AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 6, 2003
1933 ACT FILE NO.
333-103694
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-2
(CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX OR BOXES)
[X] REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
[X] PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1
[ ] POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. ____
AND
[X] REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF
1940
[X] AMENDMENT NO. 6
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NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND
Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Declaration of Trust
333 WEST WACKER DRIVE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
Address of Principal Executive Offices (Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)
(800) 257-8787
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code
JESSICA R. DROEGER
VICE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY
333 WEST WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
Name and Address (Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code) of Agent for Service
COPIES OF COMMUNICATIONS TO:
DAVID A. STURMS ERIC F. FESS SARAH E. COGAN
VEDDER, PRICE, KAUFMAN & CHAPMAN AND CUTLER SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT
KAMMHOLZ 111 W. MONROE 425 LEXINGTON AVE.
222 N. LASALLE STREET CHICAGO, IL 60603 NEW YORK, NY 10017
CHICAGO, IL 60601
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APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING: As soon as practicable after
the effective date of this Registration Statement
If any of the securities being registered on this form are offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box. [ ]
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
[ ] when declared effective pursuant to section 8(c)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF SECURITIES AMOUNT BEING OFFERING PRICE PER AGGREGATE OFFERING AMOUNT OF
BEING REGISTERED REGISTERED UNIT PRICE REGISTRATION FEE(1)
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FundPreferred Shares, $0.01
par value.................. 28,320 Shares $25,000.00 $708,000,000 $57,277*
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* 80.90 has been previously paid.
(1) Transmitted prior to filing.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 6, 2003
PROSPECTUS
(NUVEEN INVESTMENTS LOGO) $708,000,000
NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND
FUNDPREFERRED(TM) SHARES
4,720 SHARES, SERIES M
4,720 SHARES, SERIES T
4,720 SHARES, SERIES W
4,720 SHARES, SERIES TH
4,720 SHARES, SERIES F
4,720 SHARES, SERIES F2
Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund (the "Fund") is a recently organized, diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund's primary investment objective is high current income. The Fund's secondary objective is total return. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets (as defined on page 1 of this Prospectus) in preferred securities, convertible securities and related instruments; and may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in other securities, including debt instruments and common stocks acquired upon conversion of a convertible security (such common stocks not normally to exceed 5% of the Fund's Managed Assets).
Initially, Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. will allocate approximately 60%, 30% and 10% of the Fund's Managed Assets to preferred securities, convertible securities and other debt instruments, respectively. Thereafter, the portion of the Fund's Managed Assets invested in preferred securities, convertible securities and other debt instruments will vary from time to time consistent with the Fund's investment objectives, although the Fund will normally invest at least 50% of its Managed Assets in preferred securities and at least 20% of its Managed Assets in convertible securities (so long as the combined total equals at least 80% of the Fund's Managed Assets). In making allocation decisions, Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. will consider factors such as interest rate levels, conditions and developing trends in the bond and equity markets, analysis of relative valuations for preferred, convertible and other debt instruments, and other economic and market factors, including the overall outlook for the economy and inflation.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are investment grade quality, which includes securities that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality. Split rated securities (as defined on page 2 of this Prospectus) are considered to be investment grade quality securities, except that to the extent the Fund owns split-rated securities that exceed 10% of its Managed Assets, the excess over 10% will not be considered to be investment grade quality. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are not investment grade quality. The Fund will only invest in securities that, at the time of investment, are rated B or higher by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality, except, however, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its Managed Assets in securities with a highest rating of CCC or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.
The Fund's principal office is located at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, and its telephone number is (312) 917-7700. Investors are advised to read this Prospectus, which sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that a prospective investor ought to know before investing, and retain it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information dated , 2003 and as it may be supplemented, containing additional information regarding the Fund has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. A copy of the Statement of Additional Information, the table of contents of which appears on page 63 of this Prospectus, may be obtained without charge by calling the Fund at (800) 257-8787. In addition, the SEC maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the Statement of Additional Information, material incorporated by reference, and other information filed electronically with the SEC by the Fund.
INVESTING IN FUNDPREFERRED SHARES ("FUNDPREFERRED SHARES") INVOLVES CERTAIN
RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 31.
PER
SHARE TOTAL
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Public Offering Price $25,000 $
Sales Load(1) $ $
Proceeds to the Fund(2) (before expenses) $ $
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(2) Not including offering expenses payable by the Fund estimated to be $ .
The underwriters are offering the FundPreferred shares subject to various conditions. The underwriters expect to deliver FundPreferred shares in book-entry form, through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company to
purchasers on or about , 2003.
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CITIGROUP NUVEEN INVESTMENTS, LLC
A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC. PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES
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WACHOVIA SECURITIES
, 2003
The Fund is offering 4,720, 4,720, 4,720, 4,720, 4,720 and 4,720 shares of Series M, Series T, Series W, Series TH, Series F and Series F2 FundPreferred shares, respectively. The shares are referred to in this Prospectus as "FundPreferred shares." The FundPreferred shares have a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, plus any accumulated, unpaid dividends. The FundPreferred shares also have priority over the Fund's Common Shares as to distribution of assets as described in this Prospectus. The dividend rate for the initial dividend rate period will be %, %, %, %, % and % for FundPreferred shares Series M, Series T, Series W, Series TH, Series F and Series F2, respectively. The initial dividend period is from the date of issuance through , 2003 for FundPreferred shares Series M, , 2003 for FundPreferred shares Series T, , 2003 for FundPreferred shares Series W, , 2003 for FundPreferred shares Series TH, , 2003 for FundPreferred shares Series F, and , 2003 for FundPreferred shares Series F2. For subsequent dividend periods, FundPreferred shares pay dividends based on a rate set at auction, usually held every seven (7) days. Prospective purchasers should carefully review the auction procedures described in the Prospectus and should note: (1) a buy order (called a "bid order") or sell order is a commitment to buy or sell FundPreferred shares based on the results of an auction; (2) auctions will be conducted by telephone; and (3) purchases and sales will be settled on the next business day after the auction. FundPreferred shares are not listed on an exchange. You may only buy or sell FundPreferred shares through an order placed at an auction with or through a broker-dealer that has entered into an agreement with the auction agent and the Fund, or in a secondary market maintained by certain broker-dealers. These broker-dealers are not required to maintain this market, and it may not provide you with liquidity.
The FundPreferred shares do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.
YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. THE FUND HAS NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH DIFFERENT INFORMATION. THE FUND IS NOT MAKING AN OFFER OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE DATE ON THE FRONT OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus Summary.......................................... 1 Financial Highlights........................................ 11 The Fund.................................................... 12 Use of Proceeds............................................. 12 Capitalization.............................................. 13 Portfolio Composition....................................... 13 The Fund's Investments...................................... 14 Use of Leverage............................................. 24 Hedging Transactions........................................ 24 Risk Factors................................................ 31 Management of the Fund...................................... 38 Description of FundPreferred Shares......................... 41 The Auction................................................. 53 Description of Borrowings................................... 56 Description of Common Shares................................ 56 Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust.............. 57 Repurchase of Fund Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund...... 57 Tax Matters................................................. 58 Custodian, Transfer Agent, Auction Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent and Redemption Agent..................... 60 Underwriting................................................ 61 Legal Opinions.............................................. 62 Available Information....................................... 62 Table of Contents for the Statement of Additional Information............................................... 63 |
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This is only a summary. You should review the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information and the Fund's Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of FundPreferred shares (the "Statement") attached as Appendix A to the Statement of Additional Information. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Prospectus shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Statement.
The Fund................... Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund (the
"Fund") is a recently organized, diversified,
closed-end management investment company. See "The
Fund." The Fund's common shares, $.01 par value
("Common Shares"), are traded on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol "JPC." See "Description
of Common Shares." As of May 1, 2003 the Fund had
96,007,000 Common Shares outstanding and net assets
applicable to Common Shares of $1,398,162,709.
Investment Objectives and
Policies................. The Fund's primary investment objective is high
current income. The Fund's secondary investment
objective is total return. The Fund's investment
objectives and certain investment policies are
considered fundamental and may not be changed
without shareholder approval. The Fund cannot
assure you that it will attain its investment
objectives. See "The Fund's Investments" and "Risk
Factors."
Under normal circumstances the Fund:
- will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in
preferred securities, convertible securities and
related instruments. The Fund intends that most
or all of the preferred securities in which it
invests will be fully taxable and will not be
eligible for the dividends received deduction;
and
- may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in
other securities, including debt instruments and
common stocks acquired upon conversion of a
convertible security (such common stocks not
normally to exceed 5% of the Fund's Managed
Assets).
The Fund's average daily net assets (including
assets attributable to any FundPreferred shares
that may be outstanding and the principal amount of
any Borrowings (as defined below)) is called
"Managed Assets."
The Fund's assets allocated to preferred securities
will be managed by Spectrum Asset Management, Inc.
("Spectrum"). The Fund's assets allocated to
convertible securities will be managed by Froley,
Revy Investment Co., Inc. ("Froley, Revy"). The
Fund's assets allocated to other debt instruments
will be managed by Nuveen Institutional Advisory
Corp. ("NIAC").
NIAC will be responsible for determining the Fund's
overall investment strategy, including allocating
the portion of the Fund's assets to be invested in
preferred securities, convertible securities and
other debt instruments. Initially, NIAC will
allocate approximately 60%, 30% and 10% of the
Fund's Managed Assets to preferred securities,
convertible securities, and other debt instruments,
respectively. Thereafter, the portion of the Fund's
Managed Assets invested in preferred securities,
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convertible securities and other debt instruments
will vary from time to time consistent with the
Fund's investment objectives, although the Fund
will normally invest at least 50% of its Managed
Assets in preferred securities and at least 20% of
its Managed Assets in convertible securities (so
long as the combined total equals at least 80% of
the Fund's Managed Assets). See "The Fund's
Investments" and "Management of the Fund."
- The Fund will invest at least 65% of its Managed
Assets in securities that, at the time of
investment, are investment grade quality.
Initially, the Fund intends to invest
approximately 75% of its Managed Assets in
investment grade quality securities. Investment
grade quality securities are those securities
that, at the time of investment, are (i) rated by
at least one nationally recognized statistical
rating organization ("NRSRO") within the four
highest grades (Baa or BBB or better by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard &
Poor's Corporation, a division of The McGraw-Hill
Companies ("S&P"), or Fitch Ratings ("Fitch")),
or (ii) unrated but judged to be of comparable
quality.
Securities that, at the time of investment, are
rated below investment grade by Moody's, S&P or
Fitch, so long as at least one NRSRO rates such
securities within the four highest grades (such
securities are called "split-rated securities"),
are considered to be investment grade quality
securities, except that to the extent the Fund
owns split-rated securities that exceed 10% of
its Managed Assets, the excess over 10% will not
be considered to be investment grade quality.
- The Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed
Assets in securities that, at the time of
investment, are not investment grade quality. The
Fund will only invest in securities that, at the
time of investment, are rated B or higher by at
least one NRSRO or that are unrated but judged to
be of comparable quality, except, however, the
Fund may invest up to 5% of its Managed Assets in
securities with a highest rating of CCC or that
are unrated but judged to be of comparable
quality.
Securities of below investment grade quality are
regarded as having predominately speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay
interest and repay principal, and are commonly
referred to as junk bonds. See "The Fund's
Investments -- Investment Objectives and Policies"
and "Risk Factors -- General Risks of Investing in
the Fund -- High Yield Risk."
In addition, under normal circumstances:
- The Fund intends to invest at least 25% of its
Managed Assets in the securities of companies
principally engaged in financial services. See
"The Fund's Investments -- Portfolio
Composition -- Financial Services Company
Securities."
- The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed
Assets in securities that, at the time of
investment, are illiquid (i.e., securities that
are not readily marketable). All securities and
other instruments in which the Fund invests will
be subject to this 10% limitation to the
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extent they are deemed to be illiquid. Initially,
the Fund does not intend to invest more than 5%
of its Managed Assets in illiquid securities.
- The Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed
Assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers. Subject
to this 35% limitation, up to 10% of the Fund's
Managed Assets may be invested in securities that
are denominated in Japanese yen, Canadian
dollars, British pounds or Euros and which may be
offered, traded or listed in markets other than
U.S. markets. The remainder of the Fund's Managed
Assets that may be invested in securities of
non-U.S. issuers will be invested in U.S. dollar
denominated securities offered, traded or listed
in U.S. markets. Initially, the Fund does not
intend to invest more than 20% of its Managed
Assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, and
does not currently intend to invest in the
non-U.S. dollar denominated securities described
above.
For a more complete discussion of the Fund's
initial portfolio composition, see "The Fund's
Investments -- Initial Portfolio Composition."
The taxable preferred securities in which the Fund
intends to invest generally do not pay dividends
that qualify for the dividends received deduction
(the "Dividends Received Deduction") under Section
243 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"). The Dividends Received
Deduction generally allows corporations to deduct
from their income 70% of qualifying dividends
received. Accordingly, any corporate shareholder
who otherwise may be entitled to the Dividends
Received Deduction should not assume that the
distributions it receives from the Fund will
qualify for the Dividends Received Deduction.
Investment Adviser and
Subadvisers.............. NIAC will be the Fund's investment adviser,
responsible for determining the Fund's overall
investment strategy, including allocating the
portion of the Fund's assets to be invested in
preferred securities, convertible securities and
other debt instruments, and also for managing a
portion of the Fund's assets. In making allocation
decisions, NIAC will consider factors such as
interest rate levels, conditions and developing
trends in the bond and equity markets, analysis of
relative valuations for preferred, convertible and
other debt instruments, and other economic and
market factors, including the overall outlook for
the economy and inflation.
The Fund's assets allocated to preferred securities
will be managed by Spectrum. The Fund's assets
allocated to convertible securities will be managed
by Froley, Revy. The Fund's assets allocated to
other debt instruments will be managed by NIAC.
Spectrum and Froley, Revy will sometimes
individually be referred to as a "Subadviser" and
collectively be referred to as the "Subadvisers."
NIAC, Spectrum and Froley, Revy will sometimes
individually be referred to as an "Adviser" and
collectively be referred to as the "Advisers."
NIAC, a registered investment adviser, is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc.
Founded in 1898, Nuveen Investments, Inc. and its
affiliates had approximately $80 billion of assets
under
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management as of January 31, 2003. According to
Thomson Wealth Management, Nuveen is the leading
sponsor of closed-end exchange-traded funds as
measured by the number of funds (102) and the
amount of fund assets under management
(approximately $40 billion) as of January 31, 2003.
Spectrum, a registered investment adviser, is an
independently managed wholly owned subsidiary of
Principal Global Investors, LLC. Founded in 1987,
Spectrum had approximately $6.2 billion in assets
under management as of January 31, 2003. Spectrum
specializes in the management of diversified
preferred security portfolios primarily for
institutional clients. Collectively, subsidiaries
and affiliates of Principal Global Investors, LLC
managed over $90 billion in combined assets
worldwide as of January 31, 2003.
Froley, Revy, a registered investment adviser, is
an independently managed wholly owned subsidiary of
First Republic Bank. Founded in 1975, Froley, Revy
had approximately $2 billion in assets under
management as of January 31, 2003. Froley, Revy
specializes in the management of convertible
securities. Collectively, subsidiaries and
affiliates of First Republic Bank, including
Froley, Revy, managed approximately $6 billion in
combined assets as of January 31, 2003.
Use of Leverage............ The Fund intends to use financial leverage,
including issuing FundPreferred shares, for
investment purposes. The Fund currently anticipates
its use of leverage to represent approximately
33 1/3% of its total assets, including the proceeds
of such leverage. In addition to the issuance of
FundPreferred shares, the Fund may make further use
of financial leverage through borrowing, including
the issuance of commercial paper or notes.
Throughout this Prospectus, commercial paper, notes
or other borrowings sometimes may be collectively
referred to as "Borrowings." Any Borrowings will
have seniority over the FundPreferred shares.
Payments to holders of FundPreferred shares in
liquidation or otherwise will be subject to the
prior payment of all outstanding indebtedness,
including Borrowings.
Use of Hedging
Transactions............... The Fund may use derivatives or other transactions
for purposes of hedging the portfolio's exposure to
the risk of increases in interest rates, common
stock risk, high yield credit risk and foreign
currency exchange rate risk. The specific
derivative instruments to be used, or other
transactions to be entered into, each for hedging
purposes may include (i) options and futures
contracts, including options on common stock, stock
indexes, bonds and bond indexes, stock index
futures, bond index futures and related
instruments, (ii) short sales of securities that
the Fund owns or has the right to acquire through
the conversion of securities, (iii) structured
notes and similar instruments, (iv) credit
derivative instruments and (v) currency exchange
transactions. Some, but not all, of the derivative
instruments may be traded and listed on an
exchange. The positions in derivatives will be
marked-to-market daily at the closing price
established on the relevant exchange or at a fair
value. See "The Fund's Investments -- Portfolio
Composition -- Hedging Transactions," "Risk
Factors -- Hedging Risk" and "Risk
Factors -- Counterparty Risk." Except for investing
in synthetic convertible securities, the Fund will
use derivatives or
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other transactions described above solely for
purposes of hedging the Fund's portfolio risks.
Interest Rate
Transactions............... In connection with the Fund's use of leverage
through the sale of FundPreferred shares or
Borrowings, the Fund, if market conditions are
deemed favorable, likely will enter into interest
rate swap or cap transactions to attempt to protect
itself from increasing dividend or interest
expenses on its FundPreferred shares or Borrowings.
The use of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly
specialized activity that involves investment
techniques and risks different from those
associated with ordinary portfolio security
transactions.
In an interest rate swap, the Fund would agree to
pay to the other party to the interest rate swap
(which is known as the "counterparty") a fixed rate
payment in exchange for the counterparty agreeing
to pay to the Fund a payment at a variable rate
that is expected to approximate the rate on the
Fund's variable rate payment obligation on
FundPreferred shares or any variable rate
Borrowings. The payment obligations would be based
on the notional amount of the swap.
In an interest rate cap, the Fund would pay a
premium to the counterparty to the interest rate
cap and, to the extent that a specified variable
rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate,
would receive from the counterparty payments of the
difference based on the notional amount of such
cap. If the counterparty to an interest rate swap
or cap defaults, the Fund would be obligated to
make the payments that it had intended to avoid.
Depending on the general state of short-term
interest rates and the returns on the Fund's
portfolio securities at that point in time, this
default could negatively impact the Fund's ability
to make dividend payments on the FundPreferred
shares or interest payments on Borrowings.
In addition, at the time an interest rate swap or
cap transaction reaches its scheduled termination
date, there is a risk that the Fund would not be
able to obtain a replacement transaction or that
the terms of the replacement would not be as
favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this
occurs, it could have a negative impact on the
Fund's ability to make dividend payments on the
FundPreferred shares or interest payments on
Borrowings. If the Fund fails to meet an asset
coverage ratio required by law or if the Fund does
not meet a rating agency guideline in a timely
manner or if the Fund fails to maintain other
covenants with respect to the FundPreferred shares,
the Fund may be required to redeem some or all of
the FundPreferred shares. See "-- Redemption"
below. Similarly, the Fund could be required to
prepay the principal amount of any Borrowings. Such
redemption or prepayment would likely result in the
Fund seeking to terminate early all or a portion of
any swap or cap transaction. Early termination of a
swap could result in a termination payment by or to
the Fund. Early termination of a cap could result
in a termination payment to the Fund. The Fund
intends to maintain in a segregated account with
its custodian, cash or liquid securities having a
value at least equal to the Fund's net payment
obligations under any swap transaction,
marked-to-market daily. The Fund will not enter
into interest rate swap or cap transactions having
a notional amount that exceeds the outstanding
amount of the Fund's leverage.
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See "Use of Leverage" and "Hedging Transactions" for additional information.
The Offering............... The Fund is offering 4,720 shares of each of Series
M, Series T, Series W, Series TH, Series F and
Series F2, each at a purchase price of $25,000 per
share. FundPreferred shares are being offered by
the underwriters listed under "Underwriting."
Risk Factors Summary....... Risk is inherent in all investing. Therefore,
before investing you should consider certain risks
carefully when you invest in the Fund. The primary
risks of investing in FundPreferred shares are:
- if an auction fails you may not be able to sell
some or all of your shares;
- because of the nature of the market for
FundPreferred shares, you may receive less than
the price you paid for your shares if you sell
them outside of the auction, especially when
market interest rates are rising;
- a rating agency could downgrade FundPreferred
shares, which could affect liquidity;
- the Fund may be forced to redeem your shares to
meet regulatory or rating agency requirements or
may voluntarily redeem your shares in certain
circumstances;
- in extraordinary circumstances, the Fund may not
earn sufficient income from its investments to
pay dividends;
- the FundPreferred shares will be junior to any
Borrowings;
- any Borrowings may constitute a substantial lien
and burden on the FundPreferred shares by reason
of its prior claim against the income of the Fund
and against the net assets of the Fund in
liquidation; and
- if the Fund leverages through Borrowings, the
Fund may not be permitted to declare dividends or
other distributions with respect to the
FundPreferred shares or purchase FundPreferred
shares unless at the time thereof the Fund meets
certain asset coverage requirements and the
payments of principal and of interest on any such
Borrowings are not in default.
For additional general risks of investing in the
Fund, see "Risk Factors -- General Risks of
Investing in the Fund."
Trading Market............. FundPreferred shares are not listed on an exchange.
Instead, you may buy or sell FundPreferred shares
at an auction that is normally held weekly by
submitting orders to a broker-dealer that has
entered into an agreement with the auction agent
and the Fund (a "Broker-Dealer"), or to a
broker-dealer that has entered into a separate
agreement with a Broker-Dealer. In addition to the
auctions, Broker-Dealers and other broker-dealers
may maintain a secondary trading market in
FundPreferred shares outside of auctions, but may
discontinue this activity at any time. There is no
assurance that a secondary market will be created
or, if created, that it will provide shareholders
with liquidity or that the trading price in any
secondary market would be $25,000. You may transfer
shares outside of auctions only to or
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through a Broker-Dealer, or a broker-dealer that
has entered into a separate agreement with a
Broker-Dealer.
The table below shows the first auction date for
each Series of FundPreferred shares and the day on
which each subsequent auction will normally be held
for each Series of FundPreferred shares. The first
auction date for each Series of FundPreferred
shares will be the business day before the dividend
payment date for the initial dividend period for
each Series of FundPreferred shares.
The start date for subsequent dividend periods
normally will be the business day following the
auction date unless the then-current dividend
period is a special dividend period, or the day
that normally would be the auction date or the
first day of the subsequent dividend period is not
a business day.
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FIRST AUCTION SUBSEQUENT
SERIES DATE* AUCTION
------ ------------- ----------
M Monday
T Tuesday
W Wednesday
TH Thursday
F Friday
F2 Friday
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* All dates are 2003.
Dividends and Dividend
Periods.................. The table below shows the dividend rate for the
initial dividend period of the FundPreferred shares
offered in this Prospectus. For subsequent dividend
periods, FundPreferred shares will pay dividends
based on a rate set at auctions, normally held
every seven (7) days. In most instances dividends
are also paid every seven (7) days, on the day
following the end of the rate period. The
Applicable Rate that results from an Auction will
not be lower than 70% of the applicable AA
Composite Commercial Paper Rate (the "Minimum
Rate") or greater than 150% (the "Maximum Rate") of
the applicable AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate
(for a Dividend Period of fewer than 184 days) or
the applicable Treasury Index Rate (for a Dividend
Period of 184 days or more) at the close of
business on the Business Day next preceding such
Auction Date. See "Description of FundPreferred
Shares -- Dividends and Dividend
Periods -- Determination of Dividend Rate" and "The
Auction."
The table below also shows the date from which
dividends on the FundPreferred shares will
accumulate at the initial rate, the dividend
payment date for the initial dividend period and
the day on which dividends will normally be paid.
If dividends are payable on Monday or Tuesday and
that day is not a business day, then your dividends
will normally be paid on the first business day
that falls after that day. If dividends are payable
on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday and that day is
not a business day, then your dividends will
normally be paid on the first business day prior to
that day.
7
|
Finally, the table below shows the number of days
of the initial dividend period for the
FundPreferred shares. Subsequent dividend periods
generally will be seven (7) days. The dividend
payment date for special dividend periods of other
than seven (7) days will be set out in the notice
designating a special dividend period. See
"Description of FundPreferred Shares -- Dividends
and Dividend Periods -- Notification of Dividend
Period."
|
DATE OF PAYMENT DATE NUMBER OF
INITIAL ACCUMULATION FOR INITIAL SUBSEQUENT DAYS OF INITIAL
DIVIDEND AT INITIAL DIVIDEND DIVIDEND DIVIDEND
SERIES RATE RATE* PERIOD* PAYMENT DAY PERIOD
------ -------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ---------------
M Tuesday
T Wednesday
W Thursday
TH Friday
F Monday
F2 Monday
|
* All dates are 2003.
Ratings.................... It is a condition of the underwriters' obligation
to purchase the FundPreferred shares that the
FundPreferred shares receive a rating of "AAA" from
Fitch and "Aaa" from Moody's.
Restrictions on Dividend
Redemption and Other
Payments................. If the Fund issues any Borrowings that constitute
senior securities representing indebtedness (as
defined in the 1940 Act), under the 1940 Act, the
Fund would not be permitted to declare any dividend
on FundPreferred shares unless, after giving effect
to such dividend, asset coverage with respect to
such Borrowings that constitute senior securities
representing indebtedness, if any, is at least
200%. In addition, the Fund would not be permitted
to declare any distribution on or purchase or
redeem FundPreferred shares unless, after giving
effect to such distribution, purchase or
redemption, asset coverage with respect to such
Borrowings that constitute senior securities
representing indebtedness, if any, is at least
300%. Dividends or other distributions on or
redemptions or purchases of FundPreferred shares
would also be prohibited at any time that an event
of default under any Borrowings has occurred and is
continuing. See "Description of FundPreferred
Shares -- Restrictions on Dividend, Redemption and
Other Payments."
Asset Maintenance.......... The Fund must maintain Eligible Assets having an
aggregated Discounted Value at least equal to the
FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount as of
each Valuation Date. The Fund also must maintain
asset coverage for the FundPreferred shares on a
non-discounted basis of at least 200% as of the
last business day of each month. See "Description
of FundPreferred Shares -- Asset Maintenance."
The Discount Factors and guidelines for calculating
the Discounted Value of the Fund's portfolio for
purposes of determining whether the FundPreferred
Shares Basic Maintenance Amount has been satisfied
8
|
have been established by Fitch and Moody's in
connection with the Fund's receipt from Fitch and
Moody's of the "AAA" and "Aaa", respectively,
Credit Rating with respect to the FundPreferred
shares on their Date of Original Issue.
The Fund estimates that on the Date of Original
Issue, the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset
Coverage, based on the composition of its portfolio
as of May 1, 2003 and including the issuance of
4,000,000 additional Common Shares on May 6, 2003,
less offering costs in connection with the Common
Share issuances to be paid by the Fund, and after
giving effect to the issuance of the FundPreferred
shares offered hereby ($708,000,000) and the
deduction of sales loads and estimated offering
expenses for such FundPreferred shares
($14,771,000), will be 303%.
In addition, there may be additional asset coverage
requirements imposed in connection with any
Borrowings.
Redemption................. Although the Fund will not ordinarily redeem
FundPreferred shares, it may be required to redeem
shares if, for example, the Fund does not meet an
asset coverage ratio required by law, correct a
failure to meet a rating agency guideline in a
timely manner or maintain other covenants with
respect to the FundPreferred shares. The Fund
voluntarily may redeem FundPreferred shares in
certain circumstances. See "Description of
FundPreferred Shares -- Redemption."
Liquidation Preference..... The liquidation preference of the shares of each
series of FundPreferred shares will be $25,000 per
share plus accumulated but unpaid dividends, if
any, thereon. See "Description of FundPreferred
Shares -- Liquidation Rights."
Voting Rights.............. Except as otherwise indicated, holders of
FundPreferred shares have one vote per share and
vote together with holders of Common Shares as a
single class.
In connection with the election of the Board of
Trustees, the holders of outstanding preferred
shares of beneficial interest ("Preferred Shares"),
including FundPreferred shares, as a class, shall
be entitled to elect two trustees of the Fund. The
holders of outstanding shares of Common Shares and
Preferred Shares, including FundPreferred shares,
voting together, shall elect the remainder.
However, upon the Fund's failure to pay dividends
on the Preferred Shares in an amount equal to two
full years of dividends, the holders of Preferred
Shares have the right to elect, as a class, the
smallest number of additional Trustees as shall be
necessary to assure that a majority of the Trustees
has been elected by the holders of Preferred
Shares. The terms of the additional Trustees shall
end when the Fund pays or provides for all
accumulated and unpaid dividends. See "Description
of FundPreferred Shares -- Voting Rights."
Federal Income Taxes....... Distributions with respect to the FundPreferred
shares will generally be subject to U.S. federal
income taxation. Because the Fund's portfolio
income will consist principally of (i) income from
securities that are not anticipated to be eligible
for the Dividends Received Deduction, (ii) capital
gain, and (iii) interest income, corporate
investors in the FundPreferred shares are not
expected to receive dividends that are eligible for
the Dividends Received Deduction. The
9
|
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") currently requires
that a regulated investment company, which has two
or more classes of stock, allocate to each such
class proportionate amounts of each type of its
income (such as ordinary income and capital gain)
based upon the percentage of total dividends
distributed to each class for the tax year.
Accordingly, the Fund intends each year to allocate
ordinary income dividends and capital gain
dividends between its Common Shares and
FundPreferred shares in proportion to the total
dividends paid to each class during or with respect
to such year. See "Tax Matters."
|
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Information contained in the table below under the headings "Per Share Operating Performance" and "Ratios/Supplemental Data" shows the unaudited operating performance of the Fund from the commencement of the Fund's investment operations on March 26, 2003 until April 21, 2003. Since the Fund was recently organized and commenced operations on March 26, 2003, the table covers less than four weeks of operations, during which a substantial portion of the Fund's portfolio was held in temporary investments pending investment in long-term securities that meet the Fund's investment objectives and policies. Accordingly, the information presented may not provide a meaningful picture of the Fund's operating performance.
UNAUDITED
(MARCH 26, 2003 -
APRIL 21, 2003)
-----------------
(UNAUDITED)
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Common Share Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period......... $ 14.33
----------
Net Investment Income.................................. .01
Net Realized/Unrealized Gain from Investments.......... .05
----------
Total From Investment Operations..................... .06
----------
Offering Costs............................................ (.01)
----------
Common Share Net Asset Value, End of Period............... $ 14.38
==========
Per Share Market Value, End of Period..................... $ 15.04
Total Return on Common Share Net Asset Value(a)........... .35%
Total Investment Return on Market Value(a)................ .27%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares, End of Period
(In Thousands)......................................... $1,381,026
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Applicable to
Common Shares Before Reimbursement..................... .96%*
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
Applicable to Common Shares Before Reimbursement....... 1.10%*
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Applicable to
Common Shares After Reimbursement...................... .64%*
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
Applicable to Common Shares After Reimbursement........ 1.42%*
Portfolio Turnover Rate................................... --%
|
* Annualized.
(a) Total Investment Return on Market Value is the combination of reinvested dividend income, reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, and changes in stock price per share. Total Return on Common Share Net Asset Value is the combination of reinvested dividend income, reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, and changes in Common Share net asset value per share. Total returns are not annualized.
THE FUND
The Fund is a recently organized, diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 27, 2003, pursuant to a Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration of Trust") governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On March 31, 2003, the Fund issued an aggregate of 88,000,000 Common Shares pursuant to the initial public offering thereof. On April 3, 2003 and April 15, 2003, the Fund issued an additional 4,000,000 and 4,000,000 Common Shares, respectively, in connection with partial exercises by the underwriters of the over-allotment option. On May 2, 2002, the underwriters notified the Fund of their intention to again partially exercise their over-allotment option to purchase an additional 4,000,000 Common Shares, although we cannot assure you that such additional Common Shares will be issued. The Common Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") under the symbol "JPC." The Fund's principal office is located at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, and its telephone number is (800) 257-8787.
The following provides information about the Fund's outstanding shares as of May 1, 2003:
AMOUNT HELD
BY THE FUND OR AMOUNT
TITLE OF CLASS AMOUNT AUTHORIZED FOR ITS ACCOUNT OUTSTANDING
-------------- ----------------- --------------- -----------
Common Shares........................................ Unlimited 0 96,007,000
FundPreferred shares................................. Unlimited 0 0
Series M............................................. 4,720 0 0
Series T............................................. 4,720 0 0
Series W............................................. 4,720 0 0
Series TH............................................ 4,720 0 0
Series F............................................. 4,720 0 0
Series F2............................................ 4,720 0 0
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USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds of the offering will be approximately $693,229,000 after payment of the sales load and estimated offering costs. The Fund will invest the net proceeds of the offering in accordance with the Fund's investment objectives and policies as described under "The Fund's Investments," as soon as practicable. It is presently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of the net proceeds in preferred, convertible and other debt instruments that meet those investment objectives and policies within approximately 1 to 1 1/2 months after the completion of the offering. Pending such investment, it is anticipated that the proceeds will be invested in short-term or long-term securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities or in high quality, short-term money market instruments.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Fund as of May 1, 2003, and as adjusted, to give effect to the issuance of 4,000,000 Common Shares on May 6, 2003, as well as all the FundPreferred shares offered hereby.
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED
MAY 1, 2003 MAY 1, 2003
----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
FundPreferred shares, $25,000 stated value per share, at
liquidation value; unlimited shares authorized (no shares
issued and 28,320 shares issued, as adjusted,
respectively)*............................................ $ -- $ 708,000,000
============== ==============
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common Shares, $.01 par value per share; unlimited shares
authorized (96,007,000 shares outstanding and
100,007,000 shares outstanding, as adjusted,
respectively)*......................................... $ 960,070 $ 1,000,070
Paid-in surplus**......................................... 1,373,087,225 1,415,536,796
Undistributed net investment income....................... 2,726,043 2,726,043
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) from investments..... (20,601) (20,601)
Net unrealized appreciation of investments................ 21,409,972 21,409,972
-------------- --------------
Net assets applicable to Common Shares.................... $1,398,162,709 $1,440,652,280
============== ==============
|
* None of these outstanding shares are held by or for the account of the Fund.
** As adjusted paid-in surplus reflects the proceeds of the issuance of the Common Shares ($57,300,000) less $.01 par value per Common Share ($40,000), and offering costs in connection with the Common Share issuances to be paid by the Fund ($39,429), as well as a reduction for the sales load and estimated offerings costs of the FundPreferred shares issuance ($14,771,000).
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
As of May 1, 2003, 71.66% of the market value of the Fund's portfolio was invested in long-term investments and 28.34% of the market value of the Fund's portfolio was invested in short-term investments.
THE FUND'S INVESTMENTS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The Fund's primary investment objective is high current income. The Fund's secondary objective is total return. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objectives will be achieved.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund:
- will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in preferred securities, convertible securities and related instruments; and
- may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in other securities, including debt instruments and common stocks acquired upon conversion of a convertible security (such common stocks not normally to exceed 5% of the Fund's Managed Assets).
NIAC will be responsible for determining the Fund's overall investment strategy, including allocating the portion of the Fund's assets to be invested in preferred securities, convertible securities and other debt instruments. See "Management of the Fund."
The Fund's assets allocated to preferred securities will be managed by Spectrum. The Fund's assets allocated to convertible securities will be managed by Froley, Revy. The Fund's assets allocated to other debt instruments will be managed by NIAC.
Under normal circumstances, portfolio allocations will conform to the following guidelines:
MINIMUM % OF MAXIMUM % OF
TYPE OF INVESTMENT MANAGED ASSETS MANAGED ASSETS
------------------ -------------- --------------
Preferred Securities........................................ 50 80
Convertible Securities...................................... 20 50
Other Debt Instruments...................................... 0 20
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Initially, NIAC will allocate approximately 60%, 30% and 10% of the Fund's Managed Assets to preferred securities, convertible securities and other debt instruments, respectively. Thereafter, the portion of the Fund's Managed Assets invested in preferred securities, convertible securities and other debt instruments will vary from time to time consistent with the Fund's investment objectives, although the Fund will normally invest at least 50% of its Managed Assets in preferred securities and at least 20% of its Managed Assets in convertible securities (so long as the combined total equals at least 80% of the Fund's Managed Assets). Convertible preferred securities will be regarded as convertible securities for purposes of these limits. In making allocation decisions, NIAC will consider factors such as interest rate levels, conditions and developing trends in the bond and equity markets, analysis of relative valuations for preferred, convertible and other debt instruments and other economic and market factors, including the overall outlook for the economy and inflation.
The Fund will invest at least 65% of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are investment grade quality. Investment grade quality securities are those securities that, at the time of investment, are (i) rated by at least one of the NRSROs within the four highest grades (Baa or BBB or better by Moody's, S&P or Fitch) or (ii) unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser responsible for the investment. Split-rated securities are considered to be investment grade quality securities, except that to the extent the Fund owns split-rated securities that exceed 10% of its Managed Assets, the excess over 10% will not be considered to be investment grade quality. Initially, the Fund intends to invest approximately 75% of its Managed Assets in investment grade quality securities. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are not investment grade quality. The Fund will only invest in securities that, at the time of investment, are rated B or higher by at least one NRSRO or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser responsible for the investment, except, however, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its Managed Assets in securities with a highest rating of CCC or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser responsible for the investment. Securities of below investment grade quality are
commonly referred to as junk bonds and are regarded as having predominately speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. See "Risk Factors -- General Risks of Investing in the Fund -- High Yield Risk." See Appendix B in the Statement of Additional Information for a description of security ratings.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are illiquid (i.e., securities that are not readily marketable). Initially, the Fund does not intend to invest more than 5% of its Managed Assets in illiquid securities. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers. Subject to this 35% limitation, up to 10% of the Fund's Managed Assets may be invested in securities that are denominated in Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, British pounds or Euros and which may be offered, traded or listed in markets other than U.S. markets. The remainder of the Fund's Managed Assets that may be invested in securities of non-U.S. issuers will be invested in U.S. dollar denominated securities offered, traded or listed in U.S. markets. Initially, the Fund does not intend to invest more than 20% of its Managed Assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers and does not currently intend to invest in the non-U.S. dollar denominated securities described above.
For a more complete discussion of the Fund's initial portfolio composition, see "-- Initial Portfolio Composition."
The Fund cannot change its investment objectives without the approval of the holders of a "majority of the outstanding" Common Shares and FundPreferred shares voting together as a single class, and of the holders of a "majority of the outstanding" FundPreferred shares voting as a separate class. When used with respect to particular shares of the Fund, a "majority of the outstanding" shares means (i) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the shares, whichever is less. See "Description of FundPreferred Shares -- Voting Rights" for additional information with respect to the voting rights of holders of FundPreferred shares.
INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY AND PROCESS
NUVEEN INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORY CORP. (NIAC)
Asset Allocation Philosophy. NIAC is responsible for the overall strategy and asset allocation decisions among the three primary asset classes in which the Fund invests -- preferred securities, convertible securities and other debt instruments. The goal of the allocation decision is to effectively capture the diversification benefits provided by the low return-correlation across these asset classes and provide the potential for high income generation, an opportunity to participate in rising equity markets and some protection against risks associated with rising interest rates. NIAC believes that the opportunity will exist from time to time to potentially enhance the Fund's total return by over-weighting or under-weighting these asset classes as the relative attractiveness of the asset classes changes.
Asset Allocation Process. In determining the Fund's asset allocation, NIAC will periodically consult with the Fund's Subadvisers and other investment manager affiliates of NIAC. NIAC will consider factors such as interest rate levels, market conditions and developing trends in the bond and equity markets, analysis of relative valuations for preferred securities, convertible securities and other debt instruments, and other economic and market factors, including the overall outlook for the economy and inflation.
Investment Philosophy. NIAC is responsible for managing the other debt instruments in which the Fund may invest. NIAC believes that managing risk, particularly in a volatile asset class such as high yield debt, is of paramount importance. NIAC believes that a combination of fundamental credit analysis and valuation information that is available from the equity markets provide a means of identifying what it believes to be superior investment candidates. Additionally, NIAC focuses primarily on liquid securities to help ensure that exit strategies remain available under different market conditions.
Investment Process. NIAC begins with a quantitative screening of the universe to identify investment candidates with favorable capital structures, and then factors in valuation and other equity market
indicators. NIAC screens this universe of securities for liquidity constraints and relative value opportunities to determine investment candidates. Subsequently, the investment team performs rigorous fundamental analysis to identify investments with sound industry fundamentals, cash flow sufficiency and asset quality. The final portfolio is constructed using proprietary risk factors and monitoring systems to ensure proper diversification.
SPECTRUM ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC. (SPECTRUM)
Investment Philosophy. Spectrum's investment philosophy with respect to preferred securities is centered on several underlying themes:
- High levels of current income are the primary return contributor to the total return potential of preferred securities.
- Investing in the subordinated preferred securities of stronger, solidly-rated issuers is potentially more advantageous than owning the senior debt of weaker, potentially deteriorating issuers.
- Investment grade quality preferred securities, over time, present an attractive risk/return opportunity.
- Diversifying across a large number of different industries and issuers helps insulate an overall portfolio of preferred securities from events that affect any particular company or sector.
- Inefficiencies in the preferred securities market, particularly in the pricing and trading of securities, can create opportunities to enhance portfolio value.
Investment Process. Spectrum's investment process begins with macroeconomic and fundamental credit analysis to identify sectors, industries and companies that are potential investments. In its fundamental analysis, Spectrum employs a value-oriented style that considers the relative attractiveness of the security to other preferred securities and to the same issuer's senior debt. In addition, Spectrum evaluates the structural features of each security as well as its liquidity. In its investment decisions, Spectrum also considers the contribution of sectors and individual securities to the overall goal of achieving a well-diversified portfolio.
FROLEY, REVY INVESTMENT CO., INC. (FROLEY, REVY)
Investment Philosophy. Froley, Revy's investment philosophy with respect to convertible securities is centered on the belief that convertible securities are a total return vehicle that afford the opportunity to earn common stock-like returns with substantially reduced risk relative to equities, while providing some current income. The firm believes that focusing on the mid-market sector of the convertible securities market (i.e., securities that have both common stock-like and bond-like investment qualities) while investing opportunistically in the bond-like and equity-like areas of the convertible securities market may enhance total return potential. In addition, the firm believes that because of the hybrid nature of convertible securities, research that emphasizes both fundamental credit analysis and equity valuation analysis can help identify investment opportunities with the greatest potential for enhancing a portfolio's overall total return.
Investment Process. Froley, Revy's investment process begins with screening the universe of convertible securities on certain valuation and structural parameters, including price, yield, premium, calls, equity sensitivity and other factors. On this pool of potential investments, Froley, Revy then conducts credit (bond) analysis and valuation (equity) analysis to identify the most attractive candidates within the universe. Additional inputs into the sector and security selection decisions are top down, macroeconomic analysis of economic, interest rate and other trends and the analysis of the structural characteristics of the individual securities.
Froley, Revy monitors all securities and sectors on an on-going basis to
identify those that fall outside the intended investment range. Positions in
securities that have increased in value and common stock-like qualities may be
reduced to normal position weights or sold entirely based on the fundamental
outlook for
the underlying equity. In addition, Froley, Revy considers significant declines from the purchase prices of securities in determining whether to purchase or sell a particular security.
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
The Fund's portfolio will be composed principally of the following investments. A more detailed description of the Fund's investment policies and restrictions and more detailed information about the Fund's portfolio investments are contained in the Statement of Additional Information.
Preferred Securities. Preferred securities generally pay fixed or adjustable rate dividends to investors, and have a "preference" over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of a company's assets. This means that a company must pay dividends on preferred stock before paying any dividends on its common stock. Preferred stockholders usually have no right to vote for corporate directors or on other matters. The Fund intends that all of the preferred securities in which it will invest will be investment grade quality at the time of investment. The average call protection of the Fund's portfolio allocated to preferred securities is expected to be approximately three to four years.
The Fund intends to invest at least 25% of its Managed Assets in the securities of companies principally engaged in financial services, which are prominent issuers of preferred securities, and is subject to the risks of such concentration. See "-- Financial Service Company Securities."
Taxable Preferred Securities. The Fund intends that most or all of the preferred securities in which it invests will be fully taxable and will not qualify for the Dividends Received Deduction. Pursuant to the Dividends Received Deduction, corporations may generally deduct 70% of the qualifying dividend income they receive. Corporate shareholders of a regulated investment company like the Fund generally are permitted to claim a deduction with respect to that portion of their distributions attributable to amounts received by the regulated investment company that qualify for the Dividends Received Deduction. Taxable preferred securities that are not eligible for the Dividends Received Deduction (often referred to as "hybrid" preferred securities) typically offer additional yield spread versus other types of preferred securities due to this lack of special tax treatment.
Taxable preferred securities are a comparatively new asset class. Taxable preferred securities are typically issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing notes or preferred securities, or by an affiliated business trust of a corporation, generally in the form of beneficial interests in subordinated debentures or similarly structured securities. The taxable preferred securities market consists of both fixed and adjustable coupon rate securities that are either perpetual in nature or have stated maturity dates. The taxable preferred securities market is divided into the "$25 par" and the "institutional" segments. The $25 par segment is typified by securities that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which trade and are quoted "flat", i.e., without accrued dividend income, and which are typically callable at the issuer's option at par value five years after their original issuance date. The institutional segment is typified by $1,000 par value securities that are not exchange-listed, which trade and are quoted on an "accrued income" basis, and which typically have a minimum of 10 years of call protection (at premium prices) from the date of their original issuance.
Taxable preferred securities are typically junior and fully subordinated
liabilities of an issuer or the beneficiary of a guarantee that is junior and
fully subordinated to the other liabilities of the guarantor. In addition,
taxable preferred securities typically permit an issuer to defer the payment of
income for eighteen months or more without triggering an event of default.
Generally, the deferral period is five years or more. Because of their
subordinated position in the capital structure of an issuer, the ability to
defer payments for extended periods of time without adverse consequence to the
issuer, and certain other features (such as restrictions on common dividend
payments by the issuer or ultimate guarantor when cumulative payments on the
taxable preferred securities have not been made), these taxable preferred
securities are often treated as close substitutes for traditional preferred
securities, both by issuers and investors. Taxable preferred securities have
many of the key characteristics of equity due to their subordinated position in
an issuer's capital structure and because their quality and value are heavily
dependent on the profitability of the issuer rather than on any legal claims to
specific assets or cash flows.
Taxable preferred securities include, but are not limited to:((1))
- trust originated preferred securities ("TOPRS(R)");
- monthly income preferred securities ("MIPS(R)");
- quarterly income bond securities ("QUIBS(R)");
- quarterly income debt securities ("QUIDS(R)");
- quarterly income preferred securities ("QUIPS(SM)");
- corporate trust securities ("CORTS(R)");
- public income notes ("PINES(R)"); and
- other trust preferred securities.
Taxable preferred securities are typically issued with a final maturity date, although some are perpetual in nature. In certain instances, a final maturity date may be extended and/or the final payment of principal may be deferred at the issuer's option for a specified time without any adverse consequence to the issuer. No redemption can typically take place unless all cumulative payment obligations have been met, although issuers may be able to engage in open-market repurchases without regard to any cumulative dividends payable. A portion of the portfolio may include investments in non-cumulative preferred securities, whereby the issuer does not have an obligation to make up any arrearages to its shareholders. Should an issuer default on its obligations under such a security, the amount of dividends the Fund pays may be adversely affected.
Many taxable preferred securities are issued by trusts or other special purpose entities established by operating companies and are not a direct obligation of an operating company. At the time a trust or special purpose entity sells its preferred securities to investors, the trust or special purpose entity purchases debt of the operating company (with terms comparable to those of the trust or special purpose entity securities), which enables the operating company to deduct for income tax purposes the interest paid on the debt held by the trust or special purpose entity. The trust or special purpose entity is generally required to be treated as transparent for federal income tax purposes such that the holders of the taxable preferred securities are treated as owning beneficial interests in the underlying debt of the operating company. Accordingly, payments on the taxable preferred securities are treated as interest rather than dividends for federal income tax purposes and, as such, are not eligible for the Dividends Received Deduction. The trust or special purpose entity in turn would be a holder of the operating company's debt and would have priority with respect to the operating company's earnings and profits over the operating company's common shareholders, but would typically be subordinated to other classes of the operating company's debt. Typically a taxable preferred share has a rating that is slightly below that of its corresponding operating company's senior debt securities.
Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred securities or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio or predetermined price (the "conversion price"). Convertible securities have general characteristics similar to both debt securities and common stocks. The interest paid on convertible securities may be fixed or floating rate. Floating rate convertible securities may specify an interest rate or rates that are conditioned upon changes to the market price of the underlying common stock. Convertible securities also may be issued in zero coupon form with an original issue discount. See "Risk Factors -- General Risks of Investing in the Fund -- Convertible Security Risk." Although to a lesser extent than with debt securities, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends
(1) TOPRS is a registered service mark owned by Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. MIPS and QUIDS are registered service marks and QUIPS is a service mark owned by Goldman, Sachs & Co. QUIBS is a registered service mark owned by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. CORTS and PINES are registered service marks owned by Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stocks and, therefore, will also react to the variations in the general market for common stocks. Depending upon the relationship of the conversion price to the market value of the underlying common stock, a convertible security may trade more like a common stock than a debt instrument.
Mandatory convertible securities are distinguished as a subset of convertible securities because they may be called for conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including at a specified price) established upon its issuance. If a mandatory convertible security is called for conversion, the Fund will be required to either convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party.
Convertible securities are investments that typically provide for a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks. There can be no assurance of current income because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations. The convertible securities in which the Fund may invest may be below investment grade quality. See "-- High Yield Securities" below.
Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar credit quality because of the potential for capital appreciation. A convertible security, in addition to providing current income, offers the potential for capital appreciation through the conversion feature, which enables the holder to benefit from any increases in the market price of the underlying common stock.
Synthetic Convertible Securities. Although the Fund does not currently intend to invest in synthetic convertible securities, it may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in such securities. Synthetic convertible securities possess the two principal characteristics of a true convertible security, i.e., a fixed- income security ("fixed-income component") and the right to acquire an equity security ("equity component"). If the Fund invests in synthetic convertible securities, it is expected that the Fund will invest in such synthetic convertible securities that are created by third parties, typically investment banks or other financial institutions. Synthetic convertible securities created by other parties typically trade as a single security with a unitary value, similar to a true convertible security. The Fund may also invest in synthetic convertible securities by acquiring separate securities, one possessing a fixed-income component and the other possessing an equity component. The fixed-income component is achieved by investing in non-convertible, fixed-income securities such as bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks and money market instruments. The equity component is achieved by investing in warrants or options to buy common stock at a certain exercise price, or options on a common stock index. The fixed-income and equity components of such a synthetic convertible security may be issued separately by different issuers and at different times. Unlike a true convertible security or a synthetic convertible security created by third parties, each of which is a single security having a unitary market value, a synthetic convertible security that is comprised of two or more separate securities will have a "market value" that is the sum of the values of its fixed-income component and its equity component. For this reason, the value of such a synthetic convertible security may respond differently to market fluctuations than would a true convertible security or synthetic convertible security created by a third party. The Fund's holdings of synthetic convertible securities, including those created by third parties, are considered convertible securities for purposes of the Fund's policy to invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in preferred securities and convertible securities and the maximum and minimum allocations to preferred securities and convertible securities set forth in "-- Investment Objectives and Policies" above.
Warrants and Options on Securities and Indexes. In connection with its investments in synthetic convertible securities, the Fund may purchase warrants, call options on common stock and call options on common stock indexes. A warrant is a certificate that gives the holder of the warrant the right to buy, at a specified time or specified times, from the issuer of the warrant, the common stock of the issuer at a specified price. A call option is a contract that gives the holder of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from the writer of the option the common stock underlying the option (or the cash value of the common stock index) at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option.
Other Debt Instruments. The Fund may invest in other debt instruments including, but not limited to, corporate bonds, notes and debentures and other similar types of corporate debt instruments, including corporate loans. The form of such other debt instruments may include zero coupon bonds, payment-in-kind securities and structured notes. The debt instruments in which the Fund may invest may be below investment grade quality. See "-- High Yield Securities." The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in these types of other debt securities, as described in more detail below.
Corporate Bonds. Corporate bonds generally are used by corporations as well as governments and other issuers to borrow money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or variable rate of interest and normally must repay the amount borrowed on or before maturity.
Corporate Loans. The Fund may invest (i) in loans made by banks or other financial institutions to corporate issuers or (ii) participation interests in such loans. Corporate loans generally bear interest at rates set at a margin above a generally recognized base lending rate that may fluctuate on a day-to-day basis, in the case of the prime rate of a U.S. bank. Consequently, the value of corporate loans held by the Fund may be expected to fluctuate significantly less than the value of other fixed rate high yield instruments as a result of changes in the interest rate environment. On the other hand, the secondary dealer market for certain corporate loans may not be as well developed as the secondary dealer market for high yield debt and, therefore, presents increased market risk relating to liquidity and pricing concerns. By purchasing a participation interest in a loan, the Fund acquires some or all of the interest of a bank or other financial institution in a loan to a corporate borrower. Purchasing a participation in a corporate loan typically will result in the Fund having a contractual relationship with the lender, not the borrower. In this instance, the Fund would have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the borrower. If the Fund only acquires a participation in a loan made by a third party, the Fund may not be able to control the exercise of any remedies that the lender would have under the corporate loan.
Zero Coupon Bonds and Payment-In-Kind Securities. A zero coupon bond is a bond that does not pay interest either for the entire life of the obligation or for an initial period after the issuance of the obligation. When held to its maturity, its return comes from the difference between the purchase price and its maturity value. Payment-in-kind securities ("PIKs") are debt obligations that pay "interest" or dividends in the form of additional securities of the issuer, instead of in cash. Each of these instruments is normally issued and traded at a deep discount from face value. Zero-coupon bonds and PIKs allow an issuer to avoid or delay the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments and, as a result, may involve greater credit risk than bonds that pay interest currently or in cash. The Fund would be required to distribute the income on any of these instruments as it accrues, even though the Fund will not receive all of the income on a current basis or in cash. Thus, the Fund may have to sell other investments, including when it may not be advisable to do so, to make income distributions to its shareholders.
Structured Notes. The Fund may utilize structured notes and similar instruments for investment purposes and also for hedging purposes. Structured notes are privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a benchmark asset, market or interest rate (an "embedded index"), such as selected securities, an index of securities or specified interest rates, or the differential performance of two assets or markets. The terms of such structured instruments normally provide that their principal and/or interest payments are to be adjusted upwards or downwards (but not ordinarily below zero) to reflect changes in the embedded index while the structured instruments are outstanding. As a result, the interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured product may vary widely, depending on a variety of factors, including the volatility of the embedded index and the effect of changes in the embedded index on principal and/or interest payments. The rate of return on structured notes may be determined by applying a multiplier to the performance or differential performance of the referenced index(es) or other asset(s). Application of a multiplier involves leverage that will serve to magnify the potential for gain and the risk of loss.
No Inverse Floaters. The Fund will not invest in inverse floating rate securities, which are securities that pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in prevailing interest rates and which represent a leveraged investment in an underlying security.
High Yield Securities. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are not investment grade quality. The Fund will only invest in securities that, at the time of investment, are rated B or higher by at least one NRSRO or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser responsible for the investment, except, however, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its Managed Assets in securities with a highest rating of CCC or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser responsible for the investment. Below investment grade quality securities are regarded as having predominately speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal, and are commonly referred to as junk bonds. Issuers of high yield securities may be highly leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of financing. The prices of these lower grade securities typically are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer's revenues or a general economic downturn, than the prices of higher grade securities. The secondary market for high yield securities may not be as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities, a factor which may have an adverse effect on the Fund's ability to dispose of a particular security. There are fewer dealers in the market for high yield securities than for investment grade obligations. The prices quoted by different dealers may vary significantly and the spread between the bid and ask price is generally much larger than for higher quality instruments. Under adverse market or economic conditions, the secondary market for high yield securities could contract further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer, and these instruments may become illiquid. As a result, the Fund could find it more difficult to sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating the Fund's net asset value.
Non-U.S. Securities. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers. Subject to this 35% limitation, up to 10% of the Fund's Managed Assets may be invested in securities that are denominated in Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, British pounds or Euros and which may be offered, traded or listed in markets other than U.S. markets. The remainder of the Fund's Managed Assets that may be invested in securities of non-U.S. issuers will be invested in U.S. dollar denominated securities offered, traded or listed in U.S. markets. Initially, the Fund does not intend to invest more than 20% of its Managed Assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers and does not currently intend to invest in the non-U.S. dollar denominated securities described above. The Fund may invest in any region of the world and invest in companies operating in developed countries such as Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most Western European countries. The Fund does not intend to invest in companies based in emerging markets such as the Far East, Latin America and Eastern Europe. The World Bank and other international agencies define emerging markets based on such factors as trade initiatives, per capita income and level of industrialization. For purposes of the 35% limitation described above, non-U.S. securities include securities represented by American Depository Receipts.
Financial Services Company Securities. The Fund intends to invest at least 25% of its Managed Assets in securities issued by companies "principally engaged" in financial services. A company is "principally engaged" in financial services if it has financial services-related businesses that generate at least 50% of its revenues. Companies in the financial services sector include commercial banks, industrial banks, savings institutions, finance companies, diversified financial services companies, investment banking firms, securities brokerage houses, investment advisory companies, leasing companies, insurance companies and companies providing similar services.
Common Stocks. The Fund does not intend to purchase common stock as part
of its investment strategy. The Fund will have exposure to common stock risks by
virtue of the equity component of the convertible securities in which the Fund
invests. The Fund may hold common stocks in its portfolio upon conversion of a
convertible security, such holdings not normally to exceed 5% of its Managed
Assets. In addition, in keeping with the income focus of the Fund, the Fund
expects to sell any common stock
holdings as soon as practicable after conversion of a convertible security. Common stock generally represents an ownership interest in an issuer. Although common stocks historically have generated higher average returns than fixed-income securities, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common stock held by the Fund. Also, prices of common stocks are sensitive to general movements in the stock market. A drop in the stock market may depress the prices of common stocks held by the Fund or to which it has exposure.
Hedging Transactions. The Fund may use derivatives or other transactions for the purpose of hedging the portfolio's exposure to the risk of increases in interest rates, common stock risk, high yield credit risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. The specific derivative instruments to be used, or other transactions to be entered into, each for hedging purposes may include (i) options and futures contracts, including options on common stock, stock indexes, bonds and bond indexes, stock index futures, bond index futures and related instruments, (ii) short sales of securities that the Fund owns or has the right to acquire through the conversion of securities, (iii) structured notes and similar instruments, (iv) credit derivative instruments and (v) currency exchange transactions. Some, but not all, of the derivative instruments may be traded and listed on an exchange. The positions in derivatives will be marked-to-market daily at the closing price established on the exchange or at a fair value. Except for investing in synthetic convertible securities, the Fund will use derivatives or other transactions described in this paragraph solely for purposes of hedging the Fund's portfolio risks. See "Risk Factors -- General Risks of Investing in the Fund -- Hedging Risk," "Risk Factors -- General Risks of Investing in the Fund -- Counterparty Risk," "-- Synthetic Convertible Securities" and "Other Investment Policies and Techniques" in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information for further information on hedging transactions.
Illiquid Securities. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets
in securities that, at the time of investment, are illiquid (i.e., securities
that are not readily marketable), however, initially, the Fund does not intend
to invest more than 5% of its Managed Assets in such securities. All securities
and other instruments in which the Fund invests will be subject to the 10%
limitation referred to above to the extent they are deemed to be illiquid. For
this purpose, illiquid securities may include, but are not limited to,
restricted securities (securities the disposition of which is restricted under
the federal securities laws), securities that may only be resold pursuant to
Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
that are deemed to be illiquid, and repurchase agreements with maturities in
excess of seven days. The Board of Trustees or its delegate has the ultimate
authority to determine, to the extent permissible under the federal securities
laws, which securities are liquid or illiquid for purposes of this 10%
limitation. The Board of Trustees has delegated to the Advisers the day-to-day
determination of the illiquidity of any security held by the Fund, although it
has retained oversight and ultimate responsibility for such determinations.
Although no definitive liquidity criteria are used, the Board of Trustees has
directed the Advisers to look for such factors as (i) the nature of the market
for a security (including the institutional private resale market; the frequency
of trades and quotes for the security; the number of dealers willing to purchase
or sell the security; the amount of time normally needed to dispose of the
security; and the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of transfer),
(ii) the terms of certain securities or other instruments allowing for the
disposition to a third party or the issuer thereof (e.g., certain repurchase
obligations and demand instruments), and (iii) other relevant factors.
Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the Securities Act. Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than that which prevailed when it decided to sell. Illiquid securities will be priced at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees or its delegate. If, through the appreciation of illiquid securities or the depreciation of liquid securities, the Fund should be in a position where more than 10% of the value of its Managed Assets is invested in
illiquid securities, including restricted securities that are not readily marketable, the Fund will take such steps as are deemed advisable, if any, to protect liquidity.
Short-Term/Long-Term Debt Securities; Defensive Position; Invest-Up Period. Upon an Adviser's recommendation and during temporary defensive periods or in order to keep the Fund's cash fully invested, including the period during which the net proceeds of the offering of Common Shares or FundPreferred shares are being invested, the Fund may deviate from its investment objectives and invest all or any portion of its assets in investment grade debt securities. In such a case, the Fund may not pursue or achieve its investment objectives. In addition, during the temporary periods when the net proceeds of the offering of Common Shares or FundPreferred shares are being invested, the Fund may invest all or a portion of its assets in debt securities of long-term maturities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions. The Fund may buy and sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, making payment or taking delivery at a later date, normally within 15 to 45 days of the trade date. This type of transaction may involve an element of risk because no interest accrues on the securities prior to settlement and, because securities are subject to market fluctuations, the value of the securities at time of delivery may be less (or more) than cost. A separate account of the Fund will be established with its custodian consisting of cash equivalents or liquid securities having a market value at all times at least equal to the amount of the commitment.
Other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies that invest primarily in securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly, or short-term debt securities. The Fund generally expects to invest in other investment companies either during periods when it has large amounts of uninvested cash, such as the period shortly after the Fund receives the proceeds of the offering of its FundPreferred shares, or during periods when there is a shortage of attractive securities of the types in which the Fund may invest in directly available in the market. As an investor in an investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Common Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. The Advisers will take expenses into account when evaluating the investment merits of an investment in the investment company relative to available securities of the types in which the Fund may invest directly. In addition, the securities of other investment companies also may be leveraged and therefore will be subject to the same leverage risks described herein. As described in the section entitled "Risk Factors," the net asset value and market value of leveraged shares will be more volatile and the yield to shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged shares.
Initial Portfolio Composition. If current market conditions persist, the Fund expects that its initial portfolio of preferred securities, convertible securities and other debt instruments will be comprised of securities with the following ratings, or in unrated securities judged by the Adviser responsible for the investment to be of comparable credit quality: 11% in AA or better, 33% in A, 33% in Baa/BBB, 16% in Ba/BB and 7% in B. Initially, the Fund intends to invest approximately 75% of its Managed Assets in investment grade quality securities. Initially, the Fund does not intend to invest more than 5% of its Managed Assets in illiquid securities or more than 20% of its Managed Assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers. In addition, the Fund does not currently intend to invest in the non-U.S. dollar denominated securities described in this Prospectus. The Fund also intends that all of the preferred securities in which it will invest will be investment grade quality at the time of investment. The Fund's intentions may change over time based on market and other conditions beyond the Fund's control and there can be no assurance that the parameters of the initial portfolio composition as described above will be achieved.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to broker-dealers and banks. Any such loan must be continuously secured by collateral in cash or cash equivalents maintained on a current basis in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned by the Fund. The
Fund would continue to receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned, and would also receive an additional return that may be in the form of a fixed fee or a percentage of the collateral. The Fund may pay reasonable fees to persons unaffiliated with the Fund for services in arranging these loans. The Fund would have the right to call the loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice of not more than five business days. The Fund would not have the right to vote the securities during the existence of the loan but would call the loan to permit voting of the securities, if, in an Adviser's judgment, a material event requiring a shareholder vote would otherwise occur before the loan was repaid. In the event of bankruptcy or other default of the borrower, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the loan collateral or recovering the loaned securities and losses, including (a) possible decline in the value of the collateral or in the value of the securities loaned during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, (b) possible subnormal levels of income and lack of access to income during this period, and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund may engage in portfolio trading when considered appropriate, but short-term trading will not be used as the primary means of achieving the Fund's investment objectives. Although the Fund cannot accurately predict its annual portfolio turnover rate, it is not expected to exceed 75% under normal circumstances. However, there are no limits on the rate of portfolio turnover, and investments may be sold without regard to length of time held when, in the opinion of an Adviser, investment considerations warrant such action. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund. High portfolio turnover may result in the realization of net short-term capital gains by the Fund which, when distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. See "Tax Matters."
USE OF LEVERAGE
The Fund intends to use leverage through the issuance of FundPreferred shares, for investment purposes. The Fund currently anticipates its use of leverage to represent approximately 33 1/3% of its total assets, including the proceeds of such leverage. In addition to issuing FundPreferred shares, the Fund may make further use of financial leverage through borrowing, including the issuance of commercial paper or notes. See "Description of FundPreferred Shares" and "Description of Borrowings" below. The Fund employs financial leverage for the purpose of acquiring additional income-producing investments when the Advisers believe that such use of proceeds will enhance the Fund's net income. The amount of outstanding financial leverage may vary with prevailing market or economic conditions. Leverage entails special risks. See "Risk Factors -- Risks of Investing in FundPreferred Shares -- Leverage Risk." The management fee paid to the Advisers will be calculated on the basis of the Fund's Managed Assets, (which includes proceeds of financial leverage), so the fees will be higher when leverage is used.
HEDGING TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may use derivatives or other transactions for the purpose of hedging a portion of its portfolio holdings or in connection with the Fund's use of leverage through its sale of FundPreferred shares or Borrowings.
Portfolio Hedging Transactions. The Fund may use derivatives or other transactions for purposes of hedging the portfolio's exposure to the risk of increases in interest rates, common stock risk, high yield credit risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. The specific derivative instruments to be used, or other transactions to be entered into, each for hedging purposes may include (i) options and futures contracts, including options on common stock, stock indexes, bonds and bond indexes, stock index futures, bond index futures and related instruments, (ii) short sales of securities that the Fund owns or has the right to acquire through the conversion of securities, (iii) structured notes and similar instruments, (iv) credit derivative instruments and (v) currency exchange transactions. Some, but not all, of the derivative instruments may be traded and listed on an exchange. The positions in derivatives will be marked-to-market daily at the closing price established on the relevant exchange or at a fair value. Except for investing in synthetic convertible securities, the Fund will use derivatives or other transactions described in
this paragraph solely for purposes of hedging the Fund's portfolio risks. See "The Fund's Investments -- Portfolio Composition -- Synthetic Convertible Securities."
There may be an imperfect correlation between changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio holdings and hedging positions entered into by the Fund, which may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. In addition, the Fund's success in using hedging instruments is subject to an Adviser's ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedge instruments to the Fund's portfolio holdings or other factors, and there can be no assurance that an Adviser's judgment in this respect will be correct. Consequently, the use of hedging transactions might result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund, whether or not adjusted for risk, than if the Fund had not hedged its portfolio holdings. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Fund will enter into hedging or other transactions at times or under circumstances in which it which it would be advisable to do so. See "Risk Factors -- Hedging Risks."
Options on Securities. In order to hedge against adverse market shifts, the Fund may purchase put and call options on stock, bonds or other securities. In addition, the Fund may seek to hedge a portion of its portfolio investments through writing (i.e., selling) covered put and call options. A put option embodies the right of its purchaser to compel the writer of the option to purchase from the option holder an underlying security or its equivalent at a specified price at any time during the option period. In contrast, a call option gives the purchaser the right to buy the underlying security covered by the option or its equivalent from the writer of the option at the stated exercise price at any time during the option period.
As a holder of a put option, the Fund will have the right to sell the securities underlying the option and as the holder of a call option, the Fund will have the right to purchase the securities underlying the option, in each case at their exercise price at any time prior to the option's expiration date. The Fund may choose to exercise the options it holds, permit them to expire or terminate them prior to their expiration by entering into closing sale or purchase transactions. In entering into a closing sale transaction, the Fund would sell an option of the same series as the one it has purchased. The ability of the Fund to enter into a closing sale transaction with respect to options purchased and to enter into a closing purchase transaction with respect to options sold depends on the existence of a liquid secondary market. There can be no assurance that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund so desires. The Fund's ability to terminate option positions established in the over-the-counter market may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded options and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Fund.
In purchasing a put option, the Fund will seek to benefit from a decline in the market price of the underlying security, while in purchasing a call option, the Fund will seek to benefit from an increase in the market price of the underlying security. If an option purchased is not sold or exercised when it has remaining value, or if the market price of the underlying security remains equal to or greater than the exercise price, in the case of a put, or remains equal to or below the exercise price, in the case of a call, during the life of the option, the option will expire worthless. For the purchase of an option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must decline sufficiently below the exercise price, in the case of a put, and must increase sufficiently above the exercise price, in the case of a call, to cover the premium and transaction costs. Because option premiums paid by the Fund are small in relation to the market value of the instruments underlying the options, buying options can result in additional amounts of leverage to the Fund. The leverage caused by trading in options could cause the Fund's net asset value to be subject to more frequent and wider fluctuation than would be the case if the Fund did not invest in options.
The Fund will receive a premium when it writes put and call options, which increases the Fund's return on the underlying security in the event the option expires unexercised or is closed out at a profit. By writing a call, the Fund will limit its opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option for as long as the Fund's obligation as the writer of the option continues. Upon the exercise of a put option written by the Fund, the Fund may suffer an economic loss equal to the difference between the price at which the Fund is required to purchase the
underlying security and its market value at the time of the option exercise, less the premium received for writing the option. Upon the exercise of a call option written by the Fund, the Fund may suffer an economic loss equal to an amount not less than the excess of the security's market value at the time of the option exercise over the Fund's acquisition cost of the security, less the sum of the premium received for writing the option and the difference, if any, between the call price paid to the Fund and the Fund's acquisition cost of the security. Thus, in some periods the Fund might receive less total return and in other periods greater total return from its hedged positions than it would have received from its underlying securities unhedged.
Options on Stock and Bond Indexes. The Fund may purchase put and call options on stock and bond indexes to hedge against risks of market-wide price movements affecting its assets. In addition, the Fund may write covered put and call options on stock and bond indexes. A stock or bond index measures the movement of a certain group of stocks or bonds by assigning relative values to the stocks or bonds included in the index. Options on a stock or bond index are similar to options on securities. Because no underlying security can be delivered, however, the option represents the holder's right to obtain from the writer, in cash, a fixed multiple of the amount by which the exercise price exceeds (in the case of a put) or is less than (in the case of a call) the closing value of the underlying index on the exercise date. The advisability of using stock or bond index options to hedge against the risk of market-wide movements will depend on the extent of diversification of the Fund's investments and the sensitivity of its investments to factors influencing the underlying index. The effectiveness of purchasing or writing stock or bond index options as a hedging technique will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the Fund's investments correlate with price movements in the stock or bond index selected. In addition, successful use by the Fund of options on stock or bond indexes will be subject to the ability of an Adviser to predict correctly changes in the relationship of the underlying index to the Fund's portfolio holdings. No assurance can be given that the Adviser's judgment in this respect will be correct.
When the Fund writes an option on a stock or bond index, it will establish a segregated account with its custodian in which the Fund will deposit liquid securities in an amount equal to the market value of the option, and will maintain the account while the option is open.
Stock and Bond Index Futures Contracts. The Fund may purchase and sell stock index futures as a hedge against movements in the equity markets. Stock and bond index futures contracts are agreements in which one party agrees to deliver to the other an amount of cash equal to a specific dollar amount times the difference between the value of a specific stock or bond index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the agreement is made. No physical delivery of securities is made.
For example, if an Adviser expects general stock or bond market prices to decline, it might sell a futures contract on a particular stock or bond index. If that index does in fact decline, the value of some or all of the securities in the fund's portfolio may also be expected to decline, but that decrease would be offset in part by the increase in the value of the Fund's position in such futures contract. If, on the other hand, an Adviser expects general stock or bond market prices to rise, it might purchase a stock or bond index futures contract as a hedge against an increase in prices of particular securities it wants ultimately to buy. If in fact the stock or bond index does rise, the price of the particular securities intended to be purchased may also increase, but that increase would be offset in part by the increase in the value of the Fund's futures contract resulting from the increase in the index.
Under regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission currently in effect, which may change from time to time, with respect to futures contracts purchased by the Fund, the Fund will set aside in a segregated account liquid securities with a value at least equal to the value of instruments underlying such futures contracts less the amount of initial margin on deposit for such contracts. The current view of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission is that the Fund's long and short positions in futures contracts must be collateralized with cash or certain liquid assets held in a segregated account or "covered" in order to counter the impact of any potential leveraging.
There are several risks associated with the use of futures contracts and futures options. A purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the futures contract.
While the Fund may enter into futures contracts and options on futures contracts for hedging purposes, the use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts might result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. There may be an imperfect correlation between the Fund's portfolio holdings and futures contracts or options on futures contracts entered into by the Fund, which may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends on circumstances such as: variations in speculative market demand for futures, futures options and the related securities, including technical influences in futures and futures options trading and differences between the securities markets and the securities underlying the standard contracts available for trading. Further, the Fund's use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts to reduce risk involves costs and will be subject to an Adviser's ability to predict correctly changes in interest rate relationships or other factors.
Short Sales. The Fund may make short sales of securities if, at all times when a short position is open, the Fund owns at least an equal amount of such securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, without payment of any further consideration, securities of the same issuer as, and equal in amount to, the securities sold short. This technique is called selling short "against the box."
In a short sale, the Fund will not deliver from its portfolio the securities sold and will not receive immediately the proceeds from the short sale. Instead, the Fund will borrow the securities sold short from a broker-dealer through which the short sale is executed and the broker-dealer will deliver such securities, on behalf of the Fund, to the purchaser of such securities. Such broker-dealer will be entitled to retain the proceeds from the short sale until the Fund delivers to such broker-dealer the securities sold short. In addition, the Fund will be required to pay the broker-dealer the amount of any dividends paid on shares sold short. Finally, to secure its obligation to deliver to such broker-dealer the securities sold short, the Fund must deposit and continuously maintain in a separate account with its custodian an equivalent amount of the securities sold short or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such securities without the payment of additional consideration. The Fund is said to have a short position in the securities sold until it delivers to the broker-dealer the securities sold, at which time the Fund will receive the proceeds of the sale. Because the Fund ordinarily will want to continue to hold securities in its portfolio that are sold short, the Fund will normally close out a short position by purchasing on the open market and delivering to the broker-dealer an equal amount of the securities sold short, rather than by delivering portfolio securities.
Short sales may protect the Fund against the risk of losses in the value of its portfolio securities because any unrealized losses with respect to such portfolio securities should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding gain in the short position. However, any potential gain in such portfolio securities should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding loss in the short position. The extent to which such gains or losses are offset will depend upon the amount of securities sold short relative to the amount the Fund owns, either directly or indirectly, and, in the case where the Fund owns convertible securities, changes in the conversion premium. The Fund will incur transaction costs in connection with short sales.
In addition to enabling the Fund to hedge against market risk, short sales may afford the Fund an opportunity to earn additional current income to the extent the Fund is able to enter into arrangements with broker-dealers through which the short sales are executed to receive income with respect to the proceeds of the short sales during the period the Fund's short positions remain open.
The Code imposes constructive sale treatment for federal income tax purposes on certain hedging strategies with respect to appreciated financial positions. Under these rules, taxpayers will recognize gain, but not loss, with respect to securities if they enter into short sales or "offsetting notional principal contracts" (as defined by the Code) with respect to, or futures or forward contracts to deliver, the same or substantially identical property, or if they enter into such transactions and then acquire the same or substantially identical property. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to promulgate regulations that will treat as constructive sales certain transactions that have substantially the same effect as these transactions.
Structured Notes. The Fund may use structured notes and similar instruments for hedging purposes. Structured notes are privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a benchmark asset, market or interest rate (an "embedded index"), such as selected securities, an index of securities or specified interest rates or the differential performance of two assets or markets. The terms of such structured instruments normally provide that their principal and/or interest payments are to be adjusted upwards or downwards (but not ordinarily below zero) to reflect changes in the embedded index while the structured instruments are outstanding. As a result, the interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured product may vary widely, depending on a variety of factors, including the volatility of the embedded index and the effect of changes in the embedded index on principal and/or interest payments. The rate of return on structured notes may be determined by applying a multiplier to the performance or differential performance of the referenced index(es) or other asset(s). Application of a multiplier involves leverage that will serve to magnify the potential for gain and the risk of loss.
Credit Derivative Instruments. The Fund may purchase credit derivative instruments for the purpose of hedging the Fund's credit risk exposure to certain issuers of securities that the Fund owns. For example, the Fund may enter into credit swap default contracts for hedging purposes where the Fund would be the buyer of such a contract. The Fund would be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract in the event of a default by a third party, such as a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer, on the debt obligation. In return, the Fund would pay to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would have spent the stream of payments and received no benefit from the contract.
Currency Exchange Transactions. The Fund may enter into currency exchange transactions to hedge the Fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the event the Fund invests in non-U.S. denominated securities of non-U.S. issuers as described in this Prospectus. The Fund's currency transactions will be limited to portfolio hedging involving portfolio positions. Portfolio hedging is the use of a forward contract with respect to a portfolio security position denominated or quoted in a particular currency. A forward contract is an agreement to purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified future date (or within a specified time period) and price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are usually entered into with banks, foreign exchange dealers or broker-dealers, are not exchange-traded, and are usually for less than one year, but may be renewed.
At the maturity of a forward contract to deliver a particular currency, the Fund may either sell the portfolio security related to such contract and make delivery of the currency, or it may retain the security and either acquire the currency on the spot market or terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the currency by purchasing an offsetting contract with the same currency trader obligating it to purchase on the same maturity date the same amount of the currency.
It is impossible to forecast with absolute precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration of a forward contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for the Fund to purchase additional currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security is less than the amount of currency that the Fund is obligated to deliver and if a decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security if its market value exceeds the amount of currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.
If the Fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been movement in forward contract prices. If the Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward contract to sell the currency. Should forward prices decline during the period between the Fund's entering into a forward contract for the sale of a currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, the Fund will suffer a
loss to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell. A default on the contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits or force the Fund to cover its commitments for purchase or sale of currency, if any, at the current market price.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. Moreover, it may not be possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates. The cost to the Fund of engaging in currency exchange transactions varies with such factors as the currency involved, the length of the contract period, and prevailing market conditions. Since currency exchange transactions are usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved.
The Fund also may invest in relatively new instruments without a significant trading history for purposes of hedging the Fund's portfolio risks. See "Other Investment Policies and Techniques" in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information for further information on hedging transactions.
Interest Rate Transactions. In connection with the Fund's use of leverage through its sale of FundPreferred shares or Borrowings, the Fund, if market conditions are deemed favorable, likely will enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions to attempt to protect itself from increasing dividend or interest expenses on its FundPreferred shares or Borrowings. Interest rate swaps involve the Fund's agreement with the swap counterparty to pay a fixed rate payment in exchange for the counterparty agreeing to pay the Fund a payment at a variable rate that is expected to approximate the rate on the Fund's variable rate payment obligation on FundPreferred shares or any variable rate Borrowings. The payment obligations would be based on the notional amount of the swap. The Fund's payment obligations under the swap are general unsecured obligations of the Fund and are ranked senior to distributions under the Common Shares and FundPreferred shares.
The Fund may use an interest rate cap, which would require it to pay a premium to the cap counterparty and would entitle it, to the extent that a specified variable rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, to receive from the counterparty payment of the difference based on the notional amount of such cap. The Fund would use interest rate swaps or caps only with the intent to reduce or eliminate the risk that an increase in short-term interest rates could have on Common Share net earnings as a result of leverage.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps or caps on a net basis; that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Fund intends to maintain in a segregated account with its custodian cash or liquid securities having a value at least equal to the Fund's net payment obligations under any swap transaction, marked-to-market daily. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may be required to pledge the assets in such segregated account to the counter- party.
The use of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. The Fund has no current intention of selling an interest rate swap or cap. The Fund will not enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions in an aggregate notional amount that exceeds the outstanding amount of the Fund's leverage.
Interest rate swaps and caps do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to interest rate swaps is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the swap or cap to offset the dividend payments on FundPreferred shares or interest payments on Borrowings. Depending on whether the Fund would be entitled to receive net payments from the counterparty on the swap or cap, which in turn would depend on the general state of short-term interest rates at that point in time, such a default could
negatively impact the Fund's ability to make dividend payments on the FundPreferred shares or interest payments on Borrowings.
Although this will not guarantee that the counterparty does not default, the Fund will not enter into an interest rate swap or cap transaction with any counterparty that NIAC believes does not have the financial resources to honor its obligation under the interest rate swap or cap transaction. Further, NIAC will continually monitor the financial stability of a counterparty to an interest rate swap or cap transaction in an effort to proactively protect the Fund's investments.
In addition, at the time the interest rate swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it could have a negative impact the Fund's ability to make dividend payments on the FundPreferred shares or interest payments on Borrowings.
The Fund may choose or be required to redeem some or all FundPreferred shares or prepay any Borrowings. This redemption would likely result in the Fund seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap or cap transaction. Such early termination of a swap could result in a termination payment by or to the Fund. An early termination of a cap could result in a termination payment to the Fund.
RISK FACTORS
Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in any investment company security involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment or even that you may lose part or all of your investment. Therefore, before investing you should consider carefully the following risks that you assume when you invest in FundPreferred shares.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN FUNDPREFERRED SHARES
Interest Rate Risk. The Fund issues FundPreferred shares, which pay dividends based on short-term interest rates. The Fund generally will purchase preferred, convertible and debt securities that pay fixed or adjustable rate dividends. If short-term interest rates rise, dividend rates on the FundPreferred shares may rise so that the amount of dividends paid to stockholders of FundPreferred shares exceeds the income from the Fund's portfolio securities. Because income from the Fund's entire investment portfolio (not just the portion of the portfolio purchased with the proceeds of the FundPreferred shares offering) is available to pay dividends on the FundPreferred shares, dividend rates on the FundPreferred shares would need to greatly exceed the Fund's net portfolio income before the Fund's ability to pay dividends on the FundPreferred shares would be jeopardized. If market interest rates rise, this could negatively impact the value of the Fund's investment portfolio, reducing the amount of assets serving as asset coverage for the FundPreferred shares. The Fund anticipates entering into interest rate swap or cap transactions with the intent to reduce or eliminate the risk posed by an increase in market interest rates. There is no guarantee that the Fund will engage in these transactions or that these transactions will be successful in reducing or eliminating interest rate risk.
Auction Risk. You may not be able to sell your FundPreferred shares at an auction if the auction fails; that is, if there are more FundPreferred shares offered for sale than there are buyers for those shares. Also, if you place hold orders (orders to retain FundPreferred shares) at an auction only at a specified rate, and that bid rate exceeds the rate set at the auction, you will not retain your FundPreferred shares. Finally, if you buy shares or elect to retain shares without specifying a rate below which you would not wish to continue to hold those shares, and the auction sets a below-market rate, you may receive a lower rate of return on your shares than the market rate. See "Description of FundPreferred Shares" and "The Auction -- Auction Procedures."
Secondary Market Risk. If you try to sell your FundPreferred shares between auctions, you may not be able to sell any or all of your shares, or you may not be able to sell them for $25,000 per share or $25,000 per share plus accumulated dividends. If the Fund has designated a special dividend period (a rate period other than seven (7) days), changes in interest rates could affect the price you would receive if you sold your shares in the secondary market. Broker-dealers that maintain a secondary trading market for FundPreferred shares are not required to maintain this market, and the Fund is not required to redeem shares either if an auction or an attempted secondary market sale fails because of a lack of buyers. FundPreferred shares are not registered on a stock exchange or the NASDAQ stock market. If you sell your FundPreferred shares to a broker-dealer between auctions, you may receive less than the price you paid for them, especially when market interest rates have risen since the last auction.
Ratings and Asset Coverage Risk. While Moody's and Fitch assign ratings of "Aaa" and "AAA," respectively, to FundPreferred shares, the ratings do not eliminate or necessarily mitigate the risks of investing in FundPreferred shares. A rating agency could downgrade FundPreferred shares, which may make your shares less liquid at an auction or in the secondary market, though probably with higher resulting dividend rates. If a rating agency downgrades FundPreferred shares, the Fund will alter its portfolio or redeem FundPreferred shares. The Fund may voluntarily redeem FundPreferred shares under certain circumstances. See "Description of FundPreferred Shares -- Asset Maintenance" for a description of the asset maintenance tests the Fund must meet.
Inflation Risk. Inflation is the reduction in the purchasing power of money resulting from the increase in the price of goods and services. Inflation risk is the risk that the inflation adjusted (or "real") value of your FundPreferred shares investment or the income from that investment will be worth less in the future. As inflation occurs, the real value of the FundPreferred shares and distributions declines. In an inflationary period, however, it is expected that, through the auction process, FundPreferred shares dividend rates would increase, tending to offset this risk.
Decline in Net Asset Value Risk. A material decline in the Fund's net asset value may impair the Fund's ability to maintain required levels of asset coverage. For a description of risks affecting the Fund, please see "-- General Risks of Investing in the Fund" below.
Payment Restrictions. The Fund is prohibited from declaring, paying or making any dividends or distributions on FundPreferred shares unless it satisfies certain conditions. See "Description of FundPreferred Shares -- Restrictions on Dividend, Redemption and Other Payments." The Fund is also prohibited from declaring, paying or making any dividends or distributions on Common Shares unless it satisfies certain conditions. These prohibitions on the payment of dividends or distributions might impair the Fund's ability to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. The Fund intends, however, to redeem shares of FundPreferred shares if necessary to comply with the asset coverage requirements. There can be no assurance, however, that such redemptions can be effected in time to permit the Fund to distribute its income as required to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company under the Code. See "Tax Matters -- Federal Income Tax Treatment of the Fund."
Leverage Risk. The Fund uses financial leverage for investment purposes in an amount currently anticipated to represent approximately 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the proceeds from such financial leverage). In addition to issuing FundPreferred shares, the Fund may make further use of financial leverage through borrowing, including the issuance of commercial paper or notes. In addition, the Fund may also borrow funds (a) in connection with a loan made by a bank or other party that is privately arranged and not intended to be publicly distributed or (b) in an amount equal to up to 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes only.
If the Fund issues any senior securities representing indebtedness (as defined in the 1940 Act) under the requirements of the 1940 Act, the value of the Fund's total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness of the Fund not represented by such senior securities, must be at least equal, immediately after any such senior securities representing indebtedness, to 300% of the aggregate value of such senior securities. Upon the issuance of FundPreferred shares, the value of the Fund's total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness of the Fund not represented by senior securities must be at least equal, immediately after the issuance of the FundPreferred shares, to 200% of the aggregate value of any senior securities and the FundPreferred shares.
If the Fund seeks an investment grade rating from one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations for any commercial paper and notes (which the Fund expects to do if it issues any such commercial paper or notes), asset coverage or portfolio composition provisions in addition to and more stringent than those required by the 1940 Act may be imposed in connection with the issuance of such a rating. In addition, restrictions may be imposed on certain investment practices in which the Fund may otherwise engage. Any lender with respect to borrowings by the Fund may require additional asset coverage and portfolio composition provisions as well as restrictions on the Fund's investment practices.
The money borrowed pursuant to any Borrowings may constitute a substantial lien and burden on the FundPreferred shares by reason of their prior claim against the income of the Fund and against the net assets of the Fund in liquidation. The Fund may not be permitted to declare dividends or other distributions, including with respect to FundPreferred shares, or purchase or redeem shares, including FundPreferred shares unless (i) at the time thereof the Fund meets certain asset coverage requirements and (ii) there is no event of default under any Borrowings, that is continuing. See "Description of FundPreferred Shares -- Restrictions on Dividend, Redemption and Other Payments." In the event of a default under any Borrowings, the lenders may have the right to cause a liquidation of the collateral (i.e.,
sell portfolio securities) and if any such default is not cured, the lenders may be able to control the liquidation as well.
The Fund reserves the right at any time, if it believes that market conditions are appropriate, to increase its level of debt or other senior securities to maintain or increase the Fund's current level of leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and existing agreements between the Fund and third parties.
Because the fee paid to the Advisers will be calculated on the basis of Managed Assets, the fee will be higher when leverage is utilized, giving the Advisers an incentive to utilize leverage.
GENERAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
Limited Operating History. The Fund is a recently organized, diversified, closed-end management investment company with a limited operating history.
Investment Risk and Interest Rate Risk. Your investment in the FundPreferred shares represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund, most of which are traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter markets. The value of these securities, like other market investments, may move up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably.
Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed-income securities such as preferred, convertible and other debt securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of such securities generally will fall. The Fund's investment in such securities means that the net asset value of the Fund will tend to decline if market interest rates rise.
During periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a security may exercise its option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is known as call or prepayment risk. Preferred and debt securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer to repurchase the security prior to its stated maturity. An issuer may redeem an obligation if the issuer can refinance the debt at a lower cost due to declining interest rates or an improvement in the credit standing of the issuer. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected principal payments. This may lock in a below market interest rate, increase the security's duration and reduce the value of the security. This is known as extension risk.
Market interest rates for investment grade fixed-income securities have recently declined significantly below the recent historical average rates for such securities. This decline may have increased the risk that these rates will rise in the future (which would cause the value of the Fund's net assets to decline) and the degree to which asset values may decline in such events; however, historical interest rate levels are not necessarily predictive of future interest rate levels.
Credit Risk; Subordination. Credit risk is the risk that a security in the Fund's portfolio will decline in price or fail to make dividend or interest payments when due because the issuer of the security experiences a decline in its financial status. Such credit risk is generally greater for issuers of high yield securities. The Fund may also invest in split-rated securities. Split-rated securities are those securities that, at the time of investment, are rated below investment grade by Moody's, S&P or Fitch, so long as at least one NRSRO rates such securities within the four highest grades. Split-rated securities are considered to be investment grade quality securities, except that to the extent the Fund owns split-rated securities that exceed 10% of its Managed Assets, the excess over 10% will not be considered to be investment grade quality. A split-rated security may be regarded by one NRSRO (but by definition not by all NRSROs) as having predominately speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal, and accordingly subject to a greater risk of default. The prices of split-rated securities, in the view of one but not all NRSROs, may be more sensitive to negative developments, than securities without a split-rating such as a decline in the issuer's revenues or a general economic downturn.
Preferred and convertible securities are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments.
High Yield Risk. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are not investment grade quality. The Fund will only invest in securities that, at the time of investment, are rated B or higher by at least one NRSRO or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser responsible for the investment, except, however, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its Managed Assets in securities with a highest rating of CCC or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser responsible for the investment. Securities of below investment grade quality are regarded as having predominately speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal, and are commonly referred to as junk bonds. Issuers of high yield securities may be highly leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of financing. The prices of these lower grade securities are typically more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer's revenues or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of higher grade securities. The secondary market for high yield securities may not be as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities, a factor which may have an adverse effect on the Fund's ability to dispose of a particular security. There are fewer dealers in the market for high yield securities than for investment grade obligations. The prices quoted by different dealers may vary significantly and the spread between the bid and ask price is generally much larger than for higher quality instruments. Under adverse market or economic conditions, the secondary market for high yield securities could contract further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer, and these instruments may become illiquid. As a result, the Fund could find it more difficult to sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating the Fund's net asset value.
Convertible Security Risk. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible fixed-income securities of similar credit quality because of the potential for capital appreciation. The market values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. However, a convertible security's market value also tends to reflect the market price of the common stock of the issuing company, particularly when the stock price is greater than the convertible security's conversion price. The conversion price is defined as the predetermined price or exchange ratio at which the convertible security can be converted or exchanged for the underlying common stock. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines below the conversion price, the price of the convertible security tends to be increasingly influenced more by the yield of the convertible security than by the market price of the underlying common stock. Thus, it may not decline in price to the same extent as the underlying common stock, and convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stocks. However, mandatory convertible securities (as discussed below) generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. In the event of a liquidation of the issuing company, holders of convertible securities would be paid before that company's common stockholders. Consequently, an issuer's convertible securities generally entail less risk than its common stock. However, convertible securities fall below debt obligations of the same issuer in order of preference or priority in the event of a liquidation and are typically unrated or rated lower than such debt obligations. See "-- Credit Risk; Subordination." In addition, contingent payment convertible securities allow the issuer to claim deductions based on its nonconvertible cost of debt, which generally will result in deductions in excess of the actual cash payments made on the securities (and accordingly, holders will recognize income in amounts in excess of the cash payments received).
Mandatory convertible securities are distinguished as a subset of convertible securities because the conversion is not optional and the conversion price at maturity is based solely upon the market price of the underlying common stock, which may be significantly less than par or the price (above or below par) paid. For these reasons, the risks associated with investing in mandatory convertible securities most closely
resemble the risks inherent in common stocks. Mandatory convertible securities customarily pay a higher coupon yield to compensate for the potential risk of additional price volatility and loss upon conversion. Because the market price of a mandatory convertible security increasingly corresponds to the market price of its underlying common stock as the convertible security approaches its conversion date, there can be no assurance that the higher coupon will compensate for the potential loss. See "-- Common Stock Risk" below.
Synthetic Convertible Security Risk. Although the Fund does not currently intend to invest in synthetic convertible securities, it may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in such securities. The Fund may invest in synthetic convertible securities created by third parties that, similar to true convertible securities, typically trade as a single security with a unitary value. The Fund may also invest in synthetic convertible securities by acquiring separate securities, one possessing a fixed-income component and the other possessing an equity component. The value of a synthetic convertible security that is comprised of separate securities, may respond differently to market fluctuations than a true convertible security or a synthetic convertible security traded as a single security because each separate security comprising such a synthetic convertible security has its own market value. In addition, because the equity component may be synthetically achieved by investing in warrants or options to buy common stock at a certain exercise price, or options on a common stock index, synthetic convertible securities are subject to the risks associated with warrants and options. In addition, if the value of the underlying common stock or the level of the index involved in the equity component falls below the exercise price of the warrant or option, the warrant or option may lose all value. See "-- Convertible Security Risk."
The Fund will be subject to the risks of warrants and options to the extent it invests in synthetic convertible securities that use warrants or options on common stocks or common stock indexes as their equity components. The Fund's investments in warrants and options involve risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in convertible securities. Warrants and options are subject to a number of risks associated with derivative instruments generally and described elsewhere in this Prospectus such as illiquidity risks and risks associated with investments in common stocks. They also involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation, the risk of ambiguous documentation, and the risk that changes in the value of a warrant or option may not correlate perfectly with the underlying common stock or common stock index.
Concentration Risk. The Fund intends to invest at least 25% of its Managed Assets in securities of companies principally engaged in financial services. This policy makes the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic or regulatory occurrences affecting that sector.
Concentration of investments in the financial services sector includes the following risks:
- regulatory actions -- financial services companies may suffer a setback if regulators change the rules under which they operate;
- changes in interest rates -- unstable interest rates can have a disproportionate effect on the financial services sector;
- concentration of loans -- financial services companies whose securities the Fund may purchase may themselves have concentrated portfolios, such as a high level of loans to real estate developers, which makes them vulnerable to economic conditions that affect that sector; and
- competition -- financial services companies have been affected by increased competition, which could adversely affect the profitability and viability of such companies.
