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: 811-22532
Name
of Registrant: Royce Global Trust, Inc.
Address
of Registrant: One Madison Avenue
New
York, NY 10010
Name and address of agent for service: John E. Denneen, Esq.
One Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code: (212) 508-4500
Date
of fiscal year end: December 31
Date
of reporting period: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Item
1. Reports to Shareholders.
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royceinvest.com |
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Royce
Closed-End Funds 2024 Annual |
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Review
and Report to Stockholders
December 31, 2024 |
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Royce
Global Trust |
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Royce
Micro-Cap Trust |
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Royce
Small-Cap Trust |
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A
Few Words on Closed-End Funds
Royce
Investment Partners (“Royce”) manages three closed-end funds: Royce Global Trust, which primarily invests in both
U.S. and non-U.S. companies with market capitalization below $10 billion; Royce Micro-Cap Trust, which primarily invests in micro-cap
securities; and Royce Small-Cap Trust, which primarily invests in small-cap securities. A closed-end fund is an investment
company whose shares are listed and traded on a stock exchange. Like all investment companies, including open-end mutual funds,
the assets of a closed-end fund are professionally managed in accordance with the investment objectives and policies approved
by the fund’s Board of Directors. A closed-end fund raises cash for investment by issuing a fixed number of shares through
initial and other public offerings that may include shelf offerings and periodic rights offerings. Proceeds from the offerings
are invested in an actively managed portfolio of securities. Investors wanting to buy or sell shares of a publicly traded closed-end
fund after the initial and any subsequent offerings must do so on a stock exchange, as with any publicly traded stock. Shares
of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. This is in contrast to open-end mutual funds, which
sell and redeem their shares at net asset value on a continuous basis.
A
Closed-End Fund Can Offer Several Distinct Advantages
| • | A
closed-end fund does not issue redeemable securities or offer its securities on a continuous basis, so it does not need to liquidate
securities or hold uninvested assets to meet investor demands for cash redemptions. |
| • | In
a closed-end fund, not having to meet investor redemption requests or invest at inopportune times can be effective for value managers
who attempt to buy stocks when prices are depressed and sell securities when prices are high. |
| • | A
closed-end fund may invest in less liquid portfolio securities because it is not subject to potential stockholder redemption demands.
This is potentially beneficial for Royce-managed closed-end funds, with significant investments in small- and micro-cap securities. |
| • | The
fixed capital structure allows permanent leverage to be employed as a means to enhance capital appreciation potential. |
| • | Royce
Micro-Cap Trust and Royce Small-Cap Trust distribute capital gains, if any, on a quarterly basis. Each of these Funds has adopted
a quarterly distribution policy for its common stock. |
We
believe that the closed-end fund structure can be an appropriate investment for a long-term investor who understands the benefits
of a more stable pool of capital.
Why
Dividend Reinvestment Is Important
A
very important component of an investor’s total return comes from the reinvestment of distributions. By reinvesting distributions,
our investors can maintain an undiluted investment in a Fund. To get a fair idea of the impact of reinvested distributions, please
see the charts on pages 61 and 62. For additional information on the Funds’ Distribution Reinvestment and Cash Purchase
Options and the benefits for stockholders, please see page 63 or visit our website at www.royceinvest.com.
Managed
Distribution Policy
The
Board of Directors of each of Royce Micro-Cap Trust and Royce Small-Cap Trust has authorized a managed distribution policy (MDP).
Under the MDP, Royce Micro-Cap Trust and Royce Small-Cap Trust pay quarterly distributions at an annual rate of 7% of the average
of the prior four quarter-end net asset values, with the fourth quarter being the greater of these annualized rates or the distribution
required by IRS regulations. With each distribution, the Fund will issue a notice to its stockholders and an accompanying press
release that provides detailed information regarding the amount and composition of the distribution (including whether any portion
of the distribution represents a return of capital) and other information required by a Fund’s MDP. You should not draw
any conclusions about a Fund’s investment performance from the amount of distributions or from the terms of a Fund’s
MDP. A Fund’s Board of Directors may amend or terminate the MDP at any time without prior notice to stockholders; however,
at this time there are no reasonably foreseeable circumstances that might cause the termination of any of the MDPs.
This
page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
Table
of Contents

This
page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
1
Letter
to Our Stockholders

A
QUICK LOOK BACK
The
last several years have not been especially kind to small-cap stocks, at least in relation to their bigger counterparts. The
asset class’s long-running historical performance advantage over large-caps—an advantage that often went hand in hand
with higher volatility—has steadily eroded. In what, for the purposes of this letter, we’ll call the “Old Normal,”
small-cap companies generally had higher long-term returns but also experienced higher volatility, while larger companies trailed
but tended to be steadier in their performance patterns. Since the introduction of the Russell Indexes on 12/31/78, a similar
pattern often held true for value and growth investing: the former typically enjoyed a better long-term performance record while
the latter had higher volatility but also often had attractively high short-term performance.
There
were exceptions to these patterns, of course, and the persistence of leadership could span several years. For example, small-cap,
and small-cap value in particular, dominated performance from the peak of the Internet bubble in March of 2000 up until the market
peaks in the summer of 2007 that presaged the Great Financial Crisis of 2008-09. In retrospect, any path out of that seismic series
of events and back to what history might see as normal, or at least typical, was bound to be winding and uncertain. There were
also additional and unprecedented
obstacles, the biggest by far being the covid pandemic, which saw policymakers once again slashing
rates and keeping the flow of cash into the economy steady and strong. The current period of large-cap leadership, dominated by
mega-cap stocks within the big stock cohort, stretches back to 2011, when a steep and sudden bear market lasted from April through
October on fears that the economy was falling into a recession. This 14-year span has also been better for small-cap growth than
value. The two charts below show the spreads for the 3-year monthly rolling average returns, first for the Russell 2000 and Russell
1000 Indexes and second for the Russell 2000 Value and Growth Indexes from their shared inception dates through 12/31/24.
Leadership
Shifts Between Small-Cap and Large-Cap
The
Spread of 3-Year Monthly Rolling Average Annual Total Returns for the Russell 2000 and Russell 1000, 12/31/81-12/31/24

Past
performance is no guarantee of future results.
2
| This
page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
LETTER
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS
Leadership
Shifts Between Small-Cap Value and Growth
The
Spread of 3-Year Monthly Rolling Average Annual Total Returns for the Russell 2000 Value and Russell 2000 Growth, 12/31/81-12/31/24

Past
performance is no guarantee of future results.
2024
thus marked the eighth straight year of small-cap underperformance relative to large-cap. In fact, the Russell 2000 has beaten
the Russell 1000 in only four of the last 20 calendar years, during which large-cap’s average outperformance spread was
6.1%. Small-cap last beat large-cap in 2016, making the period ended 12/31/24 the longest underperformance stretch measured by
calendar years since each index’s inception. And while we are all too keenly aware of how long we have been calling for
a sustained period of small-cap leadership, we do see several promising signs on the horizon for a sustained leadership phase
for small-cap stocks.
DO
VALUATIONS FAVOR THE ODDS OF SMALL-CAP LEADERSHIP?
Much
ink has been spilled and even more bandwidth has been spent discussing, worrying about, or otherwise focusing on the sky-high
state of valuations in the U.S. equity market over the last 12-18 months. We would offer what follows as a corrective to what
looks to us like a narrow viewpoint on share prices. Most of these observations have used the S&P 500 as the proxy for the
entire market, occasionally adding the Nasdaq Composite or Nasdaq 100. We have no disagreement with the idea that large-cap valuations
are unsustainably high. However, small-cap valuations remain attractive versus large-cap valuations, having finished 2024 still
near their lowest relative valuation versus large-caps in more than 25 years, based on the index valuation metric we use most:
the last 12 months’ enterprise value over earnings before interest & taxes, aka LTM EV/EBIT. The chart below shows this
picture in compelling detail—while also revealing that this wide valuation spread has persisted for more than five years.
With
small-cap’s underperformance versus large cap having reached an extreme point, it should come as no surprise that small-cap’s
weighting in the Russell 3000 Index was also near a historical low at the end of 2024.
Relative
Valuations for Small-Caps vs. Large-Caps Are Near Their Lowest in 25 Years
Russell
2000 vs. Russell 1000 Median LTM EV/EBIT1 (ex. Negative EBIT Companies), 12/31/99-12/31/24

1 Enterprise
Value/Earnings Before Interest and Taxes
Source:
FactSet
This
page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
3
LETTER
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS
Wide
Breadth of Undervaluation Across the Small-Cap Asset Class
Russell
2000 and Russell 1000 Median EV/EBIT1 (ex. Negative EBIT) by Sector as of 12/31/24

1 Enterprise
Value/Earnings Before Interest and Taxes
Source: FactSet
Equally,
if not more important is the fact that small-cap’s more attractive valuation could be seen across all 11 sectors. These
disparities in sector valuations between small- and large-cap are notable, especially in the broad and diverse areas such as
Information Technology, Industrials, Financials, and Consumer Discretionary. They add further credence to the idea that, while
mega-cap behemoths such as Nvidia or Apple may be priced beyond perfection (or at least reason), attractive bargains can be found in
several corners of the small-cap universe. (In fact, Apple’s market cap at the end of 2024 was 122% of the entire Russell
2000.)
However,
the most important factor about valuations from our perspective as small-cap specialists is that many companies in the asset class
continue to trade at attractively cheap prices on an absolute basis in diverse areas such as machinery; semiconductors & semiconductor
equipment; capital markets; electronic equipment, instruments & components; banks; construction & engineering; healthcare;
and energy.
EARNING
THEIR WAY TO MARKET LEADERSHIP
While
attractive absolute and relative valuations for small-caps are noteworthy, valuation is seldom enough to catalyze stock price
performance. We are fond of saying that psychology runs the market in the short run, but earnings run it in the long run. Across
the U.S. equity markets, earnings are expected to be pretty healthy in 2025, with the current consensus indicating 15% earnings
per share (EPS) growth for the Russell 1000, along with solid to strong results anticipated for 4Q24, which are in the midst of
being reported and will pick up steam
within small-caps as we move further into February. Consensus EPS estimates for the Russell
2000, however, are considerably higher than they are for large-caps in 2025, coming in at an impressive 89.3% versus 30.9% for
the Russell 1000.
There
is some important context to accompany this encouraging data: the Russell 2000 finished 2024 having endured a two-year earnings
recession, so a substantive rebound makes a certain amount of sense. It’s also important to keep in mind that more than
40% of the companies in the Russell 2000 currently have no earnings. We think it’s equally relevant to remind our readers
that our own portfolios typically hold companies that have established histories of earnings or those where our respective investment
teams have identified a catalyst for earnings to resume or begin.
Average
Expected Earnings Growth for 2025-2026
Index
Aggregate Estimated Two-Year EPS Growth

Earnings
per share (EPS) is calculated as a company’s profit divided by the outstanding shares of its common stock. The EPS Growth
Estimates are the pre-calculated mean two-year EPS growth rate estimates by brokerage analysts. Estimates are the average of those
provided by analysts working for brokerage firms who provide research coverage on each individual security as reported by FactSet.
All non-equity securities, investment companies, and companies without brokerage analyst coverage are excluded. Source: FactSet.
4
| This
page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
LETTER
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS
One
critical advantage of having been small-cap investors for more than five decades is how it’s bred
a deep appreciation for
the cyclical nature of markets and the long-term benefit of contrarian thinking.
Bull
markets, bear markets, and long periods of outperformance for one style or asset class—
all are subject to cyclical dynamics,
and none lasts forever.
WHAT
FOLLOWS LOW-RETURN SMALL-CAP MARKETS?
At
12/31/24, the Russell 2000’s 3-year average annual total return was 1.2%, well below the small-cap index’s monthly
rolling average 3-year return of 10.5% since inception. This highly underwhelming number perhaps distills the frustrations of
small-cap investors better than any other. Yet it may also be a sign that improved results may be close. Subsequent 3-year average
annualized performance for small-caps following previous low-return periods have been stellar, as seen in the chart below.
99%
of the Time, Positive 3-Year Returns Have Followed Low Return Markets
Subsequent
Average Annualized 3-Year Performance for the Russell 2000 Following 3-Year Annualized Return Ranges of Less Than 3%, 12/31/81-12/31/24

Past
performance is no guarantee of future results. As of 12/31/24, the average of subsequent 3-year return ranges <3% has 481 periods,
the average 3-year return since inception has 517 periods.
Of
course, this dynamic has a kind of logic to it. The cyclical nature of share prices would support the notion that low-return periods
are typically succeeded by higher-return periods. What makes the data above particularly compelling from our standpoint is not
just the fact that small-caps generally recovered from low, flat, or negative return periods with better results but also that
these subsequent performances averaged a 60% higher return than the historical 3-year monthly rolling average.
LOOKING
FORWARD TO HEIGHTENED VOLATILITY?
Just
a few weeks into the new administration, and the stock market has already seen some highly volatile days. February
began with
the markets swooning from President Trump’s announcement of tariffs on goods coming into the U.S. from China, Canada, and
Mexico. Markets quickly fell into disarray before some measure of calm returned following reports that there would be a pause
on tariffs for goods, first those from Mexico and later that same day with those from Canada, in each case following constructive
negotiations. The initial indications were that tariffs involving Canada and Mexico would be implemented as part of an effort
at solving non-economic issues such as the cross-border drug trade and immigration—so the hope is that they will remain
on pause, assuming that the ostensible goals are met. As of this writing we expect the greatest areas of potential impact, if
these tariffs are sustained, would be on the housing, auto, and farm sectors of the U.S. economy.
We suspect that most if not
all of the tariffs being proposed are being used tactically and, while disruptive, will impact market sentiment, volatility, and
risk taking more than longer-term business fundamentals. Regardless of their ultimate duration and scale, however, tariffs are
expected to hasten the now established trends of deglobalization, business reshoring to the U.S., and better supply chain management
in U.S. manufacturing. All of which support our well-documented case for U.S. small-cap stocks regaining leadership in the market,
driven by a meaningful upswing in small-cap earnings and supported by valuations far more attractive than found in other market
capitalization or style segments.
We also think it’s important to be mindful of volatility as we believe we are entering
a period of heightened uncertainty driven by the disruptive nature of both the rhetoric and policy proposals of the new Trump
administration. We have often talked about how we welcome short-term volatility as a foundational element for building long-term,
market-beating returns. One critical advantage of having been small-cap investors for more than five decades is how it’s
bred a deep appreciation for the cyclical nature of markets and the long-term benefit of contrarian thinking.
This
page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
5
LETTER
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS
Bull
markets, bear markets, and/or long periods of outperformance for one style or asset class—all are subject to cyclical dynamics,
and none lasts forever. We find that understanding what drives inflection points along with a willingness to think critically
beyond the market’s conventional wisdom are the underpinnings that can generate long-term outperformance.
While
still in the early days, many signals seem to be pointing to the likelihood that equities will experience heightened levels of
volatility as we move further into 2025 and, if history is our guide, this could be an additional positive sign for small cap’s
absolute and relative returns. Looking at subsequent average annualized returns for the Russell 2000 and the large-cap Russell
1000 following periods when the CBOE S&P 500 Volatility Index—aka the VIX or the ‘fear gauge,’—was
elevated showed a positive edge for small-cap stocks. Our research revealed that the percentage of periods when the Russell 2000
had better average annualized 3-year returns than the Russell 1000 were at their highest following periods of heightened volatility.
Russell
2000 vs Russell 1000 Monthly Rolling VIX Regimes
Subsequent
Average 1-Year Return Periods After VIX 1-Month Average was ≥28% from 12/31/89-12/31/24

VIX
was ≥28% in 44/408 periods. Source: Bloomberg. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The chart above measures
the average returns and spread of the monthly trailing three-year return periods in month where the monthly average three-year
VIX level falls within the specified range.
Interestingly,
recent uncertainty—and the now familiar idea that the new administration’s policies seem likely to create ample doses
of (ideally short-lived) market gyrations—has not yet translated to a higher-than-average VIX, which was lower than average
between election day through February 7th. What has been on the rise, according to an article in the February 10th issue of Barron’s,
is the VVIX—which measures the volatility of the VIX and can be seen as a “fear of fear” index. The VVIX has
risen past its historical average of 92.86 to 99.04 over the same post-election day period. This is hardly the worst development
for highly active small-cap investors with a long-term investment horizon like us. We welcome a market environment that, at least
in the short run, distracts investors from longer-term business fundamentals and economic value, which is often the case when
markets experience elevated volatility. These distractions often appear to blur the distinctions between companies that possess
higher quality attributes versus those that do not. As we move further into 2025, we remain highly constructive on the backdrop
for small-cap stocks and for our differentiated and highly active approach to constructing our portfolios.
Sincerely,
 |
 |
Christopher
D. Clark |
Francis
D. Gannon |
Chief
Executive Officer, and
Co-Chief Investment Officer |
Co-Chief
Investment Officer |
February
13, 2025
6
| This
page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
Performance
NAV
Average Annual Total Returns
As
of December 31, 2024 (%)
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1-YR |
3-YR |
5-YR |
10-YR |
15-YR |
20-YR |
25-YR |
30-YR |
SINCE
INCEPTION |
INCEPTION
DATE |
Royce
Global Trust |
11.80 |
-1.78 |
5.69 |
7.40 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
6.23 |
10/17/13 |
Royce
Micro-Cap Trust |
13.47 |
3.23 |
11.86 |
9.16 |
11.33 |
8.65 |
10.24 |
10.94 |
10.74 |
12/14/93 |
Royce
Small-Cap Trust |
12.64 |
2.57 |
9.54 |
9.37 |
10.51 |
8.15 |
9.32 |
10.35 |
10.38 |
11/26/86 |
INDEX |
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MSCI
ACWI Small Cap Index |
7.66 |
0.76 |
6.68 |
7.26 |
8.69 |
7.72 |
7.50 |
7.79 |
N/A |
N/A |
Russell
Microcap Index |
13.70 |
-1.00 |
6.97 |
6.77 |
9.81 |
6.36 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Russell
2000 Index |
11.54 |
1.24 |
7.40 |
7.82 |
10.33 |
7.79 |
7.55 |
9.02 |
N/A |
N/A |
Important
Performance and Risk Information
All
performance information in this Review and Report reflects past performance, is presented on a total return basis, net
of the Fund’s investment advisory fee, reflects the reinvestment of distributions and does not reflect the deduction of
taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the sale of fund shares. Past performance is no guarantee of future
results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate, so that shares may be worth more or less than
their original cost when sold. Current month-end performance may be higher or lower than performance quoted and may be obtained
at www.royceinvest.com. The Funds are closed-end registered investment companies whose respective shares of common stock may trade
at a discount to the net asset value. Shares of each Fund’s common stock are also subject to the market risk of investing
in the underlying portfolio securities held by each Fund. Each Fund is subject to market risk-the possibility that common
stock prices will decline, sometimes sharply and unpredictably, over short or extended periods of time. Such declines may be caused
by various factors, including market, financial, and economic conditions, governmental or central bank actions, and other factors,
such as pandemics, acts of terrorism, or the armed conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, that may not be directly related to
the issuer of a security held by a Fund. These conflicts, along with any banking industry instability, could adversely affect
global market, financial, and economic conditions, as well as individual companies, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen.
Investments in securities of micro-cap or small-cap companies may involve considerably more risk than investments in securities
of larger-cap companies. Investments in securities of foreign issuers may be subject to different risks than investments in securities
of U.S. companies, including adverse political, social, economic, or other developments that are unique to a particular country
or region. Therefore, the prices of securities of foreign companies in particular countries or regions may, at times, move in
a different direction than those of securities of U.S. companies. Because such investments are usually denominated in foreign
currencies and the Funds do not intend to hedge their foreign currency exposures, the U.S. dollar value of such investments may
be harmed by declines in the value of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. Royce Global Trust invests a significant
portion of its assets in foreign companies. A broadly diversified portfolio does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss.
All indexes referenced are unmanaged and capitalization-weighted. Each index’s returns include net reinvested dividends
and/or interest income. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability
whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for
other indexes or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None
of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of
investment decision and may not be relied on as such. Russell Investment Group is the source and owner of the trademarks, service
marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Russell Investment Group. The Russell
2000 Index is an index of domestic small-cap stocks that measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest publicly traded U.S. companies
in the Russell 3000 Index. The Russell Microcap Index includes 1,000 of the smallest securities in the small-cap Russell 2000
Index, along with the next smallest eligible securities as determined by Russell. The MSCI ACWI Small Cap Index is an unmanaged,
capitalization-weighted index of global small-cap stocks. The performance of an index does not represent exactly any particular
investment, as you cannot invest directly in an index. Index returns include net reinvested dividends and/or interest income.
Royce Global, Micro-Cap, and Small-Cap Trust shares of common stock trade on the NYSE. Royce Fund Services, LLC (“RFS”)
is a member of the Finanancial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and files certain material with FINRA on behalf
of each Fund. RFS is not an underwriter or distributor of any of the Funds.
This
page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
7
MANAGER’S
DISCUSSION (UNAUDITED)
Royce
Global Trust (RGT)
Steven
McBoyle
FUND
PERFORMANCE
Royce
Global Trust (RGT) advanced 11.8% on a NAV (net asset value) basis and an impressive 14.8% based on its market price, well ahead
of the 7.7% gain for its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Small Cap Index, for the same period. The Fund also beat its benchmark on
an NAV basis for the 10-year period ended 12/31/24 while lagging for the 3- and 5-year period.
WHAT
WORKED… AND WHAT DIDN’T
Eight
of the Fund’s 10 equity sectors made positive contributions to performance in 2024, led by Financials, Industrials, and
Information Technology. Health Care and Consumer Discretionary detracted while Communication Services made the smallest positive
contribution. At the industry level, capital markets (Financials), software (Information Technology), and trading companies &
distributors (Industrials) were the top contributors while the biggest detractors were media (Communication Services), health
care equipment & supplies (Health Care), and building products (Industrials).
At
the position level, the top contributor was FTAI Aviation, which provides maintenance, repair, and exchange of CFM56 and V2500
aircraft engines, the workhorses of the global aircraft fleet, to smaller airlines globally. Contributing to its notable performance
in 2024 were the market’s recognition of the tight supply of aircraft engines, FTAI’s growth runway as it closed deals
with Latam Airlines and Pratt & Whitney—a burgeoning cost advantage after FTAI purchased its management fee agreement
and a key maintenance facility in Montreal—and FAA approval for critical aftermarket engine parts. Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
operates Israel’s only stock exchange and provides trading services for stocks, mutual funds, corporate and government bonds,
short-term T-bills, and index and currency options. A key element of its business model is that trading commissions only account
for 38% of revenue, with the remainder coming from listing fees and annual levies, clearing/custodial fees, and data distribution
fees. Despite Israel’s war against Hamas and Lebanon and a weak environment for IPOs/secondary equity offerings, the stock
delivered strong returns in 2024 due to robust demand for Treasury Bills, corporate bonds, and government bond issuance, as well
as from the exchange’s derivatives business, which benefited
from increased volatility, and the securing of regulatory approval for bringing pricing in line with global peers.
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Top
Contributors to Performance |
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Top
Detractors from Performance |
|
|
For
2024 (%)1 |
|
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For
2024 (%)2 |
|
|
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FTAI
Aviation |
2.68 |
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EVI
Industries |
-0.69 |
|
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Tel
Aviv Stock Exchange |
1.72 |
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Dish
TV India |
-0.42 |
|
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Cellebrite
DI |
1.34 |
|
Carel
Industries |
-0.39 |
|
|
PAR
Technology |
0.79 |
|
Teqnion |
-0.37 |
|
|
Protector
Forsikring |
0.75 |
|
AutoCanada |
-0.35 |
|
|
1
Includes dividends |
|
|
2 Net of
dividends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EVI
Industries, which distributes commercial laundry and dry cleaning equipment, industrial boilers, and related parts for its U.S.
customer base, was the top-detracting position in 2024. While continuing to operate effectively, both its business and stock have
also continued to face challenges, including declining profits, increased operating costs and interest expenses, competitive pressures,
and environmental regulations. We began to reduce our stake in its shares in December 2024. Dish TV India is a subscription based
satellite television provider whose offerings include multilingual services, entertainment, lifestyle, devotional and astrology,
kids and games, and learning programs. The company faced challenges in the highly competitive direct-to-home and cable television
industries, including difficulties expanding its market share and remaining profitable in the face of increased competition. We held
a small position at year-end.
RGT’s
advantage over the MSCI ACWI Small Cap was attributable to both stock selection and sector allocation decisions in 2024. At the
sector level, stock selection and our substantially higher weighting in Financials, stock selection in Information Technology,
and stock selection and, to a lesser extent, a higher weighting in Materials helped most with relative results. Conversely, stock
selection in Health Care and Consumer Discretionary, as well as a combination of stock selection and a higher weight in Communication
Services hindered relative performance the most in 2024.
CURRENT
POSITIONING AND OUTLOOK
Having
endured a multi-year earnings recession in small-cap, we are expecting a (long-awaited) period of sustained small-cap leadership,
driven by stronger relative earnings growth and more attractive valuations. Prior small-cap leadership cycles have distinct dynamics
at different points in the cycle, and low-quality factors often drive performance as the cycle gets under way. Given RGT’s
disciplined focus on owning quality companies—those with high returns on invested capital, consistent free cash flow, and
strong balance sheets—we are often challenged to keep pace with the initial run for lower-quality names. In time, however,
this dynamic has reversed, as more high-quality factors assumed long-term leadership and outperformed. A key differentiator of
our approach is the long-term investment horizon inherent in taking a business buyer’s approach. This enables the Fund to
arbitrage time by adding to existing names or buying new high-quality holdings when their valuations contract due to short-term
sentiment that often overshadows attractive and sustainable long-term value creation drivers. Though positioning changed little
throughout the year, with relatively few new names being added, we were active in reducing multi-year outperformers while adding
to lower market cap holdings that were down due to cyclical or macro concerns and where our conviction in the business model and
long-term earnings power remains strong.
8
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
PERFORMANCE AND PORTFOLIO REVIEW
(UNAUDITED) |
SYMBOLS MARKET
PRICE RGT NAV XRGTX |
Performance
Average
Annual Total Return (%) Through 12/31/24
|
JUL-DEC
20241 |
1-YR |
3-YR |
5-YR |
10-YR |
SINCE
INCEPTION (10/17/13) |
RGT
(NAV) |
4.40 |
11.80 |
-1.78 |
5.69 |
7.40 |
6.23 |
1
Not Annualized
Market
Price Performance History Since Inception (10/17/13)
Cumulative
Performance of Investment through 12/31/241
|
1-YR |
5-YR |
10-YR |
15-YR |
20-YR |
SINCE
INCEPTION (10/17/13) |
RGT |
14.8% |
31.1% |
100.7% |
N/A |
N/A |
83.2% |
| 1 | Reflects
the cumulative performance experience of a continuous common stockholder who purchased
one share at inception ($8.975 IPO) and reinvested all distributions. |
| 2 | Reflects
the actual month-end market price movement of one share as it has traded on NYSE. |
Morningstar
Style Map™ As of 12/31/24
The
Morningstar Style Map is the Morningstar Style Box™ with the center 75% of fund holdings plotted as the Morningstar
Ownership Zone™. The Morningstar Style Box is designed to reveal a fund’s investment strategy. The Morningstar
Ownership Zone provides detail about a portfolio’s investment style by showing the range of stock sizes and styles. The
Ownership Zone is derived by plotting each stock in the portfolio within the proprietary Morningstar Style Box. Over time, the
shape and location of a fund's ownership zone may vary. See page 65 for additional information.
Value
of $10,000
Invested
on 10/17/13 as of 12/31/24 ($)
Top
10 Positions
%
of Net Assets
FTAI
Aviation |
3.8 |
Tel
Aviv Stock Exchange |
3.2 |
SEI
Investments |
2.8 |
Sprott |
2.4 |
Protector
Forsikring |
2.1 |
Alamos
Gold Cl. A |
2.1 |
APi
Group |
2.0 |
Morningstar |
2.0 |
ESAB
Corporation |
2.0 |
TMX
Group |
1.8 |
Portfolio
Sector Breakdown
%
of Net Assets
Industrials |
34.1 |
Financials |
26.5 |
Information
Technology |
14.2 |
Materials |
8.5 |
Health
Care |
5.6 |
Communication
Services |
3.9 |
Consumer
Discretionary |
3.5 |
Energy |
2.4 |
Real
Estate |
1.1 |
Consumer
Staples |
0.9 |
Outstanding
Line of Credit, Net of Cash and Cash Equivalents |
-0.7 |
Calendar
Year Total Returns (%) |
|
YEAR |
RGT |
2024 |
11.8 |
2023 |
16.1 |
2022 |
-27.0 |
2021 |
16.3 |
2020 |
19.7 |
2019 |
31.2 |
2018 |
-16.1 |
2017 |
31.1 |
2016 |
11.1 |
2015 |
-3.4 |
2014 |
-6.2 |
|
|
|
|
Portfolio Country
Breakdown 1,2 |
|
% of Net Assets |
|
United
States |
42.8 |
Canada |
17.8 |
Israel |
7.2 |
United
Kingdom |
6.9 |
Sweden |
5.1 |
| 1 | Represents
countries that are 3% or more of net assets. |
| 2 | Securities
are categorized by the country of their headquarters. |
Portfolio
Diagnostics
Fund
Net Assets |
$82
million |
Number
of Holdings |
116 |
Turnover
Rate |
16% |
Net
Asset Value |
$12.55 |
Market
Price |
$10.72 |
Net
Leverage1 |
0.7% |
Average
Market Capitalization2 |
$2,539
million |
Weighted
Average P/E Ratio3,4 |
22.8x |
Weighted
Average P/B Ratio3 |
2.9x |
Active
Share5 |
98% |
| 1 | Net
leverage is the percentage, in excess of 100%, of the total value of equity type
investments, divided by net assets. |
| 2 | Geometric
Average. This weighted calculation uses each portfolio holding’s market cap
in a way designed to not skew the effect of very large or small holdings; instead, it
aims to better identify the portfolio’s center, which Royce believes offers a more
accurate measure of average market cap than a simple mean or median. |
| 3 | Harmonic
Average. This weighted calculation evaluates a portfolio as if it were a single stock
and measures it overall. It compares the total market value of the portfolio to the portfolio’s
share in the earnings or book value, as the case may be, of its underlying stocks. |
| 4 | The
Fund’s P/E Ratio calculation excludes companies with zero or negative earnings
(16% of portfolio holdings as of 12/31/24). |
| 5 | Active
Share is the sum of the absolute values of the different weightings of each holding
in the Fund versus each holding in the benchmark, divided by two. |
Important
Performance and Risk Information
All
performance information reflects past performance, is presented on a total return basis, net of the Fund’s investment advisory
fee, reflects the reinvestment of distributions and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund
distributions or the sale of fund shares. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance may
be higher or lower than performance quoted and may be obtained at www.royceinvest.com. The market price of the Fund’s shares
will fluctuate, so that shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when sold. The Fund invests primarily in securities
of small- and mid-cap companies, which may involve considerably more risk than investments in securities of larger-cap companies.
The Fund’s broadly diversified portfolio does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. The Fund generally invests
a significant portion of its net assets in foreign securities, which may involve political, economic, currency and other risks
not encountered in U.S. investments. Regarding the “Top Contributors” and “Top Detractors” tables shown
above, the sum of all contributors to, and all detractors from, performance for all securities in the portfolio would approximate
the Fund’s year-to-date performance for 2024.
