september2013qtlyrpt.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing

 

A Closed-End Investment Company
listed on the New York Stock Exchange

100 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK • NY 10017
212-916-8400 • 1-800-436-8401
E-mail: InvestorRelations@gainv.com
www.generalamericaninvestors.com

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, significantly improved economic outlook when compared
the net asset value per Common Share increased to experience year to date. Favorable management com-
22.7% and the investment return to our stockhold- mentary on company earnings conference calls for the
ers was also 22.7%. By comparison, our benchmark, the second quarter gave some credence to consensus views that
Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (including income), the latter half of the year might prove stronger. Forward
increased 19.8%. For the twelve months ended September earnings multiples remain just above the average for the
30, 2013, the return on the net asset value per Common past 50 years. Employment has stabilized though it remains
Share increased by 26.0%, and the return to our stockhold- high. Government deficits for this year have improved
ers increased by 26.2%; these compare with an increase of demonstrably due in large part to early realization of capital
19.4% for the S&P 500. During both periods, the discount gains at the end of the calendar year 2012 and the effects
at which our shares traded continued to fluctuate and on of the sequester. Interest rates, though higher among lon-
September 30, 2013, it was 14.9%. ger duration instruments, remain at historically low levels
  and excess reserves at banks are quite high. If they were
As detailed in the accompanying financial statements released slowly and for good purpose, they could provide
(unaudited), as of September 30, 2013, the net assets strong uplift to growth.
applicable to the Company’s Common Stock were  
$1,176,027,867 equal to $40.10 per Common Share. Particularly as they apply to earnings, market expectations
  may have run ahead of the economy’s capabilities given
The increase in net assets resulting from opera- continued fiscal and monetary policy uncertainty amidst
tions for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 the effects of the restructuring of nearly 17% of the US
was $218,968,336. During this period, the net realized economy in the form of the policy implementation of the
gain on investments sold was $62,978,691, and Affordable Care Act. Despite broader optimism over
the increase in net unrealized appreciation was economic prospects, we believe the US will continue to
$159,309,050. Net investment income for the experience muted growth. The recent rise in the steepness
nine months was $5,164,574, and distributions to Preferred of the yield curve suggests the possibility of rising discount
Stockholders amounted to $8,483,979. rates for equity security cash flows and dividends. Discount
  rates are one of the legs of an equity security’s valuation, the
During the nine months, 230,005 shares of the Company’s others are cash generation and expected earnings growth
Common Stock were repurchased for $7,658,725 at an aver- As discount rates rise, the multiple one would pay for
age discount from net asset value of 14.5%. company’s earnings or cash flow should fall. Hence, higher
  discount rates can effectively constrain price/earnings mul-
The promised tapering of Quantitative Easing by the tiples, particularly when compared to the market’s experi-
Federal Reserve has yet to bear out, but did provide a mod- ence over the past two years.
est headwind at times for equity markets during the third
quarter. General American’s investments performed well, On a more favorable note, companies continue to commit to
enjoying favorable relative and absolute returns. significant repurchases of common stock and increase their
Economic growth in the US has alternated between tepid dividends. They are also employing continuing cost reduc-
and modest. We continue to witness and are likely to see tions, refinancing higher cost debt and engaging in elevated
bouts of optimism and negativity regarding the economy merger and acquisition activity. The combination of these
and the markets overall. This is due in large part to dispa- factors is likely to offset some of the potentially more con-
rate fiscal and monetary policies and economic data points tractionary forces at work on multiples. Though we are
which appear to be incompatible and at odds with one sanguine about the potential for further market advances
another. longer term, year-to-date market performance has muted
  our near term expectations.
On the negative side, the Federal Reserve’s taper discus-
sion, prevalent throughout the quarter, contributed to a sig- Information about the Company, including our investment objec-
nificant steepening of the yield curve in government bonds, tives, operating policies and procedures, investment results,
decreasing home refinancing activity and slowing the pace record of dividend and distribution payments, financial reports
of home sales. As well, despite very strong auto sales over and press releases, is on our website and has been updated
the summer, a few automakers built larger than expected through September 30, 2013. It can be accessed on the internet
inventories which may lead to reduced production activ- www.generalamericaninvestors.com.
ity in the fourth quarter thereby weakening GDP. Capital
expenditures by companies appear to have slowed. This  By Order of the Board of Directors,
is somewhat confirmed by consensus operating earnings
estimates for the S&P 500 which have slipped to $108-$109 GENERAL AMERICAN INVESTORS COMPANY, INC.
from earlier estimates of $111-$113 for 2013.  
  Jeffrey W. Priest
On the positive side, bottoms up estimates have earnings President and Chief Executive Officer
accelerating in 2014 at an 11% pace, which would imply a October 9, 2013

 


 


