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 811-22328
Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Scott R. Plummer
5228 Ameriprise Financial Center
Minneapolis, MN 55474
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (800) 345-6611
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: June 30, 2015
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
Item 1. | Reports to Stockholders. |
SEMIANNUAL REPORT
June 30, 2015
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
Under the Funds managed distribution policy and subject to the approval of the Funds Board of Directors (the Board), the Fund expects to make quarterly cash distributions (in February, May, August and November) to Common Stockholders. The Funds most recent distribution (August 25, 2015) amounted to $0.4625 per share, which is equal to a quarterly rate of 2.3125% (9.25% annualized) of the $20.00 offering price in the Funds initial public offering in November 2009. This distribution is equal to a quarterly rate of 2.559% (10.2380% annualized) of the Funds market price of $18.07 per share as of July 31, 2015. You should not draw any conclusions about the Funds investment performance from the amount of the distribution or from the terms of the Funds distribution policy. Historically, the Fund has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains, which has resulted in Fund distributions substantially consisting of return of capital or other capital source. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Funds investment performance and should not be confused with yield or income. As of the payment date of the most recent distribution, all Fund distributions paid in 2015 (as estimated by the Fund based on current information) are from the earnings and profits of the Fund and not a return of capital. This could change during the remainder of the year. The Funds Board may determine in the future that the Funds managed distribution policy and the amount or timing of the distributions should not be continued in light of changes in the Funds portfolio holdings, market or other conditions or factors, including that the distribution rate under such policy may not be dependent upon the amount of the Funds earned income or realized capital gains. The Board could also consider amending or terminating the current distribution policy because of potential adverse tax consequences associated with maintaining the policy. In certain situations, returns of capital could be taxable for federal income tax purposes, and all or a portion of the Funds capital loss carryforwards from prior years, if any, could effectively be forfeited. The Board may amend or terminate the Funds distribution policy at any time without prior notice to Fund stockholders; any such change or termination may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Funds shares.
See Notes to Financial Statements for additional information related to the Funds managed distribution policy.
Semiannual | Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
LETTER TO THE STOCKHOLDERS
Dear Stockholders,
We are pleased to present the semiannual stockholder report for Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund (the Fund). The report includes the Funds investment results, a portfolio of investments and financial statements as of June 30, 2015.
The Funds Common Stock gained 9.57%, based on net asset value, and 3.72%, based on market price, for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The Fund outperformed its benchmark, the S&P North American Technology Sector Index, which returned 2.30% during the same time period.
During the first half of 2015, the Fund paid two distributions, in accordance with its managed distribution policy, that aggregated to $0.925 per share of Common Stock of the Fund. In October 2010, the Fund received exemptive relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits the Fund to make periodic distributions of long-term capital gains more often than once in any one taxable year. Unless you elected otherwise, distributions were paid in additional shares of the Fund.
On April 13, 2015, the Fund held its 5th Annual Meeting of Stockholders in Minneapolis, MN. During the meeting, Stockholders elected one Director, re-elected three Directors and ratified the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PricewaterhouseCoopers) as the Funds independent registered public accounting firm for 2015. The results of the proposals voted on can be found on page 30 of this report.
Information about the Fund, including daily pricing, current performance, Fund holdings, stockholder reports, distributions and other information can be found at columbiathreadneedle.com/us under the Closed-End Funds tab.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank you for your continued support of Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund.
Regards,
William P. Carmichael
Chairman of the Board
For more information, go online to columbiathreadneedle.com/us; or call American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, the Funds Stockholder Servicing Agent, at 866.666.1532. Customer Service Representatives are available to answer your questions Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.
Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Semiannual Report 2015
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
(Unaudited)
Performance Summary
n | Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund (the Fund) Common Stock returned 3.72%, based on market price, and 9.57%, based on net asset value, for the six-month period ended June 30, 2015. |
n | The Fund outperformed its benchmark, the S&P North American Technology Sector Index, which returned 2.30% over the same time period. |
Average Annual Total Returns (%) (for period ended June 30, 2015) |
| |||||||||||||||||
Inception | 6 Months Cumulative |
1 Year | 5 Years | Life | ||||||||||||||
Market Price |
11/24/09 | 3.72 | 22.47 | 12.30 | 9.88 | |||||||||||||
Net Asset Value |
11/30/09 | 9.57 | 16.88 | 13.34 | 10.56 | |||||||||||||
S&P North American Technology Sector Index |
2.30 | 10.21 | 17.91 | 14.84 |
Life total return for market price is based on the initial offering price on November 24, 2009, which was $20.00 per share.
Life total return for net asset value (NAV) is from the opening of business on November 30, 2009 and includes the 4.50% initial sales load. The NAV price per share of the Funds Common Stock at inception was $19.10.
Index inception return is calculated from 11/30/2009.
Performance data quoted represents past performance and current performance may be lower or higher. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost. For current month-end performance information, please visit columbiathreadneedle.com/us.
Returns reflect changes in market price or net asset value, as applicable, and assume reinvestment of distributions. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that investors may pay on distributions or the sale of shares.
The S&P North American Technology Sector Index is an unmanaged modified capitalization-weighted index based on a universe of technology-related stocks.
Indices are not available for investment, are not professionally managed and do not reflect sales charges, fees, brokerage commissions, taxes or other expenses of investing. Securities in the Fund may not match those in an index.
Price Per Share |
| |||||||||
June 30, 2015 | March 31, 2015 | December 31, 2014 | ||||||||
Market Price ($) |
18.67 | 19.03 | 18.93 | |||||||
Net Asset Value ($) |
18.43 | 18.04 | 17.69 |
Distributions Paid Per Common Share | ||
Payable Date |
Per share amount ($) | |
February 25, 2015 |
0.4625 | |
May 26, 2015 |
0.4625 |
The net asset value of the Funds shares may not always correspond to the market price of such shares. Common stock of many closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value. The Fund is subject to stock market risk, which is the risk that stock prices overall will decline over short or long periods, adversely affecting the value of an investment in the Fund.
