N-CSR
Table of Contents

 

 

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: 811-21547

 

EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN CHARTER:         Calamos Global Total Return Fund

ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES:

  

2020 Calamos Court, Naperville,

Illinois 60563-2787

NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE:

  

REGISTRANT’S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (630) 245-7200

DATE OF FISCAL YEAR END: October 31, 2015

DATE OF REPORTING PERIOD: November 1, 2014 through October 31, 2015

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Item 1. Report to Shareholders

LOGO


Table of Contents

LOGO

Experience and Foresight

About Calamos Investments

For over 35 years, we have helped investors like you manage and build wealth to meet their long-term individual objectives by working to capitalize on the opportunities of the evolving global marketplace. We launched our first mutual fund in 1985 and our first closed-end fund in 2002. Today, we manage five closed-end funds. Three are enhanced fixed income offerings, which pursue high current income from income and capital gains. Three are income-oriented total return offerings, which seek current income, with increased emphasis on capital gains potential. Calamos Global Total Return Fund (CGO), falls into this latter category. Please see page 5 for a more detailed overview of our closed-end offerings.

We are dedicated to helping our clients build and protect wealth. We understand when you entrust us with your assets, you also entrust us with your achievements, goals and aspirations. We believe we best honor this trust by making investment decisions guided by integrity, by discipline, and by our conscientious research.

We believe an active, risk-conscious approach is essential for wealth creation. In the 1970s, we pioneered strategies that seek to participate in equity market upside and mitigate some of the potential risks of equity market volatility. Our investment process seeks to manage risk at multiple levels and draws upon our experience investing through multiple market cycles.

We have a global perspective. We believe globalization offers tremendous opportunities for countries and companies all over the world. In our view, this creates significant opportunities for investors. In our U.S., global and international portfolios, we are seeking to capitalize on the potential growth of the global economy.

We believe there are opportunities in all markets. Our history traces back to the 1970s, a period of significant volatility and economic concerns. We have invested through multiple market cycles, each with its own challenges. Out of this experience comes our belief that the flipside of volatility is opportunity.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

        

Letter to Shareholders

     1   

The Calamos Closed-End Funds:
An Overview

     5   

Investment Team Discussion

     6   

Schedule of Investments

     10   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     14   

Statement of Operations

     15   

Statements of Changes In Net Assets

     16   

Statement of Cash Flows

     17   

Notes to Financial Statements

     18   

Financial Highlights

     26   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     27   

Trustee Approval of
Management Agreement

     28   

Tax Information

     30   

Trustees and Officers

     31   

Supplemental Information

     33   

About Closed-End Funds

     34   

Level Rate Distribution Policy

     35   

Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     35   
  
 


Table of Contents

 

Letter to Shareholders

 

 

LOGO

 

JOHN P. CALAMOS, SR.

CEO and Global Co-CIO

Dear Fellow Shareholder,

Welcome to your annual report for the 12-month period ended October 31, 2015. In this report, you will find commentary from the management team as well as a listing of portfolio holdings, financial statements and highlights, and detailed information about the Fund’s performance and positioning. I invite you to review not only the commentary for this Fund, but also to discuss with your financial advisor if there are other Calamos funds that could be suitable for your asset allocation.

Calamos Global Total Return Fund (CGO) is an income-oriented total return fund. This means we are focused not only on delivering a competitive stream of distributions, but also on total return. We utilize dynamic asset allocation to pursue high current income with a less rate-sensitive approach, while also maintaining a focus on capital gains.

Steady Distributions

During the period, the Fund provided a steady monthly distribution of $0.1000 per share. We believe the Fund’s current annualized distribution rate, which was 10.03%* on a market price basis as of October 31, 2015, was very competitive, given the low interest rates in many segments of the bond market. In our view, the Fund’s distributions illustrate the benefits of a multi-asset class approach and flexible allocation strategy.

We understand that many closed-end fund investors seek steady, predictable distributions instead of distributions that fluctuate. Therefore, this Fund has a level rate distribution policy. As part of this policy, we aim to keep distributions consistent from month to month, and at a level that we believe can be sustained over the long term. In setting the Fund’s distribution rate, the investment management team and the Fund’s Board of Trustees consider the interest rate, market and economic environment. We also factor in our assessment of individual securities and asset classes. (For additional

 

* Current Annualized Distribution Rate is the Fund’s most recent distribution, expressed as an annualized percentage of the Fund’s current market price per share. The Fund’s 10/15/15 distribution was $0.1000 per share. Based on our current estimates, we anticipate that approximately $0.0553 is paid from ordinary income or capital gains and that approximately $0.0447 represents a return of capital. Estimates are calculated on a tax basis rather than on a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis, but should not be used for tax reporting purposes. Distributions are subject to re-characterization for tax purposes after the end of the fiscal year. This information is not legal or tax advice. Consult a professional regarding your specific legal or tax matters. Under the Fund’s level rate distribution policy, distributions paid to common shareholders may include net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains and return of capital. When the net investment income and net realized short-term capital gains are not sufficient, a portion of the level rate distribution will be a return of capital. In addition, a limited number of distributions per calendar year may include net realized long-term capital gains. Distribution rate may vary.
 

 

  CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     1   


Table of Contents

 

Letter to Shareholders

 

 

information on our level rate distribution policy, please see “The Calamos Closed-End Funds: An Overview” on page 5 and “Level Rate Distribution Policy” on page 35.)

Market Environment

Investor sentiment shifted back and forth from a “risk-on” to “risk-off” mindset throughout the period. Markets were heartened by factors including continued global accommodative monetary policy, declining U.S. unemployment and healthy consumer activity, and encouraging economic data points in the euro zone. However, investors remained concerned about global monetary policy, including the Federal Reserve’s interest rate strategy. Fears of slowing global growth, especially in China, also contributed to investor anxiety as did political concerns, which ranged from long-standing global geopolitical tensions to future health care legislation in the U.S.

Developed equity markets rose during the period, with the MSCI World Index rising 2.33%. The U.S. market also advanced, with the S&P 500 Index gaining 5.20%. Growth-oriented stocks far surpassed value-oriented stocks, as the Russell 3000 Growth Index returned 8.72% versus 0.24% for the Russell 3000 Value Index. Emerging markets did not fare as well, with the MSCI Emerging Market Index declining 14.22%. The U.S. convertible market lagged for the year, as the BofA ML All U.S. Convertibles Index fell 0.13%, as some of the smaller cap companies in the index came under pressure during the final months of the period. Global convertible markets performed better, returning 2.66%, as measured by the BofA ML Global 300 Convertible Index. The Credit Suisse High Yield Index lost 2.43%, challenged by the high exposure to the struggling energy sector.

Our Use of Leverage**

We have the flexibility to utilize leverage in this Fund. Over the long term, we believe that the judicious use of leverage provides us with opportunities to enhance total return and support the Fund’s distribution rate. Leverage strategies typically entail borrowing at short-term interest rates and investing the proceeds at higher rates of return. During the reporting period, we believed the prudent use of leverage would be advantageous given the economic environment, specifically the low borrowing costs we were able to secure.

 

** Leverage creates risks that may adversely affect return, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of common shares, and fluctuations in the variable rates of the leverage financing.

 

     The Fund has a non-fundamental policy that it will not issue preferred shares, borrow money, or issue debt securities with an aggregate liquidation preference and aggregate principal amount exceeding 38% of the Fund’s managed assets as measured immediately after the issuance of any preferred shares or debt. Prior to May 22, 2015, this leverage limitation was measured according to the Fund’s total assets.
 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Letter to Shareholders

 

 

Consistent with our focus on risk management, we have employed techniques to hedge against a rise in interest rates. We have used interest rate swaps to manage the borrowing costs associated with the Fund’s use of leverage. Interest rate swaps allow us to “lock down” an interest rate we believe to be attractive. Although rates are at historically low levels across much of the fixed income market, history has taught us that rates can rise quickly, in some cases, in a matter of months. We believe the Fund’s use of interest rate swaps is beneficial because it provides a degree of protection should a rise in rates occur. However, we will continue to assess the costs versus benefits of employing swaps as part of our leverage strategy.

Outlook

Looking forward, our view is that market volatility is likely to remain high due to global economic, fiscal and monetary policy unknowns. Nonetheless, our team sees many opportunities for investors who take a long-term approach. Our positioning continues to reflect a focus on risk management, as we carefully assess the impact and interaction of top-down macroeconomic factors, market sentiment, and company-specific characteristics.

We believe diversification and thoughtful asset allocation are powerful strategies for navigating these markets. For example, although a higher interest rate environment in the U.S. may create challenges for funds that rely on traditional fixed income securities, other types of investments—such as convertible securities—may help diversify a portfolio’s vulnerability to short-term downturns in the stock market, and likely reduce sensitivity to interest rates.

While we do not expect robust economic expansion and remain concerned about policies that discourage global entrepreneurship, we believe global and U.S. GDP can grow at a slow pace in 2016. Against this backdrop, our view is that stocks can continue to advance, with growth stocks remaining especially attractive. Markets may well experience spikes in short-term volatility in the wake of Federal Reserve interest rate increases, but we do not believe a more normal U.S. interest rate environment is likely to create longer-term headwinds for well-run businesses.

Also, we believe a more normal interest rate environment can fuel stronger economic growth. For example, in an expanding economy, higher interest rates can provide greater incentive for banks to extend loans to small businesses because lending activities would be more profitable. Small businesses are an important engine of job growth, and with increased access to capital, small businesses are better positioned to grow and hire more people.

 

 

  CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     3   


Table of Contents

 

Letter to Shareholders

 

 

In closing, we thank you for your continued trust in Calamos Investments. We are honored you have chosen us to help you achieve your financial objectives. If you’d like to learn more about our views on the markets and investment opportunities, please visit us at www.calamos.com for commentary, blogs and videos.

Sincerely,

LOGO

John P. Calamos, Sr.

Founder, CEO and Global Co-CIO

 

 

Before investing, carefully consider a Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. Please see the prospectus containing this and other information or call 800.582.6959. Please read the prospectus carefully. Performance data represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted.

The MSCI World Index is a market-capitalization weighted index composed of companies representative of the market structure of developed market countries in North America, Europe and the Asia/Pacific region. The MSCI World Growth Index captures large and mid cap securities exhibiting overall growth style characteristics across 23 developed markets countries. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The Russell 3000 Growth Index measures the performance of the broad growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 3000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell 3000 Value Index measures the performance of the broad value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 3000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index considered broadly representative of emerging market equity performance. The index represents companies within the constituent emerging markets that are available to investors worldwide. The BofA ML All U.S. Convertibles Ex-Mandatory Index represents the U.S. convertible securities market excluding mandatory convertibles. The BofA ML Global 300 Convertible Index is a global convertible index composed of companies representative of the market structure of countries in North America, Europe and the Asia/Pacific region. The Credit Suisse High Yield Index is considered generally representative of the high yield bond market. Sources: Lipper, Inc.; Morningstar.

Unmanaged index returns assume reinvestment of any and all distributions and, unlike fund returns, do not reflect fees, expenses or sales charges. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. Investments in overseas markets pose special risks, including currency fluctuation and political risks. These risks are generally intensified for investments in emerging markets. Countries, regions, and sectors mentioned are presented to illustrate countries, regions, and sectors in which a fund may invest. Fund holdings are subject to change daily. The Fund is actively managed. The information contained herein is based on internal research derived from various sources and does not purport to be statements of all material facts relating to the securities mentioned. The information contained herein, while not guaranteed as to the accuracy or completeness, has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable. There are certain risks involved with investing in convertible securities in addition to market risk, such as call risk, dividend risk, liquidity risk and default risk, that should be carefully considered prior to investing. This information is being provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or an offer to buy or sell any security in the portfolio.

 

 

4   CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT  


Table of Contents

 

The Calamos Closed-End Funds: An Overview

 

 

In our closed-end funds, we draw upon decades of investment experience, including a long history of opportunistically blending asset classes in an attempt to capture upside potential while seeking to manage downside risk. We launched our first closed-end fund in 2002.

Closed-end funds are long-term investments. Most focus on providing monthly distributions, but there are important differences among individual closed-end funds. Calamos closed-end funds can be grouped into multiple categories that seek to produce income while offering exposure to various asset classes and sectors.

 

Portfolios Positioned to Pursue High Current Income from Income and Capital Gains

    

Portfolios Positioned to Seek Current Income, with Increased Emphasis on Capital Gains Potential

 
OBJECTIVE: U.S. ENHANCED FIXED INCOME      OBJECTIVE: GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN

Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund

(Ticker: CHI)

    

Calamos Global Total Return Fund

(Ticker: CGO)

Invests in high yield and convertible securities, primarily in U.S. markets      Invests in equities and higher-yielding convertible securities and corporate bonds, in both U.S. and non-U.S. markets
 
        OBJECTIVE: U.S. TOTAL RETURN

Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund

(Ticker: CHY)

Invests in high yield and convertible securities, primarily in U.S. markets

    

Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund

(Ticker: CSQ)

Invests in equities and higher-yielding convertible securities and corporate bonds, primarily in U.S. markets

 
OBJECTIVE: GLOBAL ENHANCED FIXED INCOME       

Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund

(Ticker: CHW)

    

Calamos Dynamic Convertible and Income Fund

(Ticker: CCD)

Invests in global fixed income securities, alternative

investments and equities

     Invests in convertibles and other fixed income securities

Our Level Rate Distribution Policy

Closed-end fund investors often look for a steady stream of income. Recognizing this, Calamos closed-end funds have a level rate distribution policy in which we aim to keep monthly income consistent through the disbursement of net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains and, if necessary, return of capital. We set distributions at levels that we believe are sustainable for the long term. Our team is focused on delivering an attractive monthly distribution, while maintaining a long-term focus on risk management. The level of the funds’ distributions can be greatly influenced by market conditions, including the interest rate environment. The funds’ distributions will depend on the individual performance of positions the funds hold, our view of the benefits of retaining leverage, fund tax considerations, and maintaining regulatory requirements.

For more information about any of these funds, we encourage you to contact your financial advisor or Calamos Investments at 800.582.6959 (Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Central Time). You can also visit us at www.calamos.com.

For more information on our level rate distribution policy, please see page 35.

