Item 1. Report to Shareholders
For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the net asset value per Common Share increased 8.53% while the investment return to our stockholders increased by 10.83%. By comparison, our benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (including income), increased 9.35%. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2017, the return on the net asset value per Common Share increased by 17.99%, and the return to our stockholders increased by 23.13%; these compare with an increase of 17.91% for the S&P 500. During both periods, the discount at which our shares traded continued to fluctuate and on June 30, 2017, it was 15.2%.
As detailed in the accompanying financial statements (unaudited), as of June 30, 2017, the net assets applicable to the Company’s Common Stock were $1,086,484,955 equal to $40.52 per Common Share.
The increase in net assets resulting from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was $83,049,100. During this period, the net realized gain on investments sold was $71,117,600 and the increase in net unrealized appreciation was $11,851,459. Net investment income for the six months was $5,736,027. Distributions to preferred shareholders amounted to $5,655,986 and distributions to common shareholders totaled $5,423,646. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company also repurchased 409,677 of its shares at a cost of $13,675,191, an average discount to net asset value of 16.1%.
Equity markets around the world registered strong gains in the first half of 2017. With the exception of energy, most sectors participated with technology leading the way. The synchronized recovery referenced in our first quarter’s note remains intact. In the U.S., forecast growth has eased somewhat, however, owing to lagging new car and home sales, as well as modestly lower wage growth. Internationally, economic momentum is being sustained. Car sales in Europe have picked up, while Asia ex-Japan and China is performing well.
The Federal Reserve has raised rates again and contemplates reducing its securities holdings. Europe seems to be following a similar tack with the European Central Bank curbing its balance sheets and its Quantitative Easing (“QE”) program. In consequence, German Bund yields have risen from negative yields to a positive 56 basis points over the past 6 months. China, meanwhile, has been alternating financial reforms with central bank activity in an effort to reduce the growth of unproductive capacity in some industries and to slow capital flight. Thus, on a central bank basis, while QE continues, its rate of change appears to be slowing and despite the enormity of monetary stimulus, inflation has yet to appear outside of select asset prices. Wage growth in the U.S. remains contained, though this may be the
result of the exchange of older workers for new and the displacement of employees by automation. Outside of healthcare and housing, product prices remain muted with outright deflation to be found in food and energy. Capacity utilization in the U.S. remains low, historically, for this point in a recovery suggesting that there are stranded assets for which the product price is too low for production, as an example, in the energy sector. As a result, the Fed and central banks, generally, may have difficulty normalizing interest rates.
For most of the last five years, growth stocks have outperformed value as low interest rates have facilitated rising price-to-earnings ratios. A reversal of this trend, while widely anticipated, has failed to materialize owing to the persistence of pressure on interest rates. Fiscal policy change, notable lower taxes, may catalyze that transformation. While we remain optimistic regarding equities, some volatility is to be expected given the dif-ficulty of squaring slowing growth and robust valuations with a Federal Reserve that appears determined to continue to raise interest rates at least once more this year.
Information about the Company, including our investment objectives, operating policies and procedures, investment results, record of dividend and distribution payments, financial reports and press releases, is on our website and has been updated through June 30, 2017. It can be accessed on the internet at www.generalameri-caninvestors.com.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
GENERAL AMERICAN INVESTORS COMPANY, INC.
Jeffrey W. Priest
President and Chief Executive Officer
July 12, 2017
Value | |||||||
Shares | COMMON STOCKS | (note 1a) | |||||
CONSUMER | AUTOMOBILESAND COMPONENTS (1.3%) | ||||||
DISCRETIONARY | 1,264,063 | Ford Motor Company | (Cost $16,174,723) | $14,144,865 | |||
(14.6%) | |||||||
MEDIA(1.5%) | |||||||
20,000 | Charter Communications, Inc. (a) | 6,737,000 | |||||
465,800 | Regal Entertainment Group | 9,530,268 | |||||
(Cost $13,362,579) | 16,267,268 | ||||||
RETAILING (11.8%) | |||||||
20,000 | Amazon.com, Inc. (a) | 19,360,000 | |||||
335,779 | Liberty Expedia Holdings, Inc. (a) | 18,138,782 | |||||
321,599 | Liberty Interactive Corporation, Series A (a) | 16,816,412 | |||||
345,000 | Macy’s, Inc. | 8,017,800 | |||||
919,768 | The TJX Companies, Inc. | 66,379,656 | |||||
(Cost $56,853,719) | 128,712,650 | ||||||
(Cost $86,391,021) | 159,124,783 | ||||||
CONSUMER | FOOD, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO (11.8%) | ||||||
STAPLES | 220,000 | Danone | 16,558,718 | ||||
(15.0%) | 128,948 | Diageo plc ADR | 15,451,839 | ||||
450,000 | Nestle S.A. | 39,178,404 | |||||
195,000 | PepsiCo, Inc. | 22,520,550 | |||||
625,000 | Unilever N.V. | 34,539,737 | |||||
