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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 811-21380
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
301 E. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 720
Pasadena,CA 91101
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Donald F. Crumrine
Flaherty & Crumrine Incorporated
301 E. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 720
Pasadena,CA 91101
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(Name and address of agent for service)
registrant's telephone number, including area code: 626-795-7300
Date of fiscal year end: November 30
Date of reporting period: May 31, 2011
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with
the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of
any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may
use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review,
inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR,
and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not
required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR
unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget
("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the
information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the
burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE,
Washington, DC 20549. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under
the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. Section 3507.
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ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.
FLAHERTY & CRUMRINE/CLAYMORE TOTAL RETURN FUND
To the Shareholders of Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund:
During the three month period ending May 31, 2011, the Fund's total return
on net asset value was +5.2%. Over the first half of fiscal 2011 the return on
NAV was +11.3%. The table below presents these and other performance measures of
interest to investors.
TOTAL RETURN ON NET ASSET VALUE
FOR PERIODS ENDED MAY 31, 2011
ACTUAL RETURNS AVERAGE ANNUALIZED RETURNS
--------------------- --------------------------
THREE SIX ONE THREE FIVE LIFE OF
MONTHS MONTHS YEAR YEARS YEARS FUND(1)
------ ------ ---- ----- ----- ---------
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total
Return Fund ............................ 5.2% 11.3% 31.1% 15.7% 7.0% 6.4%
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index(2) 2.6% 1.9% 5.8% 6.5% 6.6% 5.4%
S&P 500 Index(3) ....................... 1.8% 15.0% 26.0% 0.9% 3.3% 6.0%
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(1) Since inception on August 26, 2003.
(2) The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index represents securities that are
SEC-registered, taxable, and dollar denominated. The index covers the U.S.
investment grade fixed rate bond market, with index components for
government and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities, and
asset-backed securities. It is generally considered to be representative of
the domestic, investment-grade, fixed-rate, taxable bond market. Unless
otherwise noted, index returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends and
capital gains, if any, but do not reflect fees, brokerage commissions or
other expenses of investing. This index was formerly known as the Lehman
Brothers U.S. Aggregate Index.
(3) The S&P 500 is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 common stocks. The
index is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy
through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing
all major industries.
Current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted past performance,
which cannot guarantee future results. In addition, NAV performance will vary
from market price performance, and you may have a taxable gain or loss when you
sell your shares.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we reprise our caution of the
past few letters: returns of this magnitude are unlikely to be repeated. The
market for preferred securities has had a nice run recovering from the depths of
the financial crisis in early 2009. Prices on many securities are now at or
above levels of three years ago, and we view the overall preferred market as
fairly priced relative to other broad asset classes.
Of course, this does not mean all individual securities are perfectly
valued. Pricing inefficiencies are an endearing part of the preferred market,
and it is unlikely this will change. Part of our job is to identify and take
advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. Our credit analysis and
security selection, as well as effective management of leverage, have been at
the heart of the Fund's excellent performance.
Financial markets are still facing some major uncertainties. First and
foremost, the economic outlook is as cloudy as ever. European leaders are
dealing with the Greek debt crisis, and other sovereign credit problems are
lurking in the background. Private sector debt shrunk during the financial
crisis; now it's the public sector's turn, and it is far from clear how that
will play out. Effects of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami
are still being felt and likely will take years to resolve fully. The housing
market remains an albatross around the neck of the U.S. economy (among others).
And worldwide, financial regulators have yet to fully articulate a new set of
rules for bank capital and regulation.
We see both risk and opportunity in these uncertainties. As always, we will
do our best to minimize the risk and capitalize on the opportunities.
In the discussion topics that follow, we present a more detailed review of
the Fund's performance, as well as further discussion on several topics
mentioned above. As always, we encourage you to visit www.fcclaymore.com to read
our Quarterly Economic Update, as well as more detailed discussion of the
wonderful world of preferred securities.
Sincerely,
-s- Donald F. Crumrine -s- Robert M. Ettinger
------------------------------- -------------------------------
Donald F. Crumrine Robert M. Ettinger
Chairman President
July 8, 2011
2
DISCUSSION TOPICS
THE FUND'S PORTFOLIO RESULTS AND COMPONENTS OF TOTAL RETURN ON NET ASSET VALUE
(NAV)
The table below reflects performance of each investment technique available
for use by the Fund to achieve its objective, namely: (a) investing in a
portfolio of securities; (b) possibly hedging that portfolio of securities
against significant increases in long-term interest rates (see the following
discussion on the status of the Fund's interest-rate hedging strategy); and (c)
utilizing leverage to enhance returns to shareholders. Next, we compute the
impact of the Fund's operating expenses. All of the parts are summed to
determine total return on the Fund's NAV.
COMPONENTS OF FLC'S TOTAL RETURN ON NAV
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 2011
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months(*)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return on Unleveraged Securities Portfolio (including principal and income)... +8.2%
Return from Interest Rate Hedging Strategy ......................................... N/A
Impact of Leverage (including leverage expense) .................................... +3.8%
Expenses (excluding leverage expense) .............................................. -0.7%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return on NAV ............................................................... +11.3%
--------------------
(*) Actual, not annualized.
Over the first half of fiscal 2011, the Fund's investment portfolio has
continued to perform well, both absolutely and relative to various sectors of
the preferred market as measured by the various Bank of America Merrill Lynch
preferred market indices shown in the table below. During this recent six month
period, only the Bank of America Merrill Lynch adjustable-rate preferred index,
reflecting just 2% of the total preferred market, earned a comparable return to
that of the Fund's portfolio (the first row of the above table).
TOTAL RETURNS OF BANK OF AMERICA MERRILL LYNCH PREFERRED SECURITIES INDICES(*)
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 2011
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Six Months
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BofA Merrill Lynch 8% Capped DRD Preferred Stock Index(SM) ................ +6.0%
BofA Merrill Lynch 8% Capped Hybrid Preferred Securities Index(SM) ........ +5.1%
BofA Merrill Lynch 8% Capped Corporate U.S. Capital Securities Index(SM)... +6.2%
BofA Merrill Lynch Adjustable Preferred Stock, 7% Constrained Index(SM).... +8.1%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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(*) The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 8% Capped DRD Preferred Stock Index(SM)
includes investment grade preferred securities issued by both corporations
and government agencies that qualify for the corporate dividend received
deduction with issuer concentration capped at a maximum of 8%. The Bank of
America Merrill Lynch 8% Capped Hybrid Preferred Securities Index(SM)
includes taxable, fixed-rate, U.S. dollar-denominated investment-grade,
preferred securities listed on a U.S. exchange with issuer concentration
capped at 8%. The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 8% Capped Corporate U.S.
Capital Securities Index(SM) includes investment grade fixed rate or
fixed-to-floating rate $1,000 par securities that receive some degree of
equity credit from the rating agencies or their regulators with issuer
concentration capped at a maximum of 8%. The Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Adjustable Preferred Stock, 7% Constrained Index(SM) includes adjustable
rate preferred securities issued by U.S. corporations and government
agencies with issuer concentration capped at a maximum of 7%. All index
returns include interest and dividend income, and, unlike the Fund's
returns, are unmanaged and do not reflect any expenses.
3
The Fund's six-month NAV performance (positive 11.3%) demonstrates
continued success of the strategy of using leverage to enhance return on the
Fund's portfolio sufficiently to absorb its expenses and permit the NAV of the
Fund to still outperform all of the unleveraged preferred market indices.
TOTAL RETURN ON MARKET PRICE OF FUND SHARES
While our focus continues to be on managing the Fund's investment
portfolio, an investor's actual return is comprised of monthly dividend payments
plus changes in the market price of Fund shares. Even following the strong
results over recent years, the market price of Fund shares continued to perform
well during the current fiscal year-to-date, producing a total return of +13.5%
through May 31st.
In a perfect world, the market price of Fund shares would track the Fund's
NAV. As can be seen from the graph below, this often is not the case. Since the
Fund's inception, its market price has generally been moderately below its NAV
(in market parlance, "trading at a discount"), and dropped well below the
underlying value of each Fund share during the depths of the recent financial
crisis. However, more recently the market price has traded more in line with the
underlying value of the Fund's shares, and currently is trading at a premium to
NAV. Because the Fund's premium to NAV expanded slightly over the current fiscal
year-to-date, the total return earned on its market price exceeded the total
return on NAV.
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund (FLC)
Premium/Discount of Market Price to NAV through 06/30/2011
8/29/03 0.0491
9/5/03 0.0477
9/12/03 0.0408
9/19/03 0.0362
9/26/03 0.0249
10/3/03 0.0275
10/10/03 0.0305
10/17/03 0.0428
10/24/03 0.0377
10/31/03 0.0466
11/7/03 0.0678
11/14/03 0.0453
11/21/03 0.0482
11/28/03 0.0341
12/5/03 0.036
12/12/03 0.0365
12/19/03 0.0287
4
12/26/03 0.0477
1/2/04 0.0444
1/9/04 0.0373
1/16/04 0.064
1/23/04 0.0465
1/30/04 0.0467
2/6/04 0.0647
2/13/04 0.0581
2/20/04 0.0597
2/27/04 0.0461
3/5/04 0.0312
3/12/04 0.0487
3/19/04 0.0486
3/26/04 0.0444
4/2/04 0.066
4/9/04 0.0363
4/16/04 0.0107
4/23/04 0.0017
4/30/04 -0.0325
5/7/04 -0.0729
5/14/04 -0.033
5/21/04 -0.0305
5/28/04 0.0017
6/4/04 0.0034
6/11/04 -0.0056
6/18/04 0.006
6/25/04 -0.031
7/2/04 0.0039
7/9/04 0.0009
7/16/04 -0.0191
7/23/04 -0.027
7/30/04 -0.0253
8/6/04 0.0077
8/13/04 -0.0072
8/20/04 -0.006
8/27/04 -0.0085
9/3/04 0.0115
9/10/04 -0.0021
9/17/04 0.0188
9/24/04 -0.0195
10/1/04 -0.0063
10/8/04 -0.0117
10/15/04 -0.0004
10/22/04 0.0198
10/29/04 0.021
11/5/04 0.0244
11/12/04 0.0055
11/19/04 0.0147
11/26/04 0.0214
12/3/04 0.0228
12/10/04 0.0163
12/17/04 0.0266
12/24/04 0.0197
12/31/04 0.0299
1/7/05 0.025
1/14/05 0.0145
1/21/05 0.0066
1/28/05 0.0004
2/4/05 0.0053
2/11/05 -0.0037
2/18/05 -0.0353
2/25/05 -0.028
3/4/05 -0.0291
3/11/05 -0.0379
3/18/05 -0.071
3/25/05 -0.0939
4/1/05 -0.0907
4/8/05 -0.0967
4/15/05 -0.0987
4/22/05 -0.0953
4/29/05 -0.0873
5/6/05 -0.0793
5/13/05 -0.0827
5/20/05 -0.0736
5/27/05 -0.0716
6/3/05 -0.0771
6/10/05 -0.0655
6/17/05 -0.0603
6/24/05 -0.0781
7/1/05 -0.0642
7/8/05 -0.0601
7/15/05 -0.0559
7/22/05 -0.0757
7/29/05 -0.0632
8/5/05 -0.0678
8/12/05 -0.0767
8/19/05 -0.0696
8/26/05 -0.0712
9/2/05 -0.0618
9/9/05 -0.0463
9/16/05 -0.0531
9/23/05 -0.0571
9/30/05 -0.0983
10/7/05 -0.0971
10/14/05 -0.1032
10/21/05 -0.098
10/28/05 -0.0873
11/4/05 -0.0888
11/11/05 -0.0945
11/18/05 -0.1144
11/25/05 -0.1089
12/2/05 -0.1157
12/9/05 -0.1334
12/16/05 -0.1596
12/23/05 -0.1469
12/30/05 -0.1518
1/6/06 -0.1196
1/13/06 -0.1079
1/20/06 -0.0947
1/27/06 -0.0955
2/3/06 -0.0971
2/10/06 -0.0855
2/17/06 -0.0899
2/24/06 -0.0885
3/3/06 -0.0764
3/10/06 -0.1242
3/17/06 -0.1178
3/24/06 -0.101
3/31/06 -0.116
4/7/06 -0.1166
4/14/06 -0.1465
4/21/06 -0.128
4/28/06 -0.1231
5/5/06 -0.1334
5/12/06 -0.1309
5/19/06 -0.133
5/26/06 -0.1255
6/2/06 -0.1116
6/9/06 -0.1114
6/16/06 -0.105
6/23/06 -0.1089
6/30/06 -0.1281