 

  CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     5   


Table of Contents

 

Investment Team Discussion

 

 

 

TOTAL RETURN* AS OF 10/31/15

 

Common Shares – Inception 10/27/05

  

     1 Year      Since
Inception**
 

On Market
Price

    -3.51%         6.38%   

On NAV

    2.39%         8.00%   

*Total return measures net investment income and net realized gain or loss from Fund investments, and change in net unrealized appreciation and depreciation, assuming reinvestment of income and net realized gains distributions.

**Annualized since inception.

      

  

 

SECTOR WEIGHTINGS  

Information Technology

    27.3

Consumer Discretionary

    17.4   

Financials

    12.6   

Health Care

    10.8   

Industrials

    9.0   

Consumer Staples

    8.9   

Energy

    4.1   

Materials

    1.9   

Telecommunication Services

    1.5   

Utilities

    1.0   

Sector Weightings are based on managed assets and may vary over time. Sector Weightings exclude any government/sovereign bonds or options on broad market indexes the Fund may hold.

GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND (CGO)

INVESTMENT TEAM DISCUSSION

Please discuss the Fund’s strategy and role within an asset allocation.

Calamos Global Total Return Fund (CGO) is a global total return oriented offering that seeks to provide an attractive monthly distribution. We invest in a diversified portfolio of global equities, convertible securities and high yield securities. The allocation to each asset class is dynamic and reflects our view of the economic landscape as well as the potential of individual securities. By combining these asset classes, we believe that we are well positioned to generate capital gains as well as income. This broader range of security types also provides us with increased opportunities to manage the risk and reward characteristics of the portfolio over full market cycles. Through this approach, we seek to offer investors an attractive monthly distribution, as well as equity participation.

We believe having a relatively high level of exposure to convertible and equity assets is optimal for the portfolio and reflects our cautiously optimistic view of the global stock markets, albeit on a selective basis. We are finding opportunities in the convertible market as issuance of these securities has expanded over the course of the year. We believe that maintaining a high exposure to the equity markets via stocks and convertibles was beneficial to the overall performance of the Fund.

We invest in both U.S. and non-U.S. companies, favoring companies with geographically diversified revenue streams and global business strategies. We emphasize companies we believe offer reliable debt servicing, respectable balance sheets and sustainable prospects for growth.

How did the Fund perform over the reporting period?

The Fund gained 2.39% on a net asset value (NAV) basis for the 12-month period ended October 31, 2015. On a market price basis, the Fund decreased 3.51%. In comparison, the broad global equity market was up 2.33% for the same period, as measured by the MSCI World Index. The S&P 500 Index gained 5.20% during the period.

Closed-end funds (CEFs) have experienced especially wide disconnects in prices versus net asset values (NAV), exacerbated by the recent sell-off in the high yield sector. We believe the sell-off of Calamos CEFs is largely sentiment driven and not in line with fundamentals, as evidenced by NAV performance that is much more aligned with comparable indexes. We believe this may present a great entry point for investors who can look past the short-term emotion driving the CEF market and instead focus on fundamentals. We believe Calamos has a well-established track record of navigating market volatility and using innovative strategies to generate income with less vulnerability to duration risk.

At the end of the reporting period, the Fund’s shares traded at a 10.01% discount to net asset value.

 

 

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Investment Team Discussion

 

 

 

 

 

SINCE INCEPTION MARKET PRICE AND NAV HISTORY THROUGH 10/31/15

 

 

LOGO

Performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that your shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns at NAV reflect the deduction of the Fund’s management fee, debt leverage costs and all other applicable fees and expenses. You can obtain performance data current to the most recent month end by visiting www.calamos.com.

How do NAV and market price return differ?

Closed-end funds trade on exchanges, where the price of shares may be driven by factors other than the value of the underlying securities. The price of a share in the market is called market value. Market price may be influenced by factors unrelated to the performance of the fund’s holdings, such as general market sentiment or future expectation. A fund’s NAV return measures the actual return of the individual securities in the portfolio, less fund expenses. It also measures how a manager was able to capitalize on market opportunities. Because we believe closed-end funds are best utilized as a long-term holding within asset allocations, we believe that NAV return is the better measure of a fund’s performance. However, when managing the fund, we strongly consider actions and policies that we believe will optimize its overall price performance and returns based on market value.

Please discuss the Fund’s distributions during the annual period.

We employ a level rate distribution policy within this Fund with the goal of providing shareholders with a consistent distribution stream. In each month of the period, the Fund distributed $0.1000 per share, resulting in a current annualized distribution rate of 10.03% of market price as of October 31, 2015.

We believe that both the Fund’s distribution rate and level remained attractive and competitive, as low interest rates limited yield opportunities in much of the marketplace. For example, as of October 31, 2015, the dividend yield of S&P 500 Index stocks averaged approximately 2.0%. Yields also were low within the U.S. government bond market, with the 10-year U.S. Treasury and 30-year U.S. Treasury yielding 2.14% and 2.92%, respectively.

What factors influenced performance over the reporting period?

The portfolio has a wide set of investment parameters that allow us to take advantage of investment opportunities across the world through many different types of investment vehicles. By optimizing the advantages of such flexibility, the Fund invested opportunistically. The Fund maintained its exposure to the equity markets, which improved during the period. In addition, both convertibles and high yield bonds provided income to the portfolio for the year.

 

ASSET ALLOCATION AS OF 10/31/15

 

LOGO

Fund asset allocations are based on total investments and may vary over time.

 

 

  CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     7   


Table of Contents

 

Investment Team Discussion

 

 

An overweight position and selection in information technology (Internet software and services, technology hardware, storage and peripherals, and IT consulting) was additive to performance relative to the MSCI World Index. In addition, an underweight stance and selection in financials (avoiding diversified banks) was helpful to performance.

Conversely, an underweight to and selection in health care (pharmaceuticals, health care equipment and biotechnology) was detrimental relative to the index. In addition, selection in materials (construction materials) impeded results.

How is the Fund positioned?

Our heaviest allocations are within the information technology, consumer discretionary, financials and health care sectors. The lightest weights are in utilities and telecommunication services. Given the challenges we see in the global economy, we favor companies with higher quality balance sheets, strong brands and experienced management. We seek to invest in businesses poised to benefit from increased capital spending in technologies, the global infrastructure build-out, and the rise of emerging market consumers.

We favor businesses with compelling growth opportunities and global revenue drivers. We also believe that businesses and individuals will remain focused on productivity enhancements, stimulating demand for technology and services. Global demographics are providing opportunities in the information technology field, particularly within emerging market economies. As a consequence, we maintain a heavy overweight position in this area relative to the MSCI World Index. Conversely, our weight to utilities is notably below the index weighting as we do not see this as an area that will realize optimal growth.

The average credit quality of the portfolio is higher than that of the Credit Suisse High Yield index. This is typical for the Fund, as our credit process tends to guide us away from the most speculative corporate securities. We currently view the lowest credit tiers of the market as less attractive given their pricing and our outlook for a slower-growth global economy. This strategy worked well for us, especially over the third quarter of 2015, as lower-credit securities came under increased pressure. We benefited by largely avoiding this space.

We view the mid-grade credit quality space as particularly well-priced, offering both attractive levels of income with less exposure to potential inflation and higher interest rates. In addition, the mid-grade credit space also offers far healthier companies than are available in the most speculative credit tiers. While the lowest-quality securities can offer higher yields, we find the healthier companies with improving credit profiles to be more suitable investments amid the current economic environment. Therefore, the Fund maintains a higher average quality than the index as a result of this outlook.

The Fund is leveraged at 27%, which is a relatively modest amount. We currently borrow through floating rate bank debt. Given low borrowing rates, this has been beneficial to the performance of the Fund. In addition, approximately 27% of our floating rate debt is hedged through interest rate swaps. This is a defensive strategy that we believe mitigates the Fund’s overall exposure to a quick rise in short-term rates.

What are your closing thoughts for Fund shareholders?

Although we remain positive, we expect elevated volatility to persist due to global growth concerns and central bank policies—including an uncertain Federal Reserve

 

 

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Investment Team Discussion

 

 

timeline and divergent courses being taken by global central banks. Fiscal policy is likely to remain a focal point of market anxiety, with the U.S. election among the factors shining a spotlight on it. We believe the spike in volatility, widening credit spreads, falling commodity prices, and reduced inflation expectations support a more cautious positioning, including an overweight toward quality and secular growth across our global and international portfolios. However, we believe we are well equipped to navigate this turbulence and see considerable opportunities for investors who can stay calm during this period of elevated choppiness. In our view, equities continue to offer compelling risk/reward characteristics, and we are finding companies with attractively valued fundamentals in many industries.

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Schedule of Investments    October 31, 2015

 

 

PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
              VALUE  
  CORPORATE BONDS (6.2%)   
    Consumer Discretionary (2.9%)   
  1,175,000        FCA US, LLCm
8.250%, 06/15/21
  $ 1,260,187   
  815,000        L Brands, Inc.m
5.625%, 02/15/22
    886,822   
  900,000        Service Corp. Internationalm
7.500%, 04/01/27
    1,054,688   
     

 

 

 
        3,201,697   
     

 

 

 
    Consumer Staples (0.9%)   
  8,700,000      NOK   Nestlé Holdings, Inc.m
3.375%, 02/08/16
    1,029,798   
     

 

 

 
    Energy (0.3%)   
  362,000        Petroleum Geo-Services, ASAm*
7.375%, 12/15/18
    294,125   
     

 

 

 
    Industrials (1.5%)   
    Icahn Enterprises, LPm  
  860,000        4.875%, 03/15/19     881,500   
  825,000        5.875%, 02/01/22     850,781   
     

 

 

 
        1,732,281   
     

 

 

 
    Materials (0.6%)   
  800,000        New Gold, Inc.m*
6.250%, 11/15/22
    687,500   
     

 

 

 
   

TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS

(Cost $7,495,518)

    6,945,401   
     

 

 

 
     
  CONVERTIBLE BONDS (52.6%)   
    Consumer Discretionary (10.7%)   
  705,000        Ctrip.com International, Ltd.*
1.000%, 07/01/20
    786,886   
  90,000,000      JPY   HIS Company, Ltd.
0.000%, 08/30/19
    854,915   
  1,100,000        NHK Spring Company, Ltd.
0.000%, 09/20/19
    1,198,289   
  3,000,000        Priceline Group, Inc.m^
0.350%, 06/15/20
    3,904,095   
  210,000,000      JPY   Sony Corp.
0.000%, 09/30/22
    1,874,935   
  1,500,000      EUR   Steinhoff Finance Holdings, GmbH
1.250%, 08/11/22
    1,782,563   
  1,550,000        Toll Brothers Finance Corp.m
0.500%, 09/15/32
    1,605,854   
     

 

 

 
        12,007,537   
     

 

 

 
    Consumer Staples (1.5%)   
  14,000,000      HKD   Biostime International Holdings, Ltd.
0.000%, 02/20/19
    1,675,616   
     

 

 

 
    Energy (0.7%)   
  800,000        SEACOR Holdings, Inc.m
2.500%, 12/15/27
    769,172   
     

 

 

 
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
              VALUE  
     
    Financials (8.9%)   
    Ares Capital Corp.m  
  896,000        4.750%, 01/15/18   $ 926,173   
  675,000        5.750%, 02/01/16^     679,701   
  1,650,000       

AYC Finance, Ltd.

0.500%, 05/02/19

    1,808,091   
  2,800,000      EUR   Azimut Holding, S.p.A.
2.125%, 11/25/20
    3,752,486   
  775,000        Extra Space Storage, LP*^
3.125%, 10/01/35
    820,310   
  1,100,000      EUR   Industrivarden, ABm
1.875%, 02/27/17
    1,332,315   
  700,000        MGIC Investment Corp.
5.000%, 05/01/17
    746,386   
     

 

 

 
        10,065,462   
     

 

 

 
    Health Care (0.6%)   
  600,000        Medidata Solutions, Inc.m^
1.000%, 08/01/18
    631,713   
     

 

 

 
    Industrials (8.1%)   
  1,700,000      GBP   Carillion Finance Jersey, Ltd.^
2.500%, 12/19/19
    2,676,333   
  115,000,000      JPY   Daifuku Company, Ltd.
0.000%, 10/02/17
    1,221,277   
  750,000        Haitian International Holdings, Ltd.
2.000%, 02/13/19
    737,748   
  140,000,000      JPY   Japan Airport Terminal Company, Ltd.
0.000%, 03/04/22
    1,347,877   
  1,200,000        Larsen & Toubro, Ltd.m
0.675%, 10/22/19
    1,192,675   
  1,600,000        MISUMI Group, Inc.
0.000%, 10/22/18
    1,903,614   
     

 

 

 
        9,079,524   
     

 

 

 
    Information Technology (18.6%)   
  1,400,000        Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc.
0.000%, 03/27/18
    1,347,878   
    FireEye, Inc.*  
  538,000        1.625%, 06/01/35m     452,824   
  499,000        1.000%, 06/01/35     431,208   
  1,050,000        Lam Research Corp.
0.500%, 05/15/16
    1,324,885   
  4,170,000        LinkedIn Corp.m*^
0.500%, 11/01/19
    4,532,623   
  731,000        NVIDIA Corp.m
1.000%, 12/01/18
    1,070,897   
  1,020,000        NXP Semiconductors, NVm*
1.000%, 12/01/19
    1,096,842   
  1,040,000        ON Semiconductor Corp.m
2.625%, 12/15/26
    1,245,181   
  820,000        Red Hat, Inc.^
0.250%, 10/01/19
    1,049,403   
  700,000      EUR   Rocket Internet, SE
3.000%, 07/22/22
    754,072   
 

 

10   CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT   See accompanying Notes to Schedule of Investments


Table of Contents

 

Schedule of Investments    October 31, 2015

 

 

PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
              VALUE  
  1,600,000        Salesforce.com, Inc.m^
0.250%, 04/01/18
  $ 2,083,960   
  675,000        SanDisk Corp.
1.500%, 08/15/17
    1,077,175   
  688,000        ServiceNow, Inc.m^
0.000%, 11/01/18
    856,525   
  850,000        Twitter, Inc.
0.250%, 09/15/19
    753,436   
  715,000        Workday, Inc.
0.750%, 07/15/18
    824,431   
  2,010,000        Yahoo!, Inc.m
0.000%, 12/01/18
    2,009,950   
     