(Cost $62,653,763) | 128,249,248 | ||||||
FOOD AND STAPLES RETAILING (3.2%) | |||||||
118,781 | Costco Wholesale Corporation | 18,996,645 | |||||
197,280 | CVS Health Corporation | 15,873,149 | |||||
(Cost $21,155,745) | 34,869,794 | ||||||
(Cost $83,809,508) | 163,119,042 | ||||||
ENERGY | 173,000 | Anadarko Petroleum Corporation | 7,843,820 | ||||
(4.8%) | 1,140,947 | Cameco Corporation | 10,382,618 | ||||
1,200,000 | Ensco plc - Class A | 6,192,000 | |||||
3,830,440 | Gulf Coast Ultra Deep Royalty Trust (a) | 248,978 | |||||
420,000 | Halliburton Company | 17,938,200 | |||||
1,721,159 | Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (a) | 9,707,337 | |||||
(Cost $48,162,160) | 52,312,953 | ||||||
FINANCIALS | BANKS (1.7%) | ||||||
(20.5%) | 110,000 | M&T Bank Corporation | (Cost $560,176) | 17,814,500 | |||
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIALS (5.2%) | |||||||
215,000 | American Express Company | 18,111,600 | |||||
205,000 | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 18,737,000 | |||||
425,000 | Nelnet, Inc. | 19,979,250 | |||||
(Cost $18,398,635) | 56,827,850 | ||||||
INSURANCE (13.6%) | |||||||
154,552 | Aon plc | 20,547,688 | |||||
400,000 | Arch Capital Group Ltd. (a) | 37,316,000 | |||||
187,500 | Axis Capital Holdings Limited | 12,123,750 | |||||
110 | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Class A (a) (b) | 28,017,000 | |||||
110,000 | Everest Re Group, Ltd. | 28,004,900 | |||||
400,000 | MetLife, Inc. | 21,976,000 | |||||
(Cost $35,488,813) | 147,985,338 | ||||||
(Cost $54,447,624) | 222,627,688 |
Value | |||||
Shares | COMMON STOCKS (continued) | (note 1a) | |||
HEALTH CARE | PHARMACEUTICALS, BIOTECHNOLOGY AND LIFE SCIENCES | ||||
(9.4%) | 618,660 | Arantana Therapeutics, Inc. (a) | $4,472,912 | ||
165,000 | Celgene Corporation (a) | 21,428,550 | |||
483,600 | Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 34,229,208 | |||
284,942 | Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. (a) | 3,538,980 | |||
230,191 | Merck & Co., Inc. | 14,752,941 | |||
307,213 | Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) | 7,403,833 | |||
460,808 | Pfizer Inc. | 15,478,541 | |||
519,829 | Repros Therapeutics Inc. (a) | 239,121 | |||
(Cost $51,997,374) | 101,544,086 | ||||
INDUSTRIALS | CAPITAL GOODS (6.6%) | ||||
(11.2%) | 189,131 | Eaton Corporation plc | 14,720,066 | ||
820,000 | General Electric Company | 22,148,200 | |||
270,000 | Johnson Controls International plc | 11,707,200 | |||
190,000 | United Technologies Corporation | 23,200,900 | |||
(Cost $57,564,425) | 71,776,366 | ||||
COMMERCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (4.6%) | |||||
787,800 | Republic Services, Inc. | (Cost $11,167,520) | 50,206,494 | ||
(Cost $68,731,945) | 121,982,860 | ||||
INFORMATION | SEMICONDUCTORS AND SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT (3.2%) | ||||
TECHNOLOGY | 260,000 | Applied Materials, Inc. | 10,740,600 | ||
(19.4%) | 185,850 | ASML Holding N.V. | 24,218,114 | ||
(Cost $11,269,875) | 34,958,714 | ||||
SOFTWARE AND SERVICES (8.8%) | |||||
30,500 | Alphabet Inc. (a) | 27,716,265 | |||
755,000 | eBay Inc. (a) | 26,364,600 | |||
605,686 | Microsoft Corporation | 41,749,936 | |||
(Cost $61,930,401) | 95,830,801 | ||||
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE AND EQUIPMENT (7.4%) | |||||
114,000 | Apple Inc. | 16,418,280 | |||
790,000 | Cisco Systems, Inc. | 24,727,000 | |||
341,200 | QUALCOMM Incorporated | 18,841,064 | |||
185,709 | Universal Display Corporation | 20,288,708 | |||
(Cost $38,645,966) | 80,275,052 | ||||
(Cost $111,846,242) | 211,064,567 | ||||
MISCELLANEOUS | Other (c) | (Cost $24,169,050) | 25,504,018 | ||
(2.4%) | |||||
TELECOMMUNICATION | 521,252 | Vodafone Group plc ADR | (Cost $16,865,092) | 14,975,570 | |
SERVICES | |||||
(1.4%) | |||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (98.7%) | (Cost $546,420,016) | 1,072,255,567 | |||
Warrant | WARRANT (a) | ||||
TECHNOLOGY | 281,409 | Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. | (Cost $2,814) | 112,564 | |
HARDWARE AND | |||||
EQUIPMENT | |||||
(0.0%) | |||||
CALL OPTIONS | |||||
Contracts | |||||
(100 shares each) | COMMON STOCK/EXPIRATION DATE/EXERCISE PRICE | ||||
ENERGY (0.0%) | 1,000 | Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. | |||
September 15, 2017/$8.00 | (Cost $79,043) | 5,000 | |||
TECHNOLOGY | 1,100 | F5 Networks, Inc. | |||
HARDWARE AND | August 18, 2017/$140.00 | (Cost $155,617) | 106,700 | ||
EQUIPMENT (0.0%) | |||||
TOTAL CALL OPTIONS (0.0%) | (Cost $234,660) | 111,700 |
Value | ||||
Shares | SHORT-TERM SECURITY AND OTHER | (note 1a) | ||
209,259,570 | State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, | |||
Trust Class (19.3%) | (Cost $209,259,570) | $209,259,570 | ||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (d) (118.0%) | (Cost $755,917,060) | 1,281,739,401 | ||
Liabilities in excess of receivables and other assets (-0.5%) | (5,137,271) | |||
1,276,602,130 | ||||
PREFERRED STOCK (-17.5%) | (190,117,175) | |||
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK (100%) | $1,086,484,955 |
ADR - American Depository Receipt
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Security is held as collateral for options written.
(c) Securities which have been held for less than one year, not previously disclosed, and not restricted.
(d) At June 30, 2017, the cost of investments for Federal income tax purposes was $756,124,353; aggregate gross unrealized appreciation was
$550,215,544; aggregate gross unrealized depreciation was $24,600,496; and net unrealized appreciation was $525,615,048.
