N-CSRS 1 gut-ncsrs_063021.htm CERTIFIED SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number        811-09243          

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Bruce N. Alpert
Gabelli Funds, LLC
One Corporate Center
Rye, New York 10580-1422

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

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

 

Date of fiscal year end: December 31

 

Date of reporting period: June 30, 2021

 

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

 

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

 

 

  

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a)The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.

 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Semiannual Report — June 30, 2021

 

(Y)our Portfolio Management Team

 

       
Mario J. Gabelli, CFA
Chief Investment Officer
Timothy M. Winter, CFA
Portfolio Manager
BA, Rollins College
MBA, University of
Notre Dame
Justin Berger, CFA
Portfolio Manager
BA, Yale University
MBA, Wharton School,
University of Pennsylvania
Brett Kearney, CFA
Portfolio Manager
BS, Washington and Lee
University
MBA, Columbia Business
School

 

To Our Shareholders,

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the net asset value (NAV) total return of The Gabelli Utility Trust (the Fund) was 8.9%. The total return for the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Utilities Index was 2.4%. The total return for the Fund’s publicly traded shares was 5.8%. The Fund’s NAV per share was $4.30, while the price of the publicly traded shares closed at $7.96 on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). See page 2 for additional performance information.

 

Enclosed are the financial statements, including the schedule of investments, as of June 30, 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

     
  Average Annual Returns through June 30, 2021 (a) (Unaudited)  
     Year to
Date
   1 Year   5 year   10 year   15 year   20 year   Since
Inception
(7/9/99) 
   
  The Gabelli Utility Trust (GUT)                                     
  NAV Total Return (b)   8.93%   23.99%   5.20%   8.23%   8.07%   8.09%   8.50%  
  Investment Total Return (c)   5.83    24.33    14.36    11.65    9.68    9.16    10.04   
  S&P 500 Utilities Index   2.38    15.77    7.41    10.56    8.61    6.72    7.09   
  Lipper Utility Fund Average   3.85    18.04    6.84    8.80    7.83    7.02    6.56   
                                        
 

(a) Performance returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. The S&P 500 Utilities Index is an unmanaged market capitalization weighted index of large capitalization stocks that may include facilities generation and transmission or distribution of electricity, gas, or water. The Lipper Utility Fund Average reflects the average performance of mutual funds classified in this particular category. Dividends are considered reinvested. You cannot invest directly in an index.

(b) Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in the NAV per share, reinvestment of distributions at NAV on the ex-dividend date, and adjustments for rights offerings and are net of expenses. Since inception return is based on an initial NAV of $7.50.

(c) Total returns and average annual returns reflect changes in closing market values on the NYSE, reinvestment of distributions, and adjustments for rights offerings. Since inception return is based on an initial offering price of $7.50.

 
                                        
 

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing.

 

Returns represent past performance and do not guarantee future results. Investment returns and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate. The Fund’s use of leverage may magnify the volatility of net asset value changes versus funds that do not employ leverage. When shares are sold, they may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data presented. Visit www.gabelli.com for performance information as of the most recent month end.

 
                                        

 

2 

 

 

Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)

 

The following tables present portfolio holdings as a percent of net assets as of June 30, 2021:

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust

 

Electric Integrated   36.4%
U.S. Government Obligations   19.1%
Telecommunications   6.4%
Water   5.8%
Natural Gas Utilities   5.8%
Cable and Satellite   4.9%
Natural Gas Integrated   4.5%
Global Utilities   2.4%
Wireless Communications   2.0%
Electric Transmission and Distribution   1.8%
Merchant Energy   1.6%
Alternative Energy   1.3%
Services   1.3%
Diversified Industrial   1.2%
Machinery   0.9%
Natural Resources   0.9%
Transportation   0.7%
Electronics   0.6%
Financial Services   0.5%
Equipment and Supplies   0.4%
Environmental Services   0.4%
Entertainment   0.4%
Oil   0.3%
Automotive   0.3%
Communications Equipment   0.1%
Agriculture   0.0%*
Specialty Chemicals   0.0%*
    100.0%

 

 

*Amount represents less than 0.05%.


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

 

Proxy Voting

 

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

 

3 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Schedule of Investments — June 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares      Cost   Market
Value
 
    COMMON STOCKS — 80.1%        
     ENERGY AND UTILITIES — 62.7%          
     Alternative Energy — 1.3%          
 3,400   Brookfield Renewable Corp., Cl.A  $123,011   $142,596 
 8,000   Eos Energy Enterprises Inc.†   82,038    143,680 
 400   Landis+Gyr Group AG   27,204    27,927 
 38,550   NextEra Energy Partners LP   1,237,014    2,943,678 
 13,000   Ormat Technologies Inc.   375,290    903,890 
 12,000   Siemens Gamesa          
     Renewable Energy SA†   217,692    400,689 
 500   SolarEdge Technologies Inc.†   51,089    138,185 
 6,000   Vestas Wind Systems A/S   124,138    234,212 
         2,237,476    4,934,857 
                
     Diversified Industrial — 0.8%          
 2,000   Alstom SA†   59,738    101,002 
 11,000   AZZ Inc.   357,885    569,580 
 12,000   Bouygues SA   426,804    443,803 
 70,000   General Electric Co.   871,715    942,200 
 900   Sulzer AG   90,704    124,312 
 27,000   Vantage Towers AG†   780,792    869,534 
         2,587,638    3,050,431 
                
     Electric Integrated — 36.2%          
 23,700   ALLETE Inc.   1,153,333    1,658,526 
 80,000   Alliant Energy Corp.   2,764,511    4,460,800 
 18,150   Ameren Corp.   647,750    1,452,726 
 55,950   American Electric Power Co. Inc.   3,736,892    4,732,810 
 3,000   Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc   83,085    111,660 
 66,000   Avangrid Inc.   2,401,804    3,394,380 
 30,000   Avista Corp.   1,323,548    1,280,100 
 1,000   Badger Meter Inc.   63,752    98,120 
 33,000   Black Hills Corp.   1,615,028    2,165,790 
 6,000   CenterPoint Energy Inc.   150,044    147,120 
 83,150   CMS Energy Corp.   3,654,428    4,912,502 
 46,000   Dominion Energy Inc.   3,256,537    3,384,220 
 16,900   DTE Energy Co.   1,398,231    2,190,240 
 72,700   Duke Energy Corp.   6,357,854    7,176,944 
 67,000   Edison International   4,032,902    3,873,940 
 6,500   Emera Inc.   251,579    294,902 
 4,125   Entergy Corp.   183,086    411,263 
 140,500   Evergy Inc.   7,843,618    8,490,415 
 120,200   Eversource Energy   7,809,530    9,644,848 
 100,400   FirstEnergy Corp.   3,454,613    3,735,884 
 82,000   Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc.   2,719,364    3,466,960 
 1,800   IDACORP Inc.   188,985    175,500 
 60,000   MGE Energy Inc.   3,668,167    4,466,400 
Shares      Cost   Market
Value
 
 208,000   NextEra Energy Inc.  $11,307,298   $15,242,240 
 48,000   NiSource Inc.   397,800    1,176,000 
 72,500   NorthWestern Corp.   3,993,527    4,365,950 
 184,000   OGE Energy Corp.   6,816,791    6,191,600 
 75,000   Otter Tail Corp.   2,561,934    3,660,750 
 34,000   PG&E Corp.†   297,628    345,780 
 125,404   PNM Resources Inc.   6,057,927    6,115,953 
 45,000   Portland General Electric Co.   1,892,836    2,073,600 
 1,000   PPL Corp.   21,690    27,970 
 32,100   Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.   1,250,637    1,917,654 
 350   Roper Technologies Inc.   125,575    164,570 
 800   Sempra Energy   119,157    105,984 
 2,900   The Southern Co.   187,507    175,479 
 17,000   Unitil Corp.   448,439    900,490 
 129,700   WEC Energy Group Inc.   10,350,219    11,536,815 
 150,000   Xcel Energy Inc.   7,741,867    9,882,000 
         112,329,473    135,608,885 
                
