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Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 2, 2006
1933 Act File No. 333-
1940 Act File No. 811-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-2
(Check Appropriate Box or Boxes)
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | ý | |||
Pre-Effective Amendment No. | o | |||
Post-Effective Amendment No. | o | |||
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | ý | |||
Amendment No. | o |
CLOUGH GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Certificate of Trust)
1625 Broadway, Suite 2200
Denver, Colorado 80202
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(303) 623-2577
(Registrant's Telephone Number)
Erin E. Douglas, Associate Counsel
ALPS Mutual Funds Services, Inc.
1625 Broadway, Suite 2200
Denver, Colorado 80202
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
Philip J. Niehoff
Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP
71 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(312) 782-0600
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 will be 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 o
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
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Title of Securities
Being Registered |
Amount Being
Registered(1)(2) |
Proposed
Maximum Offering Price Per Unit(1) |
Proposed
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(1)(2) |
Amount of
Registration Fee |
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Common Shares, no par value | 50,000 shares | $20.00 | $1,000,000 | $107.00 | ||||
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The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. The prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion
Preliminary Prospectus dated February 2, 2006
P R O S P E C T U S
Shares |
Clough Global Opportunities Fund
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest
$20.00 per Share
Investment Objective. Clough Global Opportunities Fund (the "Fund") is a newly organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of total return. The Fund seeks to pursue this objective by applying a fundamental research-driven investment process and will invest in equity and equity-related securities, as well as fixed income securities, including both corporate and sovereign debt, in both U.S. and non-U.S. markets.
No Prior Trading History. Because the Fund is newly organized, its shares have no history of public trading. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value and initial offering prices. The risks associated with this characteristic of closed-end investment companies may be greater for investors expecting to sell their shares in a relatively short period after completion of the initial public offering. The Fund anticipates that its common shares will be listed on the American Stock Exchange, subject to notice of issuance, under the symbol "GLO."
Portfolio Contents. The Fund intends to invest primarily in a managed mix of U.S. and non-U.S. equity and debt securities. The Fund is flexibly managed so that, depending on the Fund's investment adviser's outlook, it sometimes will be more heavily invested in equity securities or in debt or fixed income securities. The Fund will also, in certain situations, augment its investment positions by purchasing call options, both on specific equity securities, as well as securities representing exposure to equity sectors or indices and fixed income indices. Investments in non-U.S. markets will be made primarily through liquid securities, including depositary receipts (which evidence ownership in underlying foreign securities) and exchange traded funds.
(continued on following page)
An investment in the Fund's common shares involves certain risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 38 of this prospectus. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
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Per Share
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Total(2)
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Public offering price | $20.00 | $ | ||
Sales load(1) | $.90 | $ | ||
Estimated offering expenses(3) | $.04 | $ | ||
Proceeds, after expenses, to the Fund(4) | $19.06 | $ |
(footnotes continued on following page)
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The common shares will be ready for delivery on or about , 2006.
The date of this prospectus is , 2006.
(footnotes from previous page)
(continued from previous page)
Investments in debt may include both investment grade and non-investment grade issues. Investments in sovereign debt may also include bonds issued by countries considered emerging markets. The Fund will not invest more than 20% of its total assets in securities rated, at the time of acquisition, below investment grade. Investments in non-investment grade securities, commonly referred to as "junk bonds," involve certain risks. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets, at the time of acquisition, in securities of governments and companies in emerging markets.
Use of Leverage. The Fund expects to use leverage through the issuance of preferred shares and/or through borrowings, including the issuance of debt securities (the "leverage program"). If the Fund offers preferred shares, costs of that offering (including the sales load paid to the underwriters for the offering) will be borne immediately by holders of Common Shares and result in a reduction of the net asset value of the Common Shares. The Fund intends to use leverage initially of up to 33% of its total assets (including the amount obtained from leverage). See "Effects of Leverage" and "Risk FactorsLeverage Risk."
Investment Adviser. Clough Capital Partners L.P. ("Clough") will act as the Fund's investment adviser. See "Management of the Fund." As of December 31, 2005, Clough had over $1.5 billion of assets under management. Clough's address is One Post Office Square, Suite 4000, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
You should read this prospectus, which contains important information about the Fund, before deciding whether to invest in the common shares, and you should retain this prospectus for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information, dated , 2006 (the "Statement of Additional Information"), containing additional information about the Fund, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this prospectus, which means that it is part of this prospectus for legal purposes. You may request a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information, the table of contents of which is on page of this prospectus, by calling (877) 256-8445 (toll-free) or by writing to ALPS Mutual Funds Services, Inc., 1625 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, Colorado 80202, or obtain a copy (and other information regarding the Fund) from the Securities and Exchange Commission's web site (http://www.sec.gov). To obtain annual and semi-annual
shareholder reports electronically, please visit the Fund's web site (http://www.cloughglobal.com) or call (877) 256-8445 (toll-free). You may also call this number to request additional information or to make other inquiries pertaining to the Fund.
The Fund's common 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 (FDIC), 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, and the underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different information or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. The Fund is not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information contained or the representations made herein are accurate only as of the date on the cover page of this prospectus. The Fund will amend this prospectus if, during the period this prospectus is required to be delivered, there are any material changes to its financial condition subsequent to the date of this prospectus.
i
This is only a summary . This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in the Fund's common shares . You should review the more detailed information contained in this prospectus and in the Statement of Additional Information, especially the information set forth under the heading "Risk Factors."
The Fund | Clough Global Opportunities Fund (the "Fund") is a newly organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. See "The Fund." | |
The Offering |
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The Fund is offering common shares of beneficial interest ("Common Shares") through a group of underwriters led by (" "). You must purchase at least 100 Common Shares ($2,000). The underwriters have been granted an option to purchase up to additional Common Shares to cover overallotments. The initial public offering price is $20.00 per share. The Fund's administrator and investment adviser have agreed to pay all organizational expenses of the Fund. The administrator and the investment adviser have also agreed to pay those offering costs (other than the sales load) that exceed $.04 per Common Share. See "Underwriting." |
Listing and Symbol |
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The Fund anticipates that its Common Shares will be listed on the American Stock Exchange, subject to notice of issuance, under the symbol "GLO." |
Investment Objective and Policies |
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The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of total return. The Fund seeks to pursue this objective by applying a fundamental research-driven investment process and will invest in equity and equity-related securities, as well as fixed income securities, including both corporate and sovereign debt, in both U.S. and non-U.S. markets. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. |
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The Fund intends to invest primarily in a managed mix of U.S. and non-U.S. equity and debt securities. The Fund is flexibly managed so that, depending on the Fund's investment adviser's outlook, it sometimes will be more heavily invested in equity securities or in debt or fixed income securities. Under normal circumstances, the Fund expects to invest in securities of at least three countries. The Fund will also, in certain situations, augment its investment positions by purchasing call options, both on specific equity securities, as well as securities representing exposure to equity sectors or indices and fixed income indices. Investments in non-U.S. markets will be made primarily through liquid securities, including depositary receipts (which evidence ownership of underlying foreign securities) such as American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), as well as through exchange traded funds ("ETFs") and in stocks traded on non-U.S. exchanges. Investment in debt may include both investment grade and non-investment grade issues. There are certain risks associated with investing in non-investment grade securities, commonly referred to as "junk bonds." Investments in corporate debt may include bonds issued by companies in countries considered emerging markets. Investments in sovereign debt may include bonds issued by countries considered emerging markets. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets, at the time of acquisition, in securities of governments and companies in emerging markets. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in real estate investment trusts, or "REITs", but the Fund does not expect that portion to be significant. |
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The Fund will place a high priority on capital preservation, and should the Fund's investment adviser believe that extraordinary conditions affecting financial markets warrant, the Fund may temporarily be primarily invested in money market securities or money market mutual funds. When the Fund is invested in these instruments for temporary or defensive purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective. The Fund may use a variety of investment techniques designed to capitalize on declines in the market price of equity securities or declines in market indices (e.g., the Fund may establish short positions in specific stocks or stock indices) based on the Fund's investment adviser's investment outlook. |
Investment Adviser |
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Clough Capital Partners L.P. ("Clough"), the investment adviser of the Fund, is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. As of December 31, 2005, Clough had over $1.5 billion of assets under management. |
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Clough is entitled to receive a monthly fee at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's average daily total assets. See "Management of the Fund." |
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Administrator |
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ALPS Mutual Funds Services, Inc. ("ALPS"), located at 1625 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, Colorado 80202, serves as administrator to the Fund. Under the Administration Agreement, ALPS is responsible for calculating the net asset value of the Common Shares, and generally managing the business affairs of the Fund. The Administration Agreement between the Fund and ALPS provides that ALPS will pay all expenses incurred by the Fund, with the exception of organizational costs (to be paid by both ALPS and Clough) and offering costs in excess of $.04 per Common Share (to be paid by both ALPS and Clough), advisory fees, trustees' fees, interest expenses, if any, portfolio transaction expenses, litigation expenses, taxes, costs of preferred shares, expenses of conducting repurchase offers for the purpose of repurchasing Fund shares and extraordinary expenses. ALPS is entitled to receive a monthly fee at the annual rate of .32% of the Fund's average daily total assets. |
Effects of Leverage |
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The Fund expects to use leverage through the issuance of preferred shares and/or through borrowings, including the issuance of debt securities (the "leverage program"). The Fund intends to use leverage initially of up to 33% of its total assets (including the amount obtained from leverage). The Fund also may borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes. |
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Leverage creates risks for holders of the Common Shares (the "Common Shareholders"), including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of, and dividends paid on, the Common Shares. There is a risk that fluctuations in the dividend rates on any preferred shares issued by the Fund may adversely affect the return to the Common Shareholders. If the income from the securities purchased with such funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, the return on the Fund will be less than if leverage had not been used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to the Common Shareholders as dividends and other distributions will be reduced and may not satisfy the level dividend rate distribution policy set by the Board of Trustees. |
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Changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio (including investments bought with the proceeds of the leverage program) will be borne entirely by the Common Shareholders. If there is a net decrease (or increase) in the value of the Fund's investment portfolio, the leverage will decrease (or increase) the net asset value per share to a greater extent than if the Fund were not leveraged. |
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The issuance of a class of preferred shares or incurrence of borrowings having priority over the Fund's Common Shares creates an opportunity for greater return per Common Share, but at the same time such leveraging is a speculative technique in that it will increase the Fund's exposure to capital risk. Unless the income and appreciation, if any, on assets acquired with leverage proceeds equal or exceed the associated costs of the leverage program (and other Fund expenses), the use of leverage will diminish the investment performance of the Fund's Common Shares compared with what it would have been without leverage. The fees to be received by Clough and ALPS are based on the total assets of the Fund, including assets represented by leverage. During periods in which the Fund is using leverage, the fees paid to Clough for investment advisory services and to ALPS for administrative services will be higher than if the Fund did not use leverage because the fees paid will be calculated on the basis of the Fund's total assets, including proceeds from borrowings and the issuance of preferred shares. |
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Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the "1940 Act"), the Fund is not permitted to issue preferred shares unless immediately after such issuance the value of the total assets of the Fund's portfolio is at least 200% of the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares (i.e., such liquidation value may not exceed 50% of the Fund's total assets). In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on its Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the net asset value of the Fund's portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution) is at least 200% of such liquidation value. |
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Also under the 1940 Act, the Fund must satisfy an asset coverage requirement of 300% of its indebtedness, including amounts borrowed, measured at the time the investment company incurs the indebtedness. This means that the value of the investment company's total indebtedness may not exceed one-third of the value of its total assets (including assets acquired with such indebtedness). In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on any class of its capital stock (including the Common Shares), and is not permitted to purchase any of its capital stock unless, at the time of such declaration or purchase, the net asset value of the Fund's portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution, or purchase price) is at least 300% of its outstanding indebtedness; except that dividends may be declared upon any preferred stock of the Fund if the Fund, at the time of such declaration (and after deducting the amount of the dividend), maintains an asset coverage with respect to its preferred stock of at least 200%. |
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To qualify for federal income taxation as a "regulated investment company," the Fund must satisfy certain requirements relating to sources of its income and diversification of its assets, and must distribute in each taxable year at least 90% of its net investment income (including net interest income and net short-term gain). The Fund also will be required to distribute annually substantially all of its income and capital gain, if any, to avoid imposition of a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax. |
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The Fund's willingness to issue new securities for investment purposes, and the amount the Fund will issue, will depend on many factors, the most important of which are market conditions and interest rates. There is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed. |
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Until the Fund issues preferred shares or makes borrowings, the Common Shares will not be leveraged, and the risks and special considerations related to leverage described in this prospectus will not apply. It will not be possible to achieve any potential returns from such leveraging of the Common Shares until the proceeds resulting from the use of leverage have been invested in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies. |
Risk Factors |
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Investing in the Fund involves risks, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment or that you may lose part or even all of your investment. Therefore, before investing you should consider carefully the following risks that you assume when you invest in the Fund's Common Shares. |
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Non-Diversified Status. As a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest a greater portion of its assets in a more limited number of issuers than a diversified fund. An investment in the Fund may, under certain circumstances, present greater risk to an investor than an investment in a diversified company because changes in the financial condition or market assessment of a single issuer may cause greater fluctuations in the value of the Fund's Common Shares. The Fund intends to comply with the diversification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), applicable to regulated investment companies. See "Taxes" in the Statement of Additional Information. |
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No Operating History. The Fund is a closed-end investment company with no history of operations and is designed for long-term investors and not as a trading vehicle. |
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Key Adviser Personnel Risk. The Fund's ability to identify and invest in attractive opportunities is dependent upon Clough, its investment adviser. If one or more key individuals leaves Clough, Clough may not be able to hire qualified replacements, or may require an extended time to do so. This could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective. |
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Investment and Market Risk. An investment in Common Shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested. An investment in Common Shares represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund, which are generally traded on a 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. The Common Shares at any point in time may be worth less than the original investment, even after taking into account any reinvestment of dividends and distributions. |
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Issuer Risk. The value of an issuer's securities may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer's goods and services. |
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Common Stock Risk. Investments in common stocks are subject to special risks. Although common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in returns. Common stocks may be more susceptible to adverse changes in market value due to issuer specific events or general movements in the equities markets. A drop in the stock market may depress the price of common stocks held by the Fund. These risks may be heightened for common stocks of small and medium capitalization companies because these issuers may have more limited product lines or markets and may be less financially secure than larger, more established issuers. |
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Debt Securities Risk. In addition to credit risk, investment in debt securities carries certain other risks. An issuer may call for a redemption in the event of tax or security law changes, or pursuant to call features attached to the debt securities. In these events, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return. Further, debt securities typically do not provide for voting rights, and certain debt securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities. |
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Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that preferred stocks paying fixed dividend rates and fixed-rate debt securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. When interest rates rise the market value of such securities generally will fall. The Fund's investment in preferred stocks and fixed-rate debt securities means that the net asset value and price of the Common Shares may decline if market interest rates rise. Interest rates are currently low relative to historic levels. During periods of declining interest rates, an issuer of preferred stock or fixed-rate debt securities may exercise its option to redeem or prepay securities prior to maturity, which could result in the Fund's having to reinvest in lower yielding debt securities or other types of securities. This is known as call or prepayment risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected payments. This may lock in a below market yield, increase the security's duration, and reduce the value of the security. This is known as extension risk. Investments in debt securities with long-term maturities may experience significant price declines if long-term interest rates increase. This is known as maturity risk. The value of the Fund's common stock investments may also be influenced by changes in interest rates. |
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Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer of a preferred or debt security will become unable to meet its obligation to make dividend, interest and principal payments. In general, lower rated preferred or debt securities carry a greater degree of credit risk. If rating agencies lower their ratings of preferred or debt securities in the Fund's portfolio, the value of those obligations could decline. In addition, the underlying revenue source for a preferred or debt security may be insufficient to pay dividends, interest or principal in a timely manner. Because a significant primary source of income for the Fund is the dividend, interest and principal payments on the preferred or debt securities in which it invests, any default by an issuer of a preferred or debt security could have a negative impact on the Fund's ability to pay dividends on Common Shares. Even if the issuer does not actually default, adverse changes in the issuer's financial condition may negatively affect its credit rating or presumed creditworthiness. These developments would adversely affect the market value of the issuer's obligations or the value of credit derivatives if the Fund has sold credit protection. |
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Preferred Securities Risk. In addition to credit risk, investment in preferred securities carries certain other risks. An issuer may defer or skip distributions, including dividend payments, which may require the Fund to report income for tax purposes on distributions it has not received. In addition, an issuer may call for a redemption in the event of tax or securities law changes, or pursuant to call features attached to the preferred securities. In these events, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return. Further, preferred securities typically do not provide for voting rights and are subordinated to debt instruments in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation payments (and thus subject to greater credit risk than the debt instruments). Preferred securities may also be substantially less liquid than many other securities. |
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Non-Investment Grade Securities Risk. The Fund's investments in preferred stocks and bonds of below investment grade quality (commonly referred to as "high yield" or "junk bonds"), if any, are predominantly speculative because of the credit risk of their issuers. While offering a greater potential opportunity for capital appreciation and higher yields, preferred stocks and bonds of below investment grade quality entail greater potential price volatility and may be less liquid than higher-rated securities. Issuers of below investment grade quality preferred stocks and bonds are more likely to default on their payments of dividends/interest and liquidation value/principal owed to the Fund, and such defaults will reduce the Fund's net asset value and income distributions. The prices of these lower quality preferred stocks and bonds are more sensitive to negative developments than higher rated securities. Adverse business conditions, such as a decline in the issuer's revenues or an economic downturn, generally lead to a higher non-payment rate. In addition, such a security may lose significant value before a default occurs as the market adjusts to expected higher non-payment rates. The Fund will not invest more than 20% of its total assets in securities rated below investment grade. The foregoing credit quality policy applies only at the time a security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of securities already owned by the Fund in the event of a change in assessment of credit quality or the removal of a rating. |
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Foreign Securities Risk. Foreign issuers are subject to risks of possible adverse political and economic developments abroad. Investing in foreign issuers also involves risks of change in foreign currency exchange rates. The Fund's investments in sovereign debt may also include bonds issued by countries in emerging markets. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its assets, at the time of acquisition, in securities (including equity and fixed income securities) of governments and companies in emerging markets. However, the Fund has no other investment restrictions with respect to investing in foreign issuers. See "Risk FactorsForeign Securities Risk." |
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Emerging Markets Risk. Investing in securities of issuers based in underdeveloped emerging markets entails all of the risks of investing in securities of foreign issuers to a heightened degree. These heightened risks include: (i) greater risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization and less social, political and economic stability; (ii) the smaller size of the market for such securities and a lower volume of trading, resulting in a lack of liquidity and in price volatility; and (iii) certain national policies that may restrict the Fund's investment opportunities including restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests. |
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Derivatives Risk. The Fund may acquire put and call options and options on stock indices and enter into stock index futures contracts, certain credit derivatives transactions and short sales in connection with its equity investments. In connection with the Fund's investments in debt securities, it may enter into related derivatives transactions such as interest rate futures, swaps and options thereon and certain credit derivatives transactions. Derivatives transactions of the types described above subject the Fund to increased risk of principal loss due to imperfect correlation or unexpected price or interest rate movements. The Fund also will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to the derivatives contracts purchased by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivatives contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivatives contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. |
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Hedging Strategy Risk. 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 hedge instruments is subject to Clough's ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedge instruments to the Fund's portfolio holdings, and there can be no assurance that Clough's judgment in this respect will be accurate. 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. |
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Small and Medium Cap Company Risk. Compared to investment companies that focus only on large capitalization companies, the Fund's share price may be more volatile because it also invests in small and medium capitalization companies. Compared to large companies, small and medium capitalization companies are more likely to have (i) more limited product lines or markets and less mature businesses, (ii) fewer capital resources, (iii) more limited management depth and (iv) shorter operating histories. Further, compared to large cap stocks, the securities of small and medium capitalization companies are more likely to experience sharper swings in market values, be harder to sell at times and at prices that Clough believes appropriate, and offer greater potential for gains and losses. |
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Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the purchasing power of assets or income from investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Common Shares and distributions thereon can decline. In addition, during any periods of rising inflation, dividend rates of preferred shares of the Fund would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to Common Shareholders. |
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Market Price of Shares. The shares of closed-end management investment companies often trade at a discount from their net asset value, and the Fund's Common Shares may likewise trade at a discount from net asset value. The trading price of the Fund's Common Shares may be less than the public offering price. The returns earned by Common Shareholders who sell their Common Shares below net asset value will be reduced. |
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Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. Clough and the individual portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results. |
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Leverage Risk. Leverage creates risks for the Common Shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of the Common Shares. There is a risk that fluctuations in the dividend rates on any preferred shares may adversely affect the return to the Common Shareholders. If the income from the securities purchased with such funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, the return on the Fund will be less than if leverage had not been used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to Common Shareholders as dividends and other distributions will be reduced and may not satisfy the level dividend rate distribution policy set by the Board of Trustees. Clough in its best judgment nevertheless may determine to maintain the Fund's leveraged position if it deems such action to be appropriate in the circumstances. |
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Liquidity Risk. Restricted securities and other illiquid investments of the Fund involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by Clough or at prices approximating the value at which the Fund is carrying the securities. Where registration is required to sell a security, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between 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 prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities for which no market exists and other illiquid investments are valued at fair value as determined in accordance with procedures approved and periodically reviewed by the trustees of the Fund. |
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Market Disruption Risk. The terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001 had a disruptive effect on the securities markets. The Fund cannot predict the effects of similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets. These terrorist attacks and related events, including the war in Iraq, have led to increased short-term market volatility and may have long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets. A similar disruption of the financial markets could impact interest rates, secondary trading, credit risk, inflation and other factors relating to the Common Shares. |
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Income Risk. The income Common Shareholders receive from the Fund is based primarily on the dividends and interest it earns from its investments, which can vary widely over the short and long term. If prevailing market interest rates drop, distribution rates of the Fund's preferred stock holdings and any bond holdings and Common Shareholder's income from the Fund could drop as well. The Fund's income also would likely be affected adversely when prevailing short-term interest rates increase and the Fund is utilizing leverage. |
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Anti-Takeover Provisions. The Fund's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated January 12, 2006 (the "Declaration of Trust"), includes provisions that could have the effect of inhibiting the Fund's possible conversion to open-end status and limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire the Fund or to obtain control of the Board of Trustees. In certain circumstances, these provisions might also inhibit the ability of shareholders to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices. See "Conversion to Open-End Fund" and "Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Declaration of Trust." |
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Portfolio Turnover Risk. The techniques and strategies contemplated by the Fund might result in a high degree of portfolio turnover. The Fund cannot accurately predict its securities portfolio turnover rate, but anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate will not exceed 100% under normal market conditions, although it could be materially higher under certain conditions. Higher portfolio turnover rates could result in corresponding increases in brokerage commissions and generate short-term capital gains taxable as ordinary income. |
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Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a convertible security is a function of its "investment value" (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its "conversion value" (the security's worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors may also have an effect on the convertible security's investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally, the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security. |
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A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing instrument. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Any of these actions could have an adverse effect on the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective. |
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REIT Risk. If the Fund invests in REITs, such investment will subject the Fund to various risks. The first, real estate industry risk, is the risk that the REIT share prices will decline because of adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. In general, real estate values can be affected by a variety of factors, including supply and demand for properties, the economic health of the country or of different regions and the strength of specific industries that rent properties. The second, investment style risk, is the risk that returns from REITs, which typically are small or medium capitalization stocks, will trail returns from the overall stock market. The third, interest rate risk, is the risk that changes in interest rates may hurt real estate values or make REIT shares less attractive than other income-producing investments. |
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Qualification as a REIT in any particular year is a complex analysis that depends on a number of factors. There can be no assurance that the entities in which the Fund invests with the expectation that they will be taxed as a REIT will qualify as a REIT. An entity that fails to qualify as a REIT, would be subject to a corporate level tax, would not be entitled to a deduction for dividends paid to its shareholders and would not pass through to its shareholders the character of income earned by the entity. If the Fund were to invest in an entity that failed to qualify as a REIT, such failure could drastically reduce the Fund's yield on that investment. |
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The Fund does not expect to invest a significant portion of its assets in REITs but does not have any investment restrictions with respect to such investments. |
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Distributions |
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The Fund intends to make a level dividend distribution each quarter to Common Shareholders after payment of interest on any outstanding borrowings or dividends on any outstanding preferred shares. The level dividend rate may be modified by the Board of Trustees from time to time. If, for all quarterly distributions, net investment company taxable income, if any (which term includes net short-term capital gain), and net tax-exempt income, if any, as determined as of the close of the Fund's taxable year, is less than the amount of the sum of all of the distributions for the taxable year, the difference will generally be a tax-free return of capital distributed from the Fund's assets. The Fund's final distribution for each calendar year will include any net investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt income undistributed during the year, as well as all net capital gain, if any, realized during the year. In general, the total distributions made in any taxable year (other than distributions of net capital gain) would be treated as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions in excess of the earnings and profits would first be a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the adjusted tax basis in the shares. After such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, the distribution would constitute capital gain (assuming the shares are held as capital assets). This distribution policy may, under certain circumstances, have certain adverse consequences to the Fund and its shareholders. The initial distribution is expected to be declared approximately days after the completion of this offering and paid on or about , 2006, depending on market conditions. See "Distributions." |
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Clough has applied to the Securities and Exchange Commission, on behalf of the Fund, for an exemption from Section 19(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder permitting the Fund to make periodic distributions of long-term capital gains, provided that the distribution policy of the Fund with respect to its Common Shares calls for periodic (e.g., quarterly/monthly) distributions in an amount equal to a fixed percentage of the Fund's average net asset value over a specified period of time or market price per common share at or about the time of distribution or pay-out of a level dollar amount. The exemption also would permit the Fund to make distributions with respect to any preferred shares that may be issued by the Fund in accordance with such shares' terms. No assurance can be given that the Securities and Exchange Commission will grant the exemption to the Fund. The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has indicated that it has suspended the processing of exemptive applications requesting the type of relief referenced above, pending review by the staff of the results of an industry-wide Securities and Exchange Commission inspection focusing on the dividend practices of closed-end investment companies. There can be no assurance as to when that review might be completed or whether, following that review, the staff would process such applications or grant such relief. This offering, however, is not contingent upon the receipt of such exemption. See "Distributions." |
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The level dividend distribution described above would result in the payment of approximately the same amount or percentage to Common Shareholders each quarter. Section 19(a) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19a-1 thereunder require the Fund to provide a written statement accompanying any such payment that adequately discloses its source or sources. Thus, if the source of the dividend or other distribution were the original capital contribution of the Common Shareholder, and the payment amounted to a return of capital, the Fund would be required to provide written disclosure to that effect. Nevertheless, persons who periodically receive the payment of a dividend or other distribution may be under the impression that they are receiving net profits when they are not. Common Shareholders should read any written disclosure provided pursuant to Section 19(a) and Rule 19a-1 carefully, and should not assume that the source of any distribution from the Fund is net profit. In addition, in cases where the Fund would return capital to Common Shareholders, such distribution may impact the Fund's ability to maintain its asset coverage requirements and to pay the interest on any preferred shares that the Fund may issue, if ever. See "Distributions." |
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Dividend Reinvestment Plan |
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Unless a Common Shareholder elects otherwise, the Common Shareholder's distributions will be reinvested in additional Common Shares under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan. Common Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan will receive all distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record (or, if the Common Shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee). See "Dividend Reinvestment Plan." |
Stock Purchases and Tenders |
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The Fund's Board of Trustees currently contemplates that the Fund, at least once each year, may consider repurchasing Common Shares in the open market or in private transactions, or tendering for shares, in an attempt to reduce or eliminate a market value discount from net asset value, if one should occur. There can be no assurance that the Board of Trustees will determine to effect any such repurchase or tender or that it would be effective in reducing or eliminating any market value discount. |
Custodian and Transfer Agent |
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The Bank of New York serves as the Fund's custodian and transfer agent. See "Custodian and Transfer Agent." |
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The following table assumes the issuance of pref erred shares in an amount equal to 33% of the Fund's capital (after issuance), assumes that the Fund issues approximately 15,000,000 Common Shares and shows Fund expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to Common Shares. Footnote (3) to the table also shows Fund expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to Common Shares, but assumes that no preferred shares are issued or outstanding (such as will be the case prior to the Fund's expected issuance of preferred shares).
Shareholder Transaction Expenses | ||||
Sales load (as a percentage of offering price) | 4.50 | % | ||
Offering expenses borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering price)(1) | .20 | % | ||
Preferred share offering expenses borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering price)(2) | .57 | % | ||
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan fees | None(3 | ) |
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Percentage of Net Assets
Attributable to Common Shares (assuming the issuance of preferred shares)(4) |
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Annual Expenses | ||||
Investment advisory fees | 1.49 | % | ||
Other expenses(5) | .64 | %(2) | ||
Total annual Fund operating expenses | 2.13 | % | ||
Dividends on preferred shares(6) | 2.14 | % | ||
Total annual Fund operating expenses and dividends on preferred shares | 4.28 | % |
Offering costs borne by Common Shareholders will result in a reduction of capital of the Fund attributable to the Common Shares.
Assuming the issuance of preferred shares in an amount equal to 33% of the Fund's capital (after their issuance) these offering costs (including the sales load paid to the underwriters in connection with the preferred share offering) are estimated to be approximately $1,722,000 or $0.11 per Common Share (.57% of the offering price). These offering costs are not included among the expenses shown in the Annual Expenses table.
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instance, prior to the Fund's expected issuance of preferred shares. In accordance with these assumptions, the Fund's expenses would be estimated to be as follows:
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Percentage of Net Assets
Attributable to Common Shares (assuming no preferred shares are issued or outstanding) |
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Annual Expenses | ||||
Investment Advisory Fees | 1.00 | % | ||
Other Expenses(5) | .35 | % | ||
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.35 | %(1) |
ALPS will provide administration, bookkeeping and pricing services to the Fund pursuant to an agreement with the Fund. ALPS serves as sponsor to the Fund, and the Fund considers ALPS to be an "interested person" of the Fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. It further considers interested persons of ALPS to be interested persons of the Fund.
The purpose of the above table is to help a holder of Common Shares understand the fees and expenses that such holder would bear directly or indirectly. The expenses shown in the table are based on estimated amounts for the Fund's first year of operations, unless otherwise indicated, and assume that the Fund issues approximately Common Shares. If the Fund issues fewer Common Shares, all other things being equal, these expenses would increase as a percentage of net assets attributable to Common Shares. See "Management of the Fund."
Example
The following example illustrates the expenses (including the sales load of $45.00, estimated offering expenses of this offering of $2.00 and the estimated offering costs of issuing preferred shares, assuming the Fund issues preferred shares representing 33% of the Fund's capital (after their issuance), of $5.74) that you would pay on a $1,000 investment in Common Shares, assuming (i) total annual expenses of 2.13% (which excludes dividends on any preferred shares) of net assets attributable to Common Shares and (ii) a 5% annual return*:
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Total Expenses Incurred | $ | 73 | $ | 114 | $ | 156 | $ | 274 |
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The Fund is a newly organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on January 17, 2006, pursuant to a Certificate of Trust dated January 12, 2006 governed by the laws of the state of Delaware, and has no operating history. The Fund's principal office is located at 1625 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, Colorado 80202 and its telephone number is (877) 256-8445 (toll-free).