Semiannual Report 2015 | 3 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
(Unaudited)
4 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
FUND OBJECTIVES AND RULES-BASED OPTION STRATEGY
(Unaudited)
The Funds investment objectives are to seek growth of capital and current income. Under normal market conditions, the Funds investment program will consist primarily of (i) investing in a portfolio of equity securities of technology and technology-related companies that seeks to exceed the total return, before fees and expenses, of the S&P North American Technology Sector Index and (ii) writing call options on the NASDAQ 100 Index®, an unmanaged index that includes the largest and most active non-financial domestic and international companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, or its exchange-traded fund equivalent (the NASDAQ 100) on a month-to-month basis., with an aggregate notional amount typically ranging from 0% to 90% of the underlying value of the Funds holdings of Common Stock (the Rules-based Option Strategy). The Fund expects to generate current income from premiums received from writing call options on the NASDAQ 100. The Fund may also buy or write other call and put options on securities, indices, ETFs and market baskets of securities to generate additional income or return or to provide the portfolio with downside protection.
The Funds Rules-based Option Strategy with respect to writing call options is as follows:
When the VXN Index(a) is: |
Aggregate Notional Amount of Written Call Options as a Percentage of the Funds Holdings in Common Stocks | |
17 or less |
25% | |
Greater than 17, but less than 18 |
Increase up to 50% | |
At least 18, but less than 33 |
50% | |
At least 33, but less than 34 |
Increase up to 90% | |
At least 34, but less than 55 |
90% | |
At 55 or greater |
0% to 90% |
(a) | The VXN Index is a leading barometer of investor sentiment and market volatility relating to the NASDAQ 100 Index. |
In addition to the Rules-based Option Strategy, the Fund may write additional calls with aggregate notional amounts of up to 25% of the value of the Funds holdings in common stocks (to a maximum of 90% when aggregated with the call options written pursuant to the Rules-based Option Strategy) when call premiums are attractive relative to the risk of the price of the NASDAQ 100. The Fund may also close (or buy back) a written call option if the Investment Manager believes that a substantial amount of the premium (typically, 70% or more) to be received by the Fund has been captured before exercise, potentially reducing the call position to 0% of total equity until additional calls are written.
Semiannual Report 2015 | 5 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
(Percentages represent value of investments compared to net assets)
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
6 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
Investments in Derivatives
Open Options Contracts Written at June 30, 2015
Issuer | Puts/Calls | Number of Contracts |
Exercise Price ($) |
Premium Received ($) |
Expiration Date |
Value ($) | ||||||||||||||||||
NASDAQ 100 Index |
Call | 106 | 4,550.00 | 108,922 | 07/2015 | 96,990 |
Notes to Portfolio of Investments
(a) | Non-income producing investment. |
(b) | The rate shown is the seven-day current annualized yield at June 30, 2015. |
(c) | As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, an affiliated company is one in which the Fund owns 5% or more of the companys outstanding voting securities, or a company which is under common ownership or control with the Fund. Holdings and transactions in these affiliated companies during the period ended June 30, 2015 are as follows: |
Issuer | Beginning Cost ($) |
Purchase Cost ($) |
Proceeds From Sales ($) |
Ending Cost ($) |
Dividends Affiliated Issuers ($) |
Value ($) | ||||||||||||||||||
Columbia Short-Term Cash Fund |
2,370,399 | 37,749,906 | (37,041,484 | ) | 3,078,821 | 2,925 | 3,078,821 |
Abbreviation Legend
ADR | American Depositary Receipt |
Fair Value Measurements
The Fund categorizes its fair value measurements according to a three-level hierarchy that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by prioritizing that the most observable input be used when available. Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing an investment based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are those that reflect the Funds assumptions about the information market participants would use in pricing an investment. An investments level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is deemed significant to the assets or liabilitys fair value measurement. The input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investments at that level. For example, certain U.S. government securities are generally high quality and liquid, however, they are reflected as Level 2 because the inputs used to determine fair value may not always be quoted prices in an active market.
Fair value inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
n | Level 1 Valuations based on quoted prices for investments in active markets that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date (including NAV for open-end mutual funds). Valuation adjustments are not applied to Level 1 investments. |
n | Level 2 Valuations based on other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.). |
n | Level 3 Valuations based on significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds own assumptions and judgment in determining the fair value of investments). |
Inputs that are used in determining fair value of an investment may include price information, credit data, volatility statistics, and other factors. These inputs can be either observable or unobservable. The availability of observable inputs can vary between investments, and is affected by various factors such as the type of investment, and the volume and level of activity for that investment or similar investments in the marketplace. The inputs will be considered by the Investment Manager, along with any other relevant factors in the calculation of an investments fair value. The Fund uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, which may include periods of market dislocations. During these periods, the availability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many investments. This condition could cause an investment to be reclassified between the various levels within the hierarchy.
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
Semiannual Report 2015 | 7 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
Fair Value Measurements (continued)
Investments falling into the Level 3 category are primarily supported by quoted prices from brokers and dealers participating in the market for those investments. However, these may be classified as Level 3 investments due to lack of market transparency and corroboration to support these quoted prices. Additionally, valuation models may be used as the pricing source for any remaining investments classified as Level 3. These models may rely on one or more significant unobservable inputs and/or significant assumptions by the Investment Manager. Inputs used in valuations may include, but are not limited to, financial statement analysis, capital account balances, discount rates and estimated cash flows, and comparable company data.
