $15 transaction fee. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants.
A participant may request the sale of all of the common shares held by the Plan Agent in his or her Plan account in order to terminate participation in the Plan. If such participant elects in advance of such termination to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of his shares, the Plan Agent is authorized to deduct from the proceeds a $15.00 fee plus the brokerage commissions incurred for the transaction. A participant may re-enroll in the Plan in limited circumstances.
The terms and conditions of the Plan may be amended by the Plan Agent or the Fund at any time upon notice are required by the Plan.
This discussion of the Plan is only summary, and is qualified in its entirety to the Terms and Conditions of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan filed as part of the Funds registration statement.
For additional information about the Plan, please contact the Plan Agent, The Bank of New York Mellon, at 800.432.8224. If you wish to participate in the Plan and your shares are held in your own name, simply call the Plan Agent. If your shares are not held in your name, please contact your brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee to request that they participate in the Plan on your behalf. If your brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee is unable to participate on your behalf, you may request that your shares be re-registered in your own name.
Were pleased to provide our shareholders with the additional benefit of the Funds Dividend Reinvestment Plan and hope that it may serve your financial plan.
CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT | 37 |
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ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
(a) As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics (the Code of Ethics) that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or person performing similar functions.
(b) No response required.
(c) The registrant has not amended its Code of Ethics as it relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in paragraph (b) of this Item 2 during the period covered by this report.
(d) The registrant has not granted a waiver or an implicit waiver from its Code of Ethics during the period covered by this report.
(e) Not applicable.
(f) (1) The registrants Code of Ethics is attached as an Exhibit hereto.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
The registrants Board of Trustees has determined that, for the period covered by the shareholder report presented in Item 1 hereto, it has four audit committee financial experts serving on its audit committee, each of whom is an independent Trustee for purpose of this N-CSR item: John E. Neal, William R. Rybak, Stephen B. Timbers and David D. Tripple. Under applicable securities laws, a person who is determined to be an audit committee financial expert will not be deemed an expert for any purpose, including without limitation for the purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial expert pursuant to this Item. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations and liabilities imposed on such person as a member of audit committee and board of directors in the absence of such designation or identification. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert pursuant to this Item does not affect the duties, obligations, or liabilities of any other member of the audit committee or board of directors.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Fiscal Years Ended |
10/31/2010 | 10/31/2011 | ||||||
Audit Fees(a) |
$ | 60,579 | $ | 59,138 | ||||
Audit-Related Fees(b) |
$ | 49,402 | $ | 48,652 | ||||
Tax Fees(c) |
$ | 5,420 | $ | | ||||
All Other Fees(d) |
$ | | $ | | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 115,401 | $ | 107,790 | ||||
|
|
|
|
(a) Audit Fees are the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant for the audit of the registrants annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the
accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.
(b) Audit-Related Fees are the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrants financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item 4.
(c) Tax Fees are the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
(d) All Other Fees are the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant to the registrant, other than the services reported in paragraph (a)-(c) of this Item 4.
(e) (1) Registrants audit committee meets with the principal accountants and management to review and pre-approve all audit services to be provided by the principal accountants.
The audit committee shall pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided by the principal accountants to the registrant, including the fees and other compensation to be paid to the principal accountants; provided that the pre-approval of non-audit services is waived if (i) the services were not recognized by management at the time of the engagement as non-audit services,(ii) the aggregate fees for all non-audit services provided to the registrant are less than 5% of the total fees paid by the registrant to its principal accountants during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided, and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the audit committee by management and the audit committee approves them prior to the completion of the audit.
The audit committee shall pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided by the principal accountants to the investment adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant if the engagement relates directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant, including the fees and other compensation to be paid to the principal accountants; provided that pre-approval of non-audit services to the adviser or an affiliate of the adviser is not required if (i) the services were not recognized by management at the time of the engagement as non-audit services, (ii) the aggregate fees for all non-audit services provided to the adviser and all entities controlling, controlled by or under common control with the adviser are less than 5% of the total fees for non-audit services requiring pre-approval under paragraph (e)(1)of this Item 4 paid by the registrant, the adviser or its affiliates to the registrants principal accountants during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided, and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the audit committee by management and the audit committee approves them prior to the completion of the audit.
(e)(2) No percentage of the principal accountants fees or services described in each of paragraphs (b)(d) of this Item were approved pursuant to the waiver provision paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(f) No disclosures are required by this Item 4(f).
(g) The following table presents the aggregate non-audit fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant and the aggregate non-audit fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for services rendered by the principal accountant to the investment adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control of the adviser.
Fiscal Years Ended |
10/31/2010 | 10/31/2011 | ||||||
Registrant |
$ | 5,420 | $ | | ||||
Investment Adviser |
$ | | $ | |
(h) No disclosures are required by this Item 4(h).