7/7/06 -0.1323
7/14/06 -0.1218
7/21/06 -0.1132
7/28/06 -0.1023
8/4/06 -0.0895
8/11/06 -0.0695
8/18/06 -0.0806
8/25/06 -0.0899
9/1/06 -0.086
9/8/06 -0.0885
9/15/06 -0.0804
9/22/06 -0.1009
9/29/06 -0.1069
10/6/06 -0.0895
10/13/06 -0.0844
10/20/06 -0.0833
10/27/06 -0.078
11/3/06 -0.0929
11/10/06 -0.0871
11/17/06 -0.0843
11/24/06 -0.0719
12/1/06 -0.0567
12/8/06 -0.0522
12/15/06 -0.0437
12/22/06 -0.0543
12/29/06 -0.0657
1/5/07 -0.0532
1/12/07 -0.0521
1/19/07 -0.0564
1/26/07 -0.0533
2/2/07 -0.0555
2/9/07 -0.0533
2/16/07 -0.0716
2/23/07 -0.0693
3/2/07 -0.0747
3/9/07 -0.0692
3/16/07 -0.0684
3/23/07 -0.0231
3/30/07 -0.0227
4/5/07 -0.0206
4/13/07 -0.0224
4/20/07 -0.0429
4/27/07 -0.0521
5/4/07 -0.0587
5/11/07 -0.0623
5/18/07 -0.0527
5/25/07 -0.0786
6/1/07 -0.0664
6/8/07 -0.0754
6/15/07 -0.0802
6/22/07 -0.095
6/29/07 -0.0832
7/6/07 -0.0876
7/13/07 -0.0852
7/20/07 -0.0971
7/27/07 -0.0937
8/3/07 -0.1017
8/10/07 -0.1121
8/17/07 -0.136
8/24/07 -0.1229
8/31/07 -0.113
9/7/07 -0.1049
9/14/07 -0.0859
9/21/07 -0.097
9/28/07 -0.1197
10/5/07 -0.1154
10/12/07 -0.1296
10/19/07 -0.1425
10/26/07 -0.1238
11/2/07 -0.1273
11/9/07 -0.1368
11/16/07 -0.1477
11/23/07 -0.1539
11/30/07 -0.1375
12/7/07 -0.1195
12/14/07 -0.1185
12/21/07 -0.1169
12/28/07 -0.1122
1/4/08 -0.1142
1/11/08 -0.0879
1/18/08 -0.094
1/25/08 -0.0648
2/1/08 -0.0759
2/8/08 -0.0619
2/15/08 -0.0726
2/22/08 -0.0705
2/29/08 -0.0751
3/7/08 -0.0458
3/14/08 -0.0714
3/20/08 -0.0873
3/28/08 -0.0914
4/4/08 -0.1074
4/11/08 -0.1037
4/18/08 -0.0941
4/25/08 -0.061
5/2/08 -0.0851
5/9/08 -0.0867
5/16/08 -0.0727
5/23/08 -0.0717
5/30/08 -0.066
6/6/08 -0.0767
6/13/08 -0.0598
6/20/08 -0.0816
6/27/08 -0.0842
6/30/08 -0.0696
7/3/08 -0.1145
7/11/08 -0.0909
7/18/08 -0.0841
7/25/08 -0.1027
8/1/08 -0.1127
8/8/08 -0.1128
8/15/08 -0.1061
8/22/08 -0.1044
8/29/08 -0.1139
9/5/08 -0.1186
9/12/08 -0.0953
9/19/08 -0.1644
9/26/08 -0.2156
10/3/08 -0.2808
10/10/08 -0.5297
10/17/08 -0.2229
10/24/08 -0.2394
10/31/08 -0.0733
11/7/08 -0.1705
11/14/08 -0.2197
11/21/08 -0.3503
11/28/08 -0.1911
12/5/08 -0.2959
12/12/08 -0.2721
12/19/08 -0.2035
12/26/08 -0.1712
12/31/08 -0.1544
1/2/09 -0.0972
1/9/09 -0.1273
1/16/09 -0.143
1/23/09 -0.0941
1/30/09 -0.0615
2/6/09 -0.0658
2/13/09 -0.0867
2/20/09 -0.1449
2/27/09 -0.1158
3/6/09 -0.2896
3/13/09 -0.1444
3/20/09 -0.2222
3/27/09 -0.1461
3/31/09 -0.1646
4/3/09 -0.1241
4/9/09 -0.1212
4/17/09 -0.0824
4/24/09 -0.1102
5/1/09 -0.0956
5/8/09 -0.1166
5/15/09 -0.1328
5/22/09 -0.0954
5/29/09 -0.128
6/5/09 -0.0766
6/12/09 -0.0618
6/19/09 -0.0847
6/26/09 -0.0794
6/30/09 -0.0633
7/2/09 -0.0824
7/10/09 -0.0962
7/17/09 -0.008
7/24/09 -0.0351
7/31/09 -0.0955
8/7/09 -0.0424
8/14/09 -0.0579
8/21/09 -0.0495
8/28/09 -0.0984
8/31/09 -0.0926
9/4/09 -0.0762
9/11/09 -0.0755
9/18/09 -0.039
9/25/09 -0.0711
9/30/09 -0.0556
10/2/09 -0.0663
10/9/09 -0.0392
10/16/09 -0.0538
10/23/09 -0.0674
10/30/09 -0.1024
11/6/09 -0.0744
11/13/09 -0.0792
11/20/09 -0.0973
11/27/09 -0.0849
11/30/09 -0.089
12/4/09 -0.0752
12/11/09 -0.0565
12/18/09 -0.0474
12/24/09 -0.0156
12/31/09 -0.0301
1/8/10 -0.0333
1/15/10 -0.0385
1/22/10 -0.0266
1/29/10 -0.0419
2/5/10 -0.0252
2/12/10 -0.0292
2/19/10 0.0091
2/26/10 0.0154
3/5/10 0.016
3/12/10 0.0088
3/19/10 0.0181
3/26/10 0.0037
3/31/10 -0.0105
4/1/10 0.0031
4/9/10 -0.0091
4/16/10 -0.0409
4/23/10 -0.018
4/30/10 0.0217
5/7/10 -0.0482
5/14/10 0.0087
5/21/10 0.0051
5/28/10 0.0245
6/4/10 0.0128
6/11/10 0.0586
6/18/10 0.0629
6/25/10 0.0537
6/30/10 0.0538
7/2/10 0.0285
7/9/10 0.063
7/16/10 0.0186
7/23/10 0.0591
7/30/10 0.0621
8/6/10 0.0715
8/13/10 0.0478
8/20/10 0.0285
8/27/10 0.0309
8/31/10 0.0165
9/3/10 0.0284
9/10/10 0.0506
9/17/10 0.0524
9/24/10 0.0383
9/30/10 0.0346
10/8/10 0.0354
10/15/10 0.0334
10/22/10 0.0253
10/29/10 0.0085
11/5/10 0.0176
11/12/10 -0.0051
11/19/10 0.0034
11/26/10 0.012
11/30/10 0.0212
12/3/10 0.0058
12/10/10 -0.0253
12/17/10 -0.0012
12/23/10 0.0146
12/31/10 -0.0103
1/7/11 -0.0189
1/14/11 -0.021
1/21/11 -0.016
1/28/11 -0.0125
1/31/11 -0.0085
2/4/11 -0.0057
2/11/11 -0.0062
2/18/11 0
2/25/11 -0.0106
2/28/11 -0.0083
3/4/11 0.0033
3/11/11 0.0088
3/18/11 0.0122
3/25/11 0.0189
3/31/11 0.0161
4/1/11 0.0078
4/8/11 0.0127
4/15/11 0.0192
4/21/11 0.0204
4/29/11 0.0109
5/6/11 0.0157
5/13/11 0.052
5/20/11 0.0589
5/27/11 0.0426
5/31/11 0.0415
6/3/11 0.0178
6/10/11 0.0114
6/17/11 0.0245
6/24/11 0.0481
6/30/11 0.0516
Based on a closing price of $19.17 on June 30th and the Fund's current
monthly dividend of $0.135, the current distribution rate on market price of the
Fund's shares is 8.5%. Because of the leverage employed by the Fund and other
factors, this distribution rate compares very favorably with those available on
other strategies investing in preferred securities, including ETFs and open-end
funds.
PREFERRED MARKET CONDITIONS
Conditions in the market remain positive, although an uncertain economic
environment and unresolved regulatory issues are impacting activity. The best
barometers for market conditions are trading volume, bid-offer spreads, and new
issue activity. At present, all three measures are off from last quarter, but
still indicate healthy conditions.
Market activity often slows during the summer, so we don't read anything
meaningful in the decline. We are more focused on the impact of new regulations
(discussed below) and how financial institutions transition to the new rules. Of
particular interest are securities which under certain circumstances may be
called by the issuer to the detriment of investors. In May, Fifth Third Bancorp
exercised such a call and the market was certainly caught by surprise. As a
result, other issues with similar features declined in price to reflect the risk
of early redemption. Having been aware of this risk for some time, the Fund's
portfolio had limited exposure to these issues.
There were 26 new issues during the quarter, totaling just under $10
billion. The bulk of the issuance was from REITs and insurance companies. And,
reflecting ongoing demand from retail investors, most of these new issues came
in a format favored by individual investors-$25 par, exchange listed and five
years of call protection.
During the quarter, issuers redeemed 28 issues with a market value of just
under $8.8 billion. The fact that the number and amount approximate those of new
issues is mostly coincidental; however, some companies did take advantage of
market conditions to refinance high-cost preferred securities with new,
less-expensive securities. Of course, as issuers reduce interest expense,
investor income falls as well. We try to minimize the impact of these
transactions, but over time, if interest rates remain low, income earned by the
Fund is likely to decline.
Finally, we observe with a sense of irony the likely shift back to days of
old when "traditional" preferred stock was the only security (other than common
stock) that banks could treat as capital (discussed more fully in the discussion
of bank regulation below). The market appears well positioned to handle a
transition in which hybrid and trust preferred issues get replaced with
non-cumulative, perpetual preferred stock. This change is likely to have a
significant impact on the Fund's portfolio, although it is too early to know the
overall effect of the change. We believe bank credit quality will improve;
however, income earned on the Fund's portfolio may fall if new issues come to
market at lower yields.
UPDATE ON REGULATORY AND CAPITAL REFORM FOR BANKS
June saw further clarification on new "Basel III" international banking
regulations being developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. The
Committee announced that it had determined that globally-systemically important
financial institutions should hold up to an additional 2.5% of common equity
above and beyond that required of smaller banks. The idea is to reduce the
likelihood of a failure of a large global bank, which could put the entire
financial system at risk because of the bank's size, interconnectedness, lack of
substitutability, global activity and complexity.
As we've discussed previously, international and national banking
regulators have responded to the 2008-2009 financial crisis with new regulation
and stiffer capital requirements. As a refresher, we'll briefly summarize the
key features of bank regulatory reform from the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform
and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank), and bank capital requirements of the
Basel III framework - both from the perspective of preferred investors.
5
Of primary importance to investors in preferred securities are the
regulations surrounding bank capital requirements: in other words, (1) how much
and what types of capital will banks be required to hold, and (2) what features
will securities need in order to qualify as a particular form of capital? We
expect national regulators to offer preliminary rules on capital later this
summer or early fall, followed by a comment period of several months. That
should put the market on track for final U.S. bank capital rules late this year
or early next year.
How much capital? Under Basel III, banks will be required to maintain much
higher levels of capital than in the past, particularly at the common equity
level. Minimum common equity capital will rise from the current 2.5% of
risk-weighted assets (RWA) to 7%, including a "capital conservation buffer" when
fully implemented in 2019.
Basel III still leaves a role for preferred securities in a bank's capital
structure, as it requires total Tier 1 capital of 8.5%, with the additional 1.5%
comprised of common and/or preferred equity. Further, total capital must be
10.5%, with the additional 2.0% above Tier 1 consisting of both Tier 1 and other
capital.
In addition, all banks will be subject to a "countercyclical" capital
buffer ranging from 0% to 2.5%, as determined by national regulators; and large
global banks will be subject to the 1% to 2.5% "systemically important financial
institution" capital buffer.
While individual countries still need to adopt these standards, we expect
that the great majority will do so. In fact, Switzerland has already announced
that its two systemically important banks, UBS and Credit Suisse, will be
required to hold total capital of at least 19% of RWA, including a Tier 1 common
equity ratio of 10% - well in excess of the Basel III standard.
What type of preferred security qualifies as Tier 1 capital? Basel III also
introduces loss absorbency rules for preferred securities. The theory is that
all Tier 1 capital should be able to absorb losses on both a "gone concern"
basis and on a "going concern" basis. Historically, preferred securities have
provided substantial loss absorbency upon failure of a firm, since all preferred
claims are subordinate to claims of depositors and senior creditors. However,
preferreds are - strictly by their contractual terms - only moderately loss
absorbing on a going concern basis, because the issuer can defer dividend
payments but not eliminate the preferred liability outright in times of strain.
Basel III provides that regulators must have the ability to force the conversion
of preferreds to common stock, or lower or write off the preferred liability if
they believe the bank is no longer viable.
Preferred securities, however, don't need to incorporate such terms
explicitly. If a country's bank resolution regime incorporates a system for
allocating losses to capital providers prior to the injection of state funding,
then the loss provision language is not required. While we won't know for sure
until final rules are written for the United States, it appears that Dodd-Frank
gives U.S. bank regulators just such authority. As a result, it is likely that
perpetual, noncumulative U.S. bank preferreds eligible for the dividends
received deduction will remain qualifying Tier 1 capital under the new rules.
Other countries are likely to adopt similar resolution regimes as well.
Dodd-Frank also makes significant changes to U.S. banks' operations and
capital requirements. Most importantly for preferred investors, it eliminates
trust preferred securities (TruPS) from Tier 1 capital for most banks the Fund
invests in. The new rules phase in starting from 2013 through 2015. This change
in regulatory treatment for TruPS makes it likely that most, though not all,
TruPS will be called between 2013 and 2016, as banks replace those instruments
with qualifying forms of Tier 1 capital. As of May 31, approximately 20% of the
Fund's portfolio was invested in TruPS issued by U.S. banks.
6
We continue to believe that the Dodd-Frank and Basel III regulatory changes
will be positive for investors in preferred securities. Banks will need to hold
significantly more common equity capital than they have in the past. In fact,
they already do. This will give banks much more capacity to absorb losses before
preferred investments are in danger of impairment. While all these regulatory
changes create uncertainty in the market, we believe they will be beneficial for
preferreds.
THE FUND'S LEVERAGE
Leverage is an important part of the Fund's strategy for producing high
current income. The cost of leverage typically is lower than the yield on the
Fund's portfolio. The difference between what the Fund earns on its investments
and pays on borrowed money increases income available to common shareholders.
Over the past six months, the Fund has paid an average annualized interest rate
of 1.3% on its borrowed money. Given the much higher current yields generated by
the Fund's portfolio, this use of leverage has had a meaningful positive impact
on the Fund's dividends to common shareholders.
There are two useful measures of how much leverage the Fund has in place.
The first is simply the total dollar amount of leverage. The other measure is
the ratio of the Fund's assets financed by that leverage (in other words, the
amount of leverage divided by total assets). The chart below presents both
measures of leverage over the past three years.