 

 

 
        20,911,290   
     

 

 

 
    Materials (2.0%)   
  1,000,000      EUR   Buzzi Unicem, S.p.A.
1.375%, 07/17/19
    1,349,807   
  1,057,000        Cemex, SAB de CVm
3.720%, 03/15/20
    952,431   
     

 

 

 
        2,302,238   
     

 

 

 
    Telecommunication Services (1.5%)  
  1,500,000      EUR   America Movil, SAB de CV
0.000%, 05/28/20
    1,695,097   
     

 

 

 
   

TOTAL CONVERTIBLE BONDS

(Cost $59,464,807)

    59,137,649   
     

 

 

 
     
NUMBER OF
SHARES
              VALUE  
  CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS (4.7%)   
    Energy (0.7%)   
  1,943        Chesapeake Energy Corp.m
5.750%
    754,522   
     

 

 

 
    Financials (0.8%)   
  8,500        American Tower Corp.m
5.250%
    904,400   
     

 

 

 
    Health Care (1.9%)   
  1,280        Allergan, PLC
5.500%
    1,339,686   
  17,100        Anthem, Inc.m
5.250%
    795,834   
     

 

 

 
        2,135,520   
     

 

 

 
    Utilities (1.3%)   
  28,000        NextEra Energy, Inc.
5.799%
    1,540,560   
     

 

 

 
   

TOTAL CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS

(Cost $6,925,413)

    5,335,002   
     

 

 

 
     
  COMMON STOCKS (67.8%)   
    Consumer Discretionary (10.5%)   
  14,700        Comcast Corp. - Class Am     920,514   
NUMBER OF
SHARES
              VALUE  
  9,700        Home Depot, Inc.m^   $ 1,199,308   
  14,700      ZAR   Naspers, Ltd. - Class Nm     2,146,119   
  22,200      DKK   Pandora, A/Sm     2,561,823   
  22,000        Starbucks Corp.m^     1,376,540   
  20,000      JPY   Toyota Motor Corp.m     1,225,289   
  9,600        Walt Disney Company^     1,091,904   
  56,500      GBP   WPP, PLC     1,266,550   
     

 

 

 
        11,788,047   
     

 

 

 
    Consumer Staples (10.0%)   
  15,750      EUR   Anheuser-Busch InBev, SAm     1,879,363   
  14,800      GBP   British American Tobacco, PLCm     879,262   
  18,454        Coca-Cola Companym^     781,527   
  85,000      GBP   Diageo, PLCm     2,450,546   
  23,000      CHF   Nestlé, SAm     1,756,602   
  7,400      EUR   Pernod Ricard, SAm     870,753   
  17,100        Philip Morris International, Inc.m     1,511,640   
  24,300      JPY   Seven & I Holdings Company, Ltd.m     1,103,823   
     

 

 

 
        11,233,516   
     

 

 

 
    Energy (4.1%)   
  15,250        Anadarko Petroleum Corp.m     1,019,920   
  10,300      CAD   Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd.m     238,831   
  13,800        EOG Resources, Inc.m     1,184,730   
  13,100        Schlumberger, Ltd.m     1,023,896   
  12,500      EUR   TOTAL, SAm     604,486   
  25,700      CAD   Tourmaline Oil Corp.m#     534,794   
     

 

 

 
        4,606,657   
     

 

 

 
    Financials (7.8%)   
  269,008      HKD   AIA Group, Ltd.m     1,577,283   
  15,200        Citigroup, Inc.m^     808,184   
  202,000      JPY   Daiwa Securities Group, Inc.m     1,381,189   
  18,400        JPMorgan Chase & Companym^     1,182,200   
  12,500        State Street Corp.m     862,500   
  41,647      EUR   Vonovia, SEm     1,388,259   
  30,000        Wells Fargo & Companym^     1,624,200   
     

 

 

 
        8,823,815   
     

 

 

 
    Health Care (12.5%)   
  27,100      JPY   Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.m     872,347   
  9,800        Gilead Sciences, Inc.m^     1,059,674   
  33,900        Johnson & Johnsonm^     3,424,917   
  21,050        Merck & Company, Inc.m^     1,150,593   
  17,200      CHF   Novartis, AGm     1,558,126   
  19,650      DKK   Novo Nordisk, A/S - Class Bm     1,043,484   
  13,000      EUR   Sanofim     1,311,387   
  25,905      GBP   Shire, PLCm     1,961,807   
  10,000        Stryker Corp.m^     956,200   
  7,400        Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.m     773,818   
     

 

 

 
        14,112,353   
     

 

 

 
 

 

See accompanying Notes to Schedule of Investments   CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     11   


Table of Contents

 

Schedule of Investments    October 31, 2015

 

 

NUMBER OF
SHARES
              VALUE  
    Industrials (2.9%)   
  85,500      HKD   CK Hutchison Holdings, Ltd.m   $ 1,170,795   
  6,900      JPY   FANUC Corp.m     1,217,446   
  8,200        United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class Bm^     844,764   
     

 

 

 
        3,233,005   
     

 

 

 
     
    Information Technology (19.4%)   
  11,000        Accenture, PLC - Class Am^     1,179,200   
  10,449        Alphabet, Inc. - Class Am^#     7,704,988   
  25,900        Apple, Inc.m^     3,095,050   
  5,800        Baidu, Inc.m^#     1,087,326   
  10,700        Facebook, Inc. - Class Am^#     1,091,079   
  9,700        MasterCard, Inc. - Class Am^     960,203   
  29,000        Microsoft Corp.m     1,526,560   
  549      KRW   Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.m     658,485   
  20,500      EUR   SAP SE     1,616,120   
  406,000      TWD   Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.m     1,710,750   
  63,400      HKD   Tencent Holdings, Ltd.m     1,195,050   
     

 

 

 
        21,824,811   
     

 

 

 
    Telecommunication Services (0.6%)   
  11,500      JPY   SoftBank Group Corp.m     644,321   
     

 

 

 
   

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS

(Cost $73,496,385)

    76,266,525   
     

 

 

 
     
NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
              VALUE  
  PURCHASED OPTIONS (0.2%) #   
    Consumer Discretionary (0.2%)   
  300      EUR   Daimler, AG
Call, 03/18/16, Strike 76.00
    217,236   
  275        Melco Crown Entertainment, Ltd.
Call, 01/15/16, Strike $36.66
    2,063   
     

 

 

 
   

TOTAL PURCHASED OPTIONS

(Cost $476,005)

    219,299   
     

 

 

 
     
NUMBER OF
SHARES
              VALUE  
  SHORT TERM INVESTMENT (7.5%)  
  8,477,001        Fidelity Prime Money Market Fund - Institutional Class
(Cost $8,477,001)
    8,477,001   
     

 

 

 

 
 

      TOTAL INVESTMENTS (139.0%)
(Cost $156,335,129)

    156,380,877   
     

 

 

 
  LIABILITIES, LESS OTHER ASSETS (-39.0%)     (43,907,174
     

 

 

 
  NET ASSETS (100.0%)   $ 112,473,703   
     

 

 

 

NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

 

m Security, or portion of security, is held in a segregated account as collateral for note payable aggregating a total value of $93,547,538. $20,502,963 of the collateral has been re-registered by one of the counterparties, BNP (see Note 7 – Borrowings).

 

* Securities issued and sold pursuant to a Rule 144A transaction are excepted from the registration requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may only be sold to qualified institutional buyers (“QIBs”), such as the Fund. Any resale of these securities must generally be effected through a sale that is registered under the Act or otherwise exempted from such registration requirements.

 

^ Security, or portion of security, is on loan.

 

# Non-income producing security.

FOREIGN CURRENCY ABBREVIATIONS

CAD    Canadian Dollar    JPY    Japanese Yen
CHF    Swiss Franc    KRW    South Korean Won
DKK    Danish Krone    NOK    Norwegian Krone
EUR    European Monetary Unit    TWD    New Taiwan Dollar
GBP    British Pound Sterling    ZAR    South African Rand
HKD    Hong Kong Dollar      

Note: Value for securities denominated in foreign currencies is shown in U.S. dollars. The principal amount for such securities is shown in the respective foreign currency. The date on options represents the expiration date of the option contract. The option contract may be exercised at any date on or before the date shown.

 

 

CURRENCY EXPOSURE

OCTOBER 31, 2015

 

     VALUE      % OF TOTAL
INVESTMENTS
 
US Dollar   $ 97,991,460         62.7%   
European Monetary Unit     18,553,944         11.9%   
Japanese Yen     11,743,419         7.5%   
British Pound Sterling     9,234,498         5.9%   
Hong Kong Dollar     5,618,744         3.6%   
Danish Krone     3,605,307         2.3%   
Swiss Franc     3,314,728         2.1%   
South African Rand     2,146,119         1.4%   
New Taiwan Dollar     1,710,750         1.1%   
Norwegian Krone     1,029,798         0.6%   
Canadian Dollar     773,625         0.5%   
South Korean Won     658,485         0.4%   
Total Investments   $ 156,380,877         100.0%   

Currency exposure may vary over time.

 

 

12   CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT   See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


Table of Contents

 

Schedule of Investments    October 31, 2015

 

 

INTEREST RATE SWAP

COUNTERPARTY      FIXED RATE
(FUND PAYS)
     FLOATING RATE
(FUND RECEIVES)
     TERMINATION
DATE
     NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
       UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)
 
BNP Paribas, SA      1.140% quarterly      3 month LIBOR      03/14/17      $ 12,000,000         $ (93,479
                        

 

 

 
                         $ (93,479
                        

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements   CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     13   


Table of Contents

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities    October 31, 2015

 

 

ASSETS

  

Investments in securities, at value (cost $156,335,129)

  $ 156,380,877   

Receivables:

 

Accrued interest and dividends

    571,475   

Investments sold

    3,898,188   

Prepaid expenses

    3,890   

Other assets

    87,099   

Total assets

    160,941,529   

LIABILITIES

 

Unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps

    93,479   

Payables:

 

Notes payable

    44,000,000   

Investments purchased

    4,083,459   

Affiliates:

 

Investment advisory fees

    130,111   

Deferred compensation to trustees

    87,099   

Financial accounting fees

    1,500   

Trustees’ fees and officer compensation

    2,920   

Other accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    69,258   

Total liabilities

    48,467,826   

NET ASSETS

  $ 112,473,703   

COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS

 

Common stock, no par value, unlimited shares authorized 8,465,001 shares issued and outstanding

  $ 111,076,167   

Undistributed net investment income (loss)

    (327,851

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency transactions and interest rate swaps

    1,779,524   

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, foreign currency translations and interest rate swaps

    (54,137

NET ASSETS

  $ 112,473,703   

Net asset value per common shares based upon 8,465,001 shares issued and outstanding

  $ 13.29   

 

14   CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT   See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


Table of Contents

 

Statement of Operations    Year Ended October 31, 2015

 

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

 

Interest

  $ 2,299,959   

Dividends

    1,871,656   

Securities lending income

    18,875   

Dividend taxes withheld

    (12,685

Total investment income

    4,177,805   

EXPENSES

 

Investment advisory fees

    1,658,508   

Interest expense and related fees

    431,102   

Printing and mailing fees

    46,845   

Legal fees

    29,065   

Custodian fees

    26,572   

Transfer agent fees

    25,149   

Audit fees

    20,107   

Accounting fees

    19,534   

Trustees’ fees and officer compensation

    19,510   

Financial accounting fees

    19,107   

Registration fees

    1,854   

Other

    51,380   

Total expenses

    2,348,733   

NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)

    1,829,072   

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

 

Investments, excluding purchased options

    6,926,986   

Purchased options

    (1,321,331

Foreign currency transactions

    (89,880

Interest rate swaps

    (107,042

Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

 

Investments, excluding purchased options

    (5,191,801

Purchased options

    303,697   

Foreign currency translations

    (537

Interest rate swaps

    5,159   

NET GAIN (LOSS)

    525,251   

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 2,354,323   

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements   CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     15   


Table of Contents

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

     YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,  
      2015      2014  

OPERATIONS

     

Net investment income (loss)

   $ 1,829,072       $ 2,191,857   

Net realized gain (loss)

     5,408,733         6,362,276   

Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

     (4,883,482      (1,400,466

Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to shareholders resulting from operations

     2,354,323         7,153,667   

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM

     

Net investment income

     (7,162,380      (7,209,125

Net realized gains

             (1,563,481

Return of capital

     (2,995,621      (1,379,813

Net decrease in net assets from distributions

     (10,158,001      (10,152,419

CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS

     

Reinvestment of distributions resulting in the issuance of stock

             134,753   

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital stock transactions

             134,753   

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

     (7,803,678      (2,863,999

NET ASSETS

     

Beginning of year

   $ 120,277,381       $ 123,141,380   

End of year

     112,473,703         120,277,381   

Undistributed net investment income (loss)

   $ (327,851    $ (197,731

 

16   CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT   See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements


Table of Contents

 

Statement of Cash Flows    Year Ended October 31, 2015

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations

   $ 2,354,323   

Adjustments to reconcile net increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:

  

Purchase of investment securities, including purchased options

     (127,336,917

Net proceeds from disposition of short term investments

     5,757,863   

Proceeds from disposition of investment securities, including purchased options

     135,935,480   

Amortization and accretion of fixed-income securities

     (961,843

Net realized gains/losses from investments, excluding purchased options

     (6,926,986

Net realized gains/losses from purchased options

     1,321,331   

Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments, excluding purchased options

     5,191,801   

Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on purchased options

     (303,697

Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on interest rate swaps

     (5,159

Net change in assets and liabilities:

  

(Increase)/decrease in assets:

  

Accrued interest and dividends receivable

     134,455   

Prepaid expenses

     (1,114

Other assets

     (6,369

Increase/(decrease) in liabilities:

  

Payables to affiliates

     (4,172

Other accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     9,005   

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

   $ 15,158,001   

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

  

Distributions to shareholders

     (10,158,001

Repayment of notes payable

     (5,000,000

Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities

   $ (15,158,001

Net increase/(decrease) in cash

   $   

Cash at beginning of year

   $   

Cash at end of year

   $   

Supplemental disclosure

  

Cash paid for interest and related fees

   $ 418,405   

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements   CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     17   


Table of Contents

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Organization.  Calamos Global Total Return (the “Fund”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 30, 2004 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund commenced operations on October 27, 2005.