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
The registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee. The members of the registrants audit committee are Weston W. Marsh, John E. Neal, William R. Rybak, Stephen B. Timbers, and David D. Tripple.
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
Included in the Report to Shareholders in Item 1.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
The registrant has delegated authority to vote all proxies relating to the Funds portfolio securities to the Funds investment advisor, Calamos Advisors LLC (Calamos Advisors). The Calamos Advisors Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are included as an Exhibit hereto.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
(a)(1) As of the date of this filing, the registrant is lead by a team of investment professionals. The Co-Chief Investment Officers and senior strategy analysts are responsible for the day-to-day management of the registrants portfolio:
During the past five years, John P. Calamos, Sr. has been President and Trustee of the Fund and chairman, CEO and Co-CIO of the Funds investment adviser, Calamos Advisors LLC and its predecessor company (Calamos Advisors), and Nick P. Calamos has been Vice President and Trustee of the Fund (through June 2006) and President of Investments and Co-CIO of Calamos Advisors and its predecessor company. John P. Calamos, Jr., Executive Vice President of Calamos Advisors, joined the firm in 1985 and has held various senior investment positions since that time. Jeff Scudieri joined Calamos Advisors in 1997 and has been a Senior Vice President and Co-Head of Research and Investments since July 2010, prior thereto he was a senior strategy analyst since September 2002. Jon Vacko joined Calamos Advisors in 2000 and has been a Senior Vice President and Co-Head of Research and Investments since July 2010, prior thereto he was a senior strategy analyst since July 2002. John Hillenbrand joined Calamos Advisors in 2002 and has been a senior strategy analyst since August 2002. Steve Klouda joined Calamos Advisors in 1994 and has been a senior strategy analyst since July 2002. Christopher Hartman joined Calamos Advisors in February 1997 and has been a senior strategy analyst since May 2007. Joe Wysocki joined Calamos Advisors in October 2003 and has been a senior strategy analyst since February 2007.
(a)(2) The portfolio managers also have responsibility for the day-to-day management of accounts other than the registrant. Information regarding these other accounts is set forth below.
NUMBER OF OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED AND ASSETS BY ACCOUNT TYPE AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2011
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accounts | Assets | Accounts | Assets | Accounts | Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
John P. Calamos Sr. |
25 | 26,409,198,885 | 11 | 1,572,298,141 | 7,291 | 6,230,460,155 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nick P. Calamos |
25 | 26,409,198,885 | 11 | 1,572,298,141 | 7,291 | 6,230,460,155 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
John P. Calamos, Jr. |
25 | 26,409,198,885 | 11 | 1,572,298,141 | 7,291 | 6,230,460,155 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jeff Scudieri |
25 | 26,409,198,885 | 11 | 1,572,298,141 | 7,291 | 6,230,460,155 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jon Vacko |
25 | 26,409,198,885 | 11 | 1,572,298,141 | 7,291 | 6,230,460,155 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
John Hillenbrand |
25 | 26,409,198,885 | 11 | 1,572,298,141 | 7,291 | 6,230,460,155 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Steve Klouda |
25 | 26,409,198,885 | 11 | 1,572,298,141 | 7,291 | 6,230,460,155 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Christopher Hartman |
25 | 26,409,198,885 | 11 | 1,572,298,141 | 7,291 | 6,230,460,155 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Joe Wysocki |
25 | 26,409,198,885 | 11 | 1,572,298,141 | 7,291 | 6,230,460,155 |
Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is Performance Based as of; October 31, 2011
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accounts | Assets | Acconts | Assets | Accouts | Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
John P. Calamos Sr. |
3 | 697,181,821 | 0 | | 0 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nick P. Calamos |
3 | 697,181,821 | 0 | | 0 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
John P. Calamos, Jr. |
3 | 697,181,821 | 0 | | 0 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jeff Scudieri |
3 | 697,181,821 | 0 | | 0 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jon Vacko |
3 | 697,181,821 | 0 | | 0 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
John Hillenbrand |
3 | 697,181,821 | 0 | | 0 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Steve Klouda |
3 | 697,181,821 | 0 | | 0 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Christopher Hartman |
3 | 697,181,821 | 0 | | 0 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Joe Wysocki |
3 | 697,181,821 | 0 | | 0 | |
Other than potential conflicts between investment strategies, the side-by-side management of both the Fund and other accounts may raise potential conflicts of interest due to the interest held by Calamos Advisors in an account and certain trading practices used by the portfolio managers (e.g., cross trades between a Fund and another account and allocation of aggregated trades). Calamos Advisors has developed policies and procedures reasonably designed to mitigate those conflicts. For example, Calamos Advisors will only place cross-trades in securities held by the Fund in accordance with the rules promulgated under the 1940 Act and has adopted policies designed to ensure the fair allocation of securities purchased on an aggregated basis.
The portfolio managers advise certain accounts under a performance fee arrangement. A performance fee arrangement may create an incentive for a portfolio manager to make investments that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of performance fees. A performance fee arrangement may result in increased compensation to the portfolio managers from such accounts due to unrealized appreciation as well as realized gains in the clients account.