Non-U.S. Securities Risk. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers. Subject to this 35% limitation, up to 10% of the Fund's Managed Assets may be invested in securities that are denominated in Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, British pounds or Euros and which may be offered, traded or listed in markets other than U.S. markets. The remainder of the Fund's Managed Assets that may be invested in securities of non-U.S. issuers will be invested in U.S. dollar denominated securities offered, traded or listed in U.S. markets. Initially, the Fund does not intend to
invest more than 20% of its Managed Assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers and
does not currently intend to invest in the non-U.S. dollar denominated
securities described above. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers
involve special risks not presented by investments in securities of U.S.
issuers, including the following: (i) less publicly available information about
non-U.S. issuers or markets due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting
standards or regulatory practices; (ii) many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less
liquid and more volatile meaning that in a changing market, an Adviser may not
be able to sell the Fund's portfolio securities at times, in amounts and at
prices it considers reasonable; (iii) potential adverse effects of fluctuations
in currency exchange rates or controls on the value of the Fund's investments;
(iv) the economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than expected
or may experience a downturn or recession; (v) the impact of economic,
political, social or diplomatic events; (vi) possible seizure; expropriation or
nationalization of the company or its assets; (vii) certain non-U.S. countries
may impose restrictions on the ability of non-U.S. issuers to make payments of
principal and/or interest to investors located outside the U.S., due to blockage
of foreign currency exchanges or otherwise; and (viii) withholding and other
non-U.S. taxes may decrease the Fund's return. Although an Adviser may hedge the
Fund's exposure to certain of these risks, including the foreign currency
exchange rate risk, there can be no assurance that the Fund will enter into
hedging transactions at any time or at times or under circumstances in which it
might be advisable to do so.
Economies and social and political climates in individual countries may differ unfavorably from the United States. Non-U.S. economies may have less favorable rates of growth of gross domestic product, rates of inflation, currency valuation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments positions. Many countries have experienced substantial, and in some cases extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Unanticipated political and social developments may also affect the values of the Fund's investments and the availability to the Fund of additional investments in such countries.
Common Stock Risk. The Fund will have exposure to common stocks by virtue of the equity component of the convertible securities in which the Fund invests. The Fund may hold common stocks in its portfolio upon conversion of a convertible security, such holdings not normally to exceed 5% of the Fund's Managed Assets. In addition, in keeping with the income focus of the Fund, the Fund expects to sell any common stock holdings as soon as practicable after conversion of a convertible security. Although common stocks historically have generated higher average returns than fixed-income securities, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common stock held by the Fund. Also, the price of common stock is sensitive to general movements in the stock market. A drop in the stock market may depress the price of common stocks held by the Fund or to which it has exposure.
Hedging Risk. The Fund may use derivatives or other transactions for purposes of hedging the portfolio's exposure to the risk of increases in interest rates, common stock risk, high yield credit risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk that could result in poorer overall performance for the Fund. There may be an imperfect correlation between the Fund's portfolio holdings and such derivatives, which may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended consequences of the applicable transaction or expose the Fund to risk of loss. Further, the Fund's use of derivatives or other transactions to reduce risk involves costs and will be subject to an Adviser's ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedging instruments to the Fund's portfolio holdings or other factors. No assurance can be given that such Adviser's judgment in this respect will be correct. Consequently, the use of hedging transactions might result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund, whether or not adjusted for risk, than if the Fund had not hedged its portfolio holdings. In addition, no assurance can be given that the Fund will enter into hedging transactions at times or under circumstances in which it would be advisable to do so. See "Hedging Transactions" and "Other Investment Policies and Techniques" in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information. Except for investing in synthetic convertible securities, the Fund will use derivatives or other transactions described above solely for purposes of hedging the Fund's portfolio risks.
Counterparty Risk. The Fund may be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to certain derivative agreements entered into by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may
experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.
Interest Rate Transactions Risk. The Fund may enter into an interest rate swap or cap transaction to attempt to protect itself from increasing dividend or interest expenses on its FundPreferred shares or Borrowings resulting from increasing short-term interest rates. A decline in interest rates may result in a decline in the value of the swap or cap, which may result in a decline in the net asset value of the Fund. See "Use of Leverage," "Hedging Transactions" and "Other Investment Policies and Techniques" in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
Certain Risks Related to Preferred Securities.
Limited Voting Rights. Generally, preferred security holders (such as the Fund) have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may elect a number of directors to the issuer's board. Generally, once all the arrearages have been paid, the preferred security holders no longer have voting rights. In the case of certain taxable preferred securities, holders generally have no voting rights, except (i) if the issuer fails to pay dividends for a specified period of time or (ii) if a declaration of default occurs and is continuing. In such an event, rights of preferred security holders generally would include the right to appoint and authorize a trustee to enforce the trust or special purpose entity's rights as a creditor under the agreement with its operating company.
Special Redemption Rights. In certain varying circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may redeem the securities prior to a specified date. For instance, for certain types of preferred securities, a redemption may be triggered by a change in federal income tax or securities laws. As with call provisions, a redemption by the issuer may negatively impact the return of the security held by the Fund.
New Types of Securities. From time to time, preferred securities and convertible securities have been, and may in the future be, offered having features other than those described herein. The Fund reserves the right to invest in these securities if the Adviser responsible for the investment believes that doing so would be consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and policies. Because the market for these instruments would be new, the Fund may have difficulty disposing of them at a suitable price and time. In addition to limited liquidity, these instruments may present other risks, such as high price volatility.
Corporate Loan Risk. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in other debt instruments, including corporate loans. Corporate loans in which the Fund may invest may not be rated by a NRSRO at the time of investment, generally will not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and generally will not be listed on a securities exchange. In addition, the amount of public information available with respect to corporate loans generally will be less extensive than that available for more widely rated, registered and exchange-listed securities. Because the interest rates of corporate loans reset frequently, if market interest rates fall, the loans' interest rates will be reset to lower levels, potentially reducing the Fund's income. No active trading market currently exists for many corporate loans in which the Fund may invest and, thus, they are relatively illiquid. As a result, corporate loans generally are more difficult to value than more liquid securities for which a trading market exists.
The Fund also may purchase a participation interest in a corporate loan and by doing so acquire some or all of the interest of a bank or other lending institution in a loan to a corporate borrower. A participation typically will result in the Fund having a contractual relationship only with the lender, not the borrower. In this instance, the Fund will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the borrower. If the Fund only acquires a participation in the loan made by a third party, the Fund may not be able to control the exercise of any remedies that the lender would have
under the corporate loan. Such third party participation arrangements are designed to give corporate loan investors preferential treatment over high yield investors in the event of a deterioration in the credit quality of the issuer. Even when these arrangements exist, however, there can be no assurance that the principal and interest owed on the corporate loan will be repaid in full.
Illiquid Securities Risk. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are illiquid. Illiquid securities are securities that are not readily marketable and may include some restricted securities, which are securities that may not be resold to the public without an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 or, if they are unregistered, may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Illiquid securities involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by the Fund or at prices approximating the value at which the Fund is carrying the securities on its books.
Market Disruption Risk. Certain events have a disruptive effect on the securities markets, such as terrorist attacks (including the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11, 2001), war and other geopolitical events. The Fund cannot predict the effects of similar events in the future on the U.S. economy. High yield securities and securities of issuers with smaller market capitalization tend to be more volatile than higher rated securities and securities of issuers with larger market capitalization so that these events and any actions resulting from them may have a greater impact on the prices and volatility of high yield securities and securities of issuers with smaller market capitalization than on higher rated securities and securities of issuers with larger market capitalization.
Certain Affiliations. Certain broker-dealers may be considered to be affiliated persons of the Fund, NIAC, Spectrum, Froley, Revy and/or Nuveen. Absent an exemption from the Securities and Exchange Commission or other regulatory relief, the Fund is generally precluded from effecting certain principal transactions with affiliated brokers, and its ability to purchase securities being underwritten by an affiliated broker or a syndicate including an affiliated broker, or to utilize affiliated brokers for agency transactions, is subject to restrictions. This could limit the Fund's ability to engage in securities transactions and take advantage of market opportunities. In addition, unless and until the underwriting syndicate is broken in connection with the initial public offering of the FundPreferred shares, the Fund will be precluded from effecting principal transactions with brokers who are members of the syndicate.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the management of the Fund, including supervision of the duties performed by the Advisers. The names and business addresses of the trustees and officers of the Fund and their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years are set forth under "Management of the Fund" in the Statement of Additional Information.
INVESTMENT ADVISER AND SUBADVISERS
NIAC will be responsible for determining the Fund's overall investment strategy, including portfolio allocations, and the use of leverage, hedging and interest rate transactions. NIAC also is responsible for the selection of the Subadvisers and ongoing monitoring of the Subadvisers, managing the Fund's business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services.
NIAC, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, is the investment adviser to the Fund and is responsible for managing the portion of the Fund's assets allocated to other debt instruments. NIAC and its affiliate Nuveen Advisory Corp. serve as investment advisers to investment portfolios with approximately $50 billion in assets under management as of January 31, 2003. See the Statement of Additional Information under "Investment Advisers."
NIAC, a registered investment adviser, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. Founded in 1898, Nuveen Investments, Inc. and its affiliates had approximately $80 billion of assets under management as of January 31, 2003. Nuveen Investments, Inc. is a publicly-traded company and a
majority-owned subsidiary of The St. Paul Companies, Inc., a publicly-traded company that is principally engaged in providing property-liability insurance through subsidiaries.
Deepak Gulrajani, Gunther Stein and Lenny Mason are the portfolio managers at NIAC responsible for investing the portion of the Fund's assets allocated to other debt instruments. Mr. Gulrajani is a Managing Director of NIAC. He also is the Director, Fixed-Income Strategies, and a Principal of Symphony Asset Management, LLC ("Symphony"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. Mr. Stein is a Vice President of NIAC. He also has been lead portfolio manager for high yield strategies at Symphony since 1999. Prior to joining Symphony in 1999, Mr. Stein was a high yield portfolio manager at Wells Fargo. Mr. Mason is a Vice President of NIAC. He also is a high yield portfolio manager at Symphony. Prior to joining Symphony in 2001, Mr. Mason was a Managing Director of FleetBoston's Technology and Communications Group.
Spectrum, 4 High Ridge Park, Stamford, Connecticut 06905, is a Subadviser to the Fund and is responsible for managing the portion of the Fund's assets allocated to preferred securities. Spectrum specializes in the management of diversified preferred security portfolios for institutional investors, including Fortune 500 companies, pension funds, insurance companies and foundations. Spectrum, a registered investment adviser, commenced operations in 1987 and had approximately $6.2 billion in assets under management as of January 31, 2003.
Spectrum is an independently managed wholly owned subsidiary of Principal Global Investors, LLC, which is part of Principal Financial Group Inc., a publicly traded, diversified, insurance and financial services company. Collectively, subsidiaries and affiliates of Principal Global Investors, LLC managed over $90 billion in combined assets worldwide as of January 31, 2003.
A team of Spectrum professionals led by Mark A. Lieb, Bernard M. Sussman and L. Phillip Jacoby, IV is responsible for investing the portion of the Fund's assets allocated to preferred securities. Mr. Lieb is an Executive Director and the Chief Financial Officer of Spectrum. Mr. Sussman is an Executive Director and the Chief Investment Officer of Spectrum and is Chairman of Spectrum's Investment Committee. Mr. Jacoby is a Senior Vice President of Spectrum. As a subsidiary of Principal Global Investors, LLC, Spectrum also can take advantage of Principal's extensive staff of internal credit analysts. See "The Fund's Investments -- Investment Philosophy and Process."
Spectrum may act as broker for the Fund in connection with the purchase or sale of preferred securities by or to the Fund if and to the extent permitted by procedures adopted from time to time by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Board of Trustees, including a majority of the trustees who are not "interested" trustees, has determined that portfolio transactions for the Fund may be executed through Spectrum if, in the judgment of NIAC and Spectrum, the use of Spectrum is likely to result in prices and execution at least as favorable to the Fund as would be available from other qualified brokers and if, in such transactions, Spectrum charges the Fund commission rates at least as favorable to the Fund as those charged by Spectrum to comparable unaffiliated customers in similar transactions. The Board of Trustees also has adopted procedures that are reasonably designed to provide that any commission, fee or other remuneration paid to Spectrum is consistent with the foregoing standard. The Fund will not effect principal transactions with Spectrum. In executing transactions through Spectrum, the Fund will be subject to, and intends to comply with, Section 17(e) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. See "Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Froley, Revy, 10900 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, California 90024, is a Subadviser to the Fund and is responsible for managing the portion of the Fund's assets allocated to convertible securities. Froley, Revy specializes in the management of convertible securities. Froley, Revy, a registered investment adviser, commenced operations in 1975 and had approximately $2 billion in assets under management as of January 31, 2003.
Froley, Revy is an independently managed wholly owned subsidiary of First Republic Bank, which is a publicly-traded commercial bank and wealth management firm. Collectively, subsidiaries and affiliates of
First Republic Bank, including Froley, Revy, managed approximately $6 billion in combined assets as of January 31, 2003.
Andrea Revy O'Connell and Michael Revy are the portfolio managers at Froley, Revy responsible for investing the portion of the Fund's assets allocated to convertible securities. Ms. O'Connell is President and Chief Executive Officer of Froley, Revy and has been a Managing Director and a Principal of Froley, Revy since 1994. Mr. Revy is a Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager and a Managing Director of Froley, Revy and is responsible for the development and co-management of Froley, Revy's convertible arbitrage product. Before joining Froley, Revy in 2002, Mr. Revy was a private banker at Wechsler & Co., Inc. since 1998, and prior thereto worked for Lehman Brothers for six years in that firm's convertible bond group.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Pursuant to an investment management agreement between NIAC and the Fund, the Fund has agreed to pay an annual management fee for the services and facilities provided by NIAC, payable on a monthly basis, according to the following schedule:
MANAGEMENT
AVERAGE DAILY MANAGED ASSETS FEE
---------------------------- ----------
Up to $500 million.......................................... .9000%
$500 million to $1 billion.................................. .8750
$1 billion to $1.5 billion.................................. .8500
$1.5 billion to $2.0 billion................................ .8250
Over $2.0 billion........................................... .8000
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Pursuant to investment sub-advisory agreements between NIAC and each of the Subadvisers, each Subadviser will receive from NIAC a management fee equal to 40% of the management fee payable by the Fund to NIAC (net of the reimbursements described below) with respect to that Subadviser's allocation of Managed Assets up to the first $500 million of the average daily Managed Assets of the Fund allocated to that Subadviser and 35% thereafter.
In addition to the fee of NIAC, the Fund pays all other costs and expenses of its operations, including compensation of its trustees (other than those affiliated with NIAC), custodian, transfer agency and dividend disbursing expenses, legal fees, expenses of independent auditors, expenses of repurchasing shares, expenses of preparing, printing and distributing shareholder reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to governmental agencies, and taxes, if any.
For the first eight full years of the Fund's operation, the Advisers have contractually agreed to reimburse the Fund for fees and expenses in the amounts, and for the time periods, set forth below:
PERCENTAGE
REIMBURSED
YEAR ENDING (AS A PERCENTAGE OF
MARCH 31, MANAGED ASSETS)
----------- -------------------
2003(1)............ .32%
2004............... .32%
2005............... .32%
2006............... .32%
2007............... .32%
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PERCENTAGE
REIMBURSED
YEAR ENDING (AS A PERCENTAGE OF
MARCH 31, MANAGED ASSETS)
----------- -------------------
2008............... .32%
2009............... .24%
2010............... .16%
2011............... .08%
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The Advisers have not agreed to reimburse the Fund for any portion of its fees and expenses beyond March 31, 2011.
DESCRIPTION OF FUNDPREFERRED SHARES
The following is a brief description of the terms of FundPreferred shares. This description does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the more detailed description of FundPreferred shares in the Fund's Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of FundPreferred Shares (the "Statement") a form of which is attached as Appendix A to the Statement of Additional Information. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in the Prospectus shall have the same meaning as defined in the Statement.
GENERAL
The Fund's Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of preferred shares, par value $0.01 per share, in one or more classes or series, with rights as determined by the Board of Trustees without the approval of Common Shareholders. The Statement currently authorizes the issuance of FundPreferred shares as follows: 4,720, 4,720, 4,720, 4,720, 4,720 and 4,720 FundPreferred shares Series M, Series T, Series W, Series TH, Series F and Series F2, respectively. The FundPreferred shares have a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, plus all accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) to the date of final distribution. The FundPreferred shares when issued and sold through this Offering (i) will be fully paid and non-assessable, (ii) will not be convertible into Common Shares or other capital stock of the Fund, (iii) will have no preemptive rights, and (iv) will not be subject to any sinking fund. The FundPreferred shares will be subject to optional and mandatory redemption as described below under "-- Redemption."
Holders of FundPreferred shares will not receive certificates representing their ownership interest in such shares. DTC will initially act as Securities Depository for the Agent Members with respect to the FundPreferred shares.
In addition to serving as the Auction Agent in connection with the Auction Procedures described below, the Auction Agent will act as the transfer agent, registrar, and paying agent for the FundPreferred shares. Furthermore, the Auction Agent will send notices to holders of FundPreferred shares of any meeting at which holders of FundPreferred shares have the right to vote. See "-- Voting Rights" below. However, the Auction Agent generally will serve merely as the agent of the Fund, acting in accordance with the Fund's instructions.
Except in an Auction, the Fund will have the right (to the extent permitted by applicable law) to purchase or otherwise acquire any share of FundPreferred shares, so long as the Fund is current in the payment of dividends on the FundPreferred shares and on any other capital shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with the FundPreferred shares with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation.
DIVIDENDS AND DIVIDEND PERIODS
General. Holders of FundPreferred shares will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Trustees, out of funds legally available therefor, cumulative cash dividends on their shares, at the Applicable Rate determined as set forth below under "-- Determination of Dividend Rate," payable on the respective dates set forth below. Dividends so declared and payable shall be paid to the extent permitted under the Code, and to the extent available and in preference to and priority over any dividend declared and payable on the Common Shares.
On the Business Day next preceding each Dividend Payment Date, the Fund is required to deposit with the Paying Agent sufficient funds for the payment of dividends. The Fund does not intend to establish any reserves for the payment of dividends.
All moneys paid to the Paying Agent for the payment of dividends shall be held in trust for the payment of such dividends to the Holders. Each dividend will be paid by the Paying Agent to the Holders as their names appear on the share ledger or share records of the Fund, which Holder is expected to be the nominee of the Securities Depository. The Securities Depository will credit the accounts of the Agent Members of the beneficial owners in accordance with the Securities Depository's normal procedures. The
Securities Depository's current procedures provide for it to distribute dividends in same-day funds to Agent Members who are in turn expected to distribute such dividends to the persons for whom they are acting as agents. The Agent Member of a beneficial owner will be responsible for holding or disbursing such payments on the applicable Dividend Payment Date to such beneficial owner in accordance with the instructions of such beneficial owner.
Dividends in arrears for any past Dividend Period may be declared and paid at any time, without reference to any regular Dividend Payment Date, to the Holders as their names appear on the share ledger or share records of the Fund on such date, not exceeding 15 days preceding the payment date thereof, as may be fixed by the Board of Trustees. Any dividend payment shall first be credited against the earliest accumulated but unpaid dividends. No interest will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments which may be in arrears. See "-- Default Period" below.
The amount of dividends per share payable (if declared) on each Dividend Payment Date of each Dividend Period of less than one year (or in respect of dividends on another date in connection with a redemption during such Dividend Period) shall be computed by multiplying the Applicable Rate (or the Default Rate) for such Dividend Period (or a portion thereof) by a fraction, the numerator of which will be the number of days in such Dividend Period (or portion thereof) that such share was outstanding and for which the Applicable Rate or the Default Rate was applicable and the denominator of which will be 365, multiplying the amount so obtained by $25,000, and rounding the amount so obtained to the nearest cent. During any Dividend Period of one year or more, the amount of dividends per share payable on any Dividend Payment Date (or in respect of dividends on another date in connection with a redemption during such Dividend Period) shall be computed as described in the preceding sentence, except that it will be determined on the basis of a year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
Determination of Dividend Rate. The dividend rate for the initial Dividend Period (i.e., the period from and including the Date of Original Issue to and including the initial Auction Date) and the initial Auction Date are set forth on the inside cover page of the Prospectus. For each subsequent Dividend Period, subject to certain exceptions, the dividend rate will be the Applicable Rate that the Auction Agent advises the Fund has resulted from an Auction.
The initial Dividend Period for the FundPreferred shares shall be , , , , and days for FundPreferred shares Series M, Series T, Series W, Series TH, Series F and Series F2, respectively. Dividend Periods after the initial Dividend Period shall either be Standard Dividend Periods or, subject to certain conditions and with notice to Holders, Special Dividend Periods.
A Special Dividend Period will not be effective unless Sufficient Clearing Bids exist at the Auction in respect of such Special Dividend Period (that is, in general, the number of shares subject to Buy Orders by Potential Holders is at least equal to the number of shares subject to Sell Orders by Existing Holders).
Dividends will accumulate at the Applicable Rate from the Date of Original Issue and shall be payable on each Dividend Payment Date thereafter. For Dividend Periods of less than 30 days Dividend Payment Dates shall occur on the first Business Day following such Dividend Period and, if greater than 30 days then on a monthly basis on the first Business Day of each month within such Dividend Period and on the Business Day following the last day of such Dividend Period. Dividends will be paid through the Securities Depository on each Dividend Payment Date.
Except during a Default Period as described below, the Applicable Rate resulting from an Auction will not be greater than the Maximum Rate, which is equal to 150% of the applicable AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate (for a Dividend Period of fewer than 184 days) or the applicable Treasury Index Rate (for a Dividend Period of 184 days or more (each, a "Reference Rate")), in each case subject to upward but not downward adjustment in the discretion of the Board of Trustees after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, provided that immediately following any such increase the Fund would be in compliance with the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount nor, for Standard Dividend Periods or less only, will the Applicable Rate be less than the Minimum Rate, which is 70% of the applicable AA
Composite Commercial Paper Rate. No minimum rate is specified for Auctions in respect to Dividend Periods of more than the Standard Dividend Period.
The Maximum Rate for the FundPreferred shares will apply automatically following an Auction for such shares in which Sufficient Clearing Bids have not been made (other than because all shares of FundPreferred shares were subject to Submitted Hold Orders) or following the failure to hold an Auction for any reason on the Auction Date scheduled to occur (except for circumstances in which the Dividend Rate is the Default Rate, as described below).
The All Hold Rate will apply automatically following an Auction in which all of the outstanding shares are subject to (or are deemed to be subject to) Submitted Hold Orders. The All Hold Rate is 80% of the applicable AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate.
Prior to each Auction, Broker-Dealers will notify Holders of the term of the next succeeding Dividend Period as soon as practicable after the Broker-Dealers have been so advised by the Fund. After each auction, on the Auction Date, Broker-Dealers will notify Holders of the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Dividend Period and of the Auction Date of the next succeeding Auction.
Notification of Dividend Period. The Fund will designate the duration of Dividend Periods of the FundPreferred shares; provided, however, that no such designation is necessary for a Standard Dividend Period and that any designation of a Special Dividend Period shall be effective only if (i) notice thereof shall have been given as provided herein, (ii) any failure to pay in the timely manner to the Auction Agent the full amount of any dividend on, or the redemption price of, the FundPreferred shares shall have been cured as set forth under "-- Default Period," (iii) Sufficient Clearing Bids shall have existed in an Auction held on the Auction Date immediately preceding the first day of such proposed Special Dividend Period, (iv) if the Fund shall have mailed a notice of redemption with respect to any shares, as described under "-- Redemption" below, the Redemption Price with respect to such shares shall have been deposited with the Paying Agent, and (v) in the case of the designation of a Special Dividend Period, the Fund has confirmed that, as of the Auction Date next preceding the first day of such Special Dividend Period, it has Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount (as defined below) and has consulted with the Broker-Dealers and has provided notice and a FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate (as defined below) to each Rating Agency which is then rating the FundPreferred shares and so requires.
If the Fund proposes to designate any Special Dividend Period, not fewer than seven (7) (or two Business Days in the event the duration of the Dividend Period prior to such Special Dividend Period is fewer than eight (8) days) nor more than 30 days prior to the first day of such Special Dividend Period, notice shall be (i) made by press release and (ii) communicated by the Fund by telephonic or other means to the Auction Agent and confirmed in writing promptly thereafter. Each such notice shall state (A) that the Fund proposes to exercise its option to designate a succeeding Special Dividend Period, specifying the first and last days thereof and (B) that the Fund will, by 3:00 p.m. New York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of such Special Dividend Period, notify the Auction Agent, who will promptly notify the Broker-Dealers, of either (x) its determination, subject to certain conditions, to proceed with such Special Dividend Period, subject to the terms of any Specific Redemption Provisions, or (y) its determination not to proceed with such Special Dividend Period in which latter event the succeeding Dividend Period shall be a Standard Dividend Period.
No later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of any proposed Special Dividend Period, the Fund shall deliver to the Auction Agent, who will promptly deliver to the Broker-Dealers and Existing Holders, either:
(i) a notice stating (A) that the Fund has determined to designate the next succeeding Dividend Period as a Special Dividend Period, specifying the first and last days thereof and (B) the terms of any Specific Redemption Provisions; or
(ii) a notice stating that the Fund has determined not to exercise its option to designate a Special Dividend Period.
If the Fund fails to deliver either such notice with respect to any designation of any proposed Special Dividend Period to the Auction Agent or is unable to make the confirmation described above by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of such proposed Special Dividend Period, the Fund shall be deemed to have delivered a notice to the Auction Agent with respect to such Dividend Period to the effect set forth in clause (ii) above, thereby resulting in a Standard Dividend Period.
Default Period. Subject to cure provisions, a "Default Period" with respect to a particular Series will commence on any date the Fund fails to deposit irrevocably in trust in same-day funds, with the Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York City time, (A) the full amount of any declared dividend on that Series payable on the Dividend Payment Date (a "Dividend Default") or (B) the full amount of any redemption price (the "Redemption Price") payable on the date fixed for redemption (the "Redemption Date") (a "Redemption Default") and together with a Dividend Default, hereinafter referred to as "Default"). Subject to cure provisions, a Default Period with respect to a Dividend Default or a Redemption Default shall end on the Business Day on which, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, all unpaid dividends and any unpaid Redemption Price shall have been deposited irrevocably in trust in same-day funds with the Paying Agent. In the case of a Dividend Default, the Applicable Rate for each Dividend Period commencing during a Default Period will be equal to the Default Rate, and each subsequent Dividend Period commencing after the beginning of a Default Period shall be a Standard Dividend Period; provided, however, that the commencement of a Default Period will not by itself cause the commencement of a new Dividend Period. No Auction shall be held during a Default Period applicable to that Series of FundPreferred shares. No Default Period with respect to a Dividend Default or Redemption Default shall be deemed to commence if the amount of any dividend or any Redemption Price due (if such default is not solely due to the willful failure of the Fund) is deposited irrevocably in trust, in same-day funds with the Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York City time within three Business Days after the applicable Dividend Payment Date or Redemption Date, together with an amount equal to the Default Rate applied to the amount of such non-payment based on the actual number of days comprising such period divided by 365 for each Series. The Default Rate shall be equal to the Reference Rate multiplied by three (3).
Subject to the foregoing, and any requirements of Massachusetts law, to the extent that the Fund's investment company taxable income for any year exceeds any current or accumulated dividends on the FundPreferred shares, the Fund intends to distribute such investment company taxable income to the holders of the Common Shares. The term "investment company taxable income" includes interest, dividends, net short-term capital gains and other income received or accrued less the advisory fee, bank custodian charges, taxes (except capital gains taxes) and other expenses properly chargeable against income, but generally does not include net capital gains, dividends paid in shares of stock, transfer taxes, brokerage or other capital charges or distributions designated as a return of capital. The Fund also intends to distribute any realized net capital gains (defined as the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) annually to the holders of the Common Shares (subject to the prior rights of the holders of the FundPreferred shares) subject to the foregoing and any requirements of Massachusetts law. The Fund will designate distributions made with respect to FundPreferred shares as capital gain distributions in proportion to the FundPreferred shares' share of total dividends paid during the year. See "Tax Matters -- Federal Income Tax Treatment of Holders of FundPreferred Shares."
RESTRICTIONS ON DIVIDEND, REDEMPTION AND OTHER PAYMENTS
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not (i) declare any dividend with respect to the FundPreferred shares if, at the time of such declaration (and after giving effect thereto), asset coverage with respect to any Borrowings of the Fund that are senior securities representing indebtedness (as defined in the 1940 Act), would be less than 200% (or such other percentage as may in the future be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum asset coverage for senior securities representing indebtedness of a closed-end investment company as a condition of declaring dividends on its preferred shares) or (ii) declare any other distribution on the FundPreferred shares or purchase or redeem FundPreferred shares if at the time of the declaration (and after giving effect thereto), asset coverage with respect to such Borrowings that are senior
securities representing indebtedness would be less than 300% (or such higher percentage as may in the future be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum asset coverage for senior securities representing indebtedness of a closed-end investment company as a condition of declaring distributions, purchases or redemptions of its shares of beneficial interest). "Senior securities representing indebtedness" generally means any bond, debenture, note or similar obligation or instrument constituting a security (other than shares of beneficial interest) and evidencing indebtedness and could include the Fund's obligations under any Borrowings. For purposes of determining asset coverage for senior securities representing indebtedness in connection with the payment of dividends or other distributions on or purchases or redemptions of stock, the term "senior security" does not include any promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness issued in consideration of any loan, extension or renewal thereof, made by a bank or other person and privately arranged, and not intended to be publicly distributed. The term "senior security" also does not include any such promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness in any case where such a loan is for temporary purposes only and in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund at the time when the loan is made; a loan is presumed under the 1940 Act to be for temporary purposes if it is repaid within 60 days and is not extended or renewed; otherwise it is presumed not to be for temporary purposes. For purposes of determining whether the 200% and 300% asset coverage requirements described above apply in connection with dividends or distributions on or purchases or redemptions of FundPreferred shares, such asset coverages may be calculated on the basis of values calculated as of a time within 48 hours (not including Sundays or holidays) next preceding the time of the applicable determination.
In addition, a declaration of a dividend or other distribution on or
purchase or redemption of FundPreferred shares may be prohibited (i) at any time
that an event of default under any Borrowings has occurred and is continuing; or
(ii) after giving effect to such declaration, the Fund would not have eligible
portfolio holdings with an aggregated Discounted Value at least equal to any
asset coverage requirements associated with such Borrowings; or (iii) the Fund
has not redeemed the full amount of Borrowings, if any, required to be redeemed
by any provision for mandatory redemption.
Upon failure to pay dividends for two years or more, the holders of FundPreferred shares will acquire certain additional voting rights. See "-- Voting Rights" below. Such rights shall be the exclusive remedy of the holders of FundPreferred shares upon any failure to pay dividends on the FundPreferred shares.
For so long as any FundPreferred shares are outstanding, except in connection with the liquidation of the Fund, or a refinancing of the FundPreferred shares as provided in the Statement, the Fund will not declare, pay or set apart for payment any dividend or other distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase, Common Shares or other shares of beneficial interest, if any, ranking junior to the FundPreferred shares as to dividends or upon liquidation) in respect to Common Shares or any other shares of the Fund ranking junior to or on a parity with the FundPreferred shares as to dividends or upon liquidation, or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any Common Shares or any other such junior shares (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of the Fund ranking junior to the FundPreferred shares as to dividends and upon liquidation) or any such parity shares (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of the Fund ranking junior to or on a parity with the FundPreferred shares as to dividends and upon liquidation), unless (i) there is no event of default under any Borrowings that is continuing; (ii) immediately after such transaction, the Fund would have Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount (as defined below) and the Fund would maintain the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage (as defined below) (see "-- Asset Maintenance"); (iii) immediately after such transaction, the Fund would have eligible portfolio holdings with an aggregated discounted value at least equal to the asset coverage requirements, if any, under any Borrowings; (iv) full cumulative dividends on the FundPreferred shares due on or prior to the date of the transaction have been declared and paid; (v) the Fund has redeemed the full number of FundPreferred shares required to be redeemed by any provision for mandatory redemption contained in the Statement (see "-- Redemption"); and (vi) the Fund has redeemed the full amount of any Borrowings required to be redeemed by any provision for mandatory redemption.
REDEMPTION
Optional Redemption. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and Massachusetts law, the Fund at its option may redeem FundPreferred shares having a Dividend Period of one year or less, in whole or in part, out of funds legally available thereof, on the Dividend Payment Date upon not less than 15 days' and not more than 40 days' prior notice. The optional redemption price per share shall be $25,000 per share, plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption. FundPreferred shares having a Dividend Period of more than one year are redeemable at the option of the Fund, in whole or in part, out of funds legally available thereof, prior to the end of the relevant Dividend Period, subject to any Specific Redemption Provisions, which may include the payment of redemption premiums to the extent required under any applicable Specific Redemption Provisions. The Fund shall not effect any optional redemption unless after giving effect thereto (i) the Fund has available certain Deposit Securities with maturity or tender dates not later than the day preceding the applicable redemption date and having a value not less than the amount (including any applicable premium) due to Holders of FundPreferred shares by reason of the redemption of FundPreferred shares on such date fixed for the redemption and (ii) the Fund would have Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount.
The Fund also reserves the right to repurchase FundPreferred shares in market or other transactions from time to time in accordance with applicable law and at a price that may be more or less than the liquidation preference of the FundPreferred shares, but is under no obligation to do so.
Mandatory Redemption. If the Fund fails to maintain, as of any Valuation Date, Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or, as of the last Business Day of any month, the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage, and such failure is not cured within ten Business Days following such Valuation Date in the case of a failure to maintain the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or on the last Business Day of the following month in the case of a failure to maintain the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage as of such last Business Day (each an "Asset Coverage Cure Date"), the FundPreferred shares will be subject to mandatory redemption out of funds legally available therefor. See "-- Asset Maintenance." The number of FundPreferred shares to be redeemed in such circumstances will be equal to the lesser of (i) the minimum number of FundPreferred shares the redemption of which, if deemed to have occurred immediately prior to the opening of business on the relevant Asset Coverage Cure Date, would result in the Fund having sufficient Eligible Assets to restore the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage, as the case may be, in either case as of the relevant Asset Coverage Cure Date (provided that, if there is no such minimum number of shares the redemption of which would have such result, all FundPreferred shares then outstanding will be redeemed), and (ii) the maximum number of FundPreferred shares that can be redeemed out of funds expected to be available therefore on the Mandatory Redemption Date (as defined below) at the Mandatory Redemption Price (as defined below).
The Fund shall allocate the number of shares required to be redeemed to satisfy the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage, as the case may be, pro rata among the Holders of FundPreferred shares in proportion to the number of shares they hold, by lot or by such other method as the Fund shall deem fair and equitable, subject to mandatory redemption provisions, if any.
The Fund is required to effect such a mandatory redemption not later than 40 days after the Asset Coverage Cure Date, as the case may be (the "Mandatory Redemption Date"), except that if the Fund does not have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is not otherwise legally permitted to redeem, all of the required number of FundPreferred shares which are subject to mandatory redemption, or the Fund otherwise is unable to effect such redemption on or prior to such Mandatory Redemption Date, the Fund will redeem those FundPreferred shares on the earliest practicable date on which the Fund will have such funds available, upon notice to record owners of shares of FundPreferred shares and the Paying
Agent. The Fund's ability to make a mandatory redemption may be limited by the provisions of the 1940 Act or Massachusetts law.
The redemption price per share in the event of any mandatory redemption will be $25,000 per share, plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption, plus (in the case of a Dividend Period of more than one year) any redemption premium, if any, determined by the Board of Trustees after consultation with the Broker-Dealers and set forth in any applicable Specific Redemption Provisions (the "Mandatory Redemption Price").
Redemption Procedure. Pursuant to Rule 23c-2 under the 1940 Act, the Fund
will file a notice of its intention to redeem with the SEC so as to provide at
least the minimum notice required by such Rule or any successor provision
(notice currently must be filed with the SEC generally at least 30 days prior to
the redemption date). The Fund shall deliver a notice of redemption to the
Auction Agent containing the information described below one Business Day prior
to the giving of notice to Holders in the case of optional redemptions as
described above and on or prior to the 30th day preceding the Mandatory
Redemption Date in the case of a mandatory redemption as described above. The
Auction Agent will use its reasonable efforts to provide notice to each holder
of FundPreferred shares called for redemption by electronic means not later than
the close of business on the Business Day immediately following the Business Day
on which the Auction Agent determines the shares to be redeemed (or, during a
Default Period with respect to such shares, not later than the close of business
on the Business Day immediately following the day on which the Auction Agent
receives notice of redemption from the Fund). Such notice will be confirmed
promptly in writing not later than the close of business on the third Business
Day preceding the redemption date by providing the notice to each holder of
record of shares of FundPreferred shares called for redemption, the Paying Agent
(if different from the Auction Agent) and the Securities Depository ("Notice of
Redemption"). Notice of Redemption will be addressed to the registered owners of
the FundPreferred shares at their addresses appearing on the share records of
the Fund. Such notice will set forth (i) the redemption date, (ii) the number
and identity of FundPreferred shares to be redeemed, (iii) the redemption price
(specifying the amount of accumulated dividends to be included therein), (iv)
that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on such
redemption date, and (v) the provision under which redemption shall be made. No
defect in the Notice of Redemption or in the transmittal or mailing thereof will
affect the validity of the redemption proceedings, except as required by
applicable law.
If fewer than all of the shares of a series of FundPreferred shares are redeemed on any date, the shares to be redeemed on such date will be selected by the Fund on a pro rata basis in proportion to the number of shares held by such holders, by lot or by such other method as is determined by the Fund to be fair and equitable, subject to the terms of any Specific Redemption Provisions. Shares of FundPreferred shares may be subject to mandatory redemption as described herein notwithstanding the terms of any Specific Redemption Provisions. The Auction Agent will give notice to the Securities Depository, whose nominee will be the record holder of all of the FundPreferred shares, and the Securities Depository will determine the number of shares to be redeemed from the account of the Agent Member of each beneficial owner. Each Agent Member will determine the number of shares to be redeemed from the account of each beneficial owner for which it acts as agent. An Agent Member may select for redemption shares from the accounts of some beneficial owners without selecting for redemption any shares from the accounts of other beneficial owners. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if neither the Securities Depository nor its nominee is the record holder of all of the shares, the particular shares to be redeemed shall be selected by the Fund by lot, on a pro rata basis between each series or by such other method as the Fund shall deem fair and equitable, as contemplated above.
If Notice of Redemption has been given, then upon the deposit of funds sufficient to effect such redemption, dividends on such shares should cease to accumulate and such shares should be no longer deemed to be Outstanding for any purpose and all rights of the owners of the shares so called for redemption will cease and terminate, except the right of the owners of such shares to receive the redemption price, but without any interest or additional amount. The Fund shall be entitled to receive from the Paying Agent, promptly after the date fixed for redemption, any cash deposited with the Paying
Agent in excess of (i) the aggregate redemption price of the FundPreferred shares called for redemption on such date and (ii) such other amounts, if any, to which holders of FundPreferred shares called for redemption may be entitled. The Fund will be entitled to receive, from time to time, from the Paying Agent the interest, if any, earned on such funds deposited with the Paying Agent and the owners of shares so redeemed will have no claim to any such interest. Any funds so deposited which are unclaimed two years after such redemption date will be paid, to the extent permitted by law, by the Paying Agent to the Fund upon its request. Thereupon, Holders of FundPreferred shares called for redemption may look only to the Fund for payment.
So long as any FundPreferred shares are held of record by the nominee of the Securities Depository, the redemption price for such shares will be paid on the redemption date to the nominee of the Securities Depository. The Securities Depository's normal procedures provide for it to distribute the amount of the redemption price to Agent Members who, in turn, are expected to distribute such funds to the persons for whom they are acting as agent.
Notwithstanding the provisions for redemption described above, no FundPreferred shares may be redeemed unless all dividends in arrears on the outstanding FundPreferred shares, and all shares of beneficial interest of the Fund ranking on a parity with the FundPreferred shares with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation, have been or are being contemporaneously paid or set aside for payment, except in connection with the liquidation of the Fund in which case all FundPreferred shares and all shares ranking in a parity with the FundPreferred shares must receive proportionate amounts and that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of all the Outstanding FundPreferred shares pursuant to the successful completion of an otherwise lawful purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to, and accepted by, Holders of all Outstanding FundPreferred shares.
Except for the provisions described above, nothing contained in the Statement limits any legal right of the Fund to purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of FundPreferred shares outside of an Auction at any price, whether higher or lower than the price that would be paid in connection with an optional or mandatory redemption, so long as, at the time of any such purchase, there is no arrearage in the payment of dividends on or the mandatory or optional redemption price with respect to, any shares of FundPreferred shares for which Notice of Redemption has been given and the Fund is in compliance with the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage and has Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount after giving effect to such purchase or acquisition on the date thereof. Any shares which are purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Fund shall have no voting rights. If fewer than all the outstanding shares of FundPreferred shares are redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Fund, the Fund shall give notice of such transaction to the Auction Agent, in accordance with the procedures agreed upon by the Board of Trustees.
ASSET MAINTENANCE
The Fund is required to satisfy two separate asset maintenance requirements in respect of the FundPreferred shares: (i) the Fund must maintain assets in its portfolio that have a value, discounted in accordance with guidelines set forth by a rating agency, at least equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of the FundPreferred shares plus specified liabilities, payment obligations and other amounts; and (ii) the Fund must maintain asset coverage for FundPreferred shares of at least 200%.
FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount. The Fund must maintain, as of each Valuation Date on which any share of FundPreferred shares is Outstanding, Eligible Assets having an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount, which is calculated separately for Moody's (if Moody's is then rating the FundPreferred shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating the FundPreferred shares) and any Other Rating Agency which is then rating the FundPreferred shares and so requires. If the Fund fails to maintain Eligible Assets having an aggregated Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount as of any Valuation Date and such failure is not cured on or before the related Asset Coverage Cure Date, the Fund
will be required in certain circumstances to redeem certain of the shares of FundPreferred shares. See "-- Redemption -- Mandatory Redemption."
The "FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount" as of any Valuation Date is defined as the dollar amount equal to:
(i) (A) the sum of the products resulting from multiplying the number of Outstanding FundPreferred shares on such date by the liquidation preference (and redemption premium, if any) per share; (B) the aggregate amount of dividends that will have accumulated at the Applicable Rate (whether or not earned or declared) to and including the first Dividend Payment Date for each Outstanding FundPreferred shares that follows such Valuation Date (or to the 30th day after such Valuation Date, if such 30th day occurs before the first following Dividend Payment Date); (C) the amount of anticipated Fund non-interest expenses for the 90 days subsequent to such Valuation Date; (D) the amount of the current outstanding balances of any indebtedness which is senior to the FundPreferred shares plus interest actually accrued together with 30 days additional interest on the current outstanding balances calculated at the current rate; and (E) any current liabilities, payable during the 30 days subsequent to such Valuation Date, including, without limitation, indebtedness due within one year and any redemption premium due with respect to Preferred Shares for which a Notice of Redemption has been given, as of such Valuation Date, to the extent not reflected in any of (i)(A) through (i)(D): less
(ii) the sum of any cash plus the value of any of the Fund's assets
irrevocably deposited by the Fund for the payment of any (i)(B) through
(i)(F) ("value," for purposes of this clause (ii), means the Discounted
Value of the security, except that if the security matures prior to the
relevant redemption payment date and is either fully guaranteed by the U.S.
Government or is rated at least P-1 by Moody's, it will be valued at its
face value).
The Market Value of the Fund's portfolio securities (used in calculating the Discounted Value of Eligible Assets) is calculated in the same manner as the Fund calculates its net asset value. See "Net Asset Value" in the Statement of Additional Information.
The discount factors, the criteria used to determine whether the assets held in the Fund's portfolio are Eligible Assets, and guidelines for determining the Market Value of the Fund's portfolio holdings for purposes of determining compliance with the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount are based on criteria established in connection with rating the FundPreferred shares. The Discount Factor relating to any asset of the Fund, the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount, the assets eligible for inclusion in the calculation of the Discounted Value of the Fund's portfolio and certain definitions and methods of calculation relating thereto may be changed from time to time by the Fund, without shareholder approval, but only in the event that the Fund receives written confirmation from each rating agency which is then rating the FundPreferred shares and which so requires that any such changes would not impair its rating.
A rating agency's guidelines will apply to FundPreferred shares only so long as such rating agency is rating such shares. The Fund will pay certain fees to Moody's and Fitch for rating FundPreferred shares. The ratings assigned to FundPreferred shares are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold FundPreferred shares. Such ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal by the assigning rating agent at any time. Any rating of FundPreferred shares should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage. The Fund is also required to maintain, with respect to FundPreferred shares, as of the last Business Day on any month in which any FundPreferred shares is outstanding, asset coverage of at least 200% (or such other percentage as may in the future be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum asset coverage for senior securities representing shares of a closed-end investment company as a condition of declaring dividends on its common shares) ("1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage"). If the Fund fails to maintain the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage as of the last Business Day of any month and such failure is not cured as of the related
Asset Coverage Cure Date, the Fund will be required to redeem certain shares of FundPreferred shares. See "-- Redemption -- Mandatory Redemption."
The Fund estimates that based on the composition of its portfolio as of May 1, 2003, and including the issuance of 4,000,000 additional Common Shares on May 6, 2003, less offering costs in connection with the Common Share issuances to be paid by the Fund, and the issuance of all FundPreferred shares offered hereby and giving effect to the deduction of sales load and estimated offering costs related thereto estimated at $14,771,000, the
Value of Fund assets less liabilities not
representing senior securities $2,148,652,280
------------------------------------------------------------ = -------------- = 303%
Senior securities representing indebtedness plus $708,000,000
aggregate liquidation preference of
FundPreferred shares
|
Notices. After the Date of Original Issue and in certain other circumstances, the Fund is required to deliver to any Rating Agency which is then rating the FundPreferred shares (i) a certificate with respect to the calculation of the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount; (ii) a certificate with respect to the calculation of the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage and the value of the portfolio holdings of the Fund; and (iii) a letter proposed by the Fund's independent accountants regarding the accuracy of such calculations. See "Description of FundPreferred Shares -- Notices" in the Statement of Additional Information.
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each Series of FundPreferred shares then outstanding and any other shares ranking on a parity with the FundPreferred shares then outstanding, in preference to the holders of Common Shares, will be entitled to payment out of the assets of the Fund, or the proceeds thereof, available for distribution to shareholders after satisfaction of claims of creditors of the Fund, of a liquidation preference in the amount equal to $25,000 per share of the FundPreferred shares, plus an amount equal to accumulated dividends (whether or not earned or declared but without interest) to the date of payment of such preference is made in full or a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart with the Paying Agent. However, holders of FundPreferred shares will not be entitled to any premium to which such holder would be entitled to receive upon redemption of such FundPreferred shares. After payment of the full amount of such liquidation distribution, the owners of the FundPreferred shares will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets of the Fund.
If, upon any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, whether voluntary or involuntary, the assets of the Fund available for distribution among the holders of all outstanding Preferred Shares, including the FundPreferred shares, shall be insufficient to permit the payment in full to such holders of the amounts to which they are entitled, then such available assets shall be distributed among the holders of all outstanding Preferred Shares, including the FundPreferred shares, ratably in any such distribution of assets according to the respective amounts which would be payable on all such shares if all amounts thereon were paid in full. Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, whether voluntary or involuntary, until payment in full is made to the holders of FundPreferred shares of the liquidation distribution to which they are entitled, no dividend or other distribution shall be made to the holders of shares of Common Shares or any other class of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund ranking junior to FundPreferred shares upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up and no purchase, redemption or other acquisition for any consideration by the Fund shall be made in respect of the shares of Common Shares or any other class of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund ranking junior to FundPreferred shares upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up.
A consolidation or merger of the Fund with or into any other trust or company, or a sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of the Fund in consideration for the issuance of equity
securities of another company, shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund.
VOTING RIGHTS
Except as otherwise indicated in the Statement and except as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of FundPreferred shares have one vote per share and vote together with holders of shares of Common Shares as a single class. Under applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange, the Fund is currently required to hold annual meetings of shareholders.
In connection with the election of the Board of Trustees, the holders of outstanding Preferred Shares, including each Series of the FundPreferred shares, represented in person or by proxy at said meeting, shall be entitled, as a class, to the exclusion of the holders of all other securities and classes of beneficial interest of the Fund, to elect two Trustees of the Fund. The holders of outstanding Common Shares and Preferred Shares, including each Series of the FundPreferred shares, voting together as a single class, shall elect the balance of the Trustees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (a) at the close of business on any Dividend Payment Date accumulated dividends (whether or not earned or declared) on the Preferred Shares, including FundPreferred shares, equal to at least two full years' dividends shall be due and unpaid; or (b) any time holders of any Preferred Shares are entitled under the 1940 Act to elect a majority of the Trustees of the Fund, then the number of members constituting the Board shall automatically be increased by the smallest number that, when added to the two Trustees elected exclusively by the holders of Preferred Shares, including the FundPreferred shares, as described above, would constitute a majority of the Board as so increased by such smallest number; and at a special meeting of shareholders which will be called and held as soon as practicable, and at all subsequent meetings at which Trustees are to be elected, the holders of Preferred Shares, including the FundPreferred shares, voting as a separate class, will be entitled to elect the smallest number of additional Trustees that, together with the two Trustees which such holders will be in any event entitled to elect, constitutes a majority of the total number of Trustees of the Fund as so increased. The terms of office of the persons who are Trustees at the time of that election will continue. If the Fund thereafter shall pay, or declare and set apart for payment, in full all dividends payable on all outstanding Preferred Shares, including the FundPreferred shares, for all past Dividend Periods, or the Voting Period is otherwise terminated, the voting rights stated in the above sentence shall cease, and the terms of office of all of the additional Trustees elected by the holders of Preferred Shares, including the FundPreferred shares (but not of the Trustees with respect to whose election the holders of Common Shares were entitled to vote or the two Trustees the holders of Preferred Shares, including the FundPreferred shares, have the right to elect in any event), will terminate automatically. Any shares of FundPreferred shares issued after the date hereof shall vote with the FundPreferred shares as a single class on the matters described above, and the issuance of any other FundPreferred shares by the Fund may reduce the voting power of the FundPreferred shares.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
Preferred Shares, including each Series of the FundPreferred shares, determined
with reference to a "majority of outstanding voting securities" as the term is
defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act, voting as a separate class, is
required to (i) amend, alter or repeal any of the preferences, rights or powers
of such class so as to affect materially and adversely such preferences, rights
or powers; (ii) increase the authorized number of shares of Preferred Shares;
(iii) create, authorize or issue shares of any class of shares ranking senior to
or on a parity with the Preferred Shares with respect to the payment of
dividends or the distribution of assets, or any securities convertible into, or
warrants, options or similar rights to purchase, acquire or receive, such shares
of beneficial interest ranking senior to or on parity with the Preferred Shares
or reclassify any authorized shares of beneficial interest of the Fund into any
shares ranking senior to or on parity with the Preferred Shares (except that the
Board of Trustees, without the vote or consent of the holders of Preferred
Shares, may from time to time authorize, create and classify, and the Fund may
from time to time issue shares or series of Preferred Shares, including other
series of FundPreferred shares, ranking on a parity with the FundPreferred
shares with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets
upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up to the affairs of the Fund, and may
authorize, reclassify and/or issue any additional shares of
each Series of FundPreferred shares, including shares previously purchased or redeemed by the Fund, subject to continuing compliance by the Fund with 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage and FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount requirements); (iv) institute any proceedings to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, or consent to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or file a petition seeking or consenting to reorganization or relief under any applicable federal or state law relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or consent to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, Trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of the Fund or a substantial part of its property, or make any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or, except as may be required by applicable law, admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due or take any corporate action in furtherance of any such action; (v) create, incur or suffer to exist, or agree to create, incur or suffer to exist, or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise) the creation, incurrence or existence of any material lien, mortgage, pledge, charge, security interest, security agreement, conditional sale or trust receipt or other material encumbrance of any kind upon any of the Fund's assets as a whole, except (A) liens the validity of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (B) liens for taxes that are not then due and payable or that can be paid thereafter without penalty, (C) liens, pledges, charges, security interests, security agreements or other encumbrances arising in connection with any indebtedness senior to the FundPreferred shares, or arising in connection with any futures contracts or options thereon, interest rate swap or cap transactions, forward rate transactions, put or call options, or other similar transactions, (D) liens, pledges, charges, security interests, security agreements or other encumbrances arising in connection with any indebtedness permitted under clause (vi) below and (E) liens to secure payment for services rendered including, without limitation, services rendered by the Fund's custodian and the Auction Agent; or (vi) create, authorize, issue, incur or suffer to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money or any direct or indirect guarantee of such indebtedness for borrowed money or any direct or indirect guarantee of such indebtedness, except the Fund may borrow as may be permitted by the Fund's investment restrictions; provided, however, that transfers of assets by the Fund subject to an obligation to repurchase shall not be deemed to be indebtedness for purposes of this provision to the extent that after any such transaction the Fund has Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount as of the immediately preceding Valuation Date.
In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Preferred Shares, including any Series of FundPreferred shares, voting separately from any other series, shall be required with respect to any matter that materially and adversely affects the rights, preferences, or powers of such series in a manner different from that of other series of classes of the Fund's shares of beneficial interest. For purposes of the foregoing, no matter shall be deemed to adversely affect any right, preference or power unless such matter (i) alters or abolishes any preferential right of such series; (ii) creates, alters or abolishes any right in respect of redemption of such series; or (iii) creates or alters (other than to abolish) any restriction on transfer applicable to such series.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply with respect to the FundPreferred shares if, at or prior to the time when a vote is required, such shares have been (i) redeemed or (ii) called for redemption, and sufficient funds shall have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.
The Board of Trustees, without the vote or consent of any holder of Preferred Shares, including FundPreferred shares, or any other shareholder of the Fund, may from time to time adopt, amend, alter or repeal any or all of any definitions set forth in the Statement or add covenants and other obligations of the Fund or confirm the applicability of covenants and other obligations set forth in the Statement in connection with obtaining or maintaining the rating of Moody's, Fitch or any Other Rating Agency with respect to FundPreferred shares and any such adoption, amendment, alteration or repeal will not be deemed to affect the preferences, rights or powers of FundPreferred shares or the holders thereof, provided the Board of Trustees receives written confirmation from the relevant rating agency (such confirmation in no event being required to be obtained from a particular rating agency with respect to definitions or other provisions relevant only to another rating agency's rating) that any such amendment, alteration or repeal would not adversely affect the rating then assigned by such rating agency.
Also, subject to compliance with applicable law, the Board of Trustees may amend the definition of Maximum Rate to increase the percentage amount by which the Reference Rate is multiplied to determine the Maximum Rate shown therein without the vote or consent of the holders of the Preferred Shares, including FundPreferred shares, or any other shareholder of the Fund, and without receiving any confirmation from any rating agency after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, provided that immediately following any such increase the Fund would be in compliance with the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount.
Unless otherwise required by law, holders of FundPreferred shares shall not have any relative rights or preferences or other special rights other than those specifically set forth in the Statement. The holders of FundPreferred shares shall have no rights to cumulative voting. In the event that the Fund fails to pay any dividends on the FundPreferred shares, the exclusive remedy of the holders shall be the right to vote for Trustees as discussed above.
THE AUCTION
GENERAL
Auction Agency Agreement. The Fund has entered into an Auction Agency Agreement (the "Auction Agency Agreement") with the Auction Agent (currently, The Bank of New York) which provides, among other things, that the Auction Agent will follow the Auction Procedures for purposes of determining the Applicable Rate for each series of FundPreferred shares so long as the Applicable Rate for shares of such series is to be based on the results of an Auction.
The Auction Agent may terminate the Auction Agency Agreement upon notice to the Fund on a date no earlier than 45 days after such notice. If the Auction Agent should resign, the Fund will use its best efforts to enter into an agreement with a successor Auction Agent containing substantially the same terms and conditions as the Auction Agency Agreement. The Fund may remove the Auction Agent provided that prior to such removal the Fund shall have entered into such an agreement with a successor Auction Agent.
Broker-Dealer Agreements. Each Auction requires the participation of one or more Broker-Dealers. The Auction Agent has entered into agreements (collectively, the "Broker-Dealer Agreements") with several Broker-Dealers selected by the Fund, which provide for the participation of those Broker-Dealers in Auctions for FundPreferred shares.
The Auction Agent after each Auction for FundPreferred shares will pay to each Broker-Dealer, from funds provided by the Fund, a service charge at the annual rate of 1/4 of 1% in the case of any Auction immediately preceding a Dividend Period of less than one year, or a percentage agreed to by the Fund and the Broker-Dealers in the case of any Auction immediately preceding a Dividend Period of one year or longer, of the purchase price of FundPreferred shares placed by such Broker-Dealer at such Auction. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, FundPreferred shares will be placed by a Broker-Dealer if such shares were (a) the subject of Hold Orders deemed to have been submitted to the Auction Agent by the Broker-Dealer and were acquired by such Broker-Dealer for its own account or were acquired by such Broker-Dealer for its customers who are Beneficial Owners or (b) the subject of an Order submitted by such Broker-Dealer that is (i) a Submitted Bid of an Existing Holder that resulted in such Existing Holder continuing to hold such shares as a result of the Auction or (ii) a Submitted Bid of a Potential Holder that resulted in such Potential Holder purchasing such shares as a result of the Auction or (iii) a valid Hold Order.
The Fund may request the Auction Agent to terminate one or more Broker-Dealer Agreements at any time, provided that at least one Broker-Dealer Agreement is in effect after such termination.
AUCTION PROCEDURES
Prior to the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date for series of FundPreferred shares, each customer of a Broker-Dealer who is listed on the records of that Broker-Dealer (or, if applicable, the Auction Agent) as a holder of shares of such series (a "Beneficial Owner") may submit orders ("Orders") with respect to shares of such series to that Broker-Dealer as follows:
- Hold Order -- indicating its desire to hold shares of such series without regard to the Applicable Rate for shares of such series for the next Dividend Period thereof.
- Bid -- indicating its desire to sell shares of such series at $25,000 per share if the Applicable Rate for shares of such series for the next Dividend Period thereof is less than the rate specified in such Bid (also known as a hold-at-a-rate order).
- Sell Order -- indicating its desire to sell shares of such series at $25,000 per share without regard to the Applicable Rate for shares of such series for the next Dividend Period thereof.
A Beneficial Owner may submit different types of Orders to its Broker-Dealer with respect to shares of a series of FundPreferred shares then held by such Beneficial Owner. A Beneficial Owner of shares of such series that submits a Bid with respect to shares of such series to its Broker-Dealer having a rate higher than the Maximum Rate for shares of such series on the Auction Date therefore will be treated as having submitted a Sell Order with respect to such shares to its Broker-Dealer. A Beneficial Owner of shares of such series that fails to submit an Order with respect to such shares to its Broker-Dealer will be deemed to have submitted a Hold Order with respect to such shares of such series to its Broker-Dealer; provided, however, that if a Beneficial Owner of shares of such series fails to submit an Order with respect to shares of such series to its Broker-Dealer for an Auction relating to a Dividend Period of more than 28 Dividend Period Days, such Beneficial Owner will be deemed to have submitted a Sell Order with respect to such shares to its Broker-Dealer. A Sell Order shall constitute an irrevocable offer to sell the FundPreferred shares subject thereto. A Beneficial Owner that offers to become the Beneficial Owner of additional FundPreferred shares is, for purposes of such offer, a Potential Beneficial Owner as discussed below.
A customer of a Broker-Dealer that is not a Beneficial Owner of a series of FundPreferred shares but that wishes to purchase shares of such series, or that is a Beneficial Owner of shares of such series that wishes to purchase additional shares of such series (in each case, a "Potential Beneficial Owner"), may submit Bids to its Broker-Dealer in which it offers to purchase shares of such series at $25,000 per share if the Applicable Rate for shares of such series for the next Dividend Period thereof is not less than the rate specified in such Bid. A Bid placed by a Potential Beneficial Owner of shares of such series specifying a rate higher than the Maximum Rate for shares of such series on the Auction Date therefore will not be accepted.
The Broker-Dealers in turn will submit the Orders of their respective customers who are Beneficial Owners and Potential Beneficial Owners to the Auction Agent, designating themselves (unless otherwise permitted by the Fund) as Existing Holders in respect of shares subject to Orders submitted or deemed submitted to them by Beneficial Owners and as Potential Holders in respect of shares subject to Orders submitted to them by Potential Beneficial Owners. However, neither the Fund nor the Auction Agent will be responsible for a Broker-Dealer's failure to comply with the foregoing. Any Order placed with the Auction Agent by a Broker-Dealer as or on behalf of an Existing Holder or a Potential Holder will be treated in the same manner as an Order placed with a Broker-Dealer by a Beneficial Owner or Potential Beneficial Owner. Similarly, any failure by a Broker-Dealer to submit to the Auction Agent an Order in respect of FundPreferred shares held by it or customers who are Beneficial Owners will be treated in the same manner as a Beneficial Owner's failure to submit to its Broker-Dealer an Order in respect of FundPreferred shares held by it. A Broker-Dealer may also submit Orders to the Auction Agent for its own account as an Existing Holder or Potential Holder, provided it is not an affiliate of the Fund.
If Sufficient Clearing Bids for a series of FundPreferred shares exist (that is, the number of shares of such series subject to Bids submitted or deemed submitted to the Auction Agent by Broker-Dealers as or
on behalf of Potential Holders with rates equal to or lower than the Maximum Rate for shares of such series is at least equal to the number of shares of such series subject to Sell Orders submitted or deemed submitted to the Auction Agent by Broker-Dealers as or on behalf of Existing Holders), the Applicable Rate for shares of such series for the next succeeding Dividend Period thereof will be the lowest rate specified in the Submitted Bids which, taking into account such rate and all lower rates bid by Broker-Dealers as or on behalf of Existing Holders and Potential Holders, would result in Existing Holders and Potential Holders owning the shares of such series available for purchase in the Auction. If Sufficient Clearing Bids for a series of FundPreferred shares do not exist, the Applicable Rate for shares of such series for the next succeeding Dividend Period thereof will be the Maximum Rate for shares of such series on the Auction Date therefore. In such event, Beneficial Owners of shares of such series that have submitted or are deemed to have submitted Sell Orders may not be able to sell in such Auction all shares of such series subject to such Sell Orders. If Broker-Dealers submit or are deemed to have submitted to the Auction Agent Hold Orders with respect to all Existing Holders of a series of FundPreferred shares, the Applicable Rate for shares of such series for the next succeeding Dividend Period thereof will be the All Hold Rate.
The Auction Procedures include a pro rata allocation of shares for purchase and sale, which may result in an Existing Holder continuing to hold or selling, or a Potential Holder purchasing, a number of shares of a series of FundPreferred shares that is fewer than the number of shares of such series specified in its Order. To the extent the allocation procedures have that result, Broker-Dealers that have designated themselves as Existing Holders or Potential Holders in respect of customer Orders will be required to make appropriate pro rata allocations among their respective customers.
Settlement of purchases and sales will be made on the next Business Day (also a Dividend Payment Date) after the Auction Date through the Securities Depository. Purchasers will make payment through their Agent Members in same-day funds to the Securities Depository against delivery to their respective Agent Members. The Securities Depository will make payment to the sellers' Agent Members in accordance with the Securities Depository's normal procedures, which now provide for payment against delivery by their Agent Members in same-day funds.
SECONDARY MARKET TRADING AND TRANSFER OF FUNDPREFERRED SHARES
The Broker-Dealers may maintain a secondary trading market of FundPreferred shares outside of Auctions, but are not obligated to do so, and may discontinue such activity at any time. There can be no assurance that such secondary trading market of FundPreferred shares will provide owners with liquidity of investment. FundPreferred shares are not registered on any stock exchange or on the Nasdaq Stock Market. Investors who purchase shares in an Auction for a Special Dividend Period should note that because the dividend rate on such shares will be fixed for the length of such Dividend Period, the value of the shares may fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates, and may be more or less than their original cost if sold on the open market in advance of the next Auction therefore, depending upon market conditions.
A Beneficial Owner or an Existing Holder may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of FundPreferred shares only in whole shares and only (1) pursuant to a Bid or Sell Order placed with the Auction Agent in accordance with the Auction Procedures, (2) to a Broker-Dealer or (3) to such other persons as may be permitted by the Fund; provided, however, that (a) a sale, transfer or other disposition of FundPreferred shares from a customer of a Broker-Dealer who is listed on the records of that Broker-Dealer as the holder of such shares to that Broker-Dealer or another customer of that Broker-Dealer shall not be deemed to be a sale, transfer or other disposition for purposes of the foregoing if such Broker-Dealer remains the Existing Holder of the shares so sold, transferred or disposed of immediately after such sale, transfer or disposition and (b) in the case of all transfers other than pursuant to Auctions, the Broker-Dealer (or other person, if permitted by the Fund) to whom such transfer is made shall advise the Auction Agent of such transfer.
DESCRIPTION OF BORROWINGS
The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Fund, without prior approval of holders of Common and Preferred Shares, including FundPreferred shares, to borrow money. In this connection, the Fund may issue notes or other evidence of indebtedness (including bank borrowings or commercial paper) and may secure any such borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting as security the Fund's assets. In connection with such borrowing, the Fund may be required to maintain minimum average balances with the lender or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit. Any such requirements will increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.
Limitations. Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund, immediately after issuing any Borrowings that are senior securities representing indebtedness (as defined in the 1940 Act), must have an asset coverage of at least 300%. With respect to any such Borrowings, asset coverage means the ratio which the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, bears to the aggregate amount of any such Borrowings that are senior securities representing indebtedness, issued by the Fund. Certain types of Borrowings may also result in the Fund being subject to covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverages or portfolio composition or otherwise. In addition, the Fund may be subject to certain restrictions imposed by guidelines of one or more rating agencies which may issue ratings for commercial paper or notes issued by the Fund. Such restrictions may be more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act.
Distribution Preference. The rights of lenders to the Fund to receive interest on and repayment of principal of any such Borrowings will be senior to those of the FundPreferred shares shareholders, and the terms of any such Borrowings may contain provisions which limit certain activities of the Fund, including the payment of dividends to FundPreferred shares shareholders in certain circumstances.
Voting Rights. The 1940 Act does (in certain circumstances) grant to the lenders to the Fund certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on or repayment of principal. In the event that such provisions would impair the Fund's status as a regulated investment company under the Code, the Fund, subject to its ability to liquidate its portfolio, intends to repay the Borrowings. Any Borrowing will likely be ranked senior or equal to all other existing and future borrowings of the Fund.
The discussion above describes the Board of Trustees' present intention with respect to a possible offering of Borrowings. If the Board of Trustees determines to authorize any of the foregoing, the terms may be the same as, or different from, the terms described above, subject to applicable law and the Fund's Declaration.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES
The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of Common Shares, par value $0.01 per share. All Common Shares have equal rights to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation. Common Shares will, when issued, be fully paid and, subject to matters discussed in "Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust," non-assessable, and will have no pre-emptive or conversion rights or rights to cumulative voting. At any time when FundPreferred shares are outstanding, Common Shareholders will not be entitled to receive any cash distributions from the Fund unless all accrued dividends on FundPreferred shares have been paid, and unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to FundPreferred shares would be at least 200% after giving effect to the distributions.
The Common Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Fund intends to hold annual meetings of shareholders so long as the Common Shares are listed on a national securities exchange and such meetings are required as a condition to such listing.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE DECLARATION OF TRUST
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for debts or obligations of the Fund and requires that notice of such limited liability be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Fund or the trustees. The Declaration further provides for indemnification out of the assets and property of the Fund for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund would be unable to meet its obligations. The Fund believes that the likelihood of such circumstances is remote.
The Declaration includes provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to convert the Fund to open-end status. Specifically, the Declaration requires a vote by holders of at least two-thirds of the Common Shares and FundPreferred shares, voting together as a single class, except as described below, to authorize (1) a conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company, (2) a merger or consolidation of the Fund, or a series or class of the Fund, with any corporation, association, trust or other organization or a reorganization of the Fund, or a series or class of the Fund, (3) a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the Fund's assets (other than in the regular course of the Fund's investment activities), (4) in certain circumstances, a termination of the Fund, or a series or class of the Fund, or (5) a removal of trustees by shareholders, and then only for cause, unless, with respect to (1) through (4), such transaction has already been authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of trustees fixed in accordance with the Declaration or the By-laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Fund's Common Shares and FundPreferred shares outstanding at the time, voting together as a single class, is required, provided, however, that where only a particular class or series is affected (or, in the case of removing a trustee, when the trustee has been elected by only one class), only the required vote by the applicable class or series will be required. Approval of shareholders is not required, however, for any transaction, whether deemed a merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise whereby the Fund issues shares in connection with the acquisition of assets (including those subject to liabilities) from any other investment company or similar entity. In the case of the conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company, or in the case of any of the foregoing transactions constituting a plan of reorganization which adversely affects the holders of FundPreferred shares, the action in question will also require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the FundPreferred shares outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class, or, if such action has been authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of trustees fixed in accordance with the Declaration or the By-laws, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the FundPreferred shares outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class. None of the foregoing provisions may be amended except by the vote of at least two-thirds of the Common Shares and FundPreferred shares, voting together as a single class. The votes required to approve the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company or to approve transactions constituting a plan of reorganization which adversely affects the holders of FundPreferred shares are higher than those required by the 1940 Act. The Board of Trustees believes that the provisions of the Declaration relating to such higher votes are in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders. See the Statement of Additional Information under "Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust."
Reference should be made to the Declaration on file with the Commission for the full text of these provisions.
REPURCHASE OF FUND SHARES; CONVERSION TO OPEN-END FUND
The Fund is a closed-end investment company and as such its shareholders will not have the right to cause the Fund to redeem their shares. Instead, the Common Shares will trade in the open market at a price that will be a function of several factors, including dividend levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), net asset value, call protection, dividend stability, portfolio credit quality, relative demand for
and supply of such shares in the market, general market and economic conditions and other factors. Because shares of closed-end investment companies may frequently trade at prices lower than net asset value, the Fund's Board of Trustees has currently determined that, at least annually, it will consider action that might be taken to reduce or eliminate any material discount from net asset value in respect of Common Shares, which may include the repurchase of such shares in the open market or in private transactions, the making of a tender offer for such shares at net asset value, or the conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company. The Fund cannot assure you that its Board of Trustees will decide to take any of these actions, or that share repurchases or tender offers will actually reduce market discount.
If the Fund converted to an open-end investment company, it would be required to redeem all FundPreferred shares then outstanding (requiring in turn that it liquidate a portion of its investment portfolio), and the Common Shares would no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In contrast to a closed-end investment company, shareholders of an open-end investment company may require the company to redeem their shares at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized by the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder) at their net asset value, less any redemption charge that is in effect at the time of redemption. See the Statement of Additional Information under "Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust" for a discussion of the voting requirements applicable to the conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company.
Before deciding whether to take any action if the Common Shares trade below net asset value, the Board would consider all relevant factors, including the extent and duration of the discount, the liquidity of the Fund's portfolio, the impact of any action that might be taken on the Fund or its shareholders, and market considerations. Based on these considerations, even if the Fund's shares should trade at a discount, the Board of Trustees may determine that, in the interest of the Fund and its shareholders, no action should be taken. See the Statement of Additional Information under "Repurchase of Fund Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund" for a further discussion of possible action to reduce or eliminate such discount to net asset value.
TAX MATTERS
The following is intended to be a general summary of certain federal income tax consequences of investing in FundPreferred shares. It is not intended to be a complete discussion of all such federal income tax consequences, nor does it purport to deal with all categories of investors. INVESTORS ARE THEREFORE ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS BEFORE MAKING AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF THE FUND
The Fund intends to qualify for, and to elect to be treated as, a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code and intends to qualify under those provisions each year. As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally will not be subject to federal income tax on its investment company taxable income and net capital gains (net long-term capital gains in excess of the sum of net short-term capital losses and capital loss carryovers from prior years), if any, that it distributes to shareholders. However, the Fund would be subject to corporate income tax (currently imposed at a maximum effective rate of 35%) on any undistributed income. The Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gains.
Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are also subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax. To prevent imposition of this tax, the Fund must distribute, or be deemed to have distributed, during each calendar year an amount equal to the sum of (1) at least 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, (2) at least 98% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the twelve month period ending on October 31 of the calendar year, and (3) all such ordinary income and capital gains for previous years that were not distributed during such years. A distribution will be treated as having been paid on December 31 if it is declared by the Fund in October,
November or December with a record date in such months and is paid by the Fund in January of the following year. Accordingly, such distributions will be taxable to shareholders in the calendar year in which the distributions are declared. To prevent application of the excise tax, the Fund intends to make distributions to satisfy the calendar year distribution requirement.
If in any taxable year the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code, the Fund would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and distributions to its shareholders would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. In addition, in the event of a failure to qualify as a regulated investment company, the Fund's distributions, to the extent derived from the Fund's current or accumulated earnings and profits, would generally constitute ordinary dividends, which although eligible for the Dividends Received Deduction, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, even though such distributions might otherwise, at least in part, have been treated as long-term capital gains in such shareholders' hands.
The Fund's transactions, if any, in forward contracts, options, futures contracts and hedge investments will be subject to special provisions of the Code that, among other things, may affect the character of gain and loss realized by the Fund (i.e., may affect whether gain or loss is ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund, defer Fund losses, and affect whether capital gain and loss is characterized as long-term or short-term. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also may require the Fund to mark-to-market certain types of the positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out), which may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. The Fund will monitor its transactions, make the appropriate tax elections, and make the appropriate entries in its books and records when it acquires any option, futures contract, forward contract, or hedged investment in order to mitigate the effect of these rules, prevent disqualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company, and minimize the imposition of income and excise taxes.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF HOLDERS OF FUNDPREFERRED SHARES
Under present law, the Fund is of the opinion that FundPreferred shares will constitute stock of the Fund, and thus distributions with respect to FundPreferred shares (other than as described below and other than distributions in redemption of FundPreferred shares subject to Section 302(b) of the Code) will generally constitute dividends to the extent of the Fund's current or accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes. Such dividends generally will be taxable as ordinary income to holders but generally will not qualify for the Dividends Received Deduction available to corporations under Section 243 of the Code. Dividends designated by the Fund as capital gain dividends will be treated as long-term capital gains in the hands of holders regardless of the length of time such holders have held their shares. Distributions in excess of the Fund's earnings and profits will first reduce a shareholder's adjusted tax basis in his or her shares and, after the adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to a holder who holds such shares as a capital asset. The IRS currently requires that a regulated investment company that has two or more classes of stock allocate to each such class proportionate amounts of each type of its income (such as ordinary income and capital gains). Accordingly, the Fund intends to designate dividends made with respect to FundPreferred shares as capital gain dividends in proportion to the FundPreferred shares' share of total dividends paid during the year.
The Bush Administration has announced a proposal to reduce or eliminate taxes on dividends; however, many details of the proposal have not been specified. Prospects for this, or any other dividend tax reduction or elimination proposal, are unclear. There is no guarantee any proposal will become law. Accordingly, it is not possible to evaluate how this, or any other, proposal might affect the taxation of dividends to the Fund's shareholders.
SALE OF SHARES
The sale of FundPreferred shares by holders will generally be a taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes. Holders of FundPreferred shares who sell such shares will generally recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the net proceeds of the sale and their adjusted tax basis in the shares sold. If such FundPreferred shares are held as a capital asset at the time of the sale, the gain or loss will generally be a capital gain or loss under Section 302(b) of the Code. Similarly, a redemption by the Fund (including a redemption resulting from liquidation of the Fund), if any, of all the FundPreferred shares actually and constructively held by a shareholder generally will give rise to capital gain or loss if the shareholder does not own (and is not regarded under certain tax law rules of constructive ownership as owning) any Common Shares in the Fund, and provided that the redemption proceeds do not represent declared but unpaid dividends. Other redemptions may also give rise to capital gain or loss, but certain conditions imposed by Section 302(b) of the Code must be satisfied to achieve such treatment. Any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of FundPreferred shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions of net capital gain received with respect to such shares.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
The Fund may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a portion of all taxable distributions (including redemption proceeds) payable to shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number, who fail to make required certifications or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding (or if the Fund has been so notified). Certain corporate and other shareholders specified in the Code and the regulations thereunder are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.
OTHER TAXATION
Foreign shareholders, including shareholders who are nonresident aliens, may be subject to U.S. withholding tax on certain distributions at a rate of 30% or such lower rates as may be prescribed by any applicable treaty.
Investors are advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the application to their own circumstances of the above-described general federal income taxation rules and with respect to other federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences to them of an investment in FundPreferred shares.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT, AUCTION AGENT, DIVIDEND
DISBURSING AGENT AND REDEMPTION AGENT
The custodian of the assets of the Fund is State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. The custodian performs custodial, fund accounting and portfolio accounting services. The Fund's transfer, shareholder services and dividend paying agent is also State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. The Bank of New York is the Auction Agent with respect to the FundPreferred shares and acts as transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent with respect to the FundPreferred shares.
UNDERWRITING
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is acting as representative of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement dated the date hereof, each underwriter named below has severally agreed to purchase, and the Fund has agreed to sell to such underwriter, the number of FundPreferred shares set forth opposite the name of such underwriter.
NUMBER OF SHARES
-----------------------------------------------------------------
UNDERWRITERS SERIES M SERIES T SERIES W SERIES TH SERIES F SERIES F2
------------ -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. ..........
Nuveen Investments, LLC.................
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. ..............
Prudential Securities Incorporated......
Wachovia Securities, Inc. ..............
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total......................... 4,720 4,720 4,720 4,720 4,720 4,720
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The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to purchase the shares included in this offering are subject to approval of certain legal matters by counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all the FundPreferred shares if they purchase any of the shares.
The underwriters propose to offer some of the shares directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus and some of the shares to certain dealers at the public offering price less a concession not in excess of $ per share. The sales load the Fund will pay of $ per share is equal to % of the initial offering price. One half of the sales load from this offering will be paid to certain underwriters based on their participation in the offering of the Fund's Common Shares. The underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $ per share on sales to certain other dealers. If all of the FundPreferred shares are not sold at the initial offering price, the representatives may change the public offering price and other selling terms. Investors must pay for any FundPreferred shares purchased on or before , 2003.
The Fund and the Advisers have each agreed that, for a period of 180 days from the date of this Prospectus, they will not, without the prior written consent of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. on behalf of the Underwriters, sell, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of any senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for senior securities or grant any options or warrants to purchase senior securities of the Fund other than FundPreferred shares.
The Fund anticipates that from time to time certain of the underwriters may act as brokers or dealers in connection with the execution of the Fund's portfolio transactions after they have ceased to be underwriters and, subject to certain restrictions, may act as brokers while they are underwriters.
The Fund anticipates that the underwriters or one of their respective affiliates may, from time to time, act in auctions as Broker-Dealers and receive fees as set forth under "The Auction" and in the Statement of Additional Information.
Nuveen, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60606, one of the underwriters, is an affiliate of NIAC.
The Fund, NIAC, Spectrum and Froley, Revy have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make because of any of those liabilities. Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit
or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The principal business address of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, 10013.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Certain legal matters in connection with the FundPreferred shares offered hereby will be passed upon for the Fund by Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz, Chicago, Illinois, and for the underwriters by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, New York, New York. Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett may rely as to certain matters of Massachusetts law on the opinion of Bingham McCutchen LLP, Boston, Massachusetts.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Fund is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the 1940 Act and is required to file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These documents can be inspected and copied for a fee at the SEC's public reference room, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Reports, proxy statements, and other information about the Fund can be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange.
This Prospectus does not contain all of the information in the Fund's registration statement, including amendments, exhibits, and schedules. Statements in this Prospectus about the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is made to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by this reference.
Additional information about the Fund and FundPreferred shares can be found in the Fund's Registration Statement (including amendments, exhibits, and schedules) on Form N-2 filed with the SEC. The SEC maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains each Fund's Registration Statement, other documents incorporated by reference, and other information the Fund has filed electronically with the SEC, including proxy statements and reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Additional information may be found on the Internet at http://www.nuveen.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Investment Objectives....................................... S-1 Investment Restrictions..................................... S-1 Investment Policies and Techniques.......................... S-3 Other Investment Policies and Techniques.................... S-12 Management of the Fund...................................... S-28 Investment Advisers......................................... S-33 Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage........................ S-37 Net Asset Value............................................. S-39 Description of FundPreferred Shares......................... S-40 Additional Information Concerning the Auctions for FundPreferred Shares...................................... S-42 Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust.............. S-43 Repurchase of Fund Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund...... S-44 Tax Matters................................................. S-46 Experts..................................................... S-51 Custodian, Transfer Agent, Auction Agent, Dividend Disbursing Agent and Redemption Agent..................... S-51 Additional Information...................................... S-51 Report of Independent Auditors.............................. F-1 Financial Statements........................................ F-2 Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of FundPreferred Shares (Appendix A)...................... A-1 Ratings of Investments (Appendix B)......................... B-1 |
$708,000,000
NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE
INCOME FUND
FUNDPREFERRED(TM) SHARES
4,720 SHARES, SERIES M
4,720 SHARES, SERIES T
4,720 SHARES, SERIES W
4,720 SHARES, SERIES TH
4,720 SHARES, SERIES F
4,720 SHARES, SERIES F2
PROSPECTUS
, 2003
CITIGROUP
NUVEEN INVESTMENTS, LLC
A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC.
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES
WACHOVIA SECURITIES
The information in this Statement of Additional Information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Statement of Additional Information is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 6, 2003
NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund (the "Fund") is a recently organized, diversified, closed-end management investment company.
This Statement of Additional Information relating to this offering does not constitute a Prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the Fund's Prospectus relating thereto dated ___________, 2003, (the "Prospectus"). This Statement of Additional Information does not include all information that a prospective investor should consider before purchasing FundPreferred shares in this offering. Investors should obtain and read the Fund's Prospectus prior to purchasing such shares. A copy of the Fund's Prospectus may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 257-8787. You may also obtain a copy of the Fund's Prospectus on the Securities and Exchange Commission's web site (http://www.sec.gov). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Statement of Additional Information have the meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Investment Objectives..........................................................................................S-1
Investment Restrictions........................................................................................S-1
Investment Policies and Techniques.............................................................................S-3
Other Investment Policies and Techniques......................................................................S-12
Management of the Fund........................................................................................S-28
Investment Advisers...........................................................................................S-33
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage..........................................................................S-37
Net Asset Value...............................................................................................S-39
Description of FundPreferred Shares...........................................................................S-40
Additional Information Concerning the Auctions for FundPreferred Shares.......................................S-42
Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust................................................................S-43
Repurchase of Fund Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund........................................................S-44
Tax Matters...................................................................................................S-46
Experts .....................................................................................................S-51
Custodian and Transfer Agent..................................................................................S-51
Additional Information........................................................................................S-51
Report of Independent Auditors................................................................................F-1
Financial Statements..........................................................................................F-2
Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of
FundPreferred Shares (Appendix A).....................................................................A-1
Ratings of Investments (Appendix B)............................................................................B-1
|
This Statement of Additional Information is dated ___________, 2003.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
The Fund's primary objective is high current income. The Fund's secondary objective is total return. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objectives will be achieved.
The Fund cannot change its investment objectives without the approval of the holders of a "majority of the outstanding" Common Shares and FundPreferred shares voting together as a single class, and of the holders of a "majority of the outstanding" FundPreferred shares voting as a separate class. When used with respect to particular shares of the Fund, a "majority of the outstanding" shares means (i) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the shares, whichever is less. See "Description of FundPreferred Shares -- Voting Rights" in the Fund's Prospectus and "Description of FundPreferred Shares -- Voting Rights" in this Statement of Additional Information for additional information with respect to the voting rights of holders of FundPreferred shares.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Except as described below, the Fund, as a fundamental policy, may not, without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares and FundPreferred shares voting together as a single class, and of the holders of a majority of the outstanding FundPreferred shares voting as a separate class:
(1) Issue senior securities, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, other than (i) preferred shares which immediately after issuance will have asset coverage of at least 200%, (ii) indebtedness which immediately after issuance will have asset coverage of at least 300%, or (iii) the borrowings permitted by investment restriction (2) set forth below;
(2) Borrow money, except as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940;
(3) Act as underwriter of another issuer's securities, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities or acting as an agent or one of a group of co-agents in originating corporate loans;
(4) Invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one industry other than the financial services industry; provided, however, that such limitation shall not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities, and provided further that for purposes of this limitation the term "issuer" shall not include a lender selling a participant to the Fund together with any other person interpositioned between such lender and Fund with respect to a participation;
(5) Purchase or sell real estate, except pursuant to the exercise by the Fund of its rights under loan agreements and except to the extent that interests in corporate loans the Fund may invest in are considered to be interests in real estate, and this shall not prevent the Fund from investing in securities of companies that deal in real estate or are engaged in the real estate business, including real estate investment trusts, and securities secured by real estate or interests therein, and the Fund may hold and sell real estate or mortgages on real estate acquired through default, liquidation, or other distributions of an interest in real estate as a result of the Fund's ownership of such securities;
(6) Purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments, except pursuant to the exercise by the Fund of its rights under loan agreements and except to the extent that interests in corporate loans the Fund may invest in are considered to be interests in commodities and this shall not prevent the Fund from
purchasing or selling options, futures contracts, derivative instruments or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities);
(7) Make loans of funds or other assets, other than by obtaining interests in corporate loans, entering into repurchase agreements, lending portfolio securities and through the purchase of debt securities in accordance with its investment objectives, policies and limitations; and
(8) With respect to 75% of the value of the Fund's total assets, purchase any securities (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States Government or by its agencies or instrumentalities), if as a result more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would then be invested in securities of a single issuer or if as a result the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any single issuer and, provided further that for purposes of this restriction, the term "issuer" includes both the borrower under a loan agreement and the lender selling a participation to the Fund, together with any other persons interpositioned between such lender and the Fund with respect to a participation.
For purposes of the foregoing and "Description of FundPreferred Shares -- Voting Rights" below, "majority of the outstanding," when used with respect to particular shares of the Fund, means (i) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the shares, whichever is less.
For the purpose of applying the limitation set forth in subparagraph
(8) above, an issuer shall be deemed the single issuer of a security when its
assets and revenues are separate from other governmental entities and its
securities are backed only by its assets and revenues. Similarly, in the case of
a non-governmental issuer, such as an industrial corporation or a privately
owned or operated hospital, if the security is backed only by the assets and
revenues of the non-governmental issuer, then such non-governmental issuer would
be deemed to be the single issuer. Where a security is also backed by the
enforceable obligation of a superior or unrelated governmental or other entity
(other than a bond insurer), it shall also be included in the computation of
securities owned that are issued by such governmental or other entity. Where a
security is guaranteed by a governmental entity or some other facility, such as
a bank guarantee or letter of credit, such a guarantee or letter of credit would
be considered a separate security and would be treated as an issue of such
government, other entity or bank. When a municipal bond is insured by bond
insurance, it shall not be considered a security that is issued or guaranteed by
the insurer; instead, the issuer of such municipal bond will be determined in
accordance with the principles set forth above.
Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund may invest only up to 10% of its Managed Assets in the aggregate in shares of other investment companies and only up to 5% of its Managed Assets in any one investment company, provided the investment does not represent more than 3% of the voting stock of the acquired investment company at the time such shares are purchased. As a stockholder in any investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and will remain subject to payment of the Fund's management, advisory and administrative fees with respect to assets so invested. Holders of Common Shares would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject to the same leverage risks described herein. As described in the Prospectus in the section entitled "Risk Factors," the net asset value and market value of leveraged shares will be more volatile and the yield to shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged shares.
In addition to the foregoing fundamental investment policies, the Fund is also subject to the following non-fundamental restrictions and policies, which may be changed by the Board of Trustees. The Fund may not:
(1) Sell securities short, except that the Fund may make short sales of securities if, at all times when a short position is open, the Fund owns at least an equal amount of such securities
or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, without payment of any further consideration, securities of the same issuer as, and equal in amount to, the securities sold short, and provided that transactions in options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, or other derivative instruments are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.
(2) Purchase securities of open-end or closed-end investment companies except in compliance with the Investment Company Act of 1940 or any exemptive relief obtained thereunder. The Fund will rely on representations of borrowers in loan agreements in determining whether such borrowers are investment companies.
(3) Purchase securities of companies for the purpose of exercising control, except to the extent that exercise by the Fund of its rights under loan agreements would be deemed to constitute exercising control.
The restrictions and other limitations set forth above will apply only at the time of purchase of securities and will not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of an acquisition of securities.
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES
The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment objectives, policies, and techniques that are described in the Fund's Prospectus.
The Fund's primary investment objective is high current income. The Fund's secondary objective is total return. There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objectives will be achieved.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund:
o will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in preferred securities, convertible securities and related instruments. The Fund intends that most or all of the preferred securities in which it invests will be fully taxable and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction; and
o may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in other securities, including debt instruments and common stocks acquired upon conversion of a convertible security (such common stocks not normally to exceed 5% of the Fund's Managed Assets).
NIAC will be responsible for determining the Fund's overall investment strategy, including allocating the portion of the Fund's assets to be invested in preferred securities, convertible securities and other debt instruments. The Fund's assets allocated to preferred securities will be managed by Spectrum. The Fund's assets allocated to convertible securities will be managed by Froley, Revy. The Fund's assets allocated to other debt instruments will be managed by NIAC. Initially, NIAC will allocate approximately 60%, 30% and 10% of the Fund's Managed Assets to preferred securities, convertible securities and other debt instruments, respectively. Thereafter, the portion of the Fund's Managed Assets invested in preferred securities, convertible securities and other debt instruments will vary from time to time consistent with the Fund's investment objectives, although the Fund will normally invest at least 50% of its Managed Assets in preferred securities and at least 20% of its Managed Assets in convertible securities (so long as the combined total equals at least 80% of the Fund's Managed Assets). Convertible preferred securities will be regarded as convertible securities for purposes of these limits. In making allocation decisions, NIAC will consider factors such as interest rate levels, conditions and developing trends in the bond and equity markets, analysis of relative valuations for preferred, convertible and other
debt instruments, and other economic and market factors, including the overall outlook for the economy and inflation.
The Fund will invest at least 65% of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are investment grade quality. Investment grade quality securities are those securities that, at the time of investment, are (i) rated by at least one of the NRSROs within the four highest grades (Baa or BBB or better by Moody's, S&P or Fitch) or (ii) unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser responsible for the investment. Split-rated securities are considered to be investment grade quality securities, except that to the extent the Fund owns split rated securities that exceed 10% of its Managed Assets, the excess over 10% will not be considered to be investment grade quality. Initially, the Fund intends to invest approximately 75% of its Managed Assets in investment grade quality securities. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are not investment grade quality. The Fund will only invest in securities that, at the time of investment, are rated B or higher by at least one NRSRO or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser responsible for the investment, except, however, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its Managed Assets in securities with a highest rating of CCC or that are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser responsible for the investment.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities that, at the time of investment, are illiquid (i.e., securities that are not readily marketable). All securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests will be subject to this 10% limitation to the extent they are deemed to be illiquid. Initially, the Fund does not intend to invest more than 5% of its Managed Assets in illiquid securities. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers. Subject to this 35% limitation, up to 10% of the Fund's Managed Assets may be invested in securities that are denominated in Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, British pounds or Euros and which may be offered, traded or listed in markets other than U.S. markets. The remainder of the Fund's Managed Assets that may be invested in securities of non-U.S. issuers will be invested in U.S. dollar denominated securities offered, traded or listed in U.S. markets. Initially, the Fund does not intend to invest more than 20% of its Managed Assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers and does not currently intend to invest in the non-U.S. dollar denominated securities described above.
INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY AND PROCESS
NUVEEN INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORY CORP. (NIAC)
Asset Allocation Philosophy. NIAC is responsible for the overall strategy and asset allocation decisions among the three primary asset classes in which the Fund invests - preferred securities, convertible securities and other debt instruments. The goal of the allocation decision is to effectively capture the diversification benefits provided by the low-correlation across these asset classes and provide the potential for high income generation, an opportunity to participate in rising equity markets and some protection against risks associated with rising interest rates. NIAC believes that the opportunity will exist from time to time to potentially enhance the Fund's total return by over-weighting or under-weighting these asset classes as the relative attractiveness of the asset classes changes.
Asset Allocation Process. In determining the Fund's asset allocation, NIAC will periodically consult with the Fund's Subadvisers and other investment manager affiliates of NIAC. NIAC will consider factors such as interest rate levels, conditions and developing trends in the bond and equity markets, analysis of relative valuations for preferred, convertible and other debt instruments, and other economic and market factors, including the overall outlook for the economy and inflation.
Investment Philosophy. NIAC is responsible for managing the other debt instruments in which the Fund may invest. NIAC believes that managing risk, particularly in a volatile asset class such as high
yield debt, is of paramount importance. NIAC believes that a combination of fundamental credit analysis and valuation information that is available from the equity markets provide a means of identifying what it believes to be superior investment candidates. Additionally, NIAC focuses on liquid securities to ensure that exit strategies remain viable throughout market cycles.
Investment Process. NIAC begins with a quantitative screening of the universe to identify investment candidates with favorable capital structures, factor valuation and other equity market indicators. NIAC screens this universe of securities for liquidity constraints and relative value opportunities to determine investment candidates. Subsequently, the investment team performs rigorous fundamental analysis to ensure sound industry fundamentals, cash flow sufficiency and asset quality. The final portfolio is constructed using proprietary risk factor and monitoring systems to ensure proper diversification.
SPECTRUM ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC. (SPECTRUM)
Investment Philosophy. Spectrum's investment philosophy with respect to preferred securities is centered on several underlying themes:
o High levels of current income are the primary return contributor to the total return potential of preferred securities.
o Investing in the subordinated preferred securities of stronger, highly-rated issuers is potentially more advantageous than owing the senior debt of weaker, potentially deteriorating issuers.
o Investment grade quality preferred securities, over time, present a very attractive risk/return opportunity.
o Diversifying across a large number of different industries and issuers helps insulate an overall portfolio of preferred securities from events that affect any particular company or sector.
o Inefficiencies in the preferred securities market, particularly in the pricing and trading of securities, can create opportunities to enhance portfolio value.
Investment Process. Spectrum's investment process begins with macroeconomic and fundamental credit analysis to identify sectors, industries and companies that are potential investments. In its fundamental analysis, Spectrum employs a value-oriented style that considers the relative attractiveness of the security to other preferred securities and to the same issuer's senior debt. In addition, Spectrum evaluates the structural features of each security as well as its liquidity. In its investment decision, Spectrum also considers the contribution of sectors and individual securities to the overall goal of achieving a well-diversified portfolio.
FROLEY, REVY INVESTMENT CO., INC. (FROLEY, REVY)
Investment Philosophy. Froley, Revy's investment philosophy with respect to convertible securities is centered on the belief that convertible securities are a total return vehicle that afford the opportunity to earn equity-like returns with substantially reduced risk relative to equities, while providing some current income. The firm believes that focusing on the mid-market sector of the convertibles market while investing opportunistically in the bond-like and equity-like areas of the convertible securities market may enhance total return potential. In addition, the firm believes that because of the hybrid nature of the asset class, research that emphasizes both fundamental credit analysis and equity valuation analysis can help identify investment opportunities with the greatest potential for enhancing a portfolio's overall total return.
Investment Process. Froley, Revy's investment process begins with screening the universe of convertible securities on certain valuation and structural parameters, including price, yield, premium, calls, equity sensitivity and other factors. On this pool of potential investments, Froley, Revy then conducts credit (bond) analysis and valuation (equity) analysis to identify what it believes to be the most attractive candidates within the universe. Additional inputs into the sector and security selection decision are top down, macroeconomic analysis of economic, interest rate and other trends and the analysis of the structural characteristics of the individual securities.
Froley, Revy monitors all securities and sectors on an on-going basis to identify those that fall outside the intended investment range. Positions in securities that have increased in value and equity sensitivity may be reduced to normal position weights or sold entirely based on the fundamental outlook for the underlying equity. In addition, Froley, Revy considers significant declines from the purchase prices of securities in determining whether to purchase or sell a particular security.