(BAR CHART)
LEVERAGE
DATE PERCENT
---------- --------
6/27/2008 44.9%
7/25/2008 42.9%
8/29/2008 42.6%
10/3/2008 42.4%
10/31/2008 41.9%
11/28/2008 44.0%
12/26/2008 43.4%
1/30/2009 44.1%
2/27/2009 45.1%
3/27/2009 43.0%
4/24/2009 41.1%
5/29/2009 36.4%
6/26/2009 34.7%
6/30/2009 34.6%
7/2/2009 34.5%
7/10/2009 31.7%
7/17/2009 34.5%
7/24/2009 34.3%
7/31/2009 32.8%
8/7/2009 32.2%
8/14/2009 31.7%
8/21/2009 32.2%
8/28/2009 31.7%
8/31/2009 31.6%
9/4/2009 33.3%
9/11/2009 33.1%
9/18/2009 32.5%
9/25/2009 33.3%
9/30/2009 33.3%
10/2/2009 33.2%
10/9/2009 33.1%
10/16/2009 32.8%
10/23/2009 33.3%
10/30/2009 33.3%
11/6/2009 33.3%
11/13/2009 33.1%
11/20/2009 33.1%
11/27/2009 32.9%
11/30/2009 32.9%
12/4/2009 32.9%
12/11/2009 32.7%
12/18/2009 32.3%
12/24/2009 32.4%
12/31/2009 32.0%
1/8/2010 31.5%
1/15/2010 31.1%
1/22/2010 31.4%
1/29/2010 31.2%
2/5/2010 33.3%
2/12/2010 33.5%
2/16/2010 33.5%
2/19/2010 33.6%
2/26/2010 33.1%
3/5/2010 33.1%
3/12/2010 32.8%
3/19/2010 33.3%
3/26/2010 33.1%
3/31/2010 32.9%
4/1/2010 32.9%
4/16/2010 33.3%
4/23/2010 33.4%
4/30/2010 33.4%
5/7/2010 34.2%
5/14/2010 34.0%
5/21/2010 34.7%
5/28/2010 34.9%
6/4/2010 34.7%
6/11/2010 34.6%
6/18/2010 34.4%
6/25/2010 34.4%
6/30/2010 34.5%
7/2/2010 34.5%
7/9/2010 34.3%
7/16/2010 34.0%
7/23/2010 33.9%
7/30/2010 33.6%
8/6/2010 33.3%
8/13/2010 33.2%
8/20/2010 33.0%
8/27/2010 33.0%
8/31/2010 32.9%
9/3/2010 32.9%
9/10/2010 32.8%
9/17/2010 32.6%
9/24/2010 32.5%
9/30/2010 32.4%
10/1/2010 32.3%
10/8/2010 32.2%
10/15/2010 32.4%
10/22/2010 32.3%
10/29/2010 32.0%
11/5/2010 32.0%
11/12/2010 32.0%
11/19/2010 32.1%
11/26/2010 32.2%
11/30/2010 32.2%
12/3/2010 32.3%
12/10/2010 32.3%
12/17/2010 33.3%
12/23/2010 33.6%
12/31/2010 33.3%
1/7/2011 33.2%
1/14/2011 33.0%
1/21/2011 33.3%
1/28/2011 33.3%
1/31/2011 33.3%
2/4/2011 33.3%
2/11/2011 33.0%
2/18/2011 33.3%
2/25/2011 33.2%
2/28/2011 33.1%
3/4/2011 33.2%
3/11/2011 33.0%
3/18/2011 33.3%
3/25/2011 33.5%
3/31/2011 33.4%
4/1/2011 33.3%
4/8/2011 33.3%
4/15/2011 33.1%
4/21/2011 33.2%
4/29/2011 32.9%
5/6/2011 33.3%
5/13/2011 33.0%
5/20/2011 33.3%
5/27/2011 33.5%
5/31/2011 33.5%
6/30/2011 33.8%
MONTH END MONEY MARKET LOAN AMOUNT
DATE PREFERRED STOCK DRAWN
---------- --------------- -----------
6/30/2008 40 89
7/31/2008 40 68
8/31/2008 40 68
9/30/2008 40 68
10/31/2008 40 30
11/30/2008 40 30
12/31/2008 40 30
1/31/2009 40 30
2/28/2009 40 24
3/31/2009 40 19
4/30/2009 29 29
5/31/2009 29 29
6/30/2009 15 44
7/31/2009 0 58
8/31/2009 0 58
9/30/2009 0 67
10/31/2009 0 69
11/30/2009 0 69
12/31/2009 0 69
1/31/2010 0 69
2/28/2010 0 76
3/31/2010 0 78
4/30/2010 0 81
5/31/2010 0 81
6/30/2010 0 81
7/31/2010 0 81
8/31/2010 0 81
9/30/2010 0 81
10/31/2010 0 81
11/30/2010 0 81
12/31/2010 0 85
1/31/2011 0 86
2/28/2011 0 88
3/31/2011 0 89
4/30/2011 0 89
5/31/2011 0 92
6/30/2011 0 92
As reflected by the table, the dramatic recovery in asset prices has meant
the Fund has been able to comfortably increase borrowings and use the money to
purchase additional securities. During the first six months of this fiscal year,
the Fund has continued to increase its leverage balances, while not
significantly increasing the leverage ratio.
The "right" percentage of leverage in a fund is never simple to determine.
Type of borrowing, cost of funds and market conditions all will be factors to
consider. At present, we are comfortable with the leverage percentage used by
the Fund, and we will consider increasing or decreasing the amount of borrowing
based on future market conditions.
7
STATUS OF THE FUND'S HEDGING STRATEGY
The Fund suspended its interest rate hedging program as the financial
crisis intensified in the autumn of 2008. There were three principal reasons why
we suspended the program at the time. First, the relationship between preferred
securities' prices and the Fund's hedging instruments (Treasury bond futures,
interest rate swaps, and options on both) was turned on its head during the
financial crisis. Historically, preferred prices had tended to rise (fall) in
periods of falling (rising) long-term Treasury rates, but as the financial
crisis unfolded, the opposite occurred: preferred prices plunged while Treasury
and swap rates fell, as investors sold risky assets and raced into Treasuries.
Therefore, hedging lost its effectiveness. Second, the cost of hedging rose
dramatically, as the yield curve steepened and options prices rose sharply.
Finally, preferred securities became exceptionally cheap and were likely to
offer high returns to shareholders even if Treasury yields increased moderately.
Add them up, and we believed that hedging simply would not work under market
conditions at the time.
Re-examining those three factors today, we believe that conditions have
moved us closer to reinstating the Fund's hedging strategy, but we are not there
yet. First, the correlation between preferred securities and our hedging
instruments has improved, but it remains both weaker and significantly less
stable than historical norms. Second, owing largely to the steepness of the
yield curve, options continue to be very expensive. The third factor, preferred
securities' valuation, currently sits within the range we would consider
"normal," but by itself that does not persuade us to hedge the Fund's portfolio
exposure just yet. We will continue to evaluate market conditions and may
reinstate the Fund's hedging strategy if we judge that conditions warrant it.
8
INVESTMENT POLICY MODIFICATION
On February 3, 2011 the Fund announced the following changes to its
investment policies. These changes were effective on April 4, 2011.
OLD POLICY: At time of purchase, at least 80% of the securities that the
Fund will acquire will be rated investment grade by either Moody's Investors
Services, Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P"), or, if
unrated, judged to be comparable in quality. In addition, the Fund may invest up
to 20% of its assets at the time of purchase in securities rated below
investment grade by both Moody's and S&P, if (a) such securities are rated at
least "Ba3" by Moody's or "BB-" by S&P and (b) such securities are issued by an
issuer having an outstanding class of senior debt rated investment grade at the
time of purchase. Thus, the Fund may not invest in securities rated below "Ba3"
by Moody's and below "BB-" by S&P.
NEW POLICY: At time of purchase, at least 80% of the securities that the
Fund will acquire will be rated investment grade by any one of Moody's, S&P or
Fitch Ratings Group ("Fitch"). In addition, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its
assets at the time of purchase in securities rated below investment grade by all
of Moody's, S&P and Fitch, provided that (a) such securities are rated at least
"Ba3" by Moody's, "BB-" by S&P, or "BB-" by Fitch or (b) such securities are
issued by an issuer having an outstanding class of senior debt rated investment
grade by any one of Moody's, S&P, or Fitch at the time of purchase. Thus, the
Fund may invest in securities rated below "Ba3" by Moody's, "BB-" by S&P and
"BB-" by Fitch if the issuer has investment grade senior debt outstanding.
IMPACT OF CHANGES:
(1) Fitch is now one of the approved ratings agencies for determining
whether a security meets the definition of "investment grade" for
purposes of the Fund's policy of investing at least 80% of its assets
in securities rated investment grade at the time of purchase or in
securities of equivalent quality;
(2) The Fund may now purchase securities rated below Ba3/BB-/BB- by each
of Moody's, S&P and Fitch, respectively, as long as the senior debt of
the same issuer is rated investment grade by any one of Moody's, S&P
or Fitch at the time of purchase; and
(3) If the senior debt of an issuer is unrated or it has no outstanding
senior debt, the Fund may now purchase its preferred securities if
they are rated at least Ba3/BB-/BB- by any one of Moody's, S&P or
Fitch, respectively.
As a result of these changes, a security would be counted as investment
grade if it had an investment grade rating by any one of Moody's, S&P or Fitch,
even if the other two rating agencies rated it below investment grade. The
effect of this change would be to reduce the Fund's holdings deemed below
investment grade purchases, as of January 31, 2011, from 16.6% to 12.3%. In
addition, the Fund would be authorized to purchase below Ba or BB securities of
investment grade issuers, subject to an overall 20% limit on purchasing below
investment grade securities. While this change would permit the Fund to acquire
securities rated B and below, the Fund's adviser has no current intention of
doing so.
As before, the Fund will apply the ratings criteria at the time of purchase
and the Fund will not be required to dispose of securities if, after purchase,
they are downgraded, although the adviser may take this into account in
determining whether to retain the security. As a result, more than 20% of the
Fund's holdings at any time may be rated below investment grade or in equivalent
securities. In addition, as before, the Fund may invest in unrated securities
that the Fund's investment adviser deems to be comparable in quality to rated
issues in which the Fund is authorized to invest.
9
RISKS OF INVESTING IN SECURITIES RATED BELOW BA3/BB-
The Fund can purchase below-investment grade securities with ratings of at
least Ba3 by Moody's and BB- by S&P and Fitch; such ratings generally indicate
an issuer that is less vulnerable to non-payment of its obligations than other
speculative issuers. The issuer, however, faces major ongoing uncertainty or
exposure to adverse business, financial or economic conditions that could lead
to inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. Under the Fund's new
investment policy with respect to the investment grade rating of securities, the
Fund may invest in securities with ratings below Ba3/BB- so long as the issuer
of such securities has an outstanding class of senior debt rated investment
grade by any one of Moody's, S&P or Fitch. Although a company's senior debt
rating may be investment grade, an underlying security issued by such company in
which the Fund may invest may have a lower than investment grade rating. A
security with a rating below Ba3/BB- generally indicates the issuer of such
security has a high degree of vulnerability of not paying its financial
obligations. A security rated B1 to B3 by Moody's, or B+ to B- by S&P or Fitch,
for example, indicates an issuer that is more vulnerable to not paying its
obligations than a Ba3 or BB- issuer; the issuer, however, currently has the
capacity to meet its financial commitments, although adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the issuer's capacity or
willingness to meet its financial commitments. Securities rated Caa by Moody's
or CCC by S&P or Fitch indicate an issuer that is highly speculative and likely
to be in, or very near default with some prospects of recovery of principal and
interest, although the issuer is dependent upon favorable business, financial,
and economic conditions to meet its financial commitments. Securities rated
below Caa or CCC generally indicate an issuer that is highly vulnerable to not
paying its obligations or that has defaulted on an obligation.
10
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OVERVIEW
MAY 31, 2011 (UNAUDITED)
FUND STATISTICS
-------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value $ 18.55
Market Price $ 19.32
Premium 4.15%
Yield on Market Price 8.39%
Common Stock Shares
Outstanding 9,815,039
[PI CHRT]
MOODY'S RATINGS % OF NET ASSETS(+)
--------------------------------------------------
A 7.5%
BBB 73.3%
BB 14.4%
Below "BB" 2.5%
Not Rated(*) 0.7%
Below Investment Grade(**) 9.4%
--------------------------------------------------
-------------------
(*) Does not include net other assets and liabilities of 1.6%
(**) Below investment grade by all of Moody's, S&P, and Fitch.
TOP 10 HOLDINGS BY ISSUER % OF NET ASSETS(+)
-------------------------------------------------
Liberty Mutual Group 5.3%
Banco Santander 4.7%
Capital One Financial 3.9%
Metlife 3.9%
HSBC Plc 3.1%
Enbridge Energy Partners 2.9%
Georgia Power 2.9%
Wells Fargo 2.8%
Unum Group 2.8%
Barclays Bank Plc 2.4%
% OF NET ASSETS(***)(+)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Holdings Generating Qualified Dividend Income (QDI) for Individuals 34%
Holdings Generating Income Eligible for the Corporate Dividends Received Deduction (DRD) 20%
------------------------
(***) This does not reflect year-end results or actual tax categorization of
Fund distributions. These percentages can, and do, change, perhaps
significantly, depending on market conditions. Investors should consult
their tax advisor regarding their personal situation.
(+) Net Assets includes assets attributable to the use of leverage.