The Fund’s investment strategy is to provide total return through a combination of capital appreciation and current income. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 50% of its managed assets in equity securities (including securities that are convertible into equity securities). The Fund may invest up to 100% of its managed assets in securities of foreign issuers, including debt and equity securities of corporate issuers and debt securities of government issuers, in developed and emerging markets. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 30% of its managed assets in securities of foreign issuers. “Managed assets” means the Fund’s total assets (including any assets attributable to any leverage that may be outstanding) minus total liabilities (other than debt representing financial leverage).

Significant Accounting Policies.  The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Subsequent events, if any, through the date that the financial statements were issued have been evaluated in the preparation of the financial statements. The following summarizes the significant accounting policies of the Fund:

Fund Valuation.  The valuation of the Fund’s investments is in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by and under the ultimate supervision of the board of trustees.

Fund securities that are traded on U.S. securities exchanges, except option securities, are valued at the official closing price, which is the last current reported sales price on its principal exchange at the time each Fund determines its net asset value (“NAV”). Securities traded in the over-the-counter market and quoted on The NASDAQ Stock Market are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price, as determined by NASDAQ, or lacking a NASDAQ Official Closing Price, the last current reported sale price on NASDAQ at the time a Fund determines its NAV. When a last sale or closing price is not available, equity securities, other than option securities, that are traded on a U.S. securities exchange and other equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations on its principal exchange in accordance with guidelines adopted by the board of trustees. Each option security traded on a U.S. securities exchange is valued at the mid-point of the consolidated bid/ask quote for the option security, also in accordance with guidelines adopted by the board of trustees. Each over-the-counter option that is not traded through the Options Clearing Corporation is valued based on a quotation provided by the counterparty to such option under the ultimate supervision of the board of trustees.

Fixed income securities, certain convertible preferred securities, and non-exchange traded derivatives are normally valued by independent pricing services or by dealers or brokers who make markets in such securities. Valuations of such fixed income securities, certain convertible preferred securities, and non-exchange traded derivatives consider yield or price of equivalent securities of comparable quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other market data and do not rely exclusively upon exchange or over-the-counter prices.

Trading on European and Far Eastern exchanges and over-the-counter markets is typically completed at various times before the close of business on each day on which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open. Each security trading on these exchanges or in over-the-counter markets may be valued utilizing a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent pricing service approved by the board of trustees. The valuation of each security that meets certain criteria in relation to the valuation model is systematically adjusted to reflect the impact of movement in the U.S. market after the foreign markets close. Securities that do not meet the criteria, or that are principally traded in other foreign markets, are valued as of the last reported sale price at the time the Fund determines its NAV, or when reliable market prices or quotations are not readily available, at the mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations as of the close of the appropriate exchange or other designated time. Trading of foreign securities may not take place on every NYSE business day. In addition, trading may take place in various foreign markets on Saturdays or on other days when the NYSE is not open and on which the Fund’s NAV is not calculated.

If the pricing committee determines that the valuation of a security in accordance with the methods described above is not reflective of a fair value for such security, the security is valued at a fair value by the pricing committee, under the ultimate supervision of the board of trustees, following the guidelines and/or procedures adopted by the board of trustees.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

The Fund also may use fair value pricing, pursuant to guidelines adopted by the board of trustees and under the ultimate supervision of the board of trustees, if trading in the security is halted or if the value of a security it holds is materially affected by events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the close of the primary market or exchange on which the security is listed. Those procedures may utilize valuations furnished by pricing services approved by the board of trustees, which may be based on market transactions for comparable securities and various relationships between securities that are generally recognized by institutional traders, a computerized matrix system, or appraisals derived from information concerning the securities or similar securities received from recognized dealers in those securities.

When fair value pricing of securities is employed, the prices of securities used by a Fund to calculate its NAV may differ from market quotations or official closing prices. In light of the judgment involved in fair valuations, there can be no assurance that a fair value assigned to a particular security is accurate.

Investment Transactions.  Investment transactions are recorded on a trade date basis as of October 31, 2015. Net realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income is recognized using the accrual method and includes accretion of original issue and market discount and amortization of premium. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recorded as soon as the information becomes available after the ex-dividend date.

Foreign Currency Translation.  Values of investments and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using a rate quoted by a major bank or dealer in the particular currency market, as reported by a recognized quotation dissemination service.

The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.

Reported net realized foreign currency gains or losses arise from disposition of foreign currency, the difference in the foreign exchange rates between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the ex-date or accrual date and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes (due to the changes in the exchange rate) in the value of foreign currency and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies held at period end.

Allocation of Expenses Among Funds.  Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged to the Fund; certain other common expenses of Calamos Advisors Trust, Calamos Investment Trust, Calamos ETF Trust, Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund, Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund, Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund, Calamos Global Total Return Fund, Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund and Calamos Dynamic Convertible and Income Fund are allocated proportionately among each Fund to which the expenses relate in relation to the net assets of each Fund or on another reasonable basis.

Income Taxes.  No provision has been made for U.S. income taxes because the Fund’s policy is to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and distribute to shareholders substantially all of the Fund’s taxable income and net realized gains.

Dividends and distributions paid to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains is determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. To the extent these “book/tax” differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments for foreign currency transactions, contingent payment debt instruments and methods of amortizing and accreting for fixed income securities. The financial statements are not adjusted for temporary differences.

The Fund recognized no liability for uncertain tax positions. A reconciliation is not provided as the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized benefits are zero, with no interim additions, reductions or settlements. Tax years 2011 – 2014 remain subject to examination by the U.S. and the State of Illinois tax jurisdictions.

Indemnifications.  Under the Fund’s organizational documents, the Fund is obligated to indemnify its officers and trustees against certain liabilities incurred by them by reason of having been an officer or trustee of the Fund. In addition, in the normal course of

 

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Table of Contents

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications to other parties. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. Currently, the Fund’s management expects the risk of material loss in connection to a potential claim to be remote.

Note 2 – Investment Adviser and Transactions With Affiliates Or Certain Other Parties

Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with Calamos Advisors LLC (“Calamos Advisors”), the Fund pays an annual fee, payable monthly, equal to 1.00% based on the average weekly managed assets.

Pursuant to a financial accounting services agreement, during the period the Fund paid Calamos Advisors a fee for financial accounting services payable monthly at the annual rate of 0.0175% on the first $1 billion of combined assets, 0.0150% on the next $1 billion of combined assets and 0.0110% on combined assets above $2 billion (for purposes of this calculation “combined assets” means the sum of the total average daily net assets of Calamos Advisors Trust, Calamos Investment Trust, Calamos ETF Trust and the total average weekly managed assets of Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund, Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund, Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund, Calamos Global Total Return Fund, Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund and Calamos Dynamic Convertible and Income Fund). Financial accounting services include, but are not limited to, the following: managing expenses and expense payment processing; monitoring the calculation of expense accrual amounts; calculating, tracking and reporting tax adjustments on all assets; and monitoring trustee deferred compensation plan accruals and valuations. The Fund pays its pro rata share of the financial accounting services fee payable to Calamos Advisors based on its relative portion of combined assets used in calculating the fee.

The Fund reimburses Calamos Advisors for a portion of compensation paid to the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer. This compensation is reported as part of the “Trustees’ fees and officer compensation” expense on the Statement of Operations.

A trustee and certain officers of the Fund are also officers and directors of Calamos Advisors. Such trustee and officers serve without direct compensation from the Fund.

The Fund has adopted a deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, a trustee who is not an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) and has elected to participate in the Plan (a “participating trustee”) may defer receipt of all or a portion of their compensation from the Fund. The deferred compensation payable to the participating trustee is credited to the trustee’s deferral account as of the business day such compensation would have been paid to the participating trustee. The value of amounts deferred for a participating trustee is determined by reference to the change in value of Class I shares of one or more funds of Calamos Investment Trust designated by the participant. The value of the account increases with contributions to the account or with increases in the value of the measuring shares, and the value of the account decreases with withdrawals from the account or with declines in the value of the measuring shares. Deferred compensation of $87,099 is included in “Other assets” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at October 31, 2015. The Fund obligation to make payments under the Plan is a general obligation of the Fund and is included in “Payable for deferred compensation to trustees” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at October 31, 2015.

Note 3 – Investments

The cost of purchases and proceeds from sale of long-term investments for the year ended October 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

Cost of purchases    $ 119,102,686   
Proceeds from sales      134,494,684   

The following information is presented on a federal income tax basis as of October 31, 2015. Differences between the cost basis under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and federal income tax purposes are primarily due to temporary differences.

The cost basis of investments for federal income tax purposes at October 31, 2015 was as follows:

 

Cost basis of investments    $ 155,894,981   
  

 

 

 
Gross unrealized appreciation      9,424,761   
Gross unrealized depreciation      (8,938,865
  

 

 

 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)    $ 485,896   
  

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

Note 4 – Income Taxes

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, the Fund recorded the following permanent reclassifications to reflect tax character. The results of operations and net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.

 

Paid-in capital    $ (4,091,238
Undistributed net investment income/(loss)      8,198,809   
Accumulated net realized gain/(loss) on investments      (4,107,571

The Fund intends to make monthly distributions from its income available for distribution, which consists of the Fund’s dividends and interest income after payment of Fund expenses, and net realized gains on stock investments. At least annually, the Fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net realized capital gains, if any. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The Fund distinguishes between distributions on a tax basis and a financial reporting basis. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that only distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits be reported in the financial statements as a return of capital. Permanent differences between book and tax accounting relating to distributions are reclassified to paid-in-capital. For tax purposes, distributions from short-term capital gains are considered to be from ordinary income. Distributions in any year may include a return of capital component.

Distributions were characterized for federal income tax purposes as follows:

 

      YEAR ENDED
OCTOBER 31, 2015
       YEAR ENDED
OCTOBER 31, 2014
 
Distributions paid from:        
Ordinary income    $ 7,162,380         $ 7,209,125   
Long-term capital gains                1,563,481   
Return of capital      2,995,621           1,379,813   

As of October 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings/(loss) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income    $   
Undistributed capital gains      1,095,617   
  

 

 

 
Total undistributed earnings      1,095,617   
Accumulated capital and other losses        
Net unrealized gains/(losses)      386,011   
  

 

 

 
Total accumulated earnings/(losses)      1,481,628   
Other      (84,092
Paid-in-capital      111,076,167   
  

 

 

 
Total    $ 112,473,703   
  

 

 

 

The Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”) modernized various tax rules for regulated investment companies, and was effective for taxable years beginning after the enactment date of December 22, 2010. One significant change is to the treatment of capital loss carryforwards. Now, any capital losses recognized will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses, will be utilized before the pre-Act capital loss carryforwards, and will be carried forward indefinitely, until applied in offsetting future capital gains.

Note 5 – Common Shares

There are unlimited common shares of beneficial interest authorized and 8,465,001 shares outstanding at October 31, 2015. Calamos Advisors owned 16,279 of the outstanding shares at October 31, 2015. Transactions in common shares were as follows:

 

      YEAR ENDED
OCTOBER 31, 2015
       YEAR ENDED
OCTOBER 31, 2014
 
Beginning shares      8,465,001           8,455,662   
Shares sold                  
Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions                9,339   
  

 

 

 
Ending shares      8,465,001           8,465,001   
  

 

 

 

 

  CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     21   


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Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the 1940 Act that the Fund may from time to time purchase its shares of common stock in the open market.

The Fund also may offer and sell common shares from time to time at an offering price equal to or in excess of the net asset value per share of the Fund’s common shares at the time such common shares are initially sold.

Note 6 – Derivative Instruments

Foreign Currency Risk.  The Fund may engage in portfolio hedging with respect to changes in currency exchange rates by entering into forward foreign currency contracts to purchase or sell currencies. A forward foreign currency contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. Risks associated with such contracts include, among other things, movement in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar and the ability of the counterparty to perform. To mitigate the counterparty risk, the Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between the Fund and a counterparty that governs over-the-counter derivatives and foreign exchange contracts and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instrument’s payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of default (close-out netting), including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty. Generally, collateral is exchanged between the Fund and the counterparty and the amount of collateral due from the Fund or to a counterparty has to exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold before a transfer has to be made. To the extent amounts due to the Fund from its counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty nonperformance. For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund’s net counterparty exposure is reflected in the counterparty table below. The net unrealized gain, if any, represents the credit risk to the Fund on a forward foreign currency contract. The contracts are valued daily at forward foreign exchange rates. The Fund realizes a gain or loss when a position is closed or upon settlement of the contracts. There were no open forward foreign currency contracts at October 31, 2015.

Equity Risk.  The Fund may engage in option transactions and in doing so achieves similar objectives to what it would achieve through the sale or purchase of individual securities. A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the seller of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying security, index or other instrument at the exercise price. A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the right to sell, and the seller the obligation to buy, the underlying security, index, or other instrument at the exercise price.

To seek to offset some of the risk of a potential decline in value of certain long positions, the Fund may also purchase put options on individual securities, broad-based securities indexes or certain exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). The Fund may also seek to generate income from option premiums by writing (selling) options on a portion of the equity securities (including securities that are convertible into equity securities) in the Fund’s portfolio, on broad-based securities indexes, or certain ETFs.

When a Fund purchases an option, it pays a premium and an amount equal to that premium is recorded as an asset. When a Fund writes an option, it receives a premium and an amount equal to that premium is recorded as a liability. The asset or liability is adjusted daily to reflect the current market value of the option. If an option expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain or loss to the extent of the premium received or paid. If an option is exercised, the premium received or paid is recorded as an adjustment to the proceeds from the sale or the cost basis of the purchase. The difference between the premium and the amount received or paid on a closing purchase or sale transaction is also treated as a realized gain or loss. The cost of securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid. Gain or loss on written options and purchased options is presented separately as net realized gain or loss on written options and net realized gain or loss on purchased options, respectively.

Options written by the Fund do not typically give rise to counterparty credit risk since options written obligate the Fund and not the counterparty to perform. Exchange traded purchased options have minimal counterparty credit risk to the Fund since the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

As of October 31, 2015, the Fund had outstanding purchased options and/or written options as listed on the Schedule of Investments.