     Electric Transmission and Distribution — 1.8%          
 35,000   Consolidated Edison Inc.   2,220,382    2,510,200 
 66,100   Exelon Corp.   1,936,355    2,928,891 
 95,000   Iberdrola SA   1,067,641    1,158,003 
         5,224,378    6,597,094 
                
     Environmental Services — 0.4%          
 4,000   Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.†   68,905    135,120 
 3,000   Fluidra SA   36,200    118,990 
 2,000   Pentair plc   68,283    134,980 
 3,000   Suez SA†   0    71,323 
 700   Tetra Tech Inc.   61,451    85,428 
 30,000   Veolia Environnement SA   487,553    906,031 
         722,392    1,451,872 
                
     Equipment and Supplies — 0.4%          
 300   Capstone Green Energy Corp.†   795    1,686 
 500   Danaher Corp.   80,886    134,180 
 26,000   Mueller Industries Inc.   731,613    1,126,060 
 2,500   Rexnord Corp.   82,514    125,100 
 500   Valmont Industries Inc.   63,075    118,025 
         958,883    1,505,051 
                
     Global Utilities — 2.4%          
 8,000   Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc.   157,974    97,790 
 7,595   EDP - Energias de Portugal SA   27,768    40,256 
 116,000   Electric Power Development Co. Ltd.   2,734,845    1,654,980 
 33,000   Endesa SA   956,686    800,595 
 300,000   Enel SpA   1,862,753    2,786,038 


See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

4 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — June 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares      Cost   Market
Value
 
    COMMON STOCKS (Continued)        
     ENERGY AND UTILITIES (Continued)          
     Global Utilities (Continued)          
 560,000   Hera SpA  $1,323,309   $2,313,446 
 15,000   Hokkaido Electric Power Co. Inc.   73,141    67,915 
 12,000   Hokuriku Electric Power Co.   87,871    65,457 
 5,000   Huaneng Power          
     International Inc., ADR   71,292    79,300 
 35,000   Korea Electric Power Corp., ADR   468,889    378,000 
 20,000   Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc.   246,602    153,922 
 10,000   Shikoku Electric Power Co. Inc.   108,258    68,050 
 8,000   The Chugoku Electric Power Co. Inc.   150,761    73,019 
 25,000   The Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc.   330,129    238,422 
 10,000   Tohoku Electric Power Co. Inc.   116,733    78,311 
         8,717,011    8,895,501 
     Merchant Energy — 1.6%          
 235,500   The AES Corp.(a)   3,585,654    6,139,485 
                
     Natural Gas Integrated — 4.5%          
 85,000   Energy Transfer LP   1,082,547    903,550 
 105,000   Kinder Morgan Inc.   1,867,831    1,914,150 
 110,600   National Fuel Gas Co.   4,279,235    5,778,850 
 150,000   ONEOK Inc.   6,563,054    8,346,000 
         13,792,667    16,942,550 
                
     Natural Gas Utilities — 5.0%          
 25,500   Atmos Energy Corp.   2,023,097    2,450,805 
 10,000   Chesapeake Utilities Corp.   793,545    1,203,300 
 29,000   Corning Natural Gas Holding Corp.   273,995    691,795 
 14,000   Engie SA   406,391    191,802 
 70,000   National Grid plc, ADR   4,964,573    4,475,800 
 30,000   ONE Gas Inc.   1,276,328    2,223,600 
 18,000   RGC Resources Inc.   128,344    453,780 
 101,200   Southwest Gas Holdings Inc.   7,046,796    6,698,428 
 5,200   Spire Inc.   295,596    375,804 
 1,800   UGI Corp.   79,900    83,358 
         17,288,565    18,848,472 
                
     Natural Resources — 0.9%          
 55,000   Cameco Corp.   550,204    1,054,900 
 30,000   Compania de Minas          
     Buenaventura SAA, ADR†   327,255    271,500 
Shares      Cost   Market
Value
 
 25,000   Exxon Mobil Corp.  $1,967,025   $1,577,000 
 2,200   Hess Corp.   82,673    192,104 
 400   Linde plc   84,729    115,640 
         3,011,886    3,211,144 
                
     Oil — 0.3%          
 7,000   Devon Energy Corp.   67,981    204,330 
 30,000   Halliburton Co.   618,150    693,600 
         686,131    897,930 
                
     Services — 1.3%          
 24,000   ABB Ltd., ADR   478,264    815,760 
 100,000   Enbridge Inc.   2,781,675    4,004,000 
         3,259,939    4,819,760 
                
     Water — 5.8%          
 27,000   American States Water Co.   1,326,417    2,148,120 
 24,900   American Water Works Co. Inc.   2,625,753    3,837,837 
 24,200   Artesian Resources Corp., Cl.A   512,360    889,834 
 34,000   California Water Service Group   687,475    1,888,360 
 27,000   Essential Utilities Inc.   508,775    1,233,900 
 42,700   Middlesex Water Co.   712,234    3,489,871 
 155,000   Severn Trent plc   4,097,160    5,362,432 
 38,500   SJW Group   1,629,061    2,437,050 
 10,000   The York Water Co.   154,349    453,000 
         12,253,584    21,740,404 
     TOTAL ENERGY AND UTILITIES   186,655,677    234,643,436 
     COMMUNICATIONS — 13.4%          
                
     Cable and Satellite — 4.9%          
 3,000   Charter Communications Inc., Cl.A†   598,964    2,164,350 
 20,000   Cogeco Inc.   389,461    1,551,146 
 68,000   DISH Network Corp., Cl.A†   2,302,234    2,842,400 
 10,000   EchoStar Corp., Cl.A†   228,284    242,900 
 340,000   ITV plc†   709,854    590,489 
 60,000   Liberty Global plc, Cl.A†   1,270,647    1,629,600 
 120,071   Liberty Global plc, Cl.C†   3,379,833    3,246,720 
 60,000   Liberty Latin America Ltd., Cl.A†   687,045    831,600 
 5,947   Liberty Latin America Ltd., Cl.C†   42,462    83,853 
 16,000   Rogers Communications  Inc., Cl.B   785,889    850,240 
 14,000   Shaw Communications Inc., Cl.B   390,089    405,566 
 102,000   Telenet Group Holding NV   4,718,300    3,838,842 
         15,503,062    18,277,706 


See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

5 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — June 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares      Cost   Market
Value
 
    COMMON STOCKS (Continued)        
    COMMUNICATIONS (Continued)        
     Communications Equipment — 0.1%          
 10,000   Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd.   $339,399  $249,066 
                