(a)(3) Calamos Advisors has developed and implemented a number of incentives that reward the professional staff to ensure that key employees are retained. Calamos Advisors senior management has established salary, short and long term incentive programs and benefit programs that we believe are competitive. Calamos Advisors incentive programs are based on investment performance, professional performance and an individuals overall contribution. These goals and measures are established and reviewed on an annual basis during performance reviews. As of October 31, 2011, each portfolio manager receives compensation in the form of an annual base salary and a discretionary target bonus, each payable in cash. Their discretionary target bonus is set at a percentage of the respective base salary. The amounts paid to the portfolio managers and the criteria utilized to determine the amounts are benchmarked against industry specific data provided by a third party analytical agency. The compensation structure does not differentiate between the Funds and other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and is determined on an overall basis, taking into consideration the performance of the various strategies managed by the portfolio managers. Portfolio performance, as measured by risk-adjusted portfolio performance, is utilized to determine the discretionary target bonus, as well as overall performance of Calamos Advisors. Portfolio managers are eligible to receive annual non-equity awards under a long term incentive compensation program, set at a percentage of the respective base salary.
(a)(4) As of October 31, 2011, the end of the registrants most recently completed fiscal year, the dollar range of securities beneficially owned by each portfolio manager in the registrant is shown below:
Portfolio Manager |
Registrant | |
John P. Calamos Sr. |
Over $1,000,000 | |
Nick P. Calamos |
Over $1,000,000 | |
John P. Calamos, Jr. |
None | |
Dino Dussias |
None | |
Christopher Hartman |
$1-$10,000 | |
John Hillenbrand |
None | |
Steve Klouda |
None | |
Bryan Lloyd |
None | |
Jeff Scudieri |
None | |
Jon Vacko |
None | |
Joe Wysocki |
$1-$10,000 |
(b) Not applicable.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
No material changes.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
a) The registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the registrants disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that the registrants disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of that date, in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and timely reported.
b) There were no changes in the registrants internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.
(a)(1) Code of Ethics
(a)(2)(i) Certification of Principal Executive Officer.
(a)(2)(ii) Certification of Principal Financial Officer.
(a)(2)(iii) Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.
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.
Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund | ||
By: /s/ John P. Calamos, Sr. | ||
| ||
Name: John P. Calamos, Sr. | ||
Title: Principal Executive Officer | ||
Date: December 29, 2011 |
By: /s/ Nimish S. Bhatt | ||
| ||
Name: Nimish S. Bhatt | ||
Title: Principal Financial Officer | ||
Date: December 29, 2011 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: /s/ John P. Calamos, Sr. | ||
| ||
Name: John P. Calamos, Sr. | ||
Title: Principal Executive Officer | ||
Date: December 29, 2011 |
By: /s/ Nimish S. Bhatt | ||
| ||
Name: Nimish S. Bhatt | ||
Title: Principal Financial Officer | ||
Date: December 29, 2011 |
CALAMOS INVESTMENT TRUST
CALAMOS ADVISORS TRUST
CALAMOS CONVERTIBLE OPPORTUNITIES AND INCOME FUND
CALAMOS CONVERTIBLE AND HIGH INCOME FUND
CALAMOS STRATEGIC TOTAL RETURN FUND
CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND
CALAMOS GLOBAL DYNAMIC INCOME FUND
CODE OF ETHICS FOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE AND
SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS
I. Covered Officers/Purpose of the Code
This Code of Ethics (the Code) for the investment companies within the Calamos Investment Trust, Calamos Advisors Trust, Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund, Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund, Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund, Calamos Global Total Return Fund, Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund (collectively the Funds and each, a Fund) applies to the Funds Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer (the Covered Officers), or those performing similar functions, for the purpose of promoting:
| honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; |
| full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a Fund files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and in other public communications made by a Fund; |
| compliance with applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations; |
| prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and |
| accountability for adherence to the Code. |
Each Covered Officer should adhere to a high standard of business ethics and should be sensitive to situations that may give rise to actual as well as apparent conflicts of interest.
II. Administration of the Code
The Code shall be administered by the Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds (the Code Officer). In the absence of the Code Officer, his or her designee shall serve as the Code Officer, but only on a temporary basis.
Each Fund has designated its chief legal officer (the Chief Legal Officer) for purposes of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder. The Chief Legal Officer shall assist the Code Officer in administration of this Code. The Chief Legal Officer is responsible for applying this Code to specific situations in which questions are presented under it (in consultation with Fund counsel, where appropriate) and has the authority to interpret this Code in any particular situation. However, any waiver sought by a Covered Officer with respect to any Fund must be approved by the Audit Committee of the Fund (the Audit Committee).
III. Actual and Apparent Conflicts of Interest
Overview. A conflict of interest occurs when a Covered Officers private interest interferes with the interests of, or his/her service to, a Fund. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if a Covered Officer, or a family member, receives improper personal benefits as a result of the Covered Officers position with a Fund.
