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

811-02328

 

Boulder Growth & Income Fund Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Fund Administrative Services
1680 38th
Street, Suite 800
Boulder, CO

 

80301

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

Fund Administrative Services
1680 38th
Street, Suite 800
Boulder, CO 80301

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(303) 444-5483

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:

November 30, 2004

 

 

Date of reporting period:

November 30, 2004

 

 



Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.

 



Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

Annual Report

November 30, 2004

Dear Shareholder:

The Boulder Growth & Income Fund ("BIF") had a total return on net asset value ("NAV") of 14.4% for the fiscal year ending 11/30/2004. We beat the S&P 500 Index, which had a return of 12.9% for the same period, by 1.5%. The contributors to our performance included nearly all the Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs") the Fund owned. REITs in general have done very well, and the Fund had 32% of its assets in this sector. Some of the industrial stocks that did well this year, to name a few, include Torchmark, up 24%; Pepsi Bottling, up 21%; and, Sara Lee, up 14%. Other stocks the Fund sold during the year, but which performed well include Providian Financial, USG Corporation, and Maytag. Two of the pharmaceutical drug companies the Fund owns, Merck and Pfizer, were down in price 31% and 17%, respectively.

Total Returns
For the Periods ending November 30, 2004

Most Recent   BIF NAV
with
Dilution#
  BIF NAV
without
Dilution
  S&P 500
Index
  Dow Jones
Industrial
Average
  NASDAQ
Composite
 
3 months     4.1 %     4.1 %     4.1 %     4.3 %     6.3 %  
6 months     6.3 %     6.3 %     6.8 %     3.1 %     14.3 %  
1 year     14.4 %     14.4 %     12.9 %     8.9 %     7.5 %  
Since 01/2002*     –1.4 %     5.4 %     3.1 %     4.0 %     3.4 %  

 

#  The total returns for BIF include the affect of dilution from the 12/2002 rights offering, affecting only the 'Since 1/02' returns.

*  Annualized.

The S&P Index is only a yardstick by which to measure our performance. Our primary objectives are: 1) Don't lose what we already have, and 2) invest in solid, well run companies with proven track records that can provide satisfactory returns over the years. We don't worry too much what the S&P does.

Number 2 is self-explanatory. But Number 1, though it sounds simple, needs a bit of explanation. Don't lose what you have. As advisors, our investment approach is very value oriented. When we buy a stock, although we probably won't buy at the bottom, we will buy at a price we deem reasonable from a value standpoint. Easy enough, but let's say this "value" stock we bought goes up significantly over a period of a few years. If we choose to hold it at this appreciated price, it's because the appreciated price is merited by the performance of the company over those years. The company has become more valuable. So "Don't lose what you already have" not only refers to assets in a general sense, it can also refer to "don't sell a good company that you already own." If on the other hand, the stock had appreciated the same amount while the underlying performance of the company was only mediocre, then we would have to take a hard look at our tenet of "not losing what we have" and determine whether or not to sell. Can we accomplish this all of the time? Probably not, but we will try. More importantly, accomplishing tenet number 1 is foremost in our minds-rather than whether or not we beat the S&P. Tenet number 1 is likely considered by most money managers, but it may not be at the top of their list.

MANAGED DISTRIBUTION

We put our application in for exemptive relief to the SEC back in August, 2004 in order to be able to pay a monthly managed distribution. We had expected to know something well before year end, but as of today, we still have not received the order from the SEC. While we can't speculate, based on what we know, we believe we will get it. As soon as we do hear, we will put out a press release and post it on our



website. Once approved, we would expect to begin making the monthly managed distributions shortly thereafter. The distributions will consist of ordinary income and capital gains, if any, and a return of capital for distributions that exceed income and gains. We still intend to distribute 10% of the NAV annualized, on a monthly basis.

LEVERAGE AND CASH

A year ago the Fed Funds rate was 1.0%, off of which the Fund's leverage pays interest on its borrowings. The Fed has been ratcheting short-term rates higher, and has indicated they would continue. Currently Fed Funds is at 2.25%, more than double the rate a year ago. The strange thing is that long-term interest rates have stayed about the same. While the higher short-term rates cost us more on borrowings, we receive some benefit on the higher rates we earn on our cash. And at this time, about 19% of the Fund's assets are in short-term investments, including US Treasury Bills, auction market preferreds issued by other closed-end funds and sovereign bonds maturing in less than one year. We bought the sovereign bonds issued by the United Kingdom in British Pounds and by New Zealand in New Zealand dollars. Together the sovereign bonds comprise about 15% of the Fund. This exposes us to changes in foreign currency which is something we desired. The US dollar has weakened against these foreign currencies and we feel that it may weaken further. The interest rate on the UK and New Zealand bonds is considerably higher than we could get on comparable bonds issued by the US government. We think it makes sense to have some investments in foreign denominated securities. Unless, or until, the federal deficit and the US trade deficit are reduced, we will continue to place a small amount of our investments in other currencies. If the other currencies strengthen relative to the US dollar, it will further enhance our return when converted back to US dollars. And, of course the opposite is true if the U.S. dollar strengthens. But we think the odds are in our favor.

Our cash and cash equivalent balance at 19% is higher than normal. A big game hunter went to Africa. He prepared for the trip with a brand new gun and plenty of ammunition. When he arrived, he was so excited to be there, he spent half his ammunition on practice shots. On the 6th day of his 7 day safari, having not seen anything, he became impatient from looking for so long without seeing any big game, so he spent the last of his ammunition on rodents and small game. On the last day as they headed back to camp, without any ammunition left, they passed all kinds of herds of "big game." Unfortunately the hunter had spent all his precious ammunition. In the market, we see rodents and small game, but we'll conserve our cash and wait until we find something along the lines we consider "big game."

Happy Hunting,

Stewart R. Horejsi

December 23, 2004

Our website at www.boulderfunds.net is an excellent source for information on the Fund. If you've lost your annual report, or want to read an old one, it's available on the website. You will also find information about the Boulder Growth & Income Fund's sister fund-the Boulder Total Return Fund.

2



Boulder Growth and Income Fund, Inc.

Exhibit 1

(Unaudited)

Change in Principal Value of Asset Classes 11/30/2003 to 11/30/2004

    Common Stock Investments              
    REITS   Industrials   Bonds   AMPs   Total  
Beginning Market Value   11/30/03   $ 28,926,295     $ 57,751,690     $ 107,111     $ -     $ 86,785,096    
Cost of Purchases   12/01/03 - 11/30/04     5,300,640       4,831,994       15,669,208       16,000,000       41,801,842    
Proceeds from Sales   12/01/03 - 11/30/04     7,630,603       14,849,017       -       13,000,000       35,479,620    
Net Purchases/(Sales)         (2,329,963 )     (10,017,023 )     15,669,208       3,000,000     $ 6,322,222    
Beginning Market Value Plus
Net Purchases/(Sales)
        26,596,332       47,734,667       15,776,319       3,000,000     $ 93,107,318    
Net Appreciation         6,662,400       2,931,121       310,135       -       9,903,656    
Ending Market Value   11/30/04     33,258,732       50,665,788       16,086,454       3,000,000     $ 103,010,974    
Number of Issues Held   11/30/04     18       17       5       2            
Cash and Other Assets and Liabilities                   $885,107  
Total Assets (including $18,000,000 leverage)                                       $ 103,896,081    

 

Financial Data

(Unaudited)

    Per Share of
Common Stock
 
    Net Asset
Value
  NYSE
Closing Price
 
12/31/2003   $ 6.88     $ 6.30    
1/31/2004   $ 7.30     $ 6.46    
2/29/2004   $ 7.54     $ 6.47    
3/31/2004   $ 7.55     $ 6.55    
4/30/2004   $ 7.07     $ 6.23    
5/31/2004   $ 7.13     $ 5.83    