Interest Rate Risk.  The Fund engages in interest rate swaps primarily to hedge the interest rate risk on the Fund’s borrowings (see Note 7 – Borrowings). An interest rate swap is a contract that involves the exchange of one type of interest rate for another type of interest rate. If interest rates rise, resulting in a diminution in the value of the Fund’s portfolio, the Fund would receive payments under the swap that would offset, in whole or in part, such diminution in value; if interest rates fall, the Fund would likely lose money on the swap transaction. Unrealized gains are reported as an asset, and unrealized losses are reported as a liability on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The change in value of swaps, including accruals of periodic amounts of interest to be paid or received on swaps, is reported as change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on interest rate swaps in the Statement of Operations. A realized gain or loss is recorded in net realized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps in the Statement of Operations upon payment or receipt of a periodic payment or termination of the swap agreements. Swap agreements are stated at fair value. Notional principal amounts are used to express the extent of involvement in these transactions, but the amounts potentially subject to credit risk are much smaller. In connection with these contracts, securities may be identified as collateral in accordance with the terms of the respective swap contracts in the event of default or bankruptcy of the Fund.

Premiums paid to or by a Fund are accrued daily and included in realized gain (loss) when paid on swaps in the accompanying Statement of Operations. The contracts are marked-to-market daily based upon third party vendor valuations and changes in value are recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation). Gains or losses are realized upon early termination of the contract. Risks may exceed amounts recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. These risks include changes in the returns of the underlying instruments, failure of the counterparties to perform under the contracts’ terms, counterparty’s creditworthiness, and the possible lack of liquidity with respect to the contracts.

As of October 31, 2015, the Fund had outstanding interest rate swap agreements as listed on the Schedule of Investments.

As of October 31, 2015, the Fund had outstanding derivative contracts which are reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as follows:

 

      ASSET
DERIVATIVES
       LIABILITY
DERIVATIVES
 
Gross amounts at fair value:        
Interest Rate Swaps(1)    $         $ 93,479   
Options purchased(2)      219,299             
  

 

 

 
   $ 219,299         $ 93,479   
  

 

 

 

The following table presents the outstanding derivative contracts, organized by counterparty, that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements as of October 31, 2015:

 

     

GROSS AMOUNTS NOT OFFSET IN THE STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 
Counterparty   

GROSS AMOUNTS PRESENTED IN THE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND  LIABILITIES

    

COLLATERAL

PLEDGED

    

NET AMOUNT
RECEIVABLE
IN THE EVENT

OF DEFAULT

    

NET AMOUNT
PAYABLE IN
THE EVENT

OF DEFAULT

 
         ASSETS      LIABILITIES           
BNP Paribas, SA    ISDA    $         —       $ 93,479       $       $       $ 93,479   
     

 

 

 
      $         —       $ 93,479       $         —       $         —       $ 93,479   
     

 

 

 

 

(1) Generally, the Statement of Assets and Liabilities location for “Interest rate swaps” is “Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on interest rate swaps.”

 

(2) Generally, the Statement of Assets and Liabilities location for “Options purchased” is “Investments in securities.”

For the year ended October 31, 2015, the volume of derivative activity for the Fund is reflected below:*

 

      VOLUME  
Options purchased      7,407   

 

* Activity during the period is measured by opened number of contracts for options purchased.

 

  CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     23   


Table of Contents

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

Note 7 – Borrowings

The Fund, with the approval of its board of trustees, including its independent trustees, has entered into a financing package that includes a Committed Facility Agreement (the “BNP Agreement”) with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International Ltd. (“BNP”) that allows the Fund to borrow up to $27.5 million and a lending agreement (“Lending Agreement”), as defined below. In addition, the financing package also includes a Credit Agreement (the “SSB Agreement”, together with the BNP Agreement, “Agreements”) with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“SSB”) that allows the Fund to borrow up to a limit of $27.5 million, and a related securities lending authorization agreement (“Authorized Agreement”). Borrowings under the BNP Agreement and the SSB Agreement are secured by assets of the Fund that are held with the Fund’s custodian in a separate account (the “pledged collateral”). BNP and SSB share an equal claim on the pledged collateral, subject to any adjustment that may be agreed upon between the lenders. Interest on the BNP Agreement is charged at the three month LIBOR (London Inter-bank Offered Rate) plus .65% on the amount borrowed and .55% on the undrawn balance. Interest on the SSB Agreement is charged on the drawn amount at the rate of Overnight LIBOR plus .80% and .10% on the undrawn balance (if the undrawn amount is more than 75% of the borrowing limit, the commitment fee is .20%). For the year ended October 31, 2015, the average borrowings under the Agreements were $48.6 million. For the year ended October 31, 2015, the average interest rate was 0.80%. As of October 31, 2015, the amount of total outstanding borrowings was $44.0 million ($22.0 million under the BNP Agreement and $22.0 million under the SSB Agreement), which approximates fair value. The interest rate applicable to the borrowings on October 31, 2015 was 0.87%.

The Lending Agreement with BNP is a separate side-agreement between the Fund and BNP pursuant to which BNP may borrow a portion of the pledged collateral (the “Lent Securities”) in an amount not to exceed the outstanding borrowings owed by the Fund to BNP under the BNP Agreement. The Lending Agreement is intended to permit the Fund to significantly reduce the cost of its borrowings under the BNP Agreement. BNP may re-register the Lent Securities in its own name or in another name other than the Fund, and may pledge, re-pledge, sell, lend or otherwise transfer or use the Lent Securities with all attendant rights of ownership. (It is the Fund’s understanding that BNP will perform due diligence to determine the creditworthiness of any party that borrows Lent Securities from BNP.) The Fund may designate any security within the pledged collateral as ineligible to be a Lent Security, provided there are eligible securities within the pledged collateral in an amount equal to the outstanding borrowing owed by the Fund. During the period in which the Lent Securities are outstanding, BNP must remit payment to the Fund equal to the amount of all dividends, interest or other distributions earned or made by the Lent Securities.

Under the terms of the Lending Agreement with BNP, the Lent Securities are marked to market daily, and if the value of the Lent Securities exceeds the value of the then-outstanding borrowings owed by the Fund to BNP under the Agreement (the “Current Borrowings”), BNP must, on that day, either (1) return Lent Securities to the Fund’s custodian in an amount sufficient to cause the value of the outstanding Lent Securities to equal the Current Borrowings; or (2) post cash collateral with the Fund’s custodian equal to the difference between the value of the Lent Securities and the value of the Current Borrowings. If BNP fails to perform either of these actions as required, the Fund will recall securities, as discussed below, in an amount sufficient to cause the value of the outstanding Lent Securities to equal the Current Borrowings. The Fund can recall any of the Lent Securities and BNP shall, to the extent commercially possible, return such security or equivalent security to the Fund’s custodian no later than three business days after such request. If the Fund recalls a Lent Security pursuant to the Lending Agreement, and BNP fails to return the Lent Securities, or equivalent securities in a timely fashion, BNP shall remain liable for the ultimate delivery of such Lent Securities, or equivalent securities, to be made to the Fund’s custodian, and for any buy-in costs that the executing broker for the sales transaction may impose with respect to the failure to deliver. The Fund shall also have the right to apply and set-off an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the then-current fair market value of such Lent Securities against the Current Borrowings.

Under the terms of the Authorized Agreement with SSB, all securities lent through SSB must be secured continuously by collateral received in cash, cash equivalents, or U.S. Treasury bills and maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. Cash collateral held by SSB on behalf of the Fund may be credited against the amounts borrowed under the SSB Agreement. Any amounts credited against the SSB Agreement would count against the Fund’s leverage limitations under the 1940 Act, unless otherwise covered in accordance with SEC Release IC-10666. Under the terms of the Authorized Agreement with SSB, SSB will return the value of the collateral to the borrower upon the return of the lent securities, which will eliminate the credit against the SSB Agreement and will cause the amount drawn under the SSB Agreement to increase in an amount equal to the returned collateral. Under the terms of the Authorized Agreement with SSB, the Fund will make a variable “net income” payment related to any collateral credited against the SSB Agreement which will be paid to the securities borrower, less any payments

 

24   CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT  


Table of Contents

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

due to the Fund or SSB under the terms of the Authorized Agreement. The Fund has the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time. As of October 31, 2015, the Fund used approximately $9.9 million of its cash collateral to offset the SSB Agreement, representing 6.3% of managed assets, and was required to pay a “net income” payment equal to an annualized interest rate of 0.46%, which can fluctuate depending on interest rates. As of October 31, 2015, approximately $9.6 million of securities were on loan ($6.9 million of fixed income securities and $2.7 million of equity securities) which are reflected in the Investment in securities, at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

On May 22, 2015, the Fund’s board of trustees amended the Fund’s non-fundamental policy with respect to borrowings to be measured based on managed assets rather than total assets. The policy, as amended, is as follows:

As a non-fundamental policy, the Fund may not issue debt securities, borrow money or issue preferred shares in an aggregate amount exceeding 38% of the Fund’s managed assets measured at the time of issuance of the new securities.

For purposes of this non-fundamental policy, “managed assets” shall mean the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to any leverage that may be outstanding) minus the sum of liabilities (other than debt representing financial leverage). The policy is measured at each incurrence of the debt and is not a maintenance test.

Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements

Various inputs are used to determine the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are categorized into three broad levels as follows:

 

   

Level 1 – Prices are determined using inputs from unadjusted quoted prices from active markets (including securities actively traded on a securities exchange) for identical assets.

 

   

Level 2 – Prices are determined using significant observable market inputs other than unadjusted quoted prices, including quoted prices of similar securities, fair value adjustments to quoted foreign securities, interest rates, credit risk, prepayment speeds, and other relevant data.

 

   

Level 3 – Prices reflect unobservable market inputs (including the Fund’s own judgments about assumptions market participants would use in determining fair value) when observable inputs are unavailable.

Debt securities are valued based upon evaluated prices received from an independent pricing service or from a dealer or broker who makes markets in such securities. Pricing services utilize various observable market data and as such, debt securities are generally categorized as Level 2. The levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity of the Fund’s investments. Transfers between the levels for investment securities or other financial instruments are measured at the end of the reporting period.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s holdings at fair value:

 

      LEVEL 1      LEVEL 2      LEVEL 3      TOTAL  
Assets:            

Corporate Bonds

   $       $ 6,945,401       $                     —       $ 6,945,401   

Convertible Bonds

             59,137,649                 59,137,649   

Convertible Preferred Stocks

     4,580,480         754,522                 5,335,002   

Common Stocks U.S.

     39,441,435                         39,441,435   

Common Stocks Foreign

     773,625         36,051,465                 36,825,090   

Purchased Options

     219,299                         219,299   

Short Term Investment

     8,477,001                         8,477,001   
  

 

 

 
Total    $ 53,491,840       $ 102,889,037       $       $ 156,380,877   
  

 

 

 
Liabilities:            

Interest Rate Swaps

   $       $ 93,479       $       $ 93,479   
  

 

 

 
Total    $       $ 93,479       $       $ 93,479   
  

 

 

 

 

  CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     25   


Table of Contents

 

Financial Highlights

 

 

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each year were as follows:

 

    Year Ended October 31,  
     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  

Net asset value, beginning of year

    $14.21        $14.56        $13.97        $14.56        $14.60   

Income from investment operations:

         

Net investment income (loss)*

    0.22        0.26        0.24        0.29        0.31   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    0.06        0.59        1.56        0.33        0.87   

Total from investment operations

    0.28        0.85        1.80        0.62        1.18   

Less distributions to common shareholders from:

         

Net investment income

    (0.85     (0.85     (0.82     (0.83     (1.00

Net realized gains

           (0.19     (0.20     (0.17     (0.21

Return of capital

    (0.35     (0.16     (0.18     (0.20       

Total distributions

    (1.20     (1.20     (1.20     (1.20     (1.21

Capital charge resulting from issuance of common and preferred shares and related offering costs

                  (0.01     (0.01     (0.01

Premiums from shares sold in at the market offerings

                  (a)      (a)      (a) 

Net asset value, end of year

    $13.29        $14.21        $14.56        $13.97        $14.56   

Market value, end of year

    $11.96        $13.57        $13.99        $13.52        $14.69   

Total investment return based on:(b)

         

Net asset value

    2.39%        6.19%        13.56%        4.55%        8.15%   

Market value

    (3.51%     5.54%        12.74%        0.29%        9.11%   

Net assets, end of year (000)

    $112,474        $120,277        $123,141        $116,733        $119,604   

Ratios to average net assets applicable to common shareholders:

         

Net expenses

    2.00%        1.92%        1.93%        2.07%        1.90%   

Gross expenses prior to expense reductions and earnings credits

    2.00%        1.92%        1.93%        2.07%        1.90%   

Net expenses, excluding interest expense

    1.63%        1.59%        1.57%        1.58%        1.46%   

Net investment income (loss)

    1.56%        1.78%        1.68%        2.04%        2.07%   

Portfolio turnover rate

    76%        95%        73%        47%        89%   

Average commission rate paid

    $0.0279        $0.0253        $0.0170        $0.0119        $0.0101   

Asset coverage per $1,000 of loan outstanding(c)

    $3,556        $3,455        $3,513        $3,847        $3,917   

 

* Net investment income allocated based on average shares method.

 

(a) Amount equated to less than $0.005 per common share.

 

(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock on the opening of the first day and a sale on the closing of the last day of the period reported. Dividends and distributions are assumed, for purposes of this calculation, to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year. Brokerage commissions are not reflected. NAV per share is determined by dividing the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities, cash and other assets, less all liabilities, by the total number of common shares outstanding. The common share market price is the price the market is willing to pay for shares of the Fund at a given time. Common share market price is influenced by a range of factors, including supply and demand and market conditions.

 

(c) Calculated by subtracting the Fund’s total liabilities (not including Notes payable) from the Fund’s total assets and dividing this by the amount of notes payable outstanding, and by multiplying the result by 1,000.