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in preferred securities, convertible securities and related instruments. The Fund will notify shareholders at least 60 days prior to any change in the 80% policy.
Preferred Securities. The Fund intends that most or all of the preferred securities in which it invests will be fully taxable and will not qualify for the corporate dividends received deduction for federal income tax purposes (the "Dividends Received Deduction"). Preferred securities generally pay fixed or adjustable rate dividends to investors, and have a "preference" over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of a company's assets. This means that a company must pay dividends on preferred stock before paying any dividends on its common stock. In order to be payable, distributions on preferred securities must be declared by the issuer's board of directors. Income payments on typical preferred securities currently outstanding are cumulative, causing dividends and distributions to accrue even if not declared by the board of directors or otherwise made payable. There is no assurance that dividends or distributions on the preferred securities in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable.
Preferred stockholders usually have no right to vote for corporate directors or on other matters.
Shares of preferred securities have a liquidation value that generally equals the original purchase price at the date of issuance. The market value of preferred securities may be affected by favorable and unfavorable changes impacting companies in the utilities and financial services sectors, which are prominent issuers of preferred securities, and by actual and anticipated changes in tax laws, such as changes in corporate income tax rates and in the Dividends Received Deduction.
Because the claim on an issuer's earnings represented by preferred securities may become onerous when interest rates fall below the rate payable on such securities, the issuer may redeem the securities. Thus, in declining interest rate environments in particular, the Fund's holdings of higher rate-paying fixed rate preferred securities may be reduced and the Fund would be unable to acquire securities paying comparable rates with the redemption proceeds.
The Fund intends that all of the preferred securities in which it will invest will be investment grade quality at the time of investment. The average call protection of the Fund's portfolio allocated to preferred securities is expected to be approximately three to four years.
Taxable preferred securities are treated in a similar fashion to traditional preferred securities by several regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve Bank, and by credit rating agencies, for
various purposes, such as the assignment of minimum capital ratios, over-collateralization rates and diversification limits.
Additional Information on Taxable Preferred Securities. See "The Fund's Investments -- Portfolio Composition -- Taxable Preferred Securities" in the Fund's Prospectus for a general description of taxable preferred securities.
Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred securities or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio or predetermined price (the "conversion price"). Convertible securities have general characteristics similar to both debt securities and common stocks. The interest paid on convertible securities may be fixed or floating rate. Floating rate convertible securities also may be issued in zero coupon form with an original issue discount. See "Other Investment Policies and Techniques-Zero Coupon and Payment-In-Kind Securities." Although to a lesser extent than with debt securities, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stocks and, therefore, will also react to the variations in the general market for common stocks. Depending upon the relationship of the conversion price to the market value of the underlying common stock, a convertible security may trade more like a common stock than a debt instrument.
Mandatory convertible securities are distinguished as a subset of convertible securities because they may be called for conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including at a specified price) established upon its issuance. If a mandatory convertible security is called for conversion, the Fund will be required to either convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party, which may have an adverse effect on the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure and, therefore, generally entail less risk than the corporation's common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a debt obligation. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to non-convertible debt obligations and can provide for a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks. However, convertible securities fall below debt obligations of the same issuer in order of preference or priority in the event of a liquidation, and are typically unrated or rated lower than such debt obligations. In addition, contingent payment convertible securities allow the issuer to claim deductions based on its nonconvertible cost of debt which generally will result in deductions in excess of the actual cash payments made on the securities (and accordingly, holders will recognize income in amounts in excess of the cash payments received). There can be no assurance of current income because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations. The convertible securities in which the Fund may invest may be below investment grade quality. See "-- High Yield Securities" below.
Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar credit quality because of the potential for capital appreciation. A convertible security, in addition to providing current income, offers the potential for capital appreciation through the conversion feature, which enables the holder to benefit from any increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. The common stock underlying convertible securities may be issued by a different entity than the issuer of the convertible securities.
The value of convertible securities is influenced by both the yield of non-convertible securities of comparable issuers and by the value of the underlying common stock. The value of a convertible security viewed without regard to its conversion feature (i.e., strictly on the basis of its yield) is sometimes referred to as its "investment value." The investment value of the convertible security typically will fluctuate based on the credit quality of the issuer and will fluctuate inversely with changes in prevailing interest rates. However, at the same time, the convertible security will be influenced by its "conversion value," which is the market value of the underlying common stock that would be obtained if the convertible security were converted. Conversion value fluctuates directly with the price of the underlying common stock, and will therefore be subject to risks relating to the activities of the issuer and/or general market and economic conditions. Depending upon the relationship of the conversion price to the market value of the underlying security, a convertible security may trade more like an equity security than a debt instrument.
If, because of a low price of the common stock, the conversion value is substantially below the investment value of the convertible security, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. If the conversion value of a convertible security increases to a point that approximates or exceeds its investment value, the value of the security will be principally influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security will sell at a premium over its conversion value to the extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed-income security.
Mandatory convertible securities are distinguished as a subset of convertible securities because the conversion is not optional and the conversion price at maturity (or redemption) is based solely upon the market price of the underlying common stock, which may be significantly less than par or the price (above or below par) paid. For these reasons, the risks associated with the investing in mandatory convertible securities most closely resemble the risks inherent in common stocks. Mandatory convertible securities customarily pay a higher coupon yield to compensate for the potential risk of additional price volatility and loss upon redemption. Since the correlation of common stock risk increases as the security approaches its redemption date, there can be no assurance that the higher coupon will compensate for the potential loss.
Synthetic Convertible Securities. Although the Fund does not currently intend to invest in synthetic convertible securities, the Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in such securities. Synthetic convertible securities possess the two principal characteristics of a true convertible security, i.e., a fixed-income security ("fixed-income component") and the right to acquire an equity security ("convertible component"). If the Fund invests in synthetic convertible securities, it is expected that the Fund will invest in such synthetic convertible securities that are created by third parties, typically investment banks or other financial institutions. Synthetic convertible securities created by third parties typically trade as a single security with a unitary value, similar to a true convertible security. The Fund may also invest in synthetic convertible securities by acquiring separate securities, one possessing a fixed-income component and the other possessing an equity component. The fixed-income component is achieved by investing in non-convertible, fixed-income securities such as bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks and money market instruments. The equity component is achieved by investing in warrants or options to buy common stock at a certain exercise price, or options on a common stock index. Unlike a true convertible security or a synthetic convertible security created by third parties, each of which is a single security having a unitary market value, a synthetic convertible security that is comprised of two or more separate securities will have a "market value" that is the sum of the values of its fixed-income component and its equity component. For this reason, the value of a synthetic convertible security that is comprised of separate securities may respond differently to market fluctuations than would a true convertible security or synthetic convertible security created by a third party. More flexibility is possible in the assembly of a synthetic convertible security than in the purchase of a convertible security.
Although synthetic convertible securities may be selected where the two components are issued by a single issuer, thus making the synthetic convertible security similar to the true convertible security, the character of a synthetic convertible security allows the combination of components representing distinct issuers, when an Adviser believes that such a combination would better promote the Fund's investment objective. A synthetic convertible security also is a more flexible investment in that its two components may be purchased separately. For example, the Fund may purchase a warrant for inclusion in a synthetic convertible security but temporarily hold short-term investments while postponing the purchase of a corresponding bond pending development of more favorable market conditions.
A holder of a synthetic convertible security faces the risk of a decline in the price of the security or the level of the index involved in the equity component, causing a decline in the value of the call option or warrant purchased to create the synthetic convertible security. Should the price of the stock fall below the exercise price and remain there throughout the exercise period, the entire amount paid for the call option or warrant would be lost. Because a synthetic convertible security includes the fixed-income component as well, the holder of a synthetic convertible security also faces the risk that interest rates will rise, causing a decline in the value of the fixed-income instrument. Convertible structured notes are fixed-income debentures linked to equity, which have the attributes of a convertible security; however, the investment bank that issued the convertible note, rather than the issuer of the underlying common stock into which the note is convertible, assumes the credit risk associated with the investment. The Fund's holdings of synthetic convertible securities, including those created by third parties, are considered convertible securities for purposes of the Fund's policy to invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in preferred securities and convertible securities.
WARRANTS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in warrants to purchase debt securities or equity securities in connection with its investments in synthetic convertible securities. A warrant to purchase equity securities is a right to purchase common stock at a specific price (usually at a premium above the market value of the underlying common stock at time of issuance) during a specified period of time. Such a warrant may have a life ranging from less than a year to twenty years or longer, but the warrant becomes worthless unless it is exercised or sole before expiration. In addition, if the market price of the common stock does not exceed an equity security warrant's exercise price during the life of the warrant, the warrant will expire worthless. Equity security warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage increase or decrease in the value of an equity security warrant may be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the value of the underlying common stock.
Debt obligations with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have many characteristics of convertible securities and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock. Debt obligations also may be issued with warrants attached to purchase additional debt securities at the same coupon rate. A decline in interest rates would permit the Fund to buy additional bonds at the favorable rate or to sell such warrants at a profit. If interest rates rise, these warrants would generally expire with no value.
OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND INDEXES
In connection with its investments in synthetic convertible securities, the Fund may purchase call options on common stocks and call options on common stock indexes. The Fund may purchase call options on common stocks or common stock indexes in standardized contracts traded on domestic or other securities exchanges, boards of trade, or similar entities, or quoted on NASDAQ or on an over-the-counter market.
A call option on a security (or an index) is a contract that gives the holder of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from the writer of the option the security underlying the option (or the cash value of the common stock index) at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. The writer of an option on a security has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price. Upon exercise, the writer of an option on an index is obligated to pay the difference between the cash value of the index and the exercise price multiplied by the specified multiplier for the index option. (An index is designed to reflect features of a particular securities market, a specific group of financial instruments or securities, or certain economic indicators.)
If an option purchased by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a capital loss equal to the premium paid. Prior to the earlier of exercise or expiration, an exchange-traded option may be closed out by an offsetting purchase or sale of an option of the same series (type, exchange, underlying security or index, exercise price, and expiration). There can be no assurance, however, that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund desires.
The Fund may sell call options it has previously purchased, which could result in a net gain or loss depending on whether the amount realized on the sale is more or less than the premium and other transaction costs paid on the call option which is sold. The principal factors affecting the market value of a call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market price of the underlying security or index in relation to the exercise price of the option, the volatility of the underlying security or index, and the time remaining until the expiration date.
The premium paid for a call option purchased by the Fund is an asset of the Fund. The value of an option purchased is marked to market daily and is valued at the closing price on the exchange on which it is traded or, if not traded on an exchange or no closing price is available, at the mean between the last bid and asked prices.
There are several risks associated with transactions in options on securities and on indexes. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events.
If a call option purchased by the Fund is not sold when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security remains less than or equal to the exercise price, the Fund will lose its entire investment in the option.
There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out an option position. If the Fund were unable to close out an option that it had purchased on a security, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit or the option may expire worthless.
If trading were suspended in an option purchased by the Fund, the Fund would not be able to close out the option. If restrictions on exercise were imposed, the Fund might be unable to exercise an option it has purchased.
Short-Term/Long-Term Debt Securities; Defensive Position; Invest-Up Period. Upon an Adviser's recommendation and for temporary defensive purposes or to keep cash on hand fully invested, including the period during which the net proceeds of the offering are being invested, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its Managed Assets in cash equivalents and investment grade fixed-income securities. In
such a case, the Fund may not pursue or achieve its investment objectives. These investments are defined to include, without limitation, the following:
(1) U.S. government securities, including bills, notes and bonds differing as to maturity and rates of interest that are either issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. government agency securities include securities issued by (a) the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, and the Government National Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; (b) the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, whose securities are supported by the right of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (c) the Federal National Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and (d) the Student Loan Marketing Association, whose securities are supported only by its credit. While the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it always will do so since it is not so obligated by law. The U.S. government, its agencies, and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities. Consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate.
(2) Certificates of Deposit issued against funds deposited in a bank or a savings and loan association. Such certificates are for a definite period of time, earn a specified rate of return, and are normally negotiable. The issuer of a certificate of deposit agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the certificate on the date specified thereon. Under current FDIC regulations, the maximum insurance payable as to any one certificate of deposit is $100,000; therefore, certificates of deposit purchased by the Fund may not be fully insured.
(3) Repurchase agreements, which involve purchases of debt securities. At the time the Fund purchases securities pursuant to a repurchase agreement, it simultaneously agrees to resell and redeliver such securities to the seller, who also simultaneously agrees to buy back the securities at a fixed price and time. This assures a predetermined yield for the Fund during its holding period, since the resale price is always greater than the purchase price and reflects an agreed-upon market rate. Such actions afford an opportunity for the Fund to invest temporarily available cash. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements only with respect to obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities; certificates of deposit; or bankers' acceptances in which the Fund may invest. Repurchase agreements may be considered loans to the seller, collateralized by the underlying securities. The risk to the Fund is limited to the ability of the seller to pay the agreed-upon sum on the repurchase date; in the event of default, the repurchase agreement provides that the Fund is entitled to sell the underlying collateral. If the seller defaults under a repurchase agreement when the value of the underlying collateral is less than the repurchase price, the Fund could incur a loss of both principal and interest. The Fund's investment adviser monitors the value of the collateral at the time the action is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement. The investment adviser does so in an effort to determine that the value of the collateral always equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price to be paid to the Fund. If the seller were to be subject to a federal bankruptcy proceeding, the ability of the Fund to liquidate the collateral could be delayed or impaired because of certain provisions of the bankruptcy laws.
(4) Commercial paper, which consists of short-term unsecured promissory notes, including variable rate master demand notes issued by corporations to finance their current operations. Master demand notes are direct lending arrangements between the Fund and a
corporation. There is no secondary market for such notes. However, they are redeemable by the Fund at any time. An Adviser will consider the financial condition of the corporation (e.g., earning power, cash flow, and other liquidity measures) and will continuously monitor the corporation's ability to meet all of its financial obligations, because the Fund's liquidity might be impaired if the corporation were unable to pay principal and interest on demand. Investments in commercial paper will be limited to commercial paper rated in the highest categories by a NRSRO and which mature within one year of the date of purchase or carry a variable or floating rate of interest.
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES AND TECHNIQUES
NON-U.S. SECURITIES
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers. Subject to this 35% limitation, up to 10% of the Fund's Managed Assets may be invested in securities that are denominated in Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, British pounds or Euros and which may be offered, traded or listed in markets other than U.S. markets. The remainder of the Fund's Managed Assets that may be invested in securities of non-U.S. issuers will be invested in U.S. dollar denominated securities offered, traded or listed in U.S. markets. Initially, the Fund does not intend to invest more than 20% of its Managed Assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, and does not currently intend to invest in the non-U.S. dollar denominated securities described above. For this purpose, securities of non-U.S. issuers include American Depository Receipts (ADRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) or other securities representing underlying shares of non-U.S. issuers. Positions in those securities are not necessarily denominated in the same currency as the common stocks into which they may be converted. ADRs are receipts typically issued by an American bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying securities. GDRs are U.S. dollar-denominated receipts evidencing ownership of non-U.S. securities. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for the U.S. securities markets and GDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in non-U.S. securities markets. The Fund may invest in sponsored or unsponsored ADRs. In the case of an unsponsored ADR, the Fund is likely to bear its proportionate share of the expenses of the depository and it may have greater difficulty in receiving shareholder communications than it would have with a sponsored ADR.
Investors should understand and consider carefully the risks involved
in investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers. Investing in securities of
non-U.S. issuers involves certain considerations comprising both risks and
opportunities not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S.
issuers. These considerations include: (i) less publicly available information
about non-U.S. issuers or markets due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting
standards or regulatory practices; (ii) many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less
liquid and more volatile meaning that in a changing market, an Adviser may not
be able to sell the Fund's portfolio securities at times, in amounts and at
prices it considers reasonable; (iii) potential adverse effects of fluctuations
in currency exchange rates or controls on the value of the Fund's investments;
(iv) the economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than expected
or may experience a downturn or recession; (v) the impact of economic,
political, social or diplomatic developments may adversely affect the securities
markets; (vi) withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the Fund's
return; (vii) certain non-U.S. countries may impose restrictions on the ability
of non-U.S. issuers to make payments of principal and/or interest to investors
located outside the U.S., due to blockage of foreign currency exchanges or
otherwise; and (viii) possible seizure, expropriation or nationalization of the
company or its assets. These risks are more pronounced to the extent that the
Fund invests a significant amount of its investments in issuers located in one
region. Although an Adviser may hedge the Fund's exposure to certain of these
risks, including the foreign currency exchange rate risk,
there can be no assurance that the Fund will enter into hedging transactions at any time or at times or under circumstances in which it might be advisable to do so.
Although the Fund intends to invest in companies and government securities of countries having stable political environments, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure or nationalization of non-U.S. bank deposits or other assets, establishment of exchange controls, the adoption of non-U.S. government restrictions, or other adverse political, social or diplomatic developments that could affect investment in non-U.S. issuers.
Debt Obligations of Non-U.S. Governments. An investment in debt obligations of non-U.S. governments and their political subdivisions (sovereign debt) involves special risks that are not present in corporate debt obligations. The non-U.S. issuer of the sovereign debt or the non-U.S. governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and the Fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of sovereign debt may be more volatile than prices of debt obligations of U.S. issuers. In the past, certain non-U.S. countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their debt obligations, withheld payments of principal and interest and declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on their sovereign debt.
A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its non-U.S. currency reserves, the availability of sufficient non-U.S. currency, the relative size of the debt service burden, the sovereign debtor's policy toward its principal international lenders and local political constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from non-U.S. governments, multilateral agencies and other entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The failure of a sovereign debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve specified levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of third-party commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to service its debts.
Eurodollar Instruments and Yankee Bonds. The Fund may invest in Eurodollar instruments and Yankee bonds. Yankee bonds are U.S. dollar denominated bonds typically issued in the U.S. by non-U.S. governments and their agencies and non-U.S. banks and corporations. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities issued by U.S. issuers, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, non-U.S. withholding or other taxes, seizure of non-U.S. deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest.
BONDS
The Fund may invest in a wide variety of bonds and related debt obligations of varying maturities issued by U.S. and foreign corporations (including banks) and other business entities, as well as governments and other issuers to borrow money from investors. Bonds are fixed or variable rate debt obligations, including bills, notes, debentures, money market instruments and similar instruments and securities. Bonds generally are used by corporations, governments and other issuers to borrow money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or variable rate of interest and normally must repay the amount borrowed on or before maturity. Certain bonds are "perpetual" in that they have no maturity date. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its Managed Assets in securities of foreign issuers, including corporate debt securities of foreign issuers in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies as described in the Prospectus. See "Non-U.S. Securities" above.
The Fund may also invest in corporate bonds that are generally used by corporations as well as governments and other issuers to borrow money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or variable rate of interest and normally must repay the amount borrowed on or before maturity. The Fund may also invest in corporate bonds that are below investment grade quality. See "--High Yield Securities" below.
The Fund's investments in bonds are subject to a number of risks described in the Prospectus and elaborated upon elsewhere in this section of the Statement of Additional Information, including interest rate risk, credit risk, high yield risk, issuer risk, foreign (non-U.S.) investment risk, inflation risk, liquidity risk, smaller company risk and management risk.
STRUCTURED NOTES
The Fund may use "structured" notes, which are privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a benchmark asset, market or interest rate (an "embedded index"), such as selected securities, an index of securities or specified interest rates, or the differential performance of two assets or markets. Structured notes may be issued by corporations, including banks, as well as by governmental agencies. Structured notes frequently are assembled in the form of medium-term notes, but a variety of forms are available and may be used in particular circumstances. The terms of such structured notes normally provide that their principal and/or interest payments are to be adjusted upwards or downwards (but ordinarily not below zero) to reflect changes in the embedded index while the structured notes are outstanding. As a result, the interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured product may vary widely, depending on a variety of factors, including the volatility of the embedded index and the effect of changes in the embedded index on principal and/or interest payments. The rate of return on structured notes may be determined by applying a multiplier to the performance or differential performance of the referenced index(es) or other asset(s). Application of a multiplier involves leverage that will serve to magnify the potential for gain and the risk of loss.
An Adviser may utilize structured notes for investment purposes and also for risk management purposes, such as to reduce the duration and interest rate sensitivity of the Fund's portfolio. While structured notes may offer the potential for a favorable rate of return from time to time, they also entail certain risks. Structured notes may be less liquid than other debt securities, and the price of structured notes may be more volatile. In some cases, depending on the terms of the embedded index, a structured note may provide that the principal and/or interest payments may be adjusted below zero. Structured notes also may involve significant credit risk and risk of default by the counterparty. Although structured notes are not necessarily illiquid, NIAC believes that currently most structured notes are illiquid. Like other sophisticated strategies, the Fund's use of structured notes may not work as intended. If the value of the embedded index changes in a manner other than that expected by an Adviser, principal and/or interest payments received on the structured notes may be substantially less than expected. Also, if an Adviser uses structured notes to reduce the duration of the Fund's portfolio, this may limit the Fund's return when having a longer duration would be beneficial (for instance, when interest rates decline).
NO INVERSE FLOATERS
The Fund will not invest in inverse floating rate securities, which are securities that pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in prevailing interest rates and which represent a leveraged investment in an underlying security.
HIGH YIELD SECURITIES
Non-investment grade quality securities are sometimes referred to as "high yield" securities or "junk bonds." See also "--Split-Rated Securities."
Investments in high yield securities generally provide greater income and increased opportunity for capital appreciation than investments in higher quality securities, but they also typically entail greater price volatility and principal and income risk, including the possibility of issuer default and bankruptcy. High yield securities are regarded as predominately speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. Issuers of high yield securities may be highly leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of financing. Securities in the lowest investment grade category also may be considered to possess some speculative characteristics by certain rating agencies. In addition, analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of high yield securities may be more complex than for issuers of higher quality securities.
High yield securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than investment grade securities. A projection of an economic downturn or of a period of rising interest rates, for example, could cause a decline in high yield security prices because the advent of a recession could lessen the ability of an issuer to make principal and interest payments on its debt obligations. If an issuer of high yield securities defaults, in addition to risking payment of all or a portion of interest and principal, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. In the case of high yield securities structured as zero-coupon or payment-in-kind securities, their market prices will normally be affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes, and therefore tend to be more volatile than securities which pay interest currently and in cash. Each Adviser seeks to reduce these risks through diversification, credit analysis and attention to current developments and trends in both the economy and financial markets.
The secondary market for high yield securities may not be as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities, a factor which may have an adverse effect on the Fund's ability to dispose of a particular security. There are fewer dealers in the market for high yield securities than for investment grade obligations. The prices quoted by different dealers may vary significantly and the spread between the bid and ask price is generally much larger than for higher quality instruments. Under adverse market or economic conditions, the secondary market for high yield securities could contract further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer, and these instruments may become illiquid. As a result, the Fund could find it more difficult to sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating the Fund's net asset value.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield securities, especially in a thinly traded market. When secondary markets for high yield securities are less liquid than the market for investment grade securities, it may be more difficult to value the securities because such valuation may require more research, and elements of judgment may play a greater role in the valuation because there is less reliable, objective data available. During periods of thin trading in these markets, the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly and the Fund may have greater difficulty selling its portfolio securities. The Fund will be more dependent on an Adviser's research and analysis when investing in high yield securities. Each Adviser seeks to minimize the risks of investing in all securities through in-depth credit analysis and attention to current developments in interest rates and market conditions.
A general description of the ratings of securities by Moody's and S&P is set forth in Appendix B to this Statement of Additional Information. The ratings of Moody's and S&P represent their opinions as
to the quality of the securities they rate. It should be emphasized, however,
that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality.
Consequently, in the case of debt obligations, certain debt obligations with the
same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while debt
obligations with the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have
the same yield. For these reasons, the use of credit ratings as the sole method
of evaluating high yield securities can involve certain risks. For example,
credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the
market value risk of high yield securities. Also, credit rating agencies may
fail to change credit ratings in a timely fashion to reflect events since the
security was last rated. The Advisers do not rely solely on credit ratings when
selecting securities for the Fund, and develop their own independent analysis of
issuer credit quality.
The Fund's credit quality policies apply only at the time a security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of a security in the event that a rating agency or an Adviser downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issue. In determining whether to retain or sell such a security, an Adviser may consider such factors as an Adviser's assessment of the credit quality of the issuer of such security, the price at which such security could be sold and the rating, if any, assigned to such security by other rating agencies. However, analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of high yield securities may be more complex than for issuers of higher quality debt securities.
COMMON STOCK
The Fund does not intend to purchase common stock as part of its investment strategy. The Fund will have exposure to common stock risks by virtue of the equity component of the convertible securities in which the Fund invests. The Fund may hold common stocks in its portfolio upon conversion of a convertible security, such holdings not normally to exceed 5% of the Fund's Managed Assets. In addition, in keeping with the income focus of the Fund, the Fund expects to sell any common stock holdings as soon as practicable after conversion of a convertible security. Common stock generally represents an ownership interest in an issuer. Although common stocks historically have generated higher average returns than debt securities, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common stock held by the Fund or to which it has exposure. Also, prices of common stocks are sensitive to general movements in the stock market. A drop in the stock market may depress the prices of common stocks held by the Fund or to which it has exposure.
SPLIT-RATED SECURITIES
Split-rated securities are those securities that, at the time of investment, are rated below investment grade by Moody's, S&P or Fitch, so long as at least one NRSRO rates such securities within the four highest grades (i.e., investment grade quality). This means that a split-rated security may be regarded by one NRSRO (but by definition not by all NRSROs or by an Adviser) as having predominately speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal, and accordingly subject to a greater risk of default. The prices of split-rated securities, in the view of one but not all NRSROs, may be more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer's revenues or a general economic downturn, than securities without a split-rating.
CORPORATE LOANS
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in other debt instruments including corporate loans. Corporate loans, as with the other types of securities in which the Fund may invest, are counted for purposes of various other limitations described in this Statement of Additional Information, including the limitation on investing no more than 10% of the Fund's Managed Assets in illiquid securities, to the extent such corporate loans are deemed to be illiquid.
Corporate loans, like most other debt obligations, are subject to the risk of default. Default in the payment of interest or principal on a corporate loan results in a reduction in income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of the corporate loan and a decrease in the Fund's net asset value. This decrease in the Fund's net asset value would be magnified by the Fund's use of leverage. The risk of default increases in the event of an economic downturn or a substantial increase in interest rates. An increased risk of default could result in a decline in the value of corporate loans and in the Fund's net asset value.
The Fund may acquire corporate loans of borrowers that are experiencing, or are more likely to experience, financial difficulty, including corporate loans of borrowers that have filed for bankruptcy protection. Borrowers may have corporate loans or other outstanding debt obligations that are rated below investment grade or that are unrated but of comparable quality to such securities. Debt securities rated below investment grade are viewed by the rating agencies as speculative and are commonly known as junk bonds.
Corporate loans may not be rated at the time that the Fund purchases them. If a corporate loan is rated at the time of purchase, the Adviser responsible for the investment may consider the rating when evaluating the corporate loan but the Adviser responsible for the investment may not view ratings as a determinative factor in investment decisions. As a result, the Fund is more dependent on an Adviser's credit analysis abilities. Because of the protective terms of most corporate loans, it is possible that the Fund is more likely to recover more of its investment in a defaulted corporate loan than would be the case for most other types of defaulted debt securities. The values of corporate loans of borrowers that have filed for bankruptcy protection or that are experiencing payment difficulty will reflect, among other things, the assessment of the Adviser responsible for the investment of the likelihood that the Fund ultimately will receive repayment of the principal amount of such corporate loans, the likely duration, if any, of a lapse in the scheduled payment of interest and repayment of principal and prevailing interest rates.
In the case of collateralized corporate loans, there is no assurance that sale of the collateral would raise enough cash to satisfy the borrower's payment obligation or that the collateral can or will be liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation may not occur and the court may not give lenders the full benefit of their senior positions. If the terms of a corporate loan do not require the borrower to pledge additional collateral in the event of a decline in the value of the original collateral, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the value of the collateral will not at all times equal or exceed the amount of the borrower's obligations under the corporate loan. To the extent that a corporate loan is collateralized by stock in the borrower or its subsidiaries, such stock may lose all of its value in the event of bankruptcy of the borrower. Uncollateralized corporate loans involve a greater risk of loss. Some corporate loans in which the Fund may invest are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate such corporate loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower or take other action detrimental to the holders of corporate loans, such as the Fund, including, under certain circumstances, invalidating such corporate loans. Lenders commonly have certain obligations pursuant to the loan agreement, which may include the obligation to make additional loans or release collateral in certain circumstances.
Information about most corporate loans is less readily available and reliable than is the case for many other types of securities. In addition, there is no minimum rating or other independent evaluation of a borrower or its securities limiting the Fund's investments. The Adviser responsible for the investment may rely exclusively or primarily on its own evaluation of borrower credit quality in selecting corporate loans for purchase. As a result, the Fund is particularly dependent on the analytical abilities of the Adviser responsible for the investment.
No active trading market currently exists for many corporate loans. Corporate loans are thus relatively illiquid. Liquidity relates to the ability of the Fund to sell an investment in a timely manner at a price approximately equal to its value on the Fund's books. The illiquidity of corporate loans may impair the Fund's ability to realize the full value of its assets in the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation of such assets. Because of the lack of an active trading market, illiquid securities are also difficult to value and prices provided by external pricing services may not reflect the true fair value of the securities. However, many corporate loans are of a large principal amount and are held by a large number of financial institutions. It is possible that this should enhance their liquidity. In addition, in recent years the number of institutional investors purchasing corporate loans has increased. The risks of illiquidity are particularly important when the Fund's operations require cash, and may in certain circumstances require that the Fund borrow to meet short-term cash requirements. To the extent that a secondary market does exist for certain corporate loans, the market may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. The market for corporate loans could be disrupted in the event of an economic downturn or a substantial increase or decrease in interest rates. This could result in increased volatility in the market and in the Fund's net asset value and market price per share.
If legislation or state or federal regulators impose additional requirements or restrictions on the ability of financial institutions to make loans that are considered highly leveraged transactions, the availability of corporate loans for investment by the Fund may be adversely affected. In addition, such requirements or restrictions could reduce or eliminate sources of financing for certain borrowers. This would increase the risk of default. If legislation or federal or state regulators require financial institutions to dispose of corporate loans that are considered highly leveraged transactions or subject such corporate loans to increased regulatory scrutiny, financial institutions may determine to sell such corporate loans. Such sales could result in prices that, in the opinion of the Adviser, do not represent fair value. If the Fund attempts to sell a corporate loan at a time when a financial institution is engaging in such a sale, the price the Fund could get for the corporate loan may be adversely affected.
Some corporate loans are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate the corporate loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower or take other action detrimental to lenders. Such court action could under certain circumstances include invalidation of corporate loans. Any lender, which could include the Fund, is subject to the risk that a court could find the lender liable for damages in a claim by a borrower arising under the common laws of tort or contracts or anti-fraud provisions of certain securities laws for actions taken or omitted to be taken by the lenders under the relevant terms of a loan agreement or in connection with actions with respect to the collateral underlying in the corporate loan.
The Fund may purchase participations in corporate loans. By purchasing a participation interest in a loan, the Fund acquires some or all of the interest of a bank or other financial institution in a loan to a corporate borrower. Under a participation, the Fund generally will have rights that are more limited than the rights of lenders or of persons who acquire a corporate loan by assignment. In a participation, the Fund typically has a contractual relationship with the lender selling the participation, but not with the borrower. As a result, the Fund assumes the credit risk of the lender selling the participation in addition to the credit risk of the borrower. In the event of insolvency of the lender selling the participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not have a senior claim to the lenders' interest in the corporate loan. A lender selling a participation and other persons interpositioned between the lender and the Fund with respect to participations will likely conduct their principal business activities in the banking, finance and financial services industries.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may buy and sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, making payment or taking delivery at a later date, normally within 15-45 days of the trade date. On such transactions the payment obligation and the interest rate are fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment. Beginning on the date the Fund enters into a commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, the Fund is required under rules of the Commission to maintain in a separate account liquid assets, consisting of cash, cash equivalents or liquid securities having a market value at all times of at least equal to the amount of the commitment. Income generated by any such assets which provide taxable income for federal income tax purposes is includable in the taxable income of the Fund. The Fund may enter into contracts to purchase securities on a forward basis (i.e., where settlement will occur more than 60 days from the date of the transaction) only to the extent that the Fund specifically collateralizes such obligations with a security that is expected to be called or mature within sixty days before or after the settlement date of the forward transaction. The commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward basis may involve an element of risk because no interest accrues on the bonds prior to settlement and at the time of delivery the market value may be less than cost.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
As temporary investments, the Fund may invest in repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is a contractual agreement whereby the seller of securities (U.S. Government securities or municipal bonds) agrees to repurchase the same security at a specified price on a future date agreed upon by the parties. The agreed-upon repurchase price determines the yield during the Fund's holding period. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans collateralized by the underlying security that is the subject of the repurchase contract. Income generated from transactions in repurchase agreements will be taxable. See "Tax Matters" for information relating to the allocation of taxable income between Common Shares and FundPreferred shares, if any. The Fund will only enter into repurchase agreements with registered securities dealers or domestic banks that, in the opinion of an Adviser, present minimal credit risk. The risk to the Fund is limited to the ability of the issuer to pay the agreed-upon repurchase price on the delivery date; however, although the value of the underlying collateral at the time the transaction is entered into always equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price, if the value of the collateral declines there is a risk of loss of both principal and interest. In the event of default, the collateral may be sold but the Fund might incur a loss if the value of the collateral declines, and might incur disposition costs or experience delays in connection with liquidating the collateral. In addition, if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization upon the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited. The Adviser responsible for the investment will monitor the value of the collateral at the time the transaction is entered into and at all times subsequent during the term of the repurchase agreement in an effort to determine that such value always equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price. In the event the value of the collateral declines below the repurchase price, Spectrum will demand additional collateral from the issuer to increase the value of the collateral to at least that of the repurchase price, including interest.
ZERO COUPON BONDS AND PAYMENT-IN-KIND SECURITIES
Zero-coupon securities are debt obligations that do not entitle the holder to any periodic payments of interest either for the entire life of the obligation or for an initial period after the issuance of the obligation. When held to its maturity, its return comes from the difference between the purchase price and its maturity value. Payment-in-kind securities ("PIKs") pay dividends or interest in the form of additional securities of the issuer, rather than in cash. Each of these instruments is typically issued and traded at a deep discount from its face amount. The amount of the discount varies depending on such
factors as the time remaining until maturity of the securities, prevailing interest rates, the liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. The market prices of zero-coupon bonds and PIKs generally are more volatile than the market prices of debt instruments that pay interest currently and in cash and are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than do other types of securities having similar maturities and credit quality. In order to satisfy a requirement for qualification as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), an investment company, such as the Fund, must distribute each year at least 90% of its net investment income, including the original issue discount accrued on zero-coupon bonds and PIKs. Because the Fund will not on a current basis receive cash payments from the issuer of these securities in respect of any accrued original issue discount, in some years the Fund may have to distribute cash obtained from selling other portfolio holdings of the Fund in order to avoid unfavorable tax consequences. In some circumstances, such sales might be necessary in order to satisfy cash distribution requirements even though investment considerations might otherwise make it undesirable for the Fund to sell securities at such time. Under many market conditions, investments in zero-coupon bonds and PIKs may be illiquid, making it difficult for the Fund to dispose of them or determine their current value.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to broker-dealers and banks.
Any such loan must be continuously secured by collateral in cash or cash
equivalents maintained on a current basis in an amount at least equal to the
market value of the securities loaned by the Fund. The Fund would continue to
receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the
securities loaned, and would also receive an additional return that may be in
the form of a fixed fee or a percentage of the collateral. The Fund may pay
reasonable fees to persons unaffiliated with the Fund for services in arranging
these loans. The Fund would have the right to call the loan and obtain the
securities loaned at any time on notice of not more than five business days. The
Fund would not have the right to vote the securities during the existence of the
loan but would call the loan to permit voting of the securities, if, in an
Adviser's judgment, a material event requiring a shareholder vote would
otherwise occur before the loan was repaid. In the event of bankruptcy or other
default of the borrower, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating
the loan collateral or recovering the loaned securities and losses, including
(a) possible decline in the value of the collateral or in the value of the
securities loaned during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights
thereto, (b) possible subnormal levels of income and lack of access to income
during this period, and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
PORTFOLIO TRADING AND TURNOVER RATE
Portfolio trading may be undertaken to accomplish the investment objectives of the Fund in relation to actual and anticipated movements in interest rates. In addition, a security may be sold and another of comparable quality purchased at approximately the same time to take advantage of what an Adviser believes to be a temporary price disparity between the two securities. Temporary price disparities between two comparable securities may result from supply and demand imbalances where, for example, a temporary oversupply of certain securities may cause a temporarily low price for such securities, as compared with other securities of like quality and characteristics.
The Fund may also engage to a limited extent in short-term trading consistent with its investment objectives. Securities may be sold in anticipation of a market decline (a rise in interest rates) or purchased in anticipation of a market rise (a decline in interest rates) and later sold, but the Fund will not engage in trading solely to recognize a gain. Subject to the foregoing, the Fund will attempt to achieve its investment objectives by prudent selection of preferred securities with a view to holding them for investment. While there can be no assurance thereof, the Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate will generally not exceed 75%. However, the rate of turnover will not be a limiting factor
when the Fund deems it desirable to sell or purchase securities. Therefore, depending upon market conditions, the annual portfolio turnover rate of the Fund may exceed 75% in particular years. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund. High portfolio turnover may result in the realization of net short-term capital gains by the Fund which, when distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income.
HEDGING TRANSACTIONS
As a non-fundamental policy that can be changed by the Board of
Trustees, the use of derivatives and other transactions for purposes of hedging
the portfolio will be restricted to reducing the portfolio's exposure to the
risk of increases in interest rates, common stock risk, high yield credit risk
and foreign currency exchange risk. The specific derivative instruments to be
used, or other transactions to be entered into, for hedging purposes may include
(i) options and futures contracts, including options on common stock, stock
indexes, bonds and bond indexes, stock index futures, bond index futures and
related instruments, (ii) short sales of securities that the Fund owns or has
the right to acquire through the conversion of securities, (iii) structured
notes and similar instruments, (iv) credit derivative instruments, and (v)
currency exchange transactions. Some, but not all, of the derivative instruments
may be traded and listed on an exchange. The positions in derivatives will be
marked-to-market daily at the closing price established on the relevant exchange
or at a fair value. Except for investing in synthetic convertible securities,
the Fund will use derivatives or other transactions described in this paragraph
solely for purposes of hedging the Fund's portfolio risks.
There may be an imperfect correlation between changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio holdings and hedging positions entered into by the Fund, which may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. In addition, the Fund's success in using hedging instruments is subject to an Adviser's ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedge instruments to the Fund's portfolio holdings or other factors, and there can be no assurance that an Adviser's judgment in this respect will be correct. Consequently, the use of hedging transactions might result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund, whether or not adjusted for risk, than if the Fund had not hedged its portfolio holdings. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Fund will enter into hedging or other transactions at times or under circumstances in which it would be advisable to do so. See "Risk Factors -- General Risks of Investing in the Fund-- Hedging Risks" in the Fund's prospectus.
Options on Securities. In order to hedge against adverse market shifts, the Fund may purchase put and call options on stock, bonds or other securities. In addition, the Fund may seek to hedge a portion of its portfolio investments through writing (i.e., selling) covered put and call options. A put option embodies the right of its purchaser to compel the writer of the option to purchase from the option holder an underlying security or its equivalent at a specified price at any time during the option period. In contrast, a call option gives the purchaser the right to buy the underlying security covered by the option or its equivalent from the writer of the option at the stated exercise price at any time during the option period.
As a holder of a put option, the Fund will have the right to sell the securities underlying the option and as the holder of a call option, the Fund will have the right to purchase the securities underlying the option, in each case at their exercise price at any time prior to the option's expiration date. The Fund may choose to exercise the options it holds, permit them to expire or terminate them prior to their expiration by entering into closing sale or purchase transactions. In entering into a closing sale or purchase transaction, the Fund would sell an option of the same series as the one it has purchased. The ability of the Fund to enter into a closing sale transaction with respect to options purchased and to enter into a closing purchase transaction with respect to options sold depends on the existence of a liquid
secondary market. There can be no assurance that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund so desires. The Fund's ability to terminate option positions established in the over-the-counter market may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded options and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Fund.
In purchasing a put option, the Fund will seek to benefit from a decline in the market price of the underlying security, while in purchasing a call option, the Fund will seek to benefit from an increase in the market price of the underlying security. If an option purchased is not sold or exercised when it has remaining value, or if the market price of the underlying security remains equal to or greater than the exercise price, in the case of a put, or remains equal to or below the exercise price, in the case of a call, during the life of the option, the option will expire worthless. For the purchase of an option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must decline sufficiently below the exercise price, in the case of a put, and must increase sufficiently above the exercise price, in the case of a call, to cover the premium and transaction costs. Because option premiums paid by the Fund are small in relation to the market value of the instruments underlying the options, buying options can result in additional amounts of leverage to the Fund. The leverage caused by trading in options could cause the Fund's net asset value to be subject to more frequent and wider fluctuation than would be the case if the Fund did not invest in options.
The Fund will receive a premium when it writes put and call options, which increases the Fund's return on the underlying security in the event the option expires unexercised or is closed out at a profit. By writing a call, the Fund will limit its opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option for as long as the Fund's obligation as the writer of the option continues. Upon the exercise of a put option written by the Fund, the Fund may suffer an economic loss equal to the difference between the price at which the Fund is required to purchase the underlying security and its market value at the time of the option exercise, less the premium received for writing the option. Upon the exercise of a call option written by the Fund, the Fund may suffer an economic loss equal to an amount not less than the excess of the security's market value at the time of the option exercise over the Fund's acquisition cost of the security, less the sum of the premium received for writing the option and the difference, if any, between the call price paid to the Fund and the Fund's acquisition cost of the security. Thus, in some periods the Fund might receive less total return and in other periods greater total return from its hedged positions than it would have received from its underlying securities unhedged.
Options on Stock and Bond Indexes. The Fund may purchase put and call options on stock and bond indexes to hedge against risks of market-wide price movements affecting its assets. In addition, the Fund may write covered put and call options on stock and bond indexes. A stock or bond index measures the movement of a certain group of stocks or bonds by assigning relative values to the stocks or bonds included in the index. Options on a stock or bond index are similar to options on securities. Because no underlying security can be delivered, however, the option represents the holder's right to obtain from the writer, in cash, a fixed multiple of the amount by which the exercise price exceeds (in the case of a put) or is less than (in the case of a call) the closing value of the underlying index on the exercise date. The advisability of using stock or bond index options to hedge against the risk of market-wide movements will depend on the extent of diversification of the Fund's investments and the sensitivity of its investments to factors influencing the underlying index. The effectiveness of purchasing or writing stock or bond index options as a hedging technique will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the Fund's investments correlate with price movements in the stock or bond index selected. In addition, successful use by the Fund of options on stock or bond indexes will be subject to the ability of an Adviser to predict correctly changes in the relationship of the underlying index to the Fund's portfolio holdings. No assurance can be given that the Adviser's judgment in this respect will be correct.
When the Fund writes an option on a stock or bond index, it will establish a segregated account with its custodian in which the Fund will deposit liquid securities in an amount equal to the market value of the option, and will maintain the account while the option is open.
Stock and Bond Index Futures Contracts. The Fund may purchase and sell stock index futures as a hedge against movements in the equity markets. Stock and bond index futures contracts are agreements in which one party agrees to deliver to the other an amount of cash equal to a specific dollar amount times the difference between the value of a specific stock or bond index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the agreement is made. No physical delivery of securities is made.
For example, if an Adviser expects general stock or bond market prices to decline, it might sell a futures contract on a particular stock or bond index. If that index does in fact decline, the value of some or all of the securities in the fund's portfolio may also be expected to decline, but that decrease would be offset in part by the increase in the value of the Fund's position in such futures contract. If, on the other hand, an Adviser expects general stock or bond market prices to rise, it might purchase a stock or bond index futures contract as a hedge against an increase in prices of particular securities it wants ultimately to buy. If in fact the stock or bond index does rise, the price of the particular securities intended to be purchased may also increase, but that increase would be offset in part by the increase in the value of the Fund's futures contract resulting from the increase in the index. The Fund may purchase futures contracts on a stock or bond index to enable an Adviser to gain immediate exposure to the underlying securities market pending the investment in individual securities of the portion of the Fund's portfolio allocated to that Adviser.
Under regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") currently in effect, which may change from time to time, with respect to futures contracts purchased by the Fund, the Fund will set aside in a segregated account liquid securities with a value at least equal to the value of instruments underlying such futures contracts less the amount of initial margin on deposit for such contracts. The current view of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission is that the Fund's long and short positions in futures contracts must be collateralized with cash or certain liquid assets held in a segregated account or "covered" in order to counter the impact of any potential leveraging.
Parties to a futures contract must make "initial margin" deposits to secure performance of the contract. There are also requirements to make "variation margin" deposits from time to time as the value of the futures contract fluctuates. The Fund is not a commodity pool and, in compliance with CFTC regulations currently in effect, may enter into any futures contracts and related options for "bona fide hedging" purposes and, in addition, for other purposes, provided that aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish positions other than those considered by the CFTC to be "bona fide hedging" will not exceed 0.5% of the Fund's Managed Assets, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such contracts. The Fund reserves the right to engage in transactions involving futures and options thereon to the extent allowed by CFTC regulations in effect from time to time and in accordance with the Fund's policies. In addition, certain provisions of the Code may limit the extent to which the Fund may enter into futures contracts or engage in options transactions. See "Tax Matters."
The potential loss related to the purchase of an option on a futures contract is limited to the premium paid for the option (plus transaction costs).
With respect to options purchased by the Fund, there are no daily cash payments made by the Fund to reflect changes in the value of the underlying contract; however, the value of the option does change daily and that change would be reflected in the net asset value of the Fund.
Risks Associated with Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. Futures prices are affected by many factors, such as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument and the time remaining until expiration of the contract. A purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the futures contract. While the Fund may enter into futures contracts and options on futures contracts for hedging purposes, the use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts might result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. If, for example, the Fund had insufficient cash, it might have to sell a portion of its underlying portfolio of securities in order to meet daily variation margin requirements on its futures contracts or options on futures contracts at a time when it might be disadvantageous to do so. There may be an imperfect correlation between the Fund's portfolio holdings and futures contracts or options on futures contracts entered into by the Fund, which may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends on circumstances such as: variations in speculative market demand for futures, futures options and the related securities, including technical influences in futures and futures options trading and differences between the securities markets and the securities underlying the standard contracts available for trading. Futures prices are affected by many factors, such as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument and the time remaining until the expiration of the contract. Further, the Fund's use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts to reduce risk involves costs and will be subject to an Adviser's ability to predict correctly changes in interest rate relationships or other factors. A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected stock price or interest rate trends. No assurance can be given that Spectrum's judgment in this respect will be correct.
Futures exchanges may limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in certain futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of the current trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a futures contract subject to the limit, no more trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may work to prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses. Stock index futures contracts are not normally subject to such daily price change limitations.
The Fund may invest in other options. An option is an instrument that gives the holder of the instrument the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a predetermined number of specific securities (i.e. preferred stocks, common stocks or bonds) at a stated price within the expiration period of the instrument, which is generally less than 12 months from its issuance. If the right is not exercised after a specified period but prior to the expiration, the option expires. Both put and call options may be used by the Fund.
Short Sales. The Fund may make short sales of securities if, at all times when a short position is open, the Fund owns at least an equal amount of such securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, without payment of any further consideration, securities of the same issue as, and equal in amount to, the securities sold short. This technique is called selling short "against the box."
In a short sale against the box, the Fund will not deliver from its portfolio the securities sold and will not receive immediately the proceeds from the short sale. Instead, the Fund will borrow the securities sold short from a broker-dealer through which the short sale is executed and the broker-dealer will deliver such securities, on behalf of the Fund, to the purchaser of such securities. Such broker-dealer
will be entitled to retain the proceeds from the short sale until the Fund delivers to such broker-dealer the securities sold short. In addition, the Fund will be required to pay the broker-dealer the amount of any dividends paid on shares sold short. Finally, to secure its obligation to deliver to such broker-dealer the securities sold short, the Fund must deposit and continuously maintain in a separate account with its custodian an equivalent amount of the securities sold short or securities convertible into or exchangeable for such securities without the payment of additional consideration. The Fund is said to have a short position in the securities sold until it delivers to the broker-dealer the securities sold, at which time the Fund will receive the proceeds of the sale. Because the Fund ordinarily will want to continue to hold securities in its portfolio that are sold short, the Fund will normally close out a short position by purchasing on the open market and delivering to the broker-dealer an equal amount of the securities sold short, rather than by delivering portfolio securities.
Short sales may protect the Fund against the risk of losses in the value of its portfolio securities because any unrealized losses with respect to such portfolio securities should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding gain in the short position. However, any potential gain in such portfolio securities should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding loss in the short position. The extent to which such gains or losses are offset will depend upon the amount of securities sold short relative to the amount the Fund owns, either directly or indirectly, and, in the case where the Fund owns convertible securities, changes in the conversion premium. The Fund will incur transaction costs in connection with short sales.
In addition to enabling the Fund to hedge against market risk, short sales may afford the Fund an opportunity to earn additional current income to the extent the Fund is able to enter into arrangements with broker-dealers through which the short sales are executed to receive income with respect to the proceeds of the short sales during the period the Fund's short positions remain open.
The Code imposes constructive sale treatment for federal income tax purposes on certain hedging strategies with respect to appreciated financial positions. Under these rules, taxpayers will recognize gain, but not loss, with respect to securities if they enter into short sales or "offsetting notional principal contracts" (as defined by the Code) with respect to, or futures or forward contracts to deliver, the same or substantially identical property, or if they enter into such transactions and then acquire the same or substantially identical property. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to promulgate regulations that will treat as constructive sales certain transactions that have substantially the same effect as these transactions. See "Tax Matters."
Structured Notes. The Fund may use structured notes and similar instruments for hedging purposes. Structured notes are privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a benchmark asset, market or interest rate (an "embedded index"), such as selected securities, an index of securities or specified interest rates or the differential performance of two assets or markets. The terms of such structured instruments normally provide that their principal and/or interest payments are to be adjusted upwards or downwards (but not ordinarily below zero) to reflect changes in the embedded index while the structured instruments are outstanding. As a result, the interest and/or principal payments that may be made on a structured product may vary widely, depending on a variety of factors, including the volatility of the embedded index and the effect of changes in the embedded index on principal and/or interest payments. The rate of return on structured notes may be determined by applying a multiplier to the performance or differential performance of the referenced index(es) or other asset(s). Application of a multiplier involves leverage that will serve to magnify the potential for gain and the risk of loss.
Credit Derivative Instruments. The Fund may purchase credit derivative instruments for purposes of hedging the Fund's credit risk exposure to certain issuers of securities that the Fund owns. For example, the Fund may enter into credit swap default contracts for hedging purposes where the Fund
would be the buyer of such a default contract. The Fund would be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract in the event of a default by a third party, such as a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer, on the debt obligation. In return, the Fund would pay to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would have spent the stream of payments and received no benefit from the contract.
Currency Exchange Transactions. The Fund may enter into currency exchange transactions to hedge the Fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the event the Fund invests in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities of non-U.S. issuers as described in this Statement of Additional Information. The Fund's currency transactions will be limited to portfolio hedging involving portfolio positions. Portfolio hedging is the use of a forward contract with respect to a portfolio security position denominated or quoted in a particular currency. A forward contract is an agreement to purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified future date (or within a specified time period) and price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are usually entered into with banks, foreign exchange dealers or broker-dealers, are not exchange-traded, and are usually for less than one year, but may be renewed.
At the maturity of a forward contract to deliver a particular currency, the Fund may either sell the portfolio security related to such contract and make delivery of the currency, or it may retain the security and either acquire the currency on the spot market or terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the currency by purchasing an offsetting contract with the same currency trader obligating it to purchase on the same maturity date the same amount of the currency.
It is impossible to forecast with absolute precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration of a forward contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for the Fund to purchase additional currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security is less than the amount of currency that the Fund is obligated to deliver and if a decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security if its market value exceeds the amount of currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.
If the Fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been movement in forward contract prices. If the Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward contract to sell the currency. Should forward prices decline during the period between the Fund's entering into a forward contract for the sale of a currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, the Fund will suffer a loss to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell. A default on the contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits or force the Fund to cover its commitments for purchase or sale of currency, if any, at the current market price.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. Moreover, it may not be possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates. The cost to the Fund of engaging in currency exchange transactions varies with such factors as the currency involved, the length of the contract period, and prevailing market conditions. Since currency exchange transactions are usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved.
The Fund may invest in relatively new instruments without a significant trading history for purposes of hedging the Fund's portfolio risks. As a result, there can be no assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist.
INTEREST RATE TRANSACTIONS
In connection with the Fund's likely use of leverage through its sale of FundPreferred shares or Borrowings, the Fund, if market conditions are deemed favorable, likely will enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions to attempt to protect itself from increasing dividend or interest expenses on its FundPreferred shares or Borrowings. Interest rate swaps involve the Fund's agreement with the swap counterparty to pay a fixed rate payment in exchange for the counterparty agreeing to pay the Fund a payment at a variable rate that is expected to approximate the rate on the Fund's variable rate payment obligation on FundPreferred shares or any variable rate Borrowings. The payment obligations would be based on the notional amount of the swap. The Fund may use an interest rate cap, which would require it to pay a premium to the cap counterparty and would entitle it, to the extent that a specified variable rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, to receive from the counterparty payment of the difference based on the notional amount. The Fund would use interest rate swaps or caps only with the intent to reduce or eliminate the risk that an increase in short-term interest rates could have on Common Share net earnings as a result of leverage.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps or caps on a net basis; that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Fund intends to maintain in a segregated account with its custodian cash or liquid securities having a value at least equal to the Fund's net payment obligations under any swap transaction, marked-to-market daily.
The use of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the Fund's use of interest rate swaps or caps could enhance or harm the overall performance on the Common Shares. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of the interest rate swap or cap could decline, and could result in a decline in the net asset value of the Common Shares. In addition, if short-term interest rates are lower than the Fund's fixed rate of payment on the interest rate swap, the swap will reduce Common Share net earnings. If, on the other hand, short-term interest rates are higher than the fixed rate of payment on the interest rate swap, the swap will enhance Common Share net earnings. Buying interest rate caps could enhance the performance of the Common Shares by providing a maximum leverage expense. Buying interest rate caps could also decrease the net earnings of the Common Shares in the event that the premium paid by the Fund to the counterparty exceeds the additional amount the Fund would have been required to pay had it not entered into the cap agreement. The Fund has no current intention of selling an interest rate swap or cap. The Fund will not enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions in an aggregate notional amount that exceeds the outstanding amount of the Fund's leverage.
Interest rate swaps and caps do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to interest rate swaps is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the swap or cap to offset the dividend payments on the FundPreferred shares or interest payments on Borrowings. Depending on whether the Fund would be entitled to receive net payments from the counterparty on the swap or cap, which in turn would depend on the general state of short-term interest rates at that point in time, such a default could negatively impact the performance of the Common Shares.
Although this will not guarantee that the counterparty does not default, the Fund will not enter into an interest rate swap or cap transaction with any counter-party that NIAC believes does not have the financial resources to honor its obligation under the interest rate swap or cap transaction. Further, NIAC will continually monitor the financial stability of a counterparty to an interest rate swap or cap transaction in an effort to proactively protect the Fund's investments.
In addition, at the time the interest rate swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Fund would not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement would not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it could have a negative impact on the performance of the Fund's Common Shares.
The Fund may choose or be required to redeem some or all of the Preferred Shares, including FundPreferred shares, or prepay any Borrowings. This redemption would likely result in the Fund seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap or cap transaction. Such early termination of a swap could result in termination payment by or to the Fund. An early termination of a cap could result in a termination payment to the Fund.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the Management Agreement, is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The number of trustees of the Fund is currently set at seven. None of the trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Fund has ever been a director or employee of, or consultant to, Nuveen, Spectrum or Froley, Revy or their affiliates. The Trustees serve annual terms until the next annual shareholder meeting. The names and business addresses of the trustees and officers of the Fund, their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years, the number of portfolios each oversees and other directorships they hold are set forth below.
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS, NUMBER OF
OFFICES WITH THE INCLUDING PORTFOLIOS
FUND AND YEAR OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS IN FUND COMPLEX
FIRST ELECTED OR HELD, DURING OVERSEEN BY
NAME AND ADDRESS BIRTHDATE APPOINTED PAST FIVE YEARS TRUSTEE
---------------- --------- ---------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------
TRUSTEE WHO IS AN "INTERESTED PERSON" OF THE FUND:
Timothy R. Schwertfeger* 03/28/49 Chairman of the Board Chairman and Director (since 141
333 West Wacker Drive and Trustee, 2002 1996) of Nuveen Investments,
Chicago, IL 60606 Inc., Nuveen Investments,
LLC, Nuveen Advisory Corp.
and Nuveen Institutional
Advisory Corp. Chairman and
Director (since 1997) of
Nuveen Asset Management
Inc.; Director (since 1996)
of Institutional Capital
Corporation; Chairman and
Director (since 1999) of
Rittenhouse Financial
Services Inc.; Chief
Executive Officer (since
1999) of Nuveen Senior Loan
Asset Management Inc.
|
* Mr. Schwertfeger is an "interested person" of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, because he is an officer and director of Nuveen Investments, Inc., Nuveen Investments, LLC and NIAC.
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS, NUMBER OF
OFFICES WITH THE INCLUDING PORTFOLIOS
FUND AND YEAR OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS IN FUND COMPLEX
FIRST ELECTED OR HELD, DURING OVERSEEN BY
NAME AND ADDRESS BIRTHDATE APPOINTED PAST FIVE YEARS TRUSTEE
---------------- --------- ---------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------
TRUSTEES WHO ARE NOT "INTERESTED PERSONS" OF THE FUND:
James E. Bacon* 2/27/31 Trustee, 2002 Treasurer, Cathedral of St. 19
114 W. 47th St. John the Devine (New York
New York, NY 10036 City) (since 1997);
formerly, Director of Lone
Star Industries, Inc. a
manufacturer of cement,
concrete and construction
products (1992-1999);
previously, Director and
Executive Vice President of
U.S. Trust Corporation and
Trustee of United States
Trust Company of New York.
William E. Bennett 10/16/46 Trustee, 2002 Private Investor; 19
55 W. Monroe previously, President and
Chicago, IL 60606 Chief Executive Officer,
Draper & Kramer, Inc., a
private company that handles
mortgage banking, real
estate development, pension
advisory and real estate
management (1995-1998).
Jack B. Evans 10/22/48 Trustee, 2002 President, The Hall-Perrine 19
115 Third Street, S.E. Foundation, a private
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 philanthropic corporation
(since 1996); Director,
Alliant Energy; Director and
Vice Chairman, United Fire &
Casualty Company; Director,
Federal Reserve Bank of
Chicago; formerly, President
and Chief Operating Officer,
SCI Financial Group, Inc., a
regional financial services
firm.
William L. Kissick 7/29/32 Trustee, 2002 Professor Emeritus, School 19
50 Johnson's Point of Medicine and the Wharton
Branford, CT 06405 School of Management and
former Chairman, Leonard
Davis Institute of Health
Economics, University of
Pennsylvania; Adjunct
Professor, Health Policy and
Management, Yale University.
Thomas E. Leafstrand 11/11/31 Trustee, 2002 Retired; previously, Vice 19
412 W. Franklin President in charge of
Wheaton, IL 60187 Municipal Underwriting and
Dealer Sales at The Northern
Trust Company.
Sheila W. Wellington 2/24/32 Trustee, 2002 President (since 1993) of 19
250 Park Avenue Catalyst (a not-for-profit
New York, NY 10003 organization focusing on
women's leadership
development in business and
the professions).
|
* Mr. Bacon is expected to retire from his position as a trustee of the Nuveen Funds on July 1, 2003 pursuant to the Funds' retirement policy.
POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS, NUMBER OF
OFFICES WITH THE INCLUDING PORTFOLIOS
FUND AND YEAR OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS IN FUND COMPLEX
FIRST ELECTED OR HELD, DURING OVERSEEN BY
NAME AND ADDRESS BIRTHDATE APPOINTED PAST FIVE YEARS OFFICER
---------------- --------- ---------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------
OFFICERS OF THE FUND:
Gifford R. Zimmerman 9/9/56 Chief Administrative Managing Director (since 141
333 West Wacker Drive Officer, 2002 2002), Assistant Secretary
Chicago, IL 60606 and Associate General
Counsel, formerly, Vice
President and Assistant
General Counsel of Nuveen
Investments, LLC; Managing
Director (since 2002),
General Counsel and
Assistant Secretary,
formerly, Vice President of
Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
Nuveen Institutional
Advisory Corp.; Managing
Director (since 2002),
Assistant Secretary and
Associate General Counsel,
formerly, Vice President
(since 2000), of Nuveen
Asset Management Inc. (since
1994); Assistant Secretary of
Nuveen Investments, Inc.
(since 1994); Chartered Financial
Analyst.
Michael T. Atkinson 2/3/66 Vice President and Vice President (since 141
333 West Wacker Drive Assistant Secretary, January 2002), formerly
Chicago, IL 60606 2002 Assistant Vice President
(since 2000), previously,
Associate of Nuveen
Investments, LLC.
Peter H. D'Arrigo 11/28/67 Vice President and Vice President of Nuveen 141
333 West Wacker Drive Treasurer, 2002 Investments, LLC (since
Chicago, IL 60606 1999), prior thereto,
Assistant Vice President
(from 1997); Vice President
and Treasurer (since 1999)
of Nuveen Investments, Inc.;
Vice President and Treasurer of
Nuveen Institutional Advisory
Corp.; Chartered Financial
Analyst.
Susan M. DeSanto 9/8/54 Vice President, 2002 Vice President of Nuveen 141
333 West Wacker Drive Advisory Corp. (since 2001);
Chicago, IL 60606 previously, Vice President
of Van Kampen Investment
Advisory Corp. (since 1998);
prior thereto, Assistant
Vice President of Van Kampen
Investment Advisory Corp.
(since 1994).
Jessica R. Droeger 9/24/64 Vice President and Vice President (since 141
333 West Wacker Drive Secretary, 2002 January 2002) and Assistant
Chicago, IL 60606 General Counsel (since
1998); formerly, Assistant
Vice President (since 1998),
of Nuveen Investments, LLC;
Vice President (since May
2002) and Assistant
Secretary (since 1998);
formerly Assistant Vice
President of Nuveen Advisory
Corp. and Nuveen
Institutional Advisory Corp.
Lorna C. Ferguson 10/24/45 Vice President, 2002 Vice President of Nuveen 141
333 West Wacker Drive Investments, LLC; Vice
Chicago, IL 60606 President (since 1998) of
Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
Nuveen Institutional
Advisory Corp.
William M. Fitzgerald 3/2/64 Vice President, 2002 Managing Director (since 141
333 West Wacker Drive 2002) of Nuveen Investments,
Chicago, IL 60606 LLC; Managing Director
(since 2001), formerly, Vice
President of Nuveen Advisory
Corp. and Nuveen
Institutional Advisory Corp.
(since 1995); Chartered
Financial Analyst.
Stephen D. Foy 5/31/54 Vice President and Vice President of Nuveen 141
333 West Wacker Drive Controller, 2002 Investments, LLC and (since
Chicago, IL 60606 1993) Nuveen Investments,
Inc.; Certified Public
Accountant.
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POSITIONS AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS, NUMBER OF
OFFICES WITH THE INCLUDING PORTFOLIOS
FUND AND YEAR OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS IN FUND COMPLEX
FIRST ELECTED OR HELD, DURING OVERSEEN BY
NAME AND ADDRESS BIRTHDATE APPOINTED PAST FIVE YEARS OFFICER
---------------- --------- ---------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------
David J. Lamb 3/22/63 Vice President, 2002 Vice President (since 2000) 141
333 West Wacker Drive of Nuveen Investments, LLC,
Chicago, IL 60606 previously Assistant Vice
President (since 1999);
prior thereto, Associate of
Nuveen Investments, LLC;
Certified Public Accountant.
Tina M. Lazar 8/27/61 Vice President, 2002 Vice President (since 1999), 141
333 West Wacker Drive previously Assistant Vice
Chicago, IL 60606 President (since 1993) of
Nuveen Investments, LLC.
Larry W. Martin 7/27/51 Vice President and Vice President, Assistant 141
333 West Wacker Drive Assistant Secretary, Secretary and Assistant
Chicago, IL 60606 2002 General Counsel of Nuveen
Investments, LLC; Vice
President and Assistant
Secretary of Nuveen Advisory
Corp. and Nuveen
Institutional Advisory
Corp.; Assistant Secretary
of Nuveen Investments, Inc.
and (since 1997) of Nuveen
Asset Management Inc.
Edward F. Neild, IV 7/7/65 Vice President, 2002 Managing Director (since 141
333 W. Wacker Drive 2002) of Nuveen Investments,
Chicago, IL 60606 LLC; Managing Director
(since 1997), formerly Vice
President (since 1996) of
Nuveen Advisory Corp. and
Nuveen Institutional
Advisory Corp.; Chartered
Financial Analyst.
|
The Board of Trustees has five standing committees: the executive committee, the audit committee, the nominating and governance committee, the dividend committee and the valuation committee. Because the Fund is newly organized, none of the committees have met during the Fund's last fiscal year. The executive committee met once prior to the commencement of the Fund's operations.
William L. Kissick and Timothy R. Schwertfeger, Chair, serve as members of the executive committee of the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The executive committee, which meets between regular meetings of the Board of Trustees, is authorized to exercise all of the powers of the Board of Trustees. The executive committee also serves as the pricing committee with respect to the FundPreferred Shares.
The audit committee monitors the accounting and reporting policies and practices of the Funds, the quality and integrity of the financial statements of the Funds, compliance by the Funds with legal and regulatory requirements and the independence and performance of the external and internal auditors. The members of the audit committee are James E. Bacon, William E. Bennett, Chair, Jack B. Evans, William L. Kissick and Thomas E. Leafstrand.
The nominating and governance committee is responsible for Board selection and tenure; selection and review of committees; and Board education and operations. In addition, the committee monitors performance of legal counsel and other service providers; periodically reviews and makes recommendations about any appropriate changes to trustee compensation; and has the resources and authority to discharge its responsibilities -- including retaining special counsel and other experts or consultants at the expense of the Fund. In the event of a vacancy on the Board, the nominating and governance committee receives suggestions from various sources as to suitable candidates. Suggestions should be sent in writing to Lorna Ferguson, Vice President for Board Relations, Nuveen Investments, LLC, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606. The nominating and governance committee sets appropriate standards and requirements for nominations for new trustees and reserves the right to interview all candidates and to make the final selection of any new trustees. The members of the
nominating and governance committee are James E. Bacon, William E. Bennett, Jack B. Evans, Chair, William L. Kissick, Thomas E. Leafstrand and Sheila W. Wellington.
The dividend committee is authorized to declare distributions on the Fund's shares including, but not limited to, regular and special dividends, capital gains and ordinary income distributions. The members of the dividend committee are Timothy R. Schwertfeger, Chair, William E. Bennett and Thomas E. Leafstrand.
The valuation committee oversees the Fund's pricing procedures including, but not limited to, the review and approval of fair value pricing determinations made by Nuveen's Valuation Group. The members of the valuation committee are James E. Bacon, William E. Bennett and Thomas E. Leafstrand, Chair.
The trustees of the Fund are also trustees of 8 Nuveen open-end funds and 11 Nuveen closed-end funds managed by NIAC. Mr. Schwertfeger also is a director or trustee, as the case may be, of 30 Nuveen open-end and 92 closed-end funds advised by Nuveen Advisory Corp. None of the independent trustees, nor any of their immediate family members, has ever been a director, officer, or employee of, or a consultant to, NIAC, Nuveen or their affiliates. In addition, none of the independent trustees owns beneficially or of record, any security of NIAC, Nuveen or any person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with NIAC or Nuveen.
Holders of FundPreferred shares, voting as a separate class, will elect two trustees at the next annual meeting of Common Shareholders and the remaining trustees shall be elected by Common Shareholders and holders of FundPreferred shares, voting together as a single class. Holders of FundPreferred shares will be entitled to elect a majority of the Fund's trustees under certain circumstances. See "Description of FundPreferred Shares -- Voting Rights." The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each trustee as of December 31, 2002:
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF
EQUITY SECURITIES IN ALL
REGISTERED INVESTMENT COMPANIES
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE IN FAMILY
NAME OF TRUSTEE SECURITIES IN THE FUND OF INVESTMENT COMPANIES
--------------- ---------------------- -------------------------------
Timothy R. Schwertfeger........ $0 Over $100,000
James E. Bacon................. $0 $50,001 - $100,000
William E. Bennett............. $0 $10,001 - $50,000
Jack B. Evans.................. $0 Over $100,000
William L. Kissick............. $0 $50,001 - $100,000
Thomas E. Leafstrand........... $0 Over $100,000
Sheila W. Wellington........... $0 Over $100,000
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No trustee who is not an interested person of the Fund owns beneficially or of record, any security of NIAC, Nuveen, Spectrum, Froley, Revy, Salomon Smith Barney Inc. or any person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with NIAC, Nuveen, Spectrum, Froley, Revy or Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
The following table sets forth estimated compensation to be paid by the Fund projected during the Fund's first full fiscal year after commencement of operation. The Fund does not have a retirement or pension plan. The officers and trustees affiliated with Nuveen serve without any compensation from the Fund. The Fund has a deferred compensation plan (the "Plan") that permits any trustee who is not an
"interested person" of the Fund to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of his or her compensation as a trustee. The deferred compensation of a participating trustee is credited to a book reserve account of the Fund when the compensation would otherwise have been paid to the trustee. The value of the trustee's deferral account at any time is equal to the value that the account would have had if contributions to the account had been invested and reinvested in shares of one or more of the eligible Nuveen funds. At the time for commencing distributions from a trustee's deferral account, the trustee may elect to receive distributions in a lump sum or over a period of five years. The Fund will not be liable for any other fund's obligations to make distributions under the Plan.
ESTIMATED TOTAL
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION AMOUNT OF TOTAL
COMPENSATION FROM FUND AND COMPENSATION THAT
NAME OF TRUSTEE FROM FUND* FUND COMPLEX** HAS BEEN DEFERRED
--------------- ------------ -------------- -----------------
Timothy R. Schwertfeger......... $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
James E. Bacon.................. 10,460 48,800 38,433
William E. Bennett.............. 10,683 53,050 41,564
Jack B. Evans................... 10,683 49,100 19,357
William L. Kissick.............. 10,560 49,000 18,000
Thomas E. Leafstrand............ 10,794 52,300 20,542
Sheila W. Wellington............ 10,460 47,600 37,403
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* Based on the estimated compensation to be earned by the independent trustees for the 12-month period ending 7/31/2004, representing the Fund's first full fiscal year, for services to the Fund.
** Based on the compensation paid to the trustees for the one year period ending 12/31/02 for services to the open-end and closed-end funds advised by NIAC.
The Fund has no employees. Its officers are compensated by NIAC or Nuveen Investments, Inc.
INVESTMENT ADVISERS
NIAC, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, will be responsible for determining the Fund's overall investment strategy, including portfolio allocations, and the use of leverage, hedging and interest rate transactions. NIAC also is responsible for selection of the Fund's Subadvisers and ongoing monitoring of the Subadvisers, managing the Fund's business affairs and providing day-to-day administrative services to the Fund. For additional information regarding the management services performed by NIAC, see "Management of the Fund" in the Fund's Prospectus.
NIAC serves as the investment adviser to the Fund and is responsible for managing the portion of the Fund's assets allocated to other debt instruments.
NIAC, a registered investment adviser, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. According to data from Thomson Wealth Management, Nuveen Investments, Inc. is the leading sponsor of exchange-traded funds as measured by number of funds (102) and fund assets under management (approximately $40 billion) as of January 31, 2003. Founded in 1898, Nuveen Investments, Inc. and its affiliates had approximately $80 billion in assets under management as of January 31, 2003. Nuveen Investments, Inc. is a publicly-traded company that is approximately 79% owned by The St. Paul Companies, Inc. ("St. Paul"). St. Paul is a publicly-traded company located in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is principally engaged in providing property-liability insurance through subsidiaries.
Deepak Gulrajani, Gunther Stein and Lenny Mason are the portfolio managers for NIAC responsible for investing the Fund's assets allocated to other debt instruments. Mr. Gulrajani is a Managing Director of NIAC. He also is the Director, Fixed Income Strategies, and a Principal of Symphony Asset
Management, LLC ("Symphony"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. Mr. Stein is a Vice President of NIAC. He also has been lead portfolio manager for high yield strategies at Symphony since 1999. Prior to joining Symphony in 1999, Mr. Stein was a high yield portfolio manager at Wells Fargo. Mr. Mason is a Vice President of NIAC. He also is a high yield portfolio manager at Symphony. Prior to joining Symphony in 2001, Mr. Mason was a Managing Director in FleetBoston's Technology and Communications Group.
Nuveen Investments, Inc. provides investment services to financial advisors serving high-net-worth clients and institutional clients. Nuveen Investments today markets its capabilities -- which include tax-free investing, separately-managed accounts and market neutral alternative investment portfolios -- under four distinct brands: Nuveen, NWQ, Rittenhouse and Symphony. Nuveen Investments, Inc. is listed on The New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol "JNC."
Spectrum, 4 High Ridge Park, Stamford, Connecticut 06905, is a Subadviser to the Fund and is responsible for managing the portion of the Fund's assets allocated to preferred securities. As one of the leading managers of preferred securities in the U.S., Spectrum specializes in the management of diversified preferred security portfolios for institutional investors, including Fortune 500 companies, pension funds, insurance companies and foundations. Spectrum also serves as a sub-adviser for a large offshore fund. Spectrum, a registered investment adviser, commenced operations in 1987 and had approximately $6.2 billion in assets under management as of January 31, 2003.
Spectrum is an independently managed wholly owned subsidiary of Principal Global Investors, LLC, which is part of Principal Financial Group Inc., a publicly traded, diversified, insurance and financial services company. Collectively, subsidiaries and affiliates of Principal Global Investors, LLC managed over $90 billion in combined assets worldwide as of January 31, 2003. As a subsidiary of Principal Global Investors, LLC, Spectrum also can take advantage of Principal's extensive staff of internal credit analysts.
A team of Spectrum professionals led by Mark A. Lieb, Bernard M. Sussman and L. Phillip Jacoby, IV is responsible for investing the portion of the Fund's assets allocated to preferred securities.
Mr. Lieb is an Executive Director and the Chief Financial Officer of Spectrum. Mr. Lieb is responsible for business development of Spectrum. Prior to founding Spectrum in 1987, Mr. Lieb was a founder, director and partner of DBL Preferred Management, Inc., a wholly owned corporate cash management subsidiary of Drexel Burnham Lambert, Inc. Mr. Lieb was instrumental in the formation and continual development of all aspects of DBL Preferred Management, Inc., including the daily management of preferred stock portfolio for institutional clients, general hedging strategies, and market strategies employed by the firm. Mr. Lieb's prior employment included the development of the preferred stock trading desk at Mosley Hallgarten & Estabrook. Mr. Lieb has a B.A. in economics from Central Connecticut State College and an M.B.A. in finance from the University of Hartford.
Mr. Sussman is an Executive Director and the Chief Investment Officer of Spectrum and is Chairman of Spectrum's Investment Committee. Prior to joining Spectrum in 1995, Mr. Sussman was employed by Goldman Sachs & Co. for nearly 18 years. A general partner and head of the Preferred Stock Department, he was in charge of sales, trading and underwriting for all preferred products and was instrumental in the development of the hybrid (MIPS) market. Mr. Sussman was a limited partner at Goldman Sachs from December 1994 through November 1996. He has a B.S. in industrial relations and an M.B.A. in finance from Cornell University.
Mr. Jacoby is a Senior Vice President of Spectrum. He joined Spectrum in 1995 as a Portfolio Manager. Previously, Mr. Jacoby worked as a senior investment officer at USL Capital Corporation (a
subsidiary of Ford Motor Corporation) and was a co-manager of a $600 million preferred stock portfolio. Mr. Jacoby has a B.S. in finance from Boston University.
Froley, Revy, 10900 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, California 90024, is a Subadviser to the Fund and is responsible for managing the portion of the Fund's assets allocated to convertible securities. Froley, Revy specializes in the management of convertible securities. Froley, Revy commenced operations in 1975 and had approximately $2 billion in assets under management as of January 31, 2003.
Froley, Revy is an independently managed wholly owned subsidiary of First Republic Bank, which is a publicly-traded commercial bank and wealth management firm. Collectively, subsidiaries and affiliates of First Republic Bank, including Froley, Revy, managed approximately $6 billion in combined assets as of January 31, 2003.
Andrea Revy O'Connell and Michael Revy are the portfolio managers at Froley, Revy responsible for investing the portion of the Fund's assets allocated to convertible securities. Ms. O'Connell is President and Chief Executive Officer of Froley, Revy and has been Managing Director and a Principal of Froley, Revy since 1994. Mr. Revy is a Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager and a Managing Director of Froley, Revy and is responsible for the development and co-management of Froley, Revy's convertible arbitrage product. Before joining Froley, Revy in 2002, Mr. Revy was a private banker at Weschler & Co., Inc. since 1998, and prior thereto worked for Lehman Brothers for six years in that firm's convertible bond group.
Pursuant to an investment management agreement between NIAC and the Fund, the Fund has agreed to pay an annual management fee for the services and facilities provided by NIAC, payable on a monthly basis, according to the following schedule:
AVERAGE DAILY MANAGED ASSETS MANAGEMENT FEE
---------------------------- --------------
Up to $500 million................ .9000%
$500 million to $1 billion........ .8750
$1 billion to $1.5 billion........ .8500
$1.5 billion to $2.0 billion...... .8250
Over $2.0 billion................. .8000
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Pursuant to investment subadvisory agreements between NIAC and each of the Subadvisers, each Subadviser will receive from NIAC a management fee equal to 40% of the management fee payable by the Fund to NIAC (net of the reimbursements described below) with respect to the Subadviser's allocation of Managed Assets up to the first $500 million of the average daily Managed Assets of the Fund allocated to that Subadviser and 35% thereafter.
In addition to the fee of NIAC, the Fund pays all other costs and expenses of its operations, including compensation of its trustees (other than those affiliated with NIAC), custodian, transfer agency and dividend disbursing expenses, legal fees, expenses of independent auditors, expenses of repurchasing shares, expenses of issuing any FundPreferred shares, expenses of preparing, printing and distributing shareholder reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to governmental agencies, and taxes, if any. All fees and expenses are accrued daily and deducted before payment of dividends to investors.
For the first eight full years of the Fund's operation, the Advisers have contractually agreed to reimburse the Fund for fees and expenses in the amounts, and for the time periods, set forth below:
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
REIMBURSED REIMBURSED
YEAR ENDING (AS A PERCENTAGE OF YEAR ENDING (AS A PERCENTAGE
MARCH 31 MANAGED ASSETS) MARCH 31 OF MANAGED ASSETS)
----------- ------------------- ----------- ------------------
2003(1) .32% 2008 .32%
2004 .32 2009 .24
2005 .32 2010 .16
2006 .32 2011 .08
2007 .32
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(1) From the commencement of operations.
Reducing Fund expenses in this manner will tend to increase the amount of income available for the Common Shareholders. The Advisers have not agreed to reimburse the Fund for any portion of its fees and expenses beyond March 31, 2011.
Unless earlier terminated as described below, the Fund's investment management agreement with NIAC and the Fund's investment sub-advisory agreements (the "management agreements") will remain in effect until August 1, 2004. The management agreements continue in effect from year to year so long as such continuation is approved at least annually by (1) the Board of Trustees or the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and (2) a majority of the trustees who are not interested persons of any party to the investment management agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The investment management agreement may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by either the Fund or NIAC upon 60 days written notice, and is automatically terminated in the event of its assignment as defined in the 1940 Act. Each investment sub-advisory agreement may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by the Fund, NIAC or the Subadviser party thereto upon 60 days written notice, and is automatically terminated in the event of its assignment as defined in the 1940 Act.
The management agreements have been approved by a majority of the independent trustees of the Fund and the sole shareholder of the Fund. The independent trustees have determined that the terms of the Fund's management agreements are fair and reasonable and that the agreements are in the Fund's best interests. The independent trustees believe that the management agreements will enable the Fund to obtain high quality investment management services at a cost that they deem appropriate, reasonable, and in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. In making such determination, the independent trustees met independently from the interested trustee of the Fund and any officers of NIAC, Spectrum, Froley, Revy and their affiliates. The independent trustees also relied upon the assistance of counsel to the independent trustees.
In evaluating the investment management agreement between the Fund and NIAC, the independent trustees reviewed materials furnished by NIAC at the annual advisory contract renewal meeting held in June, 2002, including information regarding NIAC, its affiliates and its personnel, operations and financial condition. In evaluating the investment sub-advisory agreements, the independent trustees reviewed materials previously furnished by Spectrum in May, 2002, including information regarding Spectrum, its affiliates and its personnel, operations and financial condition. The independent trustees also reviewed materials furnished by Froley, Revy, including information regarding Froley, Revy, its affiliates and its personnel, operations and financial condition. The independent trustees also reviewed, among other things, the nature and quality of services to be provided by NIAC, Spectrum and Froley, Revy, the proposed fees to be charged by NIAC, Spectrum and Froley, Revy for investment management services, the profitability to NIAC, Spectrum and Froley, Revy of their relationships with the Fund, fall-out benefits to NIAC, Spectrum and Froley, Revy from that relationship, economies of
scale achieved by NIAC, Spectrum and Froley, Revy, the experience of the investment advisory and other personnel providing services to the Fund, the historical quality of the services provided by NIAC, Spectrum and Froley, Revy and comparative fees and expense ratios of investment companies with similar objectives and strategies managed by other investment advisers, and other factors that the independent trustees deemed relevant. The independent trustees discussed with representatives of NIAC, Spectrum and Froley, Revy the Fund's operations and each of NIAC's, Spectrum's and Froley, Revy's ability to provide advisory and other services to the Fund.
The Fund, NIAC, Nuveen, Spectrum, Froley, Revy, Citigroup Capital Markets Inc. and other related entities have adopted codes of ethics which essentially prohibit certain of their personnel, including the Fund's portfolio managers, from engaging in personal investments which compete or interfere with, or attempt to take advantage of a client's, including the Fund's, anticipated or actual portfolio transactions, and are designed to assure that the interests of clients, including Fund shareholders, are placed before the interests of personnel in connection with personal investment transactions. Text-only versions of the codes of ethics of the Fund, NIAC, Nuveen, Spectrum, and Froley, Revy can be viewed online or downloaded from the EDGAR Database on the SEC's internet web site at www.sec.gov. You may also review and copy those documents by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 202-942-8090. In addition, copies of those codes of ethics may be obtained, after mailing the appropriate duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, 450 5th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20549-0102 or by e-mail request at publicinfo@sec.gov.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, each Adviser, with respect to the securities for which it is responsible, is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund and the negotiation of brokerage commissions to be paid. Transactions on stock exchanges involve the payment by the Fund of brokerage commissions. There generally is no stated commission in the case of securities traded in the over-the-counter market but the price paid by the Fund usually includes an undisclosed dealer commission or mark-up. In certain instances, the Fund may make purchases of underwritten issues at prices which include underwriting fees.
NIAC
NIAC, with respect to the securities for which it is responsible, is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund and for the placement of the Fund's securities business, the negotiation of the prices to be paid for principal trades and the allocation of its transactions among various dealer firms. Portfolio securities will normally be purchased directly from an underwriter or in the over-the-counter market from the principal dealers in such securities, unless it appears that a better price or execution may be obtained through other means. Portfolio securities will not be purchased from Nuveen or its affiliates except in compliance with the 1940 Act.
With respect to interests in corporate loans, the Fund generally will engage in privately negotiated transactions for purchase or sale in which NIAC will negotiate on behalf of the Fund, although a more developed market may exist for certain corporate loans. The Fund may be required to pay fees, or forgo a portion of interest and any fees payable to the Fund, to the lender selling participations or assignments to the Fund. NIAC will determine the lenders from whom the Fund will purchase assignments and participations by considering their professional ability, level of service, relationship with the borrower, financial condition, credit standards and quality of management. Although the Fund intends generally to hold interests in corporate loans until maturity or prepayment of the corporate loan, the illiquidity of many corporate loans may restrict the ability of NIAC to locate in a timely manner persons willing to
purchase the Fund's interests in corporate loans at a fair price should the Fund desire to sell such interests. See "Risk Factors" in the Prospectus.
The Fund expects that substantially all other portfolio transactions will be effected on a principal (as opposed to an agency) basis and, accordingly, does not expect to pay any brokerage commissions. Purchases from underwriters will include a commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers will include the spread between the bid and ask price. It is the policy of NIAC to seek the best execution under the circumstances of each trade. NIAC evaluates price as the primary consideration, with the financial condition, reputation and responsiveness of the dealer considered secondary in determining best execution. Given the best execution obtainable, it will be NIAC's practice to select dealers which, in addition, furnish research information (primarily credit analyses of issuers and general economic reports) and statistical and other services to NIAC. It is not possible to place a dollar value on information and statistical and other services received from dealers. Since it is only supplementary to NIAC's own research efforts, the receipt of research information is not expected to reduce significantly NIAC's expenses. While NIAC will be primarily responsible for the placement of the business of the Fund, the policies and practices of NIAC in this regard must be consistent with the foregoing and will, at all times, be subject to review by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
NIAC may manage other investment accounts and investment companies for other clients which have investment objectives similar to those of the Fund. Subject to applicable laws and regulations, NIAC seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell assets or securities by the Fund and another advisory account. In making such allocations the main factors to be considered will be the respective investment objectives, the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable securities, the availability of cash for investment and the size of investment commitments generally held. While this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or amount of the securities available to the Fund from time to time, it is the opinion of the Board of Trustees that the benefits available from NIAC's organization will outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from exposure to simultaneous transactions.
SPECTRUM
In selecting a broker to execute each particular transaction for which it is responsible, Spectrum will take the following into consideration: the best net price available; the reliability, integrity and financial condition of the broker; the size and difficulty in executing the order; and the value of the expected contribution of the broker to the investment performance of a Fund on a continuing basis.
Spectrum may act as broker for the Fund in connection with the purchase or sale of securities by or to the Fund if and to the extent permitted by procedures adopted from time to time by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Board of Trustees, including a majority of the trustees who are not "interested" trustees, has determined that portfolio transactions for the Fund may be executed through Spectrum if, in the judgment of NIAC and Spectrum, the use of Spectrum is likely to result in prices and execution at least as favorable to the Fund as would be available from other qualified brokers and if, in such transactions, Spectrum charges the Fund commission rates at least as favorable to the Fund as those charged by Spectrum to comparable unaffiliated customers in similar transactions. The Board of Trustees also has adopted procedures that are reasonably designed to provide that any commission, fee or other remuneration paid to Spectrum is consistent with the foregoing standard. The Fund will not effect principal transactions with Spectrum. In executing transactions through Spectrum, the Fund will be subject to, and intends to comply with, Section 17(e) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.
The cost of the brokerage commissions to the Fund in any transaction (other than those effected by Spectrum) may be greater than that available from other brokers if the difference is reasonably
justified by other aspects of the portfolio execution services offered. Subject to such policies and procedures as the trustees may determine, Spectrum shall not be deemed to have acted unlawfully or to have breached any duty solely by reason of having caused the Fund to pay a broker (other than Spectrum) that provides research services an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio investment transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker would have charged for effecting that transaction if Spectrum determines in good faith that such amount of commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the research service provided by such broker viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or Spectrum's ongoing responsibilities with respect to the Fund. Research and investment information may be provided by these and other brokers at no cost to Spectrum and is available for the benefit of other accounts advised by Spectrum and its affiliates, and not all of the information will be used in connection with the Fund. Although this information may be useful in varying degrees and may tend to reduce Spectrum's expenses, it is not possible to estimate its value and in the opinion of Spectrum it does not reduce expenses in a determinable amount. The extent to which Spectrum makes use of statistical, research and other services furnished by brokers is considered by Spectrum in the allocation of brokerage business but there is no formula by which such business is allocated. Spectrum does so in accordance with its judgment of the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. Spectrum may also take into account payments made by brokers effecting transactions for the Fund to other persons on behalf of the Fund for services provided to them for which they would be obligated to pay (such as custodial and professional fees). In addition, consistent with the Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best price and execution, Spectrum may consider sales of shares of the Fund as a fact in the selection of brokers and dealers to enter into portfolio transactions with the Fund.
Certain other clients of Spectrum may have investment objectives and policies similar to those of the Fund. Spectrum may, from time to time, make recommendations that result in the purchase or sale of a particular security by their other clients simultaneously with the Fund. If transactions on behalf of more than one client during the same period increase the demand for securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on the price of such securities. It is the policy of Spectrum to allocate advisory recommendations and the placing of orders in a manner that each deems equitable to the accounts involved, including the Fund. When two or more of the clients of Spectrum (including the Fund) are purchasing or selling the same security on a given day through the same broker-dealer, such transactions may be averaged as to price.
FROLEY, REVY
It is the policy of Froley, Revy to secure the execution of orders on its portfolio transactions in an effective manner at the most favorable available price. Pursuant to its agreement with the Fund, Froley, Revy determines, subject to the general supervision of the Board of Trustees and in accordance with the Fund's investment objectives, policies and restrictions, which securities are to be purchased and sold and which brokers are to be eligible to execute its portfolio transactions. It is not the policy of Froley, Revy to deal solely with one broker, but it is Froley, Revy's intention to place portfolio transactions with those brokers which provide the most favorable combination of price, execution and services to the Fund. Research services are a factor in selection of brokers, but payment in excess of brokerage commissions charged by other brokers is made in recognition of research services. The reasonableness of brokerage commissions is evaluated by comparison to fees charged by other brokers where the execution and services are comparable.
NET ASSET VALUE
The Fund will determine the net asset value of its Common Shares daily, as of the close of regular session trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. eastern time). Net asset value is
computed by dividing the value of all assets of the Fund (including accrued interest and dividends), less all liabilities (including accrued expenses and dividends declared but unpaid), by the total number of shares outstanding. Any swap transaction that the Fund enters into may, depending on the applicable interest rate environment, have a positive or negative value for purposes of calculating net asset value. Any cap transaction that the Fund enters into may, depending on the applicable interest rate environment, have no value or a positive value. In addition, accrued payments to the Fund under such transactions will be assets of the Fund and accrued payments by the Fund will be liabilities of the Fund.
For purposes of determining the net asset value of the Fund, readily marketable portfolio securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange are valued, except as indicated below, at the last sale price reflected on the consolidated tape at the close of the New York Stock Exchange on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such day. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, then the security is valued by such method as the Board of Trustees shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value. Readily marketable securities not listed on the New York Stock Exchange but listed on other domestic or foreign securities exchanges or admitted to trading on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, Inc. ("NASDAQ") National List are valued in a like manner. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined as reflected on the tape at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities.
Readily marketable securities traded in the over-the counter market, including listed securities whose primary market is believed by the investment adviser to be over-the-counter, but excluding securities admitted to trading on the NASDAQ National List, are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by NASDAQ or, in the case of securities not quoted by NASDAQ, the National Quotation Bureau or such other comparable source as the Trustees deem appropriate to reflect their fair market value. However, certain fixed-income securities may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed by the Board of Trustees to reflect the fair market value of such securities. The prices provided by a pricing service take into account institutional size trading in similar groups of securities and any developments related to specific securities. Where securities are traded on more than one exchange and also over-the-counter, the securities will generally be valued using the quotations the Board of Trustees believes reflect most closely the value of such securities.
DESCRIPTION OF FUNDPREFERRED SHARES
Notices. The Fund shall deliver to the Auction Agent and Moody's (if Moody's is then rating FundPreferred shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating FundPreferred shares) and any other rating agency which is then rating FundPreferred shares and which so requires a certificate which sets forth a determination of certain items (a "FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate") as of (A) the Date of Original Issue, (B) the last Valuation Date of each month, (C) any date requested by any rating agency, (D) a Business Day on or before any Asset Coverage Cure Date relating to the Fund's cure of a failure to meet the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount Test, (E) any day that Common Shares or Preferred Shares, including FundPreferred shares, are redeemed and (F) any day the Eligible Assets have an aggregate discounted value less than or equal to 115% of the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount. Such FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate shall be delivered in the case of clause (i)(A) on or before the seventh Business Day following the Date of Original Issue and in the case of all other clauses above on or before the seventh Business Day after the relevant Valuation Date or Asset Coverage Cure Date.
The Fund shall deliver to the Auction Agent, Moody's (if Moody's is
then rating FundPreferred shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating FundPreferred
shares) and any Other Rating Agency which is then rating FundPreferred shares
and which so requires a certificate with respect to the calculation of the 1940
Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage and the value of the portfolio holdings
of the Fund (a "1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage Certificate") (i)
as of the Date of Original Issue, and (ii) as of (A) the last Valuation Date of
each quarter thereafter, and (B) as of the Business Day on or before the Asset
Coverage Cure Date relating to the failure to satisfy the 1940 Act FundPreferred
Shares Asset Coverage. Such 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage
Certificate shall be delivered in the case of clause (i) on or before the
seventh Business Day following the Date of original Issue and in the case of
clause (ii) on or before the seventh Business Day after the relevant Valuation
Date or the Asset Coverage Cure Date. The certificates of (d) and (e) of this
Section 12 may be combined into a single certificate.
Within ten Business Days of the Date of Original Issue, the Fund shall
deliver to the Auction Agent, Moody's (if Moody's is then rating FundPreferred
shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating FundPreferred shares) and any Other
Rating Agency which is then rating FundPreferred shares and which so requires a
letter prepared by the Fund's independent accountants (an "Accountant's
Certificate") regarding the accuracy of the calculations made by the Fund in the
FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate and the 1940 Act
FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage Certificate required to be delivered by the
Fund as of the Date of Original Issue. Within ten Business Days after the last
Valuation Date of each fiscal quarter of the Fund on which a FundPreferred
Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate is required to be delivered, the Fund will
deliver to the Auction Agent, Moody's (if Moody's is then rating FundPreferred
shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating the FundPreferred shares) and any other
Rating Agency which is then rating FundPreferred shares and which so requires an
Accountant's Certificate regarding the accuracy of the calculations made by the
Fund in such FundPreferred Shares Basic maintenance certificate and in any other
FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate randomly selected by the
Fund's independent accountants during such fiscal quarter. Within ten Business
Days after the last Valuation Date of each fiscal quarter of the Fund on which a
1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage Certificate is required to be
delivered, the Fund will deliver to the Auction Agent, Moody's (if Moody's is
then rating FundPreferred shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating the
FundPreferred shares) and any Other Rating Agency which is then rating
FundPreferred shares and which so requires an Accountant's Certificate regarding
the accuracy of the calculations made by the Fund in such 1940 Act FundPreferred
Shares Asset Coverage Certificate. In addition, the Fund will deliver to the
relevant persons specified in the preceding sentence an Accountant's Certificate
regarding the accuracy of the calculations made by the Fund on each
FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate and 1940 Act FundPreferred
Shares Asset Coverage Certificate delivered pursuant to clause (iv) of paragraph
(d) or clause (ii)(B) of paragraph (e) of this Section 13, as the case may be,
within ten days after the relevant Asset Coverage Cure Date.