 

    Per Share of
Common Stock
 
    Net Asset
Value
  NYSE
Closing Price
 
6/30/2004   $ 7.26     $ 5.95    
7/31/2004   $ 7.11     $ 6.33    
8/31/2004   $ 7.28     $ 6.38    
9/30/2004   $ 7.24     $ 6.70    
10/31/2004   $ 7.31     $ 6.60    
11/30/2004   $ 7.58     $ 6.63    

 

3



Portfolio of Investments as of November 30, 2004  Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

Shares   Description   Value (Note 1)  
  LONG TERM INVESTMENTS-97.8%        
DOMESTIC COMMON STOCKS-93.4%  
  Beverages-1.6%        
  50,000     Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc.   $ 1,401,000    
  Diversified-30.2%        
  310     Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Class A•†     25,947,000    
  Financial Services-3.9%        
  40,000     Federated Investors, Inc.     1,176,800    
  45,000     H&R Block, Inc.•     2,146,500    
      3,323,300    
  Food-Misc/Diversified-1.7%        
  60,000     Sara Lee Corporation     1,408,800    
  Health Care Products & Services-1.2%        
  18,000     AmerisourceBergen Corporation     1,060,920    
  Insurance-7.2%        
  38,500     Fidelity National Financial, Inc.     1,651,265    
  40,000     First American Corporation     1,318,000    
  55,750     Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.     1,593,892    
  30,000     Torchmark Corporation     1,647,300    
      6,210,457    
  Pharmaceuticals-6.5%        
  82,000     Bristol-Meyers Squibb Company•     1,927,000    
  65,000     Merck & Company, Inc.     1,821,300    
  66,000     Pfizer, Inc.     1,832,820    
      5,581,120    
  REITS-38.7%        
  70,000     Archstone-Smith Realty Trust•     2,555,000    
  45,000     Arden Realty, Inc.     1,620,000    
  69,000     AvalonBay Communities, Inc.•     4,905,900    
  6,100     Boston Properties, Inc.     367,098    
  40,000     Equity Residential Properties Trust     1,348,400    
  26,000     First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.     1,034,800    
  20,000     Gables Residential Trust     713,400    
  82,000     Health Care Property Investors, Inc.     2,200,060    
  33,000     Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.     1,343,100    
  34,000     Hospitality Properties Trust     1,527,960    
  260,000     HRPT Properties Trust     3,143,400    
  19,000     Liberty Property Trust     779,000    
  30,000     Pan Pacific Retail Properties, Inc.     1,779,000    
  78,000     Post Properties, Inc.     2,659,800    
  56,600     Prentiss Properties Trust     2,116,274    
  40,000     Regency Centers Corporation     2,080,000    
  13,000     Simon Property Group Inc.     807,040    
  31,000     Vornado Realty Trust     2,278,500    
      33,258,732    
  Savings & Loan Companies-2.4%        
  51,000     Washington Mutual, Inc.     2,076,210    
        Total Domestic Common Stocks (cost $65,057,180)     80,267,539    

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements  

4



Portfolio of Investments as of November 30, 2004  Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

Shares   Description   Value (Note 1)  
FOREIGN COMMON STOCKS-4.3%  
  Netherlands-2.6%        
  31,250     Heineken NV   $ 988,481    
  20,000     Unilever NV, ADR     1,260,000    
      2,248,481    
  United Kingdom-1.7%        
  25,000     Diageo PLC, Sponsored ADR     1,408,500    
        Total Foreign Common Stocks (cost $3,101,487)     3,656,981    
Par Value  
CORPORATE BONDS-0.1%  
  120,000     American Airlines Inc., Pass-through Certificates, 7.800%, due 10/01/06 (cost $120,000)     99,360    
Shares  
WARRANTS-0.0%**  
  1,500     Ono Finance Certificate, Warrant, Expires 5/31/09*†     15    
        Total Long Term Investments (cost $68,278,667)     84,023,895    
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS-22.8%  
  BANK DEPOSIT-0.6%        
Par Value  
  554,000     Investors Bank & Trust Money Market Deposit Account, 1.500% due 12/01/04
(cost $554,000)
    554,000    
Shares  
AUCTION MARKET PREFERRED SECURITIES-3.6%  
  60     Scudder RREEF Real Estate Fund II, Series TH7     1,500,000    
  60     West Asset/Claymore US Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Fund, Series W     1,500,000    
        Total Auction Market Preferred Securities (cost $3,000,000)     3,000,000    
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT BONDS-18.6%  
Par Value  
New Zealand-6.0%  
  7,200,000     New Zealand Government, 6.500% due 2/15/05     5,163,402    
United Kingdom-12.6%  
  2,800,000     UK Gilt Conversion Bond, 9.500% due 4/18/05     5,445,863    
  2,700,000     UK Gilt Treasury Bond, 8.500% due 12/07/05     5,377,814    
      10,823,677    
        Total Foreign Government Bonds (cost $15,195,199)     15,987,079    
        Total Short Term Investments (cost $18,749,199)     19,541,079    

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements  

5



Portfolio of Investments as of November 30, 2004  Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

Par Value   Description   Value (Note 1)  
Total Investments-120.6%      
    (cost $87,027,866***)   $ 103,564,974    
    Other Assets and Liabilities-(20.6%)     (17,668,893 )  
    Net Assets-100%   $ 85,896,081    

 

•  At November 30, 2004, securities or a partial position of these securities were pledged as collateral for the loan outstanding. These securities held with the custodian as segregated assets, have an aggregate market value of $37,481,400.

*  Security is a private placement.

**  Amount represents less than 0.1% of net assets.

***  Aggregrate cost for federal tax purposes.

†  Non-income producing security.

ADR  American Depository Receipt.

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements  

6



Statement of Assets and Liabilities  Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

November 30, 2004

ASSETS:      
Investments, at value (Cost, $87,027,866) (Note 1)
See accompanying schedule
  $ 103,564,974    
Cash     880    
Foreign cash at value (identified cost $245,041)     259,457    
Dividends and interest receivable     453,802    
Prepaid expenses and other assets     38,487    
TOTAL ASSETS     104,317,600    
LIABILITIES:      
Loan payable to bank (Note 10)   $ 18,000,000    
Deferred compensation-director (Note 11)     100,827    
Investment co-advisory fees payable (Note 2)     106,974    
Legal and Audit fees payable     80,367    
Interest due on loan payable to bank (Note 10)     43,417    
Administration, co-administration and custodian fees payable (Note 2)     38,555    
Accrued expenses and other payables     51,379    
TOTAL LIABILITIES     18,421,519    
NET ASSETS   $ 85,896,081    
NET ASSETS consist of:  
Distributions in excess of net investment income   $ (100,827 )  
Accumulated net realized loss on investments sold     (12,632,829 )  
Unrealized appreciation of investments     16,570,043    
Par value of Common Stock (Note 4)     113,278    
Paid-in capital in excess of Common Stock     81,946,416    
TOTAL NET ASSETS   $ 85,896,081    
NET ASSET VALUE  
Net Asset Value, $85,896,081/11,327,784 shares outstanding   $ 7.58    