 

26   CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT  


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of Calamos Global Total Return Fund

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Calamos Global Total Return Fund (the “Fund”), including the schedule of investments, as of October 31, 2015, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2015, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Calamos Global Total Return Fund as of October 31, 2015, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

LOGO

Chicago, Illinois

December 16, 2015

 

  CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     27   


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Trustee Approval of the Management Agreement    (Unaudited)

 

 

The Board of Trustees of the Fund oversees the management of the Fund, and, as required by law, determines annually whether to continue the Fund’s management agreement with Calamos Advisors (the “Adviser”) pursuant to which the Adviser serves as the investment manager and administrator for the Fund. The “Independent Trustees,” who comprise more than 80% of the Board, have never been affiliated with the Adviser.

In connection with their most recent consideration regarding the continuation of the management agreement, the Trustees received and reviewed a substantial amount of information provided by the Adviser in response to detailed requests of the Independent Trustees and their independent legal counsel. In the course of their consideration of the agreement, the Independent Trustees were advised by their counsel and, in addition to meeting with management of the Adviser, they met separately in executive session with their counsel.

At a meeting held on July 16-17, 2015, based on their evaluation of the information referred to above and other information, the Trustees determined that the overall arrangements between the Fund and the Adviser were fair and reasonable in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and its affiliates, the fees charged for those services and other matters that the Trustees considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. At that meeting, the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the continuation of the management agreement through July 31, 2016, subject to possible earlier termination as provided in the agreement.

In connection with its consideration of the management agreement, the Board considered, among other things: (i) the nature, extent and quality of the Adviser’s services, (ii) the investment performance of the Fund as well as performance information for comparable funds and other comparable clients of the Adviser, (iii) the fees and other expenses paid by the Fund as well as expense information for comparable funds and for other, comparable clients of the Adviser, (iv) the profitability of the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Fund, (v) the extent to which economies of scale may apply, and (vi) other benefits to the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund. In the Board’s deliberations, no single factor was responsible for the Board’s decision to approve continuation of the management agreement, and each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services.  The Board’s consideration of the nature, extent and quality of the Adviser’s services to the Fund took into account the knowledge gained from the Board’s meetings with the Adviser throughout the years. In addition, the Board considered: the Adviser’s long-term history of managing the Fund; the consistency of investment approach; the background and experience of the Adviser’s investment personnel responsible for managing the Fund; and the Adviser’s performance as administrator of the Fund, including, among other things, in the areas of brokerage selection, trade execution, compliance and shareholder communications. The Board also reviewed the Adviser’s resources and key personnel involved in providing investment management services to the Fund. The Board noted the personal investments that the Adviser’s key investment personnel have made in the Fund, which further aligns the interests of the Adviser and its personnel with those of the Fund’s shareholders. In addition, the Board considered compliance reports about the Adviser from the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Board also considered the information provided by the Adviser regarding the Fund’s performance and the steps the Adviser is taking to improve performance. In particular, the Board noted the additional personnel added or planned to be added to the investment team, which includes portfolio managers, research analysts, research associates and risk management personnel. The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund were appropriate and consistent with the management agreements and that the Fund was likely to continue to benefit from services provided under its management agreement with the Adviser.

Investment Performance of the Fund.  The Board considered the Fund’s investment performance over various time periods, including how the Fund performed compared to the median performance of a group of comparable funds (the Fund’s “Category”) selected by Morningstar, an independent third party service provider (“Morningstar”). The performance periods considered by the Board generally ended on March 31, 2015. The Board considered one-year, three-year, five-year, and since-inception performance periods.

The Board considered that the Fund performed in the 20th percentile of its Category for the since-inception period ended June 30, 2015, though it underperformed its Category median for the one-, three- and five-year periods. The Board noted that the Fund’s Category consisted of only five other funds and that those funds use a greater amount of leverage and are managed differently, with low correlation in performance to that of the Fund. As a result, the Board considered the Adviser’s assertion that the Category is of limited comparative value. The Board reviewed recent changes to the Fund’s investment management team and considered that the Fund outperformed its Category median for the six-month period ended June 30, 2015.

 

28   CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT  


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Trustee Approval of the Management Agreement    (Unaudited)

 

 

For the reasons noted above, the Board concluded that continuation of the management agreement for the Fund was in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.

Costs of Services Provided and Profits Realized by the Adviser.  Using information provided by Morningstar, the Board evaluated the Fund’s actual management fee rate compared to the median management fee rate for other mutual funds similar in size, character and investment strategy (the Fund’s “Expense Group”), and the Fund’s total expense ratio compared to the median total expense ratio of the Fund’s Expense Group.

The Board considered that, while the Fund’s management fee rate is higher than the median of the Fund’s Expense Group, its total expense ratio, which reflects the total fees paid by an investor, is lower than the median.

The Board also reviewed the Adviser’s management fee rates for its institutional separate accounts and for its sub-advised funds (for which the Adviser provides portfolio management services only). The Board took into account the Adviser’s assertion that although, generally, the rates of fees paid by institutional clients were lower than the rates of fees paid by the Fund, the differences reflected the Adviser’s greater level of responsibilities and significantly broader scope of services regarding the Fund, the more extensive regulatory obligations and risks associated with managing the Fund, and other financial considerations with respect to the Fund.

The Board also considered the Adviser’s costs in serving as the Fund’s investment adviser and manager, including costs associated with technology, infrastructure and compliance necessary to manage the Fund. The Board reviewed the Adviser’s methodology for allocating costs among the Adviser’s lines of business. The Board also considered information regarding the structure of the Adviser’s compensation program for portfolio managers, analysts and certain other employees and the relationship of such compensation to the attraction and retention of quality personnel. Finally, the Board reviewed information on the profitability of the Adviser in serving as the Fund’s investment manager and of the Adviser and its affiliates in all of their relationships with the Fund, as well as an explanation of the methodology utilized in allocating various expenses among the Fund and the Adviser’s other business units. Data was provided to the Board with respect to profitability, both on a pre- and post-marketing cost basis. The Board also reviewed the annual report of the Adviser’s parent company and discussed its corporate structure.

After its review of all the matters addressed, including those outlined above, the Board concluded that the rate of management fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser, in light of the nature and quality of the services provided, was reasonable and in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders.

Economies of Scale and Fee Levels Reflecting Those Economies.  In reviewing the Fund’s fees and expenses, the Trustees examined the potential benefits of economies of scale and whether any economies of scale should be reflected in the Fund’s fee structure. They noted that the Fund is a closed-end fund, and has therefore had a relatively stable asset base since commencement of operations, and that there do not appear to have been any significant economies of scale realized since that time.

Other Benefits Derived from the Relationship with the Fund.  The Board considered other benefits that accrue to the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Fund. The Board concluded that while the Adviser may potentially benefit from its relationship with the Fund in ways other than the fees payable by the Fund, the Fund also may benefit from its relationship with the Adviser in ways other than the services to be provided by the Adviser and its affiliates pursuant to their agreement with the Fund and the fees payable by the Fund. The Board also considered the Adviser’s use of a portion of the commissions paid by the Fund on its portfolio brokerage transactions to obtain research products and services benefiting the Fund and/or other clients of the Adviser and concluded, based on reports from the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, that the Adviser’s use of “soft” commission dollars to obtain research products and services was consistent with regulatory requirements.

After full consideration of the above factors as well as other factors that were instructive in their consideration, the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the continuation of the management agreement with the Adviser was in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.

 

  CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     29   


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Tax Information    (Unaudited)

 

 

We are providing this information as required by the Internal Revenue Code (Code). The amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in this report due to differences between tax and financial reporting requirements. In February 2016, shareholders will receive Form 1099-DIV which will include their share of qualified dividends and capital gains distributed during the calendar year 2015. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their individual income tax returns.

Under Section 854(b)(2) of the Code, the Fund hereby designates $1,271,568 or the maximum amount allowable under the Code, as qualified dividends for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

Under Section 854(b)(2) of the Code, the Fund hereby designates 10.45% of the ordinary income dividends as income qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.

 

30   CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT  


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Trustees and Officers    (Unaudited)

 

 

The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Fund under the investment management agreement between the Fund and Calamos Advisors, is the responsibility of its board of trustees. Each trustee elected will hold office for the terms noted below or until such trustee’s earlier resignation, death or removal; however, each trustee who is not an interested person of the Fund shall retire as a trustee at the end of the calendar year in which the trustee attains the age of 75 years.

The following table sets forth each trustee’s name, age at October 31, 2015, position(s) with the Fund, number of portfolios in the Calamos Fund Complex overseen, principal occupation(s) during the past five years and other directorships held, and date first elected or appointed.

 

NAME AND AGE    POSITION(S) WITH FUND    PORTFOLIOS IN
FUND COMPLEX^
OVERSEEN
  

PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)

DURING THE PAST 5 YEARS

AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS

Trustees who are interested persons of the Fund:
John P. Calamos, Sr., 75*   

Trustee and President (since 2005)

Term Expires 2017

   27    Chairman, CEO, and Global Co-Chief Investment Officer, Calamos Asset Management, Inc. (“CAM”), Calamos Investments LLC (“CILLC”), Calamos Advisors LLC and its predecessor (“Calamos Advisors”) and Calamos Wealth Management LLC (“CWM”), and previously Chief Executive Officer, Calamos Financial Services LLC and its predecessor (“CFS”) (until 2013); Director, CAM
Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund:
John E. Neal, 65   

Trustee (since 2005)

Term Expires 2018

   27    Private investor; Director, Equity Residential Trust (publicly-owned REIT) and Creation Investment (private international microfinance company); Partner, Linden LLC (health care private equity)
William R. Rybak, 64   

Trustee (since 2005)

Term Expires 2017

   27    Private investor; Director, Christian Brothers Investment Services Inc. (since February 2010); Director, Private Bancorp (since December 2003); formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Van Kampen Investments, Inc. and subsidiaries (investment manager); Director, Howe Barnes Hoefer & Arnett (until March 2011); Trustee, JNL Series Trust, JNL Investors Series Trust and JNL Variable Fund LLC**; Trustee, Lewis University (since October 2012)
Stephen B. Timbers, 71   

Lead Independent Trustee (since 2005)

Term Expires 2016

   27    Private investor
David D. Tripple, 71   

Trustee (since 2006)

Term Expires 2018

   27    Private investor; Trustee, Century Growth Opportunities Fund (since 2010), Century Shares Trust and Century Small Cap Select Fund (since January 2004)***
Virginia G. Breen, 51   

Trustee (since 2015)

Term Expires 2016

   27    Trustee, Neuberger, Berman Fund Complex (since 2015)****; Trustee, Jones Lang LaSalle Income Property Trust (since 2004); Director, UBS A&Q Fund Complex (since 2008)*****; Partner, Chelsea Partners (since 2011) (advisory services); Director, Bank of America/US Trust Company (until 2015); General Partner, Sienna Ventures (until 2011); General Partner, Blue Rock Capital (until 2011) (venture capital fund)
Theresa A. Hamacher, 55   

Trustee (since 2015)

Term Expires 2016

   27    President, Versanture Consulting, LLC (since 2015); President, NICSA, Inc. (non-profit association for investment management industry participants) (until 2015)

 

* Mr. Calamos is an “interested person” of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act because he is an officer of the Trust and an affiliate of Calamos Advisors and CFS.

 

** Overseeing 104 portfolios in fund complex.

 

*** Overseeing three portfolios in fund complex.

 

**** Overseeing six portfolios in fund complex.

 

***** Overseeing eight portfolios in fund complex.

 

^ The Fund Complex consists of CALAMOS Investment Trust, CALAMOS Advisors Trust, CALAMOS ETF Trust, CALAMOS Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund, CALAMOS Convertible and High Income Fund, CALAMOS Strategic Total Return Fund, CALAMOS Global Total Return Fund, CALAMOS Global Dynamic Income Fund and CALAMOS Dynamic Convertible and Income Fund.

The address of each trustee is 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, Illinois 60563.

 

  CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     31   


Table of Contents

 

Trustees and Officers    (Unaudited)

 

 

Officers.  The preceding table gives information about John P. Calamos, Sr., who is President and CEO of the Fund. The following table sets forth each other officer’s name, age at October 31, 2015, position with the Fund and date first appointed to that position, and principal occupation(s) during the past five years. Each officer serves until his or her successor is chosen and qualified or until his or her resignation or removal by the board of trustees.

 

NAME AND AGE    POSITION(S) WITH FUND    PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
DURING THE PAST 5 YEARS
Nimish S. Bhatt, 52    Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (since 2007)    Senior Vice President (since 2004), Chief Financial Officer (since May 2011), Head of Fund Administration (since November 2011), CAM, CILLC, Calamos Advisors, CWM; Director, Calamos Global Funds plc (since 2007); prior thereto Director of Operations (2004-2011)
Curtis Holloway, 48   

Treasurer (since 2010), Prior thereto Assistant Treasurer

(2007-2010)

   Vice President, Fund Administration, (since 2013) Calamos Advisors; Vice President, Financial Operation Principal and Head of Fund Administration (since 2013), CFS; Treasurer of Calamos Investment Trust, Calamos Advisors Trust, CHI, CHY, CSQ, CGO and CHW (since June 2010); prior thereto Assistant Treasurer (2007-2010)
Robert Behan, 50    Vice President (since 2013)    President, (since 2015) Head of Global Distribution (since April 2013), CAM, CILLC, Calamos Advisors, and CFS; prior thereto Senior Vice President (2009-2013), Head of Global Distribution (March 2013-April 2013); prior thereto Head of US Intermediary Distribution (2010-2013); prior thereto Head of Strategic Partners Team (2010-2010); prior thereto National Accounts/Retirement Services (2009-2010); prior thereto Vice President, Director of Retirement Services (2008-2009)
J. Christopher Jackson, 64   

Vice President and Secretary

(since 2010)

   Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, CAM, CILLC, Calamos Advisors and CFS (since 2010); Director, Calamos Global Funds plc (since 2011); Director, Calamos Arista Strategic Master Fund Ltd. and Calamos Arista Strategic Fund Ltd. (since 2013); prior thereto Director, U.S. Head of Retail Legal and Co-Global Head of Retail Legal of Deutsche Bank AG (2006-2010);
Mark J. Mickey, 64   

Chief Compliance Officer

(since 2005)

   Chief Compliance Officer, Calamos Funds (since 2005)

The address of each officer is 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, Illinois 60563.