Asset Coverage Cure Date. If an Accountant's Certificate delivered with respect to an Asset Coverage Cure Date shows an error was made in the Fund's report with respect to such Asset Coverage Cure Date, the calculation or determination made by the Fund's independent accountants will be conclusive and binding on the Fund with respect to such reports. If any other Accountant's Certificate shows that an error was made in any such report, the calculation or determination made by the Fund's independent accountants will be conclusive and binding on the Fund; provided, however, any errors shown in the Accountant's Certificate filed on a quarterly basis shall not be deemed to be a failure to maintain the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount on any prior Valuation Dates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING
THE AUCTIONS FOR FUNDPREFERRED SHARES
GENERAL
Auction Agency Agreement. The Fund has entered into an Auction Agency Agreement (the "Auction Agency Agreement") with the Auction Agent (currently, The Bank of New York) which provides, among other things, that the Auction Agent will follow the Auction Procedures for purposes of determining the Applicable Rate for each series of FundPreferred shares so long as the Applicable Rate for shares of such series is to be based on the results of an Auction.
Broker-Dealer Agreements. Each Auction requires the participation of one or more Broker-Dealers. The Auction Agent has entered into agreements (collectively, the "Broker-Dealer Agreements") with several Broker-Dealers selected by the Fund, which provide for the participation of those Broker-Dealers in Auctions for FundPreferred shares. See "Broker-Dealers" below.
Securities Depository. The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") will act as the Securities Depository for the Agent Members with respect to each series of FundPreferred shares. One certificate for all of the shares of each series of FundPreferred shares will be registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of the securities Depository. Such certificate will bear a legend to the effect that such certificate is issued subject to the provisions restricting transfers of FundPreferred shares contained in the Statement. The Fund will also issue stop-transfer instructions to the transfer agent for each series of FundPreferred shares. Prior to the commencement of the right of holders of preferred shares to elect a majority of the Fund's trustees, as described under "Description of FundPreferred shares -- Voting Rights" in the Prospectus, Cede & Co. will be the holder of record of all shares of each series of FundPreferred shares and owners of such shares will not be entitled to receive certificates representing their ownership interest in such shares.
DTC, a New York-chartered limited purpose trust company, performs services for its participants (including the Agent Members), some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. DTC maintains lists of its participants and will maintain the positions (ownership interests) held by each such participant (the "Agent Member") in FundPreferred shares, whether for its own account or as a nominee for another person.
CONCERNING THE AUCTION AGENT
The Auction Agent is acting as agent for the Fund in connection with Auctions. In the absence of bad faith or negligence on its part, the Auction Agent will not be liable for any action taken, suffered, or omitted or for any error of judgment made by it in the performance of its duties under the Auction Agency Agreement and will not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith unless the Auction Agent will have been negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts.
The Auction Agent may rely upon, as evidence of the identities of the Existing Holders of shares of FundPreferred shares, the Auction Agent's registry of Existing Holders, the results of Auctions and notices from any Broker-Dealer (or other Person, if permitted by the Fund) with respect to transfers described under "The Auction -- Secondary Market Trading and Transfer of FundPreferred shares" in the Prospectus and notices from the Fund. The Auction Agent is not required to accept any such notice for an Auction unless it is received by the Auction Agent by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Business Day preceding such Auction.
The Auction Agent may terminate the Auction Agency Agreement upon notice to the Fund on a date no earlier than 45 days after such notice. If the Auction Agent should resign, the Fund will use its
best efforts to enter into an agreement with a successor Auction Agent containing substantially the same terms and conditions as the Auction Agency Agreement. The Fund may remove the Auction Agent provided that prior to such removal the Fund shall have entered into such an agreement with a successor Auction Agent.
BROKER-DEALERS
The Auction Agent after each Auction for shares of FundPreferred shares will pay to each Broker-Dealer, from funds provided by the Fund, a service charge at the annual rate of 1/4 of 1% in the case of any Auction immediately preceding a Rate Period of less than one year, or a percentage agreed to by the Fund and the Broker-Dealers in the case of any Auction immediately preceding a Rate Period of one year or longer, of the purchase price of FundPreferred shares placed by such Broker-Dealer at such Auction. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, FundPreferred shares will be placed by a Broker-Dealer if such shares were (a) the subject of Hold Orders deemed to have been submitted to the Auction Agent by the Broker-Dealer and were acquired by such Broker-Dealer for its own account or were acquired by such Broker-Dealer for its customers who are Beneficial owners or (b) the subject of an order submitted by such Broker-Dealer that is (i) a Submitted Bid of an Existing Holder that resulted in such Existing Holder continuing to hold such shares as a result of the Auction or (ii) a Submitted Bid of a Potential Holder that resulted in such Potential Holder purchasing such shares as a result of the Auction or (iii) a valid Hold Order.
The Fund may request the Auction Agent to terminate one or more Broker-Dealer Agreements at any time, provided that at least one Broker-Dealer Agreement is in effect after such termination.
The Broker-Dealer Agreement provides that a Broker-Dealer (other than an affiliate of the Fund) may submit Orders in Auctions for its own account, unless the Fund notifies all Broker-Dealers that they may no longer do so, in which case Broker-Dealers may continue to submit Hold Orders and Sell orders for their own accounts. Any Broker-Dealer that is an affiliate of the Fund may submit orders in Auctions, but only if such Orders are not for its own account. If a Broker-Dealer submits an order for its own account in any Auction, it might have an advantage over other Bidders because it would have knowledge of all Orders submitted by it in that Auction; such Broker-Dealer, however, would not have knowledge of orders submitted by other Broker-Dealers in that Auction.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE DECLARATION OF TRUST
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. However, the Declaration contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for debts or obligations of the Fund and requires that notice of such limited liability be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Fund or the trustees. The Declaration further provides for indemnification out of the assets and property of the Fund for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund would be unable to meet its obligations. The Fund believes that the likelihood of such circumstances is remote.
The Declaration includes provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to convert the Fund to open-end status. Specifically, the Declaration requires a vote by holders of at least two-thirds of the Common Shares and FundPreferred shares, voting together as a single class, except as described below, to authorize (1) a conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company, (2) a merger or consolidation of the Fund, or a series or class of the Fund, with any corporation, association, trust or other organization or a reorganization of the
Fund, or a series or class of the Fund, (3) a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the Fund's assets (other than in the regular course of the Fund's investment activities), (4) in certain circumstances, a termination of the Fund, or a series or class of the Fund or (5) removal of trustees by shareholders, and then only for cause, unless, with respect to (1) through (4), such transaction has already been authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of trustees fixed in accordance with the Declaration or the By-laws, in which case the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Fund's Common Shares and FundPreferred shares outstanding at the time, voting together as a single class, is required, provided, however, that where only a particular class or series is affected (or, in the case of removing a trustee, when the trustee has been elected by only one class), the required vote by only the applicable class or series will be required. Approval of shareholders is not required, however, for any transaction, whether deemed a merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise whereby the Fund issues shares in connection with the acquisition of assets (including those subject to liabilities) from any other investment company or similar entity. None of the foregoing provisions may be amended except by the vote of at least two-thirds of the Common Shares and FundPreferred shares, voting together as a single class. In the case of the conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company, or in the case of any of the foregoing transactions constituting a plan of reorganization which adversely affects the holders of FundPreferred shares, the action in question will also require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Fund's FundPreferred shares outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class, or, if such action has been authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of trustees fixed in accordance with the Declaration or the Bylaws, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the Fund's FundPreferred shares outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class. The votes required to approve the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company or to approve transactions constituting a plan of reorganization which adversely affects the holders of FundPreferred shares are higher than those required by the 1940 Act. The Board of Trustees believes that the provisions of the Declaration relating to such higher votes are in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.
Reference should be made to the Declaration on file with the Commission for the full text of these provisions.
The Declaration provides that the obligations of the Fund are not binding upon the trustees of the Fund individually, but only upon the assets and property of the Fund, and that the trustees shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. Nothing in the Declaration, however, protects a trustee against any liability to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.
REPURCHASE OF FUND SHARES; CONVERSION TO OPEN-END FUND
The Fund is a closed-end investment company and as such its shareholders will not have the right to cause the Fund to redeem their shares. Instead, the Fund's Common Shares will trade in the open market at a price that will be a function of several factors, including dividend levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), net asset value, call protection, price, dividend stability, relative demand for and supply of such shares in the market, general market and economic conditions and other factors. Because shares of a closed-end investment company may frequently trade at prices lower than net asset value, the Fund's Board of Trustees has currently determined that, at least annually, it will consider action that might be taken to reduce or eliminate any material discount from net asset value in respect of Common Shares, which may include the repurchase of such shares in the open market or in private transactions, the making of a tender offer for such shares at net asset value, or the conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company. There can be no assurance, however, that the Board of Trustees will decide to take any of these actions, or that share repurchases or tender offers, if undertaken, will reduce market discount.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time when the Fund's Preferred shares, including FundPreferred shares, are outstanding, the Fund may not purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its Common Shares unless (1) all accrued Preferred Shares, including FundPreferred shares, dividends have been paid and (2) at the time of such purchase, redemption or acquisition, the net asset value of the Fund's portfolio (determined after deducting the acquisition price of the Common Shares) is at least 200% of the liquidation value of the outstanding FundPreferred shares (expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon). The staff of the Commission currently requires that any tender offer made by a closed-end investment company for its shares must be at a price equal to the net asset value of such shares on the close of business on the last day of the tender offer. Any service fees incurred in connection with any tender offer made by the Fund will be borne by the Fund and will not reduce the stated consideration to be paid to tendering shareholders.
Subject to its investment limitations, the Fund may borrow to finance the repurchase of shares or to make a tender offer. Interest on any borrowings to finance share repurchase transactions or the accumulation of cash by the Fund in anticipation of share repurchases or tenders will reduce the Fund's net income. Any share repurchase, tender offer or borrowing that might be approved by the Board of Trustees would have to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Although the decision to take action in response to a discount from net
asset value will be made by the Board of the Fund at the time it considers such
issue, it is the Board's present policy, which may be changed by the Board, not
to authorize repurchases of Common Shares or a tender offer for such shares if
(1) such transactions, if consummated, would (a) result in the delisting of the
Common Shares from the New York Stock Exchange, or (b) impair the Fund's status
as a regulated investment company under the Code (which would make the Fund a
taxable entity, causing the Fund's income to be taxed at the corporate level in
addition to the taxation of shareholders who receive dividends from the Fund) or
as a registered closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act; (2) the Fund
would not be able to liquidate portfolio securities in an orderly manner and
consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and policies in order to
repurchase shares; or (3) there is, in the Board's judgment, any (a) material
legal action or proceeding instituted or threatened challenging such
transactions or otherwise materially adversely affecting the Fund, (b) general
suspension of or limitation on prices for trading securities on the New York
Stock Exchange, (c) declaration of a banking moratorium by Federal or state
authorities or any suspension of payment by United States or state banks in
which the Fund invests, (d) material limitation affecting the Fund or the
issuers of its portfolio securities by Federal or state authorities on the
extension of credit by lending institutions or on the exchange of non-U.S.
currency, (e) commencement of war, armed hostilities or other international or
national calamity directly or indirectly involving the United States, or (f)
other event or condition which would have a material adverse effect (including
any adverse tax effect) on the Fund or its shareholders if shares were
repurchased. The Board of Trustees of the Fund may in the future modify these
conditions in light of experience.
Conversion to an open-end company would require the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Fund's Common Shares and FundPreferred shares outstanding at the time, voting together as a single class, and of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Fund's FundPreferred shares outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class, provided however, that such separate class vote shall be a majority vote if the action in question has previously been approved, adopted or authorized by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total number of trustees fixed in accordance with the Declaration or By-laws. See the Prospectus under "Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust" for a discussion of voting requirements applicable to conversion of the Fund to an open-end company. If the Fund converted to an open-end company, it would be required to redeem all FundPreferred shares then outstanding, and the Fund's Common Shares would no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Shareholders of an open-end investment company may require the company to redeem their shares on any business day (except in
certain circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act) at their net asset value, less such redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of redemption. In order to avoid maintaining large cash positions or liquidating favorable investments to meet redemptions, open-end companies typically engage in a continuous offering of their shares. Open-end companies are thus subject to periodic asset in-flows and out-flows that can complicate portfolio management. The Board of Trustees of the Fund may at any time propose conversion of the Fund to an open-end company depending upon their judgment as to the advisability of such action in light of circumstances then prevailing.
The repurchase by the Fund of its shares at prices below net asset value will result in an increase in the net asset value of those shares that remain outstanding. However, there can be no assurance that share repurchases or tenders at or below net asset value will result in the Fund's shares trading at a price equal to their net asset value. Nevertheless, the fact that the Fund's shares may be the subject of repurchase or tender offers at net asset value from time to time, or that the Fund may be converted to an open-end company, may reduce any spread between market price and net asset value that might otherwise exist.
In addition, a purchase by the Fund of its Common Shares will decrease the Fund's total assets which would likely have the effect of increasing the Fund's expense ratio. Any purchase by the Fund of its Common Shares at a time when FundPreferred shares are outstanding will increase the leverage applicable to the outstanding Common Shares then remaining. See the Fund's Prospectus under "Risk Factors -- Concentration Risk" and "Risk Factors -- Leverage Risk."
Before deciding whether to take any action if the Fund's Common Shares trade below net asset value, the Board of the Fund would consider all relevant factors, including the extent and duration of the discount, the liquidity of the Fund's portfolio, the impact of any action that might be taken on the Fund or its shareholders and market considerations. Based on these considerations, even if the Fund's shares should trade at a discount, the Board of Trustees may determine that, in the interest of the Fund and its shareholders, no action should be taken.
TAX MATTERS
The following is intended to be a general summary of certain federal income tax consequences of investing in FundPreferred shares. It is not intended to be a complete discussion of all such federal income tax consequences, nor does it purport to deal with all categories of investors. INVESTORS ARE THEREFORE ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS BEFORE MAKING AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF THE FUND
The Fund intends to qualify for, and to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and intends to qualify under those provisions each year. To qualify as a regulated investment company, the Fund must, among other things, (a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stocks, securities or currencies; and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of its taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities, with such other securities of any one issuer limited for the purposes of this calculation to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities or securities of other regulated investment companies) or of
two or more issuers controlled by the Fund and engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses.
As a regulated investment company, in any taxable year with respect to which the Fund distributes at least 90% of its net investment income (i.e., the Fund's investment company taxable income, as that term is defined in the Code, without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), the Fund (but not its shareholders) generally will be relieved of U.S. federal income taxes on its net investment income and net capital gain (i.e., the Fund's net long-term capital gain in excess of the sum of net short-term capital loss and capital loss carryovers from prior years) if any, that it distributes to shareholders. However, the Fund will be subject to federal income tax (currently imposed at a maximum effective rate of 35%) on any undistributed net investment income and net capital gain. The Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gain.
Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are also subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax payable by the Fund. To prevent imposition of this tax, the Fund must distribute, or be deemed to have distributed, during each calendar year an amount equal to the sum of (1) at least 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, (2) at least 98% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the twelve-month period ending on October 31 of the calendar year, and (3) all such ordinary income and capital gains for previous years that were not distributed during such years. For this purpose, any income or gain retained by the Fund that is subject to corporate tax will be considered to have been distributed by year-end. To prevent application of the excise tax, the Fund intends to make distributions to satisfy the calendar year distribution requirement. Compliance with the calendar year distribution requirement may limit the extent to which the Fund will be able to retain its net capital gain for investment.
If in any taxable year the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code, the Fund will be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and distributions to its shareholders will not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. In addition, in the event of failure to qualify as a regulated investment company, the Fund's distributions, to the extent derived from the Fund's current or accumulated earnings and profits, will constitute dividends which although generally eligible for the corporate Dividends Received Deduction will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, even though those distributions might otherwise (at least in part) have been treated as long-term capital gain in the shareholders' hands.
If the Fund does not meet the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to suspend distributions to the holders of the Common Shares and/or the FundPreferred shares until the asset coverage is restored. See "Description of FundPreferred Shares -- Restrictions on Dividend, Redemption and Other Payments" in the Prospectus. Such a suspension of distributions might prevent the Fund from distributing 90% of its net investment income as is required in order to qualify for special tax treatment as a regulated investment company or cause the Fund to incur a tax liability, a non-deductible 4% excise tax on its undistributed taxable income (including gain), or both.
Upon any failure to meet the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund intends to repurchase or redeem (to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act) FundPreferred shares in order to maintain or restore the requisite asset coverage and avoid failure to remain qualified as a regulated investment company. The determination to repurchase or redeem FundPreferred shares and the amounts to be repurchased or redeemed, if any, will be made in the sole discretion of the Fund.
Use of the Fund's cash to repurchase or redeem FundPreferred shares may adversely affect the Fund's ability to distribute annually at least 90% of its net investment income, which distribution is required to qualify for taxation as a regulated investment company. The Fund may also recognize income in connection with funding repurchases or redemptions of FundPreferred shares, and such income would
be taken into account in determining whether or not the above-described distribution requirements have been met. Depending on the size of the Fund's assets relative to its outstanding senior securities, redemption of FundPreferred shares might restore asset coverage. Payment of distributions after restoration of asset coverage could requalify (or avoid a disqualification of) the Fund as a regulated investment company, depending upon the facts and circumstances.
Investments of the Fund in securities issued at a discount (or treated as if issued at a discount) or providing for deferred interest or payment of interest in kind are subject to special tax rules that will affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders. For example, with respect to certain securities issued, or treated as if issued, at a discount, the Fund will be required to accrue as income each year a portion of the discount and to distribute such income each year in order to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement and the distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. In order to generate sufficient cash to make distributions necessary to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement and to avoid income and excise taxes, the Fund may have to borrow money or dispose of securities that it would otherwise have continued to hold.
The Fund's transactions, if any, in forward contracts, options, futures contracts and hedge investments will be subject to special provisions of the Code that, among other things, may affect the character of gain and loss realized by the Fund (i.e., may affect whether gain or loss is ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund, defer Fund losses, and affect whether capital gain and loss is characterized as long-term or short-term. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also may require the Fund to mark-to-market certain types of the positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out), which may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. The Fund will monitor its transactions, make the appropriate tax elections, and make the appropriate entries in its books and records when it acquires any option, futures contract, forward contract, or hedged investment in order to mitigate the effect of these rules, prevent disqualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company, and minimize the imposition of income and excise taxes.
The Fund may invest in preferred securities, convertible securities or other securities the federal income tax treatment of which is uncertain or subject to recharacterization by the Internal Revenue Service. To the extent the tax treatment of such securities or income differs from the tax treatment expected by the Fund, it could affect the timing or character of income recognized by the Fund, requiring the Fund to purchase or sell securities, or otherwise change its portfolio, in order to comply with the tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies under the Code.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF HOLDERS OF FUNDPREFERRED SHARES
Under present law and based in part on the fact that there is no express or implied agreement between or among a Broker-Dealer or any other party, and the Fund or any owners of the FundPreferred shares, that the Broker-Dealer or any other party will guarantee or otherwise arrange to ensure that an owner of FundPreferred shares will be able to sell his or her shares, the Fund is of the opinion that the FundPreferred shares will constitute stock of the Fund, and thus distributions with respect to the FundPreferred shares (other than capital gain distributions and distributions in redemption of the FundPreferred shares subject to Section 302(b) of the Code) will generally constitute dividends to the extent of the Fund's current or accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes. The following discussion assumes such treatment will apply.
The Fund's income will consist of net investment income and may also consist of net capital gain. The character of the Fund's income will not affect the amount of dividends to which the holders of the FundPreferred shares are entitled. Holders of the FundPreferred shares are entitled to receive only the amount of dividends as determined by periodic auctions. For federal income tax purposes, however, the Internal Revenue Service currently requires that a regulated investment company that has two or more classes of shares allocate to each such class proportionate amounts of each type of its income (such as ordinary income and net capital gain) for each tax year. Accordingly, the Fund intends to designate dividends made with respect to the Common Shares and the FundPreferred shares as consisting of particular types of income (i.e., net capital gain and ordinary income) in accordance with each class's
proportionate share of the total dividends paid to both classes for such taxable year. Thus if the Fund designates any dividend as a capital gains dividend, capital gains will be allocated to the FundPreferred shares in proportion to the FundPreferred shares' proportionate share of the total dividends paid on both the FundPreferred shares and the Common Shares during the year. Each holder of the FundPreferred shares during the year will be notified of the allocation of income within 60 days after the end of the year. The amount of the net capital gain realized by the Fund may not be significant, and there is no assurance that any such income will be realized by the Fund in any year. Distributions of the Fund's net investment income are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions of the Fund's net capital gain, if any, are taxable to shareholders at rates applicable to long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time the FundPreferred shares have been held by holders. Distributions in excess of the Fund's earnings and profits will first reduce a shareholder's adjusted tax basis in his or her FundPreferred shares and, after the adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to a holder of FundPreferred shares who holds such shares as a capital asset.
Although the Fund is required to distribute annually at least 90% of its net investment income, the Fund is not required to distribute net capital gain to the shareholders. The Fund may retain and reinvest such gains and pay federal income taxes on such gains (the "net undistributed capital gain"). However, it is unclear whether a portion of the net undistributed capital gain would have to be allocated to the FundPreferred shares for federal income tax purposes. Until and unless the Fund receives acceptable guidance from the Internal Revenue Service as to the allocation of the net undistributed capital gain between the Common Shares and the FundPreferred shares, the Fund intends to distribute its net capital gain for any year during which it has FundPreferred shares outstanding. Such distribution will affect the tax character, but not the amount, of dividends to which holders of FundPreferred shares are entitled.
Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, dividends declared in October, November or December with a record date in such months, and paid in January of the following year, will be treated as having been distributed by the Fund and received by the shareholders on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared. In addition, solely for the purpose of satisfying the 90% distribution requirement and the distribution requirement for avoiding income taxes, certain distributions made after the close of a taxable year of the Fund may be "spilled back" and treated as paid during such taxable year. In such case, shareholders will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distribution was actually made. The Internal Revenue Service has ruled privately that dividends paid following the close of the taxable year that are treated for tax purposes as derived from income from the prior year will be treated as dividends "paid" in the prior year for purposes of determining the proportionate share of a particular type of income for each class. Accordingly, the Fund intends to treat any such dividends that are paid following the close of a taxable year as "paid" in the prior year for purposes of determining a class's proportionate share of a particular type of income. However, the private ruling is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service, and there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will respect such treatment.
Most of the Fund's net investment income is expected to be derived from dividends from securities which are not eligible for the Dividends Received Deduction. Accordingly, dividends paid with respect to the FundPreferred shares generally will not qualify for the Dividends Received Deduction available to corporate shareholders. However, from time to time, a portion of the Fund's net investment income may be attributable to dividends on equity securities which are eligible for the Dividends Received Deduction under Section 243 of the Code. Corporate shareholders who otherwise are eligible to claim the Dividends Received Deduction under Section 243 of the Code should be able to deduct 70% of the portion of the FundPreferred shares' dividend representing the shareholder's portion of the Fund's income eligible for the Dividends Received Deduction. The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that corporate shareholders
of a regulated investment company must meet the 45-day holding requirements of
Section 246(c)(1)(A) of the Code with respect to the shares of the regulated
investment company to qualify for the Dividends Received Deduction. The Fund
will inform holders of FundPreferred shares of the source and tax status of all
distributions shortly after the close of each calendar year.
The Bush Administration has announced a proposal to reduce or eliminate taxes on dividends. Many details of the proposal have not been specified. Prospects for this, or any other dividend tax reduction or elimination proposal, are unclear. There is no guarantee any proposal will become law. Accordingly, it is not possible to evaluate how this, or any other, proposal might affect the taxation of dividends to the Fund's shareholders.
SALE OF SHARES
A holder's sale of FundPreferred shares will generally be a taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes. Selling holders of such shares will generally recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount received and their adjusted tax basis in the FundPreferred shares sold. If such FundPreferred shares are held as a capital asset at the time of sale, the gain or loss will generally be a capital gain or loss. Similarly, a redemption (including a redemption by the Fund resulting from liquidation of the Fund), if any, of all the FundPreferred shares actually and constructively held by a shareholder generally will give rise to capital gain or loss under Section 302(b) of the Code if the shareholder does not own (and is not regarded under certain federal income tax law rules of constructive ownership as owning) any Common Shares in the Fund and provided that the redemption proceeds do not represent declared but unpaid dividends. Other redemptions may also give rise to capital gain or loss, if several conditions imposed by Section 302(b) of the Code are satisfied. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are reacquired within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of the shares. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of FundPreferred shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions of net capital gain received with respect to such shares.
REGULATIONS ON "REPORTABLE TRANSACTIONS"
Under recently promulgated Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to FundPreferred shares of $2 million or more in a single taxable year (or $4 million or more in any combination of taxable years) for an individual shareholders or $10 million or more in a single taxable year (or $20 million or more in any combination of taxable years) for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the Internal Revenue Service a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
The Fund may be required to withhold for U.S. federal income purposes a portion of all taxable distributions (including redemption proceeds) payable to shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or who fail to make required certifications, or if the Fund or a shareholder has been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that the shareholder is subject to backup withholding. Certain corporate shareholders and other shareholders specified in the Code are exempt from such backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability provided the appropriate information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
OTHER TAXATION
Foreign shareholders, including shareholders who are nonresident aliens, may be subject to U.S. withholding tax on certain distributions at a rate of 30%, or such lower rates as may be prescribed by any applicable treaty.
Investors are advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the application of the above-described general federal income tax rules to their own circumstances and with respect to other federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences to them of an investment in FundPreferred shares.
EXPERTS
The audited Financial Statements of the Fund as of March 3, 2003, appearing in this Statement of Additional Information have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and is included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Ernst & Young LLP provides accounting and auditing services to the Fund. The principal business address of Ernst & Young LLP is 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT, AUCTION AGENT, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
AND REDEMPTION AGENT
The custodian of the assets of the Fund is State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. The custodian performs custodial, fund accounting and portfolio accounting services. The Fund's transfer, shareholder services and dividend paying agent is also State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. The Bank of New York is the Auction Agent with respect to the FundPreferred shares and acts as transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent with respect to the FundPreferred shares.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A Registration Statement on Form N-2, including amendments thereto, relating to the shares of the Fund offered hereby, has been filed by the Fund with the Commission, Washington, D.C. The Fund's Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement, including any exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information with respect to the Fund and the shares offered hereby, reference is made to the Fund's Registration Statement. Statements contained in the Fund's Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference. Copies of the Registration Statement may be inspected without charge at the Commission's principal office in Washington, D.C., and copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from the Commission upon the payment of certain fees prescribed by the Commission.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Trustees and Shareholder of Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund (the "Fund") as of March 3, 2003 and the related statement of operations for the period from January 27, 2003 (date of organization) through March 3, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund at March 3, 2003, and the results of its operations for the period from January 27, 2003 (date of organization) through March 3, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 4, 2003
|
NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund Statement of Assets and Liabilities March 3, 2003
Assets:
Cash.............................................................. $ 100,275
Offering costs.................................................... 987,600
Receivable from Adviser........................................... 11,500
----------
Total assets................................................... 1,099,375
----------
Liabilities:
Accrued offering costs............................................ 987,600
Payable for organization costs.................................... 11,500
----------
Total liabilities.............................................. 999,100
----------
FundPreferred shares, $25,000 liquidation value; unlimited number of
shares authorized, no shares outstanding.......................... -
----------
Net assets applicable to Common shares............................... $ 100,275
==========
Net asset value per Common share outstanding ($100,275 divided
by 7,000 Common shares outstanding)............................... $ 14.325
==========
Net assets applicable to Common shares represent:
Common shares, $.01 par value; unlimited number of shares
authorized, 7,000 shares outstanding........................... $ 70
Paid-in surplus................................................... 100,205
----------
$ 100,275
==========
|
NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND
Statement of Operations
Period from January 27, 2003 (date of organization) through March 3, 2003
Investment income.................................................. $ --
--------
Expenses:
Organization costs................................................ $ 11,500
Expense reimbursement............................................. (11,500)
--------
Total expenses.................................................. --
--------
Net investment income.............................................. $ --
========
|
Note 1: Organization
The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 27, 2003, and has been inactive since that date except for matters relating to its organization and registration as a diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the sale of 7,000 Common shares to Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp., the Fund's investment adviser (the "Adviser"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc.
Nuveen Investments, LLC, also a wholly owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. has agreed to reimburse all organization expenses (approximately $11,500) and pay all Common share offering costs (other than the sales load) that exceed $.03 per Common share.
The Fund's primary investment objective is high current income.
The Fund is authorized by its Declaration of Trust to issue FundPreferred shares having a liquidation value of $25,000 per share in one or more classes or series, with dividend, liquidation preference and other rights as determined by the Fund's Board of Trustees without approval of the Common shareholders.
Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies
The Fund's financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States which require the use of management estimates. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
The Fund's share of Common share offering costs will be recorded as a reduction of the proceeds from the sale of Common shares upon the commencement of Fund operations. If the Fund offers FundPreferred shares, the offering costs will be borne by Common shareholders as a direct reduction to paid-in capital.
Note 3: Investment Management Agreement
Pursuant to an investment management agreement between the Adviser and the Fund, the Fund has agreed to pay a management fee, payable on a monthly basis, at an annual rate ranging from 0.9000% of the first $500 million of the average daily net assets (including net assets attributable to FundPreferred shares and the principal amount of borrowings ("Managed Assets")) to 0.8000% of the average daily Managed Assets in excess of $2 billion.
In addition to the reimbursement and waiver of organization and Common share offering costs discussed in Note 1, the Adviser has contractually agreed to reimburse the Fund for fees and expenses in the amount of .32% of average daily Managed Assets for the first 5 full years of the Fund's operations, .24% in year 6, .16% in year 7 and .08% in year 8. The Adviser has not agreed to reimburse the Fund for any portion of its fees and expenses beyond March 31, 2011.
Note 4: Income Taxes
The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its net investment income, in addition to any realized capital gains from investment transactions.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (UNAUDITED)
April 21, 2003
ASSETS
Investments, at market value (cost $1,507,981,705) $1,513,625,692
Cash 1,736
Receivables:
Dividend 281,867
Interest 6,163,063
--------------
Total assets 1,520,072,358
--------------
LIABILITIES
Payable for investments purchased 137,275,188
Accrued expenses:
Management fees 426,085
Organization and offering costs 1,264,480
Other 80,997
--------------
Total liabilities 139,046,750
--------------
Net assets applicable to Common shares $1,381,025,608
==============
Common shares outstanding 96,007,000
==============
Net asset value per Common share outstanding (net assets
applicable to Common shares, divided by Common shares
outstanding) $ 14.38
==============
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES CONSIST OF:
Common shares, $.01 par value per share $ 960,070
Paid-in surplus 1,373,087,225
Undistributed net investment income 1,334,326
Accumulated net realized gain from investments -
Net unrealized appreciation of investments 5,643,987
--------------
Net assets applicable to Common shares $1,381,025,608
==============
Authorized shares:
Common Unlimited
FundPreferred shares Unlimited
==============
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
For the Period March 26, 2003 (commencement of operations) through
April 21, 2003
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends $ 301,523
Interest 1,636,555
------------
Total investment income 1,938,078
------------
EXPENSES
Management fees 822,254
Shareholders' servicing agent fees and expenses 1,646
Custodian's fees and expenses 18,855
Trustees' fees and expenses 4,915
Professional fees 13,470
Shareholders' reports - printing and mailing expenses 22,437
Investor relations expense 19,673
------------
Total expenses before expense reimbursement 903,250
Expense reimbursement (299,498)
------------
Net expenses 603,752
------------
Net investment income 1,334,326
------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN FROM INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain from investments -
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
of investments 5,643,987
------------
Net gain from investments 5,643,987
------------
Net increase in net assets applicable to
Common shares from operations $ 6,978,313
============
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (UNAUDITED)
For the Period March 26, 2003 (commencement of operations) through
April 21, 2003
OPERATIONS
Net investment income $ 1,334,326
Net realized gain from investments -
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
of investments 5,643,987
--------------
Net increase in net assets applicable to
Common shares from operations 6,978,313
--------------
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
Net proceeds from sale of Common shares 1,373,947,020
--------------
Net increase in net assets applicable to Common shares 1,380,925,333
Net assets applicable to Common shares at the
beginning of period 100,275
--------------
Net assets applicable to Common shares at the end of period $1,381,025,608
==============
Undistributed net investment income at the end of period $ 1,334,326
==============
|
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Fund covered in this report and its corresponding New York Stock Exchange symbol is Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund (JPC) (the "Fund"). The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified, closed-end management investment company.
Prior to the Fund's commencement of operations, the Fund had no operations other than those related to organizational matters, the initial capital contribution of $100,275 by Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. (the "Adviser"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (formerly, The John Nuveen Company), and the recording of the organization expenses ($11,500) and their reimbursement by Nuveen Investments, LLC (formerly, Nuveen Investments), also a wholly owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc.
The Fund seeks to provide high current income by investing primarily in a portfolio of preferred securities, convertible securities, other debt securities and common stocks acquired upon conversion of a convertible security.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Securities Valuation
Common stocks and other equity-type securities are valued at the last sales
price on the securities exchange or Nasdaq on which such securities are
primarily traded. Securities traded on a securities exchange or Nasdaq for which
there are no transactions on a given day or securities not listed on a
securities exchange or Nasdaq are valued at the mean of the closing bid and
asked prices. The prices of fixed-income securities are provided by a pricing
service and based on the mean between the bid and asked prices. When price
quotes are not readily available, the pricing service establishes fair market
value based on prices of comparable securities. If it is determined that market
prices for a security are unavailable or inappropriate, the Board of Trustees of
the Fund or its designee may establish a fair value for the security.
Short-term securities are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market
value.
Securities Transactions
Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and
losses from such transactions are determined on the specific identification
method. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis
may have extended settlement periods. The securities so purchased are subject to
market fluctuation during this period. The Funds have instructed the custodian
to segregate assets with a current value at least equal to the amount of the
when-issued and delayed delivery purchase commitments. At April 21, 2003, the
Fund had outstanding when-issued purchase commitments of $27,500,000.
Investment Income
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, which
includes the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts for financial
reporting purposes, is recorded on an accrual basis.
Income Taxes
The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code
applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially
all of its net investment income to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal
income tax provision is required.
Dividends and Distributions to Common Shareholders Dividends from net investment income are declared monthly. Net realized capital gains from investment transactions, if any, are distributed to shareholders not less frequently than annually. Furthermore, capital gains are distributed only to the extent they exceed available capital loss carryforwards.
Distributions to Common shareholders of net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Accordingly, temporary over-distributions as a result of these differences may occur and will be classified as either distributions in excess of net investment income and/or distributions in excess of net realized gains from investment transactions, where applicable.
Interest Rate Swap Transactions
The Fund is authorized to enter into hedging transactions, including interest
rate swap transactions. The Fund will use interest rate swaps with the intent to
reduce or eliminate the risk that an increase in short-term interest rates could
have on Common share net earnings as a result of leverage. Interest rate swaps
involve the Fund's agreement with the swap counterparty to pay a fixed rate
payment in exchange for the counterparty paying the Fund a variable rate payment
that is intended to approximate the Fund's variable rate payment obligation on
FundPreferred shares or any variable rate borrowing. The payment obligation is
based on the notional amount of the swap. Interest rate swaps do not involve the
delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the
risk of credit loss with respect to interest rate swaps is limited to the net
amount of interest payments that the Fund is to receive. The Fund has instructed
the custodian to segregate assets with a current value at least equal to the
amount of the net payment obligations under any interest rate swap transactions.
Interest rate swap positions are marked to market daily. Although there are
economic advantages of entering into interest rate swap transactions, there are
also additional risks. The Fund helps manage the credit risks associated with
interest rate swap transactions by entering into agreements only with firms the
Adviser believes has the financial resources to honor its obligations, by having
the Adviser continually monitor the financial stability of that swap
counterparty.
For the period March 26, 2003 (commencement of operations) through April 21, 2003, the Fund had no interest rate swap transactions.
Repurchase Agreements
In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, it is the Fund's
policy that its custodian take possession of the underlying collateral
securities, the fair value of which exceeds the principal amount of the
repurchase transaction, including accrued interest, at all times. If the seller
defaults, and the fair value of the collateral declines, realization of the
collateral may be delayed or limited.
Custodian Fee Credit
The Fund has an arrangement with the custodian bank whereby certain custodian
fees and expenses are reduced by credits earned on the Fund's cash on deposit
with the bank. Such deposit arrangements are an alternative to overnight
investments. During the period March 26, 2003 (commencement of operations)
through April 21, 2003, no such credit was recorded.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and
decreases in net assets applicable to Common shares from operations during the
reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Organization and Offering Costs
Nuveen Investments, LLC has agreed to reimburse all organization expenses
(approximately $11,500) and pay all Common share offering costs (other than the
sales load) that exceed $.03 per Common share. The Fund's share of offering
costs ($1,252,980) was recorded as a reduction of the proceeds from the sale of
Common shares.
If the Fund offers FundPreferred shares, the offering costs will be borne by Common shareholders as a direct reduction to paid-in capital.
2. FUND SHARES The Fund sold 96,000,000 Common shares during the period March 26, 2003 (commencement of operations) through April 21, 2003.
3. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) and U.S. Government and agency obligations for the period March 26, 2003 (commencement of operations) through April 21, 2003, were as follows:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Purchases: Investment securities $ 752,434,205 U.S. Government and agency obligations 85,606,058 Sales: Investment securities - U.S. Government and agency obligations - ================================================================================ |
4. INCOME TAX INFORMATION The following information is presented on an income tax basis. Differences between amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes are generally due to recognition of premium amortization and timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses on security transactions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost of investments $1,507,991,878 ================================================================================ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross unrealized: Appreciation $ 8,025,096 Depreciation (2,391,282) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net unrealized appreciation on investments $ 5,633,814 ================================================================================ |
The Fund made no distributions during the period March 26, 2003 (commencement of operations) through April 21, 2003.
5. MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES Under the Fund's investment management agreement with the Adviser, the Fund pays an annual management fee, payable monthly, at the rates set forth below, which are based upon the average daily managed assets of the Fund. "Managed Assets" means the average daily net assets of the Fund including assets attributable to FundPreferred Shares and the principal amount of borrowings.
AVERAGE DAILY MANAGED ASSETS MANAGEMENT FEE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the first $500 million .9000% For the next $500 million .8750 For the next $500 million .8500 For the next $500 million .8250 For Managed Assets over $2 billion .8000 ====================================================================================================== |
The management fee compensates the Adviser for overall investment advisory and administrative services and general office facilities. The Adviser has entered into Sub-Advisory Agreements with Spectrum Asset Management, Inc. ("Spectrum"), and Froley, Revy Investment Co., Inc. (Froley, Revy). Spectrum manages the portion of the Fund's investment portfolio allocated to preferred securities while Froley, Revy manages the portion of the investment portfolio allocated to convertible securities. Spectrum and Froley, Revy are compensated for their services to the Fund from the management fee paid to the Adviser. The Adviser manages the portion of the investment portfolio allocated to other debt securities.
For the first eight years of the Fund's operations, the Advisers have agreed to reimburse the Fund for fees and expenses in the amounts, and for the time periods, set forth below:
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
REIMBURSED REIMBURSED
(AS A PERCENTAGE (AS A PERCENTAGE
YEAR ENDING OF AVERAGE DAILY YEAR ENDING OF AVERAGE DAILY
MARCH 31, MANAGED ASSETS) MARCH 31, MANAGED ASSETS)
------------- ----------------- ------------- -----------------
2003*........................ .32% 2008 ................ .32%
2004 ........................ .32 2009 ................ .24
2005 ........................ .32 2010 ................ .16
2006 ........................ .32 2011 ................ .08
2007 ........................ .32
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The Advisers have not agreed to reimburse the Fund for any portion of its fees and expenses beyond March 31, 2011.
The Fund pays no compensation directly to those of its Trustees who are affiliated with the Advisers or to its officers, all of whom receive remuneration for their services to the Fund from the Advisers.
6. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On May 6, 2003, the Fund issued an additional 4,000,000 Common shares in connection with the exercise by the underwriters of the over-allotment option. The Fund's share of offering costs ($39,429) were recorded as a reduction of the proceeds from the sale of the Common shares.
Portfolio of Investments (Unaudited)
Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund (JPC)
April 21, 2003
Market
Shares Description(1) Value
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$25 PAR PREFERRED SECURITIES - 14.5% (13.2% OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS)
AUTO - 0.7%
257,200 Ford Motor Company, Series F (KVU), 8.000% (CORTS) $6,129,076
130,000 Ford Motor Company, Series F (XVF), 8.000% (CORTS) 3,091,400
AUTO - FOREIGN - 0.0%
2,800 Magna International Inc., Series B, 8.875% 74,228
BANKING - 1.2%
15,000 Associates Bank Corp. Capital Trust I, 7.625% 393,750
30,000 Bank One Capital VI, 7.200% 790,200
7,900 BankAmerica Capital Trust I, 7.000% 210,772
16,200 BankAmerica Capital Trust II, 7.000% 438,858
8,700 BankAmerica Capital Trust III, 7.000% 233,508
5,900 Citicorp Capital III, 7.100% 150,273
51,400 Citigroup Capital VIII, 6.950% 1,360,558
31,900 Comerica Corp. Capital, 7.600% 854,282
6,000 Compass Bank Trust III, 7.350% 155,400
2,600 First Union Capital I, 7.500% (CORTS) 68,874
17,500 First Union Institutional Capital I, 8.200% (CORTS) 496,825
3,000 Fleet Capital Trust III, 7.050% 75,420
63,100 Fleet Capital Trust VII, 7.200% 1,657,006
127,000 Fleet Capital Trust VIII, 7.200% 3,338,830
4,100 JPMorgan Capital Trust I, 7.125% (PCARS) 106,805
13,900 JPMorgan Chase, 7.125% (SATURNS) 361,539
4,500 JPMorgan Chase, Series 2001-15, 7.540% (CORTS) 116,235
97,500 JPMorgan Chase Capital X, 7.000% 2,570,100
10,400 KeyCorp, Series 2001-3, 8.250% (CORTS) 283,088
24,200 National Commerce Capital Trust II, 7.700% 644,930
1,000 Regions Financial Trust I, 8.000% 26,685
5,800 Suntrust Capital IV, 7.125% 154,860
6,200 Suntrust Capital V, 7.050% 166,470
6,700 US Bancorp Capital III, 7.750% 182,173
31,800 US Bancorp Capital IV, 7.350% 845,880
11,000 US Bancorp Capital V, 7.250% 289,410
6,300 Valley National Bank Capital Trust I, 7.750% 166,194
5,200 Wells Fargo Capital VI, 6.950% 139,360
BANKING - FOREIGN - 0.8%
76,600 ABN Amro Capital Funding Trust I, 7.500% 1,951,768
5,400 ABN Amro Capital Funding Trust II, 7.125% 138,186
19,100 Banco Totta & Acores Financing, Series A, 8.875% 515,891
4,400 Barclays Bank plc, 8.000% 111,804
4,000 BBVA Preferred Capital Ltd., Series B, 7.750% 107,400
11,000 BCH Capital Ltd., Series B, 9.430% 300,850
BSCH Finance Ltd.:
29,125 Series F, 8.125% 752,008
157,460 Series G, 8.125% 4,086,087
2,100 Series H, 7.790% 52,920
4,500 Series J, 7.350% 112,725
27,450 Series Q, 8.625% 738,954
26,200 Espirito Santo Overseas Ltd., Series B, 8.500% 692,990
12,500 NAB Exchangeable Preferred Trust, 8.000% 317,625
19,000 National Westminster Bank plc, 7.875% 484,880
7,000 Westpac Capital Trust I, 8.000% 183,890
|
BROKERAGE - 1.6%
9,000 Bear Stearns Capital Trust III, 7.800% 245,070
82,500 Lehman Brothers Holdings Capital Trust III, Series K, 6.375% 2,062,500
7,600 Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust I, 7.750% 206,796
5,800 Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust II, 8.000% 159,094
30,300 Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust III, 7.000% 791,739
31,000 Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust IV, 7.120% 819,330
12,300 Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust V, 7.280% 327,549
1,000 Morgan Stanley Trust 1, 7.050% (PPLUS) 25,920
21,600 Morgan Stanley Capital Trust II, 7.250% 565,488
32,286 Morgan Stanley Capital Trust III, 6.250% 807,796
632,000 Morgan Stanley Capital Trust IV, 6.250% 15,736,800
ENTERTAINMENT - 0.0%
1,800 Viacom Inc., 7.250% 47,916
ENERGY - FOREIGN - 0.1%
10,200 ENCANA Corp., 9.500% 274,380
10,000 Talisman Energy Inc. (TLM A), 9.000% 262,200
12,000 Talisman Energy Inc. (TLM B), 8.900% 319,200
FINANCIAL - 3.1%
44,400 AT&T Capital Corp. (CIC), 8.125% 1,149,516
9,600 AT&T Capital Corp. (CIP), 8.250% 244,128
1,000 CIT Capital Trust I, 7.750% (CORTS) 25,980
950,500 Countrywide Capital IV, 6.750% 23,762,500
27,500 Countrywide Trust 1, 8.050% (PPLUS) 731,500
4,800 Household Capital Trust V, Series X, 10.000% 136,416
14,000 Household Capital Trust VI, Series F, 8.250% 385,700
19,500 Household Capital Trust VII, Series V, 7.500% 510,900
630,000 Household Finance Corp., 6.875% 16,373,700
FINANCIAL - FOREIGN - 1.2%
84,000 ING Capital Funding Trust I, 7.700% 2,201,640
326,475 ING Group NV (IND), 7.050% 8,383,878
245,923 ING Group NV (INZ), 7.200% 6,428,427
1,400 Swedish Export Credit Corp., Series B, 7.200% 35,371
FOOD - FOREIGN - 0.1%
33,300 Grand Met De Ltd. Partnership , 9.420% 924,075
GAS - 0.1%
11,800 Dominion CNG Capital Trust I, 7.800% 313,408
15,900 MCN Financing II Trust, 8.625% 409,902
2,000 South Jersey Gas Capital Trust, 8.350% 50,560
GAS - FOREIGN - 0.0%
1,000 TransCanada Pipelines Ltd., 8.250% 25,510
INSURANCE - FINANCIAL - 0.1%
54,857 AMBAC Financial Group Inc., 5.950% 1,371,974
1,300 MBIA Inc., 8.000% 36,387
INSURANCE - LIFE - 0.1%
30,000 Aetna Inc., 8.500% 808,800
19,600 Lincoln National Capital III, Series C, 7.400% 492,744
3,800 Lincoln National Capital V, Series E, 7.650% 101,080
24,600 Protective Life Company Capital Trust III, 7.500% 644,520
INSURANCE - MULTILINE - 0.2%
41,600 Hartford Capital III, Series C, 7.450% 1,094,080
20,400 Hartford Life Capital I, Series A, 7.200% 511,632
18,400 SAFECO, 8.250% (SATURNS) 470,120
2,300 SAFECO, Series 2001-4, 8.750% (CORTS) 60,260
|
INSURANCE - P&C - 0.1%
36,700 Everest RE Capital Trust, 7.850% 990,900
INSURANCE - P&C - FOREIGN - 0.5%
133,060 Converium Finance SA, 8.250% 3,463,552
16,700 PartnerRe Ltd. Capital Trust I, 7.900% 446,725
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.:
18,300 Series A, 8.100% 487,695
44,900 Series B, 7.300% 1,174,135
XL Capital Ltd.:
17,900 Series A, 8.000% 480,973
43,000 Series B, 7.625% 1,148,100
PAPER - 0.1%
31,800 International Paper Capital Trust III, 7.875% 806,766
PHARMACEUTICALS - FOREIGN - 0.0%
6,800 Rhone-Poulenc Overseas, Series A, 8.125% 171,768
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - 4.3%
456,000 Developers Diversified Realty, 8.000% 11,514,000
Equity Office Properties Trust:
1,500 Series C, 8.000% 39,060
5,800 Series G, 7.748% 155,730
Equity Residential Properties:
6,100 Series B, 9.125% 166,835
5,000 Series D, 8.600% 138,000
First Industrial Realty Trust Inc.:
60,300 Series D, 7.950% 1,510,515
186,400 Series E, 7.900% 4,663,728
HRPT Properties Trust:
4,100 Series A, 9.875% 110,208
37,000 Series B, 8.750% 962,740
630,000 New Plan Excel Realty Trust Inc., Series E, 7.625% 15,876,000
Public Storage Inc.:
11,000 Series L, 8.250% 285,120
112,600 Series R, 8.000% 2,961,380
16,900 Series S, 7.875% 441,090
9,500 Series T, 7.625% 246,810
20,500 Series U, 7.625% 532,385
117,000 Regency Centers Corp., 7.450% 2,983,500
3,000 Simon Property Group Inc., Series G, 7.890% 156,750
9,400 Wachovia Bank Preferred Funding Corp., Series A, 7.250% 252,578
700,000 Weingarten Realty Investments, Series D, 6.750%
(WI, settling 4/30/03) 17,850,000
TELECOM - 0.1%
26,500 Citizens Communications Trust 1, (PPLUS) 679,725
1,600 SBC Communications Inc., 7.000% 42,704
11,700 Telephone & Data Systems Capital I, 8.500% 294,138
7,400 Telephone & Data Systems Capital II, 8.040% 185,740
15,100 Telephone & Data Systems Inc., Series A, 7.600% 391,996
6,600 US Cellular Corp., 8.750% 181,764
3,500 Verizon Global Funding Corp., 7.375% (CORTS) 93,695
1,600 Verizon Global Funding Corp., Series VZ, 7.625% (CORTS) 43,040
2,100 Verizon New England Inc., 7.000% 56,112
UTILITY - 0.1%
7,000 Appalachian Power Co., 7.200% 175,000
6,000 Atlantic Capital Trust II, Series C, 7.375% 151,800
4,100 Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, 7.500% 111,520
7,900 Consolidated Edison Inc., 7.250% 215,275
1,500 DTE Energy Trust I (EPB), 7.800% 40,425
3,000 Georgia Power Capital Trust IV, 6.850% 75,750
17,300 Georgia Power Co., Series O, 5.900% 431,635
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UTILITY - FOREIGN - 0.0%
11,800 Yorkshire Capital Trust I, 8.080% 296,298
Total $25 Par Preferred Securities (cost $197,696,998) 199,941,113
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES - 8.2% (7.5% OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS)
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE - 0.3%
36,000 Northrop Grumman Corp., Convertible Equity Units, 7.250%, 11/16/04 3,582,000
AUTO - 0.1%
40,750 Ford Motor Co. Capital Trust II, Convertible Preferred, 6.500% 1,764,475
BANKING - 0.6%
144,000 Washington Mutual Inc., Unit 1 Trust, Convertible Income Equity, 5.3750% (PIERS) 7,977,600
COMPUTER - 0.8%
120,000 Pioneer Standard Financial Trust, Convertible Preferred, 6.750% 5,340,000
139,000 Titan Capital Trust, Convertible High Tides, 5.750% 6,272,375
ENERGY - 0.6%
167,000 Unocal Corp. Capital Trust, Convertible Preferred, 6.250% 8,183,000
ENTERTAINMENT - 0.4%
125,000 Emmis Corp., Convertible Preferred, 6.250% 5,396,250
FINANCIAL - 1.1%
80,000 Gabelli Asset Management, Convertible, 6.950%, 2/17/05 (FELINE PRIDES) 1,684,000
98,000 Prudential Financial Inc., Convertible Equity Units, 6.750%, 11/15/04 5,261,620
45,000 State Street Corp., 6.750%, 2/15/06 (SPACES) 8,306,100
HEALTHCARE DISTRIBUTORS & SERVICES - 0.2%
48,150 McKesson Financing Trust, Convertible Preferred, 5.000% 2,275,088
INDUSTRIAL - 0.4%
62,100 Allied Waste North America Inc., Senior Mandatory Convertible Equity Units, 6.250%, 4/01/06 3,167,100
75,000 Cendant Corp., Convertible Upper, 7.750%, 8/17/04 (DECS) 2,707,245
INSURANCE - LIFE - 0.5%
41,000 Anthem Inc., Convertible Equity Units, 6.000%, 11/15/04 3,371,840
79,500 Reinsurance Group America Inc. Trust I, Convertible Equity Units, 5.750% 3,838,260
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - 0.6%
80,000 Equity Office Properties Trust, Convertible Preferred, 5.250% 3,840,800
119,100 Host Marriott Financial Trust, 6.750% (QUIPS) 4,496,025
RETAIL - 0.8%
160,000 Newell Financial Trust, 5.250% (QUIPS) 7,560,000
86,950 Toys R US Inc., Convertible Equity Units, 6.250%, 8/16/05 2,859,786
25,000 United Rentals Trust I, Convertible Preferred, 6.500% 700,000
STEEL - 0.1%
66,000 TXI Capital Trust I, Convertible Preferred, 5.500% (SPuRS) 2,019,600
TELECOM - 0.2%
52,000 Alltel Corp., Convertible Equity Units, 7.750%, 5/17/05 2,511,600
UTILITIES - 1.5%
97,300 Cinergy Corp., Convertible, 9.500%, 2/16/05 (FELINE PRIDES) 5,560,695
259,000 DTE Energy Co., Convertible Equity Units, 8.750%, 8/16/05 6,293,700
154,000 FPL Group Inc., Convertible Equity Units (II), 8.000%, 2/16/06 8,200,500
Total Convertible Preferred Securities (cost $112,314,986) 113,169,659
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CAPITAL PREFERRED - HYBRID SECURITIES - 3.2% (3.0% OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS)
BANKING - FOREIGN - 1.1%
15 BBVA Privanza International Gibraltar, Series D, 7.000% $ 15,520,462
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - 2.0%
300 Union Planters Preferred Funding Corp., Series B, 7.750% 28,286,619
TELECOM - 0.1%
1,000 Centaur Funding Corp., Series B, 9.080% 1,156,563
Total Capital Preferred - Securities (cost $44,613,188) 44,963,644
CAPITAL PREFERRED - EURO-MARKET LISTED SECURITIES - 1.0% (0.9% OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS)
BANKING - FOREIGN - 1.0%
14,000 Lloyds TSB Bank, 6.900%, 11/22/07 14,227,836
Total Capital Preferred - Euro-Market Listed Securities (cost $14,340,000) 14,227,836
Principal Market
Amount (000) Description (1) Value
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONVERTIBLE BONDS - 14.2% (13.0% OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS)
AUTO - 0.4%
$ 121 General Motors Corp., Convertible Senior Debentures, Series A, 4.500%, 3/06/32 $ 2,957,228
123 General Motors Corp., Convertible Senior Debentures, Series B, 5.250%, 3/06/32 2,874,510
BIOTECHNOLOGY - 0.4%
1,500 Ivax Corp., Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes (II), 4.500%, 5/15/08 1,350,000
3,500 MedImmune Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 5.250%, 2/01/08 3,600,625
BROADCASTING & CABLE TV - 0.5%
4,000 Echostar Communications, Convertible Subordinated Notes (II), 5.750%, 5/15/08 4,115,000
2,500 Mediacom Communications, Convertible Senior Notes, 5.250%, 7/01,06 2,350,000
COMPUTER - 3.5%
2,090 Acxiom Corp., Convertible Subordinated Notes (II), 3.750%, 2/15/09 2,259,813
3,000 ASM Lithography, Euro-Netherlands (II), 4.250%, 11/30/04 2,846,250
2,000 Brooks Automation Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 4.750%, 6/01/08 1,662,500
2,500 Computer Associates International Inc., Convertible Senior Notes (I), 5.000%, 3/15/07 2,734,375
2,760 First Data Corp., Convertible Senior Notes, 2.000%, 3/01/08 3,067,050
15,500 Hewlett Packard Co., Convertible, 0.000%, 10/14/17 (LYONS) 7,536,875
4,250 International Rectifier Corp., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 4.250%, 7/15/07 3,825,000
4,250 Lam Research, Convertible Subordinated Notes (II), 4.000%, 6/01/06 3,968,438
4,000 LSI Logic Corp., Convertible Subordinated Notes (I), 4.250%, 3/15/04 3,935,000
2,740 Nvidia Corp., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 4.750%, 10/15/07 2,647,525
1,525 Phottronics Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes (II), 4.750%, 12/15/06 1,412,531
325 Phottronics Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes, Series 144A (III), 2.250%, 4/15/08 353,438
4,500 PMC-Sierra Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 3.750%, 8/15/06 3,892,500
4,200 RF Micro Devices, Convertible Subordinated Notes, 3.750%, 8/15/05 3,827,250
2,000 Semtech Corp., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 4.500%, 2/01/07 1,910,000
4,250 Veritas Software Corp., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 1.856%, 8/13/06 3,793,125
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS - 1.6%
8,000 Arrow Electronics Inc., Convertible Senior Debentures, 0.000%, 2/21/21 3,810,000
7,700 Celestica Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes LYONS, 0.000%, 8/01/20 3,878,875
4,000 FEI Co., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 5.500%, 8/15/08 3,765,000
4,000 General Semiconductor Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 5.750%, 12/15/06 3,940,000
4,000 Sanmina Corp., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 4.250%, 5/01/04 3,990,000
4,100 Teradyne Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 3.750%, 10/15/06 3,889,875
ENERGY - 0.3%
4,750 Hanover Compressor Co., Convertible Senior Notes, 4.750%, 3/15/08 3,895,000
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ENTERTAINMENT - 0.8%
11,500 Liberty Media Corp., Senior Exchangeable Debentures, 3.500%, 1/15/31 7,475,000
3,000 Liberty Media Corp., Senior Exchangeable Debentures for Viacom Inc., Class B , 3.250%, 3/15/31 2,985,000
HEALTHCARE EQUIPMENT - 0.5%
8,800 Alza Corp./JNJ Corp., Convertible Subordinated Notes (II), 0.000%, 7/28/20 6,886,000
INDUSTRIAL - 1.1%
1,500 EDO Corp., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 5.250%, 4/15/07 1,511,250
5,750 Freeport McMoran Copper and Gold, Convertible Subordinated Notes, Series 144A (II), 7.000%, 2/11/11 6,138,125
5,000 Gencorp Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 5.750%, 4/15/07 4,481,250
3,387 Inco Ltd., Convertible Subordinated Debentures (II), 7.750%, 3/15/16 3,458,974
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES - 0.2%
3,350 Tyco International Group SA, Convertible Subordinated Notes, Series B 144A (III), 3.125%, 1/15/23 3,174,125
INSURANCE - P&C - 0.3%
159 Travelers Property Casualty Corp., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 4.500%, 4/15/32 3,826,743
LEISURE FACILITIES - 0.9%
4,000 Aristocrat Leisure Ltd., Euro-Convertible Subordinated Notes, 5.000%, 5/31/06 3,620,000
7,500 Carnival Cruise Lines Inc., Convertible Senior, 0.000%, 10/24/21 (LYONS) 4,509,375
9,750 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Convertible (I), 0.000%, 2/02/21 (LYONS) 3,973,125
MANAGED HEALTHCARE - 0.3%
4,200 Province Healthcare Co., Convertible Subordinated Notes (I), 4.500%, 11/20/05 3,911,250
NETWORK EQUIPMENT - 0.3%
4,500 Brocade Communications Systems Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 2.000%, 1/01/07 3,600,000
PHARMACEUTICALS - 0.4%
3,000 Cephalon Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes (II), 2.500%, 12/15//06 2,752,500
3,000 Cephalon Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 5.250%, 5/01/06 2,940,000
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - 0.8%
9,850 EOP Operating LP, Convertible Subordinated Notes, 7.250%, 11/15/08 10,391,750
RETAIL - 1.4%
4,000 Barnes & Noble Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 5.250%, 3/15/09 3,890,000
4,750 Best Buy Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes (II), 2.250%, 1/15/22 4,560,000
5,000 Brinkler International Inc., Convertible Senior Debentures, 0.000%, 10/10/21 3,525,000
3,700 JC Penney Co., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 5.000%, 10/15/08 3,593,625
4,365 Venator Group Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 5.500%, 6/01/08 4,501,406
TELECOM - 0.5%
4,000 Nextel Communications Inc., Convertible Senior Notes (III), 6.000%, 6/01/11 3,885,000
3,500 Nortel Networks Corp., Convertible Senior Notes, 4.250%, 9/01/08 2,756,250
Total Convertible Bonds (cost $195,931,359) 196,433,531
CORPORATE BONDS - 6.9% (6.3% OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS)
AUTO - 0.4%
$ 5,000 Ford Motor Company, 9.980%, 2/15/47 5,086,485
COMPUTER - 0.3%
4,050 Juniper Networks Inc., Convertible Subordinated Notes, 4.750%, 3/15/07 3,624,750
ENERGY - 0.3%
2,000 Baytex Energy Ltd., Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.500%, 2/15/11 2,185,000
250 Tesoro Petroleum Corp., Senior Secondary Notes, Series 144A, 8.000%, 4/15/08 252,500
2,000 Tesoro Petroleum Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, Series B, 9.625%, 11/01/08 1,840,000
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ENTERTAINMENT - 1.5%
1,000 Allbritton Communications Co., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.750%, 12/15/12 1,035,000
2,000 Boyd Gaming Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, Series 144A, 7.750%, 12/15/12 2,055,000
5,000 CSC Holdings Inc., Senior Notes, 7.250%, 7/15/08 5,137,500
1,120 Hollywood Park Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, Series B, 9.500%, 8/01/07 1,058,400
4,100 Park Place Entertainment Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.125%, 5/15/11 4,305,000
4,000 Penn National Gaming Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.875%, 3/15/10 4,150,000
2,000 Pinnacle Entertainment, Senior Subordinated Notes, Series B, 9.250%, 2/15/07 1,890,000
2,000 Town Sports International Inc., Senior Notes, Series 144A, 9.625%, 4/15/11 2,070,000
FINANCIAL - 0.4%
5,000 General Motors Acceptance Corp., 8.000%, 11/01/31 4,952,770
HEALTHCARE FACILITIES - 0.2%
2,000 Iasis Healthcare Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 13.000%, 10/15/09 2,210,000
HOMEBUILDING - 0.2%
2,000 Lyon Williams Homes Inc., Senior Notes, 10.750%, 4/01/13 2,020,000
1,000 Technical Olympic USA Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, Series 144A, 10.375%, 7/01/12 995,000
INDUSTRIAL - 0.8%
1,000 Allied Waste North America, Senior Notes, 7.875%, 4/15/13 1,025,000
3,250 Allied Waste North America, Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.000%, 8/01/09 3,428,750
1,520 Berry Plastics Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.750%, 7/15/12 1,649,200
2,000 Hovnanian K. Enterprises Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.875%, 4/01/12 2,090,000
1,000 Terex Corp., Guaranteed Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.875%, 4/01/08 1,015,000
Terex Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes:
1,000 10.375%, 4/01/11 1,070,000
1,000 9.250%, 7/15/11 1,020,000
MANAGED HEALTHCARE - 0.3%
3,500 Rotech Healthcare Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.500%, 4/01/12 3,552,500
OFFICE ELECTRONICS - 0.4%
2,000 Xerox Corp., Shelf 18, 5.500%, 11/15/03 2,005,000
3,000 Xerox Corp., Tranche 45, 5.250%, 12/15/03 3,007,500
PHARMACEUTICAL - FOREIGN - 0.1%
1,500 Alpharma Inc., Senior Notes, Series 144A, 8.625%, 5/01/11 1,537,500
PUBLISHING & PRINTING - 0.2%
2,800 Mail-Well I Corp., Senior Notes, 9.625%, 3/15/12 2,768,500
PUBLISHING & PRINTING - FOREIGN - 0.2%
2,750 CanWest Media Inc., Senior Notes, Series 144A, 7.625%, 4/15/13 2,846,250
RETAIL - 0.9%
Saks, Inc., Notes:
1,500 8.250%, 11/15/08 1,571,250
2,000 9.875%, 10/01/11 2,170,000
5,000 Toys R Us Inc., Notes, 7.875%, 4/15/13 5,002,960
United Rentals North America Inc., Senior Notes:
2,000 Series B, 10.750%, 4/15/08 2,100,000
1,000 Series 144A, 10.750%, 4/15/08 1,050,000
SPECIALTY CHEMICALS - 0.1%
1,700 United Industries Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, Series B, 9.875%, 4/01/09 1,793,500
TELECOM - 0.3%
3,000 VoiceStream Wireless Corp., Senior Notes, 10.375%, 11/15/09 3,315,000
1,220 VoiceStream Wireless Corp./VoiceSteam World Holdings, Senior Notes, 11.500%, 9/15/09 1,360,300
TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT - 0.3%
5,712 Ciena Corp., Convertible Notes, 3.750%, 2/01/08 4,505,340
Total Corporate Bonds (cost $93,420,408) 94,750,955
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CAPITAL PREFERRED SECURITIES - 10.2% (9.3% TOTAL INVESTMENTS)
BANKING - 1.3%
$ 500 Banponce Trust I, 8.327%, 2/01/27 541,413
13,500 Corestates Capital, Series 144A, 8.000%, 12/15/26 15,497,150
100 Reliance Capital Trust I, Series B, 8.170%, 5/01/28 111,563
100 Wachovia Capital Trust I, Series 144A, 7.640%, 1/15/27 110,834
1,000 Zions Institutional Capital Trust A, Series A, 8.536%, 12/15/26 1,099,649
BANKING - FOREIGN - 4.0%
5,000 Abbey National Capital Trust I, 8.963%, 6/30/30 6,506,915
12,308 Barclays Bank plc, Series 144A, 6.860%, 6/15/32 13,310,634
10,000 HSBC Capital Funding LP, Series 144A, 10.176%, 6/30/30 14,541,500
7,880 Royal Bank of Scotland GRP plc, 7.648%, 9/30/31 9,432,423
10,000 SpareBanken Rogaland, Series 144A, 6.443%, 5/01/13 (WI, selling 4/23/03) 10,007,000
GAS - 0.1%
1,000 KN Capital Trust I, Series B, 8.560%, 4/15/27 1,120,850
845 KN Capital Trust III, 7.630%, 4/15/28 905,397
INSURANCE - LIFE - FOREIGN - 0.4%
5,000 Sun Life Canada US Capital Trust I, 8.526%, 5/06/07 5,677,505
INSURANCE - MULTILINE - 1.1%
9,051 SAFECO Capital Trust I, Series B, 8.072%, 7/15/37 9,962,409
6,250 Zurich Capital Trust, 8.376%, 6/01/37 5,558,331
SAVINGS & LOANS - THRIFT - 0.0%
500 Great Western Financial Trust II, 8.206%, 2/01/27 561,779
U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS - 3.3%
25,000 Fannie Mae, Subordinated Notes, 4.625%, 5/01/13 24,798,000
20,000 Freddie Mac, Subordinated Notes, 5.250%, 11/05/12 20,585,200
Total Capital Preferred Securities (cost $139,593,041) 140,328,552
U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS - 2.9% (2.6% OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS)
U.S. TREASURY NOTES - 2.9%
$ 25,000 1.625%, 3/31/05 24,980,470
15,000 3.000%, 2/15/08 15,033,990
Total U.S. Government and Agency Obligations (cost $40,275,783) 40,014,460
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 48.5% (44.3% OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS)
$ 579,804 State Street Repurchase Agreement, 1.120%, dated 4/21/03 579,804,000
repurchase price $579,822,038, collateralized by
U.S. Treasury Notes and Bonds
20,000 AIG FDG Inc., Commercial Paper, 1.210%, 4/23/03 19,999,328
25,000 American Express Company, Commercial Paper, 1.186%, 4/24/03 24,998,375
20,000 General Electric Capital Corporation, Commercial Paper, 1.220%, 4/23/03 19,999,322
25,000 Household Finance Corporation, Commercial Paper, 1.237%, 4/28/03 24,994,917
Total Short-Term Investments (cost $669,795,942) 669,795,942
Total Investments (cost $1,507,981,705) - 109.6% 1,513,625,692
Other Assets Less Liabilities - (9.6)% (132,600,084)
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares - 100% $1,381,025,608
(1) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments
are based on net assets applicable to Common shares
unless otherwise noted.
(CORTS) Corporate Backed Trust Securities.
(DECS) Dividend Enhanced Convertible Stock.
(FELINE
PRIDES) Provisionally Redeemable Income Debt Exchangeable for Stock
consisting of a trust originated preferred shares security plus
a stock purchase contract.
(LYONS) Liquid Yield Option Notes.
(PCARS) Public Credit and Repackaged Securities.
(PIERS) Preferred Income Equity Redeemable Stock.
(PPLUS) PreferredPlus Trust.
(QUIPS) Convertible Quarterly Preferred Securities.
(SATURNS) Structured Asset Trust Unit Repackaging.
(SPACES) Stock Appreciation Income Linked Securities.
(SPuRS) Shared Preference Redeemable Securities.
(WI) Security purchased on a when-issued basis.
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See accompanying notes to financial statements.
APPENDIX A
NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND
STATEMENT ESTABLISHING AND FIXING THE RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES OF
FUNDPREFERRED SHARES
Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund (the "Fund"), a Massachusetts business trust, certifies that:
FIRST, pursuant to the authority expressly vested in the Board of the Fund by Articles IV and VI of Fund's Declaration of Trust (which, as hereafter restated or amended from time to time, are together with this Statement herein called the "Declaration"), the Board of Trustees has, by resolution, authorized the issuance of 28,320 Preferred Shares of beneficial interest ("Preferred Shares"), $.01 par value, classified as FundPreferred shares ("FundPreferred shares"), and further classified as Series M, Series T, Series W, Series TH, Series F and Series F2 FundPreferred shares (each series, and together with additional series of FundPreferred shares that may be authorized and issued, a "Series") each with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share;
SECOND, the preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of the shares of such series of FundPreferred shares are as follows:
DESIGNATION
Series M: A series of 4,720 Preferred Shares, liquidation preference $25,000 per share, is designated "Series M FundPreferred shares" ("FundPreferred shares Series M"). The initial Dividend Period for FundPreferred shares Series M shall be the period from and including the Date of Original Issue thereof to but excluding ___________, 2003. Each share of FundPreferred shares Series M shall have an Applicable Rate for its initial Dividend Period equal to ____% per annum and an initial Dividend Payment Date of ___________, 2003, and each share of FundPreferred shares Series M shall have such other preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption, in addition to those required by applicable law or set forth in the Declaration applicable to preferred shares of the Fund, as are set forth in Part I and Part II of this Statement. The FundPreferred shares Series M shall constitute a separate series of Preferred Shares of the Fund.
Series T: A series of 4,720 Preferred Shares, liquidation preference $25,000 per share, is designated "Series T FundPreferred shares" ("FundPreferred shares Series T"). The initial Dividend Period for FundPreferred shares Series T shall be the period from and including the Date of Original Issue thereof to but excluding ___________, 2003. Each share of FundPreferred shares Series T shall have an Applicable Rate for its initial Dividend Period equal to ____% per annum and an initial Dividend Payment Date of ___________, 2003, and each share of FundPreferred shares Series T shall have such other preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption, in addition to those required by applicable law or set forth in the Declaration applicable to preferred shares of the Fund, as are set forth in Part I and Part II of this Statement. The FundPreferred shares Series T shall constitute a separate series of Preferred Shares of the Fund.
Series W: A series of 4,720 Preferred Shares, liquidation preference $25,000 per share, is designated "Series W FundPreferred shares" ("FundPreferred shares Series W"). The initial Dividend Period for FundPreferred shares Series W shall be the period from and including the Date of Original Issue
thereof to but excluding ___________, 2003. Each share of FundPreferred shares Series W shall have an Applicable Rate for its initial Dividend Period equal to ____% per annum and an initial Dividend Payment Date of ___________, 2003, and each share of FundPreferred shares Series W shall have such other preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption, in addition to those required by applicable law or set forth in the Declaration applicable to preferred shares of the Fund, as are set forth in Part I and Part II of this Statement. The FundPreferred shares Series W shall constitute a separate series of Preferred Shares of the Fund.
Series TH: A series of 4,720 Preferred Shares, liquidation preference $25,000 per share, is designated "Series TH FundPreferred shares" ("FundPreferred shares Series TH"). The initial Dividend Period for FundPreferred shares Series TH shall be the period from and including the Date of Original Issue thereof to but excluding ___________, 2003. Each share of FundPreferred shares Series TH shall have an Applicable Rate for its initial Dividend Period equal to ____% per annum and an initial Dividend Payment Date of ___________, 2003, and each share of FundPreferred shares Series TH shall have such other preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption, in addition to those required by applicable law or set forth in the Declaration applicable to preferred shares of the Fund, as are set forth in Part I and Part II of this Statement. The FundPreferred shares Series TH shall constitute a separate series of Preferred Shares of the Fund.
Series F: A series of 4,720 Preferred Shares, liquidation preference $25,000 per share, is designated "Series F FundPreferred shares" ("FundPreferred shares Series F"). The initial Dividend Period for FundPreferred shares Series F shall be the period from and including the Date of Original Issue thereof to but excluding ___________, 2003. Each share of FundPreferred shares Series F shall have an Applicable Rate for its initial Dividend Period equal to ____% per annum and an initial Dividend Payment Date of ___________, 2003, and each share of FundPreferred shares Series F shall have such other preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption, in addition to those required by applicable law or set forth in the Declaration applicable to preferred shares of the Fund, as are set forth in Part I and Part II of this Statement. The FundPreferred shares Series F shall constitute a separate series of Preferred Shares of the Fund.
Series F2: A series of 4,720 Preferred Shares, liquidation preference $25,000 per share, is designated "Series F2 FundPreferred shares" (FundPreferred shares Series F2"). The initial Dividend Period for FundPreferred shares Series F2 shall be the period from and including the Date of Original Issue thereof to but excluding ___________, 2003. Each share of FundPreferred shares Series F2 shall have an Applicable Rate for its initial Dividend Period equal to _____% per annum and an initial Dividend Payment Date of ____________, 2003, and each share of FundPreferred shares Series F2 shall have such other preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions and redemption, in addition to those required by applicable law or set forth in the Declaration applicable to preferred shares of the Fund, as are set forth in Part I and Part II of this Statement. The FundPreferred shares Series F2 shall constitute a separate series of Preferred Shares of the Fund.
Subject to the provisions of Section 11(b) of Part I hereof, the Board of Trustees of the Fund may, in the future, authorize the issuance of additional shares of the Fund's Preferred Shares as FundPreferred shares Series M, T, W, TH, F and F2 with the same preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption and other terms of the respective series herein described, except that the Applicable Rate for its initial Dividend Period, its initial Dividend Payment Date and any other changes in the terms herein set forth shall be as set forth in an amendment to this Statement.
As used in Part I and Part II of this Statement, capitalized terms shall have the meanings provided in Section 18 of Part I.
PART I: FUNDPREFERRED SHARES TERMS
1. Number of Shares; Ranking.
(a) The initial number of authorized shares constituting FundPreferred shares Series M, Series T, Series W, Series TH, Series F and Series F2 is 4,720, 4,720, 4,720, 4,720, 4,720 and 4,720 shares, respectively. No fractional shares of FundPreferred shares Series M, Series T, Series W, Series TH, Series F and Series F2 shall be issued.
(b) Any shares of each Series of FundPreferred shares which at any time have been redeemed or purchased by the Fund shall, after such redemption or purchase, have the status of authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Shares.
(c) The shares of each Series of FundPreferred shares shall rank on a parity with shares of any other series of Preferred Shares (including any other FundPreferred shares) as to the payment of dividends to which such shares are entitled and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Fund.
(d) No holder of shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares shall have, solely by reason of being such a holder, any preemptive right, or, unless otherwise determined by the Trustees other right to acquire, purchase or subscribe for any shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares, shares of Common Shares of the Fund or other securities of the Fund which it may hereafter issue or sell.
2. Dividends.
(a) The Holders of shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Trustees, out of funds legally available therefor, cumulative cash dividends on their shares at the Applicable Rate, determined as set forth in paragraph (c) of this Section 2, and no more, payable on the respective dates determined as set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 2. Dividends on the Outstanding shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares issued on the Date of Original Issue shall accumulate from the Date of Original Issue.
(b) (i) Dividends shall be payable when, as and if declared by the Board of Trustees following the initial Dividend Payment Date, subject to subparagraph (b)(ii) of this Section 2, on the shares of each Series of FundPreferred shares, with respect to any Dividend Period on the first Business Day following the last day of such Dividend Period; provided, however, if the Dividend Period is greater than 30 days then on a monthly basis on the first Business Day of each month within such Dividend Period and on the Business Day following the last day of such Dividend Period.
(ii) If a day for payment of dividends resulting from the application of subparagraph (b)(i) above is not a Business Day, (A) then the Dividend Payment Date shall be the first Business Day following such day for payment of dividends in the case of a Series of FundPreferred shares designated as "Series M" or "Series F" or (B) then the Dividend Payment Date shall be the first Business Day that falls prior to such day for payment of dividends in the case of a Series of FundPreferred shares designated as "Series T," "Series W," or "Series TH."
(iii) The Fund shall pay to the Paying Agent not later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Business Day next preceding each Dividend Payment Date for the shares
of each Series of FundPreferred shares, an aggregate amount of funds available on the next Business Day in the City of New York, New York, equal to the dividends to be paid to all Holders of such shares on such Dividend Payment Date. The Fund shall not be required to establish any reserves for the payment of dividends.
(iv) All moneys paid to the Paying Agent for the payment of dividends shall be held in trust for the payment of such dividends by the Paying Agent for the benefit of the Holders specified in subparagraph (b)(v) of this Section 2. Any moneys paid to the Paying Agent in accordance with the foregoing but not applied by the Paying Agent to the payment of dividends, including interest earned on such moneys, will, to the extent permitted by law, be repaid to the Fund at the end of 90 days from the date on which such moneys were to have been so applied.
(v) Each dividend on a Series of FundPreferred shares shall be paid on the Dividend Payment Date therefor to the Holders of that series as their names appear on the share ledger or share records of the Fund on the Business Day next preceding such Dividend Payment Date. Dividends in arrears for any past Dividend Period may be declared and paid at any time, without reference to any regular Dividend Payment Date, to the Holders as their names appear on the share ledger or share records of the Fund on such date, not exceeding 15 days preceding the payment date thereof, as may be fixed by the Board of Trustees. No interest will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments which may be in arrears.
(c) (i) The dividend rate on Outstanding shares of each Series of FundPreferred shares during the period from and after the Date of Original Issue to and including the last day of the initial Dividend Period therefor shall be equal to the rate per annum set forth under "Designation" above. For each subsequent Dividend Period with respect to the FundPreferred shares Outstanding thereafter, the dividend rate shall be equal to the rate per annum that results from an Auction; provided, however, that if an Auction for any subsequent Dividend Period of a Series of FundPreferred shares is not held for any reason or if Sufficient Clearing Bids have not been made in an Auction (other than as a result of all shares of a Series of FundPreferred shares being the subject of Submitted Hold Orders), then the dividend rate on the shares of a Series of FundPreferred shares for any such Dividend Period shall be the Maximum Rate (except (i) during a Default Period when the dividend rate shall be the Default Rate, as set forth in Section 2(c)(ii) below) or (ii) after a Default Period and prior to the beginning of the next Dividend Period when the dividend rate shall be the Maximum Rate at the close of business on the last day of such Default Period). The All Hold Rate will apply automatically following an Auction in which all of the Outstanding shares of a Series of FundPreferred shares are subject (or are deemed to be subject) to Hold Orders. The rate per annum at which dividends are payable on shares of a Series of FundPreferred shares as determined pursuant to this Section 2(c)(i) shall be the "Applicable Rate."
(ii) Subject to the cure provisions below, a "Default Period" with respect to a particular Series will commence on any date the Fund fails to deposit irrevocably in trust in same-day funds, with the Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York City time, (A) the full amount of any declared dividend on that Series payable on the Dividend Payment Date (a "Dividend Default") or (B) the full amount of any redemption price (the "Redemption Price") payable on the date fixed for redemption (the "Redemption Date") (a "Redemption Default") and together with a Dividend Default, hereinafter referred to as "Default"). Subject to the cure provisions of Section 2(c)(iii) below, a Default Period with respect to a Dividend Default or a Redemption Default shall end on the Business Day on which, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, all unpaid dividends and any unpaid Redemption Price shall have been deposited irrevocably in trust in
same-day funds with the Paying Agent. In the case of a Dividend Default, the Applicable Rate for each Dividend Period commencing during a Default Period will be equal to the Default Rate, and each subsequent Dividend Period commencing after the beginning of a Default Period shall be a Standard Dividend Period; provided, however, that the commencement of a Default Period will not by itself cause the commencement of a new Dividend Period. No Auction shall be held during a Default Period applicable to that Series of FundPreferred shares.
(iii) No Default Period with respect to a Dividend Default or Redemption Default shall be deemed to commence if the amount of any dividend or any Redemption Price due (if such default is not solely due to the willful failure of the Fund) is deposited irrevocably in trust, in same-day funds with the Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York City time within three Business Days after the applicable Dividend Payment Date or Redemption Date, together with an amount equal to the Default Rate applied to the amount of such non-payment based on the actual number of days comprising such period divided by 365 for each Series. The Default Rate shall be equal to the Reference Rate multiplied by three (3).
(iv) The amount of dividends per share payable (if declared) on each Dividend Payment Date of each Dividend Period of less than one (1) year (or in respect of dividends on another date in connection with a redemption during such Dividend Period) shall be computed by multiplying the Applicable Rate (or the Default Rate) for such Dividend Period (or a portion thereof) by a fraction, the numerator of which will be the number of days in such Dividend Period (or portion thereof) that such share was Outstanding and for which the Applicable Rate or the Default Rate was applicable and the denominator of which will be 365, multiplying the amount so obtained by $25,000, and rounding the amount so obtained to the nearest cent. During any Dividend Period of one (1) year or more, the amount of dividends per share payable on any Dividend Payment Date (or in respect of dividends on another date in connection with a redemption during such Dividend Period) shall be computed as described in the preceding sentence, except that it will be determined on the basis of a year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
(d) Any dividend payment made on shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares shall first be credited against the earliest accumulated but unpaid dividends due with respect to such Series.
(e) For so long as the FundPreferred shares are Outstanding, except as contemplated by Part I of this Statement, the Fund will not declare, pay or set apart for payment any dividend or other distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase, Common Shares or other shares of beneficial interest, if any, ranking junior to the FundPreferred shares as to dividends or upon liquidation) in respect to Common Shares or any other shares of the Fund ranking junior to or on a parity with the FundPreferred shares as to dividends or upon liquidation, or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any Common Shares or any other such junior shares (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of the Fund ranking junior to the FundPreferred shares as to dividends and upon liquidation) or any such parity shares (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of the Fund ranking junior to or on a parity with the FundPreferred shares as to dividends and upon liquidation), unless (i) immediately after such transaction, the Fund would have Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount and the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage would be achieved, (ii) full cumulative dividends on the FundPreferred shares due on or prior to the date of the transaction have been declared and paid and (iii) the Fund has redeemed the full number of FundPreferred shares required to be redeemed by any provision for mandatory redemption contained in Section 3(a)(ii).
(f) The Fund will not declare, pay or set apart for payment
any dividend or other distribution in respect to the FundPreferred shares unless
(i) there is not an event of default under indebtedness senior to the
FundPreferred shares, if any, or (ii) immediately after such transaction, the
Fund would have eligible portfolio holdings with an aggregate discounted value
at least equal to the asset coverage requirements under the indebtedness senior
to the FundPreferred shares.
3. Redemption.
(a) (i) After the initial Dividend Period, subject to the
provisions of this Section 3 and to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and
Massachusetts law, the Fund may, at its option, redeem in whole or in part out
of funds legally available therefor shares of a Series of FundPreferred shares
herein designated as (A) having a Dividend Period of one year or less, on the
Business Day after the last day of such Dividend Period by delivering a notice
of redemption not less than 15 days and not more than 40 days prior to the date
fixed for such redemption, at a redemption price per share equal to $25,000,
plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon (whether or
not earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption ("Redemption Price"),
or (B) having a Dividend Period of more than one year, on any Business Day prior
to the end of the relevant Dividend Period by delivering a notice of redemption
not less than 15 days and not more than 40 days prior to the date fixed for such
redemption, at the Redemption Price, plus a redemption premium, if any,
determined by the Board of Trustees after consultation with the Broker-Dealers
and set forth in any applicable Specific Redemption Provisions at the time of
the designation of such Dividend Period as set forth in Section 4 of this
Statement; provided, however, that during a Dividend Period of more than one
year no shares of a Series of FundPreferred shares will be subject to optional
redemption except in accordance with any Specific Redemption Provisions approved
by the Board of Trustees after consultation with the Broker-Dealers at the time
of the designation of such Dividend Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Fund shall not give a notice of or effect any redemption pursuant to this
Section 3(a)(i) unless, on the date on which the Fund intends to give such
notice and on the date of redemption (a) the Fund has available certain Deposit
Securities with maturity or tender dates not later than the day preceding the
applicable redemption date and having a value not less than the amount
(including any applicable premium) due to Holders of a Series of FundPreferred
shares by reason of the redemption of such FundPreferred shares on such date
fixed for the redemption and (b) the Fund would have Eligible Assets with an
aggregate Discounted Value at least equal the FundPreferred Shares Basic
Maintenance Amount immediately subsequent to such redemption, if such redemption
were to occur on such date, it being understood that the provisions of paragraph
(d) of this Section 3 shall be applicable in such circumstances in the event the
Fund makes the deposit and takes the other action required thereby.
(ii) If the Fund fails to maintain, as of any Valuation Date, Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or, as of the last Business Day of any month, the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage, and such failure is not cured within ten Business Days following such Valuation Date in the case of a failure to maintain the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or on the last Business Day of the following month in the case of a failure to maintain the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage as of such last Business Day (each an "Asset Coverage Cure Date"), the FundPreferred shares will be subject to mandatory redemption out of funds legally available therefor. The number of FundPreferred shares to be redeemed in such circumstances will be equal to the lesser of (A) the minimum number of FundPreferred shares the redemption of which, if deemed to have occurred immediately prior to the opening of business on the relevant Asset Coverage Cure Date, would result in the Fund having Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance
Amount, or sufficient to satisfy 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset
Coverage, as the case may be, in either case as of the relevant Asset
Coverage Cure Date (provided that, if there is no such minimum number
of shares the redemption of which would have such result, all shares of
FundPreferred shares then Outstanding will be redeemed), and (B) the
maximum number of FundPreferred shares that can be redeemed out of
funds expected to be available therefor on the Mandatory Redemption
Date at the Mandatory Redemption Price set forth in subparagraph
(a)(iii) of this Section 3.
(iii) In determining the FundPreferred shares required to
be redeemed in accordance with the foregoing Section 3(a)(ii), the Fund
shall allocate the number of shares required to be redeemed to satisfy
the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act
FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage, as the case may be, pro rata among
the Holders of FundPreferred shares in proportion to the number of
shares they hold and shares of other Preferred Shares subject to
mandatory redemption provisions similar to those contained in this
Section 3, subject to the further provisions of this subparagraph
(iii). The Fund shall effect any required mandatory redemption pursuant
to subparagraph (a)(ii) of this Section 3 no later than 40 days after
the Asset Coverage Cure Date (the "Mandatory Redemption Date"), except
that if the Fund does not have funds legally available for the
redemption of, or is not otherwise legally permitted to redeem, the
number of shares of the FundPreferred shares which would be required to
be redeemed by the Fund under clause (A) of subparagraph (a)(ii) of
this Section 3 if sufficient funds were available, together with shares
of other Preferred Shares which are subject to mandatory redemption
under provisions similar to those contained in this Section 3, or the
Fund otherwise is unable to effect such redemption on or prior to such
Mandatory Redemption Date, the Fund shall redeem those shares of the
FundPreferred shares, and shares of other Preferred Shares which it was
unable to redeem, on the earliest practicable date on which the Fund
will have such funds available, upon notice pursuant to Section 3(b) to
record owners of the FundPreferred shares to be redeemed and the Paying
Agent. The Fund will deposit with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to
redeem the specified number of FundPreferred shares with respect to a
redemption required under subparagraph (a)(ii) of this Section 3, by
1:00 p.m., New York City time, of the Business Day immediately
preceding the Mandatory Redemption Date. If fewer than all of the
Outstanding FundPreferred shares are to be redeemed pursuant to this
Section 3(a)(iii), the number of shares to be redeemed shall be
redeemed pro rata from the Holders of such shares in proportion to the
number of such shares held by such Holders, by lot or by such other
method as the Fund shall deem fair and equitable, subject, however, to
the terms of any applicable Specific Redemption Provisions. "Mandatory
Redemption Price" means the Redemption Price plus (in the case of a
Dividend Period of one year or more only) a redemption premium, if any,
determined by the Board of Trustees after consultation with the
Broker-Dealers and set forth in any applicable Specific Redemption
Provisions.
(b) In the event of a redemption pursuant to Section 3(a), the Fund will file a notice of its intention to redeem with the Securities and Exchange Commission so as to provide at least the minimum notice required under Rule 23c-2 under the 1940 Act or any successor provision. In addition, the Fund shall deliver a notice of redemption to the Auction Agent (the "Notice of Redemption") containing the information set forth below (i) in the case of an optional redemption pursuant to subparagraph (a)(i) above, one Business Day prior to the giving of notice to the Holders, (ii) in the case of a mandatory redemption pursuant to subparagraph (a)(ii) above, on or prior to the 30th day preceding the Mandatory Redemption Date. The Auction Agent will use its reasonable efforts to provide notice to each Holder of shares of each Series of FundPreferred shares called for redemption by electronic or other reasonable means not later than the close of business on the Business Day immediately following the day on which the Auction Agent determines the shares to be redeemed (or, during a Default Period with respect to such shares, not later than the close of business on the Business Day immediately following the
day on which the Auction Agent receives Notice of Redemption from the Fund). The Auction Agent shall confirm such notice in writing not later than the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the date fixed for redemption by providing the Notice of Redemption to each Holder of shares called for redemption, the Paying Agent (if different from the Auction Agent) and the Securities Depository. Notice of Redemption will be addressed to the registered owners of each Series of FundPreferred shares at their addresses appearing on the share records of the Fund. Such Notice of Redemption will set forth (i) the date fixed for redemption, (ii) the number and identity of FundPreferred shares to be redeemed, (iii) the redemption price (specifying the amount of accumulated dividends to be included therein), (iv) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on such date fixed for redemption, and (v) the provision under which redemption shall be made. No defect in the Notice of Redemption or in the transmittal or mailing thereof will affect the validity of the redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law. If fewer than all shares held by any Holder are to be redeemed, the Notice of Redemption mailed to such Holder shall also specify the number of shares to be redeemed from such Holder.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this
Section 3, but subject to Section 7(e), no FundPreferred shares may be redeemed
unless all dividends in arrears on the Outstanding FundPreferred shares and all
shares of beneficial interest of the Fund ranking on a parity with the
FundPreferred shares with respect to payment of dividends or upon liquidation,
have been or are being contemporaneously paid or set aside for payment;
provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or
acquisition of all Outstanding FundPreferred shares pursuant to the successful
completion of an otherwise lawful purchase or exchange offer made on the same
terms to, and accepted by, Holders of all Outstanding FundPreferred shares.
(d) Upon the deposit of funds sufficient to redeem shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares with the Paying Agent and the giving of the Notice of Redemption to the Auction Agent under paragraph (b) of this Section 3, dividends on such shares shall cease to accumulate and such shares shall no longer be deemed to be Outstanding for any purpose (including, without limitation, for purposes of calculating whether the Fund has maintained the requisite FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage), and all rights of the holder of the shares so called for redemption shall cease and terminate, except the right of such holder to receive the redemption price specified herein, but without any interest or other additional amount. Such redemption price shall be paid by the Paying Agent to the nominee of the Securities Depository. The Fund shall be entitled to receive from the Paying Agent, promptly after the date fixed for redemption, any cash deposited with the Paying Agent in excess of (i) the aggregate redemption price of the FundPreferred shares called for redemption on such date and (ii) such other amounts, if any, to which Holders of shares of each Series of FundPreferred shares called for redemption may be entitled. Any funds so deposited that are unclaimed at the end of two years from such redemption date shall, to the extent permitted by law, be paid to the Fund, after which time the Holders of FundPreferred shares so called for redemption may look only to the Fund for payment of the redemption price and all other amounts, if any, to which they may be entitled. The Fund shall be entitled to receive, from time to time after the date fixed for redemption, any interest earned on the funds so deposited.
(e) To the extent that any redemption for which Notice of Redemption has been given is not made by reason of the absence of legally available funds therefor, or is otherwise prohibited, such redemption shall be made as soon as practicable to the extent such funds become legally available or such redemption is no longer otherwise prohibited. Failure to redeem shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares shall be deemed to exist at any time after the date specified for redemption in a Notice of Redemption when the Fund shall have failed, for any reason whatsoever, to deposit in trust with the Paying Agent the redemption price with respect to any shares for which such Notice of Redemption has been given. Notwithstanding the fact that the Fund may not have redeemed shares of any Series of
FundPreferred shares for which a Notice of Redemption has been given, dividends may be declared and paid on FundPreferred shares Series and shall include those FundPreferred shares for which Notice of Redemption has been given but for which deposit of funds has not been made.
(f) All moneys paid to the Paying Agent for payment of the redemption price of shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares called for redemption shall be held in trust by the Paying Agent for the benefit of holders of shares so to be redeemed.
(g) So long as any shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares are held of record by the nominee of the Securities Depository, the redemption price for such shares will be paid on the date fixed for redemption to the nominee of the Securities Depository for distribution to Agent Members for distribution to the persons for whom they are acting as agent.
(h) Except for the provisions described above, nothing contained in this Statement limits any right of the Fund to purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of each Series of FundPreferred shares outside of an Auction at any price, whether higher or lower than the price that would be paid in connection with an optional or mandatory redemption, so long as, at the time of any such purchase, there is no arrearage in the payment of dividends on, or the mandatory or optional redemption price with respect to, any shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares for which Notice of Redemption has been given and the Fund is in compliance with the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage and has Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount after giving effect to such purchase or acquisition on the date thereof. Any shares which are purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Fund shall have no voting rights. If fewer than all the Outstanding shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares are redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Fund, the Fund shall give notice of such transaction to the Auction Agent, in accordance with the procedures agreed upon by the Board of Trustees.
(i) In the case of any redemption pursuant to this Section 3, only whole shares of FundPreferred shares shall be redeemed, and in the event that any provision of the Declaration would require redemption of a fractional share, the Auction Agent shall be authorized to round up so that only whole shares are redeemed.
(j) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, including, without limitation, Sections 2(e), 6(f) and 11 of Part I hereof, the Board of Trustees may authorize, create or issue any class or series of shares of beneficial interest, including other series of FundPreferred shares, ranking prior to or on a parity with the FundPreferred shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended, if, upon issuance, either (A) the net proceeds from the sale of such shares of beneficial interest (or such portion thereof needed to redeem or repurchase the Outstanding FundPreferred shares) are deposited with the Auction Agent in accordance with Section 3(d) of Part I hereof, Notice of Redemption as contemplated by Section 3(b) of Part I hereof has been delivered prior thereto or is sent promptly thereafter, and such proceeds are used to redeem all Outstanding FundPreferred shares or (B) the Fund would meet the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage, the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount and the requirements of Section 11 of Part I hereof.
4. Designation of Dividend Period.
(a) The initial Dividend Period for each Series of FundPreferred shares is as set forth under "Designation" above. The Fund will designate the duration of subsequent Dividend Periods of each Series of FundPreferred shares; provided, however, that no such designation is necessary for a Standard Dividend Period and, provided further, that any designation of a Special Dividend Period shall be effective only if (i) notice thereof shall have been given as provided herein, (ii) any failure to pay in a
timely manner to the Auction Agent the full amount of any dividend on, or the redemption price of, FundPreferred shares shall have been cured as provided above, (iii) Sufficient Clearing Bids shall have existed in an Auction held on the Auction Date immediately preceding the first day of such proposed Special Dividend Period, (iv) if the Fund shall have mailed a Notice of Redemption with respect to any shares, the redemption price with respect to such shares shall have been deposited with the Paying Agent, and (v) in the case of the designation of a Special Dividend Period, the Fund has confirmed that as of the Auction Date next preceding the first day of such Special Dividend Period, it has Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount, and the Fund has consulted with the Broker-Dealers and has provided notice of such designation and a FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate to Moody's (if Moody's is then rating the FundPreferred shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating the FundPreferred shares) and any Other Rating Agency which is then rating the FundPreferred shares and so requires.