Certain conflicts of interest arise out of the relationships between Covered Officers and a Fund and already are subject to conflict of interest provisions in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Company Act) and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the Advisers Act). For example, Covered Officers generally may not individually engage in certain transactions (such as the purchase or sale of securities or other property) with a Fund because of their status as affiliated persons of the Fund. A Funds and its investment advisers compliance programs and procedures are designed to prevent, or identify and correct, violations of these provisions. This Code does not, and is not intended to, repeat or replace these programs and procedures, and such conflicts fall outside of the parameters of this Code.
Although typically not presenting an opportunity for improper personal benefit, conflicts arise from, or as a result of, the contractual relationship between a Fund and its investment adviser of which the Covered Officers are also officers or employees. As a result, this Code recognizes that the Covered Officers will, in the normal course of their duties (whether formally for a Fund or for the adviser, or for both), be involved in establishing policies and implementing decisions that will have different effects on the adviser and a Fund. The participation of the Covered Officers in such activities is inherent in the contractual relationship between the Fund and the adviser and is consistent with the performance by the Covered Officers of their duties as officers of a Fund. Thus, if performed in conformity with the provisions of the Company Act and the Advisers Act, such activities will be deemed to have been handled ethically. In addition, it is recognized by the Funds Boards of Trustees (each a Board) that the Covered Officers may also be officers or employees of one or more other investment companies covered by this or other codes.
Other conflicts of interest are covered by the Code, even if such conflicts of interest are not subject to provisions of the Company Act and the Advisers Act. The following list provides examples of conflicts of interest under the Code, but Covered Officers should keep in mind that these examples are not exhaustive. The overarching principle is that the personal interest of a Covered Officer should not be placed improperly before the interest of a Fund.
Each Covered Officer must:
| not use personal influence or personal relationships improperly to influence investment decisions or financial reporting by a Fund whereby the Covered Officer or a family member would benefit personally to the detriment of a Fund; |
2
| not cause a Fund to take action, or fail to take action, for the individual personal benefit of the Covered Officer or a family member rather than the benefit of the Fund; |
| not retaliate against any other Covered Officer or any employee of the Funds or their affiliated persons for reports of potential violations that are made in good faith; and |
| not use material non-public knowledge of portfolio transactions made or contemplated for a Fund to trade personally or cause others to trade personally in contemplation of the market effect of such transactions.1 |
There are some potential conflict of interest situations that must be approved by the Code Officer, after consultation with the Chief Legal Officer. Those situations include, but are not limited to:
| service as director on the board of any public for-profit company; |
| any ownership interest in, or any consulting or employment relationship with, any Fund service provider, other than its investment adviser, principal underwriter, administrator or any affiliated person thereof; and |
| a direct or indirect financial interest in commissions, transaction charges or spreads paid by a Fund for effecting portfolio transactions or for selling or redeeming shares other than an interest arising from the Covered Officers employment, such as compensation or equity ownership. |
There are some potential conflict of interest situations that should be discussed with the Code Officer, if material. Those situations include, but are not limited to:
| receipt of any gift of substantial value (more than $100), a cash payment in any amount, a preferred personal investment opportunity, or other thing of more than de minimis value from any person or entity that does business, or is seeking to do business with a Fund or its investment adviser; and |
| receipt of any entertainment from any company with which a Fund has current or prospective business dealings, unless such entertainment is business-related, reasonable in cost, appropriate as to time and place, and not so frequent as to raise any question of impropriety. |
It is not the intent of this Code to prohibit the ordinary courtesies of business life, such as token gifts or modest entertainment incidental to a business relationship.
1 | For purposes of this Code, personal trading activity of the Covered Officers shall be monitored in accordance with the Funds code. Each Covered Officer shall be considered an Access Person under such Code. |
3
IV. Disclosure and Compliance
Each Covered Officer should:
| be familiar with the disclosure requirements generally applicable to the Funds; |
| not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about any Fund to others, whether within or outside the Fund, including to the Funds trustees and auditors, and to governmental regulators and self-regulatory organizations; |
| to the extent appropriate within his/her area of responsibility, consult with other officers and employees of the Funds and the adviser with the goal of promoting full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the reports and documents the Funds file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Funds; and |
| promote compliance with the standards and restrictions imposed by applicable laws, rules and regulations. |
V. Reporting and Accountability
Each Covered Officer must:
| upon adoption of the Code (or after becoming a Covered Officer), affirm to the Code Officer that he/she has received, read and understands the Code; |
| notify the Code Officer promptly if he/she knows of any violation of this Code; and |
| respond to the trustee and officer questionnaires circulated periodically in connection with the preparation of disclosure documents for the Funds. |
The Code Officer shall maintain records of all activities related to this Code.