     Telecommunications — 6.4%          
 50,000   AT&T Inc.   1,711,000    1,439,000 
 10,000   BCE Inc., New York   420,404    493,200 
 6,047   BCE Inc., Toronto   257,284    298,204 
 100,000   BT Group plc, Cl.A†   288,174    268,360 
 70,000   Cincinnati Bell Inc.†   1,067,073    1,079,400 
 6,500   Cogeco Communications Inc.   226,985    635,580 
 93,000   Deutsche Telekom AG   1,600,155    1,964,214 
 60,000   Deutsche Telekom AG, ADR   991,918    1,275,600 
 85,000   Euskaltel SA(b)   1,121,060    1,106,661 
 200   Hutchison          
     Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.   19    39 
 135,000   Lumen Technologies Inc.   2,101,748    1,834,650 
 70,000   Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.   813,435    1,823,799 
 142,000   Orange Belgium SA   3,746,536    3,185,683 
 5,000   Orange SA, ADR   60,201    57,200 
 59,000   Orascom Financial Holding  SAE†   9,810    1,120 
 11,800   Orascom Investment Holding, GDR   10,951    354 
 30,000   Pharol SGPS SA†   8,930    3,593 
 4,000   Proximus SA   91,346    77,264 
 2,000   PT Indosat Tbk†   1,061    945 
 110,000   Sistema PJSC FC, GDR   460,260    946,000 
 1,350   Tele2 AB, Cl.B   15,470    18,393 
 20,000   Telefonica Deutschland  Holding AG   87,983    52,766 
 250,000   Telefonica SA, ADR   1,200,752    1,175,000 
 85,000   Telekom Austria AG   712,797    725,679 
 15,000   Telephone and Data Systems Inc.   297,471    339,900 
 1,200   Telesites SAB de CV†   911    1,112 
 7,000   T-Mobile US Inc.†   549,799    1,013,810 
 325,000   VEON Ltd., ADR†   768,080    594,750 
 65,000   Verizon Communications Inc.   2,935,725    3,641,950 
         21,557,338    24,054,226 
                
     Wireless Communications — 2.0%          
 3,000   America Movil SAB de CV, Cl.L, ADR   33,726    45,000 
 10,000   Anterix Inc.†   409,592    599,900 
 53,000   Millicom International Cellular SA, SDR†   2,264,458    2,098,176 
Shares      Cost   Market
Value
 
 1,154   Mobile Telesystems PJSC  $6,303   $5,407 
 7,250   Mobile TeleSystems PJSC, ADR   75,934    67,135 
 2,000   SK Telecom Co. Ltd., ADR   32,986    62,820 
 400   SmarTone          
     Telecommunications          
     Holdings Ltd.   207    237 
 60,000   Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri  A/S, ADR   399,014    280,200 
 42,000   United States Cellular Corp.†   1,802,713    1,525,020 
 175,000   Vodafone Group plc, ADR   3,825,084    2,997,750 
         8,850,017    7,681,645 
     TOTAL COMMUNICATIONS   46,249,816    50,262,643 
                
     OTHER — 3.8%          
     Agriculture 0.0%          
 3,000   Cadiz Inc.†   30,211    40,800 
                
     Automotive — 0.3%          
 25,000   Navistar International Corp.†   1,103,985    1,112,500 
                
     Diversified Industrial — 0.4%          
 25,000   Macquarie Infrastructure Corp.   917,249    956,750 
 5,000   US Concrete Inc.†   369,200    369,000 
         1,286,449    1,325,750 
                
     Electronics — 0.6%          
 700   Hubbell Inc.   102,498    130,788 
 3,000   Keysight Technologies Inc.†   301,421    463,230 
 18,000   Sony Group Corp., ADR   828,835    1,749,960 
         1,232,754    2,343,978 
                
     Entertainment — 0.4%          
 44,000   Vivendi SE   1,059,668    1,478,061 
     Financial Services — 0.5%          
 50,000   GAM Holding AG†   150,221    108,619 
 19,000   Kinnevik AB, Cl.A   634,291    860,518 
 20,000   Kinnevik AB, Cl.B   708,877    800,645 
         1,493,389    1,769,782 
                
     Machinery — 0.9%          
 195,000   CNH Industrial NV   2,298,276    3,260,400 
 1,500   Flowserve Corp.   72,528    60,480 
 8,000   Mueller Water Products Inc., Cl.A   88,244    115,360 
 1,000   Xylem Inc.   82,080    119,960 
         2,541,128    3,556,200 


See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

6 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — June 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares      Cost   Market
Value
 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)          
     OTHER (Continued)          
                
     Specialty Chemicals — 0.0%          
 400   Air Products and Chemicals Inc.  $94,752   $115,072 
                
                
     Transportation — 0.7%          
 27,500   GATX Corp.   1,263,239    2,432,925 
                
     TOTAL OTHER   10,105,575    14,175,068 
       
     INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS AND ENERGY TRADERS — 0.2% 
     Electric Integrated — 0.2%          
 20,000   NRG Energy Inc.   480,910    806,000 
                
     TOTAL COMMON STOCKS   243,491,978    299,887,147 
                
     MANDATORY CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES(c) — 0.8% 
     ENERGY AND UTILITIES — 0.8%          
     Natural Gas Utilities — 0.8%          
 4,203   Corning Natural Gas Holding  Corp., Ser.B, 4.800%, 09/30/26   87,212    120,752 
 56,000   Spire Inc., Ser.A, 7.500%, 03/01/24   2,800,000    3,027,920 
                
     TOTAL MANDATORY CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES   2,887,212    3,148,672 
                
     WARRANTS — 0.0%          
     ENERGY AND UTILITIES — 0.0%          
     Natural Resources — 0.0%          
 625   Occidental Petroleum Corp., expire 08/03/27†   3,094    8,694 
                
     Services — 0.0%          
 1,425   Weatherford International plc, expire 12/13/23†   0    627 
                
     TOTAL ENERGY AND UTILITIES   3,094    9,321 
     TOTAL WARRANTS   3,094    9,321 

Principal
Amount
      Cost   Market
Value
 
     U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS — 19.1%          
$308,000   U.S. Cash Management Bill, 0.013%††, 09/07/21  $307,992   $307,975 
 71,188,000   U.S. Treasury Bills, 0.002% to 0.055%††, 07/08/21 to 12/09/21(d)   71,183,992    71,182,752 
                
     TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS   71,491,984    71,490,727 
                
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0%  $317,874,268    374,535,867 
                
Other Assets and Liabilities (Net)        (555,659)
                
PREFERRED SHARES          
(3,154,188 preferred shares outstanding).        (101,332,200)
                
NET ASSETS — COMMON SHARES          
(63,348,016 common shares outstanding).       $272,648,008 
                
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE          
($272,648,008 ÷ 63,348,016 shares outstanding)       $4.30 

 

(a)Securities, or a portion thereof, with a value of $3,258,750 are reserved and/or pledged with the custodian for current or potential holdings of swaps.

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

(c)Mandatory convertible securities are required to be converted on the dates listed; they generally may be converted prior to these dates at the option of the holder.
(d)At June 30, 2021, $500,000 of the principal amount was pledged as collateral for current or potential holdings.

Non-income producing security.

††Represents annualized yield(s) at date(s) of purchase.