NET SHARES | SHARES | |||
INCREASES | TRANSACTED | HELD | ||
NEW POSITIONS | ||||
Applied Materials, Inc. | 10,000 | 260,000 | (b) | |
Arantana Therapeutics, Inc. | 94,201 | 618,660 | (b) | |
Charter Communications, Inc. | — | 20,000 | (b) | |
Johnson Controls International plc | 110,000 | 270,000 | (b) | |
ADDITIONS | ||||
Alphabet Inc. | 2,500 | 30,500 | ||
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation | 60,000 | 173,000 | ||
Cameco Corporation | 76,000 | 1,140,947 | ||
eBay Inc. | 150,000 | 755,000 | ||
Liberty Expedia Holdings, Inc. | 7,490 | 335,779 | ||
MetLife, Inc. | 20,000 | 400,000 | ||
Nelnet, Inc. | 25,000 | 425,000 | ||
Regal Entertainment Group | 26,300 | 465,800 | ||
Vodafone Group plc ADR | 65,000 | 521,252 | ||
DECREASES | ||||
ELIMINATIONS | ||||
Apache Corporation | 160,900 | — | ||
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. | 14,000 | — | ||
Huntsman Corporation | 476,422 | — | ||
IMAX Corporation | 349,496 | — | ||
REDUCTIONS | ||||
American Express Company | 10,000 | 215,000 | ||
Arch Capital Group Ltd. | 45,000 | 400,000 | ||
Costco Wholesale Corporation | 50,000 | 118,781 | ||
Diageo plc ADR | 53,916 | 128,948 | ||
Ensco plc - Class A | 210,000 | 1,200,000 | ||
Everest Re Group, Ltd. | 15,000 | 110,000 | ||
General Electric Company | 80,000 | 820,000 | ||
Halliburton Company | 50,000 | 420,000 | ||
Liberty Interactive Corporation, Series A | 69,700 | 321,599 | ||
Merck & Co., Inc. | 35,000 | 230,191 | ||
Repros Therapeutics Inc. | 69,939 | 519,829 | ||
Unilever N.V. | 79,378 | 625,000 | ||
Universal Display Corporation | 10,000 | 185,709 |
(a) Common shares unless otherwise noted; excludes transactions in Common Stocks - Miscellaneous - Other.
(b) Shares purchased in prior period and previously carried under Common Stocks - Miscellaneous - Other.
(see notes to unaudited financial statements)
The diversification of the Company’s net assets applicable to its Common Stock by industry group as of June 30,
2017 is shown in the table.
PERCENT COMMON | |||||
INDUSTRY CATEGORY | COST (000) | VALUE (000) | NET ASSETS* | ||
Financials | |||||
Banks | $560 | $17,814 | 1.7% | ||
Diversified Financials | 18,399 | 56,828 | 5.2 | ||
Insurance | 35,489 | 147,985 | 13.6 | ||
54,448 | 222,627 | 20.5 | |||
Information Technology | |||||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | 11,270 | 34,959 | 3.2 | ||
Software & Services | 61,930 | 95,831 | 8.8 | ||
Technology Hardware & Equipment | 38,804 | 80,494 | 7.4 | ||
112,004 | 211,284 | 19.4 | |||
Consumer Staples | |||||
Food, Beverage & Tobacco | 62,654 | 128,249 | 11.8 | ||
Food & Staples Retailing | 21,156 | 34,870 | 3.2 | ||
83,810 | 163,119 | 15.0 | |||
Consumer Discretionary | |||||
Automobiles & Components | 16,175 | 14,145 | 1.3 | ||
Media | 13,362 | 16,267 | 1.5 | ||
Retailing | 56,854 | 128,713 | 11.8 | ||
86,391 | 159,125 | 14.6 | |||
Industrials | |||||
Capital Goods | 57,564 | 71,776 | 6.6 | ||
Commercial & Professional Services | 11,168 | 50,207 | 4.6 | ||
68,732 | 121,983 | 11.2 | |||
Health Care | |||||
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences | 51,997 | 101,544 | 9.4 | ||
Energy | 48,241 | 52,318 | 4.8 | ||
Miscellaneous** | 24,169 | 25,504 | 2.4 | ||
Telecommunication Services | 16,865 | 14,975 | 1.4 | ||
546,657 | 1,072,479 | 98.7 | |||
Short-Term Securities | 209,260 | 209,260 | 19.3 | ||
Total Investments | $755,917 | 1,281,739 | 118.0 | ||
Other Assets and Liabilities - Net | (5,137) | (0.5) | |||
Preferred Stock | (190,117) | (17.5) | |||
Net Assets Applicable to Common Stock | $1,086,485 | 100.0% |
* Net Assets applicable to the Company’s Common Stock.