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements  

7



Statement of Operations  Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

For the Year Ended November 30, 2004

INVESTMENT INCOME:      
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $13,810)   $ 2,183,141    
Interest     147,072    
TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME     2,330,213    
EXPENSES:      
Investment co-advisory fees (Note 2)   $ 1,220,625    
Administration, co-administration and custodian fees (Note 2)     331,719    
Legal and Audit fees     232,089    
Directors fees and expenses (Note 2)     69,823    
Printing fees     67,529    
Insurance Expenses     39,294    
Other     51,390    
GROSS EXPENSES     2,012,469    
Fees waived by the Administrator (Note 2)     (57,554 )  
OPERATING EXPENSES     1,954,915    
Interest on outstanding loan payable (Note 10)     368,442    
TOTAL EXPENSES     2,323,357    
NET INVESTMENT INCOME     6,856    
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS:      
Net realized gain/(loss) on:  
Securities     8,132,509    
Foreign currency related transactions     (10,049 )  
Net change in unrealized appreciation of:  
Securities     2,730,965    
Foreign currency related transactions     32,935    
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS     10,886,360    
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS   $ 10,893,216    

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements  

8



Statement of Changes in Net Assets  Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

    Year Ended
November 30,
 
    2004   2003  
OPERATIONS:  
Net investment income   $ 6,856     $ 63,621    
Net realized gain /(loss) on investments sold during the year     8,122,460       (8,075,680 )  
Change in unrealized appreciation of investments during the year     2,763,900       22,303,711    
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations     10,893,216       14,291,652    
DISTRIBUTIONS:  
Dividends paid from net investment income     (283,195 )     (736,306 )  
Total Distributions     (283,195 )     (736,306 )  
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:  
Proceeds from Rights Offering (Note 9)     -       24,581,291    
Expenses incurred for Rights Offering (Note 9)     -       (159,614 )  
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FOR THE YEAR     10,610,021       37,977,023    
NET ASSETS:  
Beginning of year     75,286,060       37,309,037    
End of year (including undistributed (distributions in excess of) net
investment income of $(100,827) and $115,617, respectively)
  $ 85,896,081     $ 75,286,060    

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements  

9



Statement of Cash Flows  Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

For the year ended November 30, 2004

Cash flows from operating activities:      
Investment income received   $ (139,465 )  
Dividend income received     2,737,285    
Payment of operating expenses     (1,962,651 )  
Proceeds from sales of long-term securities     45,479,307    
Purchases of long-term securities     (43,410,273 )  
Net proceeds from short-term investments     201,000    
Cash provided by operating activities   $ 2,905,203    
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Distributions paid     (283,195 )  
Repayment of outstanding loan     (2,000,000 )  
Interest expense     (362,390 )  
Cash used by financing activities     (2,645,585 )  
Increase in cash     259,618    
Cash at beginning of year     719    
Cash at end of year   $ 260,337    
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM
OPERATIONS TO CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
     
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   $ 10,893,216    
Increase in investments   $ (8,028,414 )  
Increase in interest and dividends receivable     (313,736 )  
Decrease in other assets     787    
Decrease in accrued expenses     (15,092 )  
Interest expense     368,442    
Cash provided from operating activities   $ 2,905,203    

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements  

10



Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

Financial Highlights

For a Common share outstanding throughout each period.

Contained below is per share operating performance data, total investment returns, ratios to average net assets, and other supplemental data. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements and market price data for the Fund's shares.

    Year Ended November 30,   Five Month
Period
Ended
  Year Ended June 30,  
    2004   2003   November 30,
2002(b)
  2002   2001   2000  
OPERATING PERFORMANCE:  
Net asset value, beginning of year   $ 6.65     $ 6.59     $ 7.15     $ 8.65     $ 8.96     $ 10.07    
Net investment income/(loss)     0.01       (0.03 )     0.02       0.58       0.70       0.67    
Net realized and unrealized gain/
(loss) on investments
    0.95       1.23       (0.58 )     (1.49 )     (0.31 )     (1.02 )  
Total from investment operations     0.96       1.20       (0.56 )     (0.91 )     0.39       (0.35 )  
DISTRIBUTIONS:  
Dividends paid from from net investment
income to shareholders
    (0.03 )     (0.07 )     -       (0.59 )     (0.70 )     (0.76 )  
Total distributions     (0.03 )     (0.07 )     -       (0.59 )     (0.70 )     (0.76 )  
Dilutive Impact of Rights Offering††     -       (1.07 )     -       -       -       -    
Net asset value, end of year   $ 7.58     $ 6.65     $ 6.59     $ 7.15     $ 8.65     $ 8.96    
Market value, end of year   $ 6.63     $ 5.50     $ 5.22     $ 6.78     $ 8.50     $ 8.25    
Total investment return based on net asset value(a,c)     14.44 %     2.37 %     (7.83 )%     (11.36 )%     4.41 %     (3.70 )%  
Total investment return based on market value(a,c)     21.02 %     6.89 %     (23.01 )%     (14.47 )%     11.77 %     (6.81 )%  
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:  
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets     2.00 %     1.93 %     4.40 %†††     1.95 %†     1.82 %†     2.51 %†  
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets
without fee waivers
    2.06 %     -       -       -       -       -    
Ratio of operating expenses including interest
expense to average net assets
    2.38 %     2.30 %     -       -       -       -    
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets
    0.01 %     0.08 %     0.79 %†††     6.96 %     8.03 %     7.08 %  
SUPPLEMMENTAL DATA:  
Portfolio turnover rate     33 %     40 %     21 %     180 %     83 %     53 %  
Net assets, end of year (in 000's)   $ 85,896     $ 75,286     $ 37,309     $ 40,514     $ 48,990     $ 50,591    
Number of shares outstanding at the end of
year (in 000's)
    11,328       11,328       5,664       5,664       5,664       5,644    

 

(a)  Assumes reinvestment of distributions at the price obtained by the Fund's Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

(b)  Fiscal year end changed to November 30. Prior to this, the fiscal year end was June 30.

(c)  Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

†  For the years ended June 30, 2002, 2001, and 2000, the ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding the costs attributable to a proxy contest and related matters was 1.65%, 1.26% and 1.55%, respectively.

††  The Rights Offering was fully subscribed at a subscription price of $4.34 for 5,663,892 shares which equals $24,581,291 in gross proceeds. The Rights Offering had a $(1.06) NAV impact and the $159,614 of expenses associated with the Rights Offering had a $(0.01) NAV impact.

†††  Annualized.

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements  

11



BOULDER GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INC.

Notes to Financial Statements

1. Significant Accounting Policies

Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. The policies described below are followed consistently by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Portfolio Valuation: The net asset value of the Fund is determined by the Fund's administrator no less frequently than on the last business day of each week and month. It is determined by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets by the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. The value of the Fund's net assets is deemed to equal the value of the Fund's total assets less the Fund's liabilities. Securities listed on a national securities exchange are valued on the basis of the last sale on such exchange or the NASDAQ Official Close Price ("NOCP") on the day of valuation. In the absence of sales of listed securities, securities for which the most recent sale prices are not deemed to represent fair market value, and unlisted securities (other than money market instruments), securities are valued at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices, or based on a matrix system which utilizes information (such as credit ratings, yields and maturities) from independent sources. Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Fund, including reference to valuations of other securities which are considered comparable in quality, maturity and type. Investments in money market instruments, which mature in 60 days or less at the time of purchase, are valued at amortized cost.

Securities Transactions and Investment Income: Securities transactions are recorded as of the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities sold are recorded on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on ex-dividend dates. Interest income is recorded using the interest method.