(b) If the Fund proposes to designate any Special Dividend
Period, not fewer than 7 (or two Business Days in the event the duration of the
Dividend Period prior to such Special Dividend Period is fewer than 8 days) nor
more than 30 Business Days prior to the first day of such Special Dividend
Period, notice shall be (i) made by press release and (ii) communicated by the
Fund by telephonic or other means to the Auction Agent and confirmed in writing
promptly thereafter. Each such notice shall state (A) that the Fund proposes to
exercise its option to designate a succeeding Special Dividend Period,
specifying the first and last days thereof and (B) that the Fund will by 3:00
p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding the first
day of such Special Dividend Period, notify the Auction Agent, who will promptly
notify the Broker-Dealers, of either (x) its determination, subject to certain
conditions, to proceed with such Special Dividend Period, subject to the terms
of any Specific Redemption Provisions, or (y) its determination not to proceed
with such Special Dividend Period, in which latter event the succeeding Dividend
Period shall be a Standard Dividend Period.
No later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of any proposed Special Dividend Period, the Fund shall deliver to the Auction Agent, who will promptly deliver to the Broker-Dealers and Existing Holders, either:
(i) a notice stating (A) that the Fund has determined to designate the next succeeding Dividend Period as a Special Dividend Period, specifying the first and last days thereof and (B) the terms of any Specific Redemption Provisions; or
(ii) a notice stating that the Fund has determined not to exercise its option to designate a Special Dividend Period.
If the Fund fails to deliver either such notice with respect to any designation of any proposed Special Dividend Period to the Auction Agent or is unable to make the confirmation provided in clause (v) of Paragraph (a) of this Section 4 by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of such proposed Special Dividend Period, the Fund shall be deemed to have delivered a notice to the Auction Agent with respect to such Dividend Period to the effect set forth in clause (ii) above, thereby resulting in a Standard Dividend Period.
5. Restrictions on Transfer. Shares of a Series of FundPreferred shares may be transferred only (a) pursuant to an order placed in an Auction, (b) to or through a Broker-Dealer or (c) to the Fund or any Affiliate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transfer other than pursuant to an Auction will not be effective unless the selling Existing Holder or the Agent Member of such Existing Holder, in the case of an Existing Holder whose shares are listed in its own name on the books of the Auction Agent, or the Broker-Dealer or Agent Member of such Broker-Dealer, in the case of a transfer between persons holding FundPreferred shares through different Broker-Dealers, advises the Auction Agent of such transfer. The
certificates representing the shares of a Series of FundPreferred shares issued to the Securities Depository will bear legends with respect to the restrictions described above and stop-transfer instructions will be issued to the Transfer Agent and/or Registrar.
6. Voting Rights.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in the Declaration or as otherwise required by applicable law, (i) each Holder of shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares shall be entitled to one vote for each share of any Series of FundPreferred shares held on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Fund, and (ii) the holders of Outstanding shares of Preferred Shares, including each Series of FundPreferred shares, and shares of Common Shares shall vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to shareholders; provided, however, that, at any meeting of the shareholders of the Fund held for the election of Trustees, the holders of Outstanding shares of Preferred Shares, including each Series of FundPreferred shares, represented in person or by proxy at said meeting, shall be entitled, as a class, to the exclusion of the holders of all other securities and classes of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund, to elect two Trustees of the Fund, each share of Preferred Shares, including each Series of FundPreferred shares, entitling the holder thereof to one vote. The identity of the nominees of such Trustees may be fixed by the Board of Trustees. Subject to paragraph (b) of this Section 6, the holders of Outstanding shares of Common Shares and Preferred Shares, including each Series of FundPreferred shares, voting together as a single class, shall elect the balance of the Trustees.
(b) During any period in which any one or more of the conditions described below shall exist (such period being referred to herein as a "Voting Period"), the number of Trustees constituting the Board of Trustees shall be automatically increased by the smallest number that, when added to the two Trustees elected exclusively by the holders of shares of Preferred Shares, including each Series of FundPreferred shares, would constitute a majority of the Board of Trustees as so increased by such smallest number; and the holders of shares of Preferred Shares, including each Series of FundPreferred shares, shall be entitled, voting as a class on a one-vote-per-share basis (to the exclusion of the holders of all other securities and classes of shares of the Fund), to elect such smallest number of additional Trustees, together with the two Trustees that such holders are in any event entitled to elect. A Voting Period shall commence:
(i) if at the close of business on any Dividend Payment Date accumulated dividends (whether or not earned or declared) on Preferred Shares equal to at least two full years' dividends shall be due and unpaid; or
(ii) if at any time holders of any Preferred Shares are entitled under the 1940 Act to elect a majority of the Trustees of the Fund.
Upon the termination of a Voting Period, the voting rights described in this paragraph (b) of Section 6 shall cease, subject always, however, to the revesting of such voting rights in the Holders of shares of Preferred Shares, including each Series of FundPreferred shares, upon the further occurrence of any of the events described in this paragraph (b) of Section 6.
(c) As soon as practicable after the accrual of any right of the Holders of shares of Preferred Shares, including each Series of FundPreferred shares, to elect additional Trustees as described in paragraph (b) of this Section 6, the Fund shall notify the Auction Agent, and the Auction Agent shall call a special meeting of such holders, by mailing a notice of such special meeting to such holders, such meeting to be held not less than 10 nor more than 30 days after the date of mailing of such notice. If the Fund fails to send such notice to the Auction Agent or if the Auction Agent does not call such a special meeting, it may be called by any such holder on like notice. The record date for determining the holders entitled to notice of and to vote at such special meeting shall be the close of business on the fifth Business
Day preceding the day on which such notice is mailed. At any such special meeting and at each meeting of holders of shares of Preferred Shares, including each Series of FundPreferred shares, held during a Voting Period at which Trustees are to be elected, such holders, voting together as a class (to the exclusion of the holders of all other securities and classes of capital stock of the Fund), shall be entitled to elect the number of Trustees prescribed in paragraph (b) of this Section 6 on a one-vote-per-share basis.
(d) The terms of office of all persons who are Trustees of the Fund at the time of a special meeting of holders of the FundPreferred shares and holders of other Preferred Shares to elect Trustees shall continue, notwithstanding the election at such meeting by the holders and such other holders of the number of Trustees that they are entitled to elect, and the persons so elected by such holders, together with the two incumbent Trustees elected by such holders and the remaining incumbent Trustees, shall constitute the duly elected Trustees of the Fund.
(e) Simultaneously with the termination of a Voting Period,
the terms of office of the additional directors elected by the Holders of the
FundPreferred shares and holders of other Preferred Shares pursuant to paragraph
(b) of this Section 6 shall terminate, the remaining Trustees shall constitute
the Trustees of the Fund and the voting rights of such holders to elect
additional Trustees pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 6 shall cease,
subject to the provisions of the last sentence of paragraph (b) of this Section
6.
(f) So long as any of the shares of Preferred Shares,
including each Series of FundPreferred shares, are Outstanding, the Fund will
not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
Outstanding shares of Preferred Shares determined with reference to a "majority
of outstanding voting securities" as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(42) of
the 1940 Act, voting as a separate class, (i) amend, alter or repeal any of the
preferences, rights or powers of such class so as to affect materially and
adversely such preferences, rights or powers as defined in Section 6(h) below;
(ii) increase the authorized number of shares of Preferred Shares; (iii) create,
authorize or issue shares of any class of shares of beneficial interest ranking
senior to or on a parity with the Preferred Shares with respect to the payment
of dividends or the distribution of assets, or any securities convertible into,
or warrants, options or similar rights to purchase, acquire or receive, such
shares of beneficial interest ranking senior to or on a parity with the
Preferred Shares or reclassify any authorized shares of beneficial interest of
the Fund into any shares ranking senior to or on a parity with the Preferred
Shares (except that, notwithstanding the foregoing, but subject to the
provisions of either Section 3(j) or 11, as applicable, the Board of Trustees,
without the vote or consent of the holders of the Preferred Shares, may from
time to time authorize, create and classify, and the Fund may from time to time
issue, shares or series of Preferred Shares, including other series of
FundPreferred shares, ranking on a parity with the FundPreferred shares with
respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon
dissolution, liquidation or winding up to the affairs of the Fund, and may
authorize, reclassify and/or issue any additional shares of each Series of
FundPreferred shares, including shares previously purchased or redeemed by the
Fund, subject to continuing compliance by the Fund with 1940 Act FundPreferred
Shares Asset Coverage and FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount
requirements); (iv) institute any proceedings to be adjudicated bankrupt or
insolvent, or consent to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings
against it, or file a petition seeking or consenting to reorganization or relief
under any applicable federal or state law relating to bankruptcy or insolvency,
or consent to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee,
sequestrator (or other similar official) of the Fund or a substantial part of
its property, or make any assignment for the benefit of creditors, or, except as
may be required by applicable law, admit in writing its inability to pay its
debts generally as they become due or take any corporate action in furtherance
of any such action; (v) create, incur or suffer to exist, or agree to create,
incur or suffer to exist, or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the
happening of a contingency or otherwise) the creation, incurrence or existence
of any material lien, mortgage, pledge, charge, security interest, security
agreement, conditional sale or trust receipt or other material encumbrance of
any kind upon any of the
Fund's assets as a whole, except (A) liens the validity of which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (B) liens for taxes that are not then due and payable or that can be paid thereafter without penalty, (C) liens, pledges, charges, security interests, security agreements or other encumbrances arising in connection with any indebtedness senior to the FundPreferred shares, or arising in connection with any futures contracts or options thereon, interest rate swap or cap transactions, forward rate transactions, put or call options, short sales of securities or other similar transactions, (D) liens, pledges, charges, security interests, security agreements or other encumbrances arising in connection with any indebtedness permitted under clause (vi) below and (E) liens to secure payment for services rendered including, without limitation, services rendered by the Fund's custodian and the Auction Agent; or (vi) create, authorize, issue, incur or suffer to exist any indebtedness for borrowed money or any direct or indirect guarantee of such indebtedness for borrowed money or any direct or indirect guarantee of such indebtedness, except the Fund may borrow as may be permitted by the Fund's investment restrictions; provided, however, that transfers of assets by the Fund subject to an obligation to repurchase shall not be deemed to be indebtedness for purposes of this provision to the extent that after any such transaction the Fund has Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount as of the immediately preceding Valuation Date.
(g) The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
Outstanding shares of Preferred Shares, including each Series of FundPreferred
shares, voting as a separate class, shall be required to approve any plan of
reorganization (as such term is used in the 1940 Act) adversely affecting such
shares or any action requiring a vote of security holders of the Fund under
Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act. In the event a vote of holders of shares of
Preferred Shares is required pursuant to the provisions of Section 13(a) of the
1940 Act, the Fund shall, not later than ten Business Days prior to the date on
which such vote is to be taken, notify Moody's (if Moody's is then rating
FundPreferred shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating the FundPreferred shares)
and any Other Rating Agency which is then rating FundPreferred shares and which
so requires that such vote is to be taken and the nature of the action with
respect to which such vote is to be taken and shall, not later than ten Business
Days after the date on which such vote is taken, notify Moody's, Fitch and any
such Other Rating Agency, as applicable, of the results of such vote.
(h) The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Outstanding shares of any series of Preferred Shares, including any Series of FundPreferred shares, voting separately from any other series, shall be required with respect to any matter that materially and adversely affects the rights, preferences, or powers of that series in a manner different from that of other series of classes of the Fund's shares of beneficial interest. For purposes of the foregoing, no matter shall be deemed to adversely affect any right, preference or power unless such matter (i) alters or abolishes any preferential right of such series; (ii) creates, alters or abolishes any right in respect of redemption of such series; or (iii) creates or alters (other than to abolish) any restriction on transfer applicable to such series. The vote of holders of any shares described in this Section 6(h) will in each case be in addition to a separate vote of the requisite percentage of Common Shares and/or Preferred Shares, if any, necessary to authorize the action in question.
(i) The Board of Trustees, without the vote or consent of any holder of shares of Preferred Shares, including any Series of FundPreferred shares, or any other shareholder of the Fund, may from time to time adopt, amend, alter or repeal any or all of the definitions contained herein, add covenants and other obligations of the Fund, or confirm the applicability of covenants and other obligations set forth herein, in connection with obtaining or maintaining the rating of Moody's (if Moody's is then rating the FundPreferred shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating the FundPreferred shares) or any Other Rating Agency which is then rating the FundPreferred shares, and any such adoption, amendment, alteration or repeal will not be deemed to affect the preferences, rights or powers of Preferred Shares, including FundPreferred shares, or the Holders thereof, provided that the Board of Trustees
receives written confirmation from Moody's, Fitch or Other Rating Agency, as applicable (with such confirmation in no event being required to be obtained from a particular rating agency with respect to definitions or other provisions relevant only to and adopted in connection with another rating agency's rating of any Series of FundPreferred shares) that any such amendment, alteration or repeal would not adversely affect the rating then assigned by such rating agency.
In addition, subject to compliance with applicable law, the Board of Trustees may amend the definition of Maximum Rate to increase the percentage amount by which the Reference Rate is multiplied to determine the Maximum Rate shown therein without the vote or consent of the holders of the shares of the Preferred Shares, including any Series of FundPreferred shares, or any other shareholder of the Fund, and without receiving any confirmation from any rating agency after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, provided that immediately following any such increase the Fund would be in compliance with the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount.
(j) Unless otherwise required by law, holders of shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares shall not have any relative rights or preferences or other special rights other than those specifically set forth herein. The holders of shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares shall have no rights to cumulative voting. In the event that the Fund fails to pay any dividends on the shares of any Series of FundPreferred shares, the exclusive remedy of the holders shall be the right to vote for Trustees pursuant to the provisions of this Section 6.
(k) The foregoing voting provisions will not apply with respect to any Series of FundPreferred shares if, at or prior to the time when a vote is required, such shares have been (i) redeemed or (ii) called for redemption and sufficient funds shall have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.
7. Liquidation Rights.
(a) Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each Series of FundPreferred shares then Outstanding, together with holders of shares of any class of shares ranking on a parity with each Series of FundPreferred shares upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up, shall be entitled to receive and to be paid out of the assets of the Fund (or the proceeds thereof) available for distribution to its shareholders after satisfaction of claims of creditors of the Fund an amount equal to the liquidation preference with respect to such shares. The liquidation preference for shares of each Series of FundPreferred shares shall be $25,000 per share, plus an amount equal to all accumulated dividends thereon (whether or not earned or declared but without interest) to the date payment of such distribution is made in full or a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart with the Paying Agent. No redemption premium shall be paid upon any liquidation even if such redemption premium would be paid upon optional or mandatory redemption of the relevant shares.
(b) If, upon any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, whether voluntary or involuntary, the assets of the Fund available for distribution among the holders of all outstanding Preferred Shares, including the FundPreferred shares, shall be insufficient to permit the payment in full to such holders of the amounts to which they are entitled, then such available assets shall be distributed among the holders of all outstanding Preferred Shares, including the FundPreferred shares, ratably in any such distribution of assets according to the respective amounts which would be payable on all such shares if all amounts thereon were paid in full.
(c) Upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, whether voluntary or involuntary, until payment in full is made to the holders of FundPreferred shares of the liquidation distribution to which they are entitled, no dividend or other distribution shall be made to
the holders of shares of Common Shares or any other class of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund ranking junior to FundPreferred shares upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up and no purchase, redemption or other acquisition for any consideration by the Fund shall be made in respect of the shares of Common Shares or any other class of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund ranking junior to FundPreferred shares upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up.
(d) A consolidation, reorganization or merger of the Fund with or into any other Fund or company, or a sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of the Fund in consideration for the issuance of equity securities of another trust or company shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, for the purposes of this Section 7.
(e) After the payment to the Holders of Preferred Shares, including FundPreferred shares, of the full preferential amounts provided for in this Section 7, the holders of Preferred Shares, including FundPreferred shares, as such shall have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Fund.
(f) In the event the assets of the Fund or proceeds thereof available for distribution to the Holders of FundPreferred shares, upon any dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, whether voluntary or involuntary, shall be insufficient to pay in full all amounts to which such holders are entitled pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 7, no such distribution shall be made on account of any shares of any other class or series of Preferred Shares ranking on a parity with FundPreferred shares unless proportionate distributive amounts shall be paid on account of the FundPreferred shares, ratably, in proportion to the full distributable amounts to which holders of all such parity shares are entitled upon such dissolution, liquidation or winding up.
(g) Subject to the rights of the holders of shares of any Series or class or classes of stock ranking on a parity with FundPreferred shares with respect to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Fund, after payment shall have been made in full to the holders of the FundPreferred shares as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section 7, but not prior thereto, any other series or class or classes of stock ranking junior to FundPreferred shares with respect to the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Fund shall, subject to any respective terms and provisions (if any) applying thereto, be entitled to receive any and all assets remaining to be paid or distributed, and the holders of the FundPreferred shares shall not be entitled to share therein.
8. Auction Agent. For so long as any FundPreferred shares are Outstanding, the Auction Agent, duly appointed by the Fund to so act, shall be in each case a commercial bank, trust company or other financial institution independent of the Fund and its Affiliates (which, however, may engage or have engaged in business transactions with the Fund or its Affiliates) and at no time shall the Fund or any of its Affiliates act as the Auction Agent in connection with the Auction Procedures. If the Auction Agent resigns or for any reason its appointment is terminated during any period that any FundPreferred shares are Outstanding, the Fund shall use its best efforts promptly thereafter to appoint another qualified commercial bank, trust company or financial institution to act as the Auction Agent.
9. 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage. The Fund shall maintain, as of the last Business Day of each month in which any shares of the FundPreferred shares are Outstanding, asset coverage with respect to the FundPreferred shares which is equal to or greater than the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage; provided, however, that Section 3(a)(ii) shall be the sole remedy in the event the Fund fails to do so.
10. FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount. So long as the
FundPreferred shares are Outstanding and Moody's, Fitch or any Other Rating
Agency which so requires is then rating the shares of the FundPreferred shares,
the Fund shall maintain, as of each Valuation Date, Moody's Eligible Assets (if
Moody's is then rating the FundPreferred shares), Fitch Eligible Assets (if
Fitch is then rating the FundPreferred shares) and (if applicable) Other Rating
Agency Eligible Assets having an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater
than the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount; provided, however, that
Section 3(a)(ii) shall be the sole remedy in the event the Fund fails to do so.
11. Certain Other Restrictions. For so long as any shares of FundPreferred shares are Outstanding and Moody's, Fitch or any Other Rating Agency which so requires is then rating the shares of FundPreferred shares, the Fund will not, unless it has received written confirmation from Moody's (if Moody's is then rating FundPreferred shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating the FundPreferred shares) and (if applicable) such Other Rating Agency that any such action would not impair the rating then assigned by such rating agency to a Series of FundPreferred shares, engage in any one or more of the following transactions:
(a) write unsecured put or uncovered call options on portfolio securities;
(b) issue additional shares or series of FundPreferred shares or any class or series of shares ranking prior to or on a parity with FundPreferred shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Fund, or reissue any shares of FundPreferred shares Series _ and _ previously purchased or redeemed by the Fund;
(c) engage in any short sales of securities;
(d) lend portfolio securities; or
(e) merge or consolidate into or with any other corporation.
12. Compliance Procedures for Asset Maintenance Tests. For so long as any FundPreferred shares are Outstanding and Moody's, Fitch or any Other Rating Agency which so requires is then rating such shares:
(a) As of each Valuation Date, the Fund shall determine in accordance with the procedures specified herein (i) the Market Value of each Eligible Asset owned by the Fund on that date, (ii) the Discounted Value of each such Eligible Asset using the Discount Factors, (iii) whether the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount is met as of that date, (iv) the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all liabilities, and (v) whether the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage is met as of that date.
(b) Upon any failure to maintain the required FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage on any Valuation Date, the Fund may use reasonable commercial efforts (including, without limitation, altering the composition of its portfolio, purchasing FundPreferred shares outside of an Auction or in the event of a failure to file a certificate on a timely basis, submitting the requisite certificate), subject to the fiduciary obligations of the Board of Trustees, to reattain (or certify in the case of a failure to file on a timely basis, as the case may be) the required FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage on or prior to the Asset Coverage Cure Date.
(c) Compliance with the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount and 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage tests shall be determined with reference to those FundPreferred shares which are deemed to be Outstanding hereunder.
(d) The Fund shall deliver to Moody's (if Moody's is then
rating FundPreferred shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating FundPreferred
shares) and any Other Rating Agency which is then rating FundPreferred shares
and when so requires a certificate which sets forth a determination of items
(i)-(iii) of paragraph (a) of this Section 12 (a "FundPreferred Shares Basic
Maintenance Certificate") as of (A) the Date of Original Issue, (B) the last
Valuation Date of each month, (C) any date requested by any rating agency, (D) a
Business Day on or before any Asset Coverage Cure Date relating to the Fund's
cure of a failure to meet the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount
Test, (E) any day that Common Shares or Preferred Shares, including
FundPreferred shares, are redeemed and (F) any day the Eligible Assets have an
aggregate discounted value less than or equal to 115% of the FundPreferred
Shares Basic Maintenance Amount. Such FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance
Certificate shall be delivered in the case of clause (i)(A) on or before the
seventh Business Day following the Date of Original Issue and in the case of all
other clauses above on or before the seventh Business Day after the relevant
Valuation Date or Asset Coverage Cure Date.
(e) The Fund shall deliver to Moody's (if Moody's is then
rating FundPreferred shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating FundPreferred
shares) and any Other Rating Agency which is then rating FundPreferred shares
and which so requires a certificate with respect to the calculation of the 1940
Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage and the value of the portfolio holdings
of the Fund (a "1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage Certificate") (i)
as of the Date of Original Issue, and (ii) as of (A) the last Valuation Date of
each quarter thereafter, and (B) as of the Business Day on or before the Asset
Coverage Cure Date relating to the failure to satisfy the 1940 Act FundPreferred
Shares Asset Coverage. Such 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage
Certificate shall be delivered in the case of clause (i) on or before the
seventh Business Day following the Date of Original Issue and in the case of
clause (ii) on or before the seventh Business Day after the relevant Valuation
Date or the Asset Coverage Cure Date. The certificates of (d) and (e) of this
Section 12 may be combined into a single certificate.
(f) Within ten Business Days of the Date of Original Issue, the Fund shall deliver to the Auction Agent, Moody's (if Moody's is then rating FundPreferred shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating FundPreferred shares) and any Other Rating Agency which is then rating FundPreferred shares and which so requires a letter prepared by the Fund's independent accountants (an "Accountant's Certificate") regarding the accuracy of the calculations made by the Fund in the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate and the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage Certificate required to be delivered by the Fund as of the Date of Original Issue. Within ten Business Days after the last Valuation Date of each fiscal quarter of the Fund on which a FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate is required to be delivered, the Fund will deliver to the Auction Agent, Moody's (if Moody's is then rating FundPreferred shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating the FundPreferred shares) and any Other Rating Agency which is then rating FundPreferred shares and which so requires an Accountant's Certificate regarding the accuracy of the calculations made by the Fund in such FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate and in any other FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate randomly selected by the Fund's independent accountants during such fiscal quarter. Within ten Business Days after the last Valuation Date of each fiscal quarter of the Fund on which a 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage Certificate is required to be delivered, the Fund will deliver to the Auction Agent, Moody's (if Moody's is then rating FundPreferred shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating the FundPreferred shares) and any Other Rating Agency which is then rating FundPreferred shares and which so requires an Accountant's Certificate regarding the accuracy of the calculations made by the Fund in such 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage Certificate. In addition, the Fund will deliver to the relevant persons specified in the preceding sentence an Accountant's Certificate regarding the accuracy of the
calculations made by the Fund on each FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate and 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage Certificate delivered pursuant to clause (iv) of paragraph (d) or clause (ii)(B) of paragraph (e) of this Section 12, as the case may be, within ten days after the relevant Asset Coverage Cure Date. If an Accountant's Certificate delivered with respect to an Asset Coverage Cure Date shows an error was made in the Fund's report with respect to such Asset Coverage Cure Date, the calculation or determination made by the Fund's independent accountants will be conclusive and binding on the Fund with respect to such reports. If any other Accountant's Certificate shows that an error was made in any such report, the calculation or determination made by the Fund's independent accountants will be conclusive and binding on the Fund; provided, however, any errors shown in the Accountant's Certificate filed on a quarterly basis shall not be deemed to be a failure to maintain the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount on any prior Valuation Dates.
(g) The Accountant's Certificates referred to in paragraph (g) will confirm, based upon the independent accountant's review, (i) the mathematical accuracy of the calculations reflected in the related FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount and 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage Certificates, as the case may be, and (ii) that the Fund determined whether the Fund had, at such Valuation Date, Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the Basic Maintenance Amount in accordance with the Declaration.
(h) In the event that a FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate or 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage Certificate with respect to an applicable Valuation Date is not delivered within the time periods specified in this Section 12, the Fund shall be deemed to have failed to maintain the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage, as the case may be, on such Valuation Date for purposes of Section 13(b). In the event that a FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate or 1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage Certificate or the applicable Accountant's Certificates with respect to an applicable Asset Coverage Cure Date are not delivered within the time periods specified herein, the Fund shall be deemed to have failed to have Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or the 1940 FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage, as the case may be, as of the related Valuation Date, and such failure shall be deemed not to have been cured as of such Asset Coverage Cure Date for purposes of the mandatory redemption provisions.
13. Notice. All notices or communications hereunder, unless otherwise specified in this Statement, shall be sufficiently given if in writing and delivered in person, by telecopier, by electronic means or mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid. Notices delivered pursuant to this Section 13 shall be deemed given on the earlier of the date received or the date five days after which such notice is mailed.
14. Waiver. Holders of at least two-thirds of the Outstanding FundPreferred shares, acting collectively, or each Series of FundPreferred shares acting as a separate series, may waive any provision hereof intended for their respective benefit in accordance with such procedures as may from time to time be established by the Board of Trustees.
15. Termination. In the event that no FundPreferred shares are Outstanding, all rights and preferences of such shares established and designated hereunder shall cease and terminate, and all obligations of the Fund under this Statement, shall terminate.
16. Amendment. Subject to the provisions of this Statement, the Board of Trustees may, by resolution duly adopted, without shareholder approval (except as otherwise provided by this Statement or required by applicable law), amend this Statement to (1) reflect any amendments hereto which the Board of Trustees is entitled to adopt pursuant to the terms of this Statement without shareholder approval or (2) add additional series of FundPreferred shares or additional shares of a series of FundPreferred shares (and terms relating thereto) to the series and shares of FundPreferred shares theretofore described thereon.
All such additional shares shall be governed by the terms of this Statement. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board of Trustees may interpret, amend or adjust the provisions of this Statement to resolve any inconsistency or ambiguity or to remedy any defect.
17. Definitions. As used in Part I and Part II of this Statement, the following terms shall have the following meanings (with terms defined in the singular having comparable meanings when used in the plural and vice versa), unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "'AA' Composite Commercial Paper Rate" on any date means
(i) the interest equivalent of the 7-day rate, in the case of a Dividend Period
which is a Standard Dividend Period or shorter; for Dividend Periods greater
than 7 days but fewer than or equal to 31 days, the 30-day rate; for Dividend
Periods greater than 31 days but fewer than or equal to 61 days, the 60-day
rate; for Dividend Periods greater than 61 days but fewer than or equal to 91
days, the 90-day rate; for Dividend Periods greater than 91 days but fewer than
or equal to 270 days, the rate described in (ii); for Dividend Periods greater
than 270 days, the Treasury Index Rate; on commercial paper on behalf of issuers
whose corporate bonds are rated "AA" by S&P, or the equivalent of such rating by
another nationally recognized rating agency, as announced by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York for the close of business on the Business Day immediately
preceding such date; or (ii) if the Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not
make available such a rate, then the arithmetic average of the interest
equivalent of such rates on commercial paper placed on behalf of such issuers,
as quoted on a discount basis or otherwise by the Commercial Paper Dealers to
the Auction Agent for the close of business on the Business Day immediately
preceding such date (rounded to the next highest .001 of 1%). If any Commercial
Paper Dealer does not quote a rate required to determine the "AA" Composite
Commercial Paper Rate, such rate shall be determined on the basis of the
quotations (or quotation) furnished by the remaining Commercial Paper Dealers
(or Dealer), if any, or, if there are no such Commercial Paper Dealers, by the
Auction Agent. For purposes of this definition, (A) "Commercial Paper Dealers"
shall mean (1) Solomon Smith Barney Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc., Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Goldman Sachs & Co.; (2) in lieu of any
thereof, its respective Affiliate or successor; and (3) in the event that any of
the foregoing shall cease to quote rates for commercial paper of issuers of the
sort described above, in substitution therefor, a nationally recognized dealer
in commercial paper of such issuers then making such quotations selected by the
Corporation, and (B) "interest equivalent" of a rate stated on a discount basis
for commercial paper of a given number of days' maturity shall mean a number
equal to the quotient (rounded upward to the next higher one-thousandth of 1%)
of (1) such rate expressed as a decimal, divided by (2) the difference between
(x) 1.00 and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the product of such
rate expressed as a decimal, multiplied by the number of days in which such
commercial paper shall mature and the denominator of which shall be 360.
(b) "Accountant's Certificate" has the meaning set forth in
Section 12(g) of this Part I.
(c) "Affiliate" means any person controlled by, in control of or under common control with the Fund; provided that no Broker-Dealer controlled by, in control of or under common control with the Fund shall be deemed to be an Affiliate nor shall any corporation or any person controlled by, in control of or under common control with such corporation one of the trustees, directors or executive officers of which is also a Trustee of the Fund be deemed to be an Affiliate solely because such Trustee, director or executive officer is also a Trustee of the Fund.
(d) "Agent Member" means a member of or participant in the Securities Depository that will act on behalf of a Bidder.
(e) "All Hold Rate" means 80% of the "AA" Composite Commercial Paper Rate.
(f) "Applicable Rate" means, with respect to each Series of FundPreferred shares for each Dividend Period (i) if Sufficient Clearing Orders exist for the Auction in respect thereof, the Winning Bid Rate, (ii) if Sufficient Clearing Orders do not exist for the Auction in respect thereof, the Maximum Applicable Rate and (iii) in the case where all the shares of FundPreferred shares are the subject of Hold Orders for the Auction in respect thereof, the All Hold Rate.
(g) "Approved Foreign Nations" has the meaning set forth in the definition of "Fitch Eligible Assets."
(h) "Approved Price" means the "fair value" as determined by the Fund in accordance with the valuation procedures adopted from time to time by the Board of Trustees of the Fund and for which the Fund receives a mark-to-market price (which, for the purpose of clarity, shall not mean Market Value) from an independent source at least semi-annually.
(i) "Asset Coverage Cure Date" has the meaning set forth in
Section 3(a)(ii).
(j) "Auction" means each periodic operation of the procedures set forth under "Auction Procedures."
(k) "Auction Agent" means The Bank of New York unless and until another commercial bank, trust company, or other financial institution appointed by a resolution of the Board of Trustees enters into an agreement with the Fund to follow the Auction Procedures for the purpose of determining the Applicable Rate.
(l) "Auction Date" means the first Business Day next preceding the first day of a Dividend Period for each Series of FundPreferred shares.
(m) "Auction Procedures" means the procedures for conducting Auctions set forth in Part II hereof.
(n) "Beneficial Owner," with respect to shares of each Series of FundPreferred shares, means a customer of a Broker-Dealer who is listed on the records of that Broker-Dealer (or, if applicable, the Auction Agent) as a holder of shares of such series.
(o) "Bid" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of
Section 1 of Part II of this Statement.
(p) "Bidder" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 1 of Part II of this Statement; provided, however, that neither the Fund nor any affiliate thereof shall be permitted to be a Bidder in an Auction, except that any Broker-Dealer that is an affiliate of the Fund may be a Bidder in an Auction, but only if the Orders placed by such Broker-Dealer are not for its own account.
(q) "Board of Trustees" or "Board" means the Board of Trustees of the Fund or any duly authorized committee thereof as permitted by applicable law.
(r) "Broker-Dealer" means any broker-dealer or broker-dealers, or other entity permitted by law to perform the functions required of a Broker-Dealer by the Auction Procedures, that has been selected by the Fund and has entered into a Broker-Dealer Agreement that remains effective.
(s) "Broker-Dealer Agreement" means an agreement among the Auction Agent and a Broker-Dealer, pursuant to which such Broker-Dealer agrees to follow the Auction Procedures.
(t) "Business Day" means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and which is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks in the City of New York, New York are authorized or obligated by law to close.
(u) "Canadian Bonds" has the meaning set forth in the definition of "Fitch Eligible Assets."
(v) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(w) "Commercial Paper Dealers" has the meaning set forth in the definition of AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate.
(x) "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(y) "Common Share" means the shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per share, of the Fund.
(z) "Date of Original Issue" means, with respect to Series M, T, W, TH, F, and F2 FundPreferred shares, ____________ __, 2003.
(aa) "Debt Securities" has the meaning set forth in paragraph
(iv) of the definition of "Fitch Eligible Assets."
(bb) "Default" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(ii) of this Part I.
(cc) "Default Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(ii) of this Part I.
(dd) "Default Rate" means the Reference Rate multiplied by three (3).
(ee) "Deposit Securities" means cash and any obligations or securities, including Short Term Money Market Instruments that are Eligible Assets, rated at least AAA, A-2 or SP-2 by S&P, except that, for purposes of section 3(a)(i) of this Part I, such obligations or securities shall be considered "Deposit Securities" only if they are also rated at least P-2 by Moody's.
(ff) "Discount Factor" means the Moody's Discount Factor (if Moody's is then rating the FundPreferred shares), Fitch Discount Factor (if Fitch is then rating the FundPreferred shares) or the discount factor established by any Other Rating Agency which is then rating the FundPreferred shares and which so requires, whichever is applicable.
(gg) "Discounted Value" means the quotient of the Market Value of an Eligible Asset divided by the applicable Discount Factor, provided that with respect to an Eligible Asset that is currently callable, Discounted Value will be equal to the quotient as calculated above or the call price, whichever is lower, and that with respect to an Eligible Asset that is prepayable, Discounted Value will be equal to the quotient as calculated above or the par value, whichever is lower.
(hh) "Dividend Default" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)(iii) of this Part I.
(ii) "Dividend Payment Date" with respect to a Series of
FundPreferred shares means any date on which dividends are payable pursuant to
Section 2(b) of this Part I.
(jj) "Dividend Period" means, with respect to a Series of FundPreferred shares, the period commencing on the Date of Original Issue thereof and ending on the date specified for such series on the Date of Original Issue thereof and thereafter, as to such series, the period commencing on the day
following each Dividend Period for such series and ending on the day established for such series by the Fund.
(kk) "Eligible Assets" means Moody's Eligible Assets or Fitch's Eligible Assets (if Moody's or Fitch are then rating the FundPreferred shares) and/or Other Rating Agency Eligible Assets if any Other Rating Agency is then rating the FundPreferred shares, whichever is applicable.
(ll) "Existing Holder," with respect to shares of a series of FundPreferred shares, shall mean a Broker-Dealer (or any such other Person as may be permitted by the Fund) that is listed on the records of the Auction Agent as a holder of shares of such series.
(mm) "Fitch" means Fitch Ratings and its successors at law.
(nn) "Fitch Discount Factor" means for purposes of determining the Discounted Value of any Fitch Eligible Asset, the percentage determined as follows, provided however, that for unhedged foreign investments a discount factor of 105% shall be applied to the Market Value thereof in addition to the Discount Factor as determined in accordance with the procedures below, provided further that, if the foreign issuer of such unhedged foreign investment is from a country whose sovereign debt rating in a non-local currency is not assigned a rating of AA or better by Fitch, a discount factor of 117% shall be applied to the Market Value thereof in addition to the Discount Factor as determined in accordance with the procedures below. The Fitch Discount Factor for any Fitch Eligible Asset, other than the securities set forth below, will be the percentage provided in writing by Fitch.
(i) Preferred Stock: The percentage determined by references to the rating of a preferred stock in accordance with the table set forth below.
PREFERRED STOCK(1) DISCOUNT FACTOR
------------------ ---------------
AAA Taxable Preferred...................................... 130%
AA Taxable Preferred....................................... 133%
A Taxable Preferred........................................ 135%
BBB Taxable Preferred...................................... 139%
BB Taxable Preferred....................................... 154%
Not rated or below BB Taxable Preferred.................... 161%
Investment Grade DRD Preferred............................. 164%
Not rated or below Investment Grade DRD Preferred.......... 200%
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(1) If a security is not rated by Fitch but is rated by two other Rating Agencies, then the lower of the ratings on the security from the two other Rating Agencies will be used to determine the Fitch Discount Factor (e.g., where the S&P rating is A and the Moody's rating is Baa, a Fitch rating of BBB will be used). If a security is not rated by Fitch but is rated by only one other Rating Agency, then the rating on the security from the other Rating Agency will be used to determine the Fitch Discount Factor (e.g., where the only rating on a security is an S&P rating of AAA, a Fitch rating of AAA will be used, and where the only rating on a security is a Moody's rating of Ba, a Fitch rating of BB will be used). If a security is not rated by any Rating Agency, the Fund will use the percentage set forth under "not rated" in this table.
(ii) Corporate Debt Securities: The percentage determined by reference to the rating of a corporate debt security in accordance with the table set forth below.
NOT
RATED
OR
BELOW
TERM TO MATURITY OF CORPORATE DEBT SECURITY(1) AAA AA A BBB BB BB
---------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------
3 years or less (but longer than 1 year)............ 106.38% 108.11% 109.89% 111.73% 129.87% 151.52%
5 years or less (but longer than 3 years)........... 111.11 112.99 114.94 116.96 134.24 151.52
7 years or less (but longer than 5 years)........... 113.64 115.61 117.65 119.76 135.66 151.52
10 years or less (but longer than 7 years).......... 115.61 117.65 119.76 121.95 136.74 151.52
15 years or less (but longer than 10 years) 119.76 121.95 124.22 126.58 139.05 151.52
More than 15 years.................................. 124.22 126.58 129.03 131.58 144.55 151.52
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(1) If a security is not rated by Fitch but is rated by two other Rating Agencies, then the lower of the ratings on the security from the two other Rating Agencies will be used to determine the Fitch Discount Factor (e.g., where the S&P rating is A and the Moody's rating is Baa, a Fitch rating of BBB will be used). If a security is not rated by Fitch but is rated by only one other Rating Agency, then the rating on the security from the other Rating Agency will be used to determine the Fitch Discount Factor (e.g., where the only rating on a security is an S&P rating of AAA, a Fitch rating of AAA will be used, and where the only rating on a security is a Moody's rating of Ba, a Fitch rating of BB will be used). If a security is not rated by any Rating Agency, the Fund will use the percentage set forth under "not rated" in this table.
The Fitch Discount Factors presented in the immediately preceding table apply to corporate debt securities that are Performing and have a Market Value determined by a Pricing Service or an Approved Price. The Fitch Discount Factor noted in the table above for a Debt Security rated B by Fitch shall apply to any non-Performing Debt Security with a price equal to or greater than $0.90. The Fitch Discount Factor noted in the table above for a Debt Security rated CCC by Fitch shall apply to any non-Performing Debt Security with a price less than $0.90 but equal to or greater than $0.20. If a Debt Security does not have a Market Value determined by a Pricing Service or an Approved Price, a rating two rating categories below the actual rating on the Debt Security will be used (e.g., where the actual rating is A-, the rating for Debt Securities rated BB- will be used). The Fitch Discount Factor for a Debt Security issued by a limited partnership that is not a Rule 144A Security shall be the Discount Factor determined in accordance with the table set forth above multiplied by 105%.
The Fitch Discount Factors presented in the immediately preceding table will also apply to interest rate swaps and caps, whereby the rating of the counterparty to the swap or cap will be the rating used to determine the Fitch Discount Factor in the table. The Fitch Discount Factors presented in the immediately preceding table will also apply to corporate obligations backed by a guaranty, a letter of credit or insurance issued by a third party. If the third-party credit rating is the basis for the rating on the obligation, then the rating on the third party will be used to determine the Fitch Discount Factor in the table.
(iii) Convertible Securities: The Fitch Discount Factor applied to convertible securities is (A) 200% for investment grade convertibles and (B) 222% for below investment grade convertibles so long as such convertible securities have neither (x) conversion premium greater than 100% nor (y) have a yield to maturity or yield to worst of greater than 15.00% above the relevant Treasury curve.
The Fitch Discount Factor applied to convertible securities which have conversion premiums of greater than 100% is (A) 152% for investment grade convertibles and (B) 179% for below investment grade convertibles so long as such convertible securities do not have a yield to maturity or yield to worst of greater than 15.00% above the relevant Treasury curve.
The Fitch Discount Factor applied to convertible securities which have a yield to maturity or yield to worse of greater than 15.00% above the relevant Treasury curve is 370%.
If a security is not rated by Fitch but is rated by two other Rating Agencies, then the lower of the ratings on the security from the two other Rating Agencies will be used to determine the Fitch Discount Factor (e.g., where the S&P rating is A and the Moody's rating is Baa, a Fitch rating of BBB will be used). If a security is not rated by Fitch but is rated by only one other Rating Agency, then the rating on the security from the other Rating Agency will be used to determine the Fitch Discount Factor (e.g., where the only rating on a security is an S&P rating of AAA, a Fitch rating of AAA will be used, and where the only rating on a security is a Moody's rating of Ba, a Fitch rating of BB will be used). If a security is not rated by any Rating Agency, the Fund will treat the security as if it were below investment grade.
(iv) U.S. Government Securities and U.S. Treasury Strips:
TIME REMAINING TO MATURITY DISCOUNT FACTOR
-------------------------- ---------------
1 year or less.................................... 100%
2 years or less (but longer than 1 year).......... 103%
3 years or less (but longer than 2 years)......... 105%
4 years or less (but longer than 3 years)......... 107%
5 years or less (but longer than 4 years)......... 109%
7 years or less (but longer than 5 years)......... 112%
10 years or less (but longer than 7 years)........ 114%
15 years or less (but longer than 10 years)....... 122%
20 years or less (but longer than 15 years)....... 130%
25 years or less (but longer than 20 years)....... 146%
Greater than 30 years............................. 154%
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(v) Short-Term Investments and Cash: The Fitch Discount Factor applied to short-term portfolio securities, including without limitation Debt Securities, Short Term Money Market Instruments and municipal debt obligations, will be (A) 100%, so long as such portfolio securities mature or have a demand feature at par exercisable within the Fitch Exposure Period; (B) 115%, so long as such portfolio securities mature or have a demand feature at par not exercisable within the Fitch Exposure Period; and (C) 125%, so long as such portfolio securities neither mature nor have a demand feature at par exercisable within the Fitch Exposure Period. A Fitch Discount Factor of 100% will be applied to cash. Rule 2a-7 money market funds rated by Fitch or another NRSRO will also have a discount factor of 100%, and unrated Rule 2a-7 money market funds will have a discount factor of 115%.
(vi) Rule 144A Securities: The Fitch Discount Factor applied to Rule 144A Securities will be 110% of the Fitch Discount Factor which would apply were the securities registered under the Securities Act.
(vii) Foreign Bonds: The Fitch Discount Factor (A) for a Foreign Bond the principal of which (if not denominated in U.S. dollars) is subject to a currency hedging transaction will be the Fitch Discount Factor that would otherwise apply to such Foreign Bonds in accordance with this definition and (B) for (1) a Foreign Bond the principal of which (if not denominated in U.S. dollars) is not subject to a currency hedging transaction and (2) a bond issued in a currency other than U.S. dollars by a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership domiciled in, or the government or any agency, instrumentality or political subdivision of, a nation other than an Approved Foreign Nation, will be 370%.
(oo) "Fitch Eligible Asset" means
(i) cash (including interest and dividends due on assets rated (A) BBB or higher by Fitch or the equivalent by another Rating Agency if the payment date is within five Business Days of the Valuation Date, (B) A or higher by Fitch or the equivalent by another
Rating Agency if the payment date is within thirty days of the Valuation Date, and (C) A+ or higher by Fitch or the equivalent by another Rating Agency if the payment date is within the Fitch Exposure Period) and receivables for Fitch Eligible Assets sold if the receivable is due within five Business Days of the Valuation Date, and if the trades which generated such receivables are settled within five business days;
(ii) Short Term Money Market Instruments so long as (A) such securities are rated at least F1+ by Fitch or the equivalent by another Rating Agency, (B) in the case of demand deposits, time deposits and overnight funds, the supporting entity is rated at least A by Fitch or the equivalent by another Rating Agency, or (C) in all other cases, the supporting entity (1) is rated at least A by Fitch or the equivalent by another Rating Agency and the security matures within three months or (2) is rated at least AA by Fitch or the equivalent by another Rating Agency and the security matures within six months; in addition, money market funds subject to Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act are also eligible investments;
(iii) U.S. Government Securities and U.S. Treasury Strips;
(iv) debt securities if such securities have been
registered under the Securities Act or are restricted as to resale
under U.S. federal securities laws but are eligible for resale pursuant
to Rule 144A under the Securities Act; and such securities are issued
by (1) a U.S. corporation, limited liability company or limited
partnership, (2) a corporation, limited liability company or limited
partnership domiciled in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, France,
Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain, or the United Kingdom (the
"Approved Foreign Nations"), (3) the government of any Approved Foreign
Nation or any of its agencies, instrumentalities or political
subdivisions (the debt securities of Approved Foreign Nation issuers
being referred to collectively as "Foreign Bonds"), (4) a corporation,
limited liability company or limited partnership domiciled in Canada or
(5) the Canadian government or any of its agencies, instrumentalities
or political subdivisions (the debt securities of Canadian issuers
being referred to collectively as "Canadian Bonds"). Foreign Bonds held
by the Fund will qualify as Fitch Eligible Assets only up to a maximum
of 20% of the aggregate Market Value of all assets constituting Fitch
Eligible Assets. Similarly, Canadian Bonds held by the Fund will
qualify as Fitch Eligible Assets only up to a maximum of 20% of the
aggregate Market Value of all assets constituting Fitch Eligible
Assets. Notwithstanding the limitations in the two preceding sentences,
Foreign Bonds and Canadian Bonds held by the Fund will qualify as Fitch
Eligible Assets only up to a maximum of 30% of the aggregate Market
Value of all assets constituting Fitch Eligible Assets. In addition,
bonds which are issued in connection with a reorganization under U.S.
federal bankruptcy law ("Reorganization Bonds") will be considered debt
securities constituting Fitch Eligible Assets if (a) they provide for
periodic payment of interest in cash in U.S. dollars or euros; (b) they
do not provide for conversion or exchange into equity capital at any
time over their lives; (c) they have been registered under the
Securities Act or are restricted as to resale under federal securities
laws but are eligible for trading under Rule 144A promulgated pursuant
to the Securities Act as determined by the Fund's investment manager or
portfolio manager acting pursuant to procedures approved by the Board
of Trustees of the Fund; (d) they were issued by a U.S. corporation,
limited liability company or limited partnership; and (e) at the time
of purchase at least one year had elapsed since the issuer's
reorganization. Reorganization Bonds may also be considered debt
securities constituting Fitch Eligible Assets if they have been
approved by Fitch, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
All debt securities satisfying the foregoing requirements and
restrictions of this paragraph (iv) are herein referred to as "Debt
Securities."
(v) preferred stocks;
(vi) Rule 144A Securities; and
(vii) Interest rate swaps entered into according to International Swap Dealers Association ("ISDA") standards if (1) the counterparty to the swap transaction has a short-term rating of not less than F1 by Fitch or the equivalent by another, NRSRO, or, if the swap counterparty does not have a short-term rating, the counterparty's senior unsecured long-term debt rating is AA or higher by Fitch or the equivalent by another NRSRO and (2) the original aggregate notional amount of the interest rate swap transaction or transactions is not greater than the liquidation preference of the FundPreferred originally issued.
Financial contracts, as such term is defined in
Section 3(c)(2)(B)(ii) of the Investment Company Act, not otherwise
provided for in this definition may be included in Fitch Eligible
Assets, but, with respect to any financial contract, only upon receipt
by the Fund of a writing from Fitch specifying any conditions on
including such financial contract in Fitch Eligible Assets and assuring
the Fund that including such financial contract in the manner so
specified would not affect the credit rating assigned by Fitch to the
FundPreferred.
Where the Fund sells an asset and agrees to repurchase such asset in the future, the Discounted Value of such asset will constitute a Fitch Eligible Asset and the amount the Fund is required to pay upon repurchase of such asset will count as a liability for the purposes of the FundPreferred Basic Maintenance Amount. Where the Fund purchases an asset and agrees to sell it to a third party in the future, cash receivable by the Fund thereby will constitute a Fitch Eligible Asset if the long-term debt of such other party is rated at least A- by Fitch or the equivalent by another Rating Agency and such agreement has a term of 30 days or less; otherwise the Discounted Value of such purchased asset will constitute a Fitch Eligible Asset.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an asset will not be considered a Fitch Eligible Asset to the extent that it has been irrevocably deposited for the payment of (i)(A) through (i)(E) under the definition of FundPreferred Basic Maintenance Amount or to the extent it is subject to any Liens, except for (A) Liens which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and which Fitch has indicated to the Fund will not affect the status of such asset as a Fitch Eligible Asset, (B) Liens for taxes that are not then due and payable or that can be paid thereafter without penalty, (C) Liens to secure payment for services rendered or cash advanced to the Fund by its investment manager or portfolio manager, the Fund's custodian, transfer agent or registrar or the Auction Agent and (D) Liens arising by virtue of any repurchase agreement.
(pp) "Fitch Exposure Period" means the period commencing on (and including) a given Valuation Date and ending 49 days thereafter.
(qq) "Fitch Hedging Transactions" means purchases or sales of exchange-traded financial futures contracts based on any index approved by Fitch or Treasury Bonds, and purchases, writings or sales of exchange-traded put options on such futures contracts, any index approved by Fitch or Treasury Bonds and purchases, writings or sales of exchange-traded call options on such financial futures contracts, any index approved by Fitch or Treasury bonds ("Fitch Hedging Transactions"), subject to the following limitations:
(i) The Fund may not engage in any Fitch Hedging Transaction based on any index approved by Fitch (other than transactions that terminate a futures contract or option held by the Fund by the Fund's taking the opposite position thereto ("closing transactions")) that would cause the Fund at the time of such transaction to own or have sold outstanding financial futures contracts based on such index exceeding in number 10% of the average number of daily
traded financial futures contracts based on such index in the 30 days preceding the time of effecting such transaction as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
(ii) The Fund will not engage in any Fitch Hedging Transaction based on Treasury Bonds (other than closing transactions) that would cause the Fund at the time of such transaction to own or have sold:
(A) Outstanding financial futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds with such contracts having an aggregate market value exceeding 20% of the aggregate market value of Fitch Eligible Assets owned by the Fund and rated at least AA by Fitch (or, if not rated by Fitch Ratings, rated at least Aa by Moody's; or, if not rated by Moody's, rated at least AAA by S&P); or
(B) Outstanding financial futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds with such contracts having an aggregate market value exceeding 40% of the aggregate market value of all Fitch Eligible Assets owned by the Fund (other than Fitch Eligible Assets already subject to a Fitch Hedging Transaction) and rated at least A or BBB by Fitch (or, if not rated by Fitch Ratings, rated at least Baa by Moody's; or, if not rated by Moody's, rated at least A or AA by S&P) (for purposes of the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), the Fund shall be deemed to own futures contracts that underlie any outstanding options written by the Fund);
(iii) The Fund may engage in closing transactions to close out any outstanding financial futures contract based on any index approved by Fitch if the amount of open interest in such index as reported by The Wall Street Journal is less than an amount to be mutually determined by Fitch and the Fund.
(iv) The Fund may not enter into an option or futures transaction unless, after giving effect thereto, the Fund would continue to have Fitch Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater than the Preferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount.
(rr) "Fitch Industry Classifications" means, for the purposes of determining Fitch Eligible Assets, each of the following industry classifications:
Aerospace & Defense
Automobiles
Banking, Finance & Real Estate
Broadcasting & Media
Building & Materials
Cable
Chemicals
Computers & Electronics
Consumer Products
Energy
Environmental Services
Farming & Agriculture
Food, Beverage & Tobacco
Gaming, Lodging & Restaurants
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Industrial/Manufacturing
Insurance Leisure & Entertainment
Metals & Mining
Miscellaneous
Paper & Forest Products
Retail
Sovereign
Supermarkets & Drugstores
Telecommunications
Textiles & Furniture
Transportation Utilities
The Fund shall use its discretion in determining which industry classification is applicable to a particular investment.
(ss) "Foreign Bonds" has the meaning set forth in the definition of "Fitch Eligible Assets."
(tt) "Forward Commitment" has the meaning set forth in Section 8 of Part I of this Statement.
(uu) "FundPreferred shares" means FundPreferred shares, liquidation preference $25,000 per share.
(vv) "FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount" as of any Valuation Date means the dollar amount equal to the sum of
(i) (A) the sum of the products resulting from
multiplying the number of Outstanding FundPreferred shares on such date
by the liquidation preference (and redemption premium, if any) per
share; (B) the aggregate amount of dividends that will have accumulated
at the Applicable Rate (whether or not earned or declared) to and
including the first Dividend Payment Date for each Outstanding
FundPreferred shares that follows such Valuation Date (or to the 30th
day after such Valuation Date, if such 30th day occurs before the first
following Dividend Payment Date); (C) the amount of anticipated Fund
non-interest expenses for the 90 days subsequent to such Valuation
Date; (D) the amount of the current outstanding balances of any
indebtedness which is senior to the FundPreferred shares plus interest
actually accrued together with 30 days additional interest on the
current outstanding balances calculated at the current rate; and (E)
any current liabilities, payable during the 30 days subsequent to such
Valuation Date, including, without limitation, indebtedness due within
one year and any redemption premium due with respect to Preferred
Shares for which a Notice of Redemption has been given, as of such
Valuation Date, to the extent not reflected in any of (i)(A) through
(i)(D): less
(ii) the sum of any cash plus the value of any of the
Fund's assets irrevocably deposited by the Fund for the payment of any
(i)(B) through (i)(F) ("value," for purposes of this clause (ii), means
the Discounted Value of the security, except that if the security
matures prior to the relevant redemption payment date and is either
fully guaranteed by the U.S. Government or is rated at least P-1 by
Moody's, it will be valued at its face value).
(ww) "FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Certificate" has the meaning set forth in Section 13(d) of this Part I.
(xx) "FundPreferred shares Series M, T, W, TH, F and F2" means the shares of Series M, T, W, TH, F and F2 of the FundPreferred shares or any other shares of Preferred Stock hereinafter designated as shares of Series M, T, W, TH, F and F2 of the FundPreferred shares.
(yy) "Holder" means, with respect to FundPreferred shares, the registered holder of shares of each Series of FundPreferred shares as the same appears on the share ledger or share records of the Fund.
(zz) "Hold Order" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 1 of Part II of this Statement.
(aaa) "Mandatory Redemption Date" has the meaning set forth in
Section 3(a)(iii) of this Part I.
(bbb) "Mandatory Redemption Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(iv) of this Part I.
(ccc) "Market Value" means the fair market value of an asset of the Fund as computed as follows: readily marketable portfolio securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange are valued, except as indicated below, at the last sale price reflected on the consolidated tape at the close of the New York Stock Exchange on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such day. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, then the security is valued by such method as the Board of Trustees shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value. Readily marketable securities not listed on the New York Stock Exchange but listed on other domestic or foreign securities exchanges or admitted to trading on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, Inc. ("NASDAQ") National List are valued in a like manner. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined as reflected on the tape at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities. Readily marketable securities traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed securities whose primary market is believed by the investment adviser to be over-the-counter, but excluding securities admitted to trading on the NASDAQ National List, are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by NASDAQ or, in the case of securities not quoted by NASDAQ, the National Quotation Bureau or such other comparable source as the Trustees deem appropriate to reflect their fair market value. However, certain fixed-income securities may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed by the Board of Trustees to reflect the fair market value of such securities. The prices provided by a pricing service take into account institutional size trading in similar groups of securities and any developments related to specific securities. Where securities are traded on more than one exchange and also over-the-counter, the securities will generally be valued using the quotations the Board of Trustees believes reflect most closely the value of such securities.
(ddd) "Maximum Rate" means, on any date on which the Applicable Rate is determined, the rate equal to 150% of the applicable Reference Rate, subject to upward but not downward adjustment in the discretion of the Board of Trustees after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, provided that immediately following any such increase the Fund would be in compliance with the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount.
(eee) "Minimum Rate" means, on any Auction Date with respect to a Dividend Period of 28 days or fewer, 70% of the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate at the close of business on the Business Day next preceding such Auction Date. There shall be no Minimum Rate on any Auction Date with respect to a Dividend Period of more than the Standard Dividend Period.
(fff) "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, a Delaware corporation, and its successors at law.
(ggg) "Moody's Discount Factor" means, for purposes of determining the Discounted Value of any Moody's Eligible Asset, the percentage determined as follows. According to Moody's guidelines, in addition to standard monthly reporting, the Fund must notify Moody's if the portfolio coverage ratio of the discounted value of Moody's Eligible Assets to liabilities is less than 115%. Computation of rating agency asset coverage ratio requires use of the Diversification Table prior to applying discount factors noted below and after identifying Moody's eligible assets for purposes of completing basic maintenance tests. The Moody's Discount Factor for any Moody's Eligible Asset, other than the securities set forth below, will be the percentage provided in writing by Moody's.
(i) Preferred Stock: The Moody's Discount Factor for preferred stock shall be (A) for preferred stocks issued by a utility, 152%; (B) for preferred stocks of industrial and financial issuers, 197%; (C) for preferred stocks issued by real estate related issuers, 154%; and (D) for auction rate preferred stocks, 350%.
(ii) Corporate Debt Securities: The percentage determined by reference to the rating on such asset with reference to the remaining term to maturity of such asset, in accordance with the table set forth below.
MOODY'S RATING CATEGORY(1)
TERMS TO MATURITY OF CORPORATE DEBT SECURITY Aaa Aa A Baa Ba B Caa UNRATED(2)
1 year or less.................................... 109% 112% 115% 118% 119% 125% 205% 225%
2 years or less (but longer than 1 year).......... 115 118 122 125 127 133 205 225
3 years or less (but longer than 2 years)......... 120 123 127 131 133 140 205 225
4 years or less (but longer than 3 years)......... 126 129 133 138 140 147 205 225
5 years or less (but longer than 4 years)......... 132 135 139 144 146 154 205 225
7 years or less (but longer than 5 years)......... 139 143 147 152 156 164 205 225
10 years or less (but longer than 7 years)........ 145 150 155 160 164 173 205 225
15 years or less (but longer than 10 years)....... 150 155 160 165 170 180 205 225
20 years or less (but longer than 15 years)....... 150 155 160 165 170 190 205 225
30 years or less (but longer than 20 years)....... 150 155 160 165 170 191 205 225
Greater than 30 years............................. 165 173 181 189 205 221 221 225
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(1) If a corporate debt security is unrated by Moody's but is rated by S&P, a rating two numeric ratings below the S&P rating will be used (e.g., where the S&P rating is AAA, a Moody's rating of Aa2 will be used; where the S&P rating is AA+, a Moody's rating of Aa3 will be used).
(2) Unrated corporate debt securities, which are corporate debt securities rated by neither Moody's nor S&P, are limited to 10% of discounted Moody's Eligible Assets. If a corporate debt security is unrated by both Moody's and S&P, the Fund will use the percentage set forth under "Unrated" in this table.
The Moody's Discount Factors presented in the immediately preceding table will also apply to corporate debt securities that do not pay interest in U.S. dollars or euros, provided that the Moody's Discount Factor determined from the table shall be multiplied by a factor of 120% for purposes of calculating the Discounted Value of such securities.
(iii) U.S. Government Securities and U.S. Treasury Strips:
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES U.S. TREASURY STRIPS
REMAINING TERM TO MATURITY DISCOUNT FACTOR DISCOUNT FACTOR
-------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------
1 year or less................................. 107% 107%
2 years or less (but longer than 1 year)....... 113 115
3 years or less (but longer than 2 years)...... 118 121
4 years or less (but longer than 3 years)...... 123 128
5 years or less (but longer than 4 years)...... 128 135
7 years or less (but longer than 5 years)...... 135 147
10 years or less (but longer than 7 years)..... 141 163
15 years or less (but longer than 10 years).... 146 191
20 years or less (but longer than 15 years).... 154 218
30 years or less (but longer than 20 years).... 154 244
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(iv) Short-Term Instruments and Cash: The Moody's
Discount Factor applied to short-term portfolio securities, including
without limitation short-term corporate debt securities, Short Term
Money Market Instruments and short-term municipal debt obligations,
will be (A) 100%, so long as such portfolio securities mature or have a
demand feature at par exercisable within the Moody's Exposure Period;
(B) 115%, so long as such portfolio securities mature or have a demand
feature at par not exercisable within the Moody's Exposure Period; and
(C) 125%, if such securities are not rated by Moody's, so long as such
portfolio securities are rated at least A-1+/AA or SP-1+/AA by S&P and
mature or have a demand feature at par exercisable within the Moody's
Exposure Period. A Moody's Discount Factor of 100% will be applied to
cash. Moody's rated 2a-7 money market funds will also have a discount
factor of 100%.
(v) Rule 144A Securities: The Moody's Discount Factor applied to Rule 144A Securities for Rule 144A Securities will be 130% of the Moody's Discount Factor which would apply were the securities registered under the Securities Act.
(vi) Convertible Securities:
(A) Convertible Bonds:
MOODY'S RATING CATEGORY(1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
INDUSTRY CATEGORY Aaa Aa A Baa Ba B UNRATED(2)
----------------- ----- ---- ----- ----- ---- ----- ----------
Utility 162% 167% 172% 188% 195% 199% 300%
Industrial 256% 261% 266% 282% 290% 293% 300%
Financial 233% 238% 243% 259% 265% 270% 300%
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(B) Upon conversion to Common Stock, the Discount Factor of 350% will be applied to the Common Stock holdings
(hhh) "Moody's Eligible Assets" means:
(i) cash (including interest and dividends due on assets rated (A) Baa3 or higher by Moody's if the payment date is within five Business Days of the Valuation Date, (B) A2 or higher if the payment date is within thirty days of the Valuation Date, and (C) A1 or higher if the payment date is within the Moody's Exposure Period) and receivables for Moody's Eligible Assets sold if the receivable is due within five Business Days of the Valuation Date, and if the trades which generated such receivables are (A) settled through clearing house firms
with respect to which the Fund has received prior written authorization from Moody's or (B) (1) with counterparties having a Moody's long-term debt rating of at least Baa3 or (2) with counterparties having a Moody's Short Term Money Market Instrument rating of at least P-1;
(ii) Short Term Money Market Instruments, so long as (A) such securities are rated at least P-1, (B) in the case of demand deposits, time deposits and overnight funds, the supporting entity is rated at least A2, or (C) in all other cases, the supporting entity (1) is rated A2 and the security matures within one month, (2) is rated A1 and the security matures within three months or (3) is rated at least Aa3 and the security matures within six months. In addition, Moody's rated 2a-7 money market funds are also eligible investments.
(iii) U.S. Government Securities and U.S. Treasury Strips;
(iv) Rule 144A Securities;
(v) Corporate debt securities if (A) such securities are rated B3 or higher by Moody's; (B) such securities provide for the periodic payment of interest in cash in U.S. dollars or euros, except that such securities that do not pay interest in U.S. dollars or euros shall be considered Moody's Eligible Assets if they are rated by Moody's or S&P; (C) for securities, which provide for conversion or exchange at the option of the issuer into equity capital at some time over their lives, the issuer must be rated at least B3 by Moody's (D) for debt securities rated Ba1 and below, no more than 10% of the original amount of such issue may constitute Moody's Eligible Assets; (E) such securities have been registered under the Securities Act or are restricted as to resale under federal securities laws but are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act as determined by the Fund's investment manager or portfolio manager acting pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees, except that such securities that are not subject to U.S. federal securities laws shall be considered Moody's Eligible Assets if they are publicly traded; and (F) such securities are not subject to extended settlement.
In order to merit consideration as Moody's eligible asset, debt securities are issued by entities which:
- have not filed for bankruptcy within the past three years
- are current on all principle and interest in their fixed income obligations
- are current on all preferred stock dividends
- possess a current, unqualified auditor's report without qualified, explanatory language
Corporate debt securities not rated at least B3 by Moody's or not rated by Moody's shall be considered to be Moody's Eligible Assets only to the extent the Market Value of such corporate debt securities does not exceed 10% of the aggregate Market Value of all Moody's Eligible Assets
(vi) Preferred stocks if (A) dividends on such preferred stock are cumulative, (B) such securities provide for the periodic payment of dividends thereon in cash in U.S. dollars or euros and do not provide for conversion or exchange into, or have warrants attached entitling the holder to receive, equity capital at any time over the respective lives of such securities, (C) the issuer of such a preferred stock has common stock listed on either the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange, (D) the issuer of such a preferred stock has a senior debt rating
from Moody's of Baa1 or higher or a preferred stock rating from Moody's of Baa3 or higher and (E) such preferred stock has paid consistent cash dividends in U.S. dollars or euros over the last three years or has a minimum rating of A1 (if the issuer of such preferred stock has other preferred issues outstanding that have been paying dividends consistently for the last three years, then a preferred stock without such a dividend history would also be eligible). In addition, the preferred stocks must have the diversification requirements set forth in the table below and the preferred stock issue must be greater than $50 million.
Diversification Table:
The table below establishes maximum limits for inclusion as eligible assets prior to applying Moody's discount factors to eligible securities:
MAXIMUM SINGLE MAXIMUM SINGLE
MAXIMUM SINGLE INDUSTRY(3)(4) INDUSTRY(3)(4) MINIMUM ISSUE SIZE
RATINGS(1) ISSUER(2)(3) NON-UTILITY UTILITY ($ IN MILLION)(5)
---------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ------------------
Aaa................ 100% 100% 100% $100
Aa................. 20 60 30 100
A.................. 10 40 25 100
Baa................ 6 20 20 100
Ba................. 4 12 12 50(6)
B1-B2.............. 3 8 8 50(6)
B3 or below........ 2 5 5 50(6)
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(1) Refers to the preferred stock and senior debt rating of the portfolio holding.
(2) Companies subject to common ownership of 25% or more are considered as one issuer.
(3) Percentages represent a portion of the aggregate Market Value of corporate debt securities.
(4) Industries are determined according to Moody's Industry Classifications, as defined herein.
(5) Except for preferred stock, which has a minimum issue size of $50 million.
(6) Portfolio holdings from issues ranging from $50 million to $100 million are limited to 20% of the Fund's total assets.
(vii) Financial contracts, as such term is defined in Section 3(c)(2)(B)(ii) of the Investment Company Act, not otherwise provided for in this definition but only upon receipt by the Fund of a letter from Moody's specifying any conditions on including such financial contract in Moody's Eligible Assets and assuring the Fund that including such financial contract in the manner so specified would not affect the credit rating assigned by Moody's to the FundPreferred.
Where the Fund sells an asset and agrees to repurchase such asset in the future, the Discounted Value of such asset will constitute a Moody's Eligible Asset and the amount the Fund is required to pay upon repurchase of such asset will count as a liability for the purposes of the FundPreferred share Basic Maintenance Amount. Where the Fund purchases an asset and agrees to sell it to a third party in the future, cash receivable by the Fund thereby will constitute a Moody's Eligible Asset if the long-term debt of such other party is rated at least A2 by Moody's and such agreement has a term of 30 days or less; otherwise the Discounted Value of such purchased asset will constitute a Moody's Eligible Asset. For the purposes of calculation of Moody's Eligible Assets, portfolio securities which have been called for redemption by the issuer thereof shall be valued at the lower of Market Value or the call price of such portfolio securities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an asset will not be considered a Moody's Eligible Asset to the extent that it has been irrevocably deposited for the payment of (i)(A) through (i)(E) under the definition of FundPreferred Basic Maintenance Amount or to the extent
it is subject to any Liens, including assets segregated under margin account requirements in connection with fund engagement in hedging transactions, except for (A) Liens which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and which Moody's has indicated to the Fund will not affect the status of such asset as a Moody's Eligible Asset, (B) Liens for taxes that are not then due and payable or that can be paid thereafter without penalty, (C) Liens to secure payment for services rendered or cash advanced to the Fund by its investment manager or portfolio manager, the Fund's custodian, transfer agent or registrar or the Auction Agent and (D) Liens arising by virtue of any repurchase agreement.
(iii) "Moody's Exposure Period" means the period commencing on a given Valuation Date and ending 49 days thereafter.
(jjj) "Moody's Hedging Transactions" means purchases or sales of exchange-traded financial futures contracts based on any index approved by Moody's or Treasury Bonds, and purchases, writings or sales of exchange-traded put options on such financial futures contracts, any index approved by Moody's or Treasury Bonds, and purchases, writings or sales of exchange-traded call options on such financial futures contracts, any index approved by Moody's or Treasury Bonds, subject to the following limitations:
(i) the Fund will not engage in any Moody's Hedging Transaction based on any index approved by Moody's (other than Closing Transactions) that would cause the Fund at the time of such transaction to own or have sold:
(A) Outstanding financial futures contracts based on such index exceeding in number 10% of the average number of daily traded financial futures contracts based on such index in the 30 days preceding the time of effecting such transaction as reported by The Wall Street Journal; or
(B) Outstanding financial futures contracts based on any index approved by Moody's having a Market Value exceeding 50% of the Market Value of all portfolio securities of the Fund constituting Moody's Eligible Assets owned by the Fund;
(ii) The Fund will not engage in any Moody's Hedging Transaction based on Treasury Bonds (other than Closing Transactions) that would cause the Fund at the time of such transaction to own or have sold:
(A) Outstanding financial futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds with such contracts having an aggregate Market Value exceeding 20% of the aggregate Market Value of Moody's Eligible Assets owned by the Fund and rated Aa by Moody's (or, if not rated by Moody's but rated by S&P, rated AAA by S&P); or
(B) Outstanding financial futures contracts based on Treasury Bonds with such contracts having an aggregate Market Value exceeding 50% of the aggregate Market Value of all portfolio securities of the Fund constituting Moody's Eligible Assets owned by the Fund (other than Moody's Eligible Assets already subject to a Moody's Hedging Transaction) and rated Baa or A by Moody's (or, if not rated by Moody's but rated by S&P, rated A or AA by S&P);
(iii) The Fund will engage in Closing Transactions to close out any outstanding financial futures contract based on any index approved by Moody's if the amount of open interest in such index as reported by The Wall Street Journal is less than an amount to be mutually determined by Moody's and the Fund;
(iv) The Fund will engage in a Closing Transaction to close out any outstanding financial futures contract by no later than the fifth Business Day of the month in which such contract expires and will engage in a Closing Transaction to close out any outstanding option on a financial futures contract by no later than the first Business Day of the month in which such option expires;
(v) The Fund will engage in Moody's Hedging Transactions only with respect to financial futures contracts or options thereon having the next settlement date or the settlement date immediately thereafter;
(vi) The Fund (A) will not engage in options and futures transactions for leveraging or speculative purposes, except that an option or futures transaction shall not for these purposes be considered a leveraged position or speculative and (B) will not write any call options or sell any financial futures contracts for the purpose of hedging the anticipated purchase of an asset prior to completion of such purchase; and
(vii) The Fund will not enter into an option or futures transaction unless, after giving effect thereto, the Fund would continue to have Moody's Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value equal to or greater than the FundPreferred shares Basic Maintenance Amount.
(kkk) "Moody's Industry Classifications" means for the purposes of determining Moody's Eligible Assets, each of the following industry classifications (or such other classifications as Moody's may from time to time approve for application to the FundPreferred shares).
(i) Aerospace and Defense: Major Contractor, Subsystems, Research, Aircraft Manufacturing, Arms, Ammunition.
(ii) Automobile: Automobile Equipment, Auto-Manufacturing, Auto Parts Manufacturing, Personal Use Trailers, Motor Homes, Dealers.
(iii) Banking: Bank Holding, Savings and Loans, Consumer Credit, Small Loan, Agency, Factoring, Receivables.
(iv) Beverage, Food and Tobacco: Beer and Ale, Distillers, Wines and Liquors, Distributors, Soft Drink Syrup, Bottlers, Bakery, Mill Sugar, Canned Foods, Corn Refiners, Dairy Products, Meat Products, Poultry Products, Snacks, Packaged Foods, Distributors, Candy, Gum, Seafood, Frozen Food, Cigarettes, Cigars, Leaf/Snuff, Vegetable Oil.
(v) Buildings and Real Estate: Brick, Cement, Climate Controls, Contracting, Engineering, Construction, Hardware, Forest Products (building-related only), Plumbing, Roofing, Wallboard, Real Estate, Real Estate Development, REITs, Land Development.
(vi) Chemicals, Plastics and Rubber: Chemicals (non-agricultural), Industrial Gases, Sulphur, Plastics, Plastic Products, Abrasives, Coatings, Paints, Varnish, Fabricating Containers.
(vii) Packaging and Glass: Glass, Fiberglass, Containers made of: Glass, Metal, Paper, Plastic, Wood or Fiberglass.
(viii) Personal and Non-Durable Consumer Products (Manufacturing Only): Soaps, Perfumes, Cosmetics, Toiletries, Cleaning Supplies, School Supplies.
(ix) Diversified/Conglomerate Manufacturing.
(x) Diversified/Conglomerate Service.
(xi) Diversified Natural Resources, Precious Metals and Minerals: Fabricating, Distribution.
(xii) Ecological: Pollution Control, Waste Removal, Waste Treatment and Waste Disposal.
(xiii) Electronics: Computer Hardware, Electric Equipment, Components, Controllers, Motors, Household Appliances, Information Service Communication Systems, Radios, TVs, Tape Machines, Speakers, Printers, Drivers, Technology.
(xiv) Finance: Investment Brokerage, Leasing, Syndication, Securities.
(xv) Farming and Agriculture: Livestock, Grains, Produce, Agriculture Chemicals, Agricultural Equipment, Fertilizers.
(xvi) Grocery: Grocery Stores, Convenience Food Stores.
(xvii) Healthcare, Education and Childcare: Ethical Drugs, Proprietary Drugs, Research, Health Care Centers, Nursing Homes, HMOs, Hospitals, Hospital Supplies, Medical Equipment.
(xviii) Home and Office Furnishings, Housewares, and Durable Consumer Products: Carpets, Floor Coverings, Furniture, Cooking, Ranges.
(xix) Hotels, Motels, Inns and Gaming.
(xx) Insurance: Life, Property and Casualty, Broker, Agent, Surety.
(xxi) Leisure, Amusement, Motion Pictures, Entertainment: Boating, Bowling, Billiards, Musical Instruments, Fishing, Photo Equipment, Records, Tapes, Sports, Outdoor Equipment (Camping), Tourism, Resorts, Games, Toy Manufacturing, Motion Picture Production Theaters, Motion Picture Distribution.
(xxii) Machinery (Non-Agricultural, Non-Construction, Non-Electronic): Industrial, Machine Tools, Steam Generators.
(xxiii) Mining, Steel, Iron and Non-Precious Metals:
Coal, Copper, Lead, Uranium, Zinc, Aluminum, Stainless Steel,
Integrated Steel, Ore Production, Refractories, Steel Mill Machinery,
Mini-Mills, Fabricating, Distribution and Sales of the foregoing.
(xxiv) Oil and Gas: Crude Producer, Retailer, Well Supply, Service and Drilling.
(xxv) Printing, Publishing, and Broadcasting: Graphic Arts, Paper, Paper Products, Business Forms, Magazines, Books, Periodicals, Newspapers, Textbooks, Radio, T.V., Cable Broadcasting Equipment.
(xxvi) Cargo Transport: Rail, Shipping, Railroads, Rail-car Builders, Ship Builders, Containers, Container Builders, Parts, Overnight Mail, Trucking, Truck Manufacturing, Trailer Manufacturing, Air Cargo, Transport.
(xxvii) Retail Stores: Apparel, Toy, Variety, Drugs, Department, Mail Order Catalog, Showroom.
(xxviii) Telecommunications: Local, Long Distance, Independent, Telephone, Telegraph, Satellite, Equipment, Research, Cellular.
(xxix) Textiles and Leather: Producer, Synthetic Fiber, Apparel Manufacturer, Leather Shoes.
(xxx) Personal Transportation: Air, Bus, Rail, Car Rental.
(xxxi) Utilities: Electric, Water, Hydro Power, Gas.
(xxxii) Diversified Sovereigns: Semi-sovereigns, Canadian Provinces, Supra-national Agencies.
The Fund will use SIC codes in determining which industry classification is applicable to a particular investment in consultation with the Independent Accountant and Moody's, to the extent the Fund considers necessary.
(lll) "1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended from time to time.
(mmm) "1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage" means asset coverage, as determined in accordance with Section 18(h) of the 1940 Act, of at least 200% with respect to all outstanding senior securities of the Fund which are stock, including all Outstanding FundPreferred shares (or such other asset coverage as may in the future be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum asset coverage for senior securities which are stock of a closed-end investment company as a condition of declaring dividends on its common shares), determined on the basis of values calculated as of a time within 48 hours next preceding the time of such determination.
(nnn) "1940 Act FundPreferred Shares Asset Coverage Certificate" means the certificate required to be delivered by the Fund pursuant to Section 12(e) of this Part I.
(ooo) "Notice of Redemption" means any notice with respect to the redemption of shares of FundPreferred shares pursuant to Section 3.
(ppp) "Order" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph
(a) of Section 1 of Part II of this Statement.
(qqq) "Other Rating Agency" means any rating agency other than Moody's or Fitch then providing a rating for the FundPreferred shares pursuant to the request of the Fund.
(rrr) "Other Rating Agency Eligible Assets" means assets of the Fund designated by any Other Rating Agency as eligible for inclusion in calculating the discounted value of the Fund's assets in connection with such Other Rating Agency's rating of FundPreferred shares.
(sss) "Outstanding" or "outstanding" means, as of any date,
FundPreferred shares theretofore issued by the Fund except, without duplication,
(i) any shares of FundPreferred shares
theretofore canceled, redeemed or repurchased by the Fund, or delivered to the Auction Agent for cancellation or with respect to which the Fund has given notice of redemption and irrevocably deposited with the Paying Agent sufficient funds to redeem such FundPreferred shares and (ii) any FundPreferred shares represented by any certificate in lieu of which a new certificate has been executed and delivered by the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) for purposes of voting rights (including the determination of the number of shares required to constitute a quorum), any of the FundPreferred shares to which the Fund or any Affiliate of the Fund shall be the Existing Holder shall be disregarded and not deemed Outstanding; (B) in connection with any Auction, any Series of FundPreferred shares as to which the Fund or any person known to the Auction Agent to be an Affiliate of the Fund shall be the Existing Holder thereof shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding; and (C) for purposes of determining the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount, FundPreferred shares held by the Fund shall be disregarded and not deemed Outstanding but shares held by any Affiliate of the Fund shall be deemed Outstanding.
(ttt) "Paying Agent" means The Bank of New York unless and until another entity appointed by a resolution of the Board of Trustees enters into an agreement with the Fund to serve as paying agent, which paying agent may be the same as the Auction Agent.
(uuu) "Performing" means with respect to any asset, the issuer of such investment is not in default of any payment obligations in respect thereof.
(vvv) "Person" or "person" means and includes an individual, a partnership, a trust, a Fund, an unincorporated association, a joint venture or other entity or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
(www) "Potential Beneficial Owner," with respect to shares of a series of FundPreferred shares, shall mean a customer of a Broker-Dealer that is not a Beneficial Owner of shares of such series but that wishes to purchase shares of such series, or that is a Beneficial Owner of shares of such series that wishes to purchase additional shares of such series.
(xxx) "Preferred Share" means the preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per share, including the FundPreferred shares, of the Fund from time to time.
(yyy) "Pricing Service" means any pricing service designated by the Board of Trustees of the Fund and approved by Fitch or Moody's, as applicable, for purposes of determining whether the Fund has Eligible Assets with an aggregate Discounted Value that equals or exceeds the FundPreferred Shares Basic Maintenance Amount.
(zzz) "Redemption Default" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2(c)(ii) of this Part I.
(aaaa) "Redemption Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(i) of this Part I.
(bbbb) "Reference Rate" means, with respect to the determination of the Maximum Rate and Default Rate, the applicable AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate (for a Dividend Period of fewer than 184 days) or the applicable Treasury Index Rate (for a Dividend Period of 184 days or more).
(cccc) "Reorganization Bonds" has the meaning set forth under the definition of "Fitch Eligible Assets."
(dddd) "Rule 144A Securities" means securities which are restricted as to resale under federal securities laws but are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act as
determined by the Fund's investment manager or portfolio manager acting pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
(eeee) "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or its successors.
(ffff) "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
(gggg) "Securities Depository" means The Depository Trust Company and its successors and assigns or any successor securities depository selected by the Fund that agrees to follow the procedures required to be followed by such securities depository in connection with the shares of FundPreferred shares Series M, T, W, TH, F and F2.
(hhhh) "Sell Order" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 1 of Part II of this Statement.
(iiii) "Short-Term Money Market Instrument" means the following types of instruments if, on the date of purchase or other acquisition thereof by the Fund, the remaining term to maturity thereof is not in excess of 180 days:
(i) commercial paper rated A-1 if such commercial paper matures in 30 days or A-1+ if such commercial paper matures in over 30 days;
(ii) demand or time deposits in, and banker's acceptances and certificates of deposit of (A) a depository institution or trust company incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia or (B) a United States branch office or agency of a foreign depository institution (provided that such branch office or agency is subject to banking regulation under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia);
(iii) overnight funds;
(iv) U.S. Government Securities; and
(v) Eurodollar demand or time deposits in, or certificates of deposit of, the head office or the London branch office of a depository institution or trust company if the certificates of deposit, if any, and the long-term unsecured debt obligations (other than such obligations the ratings of which are based on the credit of a person or entity other than such depository institution or trust company) of such depository institution or Fund company that have (1) credit ratings on such Valuation Date of at least P-1 from Moody's and either F1+ from Fitch or A-1+ from S&P, in the case of commercial paper or certificates of deposit, and (2) credit ratings on each Valuation Date of at least Aa3 from Moody's and either AA- from Fitch or AA- from S&P, in the case of long-term unsecured debt obligations; provided, however, that in the case of any such investment that matures in no more than one Business Day from the date of purchase or other acquisition by the Fund, all of the foregoing requirements shall be applicable except that the required long-term unsecured debt credit rating of such depository institution or trust company from Moody's, Fitch and S&P shall be at least A2, A and A, respectively; and provided further, however, that the foregoing credit rating requirements shall be deemed to be met with respect to a depository institution or trust company if (1) such depository institution or trust company is the principal depository institution in a holding company system, (2) the certificates of deposit, if any, of such depository institution or Fund company are not rated on any
Valuation Date below P-1 by Moody's, F1+ by Fitch or A-1+ by S&P and there is no long-term rating, and (3) the holding company shall meet all of the foregoing credit rating requirements (including the preceding proviso in the case of investments that mature in no more than one Business Day from the date of purchase or other acquisition by the Fund); and provided further, that the interest receivable by the Fund shall not be subject to any withholding or similar taxes.
(jjjj) "Special Dividend Period" means a Dividend Period that is not a Standard Dividend Period.
(kkkk) "Specific Redemption Provisions" means, with respect to
any Special Dividend Period of more than one year, either, or any combination of
(i) a period (a "Non-Call Period") determined by the Board of Trustees after
consultation with the Broker-Dealers, during which the shares subject to such
Special Dividend Period are not subject to redemption at the option of the Fund
pursuant to Section 3(a)(ii) and (ii) a period (a "Premium Call Period"),
consisting of a number of whole years as determined by the Board of Trustees
after consultation with the Broker-Dealers, during each year of which the shares
subject to such Special Dividend Period shall be redeemable at the Fund's option
pursuant to Section 3(a)(i) and/or in connection with any mandatory redemption
pursuant to Section 3(a)(ii) at a price per share equal to $25,000 plus
accumulated but unpaid dividends plus a premium expressed as a percentage or
percentages of $25,000 or expressed as a formula using specified variables as
determined by the Board of Trustees after consultation with the Broker-Dealers.
(llll) "Standard Dividend Period" means a Dividend Period of 7 days.
(mmmm) "Submission Deadline" means 1:00 P.M., Eastern Standard time, on any Auction Date or such other time on any Auction Date by which Broker-Dealers are required to submit Orders to the Auction Agent as specified by the Auction Agent from time to time.
(nnnn) "Submitted Bid" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 3 of Part II of this Statement.
(oooo) "Submitted Hold Order" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 3 of Part II of this Statement.
(pppp) "Submitted Order" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 3 of Part II of this Statement.
(qqqq) "Submitted Sell Order" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 3 of Part II of this Statement.
(rrrr) "Sufficient Clearing Bids" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph (a) of Section 3 of Part II of this Statement.
(ssss) "Treasury Index Rate" means the average yield to maturity for actively traded marketable U.S. Treasury fixed interest rate securities having the same number of 30-day periods to maturity as the length of the applicable Dividend Period, determined, to the extent necessary, by linear interpolation based upon the yield for such securities having the next shorter and next longer number of 30-day periods to maturity treating all Dividend Periods with a length greater than the longest maturity for such securities as having a length equal to such longest maturity, in all cases based upon data set forth in the most recent weekly statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (currently in H.15(519)); provided, however, if the most recent such statistical release shall not have been published during the 15 days preceding the date of computation, the foregoing computations
shall be based upon the average of comparable data as quoted to the Fund by at least three recognized dealers in U.S. Government securities selected by the Fund.
(tttt) "U.S. Government Securities" mean securities that are direct obligations of, and obligations the timely payment of principal and interest on which is fully guaranteed by, the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality of the United States of America, the obligations of which are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America and in the form of conventional bills, bonds and notes.
(uuuu) "U.S. Treasury Securities" means direct obligations of the United States Treasury that are entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States.
(vvvv) "U.S. Treasury Strips" means securities based on U.S. Treasury Securities created through the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities program.
(wwww) "Valuation Date" means every Friday, or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day; provided, however, that the first Valuation Date may occur on any other date established by the Fund; provided, further, however, that such date shall be not more than one week from the date on which FundPreferred shares Series __, __, __, _ and _ initially is issued.
(xxxx) "Winning Bid Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(iii) of Part II of this Statement.
18. Interpretation. References to sections, subsections, clauses, sub-clauses, paragraphs and subparagraphs are to such sections, subsections, clauses, sub-clauses, paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in this Part I or Part II hereof, as the case may be, unless specifically identified otherwise.
PART II: AUCTION PROCEDURES
1. Orders.
(a) Prior to the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date for shares of a series of FundPreferred shares:
(i) each Beneficial Owner of shares of such series may submit to its Broker-Dealer by telephone or otherwise information as to:
(A) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of such series held by such Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner desires to continue to hold without regard to the Applicable Rate for shares of such Series for the next succeeding Dividend Period of such shares;
(B) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of such series held by such Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner offers to sell if the Applicable Rate for shares of such Series for the next succeeding Dividend Period of shares of such series shall be less than the rate per annum specified by such Beneficial Owner; and/or
(C) the number of Outstanding shares, if any, of such series held by such Beneficial Owner which such Beneficial Owner offers to sell without regard to the Applicable Rate for shares of such Series for the next succeeding Dividend Period of shares of such series;
and
(ii) one or more Broker-Dealers, using lists of Potential Beneficial Owners, shall in good faith for the purpose of conducting a competitive Auction in a commercially reasonable manner, contact Potential Beneficial Owners (by telephone or otherwise), including Persons that are not Beneficial Owners, on such lists to determine the number of shares, if any, of such series which each such Potential Beneficial Owner offers to purchase if the Applicable Rate for shares of such Series for the next succeeding Dividend Period of shares of such series shall not be less than the rate per annum specified by such Potential Beneficial Owner.
For the purposes hereof, the communication by a Beneficial Owner or
Potential Beneficial Owner to a Broker-Dealer, or by a Broker-Dealer to the
Auction Agent, of information referred to in clause (i) (A) (i), (B), (i) (C) or
(ii) of this paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as an "Order" and
collectively as "Orders" and each Beneficial Owner and each Potential Beneficial
Owner placing an Order with a Broker-Dealer, and such Broker-Dealer placing an
Order with the Auction Agent, is hereinafter referred to as a "Bidder" and
collectively as "Bidders"; an Order containing the information referred to in
clause (i)(A) of this paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as a "Hold Order"
and collectively as "Hold Orders"; an Order containing the information referred
to in clause (i)(B) or (ii) of this paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as
a "Bid" and collectively as "Bids"; and an Order containing the information
referred to in clause (i)(C) of this paragraph (a) is hereinafter referred to as
a "Sell Order" and collectively as "Sell Orders."
(b) (i) A Bid by a Beneficial Owner or an Existing Holder of shares of a series of FundPreferred shares subject to an Auction on any Auction Date shall constitute an irrevocable offer to sell:
(A) the number of Outstanding shares of such series specified in such Bid if the Applicable Rate for shares of such series determined on such Auction Date shall be less than the rate specified therein;
(B) such number or a lesser number of Outstanding shares of such series to be determined as set forth in clause (iv) of paragraph (a) of Section 4 of this Part II if the Applicable Rate for shares of such series determined on such Auction Date shall be equal to the rate specified therein; or
(C) the number of Outstanding shares of such
series specified in such Bid if the rate specified therein
shall be higher than the Maximum Rate for shares of such
series, or such number or a lesser number of Outstanding
shares of such series to be determined as set forth in clause
(iii) of paragraph (b) of Section 4 of this Part II if the
rate specified therein shall be higher than the Maximum Rate
for shares of such series and Sufficient Clearing Bids for
shares of such series do not exist.
(ii) A Sell Order by a Beneficial Owner or an Existing Holder of shares of a series of FundPreferred shares subject to an Auction on any Auction Date shall constitute an irrevocable offer to sell:
(A) the number of Outstanding shares of such series specified in such Sell Order; or
(B) such number or a lesser number of Outstanding shares of such series as set forth in clause (iii) of paragraph (b) of Section 4 of this Part II if Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of such series do not exist;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that a Broker-Dealer that is an Existing Holder with respect to shares of a series of FundPreferred shares shall not be liable to any Person for failing to sell such shares pursuant to a Sell Order described in the proviso to paragraph (c) of Section 2 of this Part II if (1) such shares were transferred by the Beneficial Owner thereof without compliance by such Beneficial Owner or its transferee Broker-Dealer (or other transferee person, if permitted by the Fund) with the provisions of Section 7 of this Part II or (2) such Broker-Dealer has informed the Auction Agent pursuant to the terms of its Broker-Dealer Agreement that, according to such Broker-Dealer's records, such Broker-Dealer believes it is not the Existing Holder of such shares.
(iii) A Bid by a Potential Beneficial Holder or a Potential Holder of shares of a series of FundPreferred shares subject to an Auction on any Auction Date shall constitute an irrevocable offer to purchase:
(A) the number of Outstanding shares of such series specified in such Bid if the Applicable Rate for shares of such series determined on such Auction Date shall be higher than the rate specified therein; or
(B) such number or a lesser number of Outstanding shares of such series as set forth in clause (v) of paragraph (a) of Section 4 of this Part II if the Applicable Rate for shares of such series determined on such Auction Date shall be equal to the rate specified therein.
(c) No Order for any number of FundPreferred shares other than whole shares shall be valid.
2. Submission of Orders by Broker-Dealers to Auction Agent.
(a) Each Broker-Dealer shall submit in writing to the Auction Agent prior to the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date all Orders for FundPreferred shares of a series subject to an Auction on such Auction Date obtained by such Broker-Dealer, designating itself (unless otherwise permitted by the Fund) as an Existing Holder in respect of shares subject to Orders submitted or deemed submitted to it by Beneficial Owners and as a Potential Holder in respect of shares subject to Orders submitted to it by Potential Beneficial Owners, and shall specify with respect to each Order for such shares:
(i) the name of the Bidder placing such Order (which shall be the Broker-Dealer unless otherwise permitted by the Fund);
(ii) the aggregate number of shares of such series that are the subject of such Order;
(iii) to the extent that such Bidder is an Existing Holder of shares of such series:
(A) the number of shares, if any, of such series subject to any Hold Order of such Existing Holder;
(B) the number of shares, if any, of such series subject to any Bid of such Existing Holder and the rate specified in such Bid; and
(C) the number of shares, if any, of such series subject to any Sell Order of such Existing Holder; and
(iv) to the extent such Bidder is a Potential Holder of shares of such series, the rate and number of shares of such series specified in such Potential Holder's Bid.
(b) If any rate specified in any Bid contains more than three figures to the right of the decimal point, the Auction Agent shall round such rate up to the next highest one thousandth (.001) of 1%.
(c) If an Order or Orders covering all of the Outstanding shares of FundPreferred shares of a series held by any Existing Holder is not submitted to the Auction Agent prior to the Submission Deadline, the Auction Agent shall deem a Hold Order to have been submitted by or on behalf of such Existing Holder covering the number of Outstanding shares of such series held by such Existing Holder and not subject to Orders submitted to the Auction Agent; provided, however, that if an Order or Orders covering all of the Outstanding shares of such series held by any Existing Holder is not submitted to the Auction Agent prior to the Submission Deadline for an Auction relating to a Special Dividend Period consisting of more than 28 Dividend Period Days, the Auction Agent shall deem a Sell Order to have been submitted by or on behalf of such Existing Holder covering the number of outstanding shares of such series held by such Existing Holder and not subject to Orders submitted to the Auction Agent.
(d) If one or more Orders of an Existing Holder is submitted to the Auction Agent covering in the aggregate more than the number of Outstanding FundPreferred shares of a series subject to an Auction held by such Existing Holder, such Orders shall be considered valid in the following order of priority:
(i) all Hold Orders for shares of such series shall be considered valid, but only up to and including in the aggregate the number of Outstanding shares of such series held by such Existing Holder, and if the number of shares of such series subject to such Hold Orders exceeds the number of Outstanding shares of such series held by such Existing Holder, the number of shares subject to each such Hold Order shall be reduced pro rata to cover the number of Outstanding shares of such series held by such Existing Holder;
(ii) (A) any Bid for shares of such series shall be considered valid up to and including the excess of the number of Outstanding shares of such series held by such Existing Holder over the number of shares of such series subject to any Hold Orders referred to in clause (i) above;
(B) subject to subclause (A), if more than one Bid of an Existing Holder for shares of such series is submitted to the Auction Agent with the same rate and the number of Outstanding shares of such series subject to such Bids is greater than such excess, such Bids shall be considered valid up to and including the amount of such excess, and the number of shares of such series subject to each Bid with the same rate shall be reduced pro rata to cover the number of shares of such series equal to such excess;
(C) subject to subclauses (A) and (B), if more than one Bid of an Existing Holder for shares of such series is submitted to the Auction Agent with different rates, such Bids shall be considered valid in the ascending order of their respective rates up to and including the amount of such excess; and
(D) in any such event, the number, if any, of such Outstanding shares of such series subject to any portion of Bids considered not valid in whole or in part under this clause (ii) shall be treated as the subject of a Bid for shares of such series by or on behalf of a Potential Holder at the rate therein specified; and
(iii) all Sell Orders for shares of such series shall be considered valid up to and including the excess of the number of Outstanding shares of such series held by such Existing Holder over the sum of shares of such series subject to valid Hold Orders referred to in clause (i) above and valid Bids referred to in clause (ii) above.
(e) If more than one Bid for one or more shares of a series of Fund Preferred shares is submitted to the Auction Agent by or on behalf of any Potential Holder, each such Bid submitted shall be a separate Bid with the rate and number of shares therein specified.