11
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
MAY 31, 2011 (UNAUDITED)
SHARES/$PAR VALUE
----------- -------
PREFERRED SECURITIES - 91.9%
BANKING - 36.1%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 4,850,000 Astoria Capital Trust I, 9.75% 11/01/29, Series B......................... $ 5,060,597(1)
439,755 Banco Santander, 10.50% Pfd., Series 10................................... 12,841,506(**)(1)(2)
Bank of America Corporation:
8,220 8.20% Pfd............................................................... 215,200(*)
17,540 8.625% Pfd.............................................................. 463,231(*)
$ 1,000,000 BankAmerica Institutional, Series A, 8.07% 12/31/26, 144A(****)........... 1,032,500
Barclays Bank PLC:
$ 3,600,000 6.278%.................................................................. 3,222,000(**)(1)(2)
1,900 7.75% Pfd., Series 4.................................................... 48,773(**)(2)
126,900 8.125% Pfd., Series 5................................................... 3,336,201(**)(1)(2)
8,700 BB&T Capital Trust V, 8.95% Pfd. 09/15/63................................. 231,910
57,157 BB&T Capital Trust VI, 9.60% Pfd. 08/01/64................................ 1,519,233
$ 2,050,000 BBVA International Preferred, 5.919%...................................... 1,788,387(**)(1)(2)
$ 3,000,000 BNP Paribas, 7.195%, 144A(****)........................................... 3,000,000(**)(1)(2)
$ 7,250,000 Capital One Capital III, 7.686% 08/15/36.................................. 7,485,625(1)
$ 1,500,000 Capital One Capital V, 10.25% 08/15/39.................................... 1,605,000(1)
$ 1,643,000 Capital One Capital VI, 8.875% 05/15/40................................... 1,714,881(1)
83,300 Citigroup Capital XIII, 7.875% Pfd. 10/30/40.............................. 2,329,801(1)
$10,000,000 Colonial BancGroup, 7.114%, 144A(****).................................... 450,000(3)(++)
7,000 FBOP Corporation, Adj. Rate Pfd., 144A(****).............................. 17,500(*)(3)(4)(+)
$ 2,150,000 Fifth Third Capital Trust IV, 6.50% 04/15/37.............................. 2,150,000(1)
133,051 Fifth Third Capital Trust VI, 7.25% Pfd. 11/15/67......................... 3,405,281(1)
2,000 First Republic Preferred Capital Corporation, 10.50% Pfd., 144A(****)..... 2,057,500(1)
3,900 First Tennessee Bank, Adj. Rate Pfd., 3.75%(5), 144A(****)................ 2,584,969(*)
$ 600,000 First Union Capital II, 7.95% 11/15/29.................................... 673,178(1)
$ 500,000 Fleet Capital Trust II, 7.92% 12/11/26.................................... 516,250
3 FT Real Estate Securities Company, 9.50% Pfd., 144A(****)................. 2,910,000
Goldman Sachs:
$ 865,000 Capital I, 6.345% 02/15/34.............................................. 835,677(1)
$ 881,000 Capital II, 5.793%...................................................... 740,040(1)
1,500 STRIPES Custodial Receipts, Adj. Rate, 10.70%(5), Pvt................... 943,500(*)(3)(4)
172,000 HSBC Holdings PLC, 8.00% Pfd., Series 2................................... 4,708,500(**)(1)(2)
$ 1,000,000 HSBC USA Capital Trust II, 8.38% 05/15/27, 144A(****)..................... 1,044,791(1)
HSBC USA, Inc.:
100,000 6.50% Pfd., Series H.................................................... 2,531,250(*)(1)
1,828 $ 2.8575 Pfd............................................................ 89,115(*)
41,175 ING Groep NV, 8.50% Pfd................................................... 1,059,433(**)(2)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
12
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
MAY 31, 2011 (UNAUDITED)
SHARES/$PAR VALUE
------------- ------
PREFERRED SECURITIES - (CONTINUED)
BANKING - (CONTINUED)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,850,000 JPMorgan Chase Capital XVIII, 6.95% 08/17/36, Series R.......... $ 1,907,764(1)
$ 500,000 JPMorgan Chase Capital XXVII, 7.00% 11/01/39, Series AA......... 516,894(1)
7,065 Keycorp Capital VIII, 7.00% Pfd. 06/15/66....................... 180,158
72,935 Keycorp Capital IX, 6.75% Pfd. 12/15/66......................... 1,862,869(1)
72,900 Keycorp Capital X, 8.00% Pfd. 03/15/68.......................... 1,883,736(1)
$ 1,000,000 Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 6.657%, 144A(****).................... 782,500(**)(2)(+)
5,300 National City Capital Trust II, 6.625% Pfd. 11/15/36............ 135,264
$ 1,676,000 National City Preferred Capital Trust I, 12.00%................. 1,843,863
$ 1,150,000 NB Capital Trust IV, 8.25% 04/15/27............................. 1,191,687
54,995 PNC Financial Services, 9.875% Pfd., Series L................... 1,572,516(*)(1)
$ 1,000,000 PNC Preferred Funding Trust III, 8.70%, 144A(****).............. 1,070,651(1)
3,000 Sovereign REIT, 12.00% Pfd., Series A, 144A(****)............... 3,547,500
$ 1,500,000 Wachovia Capital Trust III, Adj. Rate, 5.56975%(5).............. 1,393,875(*)(1)
51,737 Wachovia Preferred Funding, 7.25% Pfd., Series A................ 1,365,986(1)
$ 2,800,000 Webster Capital Trust IV, 7.65% 06/15/37........................ 2,804,528
Wells Fargo & Company:
2,325 7.50% Pfd., Series L.......................................... 2,522,625(*)
50,000 8.00% Pfd., Series J.......................................... 1,442,000(*)
$ 160,000 Wells Fargo Capital XV, 9.75%................................... 172,800
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
............................................................................... 98,809,045
-------------
FINANCIAL SERVICES - 3.2%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 250,000 Ameriprise Financial, Inc., 7.518% 06/01/66..................... 269,375
$ 1,300,000 Claudius, Ltd. - Credit Suisse AG, 7.875%, Series B............. 1,360,125(2)
$ 3,000,000 Gulf Stream-Compass 2005 Composite Notes, 144A(****)............ 2,177,250(3)(4)
Heller Financial, Inc.:
42,500 6.687% Pfd., Series C......................................... 4,235,393(*)(1)
7,750 6.95% Pfd., Series D.......................................... 784,688(*)
2,200 HSBC Finance Corporation, 6.36% Pfd., Series B.................. 53,763(*)
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.:
20,000 5.67% Pfd., Series D.......................................... 5,400(*)(++)
85,000 7.95% Pfd..................................................... 935(*)(++)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8,886,929
-------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
13
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
MAY 31, 2011 (UNAUDITED)
SHARES/$PAR VALUE
------------- ------------
PREFERRED SECURITIES - (CONTINUED)
INSURANCE - 20.6%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,550,000 Ace Capital Trust II, 9.70% 04/01/30................................... $ 2,094,348(1)(2)
$ 1,775,000 AON Corporation, 8.205% 01/01/27....................................... 2,089,734(1)
12,150 Arch Capital Group Ltd., 7.875% Pfd., Series B......................... 307,547(**)(1)(2)
AXA SA:
$ 850,000 6.379%, 144A(****)................................................... 788,375(**)(1)(2)
$ 600,000 6.463%, 144A(****)................................................... 552,000(**)(1)(2)
66,600 Axis Capital Holdings, 7.50% Pfd., Series B............................ 6,576,750(1)(2)
160,000 Delphi Financial Group, 7.376% Pfd. 05/15/37........................... 3,930,000(1)
$ 5,760,000 Everest Re Holdings, 6.60% 05/15/37.................................... 5,616,000(1)
$ 8,300,000 Liberty Mutual Group, 10.75% 06/15/58, 144A(****)...................... 11,329,500(1)
$ 1,700,000 MetLife Capital Trust IV, 7.875% 12/15/37, 144A(****).................. 1,907,587(1)
$ 4,330,000 MetLife Capital Trust X, 9.25% 04/08/38, 144A(****).................... 5,520,750(1)
$ 2,250,000 MetLife, Inc., 10.75% 08/01/39......................................... 3,197,999(1)
Principal Financial Group:
87,800 6.518% Pfd., Series B.................................................. 2,252,623(*)(1)
12,000 5.563% Pfd., Series A.................................................. 1,183,500(*)
109,000 Scottish Re Group Ltd., 7.25% Pfd...................................... 1,239,875(**)(2)(+)
$ 1,750,000 Stancorp Financial Group, 6.90% 06/01/67............................... 1,732,218(1)
$ 3,615,000 USF&G Capital, 8.312% 07/01/46, 144A(****)............................. 4,268,953(1)
$ 1,800,000 XL Capital Ltd., 6.50%, Series E....................................... 1,716,750(1)(2)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...................................................................................... 56,304,509
---------------
UTILITIES - 25.6%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
75,000 Alabama Power Company, 6.45% Pfd....................................... 1,994,535(*)(1)
33,700 Baltimore Gas & Electric Company, 6.70% Pfd., Series 1993.............. 3,474,261(*)(1)
118,380 Calenergy Capital Trust III, 6.50% Pfd. 09/01/27....................... 5,948,595(1)
$ 3,700,000 COMED Financing III, 6.35% 03/15/33.................................... 3,271,059(1)
20,170 Constellation Energy Group, 8.625% Pfd. 06/15/63, Series A............. 545,195(1)
$ 2,500,000 Dominion Resources Capital Trust I, 7.83% 12/01/27..................... 2,598,765(1)
Dominion Resources, Inc.:
$ 3,500,000 7.50% 06/30/66....................................................... 3,713,909(1)
5,700 8.375% Pfd. 06/15/64, Series A......................................... 164,502(1)
83,000 Entergy Arkansas, Inc., 6.45% Pfd...................................... 2,043,875(*)(1)
57,000 Entergy Louisiana, Inc., 6.95% Pfd..................................... 5,671,500(*)(1)
FPL Group Capital, Inc.:
$ 3,697,000 6.65% 06/15/67....................................................... 3,729,304(1)
$ 1,975,000 7.30% 09/01/67, Series D............................................... 2,081,291(1)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
14
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
MAY 31, 2011 (UNAUDITED)
SHARES/$PAR VALUE
------------- -------------
PREFERRED SECURITIES - (CONTINUED)
UTILITIES - (CONTINUED)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
75,000 Georgia Power Company, 6.50% Pfd., Series 2007A ........... $ 7,802,347(*)(1)
5,000 Gulf Power Company, 6.45% Pfd., Series 2007A .............. 518,876(*)
30,445 Indianapolis Power & Light Company, 5.65% Pfd. ............ 2,863,733(*)(1)
95,000 Interstate Power & Light Company, 8.375% Pfd., Series B.... 2,760,938(*)(1)
$ 4,000,000 PECO Energy Capital Trust IV, 5.75% 06/15/33 .............. 3,422,148(1)
$ 825,000 PPL Capital Funding, 6.70% 03/30/67, Series A ............. 819,786
64,500 PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, 6.25% Pfd. ............ 1,626,613(*)
$ 5,175,000 Puget Sound Energy, Inc., 6.974% 06/01/67 ................. 5,291,406(1)
Southern California Edison:
17,000 6.00% Pfd., Series C .................................... 1,615,532(*)(1)
31,250 6.50% Pfd., Series D .................................... 3,118,166(*)(1)
$ 1,275,000 Wisconsin Energy Corporation, 6.25% 05/15/67 .............. 1,292,526(1)
$ 3,615,000 WPS Resources Corporation, 6.11% 12/01/66 ................. 3,582,967(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
69,951,829
-------------
ENERGY - 5.1%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 7,250,000 Enbridge Energy Partners LP, 8.05% 10/01/37 ............... 8,028,904(1)
$ 5,450,000 Enterprise Products Partners, 8.375% 08/01/66, Series A.... 5,946,751(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13,975,655
-------------
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT) - 0.1%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10,000 PS Business Parks, Inc., 6.875% Pfd., Series R ............ 251,800
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
251,800
-------------
MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIES - 1.2%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40,000 Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., 6.25% Pfd., 144A(****)...... 3,366,252(*)(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,366,252
-------------
TOTAL PREFERRED SECURITIES
(Cost $244,027,055)...................................... 251,546,019
-------------
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES - 6.4%
BANKING - 0.2%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 635,000 Goldman Sachs Group, 6.75% 10/01/37, Sub Notes ............ 640,002(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
640,002
-------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
15
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
MAY 31, 2011 (UNAUDITED)
SHARES/$PAR VALUE
------------- ------------
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES - (CONTINUED)
FINANCIAL SERVICES - 0.3%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 4,726,012 Lehman Brothers, Guaranteed Note, Variable Rate, 12/16/16, 144A(****).... $ 899,833(3)(4)(++)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
899,833
-----------
INSURANCE - 4.0%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 3,400,000 Liberty Mutual Insurance, 7.697% 10/15/97, 144A(****).................... 3,256,632(1)
$ 7,000,000 UnumProvident Corporation, 7.25% 03/15/28................................ 7,552,314(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10,808,946
-----------
UTILITIES - 0.8%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southern Union Company:
$ 1,000,000 7.60% 02/01/24, Senior Notes........................................... 1,172,073(1)
$ 700,000 8.25% 11/15/29, Senior Notes........................................... 849,290(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,021,363
-----------
MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIES - 1.1%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16,500 Corp-Backed Trust Certificates, 7.00% 11/15/28, Series Sprint............ 406,725(1)
Pulte Homes, Inc.:
25,844 7.375% 06/01/46........................................................ 632,183
$ 2,160,000 7.875% 06/15/32........................................................ 2,003,400(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,042,308
-----------
TOTAL CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES
(Cost $20,254,596)..................................................... 17,412,452
-----------
COMMON STOCK - 0.3%
BANKING - 0.2%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13,500 CIT Group, Inc........................................................... 598,455(*)(+)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
598,455
-----------
UTILITIES - 0.1%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11,653 PPL Corporation........................................................... 328,498(*)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
328,498
-----------
TOTAL COMMON STOCK
(Cost $2,820,212)...................................................... 926,953
-----------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
16
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
MAY 31, 2011 (UNAUDITED)
SHARES/$PAR VALUE
----------- ------------------
MONEY MARKET FUND -- 0.1%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
135,654 BlackRock Liquidity Funds, T-Fund...................... $ 135,654
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUND
(Cost $135,654)....................................... 135,654
------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $267,237,517(***))................... 98.7% 270,021,078
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Net)........................... 1.3% 3,619,453
------- ------------------
TOTAL MANAGED ASSETS......................................... 100.0%(++) $ 273,640,531
------- ------------------
LOAN PRINCIPAL BALANCE................................................. (91,600,000)
------------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK............................. $ 182,040,531
==================
------------------
(*) Securities eligible for the Dividends Received Deduction and distributing
Qualified Dividend Income.