The net proceeds of this offering of Common Shares will be approximately $ ($ if the underwriters exercise the overallotment option in full) after payment of the sales load, and organizational and offering costs (other than the sales load) expected to be approximately $.04 per Common Share. The net proceeds of the offering will be invested in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies (as stated below) as soon as practicable after completion of the offering. The Fund currently anticipates being able to do so within three months after the completion of the offering. Pending investment of the net proceeds in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies, the Fund will invest in money market securities or money market mutual funds. Investors should expect, therefore, that before the Fund has fully invested the proceeds of the offering in accordance with its investment objective and policies, the Fund's net asset value would be subject to less fluctuation than would be the case at such time as the Fund is fully invested.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
General
The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of total return. The Fund seeks to pursue this objective by applying a fundamental research driven investment process and will invest in equity and equity-related securities, as well as fixed income securities, including both corporate and sovereign debt, in both U.S. and non-U.S. markets. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
The Fund intends to invest primarily in a managed mix of U.S. and non-U.S. equity and debt securities. The Fund is flexibly managed so that, depending on the Fund's investment adviser's outlook, it sometimes will be more heavily invested in equity securities or in debt or fixed income securities. Under normal circumstances, the Fund expects to invest in securities of at least three countries. The Fund will also, in certain situations, augment its investment positions by purchasing call options, both on specific equity securities, as well as securities representing exposure to equity sectors or indices and fixed income indices. Investments in non-U.S. markets will be made primarily through liquid securities, including depositary receipts (which evidence ownership of underlying foreign securities) such as American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), as well as through exchange traded funds ("ETFs") and in stocks traded on non-U.S. exchanges. Investments in debt may include both investment grade and non-investment grade issues. There are certain risks associated with investing in non investment grade securities, commonly referred to as "junk bonds." Investments in corporate debt may include bonds issued by companies in countries considered emerging markets. Investments in sovereign debt may include bonds issued by countries considered emerging markets. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets, at the time of acquisition, in securities of governments and companies in emerging markets. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in real estate investment trusts, or "REITs", but the Fund does not expect that portion to be significant.
The Fund will place a high priority on capital preservation, and should the Fund's investment adviser believe that extraordinary conditions affecting financial markets warrant, the Fund may temporarily be primarily invested in money market securities or money market mutual funds. When the
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Fund is invested in these instruments for temporary or defensive purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective. The Fund may use a variety of investment techniques designed to capitalize on declines in the market price of equity securities or declines in market indices (e.g., the Fund may establish short positions in specific stocks or stock indices) based on the Fund's investment adviser's investment outlook.
Investment Strategy
Clough believes that above average investment returns can be achieved when key, proprietary insights into industry or economic trends are discovered, and their significance understood, before they become obvious to other investors. Within this context, the investment process will focus on investing in a number of major global investment themes identified by Clough. Industry consolidation, technological change, an emerging shortage of a product or raw material which derives from a period of under-investment, changes in government regulation or major economic or investment cycles are examples of themes Clough would emphasize in its investment focus. Attractive investment themes will often be influenced by global trends, which make investments in certain industries across more than one geographic market likely.
Once attractive themes are identified, Clough will generally utilize a "bottom-up" research process to identify companies it believes are best positioned to benefit from those specific themes. Individual positions will be selected based upon a host of qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to, such factors as a company's competitive position, quality of company management, quality and visibility of earnings and cash flow, balance sheet strength and relative valuation. This approach may provide investment opportunities in various levels of a company's capital structure, including common and preferred stock, as well as corporate bonds, including convertible debt securities.
Under the Fund's theme-oriented investment approach, investment positions may be concentrated in only a relatively small number of industries. The Fund will attempt to diversify within its investment themes, as appropriate, to lower volatility. Individual equity positions on both the long and short side of the portfolio will typically be below 5% of total assets. The Fund also does not have restrictions on the levels of portfolio turnover. However, since major industry trends often last years, Clough believes that a theme-based investment approach can result in opportunities for tax efficient investing (as a result of lower portfolio turnover).
The Fund is not required to maintain any particular percentage of its assets in equity securities, or in fixed income securities, and Clough may change the weightings of the Fund's investments in equity and fixed income securities based upon Clough's assessment of the prevailing interest rate environment and expected returns relative to other identified investment opportunities. Generally, the Fund will increase its investments in fixed income securities when Clough anticipates that the return on these securities will exceed the return on equity securities, and vice versa.
Clough believes that its theme-based portfolio strategy will present periods of time when Clough has a particularly high degree of confidence in the Fund's investment positions. During these occasions, the Fund may purchase call options in order to enhance investment returns. The Fund may also purchase such options at other times if the Adviser believes it would be beneficial to the Fund to do so. The Fund's use of such option strategies is expected to be opportunistic in nature and the Fund is not required to maintain any particular percentage of assets in call option premium. Call option premiums, when utilized, will typically be less than 12% of total assets.
Generally, securities will be purchased or sold by the Fund on national securities exchanges and in the over-the-counter market. From time to time, securities may be purchased or sold in private transactions, including securities that are not publicly traded or that are otherwise illiquid. Clough does not expect such investments to comprise more than 10% of the Fund's total assets (determined at the time the investment is made).
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Clough may invest the Fund's cash balances in any investments it deems appropriate, including, without limitation and as permitted under the 1940 Act, money market funds, repurchase agreements, U.S. Treasury and U.S. agency securities, municipal bonds and bank accounts. Any income earned from such investments is ordinarily reinvested by the Fund in accordance with its investment program. Many of the considerations entering into Clough's recommendations and the portfolio managers' decisions are subjective.
The Fund's portfolio will be actively managed and securities may be bought or sold on a daily basis. Investments may be added to the portfolio if they satisfy value-based criteria or contribute to the portfolio's risk profile. Investments may be removed from the portfolio if Clough believes that their market value exceeds full value, they add inefficient risk or the initial investment thesis fails.
Portfolio Investments
Common Stocks
Common stock represents an equity ownership interest in an issuer. The Fund will have substantial exposure to common stocks. Although common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in 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 prices of common stocks are sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the prices of common stocks to which the Fund has exposure. Common stock prices fluctuate for many reasons, including changes in investors' perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market, or when political or economic events affecting the issuer occur. In addition, common stock prices may be sensitive to rising interest rates, as the costs of capital rise and borrowing costs increase.
Small and Medium Cap Companies
The Fund may invest in securities of small capitalization companies, currently considered by Clough to mean companies with market capitalization at or below $1 billion. It may also invest in medium capitalization companies, currently considered by Clough to mean companies with market capitalization of between $1 billion and $5 billion.
Preferred Stocks
Preferred stock, like common stock, represents an equity ownership in an issuer. Generally, preferred stock has a priority of claim over common stock in dividend payments and upon liquidation of the issuer. Unlike common stock, preferred stock does not usually have voting rights. Preferred stock in some instances is convertible into common stock.
Although they are equity securities, preferred stocks have certain characteristics of both debt and common stock. They are debt-like in that their promised income is contractually fixed. They are common stock-like in that they do not have rights to precipitate bankruptcy proceedings or collection activities in the event of missed payments. Furthermore, they 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.
In order to be payable, dividends on preferred stock must be declared by the issuer's board of directors or trustees. In addition, distributions on preferred stock may be subject to deferral and thus may not be automatically payable. Income payments on some preferred stocks are cumulative, causing dividends and distributions to accrue even if not declared by the board of directors or trustees or
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otherwise made payable. Other preferred stocks are non-cumulative, meaning that skipped dividends and distributions do not continue to accrue. There is no assurance that dividends on preferred stocks in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. The Fund may invest in non-cumulative preferred stock, although Clough would consider, among other factors, their non-cumulative nature in making any decision to purchase or sell such securities.
Shares of preferred stock have a liquidation value that generally equals the original purchase price at the date of issuance. The market values of preferred stock may be affected by favorable and unfavorable changes impacting the issuers' industries or sectors. They may also be affected by actual and anticipated changes or ambiguities in the tax status of the security and by actual and anticipated changes or ambiguities in tax laws, such as changes in corporate and individual income tax rates.
Because the claim on an issuer's earnings represented by preferred stock may become onerous when interest rates fall below the rate payable on the stock or for other reasons, the issuer may redeem preferred stock, generally after an initial period of call protection in which the stock is not redeemable. Thus, in declining interest rate environments in particular, the Fund's holdings of higher dividend-paying preferred stocks may be reduced and the Fund may be unable to acquire securities paying comparable rates with the redemption proceeds.
Restricted and Illiquid Securities
Although the Fund will invest primarily in publicly traded securities, it may invest a portion of its assets (generally, no more than 10% of its value) in restricted securities and other investments which are illiquid. Restricted securities are securities that may not be sold to the public without an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or, if they are unregistered, may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. In recognition of the increased size and liquidity of the institutional markets for unregistered securities and the importance of institutional investors in the formation of capital, the Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted Rule 144A under the Securities Act, which is designed to further facilitate efficient trading among eligible institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. The Fund will be eligible to purchase securities in Rule 144A transactions if and when it owns at least $100 million of securities of unaffiliated issuers. To the extent privately placed securities held by the Fund qualify under Rule 144A, and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Fund likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them under the Securities Act. To the extent that institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing the level of the Fund's illiquidity. The Fund may adopt procedures under which certain Rule 144A securities will not be deemed to be illiquid, if certain criteria are satisfied with respect to those securities and the market therefor. Foreign securities that can be freely sold in the markets in which they are principally traded are not considered by the Fund to be restricted. Regulation S under the Securities Act permits the sale abroad of securities that are not registered for sale in the United States. Repurchase agreements with maturities of more than seven days will be treated as illiquid.
Corporate Bonds, Government Debt Securities and Other Debt Securities
The Fund may invest in corporate bonds, debentures and other debt securities. Debt securities in which the Fund may invest may pay fixed or variable rates of interest. Bonds and other debt securities generally are issued by corporations 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 debt securities are "perpetual" in that they have no maturity date.
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The Fund will invest in government debt securities, including those of emerging market issuers or of other non-U.S. issuers. These securities may be U.S. dollar-denominated on non-U.S. dollar-denominated and include: (a) debt obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign national, provincial, state, municipal or other governments with taxing authority or by their agencies or instrumentalities; and (b) debt obligations of supranational entities. Government debt securities include: debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, government agencies or instrumentalities and political subdivisions; debt securities issued by government owed, controlled or sponsored entities; interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics issued by the above-noted issuers; or debt securities issued by supranational entities such as the World Bank or the European Union. The Fund may also invest in securities denominated in currencies of emerging market countries. Emerging market debt securities generally are rated in the lower rating categories of recognized credit rating agencies or are unrated and considered to be of comparable quality to lower rated debt securities. A non-U.S. issuer of 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 resources in the event of a default. Some of these risks do not apply to issuers in large, more developed countries. These risks are more pronounced in investments in issuers in emerging markets or if the Fund invests significantly in one country.
The Fund will not invest more than 20% of its total assets in debt securities rated below investment grade ( i.e., securities rated lower than Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or lower than BBB by Standard & Poor's Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P")), or their equivalent as determined by Clough. These securities are commonly referred to as "junk bonds." The foregoing credit quality policy applies only at the time a security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of securities already owned by the Fund in the event of a change in assessment of credit quality or the removal of a rating.
Exchange Traded Funds
The Fund may invest in ETFs, which are investment companies that aim to track or replicate a desired index, such as a sector, market or global segment. ETFs are passively managed and their shares are traded on a national exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers' Automatic Quotation System ("NASDAQ"). ETFs do not sell individual shares directly to investors and only issue their shares in large blocks known as "creation units." The investor purchasing a creation unit may sell the individual shares on a secondary market. Therefore, the liquidity of ETFs depends on the adequacy of the secondary market. There can be no assurance that an ETF's investment objective will be achieved, as ETFs based on an index may not replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weightings of securities in the index. ETFs are subject to the risks of investing in the underlying securities. The Fund, as a holder of the securities of the ETF, will bear its pro rata portion of the ETF's expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the Fund's own operations.
Foreign Securities
Under normal circumstances, the Fund intends to invest a portion of its assets in securities of issuers located in at least three countries (in addition to the United States). The value of foreign securities is affected by changes in currency rates, foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), government policies (in this country or abroad), relations between nations and trading, settlement, custodial and other operational risks. In addition, the costs of investing abroad are generally higher than in the United States, and foreign securities markets may be less liquid, more volatile and less subject to governmental supervision than markets in the United States. As an alternative to holding foreign-traded securities, the Fund may invest in dollar-denominated securities of foreign companies that trade on U.S. exchanges or in the U.S. over-the-counter market (including depositary receipts as
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described below, which evidence ownership in underlying foreign securities, and ETFs as described above).
Because foreign companies are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a domestic company. Volume and liquidity in most foreign debt markets is less than in the United States and securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, broker-dealers and listed companies than in the United States. Mail service between the United States and foreign countries may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Payment for securities before delivery may be required. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments, which could affect investments in those countries. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Foreign securities markets, while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly those located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies.
The Fund may purchase ADRs, EDRs and GDRs, which are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of foreign issuers and are alternatives to purchasing directly the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, such depository receipts continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks include foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks associated with the underlying issuer's country. ADRs, EDRs and GDRs may be sponsored or unsponsored. Unsponsored receipts are established without the participation of the issuer. Unsponsored receipts may involve higher expenses, they may not pass-through voting or other shareholder rights, and they may be less liquid.
The Fund's investments in sovereign debt may also include bonds issued by countries in emerging markets. Emerging market securities generally are less liquid and subject to wider price and currency fluctuations than securities issued in more developed countries. While there is no limit on the amount of assets the Fund may invest outside of the United States, the Fund will not invest more than 25% of its assets, at the time of acquisition, in securities (including equity and fixed income securities) of governments and companies in emerging markets.
Warrants
The Fund may invest in equity and index warrants of domestic and international issuers. Equity warrants are securities that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to subscribe for equity issues of the issuing company or a related company at a fixed price either on a certain date or during a set period. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss.
Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments.
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Convertible Securities and Bonds with Warrants Attached
The Fund may invest in preferred stocks and fixed income obligations that are convertible into common stocks of domestic and foreign issuers, and bonds issued as a unit with warrants to purchase equity or fixed income securities. Convertible securities in which the Fund may invest, comprised of both convertible debt and convertible preferred stock, may be converted at either a stated price or at a stated rate into underlying shares of common stock. Because of this feature, convertible securities generally enable an investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. Convertible securities often provide higher yields than the underlying equity securities, but generally offer lower yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. The value of convertible securities fluctuates in relation to changes in interest rates like bonds, and, in addition, fluctuates in relation to the underlying common stock.
Bonds with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock. Bonds may also be issued with warrants attached to purchase additional fixed income securities at the same coupon rate. A decline in interest rates would permit the Fund to buy additional bonds at a favorable rate or to sell the warrants at a profit. If interest rates rise, the warrants would generally expire with no value.
REITS
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in REITs. REITs are companies that own and manage real estate, including apartment buildings, offices, shopping centers, industrial buildings and hotels. By investing in REITs, the Fund may gain exposure to the real estate market with greater liquidity and diversification than through direct ownership of property, which can be costly and require ongoing management and maintenance, and which can be difficult to convert into cash when needed. The Fund does not expect to invest a significant portion of its assets in REITs but does not have any investment restrictions with respect to such investments.
Investment Techniques
The Fund may, but is under no obligation to, from time to time employ a variety of investment techniques, including those described below, to hedge against fluctuations in the price of portfolio securities, to enhance total return or to provide a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities. Some of these techniques, such as purchases of put and call options, options on stock indices and stock index futures and entry into certain credit derivative transactions and short sales, may be used as hedges against or substitutes for investments in equity securities. Other techniques such as the purchase of interest rate futures and entry into transactions involving interest rate swaps, options on interest rate swaps and certain credit derivatives are hedges against or substitutes for investments in debt securities. The Fund's ability to utilize any of the techniques described below may be limited by restrictions imposed on its operations in connection with obtaining and maintaining its qualification as a regulated investment company under the Code. Additionally, other factors (such as cost) may make it impractical or undesirable to use any of these investment techniques from time to time.
Options on Securities
In order to hedge against adverse market shifts, the Fund may utilize up to 12% of its total assets (in addition to the 12% limit applicable to options on stock indices described below) to purchase put and call options on securities. The Fund will also, in certain situations, augment its investment positions by purchasing call options, both on specific equity securities, as well as securities representing exposure to equity sectors or indices and fixed income indices. In addition, the Fund may seek to increase its income or may hedge a portion of its portfolio investments through writing ( i.e. , selling) covered put
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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 or its equivalent covered by the option or its equivalent from the writer of the option at the stated exercise price. Under interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission currently in effect, which may change from time to time, a "covered" call option means that so long as the Fund is obligated as the writer of the option, it will own (1) the underlying instruments subject to the option, (2) instruments convertible or exchangeable into the instruments subject to the option or (3) a call option on the relevant instruments with an exercise price no higher than the exercise price on the call option written.
Similarly, the Securities and Exchange Commission currently requires that, to "cover" or support its obligation to purchase the underlying instruments if a put option is written by the Fund, the Fund must (1) deposit with its custodian in a segregated account liquid securities having a value at least equal to the exercise price of the underlying securities, (2) continue to own an equivalent number of puts of the same "series" (that is, puts on the same underlying security having the same exercise prices and expiration dates as those written by the Fund), or an equivalent number of puts of the same "class" (that is, puts on the same underlying security) with exercise prices greater than those it has written (or, if the exercise prices of the puts it holds are less than the exercise prices of those it has written, it will deposit the difference with its custodian in a segregated account) or (3) sell short the securities underlying the put option at the same or a higher price than the exercise price on the put option written.
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 leaving its underlying securities unhedged.
The Fund may purchase and write options on securities that are listed on national securities exchanges or are traded over the counter, although it expects, under normal circumstances, to effect such transactions on national securities exchanges.
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 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
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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 large amounts of leverage. The leverage offered 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.
Options on Stock Indices
The Fund may utilize up to 12% of its total assets (in addition to the 12% limit applicable to options on securities) to purchase put and call options on domestic stock indices to hedge against risks of market-wide price movements affecting its assets. The Fund will also, in certain situations, augment its investment positions by purchasing call options, both on specific equity securities, as well as securities representing exposure to equity sectors or indices and fixed income indices. In addition, the Fund may write covered put and call options on stock indices. A stock index measures the movement of a certain group of stocks by assigning relative values to the common stocks included in the index. Options on stock indices 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 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 index options as a hedging technique will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the Fund's securities investments correlate with price movements in the stock index selected. In addition, successful use by the Fund of options on stock indices will be subject to the ability of Clough to predict correctly changes in the relationship of the underlying index to the Fund's portfolio holdings. No assurance can be given that Clough's judgment in this respect will be correct.
When the Fund writes an option on a stock 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.
Short Sales
The Fund intends to attempt to limit exposure to a possible market decline in the value of its portfolio securities through short sales of securities that Clough believes possess volatility characteristics similar to those being hedged. In addition, the Fund intends to use short sales for non-hedging purposes to pursue its investment objective. Subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act and the Code, the Fund will not make a short sale if, after giving effect to such sale, the market value of all securities sold short by the Fund exceeds 30% of the value of its total assets.
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A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. When the Fund makes a short sale, it must borrow the security sold short from a broker-dealer and deliver it to the buyer upon conclusion of the sale. The Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and is often obligated to pay over any payments received on such borrowed securities.
The Fund's obligation to replace the borrowed security will be secured by collateral deposited with the broker-dealer, usually cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities. The Fund will also be required to designate on its books and records similar collateral with its custodian to the extent, if any, necessary so that the aggregate collateral value is at all times at least equal to the current market value of the security sold short. Depending on arrangements made with the broker-dealer from which it borrowed the security regarding payment over of any payments received by the Fund on such security, the Fund may not receive any payments (including interest) on its collateral deposited with such broker-dealer.
If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. Although the Fund's gain is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is unlimited.
The Fund may also sell a security short if it owns at least an equal amount of the security sold short or another security convertible or exchangeable for an equal amount of the security sold short without payment of further compensation (a short sale against-the-box). In a short sale against-the-box, the short seller is exposed to the risk of being forced to deliver stock that it holds to close the position if the borrowed stock is called in by the lender, which would cause gain or loss to be recognized on the delivered stock. The Fund expects normally to close its short sales against-the-box by delivering newly acquired stock.
Purchasing securities to close out the short position can itself cause the price of the securities to rise further, thereby exacerbating the loss. Short-selling exposes the Fund to unlimited risk with respect to that security due to the lack of an upper limit on the price to which an instrument can rise. Although the Fund reserves the right to utilize short sales, and currently intends to utilize short sales, Clough is under no obligation to utilize short sales at all.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
The Fund may enter into interest rate and stock index futures contracts and may purchase and sell put and call options on such futures contracts. The Fund will enter into such transactions for hedging and other appropriate risk-management purposes or to increase return, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
An interest rate futures contract is a standardized contract for the future delivery of a specified security (such as a U.S. Treasury Bond or U.S. Treasury Note) or its equivalent at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A stock index futures contract is an agreement to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the beginning and at the end of the contract period. The Fund may only enter into futures contracts traded on regulated commodity exchanges.
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. Clough has claimed an exclusion from the definition of commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA") and, therefore, Clough will not
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be subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under the CEA. The Fund reserves the right to engage in transactions involving futures and options thereon 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.
Pursuant to the views of the Securities and Exchange Commission currently in effect, which may change from time to time, with respect to futures contracts to purchase securities or stock indices, call options on futures contracts purchased by the Fund and put options on futures contracts written 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 as well as put and call options on futures written by it must be collateralized with cash or certain liquid assets held in a segregated account or "covered" in a manner similar to that described above for covered options on securities. See "Investment Objective and PoliciesInvestment TechniquesOptions on Securities". However, even if "covered," these instruments could have the effect of leveraging the Fund's portfolio.
The Fund may either accept or make delivery of cash or the underlying instrument specified at the expiration of an interest rate futures contract or cash at the expiration of a stock index futures contract or, prior to expiration, enter into a closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract. Closing transactions with respect to futures contracts are effected on the exchange on which the contract was entered into (or a linked exchange).
The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on interest rate futures contracts and stock index futures contracts in order to hedge all or a portion of its investments and may enter into closing purchase transactions with respect to options written by the Fund in order to terminate existing positions. There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected at any particular time or at all. In addition, daily limits on price fluctuations on exchanges on which the Fund conducts its futures and options transactions may prevent the prompt liquidation of positions at the optimal time, thus subjecting the Fund to the potential of greater losses.
An option on an interest rate futures contract or stock index futures contract, as contrasted with the direct investment in such a contract, gives the purchaser of the option the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a stock index futures contract or interest rate futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time on or before the expiration date of the option. Upon exercise of an option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer's futures margin account, which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. The potential loss related to the purchase of an option on 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.
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
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loss. Further, the Fund's use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts to reduce risk involves costs and will be subject to Clough's ability to predict correctly changes in interest rate relationships or other factors. No assurance can be given that Clough's judgment in this respect will be correct.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions
New issues of preferred and debt securities may be offered on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, which means that delivery and payment for the security normally take place within 45 days after the date of the commitment to purchase. The payment obligation and the dividends that will be received on the security are fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment. The Fund will make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis only with the intention of acquiring the securities, but may sell these securities before the settlement date if Clough deems it advisable. No additional when-issued or delayed delivery commitments will be made if more than 20% of the Fund's total assets would be so committed. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may be subject to changes in value based upon the public's perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and changes, real or anticipated, in the level of interest rates. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may expose the Fund to risk because they may experience these fluctuations prior to their actual delivery. The Fund will not accrue income with respect to a debt security it has purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis prior to its stated delivery date but will accrue income on a delayed delivery security it has sold. Purchasing or selling securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis can involve the additional risk that the yield available in the market when the delivery takes place actually may be higher than that obtained in the transaction itself. A segregated account of the Fund consisting of liquid securities equal at all times to the amount of the Fund's when-issued and delayed delivery purchase commitments will be established and maintained with the Fund's custodian. Placing securities rather than cash in the segregated account may have a leveraging effect on the Fund's net asset value per share; that is, to the extent that the Fund remains substantially fully invested in securities at the same time that it has committed to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, greater fluctuations in its net asset value per share may occur than if it has set aside cash to satisfy its purchase commitments.
Interest Rate Swaps and Options Thereon ("Swaptions")
The Fund may enter into interest rate swap agreements and may purchase and sell put and call options on such swap agreements, commonly referred to as swaptions. The Fund will enter into such transactions for hedging some or all of its interest rate exposure in its holdings of preferred securities and debt securities. Interest rate swap agreements and swaptions are highly specialized investments and are not traded on or regulated by any securities exchange or regulated by the CFTC or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
An interest rate swap is an agreement between two parties where one party agrees to pay a contractually stated fixed income stream, usually denoted as a fixed percentage of an underlying "notional" amount, in exchange for receiving a variable income stream, usually based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), and denoted as a percentage of the underlying notional amount. From the perspective of a fixed rate payer, if interest rates rise, the payer will expect a rising level of income since the payer is a receiver of floating rate income. This would cause the value of the swap contract to rise in value, from the payer's perspective, because the discounted present value of its obligatory payment stream is diminished at higher interest rates, all at the same time it is receiving higher income. Alternatively, if interest rates fall, the reverse occurs and it simultaneously faces the prospects of both a diminished floating rate income stream and a higher discounted present value of his fixed rate payment obligation. These value changes all work in reverse from the perspective of a fixed rate receiver.
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A swaption is an agreement between two parties where one party purchases the right from the other party to enter into an interest rate swap at a specified date and for a specified "fixed rate" yield (or "exercise" yield). In a pay-fixed swaption, the holder of the swaption has the right to enter into an interest rate swap as a payer of fixed rate and receiver of variable rate, while the writer of the swaption has the obligation to enter into the other side of the interest rate swap. In a received-fixed swaption, the holder of the swaption has the right to enter into an interest rate swap as a receiver of fixed rate and a payer of variable rate, while the writer of the swaption has the obligation to enter into the opposite side of the interest rate swap.
A pay-fixed swaption is analogous to a put option on Treasury securities in that it rises in value as interest rate swap yields rise. A receive-fixed swaption is analogous to a call option on Treasury securities in that it rises in value as interest rate swap yields decline. As with other options on securities, indices, or futures contracts, the price of any swaption will reflect both an intrinsic value component, which may be zero, and a time premium component. The intrinsic value component represents what the value of the swaption would be if it were immediately exercisable into the underlying interest rate swap. The intrinsic value component measures the degree to which an option is in-the-money, if at all. The time premium represents the difference between the actual price of the swaption and the intrinsic value.
It is customary market practice for swaptions to be "cash settled" rather than an actual position in an interest rate swap being established at the time of swaption expiration. For reasons set forth more fully below, Clough expects to enter strictly into cash settled swaptions ( i.e. , where the exercise value of the swaption is determined by reference to the market for interest rate swaps then prevailing).
Credit Derivatives
The Fund may enter into credit derivative transactions, either to hedge credit exposure or to gain exposure to an issuer or group of issuers more economically than can be achieved by investing directly in preferred or debt securities. Credit derivatives fall into two broad categories: credit default swaps and market spread swaps, both of which can reference either a single issuer or obligor or a portfolio of preferred and/or debt securities. In a credit default swap, which is the most common form of credit derivative, the purchaser of credit protection makes a periodic payment to the seller (swap counterparty) in exchange for a payment by the seller should a referenced security or loan, or a specified portion of a portfolio of such instruments, default during the life of the swap agreement. If there were a default event as specified in the swap agreement, the buyer either (i) would receive from the seller the difference between the par (or other agreed-upon) value of the referenced instrument(s) and the then-current market value of the instrument(s) or (ii) have the right to make delivery of the reference instrument to the counterparty. If there were no default, the buyer of credit protection would have spent the stream of payments and received no benefit from the contract. Market spread swaps are based on relative changes in market rates, such as the yield spread between a preferred security and a benchmark Treasury security, rather than default events.
In a market spread swap, two counterparties agree to exchange payments at future dates based on the spread between a reference security (or index) and a benchmark security (or index). The buyer (fixed-spread payer) would receive from the seller (fixed-spread receiver) the difference between the market rate and the reference rate at each payment date, if the market rate were above the reference rate. If the market rate were below the reference rate, then the buyer would pay to the seller the difference between the reference rate and the market rate. The Fund may utilize market spread swaps to "lock in" the yield (or price) of a security or index without having to purchase the reference security or index. Market spread swaps may also be used to mitigate the risk associated with a widening of the spread between the yield or price of a security in the Fund's portfolio relative to a benchmark Treasury security. Market spread options, which are analogous to swaptions, give the buyer the right but not the obligation to buy (in the case of a call) or sell (in the case of a put) the referenced market spread at a
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fixed price from the seller. Similarly, the seller of a market spread option has the obligation to sell (in the case of a call) or buy (in the case of a put) the referenced market spread at a fixed price from the buyer. Credit derivatives are highly specialized investments and are not traded on or regulated by any securities exchange or regulated by the CFTC or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Interest Rate Swaps, Swaptions and Credit Derivatives (General)
The pricing and valuation terms of interest rate swaps, swaptions and credit derivatives are not standardized and there is no clearinghouse whereby a party to any such derivative agreement enter into an offsetting position to close out a contract. Interest rate swaps, swaptions and credit derivatives are usually (1) between an institutional investor and a broker-dealer firm or bank or (2) between institutional investors. In addition, substantially all swaps are entered into subject to the standards set forth by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA"). ISDA represents participants in the privately negotiated derivatives industry, helps formulate the investment industry's position on regulatory and legislative issues, develops international contractual standards and offers arbitration on disputes concerning market practice.
Under the rating agency guidelines that would likely be imposed in connection with any issuance of preferred shares by the Fund, it is expected that the Fund would be authorized to enter into swaptions and to purchase credit default swaps without limitation but would be subject to limitation on entering into interest rate swap agreements or selling credit protection. Certain rating agency guidelines may be changed from time to time and it is expected that those relating to interest rate swaps, swaptions and credit derivatives would be able to be revised by the Board of Trustees, without shareholder vote of the Common Shares or the Fund's preferred shares, so long as the relevant rating agency(ies) has given written notice that such revisions would not adversely affect the rating of the Fund's preferred shares then in effect.
The Board of Trustees has currently limited the Fund's use of interest rate and credit swaps and swaptions as follows: (1) swaps and swaptions must be U.S. dollar-denominated and used for hedging purposes only; (2) no more than 5% of the Fund's total assets, at the time of purchase, may be invested in time premiums paid for swaptions; (3) swaps and swaptions must conform to the standards of the ISDA Master Agreement; and (4) the counterparty must be a bank or broker-dealer firm regulated under the laws of the United States that (a) is on a list approved by the Board of Trustees, (b) has capital of at least $100 million and (c) is rated investment grade by both Moody's and S&P. These criteria can be modified by the Board of Trustees at any time in its discretion.
The market value of the Fund's investments in credit derivatives and/or premiums paid therefor as a buyer of credit protection is not expected to exceed 12% of the Fund's total assets and the notional value of the credit exposure to which the Fund is subject when it sells credit derivatives is not expected to exceed 33 1 / 3 % of the Fund's total assets. The Fund has no other investment restrictions with respect to credit derivates.
Clough expects that the Fund will be subject to the initial and subsequent mark-to-market collateral requirements that are standard among ISDA participants. These requirements help insure that the party who is a net obligor at current market value has pledged for safekeeping, to the counterparty or its agent, sufficient collateral to cover any losses should the obligor become incapable, for whatever reason, of fulfilling its commitments under the swap or swaption agreements. This is analogous, in many respects, to the collateral requirements in place on regular futures and options exchanges. The Fund will be responsible for monitoring the market value of all derivative transactions to ensure that they are properly collateralized.
If Clough determines it is advisable for the Fund to enter into such transactions, the Fund will institute procedures for valuing interest rate swap, swaption or credit derivative positions to which it is party. Interest rate swaps, swaptions and credit derivatives will be valued by the counterparty to the
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swap or swaption in question. Such valuation will then be compared with the valuation provided by a broker-dealer or bank that is not a party to the contract. In the event of material discrepancies, the Fund has procedures in place for valuing the swap or swaption, subject to the direction of the Board of Trustees, which include reference to third-party information services, such as Bloomberg, and a comparison with Clough's valuation models. The use of interest rate swaps, swaptions and credit derivatives, as the foregoing discussion suggests, is subject to risks and complexities beyond what might be encountered in standardized, exchange traded options and futures contracts. Such risks include operational risk, valuation risk, credit risk and /or counterparty risk ( i.e. , the risk that the counterparty cannot or will not perform its obligations under the agreement). In addition, at the time the interest rate swap, swaption or credit derivative reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it could have a negative impact on the performance of the Fund.
While the Fund may utilize interest rate swaps, swaptions and credit derivatives for hedging purposes or to enhance total return, their use might result in 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 or pledge a portion of its underlying portfolio of securities in order to meet daily mark-to-market collateralization requirements at a time when it might be disadvantageous to do so.