                Value
      Shares   COMMON STOCKS     (note 1a)
CONSUMER     AUTOMOBILES AND COMPONENTS (3.9%)      
DISCRETIONARY     1,264,063   Ford Motor Company   $21,324,743
(15.7%)   330,211   Visteon Corporation (a)     24,977,160
            (Cost $34,971,752)   46,301,903
      CONSUMER SERVICES (1.2%)      
      750,000   International Game Technology (Cost $8,678,620)   14,197,500
      RETAILING (10.6%)      
      284,050   Kohl’s Corporation     14,699,587
      460,000   Target Corporation     29,430,800
      1,419,668   The TJX Companies, Inc.     80,055,079
            (Cost $43,547,349)   124,185,466
            (Cost $87,197,721)    184,684,869
 
CONSUMER     FOOD, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO (9.5%)      
STAPLES     262,400   Diageo plc ADR     33,345,792
(13.3%)   450,000   Nestle S.A. (a)     31,474,620
      230,000   PepsiCo, Inc.     18,285,000
      728,845   Unilever N.V.     28,351,896
            (Cost $60,543,078)   111,457,308
      FOOD AND STAPLES RETAILING (3.8%)      
      394,500   Costco Wholesale Corporation (Cost $12,041,935)   45,434,565
            (Cost $72,585,013)   156,891,873
 
ENERGY     1,683,269   Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (a)     10,032,283
(11.2%)   331,478   Apache Corporation     28,222,037
      196,600   Canadian Natural Resources Limited     6,181,104
      685,000   Halliburton Company     32,982,750
      120,000   Occidental Petroleum Corporation     11,224,800
      803,803   Ultra Petroleum Corp. (a)     16,534,228
      1,725,000   Weatherford International Ltd. (a)     26,444,250
            (Cost $93,225,698)   131,621,452
 
FINANCIALS BANKS (2.0%)          
(24.5%)   675,000   Bond Street Holdings LLC, Class A (a) (b)     10,125,000
      75,000   Bond Street Holdings LLC, Class B (a) (c)     1,068,750
      110,000   M&T Bank Corporation     12,311,200
            (Cost $14,183,926)   23,504,950
      DIVERSIFIED FINANCIALS (5.5%)      
      275,000   American Express Company     20,768,000
      450,000   JPMorgan Chase & Co.     23,260,500
      540,000   Nelnet, Inc.     20,763,000
            (Cost $32,230,115)   64,791,500
      INSURANCE (17.0%)      
      330,492   Aon plc     24,601,824
      825,000   Arch Capital Group Ltd. (a)     44,657,250
      110   Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Class A (a)     18,745,100
      240,000   Everest Re Group, Ltd.     34,898,400
      53,500   Forethought Financial Group, Inc. Class A (a) (d)     14,712,500
      365,000   MetLife, Inc.     17,136,750
      260,000   PartnerRe Ltd.     23,800,400
      355,000   Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.     21,204,150
            (Cost $73,541,776)   199,756,374
            (Cost $119,955,817)   288,052,824

 



 


            Value
    Shares COMMON STOCKS (continued)     (note 1a)
HEALTH CARE   PHARMACEUTICALS, BIOTECHNOLOGY AND LIFE SCIENCES      
(7.9%) 440,000 Ariad Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)   $8,096,000
    100,000 Celgene Corporation (a)     15,413,700
    131,535 Cytokinetics, Incorporated (a)     995,720
    428,600 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (a)     26,946,082
    858,979 Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)     4,458,101
    325,000 Merck & Co., Inc.     15,472,925
    755,808 Pfizer Inc.     21,710,585
        (Cost $55,142,386)   93,093,113
 
INDUSTRIALS   CAPITAL GOODS (5.2%)      
(11.8%) 650,000 General Electric Company     15,528,500
    360,000 Owens Corning (a)     13,672,800
    300,000 United Technologies Corporation     32,346,000
        (Cost $46,839,782)   61,547,300
    COMMERCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (6.6%)      
    312,500 The ADT Corporation     12,706,250
    1,087,100 Republic Services, Inc.     36,265,656
    263,998 Towers Watson & Co. Class A     28,237,226
        (Cost $44,879,916)   77,209,132
        (Cost $91,719,698)   138,756,432
 
INFORMATION   SEMICONDUCTORS AND EQUIPMENT (2.4%)      
TECHNOLOGY   286,850 ASML Holding N.V. (Cost $4,285,794)   28,329,306
(14.0%)          
    SOFTWARE AND SERVICES (1.9%)      
    680,686 Microsoft Corporation (Cost $17,329,639)   22,653,230
    TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE AND EQUIPMENT (9.7%)      
    67,000 Apple Inc.     31,942,250
    820,000 Cisco Systems, Inc.     19,213,420
    615,000 EMC Corporation     15,719,400
    700,000 QUALCOMM Incorporated     47,124,000
        (Cost $73,800,999)   113,999,070
        (Cost $95,416,432)   164,981,606
 
MISCELLANEOUS     Other (e) (Cost $51,443,964)   53,686,386
(4.6%)          
 