Results of Annual Meeting

The Fund held its annual meeting of shareholders on July 16, 2015. The purpose of the annual meeting was to elect two trustees to the Fund’s board of trustees for a three-year term, and two trustees to the Fund’s board of trustees for a one-year term, or until the trustee’s successor is duly elected and qualified, and to conduct any other lawful business of the Fund. Mr. John E. Neal and Mr. David D. Tripple were nominated for reelection as trustees, for a three-year term until the 2018 annual meeting or until his successor is duly elected and qualified Ms. Virginia G. Breen and Ms. Theresa A. Hamacher were nominated as new trustees, for a one-year term beginning July 20, 2015 until the 2016 annual meeting or until her successor is duly elected and qualitied and all were elected as such by a plurality vote as follows:

 

TRUSTEE NOMINEE    VOTES FOR        VOTES WITHHELD        BROKER NON-
VOTES AND ABSTENTIONS
 
Virginia G. Breen      7,515,587.800           157,648           0   
Theresa A. Hamacher      7,508,134.800           165,101           0   
John E. Neal      7,524,844.800           148,391           0   
David D. Tripple      7,504,351.800           168,884           0   

Messrs. Calamos, Marsh, Rybak, and Timbers’ terms of office as trustees continued after the meeting, though Mr. Marsh resigned from the board of trustees on July 18, 2015.

 

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Supplemental Information    (Unaudited)

 

 

Supplemental Information (Unaudited)

On September 22, 2015, the Board of Trustees of the Fund adopted an amendment to the Fund’s By-Laws to establish the courts of the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Fund, any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any trustee, officer or other employee of the Fund, any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act or the Fund’s Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust or By-Laws, any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the Fund’s Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust or By-Laws or any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. The text of the amendment to the Fund’s By-Laws is set forth below. A copy of the Fund’s By-Laws shall be filed as an exhibit to the Fund’s Annual Report on Form N-SAR, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about December 30, 2015.

*    *    *

ARTICLE 12

Forum for Adjudication of Disputes

Unless the Trust consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Trust, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any Trustee, officer or other employee of the Trust to the Trust or the Trust’s Shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act or the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust or these By-Laws, (iv) any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust or these By-Laws or (v) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware does not have jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware (each, a “Covered Action”). Any person purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of beneficial interest of the Trust shall be (i) deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article 12, and (ii) deemed to have waived any argument relating to the inconvenience of the forums referenced above in connection with any action or proceeding described in this Article 12.

If any Covered Action is filed in a court other than the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or the Superior Court of the State of Delaware (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any Shareholder, such Shareholder shall be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the Superior Court of the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in any such courts to enforce the first paragraph of this Article 12 (an “Enforcement Action”) and (ii) having service of process made upon such Shareholder in any such Enforcement Action by service upon such Shareholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such Shareholder. Furthermore, except to the extent prohibited by any provision of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act or the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, if any Shareholder shall initiate or assert a Foreign Action without the written consent of the Trust, then each such Shareholder shall be obligated jointly and severally to reimburse the Trust and any officer or Trustee of the Trust made a party to such proceeding for all fees, costs and expenses of every kind and description (including, but not limited to, all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other litigation expenses) that the parties may incur in connection with any successful motion to dismiss, stay or transfer such Foreign Action based upon non-compliance with this Article 12.

If any provision or provisions of this Article 12 shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any person or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provision(s) in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Article 12 (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence of this Article 12 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) and the application of such provision to other persons and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

  CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     33   


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About Closed-End Funds

 

 

What is a Closed-End Fund?

A closed-end fund is a publicly traded investment company that raises its initial investment capital through the issuance of a fixed number of shares to investors in a public offering. Shares of a closed-end fund are listed on a stock exchange or traded in the over-the-counter market. Like all investment companies, a closed-end fund is professionally managed and offers investors a unique investment solution based on its investment objective approved by the fund’s Board of Directors.

Potential Advantages of Closed-End Fund Investing

 

Defined Asset Pool Allows Efficient Portfolio Management—Although closed-end fund shares trade actively on a securities exchange, this doesn’t affect the closed-end fund manager because there are no new investors buying into or selling out of the fund’s portfolio.

 

 

More Flexibility in the Timing and Price of Trades—Investors can purchase and sell shares of closed-end funds throughout the trading day, just like the shares of other publicly traded securities.

 

 

Lower Expense Ratios—The expense ratios of closed-end funds are oftentimes less than those of mutual funds. Over time, a lower expense ratio could enhance investment performance.

 

 

Closed-End Structure Makes Sense for Less-Liquid Asset Classes—A closed-end structure makes sense for investors considering less-liquid asset classes, such as high-yield bonds or micro-cap stocks.

 

 

Ability to Put Leverage to Work—Closed-end funds may issue senior securities (such as preferred shares or debentures) or borrow money to “leverage” their investment positions.

 

 

No Minimum Investment Requirements

OPEN-END MUTUAL FUNDS VERSUS CLOSED-END FUNDS

 

OPEN-END FUND    CLOSED-END FUND
Issues new shares on an ongoing basis    Generally issues a fixed number of shares
Issues common equity shares    Can issue common equity shares and senior securities such as preferred shares and bonds
Sold at NAV plus any sales charge    Price determined by the marketplace
Sold through the fund’s distributor    Traded in the secondary market
Fund redeems shares at NAV calculated at the close of business day    Fund does not redeem shares
      

You can purchase or sell common shares of closed-end funds daily. Like any other stock, market price will fluctuate with the market. Upon sale, your shares may have a market price that is above or below net asset value and may be worth more or less than your original investment. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount, which is a market price that is below their net asset value.

Leverage creates risks which may adversely affect return, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of common shares and fluctuations in the variable rates of the leverage financing.

Each open-end or closed-end fund should be evaluated individually. Before investing carefully consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses.

 

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Level Rate Distribution Policy

 

 

Using a Level Rate Distribution Policy to Promote Dependable Income and Total Return

The goal of the level rate distribution policy is to provide investors a predictable, though not assured, level of cash flow, which can either serve as a stable income stream or, through reinvestment, may contribute significantly to long-term total return.

We understand the importance that investors place on the stability of dividends and their ability to contribute to long-term total return, which is why we have instituted a level rate distribution policy for the Fund. Under the policy, monthly distributions paid may include net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains and, if necessary, return of capital. In addition, a limited number of distributions per calendar year may include net realized long-term capital gains. There is no guarantee that the Fund will realize capital gains in any given year. Distributions are subject to re-characterization for tax purposes after the end of the fiscal year. All shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for distributions via Form 1099-DIV.

Distributions from the Fund are generally subject to Federal income taxes. For purposes of maintaining the level rate distribution policy, the Fund may realize short-term capital gains on securities that, if sold at a later date, would have resulted in long-term capital gains. Maintenance of a level rate distribution policy may increase transaction and tax costs associated with the Fund.

 

 

Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan

 

Maximizing Investment with an Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan

The Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan offers a simple, cost-efficient and convenient way to reinvest your dividends and capital gains distributions in additional shares of the Fund, allowing you to increase your investment in the Fund.

Potential Benefits

 

Compounded Growth: By automatically reinvesting with the Plan, you gain the potential to allow your dividends and capital gains to compound over time.

 

 

Potential for Lower Commission Costs: Additional shares are purchased in large blocks, with brokerage commissions shared among all plan participants. There is no cost to enroll in the Plan.

 

 

Convenience: After enrollment, the Plan is automatic and includes detailed statements for participants. Participants can terminate their enrollment at any time.

Pursuant to the Plan, unless a shareholder is ineligible or elects otherwise, all dividend and capital gains on common shares distributions are automatically reinvested by Computershare, as agent for shareholders in administering the Plan (“Plan Agent”), in additional common shares of the Fund. Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all dividends and distributions payable in cash paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record (or, if the shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee) by Plan Agent, as dividend paying agent. Shareholders may elect not to participate in the Plan and to receive all dividends and distributions in cash by sending written instructions to the Plan Agent, as dividend paying agent, at: Dividend Reinvestment Department, P.O. Box 358016, Pittsburgh, PA 15252. Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by giving notice in writing to the Plan Agent; such termination will be effective with respect to a particular dividend or distribution if notice is received prior to the record date for the applicable distribution.

The shares are acquired by the Plan Agent for the participant’s account either (i) through receipt of additional common shares from the Fund (“newly issued shares”) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding common shares on the

 

  CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT     35   


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Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan

 

 

open market (“open-market purchases”) on the NASDAQ or elsewhere. If, on the payment date, the net asset value per share of the common shares is equal to or less than the market price per common share plus estimated brokerage commissions (a “market premium”), the Plan Agent will receive newly issued shares from the Fund for each participant’s account. The number of newly issued common shares to be credited to the participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend or distribution by the greater of (i) the net asset value per common share on the payment date, or (ii) 95% of the market price per common share on the payment date.

If, on the payment date, the net asset value per common share exceeds the market price plus estimated brokerage commissions (a “market discount”), the Plan Agent has a limited period of time to invest the dividend or distribution amount in shares acquired in open-market purchases. The weighted average price (including brokerage commissions) of all common shares purchased by the Plan Agent as Plan Agent will be the price per common share allocable to each participant. If the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full dividend amount in open-market purchases during the purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Agent will cease making open-market purchases and will invest the uninvested portion of the dividend or distribution amount in newly issued shares at the close of business on the last purchase date.

The automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions will not relieve participants of any federal, state or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such dividends even though no cash is received by participants.

There are no brokerage charges with respect to shares issued directly by the Fund as a result of dividends or distributions payable either in shares or in cash. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent’s open-market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends or distributions. If a participant elects to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of his or her common shares and remit the proceeds, such participant will be charged his or her pro rata share of brokerage commissions on the shares sold, plus a $15 transaction fee. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants.

A participant may request the sale of all of the common shares held by the Plan Agent in his or her Plan account in order to terminate participation in the Plan. If such participant elects in advance of such termination to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of his shares, the Plan Agent is authorized to deduct from the proceeds a $15.00 fee plus the brokerage commissions incurred for the transaction. A participant may re-enroll in the Plan in limited circumstances.

The terms and conditions of the Plan may be amended by the Plan Agent or the Fund at any time upon notice as required by the Plan.

This discussion of the Plan is only summary, and is qualified in its entirety by the Terms and Conditions of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan filed as part of the Fund’s registration statement.

For additional information about the Plan, please contact the Plan Agent, Computershare, at 866.226.8016. If you wish to participate in the Plan and your shares are held in your own name, simply call the Plan Agent. If your shares are not held in your name, please contact your brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee to request that they participate in the Plan on your behalf. If your brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee is unable to participate on your behalf, you may request that your shares be re-registered in your own name.

We’re pleased to provide our shareholders with the additional benefit of the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan and hope that it may serve your financial plan.

 

36   CALAMOS GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN FUND ANNUAL REPORT  


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MANAGING YOUR CALAMOS FUNDS INVESTMENTS

Calamos Investments offers several convenient means to monitor, manage and feel confident about your Calamos investment choice.

 

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE: 800.582.6959

Dial this toll-free number to speak with a knowledgeable Client Services Representative who can help answer questions or address issues concerning your Calamos Fund.

 

YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR

We encourage you to talk to your financial advisor to determine how the Calamos Funds can benefit your investment portfolio based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, time horizon and income needs.

 

LOGO

 

STAY CONNECTED

www.calamos.com

Visit our Web site for timely fund performance, detailed fund profiles, fund news and insightful market commentary.

 

 


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A description of the Calamos Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and the Fund’s proxy voting record for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2015, are available free of charge upon request by calling 800.582.6959, by visiting the Calamos Web site at www.calamos.com, by writing Calamos at: Calamos Investments, Attn: Client Services, 2020 Calamos Court, Naperville, IL 60563. The Fund’s proxy voting record is also available free of charge by visiting the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov.

The Fund files its complete list of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters each fiscal year on Form N-Q . The Forms N-Q are available free of charge, upon request, by calling or writing Calamos Investments at the phone number or address provided above or by visiting the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. You may also review or, for a fee, copy the forms at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800.732.0330.

The Fund’s report to the SEC on Form N-CSR contains certifications by the fund’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act, relating to, among other things, the quality of the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.

FOR 24-HOUR AUTOMATED SHAREHOLDER ASSISTANCE: 866.226.8016

TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR INVESTMENTS: 800.582.6959

VISIT OUR WEB SITE: www.calamos.com

INVESTMENT ADVISER:

Calamos Advisors LLC

2020 Calamos Court

Naperville, IL 60563-2787

CUSTODIAN AND FUND ACCOUNTING AGENT:

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Boston, MA

TRANSFER AGENT:

Computershare

P.O. Box 30170

College Station, TX 77842-3170

866.226.8016

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM:

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Chicago, IL

LEGAL COUNSEL:

Ropes & Gray LLP

Chicago, IL

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOGO

2020 Calamos Court

Naperville, IL 60563-2787

800.582.6959

www.calamos.com

© 2015 Calamos investments LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Calamos® and Calamos Investments® are registered

trademarks of Calamos investments LLC.

CGOANR 2706 2015

 


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ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

(a) As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or person performing similar functions.

(b) No response required.

(c) The registrant has not amended its Code of Ethics as it relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in paragraph (b) of this Item 2 during the period covered by this report.

(d) The registrant has not granted a waiver or an implicit waiver from its Code of Ethics during the period covered by this report.

(e) Not applicable.

(f) (1) The registrant’s Code of Ethics is attached as an Exhibit hereto.

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

The registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that, for the period covered by the shareholder report presented in Item 1 hereto, it has six audit committee financial experts serving on its audit committee, each of whom is an independent Trustee for purpose of this N-CSR item: John E. Neal, William R. Rybak, Virginia G. Breen, Theresa Hamacher, Stephen B. Timbers and David D. Tripple. Under applicable securities laws, a person who is determined to be an audit committee financial expert will not be deemed an “expert” for any purpose, including without limitation for the purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial expert pursuant to this Item. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations and liabilities imposed on such person as a member of audit committee and board of directors in the absence of such designation or identification. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert pursuant to this Item does not affect the duties, obligations, or liabilities of any other member of the audit committee or board of directors.