** Securities which have been held for less than one year, not previously disclosed, and not restricted.
(see notes to unaudited financial statements)
ASSETS | |||||
INVESTMENTS, AT VALUE (NOTE 1a) | |||||
Common stocks (cost $546,420,016) | $1,072,255,567 | ||||
Warrant (cost $2,814) | 112,564 | ||||
Purchased options (cost $234,660) | 111,700 | ||||
Money market fund (cost $209,259,570) | 209,259,570 | ||||
Total investments (cost $755,917,060) | 1,281,739,401 | ||||
RECEIVABLES AND OTHER ASSETS | |||||
Receivable for securities sold | $1,453,316 | ||||
Dividends, interest and other receivables | 2,447,082 | ||||
Qualified pension plan asset, net excess funded (note 7) | 2,426,501 | ||||
Prepaid expenses, fixed assets and other assets | 611,239 | 6,938,138 | |||
TOTAL ASSETS | 1,288,677,539 | ||||
LIABILITIES | |||||
Payable for securities purchased | 509,817 | ||||
Outstanding options written, at value (premiums received $132,211) (note 4) | 184,100 | ||||
Accrued preferred stock dividend not yet declared | 219,955 | ||||
Accrued compensation payable to officers and employees | 1,884,000 | ||||
Accrued supplemental pension plan liability (note 7) | 5,545,901 | ||||
Accrued supplemental thrift plan liability (note 7) | 3,284,701 | ||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 446,935 | ||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 12,075,409 | ||||
5.95% CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES B - | |||||
7,604,687 shares at a liquidation value of $25 per share (note 5) | 190,117,175 | ||||
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK - 26,811,438 shares (note 5) | $1,086,484,955 | ||||
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE | $40.52 | ||||
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK | |||||
Common Stock, 26,811,438 shares at par value (note 5) | $26,811,438 | ||||
Additional paid-in capital (note 5) | 464,539,068 | ||||
Undistributed net investment income (note 5) | 3,788,927 | ||||
Undistributed realized gain on common stocks, options and other | 76,074,462 | ||||
Unallocated distributions on Preferred Stock | (5,875,941) | ||||
Unrealized appreciation on common stocks, options and other | 525,770,452 | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (note 7) | (4,623,451) | ||||
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK | $1,086,484,955 |
Contracts | Value | ||||
(100 shares each) | COMMON STOCK/EXPIRATION DATE/EXERCISE PRICE | (note 1a) | |||
ENERGY (0.0%) | 1,000 | Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. /September 15, 2017/$6.00 | $95,000 | ||
TECHNOLOGY | 1,100 | F5 Networks, Inc. /August 18, 2017/$110.00 | 89,100 | ||
HARDWARE AND | |||||
EQUPMENT (0.0%) | TOTAL PUT OPTIONS (0.0%) | (Premiums Received $132,211*) | $184,100 |
* The maximum cash outlay if all put options are exercised is $12,700,000.
(see notes to unaudited financial statements)
INCOME | |||||
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $544,401) | $11,894,335 | ||||
Interest | 474,036 | ||||
EXPENSES | 12,368,371 | ||||
Investment research | $3,391,538 | ||||
Administration and operations | 1,846,101 | ||||
Office space and general | 845,384 | ||||
Auditing and legal fees | 191,945 | ||||
Directors’ fees and expenses | 127,189 | ||||
Transfer agent, custodian and registrar fees and expenses | 88,347 | ||||
State and local taxes | 85,402 | ||||
Stockholders’ meeting and reports | 56,438 | 6,632,344 | |||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | 5,736,027 | ||||
REALIZED GAIN AND CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION ON INVESTMENTS (NOTES 1, 3 AND 4) | |||||
Net realized gain on investments: | |||||
Common stock and warrant transactions | 69,095,061 | ||||
Purchased option transactions | 1,097,960 | ||||
Written option transactions | 924,579 | ||||
71,117,600 | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation: | |||||
Common stocks and warrant | 14,166,356 | ||||
Purchased options | (2,060,401) | ||||
Written options | (254,496) | ||||
11,851,459 | |||||
GAINS AND APPRECIATION ON INVESTMENTS | 82,969,059 | ||||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME, GAINS, AND APPRECIATION ON INVESTMENTS | 88,705,086 | ||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS | (5,655,986) | ||||
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $83,049,100 |
Six Months Ended | |||||
June 30, 2017 | Year Ended | ||||
OPERATIONS | (Unaudited) | December 31, 2016 | |||
Net investment income | $5,736,027 | $8,172,289 | |||
Net realized gain on investments | 71,117,600 | 91,570,557 | |||
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation | 11,851,459 | (15,321,337) | |||
88,705,086 | 84,421,509 | ||||
Distributions to Preferred Stockholders: | |||||
From net investment income | — | (1,039,878) | |||
From net capital gains | — | (10,272,094) | |||
Unallocated distributions | (5,655,986) | — | |||
Decrease in net assets from Preferred distributions | (5,655,986) | (11,311,972) | |||
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | 83,049,100 | 73,109,537 | |||
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | |||||
Funded status of defined benefit plans (note 7) | — | 624,419 | |||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS | |||||
From net investment income | — | (8,988,445) | |||
From net capital gains | (5,423,646) | (75,933,325) | |||
DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM COMMON DISTRIBUTIONS | (5,423,646) | (84,921,770) | |||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 5) | |||||
Value of Common Shares issued in payment of dividends and distributions | — | 33,686,020 | |||
Cost of Common Shares purchased | (13,675,191) | (67,991,719 | |||
DECREASE IN NET ASSETS - CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS | (13,675,191) | (34,305,699 | |||
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS | 63,950,263 | (45,493,513 | |||
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK | |||||
BEGINNING OF PERIOD | 1,022,534,692 | 1,068,028,205 | |||
END OF PERIOD (including under/over distributed net investment income of | |||||
$3,788,927 and ($1,947,117), respectively) | $1,086,484,955 | $1,022,534,692 | |||
(see notes to unaudited financial statements) |
The following table shows per share operating performance data, total investment return, ratios and supplemental data for the six months
ended June 30, 2017 and for each year in the five-year period ended December 31, 2016. This information has been derived from information
contained in the financial statements and market price data for the Company’s shares.