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 9
Royce
Global Trust
Schedule
of Investments
Common
Stocks – 100.7%
| |
SHARES | | |
VALUE |
| |
| | |
|
AUSTRALIA – 2.7% | |
| | |
|
Cochlear
1 | |
| 4,000 | | |
$ | 716,527 |
IPH 1 | |
| 233,881 | | |
| 726,709 |
Technology
One 1 | |
| 40,400 | | |
| 780,366 |
Total
(Cost $1,267,991) | |
| | | |
| 2,223,602 |
| |
| | | |
| |
BERMUDA – 0.9% | |
| | | |
| |
Bank
of N.T. Butterfield & Son | |
| 21,000 | | |
| 767,550 |
Total
(Cost $745,408) | |
| | | |
| 767,550 |
| |
| | | |
| |
BRAZIL – 0.9% | |
| | | |
| |
Odontoprev 1 | |
| 171,600 | | |
| 301,694 |
TOTVS
1 | |
| 97,885 | | |
| 421,534 |
Total
(Cost $750,794) | |
| | | |
| 723,228 |
| |
| | | |
| |
CANADA – 17.8% | |
| | | |
| |
Alamos
Gold Cl. A | |
| 94,100 | | |
| 1,736,083 |
Altus
Group | |
| 22,470 | | |
| 875,384 |
AutoCanada 2 | |
| 45,840 | | |
| 552,650 |
Canaccord
Genuity Group | |
| 97,143 | | |
| 683,235 |
Computer
Modelling Group | |
| 109,901 | | |
| 814,251 |
Descartes
Systems Group (The) 2,3 | |
| 8,424 | | |
| 956,966 |
IMAX
Corporation 2 | |
| 51,171 | | |
| 1,309,978 |
Major
Drilling Group International 2 | |
| 194,300 | | |
| 1,109,745 |
Onex
Corporation | |
| 17,813 | | |
| 1,391,383 |
Pan
American Silver 3 | |
| 12,700 | | |
| 256,794 |
Pason
Systems | |
| 71,300 | | |
| 675,079 |
Sprott | |
| 45,635 | | |
| 1,922,927 |
Stella-Jones | |
| 12,000 | | |
| 594,302 |
TELUS
Corporation | |
| 16,311 | | |
| 221,157 |
TMX
Group | |
| 47,600 | | |
| 1,466,297 |
Total
(Cost $9,919,801) | |
| | | |
| 14,566,231 |
| |
| | | |
| |
FRANCE – 0.9% | |
| | | |
| |
Ayvens 1 | |
| 39,000 | | |
| 263,307 |
Esker
1 | |
| 1,800 | | |
| 486,336 |
Total
(Cost $516,235) | |
| | | |
| 749,643 |
| |
| | | |
| |
GERMANY – 0.3% | |
| | | |
| |
Carl
Zeiss Meditec 1 | |
| 3,400 | | |
| 160,162 |
STRATEC
1 | |
| 3,300 | | |
| 101,907 |
Total
(Cost $540,371) | |
| | | |
| 262,069 |
| |
| | | |
| |
GREECE – 0.9% | |
| | | |
| |
Sarantis
1 | |
| 64,500 | | |
| 726,921 |
Total
(Cost $554,222) | |
| | | |
| 726,921 |
| |
| | | |
| |
ICELAND – 0.3% | |
| | | |
| |
Embla
Medical 1,2 | |
| 51,000 | | |
| 252,197 |
Total
(Cost $321,244) | |
| | | |
| 252,197 |
| |
| | | |
| |
INDIA – 2.4% | |
| | | |
| |
AIA
Engineering 1 | |
| 28,440 | | |
| 1,125,808 |
†BSE
1 | |
| 7,232 | | |
| 450,078 |
Dish
TV India 1,2 | |
| 3,017,686 | | |
| 365,828 |
Total
(Cost $1,407,224) | |
| | | |
| 1,941,714 |
| |
| | | |
| |
INDONESIA – 0.2% | |
| | | |
| |
Aspirasi
Hidup Indonesia 1 | |
| 4,000,000 | | |
| 194,576 |
Total
(Cost $169,716) | |
| | | |
| 194,576 |
| |
| | | |
| |
IRELAND – 0.5% | |
| | | |
| |
†Avadel
Pharmaceuticals 2 | |
| 35,460 | | |
| 372,685 |
Total
(Cost $590,636) | |
| | | |
| 372,685 |
| |
| | | |
| |
ISRAEL – 7.2% | |
| | | |
| |
Cellebrite
DI 2 | |
| 54,893 | | |
| 1,209,293 |
Global-e
Online 2 | |
| 5,200 | | |
| 283,556 |
Nova 2,3,4 | |
| 5,700 | | |
| 1,122,615 |
Phoenix
Financial 1 | |
| 48,500 | | |
| 708,239 |
Tel
Aviv Stock Exchange 1 | |
| 222,300 | | |
| 2,578,284 |
Total
(Cost $2,106,727) | |
| | | |
| 5,901,987 |
| |
| | | |
| |
ITALY – 0.7% | |
| | | |
| |
Carel
Industries 1 | |
| 28,300 | | |
| 542,326 |
Total
(Cost $342,471) | |
| | | |
| 542,326 |
| |
| | | |
| |
JAPAN – 1.7% | |
| | | |
| |
As One 1 | |
| 11,200 | | |
| 187,167 |
Fukui
Computer Holdings 1 | |
| 10,800 | | |
| 208,927 |
NSD 1 | |
| 12,200 | | |
| 260,602 |
TechnoPro
Holdings 1 | |
| 7,200 | | |
| 134,489 |
TKC
Corporation 1 | |
| 25,500 | | |
| 613,097 |
Total
(Cost $1,109,922) | |
| | | |
| 1,404,282 |
| |
| | | |
| |
NETHERLANDS –
1.0% | |
| | | |
| |
IMCD
1 | |
| 5,500 | | |
| 814,542 |
Total
(Cost $387,492) | |
| | | |
| 814,542 |
| |
| | | |
| |
NEW
ZEALAND – 0.5% | |
| | | |
| |
Fisher
& Paykel Healthcare 1 | |
| 17,000 | | |
| 364,716 |
Total
(Cost $101,973) | |
| | | |
| 364,716 |
| |
| | | |
| |
NORWAY – 2.1% | |
| | | |
| |
Protector
Forsikring 1 | |
| 70,000 | | |
| 1,753,525 |
Total
(Cost $521,854) | |
| | | |
| 1,753,525 |
| |
| | | |
| |
PANAMA – 0.6% | |
| | | |
| |
†Banco
Latinoamericano de Comercio | |
| | | |
| |
Exterior
Cl. E | |
| 13,716 | | |
| 487,878 |
Total
(Cost $379,574) | |
| | | |
| 487,878 |
| |
| | | |
| |
SINGAPORE – 0.0% | |
| | | |
| |
Midas
Holdings 2,5 | |
| 400,000 | | |
| 0 |
Total
(Cost $50,439) | |
| | | |
| 0 |
| |
| | | |
| |
SOUTH
AFRICA – 2.7% | |
| | | |
| |
CA
Sales Holdings 1 | |
| 147,597 | | |
| 126,698 |
Curro
Holdings 1 | |
| 258,594 | | |
| 179,074 |
PSG
Financial Services 1 | |
| 550,976 | | |
| 572,910 |
Stadio
Holdings 1 | |
| 3,686,928 | | |
| 1,347,828 |
Total
(Cost $1,125,199) | |
| | | |
| 2,226,510 |
| |
| | | |
| |
SWEDEN – 5.1% | |
| | | |
| |
Biotage 1 | |
| 37,900 | | |
| 551,811 |
Bravida
Holding 1 | |
| 68,900 | | |
| 499,274 |
CDON 1,2 | |
| 25,000 | | |
| 198,807 |
Karnov
Group 1,2 | |
| 145,381 | | |
| 1,082,146 |
OEM
International Cl. B 1 | |
| 107,000 | | |
| 1,081,112 |
†Teqnion
1,2 | |
| 47,800 | | |
| 714,081 |
Total
(Cost $3,671,717) | |
| | | |
| 4,127,231 |
| |
| | | |
| |
SWITZERLAND –
1.6% | |
| | | |
| |
Kardex
Holding 1 | |
| 2,400 | | |
| 715,300 |
10 |
2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE ACCOMPANYING
NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
December
31, 2024
Schedule
of Investments (continued)
| |
SHARES | | |
VALUE |
| |
| | | |
| |
SWITZERLAND
(continued) | |
| | | |
| |
LEM
Holding 1 | |
| 150 | | |
$ | 122,474 |
VZ
Holding 1 | |
| 2,900 | | |
| 460,281 |
Total
(Cost $482,877) | |
| | | |
| 1,298,055 |
| |
| | | |
| |
UNITED
KINGDOM – 6.9% | |
| | | |
| |
Diploma 1 | |
| 8,200 | | |
| 436,143 |
DiscoverIE
Group 1 | |
| 70,800 | | |
| 633,973 |
FDM
Group Holdings 1 | |
| 46,800 | | |
| 184,855 |
Genuit
Group 1 | |
| 54,600 | | |
| 266,249 |
Halma 1 | |
| 21,500 | | |
| 719,666 |
Judges
Scientific 1 | |
| 7,600 | | |
| 802,483 |
Keystone
Law Group 1 | |
| 95,940 | | |
| 690,750 |
Marlowe 1 | |
| 112,600 | | |
| 456,395 |
Mortgage
Advice Bureau Holdings 1 | |
| 36,100 | | |
| 275,662 |
†Optima
Health 1,2 | |
| 112,600 | | |
| 203,025 |
Restore 1 | |
| 83,000 | | |
| 250,754 |
SThree 1 | |
| 146,600 | | |
| 541,723 |
Team
Internet Group 1 | |
| 80,000 | | |
| 94,231 |
YouGov
1 | |
| 18,600 | | |
| 96,730 |
Total
(Cost $5,271,467) | |
| | | |
| 5,652,639 |
| |
| | | |
| |
UNITED
STATES – 42.8% | |
| | | |
| |
ACV
Auctions Cl. A 2 | |
| 33,400 | | |
| 721,440 |
Air
Lease Cl. A 3 | |
| 22,023 | | |
| 1,061,729 |
APi
Group 2,3,4 | |
| 46,008 | | |
| 1,654,908 |
Arcosa | |
| 12,660 | | |
| 1,224,728 |
Artisan
Partners Asset Management Cl. A | |
| 33,200 | | |
| 1,429,260 |
†Atmus
Filtration Technologies | |
| 20,870 | | |
| 817,687 |
Blue
Owl Capital Cl. A | |
| 24,876 | | |
| 578,616 |
†CBIZ
2 | |
| 7,053 | | |
| 577,147 |
Diodes 2,3 | |
| 1,420 | | |
| 87,571 |
Element
Solutions 3 | |
| 36,400 | | |
| 925,652 |
Enovis
Corporation 2 | |
| 14,998 | | |
| 658,112 |
†Enpro | |
| 1,770 | | |
| 305,236 |
ESAB
Corporation | |
| 13,420 | | |
| 1,609,595 |
EVI
Industries 3 | |
| 68,563 | | |
| 1,121,005 |
FormFactor 2,3,4 | |
| 13,500 | | |
| 594,000 |
FTAI
Aviation | |
| 21,360 | | |
| 3,076,694 |
GCM
Grosvenor Cl. A | |
| 101,682 | | |
| 1,247,638 |
Griffon
Corporation 3 | |
| 11,250 | | |
| 801,787 |
Hagerty
Cl. A 2 | |
| 39,300 | | |
| 379,245 |
Innospec 3 | |
| 6,228 | | |
| 685,454 |
Kadant 3 | |
| 1,928 | | |
| 665,141 |
KBR 3 | |
| 16,416 | | |
| 950,979 |
Lindsay
Corporation 3 | |
| 3,547 | | |
| 419,646 |
Mesa
Laboratories | |
| 3,829 | | |
| 504,930 |
MKS
Instruments | |
| 2,907 | | |
| 303,462 |
Morningstar
3 | |
| 4,835 | | |
| 1,628,235 |
NewtekOne | |
| 22,650 | | |
| 289,240 |
nLIGHT 2 | |
| 32,100 | | |
| 336,729 |
PAR Technology 2,3,4 | |
| 11,000 | | |
| 799,370 |
Quaker
Houghton | |
| 5,560 | | |
| 782,626 |
RB
Global | |
| 2,000 | | |
| 180,420 |
†Repligen
Corporation 2 | |
| 1,286 | | |
| 185,107 |
Richardson
Electronics | |
| 11,356 | | |
| 159,325 |
Rogers
Corporation 2 | |
| 3,428 | | |
| 348,319 |
Royal
Gold | |
| 6,320 | | |
| 833,292 |
SEI
Investments 3 | |
| 27,650 | | |
| 2,280,572 |
†Teledyne
Technologies 2 | |
| 1,340 | | |
| 621,934 |
Transcat
2,3 | |
| 13,705 | | |
| 1,449,167 |
†Victory
Capital Holdings | |
| 5,283 | | |
| 345,825 |
†Viper
Energy Cl. A | |
| 25,649 | | |
| 1,258,596 |
Vontier
Corporation 3,4 | |
| 29,889 | | |
| 1,090,052 |
Total
(Cost $21,746,084) | |
| | | |
| 34,990,471 |
| |
| | | |
| |
TOTAL
COMMON STOCKS | |
| | | |
| |
(Cost
$54,081,438) | |
| | | |
| 82,344,578 |
| |
| | | |
| |
INVESTMENTS
AT VALUE | |
| | | |
| |
(Cost
$54,081,438) | |
| | | |
| 82,344,578 |
| |
| | | |
| |
REPURCHASE
AGREEMENT– 0.8% | |
| | | |
| |
Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, 3.75% dated 12/31/24, due 1/2/25, maturity value
$675,533 (collateralized by obligations of U.S. Government Agencies, 3.625%
due 3/31/30, valued at $688,905) |
(Cost
$675,392) | |
| | | |
| 675,392 |
| |
| | | |
| |
TOTAL
INVESTMENTS – 101.5% | |
| | | |
| |
(Cost
$54,756,830) | |
| | | |
| 83,019,970 |
| |
| | | |
| |
LIABILITIES
LESS CASH AND OTHER ASSETS – (1.5)% | |
| | | |
| (1,220,074) |
| |
| | | |
| |
NET
ASSETS – 100.0% | |
| | | |
$ | 81,799,896 |
| 1 | These
securities are defined as Level 2 securities due to fair value being based on quoted
prices for similar securities and/or due to the application of fair value factors. See
Notes to Financial Statements. |
| 3 | All
or a portion of these securities were pledged as collateral in connection with the Fund's
revolving credit agreement as of December 31, 2024. Total market value of pledged securities
as of December 31, 2024, was $7,322,408. |
| 4 | As
of December 31, 2024, a portion of these securities, in the aggregate amount of $2,066,402,
were rehypothecated by BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International, Limited in connection
with the Fund's revolving credit agreement. See Notes to Financial Statements. |
| 5 | A
security for which market quotations are not readily available represents 0.0% of net assets. This security has been valued at
its fair value under procedures approved by the Fund's Board of Directors. This security is defined as a Level 3 security due
to the use of significant unobservable inputs in the determination of fair value. See Notes to Financial Statements. |
Securities are categorized by the country of their headquarters.
Bold
indicates the Fund’s 20 largest equity holdings in terms of December 31, 2024, market value.
TAX
INFORMATION: The cost of total investments for Federal income tax purposes was $58,354,899. As of December 31, 2024, net unrealized
appreciation for all securities was $24,665,071 consisting of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation of $28,496,640 and aggregate
gross unrealized depreciation of $3,831,569. The primary causes of the difference between book and tax basis cost are the timing
of the recognition of losses on securities sold, underlying investments and mark-to-market of Passive Foreign Investment Companies.
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE
AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
2024 Annual
Report to Stockholders | 11 |
Royce Global Trust |
December
31, 2024 |
Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
ASSETS: | |
| |
Investments
at value | |
$ | 82,344,578 | |
Repurchase
agreements (at cost and value) | |
| 675,392 | |
Foreign
currency (cost $5,489) | |
| 5,481 | |
Receivable
for investments sold | |
| 962,454 | |
Receivable
for dividends and interest | |
| 125,682 | |
Receivable
for insurance reimbursement | |
| 24,299 | |
Prepaid
expenses and other assets | |
| 17,759 | |
Total
Assets | |
| 84,155,645 | |
LIABILITIES: | |
| | |
Revolving
credit agreement | |
| 2,000,000 | |
Payable
for investments purchased | |
| 106,096 | |
Payable
for investment advisory fee | |
| 71,693 | |
Payable
for directors' fees | |
| 7,226 | |
Payable
for interest expense | |
| 16,936 | |
Accrued
legal expense | |
| 24,299 | |
Accrued
other expenses | |
| 64,719 | |
Deferred
capital gains tax | |
| 64,780 | |
Total
Liabilities | |
| 2,355,749 | |
Commitments
and Contingent Liabilities1 | |
| | |
Net
Assets | |
$ | 81,799,896 | |
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS: | |
| | |
Paid-in
capital - $0.001 par value per share; 6,519,010 shares outstanding (150,000,000 shares authorized) | |
$ | 57,834,408 | |
Total
distributable earnings (loss) | |
| 23,965,488 | |
Net
Assets (net asset value per share - $12.55) | |
$ | 81,799,896 | |
Investments
at identified cost | |
$ | 54,081,438 | |
1
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12 |
2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE ACCOMPANYING
NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Royce Global Trust |
Year Ended
December 31, 2024 |
Statement
of Operations
INVESTMENT INCOME: | |
| |
INCOME: | |
| |
Dividends | |
$ | 1,532,223 | |
Foreign
withholding tax | |
| (94,650 | ) |
Interest | |
| 67,014 | |
Rehypothecation
income | |
| 20 | |
Total
income | |
| 1,504,607 | |
EXPENSES: | |
| | |
Investment
advisory fees | |
| 806,996 | |
Legal
expense1 | |
| 855,838 | |
Insurance
reimbursement of legal expense1 | |
| (855,838 | ) |
Interest
expense | |
| 255,173 | |
Custody
and transfer agent fees | |
| 79,724 | |
Professional
fees | |
| 67,554 | |
Stockholder
reports | |
| 65,696 | |
Administrative
and office facilities | |
| 48,594 | |
Directors'
fees | |
| 24,984 | |
Other
expenses | |
| 34,653 | |
Total
expenses | |
| 1,383,374 | |
Net
investment income (loss) | |
| 121,233 | |
REALIZED
AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY: | |
| | |
NET
REALIZED GAIN (LOSS): | |
| | |
Investments | |
| 375,541 | |
Foreign
currency transactions | |
| (7,420 | ) |
NET
CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION): | |
| | |
Investments | |
| 8,064,824 | |
Other
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency | |
| (26,245 | ) |
Net
realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency | |
| 8,406,700 | |
NET
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS | |
$ | 8,527,933 | |
| 1 | The
Fund incurred $855,838 in legal fees and expenses in 2024 in connection with an action
filed on June 29, 2023 against the Fund and numerous unrelated funds in Saba Capital
Master Funds., Ltd., et al. v. Clearbridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund, Inc., et
al., No. 1:23-cv-05568 (S.D.N.Y.) See Notes to Financial Statements. |
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE
AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
2024 Annual
Report to Stockholders | 13 |
Statement
of Changes in Net Assets
| |
YEAR
ENDED 12/31/24 | | |
YEAR
ENDED 12/31/23 | |
INVESTMENT
OPERATIONS: | |
| | | |
| | |
Net
investment income (loss) | |
$ | 121,233 | | |
$ | (307,034 | ) |
Net
realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency | |
| 368,121 | | |
| 170,469 | |
Net
change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency | |
| 8,038,579 | | |
| 10,485,406 | |
Net
increase (decrease) in net assets from investment operations | |
| 8,527,933 | | |
| 10,348,841 | |
DISTRIBUTIONS: | |
| | | |
| | |
Total
distributable earnings | |
| (2,989,773 | ) | |
| (946,548 | ) |
Total
distributions | |
| (2,989,773 | ) | |
| (946,548 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS: | |
| | | |
| | |
Reinvestment
of distributions | |
| 1,683,617 | | |
| 483,560 | |
Total
capital stock transactions | |
| 1,683,617 | | |
| 483,560 | |
Net
Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets | |
| 7,221,777 | | |
| 9,885,853 | |
NET
ASSETS: | |
| | | |
| | |
Beginning
of year | |
| 74,578,119 | | |
| 64,692,266 | |
End
of year | |
$ | 81,799,896 | | |
$ | 74,578,119 | |
14 |
2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE ACCOMPANYING
NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Royce Global Trust |
Year Ended
December 31, 2024 |
Statement
of Cash Flows
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |
| |
Net
increase (decrease) in net assets from investment operations | |
$ | 8,527,933 | |
Adjustments
to reconcile net increase (decrease) in net assets from investment operations to net cash provided by operating activities: | |
| | |
Purchases
of long-term investments | |
| (12,982,487 | ) |
Proceeds
from sales and maturities of long-term investments | |
| 14,795,632 | |
Net
purchases, sales and maturities of short-term investments | |
| 1,197,332 | |
Net
(increase) decrease in dividends and interest receivable and other assets | |
| 371,845 | |
Net
increase (decrease) in interest expense payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | |
| (299,898 | ) |
Net
change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | |
| (8,064,824 | ) |
Net
realized gain (loss) on investments | |
| (375,541 | ) |
Net
cash provided by operating activities | |
| 3,169,992 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES: | |
| | |
Repayment
of borrowings | |
| (2,000,000 | ) |
Distributions
net of reinvestment (reinvestment $1,683,617) | |
| (1,306,156 | ) |
Net
cash used for financing activities | |
| (3,306,156 | ) |
INCREASE
(DECREASE) IN CASH: | |
| (136,164 | ) |
Cash
and foreign currency at beginning of year | |
| 141,645 | |
Cash
and foreign currency at end of year | |
$ | 5,481 | |
Supplemental
disclosure of cash flow information:
For
the year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund paid $260,695 in interest expense.
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE
AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
2024 Annual
Report to Stockholders | 15 |
Royce
Global Trust
Financial
Highlights
This
table is presented to show selected data for a share of Common Stock outstanding throughout each period, and to assist stockholders
in evaluating the Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
| |
YEARS
ENDED | |
| |
12/31/24 | | |
12/31/23 | | |
12/31/22 | | |
12/31/21 | | |
12/31/20 | |
Net
Asset Value, Beginning of Period | |
$ | 11.72 | | |
$ | 10.25 | | |
$ | 14.26 | | |
$ | 14.95 | | |
$ | 13.60 | |
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net
investment income (loss) | |
| 0.03 | | |
| (0.05 | )1,2 | |
| 0.09 | | |
| (0.01 | ) | |
| (0.05) | |
Net
realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency | |
| 1.32 | | |
| 1.69 | | |
| (3.96 | ) | |
| 2.19 | | |
| 2.63 | |
Net
increase (decrease) in net assets from investment operations | |
| 1.35 | | |
| 1.64 | | |
| (3.87 | ) | |
| 2.18 | | |
| 2.58 | |
DISTRIBUTIONS: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net
investment income | |
| (0.43 | ) | |
| – | | |
| (0.10 | ) | |
| (0.09 | ) | |
| – | |
Net
realized gain on investments and foreign currency | |
| (0.04 | ) | |
| (0.15 | ) | |
| (0.03 | ) | |
| (2.66 | ) | |
| (1.19) | |
Return
of capital | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| (0.00 | ) | |
| – | | |
| – | |
Total
distributions | |
| (0.47 | ) | |
| (0.15 | ) | |
| (0.13 | ) | |
| (2.75 | ) | |
| (1.19 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Effect
of reinvestment of distributions by Common Stockholders | |
| (0.05 | ) | |
| (0.02 | ) | |
| (0.01 | ) | |
| (0.12 | ) | |
| (0.04) | |
Total
capital stock transactions | |
| (0.05 | ) | |
| (0.02 | ) | |
| (0.01 | ) | |
| (0.12 | ) | |
| (0.04 | ) |
Net
Asset Value, End of Period | |
$ | 12.55 | | |
$ | 11.72 | | |
$ | 10.25 | | |
$ | 14.26 | | |
$ | 14.95 | |
Market
Value, End of Period | |
$ | 10.72 | | |
$ | 9.75 | | |
$ | 8.65 | | |
$ | 13.12 | | |
$ | 13.36 | |
TOTAL RETURN:3 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net Asset
Value | |
| 11.80 | % | |
| 16.15 | % | |
| (27.04 | )% | |
| 16.34 | % | |
| 19.67 | % |
Market
Value | |
| 14.81 | % | |
| 14.50 | % | |
| (33.08 | )% | |
| 19.77 | % | |
| 24.42 | % |
RATIOS BASED ON AVERAGE
NET ASSETS: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Investment
advisory fee expense | |
| 1.00 | % | |
| 1.00 | % | |
| 1.00 | % | |
| 1.00 | % | |
| 1.00 | % |
Other
operating expenses | |
| 0.71 | % | |
| 1.52 | %1 | |
| 0.54 | % | |
| 0.39 | % | |
| 0.34 | % |
Total
expenses (net) | |
| 1.71 | % | |
| 2.52 | %1 | |
| 1.54 | % | |
| 1.39 | % | |
| 1.34 | % |
Expenses
excluding interest expense | |
| 1.40 | % | |
| 2.15 | %1 | |
| 1.38 | % | |
| 1.33 | % | |
| 1.24 | % |
Expenses
prior to balance credits | |
| 1.71 | % | |
| 2.52 | %1 | |
| 1.54 | % | |
| 1.39 | % | |
| 1.34 | % |
Net investment income
(loss) | |
| 0.15 | % | |
| (0.45 | )%1,2 | |
| 0.79 | % | |
| (0.13 | )% | |
| (0.15 | )% |
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net
Assets, End of Period (in thousands) | |
$ | 81,800 | | |
$ | 74,578 | | |
$ | 64,692 | | |
$ | 89,394 | | |
$ | 83,752 | |
Portfolio
Turnover Rate | |
| 16 | % | |
| 14 | % | |
| 24 | % | |
| 52 | % | |
| 54 | % |
REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Asset
coverage | |
| 4190 | % | |
| 1964 | % | |
| 1717 | % | |
| 2335 | % | |
| 1147 | % |
Asset coverage
per $1,000 | |
$ | 41,900 | | |
$ | 19,645 | | |
$ | 17,173 | | |
$ | 23,349 | | |
$ | 11,469 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| 1 | Due
to an action filed against the Fund and numerous unrelated funds in Saba Capital Master
Funds., Ltd., et al. v. Clearbridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund, Inc., et al.,
No.1:23-cv-05568 (S.D.N.Y.), the Fund accrued net $500,000 in legal fees and expenses
which resulted in a decrease in net investment income (loss) per share of $0.08, a decrease
in the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets of 0.73% and an increase
in the noted expense ratios to average net assets of 0.73%. |
| 2 | A
special distribution from Tel Aviv Stock Exchange resulted in an increase in net investment
income (loss) per share of $0.02 and an increase in the ratio of net investment income
(loss) to average net assets of 0.17%. |
| 3 | The
Market Value Total Return is calculated assuming a purchase of Common Stock on the opening
of the first business day and a sale on the closing of the last business day of each
period. Dividends and distributions are assumed for the purposes of this calculation
to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s Distribution Reinvestment and Cash
Purchase Plan. Net Asset Value Total Return is calculated on the same basis, except that
the Fund’s net asset value is used on the purchase, sale and dividend reinvestment dates
instead of market value. |
16 |
2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE ACCOMPANYING
NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Royce
Global Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements
Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies
Royce
Global Trust, Inc. (formerly Royce Global Value Trust, Inc.) (the “Fund”), is a diversified closed-end investment
company that was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 14, 2011. The Fund commenced operations on October
18, 2013.
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The
Fund is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) and accordingly
follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting
Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services-Investment Companies.”
Royce
& Associates, LP, the Fund’s investment adviser, is a majority-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. and primarily
conducts business using the name Royce Investment Partners (“Royce”). As of December 31, 2024, officers and employees
of Royce, Fund directors, the Royce retirement plans and other affiliates owned more than 19% of the Fund.
VALUATION
OF INVESTMENTS:
Portfolio
securities held by the Fund are valued as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally
4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the valuation date. Investments in money market funds are valued at net asset value per share. Values
for non-U.S. dollar denominated equity securities are converted to U.S. dollars daily based upon prevailing foreign currency exchange
rates as quoted by a major bank.
Portfolio
securities that are listed on an exchange or Nasdaq, or traded on OTC Market Group Inc.’s OTC Link ATS or other alternative
trading system, are valued: (i) on the basis of their last reported sales prices or official closing prices, as applicable, on
a valuation date; or (ii) at their highest reported bid prices in the event such equity securities did not trade on a valuation
date. Such inputs are generally referred to as “Level 1” inputs because they represent reliable quoted prices in active
markets for identical securities.
If
the value of a portfolio security held by the Fund cannot be determined solely by reference to Level 1 inputs, such portfolio
security will be “fair valued.” The Fund’s Board of Directors has designated Royce as valuation designee to
perform fair value determinations for such portfolio securities in accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”).
Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, fair values are determined in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors
and policies and procedures adopted by Royce in its capacity as valuation designee for the Fund. Fair valued securities are reported
as either “Level 2” or “Level 3” securities.
As
a general principle, the fair value of a security is the amount which the Fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security
upon its current sale. However, in light of the judgment involved in fair valuations, no assurance can be given that a fair value
assigned to a particular portfolio security will be the amount which the Fund might be able to receive upon its current sale.
When a fair value pricing methodology is used, the fair value prices used by the Fund for such securities will likely differ from
the quoted or published prices for the same securities.
Level
2 inputs are other significant observable inputs (e.g., dealer bid side quotes and quoted prices for securities with comparable
characteristics). Examples of situations in which Level 2 inputs are used to fair value portfolio securities held by the Fund
on a particular valuation date include:
| • | Over-the-counter
equity securities other than those traded on OTC Market Group Inc.’s OTC Link ATS
or other alternative trading system (collectively referred to herein as “Other
OTC Equity Securities”) are fair valued at their highest bid price when Royce receives
at least two bid side quotes from dealers who make markets in such securities; |
| • | Certain
bonds and other fixed income securities may be fair valued by reference to other securities
with comparable ratings, interest rates, and maturities in accordance with valuation
methodologies maintained by certain independent pricing services; and |
| • | The
Fund uses an independent pricing service to fair value certain non-U.S. equity securities
when U.S. market volatility exceeds a certain threshold set by Royce as valuation designee.
This pricing service uses proprietary correlations it has developed between the movement
of prices of non-U.S. equity securities and indices of U.S.-traded securities, futures contracts,
and other indications to estimate the fair value of such non-U.S. securities. |
Level
3 inputs are significant unobservable inputs. Examples of Level 3 inputs include (without limitation) the last trade price for
a security before trading was suspended or terminated; discounts to last trade price for lack of marketability or otherwise; market
price information regarding other securities; information received from the issuer and/or published documents, including SEC filings
and financial statements; and other publicly available information. Pursuant to the above-referenced policies and procedures,
Royce may use various techniques in making fair value determinations based upon Level 3 inputs, which techniques may include (without
limitation): (i) workout valuation methods (e.g., earnings multiples, discounted cash flows, liquidation values, derivations of
book value, firm or probable
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 17
Royce
Global Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements (continued)
VALUATION
OF INVESTMENTS (continued):
offers
from qualified buyers for the issuer’s ongoing business, etc.); (ii) discount or premium from market, or compilation of
other observable market information, for other similar freely traded securities; (iii) conversion from the readily available market
price of a security into which an affected security is convertible or exchangeable; and (iv) pricing models or other formulas.
A
security that is valued by reference to Level 1 or Level 2 inputs may drop to Level 3 on a particular valuation date for several
reasons, including if:
| • | an
equity security that is listed on an exchange or Nasdaq, or traded on OTC Market Group
Inc.’s OTC Link ATS or other alternative trading system, has not traded and there
are no bids; |
| • | Royce
does not receive at least two bid side quotes for an Other OTC Equity Security; |
| • | the independent pricing services are unable
to supply fair value prices; or |
| • | the
Level 1 or Level 2 inputs become otherwise unreliable for any reason (e.g., a significant
event occurs after the close of trading for a security but prior to the time the Fund
prices its shares). |
The
table below shows the aggregate value of the various Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 securities held by the Fund as of December
31, 2024. Any Level 2 or Level 3 securities held by the Fund are noted in its Schedule of Investments. The inputs or methodology
used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with owning those securities.
|
LEVEL
1 |
LEVEL
2 |
LEVEL
3 |
TOTAL |
Common
Stocks |
$53,800,279 |
$28,544,299 |
$0 |
$82,344,578 |
Repurchase
Agreement |
– |
675,392 |
– |
675,392 |
REPURCHASE
AGREEMENTS:
The
Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that the Fund’s investment adviser has determined are creditworthy.
The Fund restricts repurchase agreements to maturities of no more than seven days. Securities pledged as collateral for repurchase
agreements, which are held until maturity of the repurchase agreements, are marked-to-market daily and maintained at a value at
least equal to the principal amount of the repurchase agreement (including accrued interest). Repurchase agreements could involve
certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the counter-party, including possible delays or restrictions upon the ability
of the Fund to dispose of its underlying securities. The remaining contractual maturity of the repurchase agreement held by the
Fund as of December 31, 2024, is next business day and continuous.
FOREIGN
CURRENCY:
Net
realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales and maturities of short-term securities, sales of foreign currencies,
expiration of currency forward contracts, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities
transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s
books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses
arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at the end of the reporting period,
as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
The
Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on investments
from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized
and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
The
Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in foreign companies that may be subject to different risks than investments
in securities of U.S. companies, including adverse political, social, economic, or other developments that are unique to a particular
country or region. Therefore, the prices of securities of foreign companies in particular countries or regions may, at times,
move in a different direction than those of securities of U.S. companies. Because such investments in securities of foreign companies
are usually denominated in foreign currencies and the Fund does not intend to hedge its foreign currency exposure, the U.S. dollar
value of such investments may be harmed by declines in the value of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar.
For
the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, the Fund defines Cash as cash, including foreign currency.
DISTRIBUTIONS
AND TAXES:
As
a qualified regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund is not subject to income taxes
to the extent that it distributes substantially all of its taxable income for its fiscal year. The Schedule of Investments includes
information regarding income taxes under the caption “Tax Information.”
The
Fund pays any dividends and capital gain distributions annually in December. Because federal income tax regulations differ from
generally accepted accounting principles, income and capital gain distributions determined in accordance with tax regulations
may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character
of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements.
18
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
Royce
Global Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements (continued)
CAPITAL
GAINS TAXES:
The
Fund may be subject to a tax imposed on capital gains on securities of issuers domiciled in certain countries. This amount, if
any, is reported as deferred capital gains tax in the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities, assuming those positions
were disposed of at the end of the period, and accounted for as a reduction in the market value of the security.
INVESTMENT
TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED INVESTMENT INCOME:
Investment
transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except for certain dividends
from securities where the dividend rate is not available. In such cases, the dividend is recorded as soon as the information is
received by the Fund. Non-cash dividend income is recorded at the fair market value of the securities received. Interest income
is recorded on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield-to-maturity
method. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are determined on the basis of identified cost for book and tax
purposes.
CASH
INCLUDING FOREIGN CURRENCIES:
Cash,
including foreign currencies, consists of deposits maintained at State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Fund’s
Custodian (in such capacity, the "Custodian"), and through the Custodian’s global sub-custodian network.
Accordingly, the Fund’s risk for the possible insolvency loss of a cash deposit lies with the Custodian or the relevant
sub-custodian bank. Fund cash deposits maintained at the Custodian or through a particular sub-custodian bank may be
significant, and may, at times, exceed U.S. or other applicable insurance limits.
EXPENSES:
The
Fund incurs direct and indirect expenses. Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged to the Fund, while expenses applicable
to more than one of the Royce Funds are allocated equitably. Certain personnel, occupancy costs and other administrative expenses
related to all of the Royce Funds are allocated by Royce under an administration agreement and are included in administrative
and office facilities and professional fees.
INDEMNIFICATION
PROVISIONS:
Reference
is made to Maryland law, the Fund’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended and supplemented, and the Fund’s Amended
and Restated By-laws, each of which provides for the indemnification by the Fund of the Fund’s officers and directors under
the circumstances and to the extent set forth therein. Reference is also made to the investment advisory agreement between the
Fund and Royce which provides for the indemnification by the Fund of Royce under the circumstances and to the extent set forth
therein. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general
indemnification provisions in favor of such service providers and other covered persons. The amount of any potential Fund liability
under these indemnification arrangements, if any, currently cannot be determined with any degree of specificity. The Fund is not
currently in possession of any information that would cause it to believe that the Fund is reasonably likely to be subject to
any material adverse impact from the operation of these indemnification arrangements. No assurance can be given, however, that
the Fund will not incur any liability from the operation of these indemnification arrangements. Any future liability to the Fund
that may arise from the operation of such arrangements will be disclosed to the extent required by relevant accounting guidance
and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Capital
Stock:
The
Fund issued 157,790 and 50,902 shares of Common Stock as reinvestment of distributions for the years ended December 31, 2024,
and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Borrowings:
The
Fund is party to a revolving credit agreement (the “credit agreement”) with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage
International, Limited (BNPPI). The Fund pays a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum on the unused portion of the then-current
maximum amount that may be borrowed by the Fund under the credit agreement. The credit agreement has a 179-day rolling term
that resets daily. The Fund pledges eligible portfolio securities as collateral and has granted a security interest in such
pledged securities to, and in favor of, BNPPI as security for the loan balance outstanding. The amount of eligible portfolio
securities required to be pledged as collateral is determined by BNPPI in accordance with the credit agreement. In
determining collateral requirements, the value of eligible securities pledged as collateral is subject to discount by BNPPI
based upon a variety of factors set forth in the credit agreement. As of December 31, 2024, the market value of eligible
securities pledged as collateral exceeded three times the loan balance outstanding.
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 19
Royce
Global Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements (continued)
Borrowings
(continued):
If
the Fund fails to meet certain requirements, or comply with other financial covenants set forth in the credit agreement, the Fund
may be required to repay immediately, in part or in full, the loan balance outstanding under the credit agreement, which may necessitate
the sale of portfolio securities at potentially inopportune times. BNPPI may terminate the credit agreement upon certain ratings
downgrades of its corporate parent, which would result in the Fund’s entire loan balance becoming immediately due and payable.
The occurrence of such ratings downgrades may necessitate the sale of portfolio securities at potentially inopportune times. BNPPI
may also terminate the credit agreement upon sixty (60) calendar days’ prior written notice to the Fund in the event the
Fund’s net asset value per share as of the close of business on the last business day of any calendar month declines by
thirty-five percent (35%) or more from the Fund’s net asset value per share as of the close of business on the last business
day of the immediately preceding calendar month.
The
credit agreement also permits, subject to certain conditions, BNPPI to rehypothecate portfolio securities pledged by the Fund
up to the amount of the loan balance outstanding. The Fund continues to receive payments in lieu of dividends and interest on
rehypothecated securities. The Fund also has the right under the credit agreement to recall the rehypothecated securities from
BNPPI on demand. If BNPPI fails to deliver the recalled security in a timely manner, the Fund is compensated by BNPPI for any
fees or losses related to the failed delivery or, in the event a recalled security is not returned by BNPPI, the Fund, upon notice
to BNPPI, may reduce the loan balance outstanding by the value of the recalled security failed to be returned. The Fund receives
a portion of the fees earned by BNPPI in connection with the rehypothecation of portfolio securities.
As
of December 31, 2024, the Fund had outstanding borrowings of $2,000,000. The Fund has the right to reduce the maximum amount it
can borrow under the credit agreement upon one (1) business day’s prior written notice to BNPPI. The maximum amount the
Fund may borrow under the credit agreement was reduced to $0 as of January 22, 2025. The Fund and BNPPI may agree to increase
the maximum amount the Fund can borrow under the credit agreement, which amount may not exceed $15,000,000.
During
the year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund had an average daily loan balance of $3,953,552 at a weighted average borrowing cost
of 6.34%. The maximum loan balance outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2024, was $4,000,000. As of December 31, 2024,
the aggregate value of rehypothecated securities was $2,066,402. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund earned $20
in fees from rehypothecated securities.
Investment
Advisory Agreement:
The
investment advisory agreement between Royce and the Fund provides for fees to be paid at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s
average daily net assets, computed daily and payable monthly. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund expensed Royce investment
advisory fees totaling $806,996.
Purchases
and Sales of Investment Securities:
For
the year ended December 31, 2024, the costs of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, other than short-term
securities, amounted to $13,405,676, and $15,750,666, respectively.
Cross
trades were executed by the Fund pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio
securities between funds to which Royce or an affiliate of Franklin Resources, Inc. serves as investment adviser. The Fund’s
Chief Compliance Officer reviews such transactions each quarter for compliance with the requirements and restrictions set forth
by Rule 17a-7, and reports the results of that review to the Board of Directors. Cross trades for the year ended December 31,
2024, were as follows:
COSTS
OF PURCHASES |
PROCEEDS
FROM SALES |
REALIZED
GAIN (LOSS) |
$322,753 |
$
– |
$
– |
Tax
Information:
Distributions
during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were characterized as follows for tax purposes:
ORDINARY
INCOME |
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
$2,989,773 |
$456,300 |
$
– |
$490,248 |
The
tax basis components of distributable earnings as of December 31, 2024, were as follows:
UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY INCOME |
UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS OR
(CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARD) |
NET
UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)1 |
QUALIFIED
LATE YEAR
ORDINARY AND
POST-OCTOBER LOSS
DEFERRALS2 |
TOTAL
DISTRIBUTABLE
EARNINGS |
$270,786 |
$(902,805) |
$24,597,507 |
$
– |
$23,965,488 |
| 1 | Includes
timing differences on foreign currency, recognition of losses on securities sold, underlying
investments and mark-to-market of Passive Foreign Investment Companies. |
| 2 | Under the
current tax law, capital losses and qualified late year ordinary losses incurred after
October 31 may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following
fiscal year. |
20
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
Royce
Global Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements (continued)
Tax
Information: (continued):
For
financial reporting purposes, capital accounts and distributions to stockholders are adjusted to reflect the tax character of
permanent book/tax differences. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund recorded the following permanent reclassifications,
which relates to excise taxes paid. Results of operations and net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.
TOTAL
DISTRIBUTABLE EARNINGS (LOSS) |
PAID-IN
CAPITAL |
$4,038 |
$(4,038) |
Management
has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (2021-2024) and has concluded
that as of December 31, 2024, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.
Commitments/Contingencies:
On
June 29, 2023, an action was filed against the Fund and numerous unrelated funds in Saba Capital Master Funds., Ltd., et al. v.
Clearbridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund, Inc., et al., No. 1:23-cv-05568 (S.D.N.Y.) that sought rescission of the defendants’
election to opt into the provisions of the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act (the “MCSAA”). On January 4, 2024,
the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued an opinion and order that, among other things, declared that
the resolutions opting into the MCSAA violate a provision of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and ordered that those resolutions
“be rescinded forthwith.”
Following
an appeal by the Fund and the other remaining defendants, the district court’s judgment was affirmed in full by the United
States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on June 26, 2024. On or about September 24, 2024, the Fund and certain defendants
filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari to review the judgment of the Second Circuit. The ultimate
outcome of such petition is unknown.
The
Fund incurred $855,838 in legal fees and expenses in 2024 in connection with this action. The Fund was reimbursed $831,539 and
expects to be reimbursed the remaining $24,299 in 2025 under its insurance policy. The deductible amount for this action under
the Fund’s insurance policy is $500,000 and was met by the Fund in 2023. Any additional amounts incurred for legal fees
and expenses for this action are also expected to be reimbursed to the Fund by the insurer.