(f) Any Order submitted by a Beneficial Owner or a Potential Beneficial Owner to its Broker-Dealer, or by a Broker-Dealer to the Auction Agent, prior to the Submission Deadline on any Auction Date, shall be irrevocable.
3. Determination of Sufficient Clearing Bids, Winning Bid Rate and Applicable Rate.
(a) Not earlier than the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date for shares of a series of FundPreferred shares, the Auction Agent shall assemble all valid Orders submitted or deemed submitted to it by the Broker-Dealers in respect of shares of such series (each such Order as submitted or deemed submitted by a Broker-Dealer being hereinafter referred to individually as a "Submitted Hold Order," a "Submitted Bid" or a "Submitted Sell Order," as the case may be, or as a "Submitted Order" and collectively as "Submitted Hold Orders," "Submitted Bids" or "Submitted Sell Orders," as the case may be, or as "Submitted Orders") and shall determine for such series:
(i) the excess of the number of Outstanding shares of such series over the number of Outstanding shares of such series subject to Submitted Hold Orders (such excess being hereinafter referred to as the "Available FundPreferred shares" of such series);
(ii) from the Submitted Orders for shares of such series whether:
(A) the number of Outstanding shares of such series subject to Submitted Bids of Potential Holders specifying one or more rates between the Minimum Rate (for Standard Dividend Periods or less, only) and the Maximum Rate (for all Dividend Periods) for shares of such series;
exceeds or is equal to the sum of:
(B) the number of Outstanding shares of such series subject to Submitted Bids of Existing Holders specifying one or more rates between the Minimum Rate (for Standard Dividend Periods or less, only) and the Maximum Rate (for all Dividend Periods) for shares of such series; and
(C) the number of Outstanding shares of such series subject to Submitted Sell Orders
(in the event such excess or such equality exists (other than because the number of shares of such series in subclauses (B) and (C) above is zero because all of the Outstanding shares of such series are subject to Submitted Hold Orders), such Submitted Bids in subclause (A) above being hereinafter referred to collectively as "Sufficient Clearing Bids" for shares of such series); and
(iii) if Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of such series exist, the lowest rate specified in such Submitted Bids (the "Winning Bid Rate" for shares of such series) which if:
(A) (I) each such Submitted Bid of Existing Holders specifying such lowest rate and (II) all other such Submitted Bids of Existing Holders specifying lower rates were rejected, thus entitling such Existing Holders to continue to hold the shares of such series that are subject to such Submitted Bids; and
(B) (I) each such Submitted Bid of Potential Holders specifying such lowest rate and (II) all other such Submitted Bids of Potential Holders specifying lower rates were accepted;
would result in such Existing Holders described in subclause (A) above continuing to hold an aggregate number of Outstanding shares of such series which, when added to the number of Outstanding shares of such series to be purchased by such Potential Holders described in subclause (B) above, would equal not less than the Available FundPreferred shares of such series.
(b) Promptly after the Auction Agent has made the determinations pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 3, the Auction Agent shall advise the Fund of the Minimum Rate and Maximum Rate for shares of the series of FundPreferred shares for which an Auction is being held on the Auction Date and, based on such determination, the Applicable Rate for shares of such series for the next succeeding Dividend Period thereof as follows:
(i) if Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of such series exist, that the Applicable Rate for all shares of such series for the next succeeding Dividend Period thereof shall be equal to the Winning Bid Rate for shares of such series so determined;
(ii) if Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of such series do not exist (other than because all of the Outstanding shares of such series are subject to Submitted Hold Orders), that the Applicable Rate for all shares of such series for the next succeeding Dividend Period thereof shall be equal to the Maximum Rate for shares of such series; or
(iii) if all of the Outstanding shares of such series are subject to Submitted Hold Orders, that the Applicable Rate for all shares of such series for the next succeeding Dividend Period thereof shall be All Hold Rate.
4. Acceptance and Rejection of Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders and Allocation of Shares. Existing Holders shall continue to hold the FundPreferred shares that are subject to Submitted Hold Orders, and, based on the determinations made pursuant to paragraph (a) of Section 3 of this Part II, the Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders shall be accepted or rejected by the Auction Agent and the Auction Agent shall take such other action as set forth below:
(a) If Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of a series of FundPreferred shares have been made, all Submitted Sell Orders with respect to shares of such series shall be accepted and, subject to the provisions of paragraphs (d) and (e) of this Section 4, Submitted Bids with respect to shares of such series shall be accepted or rejected as follows in the following order of priority and all other Submitted Bids with respect to shares of such series shall be rejected:
(i) Existing Holders' Submitted Bids for shares of such series specifying any rate that is higher than the Winning Bid Rate for shares of such series shall be accepted, thus requiring each such Existing Holder to sell the FundPreferred shares subject to such Submitted Bids;
(ii) Existing Holders' Submitted Bids for shares of such series specifying any rate that is lower than the Winning Bid Rate for shares of such series shall be rejected, thus entitling each such Existing Holder to continue to hold the FundPreferred shares subject to such Submitted Bids;
(iii) Potential Holders' Submitted Bids for shares of such series specifying any rate that is lower than the Winning Bid Rate for shares of such series shall be accepted;
(iv) each Existing Holder's Submitted Bid for shares
of such series specifying a rate that is equal to the Winning Bid Rate
for shares of such series shall be rejected, thus entitling such
Existing Holder to continue to hold the FundPreferred shares subject to
such Submitted Bid, unless the number of Outstanding FundPreferred
shares subject to all such Submitted Bids shall be greater than the
number of FundPreferred shares ("remaining shares") in the excess of
the Available FundPreferred shares of such series over the number of
FundPreferred shares subject to Submitted Bids described in clauses
(ii) and (iii) of this paragraph (a), in which event such Submitted Bid
of such Existing Holder shall be rejected in part, and such Existing
Holder shall be entitled to continue to hold FundPreferred shares
subject to such Submitted Bid, but only in an amount equal to the
number of FundPreferred shares of such series obtained by multiplying
the number of remaining shares by a fraction, the numerator of which
shall be the number of Outstanding FundPreferred shares held by such
Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Bid and the denominator of
which shall be the aggregate number of Outstanding FundPreferred shares
subject to such Submitted Bids made by all such Existing Holders that
specified a rate equal to the Winning Bid Rate for shares of such
series; and
(v) each Potential Holder's Submitted Bid for shares
of such series specifying a rate that is equal to the Winning Bid Rate
for shares of such series shall be accepted but only in an amount equal
to the number of shares of such series obtained by multiplying the
number of shares in the excess of the Available FundPreferred shares of
such series over the number of FundPreferred shares subject to
Submitted Bids described in clauses (ii) through (iv) of this paragraph
(a) by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of
Outstanding FundPreferred shares subject to such Submitted Bid and the
denominator of which shall be the aggregate number of Outstanding
FundPreferred shares subject to such Submitted Bids made by all such
Potential Holders that specified a rate equal to the Winning Bid Rate
for shares of such series.
(b) If Sufficient Clearing Bids for shares of a series of FundPreferred shares have not been made (other than because all of the Outstanding shares of such series are subject to Submitted Hold Orders), subject to the provisions of paragraph (d) of this Section 4, Submitted Orders for shares of such series shall be accepted or rejected as follows in the following order of priority and all other Submitted Bids for shares of such series shall be rejected:
(i) Existing Holders' Submitted Bids for shares of such series specifying any rate that is equal to or lower than the Maximum Rate for shares of such series shall be rejected, thus entitling such Existing Holders to continue to hold the FundPreferred shares subject to such Submitted Bids;
(ii) Potential Holders' Submitted Bids for shares of such series specifying any rate that is equal to or lower than the Maximum Rate for shares of such series shall be accepted; and
(iii) Each Existing Holder's Submitted Bid for shares of such series specifying any rate that is higher than the Maximum Rate for shares of such series and the
Submitted Sell Orders for shares of such series of each Existing Holder shall be accepted, thus entitling each Existing Holder that submitted or on whose behalf was submitted any such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order to sell the shares of such series subject to such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order, but in both cases only in an amount equal to the number of shares of such series obtained by multiplying the number of shares of such series subject to Submitted Bids described in clause (ii) of this paragraph (b) by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of Outstanding shares of such series held by such Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order and the denominator of which shall be the aggregate number of Outstanding shares of such series subject to all such Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders.
(c) If all of the Outstanding shares of a series of FundPreferred shares are subject to Submitted Hold Orders, all Submitted Bids for shares of such series shall be rejected.
(d) If, as a result of the procedures described in clause (iv) or (v) of paragraph (a) or clause (iii) of paragraph (b) of this Section 4, any Existing Holder would be entitled or required to sell, or any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to purchase, a fraction of a share of a series of FundPreferred shares on any Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall, in such manner as it shall determine in its sole discretion, round up or down the number of FundPreferred shares of such series to be purchased or sold by any Existing Holder or Potential Holder on such Auction Date as a result of such procedures so that the number of shares so purchased or sold by each Existing Holder or Potential Holder on such Auction Date shall be whole shares of FundPreferred shares.
(e) If, as a result of the procedures described in clause (v) of paragraph (a) of this Section 4, any Potential Holder would be entitled or required to purchase less than a whole share of a series of FundPreferred shares on any Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall, in such manner as it shall determine in its sole discretion, allocate FundPreferred shares of such series or purchase among Potential Holders so that only whole shares of FundPreferred shares of such series are purchased on such Auction Date as a result of such procedures by any Potential Holder, even if such allocation results in one or more Potential Holders not purchasing FundPreferred shares of such series on such Auction Date.
(f) Based on the results of each Auction for shares of a series of FundPreferred shares, the Auction Agent shall determine the aggregate number of shares of such series to be purchased and the aggregate number of shares of such series to be sold by Potential Holders and Existing Holders and, with respect to each Potential Holder and Existing Holder, to the extent that such aggregate number of shares to be purchased and such aggregate number of shares to be sold differ, determine to which other Potential Holder(s) or Existing Holder(s) they shall deliver, or from which other Potential Holder(s) or Existing Holder(s) they shall receive, as the case may be, FundPreferred shares of such series. Notwithstanding any provision of the Auction Procedures or the Settlement Procedures to the contrary, in the event an Existing Holder or Beneficial Owner of shares of a series of FundPreferred shares with respect to whom a Broker-Dealer submitted a Bid to the Auction Agent for such shares that was accepted in whole or in part, or submitted or is deemed to have submitted a Sell Order for such shares that was accepted in whole or in part, fails to instruct its Agent Member to deliver such shares against payment therefor, partial deliveries of shares of FundPreferred shares that have been made in respect of Potential Holders' or Potential Beneficial Owners' Submitted Bids for shares of such series that have been accepted in whole or in part shall constitute good delivery to such Potential Holders and Potential Beneficial Owners.
(g) Neither the Fund nor the Auction Agent nor any affiliate of either shall have any responsibility or liability with respect to the failure of an Existing Holder, a Potential Holder, a Beneficial Owner, a Potential Beneficial Owner or its respective Agent Member to deliver FundPreferred shares of any series or to pay for FundPreferred shares of any series sold or purchased pursuant to the Auction Procedures or otherwise.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND has caused these presents to be signed on ___________, 2003 in its name and on its behalf by its Vice-President, and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed and attested by its Assistant Secretary. The Fund's Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the said officers of the Fund have executed this Statement as officers and not individually, and the obligations and rights set forth in this Statement are not binding upon any such officers, or the Trustees or shareholders of the Fund, individually, but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund.
NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND
ATTEST:
APPENDIX B
RATINGS OF INVESTMENTS
Standard & Poor's Corporation -- A brief description of the applicable Standard & Poor's Corporation, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies ("Standard & Poor's" or "S&P"), rating symbols and their meanings (as published by S&P) follows:
A Standard & Poor's issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation. The issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.
Issue credit ratings are based on current information furnished by the obligors or obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any credit rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. Credit ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or based on other circumstances.
Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days - including commercial paper.
Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term ratings address the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.
LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS
Issue credit ratings are based in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
1. Likelihood of payment - capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;
2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation; and
3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights. The issue ratings definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above.
AAA An obligation rated 'AAA' has the highest rating
assigned by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity
to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated 'AA' differs from the
highest-rated obligations only in small degree. The
obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation is very strong.
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A An obligation rated 'A' is somewhat more susceptible
to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances
and economic conditions than obligations in
higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's
capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is still strong.
BBB An obligation rated 'BBB' exhibits adequate
protection parameters. However, adverse economic
conditions or changing circumstances are more likely
to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet
its financial commitment on the obligation.
BB, B, CCC, Obligations rated 'BB', 'B', 'CCC', 'CC', and 'C' are
CC, And C regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics. 'BB' indicates the least degree of
speculation and 'C' the highest. While such
obligations will likely have some quality and
protective characteristics, these may be outweighed
by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
BB An obligation rated 'BB' is less vulnerable to
nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it
faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions,
which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity
to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B An obligation rated 'B' is more vulnerable to
nonpayment than obligations rated 'BB', but the
obligor currently has the capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will
likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness
to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC An obligation rated 'CCC' is currently vulnerable to
nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business,
financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to
meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In
the event of adverse business, financial, or economic
conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the
capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
CC An obligation rated 'CC' is currently highly
vulnerable to nonpayment.
C The 'C' rating may be used to cover a situation where
a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar
action has been taken, but payments on this
obligation are being continued.
D An obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The
'D' rating category is used when payments on an
obligation are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless
Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be
made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also
will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition
or the taking of a similar action if payments on an
obligation are jeopardized.
Plus (+) or minus (-). The ratings from 'AA' to 'CCC'
may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus
sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
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C The 'c' subscript is used to provide additional
information to investors that the bank may terminate
its obligation to purchase tendered bonds if the
long-term credit rating of the issuer is below an
investment-grade level and/or the issuer's bonds are
deemed taxable.
p The letter 'p' indicates that the rating is
provisional. A provisional rating assumes the
successful completion of the project financed by the
debt being rated and indicates that payment of debt
service requirements is largely or entirely dependent
upon the successful, timely completion of the
project. This rating, however, while addressing
credit quality subsequent to completion of the
project, makes no comment on the likelihood of or the
risk of default upon failure of such completion. The
investor should exercise his own judgment with
respect to such likelihood and risk.
Continuance of the ratings is contingent upon
Standard & Poor's receipt of an executed copy of the
escrow agreement or closing documentation confirming
investments and cash flows.
r The 'r' highlights derivative, hybrid, and certain
other obligations that Standard & Poor's believes may
experience high volatility or high variability in
expected returns as a result of noncredit risks.
Examples of such obligations are securities with
principal or interest return indexed to equities,
commodities, or currencies; certain swaps and
options; and interest-only and principal-only
mortgage securities. The absence of an 'r' symbol
should not be taken as an indication that an
obligation will exhibit no volatility or variability
in total return.
N.R. Not rated.
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Debt obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories are rated on the same basis as domestic corporate and municipal issues. The ratings measure the creditworthiness of the obligor but do not take into account currency exchange and related uncertainties.
BOND INVESTMENT QUALITY STANDARDS
Under present commercial bank regulations issued by the Comptroller of the Currency, bonds rated in the top four categories ('AAA', 'AA', 'A', 'BBB', commonly known as investment-grade ratings) generally are regarded as eligible for bank investment. Also, the laws of various states governing legal investments impose certain rating or other standards for obligations eligible for investment by savings banks, trust companies, insurance companies, and fiduciaries in general.
SHORT-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS
NOTES
A Standard & Poor's note ratings reflects the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment:
- Amortization schedule -- the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and
- Source of payment -- the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An
issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to
pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest,
with some vulnerability to adverse financial and
economic changes over the term of the notes.
SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
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A note rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a security inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The ratings are based on current information furnished to S&P by the issuer or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable. S&P does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information or based on other circumstances.
COMMERCIAL PAPER
An S&P commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. Ratings are graded into several categories, ranging from 'A-1' for the highest quality obligations to 'D' for the lowest. These categories are as follows:
A-1 A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the
highest category by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's
capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is strong. Within this category, certain
obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This
indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its
financial commitment on these obligations is
extremely strong.
A-2 A short-term obligation rated 'A-2' is somewhat more
susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than
obligations in higher rating categories. However, the
obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3 A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate
protection parameters. However, adverse economic
conditions or changing circumstances are more likely
to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet
its financial commitment on the obligation.
B A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as
having significant speculative characteristics. The
obligor currently has the capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation; however, it
faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to
the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation.
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C A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently
vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon
favorable business, financial, and economic
conditions for the obligor to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.
D A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in payment
default. The 'D' rating category is used when
payments on an obligation are not made on the date
due even if the applicable grace period has not
expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such
payments will be made during such grace period. The
'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a
bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action
if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
A commercial rating is not a recommendation to
purchase, sell, or hold a security inasmuch as it
does not comment as to market price or suitability
for a particular investor. The ratings are based on
current information furnished to S&P by the issuer or
obtained by S&P from other sources it considers
reliable. S&P does not perform an audit in connection
with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on
unaudited financial information. The ratings may be
changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of
changes in or unavailability of such information or
based on other circumstances.
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. -- A brief
description of the applicable Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") rating symbols and their
meanings (as published by Moody's) follows:
MUNICIPAL BONDS
Aaa Bonds which are rated 'Aaa' are judged to be of the
best quality. They carry the smallest degree of
investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or
by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is
secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized
are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong
position of such issues.
Aa Bonds which are rated 'Aa' are judged to be of high
quality by all standards. Together with the 'Aaa'
group they comprise what are generally known as high
grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds
because margins of protection may not be as large as
in 'Aaa' securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be
other elements present which make the long-term risks
appear somewhat larger than in 'Aaa' securities.
A Bonds which are rated 'A' possess many favorable
investment attributes and are to be considered as
upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered
adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a
susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
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Baa Bonds which are rated 'Baa' are considered as medium
grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly
protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and
principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be
characteristically unreliable over any great length of
time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative
characteristics as well.
Ba Bonds which are rated 'Ba' are judged to have
speculative elements; their future cannot be
considered as well assured. Often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate
and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and
bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B Bonds which are rated 'B' generally lack
characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance
of interest and principal payments or of maintenance
of other terms of the contract over any long period of
time may be small.
Caa Bonds which are rated 'Caa' are of poor standing. Such
issues may be in default or there may be present
elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca Bonds which are rated 'Ca' represent obligations which
are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are
often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C Bonds which are rated 'C' are the lowest rated class
of bonds, and issues so rated can be regarded as
having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
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#(hatchmark): Represents issues that are secured by escrowed funds held in cash, held in trust, invested and reinvested in direct, non-callable, non-prepayable United States government obligations or non-callable, non-prepayable obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the U.S. Government, Resolution Funding Corporation debt obligations.
Con. (...): Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of some act or the fulfillment of some condition are rated conditionally. These are bonds secured by (a) earnings of projects under construction, (b) earnings of projects unseasoned in operation experience, (c) rentals which begin when facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition attaches. The parenthetical rating denotes probable credit stature upon completion of construction or elimination of the basis of the condition.
(P): When applied to forward delivery bonds, indicates the rating is provisional pending delivery of the bonds. The rating may be revised prior to delivery if changes occur in the legal documents or the underlying credit quality of the bonds.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the issue ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.
SHORT-TERM LOANS
MIG 1/VMIG 1 This designation denotes superior credit
quality. Excellent protection is afforded by
established cash flows, highly reliable
liquidity support, or demonstrated
broad-based access to the market for
refinancing.
MIG 2/VMIG 2 This designation denotes strong credit
quality. Margins of protection are ample,
although not as large as in the preceding
group.
MIG 3/VMIG 3 This designation denotes acceptable credit
quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection
may be narrow, and market access for
refinancing is likely to be less
well-established.
SG This designation denotes speculative-grade
credit quality. Debt instruments in this
category may lack sufficient margins of
protection.
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COMMERCIAL PAPER
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will normally be evidenced by the following characteristics:
-- Leading market positions in well-established industries.
-- High rates of return on funds employed.
-- Conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection.
-- Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation.
-- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation than is the case for Prime-2 securities. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market composition may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and the requirement for relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
Fitch Ratings -- A brief description of the applicable Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") ratings symbols and meanings (as published by Fitch) follows:
LONG-TERM CREDIT RATINGS
INVESTMENT GRADE
AAA Highest credit quality. 'AAA' ratings denote the
lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned
only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for
timely payment of financial commitments. This
capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected
by foreseeable events.
AA Very high credit quality. 'AA' ratings denote a very
low expectation of credit risk. They indicate very
strong capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments. This capacity is not significantly
vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A High credit quality. 'A' ratings denote a low
expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely
payment of financial commitments is considered
strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more
vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic
conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that
there is currently a low expectation of credit risk.
The capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments is considered adequate, but adverse
changes in circumstances and in economic conditions
are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the
lowest investment-grade category.
SPECULATIVE GRADE
BB Speculative. 'BB' ratings indicate that there is a
possibility of credit risk developing, particularly
as the result of adverse economic change over time;
however, business or financial alternatives may be
available to allow financial commitments to be met.
Securities rated in this category are not investment
grade.
B Highly speculative. 'B' ratings indicate that
significant credit risk is present, but a limited
margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are
currently being met; however, capacity for continued
payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable
business and economic environment.
CCC, CC, C High default risk. Default is a real possibility.
Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely
reliant upon sustained, favorable business or
economic developments. A 'CC' rating indicates that
default of some kind appears probable. 'C' ratings
signal imminent default.
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DDD, DD, and The ratings of obligations in this category are based
D Default on their prospects for achieving partial or full
recovery in a reorganization or liquidation of the
obligor. While expected recovery values are highly
speculative and cannot be estimated with any
precision, the following serve as general guidelines.
'DDD' obligations have the highest potential for
recovery, around 90%-100% of outstanding amounts and
accrued interest. 'DD' indicates potential recoveries
in the range of 50%-90%, and 'D' the lowest recovery
potential, i.e., below 50%. Entities rated in this
category have defaulted on some or all of their
obligations. Entities rated 'DDD' have the highest
prospect for resumption of performance or continued
operation with or without a formal reorganization
process. Entities rated 'DD' and 'D' are generally
undergoing a formal reorganization or liquidation
process; those rated 'DD' are likely to satisfy a
higher portion of their outstanding obligations,
while entities rated 'D' have a poor prospect for
repaying all obligations.
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SHORT-TERM CREDIT RATINGS
A short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 12 months for most obligations, or up to three years for U.S. public finance securities, and thus places greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.
F1 Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest
capacity for timely payment of financial commitments;
may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally
strong credit feature.
F2 Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for
timely payment of financial commitments, but the
margin of safety is not as great as in the case of
the higher ratings.
F3 Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment
of financial commitments is adequate; however,
near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction
to non-investment grade. B Speculative. Minimal
capacity for timely payment of financial commitments,
plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in
financial and economic conditions.
B Speculative Minimal capacity for timely payment of
financial commitments, plus vulnerability to
near-term adverse changes in financial and economic
conditions.
C High default risk. Default is a real possibility.
Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely
reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and
economic environment.
D Default. Denotes actual or imminent payment default.
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Notes to Long-term and Short-term ratings:
"+" or "-" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the 'AAA' Long-term rating category, to categories below 'CCC', or to Short-term ratings other than 'F1'.
'NR' indicates that Fitch Ratings does not rate the issuer or issue in question.
'Withdrawn': A rating is withdrawn when Fitch Ratings deems the amount of information available to be inadequate for rating purposes, or when an obligation matures, is called, or refinanced.
'Rating Watch': Ratings are placed on Rating Watch to notify investors that there is a reasonable probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such change. These are designated as "Positive", indicating a potential upgrade, "Negative", for a potential downgrade, or "Evolving", if ratings may be raised, lowered or maintained. Rating Watch is typically resolved over a relatively short period.
A Rating Outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one to two year period. Outlooks may be positive, stable, or negative. A positive or negative Rating Outlook does not imply a rating change is inevitable. Similarly, ratings for which outlooks are `stable' could be downgraded before an outlook moves to positive or negative if circumstances warrant such an action. Occasionally, Fitch Ratings may be unable to identify the fundamental trend. In these cases, the Rating Outlook may be described as evolving.
Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
, 2003
PART C - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 24: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, March 3, 2003 (audited)
Statement of Operations from January 27, 2003 (date of organization) through March 3, 2003 (audited)
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, April 21, 2003
(unaudited)
Statement of Operations from March 26, 2003 (commencement of operations) through April 21, 2003 (unaudited)
Statement of Changes in Net Assets from March 26, 2003
(commencement of operations) through April 21, 2003 (unaudited)
Portfolio of Investments April 21, 2003 (unaudited)
2. EXHIBITS:
a.1 Declaration of Trust dated January 27, 2003. Filed on January 31, 2003 as Exhibit a to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
a.2 Form of Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of FundPreferred shares. Filed herewith as Appendix A to the Statement of Additional Information contained herein.
b. By-laws of Registrant. Filed on January 31, 2003 as Exhibit b to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
c. None.
d. Form of Share Certificate.
e. Terms and Conditions of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Filed on February 12, 2003 as Exhibit e to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
f. None.
g.1 Investment Management Agreement between Registrant
and Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. dated
February 20, 2003. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit
g.1 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File
No. 333- 102903) and incorporated herein by
reference.*
g.2 Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. and Spectrum Asset Management, Inc. dated March 14, 2003. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit g.2 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
g.3 Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. and Froley, Revy Investment Co., Inc. dated March 14, 2003. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit g.3 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
h.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement.
h.2 Form of Salomon Smith Barney Inc. Master Selected Dealer Agreement.
h.3 Form of Master Agreement Among Underwriters.
i. Nuveen Open-End and Closed-End Funds Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Directors and Trustees. Filed on February 12, 2003 as Exhibit i to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
j. Master Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank & Trust Company dated August 19, 2002. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit j to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
k.1 Shareholder Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank & Trust Company dated October 7, 2002. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit k.1 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
k.2 Expense Reimbursement Agreement between Registrant
and Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. dated
February 20, 2003. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit
k.2 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File
No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by
reference.*
k.3 Form of Auction Agency Agreement.
k.4 Form of Broker-Dealer Agreement.
k.5 Form of DTC Representations Letter.
l.1 Opinion and consent of Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz.
l.2 Opinion and consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP.
m. None.
n. Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
o. None.
p. Subscription Agreement of Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. dated March 3, 2003. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit p to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
q. None.
r.1 Code of Ethics of Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.
Filed on February 12, 2003 as Exhibit r.1 to
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No.
333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
r.2 Code of Ethics of Spectrum Asset Management, Inc. Filed on February 12, 2003 as Exhibit r.2 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No.
333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
r.3 Code of Ethics of Froley, Revy Investment Co., Inc. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit r.3 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No.
333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
s. Powers of Attorney filed on April 14, 2003 as Exhibit s to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
* Previously filed.
ITEM 25: MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS
Sections 2, 3 and 5(n) of the Form of Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit h.1 to this Registration Statement.
See the Introductory Paragraph and Sections 2 and 3(d) of the Form of Salomon Smith Barney Inc. Master Selected Dealer Agreement filed as Exhibit h.2 to this Registration Statement.
See Introductory Paragraph and Sections 1.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4-3.8, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1-5.4, 6.1, 10.9 and 10.10 of the Form of Master Agreement Among Underwriters filed as Exhibit h.3 to this Registration Statement.
ITEM 26: OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
Securities and Exchange Commission fees................. $ 57,277
Printing and engraving expenses......................... 55,000
Legal fees.............................................. 60,000
Accounting expenses..................................... 6,500
Rating Agency fees...................................... 424,800
Miscellaneous expenses.................................. 7,423
----------
Total................................................... $ 611,000
==========
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ITEM 27: PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
Not applicable.
ITEM 28: NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
At March 25, 2003.
TITLE OF CLASS NUMBER OF RECORD HOLDERS
------------------------------------------ ------------------------
COMMON SHARES, $0.01 par value........... 1
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ITEM 29: INDEMNIFICATION
Section 4 of Article XII of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust provides as follows:
Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in this Section 4, every person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust, including persons who serve at the request of the Trust as directors, trustees, officers, employees or agents of another organization in which the Trust has an interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a "Covered Person"), shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been such a Trustee, director, officer, employee or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof.
No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person:
(a) against any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of a final adjudication by the court or other body before which the proceeding was brought that he engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office;
(b) with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been finally adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interests of the Trust; or
(c) in the event of a settlement or other disposition not involving a final adjudication (as provided in paragraph (a) or (b)) and resulting in a payment by a Covered Person, unless there has been either a determination that such Covered Person did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office by the court or other body approving the settlement or other disposition or a reasonable determination, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that he did not engage in such conduct:
(i) by a vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter); or
(ii) by written opinion of independent legal counsel.
The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such a Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which Trust personnel other than Covered Persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.
Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim,
action, suit or proceeding subject to a claim for indemnification under this
Section 4 shall be advanced by the Trust prior to final disposition thereof upon
receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient to repay such amount
if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under
this Section 4, provided that either:
(a) such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or some other appropriate security or the Trust shall be insured against losses arising out of any such advances; or
(b) a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter) or independent legal counsel in a written opinion shall determine, based upon a review of the readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the recipient ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
As used in this Section 4, a "Disinterested Trustee" is one (x) who is not an Interested Person of the Trust (including anyone, as such Disinterested Trustee, who has been exempted from being an Interested Person by any rule, regulation or order of the Commission), and (y) against whom none of such actions, suits or other proceedings or another action, suit or other proceeding on the same or similar grounds is then or has been pending.
As used in this Section 4, the words "claim," "action," "suit" or "proceeding" shall apply to all claims, actions, suits, proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative or other, including appeals), actual or threatened; and the words "liability" and "expenses" shall include without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
The trustees and officers of the Registrant are covered by Investment Trust Directors and Officers and Errors and Omission policies in the aggregate amount of $50,000,000 against liability and expenses of claims of wrongful acts arising out of their position with the Registrant, except for matters which involve willful acts, bad faith, gross negligence and willful disregard of duty (i.e., where the insured did not act in good faith for a purpose he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interest of Registrant or where he or she had reasonable cause to believe this conduct was unlawful). The policy has a $500,000 deductible, which does not apply to individual trustees or officers.
Section 8 of the Form of Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit h.1 to this Registration Statement provides for each of the parties thereto, including the Registrant and the Underwriters, to indemnify the others, their trustees, directors, certain of their officers, trustees, directors and persons who control them against certain liabilities in connection with the offering described herein, including liabilities under the federal securities laws.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 30: BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. ("NIAC") serves as investment adviser to the following open-end and closed-end management type investment companies: Nuveen Investment Trust, Nuveen Investment Trust II, Nuveen Investment Trust III, Nuveen Floating Rate Fund, Nuveen Senior Income Fund, Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio, Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 2, Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income, Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio, Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund, Nuveen Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio 3, Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund, Nuveen
Quality Preferred Income Fund 2, Nuveen Quality Preferred Income Fund 3 and Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund.
NIAC has no other clients or business at the present time. For a description of other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which any director or officer of the investment adviser who serve as officers or Trustees of the Registrant has engaged during the last two years for his or her account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee, see the descriptions under "Management of the Fund" in Part B of this Registration Statement. Such information for the remaining senior officers of NIAC appears below:
OTHER BUSINESS PROFESSION, VOCATION OR EMPLOYMENT
NAME AND POSITION WITH NIAC DURING PAST TWO YEARS
-------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
John P. Amboian, President.............................. President, formerly Executive Vice President of Nuveen
Investments, Inc., Nuveen Investments, LLC, Nuveen
Advisory Corp., Nuveen Asset Management, Inc. and
Nuveen Senior Loan Asset Management, Inc. and Executive
Vice President and Director of Rittenhouse Financial
Services, Inc.
Alan G. Berkshire, Senior Vice President, Senior Vice President and General Counsel (since 1997)
Secretary and General Counsel........................... and Secretary (since 1998) of Nuveen Investments, Inc.,
Nuveen Investments, LLC, and Nuveen Advisory Corp.,
Senior Vice President and Secretary (since 1999) of
Nuveen Senior Loan Asset Management Inc., prior thereto,
Partner in the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis.
Margaret E. Wilson, Senior Vice President, Senior Vice President, Finance of Nuveen Investments,
Finance................................................. Inc., Nuveen Investments, LLC and Nuveen Advisory Corp.
and Senior Vice President and Controller of Nuveen
Senior Loan Asset Management, Inc.; formerly CFO of
Sara Lee Corp., Bakery Division.
Deepak Gulrajani, Managing Director..................... Director, Fixed Income Strategies and a Principal of
Symphony Asset Management, LLC ("Symphony"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc.
Prior to joining Symphony, Mr. Gulrajani was the
Director of Fixed Income Strategies at Barclays Global
Investors.
Gunther Stein, Vice President........................... Lead portfolio manager for high yield strategies at
Symphony since 1999. Prior to joining Symphony, Mr.
Stein was a High Yield Portfolio Manager at Wells Fargo.
Lenny Mason, Vice President............................. High yield portfolio manager at Symphony. Prior to
joining Symphony, Mr. Mason was a Managing Director in
FleetBoston's Technology & Communications Group.
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The address of Symphony Asset Management, LLC is 555 California Street, Suite 2975, San Francisco, CA 94104.
Spectrum Asset Management, Inc. ("Spectrum") serves as an investment adviser to a non-U.S. fund and offers separate account management for certain institutions and high net worth individuals. Spectrum also is a registered broker-dealer. See "Management of the Fund" in Part B of the Registration Statement.
Set forth below is a list of each director and officer of Spectrum, indicating each business profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which such person has been, at any time during the past two fiscal years, engaged for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, partner or trustee.
OTHER BUSINESS PROFESSION, VOCATION OR EMPLOYMENT
NAME AND POSITION WITH SPECTRUM DURING PAST TWO FISCAL YEARS
-------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
Fernando Diaz, Vice President........................... --
Nancy K. Dray, Legal and Compliance Officer............. --
Ralph C. Eucher, Director............................... President of Princor Financial Services Corporation
since May 1999. Senior Vice President of Principal Life
Insurance Company since August 2002.
Richard W. Hibbs, Director.............................. Executive Vice President Marketing for Principal Global
Investors since September 1998.
Timothy Howald, Director................................ Chief Financial Officer of Principal Global Investors
since November 1998. Vice President of Principal Life
Insurance Company since November 1998.
Patrick G. Hurley, Senior Vice President
and Chief Information Officer........................... --
L. Philip Jacoby, IV, Senior Vice
President and Portfolio Manager......................... --
Mark A. Lieb, Executive Director and
Chief Financial Officer................................. --
Jim McCaughan, Director................................. Global Head of Asset Management for Principal Global
Investors since April 2002. Executive Vice President
of Principal Life Insurance Company since April 2002.
Senior Vice President of Principal Financial Group,
Inc. since April 2002. Previously Chief Executive
Officer of Credit Suisse Asset Management Americas.
Jean M. Orlando, Vice President and
Controller.............................................. --
Gloria Reeg, Director................................... Global Head of Fixed Income for Principal Global
Investors since February 2002. Vice President of
Principal Life Insurance Company since February 2002.
Previously the Managing Director of Global Consulting
for Frank Russell Company.
Bernard M. Sussman, Executive Director
and Chief Investment Officer............................ --
Albano Tunnera, Assistant Vice President
and Operations Manager.................................. --
Joseph J. Urciuoli, Vice President and
Director of Research.................................... --
|
Froley, Revy Investment Co., Inc. ("Froley, Revy") serves as a subadviser to one other fund and offers separate account management services to institutions and high net worth individuals. See "Management of the Fund" in
Part B of the Registration Statement.
Set forth below is a list of each director and officer of Froley, Revy, indicating each business profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which such person has been, at any time during the past two fiscal years, engaged for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, partner or trustee.
OTHER BUSINESS PROFESSION, VOCATION OR EMPLOYMENT
NAME AND POSITION WITH FROLEY, REVY DURING PAST TWO FISCAL YEARS
----------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
George A. Froley, III, Director, Chairman and
Managing Director.......................................... --
Jim Herbert, Director...................................... President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of
First Republic Bank
Katherine Auguste-DeWilde, Director........................ Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President and
Director of First Republic Bank
Ed Dobranski, Director..................................... Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of
First Republic Bank
Melinda Gorden, Director and Managing Director............. --
K. Andrea O'Connell, Director, President, Chief
Executive Officer, Managing Director and
Assistant Secretary........................................ --
Michael Revy, Managing Director and Senior Vice President.. Director, Staub Holding. Private banker with Wechsler
& Co., Inc. until 2002.
James Barry, Managing Director and Senior
Vice President............................................. --
Ravi Malik, Managing Director and Senior Vice President.... --
Warren Chun, First Vice President.......................... --
Mike Opre, Vice President.................................. --
Monica Erickson, Vice President............................ --
Steve Wachtel, Vice President.............................. --
David Epstein, Vice President.............................. --
Kim Nicholas, Vice President,
Assistant Secretary and Chief Financial Officer/
Controller................................................. --
Melissa Shanahan, Vice President........................... --
John Padden, Vice President................................ --
Ed Hackney, Vice President................................. --
Lily Yu, First Vice President.............................. --
Ted Heigel, Vice President................................. --
Ann Houlihan, Secretary.................................... --
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ITEM 31: LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp., 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, maintains the Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, minutes of trustees and shareholders meetings and contracts of the Registrant and all advisory material of the investment adviser.
Spectrum Asset Management, Inc., 4 High Ridge Park, Stamford, CT 06905, maintains certain advisory material of the subadviser.
Froley, Revy Investment Co., Inc., 10900 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90024, maintains certain of its advisory material.
State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, maintains all general and subsidiary ledgers, journals, trial balances, records of all portfolio purchases and sales, and all other required records not maintained by Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.
ITEM 32: MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Not applicable.
ITEM 33: UNDERTAKINGS
1. Registrant undertakes to suspend the offering of its shares until it
amends its Prospectus if (1) subsequent to the effective date of its
Registration Statement, the net asset value declines more than 10 percent from
its net asset value as of the effective date of the Registration Statement, or
(2) the net asset value increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as
stated in the Prospectus.
2. Not applicable.
3. Not applicable.
4. Not applicable.
5. The Registrant undertakes that:
a. For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of Prospectus filed as part of a registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of Prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of the Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
b. For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of Prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
6. The Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery, within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any Statement of Additional Information.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in this City of Chicago, and State of Illinois, on the 6th day of May, 2003.
NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND
/s/ Jessica R. Droeger ------------------------------------------------ Jessica R. Droeger, Vice President and Secretary |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------- --------------
/s/ Gifford R. Zimmerman Chief Administrative Officer May 6, 2003
---------------------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
Gifford R. Zimmerman
/s/ Stephen D. Foy Vice President and Controller May 6, 2003
---------------------------------------- (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Stephen D. Foy
Timothy R. Schwertfeger* Chairman of the Board and Trustee
James E. Bacon* Trustee
William E. Bennett* Trustee
Jack B. Evans* Trustee
William L. Kissick* Trustee
Thomas E. Leafstrand* Trustee
Sheila W. Wellington* Trustee
By: /s/ Jessica R. Droeger
----------------------------------------
Jessica R. Droeger
Attorney-In-Fact
May 6, 2003
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* Original powers of attorney authorizing Jessica R. Droeger and Gifford R. Zimmerman, among others, to execute this Registration Statement, and Amendments thereto, for each of the trustees of the Registrant on whose behalf this Registration Statement is filed, have been executed and filed on April 14, 2003 as Exhibits to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and are incorporated herein by reference.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
a.1 Declaration of Trust dated January 27, 2003. Filed on January 31, 2003 as Exhibit a to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
a.2 Form of Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of FundPreferred shares. Filed herewith as Appendix A to the Statement of Additional Information contained herein.
b. By-laws of Registrant. Filed on January 31, 2003 as Exhibit b to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
c. None.
d. Form of Share Certificate.
e. Terms and Conditions of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Filed on February 12, 2003 as Exhibit e to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
f. None.
g.1 Investment Management Agreement between Registrant
and Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. dated
February 20, 2003. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit
g.1 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File
No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by
reference.*
g.2 Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. and Spectrum Asset Management, Inc. dated March 14, 2003. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit g.2 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
g.3 Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. and Froley, Revy Investment Co., Inc. dated March 14, 2003. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit g.3 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
h.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement.
h.2 Form of Salomon Smith Barney Inc. Master Selected Dealer Agreement.
h.3 Form of Master Agreement Among Underwriters.
i. Nuveen Open-End and Closed-End Funds Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Directors and Trustees. Filed on February 12, 2003 as Exhibit i to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
j. Master Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank & Trust Company dated August 19, 2002. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit j to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
k.1 Shareholder Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank & Trust Company dated October 7, 2002. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit k.1 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
k.2 Expense Reimbursement Agreement between Registrant
and Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. dated
February 20, 2003. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit
k.2 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File
No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by
reference.*
k.3 Form of Auction Agency Agreement.
k.4 Form of Broker-Dealer Agreement.
k.5 Form of DTC Representations Letter.
l.1 Opinion and consent of Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz.
l.2 Opinion and consent of Bingham McCutchen LLP.
m. None.
n. Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
o. None.
p. Subscription Agreement of Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. dated March 3, 2003. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit p to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
q. None.
r.1 Code of Ethics of Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.
Filed on February 12, 2003 as Exhibit r.1 to
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No.
333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
r.2 Code of Ethics of Spectrum Asset Management, Inc. Filed on February 12, 2003 as Exhibit r.2 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No.
333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
r.3 Code of Ethics of Froley, Revy Investment Co., Inc. Filed on March 25, 2003 as Exhibit r.3 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
s. Powers of Attorney filed on April 14, 2003 as Exhibit s to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 to the (File No. 333-102903) and incorporated herein by reference.*
* Previously filed.
EXHIBIT d.
CERTIFICATE NUMBER OF
NUMBER SHARES
NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND
Organized Under the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts FundPreferred shares, Series __ $.01 Par Value Per Share $________ Liquidation Preference Per Share
Cusip No. [ ]
This Certifies that _________________________________________________ is the owner of _(____)_ fully paid and non-assessable shares of beneficial interest of FundPreferred shares, Series ______, $.01 par value per share, $ _______ liquidation preference per share, of Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund (the "Fund") transferable only on the books of the Fund by the holder thereof in person or by duly authorized Attorney upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. This Certificate is not valid unless countersigned by the transfer agent and registrar.
A statement in full, of all the designations, preferences, qualifications, limitations, restrictions and special or relative rights of the shares of beneficial interest of each class authorized to be issued, will be furnished by the Fund to any shareholders upon request and without charge. The Fund is organized as a Massachusetts business trust.
This Certificate is executed on behalf of the Fund by the officers as officers and not individually and the obligations hereof are not binding upon any of the trustees, officers, or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund has caused this Certificate to be signed by its duly authorized officers this _____ day of _________ A.D. 20___.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
As Transfer Agent and Registrar NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE
INCOME FUND
By: By:
---------------------------- --------------------------
Authorized Signature Vice President
Attest:
-----------------------
Assistant Secretary
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FOR VALUE RECEIVED, _____ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto _______________ _____________ Shares of beneficial interest represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ____________ Attorney to transfer the said Shares on the books of the within named Fund with full power of substitution in the premises. Dated _____________, ______
FundPreferred shares evidenced by this Certificate may be sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of only pursuant to the provisions of the Fund's Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of such Shares, copies of which will be furnished by the Fund to any shareholders upon request and without charge.
The Fund will furnish to any shareholder, upon request and without charge, a full statement of the designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights of the shares of each class or series of the Fund authorized to be issued, so far as they have been determined, and the authority of the Board of Trustees to determine the relative rights and preferences of subsequent classes or series. Any such request should be addressed to the Secretary of the Fund.
EXHIBIT h.1
FundPreferred(TM) shares
NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND
4,720 Shares, Series M
4,720 Shares, Series T
4,720 Shares, Series W
4,720 Shares, Series TH
4,720 Shares, Series F
4,720 Shares, Series F2
Liquidation Preference $25,000 Per Share
May ____, 2003
CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.
NUVEEN INVESTMENTS, LLC
A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC.
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
WACHOVIA SECURITIES, INC.
c/o Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
|
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Fund"), proposes, upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, to issue and sell an aggregate of 4,720 shares of its Series M, 4,720 shares of its Series T, 4,720 shares of its Series W, 4,720 shares of its Series TH, 4,720 shares of its Series F and 4,720 shares of its Series F2 of its FundPreferred(TM) shares (collectively, the "FundPreferred shares"), par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share (the shares of FundPreferred shares to be sold hereby are referred to herein, collectively, as the "Shares"). The Shares will be authorized by, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of FundPreferred shares (the "Statement") in the form filed as an exhibit to the registration statement referred to in Section 1 of this Underwriting Agreement (the "Agreement"). Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp., a Delaware corporation (the "Investment Adviser"), is the Fund's investment adviser. The Fund's Subadvisers are Spectrum Asset Management, Inc., a Connecticut corporation ("Spectrum"), and Froley, Revy Investment Co., Inc., a California corporation ("Froley, Revy" and, together with Spectrum, the "Subadvisers" and, together with the Investment Adviser, the "Advisers"). This is to confirm the agreement
concerning the purchase of the Shares from the Fund by Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (the "Representative") Nuveen Investments, LLC, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., Prudential Securities Incorporated and Wachovia Securities, Inc. (each an "Underwriter", and together with the Representative, the "Underwriters"). We understand that the Representative has been duly authorized by each of the Underwriters to execute this Agreement on behalf of such Underwriters and has been duly authorized to act hereunder on behalf of each of the Underwriters.
The Fund has entered into an investment management agreement with the Investment Adviser dated February 20, 2003, a Master Custodian Agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company dated as of August 19, 2002 and effective as of March 31, 2003, and a Shareholder Transfer Agency and Service Agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company dated October 7, 2002 and effective March 26, 2003, and an Auction Agency Request and Acceptance Letter, dated ________, 2003, incorporating the Nuveen Auction Agency Agreement - Basic Terms for Acting as Auction Agent dated August 22, 2002 with The Bank of New York to be dated as of the Closing Date and substantially in the form as filed with the Registration Statement. Such agreements are hereinafter referred to as the "Investment Management Agreement", the "Custodian Agreement", the "Transfer Agency Agreement" and the "Auction Agency Agreement", respectively. The Investment Adviser has entered into an investment sub-advisory agreement with Spectrum dated March 14, 2003 and an investment sub-advisory agreement with Froley, Revy dated March 14, 2003, and such agreements are hereinafter referred to individually as the "Spectrum Sub-Advisory Agreement" and the "Froley, Revy Sub-Advisory Agreement", respectively, and collectively as the "Sub-Advisory Agreements". The Investment Management Agreement, the Custodian Agreement, the Transfer Agency Agreement and the Auction Agency Agreement are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Fund Agreements".
1. Registration Statement and Prospectus. The Fund has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated under the 1933 Act (the "1933 Act Rules and Regulations") and the 1940 Act (the "1940 Act Rules and Regulations" and, together with the 1933 Act Rules and Regulations, the "Rules and Regulations"), a registration statement on Form N-2 under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act (the "registration statement"), including a prospectus (including any statement of additional information) relating to the Shares. The Fund also has filed a notification of registration of the Fund as an investment company under the 1940 Act on Form N-8A (the "1940 Act Notification"). The term "Registration Statement" as used in this Agreement means the registration statement (including all financial schedules and exhibits), as amended at the time it becomes effective under the 1933 Act, or, if the registration statement became effective under the 1933 Act prior to the execution of this Agreement, as amended or supplemented at the time it became effective, prior to the execution of this Agreement, and includes any information deemed to be included by Rule 430A under the 1933 Act Rules and Regulations. If it is contemplated, at the time this Agreement is executed, that a post-effective amendment to the registration statement will be filed under the 1933 Act and must be declared effective before the offering of the Shares may commence, the term "Registration Statement" as used in this Agreement means the registration statement as amended by said post-effective amendment. If the Fund has filed either (i) an abbreviated registration statement to register an additional amount of Shares
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the 1933 Act (the "Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement") or (ii) a post-effective amendment solely to add exhibits to the
Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the 1933 Act (the "Rule
462(d) Registration Statement"), then any reference herein to the term
"Registration Statement" shall include such Rule 462(b) Registration Statement
and/or Rule 462(d) Registration Statement, as applicable. The term "Prospectus"
as used in this Agreement means the prospectus and statement of additional
information in the forms included in the Registration Statement or, if the
prospectus or statement of additional information included in the Registration
Statement omits information in reliance on Rule 430A under the 1933 Act, all
references to the Prospectus shall be deemed to include, without limitation, the
prospectus, the statement of additional information and the term sheet, taken
together, provided to the Underwriters by the Fund in reliance on Rule 434 under
the 1933 Act and filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 497(h) under the
1933 Act. The term "Prepricing Prospectus" as used in this Agreement means the
prospectus (including the statement of additional information) subject to
completion in the form included in the Registration Statement at the time of the
initial filing of the Registration Statement with the Commission and as such
prospectus (including the statement of additional information) shall have been
amended from time to time prior to the date of the Prospectus, together with any
other prospectus (including any other statement of additional information)
relating to the Fund other than the Prospectus approved in writing by or
directly or indirectly prepared by the Fund or the Advisers; it being understood
that the definition of Prepricing Prospectus above shall not include any
Prepricing Prospectus prepared by the Underwriters unless approved in writing by
the Fund or Advisers.
The Fund has furnished the Representative with copies of such Registration Statement, each amendment to such Registration Statement filed with the Commission and each Prepricing Prospectus.
2. Agreements to Sell and Purchase. The Fund hereby agrees, subject to all the terms and conditions set forth herein, to issue and sell to the Underwriters, and, upon the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements of the Fund and the Advisers herein contained and subject to all the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Fund, at a purchase price of $_____ per Share, the number of Series M Shares, Series T Shares, Series W Shares, Series TH Shares, Series F and Series F2 Shares set forth opposite the name of each such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto.
3. Terms of Public Offering. The Fund and the Advisers have been advised by the Underwriters that the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of the Shares as soon after the Registration Statement and this Agreement have become effective as in the Underwriters' judgment is advisable and initially to offer the Shares upon the terms set forth in the Prospectus.
4. Delivery of the Shares and Payment Therefor. Delivery to the Underwriters of and payment to the Fund for the Shares shall be made at the office of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, 425 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017, or through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or another mutually agreeable facility at 9:30 A.M., New York City time, on May ___, 2003 (the "Closing Date"). The place of closing for the Shares and the Closing Date may be varied by agreement between the Representative and the Fund.
A certificate evidencing the Shares shall be delivered to and registered at DTC, against payment of the purchase price therefor in immediately available funds.
5. Agreements of the Fund and the Advisers. The Fund and the Advisers, jointly and severally, agree with the Underwriters as follows:
(a) If, at the time this Agreement is executed and delivered, it is necessary for the Registration Statement or a post-effective amendment thereto to be declared effective under the 1933 Act before the offering of the Shares may commence, the Fund will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registration Statement or such post-effective amendment to become effective under the 1933 Act as soon as possible and will advise the Representative promptly and, if requested by the Representative, will confirm such advice in writing when the Registration Statement or such post-effective amendment has become effective.
(b) The Fund will advise the Representative promptly and, if requested by the Representative, will confirm such advice in writing: (i) of any request made by the Commission for amendment of or a supplement to the Registration Statement, any Prepricing Prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing) or for additional information, (ii) of the issuance by the Commission, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), any state securities commission, any national securities exchange, any arbitrator, any court or any other governmental, regulatory, self-regulatory or administrative agency or any official of any order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, prohibiting or suspending the use of the Prospectus, any Prepricing Prospectus, or any sales material (as hereinafter defined), of any notice pursuant to Section 8(e) of the 1940 Act, of the suspension of qualification of the Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or contemplated initiation of any proceeding for any such purposes, (iii) of receipt by the Fund, the Advisers, any affiliate of the Fund or the Advisers, or any representative or attorney of the Fund or the Advisers of any other material communication from the Commission, the NASD, any state securities commission, any national securities exchange, any arbitrator, any court or any other governmental, regulatory, self-regulatory or administrative agency or any official relating to the Fund (if such communication relating to the Fund is received by such person within three years after the date of this Agreement), the Registration Statement, the 1940 Act Notification, the Prospectus, any Prepricing Prospectus, any sales material (as hereinafter defined) (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing) or this Agreement or any of the Fund Agreements and (iv) within the period of time referred to in paragraph (f) below, of any material adverse change in the condition (financial or other), business, prospects, properties, net assets or results of operations of the Fund or the Advisers or of the happening of any other event which makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any Prepricing Prospectus or any sales material (as hereinafter defined) (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing), untrue or which requires the making of any additions to or changes in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any Prepricing Prospectus or any sales material (as hereinafter defined) (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing) in order to state a material fact required by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act or the Rules and Regulations to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or of the necessity to amend or supplement the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any Prepricing Prospectus or any sales material (as hereinafter defined) (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing) to
comply with the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, the Rules and Regulations or any other law or order of any court or regulatory body. If at any time the Commission, the NASD, any state securities commission, any national securities exchange, any arbitrator, any court or any other governmental, regulatory, self-regulatory or administrative agency or any official shall issue any order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, prohibiting or suspending the use of the Prospectus, any Prepricing Prospectus or any sales material (as hereinafter defined) (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing) or suspending the qualification of the Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, the Fund will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of such order at the earliest possible time.
(c) The Fund will furnish to the Representative, without charge, three signed copies of the Registration Statement as originally filed with the Commission and of each amendment thereto, including financial statements and all exhibits thereto, and will also furnish to the Representative, without charge, such number of conformed copies of the Registration Statement as originally filed and of each amendment thereto, but without exhibits, as the Representative may reasonably request.
(d) The Fund will not (i) file any amendment to the Registration Statement or make any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus, any Prepricing Prospectus or any sales material (as hereinafter defined), of which the Representative shall not previously have been advised or to which the Representative shall reasonably object after being so advised or (ii) so long as, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, a Prospectus is required by the 1933 Act to be delivered in connection with sales by any Underwriter or any dealer, file any information, documents or reports pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act") or the 1940 Act, without delivering a copy of such information, documents or reports to the Underwriters prior to or concurrently with such filing.
(e) Prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Fund has delivered to the Representative, without charge, in such quantities as the Representative has reasonably requested, copies of each form of any Prepricing Prospectus. The Fund consents to the use, in accordance with the provisions of the 1933 Act and with the state securities or Blue Sky laws of the jurisdictions in which the Shares are offered by the several Underwriters and by dealers, prior to the date of the Prospectus, of each Prepricing Prospectus so furnished by the Fund.
(f) As soon after the execution and delivery of this Agreement as possible and thereafter from time to time for such period as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters a Prospectus is required by the 1933 Act to be delivered in connection with sales of Shares by the Underwriters or any dealer, the Fund will expeditiously deliver to the Underwriters and each dealer, without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus (and of any amendment or supplement thereto) as the Representative may reasonably request. The Fund consents to the use of the Prospectus (and of any amendment or supplement thereto) in accordance with the provisions of the 1933 Act and with the state securities or Blue Sky laws of the jurisdictions in which the Shares are offered by the Underwriters and by all dealers to whom the Shares may be sold, both in connection with the offering or sale of the Shares and for such period of time thereafter as the Prospectus is required by the 1933 Act to be delivered in connection with sales of the Shares by the Underwriters or any dealer. If during such period of time any event shall occur that in the judgment of the Fund or in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters is required to be set forth
in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (as then amended or supplemented) or should be set forth therein in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or if it is necessary to supplement or amend the Registration Statement or the Prospectus to comply with the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, the Rules and Regulations or any other federal law, rule or regulation, or any state securities or Blue Sky disclosure laws, rules or regulations, the Fund will forthwith prepare and, subject to the provisions of paragraph (d) above, promptly file with the Commission an appropriate supplement or amendment thereto, and will promptly furnish to the Underwriters and dealers, without charge, such number of copies thereof as they shall reasonably request. In the event that the Registration Statement or the Prospectus should be amended or supplemented, the Fund, if requested by the Representative and to the extent consistent with applicable law, will promptly issue a press release announcing or disclosing the matters to be covered by the proposed amendment or supplement.
(g) The Fund will cooperate with the Representative and with counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the registration or qualification of the Shares for offering and sale by the Underwriters and by dealers under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Representative may designate and will file such consents to service of process or other documents necessary or appropriate in order to effect such registration or qualification; provided that in no event shall the Fund be obligated to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not now so qualified or to take any action which would subject it to service of process in suits, other than those arising out of the offering or sale of the Shares, in any jurisdiction where it is not now so subject.
(h) The Fund will make generally available to its security holders an earnings statement, which need not be audited, covering a twelve-month period commencing after the effective date of the Registration Statement and ending not later than 15 months thereafter, as soon as practicable after the end of such period, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the 1933 Act and Rule 158 of the 1933 Act Rules and Regulations.
(i) The Fund will comply with the undertaking set forth in paragraph 6 of Item 33 of Part C of the Registration Statement.
(j) During the period of five years hereafter, the Fund will furnish to the Underwriters (i) as soon as available, a copy of each report of the Fund mailed to stockholders or filed with the Commission or furnished to the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") other than reports on Form N-SAR and (ii) from time to time such other information concerning the Fund as the Representative may reasonably request.
(k) The Fund will direct the investment of the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares in accordance with the description set forth in the Prospectus and in such a manner as to comply with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund as described in the Prospectus.
(l) The Fund will file the requisite copies of the Prospectus with the Commission in a timely fashion pursuant to Rule 497(c) or Rule 497(h) of the 1933 Act Rules and Regulations, whichever is applicable or, if applicable, will timely file the certification permitted
by Rule 497(j) of the 1933 Act Rules and Regulations and will advise the Representative of the time and manner of such filing.
(m) Except as provided in this Agreement, the Fund and the Advisers will not sell, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of any senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for senior securities or grant any options or warrants to purchase senior securities of the Fund, for a period of 180 days after the date of the Prospectus other than FundPreferred shares, without the prior written consent of the Representative.
(n) The Fund and the Advisers will comply with all applicable securities and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act"), and will use their best efforts to cause their respective trustees, directors and/or officers, in their capacities as such, to comply with such laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
(o) Except as stated in this Agreement and in the Prospectus, neither the Fund nor the Advisers have taken, nor will either of them take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to, or that might reasonably be expected to, cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of any securities issued by the Fund to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares.
(p) The Fund will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Shares, prior to the Closing Date, to be assigned a rating of 'Aaa' by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and 'AAA' by Fitch, Inc. ("Fitch" and, together with Moody's, the "Rating Agencies").
(q) Each of the Fund and the Advisers will use its reasonable efforts to perform all of the agreements required of it and discharge all conditions to closing as set forth in this Agreement.
6. Representations and Warranties of the Fund and the Advisers. The Fund and the Advisers, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to the Underwriters that, as of the date hereof or at such other time or times identified below:
(a) Each Prepricing Prospectus included as part of the Registration Statement as originally filed or as part of any amendment or supplement thereto, or filed pursuant to Rule 497 of the 1933 Act Rules and Regulations, complied when so filed in all material respects with the provisions of the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations. The Commission has not issued any order preventing or suspending the use of any Prepricing Prospectus.
(b) The Registration Statement in the form in which it became or becomes effective and also in such form as it may be when any post-effective amendment thereto shall become effective and the Prospectus and any supplement or amendment thereto when filed with the Commission under Rule 497 of the 1933 Act Rules and Regulations and the 1940 Act Notification when originally filed with the Commission and any amendment or supplement thereto when filed with the Commission, complied or will comply in all material respects with the provisions of the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations and did not or will not at any such times contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of the
Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, except that this representation and warranty does not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Underwriters furnished to the Fund in writing by or on behalf of the Underwriters expressly for use therein.
(c) All the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Fund have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and are free of any preemptive or similar rights, except that, as set forth in the Registration Statement, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust may under certain circumstances be held personally liable for its obligations; the Shares have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered to the Underwriters against payment therefor in accordance with the terms hereof, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of any preemptive or similar rights that entitle or will entitle any person to acquire any Shares upon issuance thereof by the Fund, except as stated above, and will conform to the description thereof in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to either of them); and the shares of beneficial interest of the Fund conform to the description thereof in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to either of them).
(d) The Fund has been duly established and is validly existing and in good standing as a voluntary association (commonly referred to as a "Massachusetts business trust") under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with full power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to either of them), and is duly registered and qualified to conduct its business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction or place where the nature of its properties or the conduct of its business requires such registration or qualification except where the failure to so register or to qualify does not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), business, properties, prospects, net assets or results of operations of the Fund; and the Fund has no subsidiaries.
(e) There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Fund, threatened, against the Fund, or to which the Fund or any of its properties is subject, that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to either of them), but are not described as required by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act or the Rules and Regulations, and there are no agreements, contracts, indentures, leases or other instruments that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to either of them), or to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act or the Rules and Regulations.
(f) The Fund is not in violation of its Declaration of Trust, as it may be amended (the "Declaration"), the Statement or by-laws (the "By-Laws"), or other organizational documents (collectively, the "Organizational Documents") of the Fund or of any material law, ordinance, administrative or governmental rule or regulation applicable to the Fund or any material decree of the Commission, the NASD, any state securities commission, any national securities exchange, any arbitrator, any court or other governmental, regulatory, self-regulatory or administrative agency, body or official having jurisdiction over the Fund, or in breach or
default in any material respect in the performance of any obligation, agreement or condition contained in any material bond, debenture, note or any other evidence of indebtedness or in any material agreement, indenture, lease or other instrument to which the Fund is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound.
(g) Neither the issuance and sale of the Shares, the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement nor any of the Fund Agreements by the Fund, nor the consummation by the Fund of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby (A) requires any consent, approval, authorization or other order of or registration or filing with, the Commission, the NASD, any state securities commission, any national securities exchange, any arbitrator, any court, regulatory body, administrative agency or other governmental body, agency or official (except such as may have been obtained or made prior to the date hereof and such as may be required for compliance with the state securities or Blue Sky laws of various jurisdictions and the filing of the Statement with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which have been or will be effected in accordance with this Agreement) or conflicts or will conflict with or constitutes or will constitute a breach of, or a default under, the Organizational Documents of the Fund or (B) conflicts or will conflict with or constitutes or will constitute a breach of, or a default under, any agreement, indenture, lease or other instrument to which the Fund is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound, or violates or will violate any statute, law, regulation, filing, judgment, injunction, order or decree applicable to the Fund or any of its properties, or will result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Fund pursuant to the terms of any agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it may be bound or to which any of its property or assets is subject, except where such conflict, breach, default, violation, creation or imposition would not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), business, properties, prospects, net assets or results of operations of the Fund or on the ability of the Fund to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Fund Agreements. The Fund is not subject to any order of any court or of any arbitrator, governmental authority or administrative agency, except such orders which do not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), business, properties, prospects, net assets or results of operations of the Fund or on the ability of the Fund to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Fund Agreements.
(h) Since the date as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto), except as otherwise stated therein, (A) there has been no material, adverse change in the condition (financial or other), business, properties, net assets or results of operations of the Fund or business prospects (other than as a result of a change in the financial markets generally) of the Fund, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, and (B) there have been no transactions entered into by the Fund which are material to the Fund other than those in the ordinary course of its business.
(i) The accountants, Ernst & Young LLP, who have audited or shall audit the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the Statement of Operations included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to either of them), are an independent public accounting firm as required by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations.
(j) The financial statements, together with related schedules and notes, included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to either of them), present fairly the financial position, results of operations and changes in financial position of the Fund on the basis stated or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus at the respective dates or for the respective periods to which they apply; such statements and related schedules and notes have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied throughout the periods involved, except as disclosed therein; and the other financial and statistical information and data included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto), are accurately derived from such financial statements and the books and records of the Fund.
(k) The execution and delivery of, and the performance by the Fund of its obligations under, this Agreement and the Fund Agreements have been duly and validly authorized by the Fund, and this Agreement and the Fund Agreements have been duly executed and delivered by the Fund and constitute the valid and legally binding agreements of the Fund, enforceable against the Fund in accordance with their terms, except as rights to indemnity and contribution hereunder and thereunder may be limited by federal or state securities laws and subject to the qualification that the enforceability of the Fund's obligations hereunder and thereunder may be limited to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and by general equitable principles.
(l) Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to either of them), subsequent to the respective dates as of which such information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to either of them), the Fund has not incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, or entered into any transaction, not in the ordinary course of business, that is material to the Fund, and there has not been any change in the shares of beneficial interest, or material increase in the short-term debt or long-term debt, of the Fund, or any material adverse change, or any development involving or which would reasonably be expected to involve, a prospective material adverse change in the condition (financial or other), business, prospects, properties, net assets or results of operations of the Fund, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business.
(m) The Fund has filed all tax returns required to be filed, which returns are complete and correct in all material respects, and the Fund is not in material default in the payment of any taxes which were payable pursuant to said returns or any assessments with respect thereto.
(n) The Fund is registered under the 1940 Act as a closed-end diversified management investment company, and the 1940 Act Notification has been duly filed with the Commission and, at the time of filing thereof and any amendment or supplement thereto, conformed in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations. The Fund is, and at all times through the completion of the transactions contemplated hereby, will be, in compliance in all material respects with the terms and conditions of the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act. No person is serving or acting as an officer, director or investment adviser of the Fund except in accordance with the provisions of the 1940
Act and the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act"), and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated under the Advisers Act (the "Advisers Act Rules and Regulations").
(o) As required by Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the Fund is currently in compliance with the requirements to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code.
(p) The Fund's Common Shares (as defined in the Prospectus) are duly listed on the NYSE.
(q) The Fund has not distributed and, prior to the later to occur of
(i) the Closing Date and (ii) completion of the distribution of the Shares, will
not distribute to the public any offering material in connection with the
offering and sale of the Shares other than the Registration Statement, any
Prepricing Prospectus, the Prospectus or other materials, if any, permitted by
the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act or the Rules and Regulations.
(r) The Fund has such licenses, permits, and authorizations of governmental or regulatory authorities ("permits") as are necessary to own its property and to conduct its business in the manner described in the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto); the Fund has fulfilled and performed all its material obligations with respect to such permits and no event has occurred which allows or, after notice or lapse of time, would allow revocation or termination thereof or results in any other material impairment of the rights of the Fund under any such permit, subject in each case to such qualification as may be set forth in the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto); and, except as described in the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto), none of such permits contains any restriction that is materially burdensome to the Fund.
(s) The Fund maintains and will maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management's general or specific authorization and with the investment policies and restrictions of the Fund and the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations and the Code; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, to calculate net asset value, to maintain accountability for assets and to maintain material compliance with the books and records requirements under the 1940 Act and the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded account for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.
(t) No holder of any security of the Fund has any right to require registration of shares of beneficial interest, FundPreferred shares or any other security of the Fund because of the filing of the Registration Statement or consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(u) The conduct by the Fund of its business (as described in the Prospectus) does not require it to be the owner, possessor or licensee of any patents, patent licenses, trademarks, service marks or trade names which it does not own, possess or license.
(v) Except as stated in this Agreement and in the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto), the Fund has not taken, and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or which would reasonably be expected to cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of any securities issued by the Fund to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares, and the Fund is not aware of any such action taken or to be taken by any affiliates of the Fund.
(w) The Fund has filed in a timely manner each document or report
required to be filed by it pursuant to the 1940 Act, the 1940 Act Rules and
Regulations, the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission
promulgated thereunder (the "1934 Act Rules and Regulations"); each such
document or report at the time it was filed conformed in all material respects
with all applicable requirements of the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Rules and
Regulations; and none of such documents or reports contained an untrue statement
of any material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. The Fund has not received any notice from the Commission pursuant to
Section 8(e) of the 1940 Act with respect to the 1940 Act Notification or the
Registration Statement (or any amendment or supplement to either of them).
(x) All advertising, sales literature or other promotional material (including "prospectus wrappers," "broker kits," "road show slides" and "road show scripts") authorized in writing by or prepared by the Fund or the Advisers for use in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares (collectively, "sales material") complied and comply in all material respects, to the Fund's and Advisers' best knowledge, with the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, the Rules and Regulations and the rules and interpretations of the NASD and, if required to be filed with the NASD under the NASD's conduct rules, all sales material were so filed, and no such sales material contained or contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(y) This Agreement and each of the Fund Agreements complies in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations, the Advisers Act and the Advisers Act Rules and Regulations.
(z) The Fund intends to direct the investment of the proceeds of the offering of the Shares in such a manner as to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code.
7. Representations and Warranties of the Advisers. Each of the Investment Adviser, Spectrum and Froley, Revy, severally as to itself only and not jointly or as to any other party, represents and warrants to each Underwriter that, as of the date hereof or at such other time or times identified below:
(a) Each Adviser is a corporation duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, with full corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to either of them), and is duly registered and qualified to conduct its business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction or place where the nature of its properties or the conduct of its business requires such registration or qualification except where the failure so to register or to qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or other), business, prospects, properties, net assets or results of operations of such Adviser.
(b) Each Adviser has such licenses, permits and authorizations of governmental or regulatory authorities ("permits") as are necessary to own its property and to conduct its business in the manner described in the Prospectus; each Adviser has fulfilled and performed all its respective material obligations with respect to such permits and no event has occurred which allows, or after notice or lapse of time would allow, revocation or termination thereof or results in any other material impairment of the rights of such Adviser under any permit.
(c) Each Adviser is duly registered with the Commission as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and is not prohibited by the Advisers Act, the Advisers Act Rules and Regulations, the 1940 Act or the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations from acting under the Investment Management Agreement or the Sub-Advisory Agreements for the Fund as contemplated by the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto). There does not exist any proceeding, to the best of such Adviser's knowledge after reasonable investigation, or any facts or circumstances the existence of which could lead to any proceeding that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the registration of such Adviser as an investment adviser with the Commission.
(d) There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of such Adviser, threatened against such Adviser, or to which such Adviser or any of its properties is subject, that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to either of them), but are not described as required or that would reasonably be expected to involve a prospective material adverse change in the condition (financial or other), business, prospects, properties, assets or results of operations of such Adviser or on the ability of such Adviser to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Sub-Advisory Agreements or under the Fund Agreements to which it is a party.
(e) Each Adviser is not in violation of its corporate charter or by-laws, or other organizational documents, in default under any material agreement, indenture or instrument or in breach or violation of any judgment, decree, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental or self-regulatory agency or body except where such violation would not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or other), business, prospects, properties, net assets or results of operations of such Adviser or on the ability of such Adviser to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Sub-Advisory Agreements or under the Fund Agreements to which it is a party.
(f) Neither the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, the Sub-Advisory Agreements or the Fund Agreements by such Adviser which is a party thereto, nor the
consummation by such Adviser of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby (A) requires such Adviser to obtain any consent, approval, authorization or other order of or registration or filing with the Commission, the NASD, any state securities commission, any national securities exchange, any arbitrator, any court, regulatory body, administrative agency or other governmental body, agency or official (except such as may have been obtained or made prior to the date hereof) or conflicts or will conflict with or constitutes or will constitute a breach of or a default under, the corporate charter or by-laws, or other organizational documents, of such Adviser, except where the failure to obtain such consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or make such registration or filing, or such conflict, breach or default would not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), business, prospects, properties, net assets or result of operations of such Adviser or on the ability of such Adviser to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Sub-Advisory Agreements and the Fund Agreements to which it is a party or (B) conflicts or will conflict with or constitutes or will constitute a breach of or a default under, any agreement, indenture, lease or other instrument to which such Adviser is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound, or violates or will violate any statute, law, regulation or filing or judgment, injunction, order or decree applicable to such Adviser or any of its properties or will result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of such Adviser pursuant to the terms of any agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it may be bound or to which any of the property or assets of such Adviser is subject, except where such conflict, breach, default or violation would not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, business, properties, net assets or results of operations of such Adviser or on the ability of such Adviser to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Sub-Advisory Agreements and the Fund Agreements to which it is a party. Such Adviser is not subject to any order of any court or of any arbitrator, governmental authority or administrative agency, except such orders which do not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), business, prospects, properties, net assets or results of operations of such Adviser or on the ability of such Adviser to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Fund Agreements to which it is a party.
(g) Each Adviser has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Fund Agreements to which it is a party, the execution and delivery of, and the performance by such Adviser of its obligations under, this Agreement, the Sub-Advisory Agreements and the Fund Agreements to which it is a party have been duly and validly authorized by such Adviser, and this Agreement, the Sub-Advisory Agreements and the Fund Agreements to which it is a party have been duly executed and delivered by such Adviser and each constitutes the valid and legally binding agreement of such Adviser, enforceable against such Adviser in accordance with its terms, except as rights to indemnity and contribution hereunder may be limited by federal or state securities laws and subject to the qualification that the enforceability of such Adviser's obligations hereunder and thereunder may be limited to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and by general equitable principles.
(h) Each Adviser has the financial resources available to it necessary for the performance of its services and obligations as contemplated in the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) and under this Agreement, the Sub-Advisory Agreements and the Fund Agreements to which it is a party.
(i) The description of such Adviser, its business and the statements attributable to such Adviser in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto) complied and comply in all material respects with the provisions of the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the Rules and Regulations and the Advisers Act Rules and Regulations and did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(j) Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to either of them), subsequent to the respective dates as of which such information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to either of them), such Adviser has not incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, or entered into any transaction, not in the ordinary course of business, that is material to such Adviser or the Fund and that is required to be disclosed by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act or the Rules and Regulations in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and there has not been any material adverse change, or any development involving or which would reasonably be expected to involve, a prospective material adverse change, in the condition (financial or other), business, prospects, properties, net assets or results of operations of such Adviser, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, or which, in each case, could have a material adverse effect on the ability of such Adviser to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Sub-Advisory Agreements and the Fund Agreements to which it is a party.
(k) This Agreement, the Fund Agreements to which each Adviser is a party and the Sub-Advisory Agreements to which it is a party comply in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations, the Advisers Act and the Advisers Act Rules and Regulations.
(l) In the event that the Fund or the Advisers make available any promotional materials intended for use only by qualified broker-dealers and registered representatives thereof by means of an Internet web site or similar electronic means, such Adviser will install and maintain pre-qualification and password-protection or similar procedures which are reasonably designed to effectively prohibit access to such promotional materials by persons other than qualified broker-dealers and registered representatives thereof.
8. Indemnification and Contribution.
(a) The Fund and the Advisers, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each of the Underwriters and each person, if any, who controls the Underwriters within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable costs of investigation), joint or several, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Prepricing Prospectus or in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or any sales materials or in any amendment or supplement thereto, or arising out of or based upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or
omission or alleged untrue statement or omission which has been made therein or omitted therefrom in reliance upon and in conformity with the information relating to the Underwriters furnished in writing to the Fund by or on behalf of the Underwriters expressly for use in connection therewith; provided, however, that the indemnification contained in this paragraph (a) with respect to the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any Prepricing Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing) shall not inure to the benefit of the Underwriters (or to the benefit of any person controlling the Underwriters) on account of any such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense arising from the sale of the Shares by the Underwriters to any person if it is shown that a copy of the Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, was not delivered or sent to such person by or on behalf of the Underwriters within the time required by the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Rules and Regulations, and the untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission of a material fact was corrected in the Prospectus, provided that the Fund has delivered the Prospectus to the Underwriters in the requisite quantity and on a timely basis to permit such delivery or sending. The foregoing indemnity agreement shall be in addition to any liability that the Fund or the Advisers may otherwise have.
(b) If any action, suit or proceeding shall be brought against the
Underwriters or any person controlling any Underwriter in respect of which
indemnity may be sought against the Fund or the Advisers, the Underwriters or
such controlling person shall promptly notify the Fund or the Advisers, and the
Fund or the Advisers shall assume the defense thereof, including the employment
of counsel and payment of all fees and expenses. The Underwriters or any such
controlling person shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such
action, suit or proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, but the
fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of the Underwriters or
such controlling person unless (i) the Fund or the Advisers has agreed in
writing to pay such fees and expenses, (ii) the Fund and the Advisers have
failed within a reasonable time to assume the defense and employ counsel, or
(iii) the named parties to any such action, suit or proceeding (including any
impleaded parties) include both the Underwriters or such controlling person and
the Fund or the Advisers and the Underwriters or such controlling person shall
have been advised by its counsel that representation of such indemnified party
and the Fund or the Advisers by the same counsel would be inappropriate under
applicable standards of professional conduct (whether or not such representation
by the same counsel has been proposed) due to actual or potential differing
interests between them (in which case the Fund and the Advisers shall not have
the right to assume the defense of such action, suit or proceeding on behalf of
the Underwriters or such controlling person). It is understood, however, that
the Fund and the Advisers shall, in connection with any one such action, suit or
proceeding or separate but substantially similar or related actions, suits or
proceedings in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations
or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of only one
separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel if there is any
action, suit or proceeding in more than one jurisdiction) at any time for the
Underwriters and controlling persons not having actual or potential differing
interests with you or among themselves, which firm shall be designated in
writing by the Representative, and that all such fees and expenses shall be
reimbursed promptly as they are incurred. The Fund and the Advisers shall not be
liable for any settlement of any such action, suit or proceeding effected
without its written consent, but if settled with such written consent, or if
there is a final judgment for the plaintiff in any such action, suit or
proceeding, the Fund and the Advisers agree to indemnify and hold harmless the
Underwriters, to the extent provided in the preceding paragraph, and any such controlling person from and against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense by reason of such settlement or judgment.
(c) The Underwriters agree, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund and the Advisers, their trustees, directors, any officers who sign the Registration Statement and any person who controls the Fund or the Advisers within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Fund and the Advisers to the Underwriters, but only with respect to information relating to the Underwriters furnished in writing by or on behalf of the Underwriters expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any Prepricing Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto). If any action, suit or proceeding shall be brought against the Fund or the Advisers, any of their trustees, directors, any such officer, or any such controlling person based on the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any Prepricing Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) and in respect of which indemnity may be sought against the Underwriters pursuant to this paragraph (c), the Underwriters shall have the rights and duties given to the Fund and the Advisers by paragraph (b) above (except that if the Fund or the Advisers shall have assumed the defense thereof the Underwriters shall not be required to do so, but may employ separate counsel therein and participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the Underwriters' expense), and the Fund and the Advisers, their directors, any such officer, and any such controlling person shall have the rights and duties given to the Underwriters by paragraph (b) above. The foregoing indemnity agreement shall be in addition to any liability that the Underwriters may otherwise have.
(d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is unavailable to an indemnified party under paragraphs (a) or (c) hereof in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to therein, then an indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Fund and the Advisers on the one hand (treated jointly for this purpose as one person) and the Underwriters on the other hand from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Fund and the Advisers on the one hand (treated jointly for this purpose as one person) and the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Fund and the Advisers on the one hand (treated jointly for this purpose as one person) and the Underwriters on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Fund bear to the total sales load received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus. The relative fault of the Fund and the Advisers on the one hand (treated jointly for this purpose as one person) and of the Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Fund and the Advisers on the one hand (treated jointly for this purpose as one person) or by the Underwriters on the other hand and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
(e) The Fund, the Advisers and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8 were determined by a pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in paragraph (d) above. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to in paragraph (d) above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating any claim or defending any such action, suit or proceeding. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, the Underwriters shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price of the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which the Underwriters have otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters' obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 8 are several in proportion to the respective number of Shares set forth opposite their names in Schedule I and not joint.
(f) No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened action, suit or proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such action, suit or proceeding.
(g) Any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses for which an
indemnified party is entitled to indemnification or contribution under this
Section 8 shall be paid by the indemnifying party to the indemnified party as
such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are incurred. The
indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 8 and the
representations and warranties of the Fund and the Advisers set forth in this
Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of (i)
any investigation made by or on behalf of the Underwriters or any person
controlling the Underwriters, the Fund, the Advisers, their trustees, directors
or officers, or any person controlling the Fund or the Advisers, (ii) acceptance
of any Shares and payment therefor hereunder, and (iii) any termination of this
Agreement. A successor to the Underwriters or any person controlling any
Underwriter, or to the Fund, the Advisers, their trustees, directors or
officers, or any person controlling the Fund or the Advisers, shall be entitled
to the benefits of the indemnity, contribution, and reimbursement agreements
contained in this Section 8.
(h) Any indemnification by the Fund shall be subject to the requirements and limitations of Section 17(i) of the 1940 Act.
9. Conditions of Underwriters' Obligations. The several obligations of the Underwriters to purchase any Shares hereunder are subject to the accuracy of and compliance with the representations, warranties and agreements of and by the Fund and each of the Advisers
contained herein on and as of the date hereof, the date on which the Registration Statement becomes or became effective, the date of the Prospectus (and of any amendment or supplement thereto) and the Closing Date; to the accuracy and completeness of all statements made by the Fund, each of the Advisers or any of their officers in any certificate delivered to the Underwriters or their counsel pursuant to this Agreement and to the following conditions:
(a) If, at the time this Agreement is executed and delivered, it is necessary for the Registration Statement or a post-effective amendment thereto to be declared effective before the offering of the Shares may commence, the Registration Statement or such post-effective amendment shall have become effective not later than 5:30 P.M., New York City time, on the date hereof, or at such later date and time as shall be consented to in writing by the Underwriters, and all filings, if any, required by Rules 497 and 430A under the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Rules and Regulations shall have been timely made; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or order pursuant to Section 8(e) of the 1940 Act shall have been issued and no proceeding for those purposes shall have been instituted or, to the knowledge of the Fund, the Advisers or the Underwriters, threatened by the Commission, and any request of the Commission for additional information (to be included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or otherwise) shall have been complied with to the Underwriters' satisfaction.
(b) Subsequent to the effective date of this Agreement, there shall not have occurred (i) any change or any development involving a prospective change in or affecting the condition (financial or other), business, prospects, properties, net assets, or results of operations of the Fund or the Advisers not contemplated by the Prospectus, which in the Underwriters' opinion would materially and adversely affect the market for the Shares, or (ii) any event or development relating to or involving the Fund or the Advisers or any officer, trustee or director of the Fund or the Advisers which makes any statement of a material fact made in the Prospectus untrue or which, in the opinion of the Fund and its counsel or the Underwriters and their counsel, requires the making of any addition to or change in the Prospectus in order to state a material fact required by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act or the Rules and Regulations or any other law to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, if amending or supplementing the Prospectus to reflect such event or development would, in the Underwriters' opinion, materially adversely affect the market for the Shares.
(c) The Fund shall have furnished to the Representative as soon as practicable from the Closing Date a report showing compliance with the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act and a Basic Maintenance Report (as defined in the Statement), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative.
(d) Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz, counsel to the Fund, shall have furnished to the Representative on the Closing Date its opinion addressed to the Underwriters and dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:
(i) The Fund is (A) duly established and validly existing under the Fund's Declaration and the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a voluntary association with transferable shares of beneficial interest, commonly referred to as a "Massachusetts business trust," (B) is in good standing with the Secretary of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and (C) has full power and authority as a business trust, to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business, in each case as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to either of them through the date of the opinion);
(ii) The Shares have been duly authorized by the Fund for issuance and sale to the Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement and, when issued and delivered to the Underwriters against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, except that, as set forth in the Registration Statement, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust may under certain circumstances be held liable for its obligations, and are free of any statutory preemptive rights. Except as set forth in the Declaration and the Statement, as of the date hereof, there are no restrictions upon the transfer of any Shares pursuant to the Declaration or By-Laws of the Fund or, to the best knowledge of such counsel, any agreement or other outstanding instrument to which the Fund is a party; and the form of certificate evidencing the Shares complies as to form with all requirements of Massachusetts law;
(iii) The description of the authorized shares of beneficial interest of the Fund contained under the caption "Description of Common Shares" in the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto through the date of this opinion) conforms in all material respects as to legal matters to the terms thereof contained in the Fund's Declaration. The statements in the first two paragraphs under the caption "Certain Provisions in the Declaration of Trust" in the Prospectus, to the extent that they constitute descriptions of Massachusetts law, are in summary form accurate in all material respects. The description of the Shares contained under the captions "Description of FundPreferred Shares" and "The Auction" in the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto through the date of this opinion) conforms in all material respects as to legal matters to the terms thereof contained in the Fund's Declaration and Statement;
(iv) All of the outstanding common shares of the Fund have been duly authorized by the Fund and are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, except that, as set forth in the Registration Statement, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust may under certain circumstances be held liable for its obligations, and are free of any statutory preemptive rights;
(v) The Registration Statement is effective under the 1933 Act and was filed under the 1940 Act; any required filing of the Prospectus pursuant to Rule 497 of the 1933 Act Rules and Regulations has been made within the time periods required by Rule 497; no stop-order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or order pursuant to Section 8(e) of the 1940 Act has been issued and to the best of such counsel's knowledge, no proceeding for any such purpose has been instituted or is pending or threatened in writing by the Commission;
(vi) The Fund's notification of registration as an investment company under the 1940 Act on Form N-8A (the "1940 Act Notification"), the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and each amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as of their respective issue dates (except the financial statements and other financial data contained therein, as to which we express no opinion) complies as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations;
(vii) The statements made in the Prospectus under the captions "The Auction," "Description of FundPreferred Shares" and "Additional Information Concerning The Auctions for FundPreferred Shares," insofar as they purport to summarize the provisions of the Statement or other documents or agreements specifically referred to therein, constitute accurate summaries of the terms of the Statement or such other documents, in all material respects;
(viii) The statements made in the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto through the date of this opinion) under the captions "Prospectus Summary -- Federal Income Taxes" and "Tax Matters," insofar as they constitute matters of law or legal conclusions, have been reviewed by such counsel and constitute accurate statements of any such matters of law or legal conclusions, and fairly present the information called for with respect thereto by Form N-2, in all material respects;
(ix) To the best of such counsel's knowledge, there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or threatened in writing against the Fund, or to which the Fund or any of its properties is subject, that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, but are not described therein as required;
(x) The Underwriting Agreement and the Fund Agreements have each been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Fund, each complies with all applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations and the Advisers Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and each of the Fund Agreements constitutes the valid and binding agreement of the Fund, enforceable against the Fund in accordance with its terms;
(xi) The Fund is registered under the 1940 Act as a closed-end diversified management investment company; the provisions of the Declaration, Statement and By-Laws of the Fund and the investment policies and restrictions described in the Prospectus do not violate the requirements of the 1940 Act in any material respect;
(xii) None of the issuance and sale of the Shares by the Fund pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the execution and delivery of the Underwriting Agreement or any of the Fund Agreements by the Fund, or the performance by the Fund of its agreements under the Underwriting Agreement or any of the Fund Agreements (A) requires any consent, approval, authorization or other order of or
registration or filing with, the Commission, the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc., or any national securities exchange or
governmental body or agency or, arbitrator or court of the United
States of America, State of Illinois or the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (except (1) the absence of which, either individually or
in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the Fund;
(2) such as may have been obtained prior to the date hereof; and (3)
such as may be required for compliance with the New York Stock Exchange
or state securities or Blue Sky laws of various jurisdictions in
accordance with the Underwriting Agreement) or violates or will violate
or constitutes or will constitute a breach of any of the provisions of
the Organizational Documents of the Fund or (B) violates or will
violate or constitutes or will constitute a breach of, or a default
under, any material agreement, indenture, lease or other instrument
known to such counsel to which the Fund is party or by which it or any
of its properties may be bound, or violates any material United States
of America, State of Illinois or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
statute, law, regulation (assuming compliance with all applicable state
securities and Blue Sky laws), any judgment, injunction, order or
decree applicable to the Fund or any of its properties, or will result
in the creation or imposition of any material lien, charge or
encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Fund pursuant to the
terms of any agreement or instrument known to such counsel to which the
Fund is a party or by which any of its property or assets is bound. To
the best of such counsel's knowledge, the Fund is not subject to any
order of any court or of any arbitrator, governmental authority or
administrative agency of the United States of America, the State of
Illinois or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
(xiii) No holder of any security of the Fund has any right pursuant to any agreement known to such counsel to which the Fund is a party to require registration of shares of beneficial interest, FundPreferred shares or any other security of the Fund because of the filing of the Registration Statement or consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement; and
(xiv) To the best of such counsel's knowledge, there are no agreements, contracts, indentures, leases or other instruments that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act or the Rules and Regulations.
(xv) The Fund is not in violation of any of its Organizational Documents or, to the best of such counsel's knowledge, (i) in material violation of any law, ordinance, administrative or governmental rule or regulation, of any decree of the Commission, the NASD, any state securities commission, any national securities exchange, any arbitrator, any court or governmental agency, body or official having jurisdiction over the Fund, or (ii) in default in any material respect in the performance of any obligation, agreement or condition contained in any bond, debenture, note or any other evidence of indebtedness or in violation of any
material agreement, indenture, lease or other instrument to which the Fund is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound.
(xvi) Such counsel shall state that it has participated in conferences with officers and employees of the Fund and the Advisers, representatives of the independent accountants for the Fund, Massachusetts counsel to the Fund, the Underwriters and counsel for the Underwriters at which the contents of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and related matters were discussed and, although it is not passing upon, and does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, except to the limited extent otherwise covered by paragraphs (iii), (vii) and (viii) above, and has made no independent check or verification thereof, on the basis of the foregoing, no facts have come to its attention that would have led it to believe that (A) the Registration Statement, at the time it became effective, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading, (B) the Prospectus, as of its issue date contained and as of the Closing Date contained or contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or (C) the 1940 Act Notification as of its date contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, except that in each case it expresses no opinion with respect to the financial statements, schedules and other financial information and statistical data included therein or excluded therefrom or the exhibits to the Registration Statement.
In giving such opinion, Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz may rely on the opinion of Bingham McCutchen LLP as to matters of Massachusetts law, provided that Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz furnish a copy thereof to the Underwriters and state that such opinion is satisfactory in substance and form and that the Underwriters and counsel for the Underwriters are entitled to rely thereon.
(e) Gifford R. Zimmerman, Esq., Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and General Counsel for the Investment Adviser, shall have furnished to the Representative on the Closing Date his opinion addressed to the Underwriters and dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:
(i) The Investment Adviser has been duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing as a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware, with full corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to either of them), and is duly registered and qualified to conduct its business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction or place where the nature of its properties or the conduct of its business requires such registration or qualification, except where the failure so to
register or to qualify does not have a material, adverse effect on the condition (financial or other), business, properties, prospects, net assets or results of operations of the Investment Adviser;
(ii) The Investment Adviser is duly registered and in good standing with the Commission as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act and is not prohibited by the Advisers Act, the Advisers Act Rules and Regulations, the 1940 Act or the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations from acting under the Investment Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement for the Fund as contemplated by the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto); there does not exist any proceeding or, to the best of such counsel's knowledge after reasonable investigation, any facts or circumstances the existence of which could lead to any proceeding that would materially and adversely affect the registration of the Investment Adviser with the Commission;
(iii) To the best of such counsel's knowledge, there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or threatened against the Investment Adviser, or to which the Investment Adviser or any of its properties is subject, that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to either of them), but are not described as required or that would reasonably be expected to involve a prospective material adverse change, in the condition (financial or other), business, prospects, properties, assets or results of operations of the Investment Adviser or on the ability of the Investment Adviser to perform its obligations under the Underwriting Agreement, the Investment Management Agreement and each of the Sub-Advisory Agreements;
(iv) To the best of such counsel's knowledge, the Investment Adviser is not in violation of its corporate charter or by-laws or other organizational documents, nor is the Investment Adviser in default under any material agreement, indenture or instrument or in breach or violation of any judgment, decree, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental or self-regulatory agency or body;
(v) The Investment Adviser has corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement, the Investment Management Agreement and each of the Sub-Advisory Agreements and each of this Agreement, the Investment Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Investment Adviser, each complies with all applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act and the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations and the Advisers Act Rules and Regulations and each of the Investment Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements constitutes the valid and legally binding agreement of the Investment Adviser, enforceable against the Investment Adviser in accordance with its terms, subject as to enforcement to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles;
(vi) The description of the Investment Adviser in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto) complied and complies in all material respects with the provisions of the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the Rules and Regulations and the Advisers Act Rules and Regulations and did not and does not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
(vii) To the best knowledge of such counsel after reasonable inquiry, other than as described or contemplated in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to either of them), subsequent to the respective dates as of which such information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to either of them), the Investment Adviser has not incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, or entered into any transaction, not in the ordinary course of business, that is material to the Investment Adviser or the Fund and that is required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and there has not been any material adverse change, or any development involving or which may reasonably be expected to involve, a prospective material adverse change, in the condition (financial or other), business, prospects, properties, assets or results of operations of the Investment Adviser, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, or that, in each case, could have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Investment Adviser to perform its obligations under the Underwriting Agreement, the Investment Management Agreement and each of the Sub-Advisory Agreements;
(viii) Neither the execution, delivery or performance of the Underwriting Agreement, the Investment Management Agreement or either of the Sub-Advisory Agreements by the Investment Adviser, nor the consummation by the Investment Adviser of the transactions contemplated in the Underwriting Agreement, the Investment Management Agreement or either of the Sub-Advisory Agreements (A) requires the Investment Adviser to obtain any consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or make any registration or filing with, the Commission, the NASD, any state securities commission, any national securities exchange, any arbitrator, any court, regulatory body, administrative agency or other governmental body, agency or official (except such as may have been obtained prior to the date hereof and such as may be required for compliance with the state securities or Blue Sky laws of various jurisdictions in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement) or conflicts or will conflict with, or constitutes or will constitute a breach of or a default under, the corporate charter or by-laws, or other organizational documents, of the Investment Adviser or (B) conflicts or will conflict with or constitutes or will constitute a breach of or a default under its corporate charter or by-laws or any material agreement, indenture, lease or other instrument to which the Investment Adviser is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound, or violates or will violate any material statute, law, regulation or filing or judgment, injunction, order or decree applicable to the
Investment Adviser or any of its properties or will result in the creation or imposition of any material lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Investment Adviser pursuant to the terms of any agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it may be bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Investment Adviser is subject; and
(ix) The Investment Adviser is not subject to any order of any court or of any arbitrator, governmental authority or administrative agency, except such orders which do not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), business, properties, prospects, net assets or results of operations of the Investment Adviser or on the ability of the Investment Adviser to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Fund Agreements.
Such counsel shall also state that although it has not undertaken, except as otherwise indicated in its opinion, to determine independently and does not assume any responsibility for, the accuracy or completeness of the statements in the Registration Statement, such counsel has participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, including review and discussion of the contents thereof and nothing has come to its attention that has caused it to believe that the Registration Statement at the time it became effective or the Prospectus, as of its date and as of the Closing Date contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading or that any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus, as of its date and as of the Closing Date, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (it being understood that such counsel need express no opinion with respect to the financial statements and the notes thereto and the schedules and other financial and statistical data included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus).
In rendering such opinion, counsel may limit such opinion to matters involving the application of the laws of the State of Illinois, the Delaware General Corporation Law statute and the laws of the United States and may rely upon an opinion or opinions, each dated the Closing Date, of other counsel retained by the Investment Adviser as to laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States, the State of Illinois and the Delaware General Corporation Law statute, provided that (X) each such local counsel is acceptable to the Representative, (Y) such reliance is expressly authorized by each opinion so relied upon and a copy of each such opinion is delivered to the Representative and is, in form and substance satisfactory to it and its counsel and (Z) counsel shall state in their view that they believe that they and the Underwriters are justified in relying thereon.