TELECOMMUNICATION  523,100 Vodafone Group plc ADR (Cost $13,766,306)   18,402,658
SERVICES (1.6%)            
 
         TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (104.6%) (Cost $680,453,035)   1,230,171,213
 
    Contracts          
PUT OPTION   (100 shares each)   COMPANY/EXPIRATION DATE/STRIKE PRICE      
ENERGY (0.0%)   4,000 Weatherford International Ltd./January 18, 2014/$15 (Cost $382,142)   384,000

 



 


        Value
Shares SHORT-TERM SECURITY AND OTHER ASSETS     (note 1a)
136,079,286 SSgA U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund (11.6%) (Cost $136,079,286) $136,079,286
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (f) (116.2%) (Cost $816,914,463)   1,366,634,499
Liabilities in excess of cash, receivables and other assets (0.0%)     (489,457)
PREFERRED STOCK (-16.2%)       (190,117,175)
 
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK (100%)   $1,176,027,867

 

ADR - American Depository Receipt

(a) Non-income producing security.

(b) Level 3 fair value measurement, restricted security acquired in three installments as follows: 425,000 shares on 11/4/09, unit cost $20.00 per share; 150,000 shares on 4/2/13, unit cost $14.80 per share; and 100,000 shares on 4/11/13, unit cost $14.05 per share. Fair value is $15.00 per share, note 2. Fair value is based upon bid and/or transaction prices provided via the NASDAQ OMX PORTAL Alliance trading and transfer system for privately placed equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market among qualified investors and an evaluation of book value per share. Amount represents .86% of net assets.

(c) Level 3 fair value measurement, restricted security exchanged from Class A shares on 5/21/12, aggregate cost $1,500,000, unit cost is $20.00 per share and fair value is $14.25 per share, note 2. Fair value is based upon a judgmentally discounted bid price provided via the NASDAQ OMX PORTAL Alliance trading and transfer system for privately placed equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market among qualified investors and an evaluation of book value per share. Amount represents .09% of net assets.

(d) Level 3 fair value measurement, restricted security acquired 11/3/09, aggregate cost $10,748,000, unit cost is $200.90 per share and fair value is $275.00 per share, note 2. Fair valuation was based upon a market approach using valuation metrics (market price-earnings and market price-book value multiples), and changes therein, relative to a peer group of companies established by the underwriters as well as actual transaction prices resulting from limited trading in the security. Significant increases (decreases) in the relative valuation metrics of the peer group companies may result in higher (lower) estimates of fair value. As of period end, valuation is based upon a discount to the estimated acquisition price of the company by its acquiror, Global Atlantic Financial Group. Closing of the transaction and the final determination of the purchase price, approximately book value, is expected to take place as of December 31, 2013. Fair valuation will change, and likely increase, as the closing date of the acquisition approaches. Amount represents 1.25% of net assets.

(e) Securities which have been held for less than one year, not previously disclosed, and not restricted.

(f) At September 30, 2013 the cost of investments for Federal income tax purposes was the same as the cost for financial reporting purposes, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation was $559,282,722, aggregate gross unrealized depreciation was $9,562,686, and net unrealized appreciation was $549,720,036.


  Contracts     Value
CALL OPTION (100 shares each) COMPANY/EXPIRATION DATE/STRIKE PRICE   (note 1a)
ENERGY 4,000 Weatherford International Ltd./February 22, 2014/$17 (Premium Deposited with Broker $285,852) $276,000
 
(see notes to unaudited financial statements)    

 



 


  SHARES SHARES
INCREASES TRANSACTED   HELD
ADDITIONS    
Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. 200,000 1,683,269
General Electric Company 100,000 650,000
 
DECREASES      
ELIMINATIONS    
Nucor Corporation 100,000
Waste Management, Inc. 265,000
REDUCTIONS    
Canadian Natural Resources Limited 103,400 196,600
Diageo plc ADR 37,600 262,400
Halliburton Company 40,000 685,000
JPMorgan Chase & Co. 25,000 450,000
MetLife, Inc. 35,000 365,000
Microsoft Corporation 29,000 680,686
Nelnet, Inc. 11,500 540,000
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. 10,000 355,000
The TJX Companies, Inc. 125,000 1,419,668
Weatherford International Ltd. 325,000 1,725,000
 
(a) Common shares unless otherwise noted; excludes transactions in Common Stocks - Miscellaneous - Other.

 


The diversification of the Company’s net assets applicable to its Common Stock and Option by industry group as of September 30, 2013 is shown in the following table.