Segment
Reporting:
The
Fund has adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-07, Segment Reporting
(Topic 280) - Improvements to Segment Reporting Disclosures (the “Update”). The Update is limited to disclosure requirements
and does not impact the Fund’s financial position or results of operations.
The
Fund operates as a single operating segment, which is a segregated investment portfolio. Royce, in its capacity as investment
manager, functions as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) for the Fund for purposes of the Update, evaluating its results
and performance based upon its specific investment strategy and other relevant facts and circumstances. The CODM uses these measures
to assess Fund performance and allocate resources effectively, subject to compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements
and oversight from its Board of Directors. Internal reporting provided to the CODM aligns with the accounting policies and measurement
principles used in the financial statements.
For
information regarding segment assets, segment profit or loss, and significant expenses, refer to the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
and the Statement of Operations, along with the related notes to the financial statements. The Schedule of Investments provides
details of the Fund’s investments that generate returns such as interest, dividends, and realized and unrealized gains or
losses. Performance metrics, including portfolio turnover and expense ratios, are disclosed in the Financial Highlights.
Subsequent
Events:
Subsequent
events have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued and it has been determined that no events have
occurred that require disclosure, other than as disclosed within.
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 21
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To
the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Royce Global Trust, Inc.:
Opinion
on the Financial Statements
We
have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Royce Global Trust,
Inc. (the "Fund") as of December 31, 2024, the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year ended December
31, 2024, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, including the
related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2024 (collectively referred
to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2024, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then
ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024 and the financial highlights
for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2024 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America.
Basis
for Opinion
These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S.
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We
conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that
we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement,
whether due to error or fraud.
Our
audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to
error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence
regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2024 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers;
when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP
New York, New York
February
21, 2025
We
have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds since 1948.
22
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
This
page is intentionally left blank.
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 23
MANAGERS’
DISCUSSION (UNAUDITED)
Royce
Micro-Cap Trust (RMT)
Jim
Stoeffel, Andrew Palen
FUND
PERFORMANCE
Royce
Micro-Cap Trust (RMT) advanced 13.5% on an NAV (net asset value) basis and 14.2% based on its market price in 2024 versus a
gain of 11.5% for its benchmark, the small-cap Russell 2000 Index, and an increase of 13.7% for its benchmark, the Russell
Microcap Index, for the same period. RMT also beat the Russell 2000 on both an NAV and market price basis for the 3-, 5-,
10-, 15-, 25-, 30-year, and since inception (12/14/93) periods ended 12/31/24.
WHAT
WORKED… AND WHAT DIDN’T
Nine
of the portfolio’s 11 equity sectors contributed to calendar-year performance, led by Industrials, Information Technology,
and Financials. The only negative impacts came from Utilities and Real Estate, while Materials made the smallest positive impact.
At the industry level, construction & engineering (Industrials), capital markets (Financials), and electronic equipment, instruments
& components (Information Technology) contributed most in 2024, while specialty retail (Consumer Discretionary), trading companies
& distributors and professional services (both in Industrials), detracted the most.
The Fund’s top contributing position was IES Holdings, which provides critical infrastructure and electrical services
to several end markets. IES’s thoughtful consolidation strategy focused on accretive acquisitions that management can
leverage across its existing infrastructure efforts has led to an almost fourfold increase in EBITDA over the past couple
of years. Cellebrite DI offers digital intelligence solutions for law enforcement, governments, and the enterprise market.
The company reported strong 3Q24 results in November when it also announced a new partnership with Amazon Web Services and
a patent for Remote Mobile Collection, which equips corporate investigators with immediate, targeted remote data collection.
PAR Technology is a leader in enterprise restaurant technology, offering a best-in-class product suite that generates revenue
streams diversified across several platforms including Subscription Services, Guest Engagement, Operator Solutions, Back-Office
Solutions, Hardware, and Professional Services. The enterprise end-market among restaurant customers is increasingly moving
away from complex point solutions and/or costly internally developed technology, a move that benefits PAR’s broad and
integrated cloud platforms. In 2024, the company showcased
remarkable sales momentum with both new brand and location wins, as well as expansion with existing customers, most notably, Burger
King and Wendy’s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top Contributors to Performance |
|
Top Detractors from Performance |
|
|
For 2024 (%)1 |
|
|
For 2024 (%)2 |
|
|
|
IES Holdings |
1.74 |
|
Quanterix Corporation |
-0.66 |
|
|
Cellebrite DI |
1.44 |
|
Luna Innovations |
-0.61 |
|
|
PAR Technology |
1.28 |
|
Forrester Research |
-0.45 |
|
|
Applied Optoelectronics |
1.05 |
|
AutoCanada |
-0.42 |
|
|
Universal Technical Institute |
0.89 |
|
Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings |
-0.40 |
|
|
1
Includes dividends |
|
|
2
Net of dividends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMT’s biggest
detractor at the position level was Quanterix Corporation, which offers a digital immunoassay platform for research and in-vitro
diagnostics. Its shares fell sharply in March due to the FDA’s concerns about another company’s similar technology.
Second-quarter results released in August showed net losses and revised guidance. Both of these developments influenced our decision
to exit the position. Luna Innovations provides advanced optical technology for test and measurement applications. The company
ran into accounting issues that kept it from filing financial statements, resulting in being delisted from Nasdaq (and now trading
on the OTC Market). While disappointed, we maintained a small position as we believe its products have immense technological value.
Forrester Research is a subscription-based information technology research company geared toward helping businesses maximize the
use of emerging technologies. Declines in IT spending during 2023, as well as Forrester’s ongoing change to its go-to-market
strategy, which includes culling smaller clients and retraining its existing sales force, weighed on contract value and sales
growth in 2024. Although the pace of progress is testing investor patience, we acted in a contrarian fashion by adding shares
in 2024.
The Fund’s advantage over the Russell 2000 in 2024 came from both sector allocation decisions and stock selection. At
the sector level, stock selection and, to a lesser extent, our higher weighting in Industrials, stock selection in Communication
Services, and both stock selection and our lower exposure to Health Care did most to boost relative performance. Conversely,
stock selection and a lower exposure to Financials, a higher weighting and stock selection in Materials, and our lower exposure
to Consumer Staples (where our stock selection was additive) hurt relative results the most.
CURRENT
POSITIONING AND OUTLOOK
With the election over, we have more clarity on the outlook for fiscal and regulatory policies, which we view as generally
positive for equities. We continue to see a significant opportunity set associated with broad macroeconomic trends. We believe
the reindustrialization of the U.S. economy and the rapid adoption of AI are providing investment opportunities across the
micro-cap universe and inform our overweight positions in Industrials and Information Technology. These opportunities often
arise in tangential areas such as the significant increase in power demand associated with AI data centers. These trends fit
well with our U.S.-centric microcap universe. Of course, there remain numerous areas of potential volatility outside our control.
First among these is the pace of future interest rate cuts, but the outside geopolitical world also remains highly volatile.
As always, we will seek to use these periods of volatility to our advantage.
24
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
PERFORMANCE AND PORTFOLIO REVIEW (UNAUDITED) |
SYMBOLS MARKET
PRICE RMT NAV XOTCX |
Performance
Average
Annual Total Return (%) Through 12/31/24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SINCE INCEPTION |
|
JUL-DEC
20241 |
1-YR |
3-YR |
5-YR |
10-YR |
15-YR |
20-YR |
25-YR 30-YR |
(12/14/93) |
RMT (NAV) |
8.28 |
13.47 |
3.23 |
11.86 |
9.16 |
11.33 |
8.65 |
10.24 10.94 |
10.74 |
1 Not Annualized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market
Price Performance History Since Inception (12/14/93)
Cumulative
Performance of Investment through 12/31/241
|
1-YR |
5-YR |
10-YR |
15-YR |
20-YR |
SINCE
INCEPTION (12/14/93) |
RMT |
14.2% |
75.4% |
139.9% |
436.4% |
339.3% |
1948.8% |

| 1 | Reflects
the cumulative performance experience of a continuous common stockholder who purchased
one share at inception ($7.50 IPO), reinvested all distributions and fully participated
in the primary subscription of the Fund’s 1994 rights offering. |
| 2 | Reflects
the actual month-end market price movement of one share as it has traded on NYSE and,
prior to 12/1/03, on the Nasdaq. |
Morningstar
Style Map™ As of 12/31/24

The
Morningstar Style Map is the Morningstar Style Box™ with the center
75% of fund holdings plotted as the Morningstar Ownership Zone™. The Morningstar
Style Box is designed to reveal a fund’s investment strategy. The Morningstar Ownership
Zone provides detail about a portfolio’s investment style by showing the range
of stock sizes and styles. The Ownership Zone is derived by plotting each stock in the
portfolio within the proprietary Morningstar Style Box. Over time, the shape and location
of a fund’s ownership zone may vary. See page 65 for additional information.
Value
of $10,000
Invested on 6/30/2000 (Russell Microcap Inception) as of 12/31/24 ($)

Top
10 Positions
%
of Net Assets
Transcat |
1.7 |
Richardson
Electronics |
1.7 |
Universal
Technical Institute |
1.6 |
Sprott |
1.5 |
Mesa
Laboratories |
1.4 |
PAR Technology |
1.4 |
BioLife
Solutions |
1.3 |
nLIGHT |
1.2 |
Graham
Corporation |
1.2 |
Major
Drilling Group International |
1.2 |
Portfolio
Sector Breakdown
%
of Net Assets
Information
Technology |
23.9 |
Industrials |
22.4 |
Financials |
16.3 |
Health
Care |
12.5 |
Consumer
Discretionary |
6.5 |
Materials |
5.6 |
Energy |
4.6 |
Communication
Services |
3.6 |
Real
Estate |
1.3 |
Consumer
Staples |
1.1 |
Utilities |
0.2 |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Net of |
|
Outstanding
Line of Credit |
2.0 |
Calendar
Year Total Returns (%) |
|
YEAR |
RMT |
2024 |
13.5 |
2023 |
16.6 |
2022 |
-16.9 |
2021 |
19.2 |
2020 |
33.6 |
2019 |
22.4 |
2018 |
-11.6 |
2017 |
17.7 |
2016 |
22.0 |
2015 |
-11.7 |
2014 |
3.5 |
2013 |
44.5 |
2012 |
17.3 |
2011 |
-7.7 |
2010 |
28.5 |
|
|
|
|
Portfolio
Diagnostics |
|
Fund
Net Assets |
$567
million |
Number
of Holdings |
192 |
Turnover Rate |
53% |
Net Asset Value |
$10.98 |
Market Price |
$9.75 |
Average
Market Capitalization 1 |
$769 million |
Weighted
Average P/B Ratio 2 |
2.1x |
Active
Share 3 |
96% |
U.S. Investments (% of Net Assets) |
79.6% |
Non-U.S. Investments (% of Net Assets) |
18.4% |
| 1 | Geometric
Average. This weighted calculation uses each portfolio holding’s market cap
in a way designed to not skew the effect of very large or small holdings; instead, it
aims to better identify the portfolio’s center, which Royce believes offers a more
accurate measure of average market cap than a simple mean or median. |
| 2 | Harmonic
Average. This weighted calculation evaluates a portfolio as if it were a single stock
and measures it overall. It compares the total market value of the portfolio to the portfolio’s
share in the earnings or book value, as the case may be, of its underlying stocks. |
| 3 | Active
Share is the sum of the absolute values of the different weightings of each holding
in the Fund versus each holding in the benchmark, divided by two. |
Important
Performance and Risk Information
All
performance information reflects past performance, is presented on a total return basis, net of the Fund’s investment advisory
fee, reflects the reinvestment of distributions and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund
distributions or the sale of fund shares. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance may
be higher or lower than performance quoted and may be obtained at www.royceinvest.com. The market price of the Fund’s shares
will fluctuate, so that shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when sold. The Fund normally invests in micro-cap
companies, which may involve considerably more risk than investments in securities of larger-cap companies. The Fund’s broadly
diversified portfolio does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. From time to time, the Fund may invest a significant
portion of its net assets in foreign securities, which may involve political, economic, currency and other risks not encountered
in U.S. investments. Regarding the “Top Contributors” and “Top Detractors” tables shown above, the sum
of all contributors to, and all detractors from, performance for all securities in the portfolio would approximate the Fund’s
year-to-date performance for 2024.
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 25
Royce Micro-Cap Trust
Schedule of Investments
Common Stocks — 97.4%
| |
SHARES | | |
VALUE |
| |
| | |
|
COMMUNICATION SERVICES – 3.6% | |
| | | |
| |
ENTERTAINMENT - 1.1% | |
| | | |
| |
IMAX Corporation 1 | |
| 234,902 | | |
$ | 6,013,491 |
INTERACTIVE MEDIA & SERVICES - 1.7% | |
| | | |
| |
QuinStreet 1 | |
| 216,363 | | |
| 4,991,494 |
† Vimeo
1 | |
| 362,945 | | |
| 2,322,848 |
ZipRecruiter Cl. A 1 | |
| 357,057 | | |
| 2,585,093 |
| |
| | | |
| 9,899,435 |
MEDIA - 0.8% | |
| | | |
| |
Magnite 1 | |
| 298,173 | | |
| 4,746,914 |
Total (Cost $11,713,679) | |
| | | |
| 20,659,840 |
| |
| | | |
| |
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY – 6.5% | |
| | | |
| |
AUTOMOBILE COMPONENTS - 0.1% | |
| | | |
| |
Stoneridge 1,2 | |
| 111,200 | | |
| 697,224 |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER SERVICES - 2.1% | |
| | | |
| |
† Legacy
Education 1 | |
| 334,657 | | |
| 2,784,346 |
Universal Technical Institute 1 | |
| 355,500 | | |
| 9,139,905 |
| |
| | | |
| 11,924,251 |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE - 1.7% | |
| | | |
| |
Century Casinos 1 | |
| 322,500 | | |
| 1,044,900 |
† Denny’s
Corporation 1 | |
| 214,887 | | |
| 1,300,066 |
Lindblad Expeditions Holdings 1,2 | |
| 493,431 | | |
| 5,852,092 |
Nathan’s Famous | |
| 15,028 | | |
| 1,181,351 |
| |
| | | |
| 9,378,409 |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES - 1.1% | |
| | | |
| |
Cavco Industries 1,2,3 | |
| 6,210 | | |
| 2,771,089 |
Legacy Housing 1 | |
| 151,597 | | |
| 3,741,414 |
| |
| | | |
| 6,512,503 |
LEISURE PRODUCTS - 0.4% | |
| | | |
| |
† American
Outdoor Brands 1 | |
| 161,751 | | |
| 2,465,085 |
SPECIALTY RETAIL - 0.9% | |
| | | |
| |
Beyond 1 | |
| 240,000 | | |
| 1,183,200 |
OneWater Marine Cl. A 1 | |
| 35,000 | | |
| 608,300 |
† RealReal
1 | |
| 105,183 | | |
| 1,149,650 |
Shoe Carnival 2 | |
| 57,963 | | |
| 1,917,416 |
| |
| | | |
| 4,858,566 |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS - 0.2% | |
| | | |
| |
† Lakeland Industries | |
| 24,856 | | |
| 635,071 |
† Vera
Bradley 1 | |
| 130,000 | | |
| 510,900 |
| |
| | | |
| 1,145,971 |
Total (Cost $24,110,343) | |
| | | |
| 36,982,009 |
| |
| | | |
| |
CONSUMER STAPLES – 1.1% | |
| | | |
| |
FOOD PRODUCTS - 1.1% | |
| | | |
| |
CubicFarm Systems 1,4 | |
| 40,000 | | |
| 6,400 |
J G Boswell Company 5 | |
| 1,539 | | |
| 840,294 |
Seneca Foods Cl. A 1 | |
| 64,703 | | |
| 5,128,360 |
Total (Cost $5,236,441) | |
| | | |
| 5,975,054 |
| |
| | | |
| |
ENERGY – 4.6% | |
| | | |
| |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES - 2.9% | |
| | | |
| |
Bristow Group 1,2,3 | |
| 145,901 | | |
| 5,004,405 |
NPK International 1 | |
| 627,090 | | |
| 4,809,780 |
Pason Systems | |
| 436,588 | | |
| 4,133,683 |
† Select Water Solutions Cl. A | |
| 188,683 | | |
| 2,498,163 |
| |
| | | |
| 16,446,031 |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS - 1.7% | |
| | | |
| |
Dorchester Minerals L.P. | |
| 76,981 | | |
| 2,565,777 |
Navigator Holdings | |
| 157,581 | | |
| 2,418,868 |
† Riley Exploration Permian | |
| 83,633 | | |
| 2,669,565 |
† SandRidge Energy | |
| 171,169 | | |
| 2,004,389 |
| |
| | | |
| 9,658,599 |
Total (Cost $22,729,385) | |
| | | |
| 26,104,630 |
| |
| | | |
| |
FINANCIALS – 15.7% | |
| | | |
| |
BANKS - 4.0% | |
| | | |
| |
† Chain
Bridge Bancorp Cl. A 1 | |
| 67,500 | | |
| 1,692,225 |
Chemung Financial 2 | |
| 31,000 | | |
| 1,513,110 |
Citizens Bancshares 5 | |
| 22,699 | | |
| 1,161,054 |
† Coastal
Financial 1 | |
| 31,511 | | |
| 2,675,599 |
† First Foundation | |
| 189,666 | | |
| 1,177,826 |
First National Bank Alaska 5 | |
| 5,712 | | |
| 1,330,896 |
HBT Financial | |
| 101,554 | | |
| 2,224,032 |
† Hingham Institution for Savings | |
| 7,867 | | |
| 1,999,319 |
† Katahdin
Bankshares 5 | |
| 22,425 | | |
| 555,019 |
Midway Investments 1,4 | |
| 735,647 | | |
| 0 |
† Northeast Bank | |
| 26,085 | | |
| 2,392,777 |
OP Bancorp | |
| 94,500 | | |
| 1,494,045 |
United Bancorporation of Alabama 5 | |
| 21,055 | | |
| 1,185,396 |
† Unity Bancorp | |
| 34,188 | | |
| 1,490,939 |
Virginia National Bankshares 2 | |
| 51,718 | | |
| 1,975,628 |
| |
| | | |
| 22,867,865 |
CAPITAL MARKETS - 7.6% | |
| | | |
| |
Bolsa Mexicana de Valores | |
| 918,000 | | |
| 1,474,453 |
Canaccord Genuity Group | |
| 621,067 | | |
| 4,368,143 |
Donnelley Financial Solutions 1,2 | |
| 11,923 | | |
| 747,930 |
Open Lending 1 | |
| 527,035 | | |
| 3,146,399 |
† Oppenheimer Holdings Cl. A | |
| 21,039 | | |
| 1,348,390 |
OTC Markets Group 5 | |
| 63,527 | | |
| 3,249,406 |
Perella Weinberg Partners Cl. A | |
| 140,676 | | |
| 3,353,716 |
Silvercrest Asset Management Group Cl. A 2 | |
| 305,264 | | |
| 5,613,805 |
Sprott | |
| 206,485 | | |
| 8,700,683 |
StoneX Group 1,2 | |
| 45,997 | | |
| 4,506,326 |
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange 5 | |
| 333,000 | | |
| 3,862,206 |
Value Line | |
| 18,570 | | |
| 980,496 |
Westaim Corporation (The) 1 | |
| 500,000 | | |
| 1,798,323 |
| |
| | | |
| 43,150,276 |
CONSUMER FINANCE - 1.1% | |
| | | |
| |
EZCORP Cl. A 1,2,3 | |
| 516,176 | | |
| 6,307,671 |
FINANCIAL SERVICES - 2.6% | |
| | | |
| |
Acacia Research 1,2,3 | |
| 399,140 | | |
| 1,732,268 |
Cass Information Systems | |
| 45,858 | | |
| 1,876,051 |
ECN Capital | |
| 741,225 | | |
| 1,629,463 |
International Money Express 1 | |
| 121,598 | | |
| 2,532,886 |
NewtekOne | |
| 109,917 | | |
| 1,403,640 |
Repay Holdings Cl. A 1 | |
| 749,404 | | |
| 5,717,952 |
| |
| | | |
| 14,892,260 |
INSURANCE - 0.4% | |
| | | |
| |
† International General Insurance Holdings | |
| 82,206 | | |
| 1,953,214 |
Total (Cost $74,413,894) | |
| | | |
| 89,171,286 |
| |
| | | |
| |
HEALTH CARE – 12.5% | |
| | | |
| |
BIOTECHNOLOGY - 1.4% | |
| | | |
| |
Absci Corporation 1 | |
| 882,096 | | |
| 2,311,092 |
† ARS
Pharmaceuticals 1 | |
| 235,018 | | |
| 2,479,440 |
CareDx 1 | |
| 100,000 | | |
| 2,141,000 |
26 |
2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
December
31, 2024
Schedule
of Investments (continued)
| |
SHARES | | |
VALUE |
| |
| | |
|
HEALTH CARE (continued) | |
| | | |
| |
BIOTECHNOLOGY (continued) | |
| | | |
| |
MeiraGTx Holdings 1 | |
| 137,025 | | |
$ | 834,482 |
| |
| | | |
| 7,766,014 |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES - 3.4% | |
| | | |
| |
† Alphatec
Holdings 1 | |
| 408,149 | | |
| 3,746,808 |
Artivion 1 | |
| 60,200 | | |
| 1,721,118 |
Establishment Labs Holdings 1 | |
| 62,159 | | |
| 2,863,665 |
Inogen 1 | |
| 311,199 | | |
| 2,853,695 |
Profound Medical 1 | |
| 427,971 | | |
| 3,215,476 |
UFP Technologies 1,2 | |
| 8,949 | | |
| 2,188,120 |
Utah Medical Products | |
| 40,946 | | |
| 2,516,951 |
| |
| | | |
| 19,105,833 |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES - 1.5% | |
| | | |
| |
† AMN
Healthcare Services 1 | |
| 101,304 | | |
| 2,423,192 |
Cross Country Healthcare 1,2 | |
| 194,552 | | |
| 3,533,064 |
† GeneDx
Holdings Cl. A 1 | |
| 31,567 | | |
| 2,426,239 |
| |
| | | |
| 8,382,495 |
HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY - 0.9% | |
| | | |
| |
Simulations Plus 2 | |
| 182,065 | | |
| 5,077,793 |
LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS & SERVICES - 5.3% | |
| | | |
| |
BioLife Solutions 1 | |
| 281,861 | | |
| 7,317,112 |
Cytek Biosciences 1 | |
| 460,279 | | |
| 2,987,211 |
Harvard Bioscience 1 | |
| 872,055 | | |
| 1,840,036 |
† Maravai LifeSciences Holdings Cl. A 1 | |
| 330,000 | | |
| 1,798,500 |
MaxCyte 1 | |
| 799,873 | | |
| 3,327,472 |
Mesa Laboratories 2 | |
| 60,183 | | |
| 7,936,332 |
OmniAb 1 | |
| 707,080 | | |
| 2,503,063 |
† Standard
BioTools 1 | |
| 1,455,503 | | |
| 2,547,130 |
| |
| | | |
| 30,256,856 |
Total (Cost $63,268,230) | |
| | | |
| 70,588,991 |
| |
| | | |
| |
INDUSTRIALS – 22.4% | |
| | | |
| |
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE - 1.6% | |
| | | |
| |
Astronics Corporation 1 | |
| 183,019 | | |
| 2,920,983 |
CPI Aerostructures 1 | |
| 189,700 | | |
| 768,285 |
Park Aerospace | |
| 352,276 | | |
| 5,160,844 |
| |
| | | |
| 8,850,112 |
AIR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS - 0.6% | |
| | | |
| |
† Radiant
Logistics 1 | |
| 479,652 | | |
| 3,213,668 |
BUILDING PRODUCTS - 0.2% | |
| | | |
| |
Quanex Building Products | |
| 52,176 | | |
| 1,264,746 |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES - 3.2% | |
| | | |
| |
Acme United | |
| 60,952 | | |
| 2,275,338 |
CECO Environmental 1 | |
| 153,185 | | |
| 4,630,783 |
Civeo Corporation | |
| 75,000 | | |
| 1,704,000 |
Liquidity Services 1 | |
| 109,500 | | |
| 3,535,755 |
Montrose Environmental Group 1 | |
| 141,809 | | |
| 2,630,557 |
VSE Corporation | |
| 33,140 | | |
| 3,151,614 |
| |
| | | |
| 17,928,047 |
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING - 3.2% | |
| | | |
| |
† Argan | |
| 27,507 | | |
| 3,769,559 |
† Bowman
Consulting Group 1 | |
| 65,961 | | |
| 1,645,727 |
IES Holdings 1,2 | |
| 22,700 | | |
| 4,561,792 |
Limbach Holdings 1 | |
| 46,871 | | |
| 4,009,345 |
Matrix Service 1,2 | |
| 56,915 | | |
| 681,273 |
Northwest Pipe 1,2 | |
| 68,789 | | |
| 3,319,757 |
| |
| | | |
| 17,987,453 |
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - 2.9% | |
| | | |
| |
American Superconductor 1 | |
| 184,553 | | |
| 4,545,540 |
Hammond Power Solutions Cl. A | |
| 35,719 | | |
| 3,181,897 |
LSI Industries | |
| 199,970 | | |
| 3,883,418 |
Powell Industries | |
| 11,396 | | |
| 2,525,923 |
Preformed Line Products | |
| 20,087 | | |
| 2,566,918 |
| |
| | | |
| 16,703,696 |
GROUND TRANSPORTATION - 1.4% | |
| | | |
| |
Covenant Logistics Group Cl. A | |
| 59,985 | | |
| 3,269,782 |
FTAI Infrastructure | |
| 177,089 | | |
| 1,285,666 |
Universal Logistics Holdings 2 | |
| 70,240 | | |
| 3,226,826 |
| |
| | | |
| 7,782,274 |
MACHINERY - 3.6% | |
| | | |
| |
Graham Corporation 1 | |
| 149,850 | | |
| 6,663,829 |
Hurco Companies 2 | |
| 51,954 | | |
| 1,002,193 |
L B Foster Company 1,2 | |
| 95,300 | | |
| 2,563,570 |
Lindsay Corporation 2 | |
| 48,879 | | |
| 5,782,874 |
Luxfer Holdings 2 | |
| 204,200 | | |
| 2,672,978 |
Shyft Group (The) | |
| 170,121 | | |
| 1,997,221 |
| |
| | | |
| 20,682,665 |
MARINE TRANSPORTATION - 0.4% | |
| | | |
| |
Clarkson 5 | |
| 52,700 | | |
| 2,604,142 |
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - 1.6% | |
| | | |
| |
† Asure
Software 1 | |
| 96,673 | | |
| 909,693 |
Forrester Research 1,2 | |
| 225,449 | | |
| 3,532,786 |
Heidrick & Struggles International | |
| 37,232 | | |
| 1,649,750 |
Resources Connection | |
| 253,095 | | |
| 2,158,900 |
TrueBlue 1 | |
| 95,000 | | |
| 798,000 |
† TTEC
Holdings 1 | |
| 14,020 | | |
| 69,960 |
| |
| | | |
| 9,119,089 |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS - 3.7% | |
| | | |
| |
† Alta Equipment Group | |
| 150,270 | | |
| 982,766 |
Distribution Solutions Group 1 | |
| 151,857 | | |
| 5,223,881 |
EVI Industries 2 | |
| 233,157 | | |
| 3,812,117 |
† Teqnion
1,5 | |
| 58,178 | | |
| 869,117 |
Titan Machinery 1 | |
| 42,286 | | |
| 597,501 |
Transcat 1,2 | |
| 90,670 | | |
| 9,587,446 |
| |
| | | |
| 21,072,828 |
Total (Cost $97,661,164) | |
| | | |
| 127,208,720 |
| |
| | | |
| |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – 23.9% | |
| | | |
| |
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT - 2.5% | |
| | | |
| |
ADTRAN Holdings 1 | |
| 79,916 | | |
| 665,700 |
Applied Optoelectronics 1 | |
| 164,180 | | |
| 6,051,675 |
Clearfield 1,2 | |
| 143,278 | | |
| 4,441,618 |
Digi International 1,2 | |
| 70,000 | | |
| 2,116,100 |
Harmonic 1 | |
| 68,206 | | |
| 902,365 |
| |
| | | |
| 14,177,458 |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS - 8.3% | |
| | | |
| |
Bel Fuse Cl. A | |
| 18,805 | | |
| 1,693,954 |
† Bel Fuse Cl. B | |
| 43,953 | | |
| 3,624,804 |
† Climb Global Solutions | |
| 25,675 | | |
| 3,254,306 |
FARO Technologies 1,2,3 | |
| 170,546 | | |
| 4,325,047 |
Luna Innovations 1 | |
| 752,876 | | |
| 1,626,212 |
nLIGHT 1,2 | |
| 657,176 | | |
| 6,893,776 |
PAR Technology 1,2 | |
| 106,593 | | |
| 7,746,113 |
Powerfleet 1 | |
| 966,159 | | |
| 6,434,619 |
Richardson Electronics | |
| 667,688 | | |
| 9,367,663 |
Vishay Precision Group 1,2 | |
| 86,931 | | |
| 2,040,271 |
| |
| | | |
| 47,006,765 |
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
2024 Annual Report to Stockholders | 27 |
Royce Micro-Cap
Trust
Schedule
of Investments (continued)
| |
SHARES | | |
VALUE |
| |
| | |
|
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (continued) | |
| | | |
| |
IT SERVICES - 0.5% | |
| | | |
| |
Hackett Group (The) 2 | |
| 85,788 | | |
$ | 2,635,407 |
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT - 7.5% | |
| | | |
| |
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor 1,2 | |
| 27,940 | | |
| 1,034,618 |
Amtech Systems 1,2 | |
| 92,184 | | |
| 502,403 |
Camtek | |
| 66,775 | | |
| 5,393,417 |
Cohu 1,2 | |
| 178,322 | | |
| 4,761,197 |
Ichor Holdings 1 | |
| 182,240 | | |
| 5,871,773 |
inTEST Corporation 1 | |
| 236,739 | | |
| 2,033,588 |
Kopin Corporation 1 | |
| 610,000 | | |
| 829,600 |
Nova 1,2 | |
| 31,500 | | |
| 6,203,925 |
NVE Corporation 2 | |
| 40,500 | | |
| 3,297,915 |
Onto Innovation 1,2,3 | |
| 27,766 | | |
| 4,627,759 |
† Penguin
Solutions 1 | |
| 100,214 | | |
| 1,923,107 |
Photronics 1 | |
| 140,815 | | |
| 3,317,601 |
Ultra Clean Holdings 1,2 | |
| 81,000 | | |
| 2,911,950 |
| |
| | | |
| 42,708,853 |
SOFTWARE - 4.3% | |
| | | |
| |
Alkami Technology 1 | |
| 100,156 | | |
| 3,673,722 |
Cellebrite DI 1 | |
| 257,291 | | |
| 5,668,121 |
Computer Modelling Group | |
| 801,796 | | |
| 5,940,469 |
† Coveo
Solutions 1 | |
| 348,460 | | |
| 1,546,610 |
Enfusion Cl. A 1 | |
| 184,078 | | |
| 1,896,004 |
Logility Supply Chain Solutions 2 | |
| 126,152 | | |
| 1,397,764 |
PROS Holdings 1 | |
| 81,500 | | |
| 1,789,740 |
† ReposiTrak | |
| 109,707 | | |
| 2,427,816 |
| |
| | | |
| 24,340,246 |
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS - 0.8% | |
| | | |
| |
AstroNova 1 | |
| 115,860 | | |
| 1,391,479 |
† CompoSecure Cl. A | |
| 112,866 | | |
| 1,730,236 |
Intevac 1 | |
| 483,318 | | |
| 1,643,281 |
| |
| | | |
| 4,764,996 |
Total (Cost $96,320,303) | |
| | | |
| 135,633,725 |
| |
| | | |
| |
MATERIALS – 5.6% | |
| | | |
| |
CHEMICALS - 1.1% | |
| | | |
| |
Aspen Aerogels 1 | |
| 122,022 | | |
| 1,449,621 |
† 5N
Plus 1 | |
| 555,000 | | |
| 2,849,421 |
LSB Industries 1 | |
| 225,601 | | |
| 1,712,311 |
† Mativ Holdings | |
| 33,794 | | |
| 368,355 |
| |
| | | |
| 6,379,708 |
METALS & MINING - 4.5% | |
| | | |
| |
Alamos Gold Cl. A | |
| 256,044 | | |
| 4,723,842 |
† Alphamin Resources | |
| 1,267,682 | | |
| 943,629 |
Altius Minerals | |
| 171,100 | | |
| 3,168,585 |
† Compass Minerals International | |
| 112,609 | | |
| 1,266,851 |
† Ferroglobe | |
| 518,310 | | |
| 1,969,578 |
MAG Silver 1 | |
| 154,050 | | |
| 2,095,080 |
Major Drilling Group International 1 | |
| 1,157,723 | | |
| 6,612,339 |
Sandstorm Gold 2 | |
| 785,000 | | |
| 4,380,300 |
| |
| | | |
| 25,160,204 |
Total (Cost $25,504,599) | |
| | | |
| 31,539,912 |
| |
| | | |
| |
REAL ESTATE – 1.3% | |
| | | |
| |
OFFICE REITS - 0.3% | |
| | | |
| |
Postal Realty Trust Cl. A | |
| 114,000 | | |
| 1,487,700 |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT - 1.0% | |
| | | |
| |
Altus Group | |
| 73,400 | | |
| 2,859,508 |
Marcus & Millichap | |
| 30,090 | | |
| 1,151,244 |
RMR Group (The) Cl. A 2 | |
| 86,200 | | |
| 1,779,168 |
| |
| | | |
| 5,789,920 |
Total (Cost $7,688,924) | |
| | | |
| 7,277,620 |
| |
| | | |
| |
UTILITIES – 0.2% | |
| | | |
| |
WATER UTILITIES - 0.2% | |
| | | |
| |
Global Water Resources | |
| 106,000 | | |
| 1,219,000 |
Total (Cost $678,400) | |
| | | |
| 1,219,000 |
| |
| | | |
| |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | |
| | | |
| |
(Cost $429,325,362) | |
| | | |
| 552,360,787 |
| |
| | | |
| |
INVESTMENT COMPANIES – 0.6% | |
| | | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| |
FINANCIALS – 0.6% | |
| | | |
| |
CAPITAL MARKETS - 0.6% | |
| | | |
| |
ASA Gold and Precious Metals | |
| 171,150 | | |
| 3,460,653 |
Total (Cost $2,914,814) | |
| | | |
| 3,460,653 |
| |
| | | |
| |
INVESTMENTS AT VALUE | |
| | | |
| |
(Cost $432,240,176) | |
| | | |
| 555,821,440 |
| |
| | | |
| |
REPURCHASE
AGREEMENT – 2.4% | |
| | | |
| |
Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, 3.75% dated 12/31/24, due 1/2/25, maturity value
$13,426,190 (collateralized by obligations of U.S. Government Agencies, 4.25%
due 12/31/26, valued at $13,691,999) | |
| | | |
| |
(Cost $13,423,393) | |
| | | |
| 13,423,393 |
| |
| | | |
| |
TOTAL
INVESTMENTS – 100.4% | |
| | | |
| |
(Cost $445,663,569) | |
| | | |
| 569,244,833 |
| |
| | | |
| |
LIABILITIES
LESS CASH AND OTHER ASSETS – (0.4)% | |
| | | |
| (2,468,235) |
| |
| | | |
| |
NET ASSETS – 100.0% | |
| | | |
$ | 566,776,598 |
28 |
2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
December
31, 2024
| 2 | All
or a portion of these securities were pledged as collateral in connection with the Fund’s
revolving credit agreement as of December 31, 2024. Total market value of pledged securities
as of December 31, 2024, was $5,231,824. |
| 3 | As
of December 31, 2024, a portion of these securities, in the aggregate amount of $1,094,466,
were rehypothecated by BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International, Limited in connection
with the Fund’s revolving credit agreement. See Notes to Financial Statements. |
| 4 | Securities
for which market quotations are not readily available represent 0.0% of net assets. These
securities have been valued at their fair value under procedures approved by the Fund’s
Board of Directors. These securities are defined as Level 3 securities due to the use
of significant unobservable inputs in the determination of fair value. See Notes to Financial
Statements. |
| 5 | These
securities are defined as Level 2 securities due to fair value being based on quoted
prices for similar securities and/or due to the application of fair value factors. See
Notes to Financial Statements. |
Bold
indicates the Fund’s 20 largest equity holdings in terms of December 31, 2024, market value.
TAX
INFORMATION: The cost of total investments for Federal income tax purposes was $448,764,876. As of December 31, 2024, net
unrealized appreciation for all securities was $120,479,957 consisting of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation of $157,444,112
and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation of $36,964,155. The primary causes of the difference between book and tax basis cost
are the timing of the recognition of losses on securities sold, investments in publicly traded partnerships and Trusts, investments
in Real Estate Investment Trusts and mark-to-market of Passive Foreign Investment Companies.