The Funds will follow these procedures in investigating and enforcing this Code:
| The Code Officer will take all appropriate action to investigate any potential violations reported to him/her; |
| If, after such investigation, the Code Officer believes that no violation has occurred, no further action is required; |
| Any matter that the Code Officer believes is a violation will be reported to the Audit Committee; |
| If the Audit Committee concurs that a violation has occurred, it will inform and make a recommendation to the Board, which will consider appropriate action, which may include review of, and appropriate modifications to, applicable policies and procedures; notification to the Chief Executive Officer of the Funds; or a recommendation to dismiss the Covered Officer; |
4
| The Audit Committee will be responsible for granting waivers in its sole discretion; and |
| Any changes to or waivers of this Code will, to the extent required, be disclosed as provided by SEC rules. |
VI. Other Policies and Procedures
This Code shall be the sole code of ethics adopted by the Funds for the purposes of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and forms applicable to registered investment companies thereunder. Insofar as other polices or procedures of the Funds, the Funds advisers, principal underwriter or other service providers govern or purport to govern the behavior or activities of the Covered Officers who are subject to this Code, they are superseded by this Code to the extent that they overlap or conflict with the provisions of this Code. The Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy of Funds and their investment advisers and principal underwriter under Rule 17j-1 under the Company Act and the advisers more detailed policies and procedures are separate requirements applying to the Covered Officers and others and are not part of this Code.
VII. Amendments
Any amendment to this Code must be approved or ratified by the Board, including a majority of independent Board members.
VIII. Confidentiality
All reports and records prepared or maintained pursuant to this Code will be considered confidential and shall be maintained and protected accordingly. Except as otherwise required by law or this Code, such matters shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the Board, the Covered Officers, the Code, outside audit firms and legal counsel to the Funds and the adviser, and senior management of the adviser.
IX. Internal Use
The Code is intended solely for the internal use by the Funds and does not constitute an admission, by or on behalf of any Fund, as to any fact, circumstance, or legal conclusion.
Adoption: March 2, 2004
Revised: December 20, 2007
5
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, John P. Calamos, Sr., certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Date: December 29, 2011
/s/ John P. Calamos, Sr. |
Principal Executive Officer |
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, Nimish S. Bhatt, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Date: December 29, 2011
/s/ Nimish S. Bhatt |
Principal Financial Officer |
SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, each of the undersigned officers of Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund (the Company), hereby certifies, to his knowledge, that the Companys Report on Form N-CSR for the period ended October 31, 2011 (the Report) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: December 29, 2011
/s/ John P. Calamos, Sr. |
Name: John P. Calamos, Sr. |
Title: Principal Executive Officer |
/s/ Nimish S. Bhatt |
Name: Nimish S. Bhatt |
Title: Principal Financial Officer |
This certificate is furnished pursuant to the requirements of Form N-CSR and shall not be deemed filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act of 1934.
A signed original of this certificate required by Section 906 has been provided to Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund and will be retained by Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or staff upon request.
Amended and Restated: March 26, 2010
Calamos Advisors LLC
Calamos Partners LLC
Calamos Wealth Management LLC
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
Introduction
Calamos Advisors LLC, Calamos Partners LLC and Calamos Wealth Management LLC (hereinafter collectively referred to as Calamos), as an investment adviser to clients who have granted them proxy voting discretion (including, in the case of Calamos Advisors LLC the Calamos mutual funds and closed-end funds (the Funds)), have adopted these proxy voting policies and procedures to help satisfy its fiduciary duties relating to proxy voting. Calamos recognizes the importance of maximizing and protecting the interests of its clients through its voting practices and of helping build stronger corporate governance within the companies in which its clients invest. To that end, these policies and procedures seek to further the voting of proxies in the best interests of our clients as investors.
Calamos has adopted and implemented these policies and procedures which we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and SEC rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Our authority to vote the proxies of our clients is established by our advisory contracts or comparable documents, and our proxy voting guidelines have been tailored to reflect these specific contractual obligations. In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts set out in Department of Labor Bulletin 94-2, 29 C.F.R. 2509.94-2 (July 29, 1994).
Responsibility of Calamos to Vote Proxies
Calamos has assigned its administrative duties with respect to the analysis and voting of proxies to its Risk Management Group within the Portfolio Management Department (Proxy Group) and administrative processing to its Corporate Actions Group (Corporate Actions) within the Operations Department. Additionally, to assist in analyzing, voting, administration, and reporting its proxy voting obligations, Calamos subscribes to a supplementary unaffiliated third party corporate proxy research service (Proxy Voting Service(s)) that provides in-depth analyses of shareholder meeting agendas, vote recommendations, record keeping, voting, administration, reporting, and vote disclosure services. In addition, this service facilitates the voting of each proxy in accordance with our proxy voting policy. The Proxy Group is responsible for maintaining oversight of all facets of the processes described above.