Under the direction of the Funds Board of Directors (the Board), the Investment Managers Valuation Committee (the Committee) is responsible for overseeing the valuation procedures approved by the Board. The Committee consists of voting and non-voting members from various groups within the Investment Managers organization, including operations and accounting, trading and investments, compliance, risk management and legal.
The Committee meets at least monthly to review and approve valuation matters, which may include a description of specific valuation determinations, data regarding pricing information received from approved pricing vendors and brokers and the results of Board-approved valuation control policies and procedures (the Policies). The Policies address, among other things, instances when market quotations are or are not readily available, including recommendations of third party pricing vendors and a determination of appropriate pricing methodologies; events that require specific valuation determinations and assessment of fair value techniques; securities with a potential for stale pricing, including those that are illiquid, restricted, or in default; and the effectiveness of third party pricing vendors, including periodic reviews of vendors. The Committee meets more frequently, as needed, to discuss additional valuation matters, which may include the need to review back-testing results, review time-sensitive information or approve related valuation actions. The Committee reports to the Board, with members of the Committee meeting with the Board at each of its regularly scheduled meetings to discuss valuation matters and actions during the period, similar to those described earlier.
For investments categorized as Level 3, the Committee monitors information similar to that described above, which may include: (i) data specific to the issuer or comparable issuers, (ii) general market or specific sector news and (iii) quoted prices and specific or similar security transactions. The Committee considers this data and any changes from prior periods in order to assess the reasonableness of observable and unobservable inputs, any assumptions or internal models used to value those securities and changes in fair value. This data is also used to corroborate, when available, information received from approved pricing vendors and brokers. Various factors impact the frequency of monitoring this information (which may occur as often as daily). However, the Committee may determine that changes to inputs, assumptions and models are not required as a result of the monitoring procedures performed.
The following table is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds investments at June 30, 2015:
Level 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets ($) |
Level 2 Other Significant Observable Inputs ($) |
Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs ($) |
Total ($) | |||||||||||||
Investments |
||||||||||||||||
Common Stocks |
||||||||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary |
8,986,910 | | | 8,986,910 | ||||||||||||
Health Care |
611,054 | | | 611,054 | ||||||||||||
Information Technology |
270,642,176 | | | 270,642,176 | ||||||||||||
Total Common Stocks |
280,240,140 | | | 280,240,140 | ||||||||||||
Money Market Funds |
3,078,821 | | | 3,078,821 | ||||||||||||
Total Investments |
283,318,961 | | | 283,318,961 | ||||||||||||
Derivatives |
||||||||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Options Contracts Written |
(96,990 | ) | | | (96,990 | ) | ||||||||||
Total |
283,221,971 | | | 283,221,971 | ||||||||||||
See the Portfolio of Investments for all investment classifications not indicated in the table.
There were no transfers of financial assets between levels during the period.
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
8 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
Assets |
||||
Investments, at value |
||||
Unaffiliated issuers (identified cost $217,219,938) |
$280,240,140 | |||
Affiliated issuers (identified cost $3,078,821) |
3,078,821 | |||
|
||||
Total investments (identified cost $220,298,759) |
283,318,961 | |||
Receivable for: |
||||
Investments sold |
673,985 | |||
Dividends |
169,877 | |||
|
||||
Total assets |
284,162,823 | |||
|
||||
Liabilities |
||||
Option contracts written, at value (premiums received $108,922) |
96,990 | |||
Payable for: |
||||
Investments purchased |
871,244 | |||
Investment management fees |
256,406 | |||
Stockholder servicing and transfer agent fees |
1,333 | |||
Administration fees |
15,384 | |||
Compensation of board members |
43,952 | |||
Other expenses |
28,593 | |||
|
||||
Total liabilities |
1,313,902 | |||
|
||||
Net assets applicable to outstanding common stock |
$282,848,921 | |||
|
||||
Represented by |
||||
Paid-in capital |
$207,181,634 | |||
Excess of distributions over net investment income |
(360,212 | ) | ||
Accumulated net realized gain |
12,995,365 | |||
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
||||
Investments |
63,020,202 | |||
Options contracts written |
11,932 | |||
|
||||
Total representing net assets applicable to outstanding common stock |
$282,848,921 | |||
|
||||
Shares outstanding applicable to common stock |
15,347,973 | |||
|
||||
Net asset value per share of outstanding common stock |
$18.43 | |||
|
||||
Market price per share of common stock |
$18.67 | |||
|
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
Semiannual Report 2015 | 9 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
Net investment income |
||||
Income: |
||||
Dividends unaffiliated issuers |
$1,293,881 | |||
Dividends affiliated issuers |
2,925 | |||
Foreign taxes withheld |
(6,171 | ) | ||
|
||||
Total income |
1,290,635 | |||
|
||||
Expenses: |
||||
Investment management fees |
1,391,083 | |||
Stockholder account and transfer agent fees |
7,761 | |||
Administration fees |
83,463 | |||
Compensation of board members |
14,552 | |||
Stockholders meeting fees |
16,772 | |||
Custodian fees |
5,464 | |||
Printing and postage fees |
22,319 | |||
Professional fees |
21,513 | |||
Other |
56,049 | |||
|
||||
Total expenses |
1,618,976 | |||
|
||||
Net investment loss |
(328,341 | ) | ||
|
||||
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) net |
||||
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
||||
Investments |
22,029,197 | |||
Options contracts written |
1,669,233 | |||
|
||||
Net realized gain |
23,698,430 | |||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
||||
Investments |
2,588,224 | |||
Options contracts written |
(354,522 | ) | ||
|
||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation |
2,233,702 | |||
|
||||
Net realized and unrealized gain |
25,932,132 | |||
|
||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
$25,603,791 | |||
|
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
10 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Year Ended December 31, 2014 |
|||||||
Operations |
||||||||
Net investment loss |
$(328,341 | ) | $(1,072,098 | ) | ||||
Net realized gain |
23,698,430 | 33,753,658 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation |
2,233,702 | 18,834,587 | ||||||
|
||||||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
25,603,791 | 51,516,147 | ||||||