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

 

Fiscal Years Ended

   10/31/2014      10/31/2015  

Audit Fees(a)

   $ 11,990       $ 12,170   

Audit-Related Fees(b)

   $ 9,683       $ 9,829   

Tax Fees(c)

   $ —         $ —     

All Other Fees(d)

   $ —         $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 21,673       $ 21,999   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) Audit Fees are the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.

(b) Audit-Related Fees are the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item 4.


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(c) Tax Fees are the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

(d) All Other Fees are the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant to the registrant, other than the services reported in paragraph (a)-(c) of this Item 4.

(e) (1) Registrant’s audit committee meets with the principal accountants and management to review and pre-approve all audit services to be provided by the principal accountants.

The audit committee shall pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided by the principal accountants to the registrant, including the fees and other compensation to be paid to the principal accountants; provided that the pre-approval of non-audit services is waived if (i) the services were not recognized by management at the time of the engagement as non-audit services,(ii) the aggregate fees for all non-audit services provided to the registrant are less than 5% of the total fees paid by the registrant to its principal accountants during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided, and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the audit committee by management and the audit committee approves them prior to the completion of the audit.

The audit committee shall pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided by the principal accountants to the investment adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant if the engagement relates directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant, including the fees and other compensation to be paid to the principal accountants; provided that pre-approval of non-audit services to the adviser or an affiliate of the adviser is not required if (i) the services were not recognized by management at the time of the engagement as non-audit services, (ii) the aggregate fees for all non-audit services provided to the adviser and all entities controlling, controlled by or under common control with the adviser are less than 5% of the total fees for non-audit services requiring pre-approval under paragraph (e)(1)of this Item 4 paid by the registrant, the adviser or its affiliates to the registrant’s principal accountants during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided, and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the audit committee by management and the audit committee approves them prior to the completion of the audit.

(e)(2) No percentage of the principal accountant’s fees or services described in each of paragraphs (b)-(d) of this Item were approved pursuant to the waiver provision paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

(f) No disclosures are required by this Item 4(f).


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(g) The following table presents the aggregate non-audit fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant and the aggregate non-audit fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for services rendered by the principal accountant to the investment adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common

control of the adviser.

 

Fiscal Years Ended

   10/31/2014      10/31/2015  

Registrant

   $ —         $ —     

Investment Adviser

   $ —         $ —     

(h) No disclosures are required by this Item 4(h).

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

The registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee. The members of the registrant’s audit committee are John E. Neal, William R. Rybak, Virginia G. Breen, Theresa Hamacher, Stephen B. Timbers, and David D. Tripple.

ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

Included in the Report to Shareholders in Item 1.

ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

The registrant has delegated authority to vote all proxies relating to the Fund’s portfolio securities to the Fund’s investment advisor, Calamos Advisors LLC (“Calamos Advisors”). The Calamos Advisors Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are included as an Exhibit hereto.

ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

(a)(1) As of the date of this filing, the registrant is led by a team of investment professionals. The Global Co-Chief Investment Officers and Co-Portfolio Managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of the registrant’s portfolio:

During the past five years, John P. Calamos, Sr. has been President and Trustee of the Trust and Chairman, CEO and Global Co-CIO of CALAMOS ADVISORS and its predecessor company. Nick Niziolek joined CALAMOS ADVISORS in March 2005 and has been a Co-CIO, Head of International and Global Strategies, as well as a Senior Co-Portfolio Manager, since September 2015. Between August 2013 and September 2015, he was a Co-Portfolio Manager, Co-Head of Research. Between March 2013 and August 2013 he was a Co-Portfolio Manager. Between March 2005 and March 2013 he was a senior strategy analyst. Jon Vacko joined CALAMOS ADVISORS in 2000 and has been a Co-Portfolio Manager, Co-Head of Research since August 2013. Previously, he was a Co-Head of Research and Investments from July 2010 to August 2013, prior thereto he was a senior strategy analyst between July 2002 and July 2010. Dennis Cogan joined CALAMOS ADVISORS in March 2005 and since March 2013 is a Co-Portfolio Manager. Between March 2005 and March 2013 he was a senior strategy analyst. John Hillenbrand joined CALAMOS ADVISORS in 2002 and since September 2015 is a Co-CIO, Head of Multi-Asset Strategies and Co-Head of Convertible Strategies, as well as a Senior Co-Portfolio Manager. From March 2013 to September 2015 he was a Co-Portfolio Manager. Between August 2002 and March 2013 he was a senior strategy analyst. Jeremy Hughes joined CALAMOS ADVISORS in June 2013 as a Co-Portfolio Manager. Prior thereto, Mr. Hughes was a Vice President and Senior High Yield Portfolio Manager at Aviva Investors since 2008. Christopher Langs joined CALAMOS ADVISORS in June 2013 as a Co-Portfolio Manager. Prior thereto, Mr. Langs was a Vice President and Senior High Yield Portfolio Manager at Aviva Investors since 2006. Eli Pars joined CALAMOS ADVISORS in May 2013 and has been Co-CIO, Head of Alternative Strategies and Co-Head of Convertible Strategies, as well as a Senior Co-Portfolio Manager, since September 2015. Between May 2013 and September 2015, he was a Co-Portfolio Manager. Previously, he was a Portfolio Manager at Chicago Fundamental Investment Partners from February 2009 until November 2012. Prior thereto, Mr. Pars was President at Mulligan Partners LLC from October 2006 until February 2009. David Kalis joined CALAMOS ADVISORS in February 2013 and has been a Co-CIO, Head of U.S. Growth Equity Strategies, as well as a Senior Co-Portfolio Manager, since September 2015. Between March 2013 and September 2015 he was a Co-Portfolio Manager. Previously, he was a Managing Partner at Charis Capital Management LLC from 2010 until 2013. Prior thereto, Mr. Kalis was Senior Vice President, Institutional Asset Management Group at Northern Trust Global Investments from 2006 to 2009.

(a)(2) The portfolio managers also have responsibility for the day-to-day management of accounts other than the registrant. Information regarding these other accounts is set forth below.


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Other Accounts Managed and Assets by Account Type as of October 31, 2015

 

     Registered      Other Pooled                
     Investment      Investment      Other  
     Companies      Vehicles      Accounts  
     Accounts      Assets      Accounts      Assets      Accounts      Assets  

John P. Calamos Sr.

     29         20,465,479,064         9         827,819,239         1,813         1,731,981,241   

John Hillenbrand

     25         16,554,424,319         9         827,819,239         1,813         1,731,981,241   

Jon Vacko

     25         16,554,424,319         9         827,819,239         1,813         1,731,981,241   

Eli Pars

     21         17,396,048,845         5         530,797,218         1,813         1,731,981,241   

David Kalis

     18         14,032,695,797         7         702,488,609         1,813         1,731,981,241   

Dennis Cogan

     14         9,671,426,597         7         711,785,000         1,813         1,731,981,241   

Nick Niziolek

     14         9,671,426,597         7         711,785,000         1,813         1,731,981,241   

Jeremy Hughes

     8         6,837,229,144         1         12,239,755         0           

Christopher Langs

     8         6,837,229,144         1         12,239,755         0           

Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is Performance Based as of October 31, 2015

 

     Registered      Other Pooled                
     Investment      Investment      Other  
     Companies      Vehicles      Accounts  
     Accounts      Assets      Accounts      Assets      Accounts      Assets  

John P. Calamos Sr.

     2         799,806,374         0                 0           

John Hillenbrand

     2         799,806,374         0                 0           

Jon Vacko

     2         799,806,374         0                 0           

Eli Pars

     2         799,806,374         0                 0           

David Kalis

     1         192,390,005         0                 0           

Dennis Cogan

     2         799,806,374         0                 0           

Nick Niziolek

     2         799,806,374         0                 0           

Jeremy Hughes

     0                 0                 0           

Christopher Langs

     0                 0                 0           


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(a)(2) Other than potential conflicts between investment strategies, the side-by-side management of both the Funds and other accounts may raise potential conflicts of interest due to the interest held by Calamos Advisors in an account and certain trading practices used by the portfolio managers (e.g., cross trades between a Fund and another account and allocation of aggregated trades). Calamos Advisors has developed policies and procedures reasonably designed to mitigate those conflicts. For example, Calamos Advisors will only place cross-trades in securities held by the Funds in accordance with the rules promulgated under the 1940 Act and has adopted policies designed to ensure the fair allocation of securities purchased on an aggregated basis. The allocation methodology employed by Calamos Advisors varies depending on the type of securities sought to be bought or sold and the type of client or group of clients. Generally, however, orders are placed first for those clients that have given Calamos Advisors brokerage discretion (including the ability to step out a portion of trades), and then to clients that have directed Calamos Advisors to execute trades through a specific broker. However, if the directed broker allows Calamos Advisors to execute with other brokerage firms, which then book the transaction directly with the directed broker, the order will be placed as if the client had given Calamos Advisors full brokerage discretion. Calamos Advisors and its affiliates frequently use a “rotational” method of placing and aggregating client orders and will build and fill a position for a designated client or group of clients before placing orders for other clients.

A client account may not receive an allocation of an order if: (a) the client would receive an unmarketable amount of securities based on account size; (b) the client has precluded Calamos Advisors from using a particular broker; (c) the cash balance in the client account will be insufficient to pay for the securities allocated to it at settlement; (d) current portfolio attributes make an allocation inappropriate; and (e) account specific guidelines, objectives and other account specific factors make an allocation inappropriate. Allocation methodology may be modified when strict adherence to the usual allocation is impractical or leads to inefficient or undesirable results. Calamos Advisors’ head trader must approve each instance that the usual allocation methodology is not followed and provide a reasonable basis for such instances and all modifications must be reported in writing to the Calamos Advisors’ Chief Compliance Officer on a monthly basis.

Investment opportunities for which there is limited availability generally are allocated among participating client accounts pursuant to an objective methodology (i.e., either on a pro rata basis or using a rotational method, as described above). However, in some instances, Calamos Advisors may consider subjective elements in attempting to allocate a trade, in which case a Fund may not participate, or may participate to a lesser degree than other clients, in the allocation of an investment opportunity. In considering subjective criteria when allocating trades, Calamos Advisors is bound by its fiduciary duty to its clients to treat all client accounts fairly and equitably.

The Co-Portfolio Managers advise certain accounts under a performance fee arrangement. A performance fee arrangement may create an incentive for a Co-Portfolio Manager to make investments that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of performance fees. A performance fee arrangement may result in increased compensation to the Co-Portfolio Managers from such accounts due to unrealized appreciation as well as realized gains in the client’s account.

(a)(3) As of October 31, 2015, John P. Calamos, Sr. our Global Co-CIO, receives all of his compensation from Calamos Advisors. He has entered into an employment agreement that provides for compensation in the form of an annual base salary and a target bonus, both components payable in cash. Their target bonus is set at a percentage of the respective base salary. Similarly, there is a target for Long-Term Incentive (“LTI”) awards and that target is also set at a percentage of the respective base salaries.

As of October 31, 2015, Jon Vacko, John Hillenbrand, Eli Pars, Jeremy Hughes, Christopher Langs, Dennis Cogan, David Kalis and Nick Niziolek receive all of their compensation from Calamos Advisors. They each receive compensation in the form of an annual base salary, a discretionary bonus (payable in cash) and LTI awards. Each of these individuals has a bonus range of opportunity which is expressed as a percentage of base salary. Each of these individuals is also eligible for discretionary LTI awards based on individual and collective performance, however these awards are not guaranteed from year to year. LTI awards consist of restricted stock units or a combination of restricted stock units and stock options.

The amounts paid to all portfolio managers and the criteria utilized to determine the amounts are benchmarked against industry specific data provided by third party analytical agencies. The portfolio managers’ compensation structure does not differentiate between the Funds and other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and is determined on an overall basis, taking into consideration annually the performance of the various strategies managed by the portfolio managers. Portfolio performance, as measured by risk-adjusted portfolio performance, is utilized to determine the target bonus, as well as overall performance of Calamos Advisors. All portfolio managers are eligible to receive annual equity awards in shares of Calamos Asset Management, Inc. under an incentive compensation plan.

Historically, the annual equity awards granted under the incentive compensation plan have been comprised of stock options and restricted stock units which vest over periods of time. Unless terminated early, the stock options have a ten-year term. Grants of restricted stock units and stock options must generally be approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Calamos Asset Management, Inc.

The compensation structure described above is also impacted by additional corporate objectives set by the Board of Directors of Calamos Asset Management, Inc., which for 2015 included investment performance, as measured annually by risk-adjusted performance of the investment strategies managed by Calamos Advisors over a blended short- and long-term measurement period; distribution effectiveness, as measured by redemption rates and net sales in products that are open to new investors; and financial performance, as measured by operating earnings and margin.


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(a)(4) As of October 31, 2015, the end of the registrant’s most recently completed fiscal year, the dollar range of securities beneficially owned by each portfolio manager in the registrant is shown below:

 

Portfolio Manager    Registrant

John P. Calamos Sr.

   Over $1,000,000

Dave Kalis

   None

Dennis Cogan

   None

Nick Niziolek

   None

John Hillenbrand

   None

Jeremy Hughes

   $10,001-$50,000

Eli Pars

   None

Chris Langs

   None

Jon Vacko

   None

(b) Not applicable.

ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

No material changes.

ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of that date, in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and timely reported.

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

ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.

(a)(1) Code of Ethics

(a)(2)(i) Certification of Principal Executive Officer.

(a)(2)(ii) Certification of Principal Financial Officer.

(a)(2)(iii) Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.


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SIGNATURES

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

 

Calamos Global Total Return Fund
By:  /s/  John P. Calamos, Sr.        
Name:     John P. Calamos, Sr.

Title:

    Principal Executive Officer

Date:

    December 22, 2015
By:  /s/  Nimish S. Bhatt         
Name:     Nimish S. Bhatt

Title:

    Principal Financial Officer

Date:

    December 22, 2015

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

 

By:   /s/  John P. Calamos, Sr.         
Name:     John P. Calamos, Sr.

Title:

    Principal Executive Officer

Date:

    December 22, 2015
By:  /s/  Nimish S. Bhatt         
Name:     Nimish S. Bhatt

Title:

    Principal Financial Officer

Date:

    December 22, 2015