As a matter of policy, the officers, directors and employees of Calamos and the Proxy Group will not be influenced by outside sources whose interests may conflict with the interests of Advisory Clients. Calamos votes each proxy while the Proxy Voting Service ensures that the decisions are implemented for each client. Calamos will generally follow its express policy with input from the Proxy Voting Services unless the Proxy Committee determines that the clients best interests are served by voting otherwise. All proxies will be voted based upon Calamos instructions and/or policies.
Page 1 of 7
Amended and Restated: March 26, 2010
Responsibility and Oversight
Calamos has delegated its duties with respect to analysis and voting of proxies to its Proxy Group. The Proxy Groups responsibilities consist of ensuring proxy statements of issuers whose stock is owned by any client (including the Calamos Funds and any separate accounts managed by Calamos) are voted according to our proxy policy. Unless otherwise directed by the client, the Proxy Group seeks to vote all proxies in the best interests of the client in terms of the perceived effect of the vote on the value of the clients investment. The Proxy Group shall have responsibility for: i) voting the proxies of clients subject to these Policies and Procedures; (ii) overseeing the outside proxy administrator; (iii) implementing these Policies and Procedures; (iv) consulting with analysts for the relevant portfolio security (and the Proxy Committee if necessary); and (v) maintaining proxy voting records.
Based on the instruction provided by the Proxy Group and/or the principles inherent in our proxy policy, Corporate Actions will vote and process proxies. Proxies are voted solely in the interests of, the Calamos Funds, separate account clients, or, where employee benefit plan assets are involved, in the interests of the plan participants and beneficiaries (collectively, Advisory Clients) that have properly delegated such responsibility to Calamos. Corporate Actions shall have responsibility for: (i) identifying potential conflicts of interest and reporting them to the Proxy Review Committee; (ii) maintaining appropriate records pursuant to these procedures and applicable SEC rules; (iii) monitoring proxies are voted as directed by the Proxy Group or Proxy Review Committee; and (iv) ensuring that the voting process is timely.
Limitations Relating to Proxy Voting
Voting of Proxies on Securities Not Held. The Proxy Group will also decide whether to vote proxies for securities that are sold following a record date, but before a shareholder meeting date. In most cases, Calamos will vote all proxies received for securities not held on the shareholder meeting date. The Proxy Group considers various factors in deciding whether to vote such proxies, including Calamos long-term view of the issuers securities for investment.
Securities Lending. Certain Calamos Funds and Advisory Client accounts may participate in securities lending programs with various counterparties. If a fund or account participates in a securities lending program, the Proxy Group may attempt to recall the portfolio securities and vote proxies relating to such securities under certain circumstances. For example, if the Proxy Group determines that the votes involve matters that could have a material effect on the funds or accounts investment in such loaned securities. There can be no guarantee that any such securities can be retrieved for such purpose. With respect to securities lending transactions, the Proxy Group seeks to balance the economic benefits of continuing to participate in an open securities lending transaction against the inability to vote proxies. As a result, Calamos generally will not attempt to recall portfolio securities to vote proxies relating to routine matters.
Fund of Funds. Calamos Multi-Fund Blend is structured as a fund of funds and invests its assets in shares of other Calamos Funds. The Proxy Group will vote Calamos Multi-Fund Blend shares in the underlying Calamos Funds in the same proportion as the vote of all other shareholders in the underlying Calamos Fund.
Page 2 of 7
Amended and Restated: March 26, 2010
Securities of Foreign Issuers. In certain foreign jurisdictions the voting of proxies on portfolio securities may result in additional restrictions that may have an economic impact or cost to the security holder. We believe that in some instances the best interest of our clients is served by abstaining or not voting such proxies. Examples of issues unique to foreign securities include, but are not limited to, the following
(i) | Share Blocking. In certain non-U.S. jurisdictions, a security holder that votes a proxy is prohibited from selling the security until the meeting for which the proxy has been voted is completed. This period of time may range from days to weeks. Since this blocking of sales prevents the sale of a security regardless of market conditions and developments, we believe it increases risk. Therefore, it often may be in the best interests of our investors not to vote such proxies. Whether we vote such proxies will be determined on a case by case basis. |
(ii) | Lack of Notice or Information. Foreign regulations do not standardize the notification period for a proxy vote. In some instances, the notice period is so short that we cannot research the issues presented. In instances where we have insufficient notice to permit us to cast a reasoned vote, we will abstain from voting on particular issues or not vote at all. |
Conflicts of Interest
A. | Identification of Conflicts of Interest. All conflicts of interest will be resolved in the interests of the Advisory Clients. Calamos makes its best efforts to avoid conflicts of interest. However, conflicts of interest can arise in situations where: |