There may be an imperfect correlation between the Fund's portfolio holdings and swaps, swaptions or credit derivatives entered into by the Fund, which may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. Further, the Fund's use of swaps, swaptions and credit derivatives to reduce risk involves costs and will be subject to Clough's ability to predict correctly changes in interest rate relationships, volatility, credit quality or other factors. No assurance can be given that Clough's judgment in this respect will be correct.
Temporary Investments
From time to time, as Clough deems warranted based on market conditions, the Fund may invest temporarily in cash, money market securities, money market mutual funds or cash equivalents, which may be inconsistent with the Fund's investment objective. Cash equivalents are highly liquid, short-term securities such as commercial paper, time deposits, certificates of deposit, short-term notes and short-term U.S. government obligations.
Portfolio Turnover
Although the Fund cannot accurately predict its portfolio turnover rate, it may exceed 100% (excluding turnover of securities having a maturity of one year or less). A high turnover rate (100% or more) necessarily involves greater expenses to the Fund and may result in realization of net short-term capital gains.
Foreign Currency Transactions
The value of foreign assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency rates and exchange control regulations. Currency exchange rates can also be affected unpredictably by intervention by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or the failure to intervene, or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad. Foreign currency exchange transactions may be conducted on a spot ( i.e. , cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or through entering into derivative currency transactions. Currency futures contracts are exchange-traded and change in value to reflect movements of a currency or a basket of currencies. Settlement must be made in a designated currency.
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Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are individually negotiated and privately traded so they are dependent upon the creditworthiness of the counterparty. Such contracts may be used when a security denominated in a foreign currency is purchased or sold, or when the Fund anticipates receipt in a foreign currency of dividend or interest payments on such a security. A forward contract can then "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be. Additionally, when Clough believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of dollars, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the securities held that are denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge against long-term currency changes. The Fund may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency (or basket of currencies) to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if Clough determines that there is an established historical pattern of correlation between the two currencies (or the basket of currencies and the underlying currency). Use of a different foreign currency magnifies exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Fund may use forward contracts to shift exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes from one currency to another. Short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the dollar value of only a portion of portfolio assets.
Currency transactions are subject to the risk of a number of complex political and economic factors applicable to the countries issuing the underlying currencies. Furthermore, unlike trading in most other types of instruments, there is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to the foreign currencies underlying the derivative currency transactions. As a result, available information may not be complete. In an over-the-counter trading environment, there are no daily price fluctuation limits. There may be no liquid secondary market to close out options purchased or written, or forward contracts entered into, until their exercise, expiration or maturity. There is also the risk of default by, or the bankruptcy of, the financial institution serving as a counterparty.
Illiquid Securities
The Fund may invest in securities for which there is no readily available trading market or which are otherwise illiquid. Illiquid securities include securities legally restricted as to resale, such as commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A thereunder. Section 4(2) and Rule 144A securities may, however, be treated as liquid by Clough pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees, which require consideration of factors such as trading activity, availability of market quotations and number of dealers willing to purchase the security. If the Fund invests in Rule 144A securities, the level of portfolio illiquidity may be increased to the extent that eligible buyers become uninterested in purchasing such securities.
It may be difficult to sell such securities at a price representing their fair value until such time as such securities may be sold publicly. Where registration is required, a considerable period may elapse between a decision to sell the securities and the time when it would be permitted to sell. Thus, the Fund may not be able to obtain as favorable a price as that prevailing at the time of the decision to sell. The Fund may also acquire securities through private placements under which it may agree to contractual restrictions on the resale of such securities. Such restrictions might prevent their sale at a time when such sale would otherwise be desirable.
Repurchase Agreements
A repurchase agreement exists where the Fund sells a security (typically U.S. government securities) to a party for cash and agrees to buy the same security back on a specific date (typically the next business day) from the same party for cash. Repurchase agreements carry several risks. For instance, the Fund could incur a loss if the value of the security sold has increased more than the value
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of the cash and collateral held. In addition, the other party to the agreement may default, in which case the Fund would not re-acquire possession of the security and suffer full value loss (or incur costs when attempting to purchase a similar security from another party). Also, in a bankruptcy proceeding involving the other party, a court may determine that the security does not belong to the Fund and order that the security be used to pay off the debts of the bankrupt. The Fund will reduce the risk by requiring the other party to put up collateral, whose value is checked and reset daily. The Fund also intends only to deal with parties that appear to have the resources and the financial strength to live up to the terms of the agreement. Repurchase agreements are limited to 50% of the Fund's assets. Cash held for securities sold by the Fund are not included in the Fund's assets when making this calculation.
The Fund expects to use leverage through the issuance of preferred shares and/or through borrowings, including the issuance of debt securities. The Fund intends to use leverage initially of up to 33% of its total assets (including the amount obtained from leverage). The Fund generally will not use leverage if Clough anticipates that it would result in a lower return to Common Shareholders for any significant amount of time. The Fund also may borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes, including the payment of dividends and the settlement of securities transactions, which otherwise might require untimely dispositions of Fund securities.
Changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio (including investments bought with the proceeds of the preferred shares offering or borrowing program) will be borne entirely by the Common Shareholders. If there is a net decrease (or increase) in the value of the Fund's investment portfolio, the leverage will decrease (or increase) the net asset value per share to a greater extent than if the Fund were not leveraged. During periods in which the Fund is using leverage, the fees paid to Clough for investment advisory services and to ALPS for administrative services will be higher than if the Fund did not use leverage because the fees paid will be calculated on the basis of the Fund's total assets, including proceeds from borrowings and the issuance of preferred shares, which may create an incentive to leverage the Fund. As discussed under "Description of Capital StructurePreferred Shares," the Fund's issuance of preferred shares may alter the voting power of Common Shareholders.
Capital raised through leverage will be subject to dividend or interest payments, which may exceed the income and appreciation on the assets purchased. The issuance of preferred shares or entering into a borrowing program involves expenses and other costs and may limit the Fund's freedom to pay dividends on Common Shares or to engage in other activities. The issuance of a class of preferred shares or incurrence of borrowings having priority over the Fund's Common Shares creates an opportunity for greater return per Common Share, but at the same time such leveraging is a speculative technique in that it will increase the Fund's exposure to capital risk. Unless the income and appreciation, if any, on assets acquired with leverage proceeds exceed the associated costs of such preferred shares or borrowings (and other Fund expenses), the use of leverage will diminish the investment performance of the Fund's Common Shares compared with what it would have been without leverage. See "Risk FactorsLeverage Risk."
The Fund may be subject to certain restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one or more rating agencies that may issue ratings for any preferred shares issued by the Fund and by borrowing program covenants. These guidelines and covenants may impose asset coverage or Fund composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will significantly impede Clough from managing the Fund's portfolio in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies.
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to issue preferred shares unless immediately after such issuance the value of the total assets of the Fund's portfolio is at least 200% of the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares ( i.e. , such liquidation value may not exceed 50% of the
35
Fund's total assets). In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on its Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the net asset value of the Fund's portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution) is at least 200% of such liquidation value. If preferred shares are issued, the Fund intends, to the extent possible, to purchase or redeem preferred shares, from time to time, to maintain coverage of any preferred shares of at least 200%. Though the Fund may issue preferred shares amounting to 50% leverage, it does not intend to exceed 33% leverage, at which point there will be an asset coverage of 303%. The holders of the Common Shares will elect each of the eight Trustees of the Fund in accordance with the Fund's Declaration of Trust. If the Fund issues preferred shares, the holders of the preferred shares will elect two of the Trustees of the Fund. In the event the Fund failed to pay dividends on its preferred shares for two years, preferred shareholders would be entitled to elect a majority of the Trustees until the dividends are paid.
To qualify for federal income taxation as a "regulated investment company," the Fund must distribute in each taxable year at least 90% of its net investment income (including net interest income and net short-term gain). The Fund also will be required to distribute annually substantially all of its income and capital gain, if any, to avoid imposition of a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax.
The Fund's willingness to issue new securities for investment purposes, and the amount the Fund will issue, will depend on many factors, the most important of which are market conditions and interest rates. Successful use of a leveraging strategy may depend on Clough's ability to predict correctly interest rates and market movements, and there is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed.
Assuming the utilization of leverage in the amount of 33% of the Fund's total assets, and an annual dividend rate on preferred shares of 4.35% payable on such leverage based on market rates as of the date of this prospectus, the additional income that the Fund must earn (net of expenses) in order to cover such dividend payments is 1.53%. The annual dividend rate on preferred shares of 4.35% is based on current interest rates. The Fund's actual cost of leverage will be based on market rates at the time the Fund undertakes a leveraging strategy, and such actual cost of leverage may be higher or lower than that assumed in the previous example.
The following table is designed to illustrate the effect on the return to a holder of the Fund's Common Shares of leverage in the amount of approximately 33% of the Fund's total assets, assuming hypothetical annual returns of the Fund's portfolio of minus 10% to plus 10%. As the table shows, leverage generally increases the return to Common Shareholders when portfolio return is positive and greater than the cost of leverage and decreases the return when the portfolio return is negative or less than the cost of leverage. The figures appearing in the table are hypothetical and actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table.
Assumed portfolio return (net of expenses) | (10) | % | (5) | % | 0 | % | 5 | % | 10 | % | |
Corresponding Common Share return | (17) | % | (10) | % | (2) | % | 5 | % | 13 | % |
In addition to the issuance of preferred shares, the Fund may use a variety of additional strategies that would be viewed as potentially adding leverage to the portfolio, subject to rating agency limitations. These include the sale of credit default swap contracts and the use of other derivative instruments and, prior to the issuance of preferred shares, reverse repurchase agreements. By adding additional leverage, these strategies have the potential to increase returns to Common Shareholders, but also involve additional risks. Additional leverage will increase the volatility of the Fund's investment portfolio and could result in larger losses than if the strategies were not used. However, to the extent that the Fund enters into offsetting transactions or owns positions covering its obligations, the leveraging effect is expected to be minimized or eliminated.
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During the time in which the Fund is utilizing leverage, the fees paid to Clough and the Administrator for services will be higher than if the Fund did not utilize leverage because the fees paid will be calculated based on the Fund's total assets. Only the Fund's holders of Common Shares bear the cost of the Fund's fees and expenses.
Until the Fund issues preferred shares or incurs borrowings, the Common Shares will not be leveraged, and the risks and special considerations related to leverage described in this prospectus will not apply. Such leveraging of the Common Shares cannot be achieved until the proceeds resulting from the use of leverage have been invested in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies.
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Investing in the Fund involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment or that you may lose part or all of your investment. Therefore, before investing you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Non-Diversified Status
As a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not limited in the proportion of its assets that may be invested in securities of a single issuer, and accordingly, may invest a greater portion of its assets in a more limited number of issuers than a diversified fund. However, the Fund intends to conduct its operations so as to qualify as a regulated investment company for purposes of the Code, which generally will relieve the Fund of any liability for federal income tax to the extent its earnings are distributed to shareholders. See "Taxes" in the Statement of Additional Information. To so qualify, among other requirements, the Fund will limit its investments so that at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the market value of the Fund's total assets is invested in the securities of any issuer (other than U.S. government securities and the securities of other regulated investment companies) or of any two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses. Because the Fund, as a non-diversified investment company, may invest in a smaller number of individual issuers than a diversified investment company, an investment in the Fund may, under certain circumstances, present greater risk to an investor than an investment in a diversified company because changes in the financial condition or market assessment of a single issuer may cause greater fluctuations in the Fund's net asset value.
No Operating History
The Fund is a closed-end investment company with no history of operations and is designed for long-term investors and not as a trading vehicle.
Key Adviser Personnel Risk
The Fund's ability to identify and invest in attractive opportunities is dependent upon Clough, its investment adviser. If one or more key individuals leaves Clough, Clough may not be able to hire qualified replacements, or may require an extended time to do so. This could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective.
Investment and Market Risk
An investment in Common Shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested. An investment in Common Shares represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund, which are generally traded on a 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. The Common Shares at any point in time may be worth less than the original investment, even after taking into account any reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
Issuer Risk
The value of an issuer's securities may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer's goods and services.
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Common Stock Risk
To the extent the Fund invests in common stocks, those investments will be subject to special risks. Although common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in returns. Common stocks may be more susceptible to adverse changes in market value due to issuer specific events or general movements in the equities markets. A drop in the stock market may depress the price of common stocks held by the Fund. Common stock prices fluctuate for many reasons, including changes in investors' perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market, or the occurrence of political or economic events affecting issuers. For example, an adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of common stock in which the Fund has invested; the price of common stock of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market; or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common stocks held by the Fund. Also, common stock of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. The common stocks in which the Fund will invest are structurally subordinated to preferred securities, bonds and other debt instruments in a company's capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income and assets, and therefore will be subject to greater risk than the preferred securities or debt instruments of such issuers. In addition, common stock prices may be sensitive to rising interest rates, as the costs of capital rise and borrowing costs increase.
Debt Securities Risk
In addition to credit risk, investment in debt securities carries certain risks including:
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that preferred stocks paying fixed dividend rates and fixed-rate debt securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. When interest rates rise the market value of such securities generally will fall. The Fund's investment in preferred stocks and fixed-rate debt securities means that the net asset value and price of the Common Shares may decline if market interest rates rise. Interest rates are currently low relative to historic levels. During periods of declining interest rates, an issuer of preferred stock or fixed-rate debt securities may exercise its option to redeem or prepay securities prior to maturity, which could result in the Fund's having to reinvest in lower yielding debt securities or other types of securities. This is known as call or prepayment risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected payments. This may lock in a below market yield, increase the security's duration, and reduce the value of the security. This is known as extension risk. Investments in debt securities with long-term maturities may experience significant price declines if long-term interest rates increase. This is known as maturity risk. The value of the Fund's common stock investments may also be influenced by changes in interest rates.
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Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk that an issuer of a preferred or debt security will become unable to meet its obligation to make dividend, interest and principal payments. In general, lower rated preferred or debt securities carry a greater degree of credit risk. If rating agencies lower their ratings of preferred or debt securities in the Fund's portfolio, the value of those obligations could decline. In addition, the underlying revenue source for a preferred or debt security may be insufficient to pay dividends, interest or principal in a timely manner. Because a significant primary source of income for the Fund is the dividend, interest and principal payments on the preferred or debt securities in which it invests, any default by an issuer of a preferred or debt security could have a negative impact on the Fund's ability to pay dividends on Common Shares. Even if the issuer does not actually default, adverse changes in the issuer's financial condition may negatively affect its credit rating or presumed creditworthiness. These developments would adversely affect the market value of the issuer's obligations or the value of credit derivatives if the Fund has sold credit protection.
Preferred Securities Risk
In addition to credit risk, investment in preferred securities carries certain risks including:
Non-Investment Grade Securities Risk
The Fund's investments in preferred stocks and bonds of below investment grade quality (commonly referred to as "high yield" or "junk bonds"), if any, are predominantly speculative because of the credit risk of their issuers. While offering a greater potential opportunity for capital appreciation and higher yields, preferred stocks and bonds of below investment grade quality entail greater potential price volatility and may be less liquid than higher-rated securities. Issuers of below investment grade quality preferred stocks and bonds are more likely to default on their payments of dividends/interest and liquidation value/principal owed to the Fund, and such defaults will reduce the Fund's net asset value and income distributions. The prices of these lower quality preferred stocks and bonds are more sensitive to negative developments than higher rated securities. Adverse business conditions, such as a decline in the issuer's revenues or an economic downturn, generally lead to a higher non-payment rate. In addition, such a security may lose significant value before a default occurs as the market adjusts to expected higher non-payment rates. The Fund will not invest more than 20% of its total assets in securities rated below investment grade. The foregoing credit quality policy applies only at the time a
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security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of securities already owned by the Fund in the event of a change in assessment of credit quality or the removal of a rating.
Foreign Securities Risk
The Fund's investments in securities of foreign issuers are subject to risks not usually associated with owning securities of U.S. issuers. These risks can include fluctuations in foreign currencies, foreign currency exchange controls, social, political and economic instability, differences in securities regulation and trading, expropriation or nationalization of assets, and foreign taxation issues. In addition, changes in government administrations or economic or monetary policies in the United States or abroad could result in appreciation or depreciation of the Fund's securities. It may also be more difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment against a foreign issuer. Any foreign investments made by the Fund must be made in compliance with U.S. and foreign currency restrictions and tax laws restricting the amounts and types of foreign investments. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its assets, at the time of acquisition, in securities (including equity and fixed income securities) of governments and companies in emerging markets. However, the Fund has no other investment restrictions with respect to investing in foreign issuers.
Emerging Markets Risk
Investing in securities of issuers based in underdeveloped emerging markets entails all of the risks of investing in securities of foreign issuers to a heightened degree. These heightened risks include: (i) greater risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization, and less social, political and economic stability; (ii) the smaller size of the market for such securities and a lower volume of trading, resulting in lack of liquidity and in price volatility; and (iii) certain national policies that may restrict the Fund's investment opportunities including restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests.
Derivatives Risk
Derivative transactions (such as futures contracts and options thereon, options, swaps and short sales) subject the Fund to increased risk of principal loss due to imperfect correlation or unexpected price or interest rate movements. The Fund also will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to the derivatives contracts purchased by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. As a general matter, dividends received on hedged stock positions are characterized as ordinary income and are not eligible for favorable tax treatment. In addition, use of derivatives may give rise to short-term capital gains and other income that would not qualify for payments by the Fund of tax-advantaged dividends.
Hedging Strategy Risk
Certain of the investment techniques that the Fund may employ for hedging or, under certain circumstances, to increase income or total return will expose the Fund to risks. In addition to the hedging techniques described elsewhere ( i.e. , positions in Treasury Bond or Treasury Note futures contracts, use of options on these positions, positions in interest rate swaps, swaptions and credit derivatives), such investment techniques may include entering into interest rate and stock index futures contracts and options on interest rate and stock index futures contracts, purchasing and selling put and call options on securities and stock indices, purchasing and selling securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, entering into repurchase agreements, lending portfolio securities and making short sales of securities "against the box." The Fund intends to comply with regulations of the
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Securities and Exchange Commission involving "covering" or segregating assets in connection with the Fund's use of options and futures contracts.
There are economic costs of hedging reflected in the pricing of futures, swaps, options, and swaption contracts which can be significant, particularly when long-term interest rates are substantially above short-term interest rates, as is the case at present. The desirability of moderating these hedging costs will be a factor in Clough's choice of hedging strategies, although costs will not be the exclusive consideration in selecting hedge instruments. In addition, the Fund may select individual investments based upon their potential for appreciation without regard to the effect on current income, in an attempt to mitigate the impact on the Fund's assets of the expected normal cost of hedging.
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 hedge instruments is subject to Clough's ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedge instruments to the Fund's portfolio holdings, and there can be no assurance that Clough's judgment in this respect will be accurate. 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.
Small and Medium Cap Company Risk
Compared to investment companies that focus only on large capitalization companies, the Fund's share price may be more volatile because it also invests in small and medium capitalization companies. Compared to large companies, small and medium capitalization companies are more likely to have (i) more limited product lines or markets and less mature businesses, (ii) fewer capital resources, (iii) more limited management depth and (iv) shorter operating histories. Further, compared to large cap stocks, the securities of small and medium capitalization companies are more likely to experience sharper swings in market values, be harder to sell at times and at prices that Clough believes appropriate, and offer greater potential for gains and losses.
Inflation Risk
Inflation risk is the risk that the purchasing power of assets or income from investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Common Shares and distributions thereon can decline. In addition, during any periods of rising inflation, dividend rates of preferred shares of the Fund would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to Common Shareholders.
Market Price of Shares
The shares of closed-end management investment companies often trade at a discount from their net asset value, and the Fund's Common Shares may likewise trade at a discount from net asset value. The trading price of the Fund's Common Shares may be less than the public offering price. The returns earned by Common Shareholders who sell their Common Shares below net asset value will be reduced.
Management Risk
The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. Clough and the individual portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results.
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Leverage Risk
Leverage creates risks for the Common Shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of the Common Shares. There is a risk that fluctuations in the dividend rates on any preferred shares may adversely affect the return to the Common Shareholders. If the income from the securities purchased with such funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, the return on the Fund will be less than if leverage had not been used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to Common Shareholders as dividends and other distributions will be reduced and may not satisfy the level dividend rate distribution policy set by the Board of Trustees. Clough in its best judgment nevertheless may determine to maintain the Fund's leveraged position if it deems such action to be appropriate in the circumstances.
Liquidity Risk
Restricted securities and other illiquid investments of the Fund involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by Clough or at prices approximating the value at which the Fund is carrying the securities. Where registration is required to sell a security, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between 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 prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities for which no market exists and other illiquid investments are valued at fair value as determined in accordance with procedures approved and periodically reviewed by the Trustees of the Fund.
Market Disruption
The terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001 had a disruptive effect on the securities markets. The Fund cannot predict the effects of similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets. These terrorist attacks and related events, including the war in Iraq, have led to increased short-term market volatility and may have long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets. A similar disruption of the financial markets could impact interest rates, secondary trading, credit risk, inflation and other factors relating to the Common Shares.
Income Risk
The income Common Shareholders receive from the Fund is based primarily on the dividends and interest it earns from its investments, which can vary widely over the short and long term. If prevailing market interest rates drop, distribution rates of the Fund's preferred stock holdings and any bond holdings and Common Shareholder's income from the Fund could drop as well. The Fund's income also would likely be affected adversely when prevailing short-term interest rates increase and the Fund is utilizing leverage.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
The Fund's Declaration of Trust includes provisions that could have the effect of inhibiting the Fund's possible conversion to open-end status and limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or the Board of Trustees. In certain circumstances, these provisions might also inhibit the ability of shareholders to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices. See "Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Declaration of Trust."
Portfolio Turnover Risk
The techniques and strategies contemplated by the Fund might result in a high degree of portfolio turnover. The Fund cannot accurately predict its securities portfolio turnover rate, but anticipates that
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its annual portfolio turnover rate will not exceed 100% under normal market conditions, although it could be materially higher under certain conditions. Higher portfolio turnover rates could result in corresponding increases in brokerage commissions and generate short-term capital gains taxable as ordinary income.
Convertible Securities Risk
The value of a convertible security is a function of its "investment value" (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its "conversion value" (the security's worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors may also have an effect on the convertible security's investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally, the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.
A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing instrument. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Any of these actions could have an adverse effect on the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
REIT Risk
If the Fund invests in REITs, such investment will subject the Fund to various risks. The first, real estate industry risk, is the risk that the REIT share prices will decline because of adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. In general, real estate values can be affected by a variety of factors, including supply and demand for properties, the economic health of the country or of different regions, and the strength of specific industries that rent properties. The second, investment style risk, is the risk that returns from REITs, which typically are small or medium capitalization stocks, will trail returns from the overall stock market. The third, interest rate risk, is the risk that changes in interest rates may hurt real estate values or make REIT shares less attractive than other income producing investments.
Qualification as a REIT in any particular year is a complex analysis that depends on a number of factors. There can be no assurance that the entities in which the Fund invests with the expectation that they will be taxed as a REIT will qualify as a REIT. An entity that fails to qualify as a REIT, would be subject to a corporate level tax, would not be entitled to a deduction for dividends paid to its shareholders and would not pass through to its shareholders the character of income earned by the entity. If the Fund were to invest in an entity that failed to qualify as a REIT, such failure could drastically reduce the Fund's yield on that investment.
The Fund does not expect to invest a significant portion of its assets in REITs but does not have any investment restrictions with respect to such investments.
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Trustees And Officers
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall management of the Fund, including supervision of the duties performed by Clough. There are eight trustees of the Fund. Two of the trustees are "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund. The trustees will select a Chairperson. The name and business address of the trustees and officers of the Fund and their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years are set forth under "Trustees and Officers" in the Statement of Additional Information.
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently re-adopted rules requiring investment companies to establish boards where 75% of the trustees are independent of the Fund and where the Chairperson is also independent. The Fund intends to replace the Chairperson within the time period established by the Securities and Exchange Commission and in accordance with the 1940 Act, the Declaration of Trust and applicable state law. The Fund plans to take these actions within the time period established by the Securities and Exchange Commission and in accordance with the 1940 Act, the Declaration of Trust and applicable state law.
Investment Adviser
Clough Capital Partners L.P., located at One Post Office Square, Suite 4000, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Clough is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Clough began conducting business in 2000 and had over $1.5 billion under management as of December 31, 2005. Clough is a Delaware limited partnership organized on September 27, 1999.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, Clough has agreed to provide a continuous investment program for the Fund, including investment research and management with respect to the assets of the Fund. Clough is entitled to receive a monthly fee at the annual rate of 1.00% of the average daily total assets of the Fund.
Under its arrangements with other funds that it manages, Clough receives a portion of the appreciation of such funds' portfolios. This may create an incentive for Clough to allocate attractive investment opportunities to such funds. However, Clough has procedures designed to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner.
Charles I. Clough, Jr., Eric A. Brock and James E. Canty are the Fund's portfolio managers (collectively, the "Portfolio Managers"). In carrying out their responsibilities for the management of the Fund's portfolio of securities, the Portfolio Managers allocate these securities into sectors. Each Portfolio Manager has primary responsibility for certain sectors, but the Portfolio Managers generally consult each other with respect to significant investment decisions. In cases where the Portfolio Managers are not in agreement with regard to an investment decision, Mr. Clough has ultimate authority to decide the matter.
The Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about the compensation of the Portfolio Managers, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers and the Portfolio Managers' ownership of the securities of the Fund.
Charles I. Clough, Jr.
Charles I. Clough, Jr. has been active in the securities and investment business for over 35 years. His experience covers most analytical functions from research analyst to portfolio management. In January 2000, Mr. Clough founded Clough Capital Partners L.P., which began serving as investment
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adviser for two U.S. hedge funds on March 1, 2000. From 1987 through January 2000, Mr. Clough was Chief Investment Strategist at Merrill Lynch, where he was responsible for directing the global investment strategy research effort for one of the world's largest investment firms. Using a theme-based investment approach, Mr. Clough advised many of the world's top institutions and investors on portfolio strategy. He was named to the Institutional Investor All-America Research Team for 12 consecutive years and earned first place rankings on three separate occasions. Mr. Clough has been consistently recognized as a top strategist in areas such as U.S. equities, global investments and fixed income.
Prior to his tenure at Merrill Lynch, Mr. Clough was Director of Investment Policy and Chief Strategist at Cowen & Co. Previously, he had been Director of Research and Portfolio Manager at The Boston Company, Portfolio Manger at Colonial Management Associates and Vice President and Senior Research Analyst for Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and Alliance Capital Management Company. Mr. Clough serves on the boards of a number of educational, hospital and charitable institutions, including his alma mater, Boston College and the Yawkey Foundation, where he currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He is also an ordained Deacon in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston and serves in that capacity at his local parish in Concord, Massachusetts. Mr. Clough graduated magna cum laude in history from Boston College and earned an MBA at the University of Chicago.
Eric A. Brock
Eric A. Brock is a founding partner of Clough Capital Partners L.P. Mr. Brock worked from 1997 to 2000 as an investment banker in the Leveraged Finance Group of Bear Stearns & Co. Inc. ("Bear Stearns"). While at Bear Stearns, Mr. Brock was responsible for raising growth capital (primarily through the issuance of high yield securities) for a number of companies in a variety of industries, including media, telecommunications, health care, and natural resources. His activities at Bear Stearns included structuring and financing mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Brock worked as a certified public accountant at Ernst & Young LLP (1992-1995). He holds an MBA with concentrations in finance and economics from the University of Chicago where he graduated with honors in 1997 and a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Boston College in 1992. Mr. Brock is a son-in-law of Mr. Clough.
James E. Canty
James E. Canty is a founding partner of Clough Capital Partners L.P. In addition to his investment duties, Mr. Canty also serves as Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel for Clough Capital Partners L.P. Prior to this, Mr. Canty worked as an attorney from 1990 to 2000 specializing in the areas of corporate and securities law. Mr. Canty has worked as a corporate and securities lawyer and Director of Investor Relations for Converse Inc. (1995-2000), and as a corporate and securities lawyer for the Boston offices of Goldstein & Manello, P.C. (1993-1994) and Bingham, Dana and Gould (1990-1993). In addition, Mr. Canty served as an Adjunct Professor at Northeastern University from 1996-2000. Mr. Canty worked as a certified public accountant at KPMG Peat Marwick from 1984 through 1987. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University where he graduated with honors in 1990 and a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from St. Bonaventure University where he graduated with honors in 1984. Mr. Canty is a member of the Bar in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Mr. Canty is a son-in-law of Mr. Clough.
Administrator
ALPS, located at 1625 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, Colorado 80202, serves as administrator to the Fund. As sponsor and a promoter of the Fund, ALPS has control over the Fund and is thus an "interested person" of the Fund for purposes of the 1940 Act. Under the Administration Agreement, ALPS is responsible for calculating the net asset value of the Common Shares, and generally managing
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the business affairs of the Fund. The Administration Agreement between the Fund and ALPS provides that ALPS will pay all expenses incurred by the Fund, with the exception of advisory fees, trustees' fees, portfolio transactions expenses, litigation expenses, taxes, costs of preferred shares, expenses of conducting repurchase offers for the purpose of repurchasing Fund shares and extraordinary expenses. ALPS is entitled to receive a monthly fee at the annual rate of .32% of the Fund's average daily total assets.
Estimated Expenses
Clough and ALPS are each obligated to pay expenses associated with providing the services contemplated by the agreements to which they are parties, including compensation of and office space for their respective officers and employees connected with investment and economic research, trading and investment management and administration of the Fund. Clough and ALPS are each obligated to pay the fees of any Trustee of the Fund who is affiliated with it. ALPS will pay all expenses incurred by the Fund, with the exception of organizational costs (to be paid by both ALPS and Clough) and offering costs in excess of $.04 per Common Share (to be paid by both ALPS and Clough), advisory fees, trustees' fees, interest expenses (including preferred dividends paid by the Fund), if any, portfolio transaction expenses, litigation expenses, taxes, costs of preferred shares (which include the operational costs of leverage, such as broker fees, legal fees and rating agency fees), expenses of conducting repurchase offers for the purpose of repurchasing Fund shares and extraordinary expenses. The fees and expenses incident to the offering and issuance of Common Shares to be issued by the Fund (which include certain partial reimbursement of expenses of the underwriters) will be recorded as a reduction of capital of the Fund attributable to the Common Shares. Such fees and expenses constitute underwriting compensation and are a component of the total compensation to underwriters. See "Underwriting."
On the basis of the anticipated size of the Fund immediately following the offering, assuming no exercise of the overallotment option, ALPS estimates that the Fund's annual operating expenses will be approximately $ . No assurance can be given, in light of the Fund's investment objectives and policies, however, that actual annual operating expenses will not be substantially more or less than this estimate.
Costs incurred in connection with the organization of the Fund, estimated at $ , will be borne evenly by ALPS and Clough. Offering expenses relating to the Fund's Common Shares (other than the sales load, but inclusive of the reimbursement of underwriter expenses of $ per Common Share), estimated at $ , that do not exceed $.04 per Common Share (the "Reimbursement Cap") will be payable upon completion of the offering of Common Shares and will be charged to capital upon the commencement of investment operations of the Fund. To the extent the Fund has not otherwise paid offering expenses equal to the Reimbursement Cap, the Fund will pay up to .10% of the amount of the offering up to the Reimbursement Cap to ALPS Distributors, Inc. as payment for its distribution assistance. The reduction of capital described above is limited to $.04 per Common Share (.20% of the offering price). ALPS and Clough will pay any offering fees and expenses that exceed the Reimbursement Cap.
The Advisory Agreement authorizes Clough to select brokers or dealers (including affiliates) to arrange for the purchase and sale of Fund securities, including principal transactions. Any commission, fee or other remuneration paid to an affiliated broker or dealer is paid in compliance with the Fund's procedures adopted in accordance with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act.
The net asset value per Common Share of the Fund is determined no less frequently than daily, on each day that the American Stock Exchange is open for trading, as of the close of regular trading on
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the American Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. New York time). Trading may take place in foreign issues held by the Fund at times when the Fund is not open for business. As a result, the Fund's net asset value may change at times when it is not possible to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. ALPS calculates the Fund's net asset value per Common Share by dividing the value of the Fund's total assets (the value of the securities the Fund holds plus cash or other assets, including interest accrued but not yet received), less accrued expenses of the Fund, less the Fund's other liabilities (including dividends payable, any borrowings and the liquidation preference of any preferred shares issued by the Fund) and less the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred shares by the total number of Common Shares outstanding. Valuations of certain securities held by the Fund may be made by a third-party pricing service.