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
2024 Annual Report to Stockholders | 29 |
Royce
Micro-Cap Trust |
December
31, 2024 |
Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
ASSETS: | |
| |
Investments at value | |
$ | 555,821,440 | |
Repurchase agreements (at cost and value) | |
| 13,423,393 | |
Foreign currency (cost $38,003) | |
| 37,945 | |
Receivable for investments sold | |
| 121,776 | |
Receivable for dividends and interest | |
| 91,929 | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | |
| 40,586 | |
Total Assets | |
| 569,537,069 | |
LIABILITIES: | |
| | |
Revolving credit agreement | |
| 2,000,000 | |
Payable for investments purchased | |
| 139,554 | |
Payable for investment advisory fee | |
| 461,965 | |
Payable for directors’ fees | |
| 23,291 | |
Payable for interest expense | |
| 9,788 | |
Accrued expenses | |
| 125,873 | |
Total Liabilities | |
| 2,760,471 | |
Net Assets | |
$ | 566,776,598 | |
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS: | |
| | |
Paid-in capital - $0.001 par value per share; 51,622,624 shares outstanding (150,000,000
shares authorized) | |
$ | 436,146,720 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | |
| 130,629,878 | |
Net Assets (net asset value per share - $10.98) | |
$ | 566,776,598 | |
Investments at identified cost | |
$ | 432,240,176 | |
30
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE
ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Royce
Micro-Cap Trust |
Year
Ended December 31, 2024 |
Statement
of Operations
INVESTMENT INCOME: | |
| |
INCOME: | |
| |
Dividends | |
$ | 5,800,726 | |
Foreign withholding tax | |
| (221,472 | ) |
Interest | |
| 829,556 | |
Rehypothecation income | |
| 40 | |
Total income | |
| 6,408,850 | |
EXPENSES: | |
| | |
Investment advisory fees | |
| 5,688,005 | |
Administrative and office facilities | |
| 255,133 | |
Interest expense | |
| 128,906 | |
Stockholder reports | |
| 118,738 | |
Professional fees | |
| 111,031 | |
Custody and transfer agent fees | |
| 109,315 | |
Directors’ fees | |
| 88,688 | |
Other expenses | |
| 107,310 | |
Total expenses | |
| 6,607,126 | |
Net investment
income (loss) | |
| (198,276 | ) |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
AND FOREIGN CURRENCY: | |
| | |
NET REALIZED GAIN (LOSS): | |
| | |
Investments | |
| 41,934,012 | |
Foreign currency transactions | |
| (10,190 | ) |
NET CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION): | |
| | |
Investments | |
| 24,219,510 | |
Other assets and liabilities denominated
in foreign currency | |
| (246 | ) |
Net realized
and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency | |
| 66,143,086 | |
NET INCREASE
(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS | |
$ | 65,944,810 | |
THE
ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 31 |
Royce
Micro-Cap Trust
Statement
of Changes in Net Assets
| |
YEAR
ENDED 12/31/24 | | |
YEAR
ENDED 12/31/23 | |
| |
| | |
| |
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | |
| | | |
| | |
Net investment income
(loss) | |
$ | (198,276 | ) | |
$ | (587,854 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency | |
| 41,923,822 | | |
| 67,119,219 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency | |
| 24,219,264 | | |
| 6,362,921 | |
Net increase
(decrease) in net assets from investment operations | |
| 65,944,810 | | |
| 72,894,286 | |
DISTRIBUTIONS: | |
| | | |
| | |
Total distributable earnings | |
| (37,346,698 | ) | |
| (35,849,605 | ) |
Total distributions | |
| (37,346,698 | ) | |
| (35,849,605 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS: | |
| | | |
| | |
Reinvestment of distributions | |
| 17,685,144 | | |
| 17,559,078 | |
Total capital
stock transactions | |
| 17,685,144 | | |
| 17,559,078 | |
Net Increase
(Decrease) In Net Assets | |
| 46,283,256 | | |
| 54,603,759 | |
NET ASSETS: | |
| | | |
| | |
Beginning of year | |
| 520,493,342 | | |
| 465,889,583 | |
End of year | |
$ | 566,776,598 | | |
$ | 520,493,342 | |
32
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE
ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Royce
Micro-Cap Trust |
Year
Ended December 31, 2024 |
Statement
of Cash Flows
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |
| |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from investment operations | |
$ | 65,944,810 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net increase (decrease) in net assets from investment operations to net cash provided by operating activities: | |
| | |
Purchases of long-term investments | |
| (279,369,743 | ) |
Proceeds from sales and maturities of long-term investments | |
| 299,939,773 | |
Net purchases, sales and maturities of short-term investments | |
| (973,389 | ) |
Net (increase) decrease in dividends and interest receivable and other assets | |
| 300,234 | |
Net increase (decrease) in interest expense payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | |
| (84,060 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | |
| (24,219,510 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | |
| (41,934,012 | ) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | |
| 19,604,103 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |
| | |
Distributions net of reinvestment (reinvestment $17,685,144) | |
| (19,661,554 | ) |
Net cash used for financing activities | |
| (19,661,554 | ) |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH: | |
| (57,451 | ) |
Cash and foreign currency at beginning of year | |
| 95,396 | |
Cash and foreign currency at end of year | |
$ | 37,945 | |
Supplemental
disclosure of cash flow information:
For
the year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund paid $130,347 in interest expense.
THE
ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 33 |
Royce
Micro-Cap Trust
Financial
Highlights
This
table is presented to show selected data for a share of Common Stock outstanding throughout each period, and to assist stockholders
in evaluating the Fund’s performance for the periods presented.
| |
YEARS
ENDED | |
| |
| 12/31/24 | | |
| 12/31/23 | | |
| 12/31/22 | | |
| 12/31/21 | | |
| 12/31/20 | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning
of Period | |
$ | 10.47 | | |
$ | 9.77 | | |
$ | 13.06 | | |
$ | 11.79 | | |
$ | 9.63 | |
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net investment income (loss) | |
| 0.00 | | |
| (0.01 | ) | |
| (0.02 | ) | |
| 0.04 | 1 | |
| (0.03 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments and foreign currency | |
| 1.30 | | |
| 1.50 | | |
| (2.26 | ) | |
| 2.12 | | |
| 2.86 | |
Net increase
(decrease) in net assets from investment operations | |
| 1.30 | | |
| 1.49 | | |
| (2.28 | ) | |
| 2.16 | | |
| 2.83 | |
DISTRIBUTIONS: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net investment income | |
| (0.03 | ) | |
| – | | |
| (0.05 | ) | |
| – | | |
| (0.08 | ) |
Net realized gain on investments
and foreign currency | |
| (0.71 | ) | |
| (0.74 | ) | |
| (0.89 | ) | |
| (0.84 | ) | |
| (0.53 | ) |
Return of capital | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| (0.01 | ) | |
| – | | |
| – | |
Total distributions | |
| (0.74 | ) | |
| (0.74 | ) | |
| (0.95 | ) | |
| (0.84 | ) | |
| (0.61 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Effect of reinvestment of distributions
by Common Stockholders | |
| (0.05 | ) | |
| (0.05 | ) | |
| (0.06 | ) | |
| (0.05 | ) | |
| (0.06 | ) |
Total capital
stock transactions | |
| (0.05 | ) | |
| (0.05 | ) | |
| (0.06 | ) | |
| (0.05 | ) | |
| (0.06 | ) |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | |
$ | 10.98 | | |
$ | 10.47 | | |
$ | 9.77 | | |
$ | 13.06 | | |
$ | 11.79 | |
Market Value, End of Period | |
$ | 9.75 | | |
$ | 9.24 | | |
$ | 8.68 | | |
$ | 11.55 | | |
$ | 10.12 | |
TOTAL RETURN:2 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net Asset Value | |
| 13.47 | % | |
| 16.64 | % | |
| (16.89 | )% | |
| 19.17 | % | |
| 33.60 | % |
Market Value | |
| 14.17 | % | |
| 15.86 | % | |
| (16.51 | )% | |
| 22.78 | % | |
| 29.32 | % |
RATIOS BASED ON AVERAGE NET ASSETS: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Investment
advisory fee expense3 | |
| 1.05 | % | |
| 1.46 | % | |
| 1.47 | % | |
| 1.04 | % | |
| 1.19 | % |
Other operating expenses | |
| 0.17 | % | |
| 0.39 | % | |
| 0.29 | % | |
| 0.16 | % | |
| 0.24 | % |
Total expenses (net) | |
| 1.22 | % | |
| 1.85 | % | |
| 1.76 | % | |
| 1.20 | % | |
| 1.43 | % |
Expenses excluding interest expense | |
| 1.19 | % | |
| 1.62 | % | |
| 1.63 | % | |
| 1.16 | % | |
| 1.34 | % |
Expenses prior to balance credits | |
| 1.22 | % | |
| 1.85 | % | |
| 1.76 | % | |
| 1.20 | % | |
| 1.43 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | |
| (0.04 | )% | |
| (0.12 | )% | |
| (0.21 | )% | |
| 0.30 | %1 | |
| (0.34 | )% |
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) | |
$ | 566,777 | | |
$ | 520,493 | | |
$ | 465,890 | | |
$ | 590,313 | | |
$ | 515,916 | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | |
| 53 | % | |
| 30 | % | |
| 26 | % | |
| 15 | % | |
| 17 | % |
REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Asset coverage | |
| 28439 | % | |
| 26125 | % | |
| 4335 | % | |
| 2783 | % | |
| 2445 | % |
Asset coverage per $1,000 | |
$ | 284,388 | | |
$ | 261,247 | | |
$ | 43,354 | | |
$ | 27,832 | | |
$ | 24,451 | |
| 1 | A
special distribution from ECN Capital resulted in an increase in net investment income
(loss) per share of $0.07 and an increase in the ratio of net investment income (loss)
to average net assets of 0.51%. |
| 2 | The
Market Value Total Return is calculated assuming a purchase of Common Stock on the opening
of the first business day and a sale on the closing of the last business day of each
period. Dividends and distributions are assumed for the purposes of this calculation
to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s Distribution Reinvestment
and Cash Purchase Plan. Net Asset Value Total Return is calculated on the same basis,
except that the Fund’s net asset value is used on the purchase, sale and dividend
reinvestment dates instead of market value. |
| 3 | The
investment advisory fee is calculated based on average net assets over a rolling 36-month
basis, while the above ratios of investment advisory fee expenses are based on the average
net assets over a 12-month basis. |
34
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE
ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Royce Micro-Cap Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements
Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies
Royce
Micro-Cap Trust, Inc. (the “Fund”), is a diversified closed-end investment company that was incorporated under the
laws of the State of Maryland on September 9, 1993. The Fund commenced operations on December 14, 1993.
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The
Fund is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) and accordingly
follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting
Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services-Investment Companies.”
Royce
& Associates, LP, the Fund’s investment adviser, is a majority-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. and primarily
conducts business using the name Royce Investment Partners (“Royce”).
VALUATION
OF INVESTMENTS:
Portfolio
securities held by the Fund are valued as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally
4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the valuation date. Investments in money market funds are valued at net asset value per share. Values
for non-U.S. dollar denominated equity securities are converted to U.S. dollars daily based upon prevailing foreign currency exchange
rates as quoted by a major bank.
Portfolio
securities that are listed on an exchange or Nasdaq, or traded on OTC Market Group Inc.’s OTC Link ATS or other alternative
trading system, are valued: (i) on the basis of their last reported sales prices or official closing prices, as applicable, on
a valuation date; or (ii) at their highest reported bid prices in the event such equity securities
did not trade on a valuation date. Such inputs are generally referred to as “Level 1” inputs because they represent
reliable quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
If
the value of a portfolio security held by the Fund cannot be determined solely by reference to Level 1 inputs, such portfolio
security will be “fair valued.” The Fund’s Board of Directors has designated Royce as valuation designee to
perform fair value determinations for such portfolio securities in accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”).
Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, fair values are determined in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Fund’s Board
of Directors and policies and procedures adopted by Royce in its capacity as valuation designee for the Fund. Fair valued securities
are reported as either “Level 2” or “Level 3” securities.
As
a general principle, the fair value of a security is the amount which the Fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security
upon its current sale. However, in light of the judgment involved in fair valuations, no assurance can be given that a fair value
assigned to a particular portfolio security will be the amount which the Fund might be able to receive upon its current sale.
When a fair value pricing methodology is used, the fair value prices used by the Fund for such securities will likely differ from
the quoted or published prices for the same securities.
Level
2 inputs are other significant observable inputs (e.g., dealer bid side quotes and quoted prices for securities with comparable
characteristics). Examples of situations in which Level 2 inputs are used to fair value portfolio securities held by the Fund
on a particular valuation date include:
| ● | Over-the-counter
equity securities other than those traded on OTC Market Group Inc.’s OTC Link ATS
or other alternative trading system (collectively referred to herein as “Other
OTC Equity Securities”) are fair valued at their highest bid price when Royce receives
at least two bid side quotes from dealers who make markets in such securities; |
| ● | Certain
bonds and other fixed income securities may be fair valued by reference to other securities
with comparable ratings, interest rates, and maturities in accordance with valuation
methodologies maintained by certain independent pricing services; and |
| ● | The
Fund uses an independent pricing service to fair value certain non-U.S. equity securities
when U.S. market volatility exceeds a certain threshold set by Royce as valuation designee.
This pricing service uses proprietary correlations it has developed between the movement
of prices of non-U.S. equity securities and indices of U.S.-traded securities, futures contracts,
and other indications to estimate the fair value of such non-U.S. securities. |
Level
3 inputs are significant unobservable inputs. Examples of Level 3 inputs include (without limitation) the last trade price for
a security before trading was suspended or terminated; discounts to last trade price for lack of marketability or otherwise; market
price information regarding other securities; information received from the issuer and/or published documents, including SEC filings
and financial statements; and other publicly available information. Pursuant to the above-referenced policies and procedures,
Royce may use
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 35
Royce
Micro-Cap Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements (continued)
VALUATION
OF INVESTMENTS (continued):
various
techniques in making fair value determinations based upon Level 3 inputs, which techniques may include (without limitation): (i)
workout valuation methods (e.g., earnings multiples, discounted cash flows, liquidation values, derivations of book value, firm
or probable offers from qualified buyers for the issuer’s ongoing business, etc.); (ii) discount or premium from market,
or compilation of other observable market information, for other similar freely traded securities; (iii) conversion from the readily
available market price of a security into which an affected security is convertible or exchangeable; and (iv) pricing models or
other formulas.
A
security that is valued by reference to Level 1 or Level 2 inputs may drop to Level 3 on a particular valuation date for several
reasons, including if:
| ● | an
equity security that is listed on an exchange or Nasdaq, or traded on OTC Market Group
Inc.’s OTC Link ATS or other alternative trading system, has not traded and there
are no bids; |
| ● | Royce
does not receive at least two bid side quotes for an Other OTC Equity Security; |
| ● | the
independent pricing services are unable to supply fair value prices; or |
| ● | the
Level 1 or Level 2 inputs become otherwise unreliable for any reason (e.g., a significant
event occurs after the close of trading for a security but prior to the time the Fund
prices its shares). |
The
table below shows the aggregate value of the various Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 securities held by the Fund as of December
31, 2024. Any Level 2 or Level 3 securities held by the Fund are noted in its Schedule of Investments. The inputs or methodology
used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with owning those securities.
|
LEVEL
1 |
LEVEL
2 |
LEVEL
3 |
TOTAL |
Common
Stocks |
$536,696,857 |
|
$15,657,530 |
|
$6,400 |
|
$552,360,787 |
|
Investment
Companies |
3,460,653 |
|
– |
|
– |
|
3,460,653 |
|
Repurchase
Agreement |
– |
|
13,423,393 |
|
– |
|
13,423,393 |
|
Level
3 Reconciliation:
|
|
|
|
|
NET
CHANGE IN
UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)1 |
|
|
BALANCE
AS OF
12/31/23 |
PURCHASES |
SALES |
REALIZED
GAIN (LOSS)1 |
CURRENTLY
HELD
SECURITIES |
SECURITIES
NO
LONGER HELD |
BALANCE
AS OF
12/31/24 |
Common
Stocks |
$225,680 |
$501,245 |
$343,700 |
$(27,893) |
$(494,845) |
$145,913 |
$6,400 |
| 1 | The
net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in the accompanying
Statement of Operations. Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) includes net
unrealized appreciation (depreciation) resulting from changes in investment values during
the reporting period and the reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) when gains or losses are realized. Net realized gain (loss) from investments
and foreign currency transactions is included in the accompanying Statement of Operations. |
REPURCHASE
AGREEMENTS:
The
Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that the Fund’s investment adviser has determined are creditworthy.
The Fund restricts repurchase agreements to maturities of no more than seven days. Securities pledged as collateral for repurchase
agreements, which are held until maturity of the repurchase agreements, are marked-to-market daily and maintained at a value at
least equal to the principal amount of the repurchase agreement (including accrued interest). Repurchase agreements could involve
certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the counter-party, including possible delays or restrictions upon the ability
of the Fund to dispose of its underlying securities. The remaining contractual maturity of the repurchase agreement held by the
Fund as of December 31, 2024, is next business day and continuous.
FOREIGN
CURRENCY:
Net
realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales and maturities of short-term securities, sales of foreign currencies,
expiration of currency forward contracts, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities
transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s
books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses
arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at the end of the reporting period,
as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
The
Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on investments
from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized
and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
For
the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, the Fund defines Cash as cash, including foreign currency.
36
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
Royce Micro-Cap Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements (continued)
TAXES:
As
a qualified regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund is not subject to income taxes
to the extent that it distributes substantially all of its taxable income for its fiscal year. The Schedule of Investments includes
information regarding income taxes under the caption “Tax Information.”
DISTRIBUTIONS:
The
Fund pays quarterly distributions on the Fund’s Common Stock at the annual rate of 7% of the rolling average of the prior
four calendar quarter-end NAVs of the Fund’s Common Stock, with the fourth quarter distribution being the greater of 1.75%
of the rolling average or the distribution required by IRS regulations. Distributions to Common Stockholders are recorded on ex-dividend
date. To the extent that distributions in any year are not paid from long-term capital gains, net investment income or net short-term
capital gains, they will represent a return of capital. Distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations
that may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Permanent book and tax differences
relating to stockholder distributions will result in reclassifications within the capital accounts. Undistributed net investment
income may include temporary book and tax basis differences, which will reverse in a subsequent period. Any taxable income or
gain remaining undistributed at fiscal year end is distributed in the following year.
INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED INVESTMENT INCOME:
Investment
transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except for certain dividends
from securities where the dividend rate is not available. In such cases, the dividend is recorded as soon as the information is
received by the Fund. Non-cash dividend income is recorded at the fair market value of the securities received. Interest income
is recorded on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield-to-maturity
method. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are determined on the basis of identified cost for book and tax
purposes.
CASH INCLUDING FOREIGN CURRENCIES:
Cash,
including foreign currencies, consists of deposits maintained at State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Fund’s Custodian
(in such capacity, the “Custodian”), and through the Custodian's global sub-custodian network. Accordingly, the Fund’s
risk for the possible insolvency loss of a cash deposit lies with the Custodian or the relevant sub-custodian bank. Fund cash
deposits maintained at the Custodian or through a particular sub-custodian bank may be significant, and may, at times, exceed
U.S. or other applicable insurance limits.
EXPENSES:
The
Fund incurs direct and indirect expenses. Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged to the Fund, while expenses applicable
to more than one of the Royce Funds are allocated equitably. Certain personnel, occupancy costs and other administrative expenses
related to all of the Royce Funds are allocated by Royce under an administration agreement and are included in administrative
and office facilities and professional fees.
INDEMNIFICATION PROVISIONS:
Reference
is made to Maryland law, the Fund’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended and supplemented, and the Fund’s Amended
and Restated By-laws, each of which provides for the indemnification by the Fund of the Fund’s officers and directors under
the circumstances and to the extent set forth therein. Reference is also made to the investment advisory agreement between the
Fund and Royce which provides for the indemnification by the Fund of Royce under the circumstances and to the extent set forth
therein. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general
indemnification provisions in favor of such service providers and other covered persons. The amount of any potential Fund liability
under these indemnification arrangements, if any, currently cannot be determined with any degree of specificity. The Fund is not
currently in possession of any information that would cause it to believe that the Fund is reasonably likely to be subject to
any material adverse impact from the operation of these indemnification arrangements. No assurance can be given, however, that
the Fund will not incur any liability from the operation of these indemnification arrangements. Any future liability to the Fund
that may arise from the operation of such arrangements will be disclosed to the extent required by relevant accounting guidance
and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Capital Stock:
The
Fund issued 1,903,830 and 2,030,423 shares of Common Stock as reinvestment of distributions for the years ended December 31, 2024,
and December 31, 2023, respectively.
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 37
Royce Micro-Cap Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements (continued)
Borrowings:
The
Fund is party to a revolving credit agreement (the “credit agreement”) with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International,
Limited (BNPPI). The Fund pays a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum on the unused portion of the then-current maximum amount that
may be borrowed by the Fund under the credit agreement. The credit agreement has a 179-day rolling term that resets daily. The
Fund pledges eligible portfolio securities as collateral and has granted a security interest in such pledged securities to, and
in favor of, BNPPI as security for the loan balance outstanding. The amount of eligible portfolio securities required to be pledged
as collateral is determined by BNPPI in accordance with the credit agreement. In determining collateral requirements, the value
of eligible securities pledged as collateral is subject to discount by BNPPI based upon a variety of factors set forth in the
credit agreement. As of December 31, 2024, the market value of eligible securities pledged as collateral exceeded two times the
loan balance outstanding.
If
the Fund fails to meet certain requirements, or comply with other financial covenants set forth in the credit agreement, the Fund
may be required to repay immediately, in part or in full, the loan balance outstanding under the credit agreement, which may necessitate
the sale of portfolio securities at potentially inopportune times. BNPPI may terminate the credit agreement upon certain ratings
downgrades of its corporate parent, which would result in the Fund’s entire loan balance becoming immediately due and payable.
The occurrence of such ratings downgrades may necessitate the sale of portfolio securities at potentially inopportune times. BNPPI
may also terminate the credit agreement upon sixty (60) calendar days’ prior written notice to the Fund in the event the
Fund’s net asset value per share as of the close of business on the last business day of any calendar month declines by
thirty-five percent (35%) or more from the Fund’s net asset value per share as of the close of business on the last business
day of the immediately preceding calendar month.
The
credit agreement also permits, subject to certain conditions, BNPPI to rehypothecate portfolio securities pledged by the Fund
up to the amount of the loan balance outstanding. The Fund continues to receive payments in lieu of dividends and interest on
rehypothecated securities. The Fund also has the right under the credit agreement to recall the rehypothecated securities from
BNPPI on demand. If BNPPI fails to deliver the recalled security in a timely manner, the Fund is compensated by BNPPI for any
fees or losses related to the failed delivery or, in the event a recalled security is not returned by BNPPI, the Fund, upon notice
to BNPPI, may reduce the loan balance outstanding by the value of the recalled security failed to be returned. The Fund receives
a portion of the fees earned by BNPPI in connection with the rehypothecation of portfolio securities.
As
of December 31, 2024, the Fund had outstanding borrowings of $2,000,000. The Fund has the right to reduce the maximum amount it
can borrow under the credit agreement upon one (1) business day’s prior written notice to BNPPI. The maximum amount the
Fund may borrow under the credit agreement was reduced to $0 as of February 6, 2025. In addition, the Fund and BNPPI may agree
to increase the maximum amount the Fund can borrow under the credit agreement, which amount may not exceed $60,000,000.
During
the year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund had an average daily loan balance of $2,000,000 at a weighted average borrowing cost
of 6.34%. The maximum loan balance outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2024, was $2,000,000. As of December 31, 2024,
the aggregate value of rehypothecated securities was $1,094,466. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund earned $40
in fees from rehypothecated securities.
Investment Advisory Agreement:
As
compensation for its services under the investment advisory agreement, Royce receives a fee comprised of a Basic Fee (“Basic
Fee”) and an adjustment to the Basic Fee based on the investment performance of the Fund in relation to the investment record
of the Russell 2000. The fee is payable monthly.
The
Basic Fee is a monthly fee equal to 1/12 of 1% (1% on an annualized basis) of the average of the Fund’s month-end net assets
for the rolling 36-month period ending with such month (the “performance period”). The Basic Fee for each month is increased
or decreased at the rate of 1/12 of .05% for each percentage point that the investment performance of the Fund exceeds, or is
exceeded by, the percentage change in the investment record of the Russell 2000 for the performance period by more than two percentage
points. The performance period for each such month is a rolling 36-month period ending with such month. The maximum increase or
decrease in the Basic Fee for any month may not exceed 1/12 of .5%. Accordingly, for each month, the maximum monthly fee rate
as adjusted for performance is 1/12 of 1.5% and is payable if the investment performance of the Fund exceeds the percentage change
in the investment record of the Russell 2000 by 12 or more percentage points for the performance period, and the minimum monthly
fee rate as adjusted for performance is 1/12 of .5% and is payable if the percentage change in the investment record of the Russell
2000 exceeds the investment performance of the Fund by 12 or more percentage points for the performance period.
For
the twelve rolling 36-month periods in 2024, the Fund’s investment performance ranged from 1% above to 9% above the investment
performance of the Russell 2000. Accordingly, the net investment advisory fee consisted of a Basic Fee of $5,091,079 and a net
upward adjustment of $596,926 for the performance of the Fund relative to that of the Russell 2000. For the year ended December
31, 2024, the Fund expensed Royce investment advisory fees totaling $5,688,005.
38
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
Royce Micro-Cap Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements (continued)
Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities:
For
the year ended December 31, 2024, the costs of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, other than short-term
securities, amounted to $278,850,586 and $297,666,764, respectively.
Cross
trades were executed by the Fund pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio
securities between funds to which Royce or an affiliate of Franklin Resources, Inc. serves as investment adviser. The Fund’s
Chief Compliance Officer reviews such transactions each quarter for compliance with the requirements and restrictions set forth
by Rule 17a-7, and reports the results of that review to the Board of Directors. Cross trades for the year ended December 31,
2024, were as follows:
COSTS
OF PURCHASES |
PROCEEDS
FROM SALES |
REALIZED GAIN
(LOSS) |
$– |
$715,235 |
$236,837 |
Tax Information:
Distributions
during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were characterized as follows for tax purposes:
ORDINARY
INCOME |
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
$6,562,690 |
$7,402,359 |
$30,784,008 |
$28,447,246 |
The tax basis components
of distributable earnings as of December 31, 2024, were as follows:
UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY INCOME |
UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS |
NET
UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)1 |
QUALIFIED
LATE YEAR
ORDINARY AND
POST-OCTOBER LOSS
DEFERRALS2 |
TOTAL
DISTRIBUTABLE
EARNINGS |
$3,042,946 |
$7,264,638 |
$120,479,156 |
$(156,862) |
$130,629,878 |
| 1 | Includes
timing differences on foreign currency, recognition of losses on securities sold, investments
in Real Estate Investment Trusts, investments in publicly traded partnerships and Trusts
and mark-to-market of Passive Foreign Investment Companies. |
| 2 | Under
the current tax law, capital losses and qualified late year ordinary losses incurred
after October 31 may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following
fiscal year. This column also includes passive activity losses. |
For
financial reporting purposes, capital accounts and distributions to stockholders are adjusted to reflect the tax character of
permanent book/tax differences. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund recorded the following permanent reclassifications,
which relates to excise taxes paid. Results of operations and net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.
TOTAL
DISTRIBUTABLE EARNINGS (LOSS) |
PAID-IN
CAPITAL |
$32,369 |
$(32,369) |
Management
has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (2021-2024) and has concluded
that as of December 31, 2024, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.
Segment Reporting:
The
Fund has adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-07, Segment Reporting
(Topic 280) - Improvements to Segment Reporting Disclosures (the “Update”). The Update is limited to disclosure requirements
and does not impact the Fund’s financial position or results of operations.
The
Fund operates as a single operating segment, which is a segregated investment portfolio. Royce, in its capacity as investment
manager, functions as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) for the Fund for purposes of the Update, evaluating its results
and performance based upon its specific investment strategy and other relevant facts and circumstances. The CODM uses these measures
to assess Fund performance and allocate resources effectively, subject to compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements
and oversight from its Board of Directors. Internal reporting provided to the CODM aligns with the accounting policies and measurement
principles used in the financial statements.
For
information regarding segment assets, segment profit or loss, and significant expenses, refer to the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
and the Statement of Operations, along with the related notes to the financial statements. The Schedule of Investments provides
details of the Fund's investments that generate returns such as interest, dividends, and realized and unrealized gains or losses.
Performance metrics, including portfolio turnover and expense ratios, are disclosed in the Financial Highlights.
Subsequent Events:
Subsequent
events have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued and it has been determined that no events have
occurred that require disclosure.
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 39
Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
To the Board
of Directors and Stockholders of Royce Micro-Cap Trust, Inc.:
Opinion on
the Financial Statements
We
have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Royce Micro-Cap Trust,
Inc. (the “Fund”) as of December 31, 2024, the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year ended December
31, 2024, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, including the
related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2024 (collectively referred
to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2024, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then
ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024 and the financial highlights
for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2024 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S.
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We
conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that
we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement,
whether due to error or fraud.
Our
audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to
error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence
regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2024 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP
New York,
New York
February
21, 2025
We have served
as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds since 1948.
40
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
This
page is intentionally left blank.
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 41
MANAGERS’
DISCUSSION (UNAUDITED)
Royce
Small-Cap Trust (RVT)
Francis
Gannon, Steven McBoyle,
Lauren
Romeo, George Necakov,
Andrew Palen
FUND
PERFORMANCE
Royce
Small-Cap Trust (RVT) advanced 12.6% on an NAV (net asset value) basis in 2024 and 18.1% on a market price basis versus respective
gains of 11.5% and 8.7% for its small-cap benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, and the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, for the same
period. The Fund also maintained its longer-term relative advantages over the Russell 2000, beating it on both an NAV and
market price basis for the 3-, 5-, 10-, 15-, 25-, 30-, 35-year, and since inception (11/26/86) periods ended 12/31/24.
WHAT
WORKED… AND WHAT DIDN’T
Seven
of RVT’s 11 equity sectors finished 2024 in the black. Industrials and Financials made by far the biggest positive impact,
followed by Information Technology, while the biggest detractors were Health Care, Communication Services, and Real Estate. At
the industry level, construction & engineering (Industrials) made the biggest positive contribution, followed by two groups
in Financials: capital markets and insurance. The biggest detractors came from three different sectors: specialty retail (Consumer
Discretionary), health care equipment & supplies (Health Care), and diversified telecommunication services (Communication
Services).
The
Fund’s top contributor at the position level was IES Holdings, which designs and installs electrical and technology
systems into numerous infrastructure segments. Through a thoughtful growth strategy focused on both internal and external
opportunities, IES has been building scale in each of its four business segments, which has resulted in rapidly improving
operating profitability. The company reported full fiscal year results in November that featured growing revenue while
expanding operating margins in all of IES’s four operating segments. FTAI Aviation provides maintenance, repair, and
exchange of CFM56 and V2500 aircraft engines, the workhorses of the global aircraft fleet, to smaller airlines globally. FTAI
also leases used aircraft and spare engines to airlines. Key aspects of FTAI’s business model have been its ability to
deliver a better mousetrap (lease/sale/exchange; faster repairs; no negative surprises), have lower costs than its
competitors, and operate in an asset-light manner through partnerships with Lockheed Martin, Chrome Alloy, AAR, Pratt &
Whitney, et al. Contributing to its notable performance in 2024 were the market’s recognition
of the tight supply of aircraft engines, FTAI’s growth runway as it closed deals with Latam Airlines and Pratt & Whitney,
a burgeoning cost advantage after FTAI purchased its management fee agreement and a key maintenance facility in Montreal, and
FAA approval for critical aftermarket engine parts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top Contributors
to Performance |
|
|
Top
Detractors from Performance |
|
|
For
2024 (%)1 |
|
|
For
2024 (%)2 |
|
|
|
IES
Holdings |
1.66 |
|
Quaker
Houghton |
-0.35 |
|
|
FTAI
Aviation |
0.83 |
|
Enovis
Corporation |
-0.33 |
|
|
Impinj |
0.67 |
|
Azenta |
-0.25 |
|
|
Alamos
Gold Cl. A |
0.64 |
|
Globalstar |
-0.24 |
|
|
PAR
Technology |
0.56 |
|
Ziff
Davis |
-0.22 |
|
|
1
Includes dividends |
|
|
2
Net of dividends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
Fund’s top detractor was Quaker Houghton, which produces, develops, and markets industrial chemical products,
including heat treatment, metal forming, forging, and tin plating fluids, as well as cleaners, casting lubricants, greases,
ground control agents, and metal rolling oils. We see Quaker Houghton as an attractive asset light business, with recurring
revenues and strong customer loyalty. After a strong performance in 2023, the stock fell as the company faced more difficult
sales growth comparisons as it lapped strategic price increases and volumes varied by geographic region, reflecting slower
global industrial growth. Quaker Houghton recently promoted to CEO a respected, internal “rising star” who has
overseen global growth initiatives and the merger integration of Houghton. We believe much of his focus is on reemphasizing
the company’s “customer intimacy” sales process to accelerate new product growth and geographic expansion
(e.g., to India), as well as more effectively capitalizing on cross-selling opportunities across the company’s customer
base. Enovis Corporation is an orthopedic-focused, medical technology company with leading a global market share in
Prevention & Recovery (braces and other rehabilitation products) and a growing Reconstruction segment (e.g., surgical
implants for extremities). The stock has been under pressure, however, since Enovis closed its acquisition of Lima in 2024,
the company’s largest-ever deal. The strategic fit and valuation of the deal made sense to us, but the stock was hurt
by near-term concerns about integration and sales dis-synergies, especially with the elevation of new leadership in the
Reconstruction segment. Yet management actually delivered results consistent with what it had outlined and entered 2025 with
most of these headwinds behind it.
CURRENT
POSITIONING AND OUTLOOK
We
remain constructive about the prospects for the Fund. The highly promising earnings prospects for small-cap as a whole—the
consensus for earnings per share growth in 2025 is 44% as of this writing—are a major factor in our thinking. Our conviction
becomes even stronger when combined with small-cap’s far more attractive valuations compared to large-cap. Using our preferred
index valuation metric of enterprise value over earnings before interest and taxes—or EV/ EBIT—we see that the Russell
2000 finished 2024 still near its lowest levels relative to the Russell 1000 in 25 years. To us, this combination signals an ongoing
opportunity for active small-cap managers to capture robust earnings growth at attractive—highly attractive in many cases—prices.
We remain confident in the long-term case for small-cap leadership or risk-averse and earnings-focused active management in our
asset class.
42
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
PERFORMANCE AND PORTFOLIO REVIEW
(UNAUDITED) |
SYMBOLS MARKET
PRICE RVT NAV XRVTX |
Performance
Average
Annual Total Return (%) Through 12/31/24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SINCE
INCEPTION |
|
JUL-DEC
20241 |
1-YR |
3-YR |
5-YR |
10-YR |
15-YR |
20-YR |
25-YR |
30-YR |
35-YR |
(11/26/86) |
RVT
(NAV) |
7.61 |
12.64 |
2.57 |
9.54 |
9.37 |
10.51 |
8.15 |
9.32 |
10.35 |
10.41 |
10.38 |
1
Not Annualized
Market
Price Performance History Since Inception (11/26/86)
Cumulative
Performance of Investment through 12/31/241
|
1-YR |
5-YR |
10-YR |
15-YR |
20-YR |
SINCE
INCEPTION (11/26/86) |
RVT |
18.1% |
64.7% |
158.5% |
397.3% |
313.6% |
3678.9% |
| 1 | Reflects
the cumulative performance of an investment made by a stockholder who purchased one share
at inception ($10.00 IPO), reinvested all distributions and fully participated in primary
subscriptions of the Fund's rights offerings. |
| 2 | Reflects
the actual month-end market price movement of one share as it has traded on the NYSE. |
Morningstar
Style Map™ As of 12/31/24
The
Morningstar Style Map is the Morningstar Style Box™ with the center 75% of fund holdings plotted as the Morningstar
Ownership Zone™. The Morningstar Style Box is designed to reveal a fund’s investment strategy. The Morningstar
Ownership Zone provides detail about a portfolio’s investment style by showing the range of stock sizes and styles. The
Ownership Zone is derived by plotting each stock in the portfolio within the proprietary Morningstar Style Box. Over time, the
shape and location of a fund's ownership zone may vary. See page 65 for additional information.
Value
of $10,000
Invested
on 11/26/86 as of 12/31/24 ($)
Top
10 Positions
%
of Net Assets
Assured
Guaranty |
1.5 |
PAR Technology |
1.4 |
IES Holdings |
1.4 |
SEI Investments |
1.3 |
Enovis
Corporation |
1.1 |
Air Lease
Cl. A |
1.1 |
Impinj |
1.0 |
Brady
Corporation Cl. A |
1.0 |
E-L Financial |
1.0 |
Haemonetics
Corporation |
1.0 |
Portfolio
Sector Breakdown
%
of Net Assets
Industrials |
23.7 |
Financials |
21.8 |
Information
Technology |
16.8 |
Health
Care |
9.4 |
Consumer
Discretionary |
9.3 |
Materials |
7.1 |
Real
Estate |
3.2 |
Communication
Services |
2.9 |
Consumer
Staples |
2.3 |
Energy |
2.1 |
Utilities |
0.2 |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Net of |
|
Outstanding
Line of Credit |
1.2 |
Calendar Year Total Returns (%) |
YEAR |
RVT |
2024 |
12.6 |
2023 |
21.6 |
2022 |
-21.2 |
2021 |
20.0 |
2020 |
21.9 |
2019 |
30.5 |
2018 |
-14.4 |
2017 |
19.4 |
2016 |
26.8 |
2015 |
-8.1 |
2014 |
0.8 |
2013 |
34.1 |
2012 |
15.4 |
2011 |
-10.1 |
2010 |
30.3 |
|
|
Portfolio Diagnostics |
|
Fund
Net Assets |
$1,998
million |
Number
of Holdings |
483 |
Turnover Rate |
40% |
Net
Asset Value |
$16.99 |
Market
Price |
$15.80 |
Average
Market Capitalization 1 |
$3,053
million |
Weighted
Average P/E Ratio 2,3 |
17.1x |
Weighted
Average P/B Ratio 2 |
2.1x |
Active
Share 4 |
79% |
U.S.