Six Months | |||||||||||||||||
Ended | |||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2017 | Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE | |||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $37.56 | $37.74 | $39.77 | $41.07 | $32.68 | $29.78 | |||||||||||
Net investment income | .21 | .30 | .48 | .32 | .17 | .24 | |||||||||||
Net gain (loss) on common stocks, options | |||||||||||||||||
and other - realized and unrealized | 3.16 | 3.10 | (.99) | 2.39 | 10.51 | 5.05 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | — | .02 | .02 | (.13) | .20 | — | |||||||||||
3.37 | 3.42 | (.49) | 2.58 | 10.88 | 5.29 | ||||||||||||
Distributions on Preferred Stock: | |||||||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | — | (.04) | (.12) | (.04) | (.04) | (.04) | |||||||||||
Distributions from net capital gains | — | (.38) | (.27) | (.34) | (.35) | (.35) | |||||||||||
Unallocated | (.21) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
(.21) | (.42) | (.39) | (.38) | (.39) | (.39) | ||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 3.16 | 3.00 | (.88) | 2.20 | 10.49 | 4.90 | |||||||||||
Distributions on Common Stock: | |||||||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income | — | (.33) | (.34) | (.32) | (.18) | (.21) | |||||||||||
Distributions from net capital gains | (.20) | (2.85) | (.81) | (3.18) | (1.92) | (1.79) | |||||||||||
(.20) | (3.18) | (1.15) | (3.50) | (2.10) | (2.00) | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $40.52 | $37.56 | $37.74 | $39.77 | $41.07 | $32.68 | |||||||||||
Per share market value, end of period | $34.35 | $31.18 | $31.94 | $35.00 | $35.20 | $27.82 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN - Stockholder | ||||||||||||
return, based on market price per share | 10.83%* | 7.59% | (5.34%) | 9.32% | 34.24% | 19.77% | ||||||
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA | ||||||||||||
Net assets applicable to Common Stock, | ||||||||||||
end of period (000’s omitted) | $1,086,485 | $1,022,535 | $1,068,028 | $1,227,900 | $1,229,470 | $955,418 | ||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets | ||||||||||||
applicable to Common Stock | 1.24%** | 1.27% | 1.17% | 1.10% | 1.27% | 1.67% | ||||||
Ratio of net income to average net assets | ||||||||||||
applicable to Common Stock | 1.08%** | 0.78% | 1.17% | 0.78% | 0.47% | 0.74% | ||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 8.27%* | 20.29% | 14.41% | 14.98% | 17.12% | 9.56% | ||||||
PREFERRED STOCK | ||||||||||||
Liquidation value, end of period (000’s omitted) | $190,117 | $190,117 | $190,117 | $190,117 | $190,117 | $190,117 | ||||||
Asset coverage | 671% | 638% | 662% | 746% | 747% | 603% | ||||||
Liquidation preference per share | $25.00 | $25.00 | $25.00 | $25.00 | $25.00 | $25.00 | ||||||
Market value per share | $26.65 | $25.77 | $26.75 | $26.01 | $25.30 | $25.54 |
* Not annualized
** Annualized
(see notes to unaudited financial statements)
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - General American Investors Company, Inc. (the “Company”), established in 1927, is registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a closed-end, diversified management investment company. It is internally managed by
its officers under the direction of the Board of Directors.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles
(“U.S. GAAP”) pursuant to the requirements for reporting; Accounting Standards Codification 946, Financial Services - Investment
Companies (“ASC946”), and Regulation S-X.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income, expenses
and gains and losses during the reported period. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets, and any other parameters
used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ, and these differences could be material.
a. SECURITY VALUATION Equity securities traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price on the
last business day of the period. Equity securities reported on the NASDAQ national market are valued at the official closing price on
that day. Listed and NASDAQ equity securities for which no sales are reported on that day and other securities traded in the over-
the-counter market are valued at the last bid price (asked price for options written) on the valuation date. Equity securities traded
primarily in foreign markets are valued at the closing price of such securities on their respective exchanges or markets. Corporate
debt securities, domestic and foreign, are generally traded in the over-the-counter market rather than on a securities exchange. The
Company utilizes the latest bid prices provided by independent dealers and information with respect to transactions in such securities
to determine current market value. If, after the close of foreign markets, conditions change significantly, the price of certain foreign
securities may be adjusted to reflect fair value as of the time of the valuation of the portfolio. Investments in money market funds
are valued at their net asset value. Special holdings (restricted securities) and other securities for which quotations are not readily
available are valued at fair value determined in good faith pursuant to specific procedures appropriate to each security as established
by and under the general supervision of the Board of Directors. The determination of fair value involves subjective judgments. As a
result, using fair value to price a security may result in a price materially different from the price used by other investors or the price
that may be realized upon the actual sale of the security.
b. OPTIONS The Company may purchase and write (sell) put and call options. The Company purchases put options or writes call
options to hedge the value of portfolio investments while it purchases call options and writes put options to obtain equity market
exposure. The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Company pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised.
Additionally, the Company bears the risk of loss of the premium and a change in market value should the counterparty not perform
under the contract. Put and call options purchased are accounted for in the same manner as portfolio securities. Premiums received
from writing options are reported as a liability on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Those that expire unexercised are treated
by the Company on the expiration date as realized gains on written option transactions in the Statement of Operations. The difference
between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions,
is also treated as a realized gain, or, if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized
loss on written option transactions in the Statement of Operations. If a written call option is exercised, the premium is added to the
proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether the Company has realized a gain or loss on investments in
the Statement of Operations. If a written put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis for the securities purchased by
the Company and is parenthetically disclosed under cost of investments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Company
as writer of an option bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option. See
Note 4 for option activity.
c. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME Security transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Dividend income and
distributions to stockholders are recorded as of the ex-dividend dates. Interest income, adjusted for amortization of discount and pre-
mium on investments, is earned from settlement date and is recognized on the accrual basis. Cost of short-term investments represent
amortized cost.
d. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION AND TRANSACTIONS Portfolio securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the exchange rate of such currencies versus U.S. dollars on the date of valuation.
Purchases and sales of securities, income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at
the exchange rate in effect on the transaction date. Events may impact the availability or reliability of foreign exchange rates used
to convert the U.S. dollar equivalent value. If such an event occurs, the foreign exchange rate will be valued at fair value using
procedures established and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company does not separately report the effect of
changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices on securities held. Such changes are included in net realized and
unrealized gain or loss on the Statement of Operations.
Realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade
and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the recorded amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign
withholding taxes and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and
losses arise from changes in foreign exchange rates on foreign denominated assets and liabilities other than investments in securities
held at the end of the reporting period.
Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S.
companies as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of political or economic instability or the level of governmental supervi-
sion and regulation of foreign securities markets.
e. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS The Company expects to pay dividends of net investment income and distributions of net realized
capital and currency gains, if any, annually to common shareholders and quarterly to preferred shareholders. Dividends and distribu-
tions to common and preferred shareholders, which are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations are recorded
on the ex-dividend date. Permanent book/tax differences relating to income and gains are reclassified to paid-in capital as they arise.
f. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES The Company’s policy is to fulfill the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated
investment companies and to distribute substantially all taxable income to its stockholders. Accordingly, no provision for Federal
income taxes is required. In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, man-
agement has analyzed the Company’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on Federal and state income tax returns for all open
tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Company’s
financial statements.
g. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Amounts related to contingent liabilities are accrued if it is probable that a liability has been incurred
and an amount is reasonably estimable. Management evaluates whether there are incremental legal or other costs directly associated
with the ultimate resolution of a matter that are reasonably estimable and, if so, they are included in the accrual.
h. INDEMNIFICATIONS In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications.
The Company’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses
pursuant to these indemnification provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.
2. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Various data inputs are used in determining the value of the Company’s investments. These inputs are
summarized in a hierarchy consisting of the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical securities (including money market funds which are valued using amortized cost
and which transact at net asset value, typically $1.00 per share),
Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, credit risk, etc.), and
Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs (including the Company’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those
securities. The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Company’s net assets as of June 30, 2017:
Assets | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||
Common stocks | $1,072,255,567 | — | — | $1,072,255,567 | ||||
Warrant | 112,564 | — | — | 112,564 | ||||
Purchased options | 111,700 | — | — | 111,700 | ||||
Money market fund | 209,259,570 | — | — | 209,259,570 | ||||
Total | $1,281,739,401 | — | — | $1,281,739,401 | ||||
Liabilities | ||||||||
Options written | ($184,100) | — | — | ($184,100) |
Transfers of Level 3 securities, if any, are reported as of the actual date of reclassification. No such transfers occurred during the six
months ended June 30, 2017.
3. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES - Purchases and sales of securities (other than short-term securities and options) for the six
months ended June 30, 2017 amounted to $90,115,000 and $177,758,400, on long transactions, respectively.
4. OPTIONS - The level of activity in purchased and written options varies from year to year based upon market conditions.
Transactions in purchased calls and put options, as well as written call options and collateralized put options for the six months ended
June 30, 2017 were as follows:
PURCHASED OPTIONS | Calls | Puts | |||||||
Contracts | Cost Basis | Contracts | Cost Basis | ||||||
Outstanding, December 31, 2016 | 27,500 | $1,347,996 | 2,068 | $273,203 | |||||
Purchased | 2,600 | 425,682 | 0 | 0 | |||||
Exercised | (28,000) | (1,539,018) | (68) | (8,579) | |||||
Expired | 0 | 0 | (2,000) | (264,624) | |||||
Outstanding, June 30, 2017 | 2,100 | $234,660 | 0 | $0 | |||||
WRITTEN OPTIONS | Covered Calls | Collateralized Puts | |||||||
Contracts | Premiums | Contracts | Premiums | ||||||
Outstanding, December 31, 2016 | 2,068 | $223,189 | 9,800 | $462,617 | |||||
Written | 300 | 182,383 | 3,600 | 622,917 | |||||
Terminated in closing purchase transactions | (2,368) | (405,572) | (9,300) | (855,407) | |||||
Expired | 0 | 0 | (2,000) | (97,916) | |||||
Outstanding, June 30, 2017 | 0 | $0 | 2,100 | $132,211 |
5. CAPITAL STOCK AND DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTIONS - The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 50,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, $1.00 par value, and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value. With respect to the Common Stock,
26,811,438 shares were issued and outstanding; 8,000,000 Preferred Shares were originally issued and 7,604,687 were outstanding on
June 30, 2017.
On September 24, 2003, the Company issued and sold 8,000,000 shares of its 5.95% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B in an
underwritten offering. The Preferred Shares were noncallable for the 5 year period ended September 24, 2008 and have a liquidation
preference of $25.00 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends to the date of redemption. On December 10, 2008, the Board
of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1 million Preferred Shares in the open market at prices below $25.00 per share. This
authorization has been renewed annually thereafter. To date, 395,313 shares have been repurchased.
The Company allocates distributions from net capital gains and other types of income proportionately among holders of shares of
Common Stock and Preferred Stock. To the extent that dividends on the shares of Preferred Stock are not paid from net capital gains,
they will be paid from investment company taxable income or will represent a return of capital.
Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Company is required to maintain an asset coverage of at least 200% of the Preferred
Stock. In addition, pursuant to Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. Rating Agency Guidelines, the Company is required to maintain a
certain discounted asset coverage for its portfolio that equals or exceeds a Basic Maintenance Amount. If the Company fails to meet
these requirements in the future and does not cure such failure, the Company may be required to redeem, in whole or in part, shares
of Preferred Stock at a redemption price of $25.00 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. In addition, failure to meet the
foregoing asset coverage requirements could restrict the Company’s ability to pay dividends on shares of Common Stock and could lead
to sales of portfolio securities at inopportune times.
The holders of Preferred Stock have voting rights equivalent to those of the holders of Common Stock (one vote per share) and, gener-
ally, vote together with the holders of Common Stock as a single class.
Holders of Preferred Stock will elect two members to the Company’s Board of Directors and the holders of Preferred and Common
Stock, voting as a single class, will elect the remaining directors. If the Company fails to pay dividends on the Preferred Stock in an
amount equal to two full years’ dividends, the holders of Preferred Stock will have the right to elect a majority of the directors. In
addition, the Investment Company Act of 1940 requires that approval of the holders of a majority of any outstanding Preferred Shares,
voting separately as a class, would be required to (a) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely affect the Preferred Stock
and (b) take any action requiring a vote of security holders, including, among other things, changes in the Company’s subclassification
as a closed-end investment company or changes in its fundamental investment policies.