(f) Wolf, Block, Schorr and Solis-Cohen LLP, special counsel Spectrum, shall have furnished to the Representative on the Closing Date their opinion addressed to the Underwriters and dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:
(i) Spectrum is a corporation duly incorporated and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the State of Connecticut with full corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to either of them) and is duly registered and qualified to conduct its business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction or place where the nature of its properties or the conduct of its business requires such registration or qualification, except where the failure so to register or to qualify does not have a material, adverse effect on the condition (financial or other), business, properties, net assets or results of operations of Spectrum;
(ii) Spectrum is duly registered with the Commission under the Advisers Act as an investment adviser and is not prohibited by the Advisers Act, the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission under such acts from acting for the Fund under the Spectrum Sub-Advisory Agreement as contemplated by the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto);
(iii) Spectrum has corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Spectrum Sub-Advisory Agreement and this Agreement and the Spectrum Sub-Advisory Agreement have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Spectrum and the Spectrum Sub-Advisory Agreement is a valid, legal and binding agreement of Spectrum, enforceable against Spectrum in accordance with its terms, subject to the qualification that the enforceability of Spectrum's obligations thereunder may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and by general equitable principles;
(iv) The Spectrum Sub-Advisory Agreement complies in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Advisers Act, the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act Rules and Regulations and the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations;
(v) Neither the execution and delivery by Spectrum of this Agreement or the Spectrum Sub-Advisory Agreement nor the consummation by Spectrum of the transactions contemplated hereunder or thereunder constitutes or will constitute a breach of or a default under the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of Spectrum or any material agreement, indenture, lease or other instrument to which Spectrum is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound that is known to such counsel after reasonable inquiry, or will result in the creation or imposition of any material lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of Spectrum, nor will any such action result in any violation of any existing material law, regulation, ruling (assuming compliance with all applicable state securities and Blue Sky laws), judgment, injunction, order or decree known to such counsel after reasonable inquiry, applicable to Spectrum or any of its properties;
(vi) The description of Spectrum and its business in the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto) complies in all material respects with all requirements of the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations;
(vii) To the best knowledge of such counsel after reasonable inquiry, other than as described or contemplated in the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto), there are no actions, suits or other legal or governmental proceedings pending or threatened against Spectrum or to which Spectrum or any of its property is subject which are required to be described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to either of them);
(viii) Spectrum owns, possesses or has obtained and currently maintains all governmental licenses, permits, consents, orders, approvals and other authorizations as are necessary for Spectrum to carry on its business as contemplated in the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto); and
(ix) No material consent, approval, authorization or order of or registration or filing with any court, regulatory body, administrative or other governmental body, agency or official is required on the part of Spectrum for the performance of this Agreement or the Spectrum Sub-Advisory Agreement by Spectrum or for the consummation by Spectrum of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
Such counsel shall also state that although it has not undertaken, except as otherwise indicated in its opinion, to determine independently and does not assume any responsibility for, the accuracy or completeness of the statements in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to either of them), such counsel has participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, including review and discussion of the contents thereof and nothing has come to its attention that has caused it to believe that the Registration Statement at the time it became effective or the Prospectus, as of its date and as of the Closing Date, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading or that any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus, as of its date and as of the Closing Date, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (it being understood that such counsel need express no opinion with respect to the financial statements and the notes thereto and the schedules and other financial and statistical data included in, or omitted from, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus(or any amendment or supplement to either of them)).
In rendering such opinion, such counsel may limit such opinion to matters involving the application of the laws of the State of New York, and the laws of the United States and may rely upon an opinion or opinions, each dated the Closing Date, of other counsel retained by Spectrum as to laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States
and the State of New York, provided that (X) each such local counsel is acceptable to the Representatives, (Y) such reliance is expressly authorized by each opinion so relied upon and a copy of each such opinion is delivered to the Representatives and is, in form and substance, satisfactory to them and their counsel and (Z) counsel shall state in their view that they believe that they and the Underwriters are justified in relying thereon. In addition, in rendering the opinions dependent upon the laws of the State of Connecticut contained in Sections 9(f)(i) and (iii) above, such counsel may state that in its investigations of such law nothing has come to the attention of such counsel that has caused it to believe that such opinions would not be true.
(g) Jane Katz Crist, special counsel for Froley, Revy, shall have furnished to the Representative on the Closing Date her opinion addressed to the Underwriters and dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:
(i) Froley, Revy is a corporation duly incorporated and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the State of California with full corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement to either of them) and is duly registered and qualified to conduct its business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction or place where the nature of its properties or the conduct of its business requires such registration or qualification, except where the failure so to register or to qualify does not have a material, adverse effect on the condition (financial or other), business, properties, net assets or results of operations of Froley, Revy;
(ii) Froley, Revy is duly registered with the Commission under the Advisers Act as an investment adviser and is not prohibited by the Advisers Act, the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission under such acts from acting for the Fund under the Froley, Revy Sub-Advisory Agreement as contemplated by the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto);
(iii) Froley, Revy has corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the Froley, Revy Sub-Advisory Agreement and this Agreement and the Froley, Revy Sub-Advisory Agreement have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Froley, Revy and the Froley, Revy Sub-Advisory Agreement is a valid, legal and binding agreement of Froley, Revy, enforceable against Froley, Revy in accordance with its terms, subject to the qualification that the enforceability of Froley, Revy's obligations thereunder may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and by general equitable principles;
(iv) The Froley, Revy Sub-Advisory Agreement complies in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Advisers Act, the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act Rules and Regulations and the 1940 Act Rules and Regulations;
(v) Neither the execution and delivery by Froley, Revy of this Agreement or the Froley, Revy Sub-Advisory Agreement nor the consummation by Froley, Revy of the transactions contemplated hereunder or thereunder constitutes or will constitute a breach of or a default under the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of Froley, Revy or any material agreement, indenture, lease or other instrument to which Froley, Revy is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound that is known to such counsel after reasonable inquiry, or will result in the creation or imposition of any material lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of Froley, Revy, nor will any such action result in any violation of any existing material law, regulation, ruling (assuming compliance with all applicable state securities and Blue Sky laws), judgment, injunction, order or decree known to such counsel after reasonable inquiry, applicable to Froley, Revy or any of its properties;
(vi) The description of Froley, Revy and its business in the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto) complies in all material respects with all requirements of the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations;
(vii) To the best knowledge of such counsel after reasonable inquiry, other than as described or contemplated in the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto), there are no actions, suits or other legal or governmental proceedings pending or threatened against Froley, Revy or to which Froley, Revy or any of its property is subject that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to either of them);
(viii) Froley, Revy owns, possesses or has obtained and currently maintains all governmental licenses, permits, consents, orders, approvals and other authorizations as are necessary for Froley, Revy to carry on its business as contemplated in the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto); and
(ix) No material consent, approval, authorization or order of or registration or filing with any court, regulatory body, administrative or other governmental body, agency or official is required on the part of Froley, Revy for the performance of this Agreement or the Froley, Revy Sub-Advisory Agreement by Froley, Revy or for the consummation by Froley, Revy of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
Such counsel shall also state that although such counsel has not undertaken, except as otherwise indicated in her opinion, to determine independently and does not assume any responsibility for, the accuracy or completeness of the statements in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto), such counsel has participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, including review and discussion of the contents thereof and nothing has come to her attention that has caused her to believe that the Registration Statement at the time it became effective or the Prospectus, as of its date and as of the Closing Date, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a
prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not
misleading or that any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus, as of its date
and as of the Closing Date, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading (it being understood that such counsel need express no opinion with
respect to: (a) the financial statements and the notes thereto and the schedules
and other financial and statistical data included in, or omitted from, the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement
thereto); (b) the statements concerning the Investment Adviser or Spectrum
included in, or omitted from, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or
any amendment or supplement thereto); (c) the description of, and risks
associated with, the Fund's investments to be managed solely by the Investment
Adviser or Spectrum included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus;
(d) the description of the Shares included in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus; (e) the description of the Auction included in the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus; (f) the description of the Fund's Borrowings
included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus; (g) the description of
the Fund's Declaration of Trust included in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus; (h) the description of the Shares included in the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus; (i) the statements made and opinion given about tax
matters included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus; and (j) the
description of Fund expenses included in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus).
In rendering such opinion, such counsel may limit such opinion to matters involving the application of the laws of the State of California.
(h) The Representative shall have received on the Closing Date an opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, counsel for the Underwriters, dated the Closing Date and addressed to the Underwriters, with respect to such matters as the Underwriters may reasonably request and the Fund, each Adviser and their respective counsels shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they may request for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters.
(i) The Fund shall have furnished to the Representative on the Closing Date a certificate, dated the Closing Date, of (i) its President or a Vice President and (ii) its Controller or Treasurer stating that:
(i) the signers have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the Prospectus (and any amendments or supplements to either of them) and this Agreement, (ii) the representations and warranties of the Fund in this Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date of the certificate as if made on such date, (iii) since the date of the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto) there has not been any material, adverse change in the condition (financial or other), business, prospects (other than as a result of a change in the financial markets generally), properties, net assets or results of operations of the Fund, (iv) to the knowledge of such officers after reasonable investigation, no order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or prohibiting the sale of any of the Shares or having a material, adverse effect on the Fund has been
issued and no proceedings for any such purpose are pending before or threatened by the Commission or any court or other regulatory body, the NASD, any state securities commission, any national securities exchange, any arbitrator, any court or any other governmental, regulatory, self-regulatory or administrative agency or official, (v) the Fund has performed and complied in all material respects with all agreements that this Agreement requires it to perform by such Closing Date, (vi)the Fund has not sustained any material loss or interference with its business from any court or from legislative or other governmental action, order or decree or from any other occurrence not described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to either of them and (vii) there has not been any change in the capital stock of the Fund nor any material increase in the debt of the Fund from that set forth in the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto) and the Fund has not sustained any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, other than those reflected in the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto).
(j) The Investment Adviser shall have furnished to the Representative on the Closing Date a certificate, dated the Closing Date, of (i) its Chairman of the Board, President or a Vice President and (ii) its Controller or Treasurer stating that:
(i) the signers have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the Prospectus (and any amendments or supplements to either of them) and this Agreement, (ii) the representations and warranties of the Investment Adviser in this Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date of the certificate as if made on such date, (iii) since the date of the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto) there has not been any material, adverse change in the condition (financial or other), business, prospects (other than as a result of a change in the financial markets generally), properties, net assets or results of operations of the Investment Adviser, (iv) to the knowledge of such officers after reasonable investigation, no order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or prohibiting the sale of any of the Shares or having a material, adverse effect on the Investment Adviser has been issued and no proceedings for any such purpose are pending before or threatened by the Commission or any court or other regulatory body, the NASD, any state securities commission, any national securities exchange, any arbitrator, any court or any other governmental, regulatory, self-regulatory or administrative agency or official, (v) the Investment Adviser has performed and complied in all material respects with all agreements that this Agreement requires it to perform by such Closing Date, and (vi) the Investment Adviser has not sustained any material loss or interference with its business from any court or from legislative or other governmental action, order or decree or from any other occurrence not described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to either of them.
(k) Each of the Subadvisers shall have furnished to the Representative on the Closing Date a certificate, dated the Closing Date, of (i) its Chairman of the Board, President or a Vice President and (ii) its Controller or Treasurer stating that:
(i) the signers have carefully examined the Registration
Statement, the Prospectus (and any amendments or supplements to either
of them) and this Agreement, (ii) the representations and warranties of
such Subadviser in this Agreement are true and correct on and as of the
date of the certificate as if made on such date, (iii) since the date
of the Prospectus (and any amendment or supplement thereto) there has
not been any material, adverse change in the condition (financial or
other), business, prospects (other than as a result of a change in the
financial markets generally), properties, net assets or results of
operations of such Subadviser, (iv) to the knowledge of such officers
after reasonable investigation, no order suspending the effectiveness
of the Registration Statement or prohibiting the sale of any of the
Shares or having a material, adverse effect on such Subadviser has been
issued and no proceedings for any such purpose are pending before or
threatened by the Commission or any court or other regulatory body, the
NASD, any state securities commission, any national securities
exchange, any arbitrator, any court or any other governmental,
regulatory, self-regulatory or administrative agency or any official,
(v) such Subadviser has performed and complied in all material respects
with all agreements that this Agreement requires it to perform by such
Closing Date, and (vi) such Subadviser has not sustained any material
loss or interference with its business from any court or from
legislative or other governmental action, order or decree or from any
other occurrence not described in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to either of them.
(l) The Representative shall have received letters addressed to the Underwriters, and dated the date hereof and the Closing Date from Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, substantially in the forms heretofore approved by the Representative.
(m) (i) No order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or prohibiting or suspending the use of the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or any Prepricing Prospectus or any sales material shall have been issued and no proceedings for such purpose or for the purpose of commencing an enforcement action against the Fund, the Advisers or, with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) and this Agreement, the Underwriters, may be pending before or, to the knowledge of the Fund, the Advisers or the Underwriters or in the reasonable view of counsel to the Underwriters, shall be threatened or contemplated by the Commission at or prior to the Closing Date and that any request for additional information on the part of the Commission (to be included in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or otherwise) be complied with to the satisfaction of the Representative ; (ii) there shall not have been any change in the shares of beneficial interest of the Fund nor any material increase in the short-term or long-term debt of the Fund (other than in the ordinary course of business) from that set forth or contemplated in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto); (iii) there shall not have been, subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), except as may otherwise be stated in the Registration Statement and Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any material adverse change in the condition (financial or other), business, prospects, properties, net assets or results of operations of the Fund or the Advisers; (iv) the Fund shall not have any liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent (whether or not in the ordinary
course of business), that are material to the Fund, other than those reflected in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to either of them); and (v) all the representations and warranties of the Fund and each of the Advisers contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the date hereof and on and as of the Closing Date as if made on and as of the Closing Date.
(n) Neither the Fund nor the Advisers shall have failed at or prior to the Closing Date to have performed or complied in all material respects with any of its agreements herein contained and required to be performed or complied with by it hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date.
(o) The Fund shall have delivered and the Underwriters shall have received evidence satisfactory to the Representative that the shares of FundPreferred shares are rated 'Aaa' by Moody's and 'AAA' by Fitch as of the Closing Date, and there shall not have been given any notice of any intended or potential downgrading, or of any review for a potential downgrading, in the rating accorded to any outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Fund by any rating agency.
(p) The Fund and each of the Advisers shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to the Underwriters such further certificates and documents as the Representative shall have reasonably requested.
All such opinions, certificates, letters and other documents will be in compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are satisfactory in form and substance to the Representative and the Underwriters' counsel.
Any certificate or document signed by any officer of the Fund or the Advisers and delivered to the Underwriters, or to counsel for the Underwriters, shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Fund or the Advisers, as the case may be, to the Underwriters as to the statements made therein.
10. Expenses. The Fund agrees to pay the costs incident to the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Shares to be sold by the Fund to the Underwriters and any taxes payable in that connection; the costs incident to the preparation, printing and filing under the 1933 Act and 1940 Act of the Registration Statement and any amendments and exhibits thereto; the costs of preparing, printing and distributing the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment and any post-effective amendment thereto (including exhibits), any Prepricing Prospectus, the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus; the costs of printing this Agreement and distributing the terms of agreements relating to the organization of any underwriting syndicate by mail, telex or other means of communication; the fees paid to Rating Agencies in connection with the rating of the Shares; the fees and expenses of qualifying the Shares under the securities laws of the several jurisdictions as provided in this Section and of preparing and printing a Blue Sky survey (including related fees and expenses of counsel to the Underwriters); the fees and expenses of the Auction Agent as set forth in the Auction Agency Agreement; and all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Fund under this Agreement; provided (i) the Fund, the Advisers and each Underwriter shall pay its own costs and expenses in attending any information meeting relating
to the Fund, (ii) each Underwriter shall pay the costs and expenses of preparing and distributing any sales material prepared by it in connection with the public offering of the Shares, (iii) the Underwriters shall pay the costs and expenses of any "tombstone" advertisements and (iv) except as provided in this Section and in Section 5 hereof, the Underwriters shall pay their own costs and expenses, including the fees and expenses of their counsel and any transfer taxes on the Shares which they may sell.
If notice shall have been given pursuant to Paragraph 12 terminating the Underwriters' obligations hereunder, or if the sale of the Shares provided for herein is not consummated because of any failure, refusal or inability on the part of the Fund or any Adviser to perform any agreement on its part to be performed or if the Underwriters shall decline to purchase the Shares for any reason permitted under this Agreement, the Fund shall reimburse the Underwriters for the reasonable fees and expenses of their counsel and for such other out-of-pocket expenses as shall have been reasonably incurred by them in connection with this Agreement and the proposed purchase of the Shares, and upon demand the Fund shall pay the full amount thereof to the Underwriters; it being understood that the Fund shall not in any event be liable to any of the Underwriters for damages on account of loss of anticipated profits from the sale by them of the Shares. If the Fund fails to reimburse the Underwriters for such fees and expenses, the Advisers shall, upon demand, pay the full amount thereof to the Underwriters.
11. Effective Date of Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective:
(i) upon the execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto; or (ii) if, at
the time this Agreement is executed and delivered, it is necessary for the
Registration Statement or a post-effective amendment thereto to be declared
effective before the offering of the Shares may commence, when notification of
the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or such post-effective amendment
has been released by the Commission. Until such time as this Agreement shall
have become effective, it may be terminated by the Fund, by notifying the
Underwriters, or by the Underwriters, by notifying the Fund.
If any of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares which it is obligated to purchase hereunder on the Closing Date, and the aggregate number of Shares which such defaulting Underwriter is obligated but fails or refuses to purchase is not more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Shares which the Underwriters are obligated to purchase on the Closing Date, the non-defaulting Underwriters shall be obligated severally, in the proportion which the aggregate number of Shares set forth opposite its name in Schedule I hereto bears to the aggregate number of Shares set forth opposite the names of all non-defaulting Underwriters or in such other proportion as the Representative may specify in accordance with the Salomon Smith Barney Master Agreement Among Underwriters, to purchase on the Closing Date the Shares which such defaulting Underwriter is obligated, but fails or refuses, to purchase. If any of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares which it is obligated to purchase on the Closing Date and the number of Shares with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Shares which the Underwriters are obligated to purchase on the Closing Date and arrangements satisfactory to the Representative and the Fund for the purchase of such Shares by the non-defaulting Underwriter or other party or parties approved by you and the Fund are not made within 36 hours after such default, this Agreement will terminate without liability on the part of the non-defaulting Underwriter or the Fund. In any such case which does not result in termination of this Agreement, either the Representative or the Fund
shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date, but in no event for longer than seven days, in order that the required changes, if any, in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or any other documents or arrangements may be effected. Any action taken under this paragraph shall not relieve the defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of any such default of any such Underwriter under this Agreement. The term "Underwriter" as used in this Agreement includes, for all purposes of this Agreement, any party not listed in Schedule I hereto who, with your approval and the approval of the Fund, purchases Shares which a defaulting Underwriter is obligated, but fails or refuses, to purchase.
Any notice under this Section 11 may be given by telegram, telecopy or telephone but shall be subsequently confirmed by letter.
12. Termination of Agreement. This Agreement shall be subject to termination in the Representative's absolute discretion, without liability on the part of the Underwriters to the Fund or the Advisers, by notice to the Fund or the Advisers, prior to delivery of and payment for the FundPreferred shares, if at any time prior to such time (i) trading in the Fund's Common Shares (as defined in the Prospectus) shall have been suspended by the Commission or the NYSE or trading in securities generally on the NYSE shall have been suspended or limited or minimum prices for trading in securities generally shall have been established on the NYSE, (ii) a commercial banking moratorium shall have been declared by either federal or New York state authorities, or (iii) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or a declaration by the United States of a national emergency or war, or other calamity or crisis the effect of which on financial markets in the United States is such as to make it, in the Representative's sole judgment, impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of the FundPreferred shares as contemplated by the Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto). Notice of such termination may be given to the Fund by telegram, telecopy or telephone and shall be subsequently confirmed by letter.
13. Information Furnished by the Underwriters. The statements set forth in the last paragraph of the cover page and the first, third and eighth paragraphs under the caption "Underwriting" in any Prepricing Prospectus and in the Prospectus, constitute the only information furnished by or on behalf of the Underwriters as such information is referred to in Sections 6(b) and 8 hereof.
14. Miscellaneous. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 5, 11 and
12 hereof, notice given pursuant to any provision of this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be delivered (i) if to the Fund or the Investment Adviser, at
the office of the Fund at 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, Attention:
Gifford R. Zimmerman, Managing Director, Assistant Secretary and General Counsel
to the Investment Adviser; (ii) if to Spectrum, at the offices of Spectrum Asset
Management, Inc. at 4 High Ridge Park, Stamford, Connecticut 06905, Attention:
Mark A. Lieb; (iii) if to Froley, Revy, at the offices of Froley, Revy
Investment Co., Inc. at 10900 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles,
California 90024, Attention: Andrea Revy O'Connell or (iv) if to the
Underwriters, to Citigroup Global Markets Inc., 388 Greenwich Street, New York,
New York 10013, Attention: Manager, Investment Banking Division.
This Agreement has been and is made solely for the benefit of the Underwriters, the Fund, the Advisers, their trustees, directors and/or officers, and the other controlling persons referred to in Section 8 hereof and their respective successors and assigns, to the extent provided herein, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement. Neither the term "successor" nor the term "successors and assigns" as used in this Agreement shall include a purchaser from the Underwriters of any of the Shares in his status as such purchaser.
15. Applicable Law; Counterparts. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
16. Limitation of Liability. Consistent with the Fund's Declaration, notice is hereby given and the parties hereto agree that this instrument is executed or made by or on behalf of the Fund by the Trustee(s) or officer(s) of the Fund and not individually by them and that the obligations of this instrument are not binding upon any of them or the shareholders of the Fund individually, but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund.
This Agreement may be signed in various counterparts, which together constitute one and the same instrument. If signed in counterparts, this Agreement shall not become effective unless at least one counterpart hereof shall have been executed and delivered on behalf of each party hereto.
[End of Text]
Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement among the Fund, the Advisers and the Underwriters.
Very truly yours,
NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE
INCOME FUND
Title :
NUVEEN INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORY CORP.
Title:
SPECTRUM ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
Title:
FROLEY, REVY INVESTMENT CO., INC.
Title:
The foregoing Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted as of the date first above written.
CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.
For itself and the other Underwriters named in Schedule I to the foregoing Agreement
SCHEDULE I
NUVEEN PREFERRED AND CONVERTIBLE INCOME FUND
Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of
Shares of Shares of Shares of Shares of Shares of Shares of
Underwriters Series M Series T Series W Series TH Series F Series F2
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Citigroup Global Markets
Inc. ...................... _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
Nuveen Investments, LLC
........................... _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
A.G. Edwards & Sons,
Inc........................ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
Prudential Securities
Incorporated............... _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
Wachovia Securities, Inc.
........................... _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
Total...................... 4,720 4,720 4,720 4,720 4,720 4,720
===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
|
EXHIBIT h.2
MASTER SELECTED DEALER AGREEMENT
_________, ____
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with registered public offerings of securities for which we are acting as manager or co-manager of an underwriting syndicate or unregistered offerings of securities for which we are acting as manager or co-manager of the initial purchasers, you may be offered the right as a selected dealer to purchase as principal a portion of such securities. This will confirm our mutual agreement as to the general terms and conditions applicable to your participation in any such selected dealer group.
1. APPLICABILITY OF THIS AGREEMENT. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be applicable to any offering of securities ("Securities"), whether pursuant to a registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or exempt from registration thereunder, in respect of which Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (acting for its own account or for the account of any underwriting or similar group or syndicate) is responsible for managing or otherwise implementing the sale of the Securities to selected dealers ("Selected Dealers") and has expressly informed you that such terms and conditions shall be applicable. Any such offering of Securities to you as a Selected Dealer is hereinafter called an "Offering". In the case of any Offering where we are acting for the account of any underwriting or similar group or syndicate ("Underwriters"), the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of, and binding upon, such Underwriters, including, in the case of any Offering where we are acting with others as representatives of Underwriters, such other representatives.
2. CONDITIONS OF OFFERING; ACCEPTANCE AND PURCHASES. Any Offering will be
subject to delivery of the Securities and their acceptance by us and any other
Underwriters, may be subject to the approval of all legal matters by counsel and
the satisfaction of other conditions, and may be made on the basis of
reservation of Securities or an allotment against subscription. We will advise
you by telecopy, telex or other form of written communication ("Written
Communication", which term, in the case of any Offering described in Section
3(a) or 3(b) hereof, may include a prospectus or offering circular) of the
particular method and supplementary terms and conditions (including, without
limitation, the information as to prices and the offering date referred to in
Section 3(c) hereof) of any Offering in which you are invited to participate. To
the extent such supplementary terms and conditions are inconsistent with any
provision herein, such terms and conditions shall supersede any such provision.
Unless otherwise indicated in any such Written Communication, acceptances and
other communications
by you with respect to an Offering should be sent to the appropriate Syndicate Department of Salomon Smith Barney Inc. We may close the subscription books at any time in our sole discretion without notice, and we reserve the right to reject any acceptance in whole or in part.
Unless notified otherwise by us, Securities purchased by you shall be paid for on such date as we shall determine, on one day's prior notice to you, by wire transfer payable in immediately available funds to the order of Salomon Smith Barney Inc., in an amount equal to the Public Offering Price (as hereinafter defined) or, if we shall so advise you, at such Public Offering Price less the Concession (as hereinafter defined). If Securities are purchased and paid for at such Public Offering Price, such Concession will be paid after the termination of the provisions of Section 3(c) hereof with respect to such Securities. Unless notified otherwise by us, payment for and delivery of Securities purchased by you shall be made through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, if you are a member, unless you have otherwise notified us prior to the date specified in a Written Communication to you from us or, if you are not a member, settlement may be made through a correspondent who is a member pursuant to instructions which you will send to us prior to such specified date.
3. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS.
(a) REGISTERED OFFERINGS. In the case of any Offering of Securities which are registered under the Securities Act ("Registered Offering"), we will make available to you as soon as practicable after sufficient copies are made available to us by the issuer of the Securities such number of copies of each preliminary prospectus and of the final prospectus relating thereto as you may reasonably request for the purposes contemplated by the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
You represent and warrant that you are familiar with Rule 15c2-8 under the Exchange Act relating to the distribution of preliminary and final prospectuses and agree that you will comply therewith. You agree to make a record of your distribution of each preliminary prospectus and when furnished with copies of any revised preliminary prospectus, you will promptly forward copies thereof to each person to whom you have theretofore distributed a preliminary prospectus.
You agree that in purchasing Securities in a Registered Offering you will rely upon no statement whatsoever, written or oral, other than the statements in the final prospectus delivered to you by us. You will not be authorized by the issuer or other seller of Securities offered pursuant to a prospectus or by any Underwriters to give any information or to make any representation not contained in the prospectus in connection with the sale of such Securities.
(b) OFFERINGS PURSUANT TO OFFERING CIRCULAR. In the case of any Offering of Securities, other than a Registered Offering, which is made pursuant to an offering circular or other document comparable to a prospectus in a Registered Offering, we will make available to you as soon as practicable after sufficient copies are made available to us by the issuer of the Securities such number of copies of each preliminary offering circular and of the final offering circular relating thereto as you may reasonably request. You agree that you will comply with applicable Federal, state and other laws, and the
applicable rules and regulations of any regulatory body promulgated thereunder, governing the use and distribution of offering circulars by brokers or dealers.
You agree that in purchasing Securities pursuant to an offering circular you will rely upon no statements whatsoever, written or oral, other than the statements in the final offering circular delivered to you by us. You will not be authorized by the issuer or other seller of Securities offered pursuant to an offering circular or by any Underwriters to give any information or to make any representation not contained in the offering circular in connection with the sale of such Securities.
(c) OFFER AND SALE TO THE PUBLIC. The Offering of Securities is made
subject to the conditions referred to the prospectus or offering circular
relating to the Offering and to the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement. With respect to any Offering of Securities, we will inform you by a
Written Communication of the public offering price, the selling concession, the
reallowance (if any) to dealers and the time when you may commence selling
Securities to the public. After such public offering has commenced, we may
change the public offering price, the selling concession and the reallowance to
dealers. The offering price, selling concession and reallowance (if any) to
dealers at any time in effect with respect to an Offering are hereinafter
referred to, respectively, as the "Public Offering Price", the "Concession" and
the "Reallowance". With respect to each Offering of Securities, until the
provisions of this Section 3(c) shall be terminated pursuant to Section 4
hereof, you agree to offer Securities to the public only at the Public Offering
Price, except that if a Reallowance is in effect, a Reallowance from the Public
Offering Price not in excess of such Reallowance may be allowed as consideration
for services rendered in distribution to dealers who are actually engaged in the
investment banking or securities business who are either members in good
standing of the NASD who agree to abide by the applicable rules of the NASD (see
Section 3(e) below) or foreign banks, dealers or institutions not eligible for
membership in the NASD who represent to you that they will promptly reoffer such
Securities at the Public Offering Price and will abide by the conditions with
respect to foreign banks, dealers and institutions set forth in Section 3(e)
hereof.
(d) OVER-ALLOTMENT; STABILIZATION; UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS. We may, with respect to any Offering, be authorized to over-allot in arranging sales to Selected Dealers, to purchase and sell Securities for long or short account and to stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities. You agree that upon our request at any time and from time to time prior to the termination of the provisions of Section 3(c) hereof with respect to any Offering, you will report to us the amount of Securities purchased by you pursuant to such Offering which then remain unsold by you and will, upon our request at any such time, sell to us for our account or the account of one or more Underwriters such amount of such unsold Securities as we may designate at the Public Offering Price less an amount to be determined by us not in excess of the Concession. If, prior to the later of (a) the termination of the provisions of Section 3(c) hereof with respect to any Offering, or (b) the covering by us of any short position created by us in connection with such Offering for our account or the account of one or more Underwriters, we purchase or contract to purchase for our account or the account of one or more Underwriters in the open market or otherwise any Securities purchased by you under this Agreement as part of such Offering, you agree to pay us on demand for the account of the Underwriters an amount equal to the Concession with respect to such Securities (unless you shall have purchased such Securities pursuant to Section 2 hereof at the Public Offering Price and you have not received or been credited with any Concession, in which case we shall not
be obligated to pay such Concession to you pursuant to Section 2) plus transfer taxes and broker's commissions or dealer's mark-up, if any, paid in connection with such purchase or contract to purchase.
(e) NASD. You represent and warrant that you are actually engaged in the investment banking or securities business and either are a member in good standing of the NASD or, if you are not such a member, you are a foreign bank, dealer or institution not eligible for membership in the NASD which agrees to make no sales within the United State, its territories or its possessions or to persons who are citizens thereof or residents therein, and in making other sales to comply with the NASD's interpretation with respect to free-riding and withholding. You further represent, by your participation in an Offering, that you have provided to us all documents and other information required to be filed with respect to you, any related person or any person associated with you or any such related person pursuant to the supplementary requirements of the NASD's interpretation with respect to review of corporate financing as such requirements relate to such Offering.
You agree that, in connection with any purchase or sale of the Securities wherein a selling concession, discount or other allowance is received or granted, you will (a) if you are a member of the NASD, comply with all applicable interpretive material ("IM") and Conduct Rules of the NASD, including, without limitation, IM 2110-1 (relating to Free-Riding and Withholding) and Conduct Rule 2740 (relating to Selling Concessions, Discounts and Other Allowances) or (b) if you are a foreign bank or dealer or institution not eligible for such membership, comply with IM 2110-1 and with Conduct Rules 2730 (relating to Securities Taken in Trade), 2740 (relating to Selling Concessions) and 2750 (relating to Transactions With Related Persons) as though you were such a member and Conduct Rule 2420 (relating to Dealing with Non-Members) as it applies to a non-member broker or dealer in a foreign country.
You further agree that, in connection with any purchase of securities from us that is not otherwise covered by the terms of this Agreement (whether we are acting as manager, as member of an underwriting syndicate or a selling group or otherwise), if a selling concession, discount or other allowance is granted to you, clauses (a) and (b) of the preceding paragraph will be applicable.
(f) RELATIONSHIP AMONG UNDERWRITERS AND SELECTED DEALERS. We may buy Securities from or sell Securities to any Underwriter or Selected Dealer and, with our consent, the Underwriters (if any) and the Selected Dealers may purchase Securities from and sell Securities to each other at the Public Offering Price less all or any part of the Concession. We shall have full authority to take such action as we deem advisable in all matters pertaining to any Offering under this Agreement. You are not authorized to act as agent for us, any Underwriter or the issuer or other seller of any Securities in offering Securities to the public or otherwise. Neither we nor any Underwriter shall be under any obligation to you except for obligations assumed hereby or in any Written Communication from us in connection with any Offering. Nothing contained herein or in any Written Communication from us shall constitute the Selected Dealers an association or partners with us or any Underwriter or with one another. If the Selected Dealers, among themselves or with the Underwriters, should be deemed to constitute a partnership for Federal income tax purposes, then you elect to be excluded from the application of Subchapter K, Chapter 1, Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and agree not to take any position inconsistent with that election. You authorize us, in
our discretion, to execute and file on your behalf such evidence of that election as may be required by the Internal Revenue Service. In connection with any Offering you shall be liable for your proportionate amount of any tax, claim, demand or liability that may be asserted against you alone or against one or more Selected Dealers participating in such Offering, or against us or the Underwriters, based upon the claim that the Selected Dealers, or any of them constitute an association, an unincorporated business or other entity, including, in each case, your proportionate amount of any expense incurred in defending against any such tax, claim, demand or liability.
(g) BLUE SKY LAWS. Upon application to us, we shall inform you as to any advice we have received from counsel concerning the jurisdictions in which Securities have been qualified for sale or are exempt under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions, but we do not assume any obligation or responsibility as to your right to sell Securities in any such jurisdiction.
(h) COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. You agree that in selling Securities pursuant to any Offering (which agreement shall also be for the benefit of the issuer or other seller of such Securities), you will comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including the applicable provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, the applicable rules and regulations of the NASD, the applicable rules and regulations of any securities exchange or other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Offering and the applicable laws, rules and regulations specified in Section 3(b) hereof. Without limiting the foregoing, (a) you agree that, at all times since you were invited to participate in an Offering of Securities, you have complied with the provisions of Regulation M applicable to such Offering, in each case after giving effect to any applicable exemptions and (b) you represent that your incurrence of obligations hereunder in connection with any Offering of Securities will not result in the violation by you of Rule 15c3-1 under the Exchange Act, if such requirements are applicable to you.
4. TERMINATION; SUPPLEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until terminated by a written instrument executed by each of the parties hereto. This Agreement may be supplemented or amended by us by written notice thereof to you, and any such supplement or amendment to this Agreement shall be effective with respect to any Offering to which this Agreement applies after the date of such supplement or amendment. Each reference to "this Agreement" herein shall, as appropriate, be to this Agreement as so amended and supplemented. The terms and conditions set forth in Section 3(c) hereof with regard to any Offering will terminate at the close of business on the 30th day after the commencement of the public offering of the Securities to which such Offering relates, but in our discretion may be extended by us for a further period not exceeding 30 days and in our discretion, whether or not extended, may be terminated at any earlier time.
5. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding on, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and other persons specified in Section 1 hereof, and the respective successors and assigns of each of them.
6. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and the terms and conditions set forth herein with respect to any Offering together with such supplementary terms and conditions with respect to such Offering as may be contained in any Written Communication from us to you in connection therewith shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the
laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed within the State of New York.
Please confirm by signing and returning to us the enclosed copy of this Agreement that your subscription to or your acceptance of any reservation of any Securities pursuant to an Offering shall constitute (i) acceptance of and agreement to the terms and conditions of this Agreement (as supplemented and amended pursuant to Section 4 hereof; together with and subject to any supplementary terms and conditions contained in any Written Communication from us in connection with such Offering, all of which shall constitute a binding agreement between you and us, individually or as representative of any Underwriters, (ii) confirmation that your representations and warranties set forth in Section 3 hereof are true and correct at that time, (iii) confirmation that your agreements set forth in Sections 2 and 3 hereof have been and will be fully performed by you to the extent and at the times required thereby and (iv) in the case of any Offering described in Section 3(a) or 3(b) hereof, acknowledgment that you have requested and received from us sufficient copies of the final prospectus or offering circular, as the case may be, with respect to such Offering in order to comply with your undertakings in Section 3(a) or 3(b) hereof.
Very truly yours,
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
Title:
CONFIRMED:.........................., 20
..........................................
(Name of Dealer)
by:.......................................
Name:
Title:
Telephone:
Exhibit h.3
FORM OF MASTER AGREEMENT AMONG UNDERWRITERS
REGISTERED SEC OFFERINGS
(INCLUDING MULTIPLE SYNDICATE OFFERINGS),
STANDBY UNDERWRITINGS AND EXEMPT OFFERINGS
(OTHER THAN OFFERINGS OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES)
______, ____
Ladies and Gentlemen:
From time to time SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC. ("SALOMON SMITH BARNEY") may invite you (and others) to participate on the terms set forth herein as an underwriter or an initial purchaser, or in a similar capacity, in connection with certain offerings of securities that are managed solely by us or with one or more other co-managers. If we invite you to participate in a specific offering and sale (an "OFFERING") to which this Master Agreement Among Underwriters (the "SALOMON SMITH BARNEY MASTER AAU") shall apply, we will send the information set forth below in Section 1.1 to you by one or more wires, telexes, facsimile or electronic data transmissions or other written communications (each a "WIRE" and collectively, an "AAU"). Each Wire will indicate that it is a Wire pursuant to the SALOMON SMITH BARNEY MASTER AAU. The Wire inviting you to participate in an Offering is referred to herein as the "INVITATION WIRE". You and we hereby agree that by the terms hereof the provisions of this SALOMON SMITH BARNEY MASTER AAU automatically shall be incorporated by reference in each AAU, EXCEPT THAT ANY SUCH AAU MAY ALSO EXCLUDE OR REVISE ANY PROVISION OF THIS SALOMON SMITH BARNEY MASTER AAU OR MAY CONTAIN SUCH ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS AS MAY BE SPECIFIED IN SUCH AAU.
I. GENERAL
1.1. TERMS OF AAU; CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; CONSTRUCTION. Each AAU shall relate to an Offering and shall identify (i) the securities to be offered in the Offering (the "SECURITIES"), their principal terms, the issuer or issuers (each an "ISSUER") and any guarantor (each a "GUARANTOR") thereof and, if different from the Issuer, the seller or sellers (each a "SELLER") of the Securities, (ii) the underwriting agreement, purchase agreement, standby underwriting agreement, distribution agreement or similar agreement (as identified in such AAU and as amended or supplemented, including a terms agreement or pricing agreement pursuant to any of the foregoing, collectively, the "UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT") providing for the purchase, on a several and not joint basis, of the Securities by the several underwriters, initial purchasers or others acting in a similar capacity on whose behalf the Manager (as defined below) executes the
Underwriting Agreement (including the Manager and the Co-Managers (as defined below), the "UNDERWRITERS"), (iii) if applicable, that the Underwriting Agreement includes an option (an "OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION") to purchase Additional Securities (as defined below) to cover over-allotments, if any, (iv) if applicable, that the Offering is part of an offering that includes concurrent offerings by two or more syndicates (an "INTERNATIONAL OFFERING"), each of which will offer and sell Securities subject to such restrictions as shall be specified in any Intersyndicate Agreement (as defined below) referred to in such AAU, (v) the price at which the Securities are to be purchased by the several Underwriters from any Issuer or Seller thereof (the "PURCHASE PRICE"), (vi) the offering terms, including, if applicable, the price or prices at which the Securities initially will be offered by the Underwriters (the "OFFERING PRICE"), any selling concession to dealers (the "SELLING CONCESSION"), reallowance (the "REALLOWANCE"), management fee, global coordinators' fee, praecipium or other similar fees, discounts or commissions (collectively, the "FEES AND COMMISSIONS") with respect to the Securities, (vii) the proposed pricing date ("PRICING DATE") and settlement date (the "SETTLEMENT DATE"), (viii) any contractual restrictions on the offer and sale of the Securities pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, Intersyndicate Agreement or otherwise, (ix) any co-managers for such Offering (the "CO-MANAGERS"), (x) your proposed participation in the Offering, (xi) if applicable, the trustee, fiscal agent or similar agent (the "TRUSTEE") for the indenture, trust agreement, fiscal agency agreement or similar agreement (the "INDENTURE") under which such Securities will be issued and (xii) any other principal terms of the Offering.
The term "MANAGER" means SALOMON SMITH BARNEY. The term "UNDERWRITERS" includes the Manager and the Co-Managers. The term "FIRM SECURITIES" means the number or amount of Securities that the several Underwriters are initially committed to purchase under the Underwriting Agreement (which may be expressed as a percentage of an aggregate number or amount of Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters as in the case of a standby Underwriting Agreement). The term "ADDITIONAL SECURITIES" means the Securities, if any, that the several Underwriters have an option to purchase under the Underwriting Agreement to cover over-allotments, if any. The number, amount or percentage of Firm Securities set forth opposite each Underwriter's name in the Underwriting Agreement plus any additional Firm Securities that such Underwriter has become obligated to purchase under the Underwriting Agreement or Article XI hereof is hereinafter referred to as the "ORIGINAL PURCHASE OBLIGATION" of such Underwriter and the ratio which such Original Purchase Obligation bears to the total of all Firm Securities set forth in the Underwriting Agreement (or, in the case of a standby Underwriting Agreement, to 100%) is hereinafter referred to as the "UNDERWRITING PERCENTAGE" of such Underwriter.
References herein to statutory sections, rules, regulations, forms and interpretive materials shall be deemed to include any successor provisions.
1.2. ACCEPTANCE OF AAU. You shall have accepted an AAU for an Offering if we receive your acceptance, prior to the time specified in the Invitation Wire for such Offering, by wire, telex, facsimile or electronic data transmission or other written communication (any such manner of communication being deemed "IN WRITING") (or
orally, if promptly confirmed In Writing) in the manner specified in the Invitation Wire, of our invitation to participate in the Offering. If we receive your timely acceptance of the invitation to participate, such AAU shall constitute a valid and binding contract between us. Your acceptance of the Invitation Wire shall also constitute acceptance by you of the terms of subsequent Wires to you relating to the Offering unless we receive In Writing, within the time and in the manner specified in such subsequent Wire, a notice from you to the effect that you do not accept the terms of such subsequent Wire, in which case you shall be deemed to have elected not to participate in the Offering.
1.3. UNDERWRITERS' QUESTIONNAIRE. Your acceptance of the Invitation Wire shall confirm that you have no exceptions to the Underwriters' Questionnaire attached as Exhibit A hereto (or to any other questions addressed to you in any Wires relating to the Offering previously sent to you), other than exceptions noted by you In Writing in connection with the Offering and received from you by us before the time specified in the Invitation Wire or any subsequent Wire.
II. OFFERING MATERIALS
2.1. REGISTERED OFFERINGS. In the case of an Offering that will be registered in whole or in part (a "REGISTERED OFFERING") under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 ACT"), you understand that the Issuer has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "COMMISSION") a registration statement including a prospectus relating to the Securities. The term "REGISTRATION STATEMENT" means such registration statement as amended or deemed to be amended to the effective date of the Underwriting Agreement and, in the event that the Issuer files an abbreviated registration statement to register additional Securities pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the 1933 Act, such abbreviated registration statement. The term "PROSPECTUS" means the prospectus, together with the final prospectus supplement, if any, relating to the Offering first used to confirm sales of Securities and, in the case of a Registered Offering that is an International Offering, the term "PROSPECTUS" shall mean, collectively, each prospectus or offering circular, together with each final prospectus supplement or final offering circular supplement, if any, relating to the Offering, in the respective forms first used or made available for use to confirm sales of Securities. The term "PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS" means any preliminary prospectus relating to the Offering or any preliminary prospectus supplement together with a prospectus relating to the Offering and, in the case of a Registered Offering that is an International Offering, the term "PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS" shall mean, collectively, each preliminary prospectus or preliminary offering circular relating to the Offering or each preliminary prospectus supplement or preliminary offering circular supplement, together with a prospectus or offering circular, respectively, relating to the Offering. As used herein the terms "REGISTRATION STATEMENT", "PROSPECTUS" and "PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS" shall include in each case the material, if any, incorporated by reference therein. The Manager will furnish to you, or make arrangements for you to obtain, copies of each Prospectus and Preliminary Prospectus (but excluding for this purpose, unless otherwise required pursuant to regulations under the 1933 Act, documents incorporated therein by reference) as soon as practicable after sufficient quantities thereof have been made available by the Issuer.
2.2. UNREGISTERED OFFERINGS. In the case of an Offering other than a Registered Offering, you understand that no registration statement has been filed with the Commission. The term "OFFERING CIRCULAR" means an offering circular or memorandum, if any, or any other written materials authorized by the Issuer to be used in connection with an Offering that is not a Registered Offering. The term "PRELIMINARY OFFERING CIRCULAR" means any preliminary offering circular or memorandum, if any, or any other written preliminary materials authorized by the Issuer to be used in connection with such an Offering. As used herein, the terms "OFFERING CIRCULAR" and "PRELIMINARY OFFERING CIRCULAR" shall include the material, if any, incorporated by reference therein. We will either, as soon as practicable after the later of the date of the Invitation Wire or the date made available to us by the Issuer, furnish to you (or make available for your review in our office) a copy of any Preliminary Offering Circular or any proof or draft of the Offering Circular. In any event, in any Offering involving an Offering Circular, the Manager will furnish to you, or make arrangements for you to obtain, as soon as practicable after sufficient quantities thereof are made available by the Issuer, copies of the final Offering Circular, as amended or supplemented, if applicable (but excluding for this purpose documents incorporated therein by reference).
III. MANAGER'S AUTHORITY
3.1. AUTHORITY OF MANAGER TO DETERMINE FORM OF DOCUMENTS,
TERMS OF OFFERING, ETC. You authorize the Manager to act as lead manager of the
Offering of the Securities by the Underwriters (the "UNDERWRITERS' SECURITIES")
or by the Issuer or Seller pursuant to delayed delivery contracts (the "CONTRACT
SECURITIES"), if any, contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement. You authorize
the Manager, on your behalf, (a) to determine the form of the Underwriting
Agreement, (b) to execute and deliver the Underwriting Agreement to the Issuer,
Guarantor or Seller, (c) to determine the form of any agreement or agreements
between or among the syndicates participating in the International Offering of
which the Offering is a part (each an "INTERSYNDICATE AGREEMENT"), and (d) to
execute and deliver any such Intersyndicate Agreement. You authorize the Manager
(i) to exercise any Over-allotment Option for the purchase any of or all the
Additional Securities for the accounts of the several Underwriters pursuant to
the Underwriting Agreement, (ii) to agree, on your behalf and on behalf of the
Co-Managers, to any addition to, change in or waiver of any provision of, or the
termination of, the Underwriting Agreement or any Intersyndicate Agreement
(other than an increase in the Purchase Price or in your Original Purchase
Obligation to purchase Securities, in either case from that contemplated by the
applicable AAU), (iii) to add or remove prospective Underwriters to or from the
syndicate, (iv) to exercise, in the Manager's discretion, all the authority
vested in the Manager in the Underwriting Agreement and (v) except as described
below in this Section 3.1, to take any other action as may seem advisable to the
Manager in respect of the Offering (including, without limitation, actions and
communications with the Commission, the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), state blue sky or securities commissions, stock
exchanges and other regulatory bodies or organizations). If, in accordance with
the terms of the applicable AAU, the Offering of the Securities is at varying
prices based on prevailing market
prices or prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices, you authorize the Manager to determine, on your behalf in the Manager's discretion, any Offering Price and the Fees and Commissions applicable to the Offering from time to time. You authorize the Manager on your behalf to arrange for any currency transactions (including forward and hedging currency transactions) as the Manager deems necessary to facilitate settlement of the purchase of the Securities, but you do not authorize the Manager on your behalf to engage in any other forward or hedging transactions in connection with the Offering unless such transactions are specified in an applicable AAU or are otherwise consented to by you. You further authorize the Manager, subject to the provisions of Section 1.2 hereof, (i) to vary the offering terms of the Securities in effect at any time, including, if applicable, the Offering Price and Fees and Commissions set forth in the applicable AAU, (ii) to determine, on your behalf, the Purchase Price and (iii) to increase or decrease the number, amount or percentage of Securities being offered. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.1, the Manager shall notify the Underwriters, prior to the signing of the Underwriting Agreement, of any provision in the Underwriting Agreement that could result in an increase in the amount or percentage of Firm Securities set forth opposite each Underwriter's name in the Underwriting Agreement by more than 25% (or such other percentage as shall have been specified in the applicable Invitation Wire or otherwise consented to by you) as a result of the failure or refusal of another Underwriter or Underwriters to perform its or their obligations thereunder.
3.2. OFFERING DATE. The Offering is to be made as soon after the Underwriting Agreement is entered into by the Issuer, Guarantor or Seller and the Manager as in the Manager's judgment is advisable, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus or the Offering Circular, as the case may be, and the applicable AAU. You agree not to sell any Securities prior to the time the Manager releases such Securities for sale to purchasers. The date on which such Securities are released for sale is referred to herein as the "OFFERING DATE".
3.3. ADVERTISING; SUPPLEMENTAL OFFERING MATERIAL. Any public advertisement of the Offering shall be made by the Manager on behalf of the Underwriters on such date as the Manager shall determine. You agree not to advertise the Offering prior to the date of the Manager's advertisement thereof without the Manager's consent. If the offering is made in whole or in part in reliance on Rule 144A (or upon another exemption from registration), you agree not to engage in any general solicitation and to abide by any other restrictions in the AAU or the Underwriting Agreement in connection therewith relating to any advertising or publicity. Any advertisement you may make of the Offering after such date will be your own responsibility and at your own expense and risk. In addition to your agreement to comply with restrictions on the Offering pursuant to Sections 10.10 and 10.11 hereof, you also agree that you will not, in connection with the offer and sale of the Securities in the Offering, without the consent of the Manager, give to any prospective purchaser of the Securities or other person not in your employ any written information concerning the Offering, the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Seller, other than information contained in any Preliminary Prospectus, Prospectus, Preliminary Offering Circular or Offering Circular or in any computational materials ("COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS") or other offering materials prepared by or with the consent of the Manager for use by the Underwriters in
connection with the Offering and, in the case of a Registered Offering, filed with the Commission or the NASD, as applicable (the "SUPPLEMENTAL OFFERING MATERIALS"). You further agree to cease distribution of any COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS on the Offering Date.
3.4. INSTITUTIONAL AND RETAIL SALES. You authorize the Manager to sell to institutions or retail purchasers such Securities purchased by you pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement as the Manager shall determine. The Selling Concession on any such sales shall be credited to the accounts of the Underwriters as the Manager shall determine.
3.5. SALES TO DEALERS. You authorize the Manager to sell to Dealers (as defined below) such Securities purchased by you pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement as the Manager shall determine. A "DEALER" shall be a person who is (a) a broker or dealer (as defined in the By-Laws of the NASD) actually engaged in the investment banking or securities business and (i) a member in good standing of the NASD or (ii) a foreign bank, broker, dealer or other institution not eligible for membership in the NASD that, in the case of either clause (a)(i) or (a)(ii), makes the representations and agreements applicable to such institutions contained in Section 10.6 hereof or (b) in the case of Offerings of Securities that are exempt securities under Section 3(a)(12) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 ACT"), and such other Securities as from time to time may be sold by a "bank" (as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the 1934 Act (a "BANK")), a Bank that is not a member of the NASD and that makes the representations and agreements applicable to such institutions contained in Section 10.6 hereof. If the price for any such sales by the Manager to Dealers exceeds an amount equal to the Offering Price less the Selling Concession set forth in the applicable AAU, the amount of such excess, if any, shall be credited to the accounts of the Underwriters as the Manager shall determine.
3.6. DIRECT SALES. The Manager will advise you promptly, on the date of the Offering, as to the Securities purchased by you pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement that you shall retain for direct sale. At any time prior to the termination of the applicable AAU, any such Securities that are held by the Manager for sale but not sold, may, on your request and at the Manager's discretion, be released to you for direct sale, and Securities so released to you shall no longer be deemed held for sale by the Manager. You may allow, and Dealers may reallow, a discount on sales to Dealers in an amount not in excess of the Reallowance set forth in the applicable AAU. You may not purchase Securities from, or sell Securities to, any other Underwriter or Dealer at any discount or concession other than the Reallowance, except with the consent of the Manager.
3.7. RELEASE OF UNSOLD SECURITIES. From time to time prior to the termination of the applicable AAU, on the request of the Manager, you shall advise the Manager of the amount of Securities remaining unsold which were retained by or released to you for direct sale and of the amount of Securities and Other Securities (as defined below) purchased for your account remaining unsold which were delivered to you pursuant to Article V hereof or pursuant to any Intersyndicate Agreement, and, on the request of the Manager, you shall release to the Manager any such Securities and
Other Securities remaining unsold (i) for sale by the Manager to institutions, Dealers or retail purchasers, (ii) for sale by the Issuer or Seller pursuant to delayed delivery contracts or (iii) if, in the Manager's opinion, such Securities or Other Securities are needed to make delivery against sales made pursuant to Article V hereof or any Intersyndicate Agreement.
3.8. INTERNATIONAL OFFERINGS. In the case of an International
Offering, you authorize the Manager (i) to make representations on your behalf
as set forth in any Intersyndicate Agreement or Underwriting Agreement and (ii)
to purchase or sell for your account pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement
(a) Securities, (b) any other securities of the same class and series, or any
securities into which the Securities may be converted or for which the
Securities may be exchanged or exercised and (c) any other securities designated
in the applicable AAU or applicable Intersyndicate Agreement (the securities
referred to in clauses (b) and (c) above being referred to collectively as the
"OTHER SECURITIES").
IV. DELAYED DELIVERY CONTRACTS
4.1. ARRANGEMENTS FOR SALES. You agree that arrangements for sales of Contract Securities will be made only through the Manager acting either directly or through Dealers (including Underwriters acting as Dealers), and you authorize the Manager to act on your behalf in making such arrangements. The aggregate amount of Securities to be purchased by the several Underwriters shall be reduced by the respective amounts of Contract Securities attributed to such Underwriters as hereinafter provided. Subject to the provisions of Section 4.2, the aggregate amount of Contract Securities shall be attributed to the Underwriters as nearly as practicable in their respective Underwriting Percentages, except that, as determined by the Manager in its discretion, (i) Contract Securities directed and allocated by a purchaser to specific Underwriters shall be attributed to such Underwriters and (ii) Contract Securities for which arrangements have been made for sale through Dealers shall be attributed to each Underwriter approximately in the proportion that Securities of such Underwriter held by the Manager for sales to Dealers bear to all Securities so held. The fee with respect to Contract Securities payable to the Manager for the accounts of the Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement shall be credited to the accounts of the respective Underwriters in proportion to the Contract Securities attributed to such Underwriters pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4.1, less, in the case of each Underwriter, the concession to Dealers on Contract Securities sold through Dealers and attributed to such Underwriter.
4.2. EXCESS SALES. If the amount of Contract Securities attributable to an Underwriter pursuant to Section 4.1 would exceed such Underwriter's Original Purchase Obligation reduced by the amount of Underwriters' Securities sold by or on behalf of such Underwriter, such excess shall not be attributed to such Underwriter, and such Underwriter shall be regarded as having acted only as a Dealer with respect to, and shall receive only the concession to Dealers on, such excess.
V. PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECURITIES; FACILITATION OF DISTRIBUTION
5.1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECURITIES; FACILITATION OF DISTRIBUTION. In order to facilitate the distribution and sale of the Securities, you authorize the Manager to buy and sell Securities and any Other Securities, in addition to Securities sold pursuant to Article III hereof, in the open market or otherwise (including, without limitation, pursuant to any Intersyndicate Agreement), for long or short account, on such terms as it shall deem advisable, and to over-allot in arranging sales. Such purchases and sales and over-allotments shall be made for the accounts of the several Underwriters as nearly as practicable in their respective Underwriting Percentages or, in the case of an International Offering, such purchases and sales shall be for such accounts as set forth in the applicable Intersyndicate Agreement. Any securities which may have been purchased by the Manager for stabilizing purposes in connection with the Offering prior to the execution of the applicable AAU shall be treated as having been purchased pursuant to this Section 5.1 for the accounts of the several Underwriters or, in the case of an International Offering, for such accounts as are set forth in the applicable Intersyndicate Agreement. Your net commitment pursuant to the foregoing authorization shall not exceed at the close of business on any day an amount equal to 20% of your Underwriting Percentage of the aggregate initial Offering Price of the Firm Securities, it being understood that, in calculating such net commitment, the initial Offering Price shall be used with respect to the Securities so purchased or sold and, in the case of all Other Securities, shall be the purchase price thereof. Your net commitment for short account (i.e., "naked short") shall be calculated by assuming that all Securities that may be purchased upon exercise of any over-allotment option then exercisable are acquired (whether or not actually acquired) and, in the case of an International Offering, after giving effect to the purchase of any Securities or Other Securities that the Manager has agreed to purchase for your account pursuant to any applicable Intersyndicate Agreement. On demand you shall take up and pay for any Securities or Other Securities so purchased for your account and any Securities released to you pursuant to Section 3.7 hereof and you shall deliver to the Manager against payment any Securities or Other Securities so sold or over-allotted for your account or released to you. The Manager agrees to notify you if it engages in any stabilization transaction requiring reports to be filed pursuant to Rule 17a-2 under the 1934 Act and to notify you of the date of termination of stabilization. You agree not to stabilize or engage in any syndicate covering transaction (as defined in Rule 100 of Regulation M under the 1934 Act ("Regulation M")) in connection with the Offering without the prior consent of the Manager. You further agree to provide to Salomon Smith Barney any reports required of you pursuant to Rule 17a-2 not later than the date specified therein and you authorize Salomon Smith Barney to file on your behalf with the Commission any reports required by such Rule.
If the limitations of Rule 101 of Regulation M ("Rule 101") do not apply to you with respect to the Securities, Other Securities or other reference securities (as defined in Rule 100 of Regulation M) because they satisfy the exception for actively-traded securities in subsection (c)(1) of Rule 101 or the exception for Rule 144A securities in subsection (b)(10) of Rule 101, you agree that promptly upon notice from the Manager (or, if later, at the time stated in the notice) you will comply with Rule 101 as though such exception were not available but the other provisions of Rule 101 (as interpreted by
the Commission and after giving effect to any applicable exemptions) did apply. If the securities in question are NASDAQ securities (as defined in Rule 100 of Regulation M) you may engage in passive market making in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M (except that the daily net purchase volume limitation will not apply and the maximum displayed bid size shall be 5,000 shares excluding transactions effected in the SOES system) unless the notice from the Manager also states that passive market making is not permitted.
5.2. PENALTY WITH RESPECT TO SECURITIES REPURCHASED BY THE MANAGER. If pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.1 and prior to the termination of the Manager's authority to cover any short position incurred under the applicable AAU or such other date as the Manager shall specify in a Wire, either (A) the Manager purchases or contracts to purchase for the account of any Underwriter in the open market or otherwise any Securities which were retained by, or released to, you for direct sale or any Securities sold pursuant to Section 3.4 for which you received a portion of the Selling Concession set forth in the applicable AAU, or any Securities which may have been issued on transfer or in exchange for such Securities, and which Securities were therefore not effectively placed for investment or (B) if the Manager has advised you by Wire that trading in the Securities will be reported to the Manager pursuant to the "Initial Public Offering Tracking System" of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") and the Manager determines, based on notices from DTC, that your customers sold an amount of Securities during any day that exceeds the amount previously notified to you by Wire, then you authorize the Manager either to charge your account with an amount equal to such portion of the Selling Concession set forth in the applicable AAU received by you with respect to such Securities or, in the case of clause (B), such Securities as exceed the amount specified in such Wire or to require you to repurchase such Securities or, in the case of clause (B), such Securities as exceed the amount specified in such Wire, at a price equal to the total cost of such purchase, including transfer taxes, accrued interest, dividends and commissions, if any.
5.3. COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION M. You represent that, at all times since you were invited to participate in the Offering, you have complied with the provisions of Regulation M applicable to such Offering, in each case as interpreted by the Commission and after giving effect to any applicable exemptions. If you have been notified in a Wire that the Underwriters may conduct passive market making in compliance with Rule 103 of Regulation M in connection with the Offering, you represent that, at all times since your receipt of such Wire, you have complied with the provisions of such Rule applicable to such Offering, as interpreted by the Commission and after giving effect to any applicable exemptions.
5.4. STANDBY UNDERWRITINGS. You authorize the Manager in its discretion, at any time on, or from time to time prior to, the expiration of the conversion right of convertible securities identified in the applicable AAU in the case of securities called for redemption, or the expiration of rights to acquire securities in the case of rights offerings, for which, in either case, standby underwriting arrangements have been made: (i) to purchase convertible securities or rights to acquire Securities for your account, in the open market or otherwise, on such terms as the Manager determines and to convert convertible securities or exercise rights so purchased; and (ii) to offer and
sell the underlying common stock or depositary shares for your account, in the open market or otherwise, for long or short account (for purposes of such commitment, such common stock or depositary shares being considered the equivalent of convertible securities or rights), on such terms consistent with the terms of the Offering set forth in the Prospectus or Offering Circular as the Manager determines. On demand you shall take up and pay for any securities so purchased for your account or you shall deliver to the Manager against payment any securities so sold, as the case may be. During such period you may offer and sell the underlying common stock or depositary shares, but only at prices set by the Manager from time to time, and any such sales shall be subject to the Manager's right to sell to you the underlying common stock or depositary shares as above provided and to the Manager's right to reserve your Securities purchased, received or to be received upon conversion. You agree not to bid for, purchase, attempt to induce others to purchase, or sell, directly or indirectly, any convertible securities or rights or underlying common stock or depositary shares, provided, however, that no Underwriter shall be prohibited from (a) selling underlying common stock owned beneficially by such Underwriter on the day the convertible securities were first called for redemption, (b) converting convertible securities owned beneficially by such Underwriter on such date or selling underlying common stock issued upon conversion of convertible securities so owned, (c) exercising rights owned beneficially by such Underwriter on the record date for a rights offering or selling the underlying common stock or depositary shares issued upon exercise of rights so owned or (d) purchasing or selling convertible securities or rights or underlying common stock or depositary shares as a broker pursuant to unsolicited orders.
VI. PAYMENT AND SETTLEMENT
6.1. PAYMENT AND SETTLEMENT. You shall deliver to the Manager on the date and at the place and time specified in the applicable AAU (or on such later date and at such place and time as may be specified by the Manager in a subsequent Wire) the funds specified in the applicable AAU, payable to the order of Salomon Smith Barney Inc., for (i) an amount equal to the Offering Price plus (if not included in the Offering Price) accrued interest, amortization of original issue discount or dividends, if any, specified in the Prospectus or Offering Circular, less the applicable Selling Concession in respect of the Firm Securities to be purchased by you, (ii) an amount equal to the Offering Price plus (if not included in the Offering Price) accrued interest, amortization of original issue discount or dividends, if any, specified in the Prospectus or Offering Circular, less the applicable Selling Concession in respect of such of the Firm Securities to be purchased by you as shall have been retained by or released to you for direct sale as contemplated by Section 3.6 hereof or (iii) the amount set forth or indicated in the applicable AAU, as the Manager shall advise. You shall make similar payment as the Manager may direct for Additional Securities, if any, to be purchased by you on the date specified by the Manager for such payment. The Manager will make payment to the Issuer or Seller against delivery to the Manager for your account of the Securities to be purchased by you, and the Manager will deliver to you the Securities paid for by you which shall have been retained by or released to you for direct sale. If the Manager determines that transactions in the Securities are to be settled through the facilities of DTC or other clearinghouse facility, payment for and delivery of Securities
purchased by you shall be made through such facilities, if you are a member, or, if you are not a member, settlement shall be made through your ordinary correspondent who is a member.
VII. EXPENSES
7.1. MANAGEMENT FEE. You authorize the Manager to charge your account as compensation for the Manager's and Co-Managers' services in connection with the Offering, including the purchase from the Issuer or Seller of the Securities, as the case may be, and the management of the Offering, the amount, if any, set forth as the management fee, global coordinators fee, praecipium or other similar fee in the applicable AAU. Such amount shall be divided among the Manager and any Co-Managers named in the applicable AAU as they may determine.
7.2. GENERAL EXPENSES. You authorize the Manager to charge your account with your Underwriting Percentage of all expenses of a general nature incurred by the Manager and Co-Managers under the applicable AAU in connection with the Offering, including the negotiation and preparation thereof, or in connection with the purchase, carrying, marketing and sale of any securities under the applicable AAU and any Intersyndicate Agreement, including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses, transfer taxes, costs associated with approval of the Offering by the NASD and the costs of currency transactions (including forward and hedging currency transactions) entered into to facilitate settlement of the purchase of Securities permitted under Section 3.1 hereof.
VIII. MANAGEMENT OF SECURITIES AND FUNDS
8.1. ADVANCES; LOANS; PLEDGES. You authorize the Manager to
advance the Manager's own funds for your account, charging current interest
rates, or to arrange loans for your account for the purpose of carrying out the
provisions of the applicable AAU and any Intersyndicate Agreement and in
connection therewith, to hold or pledge as security therefor all or any
securities which the Manager may be holding for your account under the
applicable AAU and any Intersyndicate Agreement, to execute and deliver any
notes or other instruments evidencing such advances or loans and to give all
instructions to the lenders with respect to any such loans and the proceeds
thereof. The obligations of the Underwriters under loans arranged on their
behalf shall be several in proportion to their respective Original Purchase
Obligations and not joint. Any lender is authorized to accept the Manager's
instructions as to the disposition of the proceeds of any such loans. In the
event of any such advance or loan, repayment thereof shall, in the discretion of
the Manager, be effected prior to making any remittance or delivery pursuant to
Section 8.2, 8.3 or 9.2 hereof.
8.2. RETURN OF AMOUNT PAID FOR SECURITIES. Out of payment received by the Manager for Securities sold for your account which have been paid for by you, the Manager will remit to you promptly an amount equal to the price paid by you for such Securities.
8.3. DELIVERY AND REDELIVERY OF SECURITIES FOR CARRYING PURPOSES. The Manager may deliver to you from time to time prior to the termination of the applicable AAU pursuant to Section 9.1 hereof against payment, for carrying purposes only, any Securities or Other Securities purchased by you under the applicable AAU or any Intersyndicate Agreement which the Manager is holding for sale for your account but which are not sold and paid for. You shall redeliver to the Manager against payment any Securities or Other Securities delivered to you for carrying purposes at such times as the Manager may demand.
IX. TERMINATION; INDEMNIFICATION
9.1. TERMINATION. Each AAU shall terminate at the close of business on the later of the date on which the Underwriters pay the Issuer or Seller for the Securities and 45 full days after the applicable Offering Date, unless sooner terminated by the Manager. The Manager may in its discretion by notice to you prior to the termination of such AAU alter any of the terms or conditions of the Offering to the extent permitted by Articles III or IV hereof, or terminate or suspend the effectiveness of Article V hereof, or any part thereof. No termination or suspension pursuant to this paragraph shall affect the Manager's authority under Section 3.1 hereof to take actions in respect of the Offering or under Article V hereof to cover any short position incurred under such AAU or in connection with covering any such short position to require you to repurchase Securities as specified in Section 5.2 hereof.
9.2. DELIVERY OR SALE OF SECURITIES; SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS. Upon termination of each AAU or prior thereto at the Manager's discretion, the Manager shall deliver to you any Securities paid for by you pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof and held by the Manager for sale pursuant to Section 3.4 or 3.5 hereof but not sold and paid for and any Securities or Other Securities that are held by the Manager for your account pursuant to the provisions of Article V hereof or any Intersyndicate Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the termination of such AAU, if the aggregate initial Offering Price of any such Securities and the aggregate purchase price of any Other Securities so held and not sold and paid for does not exceed an amount equal to 20% of the aggregate initial Offering Price of the Securities, the Manager may, in its discretion, sell such Securities and Other Securities for the accounts of the several Underwriters, at such prices, on such terms, at such times and in such manner as it may determine. Within the period specified by applicable NASD Rules or, if no period is so specified, as soon as practicable after termination of such AAU, your account shall be settled and paid. The Manager may reserve from distribution such amount as the Manager deems advisable to cover possible additional expenses. The determination by the Manager of the amount so to be paid to or by you shall be final and conclusive. Any of your funds in the Manager's hands may be held with the Manager's general funds without accountability for interest
Notwithstanding any provision of this Master AAU other than
Section 10.12, upon termination of each AAU or prior thereto at the Manager's
discretion, the Manager (i) may allocate to the accounts of the Underwriters the
expenses described in
Section 7.2 hereof and any losses incurred upon the sale of Securities or Other
Securities pursuant to the applicable AAU or any Intersyndicate Agreement
(including any losses incurred upon the sale of securities referred to in
Section 5.4(ii) hereof), (ii) may deliver to the Underwriters any unsold
Securities or Other Securities purchased pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof or any
Intersyndicate Agreement and (iii) may deliver to the Underwriters any unsold
Securities purchased pursuant to the applicable Underwriting Agreement, in each
case in the Manager's discretion. The Manager shall have full discretion to
allocate expenses and Securities to the accounts of any Underwriter as the
Manager decides, except that (a) no Underwriter (other than the Manager or a
Co-Manager) shall bear more than its share of such expenses, losses or
Securities (such share shall not exceed such Underwriter's Underwriting
Percentage and shall be determined pro rata among all such Underwriters based on
their Underwriting Percentages), (b) no such Underwriter shall receive
Securities that, together with any Securities purchased by such Underwriter
pursuant to Section 6.1 (but excluding any Securities that such Underwriter is
required to repurchase pursuant to Section 5.2) exceed such Underwriter's
Original Purchase Obligation and (c) no Co-Manager shall bear more than its
share, as among the Manager and the other Co-Managers, of such expenses, losses
or Securities (such share to be determined pro rata among the Manager and all
Co-Managers based on (1) their relative Underwriting Percentages as a percentage
of the total combined Underwriting Percentages of the Manager and all
Co-Managers, or (2) if the Manager so determines, their relative Offering
Economics (as hereinafter defined) as a percentage of the combined Offering
Economics of the Manager and all Co-Managers together. The Manager's or a
Co-Manager's "OFFERING ECONOMICS" equals the sum of its Management Fee Share,
its Underwriting Fee Share and its Selling Concession Share (each as hereinafter
defined). The Manager's or a Co-Manager's "MANAGEMENT FEE SHARE" is the dollar
amount of its share, as agreed among the Manager and any Co-Managers, of the
amount payable by all Underwriters to some or all of the Manager and any
Co-Manager as a global coordinators' fee, praecipium, management fee or other
fee. The Manager's or a Co-Manager's "UNDERWRITING FEE SHARE" is the dollar
amount of its Underwriting Percentage of the aggregate initial Offering Price of
the Firm Securities less the Purchase Price thereof, less the Selling Concession
thereon. The Manager's or a Co-Manager's "SELLING CONCESSION SHARE" is the
dollar amount of any Selling Concession credited to it on sales from the
institutional pot or on sales made for the account of any other Underwriter. If
any Securities or Other Securities returned to you pursuant to clause (ii) or
(iii) above were not paid for by you pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof, you shall
pay to the Manager an amount per security equal to the amount set forth in
Section 6.1(i), in the case of Securities returned to you pursuant to clause
(iii) above, or the purchase price of such securities, in the case of Securities
or Other Securities returned to you pursuant to clause (ii) above.
9.3. POST-SETTLEMENT EXPENSES. Notwithstanding any settlement on the termination of the applicable AAU, you agree to pay any transfer taxes which may be assessed and paid after such settlement on account of any sales or transfers under such AAU or any Intersyndicate Agreement for your account and your Underwriting Percentage of (i) all expenses incurred by the Manager in investigating, preparing to defend or defending against any action, claim or proceeding which is asserted or instituted by any party (including any governmental or regulatory body) relating to (a) the
Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus (or any
amendment or supplement thereto), any Preliminary Offering Circular or Offering
Circular (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or Supplemental Offering
Materials, (b) the violation of any applicable restrictions on the offer, sale,
resale or purchase of Securities or Other Securities imposed by United States
Federal or state laws or foreign laws and the rules and regulations of any
regulatory body promulgated thereunder or pursuant to the terms of such AAU, the
Underwriting Agreement or any Intersyndicate Agreement or (c) any claim that the
Underwriters constitute a partnership, an association or an unincorporated
business or other separate entity and (ii) any liability, including attorneys'
fees, incurred by the Manager in respect of any such action, claim or
proceeding, whether such liability shall be the result of a judgment or
arbitrator's determination or as a result of any settlement agreed to by the
Manager, other than any such expense or liability as to which the Manager
actually receives indemnity pursuant to Section 9.4, contribution pursuant to
Section 9.5, indemnity or contribution pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement or
damages from an Underwriter for breach of its representations, warranties,
agreements, or covenants contained in the applicable AAU. None of the foregoing
provisions of this Section 9.3 shall relieve any defaulting or breaching
Underwriter from liability for its defaults or breach.
9.4. INDEMNIFICATION. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless
each other Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any such
Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section
20 of the 1934 Act, to the extent and upon the terms which you agree to
indemnify and hold harmless any of the Issuer, the Guarantor, the Seller, any
person controlling the Issuer, the Guarantor, the Seller, its directors and, in
the case of a Registered Offering, its officers who signed the Registration
Statement and, in the case of an Offering other than a Registered Offering, its
officers, in each case as set forth in the Underwriting Agreement. You further
agree to indemnify and hold harmless any investment banking firm identified in a
Wire as the qualified independent underwriter as defined in Rule 2720 of the
NASD's Conduct Rules ("QIU") for an Offering and each person, if any, who
controls such QIU within the meaning of either Section 15 of the 1933 Act or
Section 20 of the 1934 Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages
and liabilities related to, arising out of or in connection with such investment
banking firm's activities as QIU for the Offering. You agree with the other
Underwriters to reimburse such QIU for all expenses, including fees and expenses
of counsel as they are incurred, in connection with investigating, preparing
for, or defending any action, claim or proceeding related to, arising out of, or
in connection with such QIU's activities as a QIU for the Offering. Each
Underwriter shall be responsible for its Underwriting Percentage of any amount
due to such QIU on account of the foregoing indemnity. You agree that such QIU
shall have no additional liability to any Underwriter or otherwise as a result
of its serving as QIU in connection with the Offering. You further agree that to
the extent the indemnification provided to a QIU under this Section 9.4 is
unavailable to such QIU or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims,
damages or liabilities (and expenses relating thereto), whether as a matter of
law or public policy or as a result of the default of any Underwriter in
performing its obligations under this Section 9.4, you and each other
Underwriter shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such QIU as a
result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (and expenses relating
thereto) in proportion to your Underwriting Percentage.
9.5. CONTRIBUTION. Notwithstanding any settlement on the termination of the applicable AAU, you agree to pay upon request of the Manager, as contribution, your Underwriting Percentage of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, paid or incurred by any Underwriter to any person other than an Underwriter, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Preliminary Offering Circular or Offering Circular (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or Supplemental Offering Materials or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (other than an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company in writing by the Underwriter on whose behalf the request for contribution is being made expressly for use therein) and your Underwriting Percentage of any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Underwriter (with the approval of the Manager) on whose behalf the request for contribution is being made in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage or liability or any action in respect thereof; provided that no request shall be made on behalf of any Underwriter guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) from any Underwriter who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. None of the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.5 shall relieve any defaulting or breaching Underwriter from liability for its defaults or breach.
9.6. SEPARATE COUNSEL. If any claim is asserted or action or proceeding commenced pursuant to which the indemnity provided in Section 9.4 may apply, the Manager may take such action in connection therewith as it deems necessary or desirable, including retention of counsel for the Underwriters, and in its discretion separate counsel for any particular Underwriter or group of Underwriters, and the fees and disbursements of any counsel so retained shall be allocated among the several Underwriters as determined by the Manager. Any Underwriter may elect to retain at its own expense its own counsel and, on advice of such counsel but only with the consent of the Manager, may settle or consent to the settlement of any such claim, action or proceeding. The Manager may settle or consent to the settlement of any such claim, action or proceeding. Whenever the Manager receives notice of the assertion of any claim, action or proceeding to which the provisions of Section 9.4 would apply, it will give prompt notice thereof to each Underwriter, and whenever you receive notice of the assertion of any claim or commencement of any action or proceeding to which the provisions of Section 9.4 would apply, you will give prompt notice thereof to the Manager. The Manager also will furnish each Underwriter with periodic reports, at such times as it deems appropriate, as to the status of such claim, action or proceeding, and the action taken by it in connection therewith.
9.7. SURVIVAL OF AGREEMENTS. Regardless of any termination of
an AAU, your agreements contained in Article V and Sections 3.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5,
9.6 and 11.2 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of
(i) any termination of the Underwriting Agreement, (ii) any investigation made
by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any person controlling any Underwriter or
by or on behalf of the Issuer,
the Guarantor, the Seller, its directors or officers or any person controlling the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Seller and (iii) acceptance of any payment for any Securities.
X. REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS OF UNDERWRITERS
10.1. KNOWLEDGE OF OFFERING. You understand that it is your responsibility to examine the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the Offering Circular, as the case may be, relating to the Offering, any amendment or supplement thereto, any Preliminary Prospectus or Preliminary Offering Circular and the material, if any, incorporated by reference therein and any Supplemental Offering Materials and you will familiarize yourself with the terms of the Securities, any applicable Indenture and the other terms of the Offering thereof which are to be reflected in the Prospectus or the Offering Circular, as the case may be, and the applicable AAU and Underwriting Agreement. The Manager is authorized, with the advice of counsel for the Underwriters, to approve on your behalf any amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or the Offering Circular, as the case may be.
10.2. DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS. You will keep an accurate record of the names and addresses of all persons to whom you give copies of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or any Offering Circular or any Preliminary Offering Circular and, when furnished with any subsequent amendment to the Registration Statement, any subsequent Prospectus, any subsequent Offering Circular or any memorandum outlining changes in the Registration Statement or any Prospectus or Offering Circular, you will, upon request of the Manager, promptly forward copies thereof to such persons.
10.3. ACCURACY OF UNDERWRITERS' INFORMATION. You confirm that the information that you have given or are deemed to have given in response to the Underwriters' Questionnaire attached as Exhibit A hereto (and to any other questions addressed to you in the Invitation Wire or other Wires), which information has been furnished to the Issuer for use in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or the Offering Circular, as the case may be, or has otherwise been relied upon in connection with the Offering, is complete and accurate. You shall notify the Manager immediately of any development before the termination of the applicable AAU which makes untrue or incomplete any information that you have given or are deemed to have given in response to the Underwriters' Questionnaire (or such other questions).
10.4. NAME; ADDRESS. Unless you have promptly notified the Manager in writing otherwise, your name as it should appear in the Prospectus or the Offering Circular and any advertisement, if different, and your address are as set forth on the signature pages hereof.
10.5. CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS. You represent that your commitment to purchase the Securities will not result in a violation of the financial responsibility requirements of Rule 15c3-1 under the 1934 Act or of any similar provision of any applicable rules of any securities exchange to which you are subject or, if you are a financial institution subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the United States
Federal Reserve System, the United States Comptroller of the Currency or the United States Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, will not place you in violation of any applicable capital requirements or restrictions of such regulator or any other regulator to which you are subject.
10.6. COMPLIANCE WITH NASD REQUIREMENTS. You represent that
you are a member in good standing of the NASD, a Bank that is not a member of
the NASD or a foreign bank or dealer not eligible for membership in the NASD. In
making sales of Securities, if you are such a member, you agree to comply with
all applicable interpretive material ("IM") and rules of the NASD, including,
without limitation, IM-2110-1 (the NASD's interpretation with respect to
free-riding and withholding) and Rule 2740 of the NASD's Conduct Rules, or, if
you are such a foreign bank or dealer, you agree to comply, as applicable, with
IM-2110-1 and Rules 2730, 2740 and 2750 of the NASD's Conduct Rules as though
you were such a member and Rule 2420 of the NASD's Conduct Rules as it applies
to a nonmember broker or dealer in a foreign country. If you are a Bank, you
agree, to the extent required by applicable law or the Conduct Rules of the
NASD, that you will not, in connection with the public offering of any
Securities that do not constitute "exempted securities" within the meaning of
Section 3(a)(12) of the 1934 Act or such other Securities as from time to time
may be sold by a Bank, purchase any Securities at a discount from the Offering
Price from any Underwriter or dealer or otherwise accept any Fees and
Commissions from any Underwriter or Dealer, and you agree to comply, as
applicable, with Rule 2420 of the NASD's Conduct Rules as though you were a
member.
10.7. FURTHER STATE NOTICE. The Manager will file a Further State Notice with the Department of State of New York, if required.
10.8. COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 15c2-8. In the case of a Registered Offering and any other Offering to which the provisions of Rule 15c2-8 under the 1934 Act are made applicable pursuant to the AAU or otherwise, you agree to comply with such Rule in connection with the Offering. In the case of an Offering other than a Registered Offering, you agree to comply with applicable Federal and state laws and the applicable rules and regulations of any regulatory body promulgated thereunder governing the use and distribution of offering circulars by underwriters.
10.9. DISCRETIONARY ACCOUNTS. In the case of a Registered Offering of Securities issued by an Issuer that was not, immediately prior to the filing of the Registration Statement, subject to the requirements of Section 13(d) or 15(d) of the 1934 Act, you agree that you will not make sales to any account over which you exercise discretionary authority in connection with such sale except as otherwise permitted by the applicable AAU for such Offering.
10.10. OFFERING RESTRICTIONS. If you are a foreign bank or dealer and you are not registered as a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the 1934 Act, you agree that while you are acting as an Underwriter in respect of the Securities and in any event during the term of the applicable AAU, you will not directly or indirectly effect in, or with persons who are nationals or residents of, the United States, its territories or possessions any transactions (except for the purchases provided for in the Underwriting
Agreement and transactions contemplated by Articles III and V hereof) in Securities or any Other Securities.
It is understood that, except as specified in the applicable AAU, no action has been taken by the Manager, the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Seller to permit you to offer Securities in any jurisdiction other than the United States, in the case of a Registered Offering, where action would be required for such purpose.
10.11. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS. You agree to make to each other Underwriter participating in an Offering the same representations, warranties and agreements, if any, made by the Underwriters to the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Seller in the applicable Underwriting Agreement or any Intersyndicate Agreement and you authorize the Manager to make such representations, warranties and agreements to the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Seller on your behalf.
10.12. LIMITATION ON THE AUTHORITY OF THE MANAGER TO PURCHASE AND SELL SECURITIES FOR THE ACCOUNT OF CERTAIN UNDERWRITERS. Notwithstanding any provision of this AAU authorizing the Manager to purchase or sell any Securities or Other Securities (including arranging for the sale of Contract Securities) or over-allot in arranging sales of Securities for the accounts of the several Underwriters, the Manager may not, in connection with the Offering of any Securities, make any such purchases, sales and/or over-allotments for the account of any Underwriter that, not later than its acceptance of the Invitation Wire relating to such Offering, has advised the Manager that, due to its status as, or relationship to, a bank or bank holding company such purchases, sales and/or over-allotments are prohibited by applicable law. If any Underwriter so advises the Manager, the Manager may allocate any such purchases, sales and over-allotments (and the related expenses) which otherwise would have been allocated to your account based on your respective Underwriting Percentage to your account based on the ratio of your Original Purchase Obligation to the Original Purchase Obligations of all Underwriters other than the advising Underwriter or Underwriters or in such other manner as the Manager shall determine.
XI. DEFAULTING UNDERWRITERS
11.1. EFFECT OF TERMINATION. If the Underwriting Agreement is terminated as permitted by the terms thereof, your obligations hereunder with respect to the Offering of the Securities shall immediately terminate except (i) as set forth in Section 9.7, (ii) that you shall remain liable for your Underwriting Percentage (or such other percentage as may be specified pursuant to Section 9.2) of all expenses and for any purchases or sales which may have been made for your account pursuant to the provisions of Article V hereof or any Intersyndicate Agreement and (iii) that such termination shall not affect any obligations of any defaulting or breaching Underwriter.
11.2. SHARING OF LIABILITY. If any Underwriter shall default
in its obligations (i) pursuant to Section 5.1, 5.2 or 5.4, (ii) to pay amounts
charged to its account pursuant to Section 7.1, 7.2 or 8.1 or (iii) pursuant to
Section 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5,
9.6 or 11.1, you will assume your proportionate share (determined on the basis of the respective Underwriting Percentages of the non-defaulting Underwriters) of such obligations, but no such assumption shall relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability to the non-defaulting Underwriters, the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Seller for its default.
11.3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PURCHASES. The Manager is authorized to arrange for the purchase by others (including the Manager or any other Underwriter) of any Securities not purchased by any defaulting Underwriter in accordance with the terms of the applicable Underwriting Agreement or, if the applicable Underwriting Agreement does not provide arrangements for defaulting Underwriters, in the discretion of the Manager. If such arrangements are made, the respective amounts of Securities to be purchased by the remaining Underwriters and such other person or persons, if any, shall be taken as the basis for all rights and obligations hereunder, but this shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.
XII. MISCELLANEOUS
12.1. OBLIGATIONS SEVERAL. Nothing contained in this Salomon Smith Barney Master AAU or any AAU constitutes you partners with the Manager or with the other Underwriters and the obligations of you and each of the other Underwriters are several and not joint. Each Underwriter elects to be excluded from the application of Subchapter K, Chapter 1, Subtitle A, of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Each Underwriter authorizes the Manager, on behalf of such Underwriter, to execute such evidence of such election as may be required by the United States Internal Revenue Service.
12.2. LIABILITY OF MANAGER. The Manager shall be under no liability to you for any act or omission except for obligations expressly assumed by the Manager in the applicable AAU.
12.3. TERMINATION OF MASTER AGREEMENT AMONG UNDERWRITERS. This SALOMON SMITH BARNEY Master AAU may be terminated by either party hereto upon five business days' written notice to the other party; provided that with respect to any Offering for which an AAU was sent prior to such notice, this Salomon Smith Barney Master AAU as it applies to such Offering shall remain in full force and effect and shall terminate with respect to such Offering in accordance with Section 9.1 hereof.
12.4. GOVERNING LAW. THIS SALOMON SMITH BARNEY MASTER AAU AND EACH AAU SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
12.5. AMENDMENTS. This Salomon Smith Barney Master AAU may be amended from time to time by consent of the parties hereto. Your consent shall be deemed to have been given to an amendment to this Salomon Smith Barney Master AAU, and such amendment shall be effective, five business days following written notice
to you of such amendment if you do not notify Salomon Smith Barney in writing prior to the close of business on such fifth business day that you do not consent to such amendment. Upon effectiveness, the provisions of this Salomon Smith Barney Master AAU as so amended shall apply to each AAU thereafter entered into except as otherwise specifically provided in any such AAU.
12.6. NOTICES. Any notice to any Underwriter shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed, sent by wire, telex, facsimile or electronic transmission or other written communication or delivered in person to such Underwriter at the address which shall have been provided to Salomon Smith Barney as provided in Section 10.4 hereof. Any such notice shall take effect upon receipt thereof.
Please confirm your acceptance of this Salomon Smith Barney Master AAU by signing and returning to us the enclosed duplicate copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
Title:
CONFIRMED:.......................,
......................................
(Name of Underwriter)
By:...................................
Name:
Title:
(If person signing is not an officer or a partner,
please attach instrument of authorization)
EXHIBIT A
______, ____
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
UNDERWRITERS' QUESTIONNAIRE
In connection with each Offering covered by the Salomon Smith Barney Inc. Master Agreement Among Underwriters dated June 1, 1999, we confirm that except as set forth in a timely reply by us to the Invitation Wire:
(1) Neither we nor any of our directors, officers or partners have a material relationship (as "material" is defined in Regulation C under the 1933 Act) with the Issuer, the Guarantor or any Seller.
(2) (If the offer and sale of the Securities are to be registered under the 1933 Act pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Form F-1:) Neither we nor any "group" (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) of which we are a member is the beneficial owner (determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of more than 5% of any class of voting securities of the Issuer or the Guarantor, nor do we have any knowledge that more than 5% of any class of voting securities of the Issuer or the Guarantor is held or to be held subject to any voting trust or other similar agreement.
(3) Other than as may be stated in the Salomon Smith Barney Master Agreement Among Underwriters dated June 1, 1999, the applicable AAU, the Intersyndicate Agreement or dealer agreement, if any, the Prospectus, the Registration Statement or the Offering Circular, we do not know and have no reason to believe that there is an intention to over-allot or that the price of any security may be stabilized to facilitate the offering of the Securities.
(4) Except as described in the Prospectus or Offering Circular, as the case may, be and the Invitation Wire, we do not know of any discounts or commissions to be allowed or paid to dealers, including all cash, securities, contracts or other consideration to be received by any dealer in connection with the sale of the securities.
(5) We have not prepared any report or memorandum for external
use in connection with the Offering. (If there are any exceptions, (i)
furnish four (4) copies of each report and memorandum to Salomon Smith
Barney Inc., 388 Greenwich Street, New York, N.Y. 10013, Attention:
Investment Banking Department/Transaction Structuring Group, (ii)
identify each class of person who received such material and the number
of copies distributed to each such class, and (iii) indicate when such
distribution commenced and ceased.)
(6) (If the offer and sale of the Securities are to be registered under the 1933 Act pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 or Form F-1:) We have not within the past twelve months prepared or had prepared for us any engineering, management or similar report or memorandum relating to broad aspects of the business, operations or products of the Issuer or the Guarantor. (The immediately preceding sentence does not apply to reports solely comprised of recommendations to buy, sell or hold the Issuer's or the Guarantor's securities, unless such recommendations have changed within the past six months or to information already contained in documents filed with the Commission. If there are any exceptions, (i) furnish four (4) copies of each report and memorandum to Salomon Smith Barney Inc. 388 Greenwich Street, New York, N.Y. 10013, Attention: Investment Banking Department/Transaction Structuring Group, (ii) identify each class of persons who received such material and the number of copies distributed to each such class, and (iii) indicate when such distribution commenced and ceased.)
(7) We are not an "affiliate" of the Issuer or the Guarantor for purposes of Rule 2720 of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.'s ("NASD") Conduct Rules. We understand that under Rule 2720 (except as provided in Rule 2720(b)(1)(C) thereof) two entities are "affiliates" of each other if one entity controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the second entity and that "control" is presumed to exist if one entity (or, in the case of an NASD member, the entity and all "persons associated with" it (as defined in the NASD By-Laws)) beneficially owns 10% or more of the second entity's outstanding voting securities or, if the second entity is a partnership, if the first entity has a partnership interest in 10% or more of the second entity's distributable profits or losses.
(8) (If the Securities are not investment grade debt securities or preferred stock, or equity securities for which there exists a "bona fide independent market" (as defined in Rule 2720(b)(3) of the NASD's Conduct Rules) or otherwise exempted under Rule 2720(b)(7)(D) of the NASD's Conduct Rules:) We do not have a "conflict of interest" with the Issuer or the Guarantor under Rule 2720 of the NASD's Conduct Rules. In that regard, we specifically confirm that we, our "parent" (as defined in Rule 2720), affiliates and "persons associated with" us (as defined in the NASD By-Laws), in the aggregate do not (i) beneficially own 10% or more of the Issuer's or the Guarantor's "common equity", "preferred equity", or "subordinated debt" (as each such term is defined in Rule 2720), or (ii) in the case of an Issuer or Guarantor which is a partnership, beneficially own a general, limited or special partnership interest in 10% or more
of the Issuer's or Guarantor's distributable profits or losses.
(9) (If filing with the NASD is required:) Neither we nor any of our directors, officers, partners or "persons associated with" us (as defined in the NASD By-Laws) nor, to our knowledge, any "related person" (defined by the NASD to include counsel, financial consultants and advisors, finders, members of the selling or distribution group, any NASD member participating in the offering and any other persons associated with or related to and members of the immediate family of any of the foregoing) or any other broker-dealer, (a) within the last 12 months have purchased in private transactions, or intend before, at or within six months after the commencement of the public offering of the Securities to purchase in private transactions, any securities of the Issuer, the Guarantor or any Issuer Related Party (as hereinafter defined), (b) within the last 12 months had any dealings with the Issuer, the Guarantor, any Seller or any subsidiary or controlling person thereof (other than relating to the proposed Underwriting Agreement) as to which documents or information are required to be filed with the NASD pursuant to its Corporate Financing Rule, or (c) during the 12 months immediately preceding the filing of the Registration Statement (or, if there is none, the Offering Circular), have entered into any arrangement which provided or provides for the receipt of any item of value (including, but not limited to, cash payments and expense reimbursements) and/or the transfer of any warrants, options or other securities from the Issuer, the Guarantor or any Issuer Related Party to us or any related person.
(10) (If filing with the NASD is required:) There is no association or affiliation between us and (i) any officer or director of the Issuer, the Guarantor or any Issuer Related Party, or (ii) any securityholder of five percent or more (or, in the case of an initial public offering of equity securities, any securityholder) of any class of securities of the Issuer, the Guarantor or an Issuer Related Party; it being understood that for purposes of paragraph (9) above and this paragraph (10), the term "Issuer Related Party" includes any Seller, any affiliate of the Issuer the Guarantor or a Seller and the officers or general partners, directors, employees and securityholders thereof. (If there are any exceptions, state the identity of the person with whom the association or affiliation exists and, if relevant, the number of equity securities or the face value of debt securities owned by such person, the date such securities were acquired and the price paid for such securities).
(11) (If the Securities are not issued by a real estate investment trust:) No portion of the net offering proceeds from the sale of the Securities will be paid to us or any of our affiliates or "persons associated with" us (as defined in the NASD By-Laws) or members of the immediate family of any such person.
(12) (If the Securities are debt securities and their offer and sale is to be registered under the 1933 Act:) We are not an affiliate (as defined in Rule 0-2 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939) of the Trustee for the Securities or of its parent, if any. Neither the Trustee nor its parent, if any, nor any of their directors or executive officers is a "director, officer, partner, employee, appointee or
representative" of ours (as those terms are defined in the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or in the relevant instructions to Form T-1). We and our directors, partners, and executive officers, taken as a group, did not on the date specified in the Invitation Wire, and do not, own beneficially 1% or more of the shares of any class of voting securities of the Trustee or of its parent, if any. If we are a corporation, we do not have outstanding and have not assumed or guaranteed any securities issued otherwise than in our present corporate name.
(13) (If the Issuer is a public utility:) We are not a "holding company" or a "subsidiary company" or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a "public-utility company", each as defined in the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.
(14) If we are, or we are affiliated with, a U.S. or non-U.S. bank, we hereby represent that our participation in the offering of the Securities on the terms contemplated in the applicable AAU and the proposed Underwriting Agreement does not contravene any U.S. or state banking law restricting the exercise of securities powers in the United States.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings given to them in the applicable AAU.
Exhibit k.3
NUVEEN AUCTION AGENCY AGREEMENT
Basic Terms for Acting as Auction Agent
Relating to
FUNDPREFERRED SHARES
August 22, 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1. Definitions and Rules of Construction............................... 1
1.1 Terms Defined by Reference to Statement.................... 1
1.2 Terms Defined Herein....................................... 1
1.3 Rules of Construction...................................... 2
2. The Auction......................................................... 3
2.1 Purpose; Incorporation by Reference of Auction Procedures
and Settlement Procedures.................................. 3
2.2 Preparation of Each Auction; Maintenance of Registry of
Beneficial Owners.......................................... 3
2.3 Information Concerning Rates............................... 6
2.4 Auction Schedule........................................... 6
2.5 Designation of Dividend Period............................. 7
2.6 Notice of Auction Results.................................. 9
2.7 Broker-Dealers............................................. 9
2.8 Ownership of FundPreferred Shares.......................... 9
2.9 Access to and Maintenance of Auction Records............... 9
2.10 Dividend and Redemption Price Deposit...................... 10
3. The Auction Agent as Dividend and Redemption Price Disbursing Agent. 10
4. The Auction Agent as Transfer Agent and Registrar................... 10
4.1 Issue of Share Certificates................................ 10
4.2 Registration of Transfer of Shares......................... 10
4.3 Removal of Legend on Restricted Shares..................... 10
4.4 Lost Share Certificates.................................... 11
4.5 Disposition of Canceled Certificates; Record Retention..... 11
4.6 Share Transfer Books....................................... 11
4.7 Return of Funds............................................ 11
5. Representations and Warranties of the Fund.......................... 12
6. The Auction Agent................................................... 12
6.1 Duties and Responsibilities................................ 12
6.2 Rights of the Auction Agent................................ 13
6.3 Auction Agent's Disclaimer................................. 14
6.4 Compensation, Expenses and Indemnification................. 14
7. Miscellaneous....................................................... 14
7.1 Term of Agreement.......................................... 14
7.2 Communications............................................. 15
7.3 Entire Agreement........................................... 15
7.4 Benefits................................................... 16
7.5 Amendment; Waiver.......................................... 16
7.6 Successors and Assigns..................................... 16
7.7 Severability............................................... 16
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
PAGE
7.8 Execution in Counterparts.................................. 16 7.9 Governing Law.............................................. 16 7.10 Declaration of Trust....................................... 17 |
EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT A - Form of Broker-Dealer Agreement
EXHIBIT B - Settlement Procedures
EXHIBIT C - Form of Notice of Auction Dates
EXHIBIT D - Form of Notice of Proposed Designation of Special Rate Period
EXHIBIT E - Form of Notice of Designation of Special Rate Period
EXHIBIT F - Form of Notice of Determination Not to Designate Special Rate Period
These basic terms ("Basic Terms") set forth the general terms and conditions pursuant to which a bank or trust company identified in a Request and Acceptance Letter will act as auction agent (an "Auction Agent") for FundPreferred shares issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as further identified by such Request and Acceptance Letter (a "Fund"), for which Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. is the investment adviser.