|
||||||||
Distributions to stockholders |
||||||||
Net realized gains |
(14,191,732 | ) | (28,351,176 | ) | ||||
|
||||||||
Total distributions to stockholders |
(14,191,732 | ) | (28,351,176 | ) | ||||
|
||||||||
Increase in net assets from capital stock activity |
136,473 | 435,383 | ||||||
|
||||||||
Total increase in net assets |
11,548,532 | 23,600,354 | ||||||
Net assets at beginning of period |
271,300,389 | 247,700,035 | ||||||
|
||||||||
Net assets at end of period |
$282,848,921 | $271,300,389 | ||||||
|
||||||||
Excess of distributions over net investment income |
$(360,212 | ) | $(31,871 | ) | ||||
|
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
Semiannual Report 2015 | 11 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 (Unaudited) |
Year Ended December 31, 2014 |
|||||||||||||||
Shares | Dollars ($) | Shares | Dollars ($) | |||||||||||||
Capital stock activity |
||||||||||||||||
Distributions reinvested |
7,531 | 136,473 | 26,951 | 435,383 | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
Total net increase |
7,531 | 136,473 | 26,951 | 435,383 | ||||||||||||
|
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
12 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
The Funds financial highlights are presented below. Per share operating performance data is designed to allow investors to trace the operating performance, on a per Common Stock share basis, from the beginning net asset value to the ending net asset value, so that investors can understand what effect the individual items have on their investment, assuming it was held throughout the period. Generally, the per share amounts are derived by converting the actual dollar amounts incurred for each item, as disclosed in the financial statements, to their equivalent per Common Stock share amounts, using average Common shares outstanding during the period.
Total return measures the Funds performance assuming that investors purchased Fund shares at market price or net asset value as of the beginning of the period, reinvested all their distributions, and then sold their shares at the closing market price or net asset value on the last day of the period. The computations do not reflect taxes or any sales commissions investors may incur on distributions or on the sale of Fund shares. Total returns and portfolio turnover are not annualized for periods of less than one year. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated without regard to purchase and sales transactions of short-term instruments and certain derivatives, if any. If such transactions were included, the Funds portfolio turnover rate may be higher.
|
Six Months
Ended June 30, 2015 |
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||
Per share data |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$17.69 | $16.18 | $15.36 | $17.13 | $20.45 | $19.91 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income from investment operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment loss |
(0.02 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.08 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.11 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
1.69 | 3.43 | 2.74 | 0.16 | (1.40 | ) | 2.49 | |||||||||||||||||
Increase from payment by affiliate |
| | | | (0.00 | )(a) | 0.01 | |||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
1.67 | 3.36 | 2.67 | 0.08 | (1.47 | ) | 2.39 | |||||||||||||||||
Offering costs |
| | | | | (0.00 | )(a) | |||||||||||||||||
Less distributions to stockholders: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
| | | | | (1.13 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Net realized gains |
(0.93 | ) | (1.85 | ) | (0.42 | ) | | (0.54 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Tax return of capital |
| | (1.43 | ) | (1.85 | ) | (1.31 | ) | (0.72 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total distributions to stockholders |
(0.93 | ) | (1.85 | ) | (1.85 | ) | (1.85 | ) | (1.85 | ) | (1.85 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$18.43 | $17.69 | $16.18 | $15.36 | $17.13 | $20.45 | ||||||||||||||||||
Market price, end of period |
$18.67 | $18.93 | $14.39 | $14.51 | $15.66 | $19.13 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total return based upon net asset value |
9.57 | % | 22.32 | % | 19.02 | % | 0.36 | % | (7.37 | %)(b) | 13.29 | %(c) | ||||||||||||
Total return based upon market price |
3.72 | % | 47.17 | % | 12.05 | % | 3.71 | % | (9.48 | %) | 5.50 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratios to average net assets(d) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total gross expenses |
1.16 | %(e) | 1.17 | % | 1.17 | % | 1.15 | % | 1.10 | % | 1.21 | % | ||||||||||||
Net investment loss |
(0.24 | %)(e) | (0.41 | %) | (0.46 | %) | (0.46 | %) | (0.39 | %) | (0.60 | %) | ||||||||||||
Supplemental data |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) |
$282,849 | $271,300 | $247,700 | $234,613 | $260,822 | $308,060 | ||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover |
29 | % | 60 | % | 57 | % | 73 | % | 71 | % | 102 | % | ||||||||||||
Notes to Financial Highlights
(a) | Rounds to zero. |
(b) | The Fund received a payment from an affiliate. Had the Fund not received this payment, the total return would have been lower by 0.01%. |
(c) | The Fund received a payment from an affiliate. Had the Fund not received this payment, the total return would have been lower by 0.03%. |
(d) | In addition to the fees and expenses that the Fund bears directly, the Fund indirectly bears a pro rata share of the fees and expenses of any other funds in which it invests. Such indirect expenses are not included in the Funds reported expense ratios. |
(e) | Annualized. |
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
Semiannual Report 2015 | 13 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
14 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
Semiannual Report 2015 | 15 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
16 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
Semiannual Report 2015 | 17 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
18 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
Semiannual Report 2015 | 19 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
20 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
Semiannual Report 2015 | 21 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
22 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
Semiannual Report 2015 | 23 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
24 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
Semiannual Report 2015 | 25 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
INTERIM APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (Columbia Management or the Investment Manager), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (Ameriprise Financial), serves as the investment manager to Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund (the Fund). Under an investment management services agreement (the IMS Agreement), Columbia Management provides investment advice and other services to the Fund and other funds distributed by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (collectively, the Funds).