             
INDUSTRY CATEGORY COST (000) VALUE (000) PERCENT COMMON NET ASSETS*  
Financials              
Banks $14,184 $23,505   2.0 %
Diversified Financials   32,230   64,792   5.5  
Insurance   73,542   199,756   17.0  
    119,956   288,053   24.5  
Consumer Discretionary              
Automobiles & Components   34,972   46,302   3.9  
Consumer Services   8,679   14,198   1.2  
Retailing   43,547   124,185   10.6  
    87,198   184,685   15.7  
Information Technology              
Semiconductors & Equipment   4,286   28,330   2.4  
Software & Services   17,329   22,653   1.9  
Technology Hardware & Equipment   73,801   113,999   9.7  
 
Consumer Staples   95,416   164,982   14.0  
Food, Beverage & Tobacco   60,543   111,457   9.5  
Food & Staples Retailing   12,042   45,435   3.8  
 
Industrials   72,585   156,892   13.3  
Capital Goods   46,840   61,547   5.2  
Commercial & Professional Services   44,880   77,209   6.6  
    91,720   138,756   11.8  
Energy   93,608   132,005   11.2  
Health Care              
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences   55,142   93,093   7.9  
Miscellaneous**   51,444   53,686   4.6  
Telecommunication Services   13,766   18,403   1.6  
    680,835   1,230,555   104.6  
Short-Term Securities   136,079   136,079   11.6  
Total Investments $816,914   1,366,634   116.2  
Other Assets and Liabilities - Net       (489 ) 0.0  
Preferred Stock       (190,117 ) (16.2 )
Net Assets Applicable to Common Stock     $1,176,028   100.0 %

 

*      Net Assets applicable to the Company’s Common Stock.
**      Securities which have been held for less than one year, not previously disclosed, and not restricted.

(see notes to unaudited financial statements)



 


ASSETS          
INVESTMENTS, AT VALUE (NOTE 1a)          
Common stocks (cost $680,453,035)       $1,230,171,213
Purchased option (cost $382,142)         384,000
Money market fund (cost $136,079,286)         136,079,286
              Total investments (cost $816,914,463)         1,366,634,499
 
RECEIVABLES AND OTHER ASSETS          
Cash held by custodian in segregated account $740,356      
Receivable for securities sold   7,492,277      
Dividends, interest and other receivables   1,834,386      
Qualified pension plan asset, net excess funded (note 7)   355,007      
Prepaid expenses and other assets   1,596,125     12,018,151
TOTAL ASSETS         1,378,652,650
LIABILITIES          
Payable for securities purchased   1,442,363      
Accrued preferred stock dividend not yet declared   219,955      
Outstanding option written, at value (premiums received $285,852)   276,000      
Accrued supplemental pension plan liability (note 7)   5,117,567      
Accrued supplemental thrift plan liability (note 7)   2,006,374      
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   3,445,349      
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES         12,507,608
 
5.95% CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES B -          
7,604,687 shares at a liquidation value of $25 per share (note 5)         190,117,175
 
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK - 29,324,015 shares (note 5)       $1,176,027,867
 
NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE       $40.10
 
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK          
Common Stock, 29,324,015 shares at par value (note 5) $29,324,015      
Additional paid-in capital (note 5)   543,992,969      
Undistributed net investment income (note 5)   6,111,735      
Undistributed realized gain on investments   63,345,993      
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (note 7)   (7,772,799 )    
Unallocated distributions on Preferred Stock   (8,703,934 )    
Unrealized appreciation on investments and options written   549,729,888      
 
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK       $1,176,027,867

 

(see notes to unaudited financial statements)



 


INCOME      
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $490,574)   $14,732,120
EXPENSES      
Investment research $4,803,179    
Administration and operations 2,732,333    
Office space and general 1,260,054    
Directors’ fees and expenses 213,471    
Auditing and legal fees 180,000    
Transfer agent, custodian and registrar fees and expenses 163,698    
Miscellaneous taxes 159,362    
Stockholders’ meeting and reports 55,449   9,567,546
NET INVESTMENT INCOME     5,164,574
REALIZED GAIN AND CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION ON INVESTMENTS (NOTES 1, 3 AND 4)      
Net realized gain on investments:      
Securities transactions (long-term except for $1,740,537) 62,144,909    
Written option transactions (notes 1b and 4) 833,782    
  62,978,691    
Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments 159,309,050    
NET GAIN ON INVESTMENTS     222,287,741
DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS     (8,483,979)
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS   $218,968,336

 


    Nine Months Ended        
    September 30, 2013     Year Ended  
OPERATIONS   (Unaudited)     December 31, 2012  
Net investment income $5,164,574   $6,973,024  
Net realized gain on investments   62,978,691     60,458,284  
Net increase in unrealized appreciation   159,309,050     84,267,705  
    227,452,315     151,699,013  
Distributions to Preferred Stockholders:            
From net investment income       (1,205,766)
From short-term capital gains       (85,020)
From long-term capital gains       (10,021,186)
Unallocated distributions   (8,483,979)    
Decrease in net assets from Preferred distributions   (8,483,979)   (11,311,972)
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS   218,968,336     140,387,041  
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Funded status of defined benefit plans (note 7)       (87,605)
DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS            
From net investment income       (6,109,048)
From short-term capital gains       (430,801)
From long-term capital gains       (50,405,654)
DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM COMMON DISTRIBUTIONS       (56,945,503)
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 5)            
Value of Common Shares issued in payment of dividends and distributions   9,300,595     21,554,674  
Cost of Common Shares purchased   (7,658,725)   (36,028,316)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS - CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS   1,641,870     (14,473,642)
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS   220,610,206     68,880,291  
 
NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK            
BEGINNING OF PERIOD   955,417,661     886,537,370  
END OF PERIOD (including undistributed net investment income of $6,111,735 and            
$947,161, respectively) $1,176,027,867   $955,417,661  

 

(see notes to unaudited financial statements)


 


The following table shows per share operating performance data, total investment return, ratios and supplemental data for the nine months ended
September 30, 2013 and for each year in the five-year period ended December 31, 2012. This information has been derived from information con-
tained in the financial statements and market price data for the Company’s shares.                          
 
    Nine Months                              
    Ended                              
    September 30, 2013           Year Ended December 31,      
    (Unaudited)     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008
 
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE                                  
Net asset value, beginning of period $32.68   $29.78   $31.26   $27.50   $21.09   $38.10
Net investment income   .18     .24     .18     .19     .11     .42
Net gain (loss) on securities -                                  
realized and unrealized   7.53     5.05     (.68)   4.37     6.94     (16.15)
Other comprehensive income (loss)           (.10)       .07     (.25)
    7.71     5.29     (.60)   4.56     7.12     (15.98)
Distributions on Preferred Stock:                                  
Dividends from net investment income       (.04)   (.11)   (.07)   (.11)   (.11)
Distributions from net short-term capital gains       (.01)   (.01)   (.03)   (.05)  
Distributions from net long-term capital gains       (.34)   (.26)   (.27)   (.19)   (.27)
Distributions from return of capital                   (.01)  
Unallocated   (.29)                    
    (.29)     (.39)   (.38)   (.37)   (.36)   (.38)
Total from investment operations   7.42     4.90     (.98)   4.19     6.76     (16.36)
Distributions on Common Stock:                                  
Dividends from net investment income       (.21)   (.15)   (.08)   (.10)   (.19)
Distributions from net short-term capital gains       (.02)   (.01)   (.03)   (.05)  
Distributions from net long-term capital gains       (1.77)   (.34)   (.32)   (.19)   (.46)
Distributions from return of capital                   (.01)  
        (2.00)   (.50)   (.43)   (.35)   (.65)
 
Net asset value, end of period $40.10   $32.68   $29.78   $31.26   $27.50   $21.09
Per share market value, end of period $34.14   $27.82   $24.91   $26.82   $23.46   $17.40
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN - Stockholder                                  
return, based on market price per share   22.72%*     19.77%   (5.29%)   16.24%   36.86%   (48.20%)
 
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA                                  
Net assets applicable to Common Stock,                                  
end of period (000’s omitted) $1,176,028     $955,418    $886,537   $950,941   $864,323   $674,598
Ratio of expenses to average net assets                                  
applicable to Common Stock   1.18%**   1.67%   1.39%   1.54%   1.93%   0.87%
Ratio of net income to average net assets                                  
applicable to Common Stock   0.65%**   0.74%   0.56%   0.66%   0.46%   1.31%
Portfolio turnover rate   12.24%*     9.56%   11.17%   18.09%   24.95%   25.52%
 
PREFERRED STOCK                                  
Liquidation value, end of period (000’s omitted) $190,117     $190,117   $190,117   $190,117   $190,117   $199,617
Asset coverage 719%     603%   566%   600%   555%   438%
Liquidation preference per share $25.00   $25.00   $25.00   $25.00   $25.00   $25.00
Market value per share $25.28   $25.54   $25.47   $24.95   $24.53   $21.90

 

*Not annualized
**Annualized

(see notes to unaudited financial statements)



 


1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - General American Investors Company, Inc. (the “Company”), established in 1927, is registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a closed-end, diversifi ed management investment company. It is internally managed by
its offi cers under the direction of the Board of Directors.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”)
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying
notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
a. SECURITY VALUATION Equity securities traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price on the
last business day of the period. Equity securities reported on the NASDAQ national market are valued at the offi cial closing price on
that day. Listed and NASDAQ equity securities for which no sales are reported on that day and other securities traded in the over-
the-counter market are valued at the last bid price (asked price for options written) on the valuation date. Equity securities traded
primarily in foreign markets are valued at the closing price of such securities on their respective exchanges or markets. Corporate
debt securities, domestic and foreign, are generally traded in the over-the-counter market rather than on a securities exchange. The
Company utilizes the latest bid prices provided by independent dealers and information with respect to transactions in such securities
to determine current market value. If, after the close of foreign markets, conditions change signifi cantly, the price of certain foreign
securities may be adjusted to refl ect fair value as of the time of the valuation of the portfolio. Investments in money market funds
are valued at their net asset value. Special holdings (restricted securities) and other securities for which quotations are not readily
available are valued at fair value determined in good faith pursuant to specifi c procedures appropriate to each security as established
by and under the general supervision of the Board of Directors. The determination of fair value involves subjective judgments. As a
result, using fair value to price a security may result in a price materially different from the price used by other investors or the price
that may be realized upon the actual sale of the security.
 