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt

GDR Global Depositary Receipt

SDR Swedish Depositary Receipt



See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

7 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Schedule of Investments (Continued) — June 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

As of June 30, 2021, equity contract for difference swap agreements outstanding were as follows:

 

Market Value
Appreciation
Received
  One Month LIBOR
Plus 90 bps
plus Market Value
Depreciation Paid
  Counterparty  Payment
Frequency
  Termination
Date
  Notional
Amount
  Value  Upfront
Payments/
Receipts
  Unrealized
(Depreciation)
Rolls-Royce  Rolls-Royce  The Goldman Sachs             
Holdings plc  Holdings plc  Group, Inc.  1 Month  06/28/2022  $311,660   $(38,094)     $(38,094)
TOTAL EQUITY CONTRACT FOR DIFFERENCE SWAP AGREEMENTS   $(38,094)

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

8 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

June 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Assets:    
Investments in securities, at value (cost $317,874,268)  $374,535,867 
Foreign currency, at value (cost $1,380)   1,370 
Dividends receivable   877,028 
Deferred offering expense   167,628 
Prepaid expenses   4,065 
Total Assets   375,585,958 
Liabilities:     
Payable to bank   7,203 
Distributions payable.   612,685 
Payable for investment advisory fees   524,543 
Payable for offering costs.   189,871 
Payable for payroll expenses   22,321 
Payable for accounting fees   3,750 
Payable for shareholder communications   80,502 
Unrealized depreciation on swap contracts   38,094 
Other accrued expenses   126,781 
Total Liabilities   1,605,750 
Cumulative Preferred Shares $0.001 par value:     
Series A Preferred Shares (5.625%, $25 liquidation value, 1,200,000 shares authorized with 1,153,288 shares issued and outstanding)   28,832,200 
Series B Preferred Shares (Auction Market, $25,000 liquidation value, 1,000 shares  authorized with 900 shares issued and  outstanding)   22,500,000 
Series C Preferred Shares (5.375%, $25 liquidation value, 2,000,000 shares authorized  with 2,000,000 shares issued and outstanding)   50,000,000 
Total Preferred Shares   101,332,200 
Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders  $272,648,008 
      
Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Consist of:     
Paid-in capital.  $219,260,845 
Total distributable earnings   53,387,163 
Net Assets  $272,648,008 
      
Net Asset Value per Common Share:     
($272,648,008 ÷ 63,348,016 shares outstanding  at $0.001 par value; unlimited number of shares  authorized)  $4.30 

Statement of Operations  

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Income:    
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $161,617)  $4,643,404 
Non-cash dividends   776,273 
Interest   16,697 
Total Investment Income   5,436,374 
Expenses:     
Investment advisory fees.   1,742,706 
Shareholder communications expenses   90,673 
Trustees’ fees   69,469 
Shareholder services fees   63,065 
Legal and audit fees   49,794 
Payroll expenses   46,328 
Custodian fees   25,412 
Accounting fees   22,500 
Interest expense   6 
Miscellaneous expenses   75,048 
Total Expenses   2,185,001 
Less:     
Custodian fee credits   (58)
Expenses paid indirectly by broker (See Note 3)   (1,670)
Total Credits and Reimbursements   (1,728)
Net Expenses   2,183,273 
Net Investment Income   3,253,101 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments in Securities Swap Contracts, and Foreign Currency:    
Net realized loss on investments in securities   (629,254)
Net realized loss on swap contracts   (5,409)
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions   (13,849)
Net realized loss on investments in securities swap     
contracts, and foreign currency transactions   (648,512)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation:     
on investments in securities   17,883,754 
on swap contracts   (25,916)
on foreign currency translations   (11,938)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments in securities, swap contracts, and foreign currency translations   17,845,900 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments in Securities Swap Contracts, and Foreign Currency   17,197,388 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from  Operations   20,450,489 
Total Distributions to Preferred Shareholders   2,391,673)
Net Increase in Net Assets Attributable to  Common Shareholders Resulting from  Operations  $18,058,816 


 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

9 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Statement of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders

 

 

   Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(Unaudited)
   Year Ended
December 31, 2020
 
         
Operations:          
Net investment income  $3,253,101   $4,931,533 
Net realized loss on investments in securities, swap contracts, and foreign currency transactions   (648,512)   (2,404,455)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments in securities, swap contracts, and foreign currency transations   17,845,900    (16,483,809)
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations   20,450,489    (13,956,731)
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders:          
Accumulated earnings   (2,311,087)*   (5,187,333)
Return of capital   (80,586)*   (154,360)
Total Distributions to Preferred Shareholders   (2,391,673)   (5,341,693)
           
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders          
Resulting from Operations   18,058,816    (19,298,424)
           
Distributions to Common Shareholders:          
Return of capital   (17,360,228)*   (32,824,734)
           
Total Distributions to Common Shareholders   (17,360,228)   (32,824,734)
           
Fund Share Transactions:          
Net increase in net assets from common shares issued in offering   43,372,120     
Net increase in net assets from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions   2,636,728    5,090,590 
Offering costs for common shares charged to paid-in capital   (320,000)    
Net Increase in Net Assets from Fund Share Transactions   45,688,848    5,090,590 
           
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders   46,387,436    (47,032,568)
           
Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders:          
Beginning of year   226,260,572    273,293,140 
End of period  $272,648,008   $226,260,572 

 

 

 

*Based on year to date book income. Amounts are subject to change and recharacterization at year end.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

10 

 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust

Financial Highlights  

 

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

 

   Six Months Ended   Year Ended December 31, 
   June 30, 2021
(Unaudited)
   2020   2019   2018   2017   2016 
Operating Performance:                              
Net asset value, beginning of year  $4.11   $5.03   $4.61   $5.34   $5.45   $5.13 
Net investment income   0.06(a)   0.09    0.11    0.12    0.11    0.11 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on  investments, swap contracts, and foreign currency transactions   0.33    (0.35)   0.99    (0.27)   0.48    0.92 
Total from investment operations   0.39    (0.26)   1.10    (0.15)   0.59    1.03 
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders: (b)                        
Net investment income   (0.04)*   (0.10)   (0.02)   (0.02)   (0.02)   (0.01)
Net realized gain           (0.08)   (0.08)   (0.09)   (0.07)
Return of capital   (0.00)*(c)   (0.00)(c)                
Total distributions to preferred shareholders   (0.04)   (0.10)   (0.10)   (0.10)   (0.11)   (0.08)
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets                              
Attributable to Common Shareholders                              
Resulting from Operations   0.35    (0.36)   1.00    (0.25)   0.48    0.95 
Distributions to Common Shareholders:                              
Net investment income           (0.09)   (0.10)   (0.10)   (0.09)
Net realized gain           (0.39)   (0.48)   (0.49)   (0.48)
Return of capital   (0.30)*   (0.60)   (0.12)   (0.02)   (0.01)   (0.03)
Total distributions to common shareholders   (0.30)   (0.60)   (0.60)   (0.60)   (0.60)   (0.60)
Fund Share Transactions:                              
Increase in net asset value from common share transactions                   0.01    0.01 
Increase in net asset value from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions   0.02    0.04    0.02    0.01         
Offering costs and adjustments to offering costs for preferred shares charged or credited to paid-in capital           0.00(c)   (0.01)   0.00(c)   (0.04)
Offering costs and adjustment to offering costs for common shares charged to paid-in capital   (0.01)                    
Increase in net asset value from common shares issued in rights offering   0.13            0.12         
Total Fund share transactions   0.14    0.04    0.02    0.12    0.01    (0.03)
Net Asset Value Attributable to Common Shareholders, End of Period  $4.30   $4.11   $5.03   $4.61   $5.34   $5.45 
NAV total return †   8.93%   (5.37)%   23.21%   (5.02)%   9.27%   18.62%
Market value, end of period  $7.96   $8.12   $7.77   $5.94   $7.10   $6.30 
Investment total return ††   5.83%   13.88%   42.99%   (4.76)%   23.48%   22.08%
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares, end of period (in 000’s)  $373,980   $327,593   $374,625   $348,449   $336,165   $337,831 
Net assets attributable to common shares, end of period (in 000’s)  $272,648   $226,261   $273,293   $247,117   $234,833   $236,498 
Ratio of net investment income to average  net assets attributable to common shares  before preferred share distributions   2.62%(a)(d)   2.16%   2.30%   2.51%   2.04%   2.02%