The Funds Board of Directors (the Board), including the independent Board members (the Independent Directors), considered the renewal of the IMS Agreement for a two-month period (Short-Term Period) in order to align the IMS Agreement with the review cycle of other funds in the Columbia family of funds. Columbia Management prepared detailed reports for the Board and its Contracts Committee in January, March and April 2015, including reports based on analyses of data provided by an independent organization (Lipper) and a comprehensive response to each item of information requested by independent legal counsel to the Independent Directors (Independent Legal Counsel) in a letter to the Investment Manager, to assist the Board in making this determination. In addition, throughout the year, the Board (or its committees) regularly meets with portfolio management teams and senior management personnel, and reviews information prepared by Columbia Management addressing the services Columbia Management provides and Fund performance. The Board also accords appropriate weight to the work, deliberations and conclusions of the Contracts Committee, the Investment Review Committee and the Compliance Committee in determining whether to continue the IMS Agreement.
The Board, at its April 13-15, 2015 in-person Board meeting (the April Meeting), considered the renewal of the IMS Agreement for the Short-Term Period. At the April Meeting, Independent Legal Counsel reviewed with the Independent Directors various factors relevant to the Boards consideration of advisory agreements and the Boards legal responsibilities related to such consideration. Following an analysis and discussion of the factors identified below, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the renewal of the IMS Agreement for the Short-Term Period.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by Columbia Management
The Independent Directors analyzed various reports and presentations they had received detailing the services performed by Columbia Management, as well as its expertise, resources and capabilities. The Independent Directors specifically considered many developments during the past year concerning the services provided by Columbia Management. The Independent Directors noted the information they received concerning Columbia Managements ability to retain its key portfolio management personnel. In evaluating the quality of services provided under the IMS Agreement and the Funds Administrative Services Agreement, the Independent Directors also took into account the organization and strength of the Funds and its service providers compliance programs. In addition, the Board also reviewed the financial condition of Columbia Management (and its affiliates) and each entitys ability to carry out its responsibilities under the IMS Agreement and the Funds other services agreements with affiliates of Ameriprise Financial, observing the financial strength of Ameriprise Financial, with its solid balance sheet. The Board also discussed the acceptability of the terms of the IMS Agreement for the Short-Term Period.
Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written, including the information on investment performance referenced below) and other considerations, the Board concluded that the services being performed by Columbia Management and its affiliates were acceptable for the Short-Term Period.
Investment Performance
For purposes of evaluating the nature, extent and quality of services provided under the IMS Agreement, the Board carefully reviewed the investment performance of the Fund. In this regard, the Board considered detailed reports providing the results of analyses performed by an independent organization showing, for various periods, the performance of the Fund, the performance of a benchmark index, the percentage ranking of the Fund among its comparison group and the net assets of the Fund. The Board observed that for purposes of approving the IMS Agreement for the Short-Term Period, the Funds performance was acceptable.
26 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
INTERIM APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT (continued)
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by Columbia Management and its Affiliates from their Relationships with the Fund
The Board reviewed comparative fees and the costs of services provided under the IMS Agreement. The Board members considered detailed comparative information set forth in an annual report on fees and expenses, including, among other things, data (based on analyses conducted by an independent organization) showing a comparison of the Funds expenses with median expenses paid by funds in its comparative peer universe, as well as data showing the Funds contribution to Columbia Managements profitability.
The Board accorded particular weight to the notion that the level of fees should reflect a rational pricing model applied consistently across the various product lines in the Fund family, while assuring that the overall fees for each Fund (with certain defined exceptions) are generally in line with the pricing philosophy currently in effect (i.e., that the total expense ratio of the Fund is no higher than the median expense ratio of funds in the same comparison universe of the Fund).
The Board also considered the expected profitability of Columbia Management and its affiliates in connection with Columbia Management providing investment management services to the Fund. In this regard, the Board referred to a detailed profitability report, discussing the profitability to Columbia Management and Ameriprise Financial from managing, operating and distributing the Funds. For purposes of approving the IMS Agreement for the Short-Term Period, the Board concluded that the investment management service fees were fair and reasonable, observing that the profitability levels also seemed reasonable.
Economies of Scale to be Realized
The Board noted that the management fee schedule does not contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate on assets above specified levels. However, due to the Funds closed-end structure, the Board did not view the potential for realization of economies of scale as the Funds assets grow to be a material factor in its deliberations.
Based on the foregoing, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, concluded that, for purposes of its consideration of the renewal of the IMS Agreement for the Short-Term Period, the investment management service fees were fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of services provided. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative. The Board noted its understanding that it would undertake the full consideration of renewal of the IMS Agreement for the full annual period at its June 2015 meetings. On April 15, 2015, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the renewal of the IMS Agreement for the Short-Term Period.
Semiannual Report 2015 | 27 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT
Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC (Columbia Management or the Investment Manager, and together with its global affiliates, Columbia Threadneedle), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (Ameriprise Financial), serves as the investment manager to Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund, Inc. (the Fund). Under an investment management services agreement (the IMS Agreement), Columbia Management provides investment advice and other services to the Fund and other funds distributed by Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc. (collectively, the Funds).