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 or if market prices may be unreliable because of events occurring after the close of trading, 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 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 consolidated tape at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities. Securities trading on the NASDAQ are valued at the closing price.
Readily marketable securities traded in the over-the-counter market, including listed securities whose primary market is believed by Clough 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 Board of 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. Instruments with maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates value unless the Board of Trustees determine that under particular circumstances such method does not result in fair value.
The Fund intends to make a level dividend distribution each quarter to Common Shareholders after payment of interest on any outstanding borrowings or dividends on any outstanding preferred shares. The level dividend rate may be modified by the Board of Trustees from time to time. If, for any quarterly distribution, net investment company taxable income, if any (which term includes net short-term capital gain) and net tax-exempt income, if any, is less than the amount of the distribution, the difference will generally be a tax-free return of capital distributed from the Fund's assets. The Fund's final distribution for each calendar year will include any remaining net investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt income undistributed during the year, as well as all net capital gain realized during the year. If the total distributions made in any calendar year exceed net investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt income and net capital gain, such excess distributed amount
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would be treated as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions in excess of the earnings and profits would first be a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the adjusted tax basis in the shares. After such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, the distribution would constitute capital gain (assuming the shares are held as capital assets). This distribution policy may, under certain circumstances, have certain adverse consequences to the Fund and its shareholders because it may result in a return of capital resulting in less of a shareholder's assets being invested in the Fund and, over time, increase the Fund's expense ratio. The distribution policy also may cause the Fund to sell a security at a time it would not otherwise do so in order to manage the distribution of income and gain. The initial distribution is expected to be declared approximately days after the completion of this offering and paid on or about , 2006, depending on market conditions.
The Fund has applied to the Securities and Exchange Commission for an exemption from Section 19(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder permitting the Fund to make periodic distributions of long-term capital gains, provided that the distribution policy of the Fund with respect to its Common Shares calls for periodic ( e.g. , quarterly/monthly) distributions in an amount equal to a fixed percentage of the Fund's average net asset value over a specified period of time or market price per common share at or about the time of distribution or pay-out of a level dollar amount. The exemption also would permit the Fund to make distributions with respect to any preferred shares that may be issued by the Fund in accordance with such shares' terms. No assurance can be given that the Securities and Exchange Commission will grant the exemption to the Fund. The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has indicated that it has suspended the processing of exemptive applications requesting the type of relief referenced above, pending review by the staff of the results of an industry-wide Securities and Exchange Commission inspection focusing on the dividend practices of closed-end investment companies. There can be no assurance as to when that review might be completed or whether, following that review, the staff would process such applications or grant such relief.
The level dividend distribution described above would result in the payment of approximately the same amount or percentage to Common Shareholders each quarter. Section 19(a) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19a-1 thereunder require the Fund to provide a written statement accompanying any such payment that adequately discloses its source or sources. Thus, if the source of the dividend or other distribution were the original capital contribution of the Common Shareholder, and the payment amounted to a return of capital, the Fund would be required to provide written disclosure to that effect. Nevertheless, persons who periodically receive the payment of a dividend or other distribution may be under the impression that they are receiving net profits when they are not. Common Shareholders should read any written disclosure provided pursuant to Section 19(a) and Rule 19a-1 carefully, and should not assume that the source of any distribution from the Fund is net profit. In addition, in cases where the Fund would return capital to Common Shareholders, such distribution may impact the Fund's ability to maintain its asset coverage requirements and to pay the interest on any preferred shares that the Fund may issue, if ever.
Unless the registered owner of Common Shares elects to receive cash by contacting The Bank of New York (the "Plan Administrator"), all dividends declared on Common Shares will be automatically reinvested by the Plan Administrator for shareholders in the Fund's Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan"), in additional Common Shares. Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all dividends and other distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record (or, if the Common Shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee) by The Bank of New York as dividend disbursing agent. You may elect not to participate in the Plan and to receive all dividends in cash by contacting The Bank of New York, as dividend disbursing agent, at
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the address set forth below. Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by notice if received and processed by the Plan Administrator prior to the dividend record date; otherwise such termination or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently declared dividend or other distribution. Some brokers may automatically elect to receive cash on your behalf and may re-invest that cash in additional Common Shares for you. If you wish for all dividends declared on your Common Shares to be automatically reinvested pursuant to the Plan, please contact your broker.
The Plan Administrator will open an account for each Common Shareholder under the Plan in the same name in which such Common Shareholder's Common Shares are registered. Whenever the Fund declares a dividend or other distribution (together, a "Dividend") payable in cash, non-participants in the Plan will receive cash and participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in Common Shares. The Common Shares will be acquired by the Plan Administrator for the participants' accounts, depending upon the circumstances described below, either (i) through receipt of additional unissued but authorized Common Shares from the Fund ("Newly Issued Common Shares") or (ii) by purchase of outstanding Common Shares on the open market ("Open-Market Purchases") on the American Stock Exchange or elsewhere. If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the closing market price plus estimated brokerage commissions per Common Share is equal to or greater than the net asset value per Common Share, the Plan Administrator will invest the Dividend amount in Newly Issued Common Shares on behalf of the participants. The number of Newly Issued Common Shares to be credited to each participant's account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the Dividend by the net asset value per Common Share on the payment date; provided that, if the net asset value is less than or equal to 95% of the closing market value on the payment date, the dollar amount of the Dividend will be divided by 95% of the closing market price per Common Share on the payment date. If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the net asset value per Common Share is greater than the closing market value plus estimated brokerage commissions, the Plan Administrator will invest the Dividend amount in Common Shares acquired on behalf of the participants in Open-Market Purchases. In the event of a market discount on the payment date for any Dividend, the Plan Administrator will have until the last business day before the next date on which the Common Shares trade on an "ex-dividend" basis or 30 days after the payment date for such Dividend, whichever is sooner (the "Last Purchase Date"), to invest the Dividend amount in Common Shares acquired in Open-Market Purchases. It is contemplated that the Fund will pay quarterly income Dividends. If, before the Plan Administrator has completed its Open-Market Purchases, the market price per Common Share exceeds the net asset value per Common Share, the average per Common Share purchase price paid by the Plan Administrator may exceed the net asset value of the Common Shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer Common Shares than if the Dividend had been paid in Newly Issued Common Shares on the Dividend payment date. Because of the foregoing difficulty with respect to Open-Market Purchases, the Plan provides that if the Plan Administrator is unable to invest the full Dividend amount in Open-Market Purchases during the purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Administrator may cease making Open-Market Purchases and may invest the uninvested portion of the Dividend amount in Newly Issued Common Shares at the net asset value per Common Share at the close of business on the Last Purchase Date provided that, if the net asset value is less than or equal to 95% of the then current market price per Common Share, the dollar amount of the Dividend will be divided by 95% of the market price on the payment date for purposes of determining the number of shares issuable under the Plan.
The Plan Administrator maintains all shareholders' accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by shareholders for tax records. Common Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Administrator on behalf of the Plan participant, and each shareholder proxy will include those shares purchased or received pursuant to the Plan. The Plan Administrator will forward all proxy solicitation materials to
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participants and vote proxies for shares held under the Plan in accordance with the instructions of the participants.
In the case of Common Shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees which hold shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan Administrator will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of Common Shares certified from time to time by the record shareholder's name and held for the account of beneficial owners who participate in the Plan.
There will be no brokerage charges with respect to Common Shares issued directly by the Fund. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred in connection with Open-Market Purchases. The automatic reinvestment of Dividends will not relieve participants of any federal, state or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such Dividends. See "Federal Income Tax Matters." Participants that request a sale of Common Shares through the Plan Administrator are subject to brokerage commissions.
The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan. There is no direct service charge to participants with regard to purchases in the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants.
All correspondence or questions concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Administrator, The Bank of New York, 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286, 20th Floor, Transfer Agent Services, (800) 433-8191.
The following is a summary discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a Common Shareholder that acquires, holds and/or disposes of Common Shares of the Fund, and reflects provisions of the Code, existing Treasury regulations, rulings published by the IRS, and other applicable authority, as of the date of this prospectus. These authorities are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, possibly with retroactive effect. The following discussion is only a summary of some of the important tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Fund and the discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. For more detailed information regarding tax considerations, see the Statement of Additional Information. There may be other tax considerations applicable to particular investors. In addition, income earned through an investment in the Fund may be subject to state, local and foreign taxes.
The Fund intends to elect to be treated and to qualify each year for taxation as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. In order for the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company, it must meet an income and asset diversification test each year. If the Fund so qualifies and satisfies certain distribution requirements, the Fund (but not its shareholders) will not be subject to federal income tax to the extent it distributes its investment company taxable income and net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss) in a timely manner to its shareholders in the form of dividends or capital gain distributions.
The Fund intends to make quarterly distributions of net investment income after payment of dividends on any outstanding preferred shares or interest on any outstanding borrowings. Unless a shareholder is ineligible to participate or elects otherwise, all distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares of the Fund pursuant to the Plan. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, all dividends are generally taxable whether a shareholder takes them in cash or they are reinvested pursuant to the Plan in additional shares of the Fund. Distributions of the Fund's investment company taxable income will generally be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions of the Fund's net capital gains ("capital gain dividends"), if any, are taxable to Common Shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time Common Shares have been held by Common Shareholders. Distributions, if any, in
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excess of the Fund's earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder's Common Shares and, after that basis has been reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to the Common Shareholder (assuming the Common Shares are held as a capital asset). See below for a summary of the maximum tax rates applicable to capital gains (including capital gain dividends). A corporation that owns Fund shares generally will not be entitled to the dividends received deduction with respect to all the dividends it receives from the Fund. Fund dividend payments that are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Fund from certain domestic corporations may be designated by the Fund as being eligible for the dividends received deduction. There can be no assurance as to what portion of Fund dividend payments may be classified as qualifying dividends. With respect to the quarterly distributions of net investment income described above, it may be the case that any "level load" distributions would result in a return of capital to the Common Shareholders. The determination of the character for U.S. federal income tax purposes of any distribution from the Fund ( i.e. ordinary income dividends, capital gains dividends, qualified dividends, return of capital distributions) will be made as of the end of the Fund's taxable year. Generally, no later than 60 days after the close of its taxable year, the Fund will provide shareholders with a written notice designating the amount of any capital gain distributions or other distributions. See "Distributions" for a more complete description of such returns and the risks associated with them.
Under current law, certain income distributions paid by the Fund to individual taxpayers are taxed at rates equal to those applicable to net long-term capital gains (15%, or 5% for individuals in the 10% or 15% tax brackets). This tax treatment applies only if certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied by the Common Shareholder with respect to its shares of the Fund, and the dividends are attributable to qualified dividends received by the Fund itself. For this purpose, "qualified dividends" means dividends received by the Fund from certain United States corporations and qualifying foreign corporations, provided that the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the stock of such corporations. In the case of securities lending transactions, payments in lieu of dividends are not qualified dividends. Dividends received by the Fund from REITs are qualified dividends eligible for this lower tax rate only in limited circumstances. These special rules relating to the taxation of ordinary income dividends from regulated investment companies generally apply to taxable years beginning before January 1, 2009. Thereafter, the Fund's dividends, other than capital gain dividends, will be fully taxable at ordinary income tax rates unless further Congressional legislative action is taken.
A dividend paid by the Fund to a Common Shareholder will not be treated as qualified dividend income of the Common Shareholder if (1) the dividend is received with respect to any share held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, (2) to the extent that the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property or (3) if the recipient elects to have the dividend treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest.
Dividends and interest received, and gains realized, by the Fund on foreign securities may be subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions (collectively "foreign taxes") that would reduce the return on its securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States, however, may reduce or eliminate foreign taxes, and many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains in respect of investments by foreign investors. Since less than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year will consist of securities of foreign corporations, no foreign tax credit with respect to any foreign taxes paid by the Fund will pass through to its shareholders.
The Fund will inform Common Shareholders of the source and tax status of all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year.
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Selling Common Shareholders will generally recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the Common Shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares sold and the amount received. If the Common Shares are held as a capital asset, the gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss. Under current law, the maximum tax rate applicable to net capital gains recognized by individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers is (i) the same as the maximum ordinary income tax rate for gains recognized on the sale of capital assets held for one year or less or (ii) 15% for gains recognized on the sale of capital assets held for more than one year (as well as certain capital gain dividends) (5% for individuals in the 10% or 15% tax brackets). Any loss on a disposition of Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received with respect to those Common Shares. For purposes of determining whether Common Shares have been held for six months or less, the holding period is suspended for any periods during which the Common Shareholder's risk of loss is diminished as a result of holding one or more other positions in substantially similar or related property, or through certain options or short sales. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of Common Shares will be disallowed to the extent those Common Shares are replaced by other substantially identical shares within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition of the Common Shares (whether through the reinvestment of distributions, which could occur, for example, if the Common Shareholder is a participant in the Plan or otherwise). In that event, the basis of the replacement shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
An investor should be aware that, if Common Shares are purchased shortly before the record date for any taxable dividend (including a capital gain dividend), the purchase price likely will reflect the value of the dividend and the investor then would receive a taxable distribution likely to reduce the trading value of such Common Shares, in effect resulting in a taxable return of some of the purchase price. Taxable distributions to individuals and certain other non-corporate Common Shareholders, including those who have not provided their correct taxpayer identification number and other required certifications, may be subject to "backup" federal income tax withholding at the fourth lowest rate of tax applicable to a single individual (in 2006, 28%).
An investor should also be aware that the benefits of the reduced tax rate applicable to long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income may be impacted by the application of the alternative minimum tax to individual shareholders.
The Fund's investments in options, futures contracts, hedging transactions, forward contracts (to the extent permitted) and certain other transactions will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale, short sale and other rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer Fund losses, cause adjustments in the holding periods of securities held by the Fund, convert capital gain into ordinary income and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders. The Fund may be required to limit its activities in options and futures contracts in order to enable it to maintain its regulated investment company status.
The Fund's transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned.
The foregoing briefly summarizes some of the important federal income tax consequences to Common Shareholders of investing in Common Shares, reflects the federal tax law as of the date of this prospectus, and does not address special tax rules applicable to certain types of investors, such as corporate and foreign investors. Investors should consult their tax advisers regarding other federal, state or local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances, as well as any proposed tax law changes.
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The Fund is an unincorporated statutory trust established under the laws of the state of Delaware by a Certificate of Trust dated January 12, 2006, which became effective upon filing with the Secretary of State of Delaware on January 17, 2006. The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees of the Fund may authorize separate classes of shares of beneficial interest. The Trustees have authorized an unlimited number of Common Shares. The Fund intends to hold annual meetings of Common Shareholders in compliance with the requirements of the American Stock Exchange.
Common Shares
The Declaration of Trust permits the Fund to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional Common Shares of beneficial interest, no par value. Each Common Share represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets of the Fund with each other Common Share in the Fund. Holders of Common Shares will be entitled to the payment of dividends when, as and if declared by the Board of Trustees. The 1940 Act or the terms of any borrowings or preferred shares may limit the payment of dividends to the holders of Common Shares. Each whole Common Share shall be entitled to one vote as to matters on which it is entitled to vote pursuant to the terms of the Declaration of Trust on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Upon liquidation of the Fund, after paying or adequately providing for the payment of all liabilities of the Fund and the liquidation preference with respect to any outstanding preferred shares, and upon receipt of such releases, indemnities and refunding agreements as they deem necessary for their protection, the Trustees may distribute the remaining assets of the Fund among the Common Shareholders. The Declaration of Trust provides that Common Shareholders are not liable for any liabilities of the Fund. Although shareholders of an unincorporated statutory trust established under Delaware law, in certain limited circumstances, may be held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund as though they were general partners, the provisions of the Declaration of Trust described in the foregoing sentence make the likelihood of such personal liability remote.
While there are any borrowings or preferred shares outstanding, the Fund may not be permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on its Common Shares, unless at the time of such declaration, (i) all accrued dividends on preferred shares or accrued interest on borrowings have been paid and (ii) the value of the Fund's total assets (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution), less all liabilities and indebtedness of the Fund not represented by senior securities, is at least 300% of the aggregate amount of such securities representing indebtedness and at least 200% of the aggregate amount of securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares (expected to equal the aggregate original purchase price of the outstanding preferred shares plus redemption premium, if any, together with any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon, whether or not earned or declared and on a cumulative basis). In addition to the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund may be required to comply with other asset coverage requirements as a condition of the Fund obtaining a rating of the preferred shares from a rating agency. These requirements may include an asset coverage test more stringent than under the 1940 Act. This limitation on the Fund's ability to make distributions on its Common Shares could in certain circumstances impair the ability of the Fund to maintain its qualification for taxation as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. The Fund intends, however, to the extent possible to purchase or redeem preferred shares or reduce borrowings from time to time to maintain compliance with such asset coverage requirements and may pay special dividends to the holders of the preferred shares in certain circumstances in connection with any such impairment of the Fund's status as a regulated investment company. Depending on the timing of any such redemption or repayment, the Fund may be required to pay a premium in addition to the liquidation preference of the preferred shares to the holders thereof.
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The Fund has no present intention of offering additional Common Shares, except as described herein. Other offerings of its Common Shares, if made, will require approval of the Board of Trustees. Any additional offering will not be sold at a price per Common Share below the then current net asset value (exclusive of underwriting discounts and commissions) except in connection with an offering to existing Common Shareholders or with the consent of a majority of the Fund's outstanding Common Shares. The Common Shares have no preemptive rights.
The Fund generally will not issue Common Share certificates. However, upon written request to the Fund's transfer agent, a share certificate will be issued for any or all of the full Common Shares credited to an investor's account. Common Share certificates that have been issued to an investor may be returned at any time.
Preferred Shares
The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with preference rights, including preferred shares (the "preferred shares"), having no par value, in one or more series, with rights as determined by the Board of Trustees, by action of the Board of Trustees without the approval of the Common Shareholders.
Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund must, immediately after the issuance of any preferred shares, have an "asset coverage" of at least 200%. Asset coverage means the ratio which the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all liability and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), bears to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness of the Fund, if any, plus the aggregate liquidation preference of the preferred shares. If the Fund seeks a rating of the preferred shares, asset coverage requirements, in addition to those set forth in the 1940 Act, may be imposed. The liquidation value of the preferred shares is expected to equal their aggregate original purchase price plus redemption premium, if any, together with any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (on a cumulative basis), whether or not earned or declared. The terms of the preferred shares, including their dividend rate, voting rights, liquidation preference and redemption provisions, will be determined by the Board of Trustees (subject to applicable law and the Fund's Declaration of Trust) if and when it authorizes the preferred shares. The Fund may issue preferred shares that provide for the periodic redetermination of the dividend rate at relatively short intervals through an auction or remarketing procedure, although the terms of the preferred shares may also enable the Fund to lengthen such intervals. At times, the dividend rate as redetermined on the Fund's preferred shares may approach or exceed the Fund's return after expenses on the investment of proceeds from the preferred shares and the Fund's leverage structure would result in a lower rate of return to Common Shareholders than if the Fund were not so structured.
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the terms of any preferred shares may entitle the holders of preferred shares to receive a preferential liquidating distribution (expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus redemption premium, if any, together with accrued and unpaid dividends, whether or not earned or declared and on a cumulative basis) before any distribution of assets is made to holders of Common Shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the preferred shareholders would not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the Fund.
Holders of preferred shares, when issued, shall be entitled to elect two of the Fund's Trustees, voting as a class. Under the 1940 Act, if at any time dividends on the preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to two full years' dividends thereon, the holders of all outstanding preferred shares, voting as a class, will be allowed to elect a majority of the Fund's Trustees until all dividends in default have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. In addition, if required by the rating agency rating the preferred shares or if the Board of Trustees determines it to be in the best interests of the
55
Common Shareholders, issuance of the preferred shares may result in more restrictive provisions than required by the 1940 Act being imposed. In this regard, holders of the preferred shares may be entitled to elect a majority of the Board of Trustees in other circumstances, for example, if one payment on the preferred shares is in arrears.
The Fund intends to seek a AAA credit rating for any preferred shares from a rating agency. The Fund intends that, as long as preferred shares are outstanding, the composition of its portfolio will reflect guidelines established by such rating agency. Although, as of the date hereof, no such rating agency has established guidelines relating to preferred shares, based on previous guidelines established by such rating agencies for the securities of other issuers, the Fund anticipates that the guidelines with respect to preferred shares will establish a set of tests for portfolio composition and asset coverage that supplement (and in some cases are more restrictive than) the applicable requirements under the 1940 Act. Although, at this time, no assurance can be given as to the nature or extent of the guidelines which may be imposed in connection with obtaining a rating of any preferred shares, the Fund currently anticipates that such guidelines will include asset coverage requirements, which are more restrictive than those under the 1940 Act, restrictions on certain portfolio investments and investment practices, requirements that the Fund maintain a portion of its assets in short-term, high-quality, fixed income securities and certain mandatory redemption requirements relating to preferred shares. No assurance can be given that the guidelines actually imposed with respect to preferred shares by such rating agency will be more or less restrictive than as described in this prospectus.
Credit Facility
In the event the Fund leverages through borrowings, the Fund may enter into definitive agreements with respect to a credit facility. The Fund may negotiate with commercial banks to arrange a credit facility pursuant to which the Fund would expect to be entitled to borrow an amount equal to approximately one-third of the Fund's total assets (inclusive of the amount borrowed) as of the closing of the offer and sale of the Common Shares offered hereby. Any such borrowings would constitute financial leverage. Such a facility is not expected to be convertible into any other securities of the Fund, outstanding amounts are expected to be prepayable by the Fund prior to final maturity without significant penalty and there are not expected to be any sinking fund or mandatory retirement provisions. Outstanding amounts would be payable at maturity or such earlier times as required by the agreement. The Fund may be required to prepay outstanding amounts under the facility or incur a penalty rate of interest in the event of the occurrence of certain events of default. The Fund would be expected to indemnify the lenders under the facility against liabilities they may incur in connection with the facility. The Fund may be required to pay commitment fees under the terms of any such facility.
In addition, the Fund expects that such a credit facility would contain covenants that, among other things, likely will limit the Fund's ability to pay dividends in certain circumstances, incur additional debt, change its fundamental investment policies and engage in certain transactions, including mergers and consolidations, and may require asset coverage ratios in addition to those required by the 1940 Act. The Fund may be required to pledge its assets and to maintain a portion of its assets in cash or high-grade securities as a reserve against interest or principal payments and expenses. The Fund expects that any credit facility would have customary covenant, negative covenant and default provisions. There can be no assurance that the Fund will enter into an agreement for a credit facility on terms and conditions representative of the foregoing, or that additional material terms will not apply. In addition, if entered into, any such credit facility may in the future be replaced or refinanced by one or more credit facilities having substantially different terms or by the issuance of preferred shares or debt securities.
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Repurchase of Shares And Other Discount Measures
Because shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their net asset values, the Board of Trustees has determined that from time to time it may be in the interest of Common Shareholders for the Fund to take corrective actions. The Board of Trustees, in consultation with Clough and ALPS, will review at least annually the possibility of open market repurchases and/or tender offers for the Common Shares and will consider such factors as the market price of the Common Shares, the net asset value of the Common Shares, the liquidity of the assets of the Fund, effect on the Fund's expenses, whether such transactions would impair the Fund's status as a regulated investment company or result in a failure to comply with applicable asset coverage requirements, general economic conditions and such other events or conditions, which may have a material effect on the Fund's ability to consummate such transactions. There are no assurances that the Board of Trustees will, in fact, decide to undertake either of these actions or, if undertaken, that such actions will result in the Fund's Common Shares trading at a price which is equal to or approximates their net asset value. In recognition of the possibility that the Common Shares might trade at a discount to net asset value and that any such discount may not be in the interest of Common Shareholders, the Board of Trustees, in consultation with Clough, from time to time may review possible actions to reduce any such discount.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS IN THE DECLARATION OF TRUST
The Declaration of Trust includes provisions that could have the effect of limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of the Board of Trustees, and could have the effect of depriving Common Shareholders of an opportunity to sell their Common Shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund. These provisions may have the effect of discouraging attempts to acquire control of the Fund, which attempts could have the effect of increasing the expenses of the Fund and interfering with the normal operation of the Fund. The Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, with the term of one class expiring at each annual meeting of Common Shareholders. At each annual meeting, one class of Trustees is elected to a three-year term. This provision could delay for up to two years the replacement of a majority of the Board of Trustees. A Trustee may be removed from office without cause only by a written instrument signed or adopted by two-thirds of the remaining Trustees or by a vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the class of shares of the Fund that elected such Trustee and are entitled to vote on the matter.
The Declaration of Trust provides that the Fund may not merge with another entity, or sell, lease or exchange all or substantially all of its assets without the approval of at least two-thirds of the Trustees and 75% of the affected shareholders.
In addition, the Declaration of Trust requires the favorable vote of the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of each class of the Fund, voting as a class, then entitled to vote to approve, adopt or authorize certain transactions with 5%-or-greater holders of the Fund's outstanding shares and their affiliates or associates, unless two-thirds of the Board of Trustees have approved by resolution a memorandum of understanding with such holders, in which case normal voting requirements would be in effect. For purposes of these provisions, a 5%-or-greater holder of outstanding shares (a "Principal Shareholder") refers to any person who, whether directly or indirectly and whether alone or together with its affiliates and associates, beneficially owns 5% or more of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Fund. The transactions subject to these special approval requirements are: (i) the merger or consolidation of the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund with or into any Principal Shareholder; (ii) the issuance of any securities of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder for cash (other than pursuant to any automatic dividend reinvestment plan or pursuant to any offering in which such Principal Shareholder acquires securities that represent no greater a percentage of any class or series of securities being offered than the percentage of any class of shares beneficially owned by such Principal
57
Shareholder immediately prior to such offering or, in the case of securities, offered in respect of another class or series, the percentage of such other class or series beneficially owned by such Principal Shareholder immediately prior to such offering); (iii) the sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purpose of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period); (iv) the sale, lease or exchange to the Fund or any subsidiary thereof, in exchange for securities of the Fund, of any assets of any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purposes of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period); or (v) the purchase by the Fund, or any entity controlled by the Fund, of any Common Shares from any Principal Shareholder or any person to whom any Principal Shareholder transferred Common Shares.
The Board of Trustees has determined that provisions with respect to the Board of Trustees and the 80% voting requirements described above, which voting requirements are greater than the minimum requirements under Delaware law or the 1940 Act, are in the best interest of Common Shareholders generally. Reference should be made to the Declaration of Trust on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the full text of these provisions.
The Fund may be converted to an open-end management investment company at any time if approved by each of the following: (i) a majority of the Trustees then in office, (ii) the holders of not less than 75% of the Fund's outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon and (iii) by such vote or votes of the holders of any class or classes or series of shares as may be required by the 1940 Act. The composition of the Fund's portfolio likely would prohibit the Fund from complying with regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to open-end management investment companies, including the limitation that open-end management investment companies invest no more than 15% in illiquid securities. Accordingly, conversion likely would require significant changes in the Fund's investment policies and liquidation of a substantial portion of the relatively illiquid portion of its portfolio. Conversion of the Fund to an open-end management investment company also would require the redemption of any outstanding preferred shares and could require the repayment of borrowings, which would eliminate the leveraged capital structure of the Fund with respect to the Common Shares. In the event of conversion, the Common Shares would cease to be listed on the American Stock Exchange or other national securities exchange or market system. The Board of Trustees believes, however, that the closed-end structure is desirable, given the Fund's investment objective and policies. Investors should assume, therefore, that it is unlikely that the Board of Trustees would vote to convert the Fund to an open-end management investment company. Shareholders of an open-end management investment company may require the company to redeem their shares at any time (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 a redemption. The Fund expects to pay all such redemption requests in cash, but intends to reserve the right to pay redemption requests in a combination of cash or securities. If such partial payment in securities were made, investors may incur brokerage costs in converting such securities to cash. If the Fund were converted to an open-end fund, it is likely that new Common Shares would be sold at net asset value plus a sales load.
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Subject to the terms and conditions stated in a purchase agreement dated , 2006, each underwriter named below, for which is acting as representative, has severally agreed to purchase, and the Fund has agreed to sell to such underwriter, the number of Common Shares set forth opposite the name of such underwriter.
Underwriter
|
Number of
Common Shares |
|
---|---|---|
|
||
Total: | ||
|
The purchase agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the shares included in this offering are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all the Common Shares sold under the purchase agreement if any of the Common Shares are purchased. In the purchase agreement, the Fund and Clough have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act, or to contribute payments the underwriters may be required to make for any of those liabilities.
Commissions and Discounts
The underwriters propose to initially offer some of the Common Shares directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and some of the Common 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 $.90 per share is equal to 4.5% of the initial offering price. The underwriters may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of $ per share on sales to other dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering price, concession and discount may be changed. Investors must pay for any Common Shares purchased on or before , 2006.
The following table shows the public offering price, estimated organizational and offering expenses, sales load and proceeds to the Fund. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their overallotment option.
|
Per Share
|
Without Option
|
With Option
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public offering price | $ | 20.00 | $ | | $ | | |||
Sales load | $ | .90 | $ | | $ | | |||
Estimated offering expenses | $ | .04 | $ | | $ | | |||
Proceeds, after expenses, to the Fund | $ | 19.06 | $ | | $ | |
The expenses of the offering are estimated to total $ , of which $ is to be paid by the Fund. The Fund has agreed to pay the underwriters $ per Common Share as a partial reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the offering. The amount paid by the Fund as this partial reimbursement to the underwriters will not exceed % of the total price to the public of the Common Shares sold in this offering. ALPS and Clough have agreed to pay (i) the amount by which the Fund's offering costs (other than the sales load, but inclusive of the reimbursement of underwriter expenses of $ per Common Share) exceed the Reimbursement Cap and (ii) all of the Fund's organizational expenses.
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Overallotment Option
The Fund has granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to additional Common Shares at the public offering price, less the sales load, within 45 days from the date of this prospectus solely to cover any overallotments. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the purchase agreement, to purchase a number of additional shares proportionate to that underwriter's initial amount reflected in the above table.
Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
Until the distribution of the Common Shares is complete, Securities and Exchange Commission rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing the Fund's Common Shares. However, the representative may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the Common Shares, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.
If the underwriters create a short position in the Common Shares in connection with the offering ( i.e. , if they sell more Common Shares than are listed on the cover of this prospectus), the representative may reduce that short position by purchasing Common Shares in the open market. The representative may also elect to reduce any short position by exercising all or part of the overallotment option described above. The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid, whereby selling concessions allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers in respect of the Common Shares sold in this offering for their account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if such Common Shares are repurchased by the syndicate in stabilizing or covering transactions. Purchases of the Common Shares to stabilize the price or to reduce a short position may cause the price of the Common Shares to be higher than it might be in the absence of such purchases.
Neither the Fund nor any of the underwriters makes any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the Common Shares. In addition, neither the Fund nor any of the underwriters makes any representation that the representative will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
The Fund has agreed not to offer or sell any additional Common Shares for a period of 180 days after the date of the purchase agreement without the prior written consent of the underwriters, except for the sale of the Common Shares to the underwriters pursuant to the purchase agreement and certain transactions relating to the Fund's Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
The Common Shares will be sold in a manner intended to ensure that American Stock Exchange distribution standards ( i.e. , round lots, public shares and aggregate market value) will be met.
Other Relationships
Clough has also agreed to pay from its own assets additional compensation to . This additional compensation will be payable quarterly at the annual rate of .15% of the Fund's average daily total assets (including any assets attributable to any preferred shares that may be outstanding or otherwise attributable to the use of leverage) during the continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Clough and the Fund or other subsequent advisory agreement between Clough and the Fund. has agreed to, among other things, provide certain after-market support services to Clough, as requested by Clough, including services designed to maintain the visibility of the Fund on an ongoing basis and to provide, as requested by Clough, relevant information, studies or reports regarding the Fund and the closed-end investment company industry. The total amount of these additional payments to for these services will not exceed % of the total price to the public of the Common Shares sold in this offering.