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

11 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

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

 

   Six Months Ended   Year Ended December 31, 
   June 30, 2021
(Unaudited)
   2020   2019   2018   2017   2016 
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares before fee waived (e)(f)   1.76%(d)   1.84%   1.64%(g)   1.81%   1.80%   1.71%
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares net of advisory fee reduction, if any (e)(h)   1.76%(d)   1.62%   1.64%(g)   1.60%   1.80%   1.71%
Portfolio turnover rate   4%   19%   23%   26%   18%   22%
                               
Cumulative Preferred Shares:                              
5.625% Series A Preferred                              
Liquidation value, end of period (in 000’s)  $28,832   $28,832   $28,832   $28,832   $28,832   $28,832 
Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)   1,153    1,153    1,153    1,153    1,153    1,153 
Liquidation preference per share  $25.00   $25.00   $25.00   $25.00   $25.00   $25.00 
Average market value (i)  $27.18   $26.78   $26.19   $25.43   $25.68   $25.88 
Asset coverage per share (j)  $92.27   $80.82   $92.43   $85.97   $82.94   $83.35 
Auction Market Series B Preferred                              
Liquidation value, end of period (in 000’s)  $22,500   $22,500   $22,500   $22,500   $22,500   $22,500 
Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)   1    1    1    1    1    1 
Liquidation preference per share  $25,000   $25,000   $25,000   $25,000   $25,000   $25,000 
Liquidation value (k)  $25,000   $25,000   $25,000   $25,000   $25,000   $25,000 
Asset coverage per share (j)  $92,267   $80,821   $92,425   $85,967   $82,936   $83,347 
5.375% Series C Preferred   50,000,000    (50,000,000)                
Liquidation value, end of period (in 000’s)  $50,000   $50,000   $50,000   $50,000   $50,000   $50,000 
Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)   2,000    2,000    2,000    2,000    2,000    2,000 
Liquidation preference per share  $25.00   $25.00   $25.00   $25.00   $25.00   $25.00 
Average market value (i)  $25.98   $25.96   $25.90   $25.01   $25.32   $25.28 
Asset coverage per share (j)  $92.27   $80.82   $92.43   $85.97   $82.94   $83.35 
Asset Coverage (l)   369%   323%   370%   344%   332%   333%

 

 

Based on net asset value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at the net asset value per share on the ex-dividend dates and adjustments for the rights offering. Total return for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

††Based on market value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at prices determined under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan and adjustments for the rights offering. Total return for a period of less than one year is not annualized.

*Based on year to date book income. Amounts are subject to change and recharacterization at year end.

(a)Includes income resulting from special dividends. Without these dividends, the per share income amount would have been 0.04, and the net investment income ratio would have been 1.99%.

(b)Calculated based on average common shares outstanding on the record dates throughout the periods.
(c)Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(d)Annualized.

(e)The Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. For all periods presented there was no impact on the expense ratios.

(f)Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares before fee waived for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016 would have been 1.25%, 1.28%, 1.19%, 1.28%, 1.26%, and 1.27%, respectively.
(g)In 2019, due to failed auctions relating to previous fiscal years, the Fund reversed accumulated auction agent fees. The 2019 ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares and the ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including the liquidation value of preferred shares, excluding the reversal of auction agent fees, were 1.71% and 1.24%, respectively.

(h)Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares net of advisory fee reduction for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016 would have been 1.25%, 1.12%, 1.19%, 1.14%, 1.26%, and 1.27%, respectively.

(i)Based on weekly prices.

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

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

12 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

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

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

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

13 

 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

1. Organization. The Gabelli Utility Trust (the Fund) operates as a diversified closed-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 25, 1999 and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). Investment operations commenced on July 9, 1999.

 

The Fund’s primary objective is long term growth of capital and income. The Fund will invest 80% of its assets, under normal market conditions, in common stocks and other securities of foreign and domestic companies involved in providing products, services, or equipment for (i) the generation or distribution of electricity, gas, and water and (ii) telecommunications services or infrastructure operations (the 80% Policy). The 80% Policy may be changed without shareholder approval. However, the Fund has adopted a policy to provide shareholders with notice at least sixty days prior to the implementation of any change in the 80% Policy.

 

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

 

The global outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease, known as COVID-19, has caused adverse effects on many companies, sectors, nations, regions and the markets in general, and may continue for an unpredictable duration. The effects of this pandemic may materially impact the value and performance of the Fund, its ability to buy and sell fund investments at appropriate valuations, and its ability to achieve its investment objectives.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements. In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The amendments in the ASU provides optional temporary financial reporting relief from the effect of certain types of contract modifications due to the planned discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank-offered based reference rates as of the end of 2021. The ASU is effective for certain reference rate-related contract modifications that occur through December 31, 2022. Management has reviewed the requirements and believes the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

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

 

Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board

 

14 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

if market conditions change significantly after the close of the foreign market, but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. Debt obligations for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the securities are valued using the closing bid price, unless the Board determines such amount does not reflect the securities’ fair value, in which case these securities will be fair valued as determined by the Board. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations. Futures contracts are valued at the closing settlement price of the exchange or board of trade on which the applicable contract is traded. OTC futures and options on futures for which market quotations are readily available will be valued by quotations received from a pricing service or, if no quotations are available from a pricing service, by quotations obtained from one or more dealers in the instrument in question by the Adviser.

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

15 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

The summary of the Fund’s investments in securities by inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of June 30, 2021 is as follows:

 

   Valuation Inputs 
   Level 1
Quoted Prices
   Level 2 Other Significant
Observable Inputs
   Total Market Value
at 06/30/21
 
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES:            
ASSETS (Market Value):            
Common Stocks               
Energy and Utilities               
Natural Gas Utilities  $18,156,677   $691,795   $18,848,472 
Other Industries (a)   215,794,964        215,794,964 
Communications (a)   50,262,643        50,262,643 
Other (a)   14,175,068        14,175,068 
Independent Power Producers and Energy Traders (a)   806,000        806,000 
Total Common Stocks   299,195,352    691,795    299,887,147 
Mandatory Convertible Securities (a)   3,027,920    120,752    3,148,672 
Warrants (a)   9,321        9,321 
U.S. Government Obligations       71,490,727    71,490,727 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES – ASSETS  $302,232,593   $72,303,274   $374,535,867 
                
OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:*               
LIABILITIES (Unrealized Depreciation):               
EQUITY CONTRACTS               
Contract for Difference Swap Agreements      $(38,094)  $(38,094)

 

 

(a)Please refer to the Schedule of Investments (SOI) for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.

*Other financial instruments are derivatives reflected in the SOI, such as options, futures, forwards, and swaps, which may be valued at the unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of the instrument.

 

The Fund held no level 3 investments at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

 

Additional Information to Evaluate Qualitative Information.

 

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

 

Fair Valuation. Fair valued securities may be common or preferred equities, warrants, options, rights, or fixed income obligations. Where appropriate, Level 3 securities are those for which market quotations are not available, such as securities not traded for several days, or for which current bids are not available, or which are

 

16 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

restricted as to transfer. When fair valuing a security, factors to consider include recent prices of comparable securities that are publicly traded, reliable prices of securities not publicly traded, the use of valuation models, current analyst reports, valuing the income or cash flow of the issuer, or cost if the preceding factors do not apply. A significant change in the unobservable inputs could result in a lower or higher value in Level 3 securities. The circumstances of Level 3 securities are frequently monitored to determine if fair valuation measures continue to apply.