Investments (% of Net Assets) |
83.9% |
Non-U.S.
Investments (% of Net Assets) |
14.9% |
| 1 | Geometric
Average. This weighted calculation uses each portfolio holding’s market cap
in a way designed to not skew the effect of very large or small holdings; instead, it
aims to better identify the portfolio’s center, which Royce believes offers a more
accurate measure of average market cap than a simple mean or median. |
| 2 | Harmonic
Average. This weighted calculation evaluates a portfolio as if it were a single stock
and measures it overall. It compares the total market value of the portfolio to the portfolio’s
share in the earnings or book value, as the case may be, of its underlying stocks. |
| 3 | The
Fund’s P/E Ratio calculation excludes companies with zero or negative earnings
(17% of portfolio holdings as of 12/31/24). |
| 4 | Active
Share is the sum of the absolute values of the different weightings of each holding
in the Fund versus each holding in the benchmark, divided by two. |
Important
Performance and Risk Information
All
performance information reflects past performance, is presented on a total return basis, net of the Fund’s investment advisory
fee, reflects the reinvestment of distributions and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund
distributions or the sale of fund shares. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance may
be higher or lower than performance quoted and may be obtained at www.royceinvest.com. Certain immaterial adjustments were made
to the net assets of Royce Small-Cap Trust at 12/31/22 for financial reporting purposes, and as a result the net asset value originally
calculated on that date and the total return based on that net asset value differs from the adjusted net asset value and total
return reported in the Financial Highlights. The market price of the Fund’s shares will fluctuate, so that shares may be
worth more or less than their original cost when sold. The Fund invests primarily in securities of small- and micro-cap companies,
which may involve considerably more risk than investing in larger-cap companies. The Fund’s broadly diversified portfolio
does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. From time to time, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its net assets
in foreign securities, which may involve political, economic, currency and other risks not encountered in U.S. investments. Regarding
the “Top Contributors” and “Top Detractors” tables shown above, the sum of all contributors to, and all
detractors from, performance for all securities in the portfolio would approximate the Fund’s year-to-date performance for
2024.
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 43
Royce
Small-Cap Trust
Schedule
of Investments
Common
Stocks — 98.2%
| |
SHARES | | |
VALUE |
| |
| | |
|
COMMUNICATION
SERVICES – 2.9% | |
| | | |
| |
DIVERSIFIED
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES – 0.3% | |
| | | |
| |
Cogent
Communications Holdings 1 | |
| 18,176 | | |
$ | 1,400,824 |
IDT
Corporation Cl. B | |
| 62,622 | | |
| 2,975,797 |
Liberty
Latin America Cl. C 1,2,3 | |
| 83,228 | | |
| 527,666 |
| |
| | | |
| 4,904,287 |
ENTERTAINMENT – 0.3% | |
| | | |
| |
IMAX
Corporation 3 | |
| 262,660 | | |
| 6,724,096 |
INTERACTIVE MEDIA &
SERVICES – 1.9% | |
| | | |
| |
Cars.com 3 | |
| 197,759 | | |
| 3,427,164 |
QuinStreet 1,3 | |
| 203,754 | | |
| 4,700,605 |
† Reddit
Cl. A 3 | |
| 33,000 | | |
| 5,393,520 |
Shutterstock | |
| 130,086 | | |
| 3,948,110 |
TripAdvisor 3 | |
| 75,630 | | |
| 1,117,055 |
Yelp 3 | |
| 50,349 | | |
| 1,948,506 |
Ziff
Davis 1,3 | |
| 326,203 | | |
| 17,725,871 |
| |
| | | |
| 38,260,831 |
MEDIA – 0.3% | |
| | | |
| |
AMC
Networks Cl. A 3 | |
| 135,962 | | |
| 1,346,024 |
John
Wiley & Sons Cl. A | |
| 23,592 | | |
| 1,031,206 |
Scholastic
Corporation | |
| 43,724 | | |
| 932,633 |
TechTarget 3 | |
| 30,000 | | |
| 594,600 |
†TEGNA | |
| 31,586 | | |
| 577,708 |
Thryv
Holdings 3 | |
| 124,969 | | |
| 1,849,541 |
| |
| | | |
| 6,331,712 |
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION
SERVICES – 0.1% | |
| | | |
| |
Gogo
3 | |
| 150,855 | | |
| 1,220,417 |
Total
(Cost $60,914,451) | |
| | | |
| 57,441,343 |
| |
| | | |
| |
CONSUMER
DISCRETIONARY – 9.3% | |
| | | |
| |
AUTOMOBILE COMPONENTS
- 2.0% | |
| | | |
| |
Dorman
Products 1,2,3 | |
| 128,552 | | |
| 16,653,912 |
Garrett
Motion 3 | |
| 224,085 | | |
| 2,023,488 |
Gentex
Corporation 1 | |
| 56,334 | | |
| 1,618,476 |
LCI
Industries 1 | |
| 105,814 | | |
| 10,940,109 |
†Modine
Manufacturing 3 | |
| 28,365 | | |
| 3,288,354 |
Patrick
Industries 1 | |
| 46 | | |
| 3,822 |
†PHINIA | |
| 25,140 | | |
| 1,210,994 |
Standard
Motor Products | |
| 41,802 | | |
| 1,295,026 |
Visteon
Corporation 3 | |
| 40,003 | | |
| 3,549,066 |
| |
| | | |
| 40,583,247 |
| |
| | | |
| |
BROADLINE RETAIL –
0.1% | |
| | | |
| |
Etsy
3 | |
| 45,852 | | |
| 2,425,112 |
DIVERSIFIED CONSUMER
SERVICES – 1.1% | |
| | | |
| |
Adtalem
Global Education 3 | |
| 2,187 | | |
| 198,689 |
†Bright
Horizons Family Solutions 3 | |
| 4,000 | | |
| 443,400 |
†OneSpaWorld
Holdings | |
| 25,000 | | |
| 497,500 |
Perdoceo
Education | |
| 83,728 | | |
| 2,216,280 |
Stride 3 | |
| 26,644 | | |
| 2,769,111 |
Universal
Technical Institute 3 | |
| 639,032 | | |
| 16,429,513 |
| |
| | | |
| 22,554,493 |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS &
LEISURE – 0.4% | |
| | | |
| |
†DraftKings
Cl. A 3 | |
| 8,000 | | |
| 297,600 |
†Kura
Sushi USA Cl. A 3 | |
| 2,500 | | |
| 226,450 |
†Life
Time Group Holdings 3 | |
| 26,000 | | |
| 575,120 |
Lindblad
Expeditions Holdings 3 | |
| 373,700 | | |
| 4,432,082 |
Monarch
Casino & Resort | |
| 17,950 | | |
| 1,416,255 |
| |
| | | |
| 6,947,507 |
HOUSEHOLD DURABLES –
1.1% | |
| | | |
| |
Cavco
Industries 1,2,3 | |
| 15,121 | | |
| 6,747,444 |
Champion
Homes 3 | |
| 34,468 | | |
| 3,036,631 |
Ethan
Allen Interiors 1 | |
| 16,648 | | |
| 467,975 |
Helen of Troy 3 | |
| 5,940 | | |
| 355,390 |
Installed
Building Products | |
| 16,123 | | |
| 2,825,556 |
M/I
Homes 3 | |
| 43,876 | | |
| 5,833,314 |
Meritage
Homes | |
| 5,526 | | |
| 850,009 |
†Sonos
3 | |
| 23,766 | | |
| 357,441 |
Tri
Pointe Homes 3 | |
| 24,107 | | |
| 874,120 |
Worthington
Enterprises | |
| 37,175 | | |
| 1,491,089 |
| |
| | | |
| 22,838,969 |
LEISURE PRODUCTS –
0.4% | |
| | | |
| |
Brunswick
Corporation 1 | |
| 49,208 | | |
| 3,182,774 |
†Revelyst
3 | |
| 11,128 | | |
| 213,991 |
YETI
Holdings 3 | |
| 121,371 | | |
| 4,673,997 |
| |
| | | |
| 8,070,762 |
SPECIALTY RETAIL –
3.6% | |
| | | |
| |
Abercrombie
& Fitch Cl. A 3 | |
| 7,457 | | |
| 1,114,598 |
Academy
Sports & Outdoors | |
| 222,000 | | |
| 12,771,660 |
Advance
Auto Parts | |
| 243,080 | | |
| 11,495,253 |
American
Eagle Outfitters | |
| 9,306 | | |
| 155,131 |
America's
Car-Mart 1,2,3 | |
| 87,700 | | |
| 4,494,625 |
Asbury
Automotive Group 3 | |
| 15,500 | | |
| 3,766,965 |
AutoCanada 3 | |
| 625,600 | | |
| 7,542,278 |
Buckle
(The) | |
| 11,929 | | |
| 606,112 |
Guess? | |
| 77,366 | | |
| 1,087,766 |
Monro | |
| 34,770 | | |
| 862,296 |
Murphy
USA | |
| 15,803 | | |
| 7,929,155 |
ODP
Corporation (The) 3 | |
| 25,339 | | |
| 576,209 |
OneWater
Marine Cl. A 3 | |
| 209,873 | | |
| 3,647,593 |
Signet
Jewelers | |
| 98,617 | | |
| 7,959,378 |
Valvoline 3 | |
| 204,548 | | |
| 7,400,547 |
| |
| | | |
| 71,409,566 |
| |
| | | |
| |
TEXTILES, APPAREL &
LUXURY GOODS – 0.6% | |
| | | |
| |
G-III
Apparel Group 3 | |
| 24,943 | | |
| 813,641 |
Kontoor
Brands | |
| 23,140 | | |
| 1,976,388 |
Movado
Group | |
| 82,305 | | |
| 1,619,762 |
Ralph
Lauren Cl. A | |
| 14,350 | | |
| 3,314,563 |
Steven
Madden | |
| 92,252 | | |
| 3,922,555 |
| |
| | | |
| 11,646,909 |
Total
(Cost $150,964,418) | |
| | | |
| 186,476,565 |
| |
| | | |
| |
CONSUMER
STAPLES – 2.3% | |
| | | |
| |
BEVERAGES – 0.2% | |
| | | |
| |
Celsius
Holdings 3 | |
| 1,000 | | |
| 26,340 |
†Primo
Brands Cl. A | |
| 126,278 | | |
| 3,885,574 |
| |
| | | |
| 3,911,914 |
CONSUMER STAPLES DISTRIBUTION
& RETAIL – 0.2% | |
| | | |
| |
†Guardian
Pharmacy Services Cl. A 3 | |
| 38,000 | | |
| 769,880 |
PriceSmart | |
| 20,922 | | |
| 1,928,381 |
| |
| | | |
| 2,698,261 |
FOOD PRODUCTS –
1.4% | |
| | | |
| |
Cal-Maine
Foods | |
| 7,633 | | |
| 785,588 |
Freshpet 1,3 | |
| 3,500 | | |
| 518,385 |
John
B. Sanfilippo & Son | |
| 19,651 | | |
| 1,711,799 |
Nomad
Foods 1 | |
| 486,865 | | |
| 8,169,595 |
Seneca
Foods Cl. A 3 | |
| 183,460 | | |
| 14,541,039 |
†WK
Kellogg | |
| 105,134 | | |
| 1,891,361 |
| |
| | | |
| 27,617,767 |
44 |
2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE ACCOMPANYING
NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
December
31, 2024
Schedule
of Investments (continued)
| |
SHARES | | |
VALUE |
| |
| | |
|
CONSUMER
STAPLES (continued) | |
| | | |
| |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS –
0.1% | |
| | | |
| |
Central
Garden & Pet 3 | |
| 35,150 | | |
$ | 1,363,820 |
†Central
Garden & Pet Cl. A 3 | |
| 2,242 | | |
| 74,098 |
WD-40
Company | |
| 1,799 | | |
| 436,581 |
| |
| | | |
| 1,874,499 |
PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS
– 0.4% | |
| | | |
| |
Interparfums 1 | |
| 53,861 | | |
| 7,083,260 |
USANA
Health Sciences 3 | |
| 36,823 | | |
| 1,321,578 |
| |
| | | |
| 8,404,838 |
TOBACCO - 0.0% | |
| | | |
| |
Universal
Corporation | |
| 11,105 | | |
| 608,998 |
Total
(Cost $28,379,217) | |
| | | |
| 45,116,277 |
| |
| | | |
| |
ENERGY – 2.1% | |
| | | |
| |
ENERGY EQUIPMENT &
SERVICES – 1.3% | |
| | | |
| |
Bristow
Group 1,3 | |
| 219,464 | | |
| 7,527,615 |
†Cactus
Cl. A | |
| 18,208 | | |
| 1,062,619 |
Core
Laboratories 1,2 | |
| 130,893 | | |
| 2,265,758 |
Helmerich
& Payne | |
| 31,688 | | |
| 1,014,650 |
†Liberty
Energy Cl. A | |
| 47,855 | | |
| 951,836 |
Pason
Systems | |
| 999,060 | | |
| 9,459,255 |
ProPetro
Holding Corp. 3 | |
| 40,050 | | |
| 373,666 |
RPC | |
| 296,047 | | |
| 1,758,519 |
†Weatherford
International | |
| 24,287 | | |
| 1,739,678 |
| |
| | | |
| 26,153,596 |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE
FUELS – 0.8% | |
| | | |
| |
California
Resources | |
| 21,286 | | |
| 1,104,530 |
CONSOL
Energy 1 | |
| 12,686 | | |
| 1,353,342 |
†Crescent
Energy Cl. A | |
| 6,954 | | |
| 101,598 |
CVR
Energy 1 | |
| 94,508 | | |
| 1,771,080 |
Dorchester
Minerals L.P. 1 | |
| 279,148 | | |
| 9,304,003 |
†Matador
Resources | |
| 1,816 | | |
| 102,168 |
Northern
Oil & Gas | |
| 2,749 | | |
| 102,153 |
Par Pacific Holdings
3 | |
| 4,835 | | |
| 79,246 |
REX
American Resources 3 | |
| 33,352 | | |
| 1,390,445 |
World
Kinect | |
| 25,164 | | |
| 692,262 |
| |
| | | |
| 16,000,827 |
Total
(Cost $36,143,225) | |
| | | |
| 42,154,423 |
| |
| | | |
| |
FINANCIALS – 21.8% | |
| | | |
| |
BANKS - 4.3% | |
| | | |
| |
Atlantic
Union Bankshares | |
| 36,000 | | |
| 1,363,680 |
Axos
Financial 3 | |
| 24,608 | | |
| 1,718,869 |
Banc of California | |
| 230,698 | | |
| 3,566,591 |
Bank
of N.T. Butterfield & Son 1 | |
| 226,503 | | |
| 8,278,685 |
BankUnited 1 | |
| 262,336 | | |
| 10,013,365 |
Cathay
General Bancorp | |
| 50,203 | | |
| 2,390,165 |
Central
Pacific Financial | |
| 23,541 | | |
| 683,866 |
†Coastal
Financial 3 | |
| 15,001 | | |
| 1,273,735 |
Customers
Bancorp 3 | |
| 26,781 | | |
| 1,303,699 |
Dime
Community Bancshares | |
| 5,936 | | |
| 182,443 |
Eagle
Bancorp | |
| 47,322 | | |
| 1,231,792 |
First
Bancorp | |
| 14,000 | | |
| 615,580 |
First
Citizens BancShares Cl. A | |
| 3,282 | | |
| 6,934,932 |
First
Commonwealth Financial | |
| 65,862 | | |
| 1,114,385 |
First
Financial Bancorp | |
| 101,922 | | |
| 2,739,663 |
†First
Financial Bankshares | |
| 32,025 | | |
| 1,154,501 |
Fulton
Financial | |
| 12,348 | | |
| 238,069 |
German
American Bancorp | |
| 26,791 | | |
| 1,077,534 |
Glacier
Bancorp | |
| 5,000 | | |
| 251,100 |
Hanmi
Financial | |
| 189,347 | | |
| 4,472,376 |
HBT
Financial | |
| 20,000 | | |
| 438,000 |
Hingham
Institution for Savings | |
| 14,999 | | |
| 3,811,846 |
Home
BancShares | |
| 152,117 | | |
| 4,304,911 |
Hope
Bancorp | |
| 15,529 | | |
| 190,851 |
†Northeast
Bank | |
| 13,357 | | |
| 1,225,238 |
OceanFirst
Financial | |
| 40,266 | | |
| 728,814 |
Origin
Bancorp | |
| 270,640 | | |
| 9,009,606 |
Pathward
Financial | |
| 16,614 | | |
| 1,222,458 |
Preferred
Bank | |
| 23,210 | | |
| 2,004,880 |
Provident
Financial Services | |
| 44,601 | | |
| 841,621 |
S&T
Bancorp | |
| 34,172 | | |
| 1,306,054 |
†Seacoast
Banking Corporation of Florida | |
| 15,500 | | |
| 426,715 |
TowneBank | |
| 20,000 | | |
| 681,200 |
TrustCo
Bank Corp NY | |
| 15,835 | | |
| 527,464 |
Veritex
Holdings | |
| 20,857 | | |
| 566,476 |
WaFd | |
| 21,058 | | |
| 678,910 |
†Westamerica
Bancorporation 1 | |
| 27,456 | | |
| 1,440,342 |
Western
Alliance Bancorp 1,2 | |
| 55,415 | | |
| 4,629,369 |
WSFS
Financial | |
| 8,732 | | |
| 463,931 |
| |
| | | |
| 85,103,716 |
CAPITAL MARKETS –
7.5% | |
| | | |
| |
Acadian
Asset Management | |
| 49,071 | | |
| 1,292,530 |
Ares
Management Cl. A 1 | |
| 34,800 | | |
| 6,160,644 |
Artisan
Partners Asset Management Cl. A 1 | |
| 241,858 | | |
| 10,411,987 |
Bolsa
Mexicana de Valores | |
| 1,723,106 | | |
| 2,767,580 |
†Brookfield
Asset Management Cl. A | |
| 7,378 | | |
| 399,814 |
†Cohen
& Steers | |
| 8,997 | | |
| 830,783 |
Donnelley
Financial Solutions 1,2,3 | |
| 35,500 | | |
| 2,226,915 |
Evercore
Cl. A | |
| 23,411 | | |
| 6,489,295 |
GCM
Grosvenor Cl. A | |
| 801,494 | | |
| 9,834,331 |
Houlihan
Lokey Cl. A 1 | |
| 28,581 | | |
| 4,963,377 |
Lazard 1 | |
| 102,457 | | |
| 5,274,486 |
†Marex
Group | |
| 296,667 | | |
| 9,247,110 |
MarketWise
Cl. A | |
| 500,000 | | |
| 283,750 |
Morningstar 1 | |
| 14,516 | | |
| 4,888,408 |
Onex
Corporation | |
| 171,437 | | |
| 13,391,037 |
†Perella
Weinberg Partners Cl. A | |
| 187,296 | | |
| 4,465,137 |
SEI
Investments 1 | |
| 324,994 | | |
| 26,805,505 |
Silvercrest
Asset Management Group Cl. A | |
| 23,192 | | |
| 426,501 |
Sprott | |
| 264,413 | | |
| 11,141,602 |
Tel
Aviv Stock Exchange 4 | |
| 221,179 | | |
| 2,565,282 |
TMX
Group | |
| 478,421 | | |
| 14,737,544 |
Tradeweb
Markets Cl. A | |
| 51,167 | | |
| 6,698,784 |
Victory
Capital Holdings | |
| 30,918 | | |
| 2,023,892 |
Virtu
Financial Cl. A | |
| 65,000 | | |
| 2,319,200 |
| |
| | | |
| 149,645,494 |
CONSUMER FINANCE –
1.2% | |
| | | |
| |
Bread
Financial Holdings 1 | |
| 123,697 | | |
| 7,552,939 |
Encore
Capital Group 1,2,3 | |
| 25,000 | | |
| 1,194,250 |
Enova
International 3 | |
| 55,322 | | |
| 5,304,273 |
†FirstCash
Holdings | |
| 61,403 | | |
| 6,361,351 |
PRA
Group 3 | |
| 98,876 | | |
| 2,065,520 |
PROG
Holdings | |
| 30,865 | | |
| 1,304,355 |
World
Acceptance 3 | |
| 7,896 | | |
| 887,826 |
| |
| | | |
| 24,670,514 |
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE
AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
2024 Annual
Report to Stockholders | 45 |
Royce
Small-Cap Trust
Schedule
of Investments (continued)
| |
SHARES | | |
VALUE |
| |
| | |
|
FINANCIALS
(continued) | |
| | | |
| |
FINANCIAL SERVICES –
1.9% | |
| | | |
| |
Banco
Latinoamericano de Comercio | |
| | | |
| |
Exterior
Cl. E | |
| 103,446 | | |
$ | 3,679,574 |
Burford
Capital | |
| 175,000 | | |
| 2,231,250 |
†Cantaloupe
3 | |
| 72,000 | | |
| 684,720 |
Compass
Diversified Holdings 1,2 | |
| 99,872 | | |
| 2,305,046 |
ECN
Capital | |
| 888,800 | | |
| 1,953,882 |
EVERTEC | |
| 3,284 | | |
| 113,397 |
†Jackson
Financial | |
| 9,318 | | |
| 811,411 |
†Merchants
Bancorp | |
| 92,746 | | |
| 3,382,447 |
†NCR
Atleos 3 | |
| 37,137 | | |
| 1,259,687 |
NewtekOne | |
| 314,894 | | |
| 4,021,196 |
NMI
Holdings 3 | |
| 135,771 | | |
| 4,990,942 |
†Payoneer
Global 3 | |
| 250,578 | | |
| 2,515,803 |
Radian
Group | |
| 88,108 | | |
| 2,794,786 |
Repay
Holdings Cl. A 3 | |
| 145,000 | | |
| 1,106,350 |
Shift4
Payments Cl. A 3 | |
| 50,000 | | |
| 5,189,000 |
WEX
3 | |
| 5,470 | | |
| 959,000 |
| |
| | | |
| 37,998,491 |
INSURANCE – 6.9% | |
| | | |
| |
†Abacus
Life 3 | |
| 315,431 | | |
| 2,469,825 |
Ambac
Financial Group 3 | |
| 72,934 | | |
| 922,615 |
AMERISAFE | |
| 36,243 | | |
| 1,867,964 |
Assured
Guaranty | |
| 329,587 | | |
| 29,666,126 |
Axis
Capital Holdings | |
| 75,304 | | |
| 6,673,441 |
Berkley
(W.R.) | |
| 110,054 | | |
| 6,440,360 |
E-L
Financial | |
| 21,650 | | |
| 19,956,346 |
Employers
Holdings | |
| 38,535 | | |
| 1,974,148 |
Erie
Indemnity Cl. A | |
| 22,600 | | |
| 9,316,398 |
Genworth
Financial 3 | |
| 166,127 | | |
| 1,161,228 |
Hagerty
Cl. A 3 | |
| 485,700 | | |
| 4,687,005 |
†HCI
Group | |
| 8,722 | | |
| 1,016,375 |
International
General Insurance Holdings | |
| 614,732 | | |
| 14,606,032 |
†Lincoln
National | |
| 40,287 | | |
| 1,277,501 |
Mercury
General | |
| 7,563 | | |
| 502,788 |
ProAssurance
Corporation 1,2,3 | |
| 298,600 | | |
| 4,750,726 |
RenaissanceRe
Holdings | |
| 27,941 | | |
| 6,952,000 |
RLI
Corp. 1 | |
| 36,363 | | |
| 5,993,713 |
SiriusPoint 3 | |
| 169,251 | | |
| 2,774,024 |
Skyward
Specialty Insurance Group 3 | |
| 27,473 | | |
| 1,388,486 |
White
Mountains Insurance Group | |
| 6,706 | | |
| 13,043,572 |
| |
| | | |
| 137,440,673 |
Total
(Cost $311,598,743) | |
| | | |
| 434,858,888 |
| |
| | | |
| |
HEALTH
CARE – 9.4% | |
| | | |
| |
BIOTECHNOLOGY – 1.8% | |
| | | |
| |
†ADMA
Biologics 3 | |
| 225,193 | | |
| 3,862,060 |
†Alkermes
3 | |
| 54,431 | | |
| 1,565,435 |
†Alvotech
3 | |
| 27,000 | | |
| 357,210 |
†ARS
Pharmaceuticals 3 | |
| 121,627 | | |
| 1,283,165 |
†BridgeBio
Pharma 3 | |
| 77,429 | | |
| 2,124,652 |
CareDx 3 | |
| 22,000 | | |
| 471,020 |
Catalyst
Pharmaceuticals 3 | |
| 502,126 | | |
| 10,479,370 |
Dynavax
Technologies 3 | |
| 88,800 | | |
| 1,133,976 |
Halozyme
Therapeutics 3 | |
| 66,320 | | |
| 3,170,759 |
†Insmed
3 | |
| 48,062 | | |
| 3,318,200 |
Ironwood
Pharmaceuticals Cl. A 3 | |
| 709,188 | | |
| 3,141,703 |
†Protagonist
Therapeutics 3 | |
| 5,157 | | |
| 199,060 |
PureTech
Health 3,4 | |
| 120,000 | | |
| 224,916 |
United
Therapeutics 3 | |
| 10,000 | | |
| 3,528,400 |
†Viking
Therapeutics 3 | |
| 40,266 | | |
| 1,620,304 |
| |
| | | |
| 36,480,230 |
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT
& SUPPLIES – 3.3% | |
| | | |
| |
Alphatec
Holdings 3 | |
| 239,739 | | |
| 2,200,804 |
Embecta
Corp. | |
| 47,716 | | |
| 985,335 |
Enovis
Corporation 3 | |
| 510,611 | | |
| 22,405,611 |
†Envista
Holdings 3 | |
| 121,983 | | |
| 2,353,052 |
Haemonetics
Corporation 1,3 | |
| 247,590 | | |
| 19,331,827 |
Integer
Holdings 1,2,3 | |
| 45,700 | | |
| 6,056,164 |
Lantheus
Holdings 3 | |
| 19,932 | | |
| 1,783,117 |
†Omnicell
3 | |
| 16,037 | | |
| 713,967 |
OraSure
Technologies 3 | |
| 53,410 | | |
| 192,810 |
TransMedics
Group 3 | |
| 150,000 | | |
| 9,352,500 |
Varex
Imaging 3 | |
| 37,500 | | |
| 547,125 |
| |
| | | |
| 65,922,312 |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
& SERVICES – 0.6% | |
| | | |
| |
Addus
HomeCare 1,3 | |
| 7,567 | | |
| 948,523 |
AMN
Healthcare Services 1,2,3 | |
| 17,412 | | |
| 416,495 |
†Astrana
Health 3 | |
| 11,940 | | |
| 376,468 |
†Concentra
Group Holdings Parent | |
| 77,388 | | |
| 1,530,735 |
CorVel
Corporation 3 | |
| 2,880 | | |
| 320,429 |
Hims
& Hers Health Cl. A 3 | |
| 32,000 | | |
| 773,760 |
Owens
& Minor 3 | |
| 77,993 | | |
| 1,019,369 |
†PACS
Group 3 | |
| 128,954 | | |
| 1,690,587 |
Pediatrix
Medical Group 3 | |
| 193,506 | | |
| 2,538,799 |
Premier
Cl. A | |
| 8,846 | | |
| 187,535 |
†Progyny
3 | |
| 19,639 | | |
| 338,773 |
Select
Medical Holdings | |
| 95,900 | | |
| 1,807,715 |
†Surgery
Partners 3 | |
| 13,037 | | |
| 275,993 |
†Talkspace
3 | |
| 92,260 | | |
| 285,083 |
| |
| | | |
| 12,510,264 |
HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY
– 0.2% | |
| | | |
| |
Simulations
Plus 1 | |
| 87,548 | | |
| 2,441,714 |
Veradigm
3,4 | |
| 217,435 | | |
| 2,065,632 |
| |
| | | |
| 4,507,346 |
LIFE SCIENCES TOOLS &
SERVICES – 2.2% | |
| | | |
| |
Azenta 1,3 | |
| 219,100 | | |
| 10,955,000 |
BioLife
Solutions 3 | |
| 124,138 | | |
| 3,222,623 |
Bio-Techne 1 | |
| 130,411 | | |
| 9,393,504 |
Maravai
LifeSciences Holdings Cl. A 3 | |
| 328,252 | | |
| 1,788,973 |
Mesa
Laboratories 1,2 | |
| 93,595 | | |
| 12,342,373 |
Stevanato
Group | |
| 234,767 | | |
| 5,115,573 |
| |
| | | |
| 42,818,046 |
PHARMACEUTICALS – 1.3% | |
| | | |
| |
Amphastar
Pharmaceuticals 3 | |
| 6,630 | | |
| 246,172 |
†Axsome
Therapeutics 3 | |
| 8,500 | | |
| 719,185 |
Collegium
Pharmaceutical 3 | |
| 42,878 | | |
| 1,228,455 |
Corcept
Therapeutics 3 | |
| 276,300 | | |
| 13,922,757 |
Harmony
Biosciences Holdings 1,2,3 | |
| 78,385 | | |
| 2,697,228 |
†Harrow
3 | |
| 7,500 | | |
| 251,625 |
Innoviva 3 | |
| 51,935 | | |
| 901,072 |
Intra-Cellular
Therapies 3 | |
| 10,000 | | |
| 835,200 |
Ligand
Pharmaceuticals 3 | |
| 1,568 | | |
| 168,011 |
†Organon
& Co | |
| 36,287 | | |
| 541,402 |
Prestige
Consumer Healthcare 3 | |
| 56,300 | | |
| 4,396,467 |
46 |
2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE ACCOMPANYING
NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
December
31, 2024
Schedule
of Investments (continued)
| |
SHARES | | |
VALUE |
HEALTH
CARE (continued) | |
| | | |
| |
PHARMACEUTICALS
(continued) | |
| | | |
| |
Supernus
Pharmaceuticals 3 | |
| 9,624 | | |
$ | 348,004 |
| |
| | | |
| 26,255,578 |
Total
(Cost $176,281,988) | |
| | | |
| 188,493,776 |
| |
| | | |
| |
INDUSTRIALS
– 23.7% | |
| | | |
| |
AEROSPACE
& DEFENSE – 0.9% | |
| | | |
| |
AeroVironment
3 | |
| 2,000 | | |
| 307,780 |
†Kratos
Defense & Security Solutions 3 | |
| 143,481 | | |
| 3,785,029 |
Leonardo
DRS 3 | |
| 204,774 | | |
| 6,616,248 |
Magellan
Aerospace | |
| 943,092 | | |
| 6,606,794 |
National
Presto Industries | |
| 4,379 | | |
| 430,981 |
| |
| | | |
| 17,746,832 |
AIR
FREIGHT & LOGISTICS – 0.3% | |
| | | |
| |
Forward
Air 1,3 | |
| 78,333 | | |
| 2,526,239 |
Hub
Group Cl. A | |
| 54,165 | | |
| 2,413,593 |
| |
| | | |
| 4,939,832 |
BUILDING
PRODUCTS – 1.7% | |
| | | |
| |
American
Woodmark 3 | |
| 10,031 | | |
| 797,766 |
Apogee
Enterprises | |
| 27,316 | | |
| 1,950,636 |
AZZ
1 | |
| 20,000 | | |
| 1,638,400 |
Carlisle
Companies | |
| 6,830 | | |
| 2,519,177 |
CSW
Industrials | |
| 41,355 | | |
| 14,590,044 |
Gibraltar
Industries 3 | |
| 25,320 | | |
| 1,491,348 |
Insteel
Industries | |
| 13,432 | | |
| 362,798 |
Janus
International Group 3 | |
| 350,678 | | |
| 2,577,483 |
†MasterBrand
3 | |
| 126,914 | | |
| 1,854,214 |
Quanex
Building Products | |
| 29,587 | | |
| 717,189 |
Resideo
Technologies 3 | |
| 20,988 | | |
| 483,773 |
Simpson
Manufacturing 1 | |
| 14,900 | | |
| 2,470,867 |
UFP
Industries | |
| 29,374 | | |
| 3,308,981 |
| |
| | | |
| 34,762,676 |
COMMERCIAL
SERVICES & SUPPLIES – 2.1% | |
| | | |
| |
ACV
Auctions Cl. A 3 | |
| 97,800 | | |
| 2,112,480 |
Brady
Corporation Cl. A 1 | |
| 271,792 | | |
| 20,071,839 |
CompX
International Cl. A 1 | |
| 183,197 | | |
| 4,790,602 |
Healthcare
Services Group 3 | |
| 389,372 | | |
| 4,522,556 |
HNI
Corporation | |
| 7,774 | | |
| 391,576 |
Liquidity
Services 3 | |
| 27,837 | | |
| 898,857 |
Montrose
Environmental Group 3 | |
| 36,355 | | |
| 674,385 |
RB
Global 1 | |
| 40,437 | | |
| 3,647,822 |
UniFirst
Corporation | |
| 10,100 | | |
| 1,728,009 |
†Vestis
Corporation | |
| 129,942 | | |
| 1,980,316 |
VSE
Corporation | |
| 3,250 | | |
| 309,075 |
| |
| | | |
| 41,127,517 |
CONSTRUCTION
& ENGINEERING – 4.5% | |
| | | |
| |
APi
Group 1,2,3 | |
| 492,120 | | |
| 17,701,556 |
Arcosa
1 | |
| 197,407 | | |
| 19,097,153 |
Comfort
Systems USA 1 | |
| 845 | | |
| 358,331 |
EMCOR
Group | |
| 1,300 | | |
| 590,070 |
IES
Holdings 1,3 | |
| 135,872 | | |
| 27,304,837 |
†Limbach
Holdings 3 | |
| 32,017 | | |
| 2,738,734 |
MasTec
3 | |
| 78,980 | | |
| 10,752,337 |
Sterling
Infrastructure 3 | |
| 15,670 | | |
| 2,639,612 |
Valmont
Industries 1 | |
| 30,432 | | |
| 9,332,582 |
| |
| | | |
| 90,515,212 |
ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT – 2.0% | |
| | | |
| |
Atkore | |
| 59,974 | | |
| 5,004,830 |
LSI
Industries | |
| 496,657 | | |
| 9,645,079 |
†Nextracker
Cl. A 3 | |
| 89,327 | | |
| 3,263,115 |
Powell
Industries | |
| 60,343 | | |
| 13,375,026 |
Preformed
Line Products | |
| 32,816 | | |
| 4,193,557 |
Vertiv
Holdings Cl. A | |
| 45,379 | | |
| 5,155,508 |
| |
| | | |
| 40,637,115 |
GROUND
TRANSPORTATION – 0.5% | |
| | | |
| |
Hertz
Global Holdings 3 | |
| 239,496 | | |
| 876,555 |
Landstar
System 1 | |
| 52,586 | | |
| 9,037,430 |
| |
| | | |
| 9,913,985 |
MACHINERY
– 5.4% | |
| | | |
| |
Atmus
Filtration Technologies | |
| 212,284 | | |
| 8,317,287 |
ATS
Corporation 3 | |
| 14,000 | | |
| 426,978 |
Enpro | |
| 40,557 | | |
| 6,994,055 |
ESAB
Corporation 1 | |
| 137,267 | | |
| 16,463,804 |
ESCO
Technologies 1 | |
| 59,877 | | |
| 7,976,215 |
Franklin
Electric | |
| 3,973 | | |
| 387,169 |
Helios
Technologies 1 | |
| 44,900 | | |
| 2,004,336 |
JBT
Marel 1 | |
| 119,357 | | |
| 15,170,275 |
Kadant
1 | |
| 29,601 | | |
| 10,212,049 |
Lincoln
Electric Holdings 1 | |
| 3,984 | | |
| 746,881 |
Lindsay
Corporation 1 | |
| 63,313 | | |
| 7,490,561 |
Miller
Industries | |
| 52,164 | | |
| 3,409,439 |
Mueller
Industries 1 | |
| 24,879 | | |
| 1,974,397 |
RBC
Bearings 3 | |
| 5,200 | | |
| 1,555,528 |
Standex
International | |
| 7,560 | | |
| 1,413,644 |
Tennant
Company 1 | |
| 80,500 | | |
| 6,563,165 |
Timken
Company (The) | |
| 68,051 | | |
| 4,856,800 |
Titan
International 3 | |
| 72,015 | | |
| 488,982 |
Wabash
National | |
| 64,256 | | |
| 1,100,705 |
Watts
Water Technologies Cl. A 1 | |
| 46,400 | | |
| 9,433,120 |
| |
| | | |
| 106,985,390 |
MARINE
TRANSPORTATION – 0.2% | |
| | | |
| |
Kirby
Corporation 3 | |
| 33,694 | | |
| 3,564,825 |
Matson | |
| 1,910 | | |
| 257,544 |
| |
| | | |
| 3,822,369 |
PASSENGER
AIRLINES – 0.1% | |
| | | |
| |
†SkyWest
3 | |
| 18,664 | | |
| 1,868,826 |
Sun
Country Airlines Holdings 3 | |
| 22,044 | | |
| 321,402 |
| |
| | | |
| 2,190,228 |
PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES – 2.3% | |
| | | |
| |
†Amentum
Holdings 3 | |
| 22,500 | | |
| 473,175 |
CBIZ
1,3 | |
| 108,915 | | |
| 8,912,515 |
CSG
Systems International | |
| 7,045 | | |
| 360,070 |
Dun
& Bradstreet Holdings | |
| 311,126 | | |
| 3,876,630 |
Exponent | |
| 23,900 | | |
| 2,129,490 |
Forrester
Research 1,2,3 | |
| 416,105 | | |
| 6,520,365 |
Heidrick
& Struggles International | |
| 19,748 | | |
| 875,034 |
Jacobs
Solutions 1 | |
| 22,500 | | |
| 3,006,450 |
KBR
1 | |
| 139,154 | | |
| 8,061,191 |
Korn
Ferry 1 | |
| 124,145 | | |
| 8,373,580 |
Paylocity
Holding 3 | |
| 3,000 | | |
| 598,410 |
Resources
Connection | |
| 66,283 | | |
| 565,394 |
Robert
Half | |
| 11,685 | | |
| 823,325 |
†Verra
Mobility Cl. A 3 | |
| 49,620 | | |
| 1,199,812 |
| |
| | | |
| 45,775,441 |
TRADING
COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS – 3.7% | |
| | | |
| |
Air
Lease Cl. A 1 | |
| 436,795 | | |
| 21,057,887 |
Applied
Industrial Technologies | |
| 23,836 | | |
| 5,708,007 |
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE
AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
2024 Annual
Report to Stockholders | 47 |
Royce
Small-Cap Trust
Schedule
of Investments (continued)
| |
SHARES | | |
VALUE |
| |
| | |
|
INDUSTRIALS
(continued) | |
| | | |
| |
TRADING
COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS (continued) | |
| | | |
| |
Boise
Cascade 1 | |
| 8,331 | | |
$ | 990,223 |
Distribution
Solutions Group 3 | |
| 96,456 | | |
| 3,318,086 |
DNOW 3 | |
| 75,996 | | |
| 988,708 |
FTAI
Aviation | |
| 100,618 | | |
| 14,493,017 |
GMS 3 | |
| 6,826 | | |
| 579,049 |
MSC
Industrial Direct Cl. A | |
| 61,317 | | |
| 4,579,767 |
†Teqnion
3,4 | |
| 191,300 | | |
| 2,857,818 |
Transcat
3 | |
| 160,728 | | |
| 16,995,379 |
†WESCO
International | |
| 14,990 | | |
| 2,712,590 |
| |
| | | |
| 74,280,531 |
Total
(Cost $285,746,430) | |
| | | |
| 472,697,128 |
| |
| | | |
| |
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY–16.8% | |
| | | |
| |
COMMUNICATIONS
EQUIPMENT – 0.7% | |
| | | |
| |
†Ciena
Corporation 3 | |
| 63,205 | | |
| 5,360,416 |
Digi
International 3 | |
| 64,057 | | |
| 1,936,443 |
Extreme
Networks 3 | |
| 98,165 | | |
| 1,643,282 |
Harmonic 3 | |
| 260,843 | | |
| 3,450,953 |
NetScout
Systems 3 | |
| 56,948 | | |
| 1,233,494 |
| |
| | | |
| 13,624,588 |
ELECTRONIC
EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS – 7.5% | |
| | | |
| |
Badger
Meter | |
| 4,481 | | |
| 950,510 |
Bel
Fuse Cl. B | |
| 34,676 | | |
| 2,859,730 |
Benchmark
Electronics | |
| 33,923 | | |
| 1,540,104 |
Cognex
Corporation 1 | |
| 342,696 | | |
| 12,289,079 |
Coherent
Corp. 1,2,3 | |
| 78,861 | | |
| 7,470,502 |
Crane
NXT | |
| 162,257 | | |
| 9,446,603 |
CTS
Corporation 1,2 | |
| 29,048 | | |
| 1,531,701 |
ePlus 3 | |
| 20,776 | | |
| 1,534,931 |
Fabrinet 1,3 | |
| 23,849 | | |
| 5,243,918 |
FARO
Technologies 1,2,3 | |
| 228,848 | | |
| 5,803,585 |
Insight
Enterprises 3 | |
| 12,021 | | |
| 1,828,394 |
IPG
Photonics 3 | |
| 51,100 | | |
| 3,715,992 |
†Knowles
Corporation 3 | |
| 67,141 | | |
| 1,338,120 |
Littelfuse 1 | |
| 34,070 | | |
| 8,028,595 |
Luna
Innovations 3 | |
| 657,869 | | |
| 1,420,997 |
Mirion
Technologies Cl. A 3 | |
| 253,000 | | |
| 4,414,850 |
NAPCO
Security Technologies | |
| 168,430 | | |
| 5,989,371 |
PAR
Technology 1,2,3 | |
| 389,239 | | |
| 28,285,998 |
PC
Connection | |
| 28,878 | | |
| 2,000,379 |
Plexus 3 | |
| 2,652 | | |
| 414,985 |
Richardson
Electronics | |
| 433,407 | | |
| 6,080,700 |
Rogers
Corporation 1,3 | |
| 100,924 | | |
| 10,254,888 |
Sanmina
Corporation 3 | |
| 70,124 | | |
| 5,306,283 |
ScanSource 3 | |
| 21,545 | | |
| 1,022,310 |
Teledyne
Technologies 3 | |
| 9,660 | | |
| 4,483,496 |
TTM
Technologies 1,2,3 | |
| 341,192 | | |
| 8,444,502 |
Vishay
Intertechnology | |
| 25,900 | | |
| 438,746 |
Vontier
Corporation | |
| 223,144 | | |
| 8,138,062 |
| |
| | | |
| 150,277,331 |
IT
SERVICES – 1.2% | |
| | | |
| |
†DXC
Technology 3 | |
| 114,931 | | |
| 2,296,321 |
Hackett
Group (The) 1 | |
| 392,058 | | |
| 12,044,022 |
Kyndryl
Holdings 3 | |
| 289,529 | | |
| 10,017,704 |
| |
| | | |
| 24,358,047 |
SEMICONDUCTORS
& SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT – 5.4% | |
| | | |
| |
Axcelis
Technologies 3 | |
| 58,678 | | |
| 4,099,832 |
Camtek | |
| 60,199 | | |
| 4,862,273 |
Cirrus
Logic 1,3 | |
| 84,328 | | |
| 8,397,382 |
Cohu 1,2,3 | |
| 155,038 | | |
| 4,139,515 |
Diodes 1,2,3 | |
| 79,173 | | |
| 4,882,599 |
FormFactor 3 | |
| 267,791 | | |
| 11,782,804 |
Impinj
1,2,3 | |
| 144,114 | | |
| 20,934,000 |
Kulicke
& Soffa Industries 1 | |
| 107,092 | | |
| 4,996,913 |
MaxLinear 3 | |
| 41,310 | | |
| 817,112 |
MKS
Instruments | |
| 75,791 | | |
| 7,911,823 |
Nova 3 | |
| 23,713 | | |
| 4,670,275 |
Onto
Innovation 1,2,3 | |
| 57,596 | | |
| 9,599,525 |
PDF
Solutions 3 | |
| 12,000 | | |
| 324,960 |
Penguin
Solutions 3 | |
| 30,126 | | |
| 578,118 |
Photronics 3 | |
| 248,033 | | |
| 5,843,657 |
Rambus 3 | |
| 64,651 | | |
| 3,417,452 |
Semtech
Corporation 3 | |
| 7,500 | | |
| 463,875 |
Silicon
Laboratories 3 | |
| 4,000 | | |
| 496,880 |
Silicon
Motion Technology ADR | |
| 1,596 | | |
| 86,264 |
SiTime
Corporation 3 | |
| 11,023 | | |
| 2,364,764 |
Synaptics 3 | |
| 14,316 | | |
| 1,092,597 |
Ultra
Clean Holdings 3 | |
| 168,361 | | |
| 6,052,578 |
| |
| | | |
| 107,815,198 |
SOFTWARE – 2.0% | |
| | | |
| |
Adeia 1 | |
| 172,775 | | |
| 2,415,395 |
Agilysys 1,2,3 | |
| 68,187 | | |
| 8,980,910 |
Alkami
Technology 1,3 | |
| 61,449 | | |
| 2,253,949 |
†Blend
Labs Cl. A 3 | |
| 120,000 | | |
| 505,200 |
†Clearwater
Analytics Holdings Cl. A 3 | |
| 13,000 | | |
| 357,760 |
Computer
Modelling Group | |
| 614,611 | | |
| 4,553,624 |
Consensus
Cloud Solutions 1,2,3 | |
| 45,599 | | |
| 1,087,992 |
†Coveo
Solutions 3 | |
| 151,000 | | |
| 670,201 |
†CyberArk
Software 3 | |
| 1,900 | | |
| 632,985 |
Descartes
Systems Group (The) 3 | |
| 8,500 | | |
| 965,600 |
InterDigital 1 | |
| 11,173 | | |
| 2,164,434 |
JFrog 3 | |
| 217,500 | | |
| 6,396,675 |
NCR
Voyix 3 | |
| 34,618 | | |
| 479,113 |
†NextNav
3 | |
| 28,000 | | |
| 435,680 |
Progress
Software | |
| 52,529 | | |