b. OPTIONS The Company may purchase and write (sell) put and call options. The Company typically purchases put options or writes
call options to hedge the value of portfolio investments while it typically purchases call options and writes put options to obtain equity
market exposure under specifi ed circumstances. The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Company pays a premium
whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Company bears the risk of loss of the premium and a change in market
value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. Put and call options purchased are accounted for in the same manner
as portfolio securities. Premiums received from writing options are reported as a liability on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Those that expire unexercised are treated by the Company on the expiration date as realized gains on written option transactions
in the Statement of Operations. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase
transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or, if the premium is less than the amount paid for
the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss on written option transactions in the Statement of Operations. If a call option is
exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether the Company has
realized a gain or loss on investments in the Statement of Operations. If a put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis
for the securities purchased by the Company and is parenthetically disclosed under cost of investments on the Statement of Assets and
Liabilities. The Company as writer of an option bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying
the written option. See Note 4 for written option activity.
 
c. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME Security transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Dividend income and
distributions to stockholders are recorded as of the ex-dividend dates. Interest income, adjusted for amortization of discount and pre-
mium on investments, is earned from settlement date and is recognized on the accrual basis. Cost of short-term investments represent
amortized cost.
 
d. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION AND TRANSACTIONS Portfolio securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the exchange rate of such currencies versus U.S. dollars on the date of valuation.
Purchases and sales of securities, income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at
the exchange rate in effect on the transaction date. Events may impact the availability or reliability of foreign exchange rates used
to convert the U.S. dollar equivalent value. If such an event occurs, the foreign exchange rate will be valued at fair value using
procedures established and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company does not separately report the effect of
changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices on securities held. Such changes are included in net realized and
unrealized gain or loss from investments on the Statement of Operations.
 
Realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade
and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the recorded amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign
withholding taxes and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and
losses arise from changes in foreign exchange rates on foreign denominated assets and liabilities other than investments in securities
held at the end of the reporting period.
 
Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S.
companies as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of political or economic instability or the level of governmental supervi-
sion and regulation of foreign securities markets.
 
e. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS The Company expects to pay dividends of net investment income and distributions of net realized
capital and currency gains, if any, annually to common shareholders and quarterly to preferred shareholders. Dividends and distribu-
tions to common and preferred shareholders, which are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations are recorded
on the ex-dividend date. Permanent book/tax differences relating to income and gains are reclassifi ed to paid-in capital as they arise.
 
f. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES The Company’s policy is to fulfi ll the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated
investment companies and to distribute substantially all taxable income to its stockholders. Accordingly, no provision for Federal
income taxes is required. In accordance with U.S. GAAP requirements regarding accounting for uncertainties in income taxes, man-
agement has analyzed the Company’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on Federal and state income tax returns for all open
tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Company’s
financial statements.
 
g. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Amounts related to contingent liabilities are accrued if it is probable that a liability has been incurred
and an amount is reasonably estimable. Management evaluates whether there are incremental legal or other costs directly associated
with the ultimate resolution of a matter that are reasonably estimable and, if so, they are included in the accrual.
 
h. INDEMNIFICATIONS In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifi cations.
The Company’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Company has not had prior claims or losses
pursuant to these indemnifi cation provisions and expects the risk of loss thereunder to be remote.

 



 


2. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Various data inputs are used in determining the value of the Company’s investments. These inputs are
summarized in a hierarchy consisting of the three broad levels listed below:
 
Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical securities (including money market funds which are valued using amortized cost
and which transact at net asset value, typically $1.00 per share),
Level 2 - other signifi cant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, credit risk, etc.), and
Level 3 - signifi cant unobservable inputs (including the Company’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
 
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those
securities. The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Company’s net assets as of September 30, 2013:

 

Assets   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 Total
Common stocks $1,204,264,963   $25,906,250 $1,230,171,213
Purchased option   384,000   384,000
Money market fund   136,079,286   136,079,286
    Total $1,340,728,249   $25,906,250 $1,366,634,499
Liabilities              
Option written ($276,000)       ($276,000)

 

The aggregate value of Level 3 portfolio investments changed during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as follows:
Change in portfolio valuations using signifi cant unobservable inputs:   Level 3
Fair value at December 31, 2012 $21,218,125
Purchases   3,623,750
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments   1,064,375
Fair value at September 30, 2013 $25,906,250
The increase in net unrealized appreciation included in the results of operations attributable to
Level 3 assets held at September 30, 2013 and reported within the caption Net change in    
unrealized appreciation in the Statement of Operations: $1,064,375
There were no transfers between levels during the period ended September 30, 2013.    