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The Fund reasonably expects to pay offering expenses in an amount at least equal to the amount of the Reimbursement Cap. To the extent that the Fund has not otherwise paid offering expenses equal to the Reimbursement Cap, the Fund will pay up to .10% of the amount of the offering up to the Reimbursement Cap to ALPS Distributors, Inc. as payment for its distribution assistance. ALPS Distributors, Inc. will provide distribution assistance in connection with the sale of the Common Shares of the Fund by coordinating the road show, and by designing and coordinating the printing of the marketing materials used in connection with the offering. Additionally, its registered representatives ("Registered Representatives") with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), who are internal or external wholesalers registered through ALPS Distributors, Inc., will participate and engage in the road show by giving presentations about the Fund to branch offices of the underwriters. The payment by the Fund to ALPS Distributors, Inc. of up to .10% of the amount of the offering up to the Reimbursement Cap will be used solely to pay for ALPS Distributors, Inc.'s assistance with coordinating the road show, designing and coordinating the printing of marketing materials, and to reimburse ALPS Distributors, Inc. for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to the road show. With the exception of the foregoing, ALPS Distributors, Inc. will not receive any compensation for its distribution assistance in connection with this offering.
The total amount of the additional compensation fees payable to , plus the partial reimbursement of $ per Common Share to the underwriters and any distribution assistance fee payable to ALPS Distributors, Inc., will not exceed % of the total price to the public of the Common Shares sold in this offering. The sum total of all compensation to underwriters in connection with this public offering of common shares, including the sales load and any distribution assistance fee payable to ALPS Distributors, Inc., will be limited to % of the total price to the public of the Common Shares sold in this offering.
The Fund anticipates that the underwriters may from time to time act as brokers or, after they have ceased to be underwriters, dealers in executing the Fund's portfolio transactions. The underwriters are active underwriters of, and dealers in, securities and act as market makers in a number of such securities, and therefore can be expected to engage in portfolio transactions with the Fund.
One or more of the underwriters of the Common Shares may also act as an underwriter of the Fund's preferred shares.
The address of is . The address of ALPS Distributors, Inc. is 1625 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, Colorado 80202.
The Bank of New York is the custodian of the Fund and will maintain custody of the securities and cash of the Fund. ALPS maintains the Fund's general ledger and computes net asset value per share daily.
The Bank of New York also serves as the transfer agent of the Fund.
Certain legal matters in connection with the Common Shares will be passed upon for the Fund by Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP, Chicago, Illinois, and for the Underwriters by . may rely as to certain matters of Delaware law on the opinion of Bingham McCutchen LLP.
The Fund will send to Common Shareholders unaudited semi-annual and audited annual reports, including a list of investments held.
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INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
is the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund and will audit the Fund's financial statements.
The prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement that the Fund has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission upon payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations. The Statement of Additional Information can be obtained without charge by calling (877) 256-8445.
Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other documents 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 of which this prospectus forms a part, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS OF
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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The Fund is committed to ensuring your financial privacy. This notice is being sent to comply with privacy regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Fund has in effect the following policy with respect to nonpublic personal information about its customers:
For more information about the Fund's privacy policies call (877) 256-8445 (toll-free).
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Until , 2006 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade the Common Shares, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealer's obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to unsold allotments or subscriptions.
Shares
Clough Global Opportunities Fund
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest
$20.00 per Share
PROSPECTUS
, 2006
The information in this Statement of Additional Information is not complete and may be changed. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement is effective. This Statement of Additional Information is a not prospectus.
Subject to Completion, dated February 2, 2006
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
, 2006
Clough Global Opportunities Fund
1625 Broadway, Suite 2200
Denver, Colorado 80202
(877) 256-8445
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus and is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only if preceded or accompanied by the prospectus of the Clough Global Opportunities Fund (the "Fund"), dated , 2006, as supplemented from time to time, which is incorporated herein by reference. This SAI should be read in conjunction with such prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained without charge by contacting your financial intermediary or calling the Fund at (877) 256-8445 (toll-free).
The information in this Statement of Additional Information is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Statement of Additional Information, which is not a prospectus, is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Capitalized terms used in this SAI and not otherwise defined have the meanings given them in the Fund's prospectus.
i
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION AND RESTRICTIONS
Primary investment strategies are described in the prospectus. The following is a description of the various investment policies that may be engaged in, whether as a primary or secondary strategy, and a summary of certain attendant risks. Clough may, but is not required to, buy any of the following instruments or use any of the following techniques, and would do so only if it believes that doing so will help to achieve the Fund's investment objectives.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative instruments (which are instruments that derive their value from another instrument, security, index or currency) may be purchased or sold to enhance return (which may be considered speculative), to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices, market conditions or currency exchange rates, or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities or currencies. Such transactions may be in the United States or abroad and may include the purchase or sale of futures contracts on indices and options on stock index futures, the purchase of put options and the sale of call options on securities held, equity swaps and the purchase and sale of currency futures and forward foreign currency exchange contracts. Transactions in derivative instruments involve a risk of loss or depreciation due to: unanticipated adverse changes in securities prices, interest rates, indices, the other financial instruments' prices or currency exchange rates; the inability to close out a position; default by the counterparty; imperfect correlation between a position and the desired hedge; tax constraints on closing out positions; and portfolio management constraints on securities subject to such transactions. The loss on derivative instruments (other than purchased options) may substantially exceed an investment in these instruments. In addition, the entire premium paid for purchased options may be lost before than can be profitably exercised. Transaction costs are incurred in opening and closing positions. Derivative instruments may sometimes increase or leverage exposure to a particular market risk, thereby increasing price volatility. Over-the-counter ("OTC") derivative instruments, equity swaps and forward sales of stocks involve an enhanced risk that the issuer or counterparty will fail to perform its contractual obligations. Some derivative instruments are not readily marketable or may become illiquid under adverse market conditions. In addition, during periods of market volatility, a commodity exchange may suspend or limit trading in an exchange-traded derivative instrument, which may make the contract temporarily illiquid and difficult to price. Commodity exchanges may also establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract or futures option can vary from the previous day's settlement price. Once the daily limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. This may prevent the closing out of positions to limit losses. The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission takes the position that certain purchased OTC options, and assets used as cover for written OTC options, are illiquid. The ability to terminate OTC derivative instruments may depend on the cooperation of the counterparties to such contracts. For thinly traded derivative instruments, the only source of price quotations may be the selling dealer or counterparty. In addition, certain provisions of the Code limit the use of derivative instruments. There can be no assurance that the use of derivative instruments will be advantageous.
Foreign exchange traded futures contracts and options thereon may be used only if Clough determines that trading on such foreign exchange does not entail risks, including credit and liquidity risks, that are materially greater than the risks associated with trading on CFTC-regulated exchanges.
If a put option is written by the Fund, the Fund must (1) deposit with its custodian in a segregated account liquid securities having a value at least equal to the exercise price of the underlying securities, (2) continue to own an equivalent number of puts of the same "series" (that is, puts on the same underlying security having the same exercise prices and expiration dates as those written by the Fund), or an equivalent number of puts of the same "class" (that is, puts on the same underlying security) with exercise prices greater than those it has written (or, if the exercise prices of the puts it holds are less than the exercise prices of those it has written, it will deposit the difference with its custodian in a
1
segregated account) or (3) sell short the securities underlying the put option at the same or a higher price than the exercise price on the put option written.
Corporate Bonds And Other Debt Securities
The Fund may invest in corporate bonds, including below investment grade quality bonds, commonly known as "junk bonds" ("Non-Investment Grade Bonds"). Investments in Non-Investment Grade Bonds 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. Non-Investment Grade Bonds are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. Debt 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 Non-Investment Grade Bonds may be more complex than for issuers of higher quality securities.
Non-Investment Grade Bonds 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 Non-Investment Grade Bond prices because the advent of recession could lessen the ability of an issuer to make principal and interest payments on its debt obligations. If an issuer of Non-Investment Grade Bonds 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 Non-Investment Grade Bonds structured as zero-coupon, step-up 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. Clough seeks to reduce these risks through diversification, credit analysis and attention to current developments in both the economy and financial markets.
The secondary market on which Non-Investment Grade Bonds are traded may be less liquid than the market for investment grade securities. Less liquidity in the secondary trading market could adversely affect the net asset value of the Shares. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of Non-Investment Grade Bonds, especially in a thinly traded market. When secondary markets for Non-Investment Grade Bonds 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 no 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 these securities. The Fund will be more dependent on Clough's research and analysis when investing in Non-Investment Grade Bonds. Clough seeks to minimize the risks of investing in all securities through in-depth credit analysis and attention to current developments in interest rate and market conditions.
A general description of the ratings of securities by Moody's, S&P and Fitch is set forth in Appendix A to this SAI. Such ratings represent these rating organizations' 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, debt obligations with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while obligations with the same maturity and coupon may have the same yield. For these reasons, the use of credit ratings as the sole method of evaluating Non-Investment Grade Bonds can involve certain risks. For example, credit ratings evaluate the safety or principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of Non-Investment Grade Bonds. Also, credit rating agencies may fail to change credit ratings in a timely fashion to reflect events since the security was last rated. Clough does not rely solely on credit ratings when selecting securities for the Fund, and develops its own independent analysis of issuer credit quality.
2
In the event that a rating agency or Clough downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issue, the Fund is not required to dispose of such security. In determining whether to retain or sell a downgraded security, Clough may consider such factors as Clough'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 Non-Investment Grade Bonds may be more complex than for issuers of high quality debt securities.
Investment Restrictions
Fundamental Restrictions
The following investment restrictions of the Fund are designated as fundamental policies and as such cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, which as used in this SAI means the lesser of (a) 67% of the shares of the Fund present or represented by proxy at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present or represented at the meeting or (b) more than 50% of outstanding shares of the Fund. As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
3
Nonfundamental Restriction
The Fund has adopted the following nonfundamental investment policy which may be changed by the Board of Trustees without approval of the Fund's shareholders. The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies to the extent that such an investment would be consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, the Fund's shareholders indirectly bear the Fund's proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by the shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund's own operations.
Whenever an investment policy or investment restriction set forth in the prospectus or this SAI states a maximum or minimum percentage of assets that may be invested in any security or other assets or describes a policy regarding quality standards, such percentage limitation or standard shall be determined immediately after and as a result of the Fund's acquisition of such security or asset. Accordingly, any later increase or decrease resulting from a change in values, assets or other circumstances or any subsequent rating change made by a rating service (or as determined by Clough if the security is not rated by a rating agency) will not compel the Fund to dispose of such security or other asset. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund must always be in compliance with the borrowing policies set forth above.
Temporary Borrowings
The Fund may borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes, including the payment of dividends and the settlement of securities transactions which otherwise might require untimely dispositions of Fund securities. The 1940 Act currently requires that the Fund have 300% asset coverage with respect to all borrowings other than temporary borrowings.
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The Trustees of the Fund are responsible for the overall management and supervision of the affairs of the Fund. The Trustees and officers of the Fund are listed below. Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years. The "noninterested Trustees" consist of those Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Fund, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act.
Interested Trustees And Officers
Name, Age & Address
|
Position(s) Held
with Fund |
Term of
Office and Length of Time Served |
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years* and Other Directorships Held by Trustee |
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Edmund J. Burke
, age 45
1625 Broadway, Suite 2200 Denver, Colorado 80202 |
Initial Trustee and President | Since inception. | Mr. Burke is President and a Director of ALPS. Mr. Burke joined ALPS in 1991 as Vice President and National Sales Manager. Because of his position with ALPS, Mr. Burke is deemed an affiliate of the Fund as defined under the 1940 Act. Mr. Burke is currently the President of Financial Investors Trust, Financial Investors Variable Insurance Trust, Reaves Utility Income Fund, Clough Global Allocation Fund and Clough Global Equity Fund. | 3 | ||||
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Jeremy O. May , age 35 1625 Broadway, Suite 2200 Denver, Colorado 80202 |
|
Treasurer |
|
Since inception. |
|
Mr. May is a Managing Director of ALPS. Mr. May joined ALPS in 1995 as a Controller. Because of his position with ALPS, Mr. May is deemed an affiliate of the Fund as defined under the 1940 Act. Mr. May is currently the Treasurer of Financial Investors Trust, Financial Investors Variable Insurance Trust, First Funds, Reaves Utility Income Funds, Clough Global Allocation Fund and Clough Global Equity Fund. |
|
N/A |
Erin E. Douglas , age 28 1625 Broadway, Suite 2200 Denver, Colorado 80202 |
|
Secretary |
|
Since inception. |
|
Ms. Douglas is Associate Counsel of ALPS. Ms. Douglas joined ALPS as Associate Counsel in January 2003. Ms. Douglas is deemed an affiliate of the Fund as defined under the 1940 Act. Ms. Douglas is currently the Secretary of Financial Investors Trust, Clough Global Allocation Fund and Clough Global Equity Fund. |
|
N/A |
Independent Trustees
Name, Age & Address
|
Position(s) Held
with Fund |
Term of
Office and Length of Time Served |
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years* and Other Directorships Held by Trustee |
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
[to be inserted] |
The Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees ("Audit Committee") is comprised of the noninterested Trustees. The Audit Committee's functions include making recommendations to the Trustees regarding the selection and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm,
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and reviewing matters relative to accounting and auditing practices and procedures, accounting records, and the internal accounting controls, of the Fund, and certain service providers.
The Fair Value Committee of the Board of Trustees ("Valuation Committee") is comprised of an independent trustee and various principals of the Fund. The Valuation Committee's function is to oversee the implementation of the Fund's valuation procedures and to make fair value determinations and establish methodologies on behalf of the Board as may be specified in the valuation procedures. Meetings may be held in person or by telephone conference call, as necessary.
The noninterested Trustees meet separately to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the full Board of Trustees concerning (i) all contractual arrangements with service providers to the Fund, including investment advisory, administrative, transfer agency, custodial and distribution services, and (ii) all other matters in which Clough, ALPS, or either of their respective affiliates has any actual or potential conflict of interest with the Fund.
As of the date of this SAI, the Audit Committee, Fair Value Committee and noninterested members of the Board of Trustees each had meeting.
[Discussion of approval of advisory agreement to come]
Share Ownership
[As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees and the officers of the Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. On , 2006, ALPS Distributors, Inc. purchased $100,000 in shares of the Fund at an initial subscription price of $19.10 per share and was the sole shareholder as of this date.]
Compensation of Officers and Trustees
The Fund pays no salaries or compensation to any of its interested Trustees or Officers. The noninterested Trustees of the Fund receive an annual retainer of $ and an additional $ for attending each meeting of the Board of Trustees and each committee meeting, other than committee meetings that occur on the same day as a Board of Trustees meeting. All Trustees are reimbursed by the Fund for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings of the Board of Trustees or committee meetings. The Trustees do not receive any pension or retirement benefits from the Fund. The officers of the Fund do not receive any additional compensation from the Fund.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the estimated compensation of the Fund's noninterested Trustees for the calendar year ending [December 31, 2005].
|
Aggregate
Compensation From The Fund |
Pension Or
Retirement Benefits Accrued As Part of Fund Expenses |
Estimated Annual
Benefits Upon Retirement |
Aggregate
Compensation From The Fund Complex Paid To Trustees |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
[To be inserted] |
Code of Ethics
Clough and the Fund have adopted a code of ethics governing personal securities transactions. Under the code of ethics, Clough employees may purchase and sell securities (including securities held or eligible for purchase by the Fund) subject to certain pre-clearance and reporting requirements and other procedures.
The code of ethics can be reviewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission's public reference room in Washington, DC (call 1-202-942-8090 for information on the operation of the
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public reference room); on the EDGAR Database on the Securities and Exchange Commission's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov); or, upon payment of copying fees, by writing the Securities and Exchange Commission's public reference section, Washington, DC 20549-0102, or by electronic mail at publicinfo@sec.gov.
Proxy Voting Policy
The Fund has delegated the voting of proxies with respect to securities owned by it to Clough, and Clough will vote proxies in a manner that it deems to be in the best interests of the Fund. In general, Clough believes that voting proxies in accordance with the policies described below will be in the best interests of the Fund. If an analyst, trader or partner of Clough believes that voting in accordance with stated proxy-voting guidelines would not be in the best interests of the Fund, the proxy will be referred to Clough's Compliance Committee for a determination of how such proxy should be voted.
Clough will generally vote to support management recommendations relating to routine matters such as the election of directors (where no corporate governance issues are implicated), the selection of independent auditors, an increase in or reclassification of common stock, the addition or amendment of indemnification provisions in the company's charter or by-laws, changes in the board of directors and compensation of outside directors. Clough will generally vote in favor of management or shareholder proposals that Clough believes will maintain or strengthen the shared interests of shareholders and management, increase shareholder value, maintain or increase shareholder influence over the company's board of directors and management and maintain or increase the rights of shareholders.
On non-routine matters, Clough will generally vote in favor of management proposals for mergers or reorganizations, reincorporation plans, fair-price proposals and shareholder rights plans so long as such proposals are in the best economic interests of the Fund.
If a proxy includes a matter to which none of the specific policies described above or in Clough's stated proxy-voting guidelines is applicable or a matter involving an actual or potential conflict of interest as described below, the proxy will be referred to Clough's Compliance Committee for a determination of how such proxy should be voted.
In exercising its voting discretion, Clough and its employees will seek to avoid any direct or indirect conflict of interest presented by the voting decision. If any substantive aspect or foreseeable result of the matter to be voted on presents an actual or potential conflict of interest involving Clough (or an affiliate of Clough), any issuer of a security for which Clough (or an affiliate of Clough) acts as sponsor, advisor, manager, custodian, distributor, underwriter, broker or other similar capacity or any person with whom Clough (or an affiliate of Clough) has an existing material contract or business relationship not entered into in the ordinary course of business (Clough and such other persons having an interest in the matter being called "Interested Persons"), Clough will make written disclosure of the conflict to the disinterested Trustees of the Fund indicating how Clough proposes to vote on the matter and its reasons for doing so. If Clough does not receive timely written instructions as to voting or non-voting on the matter from the Fund's disinterested Trustees, Clough may take any of the following actions which it deems to be in the best interests of the Fund: (i) engage an independent third party to determine whether and how the proxy should be voted and vote or refrain from voting on the matter as determined by the third party; (ii) vote on the matter in the manner proposed to the disinterested Trustees if the vote is against the interests of all Interested Persons; or (iii) refrain from voting on the matter.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
Clough has been managing assets of private investment vehicles since 2000. Clough maintains a staff of experienced investment professionals to service the needs of its clients.
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Except as provided in the Administration Agreement, the Fund will be responsible for all of its costs and expenses not expressly stated to be payable by Clough under the Advisory Agreement or ALPS under the Administration Agreement. Such costs and expenses to be borne by the Fund include, without limitation: advisory fees, administration fees, trustees' fees, interest expenses, if any, expenses related to custody of international securities, portfolio transaction expenses, litigation expenses, taxes, costs of preferred shares, expenses of conducting repurchase offers for the purpose of repurchasing Fund shares and extraordinary expenses.
The Advisory Agreement with Clough continues in effect to , 2008 and from year to year so long as such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by the vote of a majority of the noninterested Trustees of the Fund or of Clough cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and (ii) by the Board of Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares of the Fund. The agreement may be terminated at any time without penalty on sixty (60) days' written notice by the Trustees of the Fund or Clough, as applicable, or by vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. The agreement provides that, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties to the Fund under such agreements on the part of Clough, or a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty by Clough with respect to the receipt of compensation for services (in which case damages shall be limited by the 1940 Act), Clough shall not be liable to the Fund or any shareholder for any loss incurred, to the extent not covered by insurance.
Clough is a limited partnership organized under the laws of Delaware. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. As of December 31, 2005, Clough had approximately $1.5 billion in assets under management.
Portfolio Managers
Set forth below is certain additional information with respect Charles I. Clough, Jr., Eric A. Brock and James E. Canty, the Fund's portfolio managers (collectively, the "Portfolio Managers"), who together are the principal investment professionals of Clough. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of , 2006.
Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers
In addition to their responsibilities with regard to the Fund, the Portfolio Managers, either as the principal investment professionals of Clough, or as the members of Clough's affiliate, Clough Associates, LLC, also have day-to-day management responsibilities for the assets of (i) two other registered investment companies with approximately $1 billion in assets under management; (ii) three other pooled investment vehicles with a total of approximately $375 million in assets under management, with respect to which a portion of the investment advisory fees are based on the performance of the assets thereof; and (iii) three other accounts with a total of approximately $150 million in assets under management.
Compensation of Portfolio Managers
The Portfolio Managers each receive a fixed base salary from Clough. The base salary for each Portfolio Manager is typically determined based on market factors and the skill and experience of each Portfolio Manager. Additionally, Clough distributes its annual net profits to the three Portfolio Managers, with Mr. Clough receiving a majority share and the remainder being divided evenly between Mr. Brock and Mr. Canty.
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Material Conflicts of Interest
Material conflicts of interest may arise as a result of the fact that the Portfolio Managers also have day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to both the Fund and the various accounts listed above (collectively with the Fund, the "Accounts"). These potential conflicts include:
Limited Resources. The Portfolio Managers cannot devote their full time and attention to the management of each of the Accounts. Accordingly, the Portfolio Managers may be limited in their ability to identify investment opportunities for each of the Accounts that are as attractive as might be the case if the Portfolio Managers were to devote substantially more attention to the management of a single Account. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where the Accounts have different investment strategies.
Limited Investment Opportunities. If the Portfolio Managers identify a limited investment opportunity that may be appropriate for more than one Account, the investment opportunity may be allocated among several Accounts. This could limit any single Account's ability to take full advantage of an investment opportunity that might not be limited if the Portfolio Managers did not provide investment advice to other Accounts.
Different Investment Strategies. The Accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers have differing investment strategies. If the Portfolio Managers determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the Accounts or decide that certain of the Accounts should take different positions with respect to a particular security, the Portfolio Managers may effect transactions for one or more Accounts which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment or benefit of one or more other Accounts.
Variation in Compensation. A conflict of interest may arise where Clough or Clough Associates, LLC, as applicable, is compensated differently by the Accounts that are managed by the Portfolio Managers. If certain Accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based incentive fees, the Portfolio Managers might be motivated to prefer certain Accounts over others. The Portfolio Managers might also be motivated to favor Accounts in which they have a greater ownership interest or Accounts that are more likely to enhance the Portfolio Managers' performance record or to otherwise benefit the Portfolio Managers.
Selection of Brokers. The Portfolio Managers select the brokers that execute securities transactions for the Accounts that they supervise. In addition to executing trades, some brokers provide the Portfolio Managers with research and other services which may require the payment of higher brokerage fees than might otherwise be available. The Portfolio Managers' decision as to the selection of brokers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the Accounts that they manage, since the research and other services provided by brokers may be more beneficial to some Accounts than to others.
Securities Ownership
As the Fund is newly offered, none of the Portfolio Managers owns any equity securities of the Fund. However, the Portfolio Managers presently intend to purchase shares of the Fund in this offering and/or thereafter.
Investment Advisory Services
Under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees, Clough will carry out the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund, will furnish continuously an investment program with respect to the Fund, will determine which securities should be purchased, sold or exchanged, and will implement such determinations. Clough will furnish to the Fund investment advice and provide related office
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facilities and personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund. Clough will compensate all Trustees and officers of the Fund who are members of the Clough organization and who render investment services to the Fund, and will also compensate all other Clough personnel who provide research and investment services to the Fund.
Administrative Services
Under the Administration Agreement, ALPS is responsible for calculating the net asset value of the Common Shares, and generally managing the business affairs of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees. ALPS will furnish to the Fund all office facilities, equipment and personnel for administering the affairs of the Fund. ALPS will compensate all Trustees and officers of the Fund who are members of the ALPS organization and who render executive and administrative services to the Fund, and will also compensate all other ALPS personnel who perform management and administrative services for the Fund. ALPS' administrative services include, preparation and filing of documents required to comply with federal and state securities laws, supervising the activities of the Fund's custodian and transfer agent, providing assistance in connection with the Trustees and shareholders' meetings, providing services in connection with repurchase offers, if any, and other administrative services necessary to conduct the Fund's business. Under the Administration Agreement, ALPS is also obligated to pay all expenses incurred by the Fund, with the exception of advisory fees, portfolio transaction expenses, trustees' fees, litigation expenses, taxes, costs of preferred shares, expenses of conducting repurchase offers for the purpose of repurchasing Fund shares and extraordinary expenses.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per Share of the Fund is determined no less frequently than daily, on each day that the American Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open for trading, as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. New York time). The Fund's net asset value per Share is determined by ALPS, in the manner authorized by the Trustees of the Fund. Net asset value is computed by dividing the value of the Fund's total assets, less its liabilities by the number of shares outstanding.
The Trustees of the Fund have established the following procedures for fair valuation of the Fund's assets under normal market conditions. Marketable securities listed on foreign or U.S. securities exchanges generally are valued at closing sale prices or, if there were no sales, at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices therefor on the exchange where such securities are principally traded (such prices may not be used, however, where an active over-the-counter market in an exchange listed security better reflects current market value). Marketable securities listed in the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the NASDAQ closing price. Unlisted or listed securities for which closing sale prices are not available are valued at the mean between the latest bid and asked prices. An option is valued at the last sale price as quoted on the principal exchange or board of trade on which such option or contract is traded, or in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the last bid and asked prices.
The Fair Value Committee may implement new pricing methodologies or expand mark-to-market valuation of debt securities whose market prices are not readily available in the future, which may result in a change in the Fund's net asset value per share. The Fund's net asset value per share will also be affected by fair value pricing decisions and by changes in the market for such debt securities. The Fund has adopted Fair Valuation Procedures to determine the fair value of a debt security. These Fair Valuation Procedures consider relevant factors, data, and information, including: (i) the characteristics of and fundamental analytical data relating to the debt security, including the cost, size, current interest rate, period until next interest rate reset, maturity and base lending rate of the debt security, the terms and conditions of the debt security and any related agreements, and the position of
11
the debt security in the borrower's debt structure; (ii) the nature, adequacy and value of the collateral, including the Fund's rights, remedies and interests with respect to the collateral; (iii) the creditworthiness of the borrower, based on an evaluation of its financial condition, financial statements and information about the borrower's business, cash flows, capital structure and future prospects; (iv) information relating to the market for the debt security, including price quotations for and trading in the debt security and interests in similar debt security and the market environment and investor attitudes towards the debt security and interests in similar debt securities; and (v) general economic and market conditions affecting the fair value of the debt security. The fair value of each debt security is reviewed and approved by the Valuation Committee and the Fund's Trustees.
Debt securities for which the over-the-counter market is the primary market are normally valued on the basis of prices furnished by one or more pricing services at the mean between the latest available bid and asked prices. OTC options are valued at the mean between the bid and asked prices provided by dealers. Financial futures contracts listed on commodity exchanges and exchange-traded options are valued at closing settlement prices. Short-term obligations having remaining maturities of less than 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates value, unless the Trustees determine that under particular circumstances such method does not result in fair value. As authorized by the Trustees, debt securities (other than short-term obligations) may be valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service which determines valuations based upon market transactions for normal, institutional-size trading units of such securities. Securities for which there is no such quotation or valuation and all other assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Fund's Trustees.
All other securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Trustees.
Generally, trading in the foreign securities owned by the Fund is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the Exchange. The values of these securities used in determining the net asset value of the Fund generally are computed as of such times. Occasionally, events affecting the value of foreign securities may occur between such times and the close of the Exchange which will not be reflected in the computation of the Fund's net asset value (unless the Fund deems that such events would materially affect its net asset value, in which case an adjustment would be made and reflected in such computation). Foreign securities and currency held by the Fund will be valued in U.S. dollars; such values will be computed by the custodian based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by an independent quotation service.
Decisions concerning the execution of portfolio security transactions, including the selection of the market and the executing firm, are made by Clough. Clough is also responsible for the execution of transactions for all other accounts managed by it. Clough generally aggregates the portfolio security transactions of the Fund and of all other accounts managed by it for execution with many firms and allocates the orders across all participating accounts prior to execution. Accounts that are considered to be managed in the same investment strategy (based on investment objectives, time horizons, tax considerations, etc.) will generally be allocated on a pro rata basis. Clough uses its best efforts to obtain execution of portfolio security transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Fund and at reasonably competitive spreads or (when a disclosed commission is being charged) at reasonably competitive commission rates. In seeking such execution, Clough will use its best judgment in evaluating the terms of a transaction, and will give consideration to various relevant factors, including without limitation the full range and quality of the executing firm's services, the value of the brokerage and research services provided, the responsiveness of the firm to Clough, the actual price of the security, the commission rates charged, the nature and character of the market for the security, the confidentiality, speed and certainty of effective execution required for the transaction, the general
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execution and operational capabilities of the executing firm, the reputation, reliability, integrity, experience and financial condition of the firm, the value and quality of the services rendered by the firm in this and other transactions, and the reasonableness of the spread or commission, if any.
Transactions on stock exchanges and other agency transactions involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. Such commissions vary among different broker-dealer firms, and a particular broker-dealer may charge different commissions according to such factors as the difficulty and size of the transaction and the volume of business done with such broker-dealer. Transactions in foreign securities often involve the payment of brokerage commissions, which may be higher than those in the United States. There is generally no stated commission in the case of securities traded in the over-the-counter markets, but the price paid or received usually includes an undisclosed dealer markup or markdown. In an underwritten offering the price paid often includes a disclosed fixed commission or discount retained by the underwriter or dealer.
Fixed income obligations which may be purchased and sold by the Fund are generally traded in the over-the-counter market on a net basis ( i.e. , without commission) through broker-dealers or banks acting for their own account rather than as brokers, or otherwise involve transactions directly with the issuers of such obligations. The Fund may also purchase fixed income and other securities from underwriters, the cost of which may include undisclosed fees and concessions to the underwriters.
Although spreads or commissions paid on portfolio security transactions will, in the judgment of Clough, be reasonable in relation to the value of the services provided, commissions exceeding those which another firm might charge may be paid to broker-dealers who were selected to execute transactions on behalf of Clough's clients in part for providing brokerage and research services to Clough.
As authorized in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, a broker or dealer who executes a portfolio transaction on behalf of the Fund may receive a commission which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction. Clough may use brokers or dealers who provide additional brokerage or research services and charge commissions in excess of other brokers or dealers (soft dollar arrangements) if it determines in good faith that such compensation was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided. This determination may be made on the basis of that particular transaction or on the basis of overall responsibilities which Clough and its affiliates have for accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. In making any such determination, Clough will not attempt to place a specific dollar value on the brokerage and research services provided or to determine what portion of the commission should be related to such services. Brokerage and research services may include advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts; effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement); and the "Research Services" referred to in the next paragraph.
It is a common practice of the investment advisory industry and of the advisers of investment companies, institutions and other investors to receive research, analytical, statistical and quotation services, data, information and other services, products and materials which assist such advisers in the performance of their investment responsibilities ("Research Services") from broker-dealer firms which execute portfolio transactions for the clients of such advisers and from third parties with which such broker-dealers have arrangements. Consistent with this practice, Clough receives Research Services from many broker-dealer firms with which Clough places the Fund's transactions and from third parties with which these broker-dealers have arrangements. These Research Services may include such matters as general economic, political, business and market information, industry and company reviews,
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evaluations of securities and portfolio strategies and transactions, proxy voting data and analysis services, technical analysis of various aspects of the securities market, recommendations as to the purchase and sale of securities and other portfolio transactions, financial, industry and trade publications, news and information services, pricing and quotation equipment and services, and research oriented computer hardware, software, data bases and services. Any particular Research Service obtained through a broker-dealer may be used by Clough in connection with client accounts other than those accounts which pay commissions to such broker-dealer. Any such Research Service may be broadly useful and of value to Clough in rendering investment advisory services to all or a significant portion of its clients, or may be relevant and useful for the management of only one client's account or of a few clients' accounts, or may be useful for the management of merely a segment of certain clients' accounts, regardless of whether any such account or accounts paid commissions to the broker-dealer through which such Research Service was obtained. The advisory fee paid by the Fund is not reduced because Clough receives such Research Services. Clough evaluates the nature and quality of the various Research Services obtained through broker-dealer firms and attempts to allocate sufficient portfolio security transactions to such firms to ensure the continued receipt of Research Services which Clough believes are useful or of value to it in rendering investment advisory services to its clients. If only part of the Research Services provided are used to assist in the investment decision-making process, the percentage of permitted use must be determined and the remainder paid for with hard dollars.