(**) Securities distributing Qualified Dividend Income only.
(***) Aggregate cost of securities held.
(****) Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act
of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from
registration to qualified institutional buyers. At May 31, 2011, these
securities amounted to $52,565,043 or 19.2% of total managed assets.
(1) All or a portion of this security is pledged as collateral for the Fund's
loan.The total value of such securities was $ 196,299,554 at May 31,
2011.
(2) Foreign Issuer.
(3) Illiquid
(4) Fair valued as of May 31, 2011.
(5) Represents the rate in effect as of the reporting date.
(+) Non-income producing.
(++) The issuer has filed for bankruptcy protection. As a result, the Fund may
not be able to recover the principal invested and also does not expect to
receive income on this security going forward.
(++) The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value of
that category as a percentage of total managed assets.
ABBREVIATIONS:
PFD. - Preferred Securities
PVT. - Private Placement Securities
REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust
STRIPES - Structured Residual Interest Preferred Enhanced Securities
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
17
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
MAY 31, 2011 (UNAUDITED)
ASSETS:
Investments, at value (Cost $267,237,517)................... $270,021,078
Dividends and interest receivable........................... 3,845,181
Prepaid expenses............................................ 96,273
------------
Total Assets.............................................. 273,962,532
LIABILITIES:
Loan Payable................................................ $ 91,600,000
Dividends payable to Common Stock Shareholders.............. 66,231
Investment advisory fees payable............................ 128,705
Administration, Transfer Agent and Custodian fees payable... 33,849
Servicing agent fees payable................................ 10,453
Professional fees payable................................... 52,259
Directors' fees payable..................................... 1,920
Accrued expenses and other payables......................... 28,584
-----------
Total Liabilities......................................... 91,922,001
------------
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK.......................... $182,040,531
============
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK consist of:
Undistributed net investment income......................... $ 576,047
Accumulated net realized loss on investments sold........... (52,653,470)
Unrealized appreciation of investments...................... 2,783,561
Par value of Common Stock................................... 98,150
Paid-in capital in excess of par value of Common Stock ..... 231,236,243
------------
Total Net Assets Available to Common Stock................ $182,040,531
============
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:
Common Stock (9,815,039 shares outstanding)................. $ 18.55
============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
18
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 2011 (UNAUDITED)
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends(+).................................................... $ 4,330,446
Interest ....................................................... 5,412,787
----------
Total Investment Income ...................................... 9,743,233
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fees ....................................... $ 730,840
Servicing agent fees ........................................... 56,415
Administrator's fees ........................................... 115,049
Professional fees .............................................. 62,790
Insurance expenses ............................................. 53,193
Transfer Agent fees ............................................ 32,305
Directors' fees ................................................ 37,492
Custodian fees ................................................. 17,205
Compliance fees ................................................ 19,694
Interest expense ............................................... 559,781
Other .......................................................... 76,052
-------------
Total Expenses ............................................... 1,760,816
-----------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME ............................................ 7,982,417
-----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
Net realized gain on investments sold during the period ........ 1,894,160
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments... 9,037,676
-----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS .................. 10,931,836
-----------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS TO COMMON STOCK
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ...................................... $18,914,253
===========
----------
(+) For Federal income tax purposes, a significant portion of this amount may
not qualify for the inter-corporate dividends received deduction ("DRD") or
as qualified dividend income ("QDI") for individuals.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
19
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MAY 31, 2011 YEAR ENDED
(UNAUDITED) NOVEMBER 30, 2010
----------------- ------------------
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ........................................... $ 7,982,417 $ 15,650,390
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments sold during the period .. 1,894,160 6,514,560
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments 9,037,676 22,570,858
----------------- ------------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS ............ 18,914,253 44,735,808
DISTRIBUTIONS:
Dividends paid from net investment income to Common
Stock Shareholders(1) ........................................ (8,338,061) (14,515,278)
----------------- ------------------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS (8,338,061) (14,515,278)
FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Increase from shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment
and Cash Purchase Plan ....................................... 196,180 458,224
----------------- ------------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK
RESULTING FROM FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS........................ 196,180 458,224
----------------- ------------------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON
STOCK FOR THE PERIOD ............................................ $ 10,772,372 $ 30,678,754
================= ==================
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCK:
Beginning of period ............................................. $ 171,268,159 $ 140,589,405
Net increase in net assets during the period .................... 10,772,372 30,678,754
----------------- ------------------
End of period (including undistributed net investment
income of $576,047 and $931,691, respectively) ............... $ 182,040,531 $ 171,268,159
================= ==================
------------
(1) May include income earned, but not paid out, in prior fiscal year.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
20
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 2011 (UNAUDITED)
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations. ........... $ 18,914,253
ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of investment securities .................................. (30,762,872)
Proceeds from disposition of investment securities ................. 20,553,099
Sale of short-term investment securities, net ...................... 459,305
Cash received from litigation claim ................................ 4,844
Decrease in dividends and interest receivable ...................... 21,307
Increase in prepaid expenses ....................................... (48,047)
Net amortization/(accretion) of premium/(discount) ................. (20,458)
Decrease in payable for investments purchased ...................... (357,270)
Increase in payables to related parties ............................ 14,678
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities ................. (8,383)
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on securities. .. (9,037,676)
Net realized gain from investments sold ............................ (1,894,160)
------------
Net cash provided by operating activities ....................... (2,161,380)
------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from loan ................................................. 10,300,000
Distributions paid (net of reinvestment of dividends and changes in
dividends payable) to common stock shareholders from net
investment income ............................................... (8,138,620)
------------
Net cash used by financing activities ........................... 2,161,380
------------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash ................................. --
CASH:
Beginning of the period ............................................ --
------------
End of the period .................................................. $ --
============
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid during the period .................................... $ 550,464
Reinvestments of dividends ......................................... 196,180
Increase of dividends payable to common stock shareholders ......... 3,261
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
21
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A COMMON STOCK SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD.
Contained below is per share operating performance data, total investment
returns, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data. This
information has been derived from information provided in the financial
statements and market price data for the Fund's shares.
SIX MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
MAY 31, 2011 ----------------------------------------------------
(UNAUDITED) 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006
------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period .................. $ 17.47 $ 14.38 $ 9.00 $ 19.71 $ 23.29 $ 22.40
------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ................................. 0.81 1.60 1.43 1.91 2.24 2.04
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments 1.12 2.97 5.33 (10.62) (3.59) 1.06
DISTRIBUTIONS TO AMPS(*) SHAREHOLDERS:
From net investment income ............................ -- -- (0.06) (0.44) (0.70) (0.64)
------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ...................... 1.93 4.57 6.70 (9.15) (2.05) 2.46
------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:
From net investment income ............................ (0.85) (1.48) (1.32) (1.53) (1.53) (1.57)
From return of capital ................................ -- -- -- (0.03) -- --
------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total distributions to Common Stock Shareholders ...... (0.85) (1.48) (1.32) (1.56) (1.53) (1.57)
------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value, end of period ........................ $ 18.55 $ 17.47 $ 14.38 $ 9.00 $ 19.71 $ 23.29
============ ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Market value, end of period ........................... $ 19.32 $ 17.84 $ 13.10 $ 7.28 $ 17.00 $ 22.08
Total investment return based on net asset value(**) .. 11.32%(****) 33.05% 83.69% (48.17%) (8.71%) 12.30%
Total investment return based on market value(**) ..... 13.53%(****) 49.14% 106.87% (51.39%) (16.95%) 21.06%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AVAILABLE
TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:
Total net assets, end of period (in 000's) ......... $182,041 $171,268 $140,589 $ 88,002 $192,737 $227,678
Operating expenses including interest expense(1) ... 2.01%(***) 2.08% 2.92% 2.67% -- --
Operating expenses excluding interest expense ...... 1.37%(***) 1.36% 1.70% 1.91% 1.51% 1.50%
Net investment income(+)............................ 9.11%(***) 9.85% 13.34% -- -- --
Net investment income, including payments to
AMPS Shareholders(+)............................. -- -- 12.76% 9.37% 6.94% 6.28%
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:(++)
Portfolio turnover rate ............................ 8%(****) 33% 37% 46% 57% 68%
Total Managed Assets, end of period (in 000's) ..... $273,641 $252,568 $209,489 $157,002 $321,237 $356,178
Ratio of operating expenses including interest
expense(1)(2) to total managed assets .......... 1.34%(***) 1.39% 1.83% 1.54% -- --
Ratio of operating expenses excluding interest
expense(2) to total managed assets ............. 0.92%(***) 0.91% 1.07% 1.10% 0.95% 0.94%
------------
(*) Auction Market Preferred Stock.
(**) Assumes reinvestment of distributions at the price obtained by the Fund's
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan.
(***) Annualized.
(****) Not Annualized.
(+) The net investment income ratios reflect income net of operating
expenses, including interest expense.
(++) Information presented under heading Supplemental Data includes AMPS
and loan principal balance.
(1) See Note 8.
(2) Does not include distributions to AMPS Shareholders.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
22
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK (UNAUDITED)
TOTAL DIVIDEND
DIVIDENDS NET ASSET NYSE REINVESTMENT
PAID VALUE CLOSING PRICE PRICE (1)
---------- ---------- -------------- --------------
December 31, 2010 - Extra.... $ 0.0400 $ 17.44 $ 17.26 $ 17.26
December 31, 2010 ........... 0.1350 17.44 17.26 17.26
January 31, 2011 ............ 0.1350 17.66 17.51 17.64
February 28, 2011 ........... 0.1350 18.02 17.87 17.99
March 31, 2011 .............. 0.1350 18.04 18.33 18.04
April 29, 2011 .............. 0.1350 18.38 18.58 18.38
May 31, 2011 ................ 0.1350 18.55 19.32 18.55
------------
(1) Whenever the net asset value per share of the Fund's Common Stock is less
than or equal to the market price per share on the reinvestment date, new
shares issued will be valued at the higher of net asset value or 95% of the
then current market price. Otherwise, the reinvestment shares of Common
Stock will be purchased in the open market.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
23
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED) (UNAUDITED)
SENIOR SECURITIES
INVOLUNTARY
ASSET LIQUIDATION TOTAL DEBT ASSET
COVERAGE PREFERENCE OUTSTANDING COVERAGE PER
TOTAL AMPS(*) SHARES PER AMPS PER AMPS END OF PERIOD $1,000 OF
DATE OUTSTANDING (1) SHARE (2) SHARE (3) (000S) (4) DEBT (5)
------------ ------------------- --------- ------------ ------------- -------------
05/31/11(**) -- N/A N/A $ 91,600 $ 2,987
11/30/10 -- N/A N/A 81,300 3,107
11/30/09 -- N/A N/A 68,900 3,040
11/30/08 1,580 $ 80,704 $ 25,000 N/A N/A
11/30/07 5,140 62,506 25,000 N/A N/A
11/30/06 5,140 69,301 25,000 N/A N/A
-----------------
(1) See note 7.
(2) Calculated by subtracting the Fund's total liabilities (excluding the
AMPS) from the Fund's total assets and dividing that amount by the number
of AMPS shares outstanding.
(3) Excludes accumulated undeclared dividends.
(4) See note 8.
(5) Calculated by subtracting the Fund's total liabilities (excluding the
loan) from the Fund's total assets and dividing that amount by the loan
outstanding in 000's.
(*) Auction Market Preferred Stock.
(**) Unaudited.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
24
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. ORGANIZATION
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated (the "Fund")
was incorporated as a Maryland corporation on July 18, 2003, and commenced
operations on August 29, 2003 as a diversified, closed-end management investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
The Fund's primary investment objective is to provide its common shareholders
with high current income. The Fund's secondary investment objective is capital
appreciation.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently
followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The
preparation of the financial statements is in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles ("US GAAP") and requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities in the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases
and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
Portfolio valuation: The net asset value of the Fund's Common Stock is
determined by the Fund's Administrator no less frequently than on the last
business day of each week and month in accordance with the policies and
procedures approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund. It is determined by
dividing the value of the Fund's net assets available to Common Stock by the
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. The value of the Fund's net assets
available to Common Stock is deemed to equal the value of the Fund's total
assets less (i) the Fund's liabilities and (ii) the aggregate liquidation value
of any outstanding preferred stock.
The Fund's preferred and debt securities are valued on the basis of current
market quotations provided by independent pricing services or dealers approved
by the Board of Directors of the Fund. Each quotation is based on the mean of
the bid and asked prices of a security. In determining the value of a particular
preferred or debt security, a pricing service or dealer may use information with
respect to transactions in such investments, quotations, market transactions in
comparable investments, various relationships observed in the market between
investments, and/or calculated yield measures based on valuation technology
commonly employed in the market for such investments. Common stocks that are
traded on stock exchanges are valued at the last sale price or official close
price on the exchange, as of the close of business on the day the securities are
being valued or, lacking any sales, at the last available mean price. Futures
contracts and option contracts on futures contracts are valued on the basis of
the settlement price for such contracts on the primary exchange on which they
trade. Investments in over-the-counter derivative instruments, such as interest
rate swaps and options thereon ("swaptions"), are valued using prices supplied
by a pricing service, or if such prices are unavailable, prices provided by a
single broker or dealer that is not the counterparty or, if no such prices are
available, at a price at which the counterparty to the contract would repurchase
the instrument or terminate the contract. Investments for which market
quotations are not readily available or for which management determines that the
prices are not reflective of current market conditions are valued at fair value
as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors
of the Fund, including reference to valuations of other securities which are
comparable in quality, maturity and type.
25
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
Investments in money market instruments and all debt and preferred
securities which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost.
Investments in money market funds are valued at the net asset value of such
funds.
Fair Value Measurement: The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure
fair value of the Fund's investments are summarized into three levels as
described in the hierarchy below:
- Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical securities
- Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including quoted
prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment
speeds, credit risk, etc.)
- Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund's own
assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily
an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
Transfers in and out of levels are recognized at market value at the end of the
period. A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund's investments as of May
31, 2011 is as follows:
LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
TOTAL LEVEL 1 SIGNIFICANT SIGNIFICANT
VALUE AT QUOTED OBSERVABLE UNOBSERVABLE
MAY 31, 2011 PRICE INPUTS INPUTS
------------- ------------ ------------ -------------
Preferred Securities
Banking $ 98,809,045 $ 61,843,144 $ 36,498,401 $ 467,500
Financial Services 8,886,929 53,763 6,655,916 2,177,250
Insurance 56,304,509 29,685,881 26,618,628 --
Utilities 69,951,829 3,470,635 66,481,194 --
Energy 13,975,655 -- 13,975,655 --
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) 251,800 251,800 -- --
Miscellaneous Industries 3,366,252 -- 3,366,252 --
Corporate Debt Securities 17,412,452 3,700,273 12,812,346 899,833
Common Stock
Banking 598,455 598,455 -- --
Utilities 328,498 328,498 -- --
Money Market Fund 135,654 135,654 -- --
------------- ------------ ------------ -------------
Total Investments $ 270,021,078 $100,068,103 $166,408,392 $ 3,544,583
============= ============ ============ =============
The Fund did not have any significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and
Level 2 during the period.
The Fund's investments in Level 2 and Level 3 are based primarily on market
information, where available. This includes, but is not limited to, prices
provided by third-party providers, observable trading activity (including the
recency, depth, and consistency of such information with quoted levels), and the
depth and consistency of broker-quoted prices. In the event market information
is not directly available, comparable information may be observed for securities
that are similar in many respects to those being valued. The Fund
26
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
may employ an income approach for certain securities that also takes into
account credit risk, interest rate risk, and potential recovery prospects.
The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 investments for which
significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
PREFERRED SECURITIES
---------------------------
FINANCIAL CORPORATE DEBT
TOTAL INVESTMENTS BANKING SERVICES SECURITIES
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AS OF 11/30/10 $ 2,137,752 $ 30,968 $ 1,457,430 $ 649,354
Accrued discounts/premiums -- -- -- --
Realized gain/(loss) -- -- -- --
Change in unrealized appreciation/
(depreciation) 956,831 (13,468) 719,820 250,479
Net purchases/(sales) -- -- -- --
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 450,000 450,000 -- --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AS OF 05/31/11 $ 3,544,583 $ 467,500 $ 2,177,250 $ 899,833
As of May 31, 2011, total change in unrealized gain/(loss) on Level 3
securities still held at period-end and included in the change in net assets was
$956,831. Total unrealized gain/(loss) for all securities (including Level 1 and
Level 2) can be found on the accompanying Statement of Operations.
Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are
recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities sold
are recorded on the specific identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded
on ex-dividend dates. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. The Fund
also amortizes premiums and accretes discounts on fixed income securities using
the effective yield method.
Options: Purchases of options are recorded as an investment, the value of
which is marked-to-market at each valuation date. When the Fund enters into a
closing sale transaction, the Fund will record a gain or loss depending on the
difference between the purchase and sale price.
When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by
the Fund is recorded as a liability, the value of which is marked-to-market at
each valuation date. When a written option expires, the Fund realizes a gain
equal to the amount of the premium originally received. When the Fund enters
into a closing purchase transaction, the Fund realizes a gain (or loss if the
cost of the closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the
option was written) without regard to any unrealized gain or loss on the
underlying security, and the liability related to such option is eliminated.
When a call option is exercised, the Fund realizes a gain or loss from the sale
of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale are increased by the
amount of the premium originally received. When a put option is exercised, the
amount of the premium originally received will reduce the cost of the security
which the Fund purchased upon exercise.
Repurchase agreements: The Fund may engage in repurchase agreement
transactions. The Fund's investment adviser reviews and approves the eligibility
of the banks and dealers with which the Fund may enter into repurchase agreement
transactions. The value of the collateral underlying such transactions is at
27
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
least equal at all times to the total amount of the repurchase obligations,
including interest. The Fund maintains possession of the collateral through its
custodian and, in the event of counterparty default, the Fund has the right to
use the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is the possibility of loss
to the Fund in the event the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its
rights to dispose of the collateral securities.
Federal income taxes: The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a
regulated investment company by complying with the requirements under subchapter
M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated
investment companies and intends to distribute substantially all of its taxable
net investment income to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax
provision is required.
Management has analyzed the Fund's tax positions taken on federal income
tax returns for all open tax years (November 30, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007), and
has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Fund's
financial statements. The Fund's major tax jurisdictions are federal and
California. The Fund's federal and state income and federal excise tax returns
for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired
are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments
of revenue.
Dividends and distributions to shareholders: The Fund expects to declare
dividends on a monthly basis to shareholders of Common Stock ("Shareholders").
Distributions to Shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Any net
realized short-term capital gains will be distributed to Shareholders at least
annually. Any net realized long-term capital gains may be distributed to
Shareholders at least annually or may be retained by the Fund as determined by
the Fund's Board of Directors. Capital gains retained by the Fund are subject to
tax at the capital gains corporate tax rate. Subject to the Fund qualifying as a
regulated investment company, any taxes paid by the Fund on such net realized
long-term capital gains may be used by the Fund's Shareholders as a credit
against their own tax liabilities. The Fund may pay distributions in excess of
the Fund's net investment company taxable income and this excess would be a
tax-free return of capital distributed from the Fund's assets.
Income and capital gain distributions are determined and characterized in
accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from US GAAP. These
differences are primarily due to (1) differing treatments of income and gains on
various investment securities held by the Fund, including timing differences,
(2) the attribution of expenses against certain components of taxable investment
income, and (3) federal regulations requiring proportionate allocation of income
and gains to all classes of shareholders.
Distributions from net realized gains for book purposes may include
short-term capital gains, which are included as ordinary income for tax purposes
and may exclude amortization of premium on certain fixed income securities,
which are not reflected in ordinary income for tax purposes. The tax character
of distributions paid, including changes in accumulated undeclared distributions
to preferred shareholders, during 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
28
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
DISTRIBUTIONS PAID IN FISCAL YEAR 2011 DISTRIBUTIONS PAID IN FISCAL YEAR 2010
-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
ORDINARY LONG-TERM ORDINARY LONG-TERM
INCOME CAPITAL GAINS INCOME CAPITAL GAINS
-------- ------------- -------------- -------------
Common N/A N/A $ 14,515,278 $ 0
Preferred N/A N/A N/A N/A
As of November 30, 2010, the components of distributable earnings (i.e.,
ordinary income and capital gain/loss) available to Shareholders, on a tax
basis, were as follows:
UNDISTRIBUTED UNDISTRIBUTED NET UNREALIZED
CAPITAL (LOSS) CARRYFORWARD ORDINARY INCOME LONG-TERM GAIN APPRECIATION/(DEPRECIATION)
--------------------------- --------------- -------------- ---------------------------
$ (54,194,228) $ 1,412,023 $ 0 $ (6,607,517)
The composition of the Fund's $54,194,228 accumulated realized capital
losses was $2,515,848, $943,555, $1,648,329, $3,780,448, $26,133,604 and
$19,172,444 incurred in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
These losses may be carried forward and offset against any future capital gains
through 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. During the year
ended November 30, 2010, the Fund utilized $573,838 and $6,013,392 of capital
losses expiring in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
The Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 ("Modernization
Act") was signed into law on December 22, 2010. Under the Modernization Act the
Fund will be permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years
beginning after December 22, 2010 (Fiscal Year 2012 for the Fund) indefinitely.
However, any losses incurred during those future taxable years must be utilized
prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years. As a result,
pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards may be more likely to expire unused.
Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain
their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than
being considered all short-term under previous law.
Excise tax: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, imposes a 4%
nondeductible excise tax on the Fund to the extent the Fund does not distribute
by the end of any calendar year at least (1) 98% of the sum of its net
investment income for that year and its capital gains (both long-term and
short-term) for its fiscal year and (2) certain undistributed amounts from
previous years. The Fund paid $36,929 of federal excise taxes attributable to
calendar year 2010 in March 2011.
Additional Accounting Standards: In January 2010, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2010-06,
"Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements". ASU No. 2010-06 amends
FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and
Disclosures, to require additional disclosures regarding fair value
measurements. Certain disclosures required by ASU No. 2010-06 are effective for
interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, and
other required disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Management
has evaluated the impact and has incorporated disclosures required by ASU No.
2010-06 in its financial statement disclosures.
In May 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-04
"Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements
in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs". ASU 2011-04 includes common requirements for
measurement of and disclosure about fair value between U.S. GAAP and
29
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
IFRS. ASU 2011-04 will require reporting entities to disclose the following
information for fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair
value hierarchy: quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used in
the fair value measurement, the valuation processes used by the reporting entity
and a narrative description of the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to
changes in unobservable inputs and the interrelationships between those
unobservable inputs. In addition, ASU 2011-04 will require reporting entities to
make disclosures about amounts and reasons for all transfers in and out of Level
1 and Level 2 fair value measurements. The new and revised disclosures are
effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15,
2011. Management is currently evaluating the implications of ASU No. 2011-04 and
its impact on the financial statements.
3. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The Fund intends to use derivatives primarily to economically hedge against
risks in the portfolio, namely interest rate risk and credit risk. Historically
the Fund has used options on treasury futures contracts for the purpose of
economically hedging against a significant increase in long-term interest rates.
When the strategy has been employed, the Fund would purchase put options on
treasury futures contracts that would increase in value if long-term interest
rates increased significantly, offsetting some of the related decline in
portfolio asset values. The Fund has also purchased and written call options on
treasury futures contracts to supplement the put option strategy and also to
reduce the overall cost of the interest rate hedge (by earning premiums from the
net sale of call options).
The Fund has the authority to use other derivatives for hedging or to
increase expected return, but has not employed any of these derivatives to-date
and does not anticipate broad use of these derivatives in the near future
(although this may change without advance notice). Other approved derivatives
strategies include: buying and selling credit default swaps, interest rate swaps
and options thereon (swaptions), and options on securities. Accounting policies
for specific derivatives, including the location of these items in the financial
statements, are included in Note 2 as appropriate. No assurance can be given
that such use of derivatives will achieve their desired purposes or, in the case
of hedging, will result in an overall reduction of risk to the Fund.
The Fund did not use any derivatives during the six months ended May 31,
2011 and the fiscal year ended November 30, 2010.
Options on Financial Futures Contracts: When the interest rate hedging
strategy is employed, the Fund intends to use options on financial futures
contracts in much the same way as described above. The risk associated with
purchasing options, and therefore the maximum loss the Fund would incur, is
limited to the purchase price originally paid. The risk in writing a call option
is that the Fund may forego the opportunity for profit if the market price of
the underlying security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in
writing a put option is that the Fund may incur a loss if the market price of
the underlying security decreases and the option is exercised.
30
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
4. INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE, SERVICING AGENT FEE, ADMINISTRATION FEE, TRANSFER
AGENT FEE, CUSTODIAN FEE, DIRECTORS' FEES AND CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER FEE
Flaherty & Crumrine Incorporated (the "Adviser") serves as the Fund's
investment adviser. The Fund pays the Adviser a monthly fee at an annual rate of
0.575% of the first $200 million of the Fund's average weekly total managed
assets, 0.50% of the next $300 million of the Fund's average weekly total
managed assets, and 0.45% of the Fund's average weekly total managed assets
above $500 million.
For purposes of calculating the fees payable to the Adviser, Servicing
Agent, Administrator and Custodian, the Fund's average weekly total managed
assets means the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to
any Fund auction market preferred stock that may be outstanding or otherwise
attributable to the use of leverage) minus the sum of accrued liabilities (other
than debt, if any, representing financial leverage). For purposes of determining
total managed assets, the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred
shares issued by the Fund is not treated as a liability.
Guggenheim Funds Distributors, Inc. (the "Servicing Agent") serves as the
Fund's shareholder servicing agent. As compensation for its services, the Fund
pays the Servicing Agent a fee computed and paid monthly at the annual rate of
0.025% of the first $200 million of the Fund's average weekly total managed
assets, 0.10% of the next $300 million of the Fund's average weekly total
managed assets and 0.15% of the Fund's average weekly total managed assets above
$500 million.
BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. ("BNY Mellon") serves as the
Fund's Administrator. As Administrator, BNY Mellon calculates the net asset
value of the Fund's shares attributable to Common Stock and generally assists in
all aspects of the Fund's administration and operation. As compensation for BNY
Mellon's services as Administrator, the Fund pays BNY Mellon a monthly fee at an
annual rate of 0.10% of the first $200 million of the Fund's average weekly
total managed assets, 0.04% of the next $300 million of the Fund's average
weekly total managed assets, 0.03% of the next $500 million of the Fund's
average weekly total managed assets and 0.02% of the Fund's average weekly total
managed assets above $1 billion.
BNY Mellon also serves as the Fund's Common Stock dividend-paying agent and
registrar (Transfer Agent). As compensation for BNY Mellon's services, the Fund
pays BNY Mellon a fee at an annual rate of 0.02% of the first $150 million of
the Fund's average weekly net assets attributable to Common Stock, 0.0075% of
the next $350 million of the Fund's average weekly net assets attributable to
Common Stock, and 0.0025% of the Fund's average weekly net assets attributable
to Common Stock above $500 million, plus certain out-of-pocket expenses. For
purposes of calculating such fee, the Fund's average weekly net assets
attributable to the Common Stock are deemed to be the average weekly value of
the Fund's total assets minus the sum of the Fund's liabilities. For this
calculation, the Fund's liabilities are deemed to include the aggregate
liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred shares and the loan
principal balance.
PFPC Trust Company ("PFPC Trust"), a member of BNY Mellon, serves as the
Fund's Custodian. As compensation for PFPC Trust's services as custodian, the
Fund pays PFPC Trust a monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.01% of the first $200
million of the Fund's average weekly total managed assets, 0.008% of the next
$300 million of the Fund's average weekly total managed assets, 0.006% of the
next $500 million of the Fund's average weekly total managed assets, and 0.005%
of the Fund's average weekly total managed assets above $1 billion.