5. CAPITAL STOCK AND DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTIONS - (Continued from bottom of previous page.)
The Company presents its Preferred Stock, for which its redemption is outside of the Company’s control, outside of the net assets
applicable to Common Stock in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Transactions in Common Stock during the six months ended June 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016 were as follows:
Shares | Amount | |||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |||||
Par value of Shares issued in payment of dividends | ||||||||
and distributions (issued from treasury) | — | 1,073,658 | — | $1,073,658 | ||||
Increase in paid-in capital | — | 32,612,362 | ||||||
Total increase | — | 33,686,020 | ||||||
Par value of Shares purchased (at an average discount from | ||||||||
net asset value of 16.1% and 17.7%, respectively) | (409,677) | (2,149,240) | ($409,677) | (2,149,240) | ||||
Decrease in paid-in capital | (13,265,514) | (65,842,479) | ||||||
Total decrease | (13,675,191) | (67,991,719) | ||||||
Net decrease | (409,677) | (1,075,582) | ($13,675,191) | ($34,305,699) |
At June 30, 2017, the Company held in its treasury 5,169,434 shares of Common Stock with an aggregate cost of $169,339,169.
The tax basis distributions during the year ended December 31, 2016 are as follows: ordinary distributions of $10,028,323 and net
capital gains distributions of $86,205,419. As of December 31, 2016, distributable earnings on a tax basis included $10,571,042
from undistributed net capital gains and $513,728,459 from net unrealized appreciation on investments if realized in future years.
Reclassifications arising from permanent “book/tax” difference reflect non-tax deductible expenses during the year ended December
31, 2016. As a result, additional paid-in capital was decreased by $1,741 and over-distributed net investment income was decreased by
$1,741. Net assets were not affected by this reclassification.
6. OFFICERS’ COMPENSATION - The aggregate compensation accrued and paid by the Company during the six months ended June 30,
2017 to its officers (identified on back cover) amounted to $3,192,000.
7. BENEFIT PLANS - The Company has funded (qualified) and unfunded (supplemental) noncontributory defined benefit pension plans
that are available to its employees. The pension plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and final average salary with
an offset for a portion of social security covered compensation. The components of the net periodic benefit cost (income) of the plans
for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were:
Service cost | $246,355 | |
Interest cost | 446,563 | |
Expected return on plan assets | (696,081) | |
Amortization of prior service cost | 479 | |
Amortization of recognized net actuarial loss | 112,032 | |
Net periodic benefi t cost | $109,348 |
The Company recognizes the overfunded status of its defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset in the Statement of Assets and
Liabilities and recognizes changes in funded status in the year in which the changes occur through other comprehensive income.
The Company also has funded (qualified) and unfunded (supplemental) defined contribution thrift plans that are available to its employ-
ees. The aggregate cost of such plans for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was $491,985. The qualified thrift plan acquired 8,700
shares and distributed 31,908 shares of the Company’s Common Stock during the six months ended June 30, 2017 and held 594,697
shares of the Company’s Common Stock at June 30, 2017.
8. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENT - In September 2007, the Company entered into an operating lease agreement for office space which
expires in February 2018 and provided for aggregate rental payments of approximately $10,755,000, net of construction credits. The
lease agreement contains clauses whereby the Company receives free rent for a specified number of months and credit towards construc-
tion of office improvements, and incurs escalations annually relating to operating costs and real property taxes and to annual rent charges
beginning in February 2013. The Company had the option, which was not exercised, to renew the lease after February 2018 for five
years at market rates. Rental expense approximated $646,600 for the six months ended June 30, 2017. Minimum rental commitments
under the operating lease are approximately $1,183,000 in 2017, and $99,000 in 2018.
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02,
Leases (“Topic 842”), which requires lessees to reassess if a contract is or contains lease agreements and assess the lease classification
to determine if they should recognize an asset and offsetting liability on the statement of assets and liabilities that arises from entering
into a lease, including an operating lease. Existing Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) does not require the lessee to
record an asset and offsetting liability associated with an operating lease. Generally consistent with existing GAAP, the annual cost of
an operating lease will continue to be reflected as an expense in the statements of operations and changes in net assets and disclosure
of the terms of a lease will continue to be reported in the footnotes to the financial statements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for financial
statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early applica-
tion is permitted and likely by the Company in conjunction with the expiration of its current operating lease on January 31, 2018 and
entrance into a new operating lease which is anticipated to be effective in the first quarter of 2018. This will necessitate reporting an
asset and offsetting liability on the statement of assets and liabilities of the Company at that time.
DIRECTORS* | |
Spencer Davidson, Chairman | |
Sidney R. Knafel, Lead Independent Director | |
Arthur G. Altschul, Jr. | Betsy F. Gotbaum |
Rodney B. Berens | Rose P. Lynch |
Lewis B. Cullman | Jeffrey W. Priest |
Clara E. Del Villar | Henry R. Schirmer |
John D. Gordan, III | Raymond S. Troubh |
(*The Company is a stand-alone fund.) |
OFFICERS |
Jeffrey W. Priest, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Andrew V. Vindigni, Senior Vice-President |
Craig A. Grassi, Vice-President |
Sally A. Lynch, Vice-President |
Anang K. Majmudar, Vice-President |
Eugene S. Stark, Vice-President, Administration, Principal |
Financial Officer & Chief Compliance Officer |
Diane G. Radosti, Treasurer |
Linda J. Genid, Corporate Secretary |
SERVICE COMPANIES | |
COUNSEL | TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR |
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP | American Stock Transfer & Trust |
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS | Company, LLC |
Ernst & Young LLP | 6201 15th Avenue |
Brooklyn, NY 11219 | |
CUSTODIAN | 1-800-413-5499 |
State Street Bank and | www.amstock.com |
Trust Company |
Previous purchases of the Company’s Common and Preferred Stock are
set forth in Note 5 on pages 10 and 11. Prospective purchases of Common
and Preferred Stock may be made at such times, at such prices, in such
amounts and in suchmanner as the Board of Directorsmay deem advisable.