 

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

 

Derivative Financial Instruments. The Fund may engage in various portfolio investment strategies by investing in derivative financial instruments for the purposes of increasing the income of the Fund, hedging against changes in the value of its portfolio securities and in the value of securities it intends to purchase, or hedging against a specific transaction with respect to either the currency in which the transaction is denominated or another currency. Investing in certain derivative financial instruments, including participation in the options, futures, or swap markets, entails certain execution, liquidity, hedging, tax, and securities, interest, credit, or currency market risks. Losses may arise if the Adviser’s prediction of movements in the direction of the securities, foreign currency, and interest rate markets is inaccurate. Losses may also arise if the counterparty does not perform its duties under a contract, or, in the event of default, the Fund may be delayed in or prevented from obtaining payments or other contractual remedies owed to it under derivative contracts. The creditworthiness of the counterparties is closely monitored in order to minimize these risks. Participation in derivative transactions involves investment risks, transaction costs, and potential losses to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. The consequences of these risks, transaction costs, and losses may have a negative impact on the Fund’s ability to pay distributions.

 

Collateral requirements differ by type of derivative. Collateral requirements are set by the broker or exchange clearing house for exchange traded derivatives, while collateral terms are contract specific for derivatives traded over-the-counter. Securities pledged to cover obligations of the Fund under derivative contracts are noted in the Schedule of Investments. Cash collateral, if any, pledged for the same purpose will be reported separately in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The Fund’s policy with respect to offsetting is that, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the master agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the Fund and the applicable counterparty. The enforceability of the right to offset may vary by jurisdiction.

 

The Fund’s derivative contracts held at June 30, 2021, if any, are not accounted for as hedging instruments under GAAP and are disclosed in the Schedule of Investments together with the related counterparty.

 

Swap Agreements. The Fund may enter into equity contract for difference swap transactions for the purpose of increasing the income of the Fund. The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. In an equity contract for difference swap, a set of future cash flows is exchanged between two counterparties. One of these cash flow streams will typically be based on a reference interest rate combined with the performance

 

17 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

of a notional value of shares of a stock. The other will be based on the performance of the shares of a stock. Depending on the general state of short term interest rates and the returns on the Fund’s portfolio securities at the time an equity contract for difference swap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction.

 

Unrealized gains related to swaps are reported as an asset and unrealized losses are reported as a liability in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The change in the value of swaps, including the accrual of periodic amounts of interest to be received or paid on swaps, is reported as unrealized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations. A realized gain or loss is recorded upon receipt or payment of a periodic payment or termination of swap agreements. Equity contract for difference swap agreements held at June 30, 2021 are reflected within the Schedule of Investments.

 

The Fund’s volume of activity in equity contract for difference swap agreements during the six months ended June 30, 2021 had an average monthly notional amount of approximately $484,221.

 

At June 30, 2021, the Fund’s derivative liabilities (by type) are as follows:

 

  Gross Amounts of
Recognized Liabilities
Presented in the
Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Gross Amounts
Available for
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
Net Amounts of
Liabilities Presented in
the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Liabilities      
Equity Contract for Difference Swap Agreements $38,094 $38,094

 

The following table presents the Fund’s derivative liabilities by counterparty net of the related collateral segregated by the Fund for the benefit of the counterparty as of June 30, 2021:

 

    Net Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
 
  Net Amounts of
Liabilities Presented in
the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Securities Pledged
as Collateral
Cash Collateral
Pledged
Net Amount
Counterparty        
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. $38,094 $(38,094)

 

At June 30, 2021, the value of equity contract for difference swap agreements can be found in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities under Liabilities, Unrealized depreciation on swap contracts. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the effect of equity contract for difference swap agreements can be found in the Statement of Operations, under Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments, Swap Contracts, and Foreign Currency; Net realized loss on swap contracts; and Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on swap contracts.

 

Limitations on the Purchase and Sale of Futures Contracts, Certain Options, and Swaps. Subject to the guidelines of the Board, the Fund may engage in “commodity interest” transactions (generally, transactions in futures, certain options, certain currency transactions, and certain types of swaps) only for bona fide hedging or

 

18 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

other permissible transactions in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Pursuant to amendments by the CFTC to Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA), the Adviser has filed a notice of exemption from registration as a “commodity pool operator” with respect to the Fund. The Fund and the Adviser are therefore not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under the CEA. In addition, certain trading restrictions are now applicable to the Fund which permit the Fund to engage in commodity interest transactions that include (i) “bona fide hedging” transactions, as that term is defined and interpreted by the CFTC and its staff, without regard to the percentage of the Fund’s assets committed to margin and options premiums and (ii) non-bona fide hedging transactions, provided that the Fund does not enter into such non-bona fide hedging transactions if, immediately thereafter, either (a) the sum of the amount of initial margin deposits on the Fund’s existing futures positions or swaps positions and option or swaption premiums would exceed 5% of the market value of the Fund’s liquidating value, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such transactions, or (b) the aggregate net notional value of the Fund’s commodity interest transactions would not exceed 100% of the market value of the Fund’s liquidating value, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such transactions. Therefore, in order to claim the Rule 4.5 exemption, the Fund is limited in its ability to invest in commodity futures, options, and certain types of swaps (including securities futures, broad based stock index futures, and financial futures contracts). As a result, in the future the Fund will be more limited in its ability to use these instruments than in the past, and these limitations may have a negative impact on the ability of the Adviser to manage the Fund, and on the Fund’s performance.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

19 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Restricted Securities. The Fund is not subject to an independent limitation on the amount it may invest in securities for which the markets are restricted. Restricted securities include securities whose disposition is subject to substantial legal or contractual restrictions. The sale of restricted securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Restricted securities may sell at a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Securities freely saleable among qualified institutional investors under special rules adopted by the SEC may be treated as liquid if they satisfy liquidity standards established by the Board. The continued liquidity of such securities is not as well assured as that of publicly traded securities, and, accordingly, the Board will monitor their liquidity. At June 30, 2021, the Fund held no restricted securities.

 

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

 

Custodian Fee Credits and Interest Expense. When cash balances are maintained in the custody account, the Fund receives credits which are used to offset custodian fess. The gross expenses paid under the custody arrangement are included in custodian fees in the Statement of Operations with the corresponding expense offset, if any, shown as “Custodian fee credits.” When cash balances are overdrawn, the Fund is charged an overdraft fee of 110% of the 90 day U.S. Treasury Bill rate on outstanding balances. This amount, if any, would be included in the Statement of Operations.

 

Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are based on income and capital gains as determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from income and capital gains as determined under GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities and foreign currency transactions held by the Fund, timing differences, and differing characterizations of distributions made by the Fund. Distributions from net investment income for federal income tax purposes include net realized gains on foreign currency transactions. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent, adjustments are made to the appropriate capital accounts in the period when the differences arise. These reclassifications have no impact on the NAV of the Fund.

 

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

 

20 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Distributions to shareholders of the Fund’s 5.625% Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares (Series A Preferred), the Series B Auction Market Cumulative Preferred Shares (Series B Preferred), and the 5.375% Series C Cumulative Preferred Shares (Series C Preferred) are recorded on a daily basis and are determined as described in Note 5.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2020 was as follows:

 

   Common   Preferred 
Distributions paid from:          
Ordinary income (inclusive of short term capital gains)      $5,187,333 
Return of capital  $32,824,734    154,360 
Total distributions paid  $32,824,734   $5,341,693 

 

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

 

The following summarizes the tax cost of investments and derivatives and the related net unrealized appreciation at June 30, 2021:

 

   Cost  Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
Investments and derivative instruments  $320,113,053  $65,050,309  $(10,627,495)  $54,422,814

 

The Fund is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Fund as tax expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed not to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Fund did not incur any income tax, interest, or penalties. As of June 30, 2021, the Adviser has reviewed all open tax years and concluded that there was no impact to the Fund’s net assets or results of operations. The Fund’s federal and state tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open, subject to examination. On an ongoing basis, the Adviser will monitor the Fund’s tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary.