Dividend income is recorded at management's estimate of the income included in distributions received from investments in real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and registered investment companies ("RICs"). Distributions received in excess of this amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments. The actual amounts of income and return of capital are determined by each REIT or RIC only after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

Repurchase Agreements: The Fund may engage in repurchase agreement transactions. The Fund's Management reviews and approves periodically the eligibility of the banks and dealers with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreement transactions. The value of the collateral underlying such transactions is at least equal at all times to the total amount of the repurchase obligations, including interest. The Fund maintains possession of the collateral and, in the event of counterparty default, the Fund has the right to use the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is the possibility of loss to the Fund in the event the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders: Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Any net realized short-term capital gains will be distributed to shareholders at least annually. Any net realized long-term capital gains may be distributed to shareholders at least annually or may be retained by the Fund as determined by the Fund's Board of Directors. Capital gains retained by the Fund are subject to tax at the corporate tax rate. Subject to the Fund qualifying as a registered investment company, any taxes paid by the Fund on such net realized long-term gains may be used by the Fund's Shareholders as a credit against their own tax liabilities.

Federal Income Taxes: The Fund intends to qualify as a registered investment company by complying with the requirements under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to RICs and intends to distribute substantially all of its taxable net investment income to its shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required.

Income and capital gain distributions are determined and characterized in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These differences are primarily due to (1) differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities held by the Fund, including timing differences, (2) the attribution of expenses against certain components of taxable investment income, and (3) federal regulations requiring proportional allocation of income and gains to all classes of Shareholders. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the Fund to the extent the Fund does not distribute by the end of any calendar year at least (1) 98% of the sum of its net investment income for that year and its capital gains (both long-term and short-term) for its fiscal year and (2) certain undistributed amounts from previous years.

12



BOULDER GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INC.

Notes to Financial Statements-(Continued)

Cash: Cash as used in the Statement of Cash Flows is the amount reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Information on cash payments or any cash movement is presented in the Statement of Cash Flows. Accounting practices that do not affect reporting activities on a cash basis include realized gain or loss on investment securities and accretion income recognized on investment securities.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

2. Investment Co-Advisory Fees, Directors' Fees, Administration Fee, Co-Administration Fee, Custody Fee and Transfer Agent Fee

Boulder Investment Advisers, L.L.C. ("BIA") and Stewart Investment Advisers ("SIA") serve as the Fund's Co-Investment Advisers ("Advisers"). The Fund pays the Advisers a monthly fee at an annual rate of 1.25% of the value of the Fund's average monthly net assets (including the principal amount of leverage, if any). The equity owners of BIA are Evergreen Atlantic, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company ("EALLC"), and the Lola Brown Trust No. 1B (the "Lola Trust"), each of which is considered to be an "affiliated person" of the Fund as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. Stewart West Indies Trading Company, Ltd. is a Barbados international business company doing business as Stewart Investment Advisers. SIA receives a monthly fee equal to 75% of the fees earned by the Advisers, and BIA receives 25% of the fees earned by the Advisers. The equity owner of SIA is the Stewart West Indies Trust, considered to be an "affiliated person" of the Fund as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. The Advisers agreed to waive one half of their fee on the proceeds from the December 2002 rights offering, and on the proceeds from the $20 million Line of Credit with Custodial Trust Company of Bear Stearns on April 16, 2003, until such time as more than 50% of the respective proceeds plus cash on hand at the time the proceeds were received, are invested, which has since then occured.

Fund Administrative Services, LLC ("FAS") serves as the Fund's Co-Administrator. Under the Administration Agreement, FAS provides certain administrative and executive management services to the Fund including: providing the Fund's principal offices and executive officers, overseeing and administering all contracted service providers, making recommendations to the Board regarding policies of the Fund, conducting shareholder relations, authorizing expenses and other administrative tasks. As of February 1, 2004, under the Administration Agreement, the Fund pays FAS a monthly fee calculated at an annual rate of 0.20% of the value of the Fund's average monthly net assets up to $250 million; 0.18% of the Fund's average monthly net assets on the next $150 million; and, 0.15% on the value of the Fund's average monthly assets over $400 million. Notwithstanding, FAS has agreed to cap the Fund's total administration costs at 0.30% (including administration, co-administration, transfer agent and custodian fees). As such, FAS has agreed to waive a portion of its fee should the total monthly administration expenses exceed 0.30%. Prior to February 1, 2004, the Fund paid FAS a monthly fee calculated at an annual rate of 0.30% of the value of the Fund's average monthly net assets, out of which FAS was required to pay any fees for outsourcing any administrative, custodial or transfer agency services, which it had done. The equity owners of FAS are EALLC and the Lola Trust, each of which is a shareholder of the Fund and considered to be an "affiliated person" of the Fund as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.

The Fund pays each Director who is not a director, officer or employee of the Advisers or FAS a fee of $8,000 per annum, plus $3,000 for each in-person meeting of the Board of Directors and $500 for each telephone meeting. In addition, the Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of the Audit Committee receive $1,000 per meeting and each member of the Audit Committee receives $500 per meeting. The Fund will also reimburse all Directors for travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such meetings.

Effective October 1, 2004, Investors Bank & Trust Company ("Investors Bank") began serving as the Fund's Co-Administrator and Custodian. As compensation for its services, Investors Bank receives certain out-of-pocket expenses, transaction fees and asset-based fees, which are accrued daily and paid monthly. Prior to October 1, 2004, PFPC Inc. ("PFPC"), an indirect, majority-owned subsidiary of the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., served as the Fund's Co-Administrator and PFPC Trust Company, also an indirect subsidiary of the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., served as the Fund's custodian.

PFPC serves as the Fund's transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and registrar, and as compensation for PFPC's services as such, the Fund pays PFPC a monthly fee plus certain out-of-pocket expenses.

13



BOULDER GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INC.

Notes to Financial Statements-(Continued)

3. Purchases and Sales of Securities

Cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities for the year ended November 30, 2004, excluding short-term investments, aggregated $31,183,531 and $35,479,620, respectively.

At November 30, 2004, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there is an excess of value over tax cost was $18,013,744 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there is an excess of tax cost over value was $2,075,971.

4. Common Stock

At November 30, 2004, 250,000,000 of $0.01 par value Common Stock were authorized.

5. Portfolio Investments, Concentration and Investment Quality

The Fund operates as a "non-diversified" investment company, as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result of being "non-diversified", with respect to 50% of the Fund's portfolio, the Fund must limit to 5% the portion of its assets invested in the securities of a single issuer. There are no such limitations with respect to the balance of the Fund's portfolio, although no single investment can exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets at the time of purchase. A more concentrated portfolio may cause the Fund's net asset value to be more volatile than it has been historically and thus may subject shareholders to more risk. The Fund may hold a substantial position (up to 25% of its assets) in the common stock of a single issuer. As of November 30, 2004, the Fund held a significant position in Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., and thus, the volatility of the Fund's common stock, and the Fund's net assets value and its performance in general, depends disproportionately more on the performance of this single issuer than that of a more diversified fund.

At the April 2003 shareholder meeting, Shareholders approved a proposal that permits the Fund to be concentrated in REITs (real estate investment trusts). REITs are securities of companies whose primary objective is investment in real property or providing services to real property interests. The Fund must invest at least 25% of its assets in REIT securities. The Fund intends to invest in REIT securities primarily for income. Risks associated with investing in REITs include the potential for loss of value if there is an underlying decline in value of the properties in which the REIT invests. Property valuations may rise and fall with either local economic conditions or with the national economy. Furthermore, the dividend income paid by a REIT may be reduced or eliminated. In addition, the Fund bears its ratable share of REIT expenses while still paying management fees on the Fund assets so invested.

The Fund intends to concentrate its common stock investments in a few issuers and to take large positions in those issuers, consistent with being a "non-diversified" fund. As a result, the Fund is subject to a greater risk of loss than a diversified fund or a fund that has diversified its investments more broadly. Taking larger positions is also likely to increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value reflecting fluctuation in the value of large Fund holdings. Under normal market conditions, the Fund intends to invest at least 80% of its net assets in common stocks. Common stocks include dividend-paying closed-end funds and REITs. The portion of the Fund's assets that are not invested in common stocks may be invested in fixed income securities and cash equivalents. The term "fixed income securities" includes RICs whose objective is income, REITs, bonds, U.S. Government securities, notes, bills, debentures, preferred stocks, convertible securities, bank debt obligations, repurchase agreements and short-term money market obligations.