 

3. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES - Purchases and sales of securities (other than short-term securities and options) for the nine
months ended September 30, 2013 amounted to $140,615,627 and $181,431,294, on long transactions, respectively.
4. WRITTEN OPTIONS - The level of activity in written options varies from year to year based upon market conditions. Transactions in
written covered call options and collateralized put options during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:

 

  Covered Calls   Collateralized Puts
  Contracts     Premiums   Contracts     Premiums
Options outstanding, December 31, 2012 300   $104,999   0   $0
Options written 4,000     285,852   5,078     1,304,665
Options exercised 0     0   (400)   (104,363)
Options terminated in closing purchase transaction (300)   (104,999) (4,678)   (1,200,302)
Options outstanding, September 30, 2013 4,000   $285,852   0   0

 

The maximum payout for written put options is limited to the number of put option contracts written and the related strike prices,
respectively. The fair value of the written covered call options contracts at September 30, 2013 is $276,000.
 
5. CAPITAL STOCK AND DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTIONS - The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 50,000,000 shares of Common
Stock, $1.00 par value, and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value. With respect to the Common Stock, 29,324,015 shares
were issued and outstanding; 8,000,000 Preferred Shares were originally issued and 7,604,687 were outstanding on September 30, 2013.
 
On September 24, 2003, the Company issued and sold 8,000,000 shares of its 5.95% Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B in an underwritten
offering. The Preferred Shares were noncallable for the 5 year period ended September 24, 2008 and have a liquidation preference of $25.00 per
share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends to the date of redemption. On December 10, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase
of up to 1 million Preferred Shares in the open market at prices below $25.00 per share. To date, 395,313 shares have been repurchased.
 
The Company is required to allocate distributions from long-term capital gains and other types of income proportionately among hold-
ers of shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock. To the extent that dividends on the shares of Preferred Stock are not paid from
long-term capital gains, they will be paid from ordinary income or net short-term capital gains or will represent a return of capital.
 
Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Company is required to maintain an asset coverage of at least 200% of the Preferred
Stock. In addition, pursuant to Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. Rating Agency Guidelines, the Company is required to maintain a certain
discounted asset coverage for its portfolio that equals or exceeds a Basic Maintenance Amount. The Company has met these require-
ments since the issuance of the Preferred Stock. If the Company fails to meet these requirements in the future and does not cure such
failure, the Company may be required to redeem, in whole or in part, shares of Preferred Stock at a redemption price of $25.00 per
share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. In addition, failure to meet the foregoing asset coverage requirements could restrict the
Company’s ability to pay dividends on shares of Common Stock and could lead to sales of portfolio securities at inopportune times.
 
The holders of Preferred Stock have voting rights equivalent to those of the holders of Common Stock (one vote per share) and, gener-
ally, vote together with the holders of Common Stock as a single class.
 
Holders of Preferred Stock will elect two members to the Company’s Board of Directors and the holders of Preferred and Common
Stock, voting as a single class, will elect the remaining directors. If the Company fails to pay dividends on the Preferred Stock in an
amount equal to two full years’ dividends, the holders of Preferred Stock will have the right to elect a majority of the directors. In
addition, the Investment Company Act of 1940 requires that approval of the holders of a majority of any outstanding Preferred Shares,
voting separately as a class, would be required to (a) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely affect the Preferred Stock
and (b) take any action requiring a vote of security holders, including, among other things, changes in the Company’s subclassifi cation
as a closed-end investment company or changes in its fundamental investment policies.

 



 


5. CAPITAL STOCK AND DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTIONS - (Continued from bottom of previous page.)
The Company presents its Preferred Stock, for which its redemption is outside of the Company’s control, outside of the net assets
applicable to Common Stock in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
 
Transactions in Common Stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012 were as follows:

 

  Shares   Amount
  2013     2012   2013     2012
Shares issued in payment of dividends and distributions                  
(includes 320,048 and 766,116 shares issued from treasury) 320,048     766,116   $320,048   $766,116
Increase in paid-in capital           8,980,547     20,788,558
Total increase           9,300,595     21,554,674
Shares purchased (at an average discount from net asset value                  
of 14.5% and 14.5%, respectively) (230,005)   (1,298,533) (230,005)   (1,298,533)
Decrease in paid-in capital           (7,428,720)   (34,729,783)
Total decrease           (7,658,725)   (36,028,316)
Net increase (decrease) 90,043     (532,417) $1,641,870   ($14,473,642)

 

At September 30, 2013, the Company held in its treasury 2,656,857 shares of Common Stock with an aggregate cost in the amount of
$72,579,491.
 