| 3,422,264 |
PROS
Holdings 3 | |
| 46,664 | | |
| 1,024,741 |
Sapiens
International | |
| 151,351 | | |
| 4,066,801 |
| |
| | | |
| 40,413,324 |
TECHNOLOGY
HARDWARE, STORAGE & PERIPHERALS – 0.0% | |
| | | |
| |
†Xerox
Holdings | |
| 36,854 | | |
| 310,679 |
Total
(Cost $260,850,534) | |
| | | |
| 336,799,167 |
| |
| | | |
| |
MATERIALS –
6.5% | |
| | | |
| |
CHEMICALS – 3.5% | |
| | | |
| |
AdvanSix 1 | |
| 4,685 | | |
| 133,476 |
Aspen
Aerogels 3 | |
| 118,727 | | |
| 1,410,477 |
Element
Solutions 1 | |
| 554,565 | | |
| 14,102,588 |
Hawkins 1 | |
| 105,691 | | |
| 12,965,115 |
Ingevity
Corporation 3 | |
| 236,012 | | |
| 9,617,489 |
Innospec 1 | |
| 117,315 | | |
| 12,911,689 |
NewMarket
Corporation | |
| 8,000 | | |
| 4,226,800 |
Quaker
Houghton | |
| 108,089 | | |
| 15,214,607 |
| |
| | | |
| 70,582,241 |
CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS - 0.1% | |
| | | |
| |
†Knife
River 3 | |
| 6,300 | | |
| 640,332 |
| |
| | | |
| |
48 |
2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE ACCOMPANYING
NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
December
31, 2024
Schedule
of Investments (continued)
| |
SHARES | | |
VALUE |
| |
| | | |
| |
MATERIALS
(continued) | |
| | | |
| |
CONTAINERS
& PACKAGING – 0.2% | |
| | | |
| |
Sealed
Air | |
| 14,598 | | |
$ | 493,850 |
Silgan
Holdings | |
| 52,391 | | |
| 2,726,952 |
| |
| | | |
| 3,220,802 |
METALS
& MINING – 2.1% | |
| | | |
| |
Alamos
Gold Cl. A | |
| 945,406 | | |
| 17,442,114 |
†Alpha
Metallurgical Resources 3 | |
| 2,287 | | |
| 457,674 |
†Arch
Resources | |
| 14,875 | | |
| 2,100,648 |
Gold
Fields ADR | |
| 536,500 | | |
| 7,081,800 |
IAMGOLD
Corporation 3 | |
| 500,000 | | |
| 2,580,000 |
Major
Drilling Group International 3 | |
| 1,496,691 | | |
| 8,548,355 |
Materion
Corporation | |
| 25,000 | | |
| 2,472,000 |
Metallus
3 | |
| 56,120 | | |
| 792,976 |
Olympic
Steel | |
| 29,494 | | |
| 967,698 |
Warrior
Met Coal | |
| 2,949 | | |
| 159,954 |
| |
| | | |
| 42,603,219 |
PAPER
& FOREST PRODUCTS – 0.6% | |
| | | |
| |
Clearwater
Paper 3 | |
| 36,477 | | |
| 1,085,920 |
Louisiana-Pacific | |
| 32,272 | | |
| 3,341,766 |
Stella-Jones | |
| 100,486 | | |
| 4,976,589 |
Sylvamo
Corporation 1 | |
| 35,191 | | |
| 2,780,793 |
| |
| | | |
| 12,185,068 |
Total
(Cost $80,792,590) | |
| | | |
| 129,231,662 |
| |
| | | |
| |
REAL
ESTATE – 3.2% | |
| | | |
| |
DIVERSIFIED
REITS – 0.0% | |
| | | |
| |
New
York REIT 3,5 | |
| 15,000 | | |
| 163,200 |
REAL
ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT – 3.2% | |
| | | |
| |
Colliers
International Group | |
| 59,511 | | |
| 8,091,711 |
FirstService
Corporation | |
| 90,772 | | |
| 16,431,547 |
FRP
Holdings 1,3 | |
| 108,661 | | |
| 3,328,286 |
Kennedy-Wilson
Holdings 1 | |
| 1,437,381 | | |
| 14,359,436 |
Marcus
& Millichap 1 | |
| 363,583 | | |
| 13,910,686 |
St.
Joe Company (The) 1 | |
| 78,800 | | |
| 3,540,484 |
Tejon
Ranch 1,2,3 | |
| 313,818 | | |
| 4,989,706 |
| |
| | | |
| 64,651,856 |
Total
(Cost $49,755,699) | |
| | | |
| 64,815,056 |
| |
| | | |
| |
UTILITIES
– 0.2% | |
| | | |
| |
ELECTRIC
UTILITIES – 0.2% | |
| | | |
| |
†MGE
Energy | |
| 16,281 | | |
| 1,529,763 |
Otter
Tail | |
| 28,555 | | |
| 2,108,501 |
| |
| | | |
| 3,638,264 |
GAS
UTILITIES – 0.0% | |
| | | |
| |
Chesapeake
Utilities | |
| 4,708 | | |
| 571,316 |
Total
(Cost $4,134,702) | |
| | | |
| 4,209,580 |
| |
| | | |
| |
TOTAL
COMMON STOCKS | |
| | | |
| |
(Cost
$1,445,561,997) | |
| | | |
| 1,962,293,865 |
| |
| | | |
| |
INVESTMENT
COMPANIES – 0.6% | |
| | | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| |
MATERIALS
– 0.6% | |
| | | |
| |
METALS
& MINING – 0.6% | |
| | | |
| |
VanEck
Junior Gold Miners ETF | |
| 293,758 | | |
| 12,558,154 |
Total
(Cost $10,332,361) | |
| | | |
| 12,558,154 |
| |
| | | |
| |
INVESTMENTS
AT VALUE | |
| | | |
| |
(Cost
$1,455,894,358) | |
| | | |
| 1,974,852,019 |
| |
| | | |
| |
REPURCHASE
AGREEMENT– 3.0% | |
| | | |
| |
Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, 3.75% dated 12/31/24, due 1/2/25, maturity value
$59,304,143 (collateralized by obligations of U.S. Government Agencies, 3.625%
due 3/31/30, valued at $60,477,722) |
(Cost
$59,291,791) | |
| | | |
| 59,291,791 |
| |
| | | |
| |
TOTAL
INVESTMENTS – 101.8% | |
| | | |
| |
(Cost
$1,515,186,149) | |
| | | |
| 2,034,143,810 |
| |
| | | |
| |
LIABILITIES
LESS CASH AND OTHER ASSETS – (1.8)% | |
| | | |
| (35,686,789) |
| |
| | | |
| |
NET
ASSETS – 100.0% | |
| | | |
$ | 1,998,457,021 |
For
the purposes of this report, “ADR” shall mean American Depository Receipt and “ETF” shall mean Exchange-Traded
Fund.
| 1 | All
or a portion of these securities were pledged as collateral in connection with the Fund's
revolving credit agreement as of December 31, 2024. Total market value of pledged securities
as of December 31, 2024, was $70,156,761. |
| 2 | As
of December 31, 2024, a portion of these securities, in the aggregate amount of $33,376,278,
were rehypothecated by BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International, Limited in connection
with the Fund's revolving credit agreement. See Notes to Financial Statements. |
| 4 | These
securities are defined as Level 2 securities due to fair value being based on quoted
prices for similar securities and/or due to the application of fair value factors. See
Notes to Financial Statements. |
| 5 | A
security for which market quotations are not readily available represents 0.0% of net
assets. This security has been valued at its fair value under procedures approved by
the Fund's Board of Directors. This security is defined as a Level 3 security due to
the use of significant unobservable inputs in the determination of fair value. See Notes
to Financial Statements. |
Bold
indicates the Fund’s 20 largest equity holdings in terms of December 31, 2024, market value.
TAX
INFORMATION: The cost of total investments for Federal income tax purposes was $1,533,891,158. As of December 31, 2024, net
unrealized appreciation for all securities was $500,252,652 consisting of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation of $618,304,599
and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation of $118,051,947. The primary causes of the difference between book and tax basis cost
are the timing of the recognition of losses on securities sold, investments in publicly traded partnerships, investments in Real
Estate Investment Trusts and mark-to-market of Passive Foreign Investment Companies.
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE
AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
2024 Annual
Report to Stockholders | 49 |
Royce Small-Cap Trust |
December 31, 2024 |
Statement
of Assets and Liabilities
ASSETS: | |
| |
Investments at value | |
$ | 1,974,852,019 | |
Repurchase agreements (at cost
and value) | |
| 59,291,791 | |
Cash | |
| 2,383 | |
Foreign currency (cost $96,145) | |
| 95,997 | |
Receivable for investments sold | |
| 615,966 | |
Receivable for dividends and
interest | |
| 945,793 | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | |
| 489,714 | |
Total Assets | |
| 2,036,293,663 | |
LIABILITIES: | |
| | |
Revolving credit agreement | |
| 35,000,000 | |
Payable for investments purchased | |
| 651,026 | |
Payable for investment advisory
fee | |
| 1,658,282 | |
Payable for directors’ fees | |
| 45,758 | |
Payable for interest expense | |
| 171,286 | |
Accrued expenses | |
| 310,290 | |
Total Liabilities | |
| 37,836,642 | |
Net Assets | |
$ | 1,998,457,021 | |
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS: | |
| | |
Paid-in capital - $0.001 par value per share; 117,623,696
shares outstanding (150,000,000 shares authorized) | |
$ | 1,470,983,226 | |
Total distributable earnings
(loss) | |
| 527,473,795 | |
Net Assets (net asset value per share - $16.99) | |
$ | 1,998,457,021 | |
Investments at identified cost | |
$ | 1,455,894,358 | |
50 |
2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE
ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Royce Small-Cap Trust |
Year Ended December 31, 2024 |
Statement
of Operations
INVESTMENT INCOME: | |
| |
INCOME: | |
| |
Dividends | |
$ | 21,765,219 | |
Foreign withholding tax | |
| (508,969 | ) |
Interest | |
| 2,342,845 | |
Rehypothecation income | |
| 283 | |
Total income | |
| 23,599,378 | |
EXPENSES: | |
| | |
Investment advisory fees | |
| 20,365,455 | |
Interest expense | |
| 2,255,867 | |
Administrative and office facilities | |
| 881,634 | |
Stockholder reports | |
| 384,253 | |
Professional fees | |
| 272,754 | |
Custody and transfer agent fees | |
| 230,562 | |
Directors’ fees | |
| 188,159 | |
Other expenses | |
| 198,714 | |
Total expenses | |
| 24,777,398 | |
Net investment income (loss) | |
| (1,178,020 | ) |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY: | |
| | |
NET REALIZED GAIN (LOSS): | |
| | |
Investments | |
| 165,738,411 | |
Foreign currency transactions | |
| (17,671 | ) |
NET CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION): | |
| | |
Investments | |
| 55,138,411 | |
Other assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currency | |
| 323 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and foreign currency | |
| 220,859,474 | |
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS | |
$ | 219,681,454 | |
THE ACCOMPANYING
NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 51 |
Royce
Small-Cap Trust
Statement
of Changes in Net Assets
| |
YEAR ENDED 12/31/24 | | |
YEAR ENDED 12/31/23 | |
| |
| | |
| |
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | |
| | | |
| | |
Net investment income
(loss) | |
$ | (1,178,020 | ) | |
$ | (1,838,039 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency | |
| 165,720,740 | | |
| 115,048,691 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency | |
| 55,138,734 | | |
| 216,427,271 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
investment operations | |
| 219,681,454 | | |
| 329,637,923 | |
DISTRIBUTIONS: | |
| | | |
| | |
Total distributable earnings | |
| (146,122,985 | ) | |
| (119,069,508 | ) |
Total distributions | |
| (146,122,985 | ) | |
| (119,069,508 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS: | |
| | | |
| | |
Reinvestment of distributions | |
| 60,920,152 | | |
| 48,230,613 | |
Total capital stock transactions | |
| 60,920,152 | | |
| 48,230,613 | |
Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets | |
| 134,478,621 | | |
| 258,799,028 | |
NET ASSETS: | |
| | | |
| | |
Beginning of year | |
| 1,863,978,400 | | |
| 1,605,179,372 | |
End of year | |
$ | 1,998,457,021 | | |
$ | 1,863,978,400 | |
52 |
2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE
ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Royce Small-Cap Trust |
Year Ended December 31, 2024 |
Statement
of Cash Flows
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |
| |
Net increase (decrease)
in net assets from investment operations | |
$ | 219,681,454 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net
increase (decrease) in net assets from investment operations to net cash provided by operating activities: | |
| | |
Purchases
of long-term investments | |
| (775,390,923 | ) |
Proceeds
from sales and maturities of long-term investments | |
| 862,469,441 | |
Net purchases,
sales and maturities of short-term investments | |
| (467,114 | ) |
Net (increase)
decrease in dividends and interest receivable and other assets | |
| 175,111 | |
Net increase
(decrease) in interest expense payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | |
| (373,025 | ) |
Net change
in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | |
| (55,138,411 | ) |
Net realized
gain (loss) on investments | |
| (165,738,411 | ) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | |
| 85,218,122 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |
| | |
Distributions net of reinvestment
(reinvestment $60,920,152) | |
| (85,202,833 | ) |
Decrease in payable to custodian
for cash overdrawn and foreign currency | |
| (841 | ) |
Net cash used for financing activities | |
| (85,203,674 | ) |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH: | |
| 14,448 | |
Cash and foreign currency at beginning of
year | |
| 83,932 | |
Cash and foreign currency at end of year | |
$ | 98,380 | |
Supplemental
disclosure of cash flow information:
For
the year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund paid $2,281,087 in interest expense.
THE ACCOMPANYING
NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 53 |
Royce
Small-Cap Trust
Financial
Highlights
This
table is presented to show selected data for a share of Common Stock outstanding throughout each period, and to assist stockholders
in evaluating the Fund's performance for the periods presented.
| |
YEARS ENDED |
| |
12/31/24 | |
12/31/23 | |
12/31/22 | |
12/31/21 | |
12/31/20 |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | |
$ | 16.42 | | |
$ | 14.60 | | |
$ | 20.29 | | |
$ | 18.52 | | |
$ | 16.58 | |
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net investment income (loss) | |
| 0.00 | | |
| (0.01 | ) | |
| 0.06 | | |
| 0.04 | 1 | |
| 0.03 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments and foreign currency | |
| 1.91 | | |
| 2.96 | | |
| (4.40 | ) | |
| 3.46 | | |
| 3.02 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
investment operations | |
| 1.91 | | |
| 2.95 | | |
| (4.34 | ) | |
| 3.50 | | |
| 3.05 | |
DISTRIBUTIONS: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net investment income | |
| (0.14 | ) | |
| – | | |
| (0.12 | ) | |
| (0.02 | ) | |
| (0.09 | ) |
Net realized gain on investments
and foreign currency | |
| (1.13 | ) | |
| (1.07 | ) | |
| (1.01 | ) | |
| (1.65 | ) | |
| (0.95 | ) |
Return of capital | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| (0.19 | ) | |
| – | | |
| – | |
Total distributions | |
| (1.27 | ) | |
| (1.07 | ) | |
| (1.32 | ) | |
| (1.67 | ) | |
| (1.04 | ) |
CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Effect of reinvestment of distributions
by Common Stockholders | |
| (0.07 | ) | |
| (0.06 | ) | |
| (0.03 | ) | |
| (0.06 | ) | |
| (0.07 | ) |
Total capital
stock transactions | |
| (0.07 | ) | |
| (0.06 | ) | |
| (0.03 | ) | |
| (0.06 | ) | |
| (0.07 | ) |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | |
$ | 16.99 | | |
$ | 16.42 | | |
$ | 14.60 | | |
$ | 20.29 | | |
$ | 18.52 | |
Market Value, End of Period | |
$ | 15.80 | | |
$ | 14.56 | | |
$ | 13.26 | | |
$ | 19.59 | | |
$ | 16.14 | |
TOTAL
RETURN:2 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net Asset Value | |
| 12.64 | % | |
| 21.71 | % | |
| (21.29 | )% | |
| 19.97 | % | |
| 21.85 | % |
Market Value | |
| 18.13 | % | |
| 18.83 | % | |
| (25.96 | )% | |
| 32.91 | % | |
| 19.20 | % |
RATIOS BASED ON AVERAGE NET ASSETS: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Investment
advisory fee expense3 | |
| 1.04 | % | |
| 1.17 | % | |
| 0.74 | % | |
| 1.02 | % | |
| 1.15 | % |
Other operating expenses | |
| 0.23 | % | |
| 0.24 | % | |
| 0.23 | % | |
| 0.13 | % | |
| 0.19 | % |
Total expenses (net) | |
| 1.27 | % | |
| 1.41 | % | |
| 0.97 | % | |
| 1.15 | % | |
| 1.34 | % |
Expenses excluding interest expense | |
| 1.15 | % | |
| 1.29 | % | |
| 0.86 | % | |
| 1.11 | % | |
| 1.26 | % |
Expenses prior to balance credits | |
| 1.27 | % | |
| 1.41 | % | |
| 0.97 | % | |
| 1.15 | % | |
| 1.34 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | |
| (0.06 | )% | |
| (0.11 | )% | |
| 0.39 | % | |
| 0.21 | %1 | |
| 0.16 | % |
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net Assets, End of Period (in
thousands) | |
$ | 1,998,457 | | |
$ | 1,863,978 | | |
$ | 1,605,179 | | |
$ | 2,149,870 | | |
$ | 1,888,606 | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | |
| 40 | % | |
| 67 | % | |
| 60 | % | |
| 44 | % | |
| 36 | % |
REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Asset coverage | |
| 5810 | % | |
| 5426 | % | |
| 4686 | % | |
| 3171 | % | |
| 2798 | % |
Asset coverage per $1,000 | |
$ | 58,099 | | |
$ | 54,257 | | |
$ | 46,862 | | |
$ | 31,712 | | |
$ | 27,980 | |
| 1 | A
special distribution from ECN Capital resulted in an increase in net investment income
(loss) per share of $0.05 and an increase in the ratio of net investment income (loss)
to average net assets of 0.26%. |
| 2 | The
Market Value Total Return is calculated assuming a purchase of Common Stock on the opening
of the first business day and a sale on the closing of the last business day of each
period. Dividends and distributions are assumed for the purposes of this calculation
to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's Distribution Reinvestment and Cash
Purchase Plan. Net Asset Value Total Return is calculated on the same basis, except that
the Fund's net asset value is used on the purchase, sale and dividend reinvestment dates
instead of market value. |
| 3 | The
investment advisory fee is calculated based on average net assets over a rolling 60-month
basis, while the above ratios of investment advisory fee expenses are based on the average
net assets over a 12-month basis. |
54 |
2024 Annual Report to Stockholders |
THE
ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Royce
Small-Cap Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements
Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies:
Royce
Small-Cap Trust, Inc. (formerly Royce Value Trust, Inc.) (the “Fund”), is a diversified closed-end investment company
that was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on July 1, 1986. The Fund commenced operations on November 26, 1986.
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The
Fund is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) and accordingly
follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting
Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services-Investment Companies.”
Royce
& Associates, LP, the Fund’s investment adviser, is a majority-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. and primarily
conducts business using the name Royce Investment Partners (“Royce”).
VALUATION
OF INVESTMENTS:
Portfolio
securities held by the Fund are valued as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally
4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on the valuation date. Investments in money market funds are valued at net asset value per share. Values
for non-U.S. dollar denominated equity securities are converted to U.S. dollars daily based upon prevailing foreign currency exchange
rates as quoted by a major bank.
Portfolio
securities that are listed on an exchange or Nasdaq, or traded on OTC Market Group Inc.’s OTC Link ATS or other alternative
trading system, are valued: (i) on the basis of their last reported sales prices or official closing prices, as applicable, on
a valuation date; or (ii) at their highest reported bid prices in the event such equity securities did not trade on a valuation
date. Such inputs are generally referred to as “Level 1” inputs because they represent reliable quoted prices in active
markets for identical securities.
If
the value of a portfolio security held by the Fund cannot be determined solely by reference to Level 1 inputs, such portfolio
security will be “fair valued.” The Fund’s Board of Directors has designated Royce as valuation designee to
perform fair value determinations for such portfolio securities in accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”).
Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, fair values are determined in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors
and policies and procedures adopted by Royce in its capacity as valuation designee for the Fund. Fair valued securities are reported
as either “Level 2” or “Level 3” securities.
As
a general principle, the fair value of a security is the amount which the Fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security
upon its current sale. However, in light of the judgment involved in fair valuations, no assurance can be given that a fair value
assigned to a particular portfolio security will be the amount which the Fund might be able to receive upon its current sale.
When a fair value pricing methodology is used, the fair value prices used by the Fund for such securities will likely differ from
the quoted or published prices for the same securities.
Level
2 inputs are other significant observable inputs (e.g., dealer bid side quotes and quoted prices for securities with comparable
characteristics). Examples of situations in which Level 2 inputs are used to fair value portfolio securities held by the Fund
on a particular valuation date include:
| ● | Over-the-counter
equity securities other than those traded on OTC Market Group Inc.’s OTC Link ATS
or other alternative trading system (collectively referred to herein as “Other
OTC Equity Securities”) are fair valued at their highest bid price when Royce receives
at least two bid side quotes from dealers who make markets in such securities; |
| ● | Certain
bonds and other fixed income securities may be fair valued by reference to other securities
with comparable ratings, interest rates, and maturities in accordance with valuation
methodologies maintained by certain independent pricing services; and |
| ● | The
Fund uses an independent pricing service to fair value certain non-U.S. equity securities
when U.S. market volatility exceeds a certain threshold set by Royce as valuation designee.
This pricing service uses proprietary correlations it has developed between the movement
of prices of non-U.S. equity securities and indices of U.S.-traded securities, futures contracts,
and other indications to estimate the fair value of such non-U.S. securities. |
Level
3 inputs are significant unobservable inputs. Examples of Level 3 inputs include (without limitation) the last trade price for
a security before trading was suspended or terminated; discounts to last trade price for lack of marketability or otherwise; market
price information regarding other securities; information received from the issuer and/or published documents, including SEC filings
and financial statements; and other publicly available information. Pursuant to the above-referenced policies and procedures,
Royce may use
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 55
Royce
Small-Cap Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements (continued)
VALUATION
OF INVESTMENTS (continued):
various
techniques in making fair value determinations based upon Level 3 inputs, which techniques may include (without limitation): (i)
workout valuation methods (e.g., earnings multiples, discounted cash flows, liquidation values, derivations of book value, firm
or probable offers from qualified buyers for the issuer’s ongoing business, etc.); (ii) discount or premium from market,
or compilation of other observable market information, for other similar freely traded securities; (iii) conversion from the readily
available market price of a security into which an affected security is convertible or exchangeable; and (iv) pricing models or
other formulas.
A
security that is valued by reference to Level 1 or Level 2 inputs may drop to Level 3 on a particular valuation date for several
reasons, including if:
| ● | an
equity security that is listed on an exchange or Nasdaq, or traded on OTC Market Group
Inc.’s OTC Link ATS or other alternative trading system, has not traded and there
are no bids; |
| ● | Royce
does not receive at least two bid side quotes for an Other OTC Equity Security; |
| ● | the
independent pricing services are unable to supply fair value prices; or |
| ● | the
Level 1 or Level 2 inputs become otherwise unreliable for any reason (e.g., a significant
event occurs after the close of trading for a security but prior to the time the Fund
prices its shares). |
The
table below shows the aggregate value of the various Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 securities held by the Fund as of December
31, 2024. Any Level 2 or Level 3 securities held by the Fund are noted in its Schedule of Investments. The inputs or methodology
used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with owning those securities.
| |
LEVEL 1 | | |
LEVEL 2 | | |
LEVEL 3 | | |
TOTAL | |
Common
Stocks | |
$1,954,417,017 | | |
$
7,713,648 | | |
$163,200 | | |
$1,962,293,865 | |
Investment
Companies | |
12,558,154 | | |
– | | |
– | | |
12,558,154 | |
Repurchase Agreement | |
– | | |
59,291,791 | | |
– | | |
59,291,791 | |
Level
3 Reconciliation:
|
|
|
|
|
NET
CHANGE IN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UNREALIZED
GAIN (LOSS) 1 |
|
|
|
BALANCE
AS OF |
|
|
REALIZED
GAIN (LOSS) 1 |
CURRENTLY
HELD |
SECURITIES
NO |
BALANCE
AS OF |
|
|
12/31/23 |
PURCHASES |
SALES |
SECURITIES |
LONGER
HELD |
12/31/24 |
|
Common
Stocks |
$995,360 |
$
– |
$1,040,200 |
$(308,284) |
$0 |
$516,324 |
$163,200 |
|
| 1 | The
net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included in the accompanying
Statement of Operations. Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) includes net
unrealized appreciation (depreciation) resulting from changes in investment values during
the reporting period and the reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) when gains or losses are realized. Net realized gain (loss) from investments
and foreign currency transactions is included in the accompanying Statement of Operations. |
REPURCHASE
AGREEMENTS:
The
Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that the Fund’s investment adviser has determined are creditworthy.
The Fund restricts repurchase agreements to maturities of no more than seven days. Securities pledged as collateral for repurchase
agreements, which are held until maturity of the repurchase agreements, are marked-to-market daily and maintained at a value at
least equal to the principal amount of the repurchase agreement (including accrued interest). Repurchase agreements could involve
certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the counter-party, including possible delays or restrictions upon the ability
of the Fund to dispose of its underlying securities. The remaining contractual maturity of the repurchase agreement held by the
Fund as of December 31, 2024, is next business day and continuous.
FOREIGN
CURRENCY:
Net
realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales and maturities of short-term securities, sales of foreign currencies,
expiration of currency forward contracts, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities
transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s
books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses
arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at the end of the reporting period,
as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
The
Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on investments
from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized
and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
For
the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, the Fund defines Cash as cash, including foreign currency.
56
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
Royce
Small-Cap Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements (continued)
TAXES:
As
a qualified regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund is not subject to income taxes
to the extent that it distributes substantially all of its taxable income for its fiscal year. The Schedule of Investments includes
information regarding income taxes under the caption “Tax Information.”
DISTRIBUTIONS:
The
Fund pays quarterly distributions on the Fund’s Common Stock at the annual rate of 7% of the rolling average of the prior
four calendar quarter-end NAVs of the Fund’s Common Stock, with the fourth quarter distribution being the greater of 1.75%
of the rolling average or the distribution required by IRS regulations. Distributions to Common Stockholders are recorded on ex-dividend
date. To the extent that distributions in any year are not paid from long-term capital gains, net investment income or net short-term
capital gains, they will represent a return of capital. Distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations
that may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Permanent book and tax differences
relating to stockholder distributions will result in reclassifications within the capital accounts. Undistributed net investment
income may include temporary book and tax basis differences, which will reverse in a subsequent period. Any taxable income or
gain remaining undistributed at fiscal year end is distributed in the following year.
INVESTMENT
TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED INVESTMENT INCOME:
Investment
transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except for certain dividends
from securities where the dividend rate is not available. In such cases, the dividend is recorded as soon as the information is
received by the Fund. Non-cash dividend income is recorded at the fair market value of the securities received. Interest income
is recorded on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized using the effective yield-to-maturity
method. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are determined on the basis of identified cost for book and tax
purposes.
CASH
INCLUDING FOREIGN CURRENCIES:
Cash,
including foreign currencies, consists of deposits maintained at State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Fund’s Custodian
(in such capacity, the “Custodian”), and through the Custodian’s global sub-custodian network. Accordingly, the Fund’s
risk for the possible insolvency loss of a cash deposit lies with the Custodian or the relevant sub-custodian bank. Fund cash
deposits maintained at the Custodian or through a particular sub-custodian bank may be significant, and may, at times, exceed
U.S. or other applicable insurance limits.
EXPENSES:
The
Fund incurs direct and indirect expenses. Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged to the Fund, while expenses applicable
to more than one of the Royce Funds are allocated equitably. Certain personnel, occupancy costs and other administrative expenses
related to all of the Royce Funds are allocated by Royce under an administration agreement and are included in administrative
and office facilities and professional fees.
INDEMNIFICATION
PROVISIONS:
Reference
is made to Maryland law, the Fund’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended and supplemented, and the Fund’s Amended
and Restated By-laws, each of which provides for the indemnification by the Fund of the Fund’s officers and directors under
the circumstances and to the extent set forth therein. Reference is also made to the investment advisory agreement between the
Fund and Royce which provides for the indemnification by the Fund of Royce under the circumstances and to the extent set forth
therein. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general
indemnification provisions in favor of such service providers and other covered persons. The amount of any potential Fund liability
under these indemnification arrangements, if any, currently cannot be determined with any degree of specificity. The Fund is not
currently in possession of any information that would cause it to believe that the Fund is reasonably likely to be subject to
any material adverse impact from the operation of these indemnification arrangements. No assurance can be given, however, that
the Fund will not incur any liability from the operation of these indemnification arrangements. Any future liability to the Fund
that may arise from the operation of such arrangements will be disclosed to the extent required by relevant accounting guidance
and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Capital
Stock:
The
Fund issued 4,114,483 and 3,593,871 shares of Common Stock as reinvestment of distributions for the years ended December 31, 2024,
and December 31, 2023, respectively.