(i) | The issuer is a client of Calamos or its affiliates; |
(ii) | The issuer is a vendor whose products or services are material or significant to the business of Calamos or its affiliates; |
(iii) | The issuer is an entity participating, or which may participate, in the distribution of investment products advised, administered or sponsored by Calamos or its affiliates (e.g., a broker, dealer or bank); |
(iv) | An employee of Calamos or its affiliates, also serves as a director or officer of the issuer; |
(v) | A director of Calamos Asset Management, Inc. or a Trustee of a Calamos Fund, also serves as an officer or director of the issuer; or |
(vi) | The issuer is Calamos Asset Management, Inc. or any of its proprietary investment products. |
Material conflicts of interest are identified based upon analyses of client, broker and vendor lists, information periodically gathered from directors and officers, and information derived from other sources, including public filings. |
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Amended and Restated: March 26, 2010
B. | Establishment and Operation of Proxy Review Committee. In situations where a material conflict of interest is identified, the Proxy Group will refer the matter, along with the recommended course of action by Calamos, if any, to a Proxy Review Committee comprised of representatives from Portfolio Management (which may include portfolio managers and/or research analysts employed by Calamos), Operations, Legal and Compliance Departments within Calamos for evaluation and voting instructions. The Proxy Review Committee may defer to the voting recommendation of its proxy voting service, or those of another independent third party provider of proxy services or send the proxy directly to the relevant Advisory Clients with a recommendation regarding the vote for approval. |
The Proxy Review Committee will independently review proxies that are identified as presenting material conflicts of interest; determine the appropriate action to be taken in such situations; report the results of such votes to Calamos clients as may be requested; and recommend changes to the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures as appropriate. |
The Proxy Review Committee will also decide whether to vote proxies for securities deemed to present conflicts of interest that are sold following a record date, but before a shareholder meeting date. The Proxy Review Committee may consider various factors in deciding whether to vote such proxies, including Calamos long-term view of the issuers securities for investment, or it may defer the decision to vote to the applicable Advisory Client. |
C. | Records of Corporate Actions. Corporate Actions will prepare a Conflicts Report for each situation where a material conflict of interest is identified that (1) describes any conflict of interest; (2) discusses the procedures used to address such conflict of interest; and (3) discloses any contacts from parties outside Calamos (other than routine communications from proxy solicitors) with respect to the proposal not otherwise reported. The Conflicts Report will also include written confirmation that any recommendation provided under circumstances where a conflict of interest is found to exist was made solely on the investment merits and without regard to any other consideration. |
General Proxy Voting Guidelines
In keeping with its fiduciary obligations to its Advisory Clients, Calamos has adopted general guidelines for voting proxies as summarized below. Although these guidelines are to be followed as a general policy, in all cases each proxy and proposal will be considered based on the relevant facts and circumstances. Calamos may deviate from the general policies and procedures when it determines that the particular facts and circumstances warrant such deviation to protect the interests of the Advisory Clients. These guidelines cannot provide an exhaustive list of all the issues that may arise nor can Calamos anticipate all future situations. Corporate governance issues are diverse and continually evolving and Calamos devotes significant time and resources to monitor these changes. Calamos generally will vote proxies for securities over which we do not have trading authority that may be held in Advisory Client accounts.
Calamos proxy voting positions have been developed based on years of experience with proxy voting and corporate governance issues. These principles have been reviewed by various members of Calamos organization, including Portfolio Management, Legal, Compliance, and Calamos officers. The Board of Trustees of the Calamos Funds is asked to approve the proxy voting policies and procedures annually.
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Amended and Restated: March 26, 2010
One of the primary factors Calamos considers when determining the desirability of investing in a particular company is the quality and depth of that companys management. Accordingly, the recommendation of management on any issue is a factor that Calamos considers in determining how proxies should be voted. However, Calamos does not consider recommendations from management to be determinative of Calamos ultimate decision. As a matter of practice, the votes with respect to most issues are cast in accordance with the position of the companys management. Each issue, however, is considered on its own merits, and Calamos will not support the position of a companys management in any situation where it determines that the support of managements position would adversely affect the investment merits of owning that companys shares.