On an annual basis, the Funds Board of Directors (the Board), including the independent Board members (the Independent Directors), considers renewal of the IMS Agreement. Columbia Management prepared detailed reports for the Board and its Contracts Committee in January, March, April and June 2015, including reports based on analyses of data provided by an independent organization (Lipper) and a comprehensive response to items of information requested by independent legal counsel to the Independent Directors (Independent Legal Counsel) in a letter to the Investment Manager, to assist the Board in making this determination. All of the materials presented in January, March, April and June were first supplied in draft form to designated representatives of the Independent Directors, i.e., Independent Legal Counsel, Fund Counsel, the Chair of the Board and the Chair of the Contracts Committee, and the final materials were revised to reflect discussion and subsequent requests made by the Board representatives. In addition, throughout the year, the Board (or its committees) regularly meets with portfolio management teams and senior management personnel and reviews information prepared by Columbia Management addressing the services Columbia Management provides and Fund performance. The Board also accords appropriate weight to the work, deliberations and conclusions of the Contracts Committee, the Investment Review Committee and the Compliance Committee in determining whether to continue the IMS Agreement.
The Board, at its June 15-17, 2015 in-person Board meeting (the June Meeting), considered the renewal of the IMS Agreement for an additional one-year term. At the June Meeting, Independent Legal Counsel reviewed with the Independent Directors various factors relevant to the Boards consideration of advisory agreements and the Boards legal responsibilities related to such consideration. Following an analysis and discussion of the factors identified below, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the renewal of the IMS Agreement.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by Columbia Management
The Independent Directors analyzed various reports and presentations they had received detailing the services performed by Columbia Management, as well as its organization, expertise, resources and capabilities.
The Independent Directors specifically considered many developments during the past year concerning the services provided by Columbia Management, including, in particular, the restructured leadership in the Chief Investment Officers organization, the strengthening of the investment research department, the solidifying of the Global Asset Management initiative and the restructured investment risk management organization. The Board also noted the broad scope of services provided by Columbia Management to each Fund, including, among other services, investment, risk and compliance oversight. The Board also took into account the information it received concerning Columbia Managements ability to attract and retain key portfolio management personnel.
In connection with the Boards evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Columbia Management, the Board also considered the quality of administrative services provided to the Fund by Columbia Management, recalling the information it received highlighting achievements in 2014 in the performance of administrative services. In evaluating the quality of services provided under the IMS Agreement and the Funds Administrative Services Agreement, the Independent Directors also took into account the organization and strength of the Funds and its service providers compliance programs. In addition, the Board reviewed the financial condition of Columbia Management and its affiliates and each entitys ability to carry out its responsibilities under the IMS Agreement and the Funds other service agreements with affiliates of Ameriprise Financial, observing the financial strength of Ameriprise Financial, with its solid balance sheet. The Board also discussed the acceptability of the terms of the IMS Agreement (including the relatively broad scope of services required to be performed by Columbia Management). The Board took into account the proposed combination of the forms of IMS Agreements and Administrative Services Agreements into a single form of agreement with the combined form reflecting no proposed change in services or fees. Given no material change, the Directors agreed to the combined form, to be effective upon each Funds next annual update. The Board concluded that the services being performed under the IMS Agreement and the Administrative Services Agreement were of a reasonably high quality.
28 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT (continued)
Investment Performance
For purposes of evaluating the nature, extent and quality of services provided under the IMS Agreement, the Board carefully reviewed the investment performance of the Fund. In this regard, the Board considered detailed reports providing the results of analyses performed by an independent organization showing, for various periods, the performance of the Fund, the performance of a benchmark index, the percentage ranking of the Fund among its comparison group and the net assets of the Fund. The Board observed that the Funds investment performance met expectations.
Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Profits Realized by Columbia Management and its Affiliates from their Relationships with the Fund
The Board reviewed comparative fees and the costs of services provided under the IMS Agreement. The Board members considered detailed comparative information set forth in an annual report on fees and expenses, including, among other things, data (based on analyses conducted by an independent organization) showing a comparison of the Funds expenses with median expenses paid by funds in its comparative peer universe, as well as data showing the Funds contribution to Columbia Managements profitability.
The Board considered the reports of its independent fee consultant, JDL, which assisted in its analysis of the Funds performance and expenses, and JDLs conclusion that the effective investment management fee rate for the Fund remains within a reasonable range. The Board accorded particular weight to the notion that the level of fees should reflect a rational pricing model applied consistently across the various product lines in the Fund family, while assuring that the overall fees for each Fund (with certain defined exceptions) are generally in line with the pricing philosophy currently in effect (i.e., that the total expense ratio of the Fund is no higher than the median expense ratio of funds in the same comparison universe of the Fund). With respect to the Fund, a closed-end fund, the Board observed that although the Funds expense ratio was higher than the comparative peer groups median expense ratio, the Fund, unlike many funds in the peer universe, employs a unique options-writing strategy designed to cushion its downside performance. The Board also observed that the peer universe did not include funds with similar technology-focused investment strategies. Based on its review, the Board concluded that the Funds management fee was fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of services that the Fund receives.
The Board also considered the expected profitability of Columbia Management and its affiliates in connection with Columbia Management providing investment management services to the Fund. In this regard, the Independent Directors referred to their detailed analysis of the Profitability Report, discussing the profitability to Columbia Management and Ameriprise from managing, operating and distributing the Funds. The Board took into account JDLs conclusion that 2014 Columbia Management profitability was reasonable. It also considered that Columbia Management generated 2014 profitability that only moderately exceeded 2013 levels. It was further observed that, based on information presented, 2014 overall profitability is in line with profitability levels of industry competitors. It also took into account the indirect economic benefits flowing to Columbia Management or its affiliates in connection with managing or distributing the Funds, such as the enhanced ability to offer various other financial products to Ameriprise Financial customers, soft dollar benefits and overall reputational advantages. The Board noted that the fees paid by the Funds should permit the Investment Manager to offer competitive compensation to its personnel, make necessary investments in its business and earn an appropriate profit. The Board concluded that profitability levels were reasonable.