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 57
Royce
Small-Cap Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements (continued)
Borrowings:
The
Fund is party to a revolving credit agreement (the “credit agreement”) with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International,
Limited (BNPPI). The Fund pays a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum on the unused portion of the then-current maximum amount that
may be borrowed by the Fund under the credit agreement. The credit agreement has a 179-day rolling term that resets daily. The
Fund pledges eligible portfolio securities as collateral and has granted a security interest in such pledged securities to, and
in favor of, BNPPI as security for the loan balance outstanding. The amount of eligible portfolio securities required to be pledged
as collateral is determined by BNPPI in accordance with the credit agreement. In determining collateral requirements, the value
of eligible securities pledged as collateral is subject to discount by BNPPI based upon a variety of factors set forth in the
credit agreement. As of December 31, 2024, the market value of eligible securities pledged as collateral exceeded two times the
loan balance outstanding.
If
the Fund fails to meet certain requirements, or comply with other financial covenants set forth in the credit agreement, the Fund
may be required to repay immediately, in part or in full, the loan balance outstanding under the credit agreement, which may necessitate
the sale of portfolio securities at potentially inopportune times. BNPPI may terminate the credit agreement upon certain ratings
downgrades of its corporate parent, which would result in the Fund’s entire loan balance becoming immediately due and payable.
The occurrence of such ratings downgrades may necessitate the sale of portfolio securities at potentially inopportune times. BNPPI
may also terminate the credit agreement upon sixty (60) calendar days’ prior written notice to the Fund in the event the
Fund’s net asset value per share as of the close of business on the last business day of any calendar month declines by
thirty-five percent (35%) or more from the Fund’s net asset value per share as of the close of business on the last business
day of the immediately preceding calendar month.
The
credit agreement also permits, subject to certain conditions, BNPPI to rehypothecate portfolio securities pledged by the Fund
up to the amount of the loan balance outstanding. The Fund continues to receive payments in lieu of dividends and interest on
rehypothecated securities. The Fund also has the right under the credit agreement to recall the rehypothecated securities from
BNPPI on demand. If BNPPI fails to deliver the recalled security in a timely manner, the Fund is compensated by BNPPI for any
fees or losses related to the failed delivery or, in the event a recalled security is not returned by BNPPI, the Fund, upon notice
to BNPPI, may reduce the loan balance outstanding by the value of the recalled security failed to be returned. The Fund receives
a portion of the fees earned by BNPPI in connection with the rehypothecation of portfolio securities.
As
of December 31, 2024, the Fund had outstanding borrowings of $35,000,000. The Fund has the right to reduce the maximum amount
it can borrow under the credit agreement upon one (1) business day’s prior written notice to BNPPI. The maximum amount the
Fund may borrow under the credit agreement was reduced to $0 as of January 31, 2025. In addition, the Fund and BNPPI may agree
to increase the maximum amount the Fund can borrow under the credit agreement, which amount may not exceed $150,000,000.
During
the year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund had an average daily loan balance of $35,000,000 at a weighted average borrowing cost
of 6.34%. The maximum loan balance outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2024, was $35,000,000. As of December 31, 2024,
the aggregate value of rehypothecated securities was $33,376,278. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund earned $283
in fees from rehypothecated securities.
Investment
Advisory Agreement:
As
compensation for its services under the investment advisory agreement, Royce receives a fee comprised of a Basic Fee (“Basic
Fee”) and an adjustment to the Basic Fee based on the investment performance of the Fund in relation to the investment record
of the S&P SmallCap 600 Index (“S&P 600”). The fee is payable monthly.
The
Basic Fee is a monthly fee equal to 1/12 of 1% (1% on an annualized basis) of the average of the Fund’s month-end net assets
for the rolling 60-month period ending with such month (the “performance period”). The Basic Fee for each month is increased
or decreased at the rate of 1/12 of .05% for each percentage point that the investment performance of the Fund exceeds, or is
exceeded by, the percentage change in the investment record of the S&P 600 for the performance period by more than two percentage
points. The performance period for each such month is a rolling 60-month period ending with such month. The maximum increase or
decrease in the Basic Fee for any month may not exceed 1/12 of .5%. Accordingly, for each month, the maximum monthly fee rate
as adjusted for performance is 1/12 of 1.5% and is payable if the investment performance of the Fund exceeds the percentage change
in the investment record of the S&P 600 by 12 or more percentage points for the performance period, and the minimum monthly
fee rate as adjusted for performance is 1/12 of .5% and is payable if the percentage change in the investment record of the S&P
600 exceeds the investment performance of the Fund by 12 or more percentage points for the performance period.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Royce is not entitled to receive any fee for any month when the investment performance of the Fund for the rolling
36-month period ending with such month is negative. In the event that the Fund’s investment performance for such a performance
period is less than zero, Royce will not be required to refund to the Fund any fee earned in respect of any prior performance
period.
58
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
Royce
Small-Cap Trust
Notes
to Financial Statements (continued)
Investment
Advisory Agreement (continued):
For
the twelve rolling 60-month periods in 2024, the Fund’s investment performance ranged from 4% above to 11% above the investment
performance of the S&P 600. Accordingly, the net investment advisory fee consisted of a Basic Fee of $16,198,339 and a net
upward adjustment of $4,167,116 for the performance of the Fund relative to that of the S&P 600. For the year ended December
31, 2024, the Fund expensed Royce investment advisory fees totaling $20,365,455.
Purchases
and Sales of Investment Securities:
For
the year ended December 31, 2024, the costs of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, other than short-term
securities, amounted to $771,403,962 and $841,049,707, respectively.
Cross
trades were executed by the Fund pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio
securities between funds to which Royce or an affiliate of Franklin Resources, Inc. serves as investment adviser. The Fund’s
Chief Compliance Officer reviews such transactions each quarter for compliance with the requirements and restrictions set forth
by Rule 17a-7, and reports the results of that review to the Board of Directors. Cross trades for the year ended December 31,
2024, were as follows:
COSTS
OF PURCHASES |
PROCEEDS
FROM SALES |
REALIZED
GAIN (LOSS) |
$2,165,163 |
$372,299 |
$(667,890) |
Tax
Information:
Distributions
during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were characterized as follows for tax purposes:
ORDINARY
INCOME |
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS |
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
$29,913,265 |
$15,316,939 |
$116,209,720 |
$103,752,569 |
The
tax basis components of distributable earnings as of December 31, 2024, were as follows:
|
|
|
QUALIFIED
LATE YEAR |
|
|
|
NET
UNREALIZED |
ORDINARY
AND |
TOTAL |
UNDISTRIBUTED |
UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM |
APPRECIATION |
POST-OCTOBER
LOSS |
DISTRIBUTABLE |
ORDINARY
INCOME |
CAPITAL
GAINS |
(DEPRECIATION)1 |
DEFERRALS2 |
EARNINGS |
$4,200,299 |
$23,032,909 |
$500,252,377 |
$(11,790) |
$527,473,795 |
| 1 | Includes
timing differences on foreign currency, recognition of losses on securities sold, investments
in Real Estate Investment Trusts, investments in publicly traded partnerships and mark-to-market
of Passive Foreign Investment Companies. |
| 2 | Under
the current tax law, capital losses and qualified late year ordinary losses incurred
after October 31 may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following
fiscal year. |
For
financial reporting purposes, capital accounts and distributions to stockholders are adjusted to reflect the tax character of
permanent book/tax differences. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund had no reclassifications.
Management
has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (2021-2024) and has concluded
that as of December 31, 2024, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.
Segment
Reporting:
The
Fund has adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-07, Segment Reporting
(Topic 280) - Improvements to Segment Reporting Disclosures (the “Update”). The Update is limited to disclosure requirements
and does not impact the Fund’s financial position or results of operations.
The
Fund operates as a single operating segment, which is a segregated investment portfolio. Royce, in its capacity as investment
manager, functions as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) for the Fund for purposes of the Update, evaluating its results
and performance based upon its specific investment strategy and other relevant facts and circumstances. The CODM uses these measures
to assess Fund performance and allocate resources effectively, subject to compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements
and oversight from its Board of Directors. Internal reporting provided to the CODM aligns with the accounting policies and measurement
principles used in the financial statements.
For
information regarding segment assets, segment profit or loss, and significant expenses, refer to the Statement of Assets and Liabilities
and the Statement of Operations, along with the related notes to the financial statements. The Schedule of Investments provides
details of the Fund’s investments that generate returns such as interest, dividends, and realized and unrealized gains or losses.
Performance metrics, including portfolio turnover and expense ratios, are disclosed in the Financial Highlights.
Subsequent
Events:
Subsequent
events have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued and it has been determined that no events have
occurred that require disclosure.
2024
Annual Report to Stockholders | 59
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To
the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Royce Small-Cap Trust, Inc.:
Opinion
on the Financial Statements
We
have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Royce Small-Cap Trust,
Inc. (the “Fund”) as of December 31, 2024, the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year ended December
31, 2024, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, including the
related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2024 (collectively referred
to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of the Fund as of December 31, 2024, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then
ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024 and the financial highlights
for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2024 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America.
Basis
for Opinion
These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S.
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We
conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that
we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement,
whether due to error or fraud.
Our
audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to
error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence
regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2024 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers;
when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP
New
York, New York
February
21, 2025
We
have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds since 1948.
60
| 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
History
Since Inception (unaudited)
The following table
details the share accumulations by an initial investor in the Funds who reinvested all distributions and participated fully in
primary subscriptions for each of the rights offerings. Full participation in distribution reinvestments and rights offerings
can maximize the returns available to a long-term investor. This table should be read in conjunction with the Performance and
Portfolio Reviews of the Funds.
HISTORY | |
| |
AMOUNT INVESTED | | |
PURCHASE PRICE 1 | | |
SHARES | | |
NAV VALUE 2 | | |
MARKET VALUE 2 | |
Royce Global Trust | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| | | |
| | |
10/17/13 | |
Initial Purchase | |
$ | 8,975 | | |
$ | 8.975 | | |
1,000 | | |
$ | 9,780 | | |
$ | 8,975 | |
12/11/14 | |
Distribution $0.15 | |
| | | |
| 7.970 | | |
19 | | |
| 9,426 | | |
| 8,193 | |
12/10/15 | |
Distribution $0.10 | |
| | | |
| 7.230 | | |
14 | | |
| 9,101 | | |
| 7,696 | |
12/9/16 | |
Distribution $0.14 | |
| | | |
| 7.940 | | |
18 | | |
| 10,111 | | |
| 8,446 | |
12/12/17 | |
Distribution $0.11 | |
| | | |
| 10.610 | | |
11 | | |
| 13,254 | | |
| 11,484 | |
12/12/18 | |
Distribution $0.04 | |
| | | |
| 8.500 | | |
5 | | |
| 11,118 | | |
| 9,475 | |
12/11/19 | |
Distribution $0.06 | |
| | | |
| 10.670 | | |
6 | | |
| 14,593 | | |
| 12,543 | |
12/17/20 | |
Distribution $1.19 | |
| | | |
| 13.441 | | |
95 | | |
| 17,462 | | |
| 15,604 | |
12/10/21 | |
Distribution $2.75 | |
| | | |
| 12.498 | | |
257 | | |
| 20,321 | | |
| 18,696 | |
12/9/22 | |
Distribution $0.133 | |
| | | |
| 8.821 | | |
21 | | |
| 14,822 | | |
| 12,508 | |
12/8/23 | |
Distribution $0.15 | |
| | | |
| 9.430 | | |
23 | | |
| 17,217 | | |
| 14,323 | |
12/12/24 | |
Distribution $0.47 | |
| | | |
| 10.671 | | |
65 | | |
| | | |
| | |
12/31/24 | |
| |
$ | 8,975 | | |
| | | |
1,534 | | |
$ | 19,252 | | |
$ | 16,447 | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| | | |
| | |
Royce Micro-Cap Trust | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| | | |
| | |
12/14/93 | |
Initial Purchase | |
$ | 7,500 | | |
$ | 7.500 | | |
1,000 | | |
$ | 7,250 | | |
$ | 7,500 | |
10/28/94 | |
Rights Offering | |
| 1,400 | | |
| 7.000 | | |
200 | | |
| | | |
| | |
12/19/94 | |
Distribution $0.05 | |
| | | |
| 6.750 | | |
9 | | |
| 9,163 | | |
| 8,462 | |
12/7/95 | |
Distribution $0.36 | |
| | | |
| 7.500 | | |
58 | | |
| 11,264 | | |
| 10,136 | |
12/6/96 | |
Distribution $0.80 | |
| | | |
| 7.625 | | |
133 | | |
| 13,132 | | |
| 11,550 | |
12/5/97 | |
Distribution $1.00 | |
| | | |
| 10.000 | | |
140 | | |
| 16,694 | | |
| 15,593 | |
12/7/98 | |
Distribution $0.29 | |
| | | |
| 8.625 | | |
52 | | |
| 16,016 | | |
| 14,129 | |
12/6/99 | |
Distribution $0.27 | |
| | | |
| 8.781 | | |
49 | | |
| 18,051 | | |
| 14,769 | |
12/6/00 | |
Distribution $1.72 | |
| | | |
| 8.469 | | |
333 | | |
| 20,016 | | |
| 17,026 | |
12/6/01 | |
Distribution $0.57 | |
| | | |
| 9.880 | | |
114 | | |
| 24,701 | | |
| 21,924 | |
2002 | |
Annual distribution total $0.80 | |
| | | |
| 9.518 | | |
180 | | |
| 21,297 | | |
| 19,142 | |
2003 | |
Annual distribution total $0.92 | |
| | | |
| 10.004 | | |
217 | | |
| 33,125 | | |
| 31,311 | |
2004 | |
Annual distribution total $1.33 | |
| | | |
| 13.350 | | |
257 | | |
| 39,320 | | |
| 41,788 | |
2005 | |
Annual distribution total $1.85 | |
| | | |
| 13.848 | | |
383 | | |
| 41,969 | | |
| 45,500 | |
2006 | |
Annual distribution total $1.55 | |
| | | |
| 14.246 | | |
354 | | |
| 51,385 | | |
| 57,647 | |
2007 | |
Annual distribution total $1.35 | |
| | | |
| 13.584 | | |
357 | | |
| 51,709 | | |
| 45,802 | |
2008 | |
Annual distribution total $1.193 | |
| | | |
| 8.237 | | |
578 | | |
| 28,205 | | |
| 24,807 | |
3/11/09 | |
Distribution $0.223 | |
| | | |
| 4.260 | | |
228 | | |
| 41,314 | | |
| 34,212 | |
12/2/10 | |
Distribution $0.08 | |
| | | |
| 9.400 | | |
40 | | |
| 53,094 | | |
| 45,884 | |
2011 | |
Annual distribution total $0.533 | |
| | | |
| 8.773 | | |
289 | | |
| 49,014 | | |
| 43,596 | |
2012 | |
Annual distribution total $0.51 | |
| | | |
| 9.084 | | |
285 | | |
| 57,501 | | |
| 49,669 | |
2013 | |
Annual distribution total $1.38 | |
| | | |
| 11.864 | | |
630 | | |
| 83,110 | | |
| 74,222 | |
2014 | |
Annual distribution total $2.90 | |
| | | |
| 10.513 | | |
1,704 | | |
| 86,071 | | |
| 76,507 | |
2015 | |
Annual distribution total $1.26 | |
| | | |
| 7.974 | | |
1,256 | | |
| 75,987 | | |
| 64,222 | |
2016 | |
Annual distribution total $0.64 | |
| | | |
| 7.513 | | |
779 | | |
| 92,689 | | |
| 78,540 | |
2017 | |
Annual distribution total $0.69 | |
| | | |
| 8.746 | | |
783 | | |
| 109,076 | | |
| 98,254 | |
2018 | |
Annual distribution total $0.75 | |
| | | |
| 8.993 | | |
893 | | |
| 96,398 | | |
| 83,853 | |
2019 | |
Annual distribution total $0.68 | |
| | | |
| 8.297 | | |
955 | | |
| 118,025 | | |
| 104,666 | |
2020 | |
Annual distribution total $0.61 | |
| | | |
| 6.944 | | |
1,120 | | |
| 128,811 | | |
| 135,365 | |
2021 | |
Annual distribution total $0.84 | |
| | | |
| 11.377 | | |
1,014 | | |
| 187,933 | | |
| 166,205 | |
2022 | |
Annual distribution total $0.953 | |
| | | |
| 8.887 | | |
1,598 | | |
| 156,203 | | |
| 138,776 | |
2023 | |
Annual distribution total $0.74 | |
| | | |
| 8.648 | | |
1,413 | | |
| 182,188 | | |
| 160,785 | |
2024 | |
Annual distribution total $0.74 | |
| | | |
| 9.307 | | |
1,426 | | |
| | | |
| | |
12/31/24 | |
| |
$ | 8,900 | | |
| | | |
18,827 | | |
$ | 206,720 | | |
$ | 183,563 | |
1 The
purchase price used for annual distribution totals is a weighted average of the distribution reinvestment prices for the year.
2 Values
are stated as of December 31 of the year indicated, after reinvestment of distributions, other than for initial purchase.
3 Includes
a return of capital.
This
page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders | 61
History
Since Inception (unaudited) (continued)
HISTORY | |
| |
AMOUNT INVESTED | | |
PURCHASE PRICE 1 | | |
SHARES | | |
NAV VALUE2 | | |
MARKET VALUE2 | |
Royce Small-Cap Trust | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| | | |
| | |
11/26/86 | |
Initial Purchase | |
$ | 10,000 | | |
$ | 10.000 | | |
1,000 | | |
$ | 9,280 | | |
$ | 10,000 | |
10/15/87 | |
Distribution $0.30 | |
| | | |
| 7.000 | | |
42 | | |
| | | |
| | |
12/31/87 | |
Distribution $0.22 | |
| | | |
| 7.125 | | |
32 | | |
| 8,578 | | |
| 7,250 | |
12/27/88 | |
Distribution $0.51 | |
| | | |
| 8.625 | | |
63 | | |
| 10,529 | | |
| 9,238 | |
9/22/89 | |
Rights Offering | |
| 405 | | |
| 9.000 | | |
45 | | |
| | | |
| | |
12/29/89 | |
Distribution $0.52 | |
| | | |
| 9.125 | | |
67 | | |
| 12,942 | | |
| 11,866 | |
9/24/90 | |
Rights Offering | |
| 457 | | |
| 7.375 | | |
62 | | |
| | | |
| | |
12/31/90 | |
Distribution $0.32 | |
| | | |
| 8.000 | | |
52 | | |
| 11,713 | | |
| 11,074 | |
9/23/91 | |
Rights Offering | |
| 638 | | |
| 9.375 | | |
68 | | |
| | | |
| | |
12/31/91 | |
Distribution $0.61 | |
| | | |
| 10.625 | | |
82 | | |
| 17,919 | | |
| 15,697 | |
9/25/92 | |
Rights Offering | |
| 825 | | |
| 11.000 | | |
75 | | |
| | | |
| | |
12/31/92 | |
Distribution $0.90 | |
| | | |
| 12.500 | | |
114 | | |
| 21,999 | | |
| 20,874 | |
9/27/93 | |
Rights Offering | |
| 1,469 | | |
| 13.000 | | |
113 | | |
| | | |
| | |
12/31/93 | |
Distribution $1.15 | |
| | | |
| 13.000 | | |
160 | | |
| 26,603 | | |
| 25,428 | |
10/28/94 | |
Rights Offering | |
| 1,103 | | |
| 11.250 | | |
98 | | |
| | | |
| | |
12/19/94 | |
Distribution $1.05 | |
| | | |
| 11.375 | | |
191 | | |
| 27,939 | | |
| 24,905 | |
11/3/95 | |
Rights Offering | |
| 1,425 | | |
| 12.500 | | |
114 | | |
| | | |
| | |
12/7/95 | |
Distribution $1.29 | |
| | | |
| 12.125 | | |
253 | | |
| 35,676 | | |
| 31,243 | |
12/6/96 | |
Distribution $1.15 | |
| | | |
| 12.250 | | |
247 | | |
| 41,213 | | |
| 36,335 | |
1997 | |
Annual distribution total $1.21 | |
| | | |
| 15.374 | | |
230 | | |
| 52,556 | | |
| 46,814 | |
1998 | |
Annual distribution total $1.54 | |
| | | |
| 14.311 | | |
347 | | |
| 54,313 | | |
| 47,506 | |
1999 | |
Annual distribution total $1.37 | |
| | | |
| 12.616 | | |
391 | | |
| 60,653 | | |
| 50,239 | |
2000 | |
Annual distribution total $1.48 | |
| | | |
| 13.972 | | |
424 | | |
| 70,711 | | |
| 61,648 | |
2001 | |
Annual distribution total $1.49 | |
| | | |
| 15.072 | | |
437 | | |
| 81,478 | | |
| 73,994 | |
2002 | |
Annual distribution total $1.51 | |
| | | |
| 14.903 | | |
494 | | |
| 68,770 | | |
| 68,927 | |
1/28/03 | |
Rights Offering | |
| 5,600 | | |
| 10.770 | | |
520 | | |
| | | |
| | |
2003 | |
Annual distribution total $1.30 | |
| | | |
| 14.582 | | |
516 | | |
| 106,216 | | |
| 107,339 | |
2004 | |
Annual distribution total $1.55 | |
| | | |
| 17.604 | | |
568 | | |
| 128,955 | | |
| 139,094 | |
2005 | |
Annual distribution total $1.61 | |
| | | |
| 18.739 | | |
604 | | |
| 139,808 | | |
| 148,773 | |
2006 | |
Annual distribution total $1.78 | |
| | | |
| 19.696 | | |
693 | | |
| 167,063 | | |
| 179,945 | |
2007 | |
Annual distribution total $1.85 | |
| | | |
| 19.687 | | |
787 | | |
| 175,469 | | |
| 165,158 | |
2008 | |
Annual distribution total $1.723 | |
| | | |
| 12.307 | | |
1,294 | | |
| 95,415 | | |
| 85,435 | |
3/11/09 | |
Distribution $0.323 | |
| | | |
| 6.071 | | |
537 | | |
| 137,966 | | |
| 115,669 | |
12/2/10 | |
Distribution $0.03 | |
| | | |
| 13.850 | | |
23 | | |
| 179,730 | | |
| 156,203 | |
2011 | |
Annual distribution total $0.783 | |
| | | |
| 13.043 | | |
656 | | |
| 161,638 | | |
| 139,866 | |
2012 | |
Annual distribution total $0.80 | |
| | | |
| 13.063 | | |
714 | | |
| 186,540 | | |
| 162,556 | |
2013 | |
Annual distribution total $2.194 | |
| | | |
| 16.647 | | |
1,658 | | |
| 250,219 | | |
| 220,474 | |
2014 | |
Annual distribution total $1.82 | |
| | | |
| 14.840 | | |
1,757 | | |
| 252,175 | | |
| 222,516 | |
2015 | |
Annual distribution total $1.24 | |
| | | |
| 12.725 | | |
1,565 | | |
| 231,781 | | |
| 201,185 | |
2016 | |
Annual distribution total $1.02 | |
| | | |
| 12.334 | | |
1,460 | | |
| 293,880 | | |
| 248,425 | |
2017 | |
Annual distribution total $1.16 | |
| | | |
| 14.841 | | |
1,495 | | |
| 350,840 | | |
| 324,176 | |
2018 | |
Distribution through 6/30/18 $0.59 | |
| | | |
| 15.962 | | |
748 | | |
| | | |
| | |
2018 | |
Rights Offering | |
| 31,289 | | |
| 15.330 | | |
2,041 | | |
| | | |
| | |
2018 | |
Distribution after 6/30/18 $0.67 | |
| | | |
| 12.706 | | |
1,168 | | |
| 329,589 | | |
| 283,259 | |
2019 | |
Annual distribution total $1.10 | |
| | | |
| 14.100 | | |
1,929 | | |
| 429,986 | | |
| 383,045 | |
2020 | |
Annual distribution total $1.04 | |
| | | |
| 11.888 | | |
2,357 | | |
| 523,949 | | |
| 456,617 | |
2021 | |
Annual distribution total $1.67 | |
| | | |
| 18.124 | | |
2,690 | | |
| 628,604 | | |
| 609,918 | |
2022 | |
Annual distribution total $1.323 | |
| | | |
| 14.525 | | |
2,907 | | |
| 495,104 | | |
| 449,355 | |
2023 | |
Annual distribution total $1.07 | |
| | | |
| 13.427 | | |
2,784 | | |
| 602,154 | | |
| 533,944 | |
2024 | |
Annual distribution total $1.27 | |
| | | |
| 14.815 | | |
3,247 | | |
| | | |
| | |
12/31/24 | |
| |
$ | 53,211 | | |
| | | |
39,919 | | |
$ | 678,224 | | |
$ | 630,720 | |
1 The
purchase price used for annual distribution totals is a weighted average of the distribution reinvestment prices for the year.
2 Values
are stated as of December 31 of the year indicated, after reinvestment of distributions, other than for initial purchase.
3 Includes
a return of capital.
4 Includes
Royce Global Trust spin-off of $1.40 per share.
62 | This
page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
Distribution
Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Options
Why should
I reinvest my distributions?
By
reinvesting distributions, a stockholder can maintain an undiluted investment in the Fund. The regular reinvestment of distributions
has a significant impact on stockholder returns. In contrast, the stockholder who takes distributions in cash is penalized when
shares are issued below net asset value to other stockholders.
How does
the reinvestment of distributions from the Royce closed-end funds work?
The
Funds automatically issue shares in payment of distributions unless you indicate otherwise. The shares are generally issued at
the lower of the market price or net asset value on the valuation date.
How does this
apply to registered stockholders?
If
your shares are registered directly with a Fund, your distributions are automatically reinvested unless you have otherwise instructed
the Funds’ transfer agent, Computershare, in writing, in which case you will receive your distribution in cash. A registered
stockholder also may have the option to receive the distribution in the form of a stock certificate.
What if
my shares are held by a brokerage firm or a bank?
If
your shares are held by a brokerage firm, bank, or other intermediary as the stockholder of record, you should contact your brokerage
firm or bank to be certain that it is automatically reinvesting distributions on your behalf. If they are unable to reinvest distributions
on your behalf, you should have your shares registered in your name in order to participate.
What other
features are available for registered stockholders?
The
Distribution Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plans also allow registered stockholders to make optional cash purchases of shares
of a Fund’s common stock directly through Computershare on a monthly basis, and to deposit certificates representing your
RVT and RMT shares with Computershare for safekeeping. (RGT does not issue shares in certificated form). Plan participants are
subject to a $0.75 service fee for each voluntary cash purchase under the Plans. The Funds’ investment adviser absorbed
all commissions on optional cash purchases under the Plans through December 31, 2024.
How do the
Plans work for registered stockholders?
Computershare maintains the accounts for registered stockholders in the Plans and sends written confirmation of all transactions
in the account. Shares in the account of each participant will be held by Computershare in non-certificated form in the name
of the participant, and each participant will be able to vote those shares at a stockholder meeting or by proxy. A participant
may also send stock certificates for RVT and RMT held by them to Computershare to be held in non-certificated form. RGT does
not issue shares in certificated form. There is no service fee charged to participants for reinvesting distributions If a participant
elects to sell shares from a Plan account, Computershare will deduct a $2.50 service fee from the sale transaction. The Funds’
investment adviser absorbed all commissions on optional sales under the Plans through December 31, 2024. If a nominee is the
registered owner of your shares, the nominee will maintain the accounts on your behalf.
How can I
get more information on the Plans?
You
can call an Investor Services Representative at (800) 221-4268 or you can request a copy of the Plan for your Fund from Computershare.
All correspondence (including notifications) should be directed to: [Name of Fund] Distribution Reinvestment and Cash Purchase
Plan, c/o Computershare, PO Box 43078, Providence, RI 02940-3078, telephone (800) 426-5523 (from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.).
This
page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders | 63
Directors
and Officers
All Directors
and Officers may be reached c/o The Royce Funds, One Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010
Christopher
D. Clark, Director 1, President
Age:
59 | Number of Funds Overseen: 15 | Tenure: Since 2014
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years: Chief Executive Officer (since July 2016), President (since July 2014), Co-Chief Investment
Officer (since January 2014), Managing Director of Royce, a Member of the Board of Managers of Royce, having been employed by Royce
since May 2007.
Patricia
W. Chadwick, Director
Age:
76 | Number of Funds Overseen: 15 | Tenure: Since 2009
Non-Royce
Directorships: Director of Voya Mutual Funds
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years: Consultant and President, Ravengate Partners LLC (since 2000). Formerly Director, Wisconsin
Energy Corp. (until 2022).
Christopher
C. Grisanti, Director
Age:
63 | Number of Funds Overseen: 15 | Tenure: Since 2017
Non-Royce
Directorships: None
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years: Chief Equity Strategist and Senior Portfolio Manager, MAI Capital Management LLC (investment
advisory firm) (since May 2020). Formerly Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Grisanti Capital Management LLC (investment advisory
firm) (from 1999 to 2020); Director of Research and Portfolio Manager, Spears Benzak, Salomon & Farrell (from 1994 to 1999);
and Senior Associate, Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett (law firm) (from 1988 to 1994).
Cecile
B. Harper, Director
Age:
61 | Number of Funds Overseen: 15 | Tenure: Since 2020
Non-Royce
Directorships: Director of Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. (since May 2024)
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years: Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, College Foundation at the University
of Virginia (since October 2019). Formerly Board Member, Pyramid Peak Foundation (January 2012 to 2022); Board Member, Regional
One Health Foundation (from June 2013 to September 2019); and Principal, Southeastern Asset Management (from December 1993 to
September 2019).
G.
Peter O’Brien, Director
Age:
79 | Number of Funds Overseen: 64 | Tenure: Since 2001
Non-Royce
Directorships: Director/Trustee of registered investment companies constituting the 49 Legg Mason Funds.
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years: Trustee Emeritus, Colgate University (since 2005); and Emeritus Board Member, Hill House,
Inc. (since 2019). Formerly Director, TICC Capital Corp. (from 2003-2017); Trustee, Colgate University (from 1996 to 2005); President,
Hill House, Inc. (from 2001 to 2005); Board Member, Hill House, Inc. (from 1999 to 2019); Director, Bridges School (from 2006
to 2018); and Managing Director/ Equity Capital Markets Group, Merrill Lynch & Co. (from 1971 to 1999).
Julia
W. Poston, Director
Age:
64 | Number of Funds Overseen: 15 | Tenure: Since 2023
Non-Royce
Directorships: AuguStar Variable Insurance Products Fund, Inc. and The James Advantage Funds
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years: Director, Member of Nominating/Governance Committee, and Chair of Audit Committee, Al.
Neyer Corporation (since 2020); Director, Member of Governance Committee, and Chair of Audit Committee, Master Fluid Solutions
(since 2021); Trustee and Chair of Finance/Audit Committee, Cincinnati Museum Center (non-profit) (since 2015); and Director and
Founder, Cincinnati Women’s Executive Forum (non-profit) (since 2010). Formerly Senior Client Partner (2002-2020) and Assurance
Practice Group Leader for Ohio Valley Region (2014-2019), Ernst & Young, LLP (international accounting and services firm);
and Audit Partner, Arthur Andersen LLP (international accounting and services firm) (1982-2002).
Michael
K. Shields, Director
Age:
66 | Number of Funds Overseen: 15 | Tenure: Since 2015
Non-Royce
Directorships: None
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years: Chairman, UNC Charlotte Investment Fund Board (since February 2016); and Chairman, Halftime
Carolinas Board (since February 2011). Formerly President and Chief Executive Officer, Piedmont Trust Company (privately owned North
Carolina trust company) (from February 2012 to December 2023); Owner, Shields Advisors (investment consulting firm) (from April
2010 to June 2012); President and Chief Executive Officer, Eastover Capital Management (2005-2007); President and Chief Executive
Officer, Campbell, Cowperthwait & Co. (investment subsidiary of U.S. Trust Corporation) (1997-2002); and equity portfolio manager
and co- manager of Quality Growth Team, Scudder, Stevens & Clark (1992-1997).
Francis
D. Gannon, Vice President
Age:
57 | Tenure: Since 2014
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years: Co-Chief Investment Officer (since January 2014) and Managing Director of Royce, having
been employed by Royce since September 2006.
Daniel
A. O’Byrne, Vice President
Age:
62 | Tenure: Since 1994
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years: Principal and Vice President of Royce, having been employed by Royce since October 1986.
Peter
K. Hoglund, Treasurer
Age:
58 | Tenure: Since 2015
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, and Managing Director of Royce, having
been employed by Royce since December 2014. Prior to joining Royce, Mr. Hoglund spent more than 20 years with Munder Capital Management
in Birmingham, MI, serving as Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer and overseeing all financial aspects of the firm. He began
his career at Munder as a portfolio manager.
John
E. Denneen, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
Age:
57 | Tenure: 1996-2001 and Since 2002
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years: General Counsel, Managing Director, and, since June 2015, a Member of the Board of Managers
of Royce. Chief Legal and Compliance Officer and Secretary of Royce.
John
P. Schwartz, Chief Compliance Officer
Age:
53 | Tenure: Since 2022
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years: Chief Compliance Officer of The Royce Funds (since May 2022) and Associate General Counsel
and Compliance Officer of Royce (since March 2013).
1
Interested Director.
Directors
will hold office until their successors have been duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. The
Statement of Additional Information, which contains additional information about the Trust’s directors and officers, is
available and can be obtained without charge at www.royceinvest.com or by calling (800) 221-4268.
64
| This page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
Notes
to Performance and Other Important Information
The
thoughts expressed in this Review and Report concerning recent market movements and future prospects for small company
stocks are solely the opinion of Royce at December 31, 2024, and, of course, historical market trends are not necessarily indicative
of future market movements. Statements regarding the future prospects for particular securities held in the Funds’ portfolios
and Royce’s investment intentions with respect to those securities reflect Royce’s opinions as of December 31, 2024
and are subject to change at any time without notice. There can be no assurance that securities mentioned in this Review and
Report will be included in any Royce-managed portfolio in the future. Investments in securities of micro-cap, small-cap and/or
mid-cap companies may involve considerably more risk than investments in securities of larger-cap companies. All publicly released
material information is always disclosed by the Funds on the website at www.royceinvest.com.
Sector
weightings are determined using the Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”). GICS was developed by, and is
the exclusive property of, Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) and MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”).
GICS is the trademark of S&P and MSCI. “Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS)” and “GICS Direct”
are service marks of S&P and MSCI.
All
indexes referred to are unmanaged and capitalization-weighted. Each index’s returns include net reinvested dividends and/or
interest income. Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights
related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors
accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data and no party
may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/ or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution
of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the
content of this communication. The Russell 2000 Index is an index of domestic small-cap stocks. It measures the performance of
the 2,000 smallest publicly traded U.S. companies in the Russell 3000 Index. The Russell 2000 Value and Growth Indexes consist
of the respective value and growth stocks within the Russell 2000 as determined by Russell Investments. The Russell Microcap Index
includes 1,000 of the smallest securities in the small-cap Russell 2000 Index along with the next smallest eligible securities
as determined by Russell. The Russell 1000 Index is an index of domestic large-cap stocks. It measures the performance of the
1,000 largest publicly traded U.S. companies in the Russell 3000 Index. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties
or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not
be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indexes or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved,
endorsed, reviewed or produced by MSCI. None of the MSCI data is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation
to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such. The MSCI ACWI Small Cap Index
is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted index of global small-cap stocks. Index returns include net reinvested dividends and/or
interest income. The S&P SmallCap 600 Index is an index of U.S. small-cap stocks selected by Standard & Poor’s based
on market size, liquidity, and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500 Index tracks the stock performance of 500
of the largest companies listed on stock exchanges in the U.S. The Nasdaq Composite Index is a market capitalization weighted
index of more than 3,700 stocks listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The performance of an index does not represent exactly any
particular investment, as you cannot invest directly in an index. Index returns used in this Report were based on information
supplied to Royce by Russell for the Russell market indexes and by MSCI for the MSCI market indexes. Royce has not independently
verified the above described information.
The
Price-Earnings, or P/E, Ratio is calculated by dividing a company’s share price by its trailing 12-month earnings-per-share
(EPS). The Price-to-Book, or P/B, Ratio is calculated by dividing a company’s share price by its book value per share. Beta
is a measure of the volatility or risk of an investment compared to the market as a whole. The Morningstar Style Map uses proprietary
scores of a stock’s value and growth characteristics to determine its placement in one of the five categories listed on the
horizontal axis. These characteristics are then compared to those of other stocks within the same market capitalization band.
Each is scored from zero to 100 for both value and growth attributes. The value score is subtracted from the growth score to determine
the overall style score. For the vertical, market cap axis, Morningstar subdivides into size groups. Giant-cap stocks are defined
as those that account for the top 40% of the capitalization of each style zone; large-cap stocks represent the next 30%; mid-cap
stocks the next 20%; small-cap stocks the next 7%; micro-cap stocks the smallest 3%. For the Morningstar Small Blend Category:
© 2024 Morningstar. All Rights Reserved. The information regarding the category in this piece is: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar
and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely.
Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information.