31
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
The Fund currently pays each Director who is not a director, officer or
employee of the Adviser a fee of $9,000 per annum, plus $750 for each in-person
meeting of the Board of Directors or Audit Committee, $500 for each in-person
meeting of the Nominating Committee, and $250 for each telephone meeting. The
Audit Committee Chairman receives an additional annual fee of $3,000. The Fund
also reimburses all Directors for travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
connection with such meetings.
The Fund currently pays the Adviser a fee of $37,500 per annum for Chief
Compliance Officer services and reimburses out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
connection with providing services in this role.
5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
For the six months ended May 31, 2011 the cost of purchases and proceeds
from sales of securities excluding short-term investments, aggregated
$30,762,872 and $20,553,099, respectively.
At May 31, 2011, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax
purposes was $267,590,919, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all
securities in which there is an excess of value over tax cost was $29,910,003
and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which
there is an excess of tax cost over value was $27,479,844.
6. COMMON STOCK
At May 31, 2011, 240,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value Common Stock were
authorized.
Common Stock transactions were as follows:
SIX MONTHS ENDED YEAR ENDED
05/31/11 11/30/10
----------------------- ------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
-------- ----------- ------- -----------
Shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment
and Cash Purchase Plan........................... 10,921 $ 196,180 27,785 $ 458,224
-------- ----------- ------- -----------
7. AUCTION MARKET PREFERRED STOCK (AMPS)
The Fund's Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to
10,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock. Prior to July 9, 2009, the
Fund had preferred stock issued in the form of AMPS. The AMPS was senior to the
Common Stock and resulted in the financial leveraging of the Common Stock. As of
July 9, 2009, the Fund redeemed and cancelled the last remaining shares of AMPS
and does not currently have any issued and outstanding shares of preferred
stock.
8. COMMITTED FINANCING AGREEMENT
The Fund has entered into a committed financing agreement ("Financing
Agreement") that allows the Fund to borrow on a secured basis, which the Fund
uses in the normal course of business as financial leverage. Such leveraging
tends to magnify both the risks and opportunities to Shareholders. The Financing
Agreement has been amended from time to time to allow for changes in the
committed amount. As of May 31, 2011, the committed amount, and amount borrowed,
under the Financing Agreement was $91.6 million.
32
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
Effective January 1, 2011, the lender charges an annualized rate of 0.80%
on the undrawn (committed) balance, and three-month LIBOR (reset quarterly) plus
0.95% on the drawn (borrowed) balance. Prior to January 1, 2011, the lender
charged an annualized rate of 1.00% on the undrawn balance and three-month LIBOR
(reset quarterly) plus 1.10% on the drawn balance. For the six months ended May
31, 2011, the daily weighted average annualized interest rate on the drawn
balance was 1.268% and the average daily loan balance was $87,273,077. LIBOR
rates may vary in a manner unrelated to the income received on the Fund's
assets, which could have either a beneficial or detrimental impact on net
investment income and gains available to Shareholders.
The Fund is required to meet certain asset coverage requirements under the
Financing Agreement and under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the asset
coverage requirements, at least two-thirds of the Fund's assets are expected to
be pledged as collateral assuming the full committed amount is drawn. Securities
pledged as collateral are identified in the portfolio of investments. If the
Fund fails to meet these requirements, or maintain other financial covenants
required under the Financing Agreement, the Fund may be required to repay
immediately, in part or in full, the amount borrowed under the Financing
Agreement. Additionally, failure to meet the foregoing requirements or covenants
could restrict the Fund's ability to pay dividends to Shareholders and could
necessitate sales of portfolio securities at inopportune times. The Financing
Agreement has no stated maturity, but may be terminated by either party without
cause with six months' advance notice.
9. PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS, CONCENTRATION AND INVESTMENT QUALITY
The Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of preferred and debt
securities. This includes fully taxable preferred securities and traditional
preferred stocks eligible for the inter-corporate dividends received deduction
("DRD"). Under normal market conditions, at least 50% of the value of the Fund's
total assets will be invested in preferred securities. Also, under normal market
conditions, the Fund invests at least 25% of its total assets in securities
issued by companies in the utilities industry and at least 25% of its total
assets in securities issued by companies in the banking industry. The Fund's
portfolio may therefore be subject to greater risk and market fluctuation than a
portfolio of securities representing a broader range of investment alternatives.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets at the time of purchase in
securities rated below investment grade by all of Moody's, S&P and Fitch,
provided that (a) such securities are rated at least "Ba3" by Moody's, "BB-" by
S&P, or "BB-" by Fitch or (b) such securities are issued by an issuer having an
outstanding class of senior debt rated investment grade by any one of Moody's,
S&P, or Fitch at the time of purchase. Thus, the Fund may invest in securities
rated below "Ba3" by Moody's, "BB-" by S&P and "BB-" by Fitch if the issuer has
investment grade senior debt outstanding. In addition, the Fund may invest in
unrated securities that the Fund's investment adviser deems to be comparable in
quality to rated issues in which the Fund is authorized to invest.
The Fund may invest up to 15% of its total assets in common stocks, which
total includes those convertible securities that trade in close relationship to
the underlying common stock of an issuer. Certain of its investments in hybrid,
i.e., fully taxable, preferred securities will be considered debt securities to
the extent that, in the opinion of the Adviser, such investments are deemed to
be debt-like in key characteristics. Typically, a security will not be
considered debt-like (a) if an issuer can defer payment of income for eighteen
33
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
months or more without triggering an event of default and (b) if such issue is a
junior and fully subordinated liability of an issuer or its ultimate guarantor.
In addition to foreign money market securities, the Fund may invest up to
30% of its total assets in the securities of companies organized or having their
principal place of business outside the United States. All foreign securities
held by the Fund will be denominated in U.S. dollars.
The Fund may employ certain investment techniques in accordance with its
fundamental investment policies. These may include the use of when-issued and
delayed delivery transactions. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or
delayed delivery basis may be settled within 45 days after the date of the
transaction. The Fund may also enter into transactions, in accordance with its
investment policies, involving short sales of securities and purchases of
securities on margin. Such transactions may expose the Fund to credit and market
valuation risk greater than that associated with regular trade settlement
procedures.
10. SECURITIES LENDING
The Fund terminated its securities lending agreements effective April 15,
2011.
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund
through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that
there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the
financial statements.
34
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND CASH PURCHASE PLAN
Under the Fund's Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the "Plan"),
a shareholder whose Common Stock is registered in his or her own name will have
all distributions reinvested automatically by BNY Mellon as agent under the
Plan, unless the shareholder elects to receive cash. Registered shareholders may
elect to receive cash by contacting BNY Mellon at the number provided below. If
shares are registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other nominee (that is,
in "street name") and the broker or nominee participates in the Plan,
distributions may be reinvested by the broker or nominee in additional shares
under the Plan, unless the shareholder elects to receive distributions in cash.
Shareholders may elect to receive cash by contacting their broker or nominee. A
shareholder who holds Common Stock registered in the name of a broker or other
nominee may not be able to transfer the Common Stock to another broker or
nominee and continue to participate in the Plan. Investors who own Common Stock
registered in street name should consult their broker or nominee for details
regarding reinvestment.
The number of shares of Common Stock distributed to participants in the
Plan in lieu of a cash dividend is determined in the following manner. Whenever
the market price per share of the Fund's Common Stock is equal to or exceeds the
net asset value per share on the valuation date, participants in the Plan will
be issued new shares valued at the higher of net asset value or 95% of the then
current market value. Otherwise, BNY Mellon will buy shares of the Fund's Common
Stock in the open market, on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") or elsewhere,
on or shortly after the payment date of the dividend or distribution and
continuing until the ex-dividend date of the Fund's next distribution to holders
of the Common Stock or until it has expended for such purchases all of the cash
that would otherwise be payable to the participants. The number of purchased
shares that will then be credited to the participants' accounts will be based on
the average per share purchase price of the shares so purchased, including
brokerage commissions. If BNY Mellon commences purchases in the open market and
the then current market price of the shares (plus any estimated brokerage
commissions) subsequently exceeds their net asset value most recently determined
before the completion of the purchases, BNY Mellon will attempt to terminate
purchases in the open market and cause the Fund to issue the remaining dividend
or distribution in shares. In this case, the number of shares received by the
participant will be based on the weighted average of prices paid for shares
purchased in the open market and the price at which the Fund issues the
remaining shares. These remaining shares will be issued by the Fund at the
higher of net asset value or 95% of the then current market value.
Plan participants are not subject to any charge for reinvesting dividends
or capital gains distributions. Each Plan participant will, however, bear a
proportionate share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to BNY
Mellon's open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends
or capital gains distributions. For the six months ended May 31, 2011, $356 in
brokerage commissions were incurred.
The automatic reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions
will not relieve Plan participants of any income tax that may be payable on the
dividends or capital gains distributions. A participant in the Plan will be
treated for Federal income tax purposes as having received, on the dividend
payment date, a dividend or distribution in an amount equal to the cash that the
participant could have received instead of shares.
35
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
In addition to acquiring shares of Common Stock through the reinvestment of
cash dividends and distributions, a shareholder may invest any further
amounts from $100 to $3,000 semi-annually at the then current market price in
shares purchased through the Plan. Such semi-annual investments are subject to
any brokerage commission charges incurred.
A shareholder whose Common Stock is registered in his or her own name may
terminate participation in the Plan at any time by notifying BNY Mellon in
writing, by completing the form on the back of the Plan account statement and
forwarding it to BNY Mellon, or by calling BNY Mellon directly. A termination
will be effective immediately if notice is received by BNY Mellon not less than
10 days before any dividend or distribution record date. Otherwise, the
termination will be effective, and only with respect to any subsequent dividends
or distributions, on the first day after the dividend or distribution has been
credited to the participant's account in additional shares of the Fund. Upon
termination and according to a participant's instructions, BNY Mellon will
either (a) issue certificates for the whole shares credited to the shareholder's
Plan account and a check representing any fractional shares or (b) sell the
shares in the market. Shareholders who hold Common Stock registered in the name
of a broker or other nominee should consult their broker or nominee to terminate
participation.
The Plan is described in more detail in the Fund's Plan brochure.
Information concerning the Plan may be obtained from BNY Mellon at
1-866-351-7446.
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION AGREEMENT
The Adviser has agreed to compensate Merrill Lynch from its own resources
at an annualized rate of 0.15% of the Fund's total managed assets for certain
services, including after-market support services designed to maintain the
visibility of the Fund.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROXY VOTING RECORD ON FORM N-PX
The Fund files Form N-PX with its complete proxy voting record for the 12
months ended June 30th no later than August 31st of each year. The Fund filed
its latest Form N-PX with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on
August 23, 2010. This filing as well as the Fund's proxy voting policies and
procedures are available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund's
transfer agent at 1-866-351-7446 and (ii) on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
In addition, the Fund's proxy voting policies and procedures are available on
the Fund's website at www.fcclaymore.com.
PORTFOLIO SCHEDULE ON FORM N-Q
The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for
the first and third fiscal quarters on Form N-Q, the latest of which was filed
for the quarter ended February 28, 2011. The Fund's Form N-Q is available on the
SEC's website at www.sec.gov or may be viewed and obtained from the SEC's Public
Reference Room in Washington D.C. Information on the operation of the Public
Reference Section may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
36
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT TEAM
In managing the day-to-day operations of the Fund, the Adviser relies on
the expertise of its team of money management professionals, consisting of
Messrs. Crumrine, Ettinger, Stone and Chadwick. The professional backgrounds of
each member of the management team are included in the "Information about Fund
Directors and Officers" section of this report.
MEETING TO SHAREHOLDERS
On April 15, 2011, the Fund held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the
"Annual Meeting") for the following purpose: Election of Director of the Fund
(the "Proposal"). The Proposal was approved by shareholders and the results of
the voting are as follows:
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTOR.
NAME FOR WITHHELD
-------------------------------- --------- --------
David Gale...................... 8,656,021 269,059
Donald F. Crumrine, Morgan Gust, Karen H. Hogan and Robert F. Wulf continue
to serve in their capacities as Directors of the Fund.
37
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
INFORMATION ABOUT FUND DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the
Fund's Board of Directors. Information pertaining to the Directors and officers
of the Fund is set forth below.
PRINCIPAL NUMBER OF FUNDS
TERM OF OFFICE OCCUPATION(S) IN FUND COMPLEX
NAME, ADDRESS, POSITION(S) AND LENGTH OF DURING PAST OVERSEEN OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
AND AGE HELD WITH FUND TIME SERVED(*) FIVE YEARS BY DIRECTOR HELD BY DIRECTOR(**)
-------------- -------------- --------------- --------------------------- ----------------- --------------------
NON-INTERESTED
DIRECTORS:
DAVID GALE Director Class I Director President of Delta 4 Metromedia
Delta Dividend Group, Inc. since Dividend Group, Inc. International Group,
220 Montgomery Street August 2003 (investments) Inc.
Suite 426
San Francisco, CA 94104
Age: 62
MORGAN GUST Director Class II Director Owner and operator of 4 CoBiz Financial, Inc.
301 E. Colorado Boulevard and since various entities engaged (financial services)
Suite 720 Nominating August 2003 in agriculture and real
Pasadena, CA 91101 and estate; Former President
Age: 64 Governance of Giant Industries, Inc.
Committee (petroleum refining and
Chairman marketing) from March
2002 through June 2007
KAREN H. HOGAN(+) Director Class II Director Active Committee Member 4 None
301 E. Colorado Boulevard since and Volunteer to several
Suite 720 July 2005 non-profit organizations;
Pasadena, CA 91101 from September 1985 to
Age: 50 January 1997, Senior Vice
President of Preferred Stock
Origination at Lehman
Brothers and previously,
Vice President of New
Product Development
---------------------
(*) The Fund's Board of Directors is divided into three classes, each class
having a term of three years. Each year the term of office of one class
expires and the successor or successors elected to such class serve for a
three year term. The three year term for each class expires as follows:
CLASS I DIRECTOR - three year term expires at the Fund's 2014 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders; director may continue in office until his
successor is duly elected and qualified.