6. Significant Shareholders

On November 30, 2004, trusts and other entities affiliated with Stewart R. Horejsi and the Horejsi family owned 2,354,600 shares of Common Stock of the Fund, representing approximately 20.79% of the total Fund shares.

14



BOULDER GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INC.

Notes to Financial Statements-(Continued)

7. Tax Basis Distributions

Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. The character of distributions paid on a tax basis during the year ending November 30, 2004 and November 30, 2003 is as follows:

    Year Ended
November
2004
  Year Ended
November
2003
 
Distributions paid from:  
Ordinary Income   $ 248,715     $ 736,306    
In Excess of Net Investment Income     34,480       -    
    $ 283,195     $ 736,306    

 

As of November, 30 2004, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

Ordinary Income   $ (100,827 )  
Unrealized Appreciation     16,570,043    
    $ 16,469,216    

 

The Fund had available for tax basis distributions purposes accumulated capital and other losses of $12,632,829 of which $4,096,696 will expire on 11/30/2010 and $8,536,133 will expire on 11/30/2011.

Net investment income and realized gain and loss for federal income tax purposes differ from that reported in the financial statements because of permanent and temporary book and tax differences. These differences are primarily related to differing treatment of long-term capital gains dividends and excess ordinary distributions received from Real Estate Investment Trusts and wash sales. Permanent, book and tax basis difference of $59,897, $543,692 and $(603,589) were reclassified at November 30, 2004 among undistributed net investment income, accumulated net realized loss on investments and Paid in Capital, respectively, for the Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

8. Share Repurchase Program

In accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund may from time to time repurchase shares of the Fund in the open market at the option of the Board of Directors and upon such terms as the Directors shall determine.

9. Rights Offering

On October 15, 2002 the Fund's shareholders approved a transferable rights offering which would permit shareholders to acquire one new share of the Fund for each share held. The rights were transferable, which allowed shareholders who did not wish to exercise their rights to sell them on the New York Stock Exchange. The record date for determining shareholders eligible to participate in the rights offering was November 29, 2002. The subscription period was from December 2, 2002 to December 20, 2002. The market price for the shares issued through the rights offering was calculated based on the volume-weighted average closing price of the Fund's shares from December 16 through December 20, 2003. The rights offering was fully subscribed and the Fund issued 5,663,892 new shares at a price of $4.34 each. The total gross proceeds to the Fund were $24,581,291. As of November 30, 2003, the expense associated with the rights offering totaled $159,614.

10. Loan Outstanding

On February 21, 2003 an agreement between the Fund and the Custodial Trust Company of Bear Stearns was reached, in which the Fund may borrow from the Custodial Trust Company an aggregate amount of up to the lesser of $20,000,000 or the maximum amount the Fund is permitted to borrow under the Investment Company Act of 1940. At November 30, 2004, the Fund had a loan payable in the amount of $18,000,000 with an interest rate of 3.29%, calculated at a rate per annum during each Interest Period equal to 30-day LIBOR on the Interest Commencement Date of such interest period plus 1%. This loan has no maturity date and can be paid or called at any time. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2004, the Fund had an average outstanding loan of $15,909,836 at an average rate of 2.35% and incurred $368,442 of interest expense.

11. Deferred Compensation

At November 30, 2004, the Fund had a deferred compensation liability to a former Director of the Fund which totaled $100,827 including any accrued interest.

15



BOULDER GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INC.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of the Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc., including the portfolio of investments, as of November 30, 2004, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and financial highlights for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, the five-month period ended November 30, 2003, and the year ended June 30, 2002. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The financial highlights for each of the years in the two-year period ended June 30, 2001 were audited by other auditors whose report, dated August 1, 2001, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform our audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2004 by correspondence with the custodian. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc. as of November 30, 2004, and the results of its operations, its cash flows, the changes in its net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the years or periods described above in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Boston, Massachusetts
January 26, 2005

16



Additional Information (Unaudited)

Change of Director

On May 18, 2004, Susan L. Ciciora did not stand for re-election as Director of the Fund. In her place, the Nominating Committee recommended John S. Horejsi. At the same meeting, shareholders elected John S. Horejsi to serve a one year term as Director to the Fund.

At a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors held on October 15, 2004, the Board accepted the resignation of Stephen C. Miller as a director of the Fund. The remaining directors of the Fund elected Dennis R. Causier as Mr. Miller's replacement. Mr. Miller, previously an interested director of the Fund, resigned in order to bring the Fund into compliance with the recent SEC regulations which require that 75% of the Board be non-interested directors.

Portfolio Information

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund's Form N-Q is available (1) on the Fund's website located at http://www.boulderfunds.net; (2) on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov; or (3) for review and copying at the SEC's Public Reference Room ("PRR") in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operation of the PRR may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

Proxy Information

The policies and procedures that the Advisers use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund are included in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information which is available on the Fund's website located at http://www.boulderfunds.net. Information regarding how the Portfolio voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended November 30 is available at http://www.sec.gov.

Privacy Statement

Pursuant to SEC Regulation S-P (Privacy of Consumer Financial Information) the Directors of the Boulder Growth and Income Fund, Inc. have established the following policy regarding information about the Fund's shareholders. We consider all shareholder data to be private and confidential, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use. The Fund collects nonpublic information (e.g., your name, address, Social Security Number, Fund holdings) about shareholders from transactions in Fund shares. The Fund will not release information about current or former shareholders (except as permitted by law) unless one of the following conditions is met: (i) we receive your prior written consent; (ii) we believe the recipient to be you or your authorized representative; or (iii) we are required by law to release information to the recipient. The Fund has not and will not in the future give or sell information about its current or former shareholders to any company, individual, or group (except as permitted by law). The Fund will only use information about its shareholders as necessary to service or maintain shareholder accounts in the ordinary course of business. Internally, we also restrict access to shareholder personal data to those who have a specific need for the records. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with Federal standards to guard your personal data.

Tax Information

Of the ordinary income (including short-term capital gain) distributions made by the Fund during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2004, 69% qualify for the dividend received deduction available to shareholders.

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2004, 0% of the taxable investment income qualifies for the 15% dividend tax rate.

17



Summary of Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Registered holders ("Common Shareholders") of common stock (the "Common Shares") are automatically enrolled (the "Participants") in the Fund's Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan") whereupon all distributions of income, capital gains or managed distributions ("Distributions") are automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares. Common Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all distributions in cash paid by check in United States dollars mailed directly to the shareholders of record (or if the shares are held in street name or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by the custodian, as dividend disbursing agent.

PFPC Inc. (the "Agent") serves as Agent for each Participant in administering the Plan. After the Fund declares a Distribution, if (1) the net asset value per Common Share is equal to or less than the market price per Common Share plus estimated brokerage commissions on the payment date for a Distribution, Participants will be issued Common Shares at the higher of net asset value per Common Share or 95% of the market price per Common Share on the payment date; or if (2) the net asset value per Common Share exceeds the market price plus estimated brokerage commissions on the payment date for a Distribution, the Agent shall apply the amount of such Distribution to purchase Common Shares on the open market and Participants will receive the equivalent in Common Shares valued at the weighted average market price (including brokerage commissions) determined as of the time of purchase (generally, following the payment date of the Distribution). If, before the Agent has completed its purchases, the market price plus estimated brokerage commissions exceeds the net asset value of the Common Shares as of the payment date, the purchase price paid by the Agent may exceed the net asset value of the Common Shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer Common Shares than if such Distribution had been paid in Common Shares issued by the Fund. If the Agent is unable to invest the full Distribution amount in purchases in the open market or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period then the Agent may cease making purchases in the open market the instant the Agent is notified of a market premium and may invest the uninvested portion of the Distribution in newly issued Common Shares at the net asset value per Common Share at the close of business provided that, if the net asset value is less than or equal to 95% of the then current market price per Common Share, the dollar amount of the Distribution will be divided by 95% of the market price on the payment date. The Fund will not issue Common Shares under the Plan below net asset value.