 

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

 

21 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

the Adviser provides a continuous investment program for the Fund’s portfolio and oversees the administration of all aspects of the Fund’s business and affairs.

 

The Adviser has agreed to reduce the management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the Series A and Series B Preferred if the total return of the NAV of the common shares of the Fund, including distributions and advisory fee subject to reduction, does not exceed the stated dividend rates of the Series A and Series B Preferred for the year. The Fund’s total return on the NAV of the common shares is monitored on a monthly basis to assess whether the total return on the NAV of the common shares exceeds the dividend rates of the Series A and Series B Preferred for the period. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Fund’s total return on the NAV of the common shares exceeded the stated dividend rate of the Series A and Series B Preferred.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Fund paid $1,444 in brokerage commissions on security trades to G.research, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Fund received credits from a designated broker who agreed to pay certain Fund operating expenses. The amount of such expenses paid through this directed brokerage arrangement during this period was $1,670.

 

The cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV per share is a Fund expense pursuant to the Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. Under the sub-administration agreement with Bank of New York Mellon, the fees paid include the cost of calculating the Fund’s NAV. The Fund reimburses the Adviser for this service. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Fund accrued $22,500 in accounting fees in the Statement of Operations.

 

As per the approval of the Board, the Fund compensates officers of the Fund, who are employed by the Fund and are not employed by the Adviser (although the officers may receive incentive based variable compensation from affiliates of the Adviser). During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Fund accrued $46,328 in payroll expenses in the Statement of Operations.

 

The Fund pays retainer and per meeting fees to Trustees not affiliated with the Adviser, plus specified amounts to the Lead Trustee and Audit Committee Chairman. Trustees are also reimbursed for out of pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. Trustees who are directors or employees of the Adviser or an affiliated company receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Fund.

 

4. Portfolio Securities. Purchases and sales of securities during the six months ended June 30, 2021, other than short term securities and U.S. Government obligations, aggregated $20,073,558 and $11,767,448, respectively.

 

5. Capital. The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest (par value $0.001). The Board has authorized the repurchase of its common shares on the open market when the shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more (or such other percentage as the Board may determine from time to time) from the NAV of the shares. During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, the Fund did not repurchase any common shares of beneficial interest in the open market.

 

22 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:

 

   Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
(Unaudited)
   Year Ended
December 31, 2020
 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Net increase in net assets from common shares issued in rights offering   7,885,840   $43,372,120         
Net increase in net assets from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions   370,252    2,636,728    733,027   $5,090,590 
Net increase   8,256,092   $46,008,848    733,027   $5,090,590 

 

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

 

The Fund may redeem at any time, in whole or in part, the Series A Preferred and Series B Preferred at the redemption price. In addition, the Board has authorized the repurchase of the Series A Preferred and Series C Preferred in the open market at prices less than the $25 liquidation value per share. During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, the Fund did not repurchase any shares of Series A Preferred, Series B Preferred, or Series C Preferred.

 

The Series B Preferred dividend rates, as set by the auction process that is generally held every seven days, are expected to vary with short term interest rates. Since February 2008, the number of Series B Preferred subject to bid orders by potential holders has been less than the number of Series B Preferred subject to sell orders. Therefore, the weekly auctions have failed, and the dividend rate since then has been the maximum rate. Holders that have submitted sell orders have not been able to sell any or all of the Series B Preferred for which they have submitted sell orders. The current maximum rate is 200 basis points greater than the seven day ICE LIBOR rate on the day of such auction. Existing shareholders may submit an order to hold, bid, or sell such shares on each auction date. Shareholders of the Series B Preferred may also trade their shares in the secondary market.

 

The Fund has the authority to purchase its Series B auction market preferred shares through negotiated private transactions. The Fund is not obligated to purchase any dollar amount or number of auction market preferred

 

23 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

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

 

The following table summarizes Cumulative Preferred Stock information:

 

Series Issue Date Authorized Number of
Shares
Outstanding at
6/30/2021
Net Proceeds 2021 Dividend
Rate Range
Dividend
Rate at
6/30/2021
Accrued
Dividends at
6/30/2021
A 5.625% July 31, 2003 1,200,000 1,153,288 $28,895,026 Fixed Rate 5.625% $22,525
B Auction Market July 31, 2003 1,000 900 $24,590,026 2.060% to 2.103% 2.091% $1,289
C 5.375% May 31, 2016 2,000,000 2,000,000 $48,142,029 Fixed Rate 5.375% $37,326

 

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

 

On March 11, 2021, the Fund distributed one transferable right for each of the 55,200,877 common shares outstanding held on that date. Seven rights were required to purchase one additional common share at the subscription price of $5.50 per share. On May 21, 2021, the Fund issued 7,885,840 common shares receiving net proceeds of $43,052,120, after the deduction of estimated offering expenses of $320,000. The NAV of the Fund increased by $0.13 per share on the day the additional shares were issued due to the additional shares being issued above NAV. The fund has an effective shelf registration authorizing an additional $257 million of common or preferred shares.

 

6. Industry Concentration. Because the Fund primarily invests in common stocks and other securities of foreign and domestic companies in the utility industry, its portfolio may be subject to greater risk and market fluctuations than a portfolio of securities representing a broad range of investments.

 

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

 

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

 

24 

 

 

The Gabelli Utility Trust 

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certifications

 

The Fund’s Chief Executive Officer has certified to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) that, as of June 7, 2021, he was not aware of any violation by the Fund of applicable NYSE corporate governance listing standards. The Fund reports to the SEC on Form N-CSR which contains certifications by the Fund’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer that relate to the Fund’s disclosure in such reports and that are required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act.

 

Shareholder Meeting – May 10, 2021 – Final Results

 

The Fund’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held virtually on May 10, 2021. At that meeting, common and preferred shareholders, voting together as a single class, re-elected John D. Gabelli, Michael J. Ferrantino, Leslie F. Foley, and Michael J. Melarkey as Trustees of the Fund, with a total of 37,967,791 votes, 37,988,154 votes, 37,990,181 votes, and 37,788,877 votes cast in favor of these Trustees, and a total of 892,453 votes, 872,090 votes, 870,063 votes, and 1,071,366 withheld for these Trustees, respectively.

 

In addition, preferred shareholders, voting as a separate class, re-elected James P. Conn as a Trustee of the Fund, with 2,392,277 votes cast in favor of this Trustee and 72,557 votes withheld for this Trustee.

 

Mario J. Gabelli, Elizabeth C. Bogan, Vincent D. Enright, Kuni Nakamura, John Birch, Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., Robert J. Morrissey and Salvatore J. Zizza continue to serve in their capacities as Trustees of the Fund.

 

We thank you for your participation and appreciate your continued support.

 

25 

 

 

     
 

THE GABELLI UTILITY TRUST
AND YOUR PERSONAL PRIVACY

 

Who are we?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

What do we do to protect your personal information?

 

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

 
     

 

 

 

THE GABELLI UTILITY TRUST 

One Corporate Center

Rye, NY 10580-1422

 

 

Portfolio Manager Biography

 

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

 

Timothy M. Winter, CFA, joined Gabelli in 2009 and covers the utility industry. He has over 25 years of experience as an equity research analyst covering the industry. Currently, he continues to specialize in the utility industry and also serves as a portfolio manager of Gabelli Funds, LLC. Mr. Winter received his BA in Economics from Rollins College and MBA in Finance from Notre Dame.