Cyclical and Defensive are defined as follows: Cyclical: Communication Services, Consumer Discretionary, Energy, Financials, Industrials,
Information Technology, and Materials. Defensive: Consumer Staples, Health Care, Real Estate, and Utilities. Return on Invested
Capital is calculated by dividing a company’s past 12 months of operating income (earnings before interest and taxes) by
its average invested capital (total equity, less cash and cash equivalents, plus total debt, minority interest, and preferred
stock). The Royce Funds is a service mark of The Royce Funds.
Investment
Objectives
The
investment objective of each Fund is long-term growth of capital.
Investment
Policies
Royce
Global Trust, Inc. (“RGT”). Under normal circumstances, RGT will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity
securities, such as common stock and preferred stock. RGT generally invests a significant portion of its assets U.S. and non-U.S.
small/mid-cap stocks (generally market caps up to $10 billion). Under normal circumstances, at least 40% of RGT’s net assets
will be invested in the equity securities of companies headquartered in at least three countries outside the United States. From
time to time, a substantial portion of RGT’s assets may be invested in companies located in a single country. Although there
are no geographic limits on RGT’s investments, no more than 35% of RGT’s net assets may be invested in the securities
of companies headquartered in “developing countries,” also known as emerging markets. Generally, developing countries
include every country in the world other than the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore,
South Korea, Taiwan, Bermuda, and Western European countries (which include, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany,
Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom).
Royce
Micro-Cap Trust, Inc. (“RMT”). RMT normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in the equity securities of
micro-cap companies. Micro-cap companies are those that have a market capitalization not greater than that of the largest company
in the Russell Microcap® Index at the time of its most recent reconstitution. Royce employs a core approach that
combines multiple investment themes and focuses on companies with strong fundamentals and/or prospects selling at prices that
Royce believes do not fully reflect
This
page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders | 65
Notes to Performance and
Other Important Information (continued)
these attributes. RMT may
invest up to 25% of its assets in securities of issuers headquartered outside the United States.
Royce
Small-Cap Trust, Inc. (“RVT”). RVT normally invests at least 80% of its assets in the equity securities
of small-cap companies. Such companies are those that have a market capitalization not greater than that of the largest company
in the Russell 2000® Index at the time of its most recent reconstitution. Royce employs a core approach that combines
multiple investment themes and focuses on companies with high returns on invested capital or those with strong fundamentals and/or
prospects trading at what Royce believes are attractive valuations. A portion of the Fund’s assets is managed using a systematic
multi-factor selection process that is derived from the investment philosophies used by the Fund’s Portfolio Managers in
managing the remainder of the Fund. While this multi-factor process provides guidance, a Portfolio Manager has discretion for
which buys and sells are executed. RVT may invest up to 25% of its assets in securities of issuers headquartered outside the United
States.
Primary
Risks
As with any closed-end
fund that invests in common stocks, each Fund is subject to market risk—the possibility that common stock prices will decline
over short and/or extended periods of time due to overall market, financial, and economic conditions, trends or events, governmental
or central bank actions and/or interventions, changes in investor sentiment, armed conflicts, economic sanctions and countermeasures
in response to sanctions, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political developments, major cybersecurity
events and acts of terrorism, the global and domestic effects of a pandemic or epidemic, contagion effects on the finance sector
and the overall economy from banking industry instability, and other factors that may or may not be directly related to the issuer
of a security held by a Fund. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected, and economic,
financial, or political events in one country or region could have profound impacts on global economies or markets. Armed conflicts
in Europe and the Middle East, as well as any banking industry instability, may adversely affect global economies, markets, industries,
and individual companies in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. As a result, the value of your investment in a Fund will
fluctuate, sometimes sharply and unpredictably, and you could lose money over short and/or long periods of time.
Investors wanting
to buy or sell shares of a Fund must do so on a stock exchange, as with any publicly traded stock. Shares of closed-end funds
frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. This is in contrast to open-end mutual funds, which sell and redeem their
shares at net asset value on a continuous basis.
The prices
of equity securities of the smaller companies in which the Funds invest are generally more volatile than those of larger-cap securities.
In addition, because these securities tend to have significantly lower trading volumes than larger-cap securities, the Funds may
have difficulty selling holdings or may only be able to sell holdings at prices substantially lower than what Royce believes they
are worth. Therefore, each Fund may involve considerably more risk of loss and its returns may differ significantly from funds
investing in larger-cap companies or other asset classes. No assurance can be given that there will be net investment income to
distribute and/or that the Funds will achieve their investment goals.
Investment
in foreign securities involves risks that may not be encountered in U.S. investments, including adverse political, social, economic,
or other developments that are unique to a particular region or country. Prices of foreign securities in particular countries
or regions may, at times, move in a different direction and/or be more volatile than those of U.S. securities. Each Fund’s
investments are usually denominated in or tied to the currencies of the countries in which they are primarily traded. Because
the Funds do not intend to hedge their foreign currency exposure, the U.S. dollar value of the Funds’ investments may be
harmed by declines in the value of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. This may occur even if the value of the
investment in the currency’s home country has not declined. These risk factors may affect the prices of foreign securities
issued by companies headquartered in developing countries more than those headquartered in developed countries. For example, many
developing countries have in the past experienced high rates of inflation or sharply devalued their currencies against the U.S.
dollar, thereby causing the value of investments in companies located in those countries to decline. Transaction costs are often
higher in developing countries, and there may be delays in settlement procedures. To the extent that a Fund’s investments
in the securities of international companies consists of non-U.S. headquartered companies that trade on a U.S. exchange, some
or all of the above stated risks of investing in international companies may not apply.
Each
Fund may, from time to time, invest a significant portion of its assets in companies from a single sector or a limited number
of sectors. Such an investment approach may involve considerably more risk to investors than one that is more broadly diversified
across economic sectors because it may be more susceptible to corporate, economic, political, regulatory, or market events that
adversely affect the relevant sector(s). As of December 31, 2024, RGT invested a significant portion of its assets in companies
from the Industrials and Financials sectors, RMT invested a significant portion of its assets in companies from the Information
Technology and Industrials sectors, and RVT invested a significant portion of its assets in companies from the Industrials and
Financials sectors. Industrials sector companies can be significantly affected by general economic trends, commodity prices, legislation,
government regulation and spending, import and export controls, worldwide competition, changes in consumer sentiment and spending,
and liability for environmental damage, depletion of resources, and mandated expenditures for safety and pollution control. Companies
from the Financials sector are subject to extensive government regulation, can be significantly affected by changes in interest
rates, the availability and cost of capital, the rate of corporate and consumer debt defaults, and price competition, and can
be subject to relatively rapid change due to government interventions in capital, credit, and currency markets. Information Technology
sector companies can be significantly affected by the obsolescence of existing technology, short product cycles, falling prices
and profits, competition from new market entrants, and general economic conditions.
Royce’s
estimate of a company’s current worth may prove to be inaccurate, or this estimate may not be recognized by other investors, which
could lead to portfolio losses or underperformance relative to similar funds and/or a Fund’s benchmark index(es). Securities in
the Funds’ portfolios may not increase as much as the market as a whole and some securities may continue to be undervalued for
long periods of time or may never reach what Royce believes are their full market values. Investments in a Fund are not bank deposits
and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Environmental,
Social, and Governance (“ESG”) Investment Considerations and Risks
ESG factors may have
a material impact on the business risk and financial performance of portfolio companies held by a Fund. Royce seeks to ensure,
to the extent applicable, that material ESG factors are incorporated as inputs to the investment analysis of such portfolio companies.
Royce defines material ESG factors as those that it believes may impact a portfolio company’s cash flows, balance sheet,
reputation, and/ or enterprise value. Each investment strategy used in connection with the Funds has its own customized
66
| This page is not part
of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders
Notes
to Performance and Other Important Information (continued)
ESG
due diligence framework that focuses on the ESG factors Royce investment staff members believe to be most material to their respective
investment processes. Materiality is the core principle of Royce’s approach to ESG integration, as particular factors may
or may not be meaningful to different business models, industries, and regions. No assurance can be given that ESG factors will,
in fact, contribute to the long-term investment performance of any particular portfolio company or that Royce’s assessment
of material ESG factors in respect of any particular portfolio company will be correct.
Evaluation
of what Royce believes to be material ESG risks is only one component of Royce’s assessment of a potential investment by
a Fund and, as with its consideration of other factors and risks, may not be a determinative factor in any instruction or recommendation
to purchase, sell, or hold a security. In addition, where such material ESG factors are considered, the importance given to such
ESG factors may vary across Royce investment staff members and accounts to which they are assigned and across different types
of investments, sectors, industries, regions, and issuers. ESG factors considered, and the importance placed upon those factors,
may change over time. Royce may not assess every investment by a Fund for ESG factors. and when it does, not every ESG factor
may be identified or evaluated. The assessment of ESG-related risk(s) for a portfolio company by Royce investment staff members
also may vary across the various accounts to which they are assigned, even if such accounts employ identical or substantially
similar ESG integration approaches. Royce investment staff members are under no obligation to exclude investments with relatively
poor third-party ESG ratings or metrics from a Fund. There is also no minimum ESG risk rating for an investment to be held by
a Fund. There are no prescribed methods or standards within Royce or among Royce investment staff members for evaluating or assessing
third-party or internally generated ESG-related information, data, metrics, and ratings.
The assessment
of material ESG factors for a portfolio company by Royce investment staff members is subjective and may differ from those of other
institutional investors, third-party service providers (e.g., ratings providers), and/or other funds, and may be dependent on the
availability of timely, complete, and accurate ESG data and research from issuers and/ or third-party providers, the timeliness,
completeness, and accuracy of which is outside of the control of Royce and its investment staff members. ESG factors are often
not uniformly measured or defined, which could impact the ability of Royce investment staff members to evaluate a portfolio company.
Investments
in cash and cash equivalents and securities lending activities in connection with the Funds are not assessed by Royce for ESG factors.
Portfolio
Management Changes for the Funds
Effective after the close
of business on September 30, 2024, Charles M. Royce no longer served as a portfolio manager of RGT, RMT, and RVT. Set forth below
are the portfolio management arrangements for RGT, RMT, and RVT as of such time:
| • | RGT’s portfolio manager is Steven McBoyle; |
| • | James Stoeffel is RMT’s portfolio manager and Andrew Palen is RMT’s assistant portfolio
manager; and |
| • | RVT’s portfolio managers are Lauren Romeo, Steven McBoyle, Andrew Palen, George Neckakov,
and Francis Gannon. |
Forward-Looking
Statements
This material contains
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”),
that involve risks and uncertainties, including, among others, statements as to:
| • | the Funds’ future operating results |
| • | the prospects of the Funds’ portfolio companies |
| • | the impact of investments that the Funds have made or may make |
| • | the dependence of the Funds’ future success on the general economy and its impact on the
companies and industries in which the Funds invest, and |
| • | the ability of the Funds’ portfolio companies to achieve their objectives. |
This Review
and Report uses words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “future,”
“intends,” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from
those projected in the forward-looking statements for any reason.
The Funds
have based the forward-looking statements included in this Review and
Report on information available to us on the date of the report, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although the Funds undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make through
future stockholder communications or reports.
Authorized
Share Transactions
Royce Global Trust, Royce
Micro-Cap Trust, and Royce Small-Cap Trust may each repurchase up to 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of its respective
common stock during the year ending December 31, 2025. Any such repurchases would take place at then prevailing prices in the open
market or in other transactions. Common stock repurchases would be effected at a price per share that is less than the share’s
then current net asset value.
Royce
Global Trust, Royce Micro-Cap Trust, and Royce Small-Cap Trust are also authorized to offer their common stockholders an opportunity
to subscribe for additional shares of their common stock through rights offerings at a price per share that may be less than the
share’s then current net asset value. The timing and terms of any such offerings are within each Board’s discretion.
Annual
Certifications
As required, the Funds
have submitted to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) for the annual certification of the Funds’ Chief Executive
Officer that he is not aware of any violation of the NYSE’s listing standards. The Funds also have included the certification
of the Funds’ Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
as exhibits to the Funds’ form N-CSR for the period ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Proxy
Voting
A copy of the policies
and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how
each of the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available,
without charge, on the Funds’ website at www.royceinvest.com, by calling (800) 221-4268 (toll-free) and on the website of
the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), at www.sec.gov.
Disclosure
of Portfolio Holdings
The Funds’ complete
portfolio holdings are also available on Exhibit F to Form N-PORT, which filings are made with the SEC within 60 days of the end
of the first and third fiscal quarters. The Funds’ Form N-PORT filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
This
page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders | 67
Results
of Stockholders Meetings
Royce Global Trust, Inc.
At the 2024 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders held on September 30, 2024, the Fund’s stockholders elected three Directors, consisting of:
|
VOTES
FOR |
VOTES WITHHELD |
Cecile
B. Harper |
4,097,952 |
1,392,194 |
G. Peter
O’Brien |
4,080,907 |
1,409,239 |
Julia
W. Poston |
4,087,523 |
1,402,623 |
Royce Micro-Cap Trust, Inc.
At the 2024 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders held on September 30, 2024, the Fund’s stockholders elected three Directors, consisting of:
|
VOTES
FOR |
VOTES
WITHHELD |
Cecile
B. Harper |
37,807,597 |
1,516,751 |
G. Peter
O’Brien |
37,153,624 |
2,170,724 |
Julia
W. Poston |
37,599,158 |
1,725,190 |
Royce Small-Cap Trust, Inc.
At the 2024 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders held on September 30, 2024, the Fund’s stockholders elected three Directors, consisting of:
|
VOTES
FOR |
VOTES
WITHHELD |
Cecile
B. Harper |
94,463,962 |
2,243,540 |
G. Peter
O’Brien |
91,844,645 |
4,862,856 |
Julia
W. Poston |
94,399,032 |
2,308,470 |
68 |
This page is not part of the 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders

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About
Royce Investment Partners
Unparalleled
Knowledge + Experience
Pioneers
in small-cap investing, with 50+ years
of experience, depth of knowledge, and focus.
Independent
Thinking
The
confidence to go against consensus, the insight
to uncover opportunities others might miss, and the
tenacity to stay the
course through market cycles.
Specialized
Approaches
U.S.,
international, and global investment strategies
that pursue approaches with different risk profiles.
Unwavering
Commitment
Our
team of 18 portfolio managers has significant
personal investments in the strategies they manage. |
Contact
Us
GENERAL
INFORMATION
General
Royce Funds information including an
overview of our firm and Funds
(800)
221-4268
COMPUTERSHARE
Transfer
Agent and Registrar
Speak with
a representative about:
• Your
account, transactions, and forms
(800)
426-5523
FINANCIAL
ADVISORS AND BROKER-DEALERS
Speak with
your regional Royce contact regarding:
•
Information about our firm, strategies, and Funds
•
Fund Materials
(800)
337-6923
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CE-REP-1224 |
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Item
2. Code(s) of Ethics.
As
of the end of the period covered by this report, the Registrant had adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 2 of Form N-CSR,
applicable to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons
performing similar functions. A copy of this code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR. During the period covered
by this report, the Registrant did not: (i) amend any provision of its code of ethics that applies to its principal executive
officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions or (ii)
grant any waiver, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of such code of ethics to its principal executive officer, principal
financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions.
Item
3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
| (a)(1) | The
Board of Trustees of the Registrant has determined that it has an audit committee financial
expert serving on its Audit Committee. |
| (a)(2) | Patricia
W. Chadwick and Julia W. Poston were designated by the Board of Trustees as the Registrant’s
Audit Committee Financial Experts, effective April 8, 2010, and July 13, 2023, respectively.
Ms. Chadwick and Ms. Poston are “independent” as defined in Section 2(a)(19)
of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). |
Item
4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Year
ended December 31, 2024 - $24,837
Year
ended December 31, 2023 - $24,113
Year
ended December 31, 2024 - $0
Year
ended December 31, 2023 - $0
Year
ended December 31, 2024 - $11,189 - Preparation of tax returns
Year
ended December 31, 2023 - $10,863 - Preparation of tax returns
Year
ended December 31, 2024 - $0
Year
ended December 31, 2023 - $0
| (e)(1) | Annual
Pre-Approval: On an annual basis, the Registrant’s independent auditor submits
to the Audit Committee a schedule of proposed audit, audit-related, tax and other non-audit
services to be rendered to the Registrant and/or its investment adviser and its affiliates
for the following year that require pre-approval by the Audit Committee. This schedule
provides a description of each type of service that is expected to require pre-approval
and the maximum fees that can be paid for each such service without further Audit Committee
approval. The Audit Committee then reviews and determines whether to approve the types
of scheduled services and the projected fees associated with them. Any subsequent revision
to already pre-approved services or fees are presented for consideration at the next
regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting, as needed. |
If
subsequent to the annual pre-approval of services and fees by the Audit Committee, the Registrant and/or its investment adviser
and its affiliates determines that it would like to engage the Registrant’s independent auditor to perform a service not
already pre-approved, the request is to be submitted to the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer, and if he or she determines
that the service fits within the independence guidelines (i.e., it is not a prohibited service), he or she will then arrange for
a discussion of the proposed service and fee to be included on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting
so that pre-approval can be considered.
Interim
Pre-Approval: If, in the judgment of the Registrant's Chief Financial Officer, a proposed engagement needs to commence before
the next regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting, he or she shall submit a written summary of the proposed engagement to all
members of the Audit Committee, outlining the services, the estimated maximum cost, the category of the services (e.g., audit,
audit-related, tax or other) and the rationale for engaging the Registrant’s independent auditor to perform the services.
To the extent the proposed engagement involves audit, audit-related or tax services, any individual member of the Audit Committee
who is an independent Board member is authorized to pre-approve the engagement. To the extent the proposed engagement involves
non-audit services other than audit-related or tax, only the Chairman of the Audit Committee is authorized to pre-approve the
engagement. The Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer will arrange for this interim review and coordinate with the appropriate
member(s) of the Audit Committee. The Registrant’s independent auditor may not commence the engagement under consideration
until the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer has informed the auditor in writing that the required pre-approval has been
obtained from an individual member of the Audit Committee who is an independent Board member or the Chairman of the Audit Committee,
as applicable. Each member of the Audit Committee who pre-approves any engagements in between regularly scheduled Audit Committee
meetings is to report, for informational purposes only, any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next regularly
scheduled meeting.
| (g) | Year
ended December 31, 2024 - $11,189 |
Year
ended December 31, 2023 - $10,863
| (h) | No
such services were rendered during 2024 or 2023. |
Item
5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
The
Registrant has a separately designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Julia W. Poston, Patricia W. Chadwick, Christopher C. Grisanti, Cecile
B. Harper, G. Peter O’Brien, and Michael K. Shields are members of the Registrant’s audit committee.
Item
6. Investments.
| (a) | The
Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Report to Stockholders included under
Item 1 of this Form N-CSR. |
Item
7. Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Investment Companies. Not
Applicable.
Item
8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies. Not
Applicable.
Item
9. Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies. Not Applicable.
Item
10. Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies. Not Applicable.
Item
11. Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract. Not Applicable.
Item
12. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. This
information is disclosed as part of the Report to Stockholders included under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
Item
13. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
| (a)(1) | Portfolio
Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies (information as of December 31,
2024). |
Name |
Title |
Length
of
Service |
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Steven
McBoyle |
Portfolio
Manager |
Since
September 2024 |
Portfolio
manager for Royce & Associates, LP |
| (a)(2) | Other
Accounts Managed by Portfolio Manager and Potential Conflicts of Interest (information
as of December 31, 2024). |
Other
Accounts
Name
of
Portfolio
Manager |
Type
of
Account |
Number
of
Accounts
Managed |
Total
Assets
Managed |
Number
of
Accounts
Managed
for
which
Advisory
Fee is
Performance-
Based |
Value
of
Managed
Accounts
for
which
Advisory
Fee is
Performance
Based |
Steven
McBoyle |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered
investment companies |
5 |
$5,849,420,516
|
2 |
$2,080,256,917
|
|
Private
pooled investment vehicles |
3 |
$163,450,599
|
— |
— |
|
Other
accounts* |
6 |
$401,682,885
|
— |
— |
*Other
accounts include all other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager in either a professional or personal capacity except for
personal accounts subject to pre-approval and reporting requirements under the Registrant’s Rule 17j-1 Code of Ethics.
Conflicts
of Interest
The
fact that a Portfolio Manager has day-to-day management responsibility for more than one client account may create actual, potential
or only apparent conflicts of interest. For example, the Portfolio Manager may have an opportunity to purchase securities of limited
availability. In this circumstance, the Portfolio Manager is expected to review each account's investment guidelines, restrictions,
tax considerations, cash balances, liquidity needs and other factors to determine the suitability of the investment for each account
and to ensure that his or her managed accounts are treated equitably.
The
Portfolio Manager may also decide to purchase or sell the same security for multiple managed accounts at approximately the same
time. To address any conflicts that this situation may create, the Portfolio Manager will generally combine managed account orders
(i.e., enter a “bunched” order) in an effort to obtain best execution or a more favorable commission rate. In addition,
if orders to buy or sell a security for multiple accounts managed by common Portfolio Managers on the same day are executed at
different prices or commission rates, the transactions will generally be allocated by Royce to each of such managed accounts at
the weighted average execution price and commission. In circumstances where a pre-allocated bunched order is not completely filled,
each account will normally receive a pro-rated portion of the securities based upon the account's level of participation in the
order, subject to Royce’s minimum ticket size requirements. Royce may, under certain circumstances, allocate securities
in a manner other than pro-rata if it determines that the allocation is fair and equitable under the circumstances and does not
discriminate against any account. In addition, on a limited, infrequent basis, and in accordance with written procedures, Royce
may change initial allocations from one Royce client account to another Royce client account prior to the booking of the trade
on the day after trade date when: (i) it is determined that a security is unsuitable or inappropriate for a particular Royce client
account in the original allocation; (ii) there is insufficient cash in a Royce client account to which a security is initially
allocated; (iii) there is a client-imposed restriction on the purchase of the security being allocated; or (iv) the Portfolio
Manager has decided to change the initial allocation for some other reason.
As
described below, there is a revenue-based component of each Portfolio Manager's Performance-Related Variable Compensation, and
the Portfolio Managers also receive Firm-Related Variable Compensation based on revenues (adjusted for certain imputed expenses)
generated by Royce. As a result, the Portfolio Manager may receive a greater relative benefit from activities that increase the
value to Royce of The Royce Funds and/or other Royce client accounts, including, but not limited to, increases in sales of Registrant’s
shares and assets under management.
Also,
as described above, the Portfolio Managers generally manage more than one client account, including, among others, registered
investment company accounts, separate accounts and private pooled accounts managed on behalf of institutions (e.g., pension funds,
endowments and foundations) and for high-net-worth individuals. The appearance of a conflict of interest may arise where Royce
has an incentive, such as a performance-based management fee (or any other variation in the level of fees payable by the Registrant
or other Royce client accounts to Royce), which relates to the management of one or more of The Royce Funds or accounts with respect
to which the same Portfolio Manager has day-to-day management responsibilities. Except as described below, no Royce Portfolio
Manager's compensation is tied to performance fees earned by Royce for the management of any one client account. Although variable
and other compensation derived from Royce revenues or profits is impacted to some extent, the impact is relatively minor given
the small percentage of Royce’s assets under management for which it receives performance-measured revenue. RVT and RMT
pay Royce a fulcrum fee that is adjusted up or down depending on the performance of the Fund relative to its benchmark index.
Finally,
conflicts of interest may arise when a Portfolio Manager personally buys, holds or sells securities held or to be purchased or
sold for the Registrant or other Royce client account or personally buys, holds or sells the shares of one or more of The Royce
Funds. To address this, Royce has adopted a written Code of Ethics designed to prevent and detect personal trading activities
that may interfere or conflict with client interests (including Registrant’s stockholders’ interests). Royce generally
does not permit its Portfolio Managers to purchase small- or micro-cap securities for their personal investment portfolios.
Royce
and The Royce Funds have adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address the above-described types of conflicts.
However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.
| (a)(3) | Description
of Portfolio Manager Compensation Structure (information as of December 31, 2024) |
Royce
seeks to maintain a compensation program that is competitively positioned to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals.
All Portfolio Managers receive from Royce a base salary, Portfolio-Related Variable Compensation (generally the largest element
of each Portfolio Manager’s compensation), Firm-Related Variable Compensation based primarily on registered investment company
and other client account revenues generated by Royce, and a benefits package. Portfolio Manager compensation is reviewed and may
be modified from time to time as appropriate to reflect changes in the market, as well as to adjust the factors used to determine
variable compensation. Except as described below, each Portfolio Manager’s compensation consists of the following elements:
| - | BASE
SALARY. Each Portfolio Manager is paid a base salary. In setting the base salary, Royce
seeks to be competitive in light of the particular Portfolio Manager’s experience
and responsibilities. |
| - | PORTFOLIO-RELATED
VARIABLE COMPENSATION. Each Portfolio Manager receives quarterly Portfolio-Related Variable
Compensation that is either asset-based, or revenue-based and therefore in part based
on the value of the net assets of the account for which he or she is being compensated,
determined with reference to each of the registered investment company and other client
accounts they are managing. |
Payment
of the Portfolio-Related Variable Compensation may be deferred, and any amounts deferred are forfeitable, if the Portfolio Manager
is terminated by Royce with or without cause or resigns. The amount of the deferred Portfolio-Related Variable Compensation will
appreciate or depreciate during the deferral period, based on the total return performance of one or more Royce-managed registered
investment company accounts selected by the Portfolio Manager at the beginning of the deferral period. The amount deferred will
depend on the Portfolio Manager’s total direct, indirect beneficial and deferred unvested investments in the Royce registered
investment company accounts for which he or she is receiving portfolio management compensation.
| - | FIRM-RELATED
VARIABLE COMPENSATION. Portfolio Managers receive quarterly variable compensation based
on Royce’s net revenues. |
| - | BENEFIT
PACKAGE. Portfolio Managers also receive the standard benefits package available to all
Royce employees, including health care and other insurance benefits, and participation
in Royce’s 401(k) Plan and Money Purchase Pension Plan. Each Royce employee, including
each Portfolio Manager, is also eligible to purchase shares of Franklin Resources, Inc.
at a 15% discount to its closing price on certain dates in accordance with the terms
and conditions of the Franklin Templeton Employee Stock Investment Plan. |
| (a)(4) | Dollar
Range of Equity Securities in Registrant Beneficially Owned by Portfolio Manager (information
as of December 31, 2024). |
The
following table shows the dollar range of the Registrant’s shares owned beneficially and of record by the Portfolio Managers,
including investments by his immediate family members sharing the same household and amounts invested through retirement and deferred
compensation plans.
Portfolio
Manager |
Dollar
Range of Registrant’s Shares Beneficially
Owned |
Steven
McBoyle (Portfolio Manager) |
None |
Item
14. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
There
were no purchases of equity securities of the Registrant by the Registrant or any Affiliated Purchasers during the period of January
1, 2024 – December 31, 2024. The Registrant did not effectuate any repurchase plans or programs during the period.
Item
15. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. Not Applicable.
Item
16. Controls and Procedures.
| (a) | Disclosure
Controls and Procedures. The Principal Executive and Financial Officers concluded that
the Registrant's Disclosure Controls and Procedures are effective based on their evaluation
of the Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date
of this report. |
| (b) | Internal
Control over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in Registrant's internal control
over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act
of 1940) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected,
or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting. |
17.
Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
| (a)(1) | Gross
income from securities lending activities for the six-month period ended December 31,
2024, was $29.33. |
| (a)(2) | Compensation
paid related to the securities lending program for the six-month period ended December
31, 2024, was $3.89. All compensation was paid pursuant to a revenue split. |
| (a)(3) | Aggregate
compensation paid related to the securities lending program for the six-month period
ended December 31, 2024, was $3.89. |
| (a)(4) | Net
income from securities lending activities for the six-month period ended December 31,
2024, was $25.44. |
| (b) | Please
see the section entitled “Borrowing” in the Notes to the Financial Statements
contained in the Report to Stockholders included under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR. |
Item
18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation. Not Applicable.
Item
19. Exhibits. Attached hereto.
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.
ROYCE
GLOBAL TRUST, INC.
BY:
/s/Christopher D. Clark
Christopher
D. Clark
President
Date:
February 28, 2025
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.
ROYCE GLOBAL TRUST, INC. |
|
ROYCE GLOBAL TRUST, INC. |
|
|
|
|
|
BY: |
/s/Christopher
D. Clark |
|
BY: |
/s/Peter
K. Hoglund |
Christopher D. Clark |
|
Peter K. Hoglund |
President |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
Date: February 28, 2025 |
|
Date: February 28, 2025 |
Item
19(a)(1):
September 2003,
as revised May 1, 2024
CODE OF ETHICS
FOR COVERED OFFICERS OF THE ROYCE
FUNDS
The Boards of Directors/Trustees
of The Royce Fund, Royce Capital Fund, Royce Small-Cap Trust, Inc. (formerly Royce Value Trust, Inc.), Royce Micro-Cap Trust, Inc., and
Royce Global Trust, Inc. (formerly Royce Global Value Trust, Inc.) (each, a “Fund” and collectively, “The Royce Funds”)
have adopted the following Code of Ethics (the “Code”) applicable to its President, Chief Financial Officer, Manager of Fund
Accounting, and any other person deemed to perform similar functions (“Covered Officers”) of The Royce Funds to ensure the
continuing integrity of financial reporting and transactions. The names of the Covered Officers covered by the Code are listed on Schedule
A hereto.
This Code is the sole code of ethics adopted
by the Funds for purposes of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Funds’ and Royce Investment Partners (“Royce”),
the investment adviser to The Royce Funds, code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment
Company Act”) are separate requirements applying to the Covered Officers and others, and are not part of this Code. In addition
to this Code, the Investment Company Act, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”) and rules promulgated
thereunder contain numerous specific provisions designed to protect the Funds from conflicts of interest and overreaching. Any conduct
by Covered Officers required by specific Investment Company Act or Advisers Act provisions or the rules thereunder is presumed to be in
compliance with this Code. Each Covered Officer is accountable for his or her adherence to this Code. Any violation of this Code by a
Covered Officer may result in disciplinary action, including immediate dismissal.
All Covered Officers must:
| 1. | Engage in and promote honest and ethical conduct,
including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; |
| 2. | Act responsibly in producing and produce, full, fair,
accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Funds file with, or submit to, the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the “SEC”) and in other public communications made by each of the Funds; |
| 3. | Comply with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations; |
| 4. | Promptly report suspected material violations of this
Code, including violations of securities laws or other laws, rules and regulations applicable to a Fund, to Royce’s General Counsel
and the Fund’s Audit Committee. |
Each Covered Officer must act with
integrity, including being honest and candid while still maintaining the confidentiality of information where required by law, and place
the interests of The Royce Funds before the Covered Officer’s own personal interests.
Each Covered Officer is required
to familiarize himself or herself with the disclosure requirements applicable to each of the Funds and must not knowingly misrepresent
or fail to disclose, or cause others to misrepresent or fail to disclose, material facts about a Fund to others, including but not limited
to officers of and counsel to The Royce Funds, and their respective independent directors, independent auditors and governmental regulators.
| III. | Avoidance of Conflicts |
The overarching principle of this Code
is that the personal interests of a Covered Officer should not be placed improperly before the interests of The Royce Funds. As a result,
each Covered Officer must: (i) handle any actual or apparent conflict of interest in an ethical manner, (ii) not use his or her personal
influence or personal relationships to influence investment decisions or financial reporting by a Fund whereby the Covered Officer would
benefit personally (directly or indirectly) to the detriment of the Fund; (iii) not cause a Fund to take action, or fail to take action,
for the personal benefit of the Covered Officer rather than the benefit of such Fund; and
(iv) not use for his or her personal
benefit (directly or indirectly) any material non-public knowledge pertaining to a Fund.
Although typically not presenting an
opportunity for improper personal benefit, conflicts arise from, or as a result of, the contractual relationship between The Royce Funds
and Royce, of which the Covered Officers are also officers and/or employees. As a result, this Code recognizes that the Covered Officers
will, in the normal course of their duties (whether formally for a Fund or for Royce, or for both), be involved in establishing policies
and implementing decisions that will have different effects on Royce and the Fund. The participation of the Covered Officers in such activities
is inherent in the contractual relationship between each of The Royce Funds and Royce and is consistent with the performance by the Covered
Officers of their duties as officers and/or employees of The Royce Funds. Thus, if performed in conformity with the provisions of the
Investment Company Act and the Advisers Act, such activities will be deemed to have been handled ethically.
The following conflict of interest
situations must be disclosed by a Covered Officer to, and pre- approved in writing by, the General Counsel if material. Examples of these
include:
| · | service as a director on the board of any public company; |
| · | any ownership interest in, or any consulting or employment
relationship with, any of The Royce Funds’ service providers, other than its investment adviser, principal underwriter, administrator
or any affiliated person thereof; or |
| · | a direct or indirect financial interest in commissions,
transaction charges or spreads paid by any Fund for effecting portfolio transactions. |
In the event a Covered Officer has
any doubt as to (i) whether a suspected violation of this Code would be considered material, (ii) whether information relating to a Fund
is of a material nature and therefore subject to public disclosure, (iii) whether non-public knowledge pertaining to a Fund is material
in nature, or (iv) whether a particular conflict of interest is material, he or she should seek the advice of Royce’s General Counsel.
| V. | Compliance and Annual Acknowledgment |
Each Covered Officer is required:
(i) upon receipt of the Code, to sign and submit to Royce’s General Counsel an acknowledgment stating that he or she has received,
read and understands the Code; (ii) annually thereafter to submit a statement to Royce’s General Counsel confirming that he or she
has received, read and understands the Code and has complied with the requirements of the Code; (iii) not to retaliate against any employee
subordinate to the Covered Officer for reports of potential violations that are made in good faith; and (iv) to notify Royce’s General
Counsel, as appropriate, if the Covered Officer observes any irregularities or violations of this Code.
| VI. | Enforcement of the Code |
The Royce Funds will adhere to
the following procedures when investigating and enforcing this Code: (i) Royce’s General Counsel will take all appropriate action
to investigate any potential violations reported to him or her; (ii) if Royce’s General Counsel determines that a violation has
occurred, he or she will take all appropriate disciplinary or preventive action and inform the Fund’s Board of Directors/Trustees
of his or her decision; (iii) all changes to or waivers of this Code will, to the extent required, be disclosed on Form N-CSR or otherwise
as required by SEC rules; and (iv) any waiver sought by the President of The Royce Funds will be considered by The Royce Funds’
Audit Committees prior to approval of the waiver.
Except with respect to Schedule A hereto,
which may be updated at any time, this Code may be amended only by the Board of Directors/Trustees of each Fund at a meeting of such Board
duly called for that purpose.
All reports and records prepared or maintained
pursuant to this Code will be considered confidential and will be maintained and protected accordingly. Except as otherwise required by
law or this Code, such matters shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the appropriate Board and its counsel and Royce and its affiliated
persons.
The Code is intended solely for internal use by The Royce
Funds and does not constitute the admission, by or on behalf of any Fund, as to any fact, circumstances or legal conclusion.
Date: September 17, 2003, as revised
May 1, 2024
SCHEDULE
A
Christopher
D. Clark
Peter Hoglund
Mary Macchia
Melissa Mendelson
Exhibit 19(a)(3)
Item
19(a)(3):
CERTIFICATIONS
I,
Christopher D. Clark, certify that:
| 1. | I
have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Royce Global Trust, Inc.; |
| 2. | Based
on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the
period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based
on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in
this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results
of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are
required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the
periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | The
registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing
and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under
the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as
defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant
and have: |
| a) | Designed
such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures
to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others
within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
| b) | Designed
such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over
financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| c) | Evaluated
the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented
in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based
on such evaluation; and |
| d) | Disclosed
in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting
that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected,
or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The
registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant’s
auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent functions) |
| a) | All
significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal
control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information;
and |
| b) | Any
fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have
a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Date:
February 28, 2025
|
/s/Christopher D. Clark |
|
|
Christopher D. Clark |
|
|
President |
|
Item
19(a)(3):
CERTIFICATIONS
I,
Peter K. Hoglund, certify that:
| 1. | I
have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Royce Global Trust, Inc.; |
| 2. | Based
on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the
period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based
on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in
this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results
of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are
required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the
periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | The
registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing
and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under
the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as
defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant
and have: |
| a) | Designed
such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures
to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others
within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
| b) | Designed
such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over
financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| c) | Evaluated
the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented
in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based
on such evaluation; and |
| d) | Disclosed
in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting
that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected,
or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The
registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant’s
auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent functions) |
| a) | All
significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal
control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information;
and |
| b) | Any
fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have
a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Date:
February 28, 2025
|
/s/ Peter K.
Hoglund |
|
|
Peter K. Hoglund |
|
|
Chief Financial
Officer |
|
Exhibit 19(b)
Item
19(b):
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS
ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Name
of Issuer: ROYCE GLOBAL TRUST, INC.
In
connection with the Report on Form N-CSR of the above-named issuer that is accompanied by this certification, the undersigned
hereby certifies, to his knowledge, that:
1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all materials respects, the financial condition and results of operations
of the issuer.
Date:
February 28, 2025
|
|
/s/Christopher
D. Clark |
|
Christopher D.
Clark |
|
President |
|
Item
19(b):
CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS
ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Name
of Issuer: ROYCE GLOBAL TRUST, INC.
In
connection with the Report on Form N-CSR of the above-named issuer that is accompanied by this certification, the undersigned
hereby certifies, to his knowledge, that:
1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all materials respects, the financial condition and results of operations
of the issuer.
Date:
February 28, 2025
|
|
/s/ Peter K.
Hoglund |
|
Peter K. Hoglund |
|
Chief Financial
Officer |
|
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