There is no charge to Participants for reinvesting Distributions, except for certain brokerage commissions, as described below. The Agent's fees for the handling of the reinvestment of Distributions will be paid by the Fund. There will be no brokerage commissions charged with respect to shares issued directly by the Fund. However, each Participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Agent's open market purchase in connection with the reinvestment of Distributions. The automatic reinvestment of Distributions will not relieve Participants of any federal income tax that may be payable on such Distributions.

The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan upon 90 Days' written notice to Common Shareholders of the Fund.

Participants in the Plan may (i) request a certificate, (ii) request to sell their shares, or (iii) withdraw from the Plan upon written notice to the Agent or by telephone in accordance with specific procedures and will receive certificates for whole Common Shares and cash for fractional Common Shares.

All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Agent, PFPC Inc., P.O. Box 43027, Providence, RI 02940-3027. To receive a full copy of the Fund's Dividend Reinvestment Plan, please contact the Agent at 1-800-331-1710.

18



BOULDER GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INC.

Information About Directors and Officers

Set forth in the following table is information about the Directors of the Fund, together with their address, age, position with the Fund, term of office, length of time served and principal occupation during the last five years.

Name, Address*, Age   Position, Length of
Term Served, and
Term of Office
  Principal Occupation(s) and Other
Directorships held
During the Past Five Years
  Number of
Funds in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
 
Disinterested Directors  
Alfred G. Aldridge, Jr.
Brig. Gen (Retired)
Cal. Air National Guard
Age: 67
  Director of the Fund since January 2002. Current term expires at Annual Meeting for 2005.   Retired; from 1982-2002, Sales Manager of Shamrock Foods Co.; Director of Fiesta Bowl, Tempe,AZ; since 1997; Executive Vice President, Business Development Specialists, Phoenix, AZ since January 2004; Director Maricopa Youth Assistance Foundation, Phoenix, AZ since 2004; Director, Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc., since 1999.     2    
Richard I. Barr
Age 66
  Director of the Fund since January 2002. Current term expires at Annual Meeting for 2005.   Retired; from 1966-2001, Manager of Advantage Sales and Marketing, Inc.; Director, Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc., since 1999 and Chairman of the Board since 2003; Director, First Financial Fund, Inc., since 2001.     3    
Dennis R. Causier
Age: 57
  Director of the Fund since October 2004. Current Term expires at Annual Meeting of 2005.   Retired; from 1966-2001, Managing Director and Chairman of P.S. Group PLC; owner Professional Yacht Management Services; Director, First Financial Fund, Inc. since October 2004.     2    
Joel W. Looney
Age: 42
  Director of the Fund since January 2002. Chairman of the Board. Current term expires at Annual Meeting for 2005.   Partner, Financial Management Group, LLC since July 1999; CFO Bethany College from 1995-1999; Director, Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc., since January 2001; Director and Chairman of the Board, First Financial Fund, Inc. since August 2003.     3    
Interested Directors**  
John S. Horejsi
Age: 37
  Director of the Fund since May 2004. Current term expires at Annual Meeting for 2005.   President of Hojo Records, LLC since 2001; Director of Horejsi Charitable Foundation since 1997.     1    

 

*  Unless otherwise specified, the Directors' respective addresses are c/o Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc., 1680 38th Street, Suite 800, Boulder, Colorado 80301.

**  Mr. Horejsi is an "interested person" as a result of the extent of his beneficial ownership of Fund shares and by virtue of his indirect beneficial ownership of BIA and FAS.

19



BOULDER GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INC.

Information About Directors and Officers-(Continued)

The Names of the executive officers of the Fund are listed in the table below. Each officer was elected to office by the Board at a meeting held on January 23, 2004. This table shows certain additional information. Each officer will hold such office until a successor has been elected by the Board of Directors of the Fund.

Name, Address*, Age   Position, Length of Term Served,
and Term of Office
  Principal Occupation(s) and Other Directorships
held During the Past Five Years
 
Carl D. Johns
1680 38th Street,
Suite 800
Boulder, CO 80301
Age: 41
  Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Vice President and Treasurer since January 2002. Appointed annually.   Vice President and Treasurer of BIA and Assistant manager of FAS, since April 1999; Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Vice President and Treasurer, Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc since 1999 and First Financial Fund, Inc. since August 2003.  
Stephanie J. Kelley
1680 38th Street,
Suite 800
Boulder, CO 80301
Age: 48
  Secretary since January 2002. Appointed annually.   Secretary, Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc., since October, 2000 and First Financial Fund, Inc. since August 2003; Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer of various Horejsi Affiliates. Employee of FAS since 1999.  
Stephen C. Miller
1680 38th Street,
Suite 800
Boulder, CO 80301
Age: 52 
  President of the Fund since January 2002. Appointed Annually   President and General Counsel of BIA; Manager, FAS; Vice President of SIA; President of Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc., since 1999; President of First Financial Fund, Inc. since August 2003; President and General Counsel, Horejsi, Inc. (liquidated in 1999); General Counsel, Brown Welding Supply, LLC (sold in 1999); Of Counsel, Krassa & Miller, LLC since 1991.  
Nicole L. Murphey
1680 38th Street,
Suite 800
Boulder, CO 80301
Age: 27
  Assistant Secretary since January 2002. Appointed Annually   Assistant Secretary, Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc. since October 2000 and First Financial Fund, Inc. since August 2003; Employee of FAS since July 1999.  

 

The Fund's president has certified to the New York Stock Exchange that, as of November 30, 2004, he was not aware of any violation by the Fund of applicable NYSE corporate governance listing standards. The Fund's reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form N-CSR contain certifications by the Fund's principal executive officer and principal financial officer that relate to the Fund's disclosure in such reports and that are required by rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act.

20



Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

P.O. Box 43027
Providence, RI 02940-3027

Presorted
Standard

US Postage

PAID

Boston, MA

Permit No. 57842

Boulder
Growth & Income
Fund, Inc.

(NYSE: BIF)

Annual Report

November 30, 2004

Directors

Brig. Gen (Ret.) Alfred G. Aldridge Jr.
Richard I. Barr
Dennis R. Causier
John S. Horejsi
Joel W. Looney

Officers

Stephen C. Miller
President

Carl D. Johns
Vice President and Treasurer

Stephanie J. Kelley
Secretary

Nicole L. Murphey
Assistant Secretary

www.boulderfunds.net

If you have questions regarding shares you held in a Brokerage Account contact your broker, or, if you have physical possession of your shares in certificate form, contact the Fund's Transfer Agent & Shareholder Servicing Agent –– PFPC, Inc. at:

P.O. Box 43027
Providence, RI 02940-3027
1-800-331-1710

This report is sent to shareholders of Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc. for their information. It is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or of any securities mentioned in this report.



Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

(a)                                  The registrant, as of the end of the period covered by this report, has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.

 

(b)                                 There have been no amendments, during the period covered by this report, to a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics description.

 

(c)                                  The registrant has not granted any waivers, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this item’s instructions.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

As of the end of the period covered by the report, the registrant’s board of directors has determined that Joel W. Looney is qualified to serve as an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee and that he is “independent,” as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a)          Audit Fees – The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Fund’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years were $22,500 and $23,600 for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2003 and November 30, 2004, respectively.