The policies and procedures used by the Company to determine how
to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and the Company’s
proxy voting record for the twelve-month period ended June 30,
2017 are available: (1) without charge, upon request, by calling
us at our toll-free telephone number (1-800-436-8401), (2) on the
Company’s website at www.generalamericaninvestors.com and (3) on
the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.
In addition to distributing financial statements as of the end of each
quarter, General American Investors files a Quarterly Schedule of
Portfolio Holdings (Form N-Q) with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”) as of the end of the first and third calendar
quarters. The Company’s Forms N-Q are available at www.generalam-
ericaninvestors.com and on the SEC’s website: www.sec.gov. Copies
of Forms N-Q may also be obtained and reviewed at the SEC’s Public
Reference Room in Washington, DC or through the Company by call-
ing us at 1-800-436-8401. Information on the operation of the SEC’s
Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
On April 13, 2017, the Company submitted a CEO annual certification
to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on which the Company’s
principal executive officer certified that he was not aware, as of that
date, of any violation by the Company of the NYSE’s Corporate
Governance listing standards. In addition, as required by Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC rules, the Company’s
principal executive and principal financial officer made quarterly cer-
tifications, included in filings with the SEC on Forms N-CSR and N-Q
relating to, among other things, the Company’s disclosure controls and
procedures and internal control over financial reporting, as applicable.
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
To correct a prior reference, the Code of Ethics can be found at
http://www.generalamericaninvestors.com/governance/code-of-ethics.php.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
Not applicable to this semi-annual report.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Not applicable to this semi-annual report.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
Not applicable to this semi-annual report.
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
The schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers is included as
part of the report to stockholders filed under Item 1 of this form.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable to this semi-annual report.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable to this semi-annual report.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
(a) General American Investors Company, Inc. Common Stock (GAM)
Period |
(a) Total Number |
(b) Average Price |
(c) Total Number of Shares |
(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate |
2017 |
of shares (or Units) |
Paid per Share |
(or Units) Purchased as Part |
Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) |
|
Purchased |
(or Unit) |
of Publicly Announced Plans |
that May Yet Be Purchased Under |
|
|
|
or Programs |
the Plans or Programs |
01/01-01/31 |
118,695 |
$31.9019 |
118,695 |
591,443 |
02/01-02/28 |
0 |
0.0000 |
0 |
591,443 |
03/01-03/31 |
64,913 |
33.4483 |
64,913 |
526,530 |
04/01-04/30 |
43,209 |
33.7855 |
43,209 |
483,321 |
05/01-05/31 |
85,476 |
34.1358 |
85,476 |
397,845 |
06/01-06/30 |
97,384 |
34.9232 |
97,384 |
300,461 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total for year |
409,677 |
|
409,677 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note- |
The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of the registrant’s common stock when |
|
the shares are trading at a discount from the underlying net asset value of at least 8%. |
|
This represents a continuation of the repurchase program which began in March 1995. |
|
As of the beginning of the period, January 1, 2017, there were 710,138 shares available for repurchase under the |
|
aforementioned extension of such authorization. As of the end of the period, June 30, 2017, |
|
there were 300,461 shares available for repurchase under this program. |
|
|
(b) General American Investors Company, Inc. Preferred Stock (GAMpB)
Period |
(a) Total Number |
(b) Average Price |
(c) Total Number of Shares |
(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate |
2017 |
of shares (or Units) |
Paid per Share |
(or Units) Purchased as Part |
Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) |
|
Purchased |
(or Unit) |
of Publicly Announced Plans |
that May Yet Be Purchased Under |
|
|
|
or Programs |
the Plans or Programs |
01/01-01/31 |
- |
|
- |
604,687 |
02/01-02/28 |
- |
|
- |
604,687 |
03/01-03/31 |
- |
|
- |
604,687 |
04/01-04/30 |
- |
|
- |
604,687 |
05/01-05/31 |
- |
|
- |
604,687 |
06/01-06/30 |
- |
|
- |
604,687 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note- |
The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of the registrant's preferred stock |
|
when the shares are trading at a price not in excess of $25.00 per share. |
|
As of the beginning of the period, January 1, 2017, there were 604,687 shares available |
|
for repurchase under such authorization. As of the end of the period, June 30, 2017, |
|
there were 604,687 shares available for repurchase under this program. |
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may
recommend nominees to the registrant's Board of Directors as set forth in the
registrant's Proxy Statement, dated February 21, 2017.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Conclusions of principal officers concerning controls and procedures
(a) As of June 30, 2017, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the officers of General American Investors Company, Inc. (the "Registrant"), including the principal executive officer ("PEO") and principal financial officer ("PFO"), to assess the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Registrant's officers, including the PEO and PFO, concluded that, as of June 30, 2017, the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures were reasonably designed so as to ensure: (1) that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (2) that material information relating to the Registrant is made known to the PEO and PFO as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) There have been no significant changes in the Registrant's internal control
over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the Registrant's
last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. EXHIBITS
(a)(1) The code of ethics disclosure required by Item 2 is not applicable to
this semi-annual report.
(a)(2) Certifications of the principal executive officer and the principal
financial officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a)under the Investment Company Act of
1940.
(a)(3) There were no written solicitations to purchase securities under Rule
23c-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 during the period covered by the
report.
(b) Certifications of the principal executive officer and the principal
financial officer, as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act
of 1940.
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.
General American Investors Company, Inc.
By: /s/Eugene S. Stark
Eugene S. Stark
Vice-President, Administration
Date: August 1, 2017
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: /s/Jeffrey W. Priest
Jeffrey W. Priest
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: August 1, 2017
By: /s/Eugene S. Stark
Eugene S. Stark
Vice-President, Administration
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: August 1, 2017