The following guidelines reflect what Calamos believes to be good corporate governance and behavior:
1. | Corporate Governance and Structure |
a. | Board of Directors/Trustees. The election of directors and an independent board are vital to good corporate governance. Directors are expected to be competent individuals and they should be accountable and responsive to shareholders. Calamos seeks to ensure that the board of directors of a company is sufficiently aligned with security holders interests and provides proper oversight of the companys management. In many cases this may be best accomplished by having a majority of independent board members. Although we will examine board member elections on a case-by-case basis, Calamos generally supports an independent board of directors, and prefers that key committees such as audit, nominating, and compensation committees be comprised of independent directors. For all other votes regarding boards of directors, we will vote on a case-by-case basis. |
b. | Ratification of Auditors. As needed, Calamos will examine proposals relating to non-audit relationships and non-audit fees. Calamos will vote against the ratification of auditors when there is clear and compelling evidence of accounting irregularities or negligence attributable to the auditors. |
c. | Merger, Acquisitions, Reincorporation and Other Transactions. Companies ask their shareholders to vote on an enormous variety of different types of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, reincorporations and reorganizations involving business combinations, liquidations and the sale of all or substantially all of a companys assets. Voting on such proposals involves considerations unique to each transaction. Therefore, we will vote on proposals to effect these types of transactions on a case-by-case basis. |
d. | Anti-Take Over Measures and Shareholder Voting Rights. Calamos generally opposes anti-takeover measures since they tend to reduce shareholder rights. However, as with all proxy issues, Calamos conducts an independent review of each anti-takeover proposal. On occasion, Calamos may vote with management when the research analyst has concluded that the proposal is not onerous and would not harm Advisory Clients interests as stockholders. Calamos generally supports proposals that require shareholder rights plans (poison pills) to be subject to a shareholder vote. Calamos will closely evaluate shareholder rights plans on a case-by-case basis to determine whether or not they warrant support. |
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Amended and Restated: March 26, 2010
Calamos will generally vote against any proposal to issue stock that has unequal or subordinate voting rights. |
e. | Capital Structure. Calamos realizes that a companys financing decisions have a significant impact on its shareholders, particularly when they involve the issuance of additional shares of common or preferred stock or the assumption of additional debt. In general Calamos respects managements capital structure judgment and forecasting abilities. As needed, and with collaboration from our research analysts, Calamos will carefully review material proposals by companies to increase authorized shares and the purpose for the increase. |
f. | Social and Corporate Policy Issues. As a fiduciary, Calamos is primarily concerned about the financial interests of its Advisory Clients. Calamos will generally give management discretion with regard to social, environmental and ethical issues although Calamos may vote in favor of proposals regarding those issues that are believed to have significant economic benefits or implications. |
g. | Global Corporate Governance. Calamos manages investments in countries worldwide. Many of the tenets discussed above are applied to Calamos proxy voting decisions for international investments. However, Calamos must be flexible in these worldwide markets and must be mindful of the varied market practices of each region. |
2. | Executive Compensation and Option Plans. A companys equity-based compensation plan should be in alignment with the shareholders long-term interests. Accordingly, proxy votes should be used to encourage the use of reasonably designed compensation plans that promote such alignment by providing officers and employees with an incentive to increase shareholder value. Calamos evaluates plans on a case-by-case basis by considering several factors to determine whether the plan is fair and reasonable. Calamos may review its proxy voting services analysis to assess such plans. Severance compensation arrangements will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, although Calamos will oppose golden parachutes that are considered excessive. Calamos will normally support proposals that require that a percentage of directors compensation be in the form of common stock, as it aligns their interests with those of the shareholders. |
3. | Other Business Matters Many proxy statements include the approval of routine business matters, such as changing the companys name, and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meetings. Generally these routine matters do not materially affect shareholder interests adversely and are best left to the board of directors and senior management of the company. Thus, we will generally vote for board-approved proposals seeking to approve such matters. |
Record Retention and Disclosure
A. | Record Retention. The Adviser shall be responsible for collecting and maintaining proxy related information on each vote cast as required by applicable law unless such function is outsourced. Such information shall include (i) the name of the shareholder whose proxy is being voted; (ii) the name of the company; (iii) the exchange ticker symbols of the company; (iv) Security Identifier; (v) proxy statements; (vi) shareholder meeting date; (vii) brief identification of the matter voted |
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Amended and Restated: March 26, 2010
on; (viii) whether the matter was proposed by the company or by a security holder; (ix) whether a vote was cast on the matter; (x) how the vote was cast (e.g., for or against proposal, or abstained, for or withheld regarding election of directors); (xi) whether the vote was cast for or against management; (xii) Conflicts Reports; and (xiii) any information created by Calamos or a third party needed by the Committee to make a voting determination. The above information shall be maintained in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than six years from the end of the fiscal year in which the information was created, with the first two years in an appropriate office of Calamos unless record retention is outsourced. |
B. | Disclosure. The Adviser shall be responsible for appropriately disclosing proxy voting information, including these policies and procedures, the voting guidelines and the voting records of the Funds or clients as may be required by applicable law. Corporate Actions, in conjunction with legal staff responsible for coordinating Calamos Fund disclosure, will file all required Forms N-PX, on a timely basis with respect to investment company clients, disclose that its proxy voting record is available on the web site, and will make available the information disclosed in its Form N-PX as soon as is reasonable practicable after filing Form N-PX with the SEC. Corporate Actions, in conjunction with legal staff responsible for coordinating Fund disclosure, will ensure that all required disclosure about proxy voting of the investment company clients is made in such clients financial statements and disclosure documents. |
Reports to the Funds Boards and Non-Investment Company Clients of Calamos
Corporate Actions shall provide proxy information to each Board of Trustee of the Funds as such Board may request from time to time.
For non-investment company clients of Calamos, Corporate Actions shall appropriately respond in writing to all written client requests for information on how it voted on behalf of the client. Such written request along with any written response to such written request or oral client request shall be maintained in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than five years from the end of the fiscal year, with the first two years in an appropriate office of Calamos.
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