 

(b)         Audit-Related Fees – There were no fees billed for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2003 and November 30, 2004 for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Fund’s financial statements and are not reported under (a) of this Item.

 

(c)          Tax Fees – The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the review of the Fund’s tax returns and excise tax calculations were $5,600 and $5,850 for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2003 and November 30, 2004, respectively.

 

(d)         All Other Fees – There were no other fees billed for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2003 and November 30, 2004 for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in (a) through (c) of this Item.

 

(e)          (1)  The Registrant’s audit committee pre-approves all audit and non-audit services to performed by the Registrant’s accountant before the accountant is engaged by the Registrant to perform such services.

 

(2)   There were no services described in (b) through (d) above (including services required to be approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X) that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

(f)            None of the hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the Fund’s financial statements

 

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for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2004 were attributable to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees.

 

(g)         Not applicable.

 

(h)         Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

 

The Fund’s full schedules of investments are included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc. and Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

 

Proxy Voting Procedures

 

The Board of Directors of the Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc. and Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc. (collectively, the “Funds”) hereby adopt the following policies and procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Funds (collectively, the “Voting Policies”).

 

1.               Policy.  It is the policy of each of the Boards of Directors of the Funds (the “Board”) to delegate the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Funds to Boulder Investment Advisers, L.L.C. (the “Adviser”) as a part of the Adviser’s general management of the Funds, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight(1).  The voting of proxies is an integral part of the investment management services that the Adviser provides pursuant to the advisory contract.  Proxy voting policies and procedures are required by Rule 206 (4)-6 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and will be effective August 6, 2003.

 

2.               Fiduciary Duty.  The right to vote a proxy with respect to portfolio securities held by the Funds is a significant asset of the Fund.  The Adviser, to which authority to vote on behalf of the Funds is delegated, exercises this voting responsibility as a fiduciary, and votes proxies in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Funds and its shareholders, and with the goal of maximizing the value of the Funds and the shareholders’ investments.

 

3.               Procedures.  The following are the procedures adopted by the Board for the administration of this policy:

 

a.                                       Review of Adviser Proxy Voting Procedures.  The Adviser, with advice and counsel from the Board, shall present to the Board its policies, procedures and other guideline for voting proxies at least annually (the “Voting Guidelines”), and must notify the Board promptly of any material changes.  In accordance with the foregoing, the Adviser has developed the Voting Guidelines which are attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

b.                                      Voting Record Reporting.  No less than annually, the Adviser shall report to the Board a record of each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Funds during the respective year.  With respect to those proxies the Adviser has identified as involving a conflict of interest(2), the Adviser shall submit a separate report

 


(1)  This policy is adopted for the purpose of the disclosure requirements adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Releases No. 33-8188, 34-47304, IC-25922.

(2)  As it is used in this document, the term “conflict of interest” refers to a situation in which the Adviser or affiliated persons of the adviser have a financial interest in a matter presented by a proxy other than the obligation it incurs as investment adviser to the Funds which compromises the Adviser’s independence of judgment and action with respect to the voting of the proxy.

 

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indicating the nature of the conflict of interest and how that conflict was resolved with respect to the voting of the proxy.

 

4.               Revocation.  The delegation by the Board of the authority to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Funds is entirely voluntary and may be revoked by the Board, in whole or in part, at any time.  This disclosure shall be included in any registration statement filed on behalf of the Funds after July 1, 2003.

 

5.               Annual Filing.  The Fund shall file an annual report of each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Funds during the twelve-month period ended June 30 on Form N-PX not later than August 31 of each year.  The Fund must file the complete proxy voting record on an annual basis on this form.  Form N-PX must contain complete proxy voting records for the 12 month period stated above, and must be signed on behalf of the Fund by the principal executive officers.  This form must provide the following information:

 

1.     Name of the issuer of the portfolio security

2.     Exchange ticker symbol

3.  CUSIP #

4.  Shareholder meeting date

5.  Brief indication of the matter voted on

6.  Whether matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder

7.  Whether the Fund cast its vote on the matter

8.  How the Fund cast its vote

9.  Whether the Fund cast its vote for or against management

 

6.               Disclosures.

 

a.               The Fund shall include in any future registration statement:

 

i.                       A description of the Voting Policies and the Voting Guidelines(3); and

 

ii.                    A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds’ toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the SEC website.(4)

 

b.              The Fund shall include in its Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders:

 

i.                       A statement disclosing that the Voting Policies and Voting Guidelines are available without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds’ toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; and on the SEC website.(5)

 

ii.                    A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund’s toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the SEC website.(6)

 

7.               Recordkeeping Requirements.  SEC Rule 204-2, as amended, requires advisers to retain:

 

1.  Proxy voting policies and procedures

2.  Proxy statements received regarding client securities

3.  Records of votes cast on behalf of clients

4.  Records of written client requests

5.  Any documents prepared by the adviser material to making a decision how to vote, or that memorialized the basis for the decision.

 


(3)  This disclosure shall be included in the registration statement next filed on behalf of the Funds after July 1, 2003.

(4)  This disclosure shall be included in the registration statement next filed on behalf of the Funds after August 31, 2004.

(5)  This disclosure shall be included in the report next filed on behalf of the Funds after July 1, 2003.

(6)  This disclosure shall be included in the report next filed on behalf of the Funds after August 31, 2004.

 

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8.               Review of Policy.  At least annually, the Board shall review this Policy to determine its sufficiency and shall make and approve any changes that it deems necessary from time to time.

 

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EXHIBIT  A – VOTING GUIDLINES

 

The Funds’ and Advisors’ proxy voting principles are summarized below, with specific examples of voting decisions for the types of proposals that are most frequently presented:

 

Category

 

Guideline

 

Voting

BOARD OF DIRECTOR ISSUES

 

The board of directors’ primary role is to protect the interests of all shareholders. Key functions of the board are to approve the direction of corporate strategy, ensure succession of management and evaluate performance of the corporation as well as senior management. The board is accountable to shareholders, and must operate independently from management.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Routine Elections

 

Generally we will vote with management’s recommendation

 

Generally FOR

 

 

 

 

 

Board
Classification

 

Generally we are opposed to entrenchment mechanisms and will vote against proposals to classify a board. We prefer annual election of directors in order that shareholders have more power to replace directors deemed to not be acting in the shareholders’ interest.

 

Generally AGAINST

 

 

 

 

 

Independence of
Directors

 

The majority of board members should be independent from the corporation, management or a majority shareholder. An independent member should not be a former employee of the company or a representative of a key supplier to or a key client of the company.

 

We will generally support boards that have a majority of board members classified as independent.

 

 

 

 

 

Director
Indemnification

 

Mandatory indemnification of directors and officers is necessary to attract quality candidates.

 

Generally FOR

 

 

 

 

 

Director
Attendance

 

Board membership requires a significant amount of time in order for responsibilities to be executed, and attendance at Board and Committee meetings is noted.

 

We look for attendance records to be in the 75% participation range.

 

 

 

 

 

Term Limits

 

We are more concerned with the performance of directors and not with the term limits

 

Generally AGAINST but will look at on a case-by-case basis.

 

 

 

 

 

Separation of
Chair and CEO

 

In most cases it is advisable for there to be a separation between the CEO and the Chair to enhance separation of management interests and shareholders.

 

In most cases we would support a recommendation to separate the Chair from the CEO. Lead directors are considered acceptable, and in this situation an independent Corporate Governance committee must also be in place.

 

 

 

 

 

Committees of the
Board

 

Audit, Compensation, Governance and Nominating committees are the most significant committees of the board.