The Fund proposes to issue FundPreferred shares pursuant to its Declaration of Trust, as amended or supplemented by the Statement. The Fund desires that the Auction Agent perform certain duties in connection with the FundPreferred shares upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Agreement.
1. Definitions and Rules of Construction
1.1 Terms Defined by Reference to Statement. Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the respective meanings specified in the Statement.
1.2 Terms Defined Herein. As used herein and in the Settlement Procedures, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "Adviser" shall mean Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.
(b) "Agent Member" of any Person shall mean the member of, or participant in, the Securities Depository.
(c) "Agreement" shall mean the Basic Terms, together with the Request and Acceptance Letter relating to one or more series of FundPreferred shares.
(d) "Auction" shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.1 hereof.
(e) "Auction Procedures" shall mean the auction procedures constituting Part II of the Statement.
(f) "Authorized Officer" shall mean each Vice President, Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the Auction Agent assigned to the Dealing and Trading Group of its Corporate Trust and Division and every other officer or employee of the Auction Agent designated as an "Authorized Officer" for purposes hereof in a communication to the Fund.
(g) "Broker-Dealer Agreement" shall mean each agreement between the Auction Agent and a Broker-Dealer substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
(h) "Fund Officer" shall mean the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, the President, each Vice President (whether or not designated by a number or word or words added before or after the title "Vice President"), the Secretary, the Treasurer, each Assistant Secretary and each Assistant
Treasurer of the Fund and every other officer or employee of the Fund designated as a "Fund Officer" for purposes hereof in a notice to the Auction Agent.
(i) "FundPreferred shares" shall mean the preferred shares, par value $.01 per share, of the Fund designated as its "FundPreferred shares" and bearing such further designation as to series as the Board of Trustees of the Fund or any committee thereof shall specify; as set forth in the Request and Acceptance Letter.
(j) "Person" means and includes an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated association, a joint venture or other entity or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
(k) "Request and Acceptance Letter" shall mean the letter from the Fund to the Auction Agent pursuant to which the Fund appoints the Auction Agent and the Auction Agent accepts its appointment as auction agent for the FundPreferred shares.
(l) "Settlement Procedures" shall mean the Settlement Procedures attached hereto as Exhibit B.
(m) "Statement" shall mean the Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of, and authorizing the issuance of, one or more series of FundPreferred shares, as filed by the Fund with the office of the Secretary of State or other officer of the state where the Fund was incorporated or organized, a copy of which is attached to the Request and Acceptance Letter, as the same may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.
1.3 Rules of Construction. Unless the context or use indicates another or different meaning or intent, the following rules shall apply to the construction of this Agreement:
(a) Words importing the singular number shall include the plural number and vice versa.
(b) The captions and headings herein are solely for convenience of reference and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement nor shall they affect its meaning, construction or effect.
(c) The words "hereof," "herein," "hereto," "hereby," "hereunder," and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole.
(d) All references herein to a particular time of day shall be to New York City time.
2. The Auction
2.1 Purpose; Incorporation by Reference of Auction Procedures and Settlement Procedures.
(a) The Statement provides that the Applicable Rate per annum for each series of FundPreferred shares for each Dividend Period after the initial Dividend Period with respect to each series of FundPreferred shares shall, except under certain conditions, be equal to the rate per annum that a bank or trust company appointed by the Fund advises has resulted on the Business Day preceding the first day of such Dividend Period from implementation of the Auction Procedures for such series. Each periodic operation of the Auction Procedures is hereinafter referred to as an "Auction." The Board of Trustees has adopted a resolution appointing The Bank of New York as Auction Agent for purposes of the Auction Procedures for each series of the FundPreferred shares. The Auction Agent accepts such appointment and agrees to follow the procedures set forth in this Section 2 and the Auction Procedures for the purpose of determining the Applicable Rate for each series of FundPreferred shares for each Dividend Period thereof for which the Applicable Rate is to be determined by an Auction.
(b) All of the provisions contained in the Auction Procedures and the Settlement Procedures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and shall be deemed to be a part hereof to the same extent as if such provisions were fully set forth herein.
2.2 Preparation of Each Auction; Maintenance of Registry of Beneficial Owners.
(a) Not later than seven days prior to the first Auction Date for any series of FundPreferred shares, the Fund shall provide the Auction Agent with a list of the Broker-Dealers. Not later than seven days prior to any Auction Date for any series of FundPreferred shares for which any change in such list of Broker-Dealers is to be effective, the Fund will notify the Auction Agent in writing of such change and, if any such change involves the addition of a Broker-Dealer to such list, shall cause to be delivered to the Auction Agent for execution by the Auction Agent a Broker-Dealer Agreement signed by such Broker-Dealer; provided, however, that if the Fund proposes to designate any Special Rate Period of any series of FundPreferred shares pursuant to Section 4 of Part I of the Statement, not later than 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on the Business Day next preceding the Auction next preceding the first day of such Special Rate Period, upon the written request of the Auction Agent, the Fund shall provide the Auction Agent with a list of the Broker-Dealers for such series. The Auction Agent and the Fund shall have entered into a Broker-Dealer Agreement with each Broker-Dealer prior to the participation of any such Broker-Dealer in any Auction.
(b) In the event that any Auction Date for any series of
FundPreferred shares shall be changed after the Auction Agent
shall have given the notice referred to in clause (vi) or
(vii) of paragraph (a) of the Settlement Procedures, or after
the notice referred to in Section 2.5(a) hereof, if
applicable, the Auction Agent, by such means as the Auction
Agent deems practicable, shall give notice of such change to
the Broker-Dealers for such series not later than the earlier
of 9:15 A.M. on the new Auction Date or 9:15 A.M. on the
original Auction Date.
(c) (i) The Auction Agent shall maintain a registry of the beneficial owners of the shares of each series of FundPreferred shares who shall constitute Existing Holders of shares of such series of FundPreferred shares for purposes of Auctions and shall indicate thereon the identity of the respective Broker-Dealer of each Existing Holder, if any, on whose behalf such Broker-Dealer submitted the most recent Order in any Auction which resulted in such Existing Holder continuing to hold or purchasing shares of such series of FundPreferred shares. The Auction Agent shall keep such registry current and accurate. The Fund shall provide or cause to be provided to the Auction Agent at or prior to the Date of Original Issue of each series of FundPreferred shares a list of the initial Existing Holders of the shares of each such series, the number of shares purchased by each such Existing Holder and the respective Broker-Dealer of each such Existing Holder or the affiliate thereof through which each such Existing Holder purchased such shares. The Auction Agent shall advise the Fund as to whether the number of Existing Holders is 500 or more or any Existing Holder owns 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any series of FundPreferred shares. The Auction Agent may rely upon, as conclusive evidence of the identities of the Existing Holders of shares of any series of FundPreferred shares, (A) such list, (B) the results of Auctions (C) notices from any Broker-Dealer as described in the first sentence of Section 2.2(c)(iii) hereof and (D) the results of any procedures approved by the Fund that have been devised for the purpose of determining the identities of Existing Holders in situations where shares of FundPreferred shares may have been transferred without compliance with any restriction on the transfer thereof set forth in the Auction Procedures.
(ii) In the event of any partial redemption of any series of FundPreferred shares, the Auction Agent shall, at least two Business Days prior to the next Auction for such series, request each Broker-Dealer to provide the Auction Agent with a list of Persons who such Broker-Dealer believes should remain Existing Holders after such redemption based upon inquiries of those Persons such Broker-Dealer believes are Beneficial Owners as a result of the most recent Auction and with respect to each such Person, the number of shares of FundPreferred shares of such series such Broker-Dealer believes are owned by such Person after such redemption. In the absence of receiving any such information
from any Broker-Dealer, the Auction Agent may continue to treat the Persons listed in its registry of Existing Holders as the beneficial owner of the number of shares of FundPreferred shares of such series shown in such registry.
(iii) The Auction Agent shall be required to register a transfer of shares of FundPreferred shares of any series from an Existing Holder of such shares of FundPreferred shares only if such transfer is to another Existing Holder, or other Person if permitted by the Fund, and only if such transfer is made (A) pursuant to an Auction, (B) the Auction Agent has been notified in writing (I) in a notice substantially in the form of Exhibit C to the Broker-Dealer Agreements by a Broker-Dealer of such transfer or (II) in a notice substantially in the form of Exhibit D to the Broker-Dealer Agreements by the Broker-Dealer of any Existing Holder, or other Person if permitted by the Fund, that purchased or sold such shares of FundPreferred shares in an Auction of the failure of such shares of FundPreferred shares to be transferred as a result of such Auction or (C) pursuant to procedures approved by the Fund that have been devised for the purpose of determining the identities of Existing Holders in situations where shares of FundPreferred shares may have been transferred without compliance with any restriction on the transfer thereof set forth in the Auction Procedures. The Auction Agent is not required to accept any such notice for an Auction unless it is received by the Auction Agent by 3:00 P.M. on the Business Day preceding such Auction.
(d) The Auction Agent may request the Broker-Dealers, as set forth in the Broker-Dealer Agreements, to provide the Auction Agent with a list of Persons who such Broker-Dealer believes should be Existing Holders based upon inquiries of those Persons such Broker-Dealer believes are Beneficial Owners as a result of the most recent Auction and with respect to each such Person, the number of shares of such series of FundPreferred shares such Broker-Dealer believes to be owned by such Person. The Auction Agent shall keep confidential such registry of Existing Holders and shall not disclose the identities of the Existing Holders of such shares of FundPreferred shares to any Person other than the Fund and the Broker-Dealer that provided such information; provided, however, that the Auction Agent reserves the right and is authorized to disclose any such information if (a) it is ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction or a regulatory body, judicial or quasi-judicial agency or authority having the authority to compel such disclosure, (b) it is advised by its counsel that its failure to do so would be unlawful or (c) failure to do so would expose the Auction Agent to loss, liability, claim, damage or expense for which it has not received indemnity or security satisfactory to it.
2.3 Information Concerning Rates.
(a) On each Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall determine the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate or the Treasury Index Rate, as the case may be, and the Minimum Rate and Maximum Rate. If the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate or the Treasury Index Rate, as the case may be, is not quoted on an interest basis, if the rate obtained by the Auction Agent is quoted on a discount basis, or if the rate obtained by the Auction Agent is quoted on another basis the Auction Agent shall convert the quoted rate to an interest rate after consultation with the Fund as to the method of such conversion. Not later than 9:30 A.M. on each Auction Date the Auction Agent shall notify the Fund and the Broker-Dealers of the Minimum Rate and Maximum Rate so determined and the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate or the Treasury Index Rate, as the case may be, used to make such determination.
(b) If any AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate is to be based on rates supplied by Commercial Paper Dealers and one or more of the Commercial Paper Dealers shall not provide a quotation for the determination of such AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate, the Auction Agent shall promptly notify the Fund so that the Fund can determine whether to select a substitute Commercial Paper Dealer or substitute Commercial Paper Dealers to provide the quotation or quotations not being supplied by any Commercial Paper Dealer or Commercial Paper Dealers. The Fund shall promptly advise the Auction Agent of any such selection.
(c) If any Treasury Index Rate is to be based on rates supplied by U.S. Government Securities Dealers and one or more of the U.S. Government Securities Dealers shall not provide a quotation for the determination of such Treasury Rate, the Auction Agent shall promptly notify the Fund so that the Fund can determine whether to select a Substitute U.S. Government Securities Dealer or Substitute U.S. Government Securities Dealers to provide the quotation or quotations not being supplied by any U.S. Government Securities Dealers. The Fund shall promptly advise the Auction Agent of any such selection.
2.4 Auction Schedule. The Auction Agent shall conduct Auctions for each series of FundPreferred shares in accordance with the schedule set forth below. Such schedule may be changed by the Auction Agent with the consent of the Fund, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Auction Agent shall give written notice of any such change to each Broker-Dealer. Such notice shall be given prior to the close of business on the Business Day next preceding the first Auction Date on which any such change shall be effective.
Time Event
---- -----
By 9:30 A.M. Auction Agent advises the Fund and
Broker-Dealers of the applicable Minimum
Rate and Maximum Rate and the Reference
Rate(s) used in determining such Minimum
Rate and Maximum Rate as set forth in
Section 2.3(a) hereof.
9:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. Auction Agent assembles information
communicated to it by Broker-Dealers as
provided in Section 2(a) of the Auction
Procedures. Submission Deadline is 1:00 P.M.
Not earlier than Auction Agent makes determinations pursuant to
12:30 P.M. Section 3(a) of the Auction Procedures.
By approximately Auction Agent advises Fund of results of
3:00 P.M. Auction as provided in Section 3(b) of the
Auction Procedures.
Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders are
accepted and rejected and shares of
FundPreferred shares allocated as provided in
Section 4 of the Auction Procedures. Auction
Agent gives notice of Auction results as set
forth in paragraph (a) of the Settlement
Procedures.
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The Auction Agent shall follow the notification procedures set forth in paragraph (a) of the Settlement Procedures.
2.5 Designation of Dividend Period.
(a) The Statement provides that the Fund will designate the
duration of subsequent Dividend Periods; provided, however,
that no such designation is necessary for a Standard Rate
Period; provided, however, that any designation of a Special
Rate Period shall be effective only if (i) notice thereof
shall have been given as provided herein, (ii) any failure to
pay in a timely manner to the Auction Agent the full amount
of any dividend on, or the redemption price of, the
FundPreferred shares shall have been cured, (iii) Sufficient
Clearing Bids shall have existed in an Auction held on the
Auction Date immediately preceding the first day of such
proposed Dividend Period other than a Standard Rate Period,
(iv) if the Fund shall have mailed a Notice of Redemption
with respect to any shares, the Redemption Price with respect
to such shares shall have been deposited with the Paying
Agent, and (v) in the case of the designation of a Special
Rate Period, as of the Auction Date next preceding the first
day of such Special Rate Period it has Eligible Assets with
an aggregate Discounted Value at least equal to the
FundPreferred shares Basic Maintenance
Amount and the Fund has consulted with the Broker-Dealers and has provided notice of each designation and a FundPreferred shares Basic Maintenance Report to Moody's (if Moody's is then rating the FundPreferred shares), Fitch (if Fitch is then rating the FundPreferred shares) and any Other Rating Agency which is then rating the FundPreferred shares and so requires.
(b) Pursuant to the Statement, the Fund may, at its option,
designate a Special Rate Period for any series of
FundPreferred shares in the manner described below and in
Section 4 of Part I of the Statement. If the Fund proposes to
designate any succeeding Special Rate Period the Fund shall
deliver to the Auction Agent:
(i) A notice of such proposed Special Rate Period in the form of Exhibit D hereto not less than 7 (or 2 in the event the duration of the Dividend Period is fewer than 8 days) nor more than 30 Business Days prior to the first day of such proposed Special Rate Period. The Auction Agent on behalf of the Fund shall deliver such notice by any electronic means acceptable to Existing Holders to each Existing Holder of shares of such series of FundPreferred shares at the address set forth for such Existing Holder in the records of the Auction Agent and to the Broker-Dealers for such series as promptly as practicable after its receipt of such notice from the Fund.
(ii) A notice in the form of Exhibit E or F hereto not later than 2:30 P.M. on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of such proposed Special Rate Period, of either (x) its determination, subject to certain conditions, to proceed with such Special Rate Period, in which case the Fund shall specify the terms of the Specific Redemption Provisions, if any, or (y) its determination not to proceed with such Special Rate Period in which latter event the succeeding Dividend Period shall be a Standard Rate Period. The Auction Agent shall promptly deliver such notice to the Broker-Dealers, but in no event later than 3:00 P.M. on the date of such notice.
(iii) If the Fund fails to deliver either such notice with respect to any designation of any proposed Special Rate Period to the Auction Agent by 2:30 P.M., New York City time, on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of such proposed Special Rate Period, the Fund shall be deemed to have delivered a notice to the Auction Agent with respect to such Dividend Period to the effect that it has determined not to proceed with the designation of a Special Rate Period, thereby resulting in a Standard Rate Period.
2.6 Notice of Auction Results. On each Auction Date for any series of FundPreferred shares, the Auction Agent shall notify Broker-Dealers of the results of the Auction held on such date by telephone as set forth in paragraph (a) of the Settlement Procedures.
2.7 Broker-Dealers.
(a) Not later than 12:00 Noon on each Auction Date for any series of FundPreferred shares, the Fund shall pay to the Auction Agent an amount in cash equal to the aggregate fees payable to the Broker-Dealers for such series pursuant to Section 2.6 of the Broker-Dealer Agreement for such series. The Auction Agent shall apply such moneys as set forth in Section 2.6 of each such Broker-Dealer Agreement.
(b) The Fund shall obtain the consent of the Auction Agent prior to selecting any Person to act as a Broker-Dealer, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
(c) The Auction Agent shall terminate any Broker-Dealer Agreement as set forth therein if so directed by the Fund.
(d) Subject to the Auction Agent's having consented to the selection of the relevant Broker-Dealer pursuant to Section 2.8(b) hereof, the Auction Agent shall from time to time enter into such Broker-Dealer Agreements with one or more Broker-Dealers as the Fund shall request, and shall enter into such schedules to any such Broker-Dealer Agreements as the Fund shall request, which schedules, among other things, shall set forth the series of FundPreferred shares to which such Broker-Dealer Agreement relates.
2.8 Ownership of FundPreferred Shares. The Fund shall notify the Auction Agent if the Fund or any affiliate of the Fund acquires any shares of FundPreferred shares of any series. Neither the Fund nor any affiliate of the Fund shall submit any Order in any Auction for FundPreferred shares, except as set forth in the next sentence. Any Broker-Dealer that is an affiliate of the Fund may submit Orders in Auctions, but only if such Orders are not for its own account. For purposes of this Section 2.8, a Broker-Dealer shall not be deemed to be an affiliate of the Fund solely because one or more of the directors or executive officers of such Broker-Dealer or of any Person controlled by, in control of or under common control with such Broker-Dealer is also a Director of the Fund. The Auction Agent shall have no duty or liability with respect to enforcement of this Section 2.8.
2.9 Access to and Maintenance of Auction Records. The Auction Agent shall, upon the receipt of prior written notice from the Fund, afford to the Fund access at reasonable times during normal business hours to all books, records, documents and other information concerning the conduct and results of Auctions. The Auction Agent shall maintain records relating to an Auction for a period of six
years after such Auction and such records shall, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the actions taken by the Auction Agent hereunder.
2.10 Dividend and Redemption Price Deposit. The Fund shall pay to the Auction Agent, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, (A) on the Business Day next preceding any Dividend Payment Date for any series of FundPreferred shares, in funds available on such Dividend Payment Date in The City of New York, New York, the full amount of any dividends to be paid on such Dividend Payment Date on any share of such series, and (B) on the Business Day next preceding any redemption date for any series of FundPreferred shares in funds available on such redemption date for such series in The City of New York, New York, the Redemption Price to be paid on such redemption date for the shares of any such series after notice of redemption is given as set forth in the Statement.
3. The Auction Agent as Dividend and Redemption Price Disbursing Agent
The Auction Agent, as dividend and redemption price disbursing agent, shall pay to the Holders of shares of FundPreferred shares of any series (i) on each Dividend Payment Date for such series, dividends on the shares of FundPreferred shares of such series, (ii) on any date fixed for redemption of shares of FundPreferred shares of any series, the Redemption Price of any shares of such series called for redemption and (iii) any late charge related to any payment of dividends or Redemption Price, in each case after receipt of the necessary funds from the Fund with which to pay such dividends, Redemption Price or late charge. The amount of dividends for any Dividend Period for any series of FundPreferred shares to be paid by the Auction Agent to the Holders of such shares of such series will be determined by the Fund as set forth in Section 2 of Part I of the Statement with respect to such series. The Redemption Price of any shares to be paid by the Auction Agent to the Holders will be determined by the Fund as set forth in Section 3 of Part I of the Statement with respect to such series. The Fund shall notify the Auction Agent in writing of a decision to redeem shares of any series of FundPreferred shares as provided in paragraph (b) of Section 3 of Part I of the Statement. Such notice by the Fund to the Auction Agent shall contain the information required by paragraph (b) of Section 3 of Part I of the Statement to be stated in the notice of redemption required to be mailed by the Auction Agent to such Holders.
4. The Auction Agent as Transfer Agent and Registrar
4.1 Issue of Share Certificates. Upon the Date of Original Issue of each series of FundPreferred shares, one certificate representing all of the shares of each series issued on such date shall be issued by the Fund and, at the request of the Fund, registered in the name of Cede & Co. and countersigned by the Auction Agent.
4.2 Registration of Transfer of Shares. Shares of each series of FundPreferred shares shall be registered solely in the name of the Securities Depository or its nominee.
4.3 Removal of Legend on Restricted Shares. All requests for removal of legends on shares of any series of FundPreferred shares indicating restrictions on transfer shall be accompanied by an opinion of counsel stating that such legends may be
removed and such shares freely transferred, such opinion to be delivered under cover of a letter from a Fund Officer authorizing the Auction Agent to remove the legend on the basis of said opinion.
4.4 Lost Share Certificates. The Auction Agent shall register
replacement certificates for certificates represented to have been
lost, stolen or destroyed upon the fulfillment of such
requirements as shall be deemed appropriate by the Fund and the
Auction Agent, subject at all times to provisions of law, the
By-Laws of the Fund governing such matters and resolutions adopted
by the Fund with respect to lost securities. The Auction Agent may
issue new certificates in exchange for and upon the cancellation
of mutilated certificates. Any request by the Fund to the Auction
Agent to issue a replacement or new certificate pursuant to this
Section 4.4 shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by
the Fund to the Auction Agent that such issuance will comply with
such provisions of law and the By-Laws and resolutions of the
Fund.
4.5 Disposition of Canceled Certificates; Record Retention. The Auction Agent shall retain all share certificates which have been cancelled in transfer or exchange and all accompanying documentation in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for two calendar years. Upon the expiration of this two-year period, the Auction Agent shall deliver to the Fund the cancelled certificates and accompanying documentation. The Fund also shall undertake to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission and to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, upon demand, at either the principal office or at any regional office, complete, correct and current hard copies of any and all such records. Thereafter such records shall not be destroyed by the Fund without the concurrence of the Auction Agent.
4.6 Share Transfer Books. For so long as the Auction Agent is acting as the transfer agent for any series of FundPreferred shares pursuant to this Agreement, it shall maintain a share transfer book containing a list of the Holders of the shares of each series of FundPreferred shares, the number of shares of each series held by such Holders and the address of each Holder. The Auction Agent shall record in such share transfer books any change of address of a Holder upon notice by such Holder. In case of any request or demand for the inspection of the share transfer books of the Fund or any other books in the possession of the Auction Agent, the Auction Agent will notify the Fund and secure instructions as to permitting or refusing such inspection.
4.7 Return of Funds. Any funds deposited with the Auction Agent hereunder by the Fund for any reason, including but not limited to redemption of shares of FundPreferred shares of any series, that remain unpaid after 90 days shall be repaid to the Fund upon the written request of the Fund, together with interest, if any, earned thereon.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Fund
The Fund represents and warrants to the Auction Agent that:
(a) the Fund is a duly organized and existing business trust in good standing under the laws of the State of Massachusetts and has full corporate power or all requisite power to execute and deliver the Agreement and to authorize, create and issue the shares of FundPreferred shares of each series and the shares of FundPreferred shares of each series when issued, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable;
(b) the Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Fund and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Fund;
(c) the form of the certificate evidencing the shares of FundPreferred shares of each series complies or will comply with all applicable laws of the State of Massachusetts;
(d) when issued, the shares of FundPreferred shares of each series will have been duly registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no further action by or before any governmental body or authority of the United States or of any state thereof is required in connection with the execution and delivery of the Agreement or will have been required in connection with the issuance of the shares of FundPreferred shares of each series; and
(e) the execution and delivery of the Agreement and the issuance and delivery of the shares of FundPreferred shares of each series do not and will not conflict with, violate or result in a breach of, the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, the Declaration of Trust (as amended by one or more Statements) or the By-Laws of the Fund, any law or regulation, any order or decree of any court or public authority having jurisdiction, or any mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement or undertaking to which the Fund is a party or by which it is bound the effect of which conflict, violation, default or breach would be material to the Fund or the Fund and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.
6. The Auction Agent
6.1 Duties and Responsibilities.
(a) The Auction Agent is acting solely as agent for the Fund hereunder and owes no duties, fiduciary or otherwise, to any other Person by reason of this Agreement.
(b) The Auction Agent undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Agreement and the Broker-Dealer
Agreements, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Auction Agent.
(c) In the absence of willful misconduct or negligence on its part, the Auction Agent shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered, or omitted or for any error of judgment made by it in the performance of its duties under this Agreement except that the Auction Agent shall be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith if the Auction Agent shall have been negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts.
(d) Any funds deposited with the Auction Agent hereunder by the Fund for any reason, including the payment of dividends or the redemption of shares of FundPreferred shares of any series, that remain with the Auction Agent after 90 days shall be repaid to the Fund as provided in Section 4.7 hereof.
6.2 Rights of the Auction Agent.
(a) The Auction Agent may conclusively rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any communication authorized hereby and upon any written instruction, notice, request, direction, consent, report, certificate, share certificate or other instrument, paper or document believed in good faith by it to be genuine. The Auction Agent shall not be liable for acting upon any telephone communication authorized hereby which the Auction Agent believes in good faith to have been given by the Fund or by any Broker-Dealer. The Auction Agent may record telephone communications with the Fund or with any Broker-Dealer.
(b) The Auction Agent may consult with counsel and the reasonable advice of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.
(c) The Auction Agent shall not be required to advance, expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur or become exposed to financial liability in the performance of its duties hereunder.
(d) The Auction Agent may perform its duties and exercise its rights hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and shall not be responsible for any misconduct on the part of any agent or attorney appointed by it with due care hereunder except as set forth above in Section 6.1(c).
(e) The Auction Agent shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this agreement arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fires, floods; wars; civil or military disturbances; sabotage; acts of terrorism;
epidemics; riots; interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities; computer (hardware or software) or communications services; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority or governmental actions; it being understood that the Auction Agent shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.
6.3 Auction Agent's Disclaimer. The Auction Agent makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Agreement (except as to the Auction Agent's duties hereunder and that the Auction Agent hereby represents that this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Auction Agent and constitutes a legal and binding obligation of the Auction Agent), the FundPreferred shares, or any other document related to the FundPreferred shares.
6.4 Compensation, Expenses and Indemnification.
(a) The Fund shall pay the Auction Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it under this Agreement and the Broker-Dealer Agreement in such amounts as may be agreed to by the Fund and the Auction Agent from time to time.
(b) The Fund shall reimburse the Auction Agent upon its request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Auction Agent in accordance with any provision of this Agreement and the Broker-Dealer Agreements (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any expense or disbursement attributable to its negligence or willful misconduct.
(c) The Fund shall indemnify the Auction Agent for and hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence or willful misconduct on its part, arising out of or in connection with its agency under this Agreement and the Broker-Dealer Agreements, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with its exercise or performance of its duties hereunder and thereunder.
7. Miscellaneous
7.1 Term of Agreement.
(a) The term of this Agreement is unlimited unless it shall be terminated as provided in this Section 7.1. The Fund may terminate this Agreement any time by so notifying the Auction Agent, provided that the Fund has entered into an agreement in substantially the form of this Agreement with a successor auction agent. The Auction Agent may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the Fund, such termination to be effective on the earlier of (i) the date specified in such notice which shall
not be earlier than 45 days after the giving of such notice or (ii) the date on which a successor Auction Agent is appointed by the Fund pursuant to an agreement containing substantially the same terms and conditions as this Agreement.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (b), the
respective rights and duties of the Fund and the Auction
Agent under this Agreement shall cease upon termination of
this Agreement. The Fund's obligations under Section 6.4
hereof and its representations and warranties contained in
Section 5 hereof and the Auction Agent's obligations and
liabilities under Sections 2.9 and 4.5 hereof shall survive
the termination hereof with respect to any Series of
FundPreferred shares. Upon termination of this Agreement, the
Auction Agent shall, at the Fund's request, promptly deliver
to the Fund copies of all books and records maintained by it
in connection with its duties hereunder.
7.2 Communications. Except for (a) communications authorized to be by
telephone pursuant to this Agreement or the Auction Procedures and
(b) communications in connection with Auctions (other than those
expressly required to be in writing) and unless otherwise
specified by the terms of this Agreement, all notices, requests
and other communications to any party hereunder shall be in
writing (including telecopy or similar writing) given to such
person at its address or telecopy number set forth below:
If to the Fund, addressed:
[Name of Fund]
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Attention: Gifford R. Zimmerman
Telephone No.: (312) 609-7901
If to the Auction Agent, to the address or telecopy number set forth in the Request and Acceptance Letter.
or to such other address as the party to whom the communication is addressed shall have previously communicated to the other party. Communications shall be given on behalf of the Fund by a Fund Officer and on behalf of the Auction Agent by an Authorized Officer. Communications shall be effective when received at the proper address.
7.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and there are no other representations, endorsements, promises, agreements or understandings, oral, written or inferred, between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof except for agreements relating to compensation of the Auction Agent. This Agreement supersedes all
prior agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.
7.4 Benefits. Nothing herein, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the Fund, the Auction Agent and their respective successors and assigns, any benefit of any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim hereunder.
7.5 Amendment; Waiver.
(a) This Agreement shall not be deemed or construed to be modified, amended, rescinded, cancelled or waived, in whole or in part, except by a written instrument signed by a duly authorized representative of the party to be charged.
(b) Failure of either party hereto to exercise any right or remedy hereunder in the event of a breach hereof by the other party shall not constitute a waiver of any such rights or remedies with respect to any subsequent breach.
7.6 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the respective successors of each of the Fund and the Auction Agent.
7.7 Severability. If any clause, provision or section hereof shall be ruled invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity or unenforceability of such clause, provision or section shall not affect any of the remaining clauses, provisions or sections hereof.
7.8 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
7.9 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
7.10 Declaration of Trust. The Fund's Declaration is on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This Agreement has been executed on behalf of the Fund by the Vice President and Treasurer of the Fund acting in such capacity and not individually, and the obligations of the Fund set forth in this Agreement are not binding upon any of the Fund's trustees, officers or shareholders individually, but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund.
EXHIBIT A
BROKER-DEALER AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT B
SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES
EXHIBIT C
[NAME OF FUND]
NOTICE OF AUCTION DATE FOR
FUNDPREFERRED SHARES ("FundPreferred shares")
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Auction Date of the next Auction for the FundPreferred shares Series ___ of the [Name of Fund] (the "Fund") is scheduled to be ____________ and the next Dividend Payment Date for Series ____ of the Fund's FundPreferred shares will be _______________.
Dated: ______________________________ [Name of Fund]
EXHIBIT D
[NAME OF FUND]
NOTICE OF PROPOSED DESIGNATION OF
SPECIAL RATE PERIOD FOR
FUNDPREFERRED SHARES ("FundPreferred shares")
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that [Name of Fund] (the "Fund") proposes to exercise its option to designate the Dividend Period of its Series __ FundPreferred shares commencing [the first day of the proposed Special Rate Period] and ending [the last day of the proposed Special Rate Period] as a Special Rate Period.
By 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the Business Day next preceding the first day of such proposed Special Rate Period, the Fund will notify the Auction Agent for the FundPreferred shares of either (a) its determination to exercise such option, designating the length of such Special Rate Period and the terms of the Specific Redemption Provisions, if any, or (b) its determination not to exercise such option.
Dated: ______________________________ [Name of Fund]
EXHIBIT E
[NAME OF FUND]
NOTICE OF DESIGNATION OF SPECIAL RATE PERIOD OF
FUNDPREFERRED SHARES ("FundPreferred shares")
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that [Name of Fund] (the "Fund") has determined to designate the Dividend Period of its Series __ FundPreferred shares commencing on [the first day of the Special Rate Period] and ending on (the last day of the Special Rate Period] as a Special Rate Period.
The Special Rate Period will be _____ [days] year(s]].
The Auction Date for the Special Rate Period is (the Business Day next preceding the first day of such Special Rate Period].
The scheduled Dividend Payment Dates for such series of FundPreferred shares during such Special Rate Period will be ____________________.
[Specific Redemption Provisions, if applicable.]
[The Special Rate Period shall not commence if on such Auction Date Sufficient Clearing Bids shall not exist.]
Dated: ________________________________ [Name of Fund]
EXHIBIT F
[NAME OF FUND]
NOTICE OF DETERMINATION NOT TO DESIGNATE
SPECIAL RATE PERIOD OF
FUNDPREFERRED SHARES ("FundPreferred shares")
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that [Name of Fund] (the "Fund") has determined not to exercise its option to designate a Special Rate Period of its Series __ FundPreferred shares. Accordingly, the next succeeding Dividend Period of such series will be a Standard Rate Period.
Dated: _________________________________ [Name of Fund]
Exhibit k.4
NUVEEN BROKER-DEALER AGREEMENT
BASIC TERMS FOR ACTING AS A BROKER-DEALER
Relating to
FUNDPREFERRED SHARES
August 22, 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1. Definitions and Rules of Construction............................... 1
1.1 Terms Defined by Reference to Statement.................... 1
1.2 Terms Defined Herein....................................... 1
1.3 Rules of Construction...................................... 2
2. The Auction......................................................... 3
2.1 Purposes; Incorporation by Reference of Auction Procedures
and Settlement Procedures.................................. 3
2.2 Preparation of Each Auction................................ 3
2.3 Auction Schedule; Method of Submission of Order............ 5
2.4 Notices.................................................... 7
2.5 Designation of Special Rate Period......................... 7
2.6 Service Charge to be Paid to BD............................ 8
2.7 Settlement................................................. 8
3. The Auction Agent................................................... 9
3.1 Duties and Responsibilities................................ 9
3.2 Rights of the Auction Agent............................... 10
3.3 Auction Agent's Disclaimer................................ 11
4. Miscellaneous...................................................... 11
4.1 Termination............................................... 11
4.2 Participant in Securities Depository...................... 11
4.3 Payment of Dividends in Same-Day Funds.................... 11
4.4 Communications............................................ 11
4.5 Entire Agreement.......................................... 12
4.6 Benefits.................................................. 12
4.7 Amendment; Waiver......................................... 12
4.8 Successors and Assigns.................................... 12
4.9 Severability.............................................. 12
4.10 Execution in Counterparts................................. 12
4.11 Governing Law............................................. 12
4.12 Declaration of Trust...................................... 12
|
EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT A - Settlement Procedures
EXHIBIT B - [Name of Fund] FundPreferred shares,
Series ____ Order Form
EXHIBIT C - [Name of Fund] FundPreferred shares,
Series ____ Order Form
EXHIBIT D - [Name of Fund] FundPreferred shares,
Series ____ Order Form
EXHIBIT E - Form of Acceptance Letter
These basic terms ("Basic Terms") set forth the general terms and conditions pursuant to which a broker-dealer identified in a Acceptance Letter (together with its successors and assigns, a "BD") will act as a Broker-Dealer for FundPreferred shares ("FundPreferred shares") issued by investment companies, now or hereafter organized, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Funds"), for which Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. (the "Adviser") is the investment adviser.
Each Fund has issued or may issue shares of FundPreferred shares, pursuant to its Declaration of Trust, as amended or supplemented by the Statement of such Fund. A bank or trust company specified in the Request Letter and Acceptance Letter will act as the auction agent (the "Auction Agent") of such Fund pursuant to authority granted it in the Auction Agency Agreement.
The Statement of each Fund will provide that, for each Rate Period of any series of FundPreferred shares of such Fund then outstanding, the Applicable Rate for such series for such Rate Period shall, except under certain conditions, be the rate per annum that the Auction Agent of such Fund advises results from implementation of the Auction Procedures for such series. The Board of Trustees of each Fund will adopt a resolution appointing the Auction Agent as auction agent for purposes of the Auction Procedures for each series of FundPreferred shares of such Fund.
The Auction Procedures of each Fund will require the participation of one or more Broker-Dealers for each series of FundPreferred shares of such Fund. BD will act as a Broker-Dealer for each series of FundPreferred shares of each Fund.
1. Definitions and Rules of Construction
1.1 Terms Defined by Reference to Statement. Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the respective meanings specified in the Statement of the relevant Fund.
1.2 Terms Defined Herein. As used herein and in the Settlement Procedures, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "Acceptance Letter" shall mean the letter from the Fund, Adviser and Auction Agent to BD pursuant to which the BD is appointed as a Broker-Dealer for each series of FundPreferred shares issued by any Fund that has executed a Request Letter.
(b) "Agreement", with respect to any Fund, shall mean the Basic Terms, together with the Acceptance Letter and Request Letter relating to one or more series of FundPreferred shares of such Fund.
(c) "Auction" shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.1 hereof.
(d) "Auction Agency Agreement" shall mean the Auction Agent Agreement between a Fund and the Auction Agent relating to one or more series of FundPreferred shares of such Fund.
(e) "Auction Procedures" shall mean the auction procedures constituting Part II of the Statement.
(f) "Authorized Officer" shall mean each Vice President, Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the Auction Agent assigned to the Dealing and Trading Group of its Corporate Trust Division and every other officer or employee of the Auction Agent designated as an "Authorized Officer" for purposes of this Agreement in a communication to the BD.
(g) "BD Officer" shall mean each officer or employee of BD designated as a "BD Officer" for purposes of this Agreement in a communication to the Auction Agent.
(h) "Broker-Dealer Agreement" shall mean this Agreement and any substantially similar agreement between the Auction Agent and a Broker-Dealer.
(i) "Existing Holder" shall have the meaning set forth in the Statement, and for purposes of this Broker-Dealer Agreement and with respect to the Auction Procedures as referred to in this Agreement, shall also include, as the circumstances may require, a Person who is listed as the beneficial owner of FundPreferred shares in the records of a Broker-Dealer.
(j) "Potential Holder" shall have the meaning set forth in the Statement, and for purposes of this Broker-Dealer Agreement and with respect to the Auction Procedures as referred to in this Agreement, shall also include, as the circumstances may require, any other Person, including any Existing Holder of FundPreferred shares, who may be interested in acquiring FundPreferred shares (or, in the case of an Existing Holder, additional FundPreferred shares).
(k) "Request Letter" with respect to any Fund, shall mean the letter from such Fund to the Adviser and the Auction Agent for such Fund pursuant to which such Fund appoints BD as a Broker-Dealer for each series of FundPreferred shares of such Fund.
(l) "Settlement Procedures" shall mean the Settlement Procedures attached hereto as Exhibit A.
(m) "Statement," shall mean the Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of, and authorizing the issuance of, one or more series of FundPreferred shares, as filed by such Fund with the Office of the
Secretary of State or other officer of the state where such Fund was organized.
1.3 Rules of Construction. Unless the context or use indicates another or different meaning or intent, the following rules shall apply to the construction of this Agreement:
(a) Words importing the singular number shall include the plural number and vice versa.
(b) The captions and headings herein are solely for the convenience of reference and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement nor shall they affect its meaning, construction or effect.
(c) The words "hereof", "herein", "hereto", and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole.
(d) All references herein to a particular time of day shall be to New York City time.
2. The Auction
2.1 Purposes; Incorporation by Reference of Auction Procedures and Settlement Procedures.
(a) The provisions of the Auction Procedures will be followed by the Auction Agent for the purpose of determining the Applicable Rate for any Dividend Period of any series of FundPreferred shares for which the Applicable Rate is to be determined by an Auction. Each periodic operation of such procedures is hereinafter referred to as an "Auction."
(b) All of the provisions contained in the Auction Procedures and the Settlement Procedures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and shall be deemed to be a part hereof to the same extent as if such provisions were fully set forth herein.
(c) The BD agrees to act as, and assumes the obligations of, and limitations and restrictions placed upon, a Broker-Dealer under this Agreement for each series of FundPreferred shares. The BD understands that other Persons meeting the requirements specified in the definition of "Broker-Dealer" contained in the Auction Procedures may execute Broker-Dealer Agreements and participate as Broker-Dealers in Auctions.
2.2 Preparation of Each Auction.
(a) Not later than 9:30 A.M. on each Auction Date for any series of FundPreferred shares, the Auction Agent shall advise the Broker-Dealers for such series by telephone of the Minimum Rate and Maximum Rate
therefor and the AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate(s) and the Treasury Index Rate(s), as the case may be, used in determining the Minimum Rate and Maximum Rate.
(b) In the event that any Auction Date for any series of
FundPreferred shares shall be changed after the Auction Agent
has given the notice referred to in clause (vi) of paragraph
(a) of the Settlement Procedures, or after the notice
referred to in Section 2.5(a) hereof, if applicable, the
Auction Agent, by such means as the Auction Agent deems
practicable shall give notice of such change to the BD, if it
is a Broker-Dealer for such series, not later than the
earlier of 9:15 A.M. on the new Auction Date or 9:15 A.M. on
the original Auction Date. Thereafter, the BD shall notify
customers of the BD who the BD believes are Existing Holders
of FundPreferred shares of such change in the Auction Date.
(c) For purposes of maintaining its list of Existing Holders, the Auction Agent for any series of FundPreferred shares from time to time may request any Broker-Dealer to provide such Auction Agent with a list of Persons who such Broker-Dealer believes should be Existing Holders based upon inquiries of those Persons such Broker-Dealer believes are Beneficial Owners as a result of the most recent Auction and with respect to each such Person, the number of shares of such series of FundPreferred shares such Broker-Dealer believes are owned by such Person. BD shall comply with any such request relating to a series of FundPreferred shares in respect of which BD was named a Broker-Dealer, and the Auction Agent shall keep confidential any such information so provided by BD and shall not disclose any information so provided by BD to any Person other than the Fund and BD; provided, however, that the Auction Agent reserves the right and is authorized to disclose any such information if (a) it is ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction or a regulatory body, judicial or quasi-judicial agency or authority having the authority to compel such disclosure, (b) it is advised by its counsel that its failure to do so would be unlawful or (c) failure to do so would expose the Auction Agent to loss, liability, claim, damage or expense for which it has not received indemnity or security satisfactory to it.
(d) BD agrees to maintain a list of customers relating to a series of FundPreferred shares and to use its best efforts, subject to existing laws and regulations, to contact the customers on such list whom BD believes may be interested in participating in the Auction on each Auction Date, as a Potential Holder or a Potential Beneficial Owner, for the purposes set forth in the Auction Procedures. Nothing herein shall require BD to submit an Order for any customer in any Auction.
(e) The Auction Agent's registry of Existing Holders of shares of a series of FundPreferred shares shall be conclusive and binding on BD. BD may inquire of the Auction Agent between 3:00 P.M. on the Business Day
preceding an Auction for shares of a series of FundPreferred shares and 9:30 A.M. on the Auction Date for such Auction to ascertain the number of shares of such series in respect of which the Auction Agent has determined BD to be an Existing Holder. If BD believes it is the Existing Holder of fewer shares of such series than specified by the Auction Agent in response to BD's inquiry, BD may so inform the Auction Agent of that belief. BD shall not, in its capacity as Existing Holder of shares of such series, submit Orders in such Auction in respect of shares of such series covering in the aggregate more than the number of shares of such series specified by the Auction Agent in response to BD's inquiry.
2.3 Auction Schedule; Method of Submission of Order.
(a) The Auction Agent shall conduct Auctions for FundPreferred shares in accordance with the schedule set forth below. Such schedule with respect to any series of FundPreferred shares of the Fund may be changed by the Auction Agent for such series with the consent of the Fund, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Auction Agent shall give written notice of any such change to each Broker-Dealer of such series. Such notice shall be given prior to the close of business on the Business Day next preceding the first Auction Date on which such change shall be effective.
Time Event
---- -----
By 9:30 A.M. Auction Agent for such series advises
the Fund and the Broker-Dealers for such
series of the applicable Minimum Rate
and Maximum Rate and the Reference
Rate(s) used in determining such Minimum
Rate and Maximum Rate as set forth in
Section 2.2(a) hereof.
9:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. Auction Agent assembles information
communicated to it by Broker-Dealers as
provided in Section 2(a) of the Auction
Procedures of the Fund. Submission
Deadline is 1:00 P.M.
Not earlier than 12:30 P.M. Auction Agent makes determinations
pursuant to Section 3(a) of the Auction
Procedures.
By approximately 3:00 P.M. Auction Agent advises the Fund of
results of Auction as provided in
Section 3(b) of the Auction Procedures.
Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders
are
|
Time Event
---- -----
accepted and rejected and shares of such
series of FundPreferred shares allocated
as provided in Section 4 of the Auction
Procedures.
Auction Agent gives notice of Auction
results as set forth in Section 2.4(a)
hereof.
(b) BD shall submit Orders to the appropriate Auction Agent in
writing substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
B. BD shall submit a separate Order to such Auction Agent for
each Potential Holder or Existing Holder with respect to whom
BD is submitting an Order and shall not otherwise net or
aggregate such Orders prior to their submission to such
Auction Agent.
(c) BD shall deliver to the appropriate Auction Agent (i) a
written notice in substantially the form attached hereto as
Exhibit C of transfers of FundPreferred shares to BD from
another Person other than pursuant to an Auction and (ii) a
written notice substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit D, of the failure of any FundPreferred shares to be
transferred to or by any Person that purchased or sold
FundPreferred shares through BD pursuant to an Auction. Such
Auction Agent is not required to accept any such notice
described in clause (i) for an Auction unless it is received
by the Auction Agent by 3:00 P.M. on the Business Day
preceding such Auction.
(d) BD and other Broker-Dealers may submit Orders in Auctions for
their own accounts (including Orders for their own accounts
where the Order is placed beneficially for a customer) unless
the relevant Fund shall have notified BD and all other
Broker-Dealers that they may no longer do so, in which case
Broker-Dealers may continue to submit Hold Orders and Sell
Orders for their own accounts.
(e) BD agrees to handle its customers' orders in accordance with
its duties under applicable securities laws and rules.
(f) To the extent that pursuant to Section 4 of the Auction
Procedures of any Fund, BD continues to hold, sells, or
purchases a number of shares that is fewer than the number of
shares in an Order submitted by BD to the Auction Agent in
which BD designated itself as an Existing Holder or Potential
Holder in respect of customer Orders, BD shall make
appropriate pro rata allocations among its customers for
which it submitted Orders of similar tenor. If as a result of
such allocations, any Beneficial Owner would be entitled or
required to sell, or any Potential Beneficial Owner
|
would be entitled or required to purchase, a fraction of a FundPreferred Share on any Auction Date, BD shall, in such manner as it shall determine in its sole discretion, round up or down the number of FundPreferred shares to be purchased or sold on such Auction Date by any Beneficial Owner or Potential Beneficial Owner on whose behalf BD submitted an Order so that the number of shares so purchased or sold by each such Beneficial Owner or Potential Beneficial Owner on such Auction Date shall be whole FundPreferred shares.
2.4 Notices.
(a) On each Auction Date for any series of FundPreferred shares, the Auction Agent shall notify BD, if BD is a Broker-Dealer of such series, by telephone of the results of the Auction as set forth in paragraph (a) of the Settlement Procedures. By approximately 11:30 a.m., on the Business Day next succeeding such Auction Date, the Auction Agent shall confirm to BD in writing the disposition of all Orders submitted by BD in such Auction.
(b) BD shall notify each Existing Holder, Potential Holder,
Beneficial Owner or Potential Beneficial Owner on whose
behalf BD has submitted an Order as set forth in paragraph
(a) of the Settlement Procedures and take such other action
as is required of BD pursuant to the Settlement Procedures.
2.5 Designation of Special Rate Period.
(a) If any Fund delivers to the Auction Agent a notice of the Auction Date for any series of FundPreferred shares for a Dividend Period thereof that next succeeds a Dividend Period that is not a Standard Rate Period in the form of Exhibit C to the Auction Agency Agreement, the Auction Agent shall deliver such notice to BD as promptly as practicable after its receipt of such notice from such Fund.
(b) If the Board of Trustees proposes to designate any succeeding Dividend Period of any series of FundPreferred shares as a Special Rate Period and such Fund delivers to the Auction Agent a notice of such proposed Special Rate Period in the form of Exhibit D to the Auction Agency Agreement, the Auction Agent shall deliver such notice to BD as promptly as practicable after its receipt of such notice from the Fund.
(c) If the Board of Trustees determines to designate such succeeding Dividend Period as a Special Rate Period and such Fund delivers to the Auction Agent a notice of such Dividend Period in the form of Exhibit E to the Auction Agency Agreement not later than 3:00 p.m. on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of such proposed Special Rate Period, the Auction Agent shall deliver such notice to BD not later than 3:00 p.m. on such Business Day.
(d) If the Fund shall deliver to the Auction Agent a notice not later than 3:00 p.m. on the second Business Day next preceding the first day of any Dividend Period stating that the Fund has determined not to exercise its option to designate such succeeding Dividend Period as a Special Rate Period, in the form of Exhibit F to the Auction Agent Agreement, or shall fail to timely deliver either such notice or a notice in the form of Exhibit E to the Auction Agency Agreement, the Auction Agent shall deliver a notice in the form of Exhibit F to the Auction Agency Agreement to BD not later than 3:00 p.m. on such Business Day.
2.6 Service Charge to be Paid to BD.
On the Business Day next succeeding each Auction Date for any
series of FundPreferred shares of any Fund specified in the Request Letter of
any Fund, the Auction Agent for such series shall pay to BD from moneys received
from such Fund an amount equal to the product of (a) (i) in the case of any
Auction Date immediately preceding a Rate Period of such series consisting of
364 Rate Period Days or fewer, 1/4 of 1%, or (ii) in the case of any Auction
Date immediately preceding a Rate Period of such series consisting of more than
364 Rate Period Days, such percentage as may be agreed upon by such Fund and BD
with respect to such Rate Period, times (b) a fraction, the numerator of which
is the number of Rate Period Days in the Rate Period therefor beginning on such
Business Day and the denominator of which is 365 if such Rate Period consists of
7 Rate Period Days and 360 for all other Rate Periods, times (c) $25,000 times
(d) the sum of (i) the aggregate number of shares of such series placed by BD in
such Auction that were (A) the subject of Submitted Bids of Existing Holders
submitted by BD and continued to be held as a result of such submission and (B)
the subject of Submitted Bids of Potential Holders submitted by BD and purchased
as a result of such submission plus (ii) the aggregate number of shares of such
series subject to valid Hold Orders (determined in accordance with paragraph (d)
of Section 2 of the Auction Procedures) submitted to the Auction Agent by BD
plus (iii) the number of FundPreferred shares deemed to be subject to Hold
Orders of Existing Holders pursuant to paragraph (c) of Section 2 of the Auction
Procedures of such Fund that were acquired by BD for its own account or were
acquired by BD for its customers who are Beneficial Owners.
For purposes of subclause (d)(iii) of the foregoing paragraph, if any Existing Holder or Beneficial Owner who acquired shares of any series of FundPreferred shares through BD transfers those shares to another Person other than pursuant to an Auction, then the Broker-Dealer for the shares so transferred shall continue to be BD; provided, however, that if the transfer was effected by, or if the transferee is, a Broker-Dealer other than BD, then such Broker-Dealer shall be the Broker-Dealer for such shares.
2.7 Settlement.
(a) If any Existing Holder or Beneficial Owner with respect to whom BD has submitted a Bid or Sell Order for FundPreferred shares of any series that was accepted in whole or in part fails to instruct its Agent Member to deliver the FundPreferred shares subject to such Bid or Sell Order against payment therefor, BD, if it knows the identity of such Agent Member,
shall instruct such Agent Member to deliver such shares against payment therefor and, if such Agent Member fails to comply with such instructions, BD may deliver to the Potential Holder or Potential Beneficial Owner with respect to whom BD submitted a Bid for FundPreferred shares of such series that was accepted in whole or in part a number of FundPreferred shares of such series that is less than the number of FundPreferred shares of such series specified in such Bid to be purchased by such Potential Holder or Potential Beneficial Owner.
(b) Neither the Auction Agent nor the Fund shall have any responsibility or liability with respect to the failure of an Existing Holder, Beneficial Owner, Potential Holder or Potential Beneficial Owner or its respective Agent Member to deliver FundPreferred shares of any series or to pay for FundPreferred shares of any series sold or purchased pursuant to the Auction Procedures or otherwise.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision of the Auction Procedures or the Settlement Procedures to the contrary, in the event BD is an Existing Holder with respect to shares of a series of FundPreferred shares and the Auction Procedures provide that BD shall be deemed to have submitted a Sell Order in an Auction with respect to such shares if BD fails to submit an Order in that Auction with respect to such shares, BD shall have no liability to any Person for failing to sell such shares pursuant to such a deemed Sell Order if (i) such shares were transferred by the beneficial owner thereof without notification of such transfer in compliance with the Auction Procedures or (ii) BD has indicated to the Auction Agent pursuant to Section 2.2(e) of this Agreement that, according BD's records, BD is not the Existing Holder of such shares.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of the Auction Procedures or the Settlement Procedures to the contrary, in the event an Existing Holder or Beneficial Owner of shares of a series of FundPreferred shares with respect to whom a Broker-Dealer submitted a Bid to the Auction Agent for such shares that was accepted in whole or in part, or submitted or is deemed to have submitted a Sell Order for such shares that was accepted in whole or in part, fails to instruct its Agent Member to deliver such shares against payment therefor, partial deliveries of FundPreferred shares that have been made in respect of Potential Holders, or Potential Beneficial Owners' Submitted Bids for shares of such series that have been accepted in whole or in part shall constitute good delivery to such Potential Holders and Potential Beneficial Owners.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing terms of this Section, any delivery or non-delivery of FundPreferred shares of any series which represents any departure from the results of an Auction for shares of such series, as determined by the Auction Agent, shall be of no effect for purposes of the registry of Existing Holders maintained by the Auction Agent pursuant to
the Auction Agency Agreement unless and until the Auction Agent shall have been notified of such delivery or non-delivery.
(f) The Auction Agent shall have no duty or liability with respect to enforcement of this Section 2.7.
3. The Auction Agent
3.1 Duties and Responsibilities.
(a) The Auction Agent is acting solely as agent for the Funds with whom such Auction Agent has entered into Request Letters hereunder and owes no duties, fiduciary or otherwise, to any other Person.
(b) The Auction Agent undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in such agreements to which it is a party, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into the agreements against the Auction Agent.
(c) In the absence of willful misconduct or negligence on its part, the Auction Agent shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered, or omitted or for any error of judgment made by it in the performance of its duties under this agreements. The Auction Agent shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith unless the Auction Agent shall have been negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts.
3.2 Rights of the Auction Agent.
(a) The Auction Agent may conclusively rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any communication authorized hereby and upon any written instruction, notice, request, direction, consent, report, certificate, share certificate or other instrument, paper or document believed in good faith by it to be genuine. The Auction Agent shall not be liable for acting upon any telephone communication authorized by this Agreement which the Auction Agent believes in good faith to have been given by the Fund or by a Broker-Dealer. The Auction Agent may record telephone communications with the Broker-Dealers.
(b) The Auction Agent may consult with counsel of its choice and the advice of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.
(c) The Auction Agent shall not be required to advance, expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur or become exposed to financial liability in the performance of its duties hereunder.
(d) The Auction Agent shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this agreement arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fires, floods; wars; civil or military disturbances; sabotage; acts of terrorism; epidemics; riots; interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities; computer (hardware or software) or communications services; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority or governmental actions; it being understood that the Auction Agent shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.
3.3 Auction Agent's Disclaimer. The Auction Agent makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Agreement, the Auction Agency Agreement or the FundPreferred shares of any series.
4. Miscellaneous
4.1 Termination. Any party to this Agreement may terminate the Agreement at any time on five days' notice to the other parties to such Agreement, provided that the Fund party to the Agreement shall not terminate the Agreement unless at least one Broker-Dealer Agreement would be in effect for each series of FundPreferred shares of the Fund after such termination. Each Agreement shall automatically terminate with respect to any series of FundPreferred shares with respect to which the Auction Agency Agreement has terminated.
4.2 Participant in Securities Depository. BD is, and shall remain for the term of this Agreement, a member of, or participant in, the Securities Depository (or an affiliate of such a member participant).
4.3 Payment of Dividends in Same-Day Funds. BD represents that it (or if BD does not act as Agent Member, one of its affiliates) shall make all dividend payments on the FundPreferred shares available in same-day funds on each Dividend Payment Date to customers that use BD or affiliate as Agent Member.
4.4 Communications. Except (i) communications authorized to be by telephone by this Agreement or the Auction Procedures and (ii) communications in connection with Auctions (other than those expressly required to be in writing), all notices, requests and other communications to any party hereunder shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given to such party, addressed to it, at its addressed or telecopy number set forth below:
If to BD, to the address or telecopy number as set forth in the Acceptance Letter.
If to the Auction Agent, to the address or telecopy number as set forth in the Request Letter.
If to the Fund, addressed:
[Name of Fund]
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Attention:
Telephone No.: (312) 917-7901
or such other address or telecopy number as such party may hereafter specify for such purpose by notice to the other parties. Each such notice, request or communication shall be effective when delivered at the address specified herein. Communications shall be given on behalf of BD by a BD Officer and on behalf of the Auction Agent by an Authorized Officer. BD may record telephone communications with the Auction Agent.
4.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement among the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof, and there are no other representations, endorsements, promises, agreements or understandings, oral, written or implied, among the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement supersedes and terminates all prior Broker-Dealer Agreements between the parties.
4.6 Benefits. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, shall give to any person, other than the Fund, the Auction Agent, BD and their respective successors and assigns, any benefit of any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim hereunder.
4.7 Amendment; Waiver.
(a) This Agreement shall not be deemed or construed to be modified, amended, rescinded, canceled or waived, in whole or in part, except by a written instrument signed by a duly authorized representative of the party to be charged.
(b) Failure of any party hereto to exercise any right or remedy hereunder in the event of a breach hereof by any other party shall not constitute a waiver of any such right or remedy with respect to any subsequent breach.
4.8 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the respective successors and assigns of each of the Auction Agent and BD. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party hereto absent the prior written consent of the other party; provided, however, that this Agreement may be assigned by the Auction Agent to a successor Auction Agent selected by the Fund without the consent of BD.
4.9 Severability. If any clause, provision or section hereof shall be ruled invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity or unenforceability of such clause, provision or section shall not affect any of the remaining clauses, provisions or sections thereof.
4.10 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
4.11 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be performed in said State.
4.12 Declaration of Trust. The Declaration of the Fund is on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This Agreement to which the Fund is a party has been executed on behalf of the Fund by the Vice President and Treasurer of such Fund acting in such capacity and not individually, and the obligations of the Fund set forth in this Agreement are not binding upon any of such Fund's trustees, officers or shareholders individually, but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Fund.
EXHIBIT A
SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES
EXHIBIT B
[NAME OF FUND]
$_____ FundPreferred shares
Series ____
AUCTION DATE: _____________
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISSUE: ___________________ SERIES: _________
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE UNDERSIGNED Broker-Dealer SUBMITS THE FOLLOWING ORDERS ON BEHALF OF THE
BIDDER(S) LISTED BELOW:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ORDERS BY EXISTING HOLDERS- NUMBER OF FUNDPREFERRED SHARES ORDERS BY NUMBER OF SHARES
POTENTIAL OF FUNDPREFERRED
HOLDERS- SHARES
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POTENTIAL HOLDER BID/RATE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXISTING HOLDER HOLD BID/RATE SELL 1. /......
------ ----------------
--------------------------- ------- --------- --------------------- ------------ ---------------------- ------- -------------------
1. /........ 2. /......
------ --------- ------------------ --------- ------ ----------------
--------------------------- ------- --------- --------------------- ------------ ---------------------- ------- -------------------
2. /........ 3. /......
------ --------- ------------------ --------- ------ ----------------
--------------------------- ------- --------- --------------------- ------------ ---------------------- ------- -------------------
3. /........ 4. /......
------ --------- ------------------ --------- ------ ----------------
--------------------------- ------- --------- --------------------- ------------ ---------------------- ------- -------------------
4. /........ 5. /......
------ --------- ------------------ --------- ------ ----------------
--------------------------- ------- --------- --------------------- ------------ ---------------------- ------- -------------------
5. /........ 6. /......
------ --------- ------------------ --------- ------ ----------------
--------------------------- ------- --------- --------------------- ------------ ---------------------- ------- -------------------
6. /........ 7. /......
------ --------- ------------------ --------- ------ ----------------
--------------------------- ------- --------- --------------------- ------------ ---------------------- ------- -------------------
7. /........ 8. /......
------ --------- ------------------ --------- ------ ----------------
--------------------------- ------- --------- --------------------- ------------ ---------------------- ------- -------------------
8. /........ 9. /......
------ --------- ------------------ --------- ------ ----------------
--------------------------- ------- --------- --------------------- ------------ ---------------------- ------- -------------------
9. /........ 10. /......
------ --------- ------------------ --------- ----- ----------------
--------------------------- ------- --------- --------------------- ------------ ---------------------- ------- -------------------
10. /........ 11. /......
----- --------- ------------------ --------- ----- ----------------
--------------------------- ------- --------- --------------------- ------------ ---------------------- ------- -------------------
12. /......
----- ----------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------- -------
NOTES: 13. /......
------ ----- ---------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. /......
----- ---------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. If one or more Orders covering in the aggregate more than the number of 15. ----- /.......
outstanding FundPreferred shares held by any Existing holder are ---------------
submitted, such Orders shall be considered valid in the
order of priority set forth in the Auction Procedures.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. A Hold Order or Sell Order may be placed only by an Existing Holder
covering a number of FundPreferred shares not greater than the number
of FundPreferred shares currently held by such Existing Holder.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Potential Holders may make Bids only, each of which must specify a
rate. If more than one Bid is submitted on behalf of any Potential
Holder, each Bid submitted shall be a separate Bid with the rate
specified.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Bids may contain no more than three figures to the right of the
decimal point (.001 of 1%).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[AUCTION AGENT] AUCTION BID FORM NAME OF Broker-Dealer:
AUTHORIZED
Submit to: SIGNATURE:
TOTAL NUMBER OF ORDERS ON THIS BID FORM: _________
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
EXHIBIT C
(To be used only for transfers made
other than pursuant to in Auction)
[NAME OF FUND]
FUNDPREFERRED SHARES,
SERIES ______
TRANSFER FORM
We are (check one):
_________ The Existing Holder named below; _________ The Broker-Dealer for such Existing Holding; or _________ The Agent Member for such Existing Holder. |
We hereby notify you that such Existing Holder has transferred _____ shares of the above series of FundPreferred shares to __________________________.
By: ___________________________
Printed Name:
EXHIBIT D
(To be used only for failures to
deliver FundPreferred shares
sold pursuant to an Auction)
[NAME OF FUND]
FUNDPREFERRED SHARES, SERIES ______
NOTICE OF A FAILURE TO DELIVER
Complete either I or II
I. We are a Broker-Dealer for _______________ (the "Purchaser"), which purchased ____ shares of the above series of FundPreferred shares in the Auction held on _______________ from the seller of such shares.
II. We are a Broker-Dealer for ________________ (the "Seller"), which sold _____ shares of the above series of FundPreferred shares in the Auction held on _______________ to the purchaser of such shares.
We hereby notify you that (check one) --
[ ] the Seller failed to deliver such shares of FundPreferred shares to the Purchaser
[ ] the Purchaser failed to make payment to the Seller upon delivery of such shares of FundPreferred shares
Name: __________________________
(Name of Broker-Dealer)
By: __________________________
Printed Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT E
[Form of Broker-Dealer Acceptance Letter]
Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.
, 20___
[Broker-Dealer]
[Address]
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Nuveen Broker-Dealer Agreement-Basic Terms for Acting as a Broker-Dealer Relating to FundPreferred shares dated , 2002, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by you (the "Basic Terms"). For purposes of this letter ("Request and Acceptance Letter") (a) "Fund" shall mean any closed-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, for which Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. acts as investment adviser; (b) except as otherwise provided below, the Basic Terms are incorporated herein by reference, you shall be considered BD for all purposes thereof, The Bank of New York shall be considered the Auction Agent for all purposes thereof, and each Fund shall be considered a Fund for all purposes thereof.
We hereby request that you act as a Broker-Dealer for the FundPreferred
shares ("FundPreferred shares") of each series, of each Fund that executes a
letter, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A or Exhibit B, as
appropriate, appointing you as a Broker-Dealer ("Request Letter"). You hereby
(a) accept such appointment as a Broker-Dealer for each series of FundPreferred
shares of each Fund identified in a Request Letter and (b) agree to act as BD in
accordance with the Basic Terms; provided, however, that:
(1) for purposes of the Basic Terms, and notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, your address, telecopy number and telephone number for communications pursuant to the Basic Terms shall be as follows:
and the address, telecopy number and telephone number of the Auction Agent for communications pursuant to the Basic Terms shall be as follows:
(2) notwithstanding any provisions of the Basic Terms to the contrary, except as otherwise set forth herein, your appointment as Broker-Dealer extends to each series of FundPreferred shares issued by a Fund.
You hereby acknowledge that, notwithstanding any provision of the Basic Terms to the contrary, the Fund may (a) upon five business days' notice to the Auction Agent and you, amend, alter or repeal any of the provisions contained in the Basic Terms, it being understood and agreed that you shall be deemed to have accepted any such amendment, alteration or repeal if, after the expiration of such five business day period, you submit an Order to the Auction Agent in respect of the FundPreferred shares of a Fund or Funds to which such amendment, alteration or repeal relates, and (b) upon two business days' notice to the Auction Agent and you, exclude you from participating as a Broker-Dealer in any particular Auction for any particular series of FundPreferred shares.
This Acceptance Letter shall be deemed to form part of the Basic Terms.
Capitalized Terms not defined in this Request and Acceptance Letter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Basic Terms.
[Signature Page Follows]
If the foregoing terms are acceptable to you, please so indicate in the space provided below. This Acceptance Letter may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
NUVEEN INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORY CORP.
By: _______________________________
Name:
Title:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
By: _______________________________
Name:
Title:
Accepted by and Agreed to as of
the date first written above:
By: ____________________________
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT A TO ACCEPTANCE LETTER
[Form of Request Letter]
----------------, -----
FROM: All investment companies registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, for which Nuveen
Institutional Advisory Corp. acts as investment adviser and
whose registration statements relating to shares of
FundPreferred shares have been declared effective by the
Securities and Exchange Commission on or prior to the date
hereof.
TO: Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.
The Bank of New York
|
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to (a) the Nuveen Broker-Dealer Agreement -- Basic
Terms for Acting as a Broker-Dealer dated ____________ __, 2002, receipt of
which is hereby acknowledged by you (the "Broker-Dealer Basic Terms"); and (b)
the Nuveen Auction Agency Agreement -- Basic Terms for Acting as Auction Agent
dated ____________ __, 2002, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by you (the
"Auction Agency Basic Terms"). For purposes of this letter ("Request Letter"),
(a) "Fund" shall mean any closed-end investment company registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, for which Nuveen Institutional
Advisory Corp. acts as investment adviser; (b) the Broker-Dealer Basic Terms are
incorporated herein by reference, each Broker-Dealer listed on Exhibit A hereto
shall be considered BD for all purposes thereof, The Bank of New York shall be
considered the Auction Agent for all purposes thereof, and each Fund referred to
on Exhibit B hereto shall be considered a Fund for all purposes thereof; (c) the
Auction Agency Basic Terms are incorporated herein by reference, The Bank of New
York shall be considered the Auction Agent for all purposes thereof, and each
Fund referred to on Exhibit B hereto shall be considered a Fund for all purposes
thereof.
We hereby appoint the Broker-Dealers listed on Exhibit A hereto as Broker-Dealers for the FundPreferred shares ("FundPreferred") of each series of each Fund referred to on Exhibit B hereto. Each such Broker-Dealer will act as BD in respect of such series in accordance with the Broker-Dealer Basic Terms; provided, however, that for purposes of any such Broker-Dealer Agreement or the Broker-Dealer Basic Terms, and notwithstanding any provision of any Broker-Dealer Agreement to the contrary, The Bank of New York's address, telecopy number and telephone number for communications pursuant to such Broker-Dealer Agreement or the Broker-Dealer Basic Terms shall be as follows:
The Bank of New York agrees to act as Auction Agent with respect to shares of each series of FundPreferred shares of each Fund referred to on Exhibit B hereto in accordance with the Auction Agency Basic Terms.
This Request Letter shall be deemed to form part of the Auction Agency Basic Terms.
Capitalized terms not defined in this Request Letter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the relevant Broker-Dealer Basic Terms or Auction Agency Basic Terms, as the case may be.
[Signature Page Follows]
If the foregoing terms are acceptable to you, please so indicate in the space provided below. This Request Letter may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
All investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, for which Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. acts as investment adviser and whose registration statements relating to shares of FundPreferred shares have been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on or prior to the date hereof.
By: _________________________________ Name:
Title:
Accepted and Agreed to as of the
date first written above:
NUVEEN INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORY THE BANK OF NEW YORK
CORP.
By: _________________________ By: _________________________
Name: Name:
Title: Title:
cc: [Broker-Dealers]
|
EXHIBIT A TO REQUEST LETTER
[LIST OF BROKER-DEALERS]
EXHIBIT B TO REQUEST LETTER
Each Fund whose registration statement relating to FundPreferred shares has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on or prior to the date of the Request Letter to which this Exhibit B is attached.
EXHIBIT B TO ACCEPTANCE LETTER
[Form of Request Letter]
[Name(s) of Fund(s)]
--------------, -----
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to (a) the Nuveen Broker-Dealer Agreement -- Basic
Terms for Acting as a Broker-Dealer dated ____________ __, 2002, receipt of
which is hereby acknowledged by you (the "Broker-Dealer Basic Terms") and (b)
the Nuveen Auction Agency Agreement -- Basic Terms for Acting as Auction Agent
dated ____________ __, 2002, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by you (the
"Auction Agency Basic Terms"). For purposes of this letter ("Request Letter"),
(a) "Fund" shall mean each undersigned closed-end investment company registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, for which Nuveen
Institutional Advisory Corp. acts as investment adviser; (b) the Broker-Dealer
Basic Terms are incorporated herein by reference, each Broker-Dealer listed on
Exhibit A hereto shall be considered Broker-Dealer for all purposes thereof, The
Bank of New York shall be considered the Auction Agent for all purposes thereof,
and each Fund shall be considered a Fund for all purposes thereof; and (c) the
Auction Agency Basic Terms are incorporated herein by reference, The Bank of New
York shall be considered the Auction Agent for all purposes thereof, and each
Fund shall be considered a Fund for all purposes thereof.
Each Fund hereby appoints the Broker-Dealers listed on Exhibit A hereto as Broker-Dealers for each series of FundPreferred shares ("FundPreferred shares") of such Fund. Each such Broker-Dealer will act as Broker-Dealer in respect of each such series in accordance with the Broker-Dealer Basic Terms; provided, however, that for purposes of the Broker-Dealer Basic Terms, The Bank of New York's address, telecopy number and telephone number for communications pursuant to the Broker-Dealer Basic Terms shall be as follows:
The Bank of New York agrees to act as Auction Agent with respect to shares of each series of FundPreferred shares of each Fund in accordance with the Auction Agency Basic Terms.
This Request Letter shall be deemed to form part of the Auction Agency Basic Terms.
Capitalized terms not defined in this Request Letter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Broker-Dealer Basic Terms or Auction Agency Basic Terms, as the case may be.
If the foregoing terms are acceptable to you, please so indicate in the space provided below. This Request Letter may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[NAME(S) OF FUND(S)]
By: ____________________________ Name:
Title:
Accepted and Agreed to as of the
date first written above:
NUVEEN INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORY THE BANK OF NEW YORK
CORP.
By: __________________________ By: ___________________________
Name: Name:
|
Title: Title:
cc: [Broker-Dealers listed on Exhibit A]
EXHIBIT A TO REQUEST LETTER
[LIST OF BROKER-DEALERS]
EXHIBIT k.5
Book Entry Only Auction-Rate/Money Market Preferred/ and Remarketed Preferred Securities
LETTER OF REPRESENTATIONS
[To be Completed by Issuer and Trust Company]
Attention: General Counsel's Office
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY
55 Water Street 49th Floor
New York, NY 10041-0099
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This letter sets forth our understanding with respect to certain matters
relating to the Securities. Trust Company shall act as transfer agent,
registrar, dividend disbursing agent, redemption agent or other such agent with
respect to the Securities. The Securities have been issued pursuant to a
prospectus, private placement memorandum, or other such document authorizing the
issuance of the Securities dated ________________________ (the "Document").
_______________________________ is distributing the Securities through the
["Underwriter/Placement Agent"]
Depository Trust Company ("DTC").
To induce DTC to accept the Securities as eligible for deposit at DTC, and to act in accordance with its Rules with respect to the Securities, Issuer and Trust Company make the following representations to DTC:
1. Prior to closing on the Securities on _______________ there shall be deposited with DTC one or more Security certificates registered in the name of DTC's nominee, Cede & Co., which represents 100% of the offering value of the Securities. Said certificate(s) shall remain in DTC's custody as provided in the Document. If, however, the aggregate principal amount of the Securities exceeds $400 million, one certificate shall be issued with respect to each $400 million of principal amount and an additional certificate shall be issued with respect to any remaining principal amount. Each Security certificate shall bear the following legend:
Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation ("DTC"), to Issuer or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange, or payment, and any certificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or in such other name as is requested by an authorized representative of DTC (and any payment is made to Cede & Co. or to such other entity as is requested by an authorized representative of DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL inasmuch as the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.
2. Issuer: (a) understands that DTC has no obligation to, and will not, communicate to its participants ("Participants") or to any person having an interest in the Securities any information contained in the Security certificate(s); and (b) acknowledges that neither DTC's Participants nor any person having an interest in the Securities shall be deemed to have notice of the provisions of the Security certificate(s) by virtue of submission of such certificate(s) to DTC.
3. In the event of any solicitation of consents from or voting by holders of the Securities, Issuer shall establish a record date for such purposes (with no provision for revocation of consents or votes by subsequent holders) and shall send notice of such record date to DTC no fewer than 15 calendar days in advance of such record date. Notices to DTC pursuant to this Paragraph by telecopy shall be directed to DTC's Reorganization Department, Proxy Unit at (212) 855-5181 or (212) 855-5182. If the party sending the notice does not receive a telecopy receipt from DTC confirming that the notice has been received, such party shall telephone (212) 855-5202. Notices to DTC pursuant to this Paragraph, by mail or by any other means, shall be sent to:
Supervisor, Proxy Unit Reorganization Department The Depository Trust Company 55 Water Street 50th Floor New York, NY 10041-0099
4. In the event of a full or partial redemption of the Securities, Issuer or Trust Company shall send a notice to DTC specifying: (a) the number of Securities to be redeemed; and (b) the date such notice is to be distributed to Security holders (the "Publication Date"). Such notice shall be sent to DTC by a secure means (e.g., legible telecopy, registered or certified mail, overnight delivery) in a timely manner designed to assure that such notice is in DTC's possession no later than the close of business on the business day before or, if possible, two business days before the Publication Date. Issuer or Trust Company shall forward such notice either in a separate secure transmission for each CUSIP number or in a secure transmission for multiple CUSIP numbers (if applicable) which includes a manifest or list of each CUSIP number submitted in that transmission. (The party sending such notice shall have a method to verify subsequently the use of such means and the timeliness of such notice.) The Publication Date shall be no fewer than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date. Notices to DTC pursuant to this Paragraph by telecopy shall be directed to DTC's Call Notification Department at (516) 227-4164 or (516) 227-4190. If the party sending the notice does not receive a telecopy receipt from DTC confirming that the notice has been received, such party shall telephone (516) 227-4070. Notices to DTC pursuant to this Paragraph, by mail or by any other means, shall be sent to:
Manager, Call Notification Department The Depository Trust Company 711 Stewart Avenue Garden City, NY 11530-4719
5. In the event of an invitation to tender the Securities (including mandatory tenders, exchanges, and capital changes), notice by Issuer or Trust Company to Security holders specifying the terms of the tender and the Publication Date of such notice shall be sent to DTC by a secure means in the manner set forth in the preceding Paragraph. Notices to DTC pursuant to this Paragraph and notices of other corporate actions by telecopy shall be directed to DTC's Reorganization Department at (212) 855-5488. If the party sending the notice does not receive a telecopy receipt from DTC confirming that the notice has been received, such party shall telephone (212) 855-5290. Notices to DTC pursuant to this Paragraph, by mail or by any other means, shall be sent to:
Manager, Reorganization Department Reorganization Window The Depository Trust Company 55 Water Street 50th Floor New York, NY 10041-0099
6. All notices and payment advices sent to DTC shall contain the CUSIP number of the Securities.
7. The Document indicates that the dividend rate for the Securities may vary from time to time. Absent other existing arrangements with DTC, Issuer or Trust Company shall give DTC notice of each such change in the dividend rate, on the same day that the new rate is determined, by telephoning DTC's Dividend Announcement Section at (212) 855-4550, or by telecopy sent to (212) 855-4555. Such verbal or telecopy notice shall be followed by prompt written confirmation sent by
a secure means (e.g., legible telecopy, registered or certified mail, overnight delivery) in a timely manner designed to assure that such notice is in DTC's possession no later than the close of business on the business day before or, if possible, two business days before the Publication Date. Issuer or Agent shall forward such notice either in a separate secure transmission for each CUSIP number or in a secure transmission for multiple CUSIP numbers (if applicable) which includes a manifest or list of each CUSIP number submitted in that transmission. (The party sending such notice shall have a method to verify subsequently the use and timeliness of such notice.) Notices to DTC pursuant to this Paragraph, by mail or by any other means, shall be sent to:
Manager, Announcements
Dividend Department
The Depository Trust Company
55 Water Street 25th Floor
New York, NY 10041-0099
8. The Document indicates that each purchaser of Securities must sign a purchaser's letter which contains provisions restricting transfer of the Securities purchased. Issuer and Trust & Co. shall be entitled to all voting rights applicable to the Securities and to receive the full amount of all dividends, liquidation proceeds, and redemption proceeds payable with respect to the Securities, even if the credits of Securities to the DTC accounts of any DTC Participant result from transfers or failures to transfer in violation of the provisions of the purchaser's letter. Issuer and Trust Company acknowledge that DTC shall treat any Participant having Securities credited to its DTC accounts as entitled to the full benefits of ownership of such Securities. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, Issuer and Trust Company acknowledge that DTC shall treat any Participant having Securities credited to its DTC accounts as entitled to receive dividends, distributions, and voting rights, if any, in respect of Securities and, subject to Paragraphs 12 and 13, to receive certificates evidencing Securities if such certificates are to be issued in accordance with Issuer's certificate of incorporation. (The treatment by DTC of the effects of the crediting by it of Securities to the accounts of Participants described in the preceding two sentences shall not affect the rights of Issuer, participants in auctions relating to the Securities, purchasers, sellers, or holders of Securities against any Participant.) DTC shall not have any responsibility to ascertain whether any transfer of Securities is made in accordance with the provisions of the purchaser's letter.
9. Issuer or Trust Company shall provide a written notice of dividend
payment and distribution information to DTC as soon as the information is
available. Issuer or Trust Company shall provide this information to DTC
electronically, as previously arranged by Issuer or Trust Company and DTC, as
soon as the information is available. If electronic transmission has not been
arranged, absent any other arrangements between Issuer or Trust Company and
DTC, such information shall be sent by telecopy to DTC's Dividend Department at
(212) 855-4555 or (212) 855-4556, and receipt of such notices shall be
confirmed by telephoning (212) 855-4550. Notices to DTC pursuant to this
Paragraph, by mail or by any other means, shall be addressed as indicated in
Paragraph 7.
10. Dividend payments and distributions shall be received by Cede & Co.,
as nominee of DTC, or its registered assigns, in same-day funds no later than
2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the payment date. Issuer shall remit by 1:00 p.m.
(Eastern Time) on the payment date, dividend and distribution payments due Trust
Company, or at such earlier time as may be required by Trust Company to
guarantee that DTC shall receive payment in same-day funds no later than 2:30
p.m. (Eastern Time) on the payment date. Absent any other arrangements between
Issuer or Trust Company and DTC, such funds shall be wired to the Dividend
Deposit Account number that will be stamped on the signature page hereof at the
time DTC executes this Letter of Representations.
11. Issuer or Trust Company shall provide DTC, no later than 12:00 noon
(Eastern Time) on each payment date, automated notification of CUSIP-level
detail. If the circumstances prevent the funds paid to DTC from equaling the
dollar amount associated with the detail payments by 12:00 noon (Eastern Time),
Issuer or Trust Company must provide CUSIP-level reconciliation to DTC no later
than 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). Reconciliation must be provided by either
automated means or written format. Such reconciliation notice, if sent by
telecopy, shall be directed to DTC's Dividend Department at (212) 855-4633, and
receipt of such reconciliation notice shall be confirmed by telephoning
(212) 855-4430.
12. Redemption payments shall be received by Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, or its registered assigns, in same-day funds no later than 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the payment date. Issuer shall remit by 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the payment date all such redemption payments due Trust Company, or at such earlier time as required by Trust Company to guarantee that DTC shall receive payment in same-day funds no later that 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the payment date. Absent any other arrangements between Issuer or Trust Company and DTC, such funds shall be wired to the Redemption Deposit Account number that will be stamped on the signature page hereof at the time DTC executes this Letter of Representations.
13. Reorganization payments and CUSIP-level detail resulting from corporate actions (such as tender offers, remarketings, or mergers) shall be received by Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, or its registered assigns, in same-day funds no later than 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the payment date. Issuer shall remit by 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the payment date all such reorganization payments due Trust Company, or at such earlier time as required by Trust Company to guarantee that DTC shall receive payment in same-day funds no later than 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the payment date. Absent any other arrangements between Issuer or Trust Company and DTC, such funds shall be wired to the Reorganization Deposit Account number that will be stamped on the signature page hereof at the time DTC executes this Letter of Representations.
14. DTC my direct Issuer or Trust Company to use any other number or address as the number or address to which notices or payments may be sent.
15. In the event of a redemption acceleration, or any similar transaction (e.g., tender made and accepted in response to Issuer's or Trust Company's invitation) necessitating a reduction in the number of Securities outstanding, or an advance refunding of part of the Securities outstanding DTC, in its discretion: (a) may request Issuer or Trust Company to issue and authenticate a new Security certificate; or (b) may make an appropriate notation on the Security certificate indicating the date and amount of such reduction in the number of Securities outstanding, except in the case of final
redemption, in which case the certificate will be presented to Issuer and Trust Company prior to payment, if required.
16. In the event that Issuer determines that beneficial owners of Securities shall be able to obtain certificated Securities, Issuer or Trust Company shall notify DTC of the availability of certificates. In such event, Issuer or Trust Company shall issue, transfer, and exchange certificates in appropriate amounts, as required by DTC and others.
17. DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with respect to the Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to Issuer or Trust Company (at which time DTC will confirm with Issuer or Trust Company the aggregate principal amount of Securities outstanding). Under such circumstances, at DTC's request, Issuer and Trust Company shall cooperate fully with DTC by taking appropriate action to make available one or more separate certificates evidencing Securities to any DTC Participant having Securities credited to its DTC accounts.
18. Issuer herby authorizes DTC to provide to Trust Company listings of Participants' holdings, known as Security Position Listings ("SPLs") with respect to the Securities from time to time at the request of Trust Company. Issuer also authorizes DTC, in the event of a partial redemption of Securities, to provide Trust Company, upon request, with the names of those Participants whose positions in Securities have been selected for redemption by DTC. DTC will use its best efforts to notify Trust Company of those Participants whose positions in Securities have been selected for redemption by DTC. Issuer authorizes and instructs Trust Company to provide DTC with such signatures, examples of signatures, and authorizations to act as may be deemed necessary or appropriate by DTC to permit DTC to discharge its obligations to its Participants and appropriate regulatory authorities. DTC charges a customary fee for such SPLs. This authorization, unless revoked by Issuer, shall continue with respect to the Securities while any Securities are on deposit at DTC, until and unless Trust Company shall no longer be acting. In such event, Issuer shall provide DTC with similar evidence, satisfactory to DTC, of the authorization of any successor thereto so to act. Requests for SPLs shall be directed to the Proxy Unit of DTC's Reorganization Department at (212) 855-5181 or (212) 855-5812. Receipt of such requests shall be confirmed by telephoning (212) 855-5202. Delivery by mail or by any other means, with respect to such SPL request, shall be directed to the address indicated in Paragraph 3.
19. Nothing herein shall be deemed to require Trust Company to advance funds on behalf of Issuer.
20. This Letter of Representations may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
21. This Letter of Representations shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.
22. The sender of each notice delivered to DTC pursuant to this Letter of Representations is responsible for confirming that such notice was properly received by DTC.
23. Issuer recognizes that DTC does not in any way undertake to, and
shall not have any responsibility to, monitor or ascertain the compliance of
any transactions in the Securities with the following, as amended from time to
time: (a) any exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933;
(b) the Investment Company Act of 1940; (c) the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974; (d) the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (e) any rules of
any self-regulatory organizations (as defined under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934); or (f) any other local, state, or federal laws or regulations
thereunder.
24. Issuer and Trust Company shall comply with the applicable requirements stated in DTC's Operational Arrangements, as they may be amended from time to time. DTC's Operational Arrangements are posted on DTC's website at "www.DTC.org."
25. The following rider(s), attached hereto, are hereby incorporated into this Letter of Representations:
NOTES:
A. IF THERE IS A TRUST COMPANY (AS DEFINED IN
THIS LETTER OF REPRESENTATIONS), TRUST
COMPANY, AS WELL AS ISSUER, MUST SIGN THIS
LETTER. IF THERE IS NO TRUST COMPANY, IN
SIGNING THIS LETTER ISSUER ITSELF UNDERTAKES
TO PERFORM ALL OF THE OBLIGATIONS SET FORTH
HEREIN.
B. SCHEDULE B CONTAINS STATEMENTS THAT DTC
BELIEVES ACCURATELY DESCRIBE DTC, THE METHOD
OF EFFECTING BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFERS OF
SECURITIES DISTRIBUTED THROUGH DTC, AND
CERTAIN RELATED MATTERS.
Very truly yours,
By: ________________________________
[Authorized Officer's Signature]
By: ________________________________
[Authorized Officer's Signature]
Received and Accepted:
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY
cc: Underwriter
Underwriter's Counsel
SCHEDULE A
SCHEDULE B
1. The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), New York, NY, will act as securities depository for the securities (the "Securities"). The Securities will be issued as fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC's partnership nominee) or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. One fully-registered Security certificate will be issued for [each issuer of] the Securities, [each] in the aggregate principal amount of such issue, and will be deposited with DTC. [If, however, the aggregate principal amount of [any] issue exceeds $400 million, one certificate will be issued with respect to each $400 million of principal amount and an additional certificate will be issued with respect to any remaining principal amount of such issue.]
2. DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds securities that its participants ("Direct Participants") deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among Direct Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in Direct Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its Direct Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange LLC, and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers, banks, and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). The Rules applicable to DTC and its Direct and Indirect Participants are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
3. Purchases of Securities under the DTC system must be made by or through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Securities on DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in the Securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of Direct and Indirect Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in Securities, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the Securities is discontinued.
4. To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Securities deposited by Direct Participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC's partnership nominee, Cede & Co. or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of Securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other nominee do not effect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Securities; DTC's records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such Securities are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Direct and Indirect Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
5. Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. [Beneficial Owners of Securities may wish to take certain steps to augment transmission to them of notices of significant events with respect to the Securities, such as redemptions, tenders, defaults, and proposed amendments to the security documents. Beneficial Owners of Securities may wish to ascertain that the nominee holding the Securities for their benefit has agreed to obtain and transmit notices to Beneficial Owners, or in the alternative, Beneficial Owners may wish to provide their names and addresses to the registrar and request that copies of the notices be provided directly to them.]
[6. Redemption notices shall be sent to DTC. If less than all of the Securities within an issue are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant in such issue to be redeemed.]
7. Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (nor such other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to the Securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to Issuer as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose accounts the Securities are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
8. Redemption proceeds, distributions, and dividend payments on the Securities will be made to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC's practice is to credit Direct Participants' accounts, upon DTC's receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from Issuer or Agent on payable date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC, Agent, or Issuer, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds, distributions, and dividends to Cede & Co. (or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC) is the responsibility of Issuer or Agent, disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants shall be the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners shall be the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.
[9. A Beneficial owner shall give notice to elect to have the Securities
purchased or tendered, through its Participant, to [Tender/Remarketing] Agent,
and shall effect delivery of such Securities by causing the Direct Participant
to transfer the Participant's interest in the Securities, on DTC's records, to
[Tender/Remarketing] Agent. The requirement for physical delivery of Securities
in connection with an optional tender or a mandatory purchase will be deemed
satisfied when the ownership rights in the Securities are transferred by Direct
Participants on DTC's records and followed by a book-entry credit of tendered
Securities to [Tender/Remarketing] Agent's DTC account.]
10. DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with respect to the Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to Issuer or Agent. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depository is not obtained, Security certificates are required to be printed and delivered.
11. Issuer may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depository). In that event, Security certificates will be printed and delivered.
12. The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system has been obtained from sources that Issuer believes to be reliable, but Issuer takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
EXHIBIT l.1
VEDDER PRICE VEDDER, PRICE, KAUFMAN & KAMMHOLZ
222 NORTH LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60801-1003
312-609-7500
FACSIMILE: 312-609-5005
A PARTNERSHIP INCLUDING VEDDER, PRICE,
KAUFMAN & KAMMHOLZ,P.C.
WITH OFFICES IN CHICAGO AND NEW YORK CITY
May 6, 2003
Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Re: Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund FundPreferred Shares to be Issued Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement (File Nos.
333-103694; 811-21293)
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are acting as counsel to Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Fund"), in connection with the Fund's filing of a registration statement on Form N-2 (the "Registration Statement") with the Securities and Exchange Commission covering the registration, authorization and proposed issuance of 4,720, 4,720, 4,720, 4,720, 4,720 and 4,720 shares Series M, T, W, TH, F and F2 respectively, of the Fund's FundPreferred shares, with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share (the "Shares"). In that capacity, we have examined such corporate records, certificates and other documents, and have made such other factual and legal investigations as we have deemed necessary and appropriate for the purposes of this opinion. Insofar as this opinion pertains to matters governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we are relying, with your consent, solely upon the opinion of Bingham McCutchen LLP dated May 6, 2003, which opinion is satisfactory in substance and form to us.
We have assumed that the Registration Statement, the underwriting agreement relating to the Fund's Shares (the "Underwriting Agreement") and the Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of FundPreferred Shares (the "Statement") will be duly completed, executed and delivered in accordance with the resolutions of the Trustees attached to a Certificate of the Secretary of the Fund, certifying as to, and attaching copies of, the Fund's Declaration of Trust ("Declaration"), Statement, By-Laws, and certain resolutions adopted by the Trustees of the Fund, and that the Statement will be duly filed with the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that:
1. The Fund is duly established and validly existing under the Fund's Declaration and laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a voluntary association with transferable shares of beneficial interest commonly referred to as a "Massachusetts business trust."
Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund
May 6,2003
2. The Shares, when issued and sold in accordance with the Fund's Declaration, Statement and By-Laws and for the consideration described in the Underwriting Agreement, will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable, except that, as set forth in the Registration Statement, shareholders of the Fund may under certain circumstances be held personally liable for its obligations.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit l.1 to the Registration Statement and to the reference to us under the caption "Legal Opinions" in the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933 or the rules and regulations thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz
Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz
JTB/KJF
|
EXHIBIT l.2
May 6, 2003
Vedder Price Kaufman & Kammholz
222 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60601
RE: Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Massachusetts counsel to Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Fund"), in connection with the Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on January 31, 2003 (the "Initial Filing") as such Registration Statement is proposed to be amended by Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 thereto to be filed with the Commission on or about May 6, 2003 (as proposed to be amended, the "Registration Statement") with respect to 4,720 shares Series M, 4,720 shares Series T, 4,720 shares Series W, 4,720 shares Series TH, 4,720 Shares Series F and 4,720 shares Series F2 of the Fund's FundPreferred shares, with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share (the "Shares"). You have requested that we deliver this opinion to you, as special counsel to the Fund, for use by you in connection with your opinion to the Fund with respect to the Shares.
In connection with the furnishing of this opinion, we have examined the following documents:
(a) a certificate dated a recent date of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as to the existence of the Fund;
(b) copies of the Fund's Declaration of Trust and of all amendments thereto (the "Declaration") on file in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
(c) a draft of the Fund's Statement Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of FundPreferred shares attached as Appendix A to the Statement of Additional Information included in the printer's proof referred to in (f) below (the "Statement");
Vedder Price Kaufman & Kammholz
May 6,2002
(d) a certificate of the Secretary of the Fund, certifying as to, and attaching copies of, the Fund's Declaration, Statement, By-Laws, and certain resolutions adopted by the Trustees of the Fund;
(e) a conformed copy of the Initial Filing; and
(f) a printer's proof, which we received from the printer as a .pdf file on May 3, 2003, of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Initial Filing to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Amendment").
In such examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the conformity to the originals of all of the documents reviewed by us as copies, the authenticity and completeness of all original documents reviewed by us in original or copy form and the legal competence of each individual executing any document.
We have assumed that the Amendment will be duly filed with the Commission in substantially the form of the printer's proof referred to in (f) above, that the Statement will be duly completed, executed and delivered in substantially the form included in such printer's proof and in accordance with the resolutions of the Trustees attached to the certificate referred to in (d) above, and that the Statement will be duly filed with the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
This opinion is based entirely on our review of the documents listed above and such investigation of law as we have deemed necessary or appropriate. We have made no other review or investigation of any kind whatsoever, and we have assumed, without independent inquiry, the accuracy of the information set forth in such documents. As to our opinion below relating to the valid existence of the Fund, our opinion relies entirely upon and is limited by the certificate referenced in paragraph (a) above.
This opinion is limited solely to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as applied by courts located in such Commonwealth, except that we express no opinion as to any Massachusetts securities law. No opinion is given herein as to the choice of law or internal substantive rules of law which any tribunal may apply.
Vedder Price Kaufman & Kammholz
May 6,2002
We understand that all of the foregoing assumptions and limitations are acceptable to you.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, please be advised that it is our opinion that:
1. The Fund is duly established and validly existing under the Fund's Declaration and the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a voluntary association with transferable shares of beneficial interest commonly referred to as a "Massachusetts business trust."
2. The Shares, when issued and sold in accordance with the Fund's Declaration, Statement and By-Laws, will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable, except that, as set forth in the Registration Statement, shareholders of the Fund may under certain circumstances be held personally liable for its obligations.
We hereby consent to your reliance on this opinion in connection with your opinion to the Fund with respect to the Shares, to the reliance by the Fund on this opinion, to the reference to our name in the Registration Statement and in the prospectus forming a part thereof under the heading "Legal Opinions" and to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Bingham McCutchen LLP Bingham McCutchen LLP |
EXHIBIT n.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the use of our report dated March 4, 2003 in the Registration Statement (Form N-2) and related Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Nuveen Preferred and Convertible Income Fund filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (Registration No. 333-103694) and in this Amendment No. 6 to the Registration Statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (Registration No. 811-21293).
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
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ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
May 6, 2003
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