The Fund and Clough may also receive Research Services from underwriters and dealers in fixed-price offerings, which Research Services are reviewed and evaluated by Clough in connection with its investment responsibilities.
Securities considered as investments for the Fund may also be appropriate for other investment accounts managed by Clough or its affiliates. Whenever decisions are made to buy or sell securities by the Fund and one or more of such other accounts simultaneously, Clough will allocate the security transactions (including initial public offerings and other new issues) in a manner which it believes to be fair and equitable under the circumstances and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. As a result of such allocations, there may be instances where the Fund will not participate in a transaction that is allocated among other accounts. Generally, participating accounts will receive the weighted average execution price per broker for the day and will pay the commissions, fees and other charges on a weighted average basis. However there may be instances where a smaller account receives its entire allocation before a larger account in order to minimize transaction costs, an account that specializes or concentrates holdings in a particular industry is given priority in allocation over other accounts, or allocations are not exactly pro rata due to Clough's practice of trading in 100 share lots. While these aggregation and allocation policies 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 Trustees of the Fund that the benefits received from Clough's organization outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from exposure to simultaneous transactions.
The Fund intends to elect to be treated and to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (a "RIC") under the Code. Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things, (i) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income (including tax-exempt interest) from (a) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gain from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies; and (b) net income from interests in "qualified publicly traded partnerships" (as defined in the Code); (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and other
14
securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the market value of the Fund's total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities and the securities of other regulated investment companies) of (I) any one issuer; (II) any two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses or (III) any one or more "qualified publicly traded partnerships" (as defined in the Code); and (iii) distribute substantially all of its net income and net short-term and long-term capital gains (after reduction by any available capital loss carryforwards) in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code, so as to maintain its RIC status and to avoid paying any U.S. federal income or excise tax. For purposes of the 90% of gross income requirement described above, the Code expressly provides the U.S. Treasury with authority to issue regulations that would exclude foreign currency gains from qualifying income if such gains are not directly related to the Fund's business of investing in stock or securities. While to date the U.S. Treasury has not exercised this regulatory authority, there can be no assurance that it will not issue regulations in the future (possibly with retroactive application) that would treat some or all of the Fund's foreign currency gains as non-qualifying income. To the extent it qualifies for treatment as a RIC and satisfies the above-mentioned distribution requirements, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income paid to its shareholders in the form of dividends or capital gain distributions.
In order to avoid incurring a U.S. federal excise tax obligation, the Code requires that the Fund distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) by December 31 of each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income for such year and (ii) 98% of its capital gain net income (which is the excess of its realized net long-term capital gain over its realized net short-term capital loss), generally computed on the basis of the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year, after reduction by any available capital loss carryforwards, plus (iii) 100% of any ordinary income and capital gain net income from the prior year (as previously computed) that were not paid out during such year and on which the Fund paid no U.S. federal income tax. Under current law, provided that the Fund qualifies as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund should not be liable for any income, corporate excise or franchise tax in the state of Delaware.
If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year, the Fund's taxable income will be subject to corporate income taxes, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including distributions of net capital gain (if any), will be taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income. Such distributions generally will be eligible (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders and (ii) for treatment as "qualified dividends" in the case of individual shareholders provided certain holding period and other requirements are met, as described below. In addition, in order to requalify for taxation as a RIC, the Fund may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make certain distributions.
Distributions from the Fund derived from investment income and net short-term capital gains, as described below, generally will be taxable to Common Shareholders as dividend income to the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions of net capital gains (that is, the excess of net gains from the sale of capital assets held more than one year over net losses from the sale of capital assets held for not more than one year) properly designated as capital gain dividends ("Capital Gain Dividends") will be taxable to Common Shareholders as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long a Common Shareholder has held the shares in the Fund.
If a Common Shareholder's distributions are automatically reinvested pursuant to the Plan and the Plan Administrator invests the distribution in shares acquired on behalf of the shareholder in open-market purchases, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Common Shareholder will generally be treated as having received a taxable distribution in the amount of the cash dividend that the Common Shareholder would have received if the shareholder had elected to receive cash. If a Common
15
Shareholder's distributions are automatically reinvested pursuant to the Plan and the Plan Administrator invests the distribution in newly issued shares of the Fund, the Common Shareholder will generally be treated as receiving a taxable distribution equal to the fair market value of the stock the Common Shareholder receives.
Under current law, certain income distributions paid by the Fund to individual taxpayers are taxed at rates equal to those applicable to net long-term capital gains (15%, or 5% for individuals in the 10% or 15% tax brackets). This tax treatment applies only if certain holding period requirements and other requirements are satisfied by the Common Shareholder with respect to its Common Shares and the dividends are attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund itself. For this purpose, "qualified dividend income" means dividends received by the Fund from certain United States corporations and qualifying foreign corporations, provided that the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the stock of such corporations. For these purposes, a "qualified foreign corporation" means any foreign corporation if (i) such corporation is incorporated in a possession of the United States, (ii) such corporation is eligible for benefits of a qualified comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States and which includes an exchange of information program, or (iii) the stock of such corporation with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. A "qualified foreign corporation" does not include any foreign corporation which for the taxable year of the corporation in which the dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year, is a "passive foreign investment company" (as defined in the Code). In the case of securities lending transactions, payments in lieu of dividends are not qualified dividends. Dividends received by the Fund from REITs are qualified dividends eligible for this lower tax rate only in limited circumstances. These special rules relating to the taxation of ordinary income dividends from regulated investment companies generally apply to taxable years beginning before January 1, 2009. Thereafter, the Fund's dividends, other than Capital Gain Dividends, will be fully taxable at ordinary income tax rates unless further Congressional legislature action is taken.
A dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income (whether received by the Fund or paid by the Fund to a shareholder) if (1) the dividend is received with respect to any share held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, (2) to the extent that the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property or (3) if the recipient elects to have the dividend treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest. Distributions of income by the Fund other than qualified dividend income and distributions of net realized short-term gains (on stocks held for one year or less) are taxed as ordinary income, at rates currently up to 35%.
The benefits of the reduced tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income may be impacted by the application of the alternative minimum tax to individual shareholders.
We cannot assure you as to what percentage of the dividends paid on the Common Shares will consist of qualified dividend income or long-term capital gains, both of which are taxed at lower rates for individuals than are ordinary income and short-term capital gains.
The Fund's investment in zero coupon and certain other securities will cause it to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities. Such income will be accrued daily by the Fund and, in order to avoid a tax payable by the Fund, the Fund may be required to liquidate securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold in order to generate cash so that the Fund may make required distributions to its shareholders.
Investments in lower rated or unrated securities may present special tax issues for the Fund to the extent that the issuers of these securities default on their obligations pertaining thereto. The Code is
16
not entirely clear regarding the federal income tax consequences of the Fund's taking certain positions in connection with ownership of such distressed securities.
Any recognized gain or income attributable to market discount on long-term debt obligations ( i.e. , obligations with a term of more than one year except to the extent of a portion of the discount attributable to original issue discount) purchased by the Fund is taxable as ordinary income. A long-term debt obligation is generally treated as acquired at a market discount if purchased after its original issue at a price less than (i) the stated principal amount payable at maturity, in the case of an obligation that does not have original issue discount or (ii) in the case of an obligation that does have original issue discount, the sum of the issue price and any original issue discount that accrued before the obligation was purchased, subject to a de minimis exclusion.
The Fund's investments in options, futures contracts, hedging transactions, forward contracts (to the extent permitted) and certain other transactions will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale, short sale and other rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer Fund losses, cause adjustments in the holding periods of securities held by the Fund, convert capital gain into ordinary income and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders. The Fund may be required to limit its activities in options and futures contracts in order to enable it to maintain its RIC status.
The Fund's transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned.
Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Common Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes.
If the Fund acquires any equity interest in certain foreign corporations that receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties, or capital gains) or that hold at least 50% of their assets in investments producing such passive income ("passive foreign investment companies"), the Fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and additional interest charges on "excess distributions" received from such companies or on gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders. The Fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such a tax. An election may generally be available that would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but any such election could require the Fund to recognize taxable income or gain (subject to tax distribution requirements) without the concurrent receipt of cash and would require certain information to be furnished by the foreign corporation, which may not be provided. These investments could also result in the treatment of associated capital gains as ordinary income. The Fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in passive foreign investment companies to limit its tax liability or maximize its return from these investments. Dividends paid by passive foreign investment companies will not qualify as qualified dividend income eligible for taxation at reduced tax rates.
The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the "Jobs Act"), among other things, modified the 90% gross income test with respect to income of a RIC to include net income derived from an interest in certain qualified "publicly traded partnerships" ("PTPs") and modified the asset diversification test of a RIC to include a new limitation on the investment by a RIC in certain qualified PTP interests. Under the Jobs Act, a RIC may now invest in a qualified PTP regardless of the types of business the PTP operates. The Jobs Act further provides that passive losses from an investment in a qualified PTP may
17
not be used by a RIC to offset any income other than income from the same PTP and any deductions passed through by the PTP may not be used by a RIC to offset income from other sources.
The sale, exchange or redemption of Fund shares may give rise to a gain or loss. Such gain or loss would generally be treated as capital gain or loss if the Fund shares are held as a capital asset. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than 12 months. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of Fund shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals have been reduced, in general, to 15% (or 5% for individuals in the 10% or 15% rate brackets); however, such rates are set to expire after December 31, 2008 absent further legislation. Any loss realized upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares with a holding period of 6 months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions received with respect to such shares. In addition, all or a portion of a loss realized on a redemption or other disposition of Fund shares may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other substantially identical shares (whether through the reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before the redemption of the loss shares and ending 30 days after such date. Any disallowed loss will result in an adjustment to the shareholder's tax basis in some or all of the other shares acquired.
Sales charges paid upon a purchase of shares cannot be taken into account for purposes of determining gain or loss on a sale of the shares before the 91st day after their purchase to the extent a sales charge is reduced or eliminated in a subsequent acquisition of shares of the Fund (or of another fund) pursuant to the reinvestment or exchange privilege. Any disregarded amounts will result in an adjustment to the shareholder's tax basis in some or all of any other shares acquired.
Dividends and distributions on the Fund's shares are generally subject to federal income tax as described herein to the extent they do not exceed the Fund's realized income and gains, even though such dividends and distributions may economically represent a return of a particular shareholder's investment. Such distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when the Fund's net asset value reflects gains that are either unrealized, or realized but not distributed. Such realized gains may be required to be distributed even when the Fund's net asset value also reflects unrealized losses. Certain distributions declared in October, November or December and paid in the following January will be taxed to shareholders as if received on December 31 of the year in which they were declared. In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of a taxable year of the Fund may be "spilled back" and treated as paid by the Fund (except for purposes of the 4% excise tax) during such taxable year. In such case, Shareholders will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made.
Amounts paid by the Fund to individuals and certain other shareholders who have not provided the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number ("TIN") and certain certifications required by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") as well as shareholders with respect to whom the Fund has received certain information from the IRS or a broker may be subject to "backup" withholding of federal income tax arising from the Fund's taxable dividends and other distributions as well as the gross proceeds of sales of shares, at a rate equal to the fourth highest rate of tax applicable to a single individual (currently, 28%). An individual's TIN is generally his or her social security number. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from payments made to a Shareholder may be refunded or credited against such Shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss on disposition of the Fund's shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the Internal Revenue Service a disclosure statement on Form 8886 except to the extent such losses are from assets that have a qualifying basis and meet certain other
18
requirements. 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. In addition, pursuant to recently enacted legislation, significant penalties may be imposed for the failure to comply with the reporting requirements. 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 advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
The foregoing discussion does not address the special tax rules applicable to certain classes of investors, such as tax-exempt entities, foreign investors, insurance companies and financial institutions. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to special tax rules that may apply in their particular situations, as well as the state, local, and, where applicable, foreign tax consequences of investing in the Fund.
The Fund will inform Shareholders of the source and tax status of all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year. The IRS has taken the position that if a RIC has more than one class of shares, it may designate distributions made to each class in any year as consisting of no more than that class's proportionate share of particular types of income for that year, including ordinary income and net capital gain. A class's proportionate share of a particular type of income for a year is determined according to the percentage of total dividends paid by the RIC during that year to the class. Accordingly, the Fund intends to designate a portion of its distributions in capital gain dividends in accordance with the IRS position.
Although the matter is not free from doubt, due to the absence of direct regulatory or judicial authority, under current law the manner in which the Fund intends to allocate items of ordinary income and net capital gain among the Fund's Common Shares and auction preferred shares is likely to be respected for federal income tax purposes. It is possible that the IRS could disagree with counsel's opinion and attempt to reallocate the Fund's net capital gain or other taxable income.
State And Local Taxes
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers as to the state or local tax consequences of investing in the Fund.
The Fund is an organization of the type commonly known as a "Delaware statutory trust." Under Delaware law, shareholders of such a trust may, in certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the obligations of the trust. The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability in connection with the Fund property or the acts, obligations or affairs of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust also provides for indemnification out of the Fund property of any shareholder held personally liable for the claims and liabilities to which a shareholder may become subject by reason of being or having been a shareholder. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself is unable to meet its obligations. The Fund has been advised by its counsel that the risk of any shareholder incurring any liability for the obligations of the Fund is remote.
The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees will not be liable for actions taken in good faith in the reasonable belief that such actions were in the best interests of the Fund or, in the case of any criminal proceeding, as to which a Trustee did not have reasonable cause to believe that such actions were unlawful; but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to the Fund or its shareholders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance,
19
bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office. Voting rights are not cumulative, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees and, in such event, the holders of the remaining less than 50% of the shares voting on the matter will not be able to elect any Trustees.
The Declaration of Trust provides that no person shall serve as a Trustee if shareholders holding two-thirds of the outstanding shares have removed him from that office either by a written declaration filed with the Fund's custodian or by votes cast at a meeting called for that purpose.
The Fund's prospectus and this SAI do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement that the Fund has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission upon payment of the fee prescribed by its Rules and Regulations.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
is the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, providing audit services, tax return preparation, and assistance and consultation with respect to the preparation of filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To be filed by amendment.
CLOUGH GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
, 2006
[To come]
20
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Long-Term Debt Securities and Preferred Stock Ratings
Aaa: Bonds and preferred stock 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 and preferred stock 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 risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.
A: Bonds and preferred stock 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.
Baa: Bonds and preferred stock 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 and preferred stock lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds and preferred stock 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 other good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds and preferred stock 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 and preferred stock 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 and preferred stock 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 and preferred stock 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.
The ratings indicated herein are believed to be the most recent ratings available at the date of this SAI for the securities listed. Ratings are generally given to securities at the time of issuance. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do not necessarily represent ratings which would be given to these securities on the date of the Fund's fiscal year end.
A-1
Absence of Rating: Where no rating has been assigned or where a rating has been suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of the issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances arise, the effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer available reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a bond is called for redemption; or for other reasons.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating classification from Aa through B in its bond rating system. The modifier 1 indicates that the security 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 Debt Securities Ratings
Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay punctually senior debt obligations. These obligations have an original maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.
Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
PRIME-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics: leading market positions in well-established industries; high rates of return on funds employed; conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection; broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation; and well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.
PRIME-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) 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. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
PRIME-3: Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
NOT PRIME: Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
A-2
STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP
Investment Grade
AAA: Debt and preferred stock rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA: Debt rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A: Debt and preferred stock rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB: Debt and preferred stock rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibit adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
Speculative Grade
Debt and preferred stock rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded as having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB: Debt and preferred stock rated BB have less near-term vulnerability to default than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BBB-rating.
B: Debt and preferred stock rated B have a greater vulnerability to default but currently has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BB or BB- rating.
CCC: Debt and preferred stock rated CCC have a currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The CCC rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied B or B- rating.
CC: The rating CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt and preferred stock which is assigned an actual or implied CCC debt rating.
C: The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt and preferred stock which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt service payments are continued.
C1: The Rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid.
A-3
D: Debt and preferred stock rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P 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 if debt service payments 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.
P: The letter "p" indicates that the rating is provisional. A provisional rating assumes the successful completion of the project being financed by the debt being rated and indicates that payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon the successful and 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.
L: The letter "L" indicates that the rating pertains to the principal amount of those bonds to the extent that the underlying deposit collateral is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and interest is adequately collateralized. In the case of certificates of deposit, the letter "L" indicates that the deposit, combined with other deposits being held in the same right and capacity, will be honored for principal and accrued pre-default interest up to the federal insurance limits within 30 days after closing of the insured institution or, in the event that the deposit is assumed by a successor insured institution, upon maturity.
NR: NR indicates no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
Commercial Paper Rating Definitions
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 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 S&P. 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.
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.
A-4
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 S&P 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 paper 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 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.
Investment Grade Ratings
AAA: Bonds and preferred stocks are considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
AA: Bonds and preferred stocks are considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the AAA and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated F-1+.
A: Bonds and preferred stocks are considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB: Bonds and preferred stocks are considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore, impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
Below Investment Grade Ratings
BB: Bonds and preferred stocks are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However, business and financial alternatives can be identified that could assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B: Bonds and preferred stocks are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the life of the issue.
CCC: Bonds and preferred stocks have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous business and economic environment.
A-5
CC: Bonds and preferred stocks are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or principal seems probable over time.
C: Bonds and preferred stocks are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD AND D: Bonds and preferred stocks are in default on interest and/or principal payments. Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D represents the lowest potential for recovery.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from AA to C may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category.
NR: Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
CONDITIONAL: A conditional rating is premised on the successful completion of a project or the occurrence of a specific event.
Investment Grade Short-Term Ratings
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on demand or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and investment notes.
F-1+: Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment.
F-1: Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues rated F-1+.
F-2: Good Credit Quality. Issues carrying this rating have a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as the F-1+ and F-1 categories.
F-3: Fair Credit Quality. Issues carrying this rating have characteristics suggesting that the degree of assurance for timely payment is adequate, however, near-term adverse change could cause these securities to be rated below investment grade.
* * * * * * * *
Notes: Bonds which are unrated expose the investor to risks with respect to capacity to pay interest or repay principal which are similar to the risks of lower-rated speculative bonds. The Fund is dependent on the investment adviser's judgment, analysis and experience in the evaluation of such bonds.
Investors should note that the assignment of a rating to a bond by a rating service may not reflect the effect of recent developments on the issuer's ability to make interest and principal payments.
(This page has been left blank intentionally.)
A-6
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 25. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(1) | Financial Statements* | |||||
Included in Part A: | ||||||
Not applicable. | ||||||
Included in Part B: | ||||||
Independent Auditors' Report | ||||||
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | ||||||
Notes to Financial Statements | ||||||
(2) | Exhibits | |||||
(a)(i) | Certificate of Trust | |||||
(a)(ii) | Agreement and Declaration of Trust | |||||
(b) | Bylaws | |||||
(c) | Not applicable | |||||
(d) | Form of Certificate for Common Shares of Beneficial Interest* | |||||
(e) | Form of Dividend Reinvestment Plan* | |||||
(f) | Not applicable | |||||
(g) | Form of Investment Advisory and Management Agreement* | |||||
(h) | (1) | Form of Underwriting Agreement* | ||||
(2) | Form of Additional Compensation Agreement* | |||||
(i) | Not applicable | |||||
(j) | Form of Custody Agreement* | |||||
(k) | (1) | Form of Stock Transfer Agency Agreement* | ||||
(2) | Form of Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement* | |||||
(3) | Form of Distribution Assistance Agreement* | |||||
(l) | Opinion and Consent of Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP* | |||||
(m) | Not applicable | |||||
(n) | Consent of * | |||||
(o) | Not applicable | |||||
(p) | Form of Initial Subscription Agreement* | |||||
(q) | Not applicable | |||||
(r) | (1) | Code of Ethics of the Fund* | ||||
(2) | Code of Ethics of the Adviser* | |||||
(3) | Code of Ethics of the Principal Executive and Financial Officers of the Fund* | |||||
(s) | Power of Attorney* |
Item 26. Marketing Arrangements
See Form of Underwriting Agreement to be filed by amendment.
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Item 27. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The approximate expenses in connection with the offering are as follows:
Item 28. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control With Registrant
None.
Item 29. Number of Holders of Securities
Set forth below is the number of record holders as of , 2006, of each class of securities of the Registrant:
Title of Class
|
Number of Record Holders
|
|
---|---|---|
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest |
Item 30. Indemnification
Article IV of the Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides as follows:
4.1 No Personal Liability of Shareholders, Trustees, etc. No Shareholder of the Trust shall be subject in such capacity to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person in connection with Trust Property or the acts, obligations or affairs of the Trust. Shareholders shall have the same limitation of personal liability as is extended to stockholders of a private corporation for profit incorporated under the general corporation law of the State of Delaware. No Trustee or officer of the Trust shall be subject in such capacity to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person, other than the Trust or its Shareholders, in connection with Trust Property or the affairs of the Trust, save only liability to the Trust or its Shareholders arising from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard for his duty to such Person; and, subject to the foregoing exception, all such Persons shall look solely to the Trust Property for satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust. If any Shareholder, Trustee or officer, as such, of the Trust, is made a party to any suit or proceeding to enforce any such liability, subject to the foregoing exception, he shall not, on account thereof, be held to any personal liability.
4.2 Mandatory Indemnification. (a) The Trust shall indemnify the Trustees and officers of the Trust (each such person being an "indemnitee") against any liabilities and expenses, including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and reasonable counsel fees reasonably incurred by such indemnitee in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or investigative body in which he may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise (other than, except as authorized by the Trustees, as the plaintiff or complainant) or with which he may be or may have been threatened, while acting
II-2
in any capacity set forth above in this Section 4.2 by reason of his having acted in any such capacity, except with respect to any matter as to which he shall not have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Trust or, in the case of any criminal proceeding, as to which he shall have had reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful, provided, however, that no indemnitee shall be indemnified hereunder against any liability to any person or any expense of such indemnitee arising by reason of (i) willful misfeasance, (ii) bad faith, (iii) gross negligence (negligence in the case of Affiliated Indemnitees), or (iv) reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his position (the conduct referred to in such clauses (i) through (iv) being sometimes referred to herein as "disabling conduct"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any action, suit or other proceeding voluntarily prosecuted by any indemnitee as plaintiff, indemnification shall be mandatory only if the prosecution of such action, suit or other proceeding by such indemnitee was authorized by a majority of the Trustees.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification shall be made hereunder unless there has been a determination (1) by a final decision on the merits by a court or other body of competent jurisdiction before whom the issue of entitlement to indemnification hereunder was brought that such indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder or, (2) in the absence of such a decision, by (i) a majority vote of a quorum of those Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor parties to the proceeding ("Disinterested Non-Party Trustees"), that the indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder, or (ii) if such quorum is not obtainable or even if obtainable, if such majority so directs, independent legal counsel in a written opinion conclude that the indemnitee should be entitled to indemnification hereunder. All determinations to make advance payments in connection with the expense of defending any proceeding shall be authorized and made in accordance with the immediately succeeding paragraph (c) below.
(c) The Trust shall make advance payments in connection with the expenses of defending any action with respect to which indemnification might be sought hereunder if the Trust receives a written affirmation by the indemnitee of the indemnitee's good faith belief that the standards of conduct necessary for indemnification have been met and a written undertaking to reimburse the Trust unless it is subsequently determined that he is entitled to such indemnification and if a majority of the Trustees determine that the applicable standards of conduct necessary for indemnification appear to have been met. In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met: (1) the indemnitee shall provide adequate security for his undertaking, (2) the Trust shall be insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or (3) a majority of a quorum of the Disinterested Non-Party Trustees, or if a majority vote of such quorum so direct, independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall conclude, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is substantial reason to believe that the indemnitee ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
(d) The rights accruing to any indemnitee under these provisions shall not exclude any other right to which he may be lawfully entitled.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to any limitations provided by the 1940 Act and this Declaration, the Trust shall have the power and authority to indemnify Persons providing services to the Trust to the full extent provided by law provided that such indemnification has been approved by a majority of the Trustees.
4.3 No Duty of Investigation; Notice in Trust Instruments, etc. No purchaser, lender, transfer agent or other person dealing with the Trustees or with any officer, employee or agent
II-3
of the Trust shall be bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction purporting to be made by the Trustees or by said officer, employee or agent or be liable for the application of money or property paid, loaned, or delivered to or on the order of the Trustees or of said officer, employee or agent. Every obligation, contract, undertaking, instrument, certificate, Share, other security of the Trust, and every other act or thing whatsoever executed in connection with the Trust shall be conclusively taken to have been executed or done by the executors thereof only in their capacity as Trustees under this Declaration or in their capacity as officers, employees or agents of the Trust. The Trustees may maintain insurance for the protection of the Trust Property, its Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents in such amount as the Trustees shall deem adequate to cover possible liability, and such other insurance as the Trustees in their sole judgment shall deem advisable or is required by the 1940 Act.
4.4 Reliance on Experts, etc. Each Trustee and officer or employee of the Trust shall, in the performance of its duties, be fully and completely justified and protected with regard to any act or any failure to act resulting from reliance in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Trust, upon an opinion of counsel, or upon reports made to the Trust by any of the Trust's officers or employees or by any adviser, administrator, manager, distributor, selected dealer, accountant, appraiser or other expert or consultant selected with reasonable care by the Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust, regardless of whether such counsel or other person may also be a Trustee.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser
Clough Capital Partners L.P. serves as investment adviser to the Registrant and also serves as adviser to unregistered funds, institutions and high net worth individuals. A description of any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature in which the investment adviser, and each partner or executive officer of the investment adviser, is or has been during the past two fiscal years, engaged in for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee, is set forth in the prospectus contained in this Registration Statement in the section entitled "Management of the FundInvestment Adviser." Additional information regarding the employment during the past two years of one of the officers of the investment adviser appears below:
Name and Position with
Clough Capital Partners L.P. |
Other Business, Profession, Vocation or
Employment During the Past Two Years |
|
---|---|---|
Daniel J. Gillis, Chief Compliance Officer | Clough Capital Partners L.P., Chief Compliance Officer (May 2004 to present); Deutsche Asset Management Inc., Vice President, Investment Management Compliance (July 2003 to April 2004), Vice President, Business Risk Management (April 2002 to June 2003). |
Item 32. Location of Accounts and Records
All applicable accounts, books and documents required to be maintained by the Registrant by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules promulgated thereunder are in the possession and custody of the Registrant, c/o ALPS Mutual Funds Services, Inc., 1625 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, Colorado 80202.
Item 33. Management Services
Not applicable.
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Item 34. Undertakings
II-5
Pursuant to requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the city of Denver, and the state of Colorado, on the 2nd day of February, 2006.
CLOUGH GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND | ||||
|
|
By: |
/s/ EDMUND J. BURKE |
|
Name: | Edmund J. Burke | |||
Title: | President and Principal Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/
EDMUND J. BURKE
Edmund J. Burke |
Principal Executive Officer and President and Initial Trustee | February 2, 2006 | ||
/s/ JEREMY O. MAY Jeremy O. May |
|
Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Treasurer |
|
February 2, 2006 |
II-6
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
(a)(i) | Certificate of Trust | |
(a)(ii) | Agreement and Declaration of Trust | |
(b) | Bylaws |
Exhibit 99(a)(i)
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
OF
CLOUGH GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND
This Certificate of Trust of Clough Global Opportunities Fund (the "Trust"), dated January 12, 2006, is being duly executed and filed by the undersigned trustee, to form a statutory trust under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (12 Del. C. Section 3801, et seq.).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this instrument as of this 12 th day of January, 2006.
|
/s/ EDMUND BURKE Edmund Burke, as Trustee and not individually |
|
Exhibit 99(a)(ii)
AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST
ARTICLE I |
||||
The Trust |
||||
1.1 | Name | 3 | ||
1.2 | Definitions | 3 | ||
1.3 | Purpose and Powers of Trust | 4 | ||
ARTICLE II |
||||
Trustees |
||||
2.1 | Number and Qualification | 4 | ||
2.2 | Term and Election | 4 | ||
2.3 | Resignation and Removal | 5 | ||
2.4 | Vacancies | 5 | ||
2.5 | Meetings | 5 | ||
2.6 | Officers | 6 | ||
ARTICLE III |
||||
Powers and Duties of Trustees |
||||
3.1 | General | 6 | ||
3.2 | Investments | 6 | ||
3.3 | Legal Title | 7 | ||
3.4 | Issuance and Repurchase of Shares | 7 | ||
3.5 | Borrow Money or Utilize Leverage | 7 | ||
3.6 | Collection and Payment | 7 | ||
3.7 | Expenses | 7 | ||
3.8 | By-Laws | 8 | ||
3.9 | Officers and Agents | 8 | ||
3.10 | Miscellaneous Powers | 8 | ||
3.11 | Delegation; Committees | 8 | ||
3.12 | Further Powers | 8 | ||
ARTICLE IV |
||||
Limitations of Liability and Indemnification |
||||
4.1 | No Personal Liability of Shareholders, Trustees, etc. | 9 | ||
4.2 | Mandatory Indemnification | 9 | ||
4.3 | No Duty of Investigation; Notice in Trust Instruments, etc. | 10 | ||
4.4 | Reliance on Experts, etc. | 10 | ||
ARTICLE V |
||||
Shares of Beneficial Interest |
||||
5.1 | Beneficial Interest | 10 | ||
5.2 | Classes and Series | 11 | ||
5.3 | Issuance of Shares | 11 | ||
5.4 | Rights of Shareholders | 11 | ||
5.5 | Trust Only | 11 | ||
5.6 | Register of Shares | 11 | ||
5.7 | Transfer Agent and Registrar | 12 | ||
5.8 | Transfer of Shares | 12 | ||
5.9 | Notices | 12 | ||
5.10 | Net Asset Value | 12 | ||
5.11 | Distributions to Shareholders | 12 | ||
ARTICLE VI |
||||
Shareholders |
||||
6.1 | Meetings of Shareholders | 13 | ||
6.2 | Voting | 13 | ||
6.3 | Notice of Meeting, Shareholder Proposals and Record Date | 13 | ||
6.4 | Quorum and Required Vote | 13 | ||
6.5 | Proxies, etc. | 14 | ||
6.6 | Reports | 14 | ||
6.7 | Shareholder Action by Written Consent | 14 | ||
ARTICLE VII |
||||
Duration: Termination of Trust; Amendment; Mergers, Etc. |
||||
7.1 | Duration | 15 | ||
7.2 | Termination | 15 | ||
7.3 | Amendment Procedure | 15 | ||
7.4 | Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets | 16 | ||
7.5 | Redemption; Conversion | 16 | ||
7.6 | Certain Transactions | 16 | ||
ARTICLE VIII |
||||
Miscellaneous |
||||
8.1 | References; Headings; Counterparts | 18 | ||
8.2 | Filing | 18 | ||
8.3 | Resident Agent | 18 | ||
8.4 | Governing Law | 18 | ||
8.5 | Counterparts | 18 | ||
8.6 | Reliance by Third Parties | 18 | ||
8.7 | Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulation | 19 |
2
AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST
AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST made as of the 12 th day of January, 2006, by the Trustees hereunder, and by the holders of shares of beneficial interest issued hereunder as hereinafter provided.
WHEREAS, this Trust, created by the Certificate of Trust filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on January 12, 2006, shall constitute a statutory trust under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act and this Agreement and Declaration of Trust shall constitute the governing instrument of such business trust;
WHEREAS, this Trust has been formed to carry on business as set forth more particularly hereinafter;
WHEREAS, this Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of its shares of beneficial interest all in accordance with the provisions hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, the Trustees have agreed to manage all property coming into their hands as Trustees of a Delaware statutory trust in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, as amended from time to time, and the provisions hereinafter set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Trustees hereby declare that they will hold all cash, securities, and other assets which they may from time to time acquire in any manner as Trustees hereunder IN TRUST to manage and dispose of the same upon the following terms and conditions for the benefit of the holders from time to time of shares of beneficial interest in this Trust as hereinafter set forth.
ARTICLE I
The Trust
1.1 Name. This Trust shall be known as the "Clough Global Opportunities Fund" and the Trustees shall conduct the business of the Trust under that name or any other name or names as they may from time to time determine.
1.2 Definitions. As used in this Declaration, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
The terms "Affiliated Person", "Assignment", "Commission", "Interested Person" and "Principal Underwriter" shall have the meanings given them in the 1940 Act.
"By-Laws" shall mean the By-Laws of the Trust as amended from time to time by the Trustees.
"Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Declaration" shall mean this Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended and restated from time to time, including by way of any classifying or reclassifying Shares of any class or any series of any such class or determining any designations, powers, preferences, voting, conversion and other rights, limitations, qualifications and terms and conditions thereof.
"Delaware Business Trust Statute" shall mean the provisions of the Delaware Business Trust Act, 12 Del. C. section 3801, et. seq., as such Act may be amended from time to time.
"Majority Shareholder Vote" shall mean a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust or the applicable class or classes or series or series of such voting securities.
3
"Person" shall mean and include natural persons, corporations, partnerships, trusts, limited liability companies, associations, joint ventures and other entities, whether or not legal entities, and governments and agencies and political subdivisions thereof.
"Prospectus" shall mean the currently effective Prospectus of the Trust, if any, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Shareholders" shall mean as of any particular time the holders of record of outstanding Shares of the Trust at such time.
"Shares" shall mean the transferable units of beneficial interest into which the beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided from time to time and includes fractions of Shares as well as whole Shares. All references to Shares shall be deemed to be Shares of any or all or series thereof as the context may require.
"Trust" shall mean the trust established by this Declaration, as amended from time to time, inclusive of each such amendment.
"Trustees" shall mean the signatory to this Declaration, so long as he shall continue in office in accordance with the terms hereof, and all other persons who at the time in question have been duly elected or appointed and have qualified as trustees in accordance with the provisions hereof and are then in office.
"Trust Property" shall mean as of any particular time any and all property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, which at such time is owned or held by or for the account of the Trust or the Trustees in such capacity.
The "1933 Act" refers to the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and exemptions therefrom covering the Trust and its affiliated persons, as amended from time to time.
The "1940 Act" refers to the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and exemptions granted therefrom, as amended from time to time.
1.3 Purpose and Powers of Trust. The Trust is established for the purpose of engaging in any activity not prohibited by Delaware law and shall have the power to engage in any such activity and in any activity incidental or related to any such activity.
ARTICLE II
Trustees
2.1 Number and Qualification. Prior to a public offering of Shares, there may be a sole Trustee and thereafter the number of Trustees shall be such number, not less than three or more than fifteen, as shall be set forth in a written instrument signed or adopted by a majority of the Trustees then in office. No reduction in the number of Trustees shall have the effect of removing any Trustee from office prior to the expiration of his term. An individual nominated as a Trustee shall be at least 21 years of age and not older than such age as shall be set forth in a written instrument signed or adopted by not less than two-thirds of the Trustees then in office and shall not be under legal disability. Trustees need not own Shares and may succeed themselves in office.
2.2 Term and Election. The Board of Trustees shall be divided into three classes. Within the limits specified in Section 2.1, the number of the Trustees in each class shall be determined by resolution of the Board of Trustees. The initial term of office of the first class shall expire on the date of the first annual meeting of Shareholders or special meeting in lieu thereof. The initial term of office of the second class shall expire on the date of the second annual meeting of Shareholders or special
4
meeting in lieu thereof. The initial term of office of the third class shall expire on the date of the third annual meeting of Shareholders or special meeting in lieu thereof. Upon expiration of the initial term of office of each class as set forth above and the expiration of each subsequent term of office of such class, the number of Trustees in such class, as determined by the Board of Trustees, shall be elected for a term expiring on the date of the third annual meeting of Shareholders or special meeting in lieu thereof following such expiration to succeed the Trustees whose terms of office expire. The Trustees shall be elected at an annual meeting of the Shareholders or special meeting in lieu thereof called for that purpose, except as provided in Section 2.4 of this Article, and each Trustee elected shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been elected and shall have qualified, except as provided in Section 2.3.
2.3 Resignation and Removal. Any Trustee may resign his trust (without need for prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument in writing signed by him and delivered or mailed to the Chairman, if any, the President or the Secretary and such resignation shall be effective upon such delivery, or at a later date according to the terms of the instrument. Any Trustee may be removed (provided the aggregate number of Trustees after such removal shall not be less than the number required by Section 2.1 hereof) for cause at any time by written instrument, signed by two-thirds of the remaining Trustees, specifying the date when such removal shall become effective. "Cause" for these purposes shall require willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such Trustee. Any Trustee may be removed (provided the aggregate number of Trustees after such removal shall not be less than the minimum number required by Section 2.1 hereof) without cause at any time by a written instrument, signed or adopted by two-thirds of the remaining Trustees or by vote of Shares having not less than two-thirds of the aggregate number of Shares entitled to vote in the election of such Trustee, specifying the date when such removal shall become effective. Upon the resignation or removal of a Trustee, or such persons otherwise ceasing to be a Trustee, such persons shall execute and deliver such documents as the remaining Trustees shall require for the purpose of conveying to the Trust or the remaining Trustees any Trust Property held in the name of the resigning or removed Trustee. Upon the incapacity or death of any Trustee, such Trustee's legal representative shall execute and deliver on such Trustee's behalf such documents as the remaining Trustees shall require as provided in the preceding sentence.
2.4 Vacancies. The term of office of a Trustee shall terminate and a vacancy shall occur in the event of the death, resignation, bankruptcy, adjudicated incompetence or other incapacity to perform the duties of the office, or removal, of a Trustee. Whenever a vacancy in the Board of Trustees shall occur, the remaining Trustees may fill such vacancy by appointing an individual having the qualifications described in this Article by a written instrument signed or adopted by a majority of the Trustees then in office or by election by the Shareholders, or may leave such vacancy unfilled or may reduce the number of Trustees (provided the aggregate number of Trustees after such reduction shall not be less than the minimum number required by Section 2.1 hereof). Any vacancy created by an increase in Trustees may be filled by the appointment of an individual having the qualifications described in this Article made by a written instrument signed by a majority of the Trustees then in office or by election by the Shareholders. No vacancy shall operate to annul this Declaration or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this Declaration. Whenever a vacancy in the number of Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled as provided herein, the Trustees in office, regardless of their number, shall have all the powers granted to the Trustees and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon the Trustees by this Declaration.
2.5 Meetings. Meetings of the Trustees shall be held from time to time upon the call of the Chairman, if any, the President, the Secretary or any two Trustees. Regular meetings of the Trustees may be held without call or notice at a time and place fixed by the By-Laws or by resolution of the Trustees. Notice of any other meeting shall be mailed not less than 48 hours before the meeting or otherwise actually delivered orally or in writing not less than 24 hours before the meeting, but may be
5
waived in writing by any Trustee either before or after such meeting. The attendance of a Trustee at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where a Trustee attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting has not been lawfully called or convened. The Trustees may act with or without a meeting. A quorum for all meetings of the Trustees shall be a majority of the Trustees. Unless provided otherwise in this Declaration of Trust, any action of the Trustees may be taken at a meeting by vote of a majority of the Trustees present (a quorum being present) or without a meeting by written consent of a majority of the Trustees or such other proportion as shall be specified herein for action at a meeting at which all Trustees then in office are present.
Any committee of the Trustees, including an executive committee, if any, may act with or without a meeting. A quorum for all meetings of any such committee shall be a majority of the members thereof. Unless provided otherwise in this Declaration, any action of any such committee may be taken at a meeting by vote of a majority of the members present (a quorum being present) or without a meeting by written consent of a majority of the members or such other proportion as shall be specified herein for action at a meeting at which all committee members are present.
With respect to actions of the Trustees and any committee of the Trustees, Trustees who are Interested Persons in any action to be taken may be counted for quorum purposes under this Section and shall be entitled to vote to the extent not prohibited by the 1940 Act.
All or any one or more Trustees may participate in a meeting of the Trustees or any committee thereof by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other; participation in a meeting pursuant to any such communications system shall constitute presence in person at such meeting except as otherwise provided by the 1940 Act.
2.6 Officers. The Trustees shall elect a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer and may elect a Chairman who shall serve at the pleasure of the Trustees or until their successors are elected. The Trustees may elect or appoint or may authorize the Chairman, if any, or President to appoint such other officers or agents with such other titles and powers as the Trustees may deem to be advisable. A Chairman shall, and the President, Secretary and Treasurer may, but need not, be a Trustee.
ARTICLE III
Powers and Duties of Trustees
3.1 General. The Trustees shall have exclusive and absolute control over the Trust Property and over the business of the Trust to the same extent as if the Trustees were the sole owners of the Trust Property and business in their own right, but with such powers of delegation as may be permitted by this Declaration. The Trustees shall have power to engage in any activity not prohibited by Delaware law. The enumeration of any specific power herein shall not be construed as limiting the aforesaid power. The Trustees may perform such acts as in their sole discretion are proper for conducting the business of the Trust. The powers of the Trustees may be exercised without order of or resort to any court. No Trustee shall be obligated to give any bond or other security for the performance of any of his duties or powers hereunder.
3.2 Investments. The Trustees shall have power to:
(a) manage, conduct, operate and carry on the business of an investment company, and exercise all the powers necessary and appropriate to the conduct of such operations;
(b) subscribe for, invest in, reinvest in, purchase or otherwise acquire, hold, pledge, sell, assign, transfer, exchange, distribute or otherwise deal in or dispose of any and all sorts of property, tangible or intangible, including but not limited to securities of any type whatsoever,
6
whether equity or non-equity, of any issuer, evidences of indebtedness of any person and any other rights, interests, instruments or property of any sort and to exercise any and all rights, powers and privileges of ownership or interest in respect of any and all such investments of every kind and description, including, without limitation, the right to consent and otherwise act with respect thereto, with power to designate one or more Persons to exercise any of said rights, powers and privileges in respect of any of said investments. The Trustees shall not be limited by any law limiting the investments which may be made by fiduciaries.
3.3 Legal Title. Legal title to all the Trust Property shall be vested in the Trustees as joint tenants except that the Trustees shall have power to cause legal title to any Trust Property to be held by or in the name of one or more of the Trustees, or in the name of the Trust, or in the name of any other Person as nominee, custodian or pledgee, on such terms as the Trustees may determine, provided that the interest of the Trust therein is appropriately protected.
The right, title and interest of the Trustees in the Trust Property shall vest automatically in each person who may hereafter become a Trustee upon his due election and qualification. Upon the ceasing of any person to be a Trustee for any reason, such person shall automatically cease to have any right, title or interest in any of the Trust Property, and the right, title and interest of such Trustee in the Trust Property shall vest automatically in the remaining Trustees. Such vesting and cessation of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents have been executed and delivered.
3.4 Issuance and Repurchase of Shares. Subject to the provisions of this Declaration and applicable law, the Trustees shall have the power to issue, sell, repurchase, redeem, retire, cancel, acquire, hold, resell, reissue, dispose of, transfer, and otherwise deal in, Shares, including Shares in fractional denominations, and to apply to any such repurchase, redemption, retirement, cancellation or acquisition of Shares any funds or property whether capital or surplus or otherwise, to the full extent now or hereafter permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware governing business corporations.
3.5 Borrow Money or Utilize Leverage. The Trustees shall have the power to borrow money or otherwise obtain credit or utilize leverage in connection with the activities of the Trust to the maximum extent permitted by law, regulation or order and to secure the same by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting as security the assets of the Trust, including the lending of portfolio securities, and to endorse, guarantee, or undertake the performance of any obligation, contract or engagement of any other person, firm, association or corporation.
3.6 Collection and Payment. The Trustees shall have power to collect all property due to the Trust; to pay all claims, including taxes, against the Trust Property or the Trust, the Trustees or any officer, employee or agent of the Trust; to prosecute, defend, compromise or abandon any claims relating to the Trust Property or the Trust, or the Trustees or any officer, employee or agent of the Trust; to foreclose any security interest securing any obligations, by virtue of which any property is owed to the Trust; and to enter into releases, agreements and other instruments. Except to the extent required for a Delaware business corporation, the Shareholders shall have no power to vote as to whether or not a court action, legal proceeding or claim should or should not be brought or maintained derivatively or as a class action on behalf of the Trust or the Shareholders.
3.7 Expenses. The Trustees shall have power to incur and pay out of the assets or income of the Trust any expenses which in the opinion of the Trustees are necessary or appropriate to carry out any of the purposes of this Declaration, and the business of the Trust, and to pay reasonable compensation from the funds of the Trust to themselves as Trustees. The Trustees shall fix the compensation of all officers, employees and Trustees. The Trustees may pay themselves such compensation for special services, including legal, underwriting, syndicating and brokerage services, as they in good faith may deem reasonable and reimbursement for expenses reasonably incurred by themselves on behalf of the Trust. The Trustees shall have the power, as frequently as they may determine, to cause each Shareholder to pay directly, in advance or arrears, for charges of distribution, of the custodian or
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transfer, shareholder servicing or similar agent, a pro rata amount as defined from time to time by the Trustees, by setting off such charges due from such Shareholder from declared but unpaid dividends or distributions owed such Shareholder and/or by reducing the number of shares in the account of such Shareholder by that number of full and/or fractional Shares which represents the outstanding amount of such charges due from such Shareholder.
3.8 By-Laws. The Trustees may adopt and from time to time amend or repeal By-Laws for the conduct of the business of the Trust. Such By-Laws shall be binding on the Trust and the Shareholders unless inconsistent with the provisions of this Declaration. The Shareholders shall not have authority to adopt or amend By-Laws.
3.9 Officers and Agents. The Trustees may elect and remove such officers and appoint and terminate such agents as they deem appropriate, in accordance with this Declaration of Trust and the By-Laws.
3.10 Miscellaneous Powers. The Trustees shall have the power to: (a) employ or contract with such Persons as the Trustees may deem desirable for the transaction of the business of the Trust, including investment advisors, administrators, custodians, transfer agents, shareholder services providers, accountants, counsel, brokers, dealers and others; (b) enter into joint ventures, partnerships and any other combinations or associations; (c) purchase, and pay for out of Trust Property, insurance policies insuring the Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees, agents, investment advisors, distributors, selected dealers or independent contractors of the Trust against all claims arising by reason of holding any such position or by reason of any action taken or omitted by any such Person in such capacity, whether or not constituting negligence, or whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such Person against such liability; (d) establish pension, profit-sharing, share purchase, and other retirement, incentive and benefit plans for any Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust; (e) make donations, irrespective of benefit to the Trust, for charitable, religious, educational, scientific, civic or similar purposes; (f) to the extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify any Person with whom the Trust has dealings, including without limitation any investment adviser, administrator, manager, transfer agent, custodian, distributor or selected dealer, or any other person as the Trustees may see fit to such extent as the Trustees shall determine; (g) guarantee indebtedness or contractual obligations of others; (h) determine and change the fiscal year of the Trust and the method in which its accounts shall be kept; (i) adopt a seal for the Trust but the absence of such seal shall not impair the validity of any instrument executed on behalf of the Trust; and (j) set record dates in the manner provided for herein or in the By-Laws.
3.11 Delegation; Committees. The Trustees shall have the power, consistent with their continuing exclusive authority over the management of the Trust and the Trust Property, to delegate from time to time to such of their number or to officers, employees or agents of the Trust the doing of such things and the execution of such instruments either in the name of the Trust or the names of the Trustees or otherwise as the Trustees may deem expedient. The Trustees may designate one or more committees each of which shall have all or such lesser portion of the power and authority of the entire Board of Trustees as the Trustees shall determine from time to time, except to the extent action by the entire Board of Trustees or particular Trustees is required by the 1940 Act.
3.12 Further Powers. The Trustees shall have the power to conduct the business of the Trust and carry on its operations in any and all of its branches and maintain offices both within and without the State of Delaware, in any and all states of the United States of America, in the District of Columbia, and in any and all commonwealths, territories, dependencies, colonies, possessions, agencies or instrumentalities of the United States of America and of foreign governments, and to do all such other things and execute all such instruments as they deem necessary, proper or desirable in order to promote the interests of the Trust although such things are not herein specifically mentioned. Any determination as to what is in the interests of the Trust made by the Trustees in good faith shall be
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conclusive. In construing the provisions of this Declaration, the presumption shall be in favor of a grant of power to the Trustees.
ARTICLE IV
Limitations of Liability and Indemnification
4.1 No Personal Liability of Shareholders, Trustees, etc. No Shareholder of the Trust shall be subject in such capacity to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person in connection with Trust Property or the acts, obligations or affairs of the Trust. Shareholders shall have the same limitation of personal liability as is extended to stockholders of a private corporation for profit incorporated under the general corporation law of the State of Delaware. No Trustee or officer of the Trust shall be subject in such capacity to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person, other than the Trust or its Shareholders, in connection with Trust Property or the affairs of the Trust, save only liability to the Trust or its Shareholders arising from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard for his duty to such Person; and, subject to the foregoing exception, all such Persons shall look solely to the Trust Property for satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust. If any Shareholder, Trustee or officer, as such, of the Trust, is made a party to any suit or proceeding to enforce any such liability, subject to the foregoing exception, he shall not, on account thereof, be held to any personal liability.
4.2 Mandatory Indemnification. (a) The Trust shall indemnify the Trustees and officers of the Trust (each such person being an "indemnitee") against any liabilities and expenses, including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and reasonable counsel fees reasonably incurred by such indemnitee in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or investigative body in which he may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise (other than, except as authorized by the Trustees, as the plaintiff or complainant) or with which he may be or may have been threatened, while acting in any capacity set forth above in this Section 4.2 by reason of his having acted in any such capacity, except with respect to any matter as to which he shall not have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Trust or, in the case of any criminal proceeding, as to which he shall have had reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful, provided, however, that no indemnitee shall be indemnified hereunder against any liability to any person or any expense of such indemnitee arising by reason of (i) willful misfeasance, (ii) bad faith, (iii) gross negligence (negligence in the case of Affiliated Indemnitees), or (iv) reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his position (the conduct referred to in such clauses (i) through (iv) being sometimes referred to herein as "disabling conduct"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any action, suit or other proceeding voluntarily prosecuted by any indemnitee as plaintiff, indemnification shall be mandatory only if the prosecution of such action, suit or other proceeding by such indemnitee was authorized by a majority of the Trustees.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification shall be made hereunder unless there has been a determination (1) by a final decision on the merits by a court or other body of competent jurisdiction before whom the issue of entitlement to indemnification hereunder was brought that such indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder or, (2) in the absence of such a decision, by (i) a majority vote of a quorum of those Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor parties to the proceeding ("Disinterested Non-Party Trustees"), that the indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder, or (ii) if such quorum is not obtainable or even if obtainable, if such majority so directs, independent legal counsel in a written opinion conclude that the indemnitee should be entitled to indemnification hereunder. All determinations to make advance payments in connection with the expense of defending any proceeding shall be authorized and made in accordance with the immediately succeeding paragraph (c) below.
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(c) The Trust shall make advance payments in connection with the expenses of defending any action with respect to which indemnification might be sought hereunder if the Trust receives a written affirmation by the indemnitee of the indemnitee's good faith belief that the standards of conduct necessary for indemnification have been met and a written undertaking to reimburse the Trust unless it is subsequently determined that he is entitled to such indemnification and if a majority of the Trustees determine that the applicable standards of conduct necessary for indemnification appear to have been met. In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met: (1) the indemnitee shall provide adequate security for his undertaking, (2) the Trust shall be insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or (3) a majority of a quorum of the Disinterested Non-Party Trustees, or if a majority vote of such quorum so direct, independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall conclude, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is substantial reason to believe that the indemnitee ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
(d) The rights accruing to any indemnitee under these provisions shall not exclude any other right to which he may be lawfully entitled.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to any limitations provided by the 1940 Act and this Declaration, the Trust shall have the power and authority to indemnify Persons providing services to the Trust to the full extent provided by law provided that such indemnification has been approved by a majority of the Trustees.
4.3 No Duty of Investigation; Notice in Trust Instruments, etc. No purchaser, lender, transfer agent or other person dealing with the Trustees or with any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction purporting to be made by the Trustees or by said officer, employee or agent or be liable for the application of money or property paid, loaned, or delivered to or on the order of the Trustees or of said officer, employee or agent. Every obligation, contract, undertaking, instrument, certificate, Share, other security of the Trust, and every other act or thing whatsoever executed in connection with the Trust shall be conclusively taken to have been executed or done by the executors thereof only in their capacity as Trustees under this Declaration or in their capacity as officers, employees or agents of the Trust. The Trustees may maintain insurance for the protection of the Trust Property, its Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents in such amount as the Trustees shall deem adequate to cover possible liability, and such other insurance as the Trustees in their sole judgment shall deem advisable or is required by the 1940 Act.
4.4 Reliance on Experts, etc. Each Trustee and officer or employee of the Trust shall, in the performance of its duties, be fully and completely justified and protected with regard to any act or any failure to act resulting from reliance in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Trust, upon an opinion of counsel, or upon reports made to the Trust by any of the Trust's officers or employees or by any advisor, administrator, manager, distributor, selected dealer, accountant, appraiser or other expert or consultant selected with reasonable care by the Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust, regardless of whether such counsel or other person may also be a Trustee.
ARTICLE V
Shares of Beneficial Interest
5.1 Beneficial Interest. The beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided into an unlimited number of transferable shares, and each share shall have no par value per share or such other amount as the Trustees may establish. All Shares issued in accordance with the terms hereof, including, without limitation, Shares issued in connection with a dividend in Shares or a split of Shares, shall be fully paid
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and nonassessable when the consideration determined by the Trustees (if any) therefor shall have been received by the Trust.
5.2 Classes and Series. The Trustees shall have the authority, without the approval of the holders of any Shares of the Trust, to classify and reclassify issued and unissued Shares into one or more classes and one or more series of any or all of such classes, each of which classes and series thereof shall have such designations, powers, preferences, voting, conversion and other rights, limitations, qualifications and terms and conditions as the Trustees shall determine from time to time with respect to each such class or series; provided, however, that no reclassification of any issued and outstanding Shares and no modifications of any of the designations, powers, preferences, voting, conversion or other rights, limitations, qualifications and terms and conditions of any issued and outstanding Shares may be made by the Trustees without the affirmative vote of the holders of Shares specified in Section 7.3(a) to the extent required thereby. The initial class of Shares of the Trust is hereby designated as "Common Shares", subject to redesignation as aforesaid. To the extent expressly determined by the Trustees as aforesaid, all consideration received by the Trust for the issue or sale of Shares of a class, together with all income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, including any proceeds derived from the sale, exchange or liquidation thereof, and any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds in whatever form the same may be, shall irrevocably belong to such class subject only to the rights of the creditors, and all liabilities allocable to such class shall be charged thereto.
5.3 Issuance of Shares. The Trustees, in their discretion, may from time to time without vote of the Shareholders issue Shares of any class or any series of any such class to such party or parties and for such amount and type of consideration, including cash or property, at such time or times, and on such terms as the Trustees may determine, and may in such manner acquire other assets (including the acquisition of assets subject to, and in connection with the assumption of, liabilities) and businesses. The Trustees may from time to time divide or combine the Shares of any class or any series of any such class into a greater or lesser number without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interest in such Shares. Issuances and repurchases of Shares may be made in whole Shares and/or l/l,000ths of a Share or multiples thereof as the Trustees may determine.
5.4 Rights of Shareholders. The Shares shall be personal property giving only the rights in this Declaration specifically set forth. The ownership of the Trust Property of every description and the right to conduct any business herein before described are vested exclusively in the Trustees, and the Shareholders shall have no interest therein other than the beneficial interest conferred by their Shares, and they shall have no right to call for any partition or division of any property, profits, rights or interests of the Trust nor can they be called upon to share or assume any losses of the Trust or, subject to the right of the Trustees to charge certain expenses directly to Shareholders, as provided in the last sentence of Section 3.7, suffer an assessment of any kind by virtue of their ownership of Shares. The Shares shall not entitle the holder to preference, preemptive, appraisal, conversion or exchange rights (except as specified in this Section 5.4, in Section 7.4 or as specified by the Trustees in the designation or redesignation of any class or series thereof of the Shares).
5.5 Trust Only. It is the intention of the Trustees to create only the relationship of Trustee and beneficiary between the Trustees and each Shareholder from time to time. It is not the intention of the Trustees to create a general partnership, limited partnership, joint stock association, corporation, bailment or any form of legal relationship other than a trust. Nothing in this Declaration shall be construed to make the Shareholders, either by themselves or with the Trustees, partners or members of a joint stock association.
5.6 Register of Shares. A register shall be kept at the Trust or any transfer agent duly appointed by the Trustees under the direction of the Trustees which shall contain the names and addresses of the Shareholders and the number of Shares held by them respectively and a record of all transfers thereof.
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Separate registers shall be established and maintained for each class and each series of each class. Each such register shall be conclusive as to who are the holders of the Shares of the applicable class and series and who shall be entitled to receive dividends or distributions or otherwise to exercise or enjoy the rights of Shareholders. No Shareholder shall be entitled to receive payment of any dividend or distribution, nor to have notice given to him as herein provided, until he has given his address to a transfer agent or such other officer or agent of the Trustees as shall keep the register for entry thereon. It is not contemplated that certificates will be issued for the Shares; however, the Trustees, in their discretion, may authorize the issuance of share certificates and promulgate appropriate fees therefore and rules and regulations as to their use.
5.7 Transfer Agent and Registrar. The Trustees shall have power to employ a transfer agent or transfer agents, and a registrar or registrars, with respect to the Shares. The transfer agent or transfer agents may keep the applicable register and record therein, the original issues and transfers, if any, of the said Shares. Any such transfer agent and registrars shall perform the duties usually performed by transfer agents and registrars of stock in a corporation, as modified by the Trustees.
5.8 Transfer of Shares. Shares shall be transferable on the records of the Trust only by the record holder thereof or by its agent thereto duly authorized in writing, upon delivery to the Trustees or a transfer agent of the Trust of a duly executed instrument of transfer, together with such evidence of the genuineness of each such execution and authorization and of other matters as may reasonably be required. Upon such delivery the transfer shall be recorded on the applicable register of the Trust. Until such record is made, the Shareholder of record shall be deemed to be the holder of such Shares for all purposes hereof and neither the Trustees nor any transfer agent or registrar nor any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be affected by any notice of the proposed transfer.
Any person becoming entitled to any Shares in consequence of the death, bankruptcy, or incompetence of any Shareholder, or otherwise by operation of law, shall be recorded on the applicable register of Shares as the holder of such Shares upon production of the proper evidence thereof to the Trustees or a transfer agent of the Trust, but until such record is made, the Shareholder of record shall be deemed to be the holder of such for all purposes hereof, and neither the Trustees nor any transfer agent or registrar nor any officer or agent of the Trust shall be affected by any notice of such death, bankruptcy or incompetence, or other operation of law.
5.9 Notices. Any and all notices to which any Shareholder hereunder may be entitled and any and all communications to any Shareholder shall be deemed duly served or given if mailed, postage prepaid, addressed to any Shareholder of record at his last known address as recorded on the applicable register of the Trust and may be sent together with any such notice or other communication to another Shareholder at the same address.
5.10 Net Asset Value. The value of the assets of the Trust, the amount of liabilities of the Trust and the net asset value of each outstanding Common Share of the Trust shall be determined at such time or times on such days as the Trustees may determine, in accordance with the 1940 Act. The method of determination of net asset value shall be determined by the Trustees. The power and duty to make net asset value determinations and calculations may be delegated by the Trustees.
5.11 Distributions to Shareholders.
(a) The Trustees shall from time to time distribute among the Shares such proportion of the net profits, surplus (including paid-in surplus), capital, or assets held by the Trustees as they may deem proper or as may otherwise be determined in the instrument setting forth the terms of such Shares such class or series of Shares, which need not be ratable with respect to distributions in respect of Shares of any other class or series thereof of the Trust. Such distributions may be made in cash or property (including without limitation any type of obligations of the Trust or any assets thereof) or any combination thereof.
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(b) Distributions may be made to the Shareholders of record entitled to such distribution at the time such distribution is declared or at such later date as shall be determined by the Trust prior to the date of payment.
(c) The Trustees may always retain from any source such amount as they may deem necessary to pay the debts or expenses of the Trust or to meet obligations of the Trust, or as they otherwise may deem desirable to use in the conduct of its affairs or to retain for future requirements or extensions of the business of the Trust.
ARTICLE VI
Shareholders
6.1 Meetings of Shareholders. The Trust may, but shall not be required to, hold annual meetings of the holders of any class or series of Shares. Any meeting of Shareholders shall be held within or without the State of Delaware on such day and at such time as the Trustees shall designate.
6.2 Voting. Shareholders shall have no power to vote on any matter except matters on which a vote of Shares is required by applicable law, this Declaration or resolution of the Trustees. Any matter required to be submitted for approval of any of the Shares and affecting one or more classes or series shall require approval by the required vote of Shares of the affected class or classes and series voting together as a single class and, if such matter affects one or more classes or series thereof differently from one or more other classes or series thereof or from one or more series of the same class, approval by the required vote of Shares of such other class or classes or series or series voting as a separate class shall be required in order to be approved with respect to such other class or classes or series or series; provided, however, that except to the extent required by the 1940 Act, there shall be no separate class votes on the election or removal of Trustees or the selection of auditors for the Trust. Shareholders of a particular class or series thereof shall not be entitled to vote on any matter that affects the rights or interests of only one or more other classes or series of such other class or classes or only one or more other series of the same class. There shall be no cumulative voting in the election or removal of Trustees.
6.3 Notice of Meeting, Shareholder Proposals and Record Date. Notice of all meetings of Shareholders, stating the time, place and purposes of the meeting, shall be given by the Trustees by mail to each Shareholder of record entitled to vote thereat at its registered address, mailed at least 10 days before the meeting or otherwise in compliance with applicable law. Except with respect to an annual meeting, at which any business required by the 1940 Act may be conducted, only the business stated in the notice of the meeting shall be considered at such meeting. Any adjourned meeting may be held as adjourned one or more times without further notice not later than 130 days after the record date. For the purposes of determining the Shareholders who are entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting the Trustees may, without closing the transfer books, fix a date not more than 120 days prior to the date of such meeting of Shareholders as a record date for the determination of the Persons to be treated as Shareholders of record for such purposes.
6.4 Quorum and Required Vote.
(a) The holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares of the Trust on the record date present in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Shareholders for purposes of conducting business on which a vote of all Shareholders of the Trust is being taken. The holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares of a class or classes on the record date present in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Shareholders of such class or classes for purposes of conducting business on which a vote of Shareholders of such class or classes is being taken. The holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares of a series or series on the record date present in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the
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Shareholders of such series or series for purposes of conducting business on which a vote of Shareholders of such series or series is being taken. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be included for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be treated as votes present at a Shareholders' meeting, but will not be treated as votes cast. Abstentions and broker non-votes, therefore, will have no effect on proposals which require a plurality or majority of votes cast for approval, but will have the same effect as a vote "against" on proposals requiring any percentage of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust for approval.
(b) Subject to any provision of applicable law, this Declaration or resolution of the Trustees specifying or requiring a greater or lesser vote requirement for the transaction of any matter of business at any meeting of Shareholders, (i) the affirmative vote of a plurality of the Shares entitled to vote for the election of any Trustee or Trustees shall be the act of such Shareholders with respect to the election of such Trustee or Trustees, (ii) the affirmative vote of a majority of the Shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on any other matter shall be the act of the Shareholders with respect to such matter, and (iii) where a separate vote of one or more classes or series is required on any matter, the affirmative vote of a majority of the Shares of such class or classes or series or series present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on such matter shall be the act of the Shareholders of such class or classes or series or series with respect to such matter.
6.5 Proxies, etc. At any meeting of Shareholders, any holder of Shares entitled to vote thereat may vote by proxy, provided that no proxy shall be voted at any meeting unless it shall have been placed on file with the Secretary, or with such other officer or agent of the Trust as the Secretary may direct, for verification prior to the time at which such vote shall be taken. Pursuant to a resolution of a majority of the Trustees, proxies may be solicited in the name of one or more Trustees or one or more of the officers or employees of the Trust. Only Shareholders of record shall be entitled to vote. Each full Share shall be entitled to one vote and each fractional Share shall be entitled to a vote equal to its fraction of a full Share. When any Share is held jointly by several persons, any one of them may vote at any meeting in person or by proxy in respect of such Share, but if more than one of them shall be present at such meeting in person or by proxy, and such joint owners or their proxies so present disagree as to any vote to be cast, such vote shall not be received in respect of such Share. A proxy purporting to be given by or on behalf of a Shareholder of record on the record date for a meeting shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior to its exercise, and the burden of proving invalidity shall rest on the challenger. If the holder of any such Share is a minor or a person of unsound mind, and subject to guardianship or to the legal control of any other person as regards the charge or management of such Share, he may vote by his guardian or such other person appointed or having such control, and such vote may be given in person or by proxy. The Trustees shall have the authority to make and modify from time to time regulations regarding the validity of proxies. In addition to signed proxies, such regulations may authorize facsimile, telephonic, Internet and other methods of appointing a proxy that are subject to such supervision by or under the direction of the Trustees as the Trustees shall determine.