Economies of Scale to be Realized
The Board noted that the management fee schedule does not contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate on assets above specified levels. However, due to the Funds closed-end structure, the Board did not view the potential for realization of economies of scale as the Funds assets grow to be a material factor in its deliberations.
Based on the foregoing, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, concluded that the investment management services fees were fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of services provided. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative. On June 17, 2015, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the renewal of the IMS Agreement.
Semiannual Report 2015 | 29 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
RESULTS OF MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
(Unaudited)
The 5th Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund, Inc. (the Fund) was held on April 13, 2015. Stockholders voted in favor of each of the two proposals. The description of each proposal and number of shares voted are as follows:
Proposal 1
To elect three directors to the Funds Board of Directors to hold office until the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and William Hawkins to serve until the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualify:
Director | For | Withheld | ||||||
Kathleen Blatz |
13,699,154 | 187,947 | ||||||
Pamela G. Carlton |
13,730,887 | 156,214 | ||||||
Alison Taunton-Rigby |
13,707,939 | 179,162 | ||||||
William Hawkins |
13,739,171 | 147,930 |
Proposal 2
To ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Funds independent registered public accounting firm for 2015:
For | Against | Abstain | ||
13,960,661 |
76,732 | 60,140 |
30 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
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Semiannual Report 2015 | 31 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
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32 | Semiannual Report 2015 |
COLUMBIA SELIGMAN PREMIUM TECHNOLOGY GROWTH FUND |
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS REPORT
The Fund mails one stockholder report to each stockholder address. If you would like more than one report, please call shareholder services at 866.666.1532 and additional reports will be sent to you.
The policy of the Board is to vote the proxies of the companies in which the Fund holds investments consistent with the procedures that can be found by visiting columbiathreadneedle.com/us. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities is filed with the SEC by August 31 for the most recent 12-month period ending June 30 of that year, and is available without charge by visiting columbiathreadneedle.com/us or searching the website of the SEC at sec.gov.
The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds Form N-Q is available on the SECs website at sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800.SEC.0330. The Funds complete schedule of portfolio holdings, as filed on Form N-Q, can also be obtained without charge, upon request, by calling 866.666.1532.
Semiannual Report 2015 | 33 |
Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund
P.O. Box 8081
Boston, MA 02266-8081
You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. You can obtain the Funds most recent periodic reports and other regulatory filings by contacting your financial advisor or American Stock Transfer & Trust Company at 866.666.1532. These reports and other filings can also be found on the Securities and Exchange Commissions EDGAR Database. You should read these reports and other filings carefully before investing.
Columbia Threadneedle Investments (Columbia Threadneedle) is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies. All rights reserved. Columbia Management Investment Distributors, Inc., 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110-2804
© 2015 Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC.
columbiathreadneedle.com/us
SAR221_12_E01_(08/15)
Item 2. | Code of Ethics. |
Not applicable for semiannual reports.
Item 3. | Audit Committee Financial Expert. |
Not applicable for semiannual reports.
Item 4. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services. |
Not applicable for semiannual reports.
Item 5. | Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. |
Not applicable for semiannual reports.
Item 6. | Investments |
(a) | The registrants Schedule I Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers (as set forth in 17 CFR 210.12-12) is included in Item 1 of this Form N-CSR. |
(b) | Not applicable. |
Item 7. | Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable for semiannual reports.
Item 8. | Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Portfolio Managers
Portfolio Manager |
Title | Role with the Corporation | Managed the Corporation Since | |||
Clark Westmont |
Portfolio Manager | Co-Portfolio Manager | July 13, 2015 | |||
Jeetil Patel |
Portfolio Manager | Technology Team Member | July 13, 2015 |
Mr. Westmont joined the Investment Manager in 2014. Prior to joining the Investment Manager as a Portfolio Analyst, Mr. Westmont was a principal at 7x7 Asset Management, a San Francisco based long/short technology fund. Mr. Westmont began his investment career in 1994 and earned a B.A. from the University of California, San Diego and an M.B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.
Mr. Patel joined the Investment Manager in 2012. Prior to joining the Investment Manager as a Portfolio Analyst, Mr. Patel was a managing director and senior internet analyst for Deutsche Bank Securities. Mr. Patel began his investment career in 1998 and earned a B.A. from University of California, Los Angeles.
Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers:
Fund |
Portfolio Manager | Other Accounts Managed | Performance Based Accounts |
Ownership of Fund Shares | ||||||
Number and type of account |
Approximate Total Net Assets (excluding the fund) |
|||||||||
For fiscal period ending December 31 | ||||||||||
Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund |
Clark Westmont(a) | 3 other accounts | $4.37 million | None | None | |||||
Jeetil Patel (a) | 4 other accounts | $1.11 million | None | None |
(a) | The portfolio manager began managing the Fund after its last fiscal year end; reporting information is provided as of May 31, 2015. |
Potential Conflicts of Interest:
Like other investment professionals with multiple clients, a Funds portfolio manager(s) may face certain potential conflicts of interest in connection with managing both the Fund and other accounts at the same time. The Investment Manager and the Funds have adopted compliance policies and procedures that attempt to address certain of the potential conflicts that portfolio managers face in this regard. Certain of these conflicts of interest are summarized below.
The management of accounts with different advisory fee rates and/or fee structures, including accounts that pay advisory fees based on account performance (performance fee accounts), may raise potential conflicts of interest for a portfolio manager by creating an incentive to favor higher fee accounts.