The tax basis distribution during the year ended December 31, 2012 is as follows: ordinary distributions of $7,830,635 and long-term
capital gains distributions of $60,426,840. As of December 31, 2012, distributable earnings on a tax basis included $295,371 from undis-
tributed net long-term capital gains, $378,924 from undistributed ordinary income and $390,366,710 from net unrealized appreciation
on investments if realized in future years. Reclassifications arising from permanent “book/tax” differences reflect non-tax deductible
expenses and redesignation of dividends incurred during the year ended December 31, 2012. As a result, undistributed net investment
income was increased by $2,804, additional paid-in capital was decreased by $1,318 and accumulated net realized gain on investment
transactions was decreased by $1,486. Net assets were not affected by this reclassification.
 
6. OFFICERS’ COMPENSATION - The aggregate compensation accrued and paid by the Company during the nine months ended September
30, 2013 to its offi cers (identifi ed on back cover) amounted to $4,019,208.
 
7. BENEFIT PLANS - The Company has funded (qualifi ed) and unfunded (supplemental) noncontributory defi ned benefi t pension plans
that are available to its employees. The pension plans provide defi ned benefi ts based on years of service and final average salary with
an offset for a portion of social security covered compensation. The components of the net periodic benefi t cost (income) of the plans
for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were:

 

Service cost $341,107  
Interest cost   573,461  
Expected return on plan assets   (739,862)
Amortization of prior service cost   34,942  
Amortization of recognized net actuarial loss   726,479  
Net periodic benefi t cost 936,127  

 

The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of a defi ned benefi t postretirement plan as an asset or liability in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities and recognizes changes in funded status in the year in which the changes occur through other com
prehensive income.
 
The Company also has funded (qualifi ed) and unfunded (supplemental) defi ned contribution thrift plans that are available to its employ
ees. The aggregate cost of such plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $594,326. The qualifi ed thrift plan acquired
24,617 shares, sold 28,800 shares and distributed 25,719 shares of the Company’s Common Stock during the nine months ended
September 30, 2013 and held 454,934 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at September 30, 2013.
 
8. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENT - In September 2007, the Company entered into an operating lease agreement for offi ce space which
expires in February 2018 and provides for future rental payments in the aggregate amount of approximately $10,755,000, net of con
struction credits. The lease agreement contains clauses whereby the Company receives free rent for a specifi ed number of months and
credit towards construction of offi ce improvements, and incurs escalations annually relating to operating costs and real property taxes
and to annual rent charges beginning in February 2013. The Company has the option to renew the lease after February 2018 for five
years at market rates. Rental expense approximated $824,400 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Minimum rental commit
ments under the operating lease are approximately $1,183,000 in 2013 through 2017, and $99,000 in 2018.

 


Previous purchases of the Company’s Common and Preferred Stock are set forth in Note 5 on pages 10 and 11. Prospective purchases of Common
and Preferred Stock may be at such times, at such prices, in such amounts and in such manner as the Board of Directors may deem advisable.
The policies and procedures used by the Company to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and the Company’s proxy voting
record for the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2013 are available: (1) without charge, upon request, by calling us at our toll-free telephone num-
ber (1-800-436-8401), (2) on the Company’s website at www.generalamericaninvestors.com and (3) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s
website at www.sec.gov.
In addition to distributing financial statements as of the end of each quarter, General American Investors files a Quarterly Schedule of Portfolio
Holdings (Form N-Q) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as of the end of the first and third calendar quarters. The Company’s
Forms N-Q are available at www.generalamericaninvestors.com and on the SEC’s website: www.sec.gov. Also, Forms N-Q may be reviewed and
copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained
by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. A copy of the Company’s Form N-Q may also be obtained by calling us at 1-800-436-8401.
On April 15, 2013, the Company submitted a CEO annual certification to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on which the Company’s prin-
cipal executive officer certified that he was not aware, as of that date, of any violation by the Company of the NYSE’s Corporate Governance listing
standards. In addition, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC rules, the Company’s principal executive and
principal financial officer made quarterly certifications, included in filings with the SEC on Forms N-CSR and N-Q relating to, among other things,
the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, as applicable.

 



 

DIRECTORS
Spencer Davidson, Chairman
Sidney R. Knafel, Lead Independent Director
Arthur G. Altschul, Jr.         Betsy F. Gotbaum
Rodney B. Berens         Daniel M. Neidich
Lewis B. Cullman         Jeffrey W. Priest
Gerald M. Edelman         Raymond S. Troubh
John D. Gordan, III  
 
 
OFFICERS
Jeffrey W. Priest, President and Chief Executive Officer
Andrew V. Vindigni, Senior Vice-President
Craig A. Grassi, Vice-President
Sally A. Lynch, Vice-President
Michael W. Robinson, Vice-President
Eugene S. Stark, Vice-President, Administration, Principal
Financial Officer & Chief Compliance Officer
Diane G. Radosti, Treasurer
Maureen E. LoBello, Secretary

 

SERVICE COMPANIES
COUNSEL TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP American Stock Transfer & Trust
      Company, LLC
INDEPENDENTAUDITORS 6201 15th Avenue
Ernst & Young LLP Brooklyn, NY 11219
1-800-413-5499
CUSTODIAN www.amstock.com
State Street Bank and
     Trust Company