 

Justin Bergner, CFA, is a Vice President at Gabelli & Company and a portfolio manager for Gabelli Funds LLC, the Adviser. Justin rejoined Gabelli & Company in 2013 as a research analyst covering Diversified Industrials, Home Improvement, and Transport companies. He began his investment career at Gabelli & Company in 2005 as a metals and mining analyst, and subsequently spent five years at Axiom International Investors as a senior analyst focused on industrial and healthcare stocks. Prior to business school, Mr. Bergner worked in management consulting at both Bain & Company and Dean & Company. Mr. Bergner graduated cum laude from Yale University with a BA in Economics & Mathematics and received an MBA in Finance and Accounting from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

 

Brett Kearney, CFA, is a portfolio manager covering industrials with a focus on the flow control and other niche manufacturing sectors. He joined the firm in 2017. Previously he was an analyst at Schultze Asset Management, an analyst at Fidus Mezzanine Capital, and an investment analyst at the Bond & Corporate Finance Group of John Hancock Financial Services. Brett graduated cum laude with a BS in business administration from Washington and Lee University and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, where he participated in the school’s Value Investing Program.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that the Fund may from time to time purchase its common shares in the open market when the Fund’s shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more from the net asset value of the shares. The Fund may also, from time to time, purchase its preferred shares in the open market when the preferred shares are trading at a discount to the liquidation value.

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE GABELLI UTILITY TRUST 

One Corporate Center 

Rye, New York 10580-1422

 

t800-GABELLI (800-422-3554)

f914-921-5118
einfo@gabelli.com

GABELLI.COM

 

 

   

TRUSTEES

 

Mario J. Gabelli, CFA

Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer,

GAMCO Investors, Inc.

Executive Chairman, 

Associated Capital Group Inc.

 

John Birch

Partner, 

The Cardinal Partners Global

 

Elizabeth C. Bogan

Senior Lecturer, 

Princeton University

 

James P. Conn 

Former Managing Director &
Chief Investment Officer,

Financial Security Assurance 

Holdings Ltd.

 

Vincent D. Enright 

Former Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer, 

KeySpan Corp.

 

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.

Former President &

Chief Executive Officer, 

American Gaming Association

 

Michael J. Ferrantino

Chief Executive Officer, 

InterEx, Inc.

 

Leslie F. Foley

Attorney, 

Addison Gallery of American Art

 

John D. Gabelli 

Former Senior Vice President, 

G.research, LLC

 

Michael J. Melarkey

Of Counsel, 

McDonald Carano Wilson LLP

 

Robert J. Morrissey 

Partner, 

Morrissey, Hawkins & Lynch

 

Kuni Nakamura 

President, 

Advanced Polymer, Inc.

 

Salvatore J. Zizza

Chairman, 

Zizza & Associates Corp.

 

OFFICERS

 

Bruce N. Alpert 

President

 

John C. Ball 

Treasurer

 

Peter Goldstein 

Secretary & Vice President

 

Richard J. Walz 

Chief Compliance Officer

 

David I. Schachter 

Vice President

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

Gabelli Funds, LLC 

One Corporate Center 

Rye, New York 10580-1422

 

CUSTODIAN

 

The Bank of New York 

Mellon

 

COUNSEL

 

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

 

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

 

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GUT Q2/2021

 



 

 

 

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

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

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

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

 

Effective July 1, 2021, Mr. Jose Garza resigned as an employee of the Adviser, and Messrs. Justin Bergner and Brett Kearney were added to the Fund’s portfolio management team.

 

Justin Bergner, CFA, is currently a portfolio manager for the Adviser and a Vice President at Gabelli & Company, having rejoined Gabelli & Company in June 2013 as a research analyst covering Diversified Industrials, Home Improvement, and Transport companies. He began his investment career at Gabelli & Company in 2005 as a metals and mining analyst, and subsequently spent five years at Axiom International Investors as a senior analyst focused on industrial and healthcare stocks. Before entering the investment profession, Justin worked in management consulting at both Bain & Company and Dean & Company. Justin graduated cum laude from Yale University with a B.A. in Economics & Mathematics and received an M.B.A. in Finance and Accounting from Wharton Business School.

 

Brett Kearney is an analyst covering industrials with a focus on the flow control and other niche manufacturing sectors. He joined the firm in 2017. Previously he was an analyst at Schultze Asset Management, an analyst at Fidus Mezzanine Capital, and an investment analyst at the Bond & Corporate Finance Group of John Hancock Financial Services. Brett graduated cum laude with a BS in business administration from Washington and Lee University and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, where he participated in the school’s Value Investing Program. He is a CFA charterholder.

 

 

 

 

Information provided as of December 31, 2020

 

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

 

Name of Portfolio Manager Type of accounts Total # managed Total assets No. of Accounts where Advisory Fee is Based on Performance Total Assets with Advisory Fee Based on Performance
Justin Bergner Registered Investment Companies 1 $20.7 million 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 0 $0 0 $0
  Other accounts 11 $2.6 million 0 $0
           
Brett Kearney Registered Investment Companies 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 0 $0 0 $0
  Other accounts 3 $0.8 million 0 $0

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

REGISTRANT PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period

(a) Total Number of

Shares (or Units)

Purchased

(b) Average Price Paid

per Share (or Unit)

(c) Total Number of

Shares (or Units)

Purchased as Part of

Publicly Announced

Plans or Programs

(d) Maximum Number (or

Approximate Dollar

Value) of Shares (or

Units) that May Yet Be

Purchased Under the

Plans or Programs

Month #1
01/01/2021 through 01/31/2021 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A 

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
 

Common – 55,146,083

Preferred Series A – 1,153,288

Preferred Series C – 2,000,000

 

Month #2
02/01/2021 through 02/28/2021
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A

Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A

Common – 55,200,877

Preferred Series A – 1,153,288

Preferred Series C – 2,000,000
Month #3
03/01/2021 through 03/31/2021
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – 55,263,814

Preferred Series A – 1,153,288

Preferred Series C – 2,000,000
Month #4
04/01/2021 through 04/30/2021
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – 63,215,794

Preferred Series A – 1,153,288

Preferred Series C – 2,000,000
Month #5
05/01/2021 through 05/31/2021
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – 63,286,068

Preferred Series A – 1,153,288

Preferred Series C – 2,000,000
Month #6
06/01/2021 through 06/30/2021
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – 63,348,016

Preferred Series A – 1,153,288

Preferred Series C – 2,000,000
Total Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
Common – N/A

Preferred Series A – N/A

Preferred Series C – N/A
N/A

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

b.The dollar amount (or share or unit amount) approved – Any or all common shares outstanding may be repurchased when the Fund’s common shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more from the net asset value of the shares.

Any or all preferred shares outstanding may be repurchased when the Fund’s preferred shares are trading at a discount to the liquidation value of $25.00.

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

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

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1)Not applicable.

 

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

 

 

 

 

(a)(3)Not applicable.

 

(a)(4)Not applicable.

 

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

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

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

           
(Registrant)     The Gabelli Utility Trust  

 

By (Signature and Title)*   /s/ Bruce N. Alpert  
    Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer  

 

Date      September 3, 2021  

 

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

 

By (Signature and Title)*   /s/ Bruce N. Alpert  
    Bruce N. Alpert, Principal Executive Officer  

 

Date      September 3, 2021  

 

By (Signature and Title)*   /s/ John C. Ball  
    John C. Ball, Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer  

 

Date      September 3, 2021  

 

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