Potential conflicts of interest also may arise when a portfolio manager has personal investments in other accounts that may create an incentive to favor those accounts. As a general matter and subject to the Investment Managers Code of Ethics and certain limited exceptions, the Investment Managers investment professionals do not have the opportunity to invest in client accounts, other than the funds.
A portfolio manager who is responsible for managing multiple funds and/or accounts may devote unequal time and attention to the management of those Funds and/or accounts. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where Funds and/or accounts managed by a particular portfolio manager have different investment strategies.
A portfolio manager may be able to select or influence the selection of the broker/dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for the Funds. A portfolio managers decision as to the selection of broker/dealers could produce disproportionate costs and benefits among the Funds and the other accounts the portfolio manager manages.
A potential conflict of interest may arise when a portfolio manager buys or sells the same securities for a Fund and other accounts. On occasions when a portfolio manager considers the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of a Fund as well as other accounts, the Investment Managers trading desk may, to the extent consistent with applicable laws and regulations, aggregate the securities to be sold or bought in order to obtain the best execution and lower brokerage commissions, if any. Aggregation of trades may create the potential for unfairness to a Fund or another account if a portfolio manager favors one account over another in allocating the securities bought or sold. In addition, although the Investment Manager has entered into a personnel sharing arrangement with Threadneedle, the Investment Manager and Threadneedle maintain separate trading operations for their clients. By maintaining separate trading operations in this manner, the Funds may forego certain opportunities including the aggregation of trades across certain accounts managed by Threadneedle. This could result in the Funds competing in the market with one or more accounts managed by Threadneedle for similar trades. In addition, it is possible that the separate trading desks of the Investment Manager and Threadneedle may be on opposite sides of a trade execution for a Fund at the same time.
Cross trades, in which a portfolio manager sells a particular security held by a Fund to another account (potentially saving transaction costs for both accounts), could involve a potential conflict of interest if, for example, a portfolio manager is permitted to sell a security from one account to another account at a higher price than an independent third party would pay. The Investment Manager and the Funds have adopted compliance procedures that provide that any transactions between a Fund and another account managed by the Investment Manager are to be made at a current market price, consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
Another potential conflict of interest may arise based on the different investment objectives and strategies of a Fund and other accounts managed by its portfolio manager(s). Depending on another accounts objectives and other factors, a portfolio manager may give advice to and make decisions for a Fund that may differ from advice given, or the timing or nature of decisions made, with respect to another account. A portfolio managers investment decisions are the product of many factors in addition to basic suitability for the particular account involved. Thus, a portfolio manager may buy or sell a particular security for certain accounts, and not for a Fund, even though it could have been bought or sold for the Fund at the same time. A portfolio manager also may buy a particular security for one or more accounts when one or more other accounts are selling the security (including short sales). There may be circumstances when a portfolio managers purchases or sales of portfolio securities for one or more accounts may have an adverse effect on other accounts, including the Funds.
A Funds portfolio manager(s) also may have other potential conflicts of interest in managing the Fund, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict that could exist in managing the Fund and other accounts. Many of the potential conflicts of interest to which the Investment Managers portfolio managers are subject are essentially the same or similar to the potential conflicts of interest related to the Investment Management activities of the Investment Manager and its affiliates.
Structure of Compensation:
Portfolio manager compensation is typically comprised of (i) a base salary and (ii) an annual cash bonus. The annual cash bonus, and in some instances the base salary, are paid from a team bonus pool that is based on fees and performance of the accounts managed by the portfolio management team, which might include mutual funds, wrap accounts, institutional portfolios and hedge funds.
The percentage of management fees on mutual funds and long-only institutional portfolios that fund the bonus pool is based on the short term (typically one-year) and long-term (typically three-year and five-year) performance of those accounts in relation to the relevant peer group universe.
A fixed percentage of management fees on hedge funds and separately managed accounts that follow a hedge fund mandate fund the bonus pool.
The percentage of performance fees on hedge funds and separately managed accounts that follow a hedge fund mandate that fund the bonus pool is based on the absolute level of each hedge funds current year investment return.
For all employees the benefit programs generally are the same, and are competitive within the Financial Services Industry. Employees participate in a wide variety of plans, including options in Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Care and Dependent Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, 401(k), and a cash balance pension plan.
Item 9. | Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. |
The Fund has a share repurchase plan approved by the Funds Board of Directors, which authorizes repurchases of the Funds common stock in the open market at times when shares are trading at a discount from NAV and in an amount approximately sufficient to
offset the growth in the number of common shares attributable to the reinvestment of the portion of its distributions to common stockholders attributable to distributions received from portfolio investments less Fund expenses. The Fund has not repurchased shares during the period.
Item 10. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. |
There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrants board of directors.
Item 11. | Controls and Procedures. |
(a) | The registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officers, based on their evaluation of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, have concluded that such controls and procedures are adequately designed to ensure that material information required to be disclosed by the registrant in Form N-CSR is accumulated and communicated to the registrants management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. |
(b) | There was no change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Item 12. | Exhibits. |
(a)(1) Code of ethics required to be disclosed under Item 2 of Form N-CSR: Not applicable for semiannual reports.
(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT.
(a)(3) None.
(b) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT.
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) Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund, Inc. | ||
By (Signature and Title) /s/ Christopher O. Petersen | ||
Christopher O. Petersen, President and Principal Executive Officer | ||
Date August 20, 2015 |
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/ Christopher O. Petersen | ||
Christopher O. Petersen, President and Principal Executive Officer | ||
Date August 20, 2015 | ||
By (Signature and Title) /s/ Michael G. Clarke | ||
Michael G. Clarke, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | ||
Date August 20, 2015 |