CLASS II DIRECTORS - three year term expires at the Fund's 2012 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders; directors may continue in office until their
successors are duly elected and qualified.
CLASS III DIRECTORS - three year term expires at the Fund's 2013
Annual Meeting of Shareholders; directors may continue in office until
their successors are duly elected and qualified.
(**) Each Director also serves as a Director for Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred
Income Fund, Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Opportunity Fund, and
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Preferred Securities Income Fund.
(+) As a Director, until July 9, 2009, represented holders of shares of the
Fund's Auction Market Preferred Stock.
38
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
PRINCIPAL NUMBER OF FUNDS
TERM OF OFFICE OCCUPATION(S) IN FUND COMPLEX
NAME, ADDRESS, POSITION(S) AND LENGTH OF DURING PAST OVERSEEN OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
AND AGE HELD WITH FUND TIME SERVED(*) FIVE YEARS BY DIRECTOR HELD BY DIRECTOR(**)
-------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- -------------------------- ------------------- --------------------
NON-INTERESTED
DIRECTORS:
ROBERT F. WULF Director Class III Director Financial Consultant; 4 None
P.O. Box 753 and Audit since Trustee, University of
Neskowin, OR 97149 Committee August 2003 Oregon Foundation;
Age: 74 Chairman Trustee, San Francisco
Theological Seminary
INTERESTED
DIRECTOR:
DONALD F. CRUMRINE(++) Director, Class III Director Chairman of the Board 4 None
301 E. Colorado Boulevard Chairman of since and Director of Flaherty &
Suite 720 the Board and August 2003 Crumrine Incorporated
Pasadena, CA 91101 Chief
Age: 63 Executive
Officer
----------------
(*) The Fund's Board of Directors is divided into three classes, each class
having a term of three years. Each year the term of office of one class
expires and the successor or successors elected to such class serve for a
three year term. The three year term for each class expires as follows:
CLASS I DIRECTOR - three year term expires at the Fund's 2014 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders; director may continue in office until his
successor is duly elected and qualified.
CLASS II DIRECTORS - three year term expires at the Fund's 2012 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders; directors may continue in office until their
successors are duly elected and qualified.
CLASS III DIRECTORS - three year term expires at the Fund's 2013
Annual Meeting of Shareholders; directors may continue in office until
their successors are duly elected and qualified.
(**) Each Director also serves as a Director for Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred
Income Fund; Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Opportunity Fund, and
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Preferred Securities Income Fund.
(++) "Interested person" of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act. Mr. Crumrine
is considered an "interested person" because of his affiliation with
Flaherty & Crumrine Incorporated, which acts as the Fund's investment
adviser.
39
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
PRINCIPAL
TERM OF OFFICE OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS, POSITION(S) AND LENGTH OF DURING PAST
AND AGE HELD WITH FUND TIME SERVED FIVE YEARS
-------------------------- --------------------- --------------- ------------------------------------
OFFICERS:
ROBERT M. ETTINGER President Since President and Director of Flaherty &
301 E. Colorado Boulevard August 2003 Crumrine Incorporated
Suite 720
Pasadena, CA 91101
Age: 52
R. ERIC CHADWICK Chief Financial Since Director of Flaherty & Crumrine
301 E. Colorado Boulevard Officer, Vice July 2004 Incorporated since June 2006;
Suite 720 President and Vice President of Flaherty &
Pasadena, CA 91101 Treasurer Crumrine Incorporated
Age: 36
CHAD C. CONWELL Chief Compliance Since Chief Compliance Officer & Vice
301 E. Colorado Boulevard Officer, Vice July 2005 President of Flaherty & Crumrine
Suite 720 President and Incorporated; Director of Flaherty
Pasadena, CA 91101 Secretary & Crumrine Incorporated since
Age: 38 January 2011
BRADFORD S. STONE Vice President Since Director of Flaherty & Crumrine
47 Maple Street and Assistant August 2003 Incorporated since June 2006;
Suite 403 Treasurer Vice President of Flaherty &
Summit, NJ 07901 Crumrine Incorporated
Age: 51
LAURIE C. LODOLO Assistant Since Assistant Compliance Officer and
301 E. Colorado Boulevard Compliance July 2004 Secretary of Flaherty & Crumrine
Suite 720 Officer, Assistant Incorporated
Pasadena, CA 91101 Treasurer and
Age: 47 Assistant Secretary
LINDA M. PUCHALSKI Assistant Since Administrator of Flaherty & Crumrine
301 E. Colorado Boulevard Treasurer August 2010 Incorporated
Suite 720
Pasadena, CA 91101
Age: 54
40
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
BOARD CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF CONTINUANCE OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
On January 25, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved the
continuation of the existing investment advisory agreement with the Adviser (the
"Investment Advisory Agreement"). The following paragraphs summarize the
material information and factors considered by the Board, including the
Non-Interested Directors, as well as their conclusions relative to such factors.
In considering whether to approve the Fund's Investment Advisory Agreement,
the Board members considered and discussed a substantial amount of information
and analysis provided, at the Board's request, by the Adviser. The Board members
also considered detailed information regarding performance and expenses of other
investment companies thought to be generally comparable to the Fund. The Board
members discussed with management this and other information relating to the
Investment Advisory Agreement during the Special Meeting held on January 13,
2011 for that specific purpose. In reaching their determinations relating to
continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board members considered
these discussions and all other factors they believed relevant, including the
factors discussed below. In their deliberations, Board members did not identify
any particular information that was all-important or controlling, and Board
members may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The Board
members evaluated this information, and all other information available to them,
for the Fund, and their determinations were made separately in respect of each
other fund advised by the Adviser. In particular, the Board members focused on
the following with respect to the Fund.
NATURE, EXTENT AND QUALITY OF SERVICES
The Board members reviewed in detail the nature and extent of services
provided by the Adviser and the quality of those services over the past year and
since inception. The Board members noted that these services included managing
the Fund's investment program, as well as the continued provision of significant
administrative services beyond what the Investment Advisory Agreement required.
The Board members noted that the Adviser also provided, generally at its
expense: office facilities for use by the Fund; personnel responsible for
supervising the performance of administrative, accounting and related services;
and investment compliance monitoring. Board members also considered the
Adviser's sound financial condition and the Adviser's commitment to its
business, in part evidenced by the Adviser maintaining its staff despite
materially lower revenues during 2008 and 2009 (a period some have called the
"global financial crisis"). The Board members evaluated the Adviser's services
based on their direct experience serving as Directors for many years, focusing
on (i) the Adviser's knowledge of the preferred securities market generally and
the sophisticated hedging strategies the Fund had employed until recently, the
reasons why that strategy would have been ineffective during and after the
recent market dislocation, why the Adviser has suspended its customary hedging
strategy, and its focus on, and internal resources dedicated to, identifying
opportunities to add additional value through hedging and other sophisticated
financial transactions, and (ii) the Adviser's culture of compliance. The Board
members reviewed the personnel responsible for providing services to the Fund
and observed that, based on their experience and interaction with the Adviser:
(1) the Adviser's personnel exhibited a high level of personal integrity,
diligence and attention to detail in carrying out their responsibilities under
the Investment Advisory Agreement; (2) the Adviser was responsive to requests of
the
41
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
Board, and its personnel were available between Board meetings to answer
questions from Board members; and (3) the Adviser had kept the Board apprised of
developments relating to the Fund. The Board members also considered continued
efforts undertaken by the Adviser to maintain an effective compliance program.
The Board members concluded that the nature and extent of the services provided
were reasonable and appropriate in relation to the Fund's investment goals and
strategies, the corporate and regulatory environment in which the Fund operates,
the level of services provided by the Adviser, and that the quality of the
Adviser's service continues to be high.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE
As occurred last year, Board members took note of the extraordinary market
conditions since 2008, the more recent recovery in markets for the Fund's
securities and the Fund's superior recent performance, which evidenced the
Adviser's continued adherence to its investment discipline. The Board members
considered the Fund's relative performance since inception, including its
performance in recent fiscal periods, including its disappointing absolute
performance over certain periods that preceded the recent period of excellent
performance. The Board members reviewed the Fund's performance compared to
relevant indices and funds thought to be generally comparable to the Fund and
examined differences between the Fund and certain funds in the comparison group.
The Board members also reviewed relative fees and expenses of the Fund and the
funds in the comparison group, including comparative advisory fee,
administration fee and total expense ratios, and noted that the Fund had below
average advisory fees and below average advisory/administration/shareholder
service fees.
PROFITABILITY
The Board members considered the Adviser's methodology for determining its
profitability with respect to the Fund, and the Adviser's profit margin on an
after-tax basis attributable to managing the Fund. The Board members noted, in
recent years, that declining assets under management, when compared to historic
highs, has led to declining Adviser profitability, but noted with approval the
Adviser's continued commitment to maintaining existing personnel and service
levels. The Board members also considered that the Adviser provided, at a lower
cost, services to separate account clients and determined that the difference
was justified in light of the additional services and costs associated with
managing registered investment companies, such as the Fund. The Board members
accepted the Adviser's statement that it did not realize material indirect
benefits from its relationship with the Fund and did not obtain soft dollar
credits from securities trading.
ECONOMIES OF SCALE
The Board members noted that the Fund, as a closed-end investment company,
was not expected to increase materially in size and, based on adverse market
conditions and related deleveraging, the Fund's size had declined significantly
from historic highs - although recently aggregate assets had increased as a
result of market appreciation. Thus, in light of these circumstances, the
Adviser would not benefit from economies of scale, especially where personnel
and other Adviser costs of providing services did not decline commensurately.
The Board members considered whether economies of scale could be realized
because the Adviser advises other similar funds. Based on their experience, the
Board members accepted the Adviser's explanation that significant economies of
scale would not be realized because of the complexity of managing preferred
securities for separate funds and other portfolios. Nonetheless, the Board
members
42
Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
noted that the Fund's advisory fee schedule declines as assets increase
beyond a certain level (commonly known as a "breakpoint"), and that breakpoints
provide for a sharing with shareholders of benefits derived as a result of
economies of scale arising from increased assets. Accordingly, the Board members
determined that the existing advisory fee levels reflect possible economies of
scale, and possibly at levels more favorable to the Fund than might have been
negotiated had the substantial volatility of the Fund's asset levels been
anticipated at the time the breakpoints had been agreed upon.
In light of their discussions and considerations as described above, the
Board members made the following determinations:
- the nature and extent and quality of the services provided by the
Adviser are reasonable and appropriate, and the quality of the
services is high;
- the Fund's overall performance over time has been satisfactory, and
its absolute performance for recent periods was reflective of market
conditions, given the Fund's investment policies and strategies and
the Adviser's adherence to them, which is responsible for the recent
superior performance as markets stabilized;
- the fee paid to the Adviser was reasonable in light of (i) comparative
performance and expense and advisory fee information, considered over
relevant time periods, (ii) the cost of the services provided and
profits to be realized, and (iii) the benefits derived or to be
derived by the Adviser from the relationship with the Fund; and
- there were not at this time significant economies of scale to be
realized by the Adviser in managing the Fund's assets, and the fee was
structured to provide for a sharing of the benefits of economies of
scale.
Based on these conclusions, the Board members determined that approval of
the Investment Advisory Agreement was in the best interest of the Fund and its
shareholders.
43
DIRECTORS
Donald F. Crumrine, CFA
Chairman of the Board
David Gale Morgan Gust
Karen H. Hogan
Robert F. Wulf, CFA
OFFICERS
Donald F. Crumrine, CFA
Chief Executive Officer
Robert M. Ettinger, CFA
President
R. Eric Chadwick, CFA
Chief Financial Officer,
Vice President and Treasurer
Chad C. Conwell
Chief Compliance Officer,
Vice President and Secretary
Bradford S. Stone
Vice President and
Assistant Treasurer
Laurie C. Lodolo
Assistant Compliance Officer,
Assistant Treasurer and
Assistant Secretary
Linda M. Puchalski
Assistant Treasurer
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Flaherty & Crumrine Incorporated e-mail: flaherty@pfdincome.com
SERVICING AGENT
Guggenheim Funds Distributors, Inc. 1-866-233-4001
QUESTIONS CONCERNING YOUR SHARES OF FLAHERTY & CRUMRINE/CLAYMORE TOTAL RETURN
FUND?
- If your shares are held in a Brokerage Account, contact your Broker.
- If you have physical possession of your shares in certificate form,
contact the Fund's Transfer Agent --
BNY Mellon Shareowner Services
1-866-351-7446
THIS REPORT IS SENT TO SHAREHOLDERS OF FLAHERTY & CRUMRINE/CLAYMORE TOTAL RETURN
FUND INCORPORATED FOR THEIR INFORMATION. IT IS NOT A PROSPECTUS, CIRCULAR OR
REPRESENTATION INTENDED FOR USE IN THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF SHARES OF THE FUND OR
OF ANY SECURITIES MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT.
(FLAHERTY & CRUMRINE/CLAYMORE LOGO)
Semi-Annual Report
May 31, 2011
www.fcclaymore.com
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS.
(a) Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the
close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to
shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.
(b) Not applicable.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
There has been no change, as of the date of this filing, in any of the portfolio
managers identified in response to paragraph (a)(1) of this Item in the
registrant's most recently filed annual report on Form N-CSR.
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.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders
may recommend nominees to the registrant's board of directors, where those
changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in
response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR
229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)),
or this Item.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) The registrant's principal executive and principal financial
officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that
the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "1940 Act") (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date
within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the
disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of
these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940
Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or
240.15d-15(b)).
(b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act
(17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the registrant's 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) Not applicable.
(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached
hereto.
(a)(3) Not applicable.
(b) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached
hereto.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(registrant) Flaherty & Crumrine/Claymore Total Return Fund Incorporated
---------------------------------------------------------------------
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Donald F. Crumrine
---------------------------------------------------
Donald F. Crumrine, Director, Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
Date 7/26/11
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Donald F. Crumrine
---------------------------------------------------
Donald F. Crumrine, Director, Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
Date 7/26/11
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ R. Eric Chadwick
--------------------------------------------------
R. Eric Chadwick, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
and Vice President
(principal financial officer)
Date 7/26/11
-----------
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.