 

We support the establishment of these committees, however independent director membership on these committees is the primary concern. Two-thirds independent membership is satisfactory, provided that the chair of each committee is independent.

 

 

 

 

 

Audit Process

 

The members of an audit committee should be independent directors, and the auditor must also be independent. The auditor should report directly to the Audit committee and not to management.

 

We will generally support the choice of auditors recommended by the Audit Committee. In the event that

 

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Category

 

Guideline

 

Voting

 

 

 

 

the auditor supplies other services for a fee other than the audit, each situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

 

 

 

 

VOTING AND ENTRENCHMENT ISSUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholder Right
to Call Special
Meeting

 

 

 

Generally FOR

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholder Right
to Act by Written
Consent

 

 

 

Generally FOR

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative
Voting

 

Our experience has been that cumulative voting is generally proposed by large shareholders who may wish to exert undue influence on the board.

 

Generally AGAINST, although we may consider if the board has been unresponsive to shareholders.

 

 

 

 

 

Confidentiality of
Shareholder
Voting

 

Like any other electoral system, the voting at annual and special meetings should be confidential and free from any potential coercion and/or impropriety.

 

We will support any proposals to introduce or maintain confidential voting.

 

 

 

 

 

Size of Board of
Directors

 

Generally boards should be comprised of a minimum of seven to a maximum of fifteen. However the complexity of the company has an impact on required board size.

 

The independence of the board is a greater concern than the number of members. However should a change in board size be proposed as potentially an anti-takeover measure we would vote against.

 

 

 

 

 

COMPENSATION ISSUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Director
Compensation

 

Directors should be compensated fairly for the time and expertise they devote on behalf of shareholders. We favor directors personally owning shares in the corporation, and that they receive a substantial portion of their remuneration in the form of shares.

 

We support recommendations where a portion of the remuneration is to be in the form of common stock. We do not support options for directors, and do not support retirement bonuses or benefits for directors.

 

 

 

 

 

MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION

 

Compensation plans for executives should be designed to attract and retain the right people with exceptional skills to manage the company successfully long-term. These plans should be competitive within the company’s respective industry without being excessive and should attempt to align the executive’s interests with the long-term interest of shareholders.

 

Executive compensation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Options and
Incentive
Compensation
Plans

 

Compensation plans should be designed to reward good performance of executives. They should also encourage management to own stock so as to align their financial interests with those of the shareholders. It is important that these plans are disclosed to the shareholders in detail for their approval.

 

We will not support plans with options priced below current market value or the lowering of the exercise price on any previously granted options.

 

7



 

Category

 

Guideline

 

Voting

 

 

 

 

We will not support any plan amendment that is not capped or that results in anything but negligible dilution. We believe that shareholders should have a say in all aspects of option plans and therefore will not support omnibus stock option plans or plans where the Board is given discretion to set the terms. Plans will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

 

 

 

 

Adopt/Amend
Employee Stock
Purchase Plans

 

 

 

Considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

 

 

 

 

Golden Parachutes

 

Although we believe that “golden parachutes” may be a good way to attract, retain and encourage objectivity of qualified executives by providing financial security in the case of a change in the structure or control of a company, golden parachutes can be excessive.

 

Generally opposed but will consider on a case-by-case basis.

 

 

 

 

 

Require
Shareholder
Approval of
Golden Parachutes

 

 

 

Generally FOR

 

 

 

 

 

TAKEOVER PROTECTIONS

 

Some companies adopt shareholder rights plans that incorporate anti-takeover measures, which may include: poison pills, crown jewel defense, payment of greenmail, going private transactions, leveraged buyouts, lock-up arrangements, Fair price amendments, Re-incorporation. Rights plans should be designed to ensure that all shareholders are treated equally in the event there is a change in control of a company. These plans should also provide the Board with sufficient time to ensure that the appropriate course of action is chosen to ensure shareholder interests have been protected. However, many shareholder rights plans can be used to prevent bids that might in fact be in the shareholders best interests. Depending on their contents, these plans may also adversely influence current share prices and long-term shareholder value.

 

We will review each situation on a case-by-case basis. We will generally support proposals that protect the rights and share value of shareholders.

 

 

 

 

 

Dual Class Shares

 

It is not unusual for certain classes of shares to have more than one vote per share. This is referred to as a dual class share structure and can result in a minority of shareholders having the ability to make decisions that may not be in the best interests of the majority of shareholders.

 

Generally AGAINST.

 

 

 

 

 

Super-Majority Voting Provisions

 

Super-majority voting (e.g., 67% of votes cast or a majority of outstanding shares), although fairly common, can, from a practical point of view, be difficult to obtain, and essentially are a bar from effective challenges to entrenched management, regardless of performance or popularity. A very high requirement can be unwieldy and therefore not in the best interest of the majority of shareholders.

 

Generally AGAINST. We will generally oppose proposals for voting requirements that are greater than a majority of votes cast. That said, we will review supermajority proposals on a case-by-case basis.

 

8



 

Category

 

Guideline

 

Voting

Issuance of Authorized Shares

 

 

 

Generally FOR

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of
Unlimited or
Additional Shares

 

Corporations may increase their authorized number of shares in order to implement a stock split, to support an acquisition or restructuring plan, to use in a stock option plan or to implement an anti-takeover plan. Shareholders should approve of the specific business need for the increase in the number of shares and should understand that the issuance of new shares can have a significant effect on the value of existing shares.

 

Generally AGAINST. We will generally oppose proposals to increase the number of authorized shares to “unlimited”, but will consider any proposals to increase the number of authorized shares on a case-by-case basis for a valid business purpose.

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholder
Proposals

 

Shareholders should have the opportunity to raise their concerns or issues to company management, the board and other shareholders. As long as these proposals deal with appropriate issues and are not for the purposes of airing personal grievances or to obtain publicity, they should be included on the proxy ballot for consideration.

 

Shareholder proposals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Repurchase
Plans

 

 

 

Generally FOR

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Splits

 

 

 

Generally FOR

 

 

 

 

 

Require
Shareholder
Approval to issue
Preferred Stock

 

 

 

Generally FOR

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate Loans to Employees

 

Corporate loans, or the guaranteeing of loans, to enable employees to purchase company stock or options should be avoided. These types of loans can be risky if the company stock declines or the employee is terminated.

 

Generally AGAINST.

 

 

 

 

 

Blank-cheque
Preferred Shares

 

The authorization of blank-cheque preferred shares gives the board of directors’ complete discretion to fix voting, dividend, conversion and other rights and privileges. Once these shares have been authorized, the shareholders have no authority to determine how or when they will be allocated. There may be valid business reasons for the issuance of these shares but the potential for abuse outweighs the benefits.

 

Generally AGAINST.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 8.           Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 9.           Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the     Registrant’s Board of Directors, where those changes were implemented after the Registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 7(d)(2)(ii)(G) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101), or this Item.

 

9



 

Item 10. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within  90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).

 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the registrant’s last fiscal half-year (the registrant’s second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 11. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1)       Code of ethics, or any amendment thereto, that is the subject of disclosure required by Item 2 is attached hereto.

 

(a)(2)       Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

 

(a)(3)       Not applicable.

 

(b)           Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

 

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

 

(Registrant)

 BOULDER GROWTH & INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

 

  /s/ Stephen C. Miller

 

 

 

Stephen C. Miller, President

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date

 2/8/05

 

 

 

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 date indicated.

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

 

  /s/ Stephen C. Miller

 

 

 

Stephen C. Miller, President

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

Date

 2/8/05

 

 

 

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

 

  /s/ Carl D. Johns

 

 

 

Carl D. Johns, Vice President and Treasurer

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

Date

 2/8/05

 

 

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