6.6 Reports. The Trustees shall cause to be prepared and sent to Shareholders at least annually and more frequently to the extent and in the form required by law, regulation or any exchange on which Shares are listed a report of operations containing financial statements of the Trust prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable law.
6.7 Shareholder Action by Written Consent. Any action which may be taken by Shareholders by vote may be taken without a meeting if the holders of all of the Shares entitled to vote thereon consent to the action in writing and the written consents are filed with the records of the meetings of Shareholders. Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote taken at a meeting of Shareholders.
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ARTICLE VII
Duration: Termination of Trust; Amendment; Mergers, Etc.
7.1 Duration. Subject to termination in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.2 hereof, the Trust created hereby shall have perpetual existence.
7.2 Termination.
(a) The Trust may be dissolved, after two thirds of the Trustees have approved a resolution therefor, upon approval by Shares having at least 75% of the votes of all of the Shares outstanding on the record date for such meeting, voting as a single class except to the extent required by the 1940 Act. Upon the dissolution of the Trust:
(i) The Trust shall carry on no business except for the purpose of winding up its affairs.
(ii) The Trustees shall proceed to wind up the affairs of the Trust and all of the powers of the Trustees under this Declaration shall continue until the affairs of the Trust shall have been wound up, including the power to fulfill or discharge the contracts of the Trust, collect its assets, sell, convey, assign, exchange, merger where the Trust is not the survivor, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the remaining Trust Property to one or more Persons at public or private sale for consideration which may consist in whole or in part in cash, securities or other property of any kind, discharge or pay its liabilities, and do all other acts appropriate to liquidate its business; provided that any sale, conveyance, assignment, exchange, merger in which the Trust is not the survivor, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all the Trust Property of the Trust shall require approval of the principal terms of the transaction and the nature and amount of the consideration with the same vote as required for dissolution pursuant to paragraph (a) above.
(iii) After paying or adequately providing for the payment of all liabilities, and upon receipt of such releases, indemnities and refunding agreements, as they deem necessary for their protection, the Trustees may distribute the remaining Trust Property, in cash or in kind or partly each, among the Shareholders according to their respective rights.
(b) After the winding up and termination of the Trust and distribution to the Shareholders as herein provided, a majority of the Trustees shall execute and lodge among the records of the Trust an instrument in writing setting forth the fact of such termination and shall execute and file a certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Upon termination of the Trust, the Trustees shall thereupon be discharged from all further liabilities and duties hereunder, and the rights and interests of all Shareholders shall thereupon cease.
7.3 Amendment Procedure.
(a) Other than Sections 2.2, 2.3, 3.8, 6.1, 6.8, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6 and other than as set forth in the last sentence of this Section 7.3(a), this Declaration may be amended, after a majority of the Trustees have approved a resolution therefor, by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a majority of the affected Shares outstanding on the record date and present and voting on such amendment. Sections 2.2, 2.3, 3.8, 6.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6 may be amended, after a majority of the Trustees have approved a resolution therefor by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 75% of the affected Shares outstanding on the record date. The Trustees also may amend this Declaration without any vote of Shareholders for any of the purposes set forth in Section 6.2, to change the name of the Trust or any class or series, to make any change that does not adversely affect the relative rights or preferences of any class or series of Shares or to conform this Declaration to the requirements of the 1940 Act or any other applicable law, but the Trustees shall not be liable for failing to do so.
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(b) Nothing contained in this Declaration shall permit the amendment of this Declaration to impair the exemption from personal liability of the Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust or to permit assessments upon Shareholders.
(c) An amendment duly adopted by the requisite vote of the Board of Trustees and, if required, Shareholders as aforesaid, shall become effective at the time of such adoption or at such other time as may be designated by the Board of Trustees or Shareholders, as the case may be. A certification signed by a majority of the Trustees setting forth an amendment and reciting that it was duly adopted by the Trustees and, if required, Shareholders as aforesaid, or a copy of the Declaration, as amended, and executed by a majority of the Trustees, shall be conclusive evidence of such amendment when lodged among the records of the Trust or at such other time designated by the Board.
Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, until such time as Shares are issued and outstanding, this Declaration may be terminated or amended in any respect by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees or by an instrument signed by a majority of the Trustees.
7.4 Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets. Subject to Section 7.6, the Trust may merge or consolidate with any other corporation, association, trust or other organization or may sell, lease or exchange all or substantially all of the Trust Property or the property, including its good will, upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration when and as authorized by two-thirds of the Trustees and approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 75% of the affected Shares outstanding on the record date for the meeting of Shareholders to approve such transaction, and any such merger, consolidation, sale, lease or exchange shall be determined for all purposes to have been accomplished under and pursuant to the statutes of the State of Delaware.
7.5 Redemption; Conversion. No holder of Shares of any class or series, other than in accordance with the provisions of Section 23(c) (excluding Rule 23c-3 thereunder) of the 1940 Act and other than to the extent expressly determined by the Trustees with respect to Shares qualifying as preferred stock pursuant to Section 18(a) of the 1940 Act, shall have any right to require the Trust or any person controlled by the Trust to purchase any of such holder's Shares. The Trust may be converted at any time from a "closed-end investment company" to an "open-end investment company" as those terms are defined by the 1940 Act or a company obligated to repurchase shares under Rule 23c-3 of the 1940 Act (and "interval company"), upon the approval of such a proposal, together with the necessary amendments to this Declaration to permit such a conversion, by a majority of the Trustees then in office, by the holders of not less than 75% of the Trust's outstanding Shares entitled to vote thereon and by such vote or votes of the holders of any class or classes or series of Shares as may be required by the 1940 Act. From time to time, the Trustees may consider recommending to the Shareholders a proposal to convert the Trust from a "closed-end company" to an "open-end company" or "interval company." Upon the recommendation and subsequent adoption of such a proposal and the necessary amendments to this Declaration to permit such a conversion of the Trust's outstanding Shares entitled to vote, the Trust shall, upon complying with any requirements of the 1940 Act and state law, become an "open-end investment company."
7.6 Certain Transactions.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Declaration and subject to the exceptions provided in paragraph (d) of this Section, the types of transactions described in paragraph (c) of this Section shall require the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of eighty percent (80%) of the Shares of each class outstanding and entitled to vote, voting as a class, when a Principal Shareholder (as defined in paragraph (b) of this Section) is a party to the transaction. Such affirmative vote or consent shall be in addition to the vote or consent of the holders of Shares otherwise required by law or by the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, whether now or hereafter authorized, or any agreement between the Trust and any national securities exchange.
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(b) The term "Principal Shareholder" shall mean any Person which is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding Shares and shall include any affiliate or associate, as such terms are defined in clause (ii) below, of such Person. For the purposes of this Section, in addition to the Shares which a Person beneficially owns directly, (a) any Person shall be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any Shares (i) which it has the right to acquire pursuant to any agreement or upon exercise of conversion rights or warrants, or otherwise (but excluding share options granted by the Trust) or (ii) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly (including Shares deemed owned through application of clause (i) above), by any other Person with which its "affiliate" or "associate" (as defined below) has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of Shares, or which is its "affiliate" or "associate" as those terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as in effect on the date of initial adoption of this Declaration, and (b) the outstanding Shares shall include Shares deemed owned through application of clauses (i) and (ii) above but shall not include any other Shares which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, or upon exercise of conversion rights or warrants, or otherwise.
(c) This Section shall apply to the following transactions:
(i) The merger or consolidation of the Trust or any subsidiary of the Trust with or into any Principal Shareholder.
(ii) The issuance of any securities of the Trust to any Principal Shareholder for cash (other than pursuant to any automatic dividend reinvestment plan or pursuant to any offering in which such Principal Shareholder acquires securities that represent no greater a percentage of any class or series of securities being offered than the percentage of any class of Shares beneficially owned by such Principal Shareholder immediately prior to such offering or, in the case of securities, offered in respect of another class or series, the percentage of such other class or series beneficially owned by such Principal Shareholder immediately prior to such offering).
(iii) The sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Trust to any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purpose of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period.)
(iv) The sale, lease or exchange to the Trust or any subsidiary thereof, in exchange for securities of the Trust of any assets of any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purposes of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period).
(v) The purchase by the Trust or any Person controlled by the Trust of any Common Shares of the Trust from such Principal Shareholder or any person to whom such Principal Shareholder shall have transferred such Common Shares.
(d) The provisions of this Section shall not be applicable to (i) any of the transactions described in paragraph (c) of this Section if two- thirds of the Board of Trustees of the Trust shall by resolution have approved a memorandum of understanding with such Principal Shareholder with respect to and substantially consistent with such transaction prior to the time such Person shall have become a Principal Shareholder, or (ii) any such transaction with any corporation of which a majority of the outstanding shares of all classes of a stock normally entitled to vote in elections of directors is owned of record or beneficially by the Trust and its subsidiaries and of which such Person is not a Principal Shareholder.
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(e) The Board of Trustees shall have the power and duty to determine for the purposes of this Section on the basis of information known to the Trust whether (i) a Person beneficially owns five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding Shares, (ii) a Person is an "affiliate" or "associate" (as defined above) of another, (iii) the assets being acquired or leased to or by the Trust or any subsidiary thereof constitute a substantial part of the assets of the Trust and have an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, and (iv) the memorandum of understanding referred to in paragraph (d) hereof is substantially consistent with the transaction covered thereby. Any such determination shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes of this Section.
ARTICLE VIII
Miscellaneous
8.1 References; Headings; Counterparts. In this Declaration of Trust and in any such restatements and/or amendments, references to this instrument, and all expressions of similar effect to "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder," shall be deemed to refer to this instrument as amended or affected by any such restatements an/or amendments. Heading are placed herein for convenience of reference only and shall not be taken as a part hereof or control or affect the meaning, construction or effect this instrument. Whenever the singular number is used herein, the same shall include the plural; and the neuter, masculine and feminine genders shall include each other, as applicable. Any references herein to specific sections of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, the Code or the 1940 Act shall refer to such sections as amended from time to time or any successor sections thereof.
8.2 Filing. This Declaration and any amendment (including any supplement) hereto shall be filed in such places as may be required or as the Trustees deem appropriate. Each amendment shall be accompanied by a certificate signed and acknowledged by a Trustee stating that such action was duly taken in a manner provided herein, and shall, upon insertion in the Trust's minute book, be conclusive evidence of all amendments contained therein. A restated Declaration, containing the original Declaration and all amendments theretofore made, may be executed from time to time by a majority of the Trustees and shall, upon insertion in the Trust's minute book, be conclusive evidence of all amendments contained therein and may thereafter be referred to in lieu of the original Declaration and the various amendments thereto.
8.3 Resident Agent. The Trust shall maintain a resident agent in the State of Delaware, which agent shall initially be The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. The Trustees may designate a successor resident agent, provided, however, that such appointment shall not become effective until written notice thereof is delivered to the office of the Secretary of the State.
8.4 Governing Law. This Declaration is executed by a majority of the Trustees and delivered in the State of Delaware and with reference to the laws thereof, and the rights of all parties and the validity and construction of every provision hereof shall be subject to and construed according to the laws of said State and reference shall be specifically made to the business corporation law of the State of Delaware as to the construction of matters not specifically covered herein or as to which an ambiguity exists, although such law shall not be viewed as limiting the powers otherwise granted to the Trustees hereunder and any ambiguity shall be viewed in favor of such powers.
8.5 Counterparts. This Declaration may be simultaneously executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts, together, shall constitute one and the same instrument, which shall be sufficiently evidenced by any such original counterpart.
8.6 Reliance by Third Parties. Any certificate executed by an individual who, according to the records of the Trust, or of any recording office in which this Declaration may be recorded, appears to be a Trustee hereunder, certifying to: (a) the number or identity of Trustees or Shareholders, (b) the
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name of the Trust, (c) the due authorization of the execution of any instrument or writing, (d) the form of any vote passed at a meeting of Trustees or Shareholders, (e) the fact that the number of Trustees or Shareholders present at any meeting or executing any written instrument satisfies the requirements of this Declaration, (f) the form of any By Laws adopted by or the identity of any officers elected by the Trustees, or (g) the existence of any fact or facts which in any manner relate to the affairs of the Trust, shall be conclusive evidence as to the matters so certified in favor of any person dealing with the Trustees and their successors.
8.7 Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulation.
(a) The provisions of this Declaration are severable, and if the Trustees shall determine, with the advice of counsel, that any of such provisions is in conflict with the 1940 Act, the regulated investment company provisions of the Code or with other applicable laws and regulations, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of this Declaration to the extent of such conflict; provided, however, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Declaration or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination.
(b) If any provision of this Declaration shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision in such jurisdiction and shall not in any manner affect such provision in any other jurisdiction or any other provision of this Declaration in any jurisdiction.
* * *
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused these presents to be executed as of the day and year first above written.
/s/ EDMUND J. BURKE |
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Name: | Edmund J. Burke | |
Title: | Initial Trustee |
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Exhibit 99(b)
BY-LAWS
OF
CLOUGH GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND
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Page
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ARTICLE I |
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Offices |
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3 |
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1.1 | Principal Offices | 3 | ||
1.2 | Other Offices | 3 | ||
1.3 | Registered Office and Registered Agent | 3 | ||
ARTICLE II |
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Shareholder Meetings |
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3 |
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2.1 | Chairman | 3 | ||
2.2 | Proxies; Voting | 3 | ||
2.3 | Fixing Record Dates | 3 | ||
2.4 | Inspectors of Election | 3 | ||
2.5 | Records at Shareholder Meetings | 4 | ||
2.6 | Notice of Shareholder Business | 4 | ||
ARTICLE III |
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Trustees |
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4 |
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3.1 | Annual and Regular Meetings | 4 | ||
3.2 | Chairman; Records | 5 | ||
ARTICLE IV |
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Officers |
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5 |
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4.1 | Officers of the Trust | 5 | ||
4.2 | Election and Tenure | 5 | ||
4.3 | Removal of Officers | 5 | ||
4.4 | Bonds and Surety | 5 | ||
4.5 | Chairman, President, and Vice Presidents | 5 | ||
4.6 | Secretary | 6 | ||
4.7 | Treasurer | 6 | ||
4.8 | Other Officers and Duties | 6 | ||
ARTICLE V |
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Records and Reports |
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6 |
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5.1 | Maintenance and Inspection of Share Register | 6 | ||
5.2 | Maintenance and Inspection of Declaration of Trust and By-Laws | 7 | ||
5.3 | Maintenance and Inspection of Other Records | 7 | ||
5.4 | Inspection by Trustees | 7 | ||
ARTICLE VI |
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Miscellaneous |
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7 |
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6.1 | Contracts and Instruments; How Executed | 7 | ||
6.2 | Fiscal Year | 7 | ||
6.3 | Heading; References | 7 | ||
6.4 | Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulations | 8 | ||
6.5 | Depositories | 8 | ||
6.6 | Signatures | 8 | ||
6.7 | Seal | 8 | ||
ARTICLE VII |
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Stock Transfers |
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8 |
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7.1 | Transfer Agents, Registrars and the Like | 8 | ||
7.2 | Transfer of Shares | 8 | ||
7.3 | Registered Shareholders | 8 | ||
ARTICLE VIII |
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Amendment of By-Laws |
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9 |
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8.1 | Amendment and Repeal of By-Laws | 9 |
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CLOUGH GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND
BY-LAWS
These By-Laws are made and adopted pursuant to Section 3.8 of the Declaration of Trust establishing the Clough Global Opportunities Fund (the "Trust") dated as of January 12, 2006, as from time to time amended (hereinafter called the "Declaration"). All words and terms capitalized in these By-Laws shall have the meaning or meanings set forth for such words or terms in the Declaration.
ARTICLE I
Offices
1.1 Principal Offices. Until changed by the Trustees, the principal office of the Trust shall be in Denver, Colorado.
1.2 Other Offices. The Trust may have offices in such other places without as well as within the State of Delaware as the Trustees may from time to time determine.
1.3 Registered Office and Registered Agent. The Board of Trustees shall establish a registered office in the State of Delaware and shall appoint a registered agent for service of process.
ARTICLE II
Shareholder Meetings
2.1 Chairman. The Chairman, if any, shall act as chairman at all meetings of the Shareholders; in the Chairman's absence, the Trustee or Trustees present at each meeting may elect a temporary chairman for the meeting, who may be one of themselves.
2.2 Proxies; Voting. Shareholders may vote either in person or by duly executed proxy and each full share represented at the meeting shall have one vote, all as provided in Article 6 of the Declaration.
2.3 Fixing Record Dates. For the purpose of determining the Shareholders who are entitled to notice of or to vote or act at any meeting, including any adjournment thereof, or who are entitled to participate in any dividends, or for any other proper purpose, the Trustees may from time to time, without closing the transfer books, fix a record date in the manner provided in Section 6.3 of the Declaration. If the Trustees do not prior to any meeting of Shareholders so fix a record date or close the transfer books, then the date of mailing notice of the meeting or the date upon which the dividend resolution is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date.
2.4 Inspectors of Election. In advance of any meeting of Shareholders, the Trustees may appoint Inspectors of Election to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. If Inspectors of Election are not so appointed, the Chairman, if any, of any meeting of Shareholders may, and on the request of any Shareholder or Shareholder proxy shall, appoint Inspectors of Election of the meeting. The number of Inspectors shall be either one or three. If appointed at the meeting on the request of one or more Shareholders or proxies, a majority of Shares present shall determine whether one or three Inspectors are to be appointed, but failure to allow such determination by the Shareholders shall not affect the validity of the appointment of Inspectors of Election. In case any person appointed as Inspector fails to appear or fails or refuses to act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the Trustees in advance of the convening of the meeting or at the meeting by the person acting as chairman. The Inspectors of Election shall determine the number of Shares outstanding, the Shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, the authenticity, validity and effect of proxies, shall receive votes, ballots or consents, shall hear and determine all challenges and questions in any way arising in
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connection with the right to vote, shall count and tabulate all votes or consents, determine the results, and do such other acts as may be proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all Shareholders. If there are three Inspectors of Election, the decision, act or certificate of a majority is effective in all respects as the decision, act or certificate of all. On request of the Chairman, if any, of the meeting, or of any Shareholder or Shareholder proxy, the Inspectors of Election shall make a report in writing of any challenge or question or matter determined by them and shall execute a certificate of any facts found by them.
2.5 Records at Shareholder Meetings. At each meeting of the Shareholders, there shall be made available for inspection at a convenient time and place during normal business hours, if requested by Shareholders, the minutes of the last previous Annual or Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Trust and a list of the Shareholders of the Trust, as of the record date of the meeting or the date of closing of transfer books, as the case may be. Such list of Shareholders shall contain the name and the address of each Shareholder in alphabetical order and the number of Shares owned by such Shareholder. Shareholders shall have such other rights and procedures of inspection of the books and records of the Trust as are granted to Shareholders of a Delaware business corporation.
2.6 Notice of Shareholder Business. At any annual or special meeting of the Shareholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before an annual or special meeting, the business must be (i) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees, (ii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees, or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a shareholder.
For business to be properly brought before an annual or special meeting by a shareholder, the shareholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Trust. To be timely, any such notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Trust not later than 60 days prior to the date of the meeting; provided, however, that if less than 70 days' notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to Shareholders, any such notice by a shareholder to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which notice of the date of the annual or special meeting was given or such public disclosure was made.
Any such notice by a shareholder shall set forth as to each matter the shareholder proposes to bring before the annual or special meeting (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual or special meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual or special meeting, (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the Trust's books, of the shareholder proposing such business, (iii) the class and number of shares of the capital stock of the Trust, which are beneficially owned by the shareholder, and (iv) any material interest of the shareholder in such business.
Notwithstanding anything in these By-Laws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at any annual or special meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.6. The chairman of the annual or special meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.6, and, if he should determine, he shall so declare to the meeting that any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be considered or transacted.
ARTICLE III
Trustees
3.1 Annual and Regular Meetings. Meetings of the Trustees shall be held from time to time upon the call of the Chairman, if any, the President, the Secretary or any two Trustees. Regular
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meetings of the Trustees may be held without call or notice and shall generally be held quarterly. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any meeting of the Board of Trustees need be stated in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting, and no notice need be given of action proposed to be taken by unanimous written consent.
3.2 Chairman; Records. The Chairman, if any, shall act as chairman at all meetings of the Trustees; in absence of a chairman, the Trustees present shall elect one of their number to act as temporary chairman. The results of all actions taken at a meeting of the Trustees, or by unanimous written consent of the Trustees, shall be recorded by the person appointed by the Board of Trustees as the meeting secretary.
ARTICLE IV
Officers
4.1 Officers of the Trust. The officers of the Trust shall consist of a Chairman, if any, a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers or assistant officers as may be elected or authorized by the Trustees. Any two or more of the offices may be held by the same Person, except that the same person may not be both President and Secretary. The Chairman, if any, shall be a Trustee, but no other officer of the Trust need be a Trustee.
4.2 Election and Tenure. At the initial organization meeting, the Trustees shall elect the Chairman, if any, President, Secretary, Treasurer and such other officers as the Trustees shall deem necessary or appropriate in order to carry out the business of the Trust. Such officers shall serve at the pleasure of the Trustees or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. The Trustees may fill any vacancy in office or add any additional officers at any time.
4.3 Removal of Officers. Any officer may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by action of a majority of the Trustees. This provision shall not prevent the making of a contract of employment for a definite term with any officer and shall have no effect upon any cause of action which any officer may have as a result of removal in breach of a contract of employment. Any officer may resign at any time by notice in writing signed by such officer and delivered or mailed to the Chairman, if any, President, or Secretary, and such resignation shall take effect immediately upon receipt by the Chairman, if any, President, or Secretary, or at a later date according to the terms of such notice in writing.
4.4 Bonds and Surety. Any officer may be required by the Trustees to be bonded for the faithful performance of such officer's duties in such amount and with such sureties as the Trustees may determine.
4.5 Chairman, President, and Vice Presidents. The Chairman, if any, shall, if present, preside at all meetings of the Shareholders and of the Trustees and shall exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be from time to time assigned to such person by the Trustees. Subject to such supervisory powers, if any, as may be given by the Trustees to the Chairman, if any, the President shall be the chief executive officer of the Trust and, subject to the control of the Trustees, shall have general supervision, direction and control of the business of the Trust and of its employees and shall exercise such general powers of management as are usually vested in the office of President of a corporation. Subject to direction of the Trustees, the Chairman, if any, and the President shall each have power in the name and on behalf of the Trust or any of its Series to execute any and all loans, documents, contracts, agreements, deeds, mortgages, registration statements, applications, requests, filings and other instruments in writing, and to employ and discharge employees and agents of the Trust. Unless otherwise directed by the Trustees, the Chairman, if any, and the President shall each have full authority and power, on behalf of all of the Trustees, to attend and to act and to vote, on behalf of the Trust at any meetings of business organizations in which the Trust holds an interest, or to confer such
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powers upon any other persons, by executing any proxies duly authorizing such persons. The Chairman, if any, and the President shall have such further authorities and duties as the Trustees shall from time to time determine. In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice-Presidents in order of their rank as fixed by the Trustees or, if more than one and not ranked, the Vice-President designated by the Trustees, shall perform all of the duties of the President, and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all of the restrictions upon the President. Subject to the direction of the Trustees, and of the President, each Vice-President shall have the power in the name and on behalf of the Trust to execute any and all instruments in writing, and, in addition, shall have such other duties and powers as shall be designated from time to time by the Trustees or by the President.
4.6 Secretary. The Secretary shall maintain the minutes of all meetings of, and record all votes of, Shareholders, Trustees and the Executive Committee, if any. The Secretary shall be custodian of the seal of the Trust, if any, and the Secretary (and any other person so authorized by the Trustees) shall affix the seal, or if permitted, facsimile thereof, to any instrument executed by the Trust which would be sealed by a Delaware business corporation executing the same or a similar instrument and shall attest the seal and the signature or signatures of the officer or officers executing such instrument on behalf of the Trust. The Secretary shall also perform any other duties commonly incident to such office in a Delaware business corporation, and shall have such other authorities and duties as the Trustees shall from time to time determine.
4.7 Treasurer. Except as otherwise directed by the Trustees, the Treasurer shall have the general supervision of the monies, funds, securities, notes receivable and other valuable papers and documents of the Trust, and shall have and exercise under the supervision of the Trustees and of the President all powers and duties normally incident to the office. The Treasurer may endorse for deposit or collection all notes, checks and other instruments payable to the Trust or to its order. The Treasurer shall deposit all funds of the Trust in such depositories as the Trustees shall designate. The Treasurer shall be responsible for such disbursement of the funds of the Trust as may be ordered by the Trustees or the President. The Treasurer shall keep accurate account of the books of the Trust's transactions which shall be the property of the Trust, and which together with all other property of the Trust in the Treasurer's possession, shall be subject at all times to the inspection and control of the Trustees. Unless the Trustees shall otherwise determine, the Treasurer shall be the principal accounting officer of the Trust and shall also be the principal financial officer of the Trust. The Treasurer shall have such other duties and authorities as the Trustees shall from time to time determine. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, the Trustees may authorize any adviser, administrator, manager or transfer agent to maintain bank accounts and deposit and disburse funds of any Series of the Trust on behalf of such Series.
4.8 Other Officers and Duties. The Trustees may elect such other officers and assistant officers as they shall from time to time determine to be necessary or desirable in order to conduct the business of the Trust. Assistant officers shall act generally in the absence of the officer whom they assist and shall assist that officer in the duties of the office. Each officer, employee and agent of the Trust shall have such other duties and authority as may be conferred upon such person by the Trustees or delegated to such person by the President.
ARTICLE V
Records and Reports
5.1 Maintenance and Inspection of Share Register. The Trust shall keep at its offices or at the office of its transfer or similar agent, records of its Shareholders, that provide the names and addresses of all Shareholders and the number of Shares held by each Shareholder. Such records may be inspected during the Trust's regular business hours by any Shareholder, or its duly authorized representative,
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upon reasonable written demand to the Trust, for any purpose reasonably related to such Shareholder's interest as a Shareholder.
5.2 Maintenance and Inspection of Declaration of Trust and By-Laws. The Trust shall keep at its offices the original or a copy of the Declaration of Trust and these By-Laws, as amended or restated from time to time, where they may be inspected during the Trust's regular business hours by any Shareholder, or its duly authorized representative, upon reasonable written demand to the Trust, for any purpose reasonably related to such Shareholder's interest as a Shareholder.
5.3 Maintenance and Inspection of Other Records. The accounting books and records and minutes of proceedings of the Shareholders, the Board, any committee of the Board or any advisory committee shall be kept at such place or places designated by the Board or, in the absence of such designation, at the offices of the Trust. The minutes shall be kept in written form and the accounting books are records shall be kept either in written form or in any other form capable of being converted into written form.
If information is requested by a Shareholder, the Board, or, in case the Board does not act, the president, any vice president or the secretary, shall establish reasonable standards governing, without limitation, the information and documents to be furnished and the time and the location, if appropriate, of furnishing such information and documents. Costs of providing such information and documents shall be borne by the requesting Shareholder. The Trust shall be entitled to reimbursement for its direct, out-of-pocket expenses incurred in declining unreasonable requests (in whole or in part) for information or documents.
The Board, or, in case the Board does not act, the president, any vice president or the secretary, may keep confidential from Shareholders for such period of time as the Board or such officer, as applicable, deems reasonable any information that the Board or such officer, as applicable, reasonably believes to be in the nature of trade secrets or other information that the Board or such officer, as the case may be, in good faith believes would not be in the best interests of the Trust to disclose or that could damage the Trust or its business or that the Trust is required by law or by agreement with a third party to keep confidential.
5.4 Inspection by Trustees. Every Trustee shall have the absolute right during the Trust's regular business hours to inspect all books, records, and documents of every kind any the physical properties of the Trust. This inspection by a Trustee may be made in person or by an agent or attorney and the right of inspection includes the right to copy and make extracts of documents.
ARTICLE VI
Miscellaneous
6.1 Contracts and Instruments; How Executed. The Board, except as otherwise provided in the Declaration of Trust and these By-Laws, may authorize any officer or officers or agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Trust and this authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
6.2 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Trust shall be determined by the Board.
6.3 Headings; References. Headings are placed herein for convenience of reference only and shall not be taken as part hereof or control or affect the meaning, construction or effect of this instrument. Whenever the singular number is used herein, the same shall include the plural; and the neuter, masculine and feminine genders shall include each other, as applicable. Any references herein to specific sections of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, the code or the 1940 Act shall refer to such sections as amended from time to time or any successor sections thereof.
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6.4 Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulations.
(a) The provisions of these By-Laws are servable, and if the Board of Trustees shall determine with the advice of counsel, that any of such provision is in conflict with the Declaration of Trust, the 1940 Act, the Code, the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, or with other applicable laws and regulations, the conflicting provision shall be deemed not to have constituted a part of these By-Laws from the time when such provisions became inconsistent with such laws or regulations; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such determination shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of these By-Laws or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination.
(b) If any provision of these By-Laws shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision in such jurisdiction and shall not in any manner affect such provision in any other jurisdiction or any other provision of these By-Laws in any jurisdiction.
6.5 Depositories. In accordance with Section 3.9 of the Declaration, the funds of the Trust shall be deposited in such custodians as the Trustees shall designate and shall be drawn out on checks, drafts or other orders signed by such officer, officers, agent or agents (including the adviser, administrator or manager), as the Trustees may from time to time authorize.
6.6 Signatures. All contracts and other instruments shall be executed on behalf of the Trust by its properly authorized officers, agent or agents, as provided in the Declaration or By-laws or as the Trustees may from time to time by resolution provide.
6.7 Seal. The Trust is not required to have any seal, and the adoption or use of a seal shall be purely ornamental and be of no legal effect. The seal, if any, of the Trust, or any Series of the Trust, if any, may be affixed to any instrument, and the seal and its attestation may be lithographed, engraved or otherwise printed on any document with the same force and effect as if it had been imprinted and affixed manually in the same manner and with the same force and effect as if done by a Delaware business corporation. The presence or absence of a seal shall have no effect on the validity, enforceability or binding nature of any document or instrument that is otherwise duly authorized, executed and delivered.
ARTICLE VII
Stock Transfers
7.1 Transfer Agents, Registrars and the Like. As provided in Section 5.7 of the Declaration, the Trustees shall have authority to employ and compensate such transfer agents and registrars with respect to the Shares of the various Series of the Trust as the Trustees shall deem necessary or desirable. In addition, the Trustees shall have power to employ and compensate such dividend disbursing agents, warrant agents and agents for the reinvestment of dividends as they shall deem necessary or desirable. Any of such agents shall have such power and authority as is delegated to any of them by the Trustees.
7.2 Transfer of Shares. The Shares of the Trust shall be transferable on the books of the Trust only upon delivery to the Trustees or a transfer agent of the Trust of proper documentation as provided in Section 5.8 of the Declaration. The Trust, or its transfer agents, shall be authorized to refuse any transfer unless and until presentation of such evidence as may be reasonably required to show that the requested transfer is proper.
7.3 Registered Shareholders. The Trust may deem and treat the holder of record of any Shares as the absolute owner thereof for all purposes and shall not be required to take any notice of any right or claim of right of any other person.
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ARTICLE VIII
Amendment of By-Laws
8.1 Amendment and Repeal of By-Laws. In accordance with Section 3.8 of the Declaration, only the Trustees shall have the power to amend or repeal the By-Laws or adopt new By-Laws at any time provided, however, that no By-Law may be amended, adopted or repealed by the Trustees if such amendment, adoption or repeal requires, pursuant to law, the Declaration of Trust, or these By-Laws, a vote of the Shareholders. Action by the Trustees with respect to the By-Laws shall be taken by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees. The Trustees shall in no event adopt By-Laws which are in conflict with the Declaration, and any apparent inconsistency shall be construed in favor of the related provisions in the Declaration.
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